Please Welcome Guest Author Dana Littlejohn

Airmen, are they really as sexy as everyone thinks? Well, you might just have to pick up a copy of Behind the Wings by Dana Littlejohn to find out. 

Prizes

Dana will be giving away a promotional pen to one randomly drawn tour commenter and a promotional T-shirt to another during the tour.

Bio

Dana Littlejohn was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but has called Indianapolis, In. her home for over ten years. She has always wanted to write since early childhood, but put that wish on hold to raise her growing family and have a career. With the encouragement of her husband, Dana picked up her pen again in 2003 and has no intention on putting it down. With 3 novels, 8 novellas, 4 stories in anthologies, 42 short stories published to date and a long list of wip (works in progress) she is literally living her dream. Join her on the wild journey through her imagination. It’s a ride you’ll never forget! 

Website: www.danalittlejohn.net 

Blog: www.authordanalittlejohn.blogspot.com 

Facebook: search authordanalittlejohn 

Twitter: follow authordanalittlejohn 

Blurb

Jade Dupree had always been a hot commodity among the young airman. She tried not to date them, but having an old school mother and a worldly father gave her a challenging social life. Her mother’s only goal in life seemed to be to get her to settle her down with the next available airman and birth as many babies as possible. 

Her father’s outlook for his children’s future was much less intense. Jade let her mother set her up with an extremely handsome tech sergeant, just as she met the very interesting Mike Davis.

Having spent time with both men Jade can’t help but wonder if her mother finally got lucky in choosing Steven Jones for her…or was Mike Davis a better match for her after all? 

Author Interview

1. What or who inspired you to start writing? 

I come from a reading family and have always read. When I was about 12 I started writing down the stories that were forming in my head. 

They come from all kinds of things. My Greek goddesses come about when I found out how many kids Aphrodite actually had. LOL My African goddesses came to me because I noticed how many books were out there about other goddesses. When my son came home from the air force I asked him what life was like. He told me soldiers don’t have lives only officers. As I wondered what kind of life that may have been, the story started to form.

3. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

Although I do most of my research online, I’m a firmly believe that there is some stuff you just have to try for yourself for that firsthand experience.  

4. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I plan to keep writing until my brain shuts down and no more stories form. LOL 

5. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? 

Once my first story was out of my head I was able to think clearly, but I had no clue what to do next with it. My husband suggested that I share my gift with others other than him. So I took a leap of faith. I had no idea what was going to happen, but figured he was right. It was the next logical step.

6. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing) 

After I sold my first story one of the authors at the house told me to stay in place when I submit. This way all my one royalties would come from one place. I found out the hard way that was not the way to go. That particular house closed a year later and all my books were homeless. I had to start all over again.

7. Do you outline your books or just start writing? 

Yes, I do outline my books. Although I admit to using an outline, my books never seem to match them. I start with an outline to help me with the start, the middle or climax and the ending, but the characters speak to me throughout the story and tell me where to go. Thus, I never know how they get from A to B to C. I just know they will get there.

8.  Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books? 

LOL No. All my hobbies have nothing to do with writing. They help me decompress when I am done with a book and when I have writers block

9.  Do you have an all-time favorite book? 

would be To Love Again, by Bertrice Small. I have read it at least 20 times…literally. I absolutely adore it. I’m sure I will read it several more times in my lifetime.

10.  Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?

Oh yes. I usually have a few books going at one time. *shakes head* Everyone wants their story told first. LOL

11.  Your interview will be posted January 26th. We are headed for Valentine's Day. Are there any family traditions or recipes you would like to share? 

My husband works hard at coming up with something different every year. He finds having a wife that writes romances as a competition of sorts. “Who can be more romantic?” LOL I tell him all the time he doesn’t have to compete with me and my books but his ego blocks his hearing. My favorite thing he ever done for me was when he covered the bathroom mirror with stickers, hearts, cupids and pink and red circles. The table had a beautiful bouquet of white and red roses and a lovely orchid in its center (my favorite. He also cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner! The perfect day! 

12. What is your favorite reality show? 

I do all the dance shows. I love them.

13. Who is your favorite actor and actress?

 have been crushing on Sean Connery for YEARS. The older he gets the sexier he is. So I’d have to say…Sean Connery. 

14. Anything else you might want to add?

Readers can find me on facebook and twitter under: authordanalittlejohn

I also have a blog: www.authordanalittlejohn.blogspot.com and a website: www.danalittlejohn.net 

My thanks to Christine Young for letting me hang out at her house. I hope you enjoyed my visit as much as I did.

Excerpt

He laughed again. “Yeah, okay. You know, you dance good for someone who got dragged out to the dance floor.”

 “It’s well.”

 “What’s well?” he asked, sending a quick look over his shoulder.

 “It’s, ‘you dance ‘well’ for someone who got dragged to the dance floor.’”

 Mike’s brows scrunched as he twirled her again. “That’s what I said.” 

 Jade shook her head negatively, careful not to miss the beat. “No, that’s not what you said. You said good.”

 “Good is bad?” the man asked with a raised brow.

 Jade continued to stare at his feet to stay in step with him. “No, good isn’t bad, it’s just not right.”

 “So, good is wrong, but not bad?” he asked in a teasing tone.

 “No, good isn’t—” Suddenly she stopped moving and looked up at him. “Are you doing that on purpose?”

 “Doing what? I’m learning,” he assured her with a laughing grin. 

 Jade stood on the dance floor staring into his smiling eyes as the people continued to dance around them. Then she rolled her own.

 “Whatever.”

Faeries and Other Fantasies

Source: wherefaeriesplay.blogspot.com via Angie on Pinterest

What if you saw a faerie?

Faeries can be found in the folk lore of almost every country in the world. They are a race of beings between humans and spirits. They live with us and around us but humans don't see them. Why? Because faeries think of humans as boastful breakers of promises. 

Could you write a book filled with the fae folk? 

"The word 'fairy' derives from the Latin Fatum ('fate'). The theory that the fairies are the ones who bestow individual destiny or specific gifts is found in the widespread European figure of the Fairy Godmother who endows a baby with the gifts it will need for life. "

There are different races of fairies. Great Britain and Ireland have the Cornish Pixies, English faireis. Otherworldly tribes include, dwarves, elves, and goblins and are generically called 'fairy folk' although their nature is distinctly different.

Fairies are ruled by queens. Elements of fairy folk can be found in Scandinavian Valkyrie, and Irish banshee. 

India--Vidyeshvaras

Grece--fauns, centaurs, dryands and nymphs

and other

Personally, I love the idea of good fairies and pagan fairies. The fantasy and the creation of the world with the fae folk is so much fun.

The Fae Folk

Once upon a time, I thought faeries lived only in books, old


 folktales, and the past. That was before they burst upon my 


life as vibrant, luminous beings, permeating my art and my


 everyday existence, causing glorious havoc.


~Brian Froud


Rogues Angles are discussing their new anthology. I think we may be writing a tale about May Day. Here there are a lot of possibilities using all our beautiful fae folk.


May Day also has pagan roots which I am looking forward to exploring so to incorporate into a romance.

Taking a Look at Shapeshifters

S

Taking a look at shapeshifters. According to my encyclopedia of magical creatures, shape shifters are part of many cultures that depended on hunting for survival. Many hunters, in order to be successful will follow in the tracks of the animals they are hunting and they will also run like that animal and imitate the sounds. It is not surprising that we have made up stories depicting shapeshifters. Perhaps the first stories were about the hunters who emulated an animal so perfectly it was difficult to distinguish the hunter from the prey.

I can see the men sitting around the campfire, dancing, laughing and boasting about this ability. In Irish legend, the hunters ability to meld into the scenery around him was not only vital but was the hunter was described as being invisible. Could this be where the magical invisibility cloak was derived from? Hmm...

Then we come to shapeshifting spells. Fith-Fath as the Gaelic hunters called them were employed when they actually wanted to become the animal. This pagan spell was said to be utilized by St. Patrick himself, who invoked the spell to escape from his enemies. According to the old tales he changed himself and his followers into deer.

Only extraordinary individuals are able to shapeshift. In Irish legend the foremost of these people was a man known as Tuan Mac Carill. Tuan was known to shift into a stag, a boar, and a salmon.

So Much Flooding

Source: google.com via Makeda on Pinterest

Mother Nature will at times rise up and make sure everyone knows she's the boss. This last week in the Willamette Valley she did just that. First we were snowed in, actually not too bad, mostly fun. Now the rain will not stop. I'm so glad I live on a high hill.

We get more snow but we are safe from flood waters. Most of the creeks have crested or will do soon, but we have more rain on the way so conditions will most likely stay pretty much the same for several days. I know, I'm lucky. Those of you who live in Tornado country will say what's a little flooding. But hey, Aumsville had a tornado a year ago. Then there are those of you who live along a large waterway, such as the Mississippi or Missouri, well how much water can spill over a little creek. A lot I say.

We have hurricane winds on the coast and rain inland. I would say the weather this morning was about the same as when I was in Philly when Hurricane Irene swept through. Since  September this is the 4th Hurriance that has blown past me. Of course our storms are not billed as hurricanes, but many times they have hurricane force winds.

Hope the rain stops and the winds calm and maybe the sun could come out for a minute.

Hope your weather is better for you.

Work Day Wednesday

Source: flickr.com via Chris on Pinterest

I couldn't resist this picture. Yes, it's a fox, but my dog has a very real, fox face, and when I first glanced at the picture I thought it was Rogue. Just for a second.

More snow today. I have had enough.

Spent a lot of time yesterday watching the snow, so today I have to work, play catch-up. I'm trying to decide what book that I have written I should edit next. So should it be Rebel Heart or A Marriage of Inconvenience? Hmmm...

I think Rebel Heart might be less work, but I'm waiting on an update from my youngest daughter before I sit down and start work on it.

Watching Dr. Oz and he's talking about all of the diet supplements that have horrific things in them--ingredients that can kill. I've never really seen a reason to take diet supplements. It seems that once you have taken them and you are at the goal weight, you will probably revert back to old habits. Or maybe your habits haven't changed.

Nutrients to fight stress:
 Lutiene, hmmm, need for your eyes: 8 mg of Lutein every day. eggs papaya,
 Zinc for skin, 8mg of zinc, swiss and cheddar cheese, baked beans, yogurt.
 glucossinolates, collard green, brussel sprouts, cauliflower,

It's Temptation Tuesday!

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Oh so tempting

What tempts you?
Is it: Romance? Challenges? Being number 1?  Perhaps chocolate.

I find lots of things tempt me, sway me to do something different, something I've never done before. I used to snow ski and I always loved a new trail, very tempting. The scenery so pretty.

Food can be very tempting. I'm not tempted by chocolate, but buy but those chips in front of me and I don't stand a chance.

How about a tempting book, begging you to read it when you know you should be working.

What tempts you?

Could it be a stroll in the park?
A cute baby?
A cuddly dog?
Rock climbing?
Seeing what is around the next bend?

Live, Laugh, Love

Source: tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

It's suppose to snow tonight. Love to wake up to the white stuff as long as I don't have to drive in it.

It's monday and if I were still teaching, I would absolutely love this Monday. After all, the day would signal a short work week. This time of year was always a bit harrowing, because it was alway a couple weeks before finals and the end of the semester.

Now, no matter what day it is I can do whatever I want. Strangely I find myself working nearly 24/7 and I'm still unable to accomplish everything I want to. But I love every minute. Right now by shoulder is aching because I've been at the computer for too long writing blogs. But I'm still here.

I've set my goals for the year, but I've yet to write them down. I have personal goals as well as business goals. Just as I once taught in personal finance, I have short term, midterm and long term goals. Tomorrow I will write them down. That is not procrastination. No, it is I'm going to go read Safari Moon so I can answer interview questions for my VBT intelligently. LOL.

What are your goals for the new year? Hmmm....

Our First Snow

Source: tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

I know some of you would not get excited about snow. But today, here in the willamette valley we are having the first snow of the season. It's Sunday and no one has to go anywhere. Fortunately, the roads are clear, but I like to have a nice cup of coffee and watch it fall. We are a bit higher than those in the city who are near sea level so Salem may not have as much. Where I am the snow is starting to hang heavy on the trees, dropping the branches. Our gravel road to the house is covered with snow.

No longer having to go to school, I still am a bit sorry for the kids who will probably not get a snow day. The snow is supposed to change to rain by Tuesday and of course tomorrow is a holiday. I will still keep my fingers crossed for those who are hoping for a snow day. I know I would be sorely disappointed if this did not turn into another day off from teaching.

I am promoting Safari Moon the only contemporary romance that has been published. I'm writing as Ann Christine. Beginning in March Safari Moon will be on tour with goddessfish and I'm hoping all will stop in, leave a comment. There are lots of gifts to be given to a random commenter.

Now to watch the snow.

The First One, the Book That Started Them All

Excerpt

Dakota's Bride by Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buy at:  www.roguephoenixpress.com 

This is the 4th book in the Lakota/Pinkerton series

Dakota's Bride, My Angel, The Locket, The Talisman, and Forever His

Moonless and frigid, the December night sent chills down Emma's spine. Yet she didn't stop at the lighted inn nearby, nor did she break stride when she stumbled over a rut in the muddy road. Instead, she pulled her skirts higher. A carriage raced by, hell-bent in the same direction, spitting mud as it flew past

A frantic look over her shoulder did nothing to relieve the fear. He was closing on her, forcing her from her hiding place. She stopped for a moment while she quickly shook the mud off her cape, then she turned to the little girl.

"You all right, Clare?" Emma asked.

The little girl nodded but didn't say anything, her face screwed tight with concentration, her breaths ragged and hard.

The big Mississippi paddle wheeler, due to leave in ten minutes, let out two loud, booming whistles. To Emma's frayed nerves, the sound was heart-stopping.

The wind from the docks smelled of fish and tar. When it shifted, she could make out the aroma of fresh baked scones coming from the inn. Emma gripped the tiny hand she held in her own a little tighter, and prayed that Clare could keep up the pace.

"It's only a wee bit farther. We can make it," Emma told the little girl, her sister. Half sister, she reminded herself.

Clare's father was not her own. His demonically hand­some face leering at her while he calmly explained what he meant for Emma to do in the bordello was something she'd never forget.

Clare was a tiny and very fragile seven-year old. She had loving green eyes and a long, slender nose coupled with delicate cheekbones. Emma knew that someday Clare would grow into a classic beauty.

One long blond lock of hair slipped loose from Clare's cap. The little girl pushed it away with her free hand, wrinkling her nose disgustedly.

Frost coated the road, and each hurried step caused the almost frozen mud to crunch beneath their feet. A horse and rider passed them, the man tipping his hat as he and his mount thundered by. Church bells rang out, the sound hollow and thin. It was almost six o'clock. She had five minutes to reach the boat.

A gust of wind caught her broadside and whisked the hood of her cape off the top of her head. She grabbed the soft fur and pulled the fabric back where it belonged. Distracted by the wind and her haste to reach the boat, Emma caught the toe of her shoe on a rock and balanced precariously for an instant.

She swore softly under her breath.

Had only one month passed?

No, three weeks ago her mother had died and two weeks ago she had learned the awful truth. Lawrence Stevens had slowly poisoned her mother. He had given her a small dose of arsenic each day until finally her mother took to her bed. Several days later Emma had held her mother's hand while she breathed her last.

Emma would never have known about the murder if she hadn't overheard Stevens speaking in harsh whispers with a friend of his. There were other things said and promised, things Emma had not wanted to acknowledge.

Disbelief and denial had caused her to waste precious time. Seven days had come and gone since she'd had her last horrible encounter with her stepfather. It was an encounter that had left her with no doubts that everything she'd heard was the god-awful truth. Stevens had meant to sell her to a whorehouse. Still, she'd had a difficult time believing the extent of Lawrence Stevens's depravity. But when he'd installed her in Madame leBon's bordello, she realized too late that her life was in grave jeopardy.

And Clare, sweet, sweet Clare, had understood all she'd told her and perhaps more. With the eyes of a child, Clare had somehow sensed the evil that surrounded her father long before anyone else did.

Five long days and nights they'd spent on the run. Clare had not complained. No matter how exhausted or hungry she was, the little girl had pressed on, understanding the imminent danger that faced Emma. Clare had somehow known that Emma had to get as far away from Lawrence as possible.

This incredible romance is one I positively fell in love with and is good enough to read again and again.

Cherokee

Review

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More 4 Cups

I can’t remember the last time I was so engrossed in a book: Dakota’s Bride took over my weekend, and even now, am wishing to go peruse it one more time…

Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Snapdragon Long and Short Reviews 

Dragons

Source: google.com via Chris on Pinterest

I love this picture and the fantasy of dragons.

It takes me back to the time of knights in shining armor rescuing damsels in distress. I don't know if I would ever write a story about dragons but I love reading them and imagining what said dragon looked like.

I'm reading The Game of Thrones. And I wonder about Dani with her dragon eggs. What will happen? Don't anyone tell me and ruin the story.

What is your favorite novel with dragon?

Missing Little Miss Ana

Source: ifunny.mobi via Diana on Pinterest

Tonight brings another trip to PDX. This one brings smiles to my face. We are picking up our oldest daughter, her husband and my little granddaughter. She is so precious and this picture reminded me of both my granddaughters. I love the spin off of the Marilyn Monroe movie.

There were so many cute saying about friends and some oh so true but this one stole my heart.

Friends:
1. They pick you up when you are down
2. They listen even when they are bored
3. The advice they give is always well intentioned
4. They run for great harvest and sees candy samples
5. They are one the nicest things you can have
6. They are one of the best things you can be
7. They laugh at each others jokes
8. They can finish sentences for each other
9. They are steadfast and will have your back no matter what the situation
10.

I wanted to get 13 things in honor of all people who will have a Friday the 13th birthday.
Can anyone add to my list?

Source: google.com via Chris on Pinterest

I joined a paranormal yahoo group today--always looking for new sites to promote, learn, and read. This might prove to be fun although their are some paranormal shows, books, and movies I would rather not see.

This is pisces goddess. Anyone out their a pisces? I thought the picture was gorgeous.

Looking for ideas to write. When I wrote full time, stories filled my head so much so, I knew I would never have enough time in my life to write them all down. So, where did they all go? Vanished, well no but the ideas aren't zooming any more. My head is filled with other peoples work.

The valley romance meeting last night was about goal setting and writing those goals down. Every successful person writes their goals. I plan on doing this. Short term, mid term and long term. I'm going to have to separate my goals for my writing and for Rouge Phoenix Press. I am thankful that my mid term goal for RPP was fulfilled. What do I want for the next three years? Good question--I will probably have to consult with my partner and try to figure out what is realistic. My short term goal is to help all of the RPP authors advertise and promote their books.

My writing is a different story (no pun intended). I am busy rereleasing previously published novels and rewriting past novels. The question for me is how far should I go back? My first books are not very well written.

As I close on this, and go back to my cityville game, I will consider and ponder my goals. Tomorrow I will write them down. I promise.

Oh, I do have one short term goal in mind. I intend to promote Safari Moon until I sell at least one copy!
It's a good book.

Help Wanted Must be ready, willing and able

Have you ever seen a safari moon? Have you ever seen the moon in Alaska? Safari Moon by Christine Young writing as Ann Christine begins in Bend then the hero and heroine move to Alaska where the hero  Solo St. John shoots wildlife pictures--wolves to be exact.

Blurb

Solo St. John, a wildlife photographer, is preparing for a trip to Alaska.  Suddenly, Solo finds women of all sorts invading his privacy, his home and his office, all cooing nonsense words and blatantly throwing themselves at him.  Solo doesn't know why, and he has no idea how to rid himself of the persistent women.  He finally decides to beg a favor of his best buddy Nyssa Harrington. 

In love with Solo for the past ten years and knowing he doesn't return her feelings Nyssa doesn't want to talk to Solo.  She knows if she accepts his phone call, she will not be able to resist the temptation to hope again.  

 Excerpt

Safari Moon

Good, Nyssa thought, she could handle belligerent. She was, after all, Solo’s damsel come to his rescue. This lady should be vanquished in a manner of minutes if she could think of something to say.

Seconds felt like hours while she let her gaze sweep around the room. The door to the bedroom was open. The sheets tossed and tangled as if something playful had toyed with them.

It didn’t take much to envision him, half-naked, sleepy, in bed, and wrapped in the redhead’s arms.

“Nyssa?” His sexy voice brought her out of the spell she’d almost smothered herself in.

“Get your hands off my husband!” Nyssa’s voice blurted out but her few crisp words had the desired effect. The lady’s hands dropped to her sides and her lips moved in a pert little moue.

At least Solo had the presence of mind to take advantage of her verbal warning. Standing, he neatly dumped the woman on her rounded derriere onto the couch.

If Nyssa hadn’t felt such outrage, the scene could have been construed as comical. But she did feel intense indignation and a possessiveness she wouldn’t analyze at the moment.

“Your husband?” The female cooed unbelievingly. “Now why do I find that hard to believe?”

“What a surprise darling.” She turned to Solo. “Is this one willing, eager, or able? Or perhaps a combination of all three?” She did try to push the anger from her voice. But then she thought it was a nice touch and if anger got rid of the female it was worth the embarrassment.

“Of all the nerve!”

“Yes, my wife does have--nerve. Among other things.” Solo still stood, open-mouthed, as Nyssa made her way across the room.

Nyssa ran her hand up Solo’s arm and endeavored for sultry instead of anger in her tone. “Sorry the plane took so long. Just like you asked, I bought a silky little black thing for bed.”

There were a number of things that could go wrong. For starters, Solo could deny the relationship, and then of course the redhead could figure out she lied. Somehow she didn’t expect either scenario.

“Pumpkin,” Solo said with a husky little growl in the timbre of his voice.

Pumpkin?

“Would you like a glass of wine?”

Before she had a chance to answer, he had maneuvered around discarded clothes and tumbled furniture to make his way to the kitchen and back with a glass, and was now pouring. He grinned from ear-to-ear and she felt a real sense of accomplishment.

“I tried to tell her I was spoken for, but until you showed up she didn’t believe me.”

Power

Source: pixdaus.com via Marci on Pinterest

I'm totally blogged out today. Check out the rogues angels blog and the on going contest. We are giving away lots of things including 6 novellas, bookmarks, gift cards and other prizes pending. All you need do is leave a comment.

So this picture is earthly but when I saw the smaller version I thought, science fiction or fantasy. I could see a space ship hovering over the clouds and crazy aliens descending through the funnel. Pictures of tornadoes and hurricanes never cease to amaze me.

What genre would you use this picture for?

A House Divided

Source: google.com via Noreen on Pinterest

Rose Bowl

Gotta route for the ducks. Even in a house divided this is the day everyone in the state of Oregon has to come together. It doesn't matter what you do the rest of the year (well maybe it does) but we all want the ducks to win.  Go ducks!!!!!!

Oregon So Beautiful

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

I tried to pick a picture but they were all so beautiful. I live in a state that borders from the ocean over rolling hills to mountains then dessert then back to mountains. There are not many states that have such diversity.

Mt. Hood

Source: latartinegourmande.com via Pascale on Pinterest

Now For The Game

But I Won't Forget OS

Source: Uploaded by user via Chris on Pinterest

Happy New Year

Source: marian16rox.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

This is such a good question. Most of the time the New Year arrives and we all make resolutions. One of the most common resolutions for me is to lose weight. Two years ago I lost 50 lbs with weight watchers and I've kept it off. So now what? I ask myself.

What do I want to do that will make me proud. I am looking to my daily work which is in the publishing and writing business. My small publishing house through a lot of hours spent has reached a point where it is actually making money. I would like to see it grow and I want my authors to sell their books. One thing that would make me very proud would be to help my authors achieve this goal. and I don't just mean by editing and publishing their work. I know first hand that the brick and mortars send their authors on tours. I am sending all my new release on virtual book tours this year. I'm hoping they will sell many books. Is this self-serving? Perhaps yes? But I haven't heard anyone complaining. As the new year progress, I will see how all this works out.

I am proud of my little publishing house rogue phoenix press and I hope to watch it grow.

What can you accomplish that will make you proud?