Interview of Author Stacy Juba

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Stacy Juba.

Latest Book: the audiobook edition of Sink or Swim. Also available as an e-book.
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/kEygv
Video Link: http://youtu.be/dY13tZfN4xs

BIO:
Stacy Juba has made numerous bestseller lists including GalleyCat’s Barnes & Noble Bestsellers, GalleyCat’s Mystery and Thriller Bestsellers, and multiple Amazon Top 100 lists, and she has also been ranked as one of the Most Popular Authors in Mysteries on Amazon. She has had a book ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. Stacy has written about reality TV contestants targeted by a killer, an obit writer investigating a cold case, teen psychics who control minds, twin high school hockey stars battling on the ice, and teddy bears learning to raise the U.S. flag: she pursues whatever story ideas won’t leave her alone. Her titles include the adult mystery novels Sink or Swim and Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, the children’s picture books The Flag Keeper and the Teddy Bear Town Children’s Bundle (Three Complete Picture Books), and the young adult novels Face-Off and Dark Before Dawn. She is also the editor of the essay anthology 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror: 52 Authors Look Back. She is a former journalist with more than a dozen writing awards to her credit.

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: I called my husband, and then called my parents! Then I paced the room with a big grin on my face, as I was so excited, I couldn’t sit still.

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The beginning is the easiest to write as I usually have a clear vision of the first few chapters. I follow an outline to get started. It gets trickier when the characters start surprising me, but that’s usually deeper into the story.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: The middle is hardest as it goes on for so long. It’s important to develop the story and characters, yet keep the pacing moving along, which can be a challenge.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: My favorite character in Sink or Swim is Cassidy Novak, a personal trainer who competes on a reality show. I like how the experience makes her appreciate the normal life that she had and reminds her of how important her family is to her. She was an interesting character to write as Cassidy is stubborn, sassy, impulsive and determined, yet has a hidden layer of vulnerability. I enjoyed hooking her up with easygoing cowboy Zach Gallagher, as he is her polar opposite in personality.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: I enjoy aerobics, yoga, and my latest hobby is playing game apps like the puzzle game Flow Free. I am spending way too much time playing games!

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I find Twitter the most helpful. I’ve made so many connections with book bloggers, authors and readers, and having others RT a post can really get the word out. I feel that more people are seeing my posts than on other social networks. I also blog, primarily because I can heavily promote my blog posts through Twitter.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Website: http://stacyjuba.com/blog
Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Juba/e/B002OXLSDE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Barnes & Noble page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/stacy-juba
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Juba/100155471301
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stacyjuba

BLURB:
It's hard enough being famous and not rich. When a stalker enters the picture, reality TV has never seemed so real. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained fame for starring on Sink or Swim, a hit reality show. Not only does she lose and have to walk the plank, but after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning home, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans. As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by the stalker's bizarre rules. She's also being shadowed by hunky cowboy photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust the mysterious Zach, yet fears he may not be what he seems. When the stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy must once again walk the plank...this time for her life. A Nook Mystery Bestseller, made the Nook Top 100, and a #1 Kindle Bestseller in the Women Sleuths and Romantic Suspense Categories.

EXCERPT:
"Look! There she is!" A few hundred spectators pointed and gawked as Cassidy entered the ballroom of the Starlight Sensation. She gulped and smoothed down her sleeveless emerald pantsuit.

Deniz Jewell had called the other day with an offer for Cassidy’s first public appearance, and conveniently, it was only forty-five minutes from home. A cruise line had asked her to headline the grand preview of a new luxury ship, docked at the Black Falcon Terminal in the South Boston Waterfront District. They wanted her to sign autographs and socialize with the guests who’d paid to attend a cocktail party and information session.

Cassidy would have preferred something more fitness-related, like an exercise video or sneaker endorsement, but Deniz said she was putting out feelers and that in the meantime, her client should take any work she could get.

Although a cruise ship wasn’t what Cassidy had hoped for, she appreciated the marketing department’s interest in her and liked that the event was in Boston. Even better, the cruise line had sent a black stretch limo for her and her companions from the Garrett Daily News.

Lynn, the cruise line’s six-foot plus brunette director of publicity, rubbed her hands together in anticipation. Barrettes fastened sausage black curls off her rawboned face, lengthening her giraffe neck. Her springy ringlets bounced as she talked. "We’re delighted to have you here, Cassidy, especially on such short notice. We just knew you’d be the perfect ‘face’ of the Starlight Sensation. When we have our maiden voyage this fall, we’d love for you to cruise with us. We could do a huge publicity campaign."

"Oh ... wow, that sounds like fun," Cassidy said.

First SOS. Then the cruise runner-up prize. Now this. How many ships was she doomed to ride?

"As you can see, you’re a big hit." Lynn waved toward the guests murmuring and sneaking glances from round tables festooned with drinks and appetizers. "You’ll sign autographs in here and our staff will be sure to keep the line orderly."

Good to know, but Cassidy half-wished she’d jumped out of the limo a few miles back at Castle Island, a spacious urban park and her favorite spot in Boston. She loved walking or jogging around Castle Island and the peaceful Pleasure Bay, enjoying views of the ferries and vessels passing in the harbor, the low airplanes descending toward Logan International Airport, and the tourists milling about the historic Fort Independence. She’d give anything for a hotdog and ice cream at Sullivan’s, the popular family-run restaurant that serviced visitors. Alas, she’d get no relaxation today.

As Lynn conferred with a co-worker, Cassidy turned to her own personal news team. "Boy, does this beat the Atlantic Devil in the luxury department," she muttered.

"No kidding." Alison scrawled into her wire-bound notebook. With her sleek helmet of blonde locks and designer wardrobe, she looked more like a TV anchorwoman than a small-town newspaper reporter.

Zach Gallagher, her photographer, pulled his Nikon digital camera out of a padded bag and removed the felt Stetson from his wavy black hair. "I wouldn’t mind taking a trip on this baby myself." His flash blinked, triggering a half-dozen cameras from other parts of the ballroom.

"Cassidy! Cassidy!" An acne-scarred young man rushed over to them. Lank greasy blond strands hung ragged past his shoulders, limp as a used mop, and a torn tee-shirt with Cassidy's blurred likeness fell to the waist of his ripped jeans.

He cupped a camera to his heart. "Please, could I pose for one picture with you? I know this is a huge favor, but I can’t stay that long."

Lynn gave her a subtle nod. "Yeah, sure," Cassidy said.

She positioned herself beside the kid and Lynn snapped the photo with a cheerful "cheese."

His lip trembling, the kid stared at Cassidy. "You don't know what this means to me. You should have won. Reggie was a loser."

How could he say that? Reggie was dead. There were more important things than winning. Like living.


Anything else you’d like to add?
Stop by my free reads page for a free 23 minute mystery audiobook and my free anthology 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror: 52 Authors Look Back. http://stacyjuba.com/blog/short-stories/.

Gotta settle down and write!

The past month has been a terror. Moving to new house is always traumatic, but most of unpacking is done and the house is very livable. Still to be unpacked are boxes and boxes and boxes of books. I won't have room for them all, and it's going to be damned difficult to decide what to keep.

Through all this I've been editing my latest elf book in the Passionate Pursuit series. Three more still to come to round out in the eight in the series. Here's an excerpt, slightly sexy.

PG excerpt from Dangerous Pursuit. Coming the end of this month from Ellora’s Cave.

 

 "He was perfection in the body of an irresistible male. A honed body proclaiming daily exercise, long-limbed and exuding a power that beckoned without his even exerting it. A beautifully shaped head with hair of a light blond shade she’d never seen. Even though his mother’s was the same color and longer, still she thought Vale’s was more arresting. Floating when he turned his head quickly, sometimes allowing a glimpse of his peaked elf’s ears. She thought those ears incredibly sexy. And his riveting eyes. Set under arched brows, their darkness unexpected considering his moon-white hair. All the more commanding because of the rarity of the combination.

He wanted her now. Wanted her badly. She knew that too. But if she gave in to the deep-seated urge to encourage him what would happen? An urge she could scarcely control was with her constantly when with him. She wanted nothing more than to have her hands explore every plane and crevice of his perfect body. She’d end up flat on her back, that’s what would happen. In one big hurry. She hadn’t missed the way his cock had sometimes swelled and pushed against his pants. And they’d have the world’s hottest love affair in history for a month or so. Her panties grew soaked every time she let herself imagine the glorious pleasure she’d find in his arms. She’d never let a man bed her, she hadn’t wanted to, but Vale made her whole body throb and crave to let him be the first.

But how long could he resist the constant lure of other women trying to entice him into their beds? Women with seductive skills she couldn’t match. She had no experience with men. She’d disappoint him no matter how she tried. She knew nothing of the physical side of love. When men had attempted to flirt with her or kiss her she’d been repelled. What if Vale repelled her in the final stages of making love? Such a thing seemed unlikely, when he heated her blood with every glance, but she didn’t have enough experience to be sure.

Much better to enjoy his company while she could and keep him at arm’s length no matter how her treacherous body urged her on. But oh, how she longed to take a chance at what he so plainly offered. To let him fold her in his strong arms and bend his irresistible lips to hers. Why did Vale alone have this effect on her? Her nurses’ mind told her perhaps it was finally time to have someone stir her body, but she thought it more than that. She could almost feel his powerful body molded against hers. His barely restrained desire would doubtless teach her so much she craved to know. "

 

My other coming novel, soon to be pubbed. A sexy Regency story, based on a little known fact of that period. You'll have to read it to know what it is!

"She grabbed a kettle and headed for the back door. Best to bring in some snow to melt. Water was the prime necessity. As she opened the door she saw Sebastian, wielding a shovel and attacking the drifts from the previous night. He’d not put on his greatcoat, and had stripped off his jacket. As his shoulders flexed she could see his powerful muscles. His corded chest and abdomen strained when he heaved snow to the side of the path.

As he threw the shovelful up and onto the snow bank that was higher than his head, she stood transfixed. No matter what else she thought of him, he was the most handsome specimen of sheer, viral manhood she’d ever seen. Actually, the most she’d even dreamed of. He was magnificent.

Not that she was prey to such blatant perfection.

He seemed to feel her presence, and he turned around and grinned. “I love physical activity, even if it’s something this prosaic. I seldom get a chance to actually indulge. This feels good.”

Almost speechless, she looked around and saw the jakes at the end of the path and her mouth quirked in amusement.

“A most necessary effort, my lord. I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done.”

His grin widened as he leaned on the shovel.

“We’re going to be together for a few days and I detest this ‘my lord’ business. Please call me Sebastian.”

She turned and then looked back of her shoulder.

She hesitated and then surrendered. Even if it were only a few days, she’d love to use his name.

“And I’m Caroline. But I’m usually just Caro to my friends.”

His dark eyes flashed and then stared into hers.

“Then I’ll definitely call you Caro.”

He resumed shoveling, while she stood, flushed and flustered out of all proportion. He was a practiced rake who knew how to tie women in knots. That burning glance meant nothing.

This was just his routine way of charming a woman. She’d pay no attention to any of his light-hearted ways. Still she paused to watch his magnificent physique as he tackled the mounds of snow.

Snorting to herself at her foolishness, she filled the kettle with snow and brought it in to swing on the iron spike set over the fire. They’d need more snow, lots more, but his physically inclined lordship should be glad of an excuse to keep exercising that beautiful body."

 

So are these women in trouble or not? Please comment and let me know if you like these excerpts. I can also be found at www.jeanhartstewart.com and www.ellora'scave.com, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc.

 

 

 

 

Have lots of reading fun today.  You can find more excerpts at my website, www.jeanhartstewart.com. Or at my publishers, www.ellorascave.com.

Thanks for reading this.....

 

 

Guest Blog: Stephanie Burkhart: Juliet the muse shares her "never fails" tip when it comes to writing those dreaded Blurbs!

We've done it – we've written a great novel. It's going through edits with a publisher and then we get the email that makes us bite our nails to little bits:

Can you write a back cover blurb no more than 150 words and a 25 word short blurb?

My muse, Juliet, rushes off to get a manicure. There's nothing like a hand soothing manicure to revitalize the inspiration. Newly painted nails always gets Juliet in the mood when she has to help me write a blurb.

Blurb writing is not easy. You've got a novel/novella/short story that you've got to sum up in a couple of paragraphs and you've got to make it sound jazzy so it will entice a reader to buy and read.

I try the following: I introduce the hero/heroine (main characters), state what the challenge is and what's at stake. It seems like a lot, but it all comes down to verb choice for me. After I write an initial rough draft blurb, I circle my verbs and strive to find stronger ones. "Went" and "was" are two that I try to replace. If I have an adverb, I try to eliminate it. Then I examine my adjectives and look for punchier ones – tormented, hunted, captivated, destroyed, ruined, enthralled, enchanted are all stronger words that come to mind.

With a short 25 word blurb, I try to state who my heroine (or hero) is and the challenge they face.

I'd love to hear your tips and what works for you.

BIO: 

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Married with two boys, she lives in California. In her spare time, she's a soccer mom, dance mom, cub & boy scout mom, and a writer. Her story, "Made in America," won 8^th place in Mainstream Fiction in the 82^nd Annual Writer's Digest Contest this year.

BLURB:

 It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over from the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Edmund of Wales, back to 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition.

Alice soon finds herself over her head in trouble. Edmund is determined to help Prince Albert build a dirigible and the Prime Minister appears intent in preventing her from stopping Edmund. Alice knows it's too early for the massive flying machine to take to the air. Complicating matters is the passionate Grayson Kentfield, Earl of Swinton. Alice can't stop her pulse from pounding when she's near him.

Can Alice give her heart to a man from the past while working to stop Edmund from changing history?

AWARDS FOR VICTORIAN SCOUNDREL:

2012 Romance of the Year at Deep in the Heart of Romance

2012 Bronze Winner, Romance: Historical, Reader's Favorites Reviews

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK

SONY EBOOK STORE

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK

KOBO

WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

 TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

 GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

 YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

 PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

I have a title and a contract...

And now I am working hard on two more wips...

I certainly hope it doesn't take me another year to get one of them done. I was in the middle of working hard on a shifter story, when all of a sudden, out of the blue, a lightning bolt struck, and I had to quickly get it in writing (or at least a bit of it) before I lost the train of thought. So now I am madly switching back and forth, trying to keep from going stagnant while trying hard to keep the thread firmly in mind.

When I first started writing, I was using one of these old manual typewriters...and a LOT of paper.  Having my trusty computers now, I can type my heart out, and never have to wad up and toss a dozen sheets out when I realize my mind has taken a wrong turn.

Well, I just sent in a contract on Skinwalker's Woman, and I am now waiting for first edits. I hope this old-fart brain of mine can handle two wips and edits all at the same time.  

I am totally a pantser when I write...and often, when I come up with a great thought in the middle of a story, I have to go back and adjust the first part to fit in with the middle. LOL!  In fact, I have been known to write the ending first, then go back and build it from the inside out.  A few times, back in the good old days, I would sit at my typewriter and I wouldn't move as long as my muse kept spouting. Except bathroom and coffee breaks, that is.

I have many pals who totally outline a story and can present a query letter without a blink, while this old lady finishes the entire story before self-editing, and only then does she sub it. I know myself too well.  I might sub a query to my editor, then change the whole story before it gets finished...and I hate to do that to my editor.

Wish me luck, dear ones...I think I'm gonna need it...

Hugs!

Fran Lee

www.franleeromance.com

Why This Old Lady Writes Sensuous/Erotic Romance Books!

As a Baby Boomer, I find myself wondering how life has gone by so quickly while I focus on what still awaits.

I look at myself today and wonder how those extra pounds cemented to my body ever got the chance to take up permanent residence. And, the gray in my dark hair? When did that start? Frown lines? Wrinkles? Aching knees and body?

When I was young, I couldn’t wait to turn 16. Then 18. Then 21. Then, 30. After that, I was just too busy raising a family and teaching to worry about age. When I turned 50, I actually felt surprising good. It was turning that dreaded 60 that depressed me.

All the fun emails people send me about “remember when” are entertaining…and things I do remember. My memories of growing up before I got married now seem so distant, as the years I’ve been married outnumber the years I was single.

When did I get so old?

I, like everyone else, remember certain important things from my past. Growing up and going to school. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance. And, saying the “Our Father” prayer in school because it was perfectly acceptable to do so. I remember leaving school early every Thursday to walk to religious instruction, and no one mentioned the fact that a public school allowed this early dismissal for religious reasons. It just happened.

I remember gym suits and respecting teachers. Dressing appropriately was important and not something argued about. Nothing was said about “free speech in dress”, long hair for boys, earrings, makeup, etc. We followed rules and did as told. Air raid drills were common in schools. Getting into trouble meant your parent would meet with the teacher and you’d be disciplined.

I remember where I was when President Kennedy was shot, and how I’d told my mother that morning that I’d had a “vision” he was going to be killed. Eerie thought to have, and worried me for months. How did I know that would happen?

I remember the deaths of loved ones, the marriages and births of others.

I remember being in a car accident and falling out the door (no seat belts then) and thinking to myself, “I’m dead.” I vowed not to drive again but did.

I remember how important school studies were, and how we all needed to take a foreign language to get into college. Driving was a privilege, not a demand. Working was important, and you never left a job without giving two weeks notice. Unheard of. Not ethical. Not done.

I’m a baby boomer, and life is so different now. But, I’m older, and can sit back and watch as I reflect on what was, what is, and ponder what will be. Medicare age is here, and that brings a new installment in the book of my life. Can I be that old?

My 50th High School reunion is in a few years. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends again. When once we talked about college hopes, careers, marriage and raising families, now we’ll talk about retirement, health issues, and grandchildren.

I taught for years, then began my writing career “late in life”. The sensuous or erotic scenes I write I’d never have written before. But, I’m older now. At peace with myself. Not out to please others or prove anything to anyone as to what I write. I do it for me.

I think about a scene from the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” where the character played by Kathy Bates waits patiently for a parking space, only to have two young women zip into the spot before she can move her car. She tells them she was waiting for the spot, only to have them tell her that they’re younger and faster.

First instinct would have you angry but accept rudeness from younger, flighty people and search for another spot. In this case, however, the character rams her car into the younger girls’ car a few times. When they scream at her, she replies that she’s older and has more insurance.

I love that scene. It reminds me that I’m older, don’t have to give a damn what others think, and can do as I please (within the law, of course). I no longer shrink back into a corner of silence if I don’t agree with others more vocal. I speak my mind, if I feel I need to.

With age comes the wisdom to know when to speak, and when to shrug it off and walk away. Picking my battles keeps me sane, and preaching to deaf ears gets me nothing but pain. Life has changed, the rules have changed, people have changed, but I’ll roll with the punches…as long as you don’t get in my way and irritate me.

I'm older now and not afraid to speak...or write what I choose to write.
http://www.mariannestephens.net
htttp://www.aprilash.net


Photos: Flickr: JohnMorgan and johnbulla's photostreams.

Name Games

I've always had a thing for knowing about names--what they mean, which ones derive from one another, and what nicknames go with which. One of my favorite parts of writing is naming my characters.

After over 50 stories though, it's getting harder. I hate to be repetitive, but I've caught myself naming a lot of tertiary characters things like Frank, Sam, Jim, Rose, and Becky. Finally, I've started up a database for names I've used, sortable by first, last, book, etc. I've found that William and its variants, Willhelmina and Willa, is the most common single name. Along with W, I have clusters of names beginning with A, C, E, G and M. There is a Rhys in two different series and more than one Karen. There are a couple of Jasons, but both are secondary. Three of my heroes have names that start with Z: Zane, Zach and Zeyd.

The surnames of my characters seem to be overwhelmingly Celtic--either Irish or Scots names account for more than half the list. Next up is Engish, Eastern European (mostly Polish) followed by invented SF or F names. French would be the final category, almost entirely because of my gargoyle series.The heroes have first names that are often a single syllable, and again, are usually Celtic, English, or created. Exceptions include the three Greek were-lion brothers in Just for Jess and of course, the gargoyles.

My heroines tend to have simple names, or, if their names are longer, they have easy to say nicknames--Evie for Evangeline, Caro for Caroline, Jess for Jessamy. Here again, they are almost all English, Celtic, or French, with a few Spanish  names tossed in.

So, I think I need to work on my diversity, don't you? Time to venture further afield.

Are there any hero/heroine names you absolutely love? Totally loathe? Would really like to see? Comment below, and I'll draw one name to win a free download of any one of my available books!  have a great week! And just for fun, here's one of my favorite name list sites: http://www.namenerds.com/

Viva The Beautiful Game!

Ladies, Gents, Fans, Followers and Everyone in Between:

Allow me to introduce you to

THE  BLACK JACK GENTLEMEN
The Soccer Team of Detroit

Yes, I have finally parlayed my love for The Beautiful Game a.k.a. football a.k.a. soccer into a series of books that I am thrilled to debut today. The first book MAN ON, is available now. Also at B&N in ebook with print coming by end of the week).While it may seem like a "traditional" male romance story it contains elements of the dilemma and politics of being a gay professional athlete.  There is a fair bit of news about this now. Earlier this year Robbie Roberts, a known gay soccer player, signed with the LA Galaxy, one of the most well-known Major League Soccer teams (thanks mostly to David Beckam's playing days there).

Basically, the concept of an entire team full of unique personalities, all men who are driven and athletic but with their own stories fascinates me. Combine that with the high-tech nature of the start up club, with a front office full of aggressive marketing and public relations professionals and the plot concepts are nearly endless.

For now, I welcome you to meet a few members of the inaugural team: Nicolas Garza, an older player once at the pinnacle of the European leagues has been brought low by his own poor choices. The coaching staff has doubts about his personality but require his expertise to anchor them at midfield. And he hits the ground running as it were, becoming the Black Jack's most popular player online. Parker Rollings has rejected his parents requirement that he give up soccer for medical school. He has run from all he knows, going out on a limb on many levels. But he has a single goal: to be a pro soccer player. He knows he must also reject his budding realization about his own sexuality as a result.

Book 2: RED CARD will release this week as well. It is a slightly longer novel about Meting Sevim, a Turkish man who literally has everything--and has it yanked from him in an eyeblink. It's a story of second chances, but also the gender politics of the game. The fact that women who train and work as hard as men simply don't have the same professional opportunities as men.  I am contemplating a women's team to pair with the Black Jacks which opens up yet more plot opportunities!


Book 3: SHUT OUT will release next month...

I hope you all get a chance to check out these books. They are stand alones but will be best appreciated as a series. I have 2 more in "mental plotting" for a 2014 release.

A city and a sport with something to prove—Meet the men who take that challenge.

The Black Jack Gentlemen—Detroit’s expansion soccer team.

They play hard. And live harder.

The Black Jack Gentlemen

The newest series by Liz Crowe

Book 1:  Man On (August 2013)

Book 2:  Red Card (August 2013) 

Book 3:  Shut Out (September 2013)

And Coming Soon…

Book 4:  Set Piece

Book 5:  Hat Trick

MAN ON

Bad boy of European football, Nicolas Garza is about to hit American shores with a vengeance. Signed by the Detroit Black Jack Gentlemen as lynch pin for their expansion club, Nicco only half believes he’s making the right move. But with a past full of ghosts and rotten behavior chasing him from his homeland, he has no real choice.

Parker Rollings is a college soccer superstar, but his parents’ plans for their only son do not include professional athletics. When the Black Jacks approach him to finalize their roster, Parker leaps at the chance to keep playing, leaving behind medical school, stability and his first and only college sweetheart.

Nicco and Parker face off as bitter rivals for a coveted starting spot at midfield and are forced to channel their negative energy into something positive for the sake of the group—and themselves.

All eyes are on the fledgling team in its debut season. It’s crucial that the Black Jacks prove all the doubters wrong. They must make a good showing in the league and with new fans. But player drama, club dynamics, and misplaced priorities may tear it apart before it even begins.

RED CARD

Free will makes us human.

Choice makes us individuals.

Love makes us unique.

Metin Sevim has it all. At the pinnacle of international soccer playing success, he has managed to craft a perfect world for himself along the way.

When fate strips him of free will and the ability to choose his own path, he retreats from everyone and everything, destroying his hard-won career in the process.

Dragged back from the brink by his desperate family, Metin reluctantly agrees to coach the Black Jack Gentlemen Detroit soccer team but remains debilitated by memories and loss. When a surprising friendship emerges, it renews his passion for life, providing much needed solace… and extreme complications.

A saga of family dynamics and gender politics that cuts across cultures and circumstance, Red Card illustrates the human capacity for forgiveness through the life of one man as he attempts to rebuild his shattered existence.

SHUT OUT

A submissive once, a submissive forever?

A man on the run from the only life he’s ever known, Brody Vaughn is poised to accept the Black Jack Gentleman’s newly vacant goalkeeper’s position. It’s a desperate move, but one he must take to regain his emotional equilibrium. Reeling from his Mistress’s rejection and on the ragged edge of a total breakdown, he arrives in Detroit. Numb with thinly veiled grief, he walks into the club’s front office completely unaware that an encounter with true destiny awaits him.

Sophie Harrison has seen it all--as Domme, sub, and victim. Now that her complicated circumstances have landed her as legal counsel for the expansion Black Jacks team, she holds herself aloof in body and spirit. Nothing and no one gets past her fiercely guarded walls. Until the day she looks up to greet the new goalie standing in her doorway, his raw combination of vulnerability and strength making her breathless.

Two people, horribly scarred by the excesses of the BDSM lifestyle and hiding from their true selves, meet across a desk over a simple contract. All bets are off.

 As you might expect, I'm "on tour" for both Man On and Red Card..... so you'll be hearing from me more! Happy Reading!

Interview of Pamela Sinclair - ItGirl Designs Owner

Today I'd like to present an interview of ItGirl Designs Owner, Pamela Sinclair.

Website: http://www.itgirldesigns.com
Portfolio: http://www.behance.net/itgirldesigns

BIO:
I have over twelve years of experience in web & graphic design as well as creative consulting. I am a lover of books, art, technology, and most things chocolate.

Design isn't just a job for me--it's one of my passions. The ability to bring an idea of my own to life is gratifying; being able to help others bring their ideas to life is priceless.

When I am not designing, I can usually be found with a book in hand or loaded on my laptop or a reading device.

Q: Describe your job.
A: I design book covers, promo pieces, and websites for authors and those in the book industry.

Q: What motivated you to get involved in the romance industry?
A: I am the typical girl who dreamed of the princes and castles. Well sometimes tycoons, bad boys, and a wolf or vamp or two as I got older.

Being able to create them visually and bringing fantasies/dreams to life in some small way for others is exciting.

Is there anything better than being able to be a part of an industry based on love or the idea of it?

Q: What's one important thing you've learned about your job as you became more involved in it.
A: Oh wow! I’ve learned so many more than just one, but I understand the blog spot isn’t big enough to hold them all.

Authors and publishers have many different expectations when looking for a cover design. It is really important to listen to their ideas and needs, but at the same time speak up with what you feel may work best. It’s all about effectively communicating with each other and being willing to be flexible when it comes to delivering a final product that you can both be proud of.

Just another tiny something because I can’t help myself to keep it to one. There seems to be a stock shortage on blonde haired men and young adult who look like normal young adults.

Finish this sentence: Romance is.......the next best thing to sushi and cheesecake.

Q: How do you handle complaints/negative feedback from readers/authors?
A: When entering into anything – especially in a creative field, you have to be prepared to receive negative feedback and criticism. While it can be a bit disheartening and disappointing, it can be a good place to look for areas to improve upon.

If it is something in my work or service I provide I can make better, I make every effort to do so.

Taking a deep breath sometimes followed by a piece of chocolate or two is called for sometimes too.

Q: Ebooks or print. Do you read both? If you read ebooks, what reader do you have?
A: I read both. I actually use my laptop to read ebooks with the most. I am on it all the time for work so having an ebook pulled up in a separate window is a wonderful way to take a break and get some reading in. I also use my iPad as well as my iPhone sometimes.

Q: What do you consider the best way for an author to do promos?
A: Blogging, Social Media, and Networking. Connecting with their fans and other industry reps. Finding unique angels to standout.

Q: Conferences and conventions. Do you attend any and how do you decide which ones to go to?
A: Though I’ve been in design for over twelve years, I’ve just started offering my services specifically for authors/book industry the end of 2012 so I’ve not been to any events. I’m in a rural town in south Alabama so location would play a factor as well. I’d love suggestions and recommendations!

Q: What’s the one most important thing a reader/author should know about your business?
A: That I am happy to work with you until the result is something we can both be proud of.

Q: Chats. How important do you feel it is for authors to take part in chats on loops or at other romance sites?
A: I think they are a great way to meet and get to know their readers. Connecting with readers can be a big morale boost and help to decide what direction to go on their next story. As a reader myself, it’s always wonderful to know an author cares and will take the time to answer a question or hang out virtually for a bit.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. Where do you appear?
A: I am on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook! I don’t have official “It Girl” accounts yet, but you can connect with me on my personal accounts.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pams00
Twitter: twitter.com/pams00
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/pamela-sinclair/a/6b6/157

Please add anything else you feel is important.

I’d be happy to work with anyone needing a cover, site, or promo related item. Please contact me at hireitgirl@gmail.com to get the conversation started about your project.

For anyone needing services who mentions they found me at RB4U, I’ll provide a 20% discount.

Ferragosto: Closed For The Month Of August

FERRAGOSTO, literally translated from Italian, means August holiday. It also means three to four weeks of vacation for most Italians.

    

Everything except tourist attractions are closed for the month, and the Italians head for the beaches or mountains. If you travel in Italy during August, most of the people you encounter in the cities are other tourists, foreigners, and a few disgruntled Italians who work in the tourist industry.

The idea of getting an automatic, mandatory three weeks off would be unheard of in most countries. But when the company, government office, or business you work for closes for the month, what else can you do? The Italians have done this for hundreds of years, regardless of the economy. They may have to work harder in July to get projects and tasks completed, but come August, they are out of there.
 
A mass exodus from the big cities always creates traffic problems, news articles, and the incessant question, "Where are you going this year?" 

   

ANCIENT ORIGINS

Like most holidays in Italy and much of the western world, the origins of Ferragosto date back nearly 3,000 years to the early Romans.

The festival of the Consuali, dedicated to Conso, the god of the harvest, took place on August 23 (or, if you accept Plutarch's version, on August 18) and workers and animals were granted a time of rest after the harvest. It was unique in that it was the only festival when masters, freemen, and slaves celebrated together.

Legend tells us it was initiated by Romulus, founder of Rome, and according to the ancient stories, it was at the first games for the Consuali that the Sabine women were abducted as future wives for the Romans.

Romulus' followers were mostly men, so after the founding of Rome they tried to negotiate with a nearby city state, the Sabines, for wives. The Sabines, however, feared the emergence of a rival society, and they brought negotiations to a screeching halt.

So the Romans planned an abduction during a festival--some sources say it was the Festival of Neptune Equester, others say the festival of the Consuali, or maybe they were the same thing. All the surrounding peoples and city states were invited, including the Sabines. During the festivities, the Romans snatched the Sabine women, then battled and defeated the Sabine men.

According to the writings of Livy and Plutarch, there was no sexual assault involved—rape in this context means taking the women away by force. Romulus offered the women free choice and, if they accepted Roman husbands, promised civic and property rights to them.

Apparently, many accepted, because not long after there was a war between the Sabines and the Romans. The Sabine women who had become Roman wives stopped the fighting by inserting themselves between their Sabine fathers and Roman husbands on the battlefield and demanding that the war cease. They said they would rather die than to lose both husbands and fathers. The fighting stopped.

In my opinion, this is an example of how much better off the world would be if women were the leaders, not men. We operate on a more compassionate win-win level. The Rape of the Sabine women has been a favorite subject for sculptors and painters over the centuries. I think it would make a terrific historical novel.

Another version of the origins is that the name is latin (Ferie augusti) for Augustus holiday. Some sources indicate that the tradition began in 18 AD when Emperor Augustus celebrated the end of the harvest season with three weeks of rest and activities. These sources also cite the unusual practice of mingling all social classes at these events.

Take your pick of legends. Actually, they're are not mutually exclusive.

FERRAGOSTO IN THE MIDDLE AGES

With the rise of the Roman Catholic faith, church authorities stepped in and turned the pagan festival into a religious celebration, proclaiming Ferragosto, celebrated on the fifteenth of August, as the Feast of the Assumption. This is the Roman Catholic feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the end of her earthly life, physically ascended into heaven.

While origins of this religious belief remain vague, by the fourth and fifth centuries AD it was mentioned in religious texts. There are debates about it, but by 847 it was solidly embedded in Roman Catholicism.

At some time during the Renaissance, to celebrate the assumption, the Church made it obligatory to recognize workers with a bonus in relation to this feast. That was, apparently, the beginning of the modern Italian practice to give workers a tredicesima, or thirteenth month paycheck.

To this day, my husband, who gets a pension from the Italian government, receives a 13^th month payment every year. However, because he lives outside Italy, he isn't entitled to it. Still, each December, the Italian government sends his tredicesima. Then, in May they send a letter telling him he isn't entitled to it, and that they're deducting it from his June payment. It's happened that way for years. Don't these people have computers now?

FERRAGOSTO IN ITALY TODAY

In addition to swarming the beaches and going to the mountains, contemporary Italians celebrate the holiday in various ways, many of them traditions that have existed for centuries. And, of course, everyone has a big family feast.

In Sienna the famous horse race Il Palio dell'Assunta is held on August 16 in honor of the Assumption of Mary. Ten horses, whose riders wear the colors representing the ten city wards, ride bareback through the streets. It's a "must see" if you're in Italy in August.

At one point in time, the Romans used to flood Piazza Navona and hold boat races. Another source claims it was customary to spray everyone with water and push them into this artificial lake. This is linked to the older rites focusing on Neptune and purification with water. This particular tradition has been discontinued.

Another ancient rite associated with the harvest festival was purification with fire, so in the countryside, you'll see many bonfires. In Trapani, there is a procession where the townspeople burn the grass along the procession route.

The City of Messina, my husband's home town, there is a procession called La Vara--the word derived from the verb meaning to launch--itself is actually a three- to four-story statue representing the assumption.

It is pulled through the cobblestone streets of Messina mounted on wooden beams like railroad ties, by people wanting to do penance. Dressed in white and barefoot, they pull on huge ropes to drag the statue about five miles to the cathedral.

Sorry, but these are really old photos that have faded a lot over the last forty years.

A city water truck drives in front of the procession spraying water on the cobblestone streets to make the pulling easier. It's a very moving spectacle. I remember one year they tried putting the statue on wheels, so it would be easier to pull, and everyone complained. They went back to the wooden beams.

COCOMERATA

Another Ferragosto tradition that I've experienced is Cocomerata, or watermelon feast. August is the time for watermelons. On August 15, my husband's family in Messina eats a big dinner (usually at someone's beach house), gets inebriated in various degrees, and finishes with watermelon for dessert. That turns into a food fight where everyone chases each other around and smears their faces and bodies with watermelon.

They celebrate Cocomerata all over Italy, but I'm hot sure about the food fight/watermelon smearing tradition. It seemed to be common in 

Sicily where we celebrated, so it wasn't just my family.

ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING

Closing down for three to four weeks in the middle of the tourist season may not make sense to others or seem economically feasible in today's world-driven economy, but it's been a tradition in Italy for eons. 

Employers may be looking at a shorter Ferie (holiday) in the future, and Italians may have to chose more affordable locations to enjoy their days of rest, but Ferragosto has survived through hard times, two world wars, and a myriad of other crises. It will come this year, and next year, and the year after that. I don't see it going away.

So on August 15, sit back, relax, drink a glass or two of wine (or other beverage of your choice), and eat some watermelon.

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Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferragosto
http://goitaly.about.com/od/festivalsandevents/qt/august-italian-holiday-ferragosto.htm
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-italian-holiday-ferragosto-sacred-profane-11321.html?cat=16
http://www.visit-rimini.com/blog/ferragosto-an-italian-holiday/