A new year, new beginnings.
Not exactly. My new year started off with a couple of broken toes and a case of the flu - not the stomach kind, the bronchial kind. It also started off with reversion of rights to two of my favorite books.
Not a great start - but, on the other hand, things can only get better from there. Right?
And they did. The toes are painful, but do not require casting or anything other than tape. The bronchitis is under control thanks to my doctor. And as for the reversion of rights...
I am working with a new publisher, Captiva Press, and I love them. But the stories they've been doing are hot and these two books are not. But on a whim, I sent my editor a query, asking about the books. After all, both of them got great reviews - 4 stars from Romantic Times magazine, and 4-5 cups/lips/etc. from others. Her answer was an immediate YES! They are expanding their line into more mainstream, less hot stories and would love for my stories to be in the first grouping.
YIPPEE! Broken toes and chesty cough forgotten. I was so happy, I danced (well hobbled) around my office. Plus I also have at least three more stories coming out with them this year - two short erotics and a long urban fantasy (not erotic). I am so excited I can't tell you. But I'll keep you updated as to when the stories are available. In the meantime, I need to go put my foot up and stop dancing.
But I'm still excited.
Vicky/Victoria
Click image to one-click your copy of Soldiers of Fortune
CLICK BELOW & SUBSCRIBE TO THE RB4U NEWSLETTER
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Setting Goals
Happy 2011, Everyone!
I have never been a resolution kind of person. I break them, so they seem pretty rediculous to swear once a year. Usually they are scoping things, utopian ideas I want to achieve which require a lot more energy than I want to spend.
Conversely, I've always been a big proponant of setting goals and milestones. Admittedly this comes from my "former" life of project management and a sick craving to check off little boxes and watch a project plan unfold.
So I dragged out that project plan before we went into the new year -- this poor spreadsheet that has been running for three years and has so many uncoordinated colors a blind man would cringe -- and looked at what I'd set and where I'd succeeded and didn't, as well as plugging in new things.
I noticed something. Now... I should have been aware of this all along. But it never really stood out to me until I started listening to other people talk about their goals and really looking at what I wanted to accomplish. What I observed?
The only things I've accomplished are the things I can directly control. The things I, and myself alone, can own.
We all have great big scoping dreams as authors. We write a book that we love, our immediate first round readers love, and we let that project grow. We dream with that project, maybe even while we're working on something else. There's nothing wrong with that. If there's no motivation to achieve a dream, that dream doesn't have the first chance at surviving much longer than the short space of time it took to flit across our brain.
But this is one of the few careers I am aware of where the work put into achieving a dream is not necessarily going to make it happen. For instance, as a teenager I held the dream of riding in the olympics. It's totally doable for almost anyone who shares that vision. Have a horse that can do it, put the hours and hours into training, enter competitions, and nine times out of ten training is directly proportional to success. Corporate world -- put in the hours, study the field, most often you'll see promotions.
But writing is different in so many respects. Our training comes from practicing the habit and I still heavily believe anyone can do it if they put in the time and effort. The when becomes the issue, and as we all know, the struggle to get there discourages many people from pursuit.
So... what's the trick to sticking in there when the changing nature of the publishing industry makes things even more difficult to predict and expect?
Goals. Goals that a writer can hold complete ownership over.
This means... strike out all entries that look like: "Get an Agent, Sell XYZ" Don't discard them, but modify them so they are yours. This translates to a larger list of goals and things you can look at as accomplishments.
"Get an Agent" becomes: Finish book. Write synoposis. Write query. Shop query to agent xyz.
Same thing with Sell XYZ, only if you've got an agent doing this work for you, modify that to again, "Shop, xyz to AHouse, BHouse"
You control the completion of the book. You control the effort put into doing all the right things to accomplish the dream. You do not control whether someone else chooses to accept your work. And getting frustrated about it doesn't accomplish anything. While you're doing one thing for one book, do something else for another... keep your productivity rolling so you don't have all your eggs in one proverbial basket.
When the end of the year comes around and you go into another, you won't have frustrations. You will have a solid list of achievements that will make you feel good about what you're doing.
Good luck everyone! I look forward to hearing all your accomplishments as 2011 continues. May this year be your year for success.
~Claire
I have never been a resolution kind of person. I break them, so they seem pretty rediculous to swear once a year. Usually they are scoping things, utopian ideas I want to achieve which require a lot more energy than I want to spend.
Conversely, I've always been a big proponant of setting goals and milestones. Admittedly this comes from my "former" life of project management and a sick craving to check off little boxes and watch a project plan unfold.
So I dragged out that project plan before we went into the new year -- this poor spreadsheet that has been running for three years and has so many uncoordinated colors a blind man would cringe -- and looked at what I'd set and where I'd succeeded and didn't, as well as plugging in new things.
I noticed something. Now... I should have been aware of this all along. But it never really stood out to me until I started listening to other people talk about their goals and really looking at what I wanted to accomplish. What I observed?
The only things I've accomplished are the things I can directly control. The things I, and myself alone, can own.
We all have great big scoping dreams as authors. We write a book that we love, our immediate first round readers love, and we let that project grow. We dream with that project, maybe even while we're working on something else. There's nothing wrong with that. If there's no motivation to achieve a dream, that dream doesn't have the first chance at surviving much longer than the short space of time it took to flit across our brain.
But this is one of the few careers I am aware of where the work put into achieving a dream is not necessarily going to make it happen. For instance, as a teenager I held the dream of riding in the olympics. It's totally doable for almost anyone who shares that vision. Have a horse that can do it, put the hours and hours into training, enter competitions, and nine times out of ten training is directly proportional to success. Corporate world -- put in the hours, study the field, most often you'll see promotions.
But writing is different in so many respects. Our training comes from practicing the habit and I still heavily believe anyone can do it if they put in the time and effort. The when becomes the issue, and as we all know, the struggle to get there discourages many people from pursuit.
So... what's the trick to sticking in there when the changing nature of the publishing industry makes things even more difficult to predict and expect?
Goals. Goals that a writer can hold complete ownership over.
This means... strike out all entries that look like: "Get an Agent, Sell XYZ" Don't discard them, but modify them so they are yours. This translates to a larger list of goals and things you can look at as accomplishments.
"Get an Agent" becomes: Finish book. Write synoposis. Write query. Shop query to agent xyz.
Same thing with Sell XYZ, only if you've got an agent doing this work for you, modify that to again, "Shop, xyz to AHouse, BHouse"
You control the completion of the book. You control the effort put into doing all the right things to accomplish the dream. You do not control whether someone else chooses to accept your work. And getting frustrated about it doesn't accomplish anything. While you're doing one thing for one book, do something else for another... keep your productivity rolling so you don't have all your eggs in one proverbial basket.
When the end of the year comes around and you go into another, you won't have frustrations. You will have a solid list of achievements that will make you feel good about what you're doing.
Good luck everyone! I look forward to hearing all your accomplishments as 2011 continues. May this year be your year for success.
~Claire
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Interview of Author Kristal McKerrington
Latest Books: A Different Life: A Christmas Tale of Two Hearts in the Sweet Christmas Anthology
Buy Link: http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/unseendancer
BIO:
Kristal McKerrington is a twenty-one-year-old writer from Scotland, UK. She has a love for Scotland and for Vikings. Kristal has only recently started to publish with XOXO Publishing. She lives with her boyfriend in the heart of Glasgow. Kristal also has a love for going out with her boyfriend on their motorbike and spending long hours soaking in her bathtub writing her stories.
She is the author of 'Freedom Is Earned', 'Highlander of the Ink', Tattoo Anthology Volume 1, 'Shetlands Immortals: Against My First Love', 'A Different Life: A Christmas Tale of Two Hearts', 'A Highlander Norse Gods: Leather Bound Heart's' both in the Sweet Christmas Anthology and coming real soon, 'Immortal Chief's Christmas With King Arthur'.
I would like to thank Marianne for having me here today and hope that you all enjoy seeing into my life. I love sharing things with you, the readers, and hope that you can enjoy the work I come out with.
Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: I couldn't believe it and was more excited that I had finally found someone who loved my voice. I called my boyfriend over to make sure I was right in what I was seeing.
Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The part where Layla kisses Will. Sometimes the passion in your characters spreads through to the writer and these guys certainly shared there passion with me.
Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: I always feel it's hard to end Layla's stories because she is a character who doesn't like me to push the pause button on her.
Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: Gosh, that is a hard question. I love Edward because he reminds me of someone with the little things he does, but then I also love Layla and Marie. The twins are always fun. Who needs enemies when you have a twin like that!
Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroines? Tell us about your heroine.
A: For Layla, I would love to play her myself. I just love her that much. If I had to entrust her to someone then I would have to entrust her to 'Amy Dumas'.
Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your hero? Tell us about your hero.
A: Well my book has two heroes, so Edward would have to be Matt Hardy and Will would have to be Jeff Hardy for sure. They are the only two men I know who have that charisma to handle Layla's character and to handle the personalities of Edward and Will.
Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Never. They always seem to have their own voice and always have their own way of noticing things. Sometimes it's a real nightmare.
Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: I eat a lot of fish, drink a lot of coffee or tea. Sometimes the odd monster munch. I can't snack when I'm writing. My hands want to be on the keys rather then feeding me.
Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: Reading, going out on my boyfriend's motorbike and my Chinchillas. I still do some dancing too, but not as much now.
Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: Endless imagination.
Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: Oh gosh, that is so hard. It has to be between Witch Child and Old Magic.
Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: I write and make sure the handsome man has plenty to read after his day's work of scouting out the Island lol.
Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: I would love to do something in Steampunk and maybe a murder mystery at some point in the future.
Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I'm a Twitter girl. I'm always on Twitter, yet I love all the others. I don't use Myspace very often. It's hard for me to get into Myspace.
Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kristal_mckerrington
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristal-McKerringtons-Offical-Fan-Page
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/K_mcKerrington
Blog: http://kristalmckerringtons.blogspot.com
Author Site: http://www.kristalmckerrington.webs.com
Publishers: http://www.xoxopublishing.com
Online Shop: http://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online
BLURB:
In a world where there is no certainty, a woman, who did what was believed impossible, fell in love with two brothers; Two of the best wrestlers in the world. Only now this Christmas the beginning of her long journey starts with the end when Layla decides to share part of the ending of her story in this Christmas Tale that challenges not just the brothers, but the bounds of loyalty and love.
EXCERPT:
Will came around the corner, his gaze fixed on me. The lump in my throat threatened to cut off my air. I knew that look. The hunger and desire radiating in his eyes was unmistakable. I sucked in a deep breath, and in the next moment his lips were on mine, hungry and desperate as his tongue searched my mouth in a fury I hadn't seen or felt from him before.
“You have no idea how much I have wanted to kiss you from the moment you walked in earlier,” Will panted, as he stared down into my eyes. A shiver of need rolled through me, I couldn’t shake off. The lust and desire in his eyes made me want to break the rules and pull him into my room, but I couldn't. I had made a promise to myself I wasn't going to go down this road again.
“Will, you know I am with Edward,” I muttered. He held my cheeks and searched my eyes for a break in my resistance. He had not given up and I doubted he ever would.
“Yes, I know, but you should have chosen me,” Will murmured harshly as he dropped his hands to his hips, feeling the frustrations of his own wants and what he felt were his needs
“I couldn't. You didn't give up Elaine and what we are doing is wrong!” I muttered. Will's eyes glittered as he held me against his chest and stroke my hair back from my face. A moment later, he released me and walked into the living room.
I leaned on the counter top and struggled to regain my breath. Will had an amazing ability to leave me more than just breathless. His kisses made me rock back and forth on my feet, leaving me feeling like I was rolling back and forth on the edge of a pin.
I walked into the living room and noticed Edward had taken off his apron, and thrown it across the back of the sofa. Will, lay slumped out watching the rest of the Over the Ropes Wrestling Show completely oblivious to my presence now. From where I stood, I could see the action on the screen and the look on his face. When he glanced in my direction, I realized he was still thinking about what had just happened in the kitchen.
A quick rub of my arms calmed the goose bumps his look caused. I stopped behind the couch and whispered in his ear, “I’m sorry.”
“There is no need for you to be sorry. I fell in love with my brother’s girl. It’s not your fault. I guess both of your favourite songs might be true to us. 'Replay by Iyaz and Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz' tell the whole story. We really need to get you into more different type’s music that isn't Hip Hop or alternative rock. What is the name of the band you like so much?” Will asked, before he turned towards me so he could look into my eyes.
“'Siren’s Eye,' Trust me, I know she doesn't stop playing them in the car,” Edward grumbled at me, sending a shiver down my back at the fact he had nearly heard something that he should never hear.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would love to thank Marianne again for having me.I hope you will have me back again. You can also catch me in the chat room of 'Highway 2 Helms' that is on http://www.geekweek.com every Wednesday Night at 7pm EST so make sure you check that out. I always have a good laugh in there and enjoy the awesome show Shane Helms puts on.
Friday, January 7, 2011
My Cruise MISadventure!
My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary (where did the years go?) and booked a cruise 4-11 December with stops in Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. I had visions of cruising the Atlantic Ocean aboard a wonderful ship, soaking in the warm weather and shopping like a rampaging bull through stores. I had money to spend and Christmas gifts to buy! I figured we'd go to both the French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten and it would be like shopping in 4 different sites.
The Fates weren't with us. Must have been on their own vacation.
We made it to Nassau, and that was pleasant. Toured two forts and a costume museum. AND, did a little shopping since I planned to do most of my gift buying at the next two ports. That was the only time we got off the ship until we returned to Port Canaveral.
I'd been to a shopping seminar to find out about places to shop in St. Thomas and St. Maarten...and got lots of discount coupons, cards for "free" items at various stores, and all the tidbits of information geared to entice you to spend more money in ports. While standing in line to receive a final discount coupon, we felt the ship jerk and sway, heard cranking/banging noises, and wondered what was going on. Then we realized the ship had stopped moving. Our captain got on the intercom and explained there was a problem and we'd be moving as soon as "it" could be fixed.
The captain canceled his "photo with the captain" session to take care of the problem. Before too long, we were moving again and figured that "it" was just a quirk. Not so. The captain got back on the intercom to explain that the ship could only function with one propeller so we would NOT be going to St. Thomas and St. Maarten as planned. Instead, they decided to take us to the Dominican Republic and a private beach in the Bahamas.
How they figured these places would replace where we'd planned to go is amazing. We didn't get off at either place, and those that did had nothing but disappointing things to say. (To shop in the DR, they had to ride an hour on a bus...and arrived during siesta time so stores were closed. The beach was being renovated and the food was bad...and no stores).
The entertainer onboard for our Sunday show got stuck on the ship, so they had her do another show for us.
They offered $100 ship credit. They offered free photos. The captain never took photos with us...I think he was hiding since there were so many complaints they asked us not to harass the people at the reception desk.
We were all offered 30% off another cruise as a final gesture of compensation.
We wrote a letter to the CEO asking for better compensation. Not only had we paid to fly to the port, but we stayed at a nearby hotel overnight to be sure we didn't miss our departure. And, had house/dog sitters we had to pay. To take this cruise again and get to those ports we'd planned on visiting, we'd have to pay everything again.
As soon as we got home, I had LOTS of Christmas shopping to do! I refused to buy a lot of stuff onboard since their prices were expensive.
We've done two other cruises without a problem. Not on this particular line, but loved our other cruises. I'm not mentioning the cruise line...yet. I'll write a follow-up report after we hear from them about compensation. Hopefully, it will be happier news!
The Fates weren't with us. Must have been on their own vacation.
We made it to Nassau, and that was pleasant. Toured two forts and a costume museum. AND, did a little shopping since I planned to do most of my gift buying at the next two ports. That was the only time we got off the ship until we returned to Port Canaveral.
I'd been to a shopping seminar to find out about places to shop in St. Thomas and St. Maarten...and got lots of discount coupons, cards for "free" items at various stores, and all the tidbits of information geared to entice you to spend more money in ports. While standing in line to receive a final discount coupon, we felt the ship jerk and sway, heard cranking/banging noises, and wondered what was going on. Then we realized the ship had stopped moving. Our captain got on the intercom and explained there was a problem and we'd be moving as soon as "it" could be fixed.
The captain canceled his "photo with the captain" session to take care of the problem. Before too long, we were moving again and figured that "it" was just a quirk. Not so. The captain got back on the intercom to explain that the ship could only function with one propeller so we would NOT be going to St. Thomas and St. Maarten as planned. Instead, they decided to take us to the Dominican Republic and a private beach in the Bahamas.
How they figured these places would replace where we'd planned to go is amazing. We didn't get off at either place, and those that did had nothing but disappointing things to say. (To shop in the DR, they had to ride an hour on a bus...and arrived during siesta time so stores were closed. The beach was being renovated and the food was bad...and no stores).
The entertainer onboard for our Sunday show got stuck on the ship, so they had her do another show for us.
They offered $100 ship credit. They offered free photos. The captain never took photos with us...I think he was hiding since there were so many complaints they asked us not to harass the people at the reception desk.
We were all offered 30% off another cruise as a final gesture of compensation.
We wrote a letter to the CEO asking for better compensation. Not only had we paid to fly to the port, but we stayed at a nearby hotel overnight to be sure we didn't miss our departure. And, had house/dog sitters we had to pay. To take this cruise again and get to those ports we'd planned on visiting, we'd have to pay everything again.
As soon as we got home, I had LOTS of Christmas shopping to do! I refused to buy a lot of stuff onboard since their prices were expensive.
We've done two other cruises without a problem. Not on this particular line, but loved our other cruises. I'm not mentioning the cruise line...yet. I'll write a follow-up report after we hear from them about compensation. Hopefully, it will be happier news!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Yearning - My First Paranormal Romance!!!!
Here's the blurb and an excerpt to give you a taste of the magic to come. :)
To break this curse, they’ll have to turn the heat up. Way up.
Jasmine Dante prowls Key West’s nightlife, fighting a losing battle against a jealous rival’s curse that forces her to seek carnal pleasure, no matter the danger. Weakened from lack of sleep, driven by insatiable lust, she spots a man who stirs her desperate craving, and begins yet another dance of seduction.
Except the dark stranger who returns her direct stare is no ordinary lover. Inside his powerful body lies a raw sexuality that just might be enough to break her curse. There’s only one way to find out: imprison him in her bed and feed on his passion.
Former U.S. Marshal Mike Stearn is many things, but he’s no woman’s sex slave. The deadly telekinetic power he ruthlessly suppresses comes alive again at Jasmine’s touch. Beneath her bold, potent sensuality he senses vulnerability and desperation. He may be in handcuffs, but she’s the one who’s enslaved.
As Mike resurrects his power to free himself so he can find the curse’s source and defeat it, Jasmine revels in his masterful rule. Her ravenous yearning evolves into rapture as she surrenders to his hunger, her darkest needs—and the emotional connection that lies beyond. Unless the curse takes her life first…
Warning: Tons of steamy sex, smoldering passion and a to-die-for love story with a hot Alpha hero who finds himself imprisoned by one sultry and desperate babe.
Excerpt:
(In this scene, Jasmine has just coaxed Mike to come to her home...the only way she can temporarily slake her passion)
He offered a gentle smile and gathered her into his arms. His embrace nearly defeated Jasmine. New tears threatened. She hated deceiving him but didn’t know what else to do. Without his warmth and touch, she’d go crazy.
He whispered, “You okay?”
She nodded.
He ran his hand up her back. She sagged into him, loving his solid support. “Ready to go inside?”
“Depends.” He kissed the top of her head. “What do you have in mind?”
Jasmine pushed to her toes and suckled his throat while cupping his sac with her free hand, feeling the shape and weight of his balls through the rough denim.
Air hissed through his teeth. “How about we stay here? I’ve always wanted to have sex in a garage. We could even try to do it on my Harley.”
Her grin released several tears. “Inside’s better. Follow me.”
With her fingers laced through his, she led him past the gazebo, a lacy white structure ringed by fat bushes and towering palms. White wicker rockers graced the back porch. Silvery light streamed through the tall kitchen windows, illuminating the snowy cabinets and gleaming hardwood floor. The fragrant cinnamon cake Violet prepared for tonight’s dessert sweetened the space.
Jasmine hung her purse on Lily’s chair at the glass-topped kitchen table. A prearranged signal to let her sisters know she’d chosen a safe man. He wouldn’t harm her.
She eased her hand from his and backed up several steps toward the hall.
He finished looking around the airy room. Shadows and light played across his features, giving him a mysterious, formidable appearance. He moved closer. Her body throbbed, hurting for his.
“I can’t believe you live here alone,” he said.
The back of her neck prickled. She warned herself not to break and blurt the truth. In addition to Violet and Lily, Ben Bishop, their border, rented a room upstairs. Ben waited for her now, determined to protect her if the man she chose became threatening. Heart racing, she offered a promising smile. “Most of the time I like the solitude, though not tonight.” To distract him from the subject, she lifted her hands and unfastened her halter.
Mike followed the ends of the cloth as they slid over her breasts to pool at her waist. Eyes riveted to her partial nudity, he pulled his tee out of his jeans.
“No—don’t.”
His gaze jumped from her tight nipples to her eyes. “Don’t? Why?”
If worry caused Violet and Lily to arrive before she got him out of the kitchen, he’d see them coming up the porch. “I want to undress you. Please.”
He flung out his arms, his resonant voice even huskier. “Have at it.”
Jasmine smiled, liking him so much desire rose swift and pitiless, worse than the times with the other men. The room pressed in and the air became suffocating. Tension magnified every sound: crickets chirped boisterously, something in the wall popped as the house settled. Her heart skipped a beat while she battled for composure. No matter his impatience to sink inside of her, if she allowed him to witness the heartless depth of her passion, she’d spook him and he’d leave.
She’d have no way to satisfy herself through tonight’s grueling hours, not even if she went to Ben. He’d argued for them to become intimate, not understanding the curse. Desiree didn’t want her to crave just any male. That would be too easy. She could hire escorts. The man had to be one she felt in her core with a connection so strong he seemed to be a part of her, whether he was vicious like Travis or as seemingly honorable as Mike. Only then would the sex gratify, though never for long. She’d still want unendingly. Finding her voice, she tried to make it as light and tantalizing as possible. “Not here. Upstairs.”
Mike’s arms fell to his sides. He arched one brow. “What’s upstairs?”
“My bedroom.” She looked at him from beneath her lashes. “You do want to see it, don’t you?”
“Eventually.” His amused smile grew mischievous as he inclined his head. “Right now, though, that table has your name on it. Once you’ve stripped me, I definitely see you bending over it, lifting your ass and spreading your legs.”
Her pussy thumped, indelicate, shameless beats at the picture he’d created, her body displayed for his use, vaginally and anally. She strained for control. “I was saving that for breakfast.” Her voice trembled. She cleared it. “By the way, I’m quite the chef. I cook in the nude.” She unzipped the back of her dress and nudged it past her hips.
Mike watched the flimsy fabric float to her feet. She stepped out of it and slipped off her slides. Excited and embarrassed at being naked, she didn’t move, allowing his scrutiny. Her breasts felt heavy and vulnerable beneath his intense gaze. Chilled air from the cooling system drifted down, glancing against her hard nipples and the building moisture between her legs. With each breath, the belly chain rolled over her stomach. She knew the dangling diamonds shimmered in the ashy light.
Transfixed, his attention roamed from the jewels to her shaved mound, exactly as she wanted. When she brought him through the house, she couldn’t risk him noticing anything other than her. A necessary precaution to keep him from asking too many questions. And, if she couldn’t bring herself to keep him captive, the only way she could allow him to leave in the morning.
Hand outstretched, she coaxed, “Let’s go upstairs.”
Buy link: http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/the-yearning
Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097
Website/blog: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Embracing Technology!
Rather than make resolutions this year, I have decided to embrace something that intimidates me. I’d like to say that I’m becoming braver but in reality, it is a very practical decision. Just so you know, the last time I embraced a technological advance it was in the form of an ergonomic keyboard. Stop laughing. I would rather spend all day long using a pen and yellow pad than figure out technical jargon. But that won’t get it to my editor in a form she’d be pleased about.
The truth is that I’m very serious about writing more books this year and I need some help. The outlines for these books are finished and although the spirit is willing, my back is not. I’ve spent many years and a small fortune trying to create a comfortable work space. So far, comfort has eluded me and I have the chiropractor bills to prove it.
Since I'm on the short side, office furniture has never been comfortable but it’s been a necessary evil in my life since I started writing. My friends, I think I am about to banish that evil to the nether regions of the universe. A little while ago a friend, author Lynn Michaels, tipped me off to the Dragon Naturally Speaking software. Lucky me, I hit a promo sale and got the version that responds to voice commands and after it types the book, I can go back and edit it. I think I see a future without repetitive injury requiring me to take time off from my writing.
Now I’m a bargain hunter and finding a sale pleases me to no end but not as much as the fact that thanks to the Bluetooth headset (purchased separately) that allows me to be 33 feet away from my computer—sitting in my very comfortable rocking chair (don’t laugh, my feet actually touch the floor without using a footstool) or roaming around the room while I dictate my book, my chiropractor isn’t going to be able to retire to Tahiti on what he gets from me. I love my chiropractor but I’d rather use the money to buy books!
The only downside at this moment is that I sound like a foghorn and I’m going to have to wait until my cold subsides so that I don’t have to retrain Dragon to recognize my voice. I’m excited and looking forward to 2011 with a new outlook and a plan to turn those outlines that I mentioned into books.
What about you? Have you discovered a new website, software or a tip to make writing easier or more fun? Leave me a comment and you could win a download of my newest EC release, CROSS MY HEART.
Paris
http://parisbrandon.com
You can find Dragon here: http://www.nuance.com/talk/
Cross My Heart-EC
Head Over Heels-EC
Assassin’s Kiss-EC
No Holds Barred-EC
IOU-Resplendence Publishing
http://twitter.com/ParisBrandon
http://www.facebook.com/index.php#!/pages/Paris-Brandon/170137563009674
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Writers Conferences ~ Are they worth it?
Good morning folks,
I'm running a little late posting my blog this morning, but wow I'm glad the holidays are over and we are moving on into another year. 2010 wasn't a totally bad year for me with my writing. I released 12 stories last year and made some wonderful friends and fans along the way. I attended the Romantic Times Convention in Ohio in April, the Lori Foster's Get Together in June and the Central Ohio Fictions Writer's conference in Ohio in October.
As I look back on these conferences, I often wonder if they are worth the price of going. RT is very expensive—$500 just for registration not including your hotel and airfare if you have to fly. For a brand new writer, I think it's invaluable if you can afford it. They have some awesome workshops on everything from promoting, to pitching your book, to what to write and how to write it. I met some fantastic people, got to spend Breakfast in Bed with Jimmy Thomas, whom I love to pieces. If you haven't had a chance to meet him, you need to. He's so sweet. I could just eat him up! How the whole thing of me winning the privilege of eating next to such a gorgeous guy, is another story.
Lori Foster's Get Together is very much worth the price. Her conference is only $50 plus your hotel and this includes several meals. It runs from Friday evening to Sunday morning and it's one big party. There are workshops and pitch sessions with some publishers, but you get to meet and mingle with fans, meet new ones, sell some books if you like and just have a great time. I had the opportunity to meet two new friends from Whipped Cream reviews and I don't think I've laughed so hard in my life. I'm definitely planning to return this year.
The Central Ohio Fiction Writers conference was okay. The whole conference seemed geared more toward writers which is a good thing, but not if you are a reader. There wasn't anywhere to put any giveaway things out like bookmarks or whatever. I was a bit disappointed with that part, but the food tasted great and the company I had the chance to hang out with, gave me the sense of family. Authors are family. Yes, there are some out there who feel e-published authors aren't real authors, but we are. We sell our product like everyone else, we have a fan base like every other writer and we have fans who can't wait for our next book. I had a chance to pitch a book to the Harlequin editor and got a request for a partial so it made the whole weekend worth it. Suzanne Brockmann did the key note addresses and she really gave me some great ideas and things to think about.
So back to the question, are these conferences worth it? You must judge for yourself, but for this nobody author who hit the romance novel networks in 2009 with her love of cowboys and the women they adore by the end of the book, yes it's worth it. Will I be attending some of this in 2011? You bet! And I seriously hope to see many of you there so I can meet more new friends and share the love of reading and writing romance with all of you.
Until next month ~ Sandy
I'm running a little late posting my blog this morning, but wow I'm glad the holidays are over and we are moving on into another year. 2010 wasn't a totally bad year for me with my writing. I released 12 stories last year and made some wonderful friends and fans along the way. I attended the Romantic Times Convention in Ohio in April, the Lori Foster's Get Together in June and the Central Ohio Fictions Writer's conference in Ohio in October.
As I look back on these conferences, I often wonder if they are worth the price of going. RT is very expensive—$500 just for registration not including your hotel and airfare if you have to fly. For a brand new writer, I think it's invaluable if you can afford it. They have some awesome workshops on everything from promoting, to pitching your book, to what to write and how to write it. I met some fantastic people, got to spend Breakfast in Bed with Jimmy Thomas, whom I love to pieces. If you haven't had a chance to meet him, you need to. He's so sweet. I could just eat him up! How the whole thing of me winning the privilege of eating next to such a gorgeous guy, is another story.
Lori Foster's Get Together is very much worth the price. Her conference is only $50 plus your hotel and this includes several meals. It runs from Friday evening to Sunday morning and it's one big party. There are workshops and pitch sessions with some publishers, but you get to meet and mingle with fans, meet new ones, sell some books if you like and just have a great time. I had the opportunity to meet two new friends from Whipped Cream reviews and I don't think I've laughed so hard in my life. I'm definitely planning to return this year.
The Central Ohio Fiction Writers conference was okay. The whole conference seemed geared more toward writers which is a good thing, but not if you are a reader. There wasn't anywhere to put any giveaway things out like bookmarks or whatever. I was a bit disappointed with that part, but the food tasted great and the company I had the chance to hang out with, gave me the sense of family. Authors are family. Yes, there are some out there who feel e-published authors aren't real authors, but we are. We sell our product like everyone else, we have a fan base like every other writer and we have fans who can't wait for our next book. I had a chance to pitch a book to the Harlequin editor and got a request for a partial so it made the whole weekend worth it. Suzanne Brockmann did the key note addresses and she really gave me some great ideas and things to think about.
So back to the question, are these conferences worth it? You must judge for yourself, but for this nobody author who hit the romance novel networks in 2009 with her love of cowboys and the women they adore by the end of the book, yes it's worth it. Will I be attending some of this in 2011? You bet! And I seriously hope to see many of you there so I can meet more new friends and share the love of reading and writing romance with all of you.
Until next month ~ Sandy
Monday, January 3, 2011
Interview of Actor/Cover Model CJ Hollenbach
Where to find information about CJ:
http://www.cjcovermodel.com
http://www.cjhollenbach.com
http://www.cjhdesigns.com
Contest: Leave a comment for a chance to win a tote bag and hat. Contest ends midnight ET 6 Jan.
Q: With all the directions you’ve taken with your skyrocketing career, is there one job you’ve thought about trying but haven’t attempted?
A: I haven't done any "major" acting gigs. That seems like it would be the next logical step for me. But, I'm getting a little long in the tooth, so I better hurry! I'm told I'd make a good vampire, speaking of teeth!
Q: You have a degree in Graphic Design. Have you used your degree in any of your ventures?
A: We recently started an internet design company called "CJH Designs". I've designed a few of my own covers on it. We do promotional work for authors as well. Check it out. http://www.cjhdesigns.com
Q: I read your feature articles…you’re a talented writer! Tell us about how/why you started writing.
A: Thanks for the compliment. I started writing in high school for the local newspaper. My teacher at the time was very encouraging. Even my college professors said they enjoyed reading my term papers because I "entertained" them and they weren't used to that. Q: One of your articles is titled “World’s Oldest Stripper”. A fireman outfit? Tell us about it!
A: I'd been dancing for many years...many,many years. A lot of the models do, whether they admit it or not. You'd be crazy not to. I actually started when most of the guys were "retiring". I did it for 15 years. My "maturity" helped me out a lot. I brought a lot to the "party". You have to have several "character" outfits in your wardrobe when you dance. One of them was a fireman. (Insert "hose" joke here!) I wrote the article, "The World's Oldest Stripper" about my last show performing. It was fun.
Q: Tell us about your first “shoot” in NY.
A: After MANY years of knocking on doors and sending photos to EVERYONE in the business, I finally landed my first shoot in NYC. It was for Susan King's novel, "The Stone Maiden." Big sword, a kilt, blowing hair, the whole nine yards. I was leaving the photo studio with my suitcase on a very steamy July day and a woman stopped me on the sidewalk. She said "You know, you look like one of those guys on the cover of a romance novel!" For the first time in my life I could say "I AM one of those guys!!!"
Q: You’ve been to lots of Romantic Times Booklovers Conventions as a Mr. Romance contestant and judge. Any special memories of those events?
A: The first "Mr. Romance" contest was a national phenomenon. We got so much publicity. There hadn't been anything like it up until then. I think I garnered more publicity than the actual winner. I was "everywhere" for a while. Most of the contestants were cool. One guy fainted during the show. We also had a "swimsuit" competition they don't have anymore. There were some "alpha male" personalities that wanted to win at all costs. They didn't. The guy who won, David Alan Johnson should have won. He was the perfect choice. I even told him "If I don't win, YOU should!" Being in the contest helped me as a judge. I can spot a phony a mile away. These days they just go on "looks". Not the same contest anymore.
Q: You were featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine and TV Guide for cable. What were those “shoots” like? Was one more interesting and fun to do than the other?
A: Those covers just used existing photos from other shoots I'd done. The one for the TV Guide was with a girl I met in Chicago name Rachel Veltri. She's done dozens of romance covers and suggested me to some photographers in NYC. The next week I was shooting there. It's all in WHO you know.
Q: You’ve been in Playboy magazine. What was that experience like? And, did you do a “shoot” for Playgirl?
A: I shot for Playboy as a favor to a photographer friend of mine. He needed a guy to pose with a girl from the area. We were both clothed. She was a sweet girl and we had lunch at her house and I even met her parents. I was asked to be a centerfold for Playgirl no less than 3 times. Every time we always hit a snag. Eventually, I just sent them a photo set and they pulled the photos they liked.
Q: TV appearances. You mentioned in your feature articles that you’ve been on the Jerry Springer show, the Joan Rivers show, Entertainment tonight, MTV, and American Gladiators. Inquiring romance readers want to know about each experience!
A: I feel really comfortable in front of a camera. So, TV is no big deal for me. Joan Rivers was very sweet to me and I met Geraldo Rivera in the hall of CBS the day we taped. I think I'm still sore from doing "The American Gladiators". I taped the last "Jerry Springer Show" he did in Ohio before he moved to Chicago. That was when you could do the show without being embarrassed. It was called "From Nerd To Knock Out". Too funny. I was soured on some of the other shows I did when they twisted things around to make us look bad. Not cool.
Q: “Sexiest Grocer in America”? How did you earn that title?
A: I received the "Sexiest Grocer In America" title after my first appearance in Playgirl. At the time I was working as a grocery store manager. A grocery store trade magazine picked up on the store and did an article on me. The Washington Post newspaper called right after that. How crazy is that? That title still haunts me, but I guess I "earned" it! Q: What’s the competition like for “shoots”? Have you ever refused to do one?
A: I've turned down shoots if I don't like the photographer's work. I'm very big on "lighting". It can kill you if it's not done correctly. I've been spoiled. I don't need bad photos of me out there. You have to protect your professional image.
Q: You have a wonderful and long resume of your fabulous career. What will be added next to your list of accomplishments?
A: Hopefully, I will be doing some more writing in 2011. I've been slacking off. I KNOW I have a book in me someplace. (Maybe I should see a doctor about that!)
Q: Favorite food?
A: I would have to say my favorite food is birthday cake. There are no calories if it's YOUR birthday. (Somebody told me that once...)
Q: Favorite drink?
A: Favorite drink is probably vodka and cranberry. Not a lot of calories there, but a good Margarita ain't bad either!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year!
I’m excited to be one of the first bloggers to wish everyone a happy new year.I, personally, couldn’t wait for the year to end. For all intended purposes, it went well. I published several more books (which was good for my pocketbook), made some great friends, and learned a thing or two about myself. I thought I was in the home stretch for finishing off the year with no major disasters.
Then it happened. I few simple words uttered by my partner and the year's nasty demons, which at first, seemed to bypass us, surfaced with a vengeance as 2010 bitch-slapped us back to reality.
”I think we have a problem.” Were the last famous words spoken before we found the nightmare of a hot water foundation leak in our living room.
Try convincing someone to take on such a large job only 4 days before Christmas. Yeah, good luck with that! Everyone wants to make sure they are home, snuggled close to family, not jack-hammering a crater in some strangers living room, and then mucking around in mud trying to find a leak the size of a pin hole.
Our insurance company has been awesome! Yes, I refer to the current present tense because the nightmare continues. It will be at least another 2-3 weeks before we get our little house back to normal. Well, as normal as can be.
We are getting new floors in the entry, hallway, living room and bedroom with new baseboards to go with it. The holes the plumber carved in our walls, for repairs, will be patched and our washroom, kitchen, living room, entry, and hallway walls will be painted, and yes, I was mumbling, row, row, row your boat gently down our hall, as the plumber tended to the foundation leak. Oh, the joys of owning your own home.
The truth is that even with everything that happened, I am grateful for what we have. You see, it's our tradition to volunteer at a soup kitchen every Christmas day and this year was no exception. How's the saying go..."neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night" - in our case, water, would keep us from our Christmas Soup Kitchen.
The funny thing about putting yourself out there is that you tend to forget your own problems and you start to see things from a different perspective. My anger quickly turned to gratefulness.
I'm grateful we have a home to worry about. I'm grateful we have the means to get things repaired or replaced. I'm grateful that SERVPRO of Dallas NWD, sent Nallen to our house for the water extraction. Kudos to Nallen, for without his sense of humor, I surely would have completely lost my mind. I'm grateful for the friends and family that I have in my life. I'm grateful for plumbers and homeowners insurance. I'm grateful 2010 finally came to a close and I'm grateful that my parents walked twenty miles to school, barefoot, in the snow, everyday, not that its ever snowed in Cuba, but...you get my point.
I have only one simple request of this new and upcoming year. "Please, dear G-d, don't let any of my lessons involve water. Amen."
Happy New Year and remember, keep it short, keep it sweet, and keep it real.
Annie :0)
http://www.anniealvarez.net/
http://naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome to 2011!
1. Lose weight. (is there anyone who doesn't say this?)
2. Spend more time with family and friends. (take time to enjoy those around me)
3. Write. Write. Write. I got sidetracked last year and didn't get much done. While I'm pleased to have my nonfiction book completed and about to be released, I didn't spend enough time writing romance books.
5. Exercise. (Mall walking, anyone?)
6. Get to conferences. (RT2011, RWA2011, and RomantiCon2011). All I need is money!
7. Keep in touch with everyone through "Romance Books R Us". (the group is so wonderful...I'm really having a great time!)
Does my list sound like yours? May you accomplish everything/every goal you set and have a wonderful NEW YEAR!
Photos: Flickr: Berend B. and Mooi J's photostreams.
http://www.mariannestephens.net
"Guilty Survivor", nonfiction TBR 1-26-11 at: http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/MarianneStephens.html http://www.aprilash.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)