Christine Young - Romance Writer

Lakota/Pinkerton Series by Christine Young

2012-02-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

My Angel by Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buyat: www.roguephoenixpress.com

This is the 4th book in theLakota/Pinkerton series

Dakota'sBride, My Angel, The Locket, The Talisman, and Forever His

Read an Excerpt

Denver, 1893

A polished azure sky looked downon a day that vacillated between winter and spring--a day unable to make up itsmind. Cool breezes lifted Angela Chamberlain's brand-new canary yellow skirtoff the moisture-laden sidewalk. A blazing hot sun dried the puddles in the streetleft over from last night's deluge.

Unlike the day, Angela had notrouble making up her mind. Angela knew what she wanted out of life. Shetouched one finger to the sapphire earrings adorning her newly pierced ears.

She wanted adventure.

She had a terrible craving to seethe world--to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, to walk the Great Wall ofChina. She yearned to fly in a hot-air balloon high above the earth, or ride ina gondola in Venice. She wanted to fall in love with a man who was as brave andsmart as her father and as dangerous as Devil Blackmoor.

Angela's wish list had no end.

Instead of adventure and romance,in three short weeks she'd be enrolled in Miss Somebody's finishing school foryoung ladies, where knowing which fork to use was more important than ridingwith the wind on her favorite horse, Kangee. A place where changing one'sclothes three times or more each day was common practice.

Two days ago she'd told herfather she didn't want to go.

And two days ago her father had toldher she would learn to appreciate the schooling and that she was a very luckyyoung woman. He'd also promised her a trip to the continent for a graduationpresent.

A graduation present! Shewanted to yell at him, but wisely kept her mouth shut. She wanted to travelnow. Today. But more than anything, she didn't want to be confined to thestuffy drawing rooms in the East. Just like her father, she needed freedom. Buther father meant to take the choice from her.

To gossip and chatter with richsociety women was not her destiny. To know which wine was served with fishwould not make her happy. This was his dream for her. Sam Chamberlain needed tolook to his own heart and remember the choices he had made twenty-five yearsago.

Her destiny was out theresomewhere, waiting for her to snap it up and hold the moment close to herheart. She knew what she wanted, and to prove her point, she'd bought a cameraand had the machine sent over to the hotel. She meant to photograph all heradventures, every nook and cranny, every monument, every intriguing person.

Across the street and down twoblocks, Devil Blackmoor had just taken the saddle off his horse. He brushed thestallion's back, all the while petting the animal's sleek coat and crooninginto the horse's ear. Mesmerized, she watched his hands and the gentle way hestroked the horse.

She wished she had her camera.

Devil Blackmoor commanded herattention. He symbolized everything a father cautioned his daughter to be waryof. Despite the warning, Devil's strong jaw, his powerful shoulders and theconfident way he held himself beckoned to every feminine nerve in Angela'sbody.

Angela clutched her hands to herchest, willing her gaze to shift to something or someone who wouldn't shatterher senses and set her blood boiling. Helpless to control her wayward heart,she kept looking back at Devil. She noticed everything about him, the way hemoved, the way his denim jeans clung to his legs and the way they molded to hisbackside. Devil laughed at something the bouncer from the saloon said, and when he smiled, one edge of his mouth tilted crookedly. Angela's heartswooned and fluttered, and she thought she might never breathe again.

What If Wednesday

2012-02-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com.au via Jen on Pinterest

What if you were contracted to write a novel with a shapeshifter for a hero or heroine. If there were no guidelines, I think I would go with the dolphin. I've never really thought about this before even though I love shapeshifter novels.

So why a dolphin?

Source: google.com via Julia on Pinterest

I dolphins are highly intelligent animals. They seem to be attracted to humans and of course they live in the water. There was a time in my life where I felt as though I lived in the water. Training dolphins was also a profession I never pursued but have always been fascinated with.

Source: cacia.wordpress.com via Thea on Pinterest

Wolves would be my second choice because they also are intelligent and they are so misunderstood. One would think that by this time, and all of the research done on the wolf that people would begin to believe they are not the horrible creatures of "Little Red Riding Hood" status. My hero in Safari Moon is photographing wolves in the Alaskan wilderness. And well, had I thought of this before, Solo certainly could have been a shapeshifter.

I'm not sure what my third choice would be. Perhaps a lion all tawny and strong. But the male lion is a bit lazy from all I have read. The female does most of the work. Of course that could be said of a lot of the mammals in the animal kingdom.

Source: fuckyeahbigcats.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

What animal would you choose?

Answer to Tuesday's Trivia question: Lee Harvey Oswald.

Trivia Tuesday

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source:

This is a history question. Any history buffs out there? Well didn't want to make this one too hard.
Check back tomorrow for the answer.

Who returned to the U.S. in 1962 partly because he thought Russian winters were making him bald?

a) Lee Harvey Oswald
b) Dobie Gillis
c) Reverend Guppy
d) Lex Luther

Please Welcome author of a Mercenary Way, Tory Richards

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to have Tory at my blog and I hope everyone who visits here in the next couple of days enjoys meeting the author, and reading a little something about her book The Mercenary Way. Love your cover artist!

Tory will be awarding a $20.00 egift certificate to Bath and Body to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and the blog host with the most comments (excluding Tory's and their own) will receive an "Own this Spot for a Whole Year" ad spot ($100.00 value) on Sex Between the Covers Blog.

So, everyone who visits please leave a comment.

First let's learn a little bit about Tory:

I'm a fifty-something author who discovered my passion forwriting and story telling at the ripe old age of thirteen. Before I received myfirst manual typewriter, with pencil in hand, I would jot my stories down onnotebook paper. Later, after receiving that desired typewriter I spent hours inmy bedroom, where my parents thought I was doing homework. Writing turned outto be a kind of therapy for me, something I didn't realize until years later.

I also hold down a full time day job. So basically I'm workingall the time. Only writing is a hobby for me, something I do during the quietof the evenings and on my weekends. My goals are simple and realistic. By thetime I retire I'll be happy if I'm just making enough "mad money"from it to be able to travel a little, and spoil my grandchildren.

I'll travel any place a cruise ship will take me. I've beento: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Alaska just to name a few places. Idon't like to fly, even before I found myself on a plane on 9/11, but I will ifI'm given enough legal drugs. I collect antiques and art, and I love chocolate,who doesn't? And I'm addicted to good coffee and sweet ice tea.

For a while life got in the way of my dreams. A few yearsago I decided to get serious and haven't looked back!

Find Tory and her books at:

http://www.toryrichards.com

http://www.debbiewallace.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000953754308

http://twitter.com/#!/ToryRichards

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4548655443

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

How about a short teaser to get things started.

When a ruthless gemsmuggler mistakes Sarah for her best friend Susan, she's kidnapped and stashedon an island. Her only hope of rescue is Susan's cousin Clint -- asoldier-of-fortune whose my-way-or-else attitude is as infuriating as hismuscular body is distracting.

Clint, ex-Navy SEALturned mercenary, desperately needs a vacation. Rescuing a kidnapped woman froman island paradise isn't what he had in mind. And when he encounters Sarah'ssassy mouth and tempting ways, he soon realizes he's the one in trouble.

What will Tory reveal in her interview? Hmmm...

1.What or who inspired you to start writing? Lookingback, I was very young when I decided I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I think reading fairy-tales inspired me. I was a big fan of the princessfinding her prince charming and living happily ever after.

2.How did you come up with ideas for your book? A toughquestion to answer! My ideas can come from anywhere and anything. A dream, arandom thought popping into my head, something I see or experience. With It'sAll in the Jeans I wrote a lot of the humorous scenes from my experience ofliving in a retirement community.

3.Have you ever written erotica? What special elements areneeded for this genre? LOL...yes! I started out writing mainstream like Cupid'sArrow and The Senator's Daughter, but have evolved into fullfledged erotica. As far as special elements is concerned, it depends.Publishers are open to a wide variety of erotica and have a veryshort list of what they won't accept. Authors have to be willing to gothere, if you know what I mean. So far I've stuck with the basic one woman oneman storyline. I might venture into other areas later because if there's onething I've learned as an author, never say never! A few of my erotic titleswith Ellora's Cave are Talk Dirty to Me, Breathless Surrender andHer Hands-On Man. For a little over $2 you can have, I mean read, aQuickie.

4.What would you want your readers to know about you thatmight not be in your bio? I'm very blunt. I say it like it is and usually,unfortunately, without thinking first. I'm also a good listener and will offeradvice any chance I get:)

5.As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?Just to continue writing for me. When I can, when I want. No deadlines to make.Writing isn't a job to me, it's a hobby that I enjoy.

6.Do you outline your books or juststart writing? I just start writing. Once the book is done, I go back and add alot of meat to it. So I guess the first draft could be considered an outline ofsorts.

7.Do you have an all time favorite book?The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.

sorry you can't actually click to look inside unless you go to amazon

8.Have you started your next project? Ifso, can you share a little bit about your book? I have several projects startedbut lately I've been in a funk. Too much life going on. It happens. I have awerewolf romance started, a couple short erotic romances, and a couple novels Iwrote many years ago on a manual type writer I hope to do work on some day.

9.Who is your favorite actor andactress? I love Tom Hanks! Anything he does turns out great and he seems like agenuinely nice guy.

10. Anything else you might want to add?E-books rock! There are still some traditional publishing houses out there, andgroups that don't consider eBooks as being published. But let me tell you, justas much work goes into them from both the author and the publisher's side.EBooks have a much longer shelf life than book store books, too. They'recheaper. I'm willing to bet that in the future we'll be more concerned withsaving what trees we have left on the planet, and protecting theenvironment, than holding a paper back in our hands. I've noticed sometraditional publishing houses have added eBooks and some well establishedauthors are also writing them now.

don't want anyone to forget what Tory's cover looks like!

What you have all been waiting for--the Excerpt!

Grabbing his duffel bag, Clint sprinted in the direction ofthe trees, leaving Sarah to follow. She’d learn soon enough that he wasn’tgoing to wait for her. They’d almost reached the safety of the trees when thefirst shot rang out. It whizzed past them ricocheting off a nearby tree,splintering the bark over their heads. He glanced back, swearing. Just as he’dexpected, Sarah had come to a halt and was looking around as though wonderingwhat had just happened.

“Keep moving!” he commanded, grabbing her arm. He gave her aviolent shove in front of him where he could keep his eyes on her, and duckedwhen another bullet whizzed past. Soon after, a volley of gunfire erupted,forcing Clint to push her to the ground before they shot her head off.

She screamed when he careened into her and, in seconds, theywere slipping on the muddy earth. Keeping his hands on her hips, he forced herto crawl behind a large tree. As they came to rest against it, flying barksprayed the area around them.

“We have to keep moving!” Sarah cried above the sound ofgunfire. “They’re coming!” She tried to struggle to her feet, but Clint easilyheld her down.

“No!” he said against her ear. “They’re still back at thehouse. They’re shooting wild, hoping to scare us out in the open. We still havea good head start,” he finished in a calm tone.

“You sound like you’re used to this,” she commented,trembling beneath his weight. She cried out again when another bullet hit theground in front of them.

Clint forced her head down, lying protectively over her, allthe while knowing that if a bullet went through him, it would probably gothrough her too. “Pray, angel.”

Oh, don't forget two things!

Please leave a comment.

and most important go right now and buy Tory's book :)

Release of The Gift by Christine Young

2012-02-13T19:30:00.003-08:00

The Gift a novella which is part of A Valentine Anthology is now available at Amazon for $2.99.

Read an Excerpt

The Gift

Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 3

Buy at: amazon.com

"Get in the house,now!"

"Mama?"

Elice Weld shielded her eyesand watched the ground fog rising in the distance. She didn't know what wascoming her way, but she could guess. The rumors that a Union cavalry unit wasin the vicinity had spread like a wildfire on a Kansas prairie.

Rain had fallen all morning.Now the clouds had separated, and the sun heated the earth, causing theevaporation of the water-soaked ground. The cavalry rode through the mist likedark, avenging wraiths bent on the destruction of all mankind. She could seeseven men silhouetted on the horizon.

"Izzy, go." Elicedidn't want to frighten her daughter but the urgency of the moment could not bedenied.

"But mama?"

"Go to the cellar.Now."

"It's dark."

Izzy's voice echoed inElice's head, filling her with a wild panic she didn't know how to stop. Everytime soldiers approached she was terrified. The last four years had been thelongest years of her life. "Do as I say, quickly." Elice hugged herdaughter, turning her at the same moment and with a gentle shove sent her throughthe open door of her house.

"Izzy."

Elice knew the panic in hervoice would mobilize her young daughter. She despised the fear and the terror.She loathed the war. She looked up. The fog was dissipating, and she could seethe dark blue of the Union coats. She didn't have anything left for the soldiersto take. Good God, they'd taken everything already--everything save herdaughter and her hope for the future.

She inhaled a quick breaththen stood on the steps, hands folded together in front of her, watching thedark wraiths inch closer. She knew from experience she couldn't fight thesemen. She would do as they said and when they left, she would put the pieces ofher life back together.

Until the next time…

"Mama," Elicejumped when her daughter tugged on her skirt before looking at her with sorrow-filledeyes. "Are the soldiers going to take my doll?"

"No," Eliceruffled her little girl's hair. "Go back inside. Go to the cellar anddon't come out until I tell you it's safe."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine."But Elice knew she might be lying to her child. She wasn't always fine when thesoldiers invaded their home. "Now go and don't make me say it again. Staythere until I come for you."

Izzy nodded before sheturned and walked through the parlor to the stairs leading to the cellar.

The Three Novellas in A Valentine Anthology are:

The Gift

The Lending Library by C.L. Kraemer

Chasing Rainbows by Genene Valleau

What If You Have To Write A Novel With A Disney Movie Theme?

2012-02-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Source: ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

What if you had to choose a Disney movie to incorporate into a story of your own? This type of writing from fairytales seems to be the in thing right now. Lots of this type of story line on the new television shows--might have even replaced some of the vampire stories. For me this is a welcome relief.

Back to Disney movies, the most logical choices of course would be the romances. Wait a minute aren't most of them romances?

Not all, but could you write a modern day romance using, say, Lady and the Tramp. Of course, what do we have but the classic uptown chick and the downtown bad boy.

Beauty and the Beast is a classic and I believe many people have used this theme in their modern day romances. The beautiful heroine, after many trials, falls in love with the scarred hideous beast. There are so many variations of this theme.

Of course Cinderella comes to mind. A woman having to wait hand and foot on the evil stepmother and her horrendous demanding daughters. Everyone loves Cinderella and work night and day to help her. But not until the prince falls in love with her and has the strength to search for her is she freed from this horrible plight.

I think I would use a story like Lady and the Tramp. I've always liked the bad boy. But I think I would put a twist on this and instead of the bad boy, I'd have the bad girl. Of course the handsome rich young man from the richer communities would see through all her insecurities. He will not "tame" her because he loves her the way she is but he will find a way to help her see how really good she is.

What movie would you choose?

Romance and Spring

2012-02-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

Source: mail.google.com via Chris on Pinterest

I know, I know it is not spring yet. There are still parts of the country receiving snow. But here in Oregon there are many times February is more spring like than the actual season. There are sunny days, sometimes more than the rainy ones and at times we reach temperatures into the sixties. Alas today did not reach sixty but I think it was close.

I like to look at pictures and find the inspiration in them for a story, a scene or even for the characters in my books. This picture carries my mind away to peaceful spring days, chatting with my love and feeling so very peaceful. It is relaxing as if the two people have nothing better to do than to gaze into each others eyes. Ok, ok that might be a bit too fanciful--but still--don't you think young lovers still do that?

What do you see in this picture?

Lakota/Pinkerton Series by Christine Young

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Lakota/ Pinkerton began with Ghost Dance a yet to be published book. The second book in the series Dakota's Bride was published by Kennsington. I have since received my rights back and Dakota's Bride is now published with Rogue Phoenix Press. Dakota's Bride received a new cover. This is a fast paced, hot and steamy romance novels with love scenes in ----- hot springs.

Every book in this six book series has a Lakota Sioux, a Pinkerton or both.

Reviews

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

Cherokee
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

Excerpt

Dakota's Bride by Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buyat: www.roguephoenixpress.com

This is the 4th book in theLakota/Pinkerton series

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

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

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

"You all right, Clare?" Emma asked.

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

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

The wind from the docks smelled of fish and tar. When itshifted, she could make out the aroma of fresh baked scones coming from theinn. Emma gripped the tiny hand she held in her own a little tighter, andprayed 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 handsomeface leering at her while he calmly explained what he meant for Emma to do inthe bordello was something she'd never forget.

Clare was a tiny and very fragile seven-year old. She hadloving 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'scap. The little girl pushed it away with her free hand, wrinkling her nosedisgustedly.

Frost coated the road, and each hurried step caused thealmost 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 rangout, the sound hollow and thin. It was almost six o'clock. She had five minutesto reach the boat.

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

She swore softly under her breath.

Had only one month passed?

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

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

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

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

Five long days and nights they'd spent on the run. Clare hadnot complained. No matter how exhausted or hungry she was, the little girl hadpressed on, understanding the imminent danger that faced Emma. Clare hadsomehow known that Emma had to get as far away from Lawrence as possible.

What To Do Around a May Poll?

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well dance I suppose.

Source: friedasophie.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

This in honor of our glorious full moon. Here in Oregon, we can't see it tonight because of the rain but yesterday it was beautiful.

I'm working on a May Day novella for next year. Must name my characters and do some brainstorming on the plot. Not sure where I want to go with this--a little bit pagan--a little bit fun. I know I have to have a may poll. More on this later. For now I'm finishing an edit and then on to more blogs for my VBT with Goddess Fish for my contemporary romance Safari Moon. Must get some of these done this weekend. Between edits, blogging, babysitting and walking I feel like a push-me-pull me doll. Now enough with the negative and on to more work.

Answer from yesterdays blog is:

c) St. Petersburg

were you right? Hmm... I would have never guessed this one.

Trivia Tuesday

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Janina on Pinterest

The picture is of Hogwarts in Universal Studios. Has some fun rides, witches brew, magic wands and much much more.

Check back tomorrow for the answer.

What Florida City has been dubbed The Senior Citizens Capital of the World?

a) Miami
b) Orlando
c) St. Petersburg
d) Pensacola Beach

Well this didn't work. I forgot I had some other blogs for Tuesday. So for this month at least it is Wednesday Trivia

Please Welcome Amy Corwin author of The Vital Principle

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Amy is a regency writer. The time period has so many possibilities. Today we have an interview, and excerpt and a short blurb. You will also have the opportunity to learn a little about Amy through her bio.

Contest Give Away

Keep in mind the more times you comment the greater the chance you have of winning.

Amy will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Bio

Amy Corwin is a chartermember of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers ofAmerica. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes romance, historical and cozy mysteries.To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since shediscovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way tomake the remaining ones toe the plot line.

Amy’s books include the threeRegency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, andTHE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; andher first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come in in 2012 from Five Star.

Join her and discover thatevery good romance has a touch of mystery.

Website: http://www.amycorwin.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor

Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com

Blurb

TheVital Principle
Aninquiry agent seeks to expose a spiritualist as a fraud only to uncover amurder.
In 1815, inquiryagent, Knighton Gaunt, is asked by Lord Crowley to attend a séance with theexpress purpose of revealing the spiritualist as a fraud. When the séance endsabruptly, an unseen killer poisons Lord Crowley, leaving Gaunt to investigatenot fraud, but murder.
   Suspicion turns firstto the spiritualist, Miss Prudence Barnard. But as Gaunt digs deeper into thetwisted history of the guests at Rosecrest, he discovers a series of deadlysecrets. Long-time friends soon turn against one another as the tension mounts,and Gaunt is challenged to separate fact from fiction before another death atRosecrest.

   The Vital Principle isthe first mystery in the Second SonsInquiry Agency series and features coolly intellectual Mr. Knighton Gaunt,the agency’s founder. This witty, historical whodunit in the tradition of BruceAlexander’s Blind Justice will keepyou guessing until the unexpected end.
   “Murder, mystery, anda dash of romance combined with witty dialogue and unforgettable charactersmake The Vital Principle a book thatwill definitely go on my keeper shelf!” —Lilly Gayle, author of Into the Darkness and Slightly Tarnished.

Interview

1.What or who inspired you tostart writing?
I wrote my first book when right before I turned7, but I think it was a combination of reading The Swiss Family Robinson and myfather’s love of books. He used to read to us at bedtime, until he got halfwaythrough The Swiss Family Robinson. He stopped at a really exciting part—Ibelieve pirates were involved—and said, “If you want to know what happens,you’ll have to read the rest, yourself.” ARGH! Needless to say, I read the restand not to be outdone, I wrote my own story.

Ever since then, I’ve wanted to write, it justtook me a while to dig deep enough to find the discipline to do so. However,more recent inspiration came from re-reading favorites including BarbaraMichaels fabulous paranormals and Georgette Heyer’s mysteries.

2.How did you come up with ideasfor your books?  
Honestly, I have no clue. Generally, though, I’mdoing something else and I think of a character with a particular trait orbackground. The character grows and eventually demands his or her story to betold.

That’s how my books start. With a character. ThenI work very hard to come up with a plot worthy of that character.

3.Have you ever written a regencybefore? Is this part of a series?
Yes, I’ve written several Regencies, and my firstbook published was a traditional Regency romance (Smuggled Rose) and my book, IBid One American, actually hooked me two agents and publication with The WildRose Press.

Knighton Gaunt, the hero in The Vital Principle,had actually been demanding his own story for a long time. In fact, he was soinsistent, I gave him a minor role in I Bid One American, first, with promisesto him that I’d devote at least one story to him in the near future. He was avery troublesome bloke because not only did he want a story, he founded in InquiryAgency and insisted that it be featured in all of my Regency mysteries. Then hesaid The Vital Principle was insufficient to tell his story, particularly as itrelated to Pru Barnard, so I had to write an additional one (Hidden Aspects)which is currently in the editing phase.

In between, I wrote several other books whereKnighton, or another of his inquiry agents, were featured, so he’s bullied meinto complying with his demands. So far.

4.What expertise did you bring toyour writing?
Persistence. I work as a computerspecialist during the day, in a tier 3/expert role. We’re the ones who getpulled into resolving issues that no one else (tier 1 & 2) can solve. Thetrick is that in many cases, the reason the problem is intractable is becausethe definition of the problem is incorrect or even nonexistent.

The ability to step back and analyze anissue to find and resolve it, as well as my programming experience, has beenenormously beneficial. I truly believe many of the same skills are in play withboth professions.

5.What would you want yourreaders to know about you that might not be in your bio?
Gosh, I feel like my life’s pretty much anopen book what with Facebook and all. JPerhaps, that I was a late bloomer and even later bride. I didn’t get marrieduntil my late thirties, but I’m glad I waited long enough to find the rightman. And that led me to learn one lesson I think a lot of us don’t know orforget: no matter how smart you are, you can never really predict what thefuture holds for you, so you should never give up hope.

6.As far as your writing goes,what are your future plans?
I’ve got characters bugging the heck out ofme in the Second Sons series, so there’ll be at least two or three more booksthere. And I have the first cozy contemporary mystery coming out in 2012, withan idea for about 5 more in that series. So I think my future plans are to keepon writing until these characters stop pestering me.

7.If you could be one of thecharacters from any of your books, who would it be and why?
I love them all, so it’s hard to decide,but perhaps either Pru Barnard from The Vital Principle, or Sarah “Sam”Sanderson from The Bricklayer’s Helper. Pru is smart and has much better selfcontrol than I have, something I’ve wanted to acquire all of my life. Sarahnever lets things get her down and she loves nothing more than an adventure. Iwish I were more adventurous.

In many respects, my characters exhibittraits I wish I had, myself, although they are not perfect, either.

8.Do you belong to a critiquegroup? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?
I’ve belonged to several critique groups. Idoubt I’d be published without them. I often write something and think it isperfectly understandable, only to find when a critter reads it, that they takeaway something totally different—and that’s different in a bad way, not a goodway.

There is no way you can write withoutothers input, including first readers, editors, and/or critters. It’s criticalto get that input.

9.When did you first decide tosubmit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this bigstep?

I wrote to submit it to an agent, so thething that encouraged me was the completion of the manuscript. Although(thankfully) my crit group convinced me not to sub the first three manuscriptsI wrote, so I had plenty of practice before I wrote my first novel. J

10.        What is the best and worst advice you everreceived? (regarding writing or publishing)
The best advice is the same advice everyonegives you: just write.

The worst advice has been in the form of“rules” that are patently misleading if now downright false. Particularlygrammatical rules which are inaccurate. They really annoy me. My recommendationis to not listen to a thing others say, particularly about passive voice. Buy agrammar book and use it.

11.        Do you outline your books or just start writing?
I have to outline. If I don’t know what I’mtrying to accomplish in a chapter, then I can’t write that chapters. I have tohave a goal so what I create can fulfill that goal and move the story along.Without it, I get what others call writer’s block.

12.        Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledgeyou've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of yourbooks?

My hobbies have carried over into my books.I started growing old garden roses several years before I started writing inearnest. Roses and the history of rose hybridization has found it way into anumber of my books. I’m also a bird watcher, and I obsess over the bird lifeand other natural elements in my books.

I’m always torn about the names of thesethings. If I use the Latin name, it may put off some readers and would seemunnatural for most o the characters to throw around a Latin name for a bird ingeneral conversation. Even birders don’t do that.

But once you sink to common names, you’vegot a problem. They change over the years or from locality to locality. If Iuse the common name from the period and locality, today’s reader may believeI’ve got the bird “wrong” or not know which bird I’m referencing at all. Or thename may actually belong to a different bird today.

Okay, sorry. I’m obsessed.

13.        Do you have an all time favorite book?

This is going to strike people as weird,but yes, The Haunting of Hill House.

14.        Have you started your next project? If so, can youshare a little bit about your book?
I’m editing Escaping Notice, which featuresKnighton Gaunt in a minor role. There are actually three main characters whocollide. Each one has a different purpose, mostly to escape notice while theypursue something. The hero, Hugh Castle, Earl of Monmouth believes someonetried to kill him by sabotaging his boat and accidentally killed his brother,Lionel, instead. So Hugh goes undercover to investigate, and hires Gaunt toexplore additional avenues.

The heroine, Helen Archer, lost a valuablebut cursed necklace, at a ball given by the earl. She doesn’t want anyone toknow she was so irresponsible, so she hopes to find a way to retrieve itwithout anyone knowing.

And the earl’s nephew, Edward, has run offbecause he wants to join the navy. But he runs into Helen, who won’t let himtravel alone, and the two of them stumble into Hugh. The three then hatch aplan to begin a masquerade as servants in the earl’s home, each keeping secrethis or her true purpose.

I’ve always been fascinated byperceptions, and how easy it is to be mislead by our perceptions. Often, we seewhat we want and expect to see. That fact is used in social engineering bypeople trying to gain access to things (your house or your computer) theyshouldn’t. Again, you can see I’ve a mild obsession about perceptions, bothfalse and true.

15.        Your interview will be posted before spring break.Is there a family tradition or recipe you would like toshare?  

We used to have hot cross buns at Easter,and I still crave them, although that desire isn’t limited to the spring. Butthese days, I tend to have less time, so sugar-coated muffins fit the bill as afast substitute.

Sugar-Coated Muffins
2 c. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
2-½ tsp. baking powder
(Sift the 3 preceding ingredients together)
3/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
1/3 c. shortening
Mix together and bake at 350° for approximately20 minutes.
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ c. butter
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a sack or plastic bag. Melt butterand drop muffins in melted butter and then shake in the sack of sugar &cinnamon.

16.        What is your favorite reality show?

48 Hours

17.        Who is your favorite actor and actress?
I always feel weird saying this, but Idon’t following actresses and actors. Individuals are good in specific movies,and I enjoy their work in movies. When the movie is over, that’s it. I don’teven want to know their “real names” per se, and I definitely don’t followtheir private lives which are often simply messy and ridiculous.

18.        Can you tell us a little about the black moment inyour book?
In The Vital Principle, the black momentcomes when Knighton has been unable to flush out the murderer and because ofthis, another person dies. It’s a terrible tragedy and one he feels shouldnever have happened.

I can’t really say more than that withoutgiving too much away about the mystery.

19.        Anything else you might want to add?
Thank you for this opportunity and your kindnessin interviewing me!

Excerpt

In this scene, Pru Barnard is accused of murderingtheir host, Lord Crowley during the séance she conducted. Inquiry agent,Knighton Gaunt, is not so sure, however, that she’s the guilty party, but hedoes think she lied about being able to speak with the spirit world.
“So you lied—” Mr. Gaunt said.

Pru interrupted, shaking her head. “No, I merely—”

“It was not the truth!” His lips thinned and anger ignited a slowburning fire in his eyes. “Her husband did not speak through you. Admit it.”

She tilted her head to one side, examining him. “Do you believeher husband did not love her?”

“I have no idea. That’s not the point.”

“Then you don’t know ifit was the truth or not.” She offered, instinctively knowing the men would tearher apart like a pack of hungry dogs if she reacted emotionally. Her mind racedahead, abnormally clear, encased in the fragile ice of logic that could shatterat any moment and leave her raging at their accusations. “And it eased thedowager’s mind. So I fail to see I did anything wrong.”

Mr. Gaunt said, “You mislead—”

“No. I told a desperately lonely woman what she needed to hear.That’s the sum of it. There are many truths. You have yours. I have mine.”

“There is only onetruth.”

“Nonsense.” She folded her hands at her waist and turnedpartially away, unable to bear the intense scrutiny of his hard eyes. Herfingers felt stiff and icy with fear. “I refuse to discuss this any further.It’s futile. You’ll believe what you wish. If you chose not to trust me, thenso be it. But regardless of what you think, I did not kill Lord Crowley.”

-------
Thank you--
Amy Corwinhttp://www.amycorwin.com
http://amycorwin.blogspot.com

What Would You Take With You?

2012-02-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

Source: afinefashionfrenzy.tumblr.com via Bailey on Pinterest

If your home was on fire and you had just enough time to take one thing with your, what would it be? Of course the time period might make a difference. Some, might snatch their computer. But in the 1800's this would not be possible. Hmm... Some, in any time, would take a keepsake or memento that brought back memories of a time past. Some, could decide to retrieve pictures or paintings.

What would your hero or heroine feel would be the most important item to save?

In Safari Moon, Solo would make sure he had his grandmothers engagement ring and if there was time after that he would have to take the pictures he had been working on. Nyssa would the picture she has of Solo.

Most of my character have a piece of jewelry that is very important to them and they of course would save that.

I Believe in Faeries--Do You?

2012-02-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Source: amybrownart.com via Chris on Pinterest

Faeries and other magical creatures have a very special place in books and legends. They can have all the characteristics of people good and bad, mischievous and well behaved. I particularly love the pagan faeries but what is that steals our hearts. Could the fact that they are so tiny, pull at our heartstrings or their beautiful wings. I have pictures of fairies on my blog and in my office. Rogues Angels wrote a St. Patricks Day Anthology and my angels were wonderful and so much fun to write. There were two good angels--oops, I mean faeries and two pagan faeries. The pagan faeries managed to find a way to another century. Quite accidentally. I'm looking forward to working on the angels next project together which will be a May Day anthology with lots of rituals and traditions.

What kind of supernatural powers do you believe in?

Please Welcome Guest Author Dana Littlejohn

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Excerpt

Dakota's Bride by Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buyat: www.roguephoenixpress.com

This is the 4th book in theLakota/Pinkerton series

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

"You all right, Clare?" Emma asked.

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

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

"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 handsomeface leering at her while he calmly explained what he meant for Emma to do inthe bordello was something she'd never forget.

Clare was a tiny and very fragile seven-year old. She hadloving 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'scap. The little girl pushed it away with her free hand, wrinkling her nosedisgustedly.

She swore softly under her breath.

Had only one month passed?

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

This incredible romance is one I positively fell in love with andis 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 abook: Dakota’sBride took over my weekend, and even now, am wishing to go peruseit one more time…

Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Snapdragon Long and Short Reviews

Dragons

2012-01-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

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?

2012-01-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

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 toAlaska. Suddenly, Solo finds women ofall sorts invading his privacy, his home and his office, all cooing nonsensewords and blatantly throwing themselves at him. Solo doesn't know why, and he has no idea how to rid himself of thepersistent women. He finally decides tobeg a favor of his best buddy Nyssa Harrington.

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

Excerpt

Safari Moon

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

Secondsfelt like hours while she let her gaze sweep around the room. The door to thebedroom was open. The sheets tossed and tangled as if something playful hadtoyed with them.

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

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

“Getyour hands off my husband!” Nyssa’s voice blurted out but her few crisp wordshad the desired effect. The lady’s hands dropped to her sides and her lipsmoved in a pert little moue.

Atleast 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.

IfNyssa 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 analyzeat the moment.

“Yourhusband?” The female cooed unbelievingly. “Now why do I find that hard tobelieve?”

“Whata 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 hervoice. But then she thought it was a nice touch and if anger got rid of thefemale it was worth the embarrassment.

“Ofall the nerve!”

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

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

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

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

Pumpkin?

“Wouldyou like a glass of wine?”

Beforeshe had a chance to answer, he had maneuvered around discarded clothes andtumbled furniture to make his way to the kitchen and back with a glass, and wasnow pouring. He grinned from ear-to-ear and she felt a real sense ofaccomplishment.

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

Power

2012-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

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?

A Picture Can Create a Story

2011-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

What story is behind this beautiful picture? I wonder...
I love to use pictures in my novels. This is perfect for My Angel a historical that begins in the Dakotas and ends up in the Crimea. The hero is a Russian prince and the heroine is a gun toten' dreamer who was brought up in the rockies but wanted nothing more than to travel the world.

Did she get her wish? Hmmm....
One would have to read My Angel to discover the truth.
Look for My Angel the second book in my Lakota Pinkerton series which begins with Dakota's Bride.

Excerpt

My Angel by Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buyat: www.roguephoenixpress.com

This is the 4th book in theLakota/Pinkerton series

Dakota'sBride, My Angel, The Locket, The Talisman, and Forever His

Denver, 1893

Unlike the day, Angela had notrouble making up her mind. Angela knew what she wanted out of life. Shetouched one finger to the sapphire earrings adorning her newly pierced ears.

She wanted adventure.

Angela's wish list had no end.

Two days ago she'd told herfather she didn't want to go.

And two days ago her father had toldher she would learn to appreciate the schooling and that she was a very luckyyoung woman. He'd also promised her a trip to the continent for a graduationpresent.

She wished she had her camera.

available at www.roguephoenixpress.com

Please Welcome Brian Young author of Blood Veins

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Blood Veins a science fiction novel by Brian Young will be published on January 1st. I can hardly wait. I have read the book and I'm not biased or anything but I loved it and he set the sequel up perfectly.

Excerpt

"We will not survive this march. It will soon befreezing and we are not equipped for it," whined the prisoner walkingbesides Briah. "It is a sign from God. First, he releases these Conquerorsfrom the foot of the mountain. Then, he brings the snow and ice while we arehomeless without shelter and fire."

Briah looked at the man for the first time andimmediately recognized him as a priest. His name was Brother Mable. Briahnarrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

"You should not speak of such things. This isnot of God's doing, and you will scare the other people here."

His tone transformed instantly from one of shrilldespondency to authoritative strength.

"Don't talk to me that way, poor girl. You aremisguided; it is of God's doing. He is upset at us for embracing technologies.It is forbidden! I recognize you. You are one of the sisters that dwell in themountain. You think you have the right to live closer to God, and you think youhave the right to dig under his mountain. It is placed there for a reason. Wedug too deep. It is you and your kinds' fault for influencing the King andangering the Creator! The city has fallen to the soulless heathen invaders andour gateway to the afterlife has been taken!"

The priest was raising his voice and other prisonerswere beginning to take interest in their conversation.

Briah glanced around at the other prisoners andrealized she might need protection from the guards based on some of the looksshe was receiving.

"Be quiet you fool." She snapped at thepriest. "You will draw the attention of the guards and they do not carewhat your status is. Neither do I."

Bio

Brian was born in Salem, Oregon and currentlyresides in Eugene, Oregon with his wife and daughter. He graduated from theUniversity of Oregon with a BA in English. He squeezes in time for writing inthe early hours of the morning and during lunch breaks at work

Blurb

A black wave of terror has passed over the thriving kingdomof Larista. Mysterious invaders have swept over the land, laying waste toeverything in their path and leaving ghost towns in their wake. No one knowswhere they came from and no one knows their purpose.

Tasting nothing but defeat after defeat after, the light ofhope is fading in the kingdom; but the guerilla forces resisting the invasionhave received new information. The news has provided a small glimmer that couldpossibly spark into something more. Captain Maximus Rex leads a daring rescuemission deep in the Laristan forests to save the lone surviving member of the royalfamily.

Once freed, Prince Alexander Novelle, along with his friendsand comrades, face a perilous journey deep behind enemy lines. Theirdestination is Castle Varanasi. The once proud Laristan capital, gateway toheaven and salvation, lines in ruins under Dolus occupation.

Mysterious assassins, underworld savages and renegade Dolussurvivors stand between them and the answers they seek. What they find therewill shatter their perceptions and lead to unknown perils none of them areready to face.

Blog Tour

Begins January 2, 2012

January 2, Lisa Haselton's interviews and reviews http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

January 3rd, Dawn's Reading Nook http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/

January 4th The Character Connection, http://thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com/

January 5th The Muse http://claireashgrove.blogspot.com/

January 6th Immortality and Beyond http://www.immortylcafe.com/?zx=5cc3c3c8538c76e6

January 9th The Plot Thickens http://www.theplotthickensbookblog.blogspot.com/

January 10th Reader Girls http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

January 11th Stories of My Life http://www.roncnieto.com/

January 12th I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read http://www.sithereandread.com/

January 13th Work in Progress http://sarah-janelehoux.blogspot.com/

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Went to see the movie last night with my family. Really liked Elizabeth's character such a strong woman despite all that she had to endure. There were some parts that the squeamish at heart probably won't like (I know I didn't) but I just closed my eyes. The movie was long but we didn't realize how long. It engaged me through its entirety.

I haven't read the book yet but as usual in the transition from the book to the movie there were some changes. To my ultra critical family the changes didn't really matter. The few changes that were made seemed to make scene transitions more fluid.

If you are wanting to see a movie this is a must see. I know I thought the movie was well done.

On another note, I am getting back to work on editing for the house (rogue phoenix press). And I'm trying to figure out what my next project will be. I need to read through Rebel Heart for its rerelease and I also need to finish Ghost Dance which is really the first book in the Lakota Pinkerton series.

I'm also trying to figure out which book to send on a goddessfish tour. Hmm...I'm leaning towards Safari Moon my one and only contemporary so far. Geez, when I sit down and start typing out what I need to do, I know I need to spend more quality time at my computer.

What are your plans for the new year?

Source: tarahlowry.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

Safari Moon by Christine Young writing as AnnChristine

2011-12-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

Excerpt

Safari Moon
C. L. Kraemer
Excerpt Heat Level: 2
Book Heat Level: 2

Buy at:www.roguephoenixpress.com

Wanted:A professional wildlife photographer to take pictures in the Alaskanwilderness. Experience first hand a real safari moon. Call(555)381-1252 or sendresumes to 2286 Main, Suite 2D Bend, Oregon.

SoloSt. John was in the middle of an erotic dream about his buddy, NyssaHarrington, when the click of his front door shutting brought him to instantalert mode.

Sololooked up, caught a flashing glimpse of a good deal of naked flesh; long legs,perfectly rounded derriere, and a waist he could span with his hands. Theintruder's long blond hair curled around her shoulders an inch above the tiesof her bikini top.

Thenhe saw the skunk. He blinked twice.

Thiswoman and the skunk were not the subject of his brief and very strange dream, afantasy that made his mind speed along at sixty in a residential zone. This wassomeone he had never seen before and he resented the intrusion.

"Hello,"she cooed seductively from his living room. "Will you come out andplay?"

Theskunk stuck a black and white head around the open door to his bedroom. Asecond later the animal turned and lifted his tail before disappearing into theliving room.

Solowas out of bed and pulling on his jeans before the count of five. Yet in thatshort time, the lady in question, along with the skunk that was now exploringhis fireplace hearth, had taken over his living room.

Thelithe, supple blond sported an expensive camera, and all the while the lady inquestion babbled nonsense words.

"I'mwilling, able, and eager." She posed for him, a pose meant to entice.

"You'reinsane?" He hesitated then said to the lady, "Get that animal out ofhere!"

"Iread the ad in the newspaper for a wildlife photographer, and I wanted to bethe first one here." She smiled and tugged on a leash which was connectedto the skunk. "Juniper is my pet. She's deperfumed or whatever."

Pet?

Hehad never, to his recollection, set eyes on this woman. Frozen stock-still inhis bare feet between the bedroom and the living room of his rustic forestretreat in the hills outside Sisters, Oregon, Solo St. John was completely,utterly baffled.

Afterall, he had placed the ad in a few of the most widely distributed papers inOregon. That was two days ago. Yesterday, having second thoughts and knowing hedidn't want to train an assistant, he pulled it. Although none of this madesense, instinctively, he knew she told the truth. The ad was the cause of thisphenomenon in his cabin.

"Comehere and play." Posing seductively once again, she beckoned him with oneslim index finger.

Whydidn't he want to play? Wouldn't any normal, warm-blooded American male dreamof waking up to an almost naked blond bombshell in his living room? Wouldn'tthat male want to play?

Whydidn't he feel turned on and excited. Why didn't he fantasize about what wouldhappen if he obeyed? All those lush curvaceous parts on display didn't interesthim in the least.

Heclosed his eyes for a brief count of three. No, this wasn't a dream and theslap on the face he gave himself didn't cause the vision to disappear. He stillhad a good view of long, shapely legs and a bust line that threatened to popthe seams of her minuscule top.

"Lord."Only now, he realized he must have left his front door unlocked. He pulled hisgaze from the fiasco on his hearth and reminded himself that a gentleman didn'tstare.

"Smile."She brought the camera up and clicked a sideways snapshot of him before shestepped back and captured a print of the skunk. "You did want someone whocould photograph wildlife. Didn't you?"

Soloraked a hand through short, ragged blond hair he knew had begun to stand onend. He didn't need this, and he was always hard pressed to put two and twotogether this late at night. He was a morning person, up before dawn. Even ifhe'd had all his wits about him, he wouldn't know how to politely rid himselfof this strange intruder and her pet skunk.

Hedidn't want to admit, even to himself, but it looked like she was disrobing.Stripping was a better term. All she needed were a pair of tassels and music.

Ashe stepped forward in an attempt to stop her, she slipped off her top andtwirling it around her index finger tossed it at him. The bikini bra flew pasthim and missed his nose by less than an inch. The bottoms landed squarelyagainst his chest and slid down his body to land on his bare feet. Before hecould reach her, she stood in front of him, all kinds of pale pink fleshrevealed and waiting for him.

Review

SAFARI MOON
Christine Young AKA ANNCHRISTINE
ISBN# 9780982002544
January 2009
Rogue Phoenix Press
Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com
E-book
$3.99
154 pages
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 cups

Solo St. John is looking for an assistant. After placing anad in the local paper, he stops it. Solo's grandfather, Colonel, runs an ad ofhis own, in the hopes of helping his grandson find a wife.

Nyssa Harrington is Solo's best friend as well as thesubject of his fantasies. After leaving New York for reasons she refuses toshare, she is now living in the same city as Solo. She is happily engaged toRobert, who is a state Senator, but she has one longing...Solo.

Being best friends for the last ten years, Solo has takenNyssa off on some of the wildest adventures. Nyssa has gone on thesespontaneous expeditions and followed Solo simply because it gave her a chanceto be with him. Because of the chaos Colonel has caused, Nyssa promises Soloone last adventure before her wedding. One tiny problem...there is a secretthey have been keeping from each other, and it is about to be discovered in thewilderness of Alaska.

What a gorgeous setting for this story! From Oregon toAlaska, the fresh air and beauty leaps from the pages. I adore the relationshipSolo and Nyssa share. Best friends with the potential to be more. It is a taleas old as time itself, yet so fresh and new, I kept reading just to find outthe outcome. These two people are so confident until it comes to their feelingsfor one another. This story will bring laughter to your life, a tear to youreye, and joy to your heart.

Kimberly
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T13:17:00.001-08:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Chris on Pinterest

A Little Side Diversion

2011-12-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Source: facebook.com via Julie on Pinterest

My favorite little knitting store is in Medford Oregon. We were supposed to drive south before Christmas but it didn't work out this year. I'm trying to make ski boarder hats. I had the right size circular needles for the hats but they were too long and the hat got twisted. I honestly can not visualize how that could possible happen but it did. I have been hunting for size 17 length 16 inches but haven't had any luck. My husband searched in Eugene and we looked in Salem--nothing. I used to teach a personal finance class and one of the projects we did was starting a business. I know, I know another diversions. Anyway one of the girls who took this class started a knitting store (hypothetically speaking). She told me about the store in Silverton. (Other wise I would not have known it existed). I called and hallelujah they had the needles.

We took our daughter and son-in-law with us and diverged to Silver Creek Falls. It's a gorgeous place in Oregon and a must to visit if you are anywhere close. It was freezing cold but sunny. Inside a little visitor store there was a map. Many people from all over the world had visited the Falls. No one however, from Albania. (My son-in-law was born in Albania and my daughter met him in Athens). To make a long story a wee bit shorter, he put a pin on the map showing he came from Albania.

Working on the end of my Highland tour. Last day is tomorrow. What a whirlwind but I definitely would recommend it as a way to get your name in cyberspace.

Taking A Day Off--Sort Of

2011-12-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

Source: buzzfeed.com via Popoka on Pinterest

I haven't done much today except figure out new ways to advertise. I played with my granddaughter until she left for home. Seems pretty lazy to me. Yet--I'm reading the suggestions from my critique partner for my part of the April Fools Anthology The Twist. LOL I wrote in several scenes trying to repaint the antagonist but I guess it didn't work. I set him so much one way that I think only a bulldozer will change the impression he has made.

I do love these evil folks. And it doesn't make a difference whether or not they are male or female. In Dakota's Bride one of the antagonist was Madame Velvet Le Bon and boy was she evil. (and fun to write) I used to wonder why these evil characters were so much fun to me. There are no holds barred. I don't have to be politically correct. They can say, do, think and believe anything I want them to believe. They are after all the mustache twirling bad guy.

What do you like about evil characters?

Do they have a special place in a book?

Some authors write without ever using a protagonist to further their plot.

Not me! I love to hate the bad guy.

A Day With the Little Angels

2011-12-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com.sg via Chris on Pinterest

The granddaughters are sweet sweet angels. We have had the wonderful opportunity to take care of the youngest one for two nights. And the oldest one has been here during the day. We think Ana speaks angel talk. Her uncle says he taught her Albanian. Who knows. I'm sure she knows what she is saying even though no one else does.

Abby know what just about every animal says. Her favorite is the duck, quack, quack. She is a "Duck" baby--both mother and father went to University of Oregon. She know how to raise up her arms and say "Touch down" so cute.

My sons first book Blood Veins went to the printer today as well as reviewers. The first of January--January second to be exact. He will be at Lias Haseltons blog
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone stops by and leaves a comment.
Blood Veins is a Science Fiction/Fantasy

Amazing

2011-12-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

Source: snopes.com via Chris on Pinterest

White Lightning

I'm still working on edits to Highland Song and a new cover. I do believe I will give all my Highland books sexy new covers--something that screams highlands and braw highlanders. I have found a great site, one that will prove beneficial to this project.

Have so many must dos... where to start... or where to end. I've got thirty more pages of HS to read today. but I'm hoping to get a little farther.

Excerpt

"Don't do anything to,er, startle me," Lainie told him. "I don't want to have your death onmy conscience." She paused. “I mean it.”

"You mean you don'twant to have one more thing for Bertram to put on that wanted flyer," hecorrected. "Can you find your way home from here?" he asked.

"Nay," she shookher head, hands trembling too much to use the dirk to shave this man. "Iwould be lost."

"What could I do to,er, startle you?" he asked, smiling.

"Touch me."

"I've been waiting along time for you to ask," Slade said, lifting his hands from his thighs andletting them rest on her waist once more. His thumbs made gentle circles as hemoved his hands lower to settle on her hips and then back.

"Nay, that's not what Imean," Lainie said, stepping back out of his reach. "Well, it is, butnot that way. I dinna think ye should touch me when I'm holding this dirk soclose to your neck," she said agitated.

"Don't confuse me,"Slade told her.

"Then don't touch me."

Slade's entire body becamestill, his eyes narrowing almost as if he were angry at what she'd told him.

"You made a bargain,little fox. Or have you forgotten so soon?" he asked. "If my memoryserves me right, I can touch you any time I please."

Lainie shook her head, her eyesclosing for a moment.

"I haven't forgotten.Sometimes that is all I can think of. But in this case it might be in your bestinterest to show some self-control."

"All you can thinkabout?"

"Aye," she said.
Old Cover

Possible couple for new cover

Power and Beauty

2011-12-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

This is breathtaking and makes one wonder at the forces of nature--the power to create and the power to destroy.

I thought I would blog a couple of days with storm posts.

If you could incorporate this photo into a story, how would you do it?

Is the storm a curse or a blessing?

If your hero/heroine were in this storm how would the forces of mother nature affect the outcome of their adventure?

I think for me the story would be set in the wild wild west and the hero/a handsome cowboy and the heroine his beautiful saloon girl--very in trouble by the mustache twirling villain--would find a way to escape the villains' evil clutches.

How about you?

Liquid Lightning--Power Unchained

2011-12-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

Source: la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com via Chris on Pinterest

Have any of you seen anything as fierce as this?
Someone took the picture so I'm guessing someone saw it. I would have been high-tailing it out of the area if I had any idea this would happen. I know some of you live in parts of the country where lightning is this explosive.

Liquid Lightning--is that anything like "grease lightning?" Utilize the power of the mind--stimulate creativity. Sit down in the chair and do it.

Highland song is the cumulation of my highland series. I am finishing it this week. Look in on the rogues angels blog check in day on Thursday and see if I finished it. LOL. I sure I have completed the edits. I have so much on my plate, I have to reach my goals.

Are goals like liquid lightning? Hmm... interesting thought.

Unleash The Power

2011-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Source: digital-art-gallery.com via Chris on Pinterest

The power of the sword or the power of the pen or even perhaps the power of mother nature, which is stronger? I have always loved pirate books. My first romance and the one that started my career in writing was Pirates Pleasure by Heather Graham. There is something so seemingly romantic about a good gentlemanly alpha pirate. Does that person really exist? Perhaps only in our wildest fantasies.

So what about a female pirate? Is this theme romantic? Maybe if she battles her male counterpart for dominance. But does she have to win? Probably not. Can they call it a draw. Most definitely. The alpha male I envision would want a strong woman as a soul mate. No cowering damsel in distress for my pirate fantasy.

What is your fantasy?

Inspiration--Where oh Where Are You?

2011-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Source: ourbestbites.com via Jennyology on Pinterest

Spaghetti and meatball cupcakes--Yum...

This holiday season has been hectic and fun. I've shopped and eaten tons of food. I've finished my April Fools Anthology to be published the April 1, 2012. It has never taken me as long to write a book as it has this one. I think it was because the characters were not talking to me. When they finally did it wasn't until the last chapter. And then wow--they blindsided me. I never planned for the ending. Then I had to go back and rework some of the scenes so the ending would be plausible.

Highland Song is now on my agenda. I have pulled the book up on my computer several times and still have not made it past page 1. To me, editing is like mending. I do hate to mend but I love to sew. I love to write books but I truly dislike the editing. Thank you for wonderful critique partners.

Maybe tomorrow I will find the missing inspiration to sit down and edit.

Wow! Looking on Pinterest at different April Fools Day jokes gave me ideas. Some I just might incorporate into my story.

Looking For a Good Story?

2011-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

Source: moonlightrainbow.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

They say a picture paints a thousand words. When I saw this photo I thought of my friend who loves to write stories with elves, fairies, shape shifters and oh so many more delightful creatures. I see a story in this picture and isn't even about the wee folk.

This home could be a hut in the 12th century where an aged woman sits and stirs the food she will eat. The hero or heroine finds her and...

The picture could also be one where a murder takes place.

The tiny hut could be the home of some fantasy of yours.

What do you see in this photograph?

Plotting Bunnies vs. Garden Bunnies

2011-12-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

Source: youtube.com via Aimee on Pinterest

I learned something new today. I found out what a plotting bunny was--never heard the term before. So, you ask, how or when did I hear it? My son who is doing interviews for his first book Blood Veins. As it turned out I asked some of the writers loops and discovered the answer which I passed on to my son.

so here are some quotes from http://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/Plot_bunny

"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen." --John Steinbeck

A plot bunny is a story idea that refuses to go away until it is written. The term's origin is unknown but is known to predate NaNoWriMo. Because plot bunnies tend to multiply quickly, the term is thought to be related to the oft-quoted John Steinbeck quote about ideas and rabbits.

The NaNoWriMo forums offer several resources for the care and handling of plot bunnies. Unwanted bunnies can be put up for adoption in the Adoption Society forum--prior to this forum's creation in 2010, they were offered in the Plot Doctoring forum. Plot bunnies that the writer wants to write later can be left in the Plot Bunny Day Care Center in the NaNoWriMo Ate My Soul forum, where they can breed with the plot bunnies of other Wrimosand be cared for in the finest fashion.

The care and history of plot bunnies is described in detail in Ilea For's "Plot Bunny Fields Forever: A Study in Plot Bunny Care and Husbandry", transcribed by Leo Fair.

Despite the similarity in name, the plot bunny is not synonymous with the plot ninja.

I guess I need to look up plot ninja. Maybe we will see what that means tomorrow.

I know I have had a million plot bunnies. I also know I have stories that are half written. Are those plot bunnies too?

How about you. Do you have plot bunnies hiding somewhere waiting to be heard?

Do they make noises?

Garden bunnies make noises...I think...I am a city girl.

What Is This Story?

2011-12-11T16:17:00.001-08:00

Source: photosfan.com via Chris on Pinterest

I love this pictures. I wish the caption told where it was taken but then it doesn't really matter. The sidewalk is beautiful, romantic, a bit lonely but very Christmas.

One could use this picture to begin a story that could be set anywhere. Oh my but I have many different scenarios for this scene.

What is the conflict? Maybe a young woman running away from a past she would like to forget and into what appears to be an uncertain future but perhaps one with much hope. Of course there would be a strong, dark and handsome alpha male waiting in the wings to give aid as well as hope and encouragement.

Perhaps it is no longer Christmas Eve but the end of the holidays. What could have happened to have the heroine so desperate she had to leave the warm shelter of her home? Oh, does the mind play with this.

Could this be Steampunk? Could this really be set in the 1800's?
Or maybe Urban Fantasy where magic will play a part in the plot.
The sprit world could also be at play, Oh...do you see a ghost on the bench?
Is that a faery I see in the tree--over there by the blue lights?
Ohh! A vampire just stepped from behind that tree--you see him--that tree on the left.

I digress but that is one of the things my students used to like about me. It was oh too easy for them to get me off topic. And when it came to Algebra they reveled in off topic.

So,what story lurks in this picture for you?

Girls Sleep Over

2011-12-10T19:40:00.001-08:00

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Chris on Pinterest

Great day today, my son drove north from Eugene with his baby girl to help pick out a tree. Everyone save Relis and Kari were here for the expedition. I stayed home, (I hate the cold) and cleaned house so we could put the tree up.

We spent the afternoon putting on lights and decorating the tree. It isn't as big as some we have had but it is probably at least ten feet tall. (my husband just told me it was eleven feet). We have had a few trees that were six-teen feet. It is a major effort to decorate but so much fun. I collect Santas, so after the tree was up we brought out all of my Santas. There really isn't enough room in the house for all of them.

We watched movies and my older granddaughter all of 2 years and 1 month is staying the night. We have a sleep over. Sometime both girls will be able to spend the night. They have so much fun playing, laughing and running around the house.

Half of my book tour is over. It has been fun and I think cost effective. I have been selling books like crazy, not just the Highland Honor book but all of my books. The wager was just released and it is selling almost as well as the tour book. It has a really great cover.

Still missing Relis though...

Have almost all of my Christmas shopping done.
How about all of you? How are you doing? Or are you one of those who has it finished in July?

A Wonderful Day with most of My Family

2011-12-09T17:37:00.001-08:00

Source: google.co.uk via Emma on Pinterest

Shopping at Bridgeport, watching Ana laugh and enjoy life so much. Freezing in the shade and the sun. My youngest daughter is here from New York City. Where do you think it was coldest? Oregon of course. It was 30 degrees in Salem and can you believe it? a heat wave in NY 50 degrees today.

I cannot figure out how to dress for this cold weather. Ate lunch at California Pizza at least it was warm inside and thoughts of California tried to warm my cold fingers and toes. We found crazy, wonderful fun toys. Bought a wine glass to match the one that broke but discovered when I got home that it wasn't the right one. I loved the way the clerk looked at me when there was only one. I guess no one buys just one. Sigh...I will have to back and buy one more. I almost bought one of both. Should of, would of, could of.

Tomorrow family breakfast and Christmas tree cutting.

So Much To Do So Little Time

2011-12-08T11:40:00.001-08:00

Source: google.com via Chris on Pinterest

Sometimes I feel as if I'm going in circles. So many Christmas things to take care of I don't know what to do first. If I were an organized person, I would make a list and I most likely would accomplish everything I need to do. But I'm not organized. Instead, I fly by the seat of my pants. Sometimes I just sit and stare at the computer, thinking there is something I could do but I can't remember what it is. (I think that is what lists are for)

Check list:
1. Check my blog tour: done that a couple of times
2. Edit at least one scene in my April Fools Anthology: New working title The Twist and no I'm not talking about the old dance craze.
3. Read a chapter in Highland Song so Rouge Phoenix Press can publish it
4. Make Christmas cookies for friends (hmm... my husband usually does that but I kind of want to this year, retirement you know)
5. Watch granddaughter in pageant
6. Finish needle point
7. Work on crazy ski boarder hats
8. Wrap presents
9. I think my Christmas shopping is finished
10. take a nap, I'm exhausted just writing this and I'm sure there are a few things I have forgotten

Please Welcome Lori Toland

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ashlee Bennett has her priorities straight.Fighting demons is at the top of the list until she meets her sexy neighbor,Luke Byrne. Even though he is human, she can't stop dreaming about his buffbody and sexy grin, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

Her world is turned upside down when Luke follows her one night but instead ofbeing afraid, he is only more determined to stand beside her and fight. Ashleeknows she needs to keep her distance from Luke, not just to protect hervirginity but her heart as well. But Luke may be the only one who can save herfrom the night, and her dreams.

Contest: Make sure you leave a comment.

The winner's choice of a $25 GC to either Amazon, AllRomanceEbooks or Loose Id for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

It’s all about location!

When I chose the backdrop for Soul Seduction, I went through a list of cities I had visited and knew fairly well. New York and DC came to mind but I wanted a different place, one I felt a deeper connection with when I visited.

Liverpool is a beautiful city, rich with culture and history. When I traveled there, I fell in love with Albert Dock. We were just steps away from it at our hotel (I don’t like to impose on family when we visit). There were tons of museums and the people there were so friendly. We fell in love with a bar called Sam’s Bar, which has since closed. I believe he and his wife followed their daughter to the US after she fell in love with a man in the military. I hope all is well with them!

But there actually are apartments on Albert Dock, called The Collonades, just like in Soul Seduction. The old docks were refurbished and reopened in 1988 as a shopping and dining center, along with condos as Ashlee would call them, or flats as Luke would call them.

I really recommend going to see this area. Besides being romantic, the sightseeing is out of this world. While I always focus on the relationship first in my books, the backdrop of Liverpool really does play into the scenes from Luke and Ashlee’s flats to the catacombs where thousands of souls are buried.

And maybe against the gorgeous backdrop of Liverpool, Luke and Ashlee can find a happily ever after.

~*~

Now for a recipe! My husband always talks about his mum’s scouse. I had to admit, it sounded delicious but an awful lot like my mom’s beef stew. So I asked her for the great Toland family recipe. And this was what she had to say:

“Oi, I’m not giving you the family recipe unless I get a bottle of wine.”

So after much bribing, here is the recipe.

Get a large pot.

Wash and chop potatoes, carrots, turnips (oh yuck but my mother-in-law or MIL likes them) or any root vegetables. Chop one of the pieces of potato finely so that this will thicken the stock. You can also add white cabbage, if you’d like. Throw them in the large pot.

Add meat. There are two kinds. You can add minced beef (ground beef for the US) or cut up steak. If using stew meat, realize you’re going to need extra time for the meat to tenderize. The better the cut of beef, the more tender. You can also do lamb, maybe chicken if you are adventurous.

Add stock and herbs. For herbs, we recommend thyme and rosemary. I also recommend garlic.

Bring to a boil and then simmer. After a while (an hour generally) skim the scum from the top. Okay, I have to admit, I had no idea what she was talking about because I never had scum on my stew. But I smiled and nodded.

Number one rule: NO PEAS. Then it becomes a stew and not scouse. If you have to have peas, then my MIL says “You’re not part of my family.”

Simmer for a couple of hours. Once the beef is tender, you are done! The sauce should have thickened from the finely chopped potatoes.

Now for the final touches. You can add the juice of pickled beets or malt vinegar. Some people love it with HP sauce or ketchup. Then salt and pepper to taste and dig in.

I hope you enjoy my bringing a little taste of Liverpool to you.

Excerpt

PLEASENOTE: THIS EXCERPT IS R – RATED ANDCONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS

“I can’t just leave,” I protested as the cool evening airhit me. “I came with a friend.”

He rounded on me, and I nearly ran into him. “You mean yourboyfriend? Do you want to stay with him? Just say the word, Ash.”

The possessive tone in his voice ticked me off. “What thehell, Luke? I don’t even know you, and you’re acting like you fucking own me.”But even as I said the words, I wanted him to grab me, hold me, and take mehowever he wanted. My lust for him clouded my ability to say no.

“Ash,” he said gruffly, “all I think about is having you.”He moved forward as he spoke, and I stepped backward, keeping my distance untilmy back met a wall. I knew my control around him was shot to hell, and Icouldn’t trust myself. He snaked his hand into my hair and roughly grabbed thestrands. He angled my head so I couldn’t look away. If I were able to breathe,I would have hyperventilated.

“Don’t.” My plea sounded weak, and I doubted he even heardme.

“I can’t help myself,” he said and kissed me gently. It wasthe lightest of pressure on my lips, until he coaxed them apart. When my tonguemet his, I was tentative at first, but Luke took charge and claimed my mouth.

I was strong enough to pull away, to tell him no and kickhim in the nuts if he didn’t stop. But I didn’t want to. I let myself drown inhis kisses. I was so wrapped up in what he was doing to me with his mouth, Ibarely noticed he had lifted me up and held me against the concrete wall.

He settled his hips between my legs and rocked them,pressing his cock against my clit. The only thing keeping him from fucking mewas the thin barrier of our jeans. I spiraled higher, and my pussy clenched,desperate to have him inside me.

He pulled his lips away from mine, and my vision whited out.My clit pulsed faster and faster, and I accidentally banged the back of my headagainst the hard concrete wall as every muscle in my body tensed.

I shook from the intensity of my climax, my teeth grindingtogether. He leaned in and kissed me, claiming my mouth with his tongue again.Then he broke our kiss and whispered, “You are mine, Ash. Don’t doubt for asecond that I will own you. All of you.”

I quivered, my lips parting, ready for more. I felt like wewere frozen in time, and I would have spent forever there, memorizing his face.

CEO by day, erotic romance writer by night, Lori Toland lives in Orlando where the summers are hot but the romance between her characters is even hotter. Writing since the tender age of 13, Lori somehow finds time to play video games and watch movies while taking care of her beloved cats and a husband who will forever be her hero.

Christmas Shopping

2011-12-06T20:44:00.001-08:00

Source: shabbychicks.blogspot.com via Chris on Pinterest

Although some of us might like underwear, maybe something sexy by Victoria's Secret.

Had a great day, starting with a 3 mi run/jog then home and a shower. Spent the rest of day Christmas shopping with my daughter then ended with dinner at the Olive Garden. We or should I say I did some serious damage. I don't think my daughter bought much. But it was a lot of fun.

My second book in my regency series, The Wager was published today. I know it can be found on the Rogue Phoenix site and will soon be up at All Romance, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

My Highland Honor tour was at Among the Muses today http://www.amongthemuses.com/ and will be at
The Plot Thickens tomorrow

http://www.theplotthickensbookblog.blogspot.com/

Did any of you get any Christmas shopping done today?

Monday Madness

2011-12-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

Source: three-seventeen-twelve.blogspot.com via Chris on Pinterest

Since the other blog I am affiliated with has an interview post today, I decided to post our Monday Madness day. My Monday is fantastic! Daughter is home and has a job interview in a week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she gets the job. If so, she and her new hubby will have to do some serious planning and unfortunately might have to spend some time apart.

My blog tour is progressing. I am now in my second week of the Highland Honor vbt. If you haven't stopped by I am at The Character Connection today. Leave a comment and you will automatically be entered in the contest to win a Clan MacPherson bookmark and a $50.00 amazon GC.

Character Connection: http://thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com/

today we are talking about characters, conflict, and more.

Headed to PDX

2011-12-04T14:25:00.001-08:00

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

Babysitting today, family dinner, then heading to PDX to pick up the youngest daughter. It's a happy journey today. In about 7 days we will head back to pick up her husband. Can hardly wait for the hours to slip by then we will want them to move slow. I'd ask for snow in New York around the 29th but they had so much trouble getting home last year. The airport JFK was closed for a couple of days and all those people flying in to that airport and several others in the area were trying to rebook flights. I think she spent a couple of day on hold to the airlines just trying to talk to someone. She finally booked a flight on her own. We did get an extra week with them. That was nice but I don't think anyone would want to go through that again.

Going to spend an hour working on my anthology but very tired. I ran 3 miles today and I haven't been able to run for a couple of weeks, just walks and jazzercise. So, Chris, stop procrastinating and work.

My First Grand Daughter Activity

2011-12-03T12:28:00.001-08:00

Source: flickr.com via Chris on Pinterest

My littlest grand daughter will be in a Christmas show her daycare is giving for proud parents and grand parents this Thursday. Of course I have to attend this first event even though she will most likely spend the time wanting to go to her parents. I see pictures, lots of pictures. I really thought the first activities would be sports related i.e. t-ball or summer swim league.
Family is such an important part of my life. And my little grand daughters are the cutest little things (and I'm not prejudiced. However, after my oldest posted a picture of her daughter on facebook, I had to say to myself, when did she become a teenager. LOL she just turned two years old.

So looking forward to Christmas and having all of my family in town. The youngest and her husband will be visiting, home from Brooklyn. We don't get to see them as often as we would like. Funny how I used to say New York.

Cars and Hot Water Heaters

2011-12-02T09:12:00.001-08:00

Source: pixar.com via Cody on Pinterest

Oh my, they say it all comes down to three. My car is at the shop because it has a leaky water pump that has to be replaced. And now Arlo is trying to install a new water heater because the old one (it was only 26 years young) started leaking. Is there anything else in a house that can leak? I certainly hope not. But I don't want to jinx anything but the heat pump is probably due to break down. It does about every 5 years. Either in the winter when it is very cold or in the summer when were seeing 100 degree days.

So, trying to figure out how to get everything done today. It's a football day and my hubby will be driving to Eugene to see who goes to the Rose Bowl. Will it be the Ducks or the Trojans? Hmm... if I were a betting person I'd gamble on the Ducks but I don't want to jinx them either.

It's Friday Don't forget to check out my vbt (virtual book tour) I will be at Me Want Food tomorrow:
http://leighwantsfood.blogspot.com/

And I am at Book of Secrets today
http://www.bookofsecretsblog.com/

every time you comment you are put in a drawing to win a $50.00 amazon gift card.

Back in the classroom today

2011-12-01T18:44:00.001-08:00

Source: theberry.com via Chris on Pinterest

While teaching for one day was fun, the experience also illustrated why I was so happy to retire. It was a tiring day. The kids have so much energy I think they must just suck it right out of the adults. Whenever I go back I have to pour over the math, work the problems and figure out how to make algebra easy. Today I taught point slope formula y2-y1/x2-x1. (sorry I couldn't make the ones and twos little). Someone wanted to why they couldn't just do it on a calculator so i handed him a graphing calculator and said "ok" But of course he didn't know how to do it. So he kind of looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. I then gave him another reason which he actually appreciated.

In the slightly more advanced Alg class we solved absolute value inequalities. Because the problems involved absolute value they had to solve each problem twice. Oh my, there were only about12 problems. You mean we have to solve 24 problems in 50 minutes? Eeeek!!!! They actually adapted fairly well and finished the worksheet in record time.

After an exhausting day, I'm very happy to be back in my office.

Please Welcome Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Rogues Angels are excited to see Genie's third book in her series rereleased with Rogue Phoenix Press. Genie always brings a bit of humor with her books as well as a series and contemporary story line

Genie's bio

For years I've been fascinated by the puzzle of why some people collapse under life's traumas and others emerge triumphantly stronger. These triumphs of the human spirit over the ugliest of adversities became the basis for my stories. Yet my dramatic stories have always contained touches of humor, and sometimes I have great fun writing romantic comedy novellas. However, in all my stories, my passion for writing romance is an outlet for the powerful messages that people can overcome great difficulties, and true love can turn life‚Äôs heartaches into happily ever after.

Interview

What or who inspired you to start writing? I'm one of those writers who read a book so bad I knew I could do better. I soon realized writing a good book took some effort, so I spent the next half dozen years learning to write--and rewrite. After fourteen years, I sold my first book, which was just re-issued by Rogue Phoenix Press as THE ROCK STAR.

How do you come up with ideas for your books? Curiosity and asking "what if?" Then my imagination takes off. For instance, the phenomena of teenaged crushes on rock stars (including my own) became THE ROCK STAR. Then the secondary characters demanded their own stories, so I wrote THE BODYGUARD and THE LEADER OF THE BAND. My fascination with people who live through horrific experiences yet emerge stronger plays a key role in the LEGACY series I'm currently writing.

What expertise do you bring to your writing? My dramatic stories are fueled by over twenty years of working for a social service agency--great fodder for trauma and drama and overcoming incredible odds.

What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? If it's not in my bio, I don't want anyone to know about it! LOL! OK, a couple things: (1) I'm also a graphic designer and have designed all my own book covers, and (2) I don't talk about my great love and respect for dogs in my bio, because I could go on and on for hours talking about my furbabies. However, dogs or pets of some kind usually show up in my stories.

If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why? Um, the dog Jasper in THE ROCK STAR because he's totally adored. Again, LOL! While I really like the characters in my books--I have to so I can write their stories well--and admire certain traits like boldness and being outspoken, I'm pretty used to being me and would have to start all over with the self-improvement if I became someone else. :)

Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing? I have several critique partners who each bring a different perspective that is invaluable in improving my writing.

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? I had been hesitantly submitting my work with the encouragement of members of my local chapter of Romance Writers of America. However, Christine Young encouraged me to submit to the publisher who contracted for my first book. (Many thanks for that, Chris!)

What is the best and worst advice you ever received regarding writing or publishing? This advice could actually fit for most things: Use what works for you personally (advice, suggestions, stuff at garage sales) and don't worry about the rest.

Do you outline your books or just start writing? I am a detailed plotter who has developed even more ways to keep track of details (and drive my pantster writing friends crazy) as I've been writing my series of books.

Your interview will be posted November 30th. Is there a family Thanksgiving tradition or recipe you would like to share? Shannon, the heroine in THE ROCK STAR, doesn't use her kitchen for much besides making cookies. But she does these really well. Her grandmother taught Shannon how to make cookies by taste and the feel of the dough, so this recipe is an approximation for Rock'n'Good Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Mix together thoroughly:

1 C granulated sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 cube butter (can also add 1/2 C peanut butter if you'd like)

Then add 1 egg, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. baking soda and a dash of salt. Mix thoroughly.

Stir in 2 C flour (more or less), a bit at a time and mix thoroughly--or until your arm gets tired. Dough should be a bit stiff (kinda like play dough but taste much better :).

Add an 8-ounce package of chocolate chips (can also mix in butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips).

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. For soft and chewy cookies, don't overcook! They should still look a bit doughy when you take them out of the oven.

Enjoy!

As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? I have a new series of at least nine books that will start releasing in March 2012. The LEGACY series will feature eight adoptees determined to continue their father's legacy. As they uncover secrets that lead to the truth that killed their father, the action, romance and family drama heat up.

Anything else you might want to add? Many thanks to Chris for inviting me to be a guest at her blog!

Please Welcome Author Rebecca Royce

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rebecca will be giving away a $50.00 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Asa teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favoriteromance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, thesedays, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebeccais the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her bestfriend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly duringthe winter months.

She'sin love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use allof these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirstyso she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ridethat always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves tosee characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see herfavorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

InRebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you shouldsuspect that it will.

http://www.rebeccaroyce.com

http://www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com

Youwrite erotica how important is location to your story?

Itsvery important. In several cases,particularly within a series of books, I can see the character’s locationsbefore I see the rest of the story. Ihave to be able to see it or the readers can’t.

Isit just a backdrop to put characters on or is the location a part of the story?

It’sas important as the characters, to me. For the most part, although I do write erotica, I think that most of mybooks have pretty involved story lines outside of the sex. The location is pivotal for those parts.

Doesthe location provide local flavor, i.e., accents and phrases that color thespeech or food that plays a part in telling the story?

Ihave lived in several places that are often depicted in books, for example NewYork City and New Orleans. I use those places, often, in my own writing. Also,Maine where my sister-in-law lives. If something doesn’t ‘sound’ right to me oris too cliché about one of those areas it throws me out of the story. I’d liketo think I do a good job of representing those areas from the way I see them,at least.

Eighteen years earlier, Charma lost her destined soul mate. Convinced he must be dead, she kept her fears to herself so as not to destroy the morale of the Outsiders who already live with a shaky prophecy as their only guide.

Dr. Jason Randall is a man used to getting what he wants. There has never been a problem he couldn't out think or a situation he wasn't capable of handling.

Now they are both hunted by not one but two demons as they lead the slowly forming group of Outsiders out of the darkness and back into the light. The two strong souls will have to decide if prophecy alone is enough reason to stay together through insane odds...or if love is their true fate.

Excerpt

"Oh, Dr.Randall, you are so limited. TheFates, Destiny, the Gods chose you, however it is that you are comfortabledescribing it. Veli Destrand, before he died, used to call it 'the good side'.He was pretty accurate in that." She laughed. "Such a shame he's deadand you won't get to meet him until I send you to death. But in the mean timeyou're so exciting to play with."

He didn't seeit coming. The electrical current struck his body with what he could onlyimagine was the force of an eighteen-wheeler. His entire being shook from theexperience. His insides burned as if he were a mere piece of toast. Withoutsurprise, he fell to the hard ground.

Breathe. Itwas nearly impossible to perform that basic function. Eventually, it wouldpass. He knew this because he'd been going through this experience at leastonce a day since he'd been stuck in his own mind's creation, but each time sheelectrocuted him, it seemed to get worse.

No, she wasnot nuts. He was here. The nameless man—she'd never learned his name—who hadbeen made for her, chosen for her in heaven was in this room.

And, she hadfelt him die. Felt it the night he hadn't come to their secret garden. It hadbeen like someone had taken a sledge hammer and demolished half of her body andsoul with one hit. She'd known he was dead.

Alone. Thatwas how she'd felt. With other people's problems filling her days, nights, anddreams.

Until now.

Had he beenthis way since he'd disappeared when he was twelve? Charma's eyes roamed hisbody for signs. Impossible. He looked too healthy. Muscle tone defined hisbody. He didn't look like a man who had been endlessly asleep on a bed. Hiseyes fluttered as if he was in deep REM sleep.

She clearedher throat, afraid to wake him but wanting to at the same time. "Hello."

Nothing.Charma's cheeks warmed. Why had she assumed he'd respond to her? He was in acoma for goodness sake. She was going to have to do more than speak aloud toget his attention.

Jason shookhis head. This wasn't going to be easy. Maybe her arrival was a good thing.Maybe she was another piece of the puzzle he needed to solve his dilemma. "Self-loathing,the woman I've invented to come here and cause me tremendous pain as a way topunish myself for killing a man who assaulted me in the parking lot."Jason gestured around the hillside. "This whole thing is one giant guilttrip."

Standing up,her eyebrows pressed inward, and she held a confused look in her eyes. Theyseemed to be searching for something but he wasn't clear on what.

Finally, shespoke. "Listen to me very carefully. So much of what you just said makesno sense to me and we have zero time to sort it out. I'm not sure how toconvince you that what I'm about to tell you is the absolute truth but it is.This is not some grand illusion. Not really."

"That'sjust what a falsehood that didn't want to be proven wrong would say."

A Better Tuesday

2011-11-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hopefully my Virtual Blog Tour will actually begin tomorrow. I will be at the LASR blog first thing in the morning and I will stop by and answer questions and comments. The talk is about brave Highlanders. Men in kilts tossing cabers and falling in love. At this blog we will talk about the best and worst things in Scotland.

Visit at: http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/

Agh!!!

2011-11-28T08:19:00.001-08:00

Source: google.com via Chris on Pinterest

Pulling out my hair. Waiting in such anticipation for my blot tour and now I'm writing about the first day failure on two blogs. I'm supposed to be at Me Want Food http://leighwantsfood.blogspot.com/ and somebody messed up. It wasn't me. I sent the interview on October 30. So she either did not get the media package or she forgot to post it. I am so bummed. My bubble has burst. I guess I will say no more and hope that some higher poser will fix this and make my Monday better.