Sadly, due to lack of participation, this blog has closed for the time being.

I'm hoping I can get it up and running again soon with new members.

Thanks to everyone who have given their support.

Anne.~

I'm in a store-cool!

I've not had a lot of success getting my wonderful book The Jinx in the chain bookstores. I think part of the problem is my publisher Wild Rose Press is small. Still. Their books are awesome. Of course, I could be biased about that. So, what to do? I found this adorable little new and used bookstore in town, and the owner couldn't have been nicer. I saw she had displays of some local authors, so I asked her if she would be interested in carrying my book. She said, "Yes"! She's even going to host a book signing for me in two weeks. My first book signing-how exciting!

I love the independent book store owner who isn't tied to all of the red tape of making my book happen in her store. It makes me appreciate all the more the personal attention that the small business can do for their customers and also for their business partners as well. Inspired by that personal attention, I stopped at a pet store that had newly opened. Did they have dog nail clippers? My dog is in serious need of a pedicure on all four feet. The helpful guy (who was also the co-owner) said they'd be in Friday. Okay. I'm putting that on the calendar. Friday: Buy dog nail clippers. Give dog pedicure. Give dog a treat for putting up with the pedicure. Pat self on the back for supporting the local economy.

In the picture above, you see a poster of The Jinx right there in the front window! You can even see it from the busy road. See my reflection in the window as I take the picture? That's the reflection of a happy girl.

So, what is the etiquette of book signing? Stand up? Sit behind a tasteful table? Should I mingle? Partake of the tasty cheese cubes? It reminds me of when I got married. All that delicious food, and I was too busy to eat any of it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if as many people came to the book signing as were at my wedding?!

If you're in Ashland, Kentucky, stop by BJ's on Route 60. I know you love books. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here! Just look for The Jinx in the window.

A Little Light Magic, please . . .

from Emily Bryan . . .

As a writer, I usually read to analyze how other authors handle “writerly” issues—POV shifts, info dumps, character arc, etc. So cracking the spine of a book is part of what I do to hone my craft.

But there are a few authors whose prose sucks me so completely into their fictive dream, they make me forget that I’m a writer too. One member of that elite group is Joy Nash.

I’ve sighed with contentment over her DRUIDS OF AVALON series and listened to my heart pound in my ears while reading her IMMORTALS stories. So I wondered how she’d do with A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC, a tale set on the prosaic Jersey shore. As usual, Joy works her magic and I am completely drawn into her characters’ lives.

Her heroine Tori is the delightfully quirky owner of a New Age shop in possession of some magic “hoodoo” candles. Her hero Nick is the hunky contractor who agrees to take on her little “repair” project in order to get her shop open in time for the solstice. She’s high on the metaphysical world and his feet are set firmly on the ground.

They’re perfect for each other.

Joy Nash peoples her novel with achingly real secondary characters with their own very real issues—Nick’s teenage daughter struggling with whether or not to put out for her popular boyfriend, his shoplifting grandmother, his menopausal mother who lies about her secret weekly trysts, Tori’s lesbian couple friends and their new baby. Joy has a knack for creating characters who breathe on their own.

I loved it!

So, run out today and give your summer the kick off it deserves with Joy Nash’s A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC. You will thank me.

For more of my recommendations, please visit www.emilybryan.com and click on Em's Picks. Right now you can still catch my interview with USA Today Bestseller Jennifer Ashley about her latest novel THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE, a historical hero with Asperger's Syndrome!

Enjoy!

Special Guest Blogger: Patti Shenburger!

This week we welcome, Patti Shenburger!

Please tell us about yourself and your books.

Hi there, my name is Patti Shenberger and I write for eXtasy Books, Devine Destinies, The Wild Rose Press and Hard Shell Word Factory. I’m a wife, mother, aunt, sister, friend, you name it. And I am currently finishing out my second term (11 years on the Board in all) for our local Greater Detroit RWA Chapter. I love to write, read and travel.

You write in different genres of romance. What made you choose romance?

I am a big fan of the happily ever after. I love to read it and I love to write it. So many books you get to the last page, and then it’s like “huh, where’s the HEA.” They just leave you hanging. I want readers to put down a book by me and feel satisfied that they got what they wanted from the heroine and hero.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing all my life it seems. But I started writing magazine articles, mostly non-fiction. In 1994, I turned my attention to writing romance after seeing author Shelly Thacker at a book signing. From then on I was hooked.

You also write short stories. Do you find the short stories easier or harder to write than longer lengths?

The short stories are definitely easier to write. At least for me they are. But you have to sum it all up in the blink of an eye which can be difficult. With a longer book, you have time to tell the story, weave in the extra details, elaborate on things.

You’re a member of different writers’ organizations, what do you feel is the benefit from being a member?

The commraderie is a very big one for me. I love to interact with other authors, to share industry information, celebrate others successes, and commiserate on their rejections.

Who are your favourite authors and what 5 books would you take to a deserted island? I have a ton of favorite authors but the ones that top the list would be Jude Deveraux, Lucy Gordon, Michelle Celmer, Debbie Macomber, and Starr Ambrose.

What’s coming up for you in your writing career?

I recently signed two contracts wit eXtasy Books. The first is for a series of 12 novellas for a series entitled The Zodiac Club. The first release will be August 15, 2009. The second series is with eXtasy author Stephani Hecht, for a 4 novella series entitled The Misfits of Mt. Olympus. The first release for Misfits will be October 31, 2009.

Excerpt from The Captain’s Wench – available now from Devine Destinies
A deep sigh escaped her lips as he heard her mumble, “A wench, the sea, a strong, handsome
pirate, mmm…”
So, she dreamt of pirates and wenches. Heat suffused his loins as he found himself unable to
look away. The last time he had pleasured a woman and been pleasured in return was… He
couldn’t remember. Had it been that long ago? Alex trailed his hand across her skin, up her thighs to the valley between, letting his fingers linger on her bare flesh. She moaned and stretched, her eyes still closed. The simple movement tugged the covers lower, exposing creamy white skin. It would be so easy to let his fingers dip beneath the scrap of lace and caress her intimately. He closed his eyes and let the feelings wash over him. He wanted more, he wanted to peel back the blanket, remove her clothing and bury himself deep within her flesh. Taking release from her, pleasuring her.
With a frown, he shook his head. Now, wasn’t the time to lose sight of his objective. Pleasures of the flesh were beyond his realm, out of his control.
But apparently not out of his thoughts. Or hers.
Alex smiled. This could prove to be the most fun he’d had in years. A deep chuckle filled his throat.
So, she wanted to be pirate’s wench, did she?

Writing fiction

Sometimes we hear that the literary world looks down its nose at popular fiction.
Who decides where the borderlines are between what is sometimes deemed superficial writing and the highflown books said to be good literary writing?

Should a book enlighten or entertain?

I prefer that a story should entertain me first of all and possible enlighten me as it goes along. But these days I won't read fiction only to be enlightened. Non-fiction will that for me, and do it far better. I've done my english lit at university, I've read since the age of four, tried sci-fi, historical, paranormal, thrillers and these days so many books are riddled with the violence and gore I do not want to open them. Only lately have I discovered the romance genre.

The romance genre is wide and stretches far beyond the Mills & Boon category romances that most people assume makes up the entire genre. I freely admit that in the 1960's I and colleagues made fun of Mills & Boon romances during quiet spells in the library, but the books have changed along with years.

I remember reading widely in my twenties, eager to soak up all the different ways that life could be lived. Things I didn't know until I was twenty-five are now common knowledge to nine-year olds and I think the thing to blame for that loss of innocence is the monster in the corner of every home - the tv. Reading takes an effort of imagination to translate the words into meaningful images in your head, and the muscle needs to be exercised and expanded from an early age. The tv requires only that you sit quiet and watch. Quite often it tells you what you need to understand. But tv and its dangers are another story. Must get on and do some work.

Special Guest Blogger: Kiki Howel!

This week we welcome erotic and paranormal author Kiki Howell.

Your write erotic stories. What drew you to this genre?
Probably not what you think! I was trying to get back into writing after a break having my kids, and I did a writing exercise on writing in a genre you are not comfortable with. About the same time, I had read my first erotic book. New to the genre, I gave it a try. My husband suggested that I submit them to see what kind of reaction I would get, and I surprisingly got a contract!

The fantasy world is a main part of your stories, have you always had an interest in witches, magic and spells? What made you want to write the books you do?
I have been fascinated with witches since I first watched Bewitched when I was a little girl. I still dream of being born into a family where I could wiggle my nose and clean my house! I have always read paranormal books, and I guess I can’t imagine writing anything else. My husband says I keep things interesting with all of my paranormal research.

How do you organise your time between writing and family?
I started writing again when my kids started full days at school. So, I get them ready in the mornings while doing some things about the house. Then I write all day while they all are gone, as my husband is a teacher too. After school, I get to spend time with them with homework help or just chatting about their days. Then, there is dinner I still try to keep to a family event, although my meals are getting worse! In the evenings their needs and events come first. But, lots of nights once everyone settles in to watch TV or something in the living room, I just bring my laptop in with me. I just make it a point to not get involved in anything then that I can’t be interrupted while doing. Of course, some days are crazier than others, and they all really help me out when I need it.

Who are your favourite authors and what 5 books would you take to a deserted island?
This is a hard one for me. I gobble up books quickly, and often I am just reading what caught my eye at Borders or the library. Plus, I read just as much non-fiction and self-help/inspirational books as I do fiction. So, for that island thing first I would have to choose a self-help or inspirational book. I like to read about the Law of Attraction, and I think one of my favourites is “Harmonic Wealth” by James Arthur Ray. I also always have my nose in a book for research, usually something about Wicca which I spin off into fantasy. I have enjoyed many by Phyllis Currott, so I will pick “Witchcrafting” Then, fiction will get harder, although I would stick with paranormal romance. I could definitely reread “After Midnight” and “The Vampire Who Loved Me” by Teresa Medeiros, and I really liked Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island trilogy, but that would put me over my five unless I could find them all bound into one. I knew this would be hard!

What’s coming up for you in your writing career?
I actually have three stories submitted right now, and two more that need finished up. Then, I have a dream of being published in the Harlequin Silhouette Nocturne Series. So, once I finish my current erotic paranormal romance works in progress, I hope to start on a novel with less explicit love scenes to submit to Harlequin.

Excerpt from “The Stone Hex” in the Mystic Stones Anthology:
Having come to the end of the trail, Rachael paused where the full green of the tree line gave way to an open expanse of land. The remains of a field, long unattended, rolled out before her until the sun-drenched colors of the land took on the blackness of shadow. From where she stood it seemed as if the long-abandoned house had burned the land with its mere presence. The symmetry of the two-story square made it appear intimidating, despite it’s aged wood and cracking paint, as if the house was smirking at her in a domineering stance. The large fallen tree whose weight the house now sustained seemed an elaboration of contorted fingers grappling for possession of the sky itself. Dead twigs of brown held onto its foundation as if paying homage to their master.
Once she left the protection of the trees, the house, black with the soot of neglect, chilled her even as the sun burned her shoulders. This was how the house had greeted her for years. A few clouds rolled in muting the sun, the light-play of shadows giving the illusion of specters in the windows.
Alone with this house, Rachael always realized how far she had come from civilization; nonetheless, she still reveled in her solitude. She had left far behind the small waterfall in the woods just beyond her backyard that always enticed her to sit and the upward curve of the stream that always lured her up the hill. She stepped onto the creaking porch where steps must have once been.
She squeezed her body into the house beside the ancient heavy door with rusted hinges and walked into the living room as if she owned the place. The sun filtering through the filthy windows furthered the eerie feel of an aged room. It never ceased to amaze her how time took its toll. She started up the stairs with her hand on the wall never quite trusting the wobbly banister or the middle of the warped stairs. Her hand grazed over an upturned seam of the yellowing wallpaper right where an old red flower bled across it.
At the top turning to follow the curve of the railing, she was stunned to find the closest door shut. She had always found the doors open in all of the years she had been coming here. She shook off the idea that someone else had been in the house. Standing before the door, she gave a quick look behind her careful not to put any weight on the railing that was supposed to prevent you from falling onto the floor below. Her hand tensed as she touched the doorknob. The knob was loose, and she had to jiggle it a little to make it release the door from its frame. Conscious of the raised floorboard right at the doorway, she followed the door into the room.
Air pulled deep into her lungs to the point of pain. Stepping back on instinct, she forgot the raised floorboard and found herself falling backward.

To learn more about Kiki please visit her websites:

http://kikihowell.author.googlepages.com

http://www.myspace.com/kikihowell

http://kikihowell.blogspot.com

A Bloody Good Cruise

. . . from Emily Bryan

My guest today is Diana Rubino, here to visit about her BLOODY GOOD CRUISE. (Coincidentally, my DH and I are getting ready to board a cruiseship ourselves soon!)

But let me introduce you to Diana. Here's her bio:

Diana Rubino has written several historical novels set in England and the U.S., a time travel romance, and a futuristic/fantasy romance which received a Romantic Times Top Pick award . Diana is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Richard III Society. Her hobbies include golf, racquetball, bicycling, playing piano, and she has been pursuing a Master's degree in archaeology. She loves to visit historical sites all over the world for book research. Diana and her husband own CostPro, Inc., an engineering business based in Cambridge. She is Director of Marketing.


Whew! I'm impressed! So, Diana, please tell us about your new release.
A Bloody Good Cruise is set on an Italian cruise ship. Romance author Mona is a human, and Fausto is a vampire, and although they love each other, their different backgrounds create a lot of problems. He can never be one of her kind and she’s deathly afraid to become one of his. As they sail the Mediterranean on a writer’s cruise that Mona’s organized, Fausto’s job as the ship’s doctor is hard to perform when he realizes hunters (or the Vampire Ball Busters, as vamps call them) are after him and his fellow vamps. Fausto’s ex-wife shows up after four hundred years, hot to snatch him back. She’s Lucrezia Borgia, history’s most notorious gold digger and husband-killer. When Mona and Fausto team up with the hunters to capture Lucrezia and get her to confess to her crimes, Mona thinks all is lost because Lucrezia refuses to talk. But Mona gets her creative writer’s juices flowing, and tricks Lucrezia into a confession. The tabloid show The Cutting Edge, on shipboard to tape the writers’ cruise, beams the story all over the world. Mona and Fausto become instant celebrities, but hunters are still after Fausto. One of them shoots Mona while aiming for him, and she realizes she must let Fausto turn her or she’ll die–so she makes her decision, which she never regrets. Instead of looking for the next big market trend, she helps Fausto and Quintus write their memoirs, so the world can see what vampires really are about.

Note to self: Watch out for vampires on the cruise ship next week! What will readers love most about your hero?

Even though he's a vampire, he's very human. He 'comes out' before an audience of millions, imploring the human race to accept vampires. Because they're different doesn't mean they're harmful. He teaches the world a valuable lesson about tolerance.

Commendable. Where did the idea for this story come from?

I love vampire romances and cruises, and thought blending the two would make a unique love story.

Authors always have more than one pot boiling. What are you working on now?
A biographical novel about Alexander Hamilton. It has no fictional characters, and I'm keeping as close to the historical record as it will allow.

Ok, so I'm guessing you're pretty serious about that Masters in Archaeology. Wow! I'm totally in awe of non-fiction writers. One of the joys of what I do is making things up (not the historical details, I promise!) Where can readers buy your books, Diana?

There are links to the booksellers and my publishers on my website, and they're all available on Amazon.com in Ebook and print.

WWW.DIANARUBINO.COM

Thank you for visiting with us, Diana. I'm going to try to talk Diana into hanging around to answer questions, so please leave a comment on her BLOODY GOOD CRUISE!

Recent Reads

I've read two really great good books lately.
The first one is by Maureen Lee. I've not read this British author before but greatly enjoyed this book, which is the first of a trilogy. I've ordered the next book.
Lights Out Liverpool
As Britain stands alone against a monstrous enemy, the inhabitants of Pearl Street face hardship and heartbreak with courage and humour. The war touches each of them in a different way: for Annie Poulson, a widow, it means never-ending worry when her twin boys are called up and sent to France; Sheila Reilly's husband, Cal, faces the terror of U- Boat attack; Eileen Costello is liberated from a bitter, loveless marriage when her husband is sent to Egypt and she goes to work in a munitions factory - and falls in love. And Jessica Fleming, down on her luck, is forced to return to the street she'd hoped never to see again.


Milly Johnson is becoming one of my favourite authors. I've read the three books she's had published and enjoyed them all. Not many authors can pull off comedy in a natural way, but Milly does. She had me laughing and chuckling to myself many times while reading A Spring Affair.
When Lou Winter picks up a dog-eared magazine in the dentist's waiting room and spots an article about clearing clutter, she little realises how it will change her life. What begins as an earnest spring clean soon spirals out of control. Before long Lou is hiring skips in which to dump the copious amounts of junk she never knew she had. Lou's loved ones grow disgruntled. Why is clearing out cupboards suddenly more important than making his breakfast, her husband Phil wonders? The truth is, the more rubbish Lou lets go of, the more light and air can get to those painful, closed-up places at the centre of her heart: the love waiting for a baby she would never have, the empty space her best friend Deb once occupied, and the gaping wound left by her husband's affair. Even lovely Tom Broom, the man who delivers Lou's skips, starts to grow concerned about his sweetest customer. But Lou is a woman on a mission, and not even she knows where it will end ...

I bought my copies from The Book Depository that has free delivery world wide.

Special Guest Blogger: Brenna Lyons!

This week we welcome multi published author Brenna Lyons.

Please tell us about yourself and your books.
I was born and raised in and around Pittsburgh, PA. After I married my husband of 21 years, the Navy dragged us up and down the eastern seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts, Maine, and Virginia for 13 years. If you count all the step- and half-siblings I have, I’m the oldest of eight, only one of which is within 10 years of my age.
I have degrees in accounting and computer programming, but I haven’t worked in the field since my oldest child was born. Since then, I’ve worked in special needs teaching and chronic care, editing, and writing.
I write everything from sci fi/ fantasy/ paranormal/ horror (straight-genre fiction as well as romance and erom), the occasional contemp, historical, mystery…poetry, articles, essays. I usually write dark milieu-heavy, but I write the occasional romp. I even write children’s/YA under a different pen name. I’m pretty much and all-purpose writer.
How long have you been writing and what was the first story you had published?
I’ve been creating worlds and stories since before I can remember. As far as writing them down? I have a poem that I wrote when I was seven, and I was writing regularly, at least that early.
The first article I had published in a local newspaper (instead of the school papers I’d been writing for since fourth grade) was when I was 13. My first poetry publication in a college annual was when I was 19. The first novel I had published… That’s difficult to answer. The first I wrote and signed a contract on was the PROPHECY serial, but the first to release for sale would have been the first three books in the Kegin series.

Paranormal seems to be a main theme in your work. What drew you to making those worlds?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed sci fi/ fantasy/ horror/ paranormal and mystery cross-genres of the same. At twelve, I discovered the old-style Harlequin romances, back when you could still call them bodice rippers. Unfortunately, I completely missed their stint with paranormal romance in the 70s, save one book. But, I liked it. In the 90s, I found two or three more paranormal romances, by names like Brenda Todd. Then…nothing…again. It was very disheartening not to be able to find what I wanted to read. So, I started writing my own. I think that’s how a lot of the authors who started writing cross-genre romance before it was popular got started, actually.

You have a lot of advice for writers on your website. What early advice did you find helpful for your career?
“The editor isn’t dismembering your baby. She’s polishing your gem.” Suzanne James, my first editor. It’s hard to let go of the idea that no one should mess with your “vision” for your book…and no one should, actually. But when you hold to each word you wrote as gold and forget to polish them for grammar rules, for instance, you’re doing a disservice to your writing and your audience.
Another one from Suzanne… “I know [famous author removed here] does it, but that doesn’t make it solid writing. At some point, you have to decide. Do you want to write a good book or a great one?” Needless to say, I wanted to write great books, and that meant breaking bad habits that I’d formed reading famous authors who are allowed to hold to their bad habits.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of being contracted with ebook publishers?
Glad to…
Pros for authors-
e-Books are a growth market. Faster response time (on average) than NY conglomerates.

Usually allow electronic submission, which saves on paper, ink and postage.
Don't pigeon-hole authors into a couple of core genres.
Allow reprints, if there seems to still be an audience and viable life left in the project.Allow authors to write untried markets that have a crossover with what the publishers already do.

Allow authors to write outside the box, outside the accepted "genre lines" in the NY conglomerates.

Allow authors to write in markets that are not giving the return NY demands of their markets and NY has therefore discontinued...but that still have an audience.

Allow authors to forge those new markets/subgenres, that are often picked up by NY later.

Encourages representative art and blurbs, not copycats, that authors have input on.

Gives individual attention to authors and encourages mentoring in learning to market, etc.
Contracts are written in plain English and easy to understand.

I don't think I've ever encountered an indie/e that said "agented submissions only," though there are indies that are "by invitation only."

On average, the contracts hold the author to a short period of time, allowing the author to move on from a bad situation or to larger markets, without the fuss of breaking a contract or paying buy-outs, though the buy-out feature in indie/e is also a plus.

The contracts are renewable, and the book can sell in perpetuity, making more sales, every time a new book releases from the author. Your books don't lose "shelf time" at the end of 6 or 8 weeks.Choosing indie/e does not mean you're giving up print. Most established indie/e publishers now offer print for some (if not all) of their titles.

Royalties are paid more often...usually monthly, quarterly or semi-annually...the first two being more common.Authors get a larger percentage of each book sold than they would in NY.

Your books sell worldwide (save where the internet is blocked) from day one.

There's no messy negotiations to get the e-books overseas, though you may negotiate foreign language sales in indie.

In some cases, your print books also sell overseas immediately. Some printers have bases of operation or connections overseas to allow this.A few indies have started translating their titles automatically for foreign markets.

Cons for authors-At this time, it's a much smaller market than mass market enjoys. That will change.

Though some authors in indie/e make as much or more than a NY midlist author, most do not. However, keeping the book on sale indefinitely allows you to continue making money.

There is no advance at most indie/e publishers, but with monthly royalty payments, it's not really necessary, like it is in NY.

There are some people who will not consider your indie/e publishing credits valid credits, but more and more, they aren't the people who decide if you sign a contract in NY or even in indie press.

Even with the crop of reading devices, we are missing a durable, low-cost device that will read a wide variety of formats (or a universal format that everything can read)...maybe with eInk technology. It's coming, though.If your indie uses POD technology, the publisher has more hoops to jump through to get books into the brick and mortar bookstores than the NY conglomerates do.

Likewise, it may be more difficult to get a signing in a chain book store, but not impossible.

Who are your favourite authors and what 5 books would you take to a deserted island?
My favourite authors? Let’s see… Sherrilyn Kenyon, Robin Owens, Rowena Cherry, Christine Feehan, Angela Knight, Elaine Corvidae, Jane Graves, Piers Anthony, Tee Morris, Jeff Strand, Gloria Oliver…
Only five books? That’s rough. Let’s see… Angela Knight’s WARRIOR, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s/Kinley MacGregor’s SWORD OF DARKNESS, Robin Owens’ HEART THIEF, Gloria Oliver’s VASSAL OF EL, and Elaine Corvidae’s THE CROW QUEEN.

What’s coming up for you in your writing career?
More of everything. I have new worlds coming up, including the Angel-Wing Saga, Born Investigators series, and the Fire and Ice series. I have re-releases of old work, including a re-edited re-release of the PROPHECY serial, Grellan War series, and Renegade series. I have new work coming in almost all of my series worlds: Kegin, Kielan, Night Warriors, Grellan War, Xxan…even Prophecy.

Excerpt of CLOSE ENOUGH TO HUMAN (book one in the XXAN series, available from Loose-Id)
“Lower your weapon, Johns,” one of the humans ordered.
She spied the black on black insignia of a lieutenant, the only protection he’d have on a world that obeyed the Interstellar War Pact. Failure to display rank and affiliation could see him dead.
I have no insignia. No doubt, the Xxan had planned it that way. She hadn’t questioned it, because this had been presented as a diplomatic mission and she as an honored representative of the Xxan. Now she was a combatant. They could kill her without pause. And likely will.
Miri took a step back into the tunnel she’d come out of, her trembling more severe. She’d passed a crosstunnel ten meters back. If she could reach it --
The arms suddenly encircling her were as strong as her Xxan-Dree trainer’s. Miri didn’t waste time questioning who he was or how he’d managed to sneak up on her. As he ripped the weapon from her hand, Miri moved -- down, then in a flowing movement around his body.
He was quick…and skilled. Her trainers had never put her through her paces so strenuously. Every move to escape was met with a block. Every move to incapacitate him for a moment was countered skillfully. Miri was considering doing him real harm when the end came.
It was a move she’d never encountered before, either with her Xxan-Dree trainer or her human martial trainer. One moment, she was on her way to freedom. The next, Miri was facedown on the stone, her wrists captured behind her back, locked in his larger hands. The length of his body pinned her down, spikes of pain from her injured abdomen making her gasp for breath.
“Concede,” he grumbled.
Miri pressed her forehead to the smooth stone floor, abruptly weary. “It would seem…I have no choice in the matter.”
His laughter was low and dark…but not cruel, as she usually experienced. “An accurate assessment.”
“If you’re through dancing with her,” another voice interrupted. “Perhaps you would verify her identity, Daahn?”
Miri braced herself for the sting of a blood test that never came. Her captor nuzzled at her neck, and she jerked at his hold, panic driving her to flee. He pushed her down with a wordless growl, stroking his tongue up the side column of her neck to her jaw.
Every muscle in her body tightened in fury. How dare he examine her so intimately! A hiss of warning escaped her lips.
His next move stunned her, rendering Miri a babe in his hands. His tongue stroked over her mating stripe, and her body responded fiercely. Even before she felt the press of his erection to the back of her thigh, Miri’s body had slicked to welcome him in, the pains fading into the background for once. Her glands released Zhigaaah, the female sex pheromone, making her head swim.
“You are mine, little blue,” he whispered.
She shivered in delight, needing him to finish what he’d started. Another voice buzzed at the edges of her consciousness, drowned out by the cascade of Zhigaaah.
“She’s the one,” the male over her attested.
Miri’s blood went cold at that pronouncement. Her eyes pricked in tears she couldn’t bear to shed. She swallowed down a sob, then forced words out, feigning confidence she didn’t feel and pride she had no right to display. All the while, she nursed the loss of the illusion stoically…as she’d done before.

Thank you!

To learn more about Brenna go to her website http://www.brennalyons.com/

The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor

from Emily Bryan

Today I'm turning over the reins of this blog to a trio of Harlequin authors--Diane Gaston, Deb Marlowe and Amanda McCabe. They have an anthology coming out called THE DIAMONDS OF WELBOURNE MANOR. Take it away, ladies!

What do you get when three author friends create three scandalous heroines, and send them off to three fabulous house parties? The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor!
We (Diane, Deb, and Amanda) have been friends for years, since a Regency-theme tour of England (how appropriate!). When Harlequin came to us and asked if we could do an anthology together, of course we jumped at the chance. And when they gave us free rein in choosing our subject, even better!

So, we met in Colonial Williamsburg for a few days of touring and brainstorming, and that was where the Fitzmanning family was born. We were inspired by families like those of the Duchess of Devonshire and her sister, Lady Bessborough, where there were parties and fun, lots of children (of various parentage), joking, artistic endeavors, and affection. The characters just sort of “came to us,” and took on a life of their own!

Here’s a bit about each of the stories:

“When the Duke of Manning ran off with the married Lady Linwall it had been the scandal of the day. But they cared not at all! Their home at Welbourne Manor soon houses a happy miscellany of his and theirs—but not hers, not the son she left behind. Now all the children are grown, this estranged son is on their doorstep, and all their lives are about to change forever…”

Justine and the Noble Viscount, Diane Gaston: Gerald Brenner’s appearance marks the beginning of the Welbourne story. He’s given the responsibility for the Fitzmannings, the half brother and sisters he’s never met, but has despised his whole life. No matter his feelings, Brenner never shirks responsibility. When he meets the eldest of the Duke’s daughters, Justine Savard, she forces him to reopen old wounds from the past. Justine, too, has wounds, and together, despite all the odds, they give each other the one thing that heals—a happy ending neither believed possible.

Annalise and the Scandalous Rake: Annalise is the most sensitive of the Fitzmanning sisters. She prefers the isolation of her studio to worrying about Society’s scorn. She is perfectly happy pouring her emotions into her painting—until Ned Milford is invited to a Welbourne house party. Unfortunately, no one knows he is Prattle, a famous—and anonymous—caricaturist bent on exposing her family’s secrets. Many obstacles litter their path to love, including a pompous suitor, a slightly scandalous scavenger hunt, and a devastating artistic duel.

Charlotte and the Wicked Lord: Charlotte may be the youngest—and wildest—Fitzmanning sister, but she definitely knows her own mind. And she has always wanted Lord Andrew Bassington! But Drew has left his own wild past behind, vowing to take care of his brother’s widow and young son. He requires an eminently respectable bride, something free-spirited Charlotte could never be. So how can she make him see the beautiful woman she has become, make him see how perfect they are for each other, when every attempt ends in disaster???

Sounds like a great time. Readers can learn more by visiting http://ammandamccabe.com/
http://www.dianegaston.com/
http://www.debmarlowe.com/

Anthologies are lots of fun. I've got one coming myself Sept. 29th with USA Today BestSeller Jennifer Ashley and exciting new author Alissa Johnson! It's called A CHRISTMAS BALL. All our characters are attending Lord and Lady Hartwell's grand fete and YOU are invited too.


So, what do you think? Do you enjoy anthologies with related stories?

Thank YOU & Yesterday's Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Promo Blog post from yesterday. I enjoyed reading all of your suggestions and comments. I'm doing another promo related blog post today on my blog. Of course, another prize is up for grabs! Also, I've posted yesterday's winner there! Check it out at:

www.kerribookwriter.blogspot.com


Happy Hump Day!

It's a Lot of Work to Sell Your Work!

Photo Courtesy of: HBO.com

In my dream world, Samantha Jones would be my PR rep! I just know that this sassy vixen could sell the heck out of my erotica novel. She'd just say, "Look get out there and buy the book already!" Of course, Samantha Jones doesn't really exist and if she did...I certainly couldn't afford her PR services.

So, what can we do to help sell our books when we are on a fixed budget? Today, I'd like to name some things that I've used or researched. Some of these I've used and some I've not tried yet.

1. Author Website: Pretty much every author has one. Whether it is a free site or a paid site, they seem to be a must have in promoting yourself as an author and storing details about your work. Professional website design is super expensive, though. So, I recommend using a free or low price pre-made template. Of course, there is always website hosting if you feel that you don't have the technical skills to maintain your site, but it is not too difficult.

2. Author Blog: Do we need a blog? I think we do. While I think they can be super addictive, they are a wonderful way to meet your readers and chat about your work. Also, you can use them to announce upcoming releases and to host parties or contests to promote your work. If you can participate in an interview or guest appearance on some one else's blog, it will also help you to gain exposure.

3. Group Blogs: I belong to 2 group blogs. Authors and Books (of course) and The Author's Studio. I think they are both chock full of other talented authors. This is a wonderful tool for helping to cross promote each other's work. For instance, someone who is interested in another author's books may visit the blog and happen across your work instead. I think these are great tools and a lot of fun. A fantastic way to help each other out as both new and established authors.

4. Book Trailer: Well, since I design custom book trailers. See some of mine here:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=booktrailersbykerri&aq=f

I'm a bit biased about this particular category. However, I totally do recommend these as a great marketing tool. They are basically a 2 minute or less teaser about your book. Think of your back cover blurb set to music and brought to life as moving pictures. It is so exciting to see your book "on the big screen". You can post it on your YouTube account, your website, your publisher's website, your blog, and you can link to it from almost anywhere. A wonderful tool for authors!

5. Banners: I do enjoy seeing a cool banner ad. Although, I find myself missing a lot of them as I scroll through websites because there are just always so many of them! I've just had one created for me and it was reasonably cheap. I've also created one of my own that worked just fine and was not too technically tough to create. The cost can come in if you pay a website to display your ad. Whether or not these actually help sell your books has not been determined by me but they certainly can't hurt!

6. Newsletter: I have not taken the step into these creations yet. I'm still very new to the published author world. I do receive quite a few of these via e-mail from other authors though. I enjoy an interesting newsletter and I've entered contests from them. I also enjoy hearing about works in progress from my fave authors. I must admit that I do receive a lot of them, though and they don't all get a thorough examination. My opinion is that if you can put it out yourself, then I'd do it but I don't know if I'd pay someone to send out my newsletter.

7. Yahoo Group: I belong to so many Yahoo Groups that my e-mail can become bogged down to the point of insanity. Sometimes, I can't find important e-mails admist all the group messages. That being said, I think these are FREE and invaluable groups to belong to. Not only are they wonderful for learning from other author's in your chapter groups but they are a fun way to learn about other PROMO opportunities out there on the web. Plus, they are an easy promotional tool in and of themselves for getting the word out about your book or contest to thousands of people simultaneously.

8. Contests: Who doesn't love to win a contest? They are so much fun to enter and I find them fun to host as well. Be careful of the postage costs. I recently mailed several packages to Canada to winners of some of my contests and the postage was ridiculously high! I'm thrilled to send out the books and small goodies to readers but watch out that you don't spend more on postage than you actually spent on the prize. That being said, I've definitely gained some new readership by hosting contests on my blog and website.

9. Word of Mouth/Reader Reviews: I think the age old "word of mouth" is a very powerful tool in book marketing just like in any other type of sales. I can't tell you how many times I've read a reader review and been sold on a book by someone else's love of a book. If you have positive feedback from readers as well as other authors, you should definitely get the word out there. I truly believe in this method.

10. Other Websites: Getting your work out there on other sites is a great idea. If you can get someone else to link to your site, that's even better. Also, there are a few author promotion sites that have very reasonable rates for creating an author page for you. I found one free site that is so cool. You can post an author page and your trailer for free here. Check out my page:

http://www.adult.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=427


These are just some methods that that I've used or researched. Won't you share your ideas and suggestions with us? Or, let me know if you've used some of the methods on my list and how they worked or didn't work for you!

Today I'll be giving away a Pink journal (proceeds from the sale go to Breast cancer research) in honor of the character of Samantha Jones from Sex and the City who was diagnosed with breast cancer on the show.

Oh yeah, and don't forget that my Red Carpet contest ends on Thursday (4/30) so if you want a chance to win a Custom Made Book Trailer, a diamond necklace, an MP4 player and more..you must enter before it is too late! Details on the Contest page of my website: www.kerrinelson.com

Have a great Tuesday!

Jennifer Ashley's Risky Business

from Emily Bryan . . .

My friend Jennifer Ashley has a ground-breaking new historical with a totally out of the box hero. Ian MacKenzie is courtly, handsome, passionate and spent 10 years in an insane asylum. How does a Scottish laird live and love with Asperger's Syndrome in the 19th century?

USA Today Best Seller Jennifer Ashley wasn't afraid to tackle that question.

Pop over to my blog at www.emilybryan.blogspot.com to learn about THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. Leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win your choice of Jenn's backlist.

Special Guest Blogger: Nancy Henderson!

This week we are visited by paranormal romance author, Nancy Henderson!

Please tell us about yourself and your books.

Hi, Anne. Thanks so much for having me! Well, I’m Nancy Henderson, and I write American set historicals and paranormal romance for multiple publishers.

You write in different genres. How easy or hard do you find switching between them?
I’ve been writing historical romance for years, then I started writing paranormal because I loved reading the genre. I never expected to publish my own paranormal romance. I thought I’d try my hand at it, never expecting it to be so much fun. I love the world building opportunities which paranormals offer. It’s okay to break the rules just as long as you provide believable motivation for your readers. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Have you always wanted to write or was it something that just happened?

I started writing during my senior year of high school. It was just something I did for fun here and there. Over the years it’s grown into a passion, which I now understand is just who I am.

Where do your story ideas come from?

That’s a tough one. I get a lot of ideas, I suppose, from combing historical research books, from visiting historical places and museums, even cemeteries, believe it or not. My idea for Ghost Of A Chance, my first paranormal romance came from visiting a Revolutionary War cemetery in Salem, NY. An image of a soldier kneeling down to look at his own headstone popped into my head, and I started plotting the book that very night.

Who are your favourite authors and what 5 books would you take to a deserted island?

I have so many! Stephen King, Marjorie M. Liu, Christine Feehan, Gena Showalter, and Pamela Morsi to name a few. I’d take books from these authors on my deserted island. Oh, and a book light for night time, because I’m often reading until 1:00 in the morning.

What’s coming up for you in your writing career?

I have another historical romance coming out in August 2009. Here’s a quick blurb:

A spy for the British, Cat Sterling is used to living dangerously. Despite having a bounty on her head, she never expects to be shot in the line of duty and left for dead.

Angus French had enough problems without finding a near-dead woman on his property. A Revolution was coming, and British sympathizers have just burned down his tavern. The last thing he needs is to be caught housing a woman who’s working for them.

The price on Cat’s head will more than pay for the damage done to his business. He never expects Cat to see him as security and kindness, two things she’s never had in life. And he never expects to learn that Cat has a few secrets of her own which threaten to rip them apart.

An excerpt of Stranger In His Bed:

Angus still didn’t believe her, but he resumed combing her hair. Several moments passed in silence.
He couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “You got a husband?”
“That’s very bold!”
“It’s a simple question.”
She didn’t answer right away. Finally she said, “I’m not in a relationship. No.”
Angus set the comb down. He couldn’t ignore the part of him which was glad. Not that she’d ever have anything to do with him either. That, he was sure of.
“What if I bought out your indenturement?”
“I’m not—” She pulled the quilt higher on her neck and turned to face him. “Why would you do that?”
“Why not?”
“Because. I’m a complete stranger.”
“No, you’re Cat Sterling, peck of trouble shown up on my doorstep. Ever think that maybe I feel some responsibility toward you?”
“Well, don’t.” She frowned. “I can take care of myself.”
“Uh-huh, looks like it.” He tried to hide his smile, but he was beginning to enjoy himself. “Ever consider that I might be a gentleman?”
“Not sitting in my bed, you’re not. Where are my clothes?”
“Last I knew this was my bed, sweetheart.” He pointed to the trunk. “Your clothes are in there. Do you want me to help you dress?”
Color was growing up her neck and into her cheeks. “You are incorrigible.”
And you are a cock tease, he wanted to say but held his tongue. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt more alive. There was something about her. He never acted like this with women. Cat brought something out in him, something that he didn’t even know existed. And he liked it. He liked it a whole lot.
Reluctantly, he got up from the bed.
“I’m not indentured.” She leaned back against the headboard.
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”
“Where are my weapons?”
“Your weapons?”
“You don’t believe a woman’s capable?”
Frankly, he didn’t know what to believe. Except that Miss Piss and Vinegar was the most arousing, disturbingly complex woman he’d ever met.
“They’re under your clothes.” He left the room without telling her the whereabouts of her artillery. He had enough problems as it was without arming her.

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Anne. I love hearing from readers and can be contacted via my website: http://www.nancyhenderson.com/ or my blog: http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com/

Special Guest Blogger: Chelle Cordero!

This week we welcome author Chelle Cordero!

Please tell us about yourself and your books.

I was the kid who saw excitement and intrigue everywhere. When a group of strange men were found in the next door building basement tampering with the telephone junction box, I convinced myself that there was multi-international espionage going on and I looked for clues all around the Bronx block where I lived. I made up totally believable fictional characters and convinced my classmates and school teachers that I had a huge family and many siblings – my poor mom was very surprised to hear about her 6 kids (in reality it was just my sis and me). I’ve always loved people watching and still make up random stories based on their activity and expressions. And I love regaling all with the misadventures of my own youth, which of course have become glorified and stimulating. In reality I do believe I have lived, and still do, an active and interesting life. I’m a mom of a Paramedic and an Emergency Medical Technician whose active lifestyles keep my over-indulged imagination very much alive. I’m active in my community, love to read, love to talk and, of course, love to write. I’m a hopeless romantic and adore intrigue, suspense and adventure – that’s what I write about. I create characters that seem real to me and I launch them into lives of passion, suspense and accomplishment. And like real life, none of my characters are perfect which I think helps to endear them to my readers.

When did you start writing and what was the first fictional story you wrote?

I first started writing in high school under the tutelage of a much loved teacher, the late poet Daisy Aldan; back then I merely scribbled. In college I wrote my first non-fiction newspaper article about a young boy who gave his life defending a stranger on the subway. I also wrote a screenplay which sat in my drawer for years. When I quit working outside the home in 1981, at the time I was pregnant with our first child, I rewrote that screenplay into a full length romance novel called More Than a Friend. Although it made the rounds of publishing houses, I had no idea how to make queries or make the improvements to my writing that might have interested an editor. Today that manuscript still sits in my file cabinet hopelessly outdated and chopped up in my attempts to alter it for sale. In 1999 I wrote the original Courage of the Heart and submitted it to a print-on-demand publisher; this publisher at first had to accept a manuscript and it did not cost the author anything to see it published – however by the time my book was in “print”, the publisher had turned fully self-publishing and provided no assistance with marketing unless paid for. The book was seriously under-marketed and seriously under-sold. This past January, Vanilla Heart Publishing re-published an updated Courage of the Heart (this was my fourth novel with them) and with VHP’s professional marketing help, we are seeing some nice sales and a lot better reception.

Do you use experiences in your real life in your books and can you give us an example?

There are bits and pieces of my real life experiences scattered throughout all of my novels – and please bear in mind that I have always had a talent for embellishing. In Bartlett’s Rule, Paige works in a magazine’s PR department – one of my first jobs was as a temp in McCall Magazine’s PR department. In both Forgotten and Within the Law, I have several scenes in an small Adirondack town which I have a personal love of and very fond memories. In Courage of the Heart, I have a scene where Davie needs to be defibrillated – here is where I tell you that I vollie with my local ambulance corps. While no one story is MY story, yes, there are many of my personal experiences used in each novel. And while no one fictional character is anyone I’ve actually met, my heroes often have traits and habits I have borrowed from my husband, and many characters may have favourite expressions or even bad habits from people I have observed all around me.

Who are your favourite authors and what 5 books would you take to a deserted island?

My favourite authors – that’s a tough one because it used to be the big name authors we see on our book store shelves. I still adore reading Danielle Steele, Dean Koontz, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Patricia Cornwall and Robert B Parker. Since I have become so immersed in the publishing world though I have been exposed to a number of new indie authors that I enjoy as well: Brenda Hill, L.E. Harvey, Malcolm Campbell, Kate Evans, Victoria Howard, Mary Quast and Eva Gordon just to name a few. Perhaps my age has gotten to me – if I were stranded on a deserted island my choice of books would certainly be much more pragmatic and help me with some form of survival skills. Definitely a Girl Scout cookbook would be included – campfire cooking is absolutely delicious when wrapped in foil or buried in a Dutch oven! Perhaps a book of home remedies, a book of outdoor crafts and a Tanakh or Siddur (Hebrew bible or prayerbook). For the fifth book, throw in a good, long and hot romance that I could savour over and over again. Oh, I’m NOT stranded on this deserted island, just relaxing? Then give me the latest books from any five of the authors listed above!

What’s coming up for you in your writing career?

I’m very excited about the release of my next novel, Final Sin. While there is a definitely a love story between the hero and heroine in this book, this is my first NON-romance-genre novel. The main focus in this story is a series of gruesome murders and the investigation to find the twisted mind behind them. It is also a race to the finish when Julie, the heroine of the story, becomes the object of this sick obsession and Jake has to find a way to save her. I enjoy reading and writing romance novels and certainly have plans to produce more – but I am also enjoying the thought of including more mainstream stories in my repertoire.

Excerpt from Final Sin:

He entered the autopsy suite passing the heavy wooden sign next to the door. It said, “Hic locus est ubi mors gaudet succurrere vitae”. Once before when Jake had been here, he had asked for a translation of the Latin words and was told, “This is the place where death rejoices to teach those who live.” He was anxious to learn and he hoped Holly would be anxious to teach. He had high hopes that they could learn something, anything that would lead them to the murderer. Two men were waiting for him as he donned a surgical gown and protective eyewear.

Holly’s body was already lying on the shiny, aluminum dissection table. The table, a little more than waist high, was edged with an aluminum channel to allow blood and fluids to drain away from the body. The room was uncluttered and glaringly bright. It was a stark reminder of the lifelessness of the cadavers stored in the drawers along the wall. Soft music played from a radio on the counter in contrast to the harsh reality of the body lying motionless on the sterile looking table. Jake was always impressed with the clean up after an autopsy, the table always looked totally fresh and unused in time for the next patient. And there was always a next patient to fill the spot. That supply never seemed to end.

To learn more about Chelle, please visit her website: http://chellecordero.com/