Three Books In One - And For One Low Price: 99¢ (limited time offer only)

EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY

Boxed Set

By Renee Vincent

One man risks his life to save her.

Another risks his heart to love her.

Who will be the victor? 

Three of Renee Vincent’s bestselling and critically acclaimed historical Viking romance novels are now available in one spellbinding bundle—yours for only 99¢ (limited time offer)

Full of fast-paced adventure, unforeseen plot twists, and courageous, to-die-for heroes like you’ve never read before, this extraordinary boxed set is sure to satisfy every readers’ craving for the ultimate in historical Viking romance.

Available at:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | KOBO | Smashwords | ARe | Turquoise Morning Press

Ræliksen, Book 1
Mara, the daughter of an Irish clansman, was raised to believe the men of the North are heathens - murderous pagans without a moral bone in their bodies. Despite warnings of the Northmen's raids, and the growing threat of another incursion, Mara is continually drawn to her favorite place - the River Shannon.

Dægan Ræliksen, a wealthy chieftain from Norway's frozen fjords, secretly discovers Mara at the water's edge. He is charmed by her beauty and sensuous grace. As the days pass, his contentment with simply watching her grows thin. He can no longer deny his unabated desire for the young maiden. His search for a wife has ended.

However, Mara and Dægan come face-to-face in a time when Ireland is in turmoil - when every Irishman is being called up to fight against the Nordic foreigners. In these times of upheaval, how can Dægan make peace with Mara's father and acquire the woman he treasures? Furthermore, can Mara move past her fears and find the noble man within the savage?

Teaser Quote:
“You are correct in saying that desires often come from things we cannot easily gain—mine, being that of your love. By all accounts, I do wish I could steal it. But I am not that sort of man. I will wait. Forever and a day…I will wait.”

Reviews:
"This is my first read by Renee Vincent and she has undoubtedly earned a place on my auto-buy author’s list. This book and author earn my highest recommendations and I feel privileged to have read one of the best.”
~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

"…a fast-paced, action-packed historical romance, which Ms. Vincent brings to life right before your eyes; a story you will remember long after the last page is read."
~ 5 Blue Ribbons! ~ Romance Junkies

Mac Liam, Book 2
A tortured soul…
Breandán Mac Liam, the strapping young hunter from Ireland’s lush forests, is in love with Mara, an ineligible beautiful princess. For seven long years, he has been vividly haunted by her memory, taunted by the throes of his heartache. And not even the thought of her marriage to a Northman can extinguish the fierce, burning desire running rampant through his heart and soul.

An innocent heart…
Mara, the spirited Connacht princess, has no idea she is the object of the Irishman’s longing. She is living out her days on Inis Mór, raising a troubled son and trying to endure the cruel loneliness that afflicts her.

A deadly secret…
Ordered by the king on his deathbed, Breandán must return to Mara and bring her through the perilous lands of Connacht to fulfill her father’s last dying wish. But as their worlds collide, Breandán not only finds himself wrapped in the arms of Mara’s embrace, but thrown into a struggle to defend his honor.

With Mara caught between the family she loves and the father she knows, can Breandán uncover the mystery of her past and still protect her from a secret that threatens them all?

Teaser Quote:
“Mara, you are my next breath. You are the reason I breathe at all.”

Reviews:
"This is one fantastic historical…a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical romance and I cannot wait to read the final book of the trilogy as this story has stayed with me days after I read the last word."
~ 5 Hearts "5 Heart Sweetheart Award" ~ The Romance Studio

“Ms. Vincent surpassed all of my expectations with her impressive writing abilities, while offering more incites and revelations that will keep readers coming back for more. Readers should be warned of the emotional turmoil they will face once again while reading this incredible story. I eagerly anticipate the next story in this trilogy, yet already mourn the finality."
~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

The Fall of Rain, Book 3
Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Teaser Quote:
“What Lorraine has told you is the honest truth. There’s no denying who you are. But until you go in that house and dig up the evidence for yourself, you’ll never know who you used to be. Oh, I know you’ll realize it one day. By then, I fear it’ll be too late. So, don’t be a fool and let the only woman you’ve ever loved slip through your grasp. Three days, Leif.”

Reviews:
"I didn't believe it was possible to take Daegan and Mara's incredible love story to another level, but I am extremely pleased to be wrong. Every word seemed to have a purpose in helping create a beautiful and poetic ending to an unforgettable trilogy. If you've never heard of the name Renee Vincent then you're missing out on quality reading that's worth every second of your undivided attention. It's an escapists dream and I will most certainly be back for more."
~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

"An ingenious ending to an amazing trilogy! This series has become my all-time favorite."
~ 5 Blue Ribbons ~ Romance Junkies

Author Bio:
RENEE VINCENT is a bestselling Contemporary & Historical Romance Author. From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you’ll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

She also writes lighthearted, fancy-free Chick Lit Romance as GRACIE LEE ROSE. For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

Author Links:
http://www.reneevincent.com/
http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com/
http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent
http://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

Newsletter Sign-up:
http://www.reneevincent.com/p/contact.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview of Award-winning Historical and Contemporary Romance Author Renee Vincent

UNFORGETTABLE HEROES Boxed Set

Award-winning and bestselling authors from Turquoise Morning Press share their favorite contemporary romance heroes – all boxed up for you in one sexy and irresistible package!

From a sexy carpenter to magnetic CEO, a rough-and-ready cowboy to a “homeless man,” a classic car buff, a starving artist, a Latin-style dancer, and an FBI agent – each unique hero has his own story to tell, and a heroine who just can’t forget him. Ever. 

With an introductory promotional price of only 99¢,

how can you resist this unforgettable boxed set, either?

  

Release date:  January 30, 2014
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

ISBN: 978-1-62237-258-4

Format: Ebook only

Available at:  Amazon | B&N | Kobo | All Romance Ebooks | Smashwords | Bookstrand

Promotional Price: $0.99

Retail Price: $4.99 (April, 2014)

UNFORGETTABLE HEROES

Eight Contemporary Romance Novels

WILL WORK FOR LOVE by Amie Denman, EPIC Award and Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist. Hurricane Destiny leaves a trail of destruction across the island of St. Thomas, jeopardizing the wedding of Whitney Oliver’s best friend. When Whitney arrives on the island, she finds a disaster only a sexy carpenter like Chris Maxwell can repair. Despite the sizzle between them, Chris has secrets that threaten his construction business and force him to work for Whitney’s love.

THIS MAGIC MOMENT by Bobbye Terry, award winning author of contemporary, historical and fantasy romance. Zack Graham, CEO of Scrumbles Snack Cakes, is energetic, magnetic and forget it—no women for him, except to relieve an occasional sexual itch. He’s a workaholic who refuses to let a woman make a fool out of him again. But what about Crandall Drake, the CEO of Pretzelicious Pretzels? He tells himself all he wants is sex. His heart tells him it wants more.

HER HIRED MAN by Cat Shaffer, Golden Heart finalist and award-winning journalist. Hot nights, a double sleeping bag and a stranger for a husband…how much can one city girl take? Lillian Osborne needs a husband for a weekend. Wesley Hatfield needs money to customize his beloved classic car before Detroit’s biggest auto show. The perfect agreement turns out to be anything but when their accommodations turn out not to be what Lillian had expected.

SINS OF THE FATHER by Janet Eaves, Amazon bestselling author of the Ladies of Legend contemporary romance series. Just like the Princess in the classic tale Sleeping Beauty, Aurora’s life doesn’t really begin until her heart is awakened by a handsome struggling artist. But with her life in danger, Aurora must hide who she really is. Unbeknownst to her, her struggling artist isn’t who he appears to be either.... Friend, lover, or foe?

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO by Jennifer Johnson who writes comedic romances so entertaining even guys read them. Author of the TMP top-selling Rescuing Riley.  Abigail Benton is a bum magnet, according to her dad, so when she becomes attracted to Eli, a homeless man at the community center where she works, she wonders if what her dad says is true. But when Eli saves her life, Abigail decides she is going to return the favor and save his life by turning it around. Trouble is, Eli isn’t on board with her plan.

RAWHIDE AND ROSES by Maddie James, Amazon bestselling author of contemporary and western romance. She’s roses, he’s rough-and-ready rawhide. Kim Martin is hardly equipped for a Colorado camping trip, especially when her mountain guide is a rough-edged cowboy who is as untamed as the wilderness. Thad Winchester’s patience for city women is wearing as thin as the seat of his jeans. But there is something about Kim that puts his hard-and-fast don’t-touch rule to the test.

LONG DISTANCE LOVE by Margaret Ethridge, contemporary romance fan favorite and TMP top-selling author of Commitment. Sometimes the distance between two hearts can be measured in frequent flier miles. Love may be a many splendored thing, but it’s rarely convenient. Can FBI Agent Jack Rudolph and fiercely independent Ellie Nichols find a way to make a long distance relationship work?

SILENT PARTNER by Renee Vincent, award winning author of historical and contemporary romance. Grayson Anders is a talented Latin-style dancer and wealthy co-owner of a happening nightclub. Chloe LaRoche is a talented artist, but failing entrepreneur with her once thriving studio now on the brink of foreclosure. When the two indulge in a passionate, out-of-control, one night stand, they awaken the next morning consumed with inspiration. Grayson finds his perfect dance partner while Chloe finally finds her muse. Will her secret destroy both their dreams?

Who is Renee Vincent: I'm an author, a dreamer, a horse owner, and a medieval history buff. I'm a fun-loving, mildly eccentric, free-spirited kind of girl with a passion for books. From an early age, I've always had scenes playing out in my head. Whether it was a story with a moral or a tale with a twist, those ideas have never let me sleep until I wrote them out. And considering I have an eclectic ensemble of stories swarming in my brain at any given time, I write under a couple pen names to accommodate the various genre categories.

Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

also writing as
Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction/Chick Lit)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

What is the most important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
I keep writing. Having a backlist has been the best marketing tool.

Of all your characters, who’s your favorite, and why?
I’d have to say my Viking heroes. Since high school, I’ve had an abnormal fascination with Vikings, particularly those in the 10th century. When I read my first Viking romance about twenty years ago, I knew then that I’d found the perfect genre for quenching my thirst for the bold, brazen, Alpha male. And because of my dream of being writer, it only made sense for me to write one of my own.

Do you eat comfort food/listen to music when writing?
My only vice is coffee. Gotta have my coffee with lots of whipped cream. My favorite Starbucks coffee is a Café Mocha, shot of vanilla, and double whipped cream.

Give one advice tip to an aspiring author.
Dream as big as you want, but set goals that are realistically attainable. Use each accomplished goal as a stepping stone toward that big dream.

And another would be: WRITE that next book! Nothing will help you more as a writer than having a backlist.

What genre would you like to try writing that you haven’t yet tried?
Young Adult historical fantasy. I have a premise, a title, a cover, and a different pen name for this upcoming project…I just have to find the time to write it. I’m hoping to finish it sometime in 2015.

Out of your entire backlist, which book has the best opening line?
From Raeliksen (book 1 of the Emerald Isle Trilogy)
I shall marry this woman, Dægan Ræliksen decided.

How many stories are swirling around in your head? Do you keep a mental list, a computer file, or a spiral notebook filled with the ideas?
I can’t begin to count the number of stories in my head and I don’t write any of them down. I usually write the next one that is bugging me the most. It’s usually the one that never lets me sleep.

Fun Stuff:
What is your favorite holiday and why – Christmas, I love to give gifts.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
#1 I’m on the cover of USA Today Best Selling Author, Shelly Thacker's western romance, AFTER SUNDOWN, with cover model and dear friend, Billy Freda.

#2 I own a 1975 Stingray Corvette

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up – Writer
Favorite food – Mexican and Thai.
Favorite happy memory – anything that includes my little sister, Lindsey, still being alive.
Favorite drink – coffee.
Hot summer days or chilly winter nights – Oh gosh, HOT summer nights. I HATE winter.

What is the top thing on your bucket list – to go to Ireland and Norway.
If you could have a super power, what would it be – teleportation, so I could travel in a split second, either to present day places or in the past.

Connect with me at:
http://www.reneevincent.com/
http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent
http://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

And get EXCLUSIVE access to all my giveaways by signing up for my author newsletter:
http://www.reneevincent.com/p/contact.html

Too Busy To Breathe - Writing That Next Best Seller!

Have you ever felt as if life's burdens have piled so high on your shoulders it's difficult to catch your breath? Or perhaps your responsibilities and/or duties at work have doubled and there's no end in sight?

Well, you're not alone. As a full-time author, I too get overwhelmed. There's thorough research to be done, writing and editing deadlines to meet, and of course promo-- not to mention being a wife, and mother of two kids. It's tough to juggle it all and still stay afloat.

I've taken a good, hard look at my upcoming release/writing schedule for this year and I've started to panic. Mildly. Okay, moderately. But this isn't the first time it's happened to me.

Back in 2010 when I signed my first contract for Raeliksen, I actually signed for three books (the Emerald Isle Trilogy) to be published in that year and only one was written. To make matters worse for myself, I also signed another contract shortly after for a contemporary romance to release in between the other three full-length novels. Was I crazy or what?

Looking back, I was able to write, edit, and release all four books in a year and a half time span. I was up at all hours of the night to meet my deadlines, but I did what I'd promised.

Almost four years and six books later, I've come to that same crossroad again.

Check out my line-up for this year's release schedule:

• January 30, 2014 - UNFORGETTABLE HEROES Boxed Set
• March 17, 2014 - EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY Boxed Set
• April 2014 - THE ROAD TO SOMETHING BETTER (Jamett & Joseph series, Book 2)
• May 2014 - THE GIFT OF SOMETHING GRAND (Jamett & Joseph series, Book 3)
• June 2014 - JAMETT & JOSEPH SERIES Boxed Set
• July 2014 - WHERE THE WIND BLOWS
• late November 2014 - MISTLETOE AND TINSEL (A Christmas Novella)
• 2015 THE WARRIOR'S CAPTIVE - (Warrior Saga series, Book 2)

Am I freaking out, you ask? *EEEK* Yes. No. Well, maybe a little. (I won't lie to you.)

But I know I can do this because I've got the best support group in the world: my romance fans and fellow authors. Over the years, I've learned that romance readers and authors alike have one thing in common: they all want mind-blowing, adventurous, unforgettable, romance books. They want stories that move the soul and speak to the heart. Stories that stay with you long after one book is closed and another opened.

I've had the privilege of connecting with fans through my books, email correspondence, various social media outlets, and more. Because of their loyalty to me, they've voiced how much my books mean to them. They've taken the time to let me know how my stories have touched them deep inside; how my heroes have stolen their hearts with bold charm and daunting feats of bravery to save the heroine; how my plot-twisting endings have kept them guessing until the last page was read. (I've posted some on my website if you'd like to read what others have said.) That, in itself, is inspiration enough. And it's the one reason I will not fail my dedicated readers. I refuse to.

Despite that I may be stuck in a writing cave for the next 6 months, I'm motivated to meet this release schedule, come hell or high water. So, if you say to yourself, "Where's Renee Vincent?" -- Know that I'm not ignoring my romance fans or being unsociable. I'm plugging away at my keyboard, writing the next best seller.

You believe me, right? Or should I say "believe IN me?"

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Someone who leaves a comment will receive a Romance Books '4' Us size XL tee-shirt! Be sure to leave your email address in the box with your comment! Note: We only ship to US or Canadian addresses!

Author Bio:

I'm an author, a dreamer, a horse owner, and a medieval history buff. I'm also a fun-loving, mildly eccentric, free-spirited kind of girl with a passion for books. From an early age, I've always had scenes playing out in my head. Whether it was a story with a moral or a tale with a twist, those ideas have never let me sleep until I wrote them out. And considering I have an eclectic ensemble of stories swarming in my brain at any given time, I write under a couple pen names to accommodate the various genre categories.


Renee Vincent

(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
http://www.reneevincent.com/

also writing as
Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction/Chick Lit)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

Connect with me at:

http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent

http://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

And get EXCLUSIVE access to all my giveaways by signing up for my author newsletter:

http://www.reneevincent.com/p/contact.html

Ripped Cover Reveal and A Chance At An Exclusive Giveaway!

Yes, this cover is ripped, but so is the cover model, don't you think? I mean, LOOK at those ABS!

By now, I'm sure you're asking, "Why are you hiding the majority of this hot cover, Renee Vincent?"

Well, I'll tell you.

I'm giving you a sneak peek at what's coming in 2014. One of my award-winning romance novels will be featured in this incredible boxed set called UNFORGETTABLE HEROES from Turquoise Morning Press. I'm among seven other amazing authors whose heroes are sexy, strong, irresistible and yes, you guessed it - UNFORGETTABLE!

But wait! There's more!

I'm gonna give you a chance to win this boxed set FOR FREE. All you have to do is sign up to receive my author newsletter and one lucky person from that entire mailing list will be randomly chosen January 1, 2014. But you have to be a confirmed subscriber to get exclusive access to this giveaway (and all of Renee Vincent's future giveaways!)

Feel free to spread the word about this upcoming release and the contest I'm ONLY offering to my loyal fans! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you've given, and continue to give, to me.

Sign up to receive Renee Vincent's newsletter.
And get EXCLUSIVE access to all my giveaways!I promise to only send out the occasional newsletter pertaining to my new releases, contests, and special announcements.

www.ReneeVincent.com

Get One of My Books For Free!

That's right romance fans. You heard correctly.

I'm offering a free copy of Book 1 of the Warrior Saga series, THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR, to every single person who signs up for my author newsletter. Here's how it works:

• Sign up to receive my newsletter (which means you've now become a special Renee Vincent fan, getting exclusive access to all my giveaways that no one else gets.)
• Confirm your subscription
• And on Wednesday, October 23rd, you'll get your free copy of THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR.

But remember, you only have two days to sign up for this special offer because on October 23rd, 2013 (at 12:01am EST) only those who've signed up and confirmed their subscription will get the free book.

*If you already received Renee Vincent's AUTHOR newsletter (please note this is not my Deep In The Heart Romance newsletter) you, too, will receive the free book. All you have to do is watch your inbox on Wednesday.

Sign up to receive Renee Vincent's newsletter.
And get EXCLUSIVE access to all my giveaways!
I promise to only send out the occasional newsletter pertaining to my new releases, contests, and special announcements.

New Release: The Temperate Warrior By Renee Vincent

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Tagging Along

If you’re a writer, you know what a tag is. It’s that little statement at the end of dialogue that indicates who is speaking. For instance, in this snippet of dialogue, “I am going for a walk,” she said, she said is the tag. Most believe that using said for the majority of tags is the best word, because readers skip over the phrase without consciously noting it’s there, unlike other words such as answered or told or responded.

Writers can also get in bad habits by adding a bunch of action to the tag. An example would be:

“Don’t you ever come back,” she screamed as she threw a hair brush at him and missed, hitting the wall. It’s much better to separate the two, and in this case, get rid of the tag altogether. “Don’t you ever come back.” She threw her hair brush at him and grimaced as it missed and hit the wall.

If you have three or more characters in a scene, you will need to use occasional tags and use the names of the characters more often instead of the pronouns he and she to identify which he or she is speaking. Here is a short example from Coming to Climax, my suspense novel coming in September:

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Carroll.” Margaret walked forward to shake his hand. She handed a small brown bag to her friend. “Here’s your vanilla, Cindy.”

“Thanks.” Cindy took the bag. “Actually, he’s Doctor Carroll.”

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Palmer.” The man shook hands with her, a solemn expression on his face.

“Are you the local Family Practitioner?”

“I am if I’m helping your pet.”

Cindy laughed. “He’s a vet. Chris and I were just talking about a young guy who got shot.”

“You’re the vet who patched up Andy and Carolina? Thanks so very much.” She shivered. Maybe one more valium was a good idea . . .

“I knew it was Carolina,” Cindy said. “Just didn’t want to blurt it out in case you hadn’t seen her yet.”

“It’s okay. I just left her. All the time I kept thinking the person who shot Andy and nicked Carolina’s ear might be the same guy who killed those men.” Margaret sat down in a chair. “It makes me positively weak-kneed just thinking about it.”

“I hope they reported it to the sheriff. Please tell your niece I don’t think that was a stray bullet from a hunter.” He glanced back at Cindy. “Well, got to go. Kate says I have a Beagle with diarrhea and a Lab puppy who ate part of a garden hose waiting on me.”

Though the conversation changed back and forth ten times, only one tag was used.

If there are only two people in a scene, you know by your paragraph breaks who is speaking. Tags can be minimal or not there at all if you replace them with action by the character. Here’s an example from my latest Briny Bay mystery, The Marriage Murders, with tags and then without them.

With the tags:

“I hear you,” Trixie said. “Just how much extra-curricular activity have you done anyway?”

“As in sex?” Roxie asked.

Trixie sighed. “No, I meant Scrabble,” she said. “Of course I meant sex, you ditz.”

Roxie’s eyes narrowed and said, “Don’t demean me.”

“Stop the temper tantrum,” Trixie said. “I got tired of that when you were six. Spill. Have you two been to bed?”

“The time just hasn’t been right,” Roxie said.

“Bingo!” Trixie exclaimed. “Men’s minds wander at date six or earlier. Mark my words, he’s off shopping the catalogues, not admiring the old purchase.”

“Between you and Greg, I’m starting to feel like I’m ready for the glue factory,” Roxie said.

Trixie leaned down and stared into her sister’s eyes. “What’s with you?” she asked. “You’re the one who made whoopee with a California foreigner in a shed and Greg who is the obvious recipient of your pitty-pats doesn’t get as much as a bounce on the bed?”

“It’s because I admire him a lot,” she said.

“Admire is something you do to a president or a Mother Theresa or a Nelson Mandela, but it sure ain’t what you want to do to your sweetheart,” Trixie told her. “Not unless you’re laid back in a euphoric fog , smiling at how much you admire his motion of the ocean.”

“Motion of the ocean?” she asked.

Trixie shrugged and said, “You know it’s not the size of the wave, but the…”

“Right, got it,” Roxie said. “You are such a nag. You know how I am. It’s just like how I was about Christmas when I was a little girl. You’d already sneaked and opened all your presents and wrapped them back up, but I wanted to open one at a time during the day. ”

“I shoulda’ caught on you were brain-damaged then,” Trixie told her. “Get the car in gear sugar, or your sweetie will be trading you in on a new model.”

Removing the tags:

“I hear you.” Trixie placed one hand on her sister’s shoulder. “I suggest you get his mind off kids. Just how much extra-curricular activity have you done anyway?”

“As in sex?”

Trixie sighed. “No, I meant Scrabble. Of course I meant sex, you ditz.”

Roxie’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t demean me.”

“Stop the temper tantrum. I got tired of that when you were six. Spill. Have you two been to bed?”

Roxie stared at the floor. “The time just hasn’t been right.”

Trixie slapped the counter. “Bingo! Men’s minds wander at date six or earlier. Mark my words, he’s off shopping the catalogues, not admiring the old purchase.”

“Between you and Greg, I’m starting to feel like I’m ready for the glue factory.”

Trixie leaned down and stared into her sister’s eyes. “What’s with you? You’re the one who made whoopee with a California foreigner in a shed and Greg who is the obvious recipient of your pitty-pats doesn’t get as much as a bounce on the bed?”

Roxie bit her lip. “It’s because I admire him a lot.”

“Admire is something you do to a president or a Mother Theresa or a Nelson Mandela, but it sure ain’t what you want to do to your sweetheart. Not unless you’re laid back in a euphoric fog , smiling at how much you admire his motion of the ocean.”

Roxie looked up. “Motion of the ocean?”

Trixie shrugged. “You know it’s not the size of the wave, but the…”

“Right, got it.” Roxie exhaled. “You are such a nag. You know how I am. It’s just like how I was about Christmas when I was a little girl. You’d already sneaked and opened all your presents and wrapped them back up, but I wanted to open one at a time during the day. ”

“I shoulda’ caught on you were brain-damaged then. Get the car in gear sugar, or your sweetie will be trading you in on a new model.”

I hope this helps any beginning writers out there and would love to hear from readers as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobbye Terry writes mystery/suspense, romance, fantasies and dystopian fiction. Her most recent release is Honey Blood and the Collector, written as Daryn Cross, Turquoise Morning Press.  Walk Right Back, also written as Daryn Cross, is soon to release from L&L Dreamspell. For more about Bobbye, visit her at www.BobbyeTerry-MysteryHappens.com and http://www.datyncross.com/ .

Hello From Briny Bay

Hi, y’all. I hope you don’t mind meeting in my bridal boutique. You see, Dreema Driscoll is due in about thirty minutes for a fitting. Besides the fact I need every minute of her fitting because I have to grease her down to get her in the dress, she can be a bit persnickety and a regular faucet, so I don’t dare try to leave in case I can’t get back in time. I do love to talk and sometimes I find it hard to stop. You know how it is when you’re the unofficial AP for a small town.

Grab yourself some coffee. I have hot water and tea bags too. You choose. Now to why I’m here. My sister hijacked Bobbye’s blog again. You see, Trix is a bit out-of-sorts with Bobbye. Again. Seems our author has been finishing another manuscript and not working on ours. As Trixie says, The Shadow Knows needs to be finished yesterday because it comes out in December and will explode into popularity making bigger commotion than a bunch of ammo in a lightning-struck barn. She figured it was only fitting I explain why. Okay, the plain truth forces me to fess up to the fact I threatened her beyond an inch of her life if she tried to sneak in here and take over until I’d had my say.

Oh, my goodness, where are my manners? I’m Roxie Turner. Whatever lies my sister told you before, please ignore them. She’s still miffed I was the baby and got all the attention, not to mention I am only in my early forties while she’s twelve years older and facing senility. Oh, and then there’s the fact she’s married to Floyd, the Great White Couch Potato, while I am the gay widow. Gay as in happy, let’s not spread any rumors. Of course, she won’t admit such sister envy, but it’s obvious why she is, don’t you think? <pats the side of my hair>

Now, to the point about popularity. The Briny Bay mystery series is all about mysteries—yes, I know it’s evident. But it seems that when a person is writing amateur sleuth books, that’s what Trixie and I are, especially when they’re set in a small town, a writer like our Bobbye, can draw a person into the story with all its Southern charm and the idiosyncrasies of the small town. The town becomes its own character. These techniques make the sudden twists and turns contrast and it seems to delight folks who read about the escapades.
Now, as Trix told you, I’m sure, because she just blurts out everything she knows, our first book in the Briny Bay Mysteries, Buried in Briny Bay, was released in March from Turquoise Morning Press. The second book, The Marriage Murders, came out in June and told all about a marriage party’s murders, which I, of course, solved, even though I gave my sister and Greg some credit. Especially Greg, as that set of murders brought us closer together. I mean really close, if you get my drift. We also got rid   Marlowe Malone, snarling red-nailed she-lion that she was, not to mention competition for my love-bug’s affections..

Now I’m really in for it, because Greg has discovered he has a grown daughter and she’s coming to visit. She arrives just in time for a bunch of brand new murders, all men and all missing…well, you know. Only the shadow knows why someone would want to cut off the little things, but there you go. Why the murderer keeps dumping the bodies next to Greg’s dock is beyond me. .And then there’s the fact his mother died trying to save the original Genital Reaper back more than twenty-five years ago.

I suppose I’ve jumped too far ahead. First you need to join me as I get out of hot water and keep Greg and his father from joint jail sentences for the murders.  Time to go back to that fortune teller who can tell me who the shadow is. Check out The Shadow Knows in December, but the other two books, Buried in Briny Bay and The Marriage Murders are on sale now at Amazon and most electronic retailers.

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Whoops! Gotta go now, I hear Bobbye coming back with a cup of tea. She’s such a Southern lady. See ya’!

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Bobbye Terry is a multi-published author of several different genres. She writes fantasy and science fiction under the pseudonym, Daryn Cross. Her science fiction series, The Cash Chronicles, currently includes two cyberpunk novellas, Frozen Assets and Full Moon Rising. Writing under her real name of Bobbye Terry, she pens mystery novels set in small Southern towns, including the Briny Bay Mystery Series and the Climax, Virginia series beginning with Coming to Climax and continuing in November with Nick of Time.

Character Overload

I am often was plagued with a severe outbreak of character overload. If you’re a writer, I know this has happened to you. It may even happen to a reader if you read several books at the same time. How do you read several books at the same time? I don’t have a clue, but one of my friends says she does. I doubt she’s alone. Anyway, my definition of character overload is a condition in which all the characters you have, whether in books being edited, in the work you’re currently writing or those you have plotted that are awaiting their opportunity for the turn of your pen (or computer keystroke), begin to war in your mind for dominance.

When this happens to me, I find myself balanced on a piece of thin wire, hopping from thought to thought and unable to settle down and make noticeable progress on any one project. It’s happening to me again. Editor 1 sent me front edits for a co-written book that will be released in November. Editor 2 is gearing up to send me the same on another book coming out very soon. At the same time, I just finished edits and need to publish an indie work and there’s still another one waiting for its last 6,000 words. But, you see, the characters in that book are so fed up with my not completing their story, they’ve clammed up and they aren’t talking.

I doubt I’ll ever have Alzheimer’s because my mind gets a great work out. I may, however, end up with one heck of a case of multiple personality disorder. Who am I kidding? I already have it and have professed to it on several guest blogs. Character Uprising, a poem I wrote a long time ago, tells the story about this kind of writer’s block:

My characters are not too pleased,
With whom I’ve written them to be,
They’ve been grumbling, and they might
Form a union, go on strike.

It’s a lot longer than that, but you get the idea. So, the question is how do I get out of this stalemate and negotiate with my characters to open up? Here are my top four ways to cure my temporary block:

1)     Take a break and do something else creative other than writing. One great way to do this is to draw or paint. I like to make a mandala. You can Google this, but basically it’s a circle with designs. Many folks use them when meditating or in spiritual pursuits. Maybe that’s why I like to do it, because it gets me in touch with my inner self.

2)     Go for a drive or just take a walk outside. There’s something about being out in the sun and fresh air that rejuvenates the mind, allowing for it to process once again.

3)     Work on a mind puzzle and stimulate the left side of your brain. The right side will rise to the occasion and start producing.

4)     Get plenty of rest. If you’re sleep deprived, it’s doubtful you’ll produce anything that’s creative.

I’d love to hear from other writer about your techniques, and readers, what helps clears your mind so you can produce?

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Bobbye Terry is the multi-published writer of fantasy, suspense and romantic comedy novels under her own name, her solo pseudonym, Daryn Cross, and her co-authored one, Terry Campbell. Her previous works have garnered finalist awards in the Booksellers’ Best and other RWA-sponsored contests. Bobbye’s most recent release is The Marriage Murders. Her next book, Coming to Climax, will be released the week of September 5th by Turquoise Morning Press.

He Said She Said

Wouldn’t it be nice if men and women understood each other better? But alas, she’s from Venus and he’s from Mars. So, let’s use it to its best advantage in writing. When a misunderstanding comes, milk it for what it’s worth by amplification of their miscommunication. I go for the humor, but you can also use it to amplify the frustration and the angst. It’s your call.

Sometimes it’s the man who misunderstands and sometimes it’s the woman. Here are two examples. In example one from Mr. Wrong by Terry Campbell, Roarke, the hero, is coming to find Kat and bring her back to the hospital where her daughter is from drinking Ipecac in an attempt to bring her mother home and into Roarke’s arms. The little girl wants them to be married. Kat is off on a holiday with a wealthy man she thinks is marriage material despite her overwhelming attraction to Roarke, whom she has labeled as Mr. Wrong. Her time with the wealthy man has been a disaster in which she has led him into injuring himself multiple times. So, let the fun begin…

Easing out of his car, he headed around the side of the house. As he entered the rear gardens, he spotted the kitchen lights, aimed for the stone patio and stopped.

“Pull it and you’ll get the treat of a lifetime.”

“Slippery little devil, isn’t it?”

Slippery little devil? He was too late.

****

Kat jerked the tab. The shell separated from the crab and sailed through the air like Tory’s Frisbee.

Jason’s hand flew to his cheek.

“I’m sorry.” She battled tears as blood seeped from under his fingers. “I can’t seem to do anything right.” It was a good thing Jason wasn’t Mr. Right. She doubted he’d survive marriage to her, assuming he lived long enough. Guilt-ridden, she stood and moved cautiously toward him.

He bolted to his feet. “Stay where you are.” He edged around her and started to the bathroom.

She advanced. “I know what to do. After all, I am the mother of a six-year-old.”

“She’s lived that long?”

Tears of held-in laughter streamed down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry.” Her fingers touched his newest wound as a noise caught her attention. She turned and glanced at the open French doors. Rourke stood in the threshold looking like a savage warrior bent on murder. Her hand dropped to her side, and she offered a tentative smile as he moved toward them. “Rourke? What are you doing here?”

“Thank God. I’m saved.” Jason said, seconds before Rourke’s fist connected with his jaw.

“Get your stuff. Tory’s in the hospital.”

She stared at his disappearing back. “Wait.” she screamed. “What do you mean Tory’s in the hospital?”

Four minutes later and after hurried explanations, Kat stood beside the open passenger door and watched Rourke toss her bags into the trunk and slam the lid down. “You don’t understand.”

“I said get in the car, Katherine.”

She slipped into the passenger seat and jerked the door closed. This was ridiculous. She hadn’t done anything to deserve this frigid treatment, and Tory wasn’t in danger. Of course, Rourke saw everything in black and white.

“Thank you for coming out here. I’ll feel better once I see Tory’s okay for myself.” At his glower, she winced.

“That’s nice. God knows we all want you to feel better.”

A sharp retort threatened, but she bit her lip and watched in silence as he threw the car in reverse. “I realize she’s dehydrated, but it was Ipecac, not poison.”

“Which she drank because she wanted you home, not off for a weekend of love with your flavor of the month. Or is it, the week?”

“That’s unfair and out of line. Yes, Tory didn’t want me to date Jason. But that’s because she wanted us together.” She glanced at his grim mask and sighed. “Of course, kids dream the silliest things.”

He jerked the steering wheel to the right and pulled to the side of the road. “You discussed Jason and this trip with her?”

When he turned that slate-gray glare on her, she nodded. “I tried to explain—”

“I don’t want to hear it.” He faced front, put the car in gear and went from zero to seventy in six seconds. “That’s always been your problem, Katherine, you don’t think.”

She wasn’t sure which was worse, his burning glare of disgust or his cold frost of disdain. She’d never liked her name, Katherine, and now she hated it.

“You couldn’t even wait to make it out of the living room to start jumping the man.” He snorted and shook his head. “I’m glad you didn’t take me up on my offer. I’m not into S&M or having my bed partner draw blood.”

“Now wait a minute. That isn’t what happened. Jason was showing—”

“His equipment.”

She gasped. What an arrogant bully. Boy, was he going to be embarrassed when he discovered the truth. “No. I was learning how to pull—”

“A zipper. I can’t believe you called his equipment a ‘slippery little thing.’ I thought I taught you not to attack a man’s ego.”

Now here’s another example of our heroine misunderstanding the hero. In The Marriage Murders, my latest book written under my real name, Greg, the hero, wants to explain that he has just discovered he has a grown daughter from a love affair he had when he was very young. Roxie, the heroine, thinks he’s telling her he had an affair with the town’s new femme fatale . Roxie’s especially upset about his timing because she came to their date fully equipped with sex toys and a box of After Dinner Weanies.

“I have to come clean about something. It’s not like me to keep secrets, but I thought this was going to upset you, and I didn’t know exactly how to break the news.”

Finally, now, of all the odd and unexpected times, he was planning on unloading about his affair with Marlowe. Like she really needed to hear it on the night she’d hoped for a chance to check out his bed herself.  “I see. You may not have to tell me Greg. I think I already know.”

“You do?” He frowned. “How could you? No one around here knows.” He sighed. “I should have known you’d discover it. You always find out what going on. I want you to understand, what happened happened many years ago. If I’d known what I do now, it never would have occurred, not in a million years.”

She nodded. “I’m sure that’s true. When we’re younger, our hormones get the better of us. I would never have married Billy if I’d known about Georgia being pregnant.”

He stared at her, concern showing by the set of his jaw. “I understand exactly. But in all fairness to Billy, sometimes the woman doesn’t know what she really is doing to a long term relationship. You know, Georgia could have baited Billy, not told him the truth about birth control, even lied to him that she wasn’t pregnant, or worse yet, told him she’d aborted.”

Roxie grabbed the back of the seat cushions and stared at him in disbelief. She dug her nails into the fabric and wanted to gnash her teeth to powder. “You’re telling me you got her pregnant? You actually fathered a child with that woman?”

“That’s what I was trying to explain, but I didn’t know at the time. Now you’re sounding surprised. Look, I don’t know how you found out about this. Did Justina actually tell you?”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Justina? Who exactly is Justina?”

His mouth fell open and he stared at her like he’d lost all his senses.  “You said you knew. I just thought my daughter had somehow met you before I saw her.”

Roxie jumped to her feet. “This is worse than I ever thought it could be. You had an affair with her and now you tell me you have her daughter? Greg, you are not at all the man I thought you were.” She grabbed her paper bag and held up her hand, palm forward. “Don’t say another word. I’m leaving before I bite off the real version of the mints I have in my bag.”

See how the misunderstanding become worse, fueling the fire for more action? Try it in your writing, and please tell me about examples from your own writing.

Bobbye Terry writes mystery/suspense, romance, fantasies and dystopian fiction. The Marriage Murders, Bobbye’s Book 2 in the Briny Bay Mysteries series, was just released. Bobbye and Linda Campbell, writing as Terry Campbell, have a new cozy mystery short story collection, Slam Sisters of Serendipity, that released through Eternal Press.  For more about Bobbye, visit her at www.BobbyeTerry-MysteryHappens.com and www.BobbyeTerryRomance.com .