Eating Skinny

It seems we are always on the look out for skinny foods i.e. foods we can eat all we want of without the risk of weight gain. So we eat sandwiches without mayo. (mustard lovers don't count). And we eat everything without butter. Which bread has the least calories? If you are with weight watchers then you want the foods with the least carbs. How crazy is that? They don't even consider calories anymore when they designate food points.

I just discovered a new way to eat wraps and cut out the carbs from the tortilla completely. It is a simple idea. Wrap your meat, vegies, cheese and etc in a lettuce leaf. What fun. I'm constantly on the look our for cheese with the fewest points. I love cheese. I have also found a new love for fruit. Fruit has zero points. So...can one eat all the fruit they want? Probably not because no matter how you slice the pie fruit has calories. However vegies are zero points too with far fewer calories. Oh, I forgot the ranch dressing has tons of calories and points.

How do you eat skinny?

Happy eating.

Endorphins + music =

I say it equals a more creative mind, an ability to analyze and yes, to write. Jazzercise on Saturday mornings always gets my mind moving. I started this blog half way through the hard cardios. I love my early morning Jazz.

"Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in the brain that reduce pain," says Alan Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. "They have also been known to induce euphoria." Drugs such as morphine, heroine and cocaine are classic endorphin-releasing entities, according to Dr. Hirsch. But luckily for us, there are less-addictive ways of experiencing such sweet rhapsody.

For some, the effects of endorphins can last up to 12 hours. Have you ever wondered why people exercise? Perhaps it's too feel this wonderful high without the drugs. Maybe it is because they are more productive after they workout.

Can you get an endorphin high without exercise? Well, of course you can. Have you ever heard the old saying, "laughter is the best medicine,"? Have you ever had a laughing attack that left you breathless but in an incredibly great mood?

Other possibilities: I have read that eating hot food can produce endorphins--the hotter the better.

How about the power of positive thought? Do we feel awful when negativity takes over our thought process. So it follows that positive thoughts might just produce endorphins in our bodies.

Other sources of endorphins are chocolate, the sun and reading, seeing or hearing something beautiful.

Yes, I've saved the best for last. A little sex or maybe a lot will give you an endorphin high. And being a romance writer this hits home to me.

A person doesn't have to sweat and run 4 miles every day to get the healthy benefits of the endorphins.

What gives you an endorphin high?

If you have time, stop by the rogues angels blog: http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/

Black Cats and Love Potions

Why are we afraid of Friday the 13th?

Fear of Friday the 13th is rooted in ancient, separate bad-luck associations with the number 13 and the day Friday. The two unlucky entities combine to make one super unlucky day.

A particularly bad Friday the 13th occurred in the middle ages. On a Friday the 13th in 1306, King Philip of France arrested the revered Knights Templar and began torturing them, marking the occasion as a day of evil.

There is a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party at Valhalla, their heaven. In walked the uninvited 13th guest, the mischievous Loki. Once there, Loki arranged for Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. Balder died and the Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned.

In ancient Rome, witches reportedly gathered in groups of 12. The 13th was believed to be the devil.

Many triskaidekaphobes, as those who fear the unlucky integer are known, point to the ill-fated mission to the moon, Apollo 13.

If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck . Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names. (ok, so that one gave me the chills.)

What are your favorite superstitions?

This is one of my favorites. It has worked on all of the babies born into the Gerety/Young households with one exception. Me.

To predict the sex of a baby: Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant girl. If the ring swings in an oval or circular motion the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings in a straight line the baby will be a boy

And what do you think of Friday the 13th.

Life in the Fast Lane

My gosh how things have changed. I sold my first book in 1998. There was no facebook, myspace, or twitter just to name a few. There were no blog tours or goodreads. How on earth did an author promote their books?

Back in the dark ages we had book signings and tours that went from city to city, costing way too much money and did they sell a lot of books? I don't know. Do blog tours sell books, maybe but once again I don't know.

I do know I love to write and I don't like spending hours and hours trying to figure out how to promote my books. I want to meet lots of people online and find a fan group. I know this will take time but I do think it will be worth it in the long run.

Wow, I think I blogged about promotion just a little bit ago. But it is on my mind as I near the big R (retirement). Yeah!!! I have 19 and ½ days left. I digress again. I am so looking forward to having time to myself, to be creative, to finish projects. I think this is another blog.

Must be time to finish. Dark Ages, smark ages, how to make friends online and have hundreds of followers on my blog.

If you have any sage advice or not so sage advice, please leave a comment.

Beyond "Just Do It"

Beyond just do it.

As the Nike logo says, "just do it" can be the key to success. But sometimes achieving success and maintaining it goes beyond sitting in the chair and hammering out words. An author has to believe in her/himself. And how does one go about this task in a world of rejection letters.

Support groups. Everyone needs friends, family and writers need to add to this critique partners. These are people who will tell you the truth, good or bad. But they will know and understand how to do this in a non-hurtful way. I have wonderful critique partners. Too bad I don't have anything for them to critique (lop-sided smile). Maybe in a month…(big smile).

Goal setting. Stick to a plan Stan and keep on truckin'. Goals have to be realistic and attainable. They have to have to be set in a time frame. Once I set my mind to do something, I create a plan. I'm not much on writing it down (or plotting) but I will always have a plan in my head. But paper is good.

I digress. (as usual)

After I read my first romance book and then many more, I began thinking I could write a book. There were stories in my head. I had always had stories in my head. One day I was talking with my mother about writing and thinking I could write, and she told me to do it then. Years later, I've eleven published books and two anthologies.

How do you go beyond "just do it?" Is there a support group you count on?

Hobbies or Addictions?

My newest hobbie is Cityville. I hate to admit to the addiction but I have it. I love it. I tell myself playing the game is a waste of time. I also tell others when I'm trying to justify sitting in front of the computer and doing something other than writing that it helps me relax. Don't know if that one is true.

Cittyville—definitely an addiction.

Now stepping back a little I love to knit. Knitting gives me something to do at night when I'm too tired to write and all I want to do is sit in front of the TV. Do I knit when I have other things I should be doing. Not usually. I knit nine scarves last year three for each of my favorite girls, my two daughters and my one daughter-in-law. Now I'm starting the next knitting project for Christmas.

Knitting—a hobby.

When I first started writing, it seemed to take over my life. I wrote every day of the week, receiving countless rejections letters. If I had wanted to, I could have papered a room with them. In the end my habit of sitting in the chair every day, setting goals and studying everything about writing that came my way paid off. I published with Kennsington first, Kate Duffy being the wonderful editor who bought my book. I can no longer sit down every day and write. I work full time, publish, edit, and create covers for books.

Writing is neither a hobby or an addiction. It is my life. It is hard to have a myriad of stories in my head and not be able to put them to paper.

I have taken on stitcheries as a hobby and drawing portraits of my children. All of these were hobbies I could put aside.

What about you? Any Addictions or Hobbies in your life?

Buy Dakota's Bride the first in a 5 book series at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Goal Setting

I have always been an avid goal setter. Yet in setting my goal each day, I would strive not to meet it but to do more. I am highly successful with this method. Even today, when I am editing a book, I will strive to read X number of pages and then will try to edit one more then again one more. Most of the time I finish ahead of schedule.

I welcome this month of goal setting and focusing. I have been mulling over in my head thoughts of writing once again. An April Fools shorty looms in my head. I have pondered what gimmick to use for this intrepid story. What joke? What ploy? How can I make this interesting without a cliché? So how many words a week do I want to write? Hmmm…. I think I will go with a mini outline first. What you say? Chris is outlining? Yes, I have begun outlining each scene. And my characters—who will they turn out to be. I must begin…

Thank you MVRWA for helping me find my way back to my beloved writing. I had pretty much written it all off, at least until this summer. But why wait? Why enable? I can make excuses forever but when I have time to play Cityville, I must have time to write.

Focus…focus…focus

buy at www.roguephoenixpress.com

Write your passion!

As authors we here this phrase in many different contexts.

“If you want to sell, write what you are passionate about.”

“I love this book because I wrote from my heart. It is my passion.”

Have you ever had a memory or an irrational fear, which made no sense?

Have you ever felt as if you have lived in another time period because you are drawn to certain events in history?

As a competitive swimmer I have always enjoyed a love of water. The ebb and flow of it is soothing and comforting, yet I have a strong fear of drowning. I refused to see the movie Titanic with my husband on his birthday several years ago. Yet somehow he managed to get me there. I hated the movie, no I loathed it and I don’t believe I have forgiven him. How old is the movie. Sometime I wonder if I was on that ill-fated ship.

I have other phobias—perhaps I am just strange. Back to topic. I have found myself drawn to many genres. I have a love of the old west, the Sioux the pioneers as well as the cavalry. I have a passion for the War Between the States as well as the Revolutionary War. And strangely I also find myself drawn to the Vikings.

I have written one short Civil War story, one story about Vikings several Scottish Highland books and a few from the Regency period. I do love history. Perhaps there is nothing strange about me other than my love of the past.

What is your favorite time in history and do you feel a strong pull to a historical event?

buy at www.roguephoenixpress.com

Marketing Your Work

What are the best ways to use social networking and blogging to promote your book? I don't want to be an in your face author who is constantly beckoning people to buy my books. But I do want to sell books!

I have run contests on my blog but have only had a few who have entered the contest. I have found that most people do not want to receive an ebook copy. I have lots of entries when I offer a paperback copy. But paperback copies are expensive and require a trip to the post office. So, is it worth the time, effort and money to offer a paper copy to the winner of the contest? I have found that it is not. I have seen contests where the author offers free kindles or a $50.00 gift certificate and sometimes more. I would love to know if this brought in $139.00 in sales. Or more.

How does one use facebook to promote? I'm not sure I want to see promotions on my page. Yes, it is a social network and I'm sure my friends want to know what I am doing, but most of my friends are family and they all ready know what I'm doing.

I read recently in the RWR about E-zines. What the heck is that? Is it the same thing as e-mail? And does one need a twitter account. I'm not really electronically smart and I think I have a twitter account but I've never used it.

What do you do to promote your book? If you are not promoting what kinds of contests do you enter? Or are you a person who goes to blogs, reads them but rarely if ever leave a comment?

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Book Parties!

A way to sell books? Or just a lot of work?

For some time now I've wanted to host a book party. I heard about them a couple of years ago as a way to promote and sell books. I've never had the time to organize such a party. But now as retirement looms, I'm seriously thinking about this as a possibility. I've been to Tupperware parties, Mary Kay parties, designer jean parties and more.

Why not a book party with cheese, crackers and maybe wine. Perhaps as we do with bridal and baby showers there could be games. The reading of excerpts from the books being promoted could be a selling point as well as being fun. The party could bring more parties if the incentives were right.

Have any of you out there hosted a book party? If so, do you have any ideas about making something like this a success? What would be good incentives for someone else to host a party?

www.roguephoenixpress.com

LASR

Camelia reviews the Wager

The secondary characters, while important in the unfolding of the plot, pale in light of the strong personalities of Amorica and Damian, who both feel and function with extreme emotions that bring about hostile scenes as well as love scenes that take the breath away. The climax of The Wager, a terrifying experience, takes Amorica and Damian passed old negative emotions and clears the way for each of them to acknowledge true feelings. Some of the spellbinding scenes in The Wager squeeze out the last drop of emotion. Yet, I felt as though I was on the outside looking in rather than having a vicarious experience with the characters. However, too much was going on and too much was at stake for me to put the book down until I found out how this high drama worked out. Amorica and Damian’s happy-ever-after is hard won with both emotional and physical scars to prove it.

http://paranormal-romancejunkies.webs.com/apps/blog/show/5703274-the-wager-christine-young]

"A very passionate love story set in the early 1800's where women are to be seen and not heard and men get what they want, right? What started out to be a wager turns into so much more...read this story from beginning to end in one sitting. I enjoyed their romance, their passion and the story that they told. Here are two truly noble characters that had you wanting to read so much more during the story and to continue the saga when it was over. A heartwarming read that I highly recommend!"Read the entire review.

Reviewed by Shannon

Buy The Wager from Awe-Struck Publishing.http://awe-struckreviews.blogspot.com/

Resolutions, resolutions, and more resolutions. It's that time of year again when people go crazy and make resolutions they don't really want to or know how to keep. For about 10 years my resolutions was to lose weight. It never, ever worked until a good friend and I decided to join weight watchers. This isn't a plug for ww but it certainly worked for me. I hope everyone out there who makes a new years resolution figures out a way for it to come true.

My resolution this year should be about writing, but it isn't. I just want to make it through the next 5 and 1/2 months of teaching with no complications. I'm hoping to stay relaxed and try to enjoy the good kids and perhaps finding a way to help a few of the more challenging students without ripping my hair out.

And then on to retirement. I can't wait.

Welcome to the world of electronics. I know I have been avoiding many new and wonderful things. But I took a giant leap this Christmas with an mp3 player and a Kindle. I have downloaded music, but if I don't do some everyday for a while, I'm sure I will forget how to do it. I haven't bought a book yet or downloaded any of the ebooks I have on my computer. (My husband has been very busy) And I'm sure I will get too frustrated to do it myself. With the first question I'm sure I will stop, throw my hands in the air and walk from the room.

Sunday morning found the Young family with mixed emotions. My youngest daughter discovered her flight to New York was cancelled. Yeah! my fondest dream, have her home for a few more days. Guilt, I knew her husband wanted to get back so he could work. Little did he realize, no one was going to work. So, happily and a bit guiltily, I have her home for a few more days. We don't know when she will be able to afford to come back to Salem, but we do know we will going to New York in the early fall. Thank you blizzard of 2010 for arriving at the most appropriate time. May every one on the East coast be fortunate and safe in these upcoming days.

Christmas 2010 has found the Young family truly blessed with two editions to our family. We have a son-in-law and a wonderful baby girl born in June. Now with two granddaughters my husband and I have found wonder and delight in watching the children grow. Their smiles light up my heart and their wonderful spirits give new meaning to my life. Their pictures near my computer never cease to make me smile even when the day is not going as planned. I’m looking forward to a new beginning as I retire in five and a half months. I will, I hope, once again have time to write. However, my fellow angels on the Rogue’s angels blog are looking forward to the release of St.Patty’s Day Tales. A wonderful work of elves and faeries and gnomes and time machines and the list goes on.

Hope everyone out there has a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Welcome Tiamoon! It is wonderful to hear from you. I've enjoyed your part in the stories.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Tiamoon, gnome warrior

You’ve appeared in two anthologies so far. Do you like the way your story has been presented?

I’ve no complaint with the presentation. I was, after all, just doing my job to protect my valley and friends.

Have you always lived in the valley outside Eugene?

No my original people were from Ireland but famine and overpopulation drove us to the new world. We discovered the glen a couple generations ago.

Most gnomes are protectors of the land. Why did you choose the warrior life?

It’s the calling of my family. We chose the honorable warrior path when no others stood up. There was a need; we fulfilled it.

You seem to have a love/hate relationship with the faeries. Why is that?

Faeries are such nefarious creatures. They only live to have fun. Personally, I don’t care how they choose to live. The truth is most people don’t realize how powerful they are. They’ve taught all others how to use magic. When they mess things up… they really mess things up.
The one thing they don’t know how to do is stay out of trouble.
That’s where I come in. They get offended and act as if they can do things for themselves but they just make it worse.
I guess we agree to disagree.

Do you think you’ll be around for another anthology?

It’s a possibility. I’ll have to talk to C.L. Kraemer when she gets back from associating with the dragons.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_056.htm

Welcome Gitty! Hope you enjoy your interview on my blog.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Gitty Saun – female night elf

As a night elf, how do you view your role in the Lending Library and Meadows of Gold?

Everyone knows night elves are better at, well everything, than everyone else but I didn’t think the writer was very empathic to me.

Didn’t you try and start a war?

No. We, uh, we were exercising our right to own property. America really is a terrific country, you know.

I understand your brother was involved in a duel.

He is the exception to the rule regarding night elves. Most days I think he wears his brain in his trousers.

What was the reason for the duel?

All this talk about Morgan is tedious. I’m more intelligent and all around smarter but I may as well tell you. Everyone in the valley knows anyway. The story I heard was Morgan was with one of his human girlfriends and some outsider with an accent insulted her. Morgan was standing up for her honor; more like making sure he had a steady supply of mead. I heard the new guy wasn’t inclined to apologize to Morgan issued a challenge for a duel.

In Meadows of Gold, it looks as though you have a love interest. How did you two originally meet?

I, [small cough], won’t talk about… Blade. That was a long time and different life ago.

Will you be appearing in another story?

As far as I’m concerned, no. Not unless the writer is willing to be nicer to me. I’m done.

Buy now at: Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]

Welcome CL Kraermer and Cyre Drake. The second interview--wow--I can't wait to meet all the characters of Dragons.

Dragons Among Us by CL Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Cyre Drake is a very young full blooded European dragon living in Mt. St. Helens.

I understand you first appeared back in 1999. Can you tell us about that?

My introduction to the world was in a story bearing my name. It’s where I first met [cheeks turning a deep green gray] Aleda. She’s really pretty and has beautiful… eyes.

The August release of Dragons Among Us seems to pick up the thread of your story.

Yes. You get to see how Aleda and I met in more detail and how things happened after our first meeting.

You blush every time Aleda’s name is mentioned. Is she someone special to you?

Uh, uh, I guess you could say so. I’ve never had any friends so it was nice to meet someone near my age who didn’t scream and faint every time I talked to her.

You and Aleda attended a conference tackling problems in the shifter/dragon world. Do you think you’ll be able to offer some solutions?

I think between the two of us we’ll be able to brainstorm some usable possibilities. There are many others working on solutions, too. The problems involve all the world.

Will we be seeing you again soon?

I’m set to appear in Dragons Among the Eagles. I think it might be released summer of 2011. You’d have to ask my writer.

Buy at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Meet Aleda and some of the other wonderful characters created by C.L. Kraemer. In the next week I will post interviews of Cyre Drake from Dragons then Gitty and Tiamoom from the Valentine and upcoming St. Paty's Day Anthology. Please join me in welcoming C.L. Kraemer and her characters.

Dragons Among Us by C.L. Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Aleda Sable is a young black woman working on her master’s degree in Portland, Oregon as she works to pay her bills at Portland’s Choice, a less than reputable newspaper. On her annual vacation to the area around Mt. St. Helens, she uncovers her identity.

You made a recent discovery that changed your life. Can you tell us about that?

Wow! What a shocker. I have an – unusual background. I remember bits and piece of a childhood where stepping outside the lines resulted in extreme punitive measures. Vague recollections of running through hallways pretending to be a dragon littered my memory as well as an incident of fire breathing I put down to a magic trick I’d learned from a childhood friend.
My first shifting changed my life. I’m still learning how to fit into the human and dragon world.

What do you think of the young dragon you met?

Cyre? He’s so much fun! I like that he’s innocent and doesn’t have any ulterior motives. He was very thoughtful, and helpful, when I was learning in dragon form. I guess you could say he’s my mentor. I’m still getting the hang of the dragon world and he’s helping me through the pitfalls.

How are you going to combine both worlds?

This has been the real challenge. Learning my lifespan has just gone from the 80 years of most humans to 750 years as a shapeshifter has my brain in a spin. All those hold Highlander television shows flashed through my mind.
I’m trying to decide if I want to live as a human, dragon or both. I think it’s going to take awhile but I’m not worried. Time is now something of which I have plenty.

You seem to have been thrust into a position as a representative.

Yeah, that was spur of the moment. Cyre’s sister, Brittany, felt I would be a good candidate to represent the shapeshifters who are facing the sudden shifting problems.

Are we going to hear more of your story?

Yes. I’ll be back in Dragons Among the Eagles, which will, hopefully, be published in the summer of 2011. By that time I hope to have a better handle on which lifestyle I’ll decide to live.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Interview: Velvet LeBon

Tell us a little about yourself--Velvet--or is it Constance?

I much prefer Velvet. It has such a rich texture, don't you think? But one can't rely on any of my answers, you know I was never very good at telling the truth. This is the truth. I love my work…and men…and controlling them. I have untold power and I love to use it to make them squirm.

Uh, that sounded pretty honest for someone who doesn't like to tell the truth. How did you come to this profession the owner of a brothel in Denver no less?

I enjoy the finer things in life. I can buy whatever I want and I don't have to ask for handouts from a man. A woman has to enjoy what she does…doesn't she? I mean…I could never be a school marm.

Velvet, you didn't answer the question.

Oh, I didn't did I? Well, one affair led to another…I just couldn't say no. And it became more and more apparent that I was very good at what I did. So…I decided I should be paid for my…a services. After awhile other girls were asking for my advice and help int the business. One year led to another and before I knew it, I owned my own house.

What did Wild-Cat-Who-Stalks-the-Night mean to you?

Dakota? He is soooo sexy. And what a man…wow! I would have enjoyed keeping that one on a short leash but he was too proud. I had to cut him loose.

What do you think of the Senator?

Ah, Lawrence, he risks too much over his infatuation with Emma. I'm afraid his little house of cards will collapse around him. Otherwise we are like two peas in a pod. We think a like.

Who came up with the idea for an auction?

That was the senators…again it's that damn infatuation of his. He's going to ruin both of us if he doesn't pay attention.

How did you meet Christine?

She has this great relationship with villains. And since I'm the best villain of all time we sort of connected.

Anything else you might like to add:

Oh, yes, you can read more about me:

Buy now at Rogue Phoenix press:

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_025.htm

Excerpt:

Emma stepped into the main cavern, and a shadow rose along the wall then to the ceiling. Her hand flew to her mouth and she tried desperately to stifle the scream that rose to her throat. Terror, vivid and savage, rushed through her. She battled a growing sense of panic, biting down on her knuckles.

Someone was in the cavern with her, someone who had entered boldly and without rancor.

From the narrow opening she could see him standing there, swaying, as if he could barely keep upright. He was very tall, and when she recognized him, he looked good to her even though she could make out little of his features.

"Dakota," she whispered.

"Emma..."

His voice was weak and thready. She could see the blood covering his shirt now. He slid down the rocks until he sat on the floor of the cavern, his head falling to rest upon his knees.

"You're hurt," she said.

He nodded, a strange smile playing across his lips. "You noticed, did you?"

Don't panic, she warned herself. He's hurt, but he made it back from wherever he went. After a moment's hesitation, Emma rushed forward, not knowing what she must do for him, realizing only that she must do something.

She bent down to his level, his hand touching her cheek, then falling away. Her gasp escaped her as his hand lay motionless on the cold, wet rocks. His eyes closed tight.

Then, as if he guessed her thoughts, he said, "Stop it, damn you, Emma, I'm not dying. There is nothing for you to worry about."

"I'll worry if I want to. Now let me have a look."

"No. Give me a minute to rest here, and I'll tell you everything that happened."

His voice was deep, rich, and it seemed that by sitting instead of standing, he'd regained much of his strength. As usual, his words were touched with an arrogant authority, a harshness, even a ruthlessness. But the knowledge he was more himself than she'd imagined gave her courage.

But his face…

His skin was pale, and as she touched his cheek and his neck to find his pulse, she was struck by the heat and the dampness, the contrast vivid and terrifying.

Despite the raging fever consuming his body, he watched her with eyes as sharp and brilliant as a wildcat's beneath his imperious, high-arched brows.

"You've been shot," Emma whispered, finding breath at last. Her fingers brushed over the wound and came away bloodied.

She looked up into his eyes.

They were haggard with pain and exhaustion. They stared at her, challenging and with a determined purpose.

"Bounty hunters?" she asked, furious with him for ven­turing out, angry because he'd hurt himself, and she didn't know what to do for him. She had been afraid of this ever since they set off on what he'd called a dangerous mission, one he'd been loath to be part of. Now he was hurt and in pain.

"They didn't follow me." One hand rested on her arm.

"I'm going for a doctor."

"No!" His grip tightened, then relaxed. "It's only a flesh wound."

She stood up abruptly and walked away from him, deter­mined to gather supplies and slip from the cave.

"You need a doctor."

The determination in her voice unsettled her. She could get lost out there, but she had no choice. Dakota wouldn't live without professional help.

"You can't go out there." He was upon her before she knew it, his hands planted firmly on her arms as his fingers formed steel bands around her. She opened her mouth to argue with him.

"I won't hear of it." His finger moved to touch her lips and stop whatever she planned to say.

She was forced to gaze into his endlessly brown eyes and see the determination and stubbornness that was Dakota. He'd made up his mind and that was that.

Well, she'd made up her mind too. "I won't let you die."

"Listen to me, Emma. Stone Pony will see that you get the right medicines. I don't need a doc--"

He stopped short, inhaling deeply. Emma knew he strug­gled to stand, that this last effort had stolen his strength.

"I... do... not... need... a..." he said, each word separate and distinct.

He swallowed hard, his throat moving convulsively. A wild fear filled Emma along with her realization he might not survive the night. She tried to support his weight, but she couldn't.

They fell to their knees.

And then he keeled over.

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Her life was at stake... ...And so was her heart.

When Emma St. John received her brother's letter imploring her to escape her stepfather's vengeful scheme and to trust Dakota Barringer with her life, she was willing to chance it. But the handsome, brooding riverboat owner Emma found in Natchez was a danger of another kind. For Emma soon found herself surrendering to an unrelenting desire.

Tell me a little about yourself Emma.
I grew up in a loving family but my father died when I was young and my mother married the senator. My brother Jacob detested the man and left to find adventure in the west. I have a little sister by the name of Claire. I adore her even though the senator is her father.

Why did you run from your home?
My stepfather drugged me then kidnapped me. When I woke I was in a brothel. I learned my mother had died. I managed to escape from there, heading west to find Jacob. I remembered a letter he sent me and went in search of a riverboat owner by the name of Dakota.
Dakota what?
Just Dakota. He is a white man who was raised by the Lakota Sioux.
Was that scary?
No, I was too afraid of the senator and Jacob trusted him, so I knew he was the only person I could turn to for help.

Why did you bring your little sister, Claire, with you?
I couldn't leave her to grow up with the senator as a role model. I was sure he murdered my mother but I didn't have proof.

When did you find out you were accused of murdering your mother?
I escaped the senator on a train. When I stepped from the train, I saw a handbill that read--WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE EMMA ST. JOHN-- Chills swept up my spine, and my grip on Claire's hand tightened so much she asked me what was wrong. I couldn't tell her. It was then I realized the senator had framed me for my mother's murder.

What did you think when you first saw Dakota?
He seemed--nice enough.
Tell the truth…
He was so handsome my breath caught in my throat then I wanted to touch him everywhere. I wanted him to…uh…
Kiss you?
Oh, I did. I was so hot…and my skin felt as it was on fire…
Was it love at first sight?
Yes… but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't believe in love and he thought I was… he thought I was a prostitute. Then when he figured out I wasn't…he wouldn't look at me or talk to me because I was white.

Did you ever expect to find yourself riding cross-country?
I didn't know how to ride a horse when we started. I had to learn fast. I was sore everywhere but I wouldn't admit to any weakness.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
When Dakota was shot…I…I had to keep him safe and I didn't know how.

How did you meet Christine?
Dakota introduced us. She knew him first.

Does she run around with other characters?
Too many. It gets so confusing in her head sometimes. She knows a wonderful lady who keeps a boarding house in Mist Harbor, Oregon, and female Doctor in the Dakotas and a real nice female Pinkerton agent who lives in Denver.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is so much, I couldn't possibly say everything. But if you want you can read all about Dakota and me in her book Dakota's Bride.

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Meet Dakota Barringer: Raised by the Sioux when his parents were killed, Dakota had been betrayed once before by a white woman. He wasn't about to trust another, especially one claiming that her stepfather, a powerful U.S. senator, had framed her as a murderess. But he couldn't deny Emma's intoxicating effects on him. Now Dakota would risk his very life to protect the innocent beauty who had seduced him with her tender love.

Hi, Dakota, will you please tell us a little about yourself?

As you just read, I was raised by the Sioux when my parents were killed. My grandfather is wealthy and once he discovered I was alive, he tried everything he could to bring me to live with him. When he left the Dakotas and went back to England, he left me with my mother. Years later he tried to civilize me--an impossible task--I might add.

Do you know of other white children who were brought up by the Sioux then tried to meld into the white world?

There were none in my tribe although I'm sure there were many white children brought up by Indians. I was alone but the Sioux never made me feel as I was different from others. I had many good friends when I grew up.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Living in the white world has been my biggest challenge. I found I was treated as if I were a game. Women wanted to know what it would be like to date a savage. I usually gave them what they expected.

Have you encountered prejudice from anyone? White or Sioux?

Oh yes, prejudice is everywhere. But as I said before, most of the prejudice came from the white women. I fell in love with a lady I thought was very special. She used me. Then she told me she aborted my child. I was devastated and swore off all white women, believing they were all the same. I vowed never to trust a white woman again.

How did you meet Emma Barringer?

I, well, uh, I-- Emma was a saloon girl on my riverboat. I seduced her then found out she'd been given an aphrodisiac. I'm not real proud of what I did, but I've got to say--if I believed in love at first sight--that was love at first sight. I fell hard for a white woman.

How did you meet Christine, your author?

I met her in another story, one she hasn't published yet. It was called Ghost Dance. I was a secondary character and I guessed she kind of liked me because my story grew from there. Of all the secondary characters in the book, I think I talked the loudest--so loud she couldn't hear any others.

Does Christine run around with other characters?

Gosh, she has been running around with a Russian Prince, a gun slinger, a Pinkerton agent and another Russian nobleman.

Anything you would like to add?

Go to Rogue Phoenix Press and read my story. You will find excerpts and great reviews. Check out all the stories and enjoy the adventure.

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I'm finished, I'm finished. I love the way it ended. My critique partners are so brilliant. I love the time machine and the new travels of Cary and Conn. Oh my but I do love writing with the fae fold in the story. A new dimension is created that provides so much fun. I do believe I've a gaurdian fairy resting on my computer desk as I write.

Now to get started on our next project: a journey through time for one of my historical characters to Disney World. What would a knight in shining armor think of Minnie Mouse? or any of the other wonderful Disney characters. Would my knight try to rescue a damsel in distress? Would he survive a ride on Space Mountain? Oh my, the possibilities are indeed endless.