Finding The Write Words

Secret Cravings Blog Hop Winner

2012-01-13T13:39:00.000-04:00

Through random drawing, the winner of a PDF copy of Keeping Secrets is.....
mcv111 at hotmail(dot)com
Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on their secret food indulgence. Your emails have been forwarded to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Good luck!

Secret Cravings One Year Anniversary

2012-01-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

I would like to congratulate Secret Cravings Publishing on their first anniversary!
And welcome everyone who stops by my web site today, and tomorrow, to celebrate this blog hop anniversary special. (I'm posting this message early to accomodate all time zones).

Words can not express the happiness I felt the day that email arrived from SCP accepting my manuscript Keeping Secrets for publication. The reality still wasn't there even when I received my contract. It wasn't until the cover was designed did the reality of my dream of being published sink in.

I'm pleased to be a part of SCP anniversary blog hop and to celebrate this exciting occassion, I'm holding a draw for a free PDF copy of Keeping Secrets. All you have to do is answer the following question...and leave your email address in your comment. I'll draw the winning name on January 13. 2012.

It's all about the secrets in...Keeping Secrets, so let's stick with that theme.

Tell me, what is your secret food indulgence?

Be sure to comment on all author sites who are participating in the blog hop for a change to win some fabulous prizes.

Keeping Secrets Blurb:
“When a home renovation brings the fiercely independent Samantha Witherspoon back to her childhood home in Montreal and to a world where she thinks her secrets are safe, she has no idea that soon, she will be celebrating new beginnings. Still grieving over the loss of her grandmother, she begins a home renovation that leads her straight into the arms of a handsome contractor who immediately challenges her every decision. But Samantha could never have predicted that she is about to face the most difficult decision of her life. Will she find a way to honor her heart and her promises at the same time?"

Praise for Keeping Secrets:
"In her debut novel Keeping Secrets, Darlene Fredette has written a deliciously entertaining love story that proves that sometimes even the best kept secrets need to be revealed.” Vicky DeCoster

"Darlene Fredette put together a well written story with dimensional characters and a confidential plot that kept me turning the pages, and wondering what to expect. I recommend Keepings Secrets. It was a genuine read, with a bit of an old fashioned theme, and tug at your heart emotion." Marquete Williams

"As soon as I read about the novel I knew that it would be a delectable mix of chick lit and romance with a splash of mystery thrown in for good measure. I was intrigued and I have to say that I wanted to devour this novel. Overall, I really enjoyed Keeping Secrets, finding it to be a compelling story of love, romance and secrets, showing that true love wins out every time. I love the way Darlene tells a sweet story of love without ever becoming predictable. I found Keeping Secrets to be touching and heartfelt. If you enjoy chick lit and contemporary romance novels then Keeping Secrets is definitely one for you." Georgina Scott

Secret Cravings Publishing Anniversary Blog Hop

2011-12-09T15:41:00.008-04:00

Secret Cravings Publishing is celebrating their one year anninversary!

From December 16, 2011 through January 17, 2012, join the SCP authors in the fun and win some great prizes!

Prizes to be won from Secret Cravings Publishing:
First prize - Kindle Fire
Second prize - Amazon GC $50
Third prize - SCP GC $25

Each participating author is having their own give-way, so make sure to stop by every blog and leave a comment for more chances to win.

You MUST comment on EVERY blog to be eligible for the grand prizes listed above. Remember to leave your email address!

For a list of participating SCP author site links visit here:
http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-year-anniversary-blog-hop-starts.html

AND be sure to return here on January 11, 2011. I'll be giving away my own special Anniversary Treat. Leave a comment (and your email addy) on my blog post that day for a chance to win a PDF copy of Keeping Secrets!

Santa's Nice List receives 4.5 stars!

2011-12-08T15:55:00.001-04:00

ARC Review by Jennifer Daiker (reviewer Afterglow Book Reviews) http://afterglowbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-treats-2-santas-nice-list.html?showComment=1322749412744#c428372167422256467

This was the CUTEST anthology I've ever had the pleasure of reading! Delicious from beginning to end! Each author as talented as the last! My heart is still warm and filled with love! Christmas Treats Anthology: Santa’s Nice List was amazing from beginning to end!

Mistletoe Accomplished was a delicious read! Grab your cocoa and let the snow fall in the background, this short story is sure to bring warmth into your heart. What better way to start the holiday with a delightful tale of an ex-food critic and a marvelous chef falling in love with one another. Maggie Devine had me salivating for decadent foods and a hunky hero. I loved every little morsel.

Fredette’s Chocolate Kisses is sure to leave you in a candy coma! This delectable tale of love will have you running for all the goodies you can find this holiday season. Candi Cane and Jack Frost are more than just cute names, these spicy characters are sure to leave your heart toasty! Nothing like a fake marriage to heat things up! This duo will leave you giggling at their silly arrangement, signing divorce papers for playing Santa. You’ll want to share this with a loved one!

The Santa Drag. There’s nothing worse than seeing your Ex, while you’re dressed in a Santa costume. Rancourt had me laughing in this adorable short story. She shows that even in the weirdest of circumstances, when you’re in love, nothing stops the connection. PS – for those who love an extra treat, this Santa is a little past the milk and cookies and has a hankering for beer and cold pizza, what’s not to love?

Chocolate Kisses - Now Available

2011-12-07T12:56:00.000-04:00

Christmas Treats 2: Santa's Nice List
NOW AVAILABLE

http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html

Check out my story:
Redford Falls 1: Chocolate Kisses

“When Jackson Frost returns to Redford Falls, Candi Cane knows he’s not only after her chocolate kisses.”

Interview - Winner

2011-11-14T09:52:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my interview last week at Romance Books 'R' Us.
The lucky winner of a PDF copy of Keeping Secrets is Sandy!
Congratulations!

Redford Falls #1: Chocolate Kisses

2011-11-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

I'm on Santa's Nice List!

My second story will be published in Still Moments Publishing's Christmas Treats #2 Anthology!

Redford Falls #1: Chocolate Kisses coming in December 2011

2011-10-19T10:49:00.000-03:00

Keeping Secrets is now available in print!
From Publisher:
https://www.createspace.com/3704602

From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Secrets-ebook/dp/B005GG7T5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312898809&sr=1-1

Keeping Secrets Reviews

2011-10-14T10:00:00.000-03:00

Have you read my debut novel Keeping Secrets?
If you have, I'd like to hear your thoughts/reviews.
Please contact me. Thank you!

The Author's Den - Sam Crescent

2011-09-30T09:48:00.006-03:00

I'd like to welcome, Sam Crescent to The Author's Den. Her novel, A Wild Older Woman, is available today. Congratulations, Sam!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.

SC: Besides a love of reading and writing I love cooking. In fact I think I’m addicted to all three. When I’m not doing any of my three favourite things, I can be found wandering around with a notebook thinking up new story ideas. I began writing when I was younger but didn’t start taking it seriously until 2009 when I began my love affair with erotic romance. I felt with this genre there was so much more that could be explored. Then one day after much research I sat down and penned Office Hours and many more.

Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
SC: My two sisters and my best friend. They have encouraged me from the start when I began writing romance stories. I wrote the odd little piece and they enjoyed it and when I sat down and began writing. They helped me through the rejections and through the insecurity I feel and are my rock.

Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?
SC: It will always be the editing process. I love learning new skills and more about this field I want to be in but the hardest part is learning everything that comes with writing a story, whether it is long or short.

Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
SC: Everywhere. From walking in the countryside to watching or listening to music to simply being in my kitchen, it all brings inspiration.

Can you tell us a bit about your current release?

SC: Blurb: Do younger men treat a woman better? At least that is what Karen Wild is about to find out. This forty years old, divorced mother of two children is about to find out what being a cougar is all about. She believed she could battle anything that came her way...that is until Nick Marshall entered her life. She never anticipated Nick, thirteen years her junior, being interested in her. He’s hot and he wants Karen all to himself. Join this cougar as she learns to accept her sexuality and finally learns what it means to love and how a younger man can melt the years away.

Can you give us a hint on what you’re currently working on?
SC: I’m working on several projects. I’m writing a Christmas story for Secret Cravings and I’m already in love with Ryan my leading man. The third book in my Vampire series with Total-E-Bound.

And finally A valentines piece for Rebel Ink Press and the second book in my Clifford Arbor Series: Savouring Emily. I love working on more than one project and I’m terrible with Titles.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

SC: Cooking or reading.

What one word best describes your writing style?
SC: I have no idea. Depends before edits or after, lol.

What is your favourite colour?
SC: Purple

What is your favourite pleasure food?
SC: Cookies and Cream Ice-Cream

What is your favourite time of day?
SC: Night time

What is your favourite season?
SC: Winter. I love SNOW

Who is your favourite author?
SC: I can’t answer that. The list is on going.

What is your favourite song?
SC: Changes but at the moment Jar of hearts by Christina Perri

What is your favourite comfort clothing attire?
SC: Pajamas.

What one word best describes your personality?
SC: Bubbly

Where can we learn more about you?
http://samcrescent.wordpress.com
Twitter: @SamCrescent

Keeping Secrets Promo

2011-09-23T15:43:00.001-03:00

My Keeping Secrets promotional ad appearing in the September E-News of Still Moments Magazine.

Still Moments Magazine September E-News

2011-09-16T15:34:00.000-03:00

The Still Moments Magazine's September E-News is now available.
Filled with great reading, reviews, and more!
Check out their site: http://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com

Another 5 Star Review for Keeping Secrets

2011-09-13T13:58:00.002-03:00

Keeping Secrets just received another 5 star review! WooHoo!
To read the review, click on the smiling flower on the right side bar, or the top tab 'Keeping Secrets Reviews'.

If you've read Keeping Secrets, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Follower Contest Winner

2011-09-12T13:59:00.001-03:00

I've chosen a winner for my 'blog follower contest'. A winner was chosen at random, through random.org. The contest winner will be notified by email with a free PDF copy of Keeping Secrets.

Congratulations! And thank you to all of my followers.

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 6 - The Perfect Hero

2011-09-05T09:00:00.018-03:00

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 6
The Perfect Hero
By Darlene Fredette

Where have the past five weeks gone? If you missed one of the Scorcher Blog Posts, here’s a little recap.

Week 1 – Arial Burnz: Why Vampires Are Sexy. http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/scorcher-blog-tour-why-vampires-are-sexy-%e2%80%93-part-1/
Sexy yes, but I still sleep with the blankets up to my chin.

Week 2 – Sarah Grimm: Beauty
http://authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/2011/08/summer-scorcher-blog-tour-week-2-beauty.html
After reading Sarah’s post, I think all women should take a moment to find their beauty.

Week 3 – Amie Louellen: Intimacy and Other Things
http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/intimacy-and-other-things-part-i/
Twelve stages of intimacy! Who knew! I dare you to ask a man how many there are.

Week 4 – Lisa Sanchez: Things That Make You Go ‘Ooooh’!
http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/2011/08/summer-scorcher-blog-tour-week-4-things.html
Piercings and tattoos...ouch!

Week 5 – AJ Nuest: Man Candy
http://ajbooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/scorcher-blog-tour-week-five.html
Did you see the pictures of Alex O’Loughlin? Yummy!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the past five weeks as much as I have. There’s a bit of sadness as we move into our last week of the tour, but I hope to close on a fun and scorching post.

My Scorcher ladies have graciously agreed to help me with my post by answering a few questions about their perfect hero. However, they have no idea how I’m incorporating their answers into my post. Mmwah haha!

Without further ado, let’s begin.

The Perfect Hero
Welcome to part 1 of my blog post on the Scorcher Blog Tour.

Have you ever read a romance story with an ugly hero? I don’t think so! As soon as the author introduces the reader to the hero, his awesome physical attributes has the reader wishing she was the heroine.

But we all have an image of our perfect hero...from head to toe. Let’s have some fun and break down our hero into sections.

To read the next instalment...and you don’t want to miss this one...go to Arial’s blog (http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/). BUT before you go, answer my question below. AND don’t forget to comment on all of my six instalments of The Perfect Hero for a chance to win a PDF copy of Keeping Secrets. You MUST answer all six questions from each instalment to have your name included in the draw. The winner will then move on to the grand prize drawing of a $30 Amazon Gift Card.

Question 1: Tell me your thoughts on the Scorcher Blog Tour. Have you joined in with a comment or just lurking?

It's all about the secrets in...Keeping Secrets!

Buy links:
Secret Cravings Publishing Store: http://secretcravingspublishing.mybigcommerce.com/keeping-secrets/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Secrets-ebook/dp/B005GG7T5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312898809&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeping-secrets-darlene-fredette/1104665025?ean=2940013202863&itm=19&usri=keeping%2bsecrets
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-keepingsecrets-588544-149.html
BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/keeping-secrets-0

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 5 - New Kids On The Blog

2011-08-29T09:00:00.025-03:00

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 5

New Kids On The Block
By AJ Nuest

If you’re starting here, head back to http://ajbooks.blogspot.com for the first installment of my Man Candy Post. You won’t regret it.

Remember during my first post how I said most of the Man Candy I found looked half my age? I still hold to this axiom, but upon reflection I didn’t think it was fair I make everyone else suffer my lack of bravado. I also don’t think it would be right to glaze over the many “up and coming” (bad joke, couldn’t resist) young men that have recently graced the silver screen. Truth is I’m an avid movie buff, and some of these kids are really quite talented. I’m going to give you a taste of some of my faves, and you can watch for them in the coming years. Let’s see how close I am to predicting the next Matthew McConaughey, shall we?

Look at this smirk…just LOOK at it. Ugh. I love this kid. His name is Garrett Hedlund. He’s starred in the films Friday Night Lights, Four Brothers, Eragon, and most recently as Patroclus in Tron: Legacy. Check him out when you get the chance. Cutie-pie!

Alex Pettyfer…Hellloooo, Alex! The first time I saw this kid was in the flick Beastly, and if you’ve seen it, you already know he’s in heavy make-up during most of the film (it’s a teen take on Beauty and The Beast – I could fib here and say I watched it because I have an eight year old daughter, but I’m a sucker for sappy teen flicks). Anyway, I wasn’t really all that impressed by the film or Alex, until I saw him again I Am Number Four, which I LOVED. I was all…WHAAA?? That’s the same kid?

Can you blame me? Alex has a James Dean-ish quality. He’s a very subtle actor, and I’m sorry, but those high cheekbones and that square jaw line drive me mad. Need I mention the rest of the package? Watch out for this kid. I predict he’s destined for BIG things…

And lastly…

Armand Hammer, or Armie to his friends. Rumor has it he was slated to star as The Lone Ranger playing opposite Johnny Depp as Tonto (uhhh…wow?), but I also read somewhere the deal had been scrapped. Either way, Armie has already shot to the top of my “this kid’s gonna be famous” list for his portrayal of the Winklevoss twins – yes, twice the Armie, twice the fun – in The Social Network. Bottom line, he’s a babe. Too bad I couldn’t find any pictures of him shirtless…and trust me, this wasn’t for lack of trying.

Are we having fun yet? Things are about to heat up! For more of my Favorite Man Candy head over to Sarah Grimm’s blog at http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com See you there in just a sec, but leave me a comment first to enter the drawing for a free e-book of Jezebel’s Wish!

Oh! And my deepest thanks to theberry.com, coolmenshair.com, themovieinternetdatabase.com, fanpop.com, and poponthepop.com for the use of the pics.

AJ Nuest lives in northwest Indiana with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She is the author of two contemporary romance novels.

Visit her on the web at:
http://ajbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/ajnuest
Email: ajnuest@yahoo.com
Facebook: Tattered Pages http://tinyurl.com/3qvxyn6

Jezebel’s Wish Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press: http://tinyurl.com/446f7r3
Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/3b89ogb

Jezebel's Wish Trailer

Guest on Friday Flirt

2011-08-26T11:31:00.000-03:00

I'm here today:http://dawneprochilo.blogspot.com/2011/08/friday-flirt-with-romance-author.html
Check out how I describe an orgasm, lol!

And be sure to follow, and leave a comment on my Follower Contest post (below) for a chance to win a free PDF copy of Keeping Secrets!

Followers Contest

2011-08-22T10:47:00.002-03:00

There's been such an overwhelming interest in my debut novel, Keeping Secrets, that I'm holding a special draw for just my followers. Follow my web blog AND leave a comment under this post (with your web addy) for your chance to win a free PDF copy of Keeping Secrets!

Contest starts August 22 and runs to September 12 (AM draw date).

Good luck!

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 4 - Things that make you go “ooooh!”

2011-08-22T09:00:00.005-03:00

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 4
Things that make you go “ooooh!”
By Lisa Sanchez

Hey, peeps! Thanks for staying with me!

In keeping with my Bad Boy theme, I’m going to talk a bit more about body modification and why, on some guys, I think it’s sexy as hell.

If you’ve been following each post along the tour this week, then you know the previous excerpt showcased Halley’s reaction to Nick’s tribal tattoo, and her surprise at learning his nipples are pierced.

Now, before I continue, I feel I should clarify that I’m not huge into body modification. My ears are pierced (just once on each ear), I have a small stud in my nose, and I have a simple, elegant tattoo on my back. That’s it. My hubby (my own real life hero) has a wicked sexy tatt on his arm. Rawr! It’s just enough, and I love it.

When it comes to my fictional heroes, however, I’ve been known to fancy a Bad Boy with piercings. Lips rings. Tongue rings. Nipple rings. Woohoo! I get a little shiver just thinking about the possibilities. Cold steel against flushed, heated skin. Meeeeeeow!

Piercings also bring into play the notion that a bit of pain can also be pleasurable. I mean, let’s face it…shoving a piece of cold, stainless steel through any part of your body isn’t pleasant. It hurts, though thankfully, the pain is short-lived. If you’ve chosen to pierce yourself in a particularly erogenous zone, you’ve opened yourself up to some wicked sensual torture, as your new body jewelry can now be used to enhance your intimacy with your partner.

Let’s take a peek at Halley’s reaction to Nick’s nipple piercings.

A shudder ran through Nick the moment her flesh met his. She ghosted her fingertips down his collarbone, over the arcs and swirls of black ink. Her thumb grazed his nipple, gently tugging on the small silver ring, resulting in a loud hiss from Nick.
She pulled her hand back. “I’m sorry.” She dropped her chin to her chest. “I…”
“Don’t be, Princess.” He placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze, and a shockwave of delicious tingles traveled up and down her spine. He stared down at her with heavy-lidded eyes and groaned. “It felt good.”
“Oh…” All the air in the room disappeared again, and her pulse jumped from zero to sixty in nothing flat. “I thought I hurt you.”
With a raised brow, his vibrant blue eyes searched hers, asking silent permission to move closer. Once granted, a pair of strong hands gripped her waist, and he closed the small gap between them. His enormous and very hard arousal pressed against her stomach as he crushed her against the edge of the counter. Oh my God.
He leaned forward, his nose trailing up the column of her neck. “No, Princess, you didn’t hurt me. Although I wouldn’t mind if you did. Some pain is very good.”
White heat burst from beneath Halley’s skin, engulfing her entire body. Shmexy boy was too damn much.
His warm breath tickled her ear, riddling her skin with goose bumps.
Overwhelmed by his nearness, Halley closed her eyes and gave herself over to the sensation of his heated skin against her palms, running them across the ridges of his rock-hard abs.
“Did the tattoo hurt?” She was barely able to think, let alone form a coherent sentence.
He peppered her jawline with feather-soft kisses. “Yes,” he said as his lips found the sweet spot behind her ear, making her knees buckle.
“And these?” She sucked in a rapid breath as her palms grazed over the tips of his pierced nipples. “Did these hurt?”
A deep groan rumbled through his chest. “Fuck me, Princess.” His voice was raw, breathy. “Yes.” He pulled his head back while his large hands latched harder onto her waist, and lifted her onto the countertop. And God, it was all she could do to keep from whimpering when he ground his bulging erection against the sensitive flesh of her core. They hadn’t even kissed yet, and she was ready to explode.

What about you? Do you like piercings? Have any of your own? Leave a comment and share!

Leave a comment on this blog, as well as the other five blogs on the Scorcher Tour to be entered to win a free PDF copy of my erotic suspense, Obsessed. The winner’s name will then be forwarded into a final drawing at the end of the tour for a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift certificate.

(Book blurb) The victim of both a brutal attempted rape and now a serial stalking, Halley Davis is broken, and desperate to glue the shattered pieces of her life back together. Tormented by a psychopath and battling a heavy dose of anxiety, sex and dating are the last things on Halley’s anxiety-ridden mind. That is, until she meets the man who rescued her from the hands of a would-be rapist. With a body made for sin, a wicked, sexy tattoo and an aura that screams “badass,” her rescuer not only calms the storm of terror raging inside her mind, he ignites a passion within her she’s never known before.

Tired of using meaningless sex to drown out the horrors of his past, Nick Ackart has sworn off women. In fact, if women were classified as meat, his ass is Vegan. Despite his determination to remain unattached, Nick is unable to stay away from the emerald-eyed beauty he rescued from a sadistic pervert. Immersed in a tangled web of sexual desire and deep emotion he was certain was long dead, he vows to protect Halley from the monster hounding her, even though he stands to lose his heart in the process.

Loose Id- http://www.loose-id.com/Obsessed.aspx
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Obsessed-ebook/dp/B0053IK8JM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312759046&sr=8-1
Lisa Sanchez Blog- http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/

To continue to the 4th stop, click the link to be taken to Arial Burnz’s blog: http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/

Keeping Secrets 1st Review

2011-08-17T19:43:00.001-03:00

My very first review! Keeping Secrets received 4 out of 5 stars! I'm so excited.

Please stop by and check out Chick Lit Aholic's review, as well as a small interview we did. I'm also holding a draw on Chick Lit Aholic's blog for a PDF copy of Keeping Secrets. Just leave a comment by Aug 21 (midnight). http://chicklitaholic.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-secrets-review-interview-and.html

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 3 - Intimacy and Other Things

2011-08-15T09:00:00.018-03:00

Intimacy and Other Things,
Part IV
by Amie Louellen

If you have just now joined the tour and missed Parts I-III follow the link and make your way back to my blog. You don’t want to miss any of this! *wink*

Part I http://www.amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Part II http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/
Part III http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Brodie and Savanna have just arrived at his house. They’ve spent the night together on their impromptu wedding night, spent the morning trying to get rid of the other, and spent the drive avoiding asking the hundreds of questions that truly need to be answered. But that would be the easy route…

She couldn’t let herself fall into that fantasy again. Without even a glance in his direction, she sighed and started toward the house.

He caught her arm, once again bringing her to acute awareness. Why, oh, why did he have to be so darned sexy? “Your house is beautiful,” she whispered, trying to ignore his scent. It surrounded her, urged her to close her eyes and surrender to the impulse to lean back into his hardness, savor the smooth, strong muscles of his chest, his thighs—

Her lids fluttered closed as his voice drifted over her. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Hmm,” she murmured. The stress of the day wore down her defenses, the rough timbre of his voice lulled her into the dream the sight of his perfect little house had woven around her.

“This isn’t really my house. It belongs to Nan. I live here with her.”

There’s so much more than names that needs to be discussed.

More to come at Arial Burnz’s blog: http://www.arialburnz.wordpress.com/

Live a Little, Laugh a Lot, Love for A Lifetime.
http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/

Keeping Secrets live on the web!

2011-08-09T11:24:00.001-03:00

To purchase a copy of Keeping Secrets in Adobe Acrobat (PDF), Mobipocket, Microsoft Reader, HTML, EPUB, click on one the following links.

Your support is greatly appreciated!
Hugs, Darlene.

Secret Cravings Publishing Store
http://secretcravingspublishing.mybigcommerce.com/keeping-secrets/

Bookstrand
http://www.bookstrand.com/keeping-secrets-0

All Romance Ebooks
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-keepingsecrets-588544-149.html

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Secrets-ebook/dp/B005GG7T5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312898809&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeping-secrets-darlene-fredette/1104665025?ean=2940013202863&itm=19&usri=keeping%2bsecrets

Scorcher Blog Tour Week 2 – Beauty

2011-08-08T09:00:00.019-03:00

Summer Scorcher Blog Tour
Week 2 – Beauty (part 5)

Welcome to Part 5 of Sarah Grimm’s guest blog on the Summer Scorcher Blog Tour – Week 2.
If this is your first stop, you’ll want to start at Part 1 (Sarah’s Blog) and continue to Amie, Lisa and AJ before returning here:

Part 1 – Sarah’s blog: http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/
Part 2 – Amie’s blog: http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Part 3 – Lisa’s blog: http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/
Part 4 – AJ Nuest’s blog: http://ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Let’s pick up where we left off – with Noah showing Isabeau just how beautiful she is:

He leaned in and put his mouth to her ear. “You have eyes like fog.” The lilting baritone of his voice washed over her and she let out a little helpless moan. “Truly amazing eyes that change color with your mood. Right now they are blue. Can you see that?”

He skimmed his hands down her arms, trailed his fingers over the backs of her hands. The shock of pleasure stole her breath. Every nerve ending in her body quivered.
“Your mouth is so sexy.” The sound that rumbled in his throat had something curling hard in her stomach. “I imagine the things you could do with that mouth.”

The mouth he spoke of dropped open as he nipped the back of her neck.

“The first time you smiled at me you stole my breath. I spent weeks trying to get you to do it again, struggling to understand what I’d done to stop you from gifting me with your smile. What was it, Isa?”

“You…noticed me.”

“I noticed you? How couldn’t I? Your hair, your skin.” Nimble fingers worked down the front of her shirt, revealing a little more of her skin with every button that slipped free. “I can’t stop touching you. Reaching for you. I imagine my hands on you, light against your dark. Here, on your stomach.”

Isabeau sucked air greedily into her lungs when his hand pressed against her stomach. She stared, mesmerized by the contrast of his pale hand against her darker, golden tones.

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this blog AND the other five blogs on the scorcher Tour to be entered into the drawing this week. One lucky winner will receive a PDF copy of AFTER MIDNIGHT and be forwarded into the final drawing at the end of the tour for a $30 Amazon.com gift certificate.

To continue to Part 6 (and see if Isabeau can be convinced she’s beautiful) – Visit Arial Burnz’s Blog
http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/

Can music heal a fractured soul?

AFTER MIDNIGHT by Sarah Grimm
September 30, 2011
The Wild Rose Press

Scorcher Tour Week 1 Winner – Na from Canada!

Na won an eBook copy of Midnight Conquest. Congratulations!

Keeping Secrets is now available!

2011-08-03T11:27:00.002-03:00

Words can't express my excitement today with the early release of my debut novel, Keeping Secrets. The smile on my face will be a permanent fixture all day!

To celebrate this exciting event, I'm giving away a free PDF copy of Keeping Secrets! All you have to do is leave a comment...that's it. It's just that easy. Your name will then be entered in a draw, which will take place Sunday morning.

To read Keeping Secrets on your computer, here's the PDF buy link: http://secretcravingspublishing.mybigcommerce.com/keeping-secrets/
And for those of you who have ereaders, stay tuned, because Keeping Secrets will be available very soon at: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, ARe, and BookStrand.

Scorcher Blog Tour: Why Vampires Are Sexy (# 6)

2011-08-01T09:00:00.025-03:00

Scorcher Blog Tour: Why Vampires Are Sexy (Part 6)

Welcome to Part 6 of Arial Burnz’s guest blog post on the Scorcher Blog Tour – Week 1! You made it!

If this is your first stop, you’ll want to go back to Part 1 (Arial's blog) and continue through to Sarah, Amie, Lisa, and AJ, before returning here.
Part 1 – Arial’s Blog http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/
Part 2 – Sarah’s Blog http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/
Part 3 – Amie’s Blog http://www.amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Part 4 – Lisa’s Blog http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/
Part 5 – AJ’s Blog http://ajbooks.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Darlene!!

And now the conclusion of our topic Why Vampires Are Sexy: I think, finally, a theme that seems consistent with vampires is the addiction the vampire has for the mortal. Like the excerpt in Part 5, it’s fighting that temptation and keeping their hunger for blood separate from their sexual hunger.

NOT that I’m comparing my novel to the Twilight Saga, but one of the biggest draws I heard from readers about why they loved that series so much was Edward’s uncontrollable desire for Bella, his addiction to her and how much he loved and was so devoted to her. What woman doesn’t want to be desired so completely? Such devotion toward the heroine is the main reason for the popularity of the romance genre…and vampires only heighten that experience.

There’s a raw hunger and sexuality that accompanies the vampire romance tales because the supernatural tends to cross boundaries into the spiritual and psychic realms. Which brings us to our sixth sense in our blog tour of heightened senses: spiritual connections. In my series BONDED BY BLOOD, my vampires don’t dream…and yet Broderick does. His dreams are centered around, and are in the proximity of, Davina. They have a spiritual connection that is unknown in the world of my vampire lore. They are soul mates that transcend the centuries and immortality.

So, in your final post for this blog tour, let’s explore the sense of spirituality at it pertains to vampires. What do YOU find hot about the SPIRITUALITY of vampires? Like MIDNIGHT CONQUEST, there are many stories that touch on psychic and spiritual connections between mortals and immortals, the hero and heroine. Perhaps there’s an element of the lore that intrigues you, such as the origin of vampires and the reasons for their immortality. Please share, and thank you for all the sharing you’ve done during this blog tour! Good luck on the drawing!

That’s my two pence…Arial ;)

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this blog AND at the other five blogs on the Scorcher Tour to be entered into the drawing this week. One lucky winner will receive an eBook copy of MIDNIGHT CONQUEST and be forwarded into the final drawing at the end of the blog tour for a $30 Amazon.com gift certificate.

MIDNIGHT CONQUEST is available at the following locations in eBook format:Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iTunes/iBook, All Romance eBooks, GoodReads.com.

Friday Favourites - Sandra Sookoo

2011-07-29T09:00:00.003-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? blue

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? potstickers

3. What is your favourite time of day? evening

4. What is your favourite season? fall

5. What is your favourite book? Anne of Green Gables

6. Who is your favourite author? Elizabeth Peters

7. What is your favourite television show? Pysch

8. What is your favourite movie? Practical Magic

9. Who is your favourite actor? Gerard Butler

10. Who is your favourite actress? Sandra Bullock

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Rob Thomas

12. What is your favourite song? Real World (by Rob Thomas)

13. What song title best describes you? Part of Your World (from the Little Mermaid)

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? workout pants and a t-shirt

15. What one word best describes your personality? determined

Sandra Sookoo is an author of romantic fiction spanning historical, contemporary, paranormal and sci-fi genres that range from sweet to heat. You can find out more at her website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Feeling Like A Celebrity

2011-07-27T18:33:00.000-03:00

I'm feeling a bit like a celebrity today. My very first 'author' interview was yesterday on Raine Delight's blog. And a second interview, hosted by my dear friend Juliet Madison, was today - where I shared a sneak peek at an excerpt from Keeping Secrets. Then on Friday, I'll be promoting myself again on Patti Nafisi's blog. Check my 'events' tab for more of my promo guest spots.

All this promotion is leading up to the big release day of Keeping Secrets, which is nearing fast. Edits and proof reads are complete, and now I'm waiting for my publisher to send the galley. It's all very exciting!

To get to know me and my stories a bit better, I invite you to stop by.
http://authorrainedelight.wordpress.com/2011/07/26/welcome-darlene-fredette-today/
http://julietmadison.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/author-interview-darlene-fredette/
http://.naughtypassions.blogspot.com/

Friday Favourites - Kenzie Michaels

2011-07-22T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Yellow; it's a cheerful color :)

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Toss up between chocolate and pasta; I'm definitely a carb-o-holic! I love fresh, homemade bread, fifteen minutes out of the oven, and dripping with real butter.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Right now, it's the hour when my spouse is gone to pick up the kids from school. I also like early mornings on the weekends; I can watch my DVR'd television shows uninterrupted. Since we only have one TV in the house at the moment, and I'm usually busy writing or doing something else (except for Survivor Wednesdays!), my shows end up being recorded for later.

4. What is your favourite season? I love summer time. I like the heat, and hanging out at the pool with my kids. It's also the time when I set up my booth at festivals and sell my books.

5. What is your favourite book? Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. Both covers are long gone from being read so much.

6. Who is your favourite author? Toss up between Louisa May Alcott; Nora Roberts; and Lavyrle Spencer. In e-format, it would have to be Anny Cook, Cindy Spencer Pape, Brynn Paulin, and Mona Risk.

7. What is your favourite television show? Survivor during the regular season, and Eureka and Warehouse 13 in the summertime:)

8. What is your favourite movie? Either Dead Poet's Society or The Notebook. And of course, anything Disney:)

9. Who is your favourite actor? Harrison Ford or Gerard Butler.

10. Who is your favourite actress? Probably Sandra Bullock.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Oh geez....so many to choose! I have eclectic taste in music, but most of my collection is classic rock. So I'll say a three way tie between Styxx, Def Leppard, and Journey.

12. What is your favourite song? The Flame by Cheap Trick or Need You Now by Lady Antebellum

13. What song title best describes you? Against All Odds??? I have little support from the family right now, so maybe this best describes me :)

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? At the end of the day, I put on a t-shirt and jammie pants, plus fuzzy socks :)

15. What one word best describes your personality? Quirky.

Kenzie Michaels: 'Aunt Mommy' to various neighborhood strays, lover of the written word, and karaoke novice :) http://www.mollydaniels.wordpress.com

Friday Favourites - Raine Delight

2011-07-15T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Depends-purple or blue are my two favorites.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? oh man such a toss up between white chocolate and whipped cream. LOL

3. What is your favourite time of day? I do better in the morning once the coffee hits the bloodstream. By evening I am beat fromt he day and eyes are tired from looking at a computer screen.

4. What is your favourite season? I prefer Summer and Fall though my sinus/allergies hate it. :)

5. What is your favourite book? Oh man that is like asking what kid is your favorite. I have way toomany to mention.

6. Who is your favourite author? Again way too many to mention

7. What is your favourite television show? Right now I enjoy Glee and Criminal Minds

8. What is your favourite movie? Anything with Johnny Depp or Hugh Jackman (Just not that Australia movie-blech)

9. Who is your favourite actor? Johnny Depp who is my muse

10. Who is your favourite actress? Angelina Jolie

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Right now it's Maroon 5, Josh Groban, Michael Buble and Adam Lambert

12. What is your favourite song? man no idea....have to think on this one.

13. What song title best describes you? *blinks* Everything by Michael Buble

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Yoga pants and t-shirt with fuzzy socks

15. What one word best describes your personality? Complex :)

Raine Delight is a pseudonym of a self professed book lover and after one too many TSTL characters, decided to see if she could write something a little better. Well many drafts later, Devon Falls series came to together. Her muse is a male nut who likes to leave her to go sip mai tais on the beach and leave her foundering for words; though eventually he takes pity on her and gets her words flowing and characters start settling down. Raine lives with her own boytoy and two kids. She loves Johnny Depp movies and enjoy hiking, reading and watching movies with her family.
Website: http://authorrainedelight.com
Raine’s Book Nook Blog: http://Rainedelightbooknook.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/

The Author's Den - Raine Delight

2011-07-12T09:00:00.012-03:00

Welcome to the Author's Den, Raine!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.
RD: My official bio is as follows: Raine Delight loves to be pampered by her harem of men that exist solely for her pleasure. Wait…..that was in a movie she saw. Hey, she can dream. Raine loves to fight with her muse, attack her manuscripts and find a way to silence the many voices in her head. Inspiration hits at odd times and for Raine, a blank word document page gives her many possibilities on story ideas. Living with her two kids, a significant other who supports her every move in writing and doesn’t mind that she talks about her books like they are real people and doesn’t seem to mind she gets up at 2 am to type away on the computer. With a love for Johnny Depp, movies and 80’s hair bands, Raine finds a way to bring all her chaotic thoughts into a story that tells her readers about love and romance.
I started writing after reading a few books that had way too many TSTL characters and flat, stale storylines. A friend dared me to write a story myself and after a few drafts, I started writing Devon Falls and haven’t looked back.

Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
RD: My author friends, Skyler Sinclair and a few others who believed in me as an author and cheered me on as I got started in this crazy business.

Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?
RD: Finding the time to write. With a fulltime job, two kids under 11 and my DH, I never know if I am coming or going some days.

Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
RD: My inspiration can be found in a variety of places-from a snippit of a song to an obscure news article to mancandy pictures. All inspire me in some way.

Can you tell us a bit about your current (or upcoming) release?

RD: Starting in August, Secret Cravings will be re-releasing my first four books of my Devon Falls Series. Sticky Magic (Book 1) comes out in August and then Red Hot Magic (book 2), Fiery Magic (book 3) and Haunting Magic (book 4) with a brand new story coming, Moonlight & Magic (book 5) rounding it out. If you like shifters, paranormal and romance then welcome to Devon Falls. A place where the paranormal live among humans and fall in love.

Can you give us a hint on what you’re currently working on?
RD: Currently I am getting a Sci-fi Menage MMF ready to sub out to publishers then I am working on my new series, Destined Mates. I can’t wait to introduce the readers to this series. Plus my muse has a few more rattling my brain to work on as well.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
RD: Hiking, watching DVD’s with family/DH, relaxing with a good book.

What one word best describes your writing style?
RD: Well, evolving.

Be sure to stop by this Friday (July 15) when Raine returns to share some of her favourites!

Where can we read more about you?
Website: http://authorrainedelight.com
Raine’s Blog: http://authorrainedelight.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Raine_Delight
Author/Reader Loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Author_Raine_Delight
Email me: rainedelight@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorRaine-Delight
Secret Cravings Publishing: www.secretcravingspublishing.com

Sticky Magic
Devon Falls #1:
Secret Cravings Publishing
Coming August 2011
Paranormal/Erotic Romance
A chance meeting at a sweet shop...Can it be love?
Jenna Stevens wasn’t looking for love nor did she believe it would walk into her life one holiday season. Marc du Bree needs to find his destined mate so he can take over the family duties from his father. Meeting Jenna, Marc finds the connection he has been searching for. Can he convince this gun shy woman that his love is indeed true?

Red Hot Magic
Devon Falls #2
Secret Cravings Publishing
Paranormal/Light Bondage Erotic Romance
Coming Fall 2011
Can a cynical woman find the man of her dreams in real life this Valentine’s Day?
Raven Demarco has sworn off men after one too many disastrous dates and soon begins dreaming of a mystery man who makes her feel things that she never expects to feel again. When the auction comes closer, her sensual dreams become more than she can handle and she finds herself wishing her dream man would show up and sweep her off her feet. What will she do when the man himself comes to claim her: Heart, body and soul?
Jean-Claude LeFever is a dream walker and has searched for years for his mate and finally found her in Raven. With his seduction of her in her dreams driving them wild, he makes sure to come to Devon Falls and make her his for all time as time is running out for him and their love. If she doesn’t fall in love with him by midnight, Jean-Claude is destined to walk the planes of dreams for the next hundred years before finding his love again. Can he be able to steal her heart and make her his for all time? Or will it be too late for them?

Friday Favourites - Lee Brazil

2011-07-08T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? I love deep peaceful greens.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Mmmm, dark chocolate raspberry brownies.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Sunrise – it inspires me, centers me.

4. What is your favourite season? Fall

5. What is your favourite book? Steinbeck’s East of Eden

6. Who is your favourite author? John Steinbeck

7. What is your favourite television show? Top Chef

8. What is your favourite movie? Peter Sellers, Revenge of the Pink Panther

9. Who is your favourite actor? Tommy Lee Jones

10. Who is your favourite actress? Vivien Leigh

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? David Bowie

12. What is your favourite song? Ziggy Stardust

13. What song title best describes you? Tom Petty’s Runnin’ Down a Dream

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Levi’s 501’s

15. What one word best describes your personality? casual

Lee is a retired grammar and composition instructor. E and I moved from SOCAL to the Illinois countryside a while back looking for a slower pace of life and the chance to chase a few dreams.
Find her online at : http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Friday Favourites - Jennifer Jakes

2011-07-01T09:00:00.005-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Mexican Food

3. What is your favourite time of day? Sunset

4. What is your favourite season? Summer

5. What is your favourite book? One Night With A Prince

6. Who is your favourite author? Sabrina Jeffries

7. What is your favourite television show? Hawaii 5-0

8. What is your favourite movie? Right now, it's THE TOURIST

9. Who is your favourite actor? Johnny Depp

10. Who is your favourite actress? Audrey Hepburn

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Right now, it's Jason Aldean

12. What is your favourite song? Rihanna's S & M

13. What song title best describes you? Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Worn-out jeans and a T-shirt

15. What one word best describes your personality? Stubborn

Jennifer Jakes lives the Mid-West with her husband and daughters. Her debut novel, RAFE'S REDEMPTION, was a Golden Heart finalist and is available now. www.jenniferjakes.com
Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/4oh5387

Friday Favourites - Gracen Miller

2011-06-24T09:00:00.003-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Rainbow chip icing straight from the bucket! My hips and gut groan when I indulge, but the bliss that ensues…ah…a paradise of tongue orgasms.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Midnight.

4. What is your favourite season? Spring because it’s bursting with newness, which fills me with hope that some things do remain consistent.

5. What is your favourite book? Can I say my own book, Pandora’s Box? I’ve never loved any characters as much as I do these. But, hmm…if you want another author’s book, I’ll have to go with an oldie, Johanna Lindsey’s Fires of Winter. I don’t read as much historical now as I once did, but that book really touched my soul and I’ve read it at least five times, maybe more. Other books that really made an impression on me were Stephen King’s The Shining and The Stand. Enough said, right? LOL

6. Who is your favourite author? I have so many that are instant buys upon release it’s hard to pick one author. Some of my favorite authors are Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole, Meljean Brook, Lexi Ryan…just to name a few because the list could go on and on.

7. What is your favourite television show? Supernatural, Fringe, and Sons of Anarchy.

8. What is your favourite movie? Underworld and Hellraiser.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Jensen Ackles.

10. Who is your favourite actress? Charlize Theron.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Papa Roach.

12. What is your favourite song? Forever by Papa Roach.

13. What song title best describes you? Scars by Papa Roach. I love writing about emotionally scarred characters and giving them a bunch more scars (sometimes physical scars as well) before the story is complete. Plus, who among us isn’t emotionally scarred in some way?

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? I’d say naked, but that’s not clothing…so panties and a tank top.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Supportive. I may not always believe in myself, but I do believe everyone’s dreams are important and everyone needs a support system to reach for their star.

Gracen is a daydreamer masquerading as a "normal" person in southern society and she's convinced coffee is nectar from the gods. Website: www.gracenmiller.com

Friday Favourites - Sable Hunter

2011-06-17T09:00:00.002-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? I have a happy color which is purple. I love to purple clothes. I love purple flowers and amythest jewelry is my favorite. But, decorating wise - I'm a khaki freak. Earth tones all the way.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Cheese, I love cheese. My dog and I can almost eat a whole block of Pepper Jack in one sitting. I live by the adage that like money and sex - one can never have enough cheese.

3. What is your favourite time of day? I'm a night owl all the way. I do my best writing in the AM - but if I had my way, I'd go to bed at noon and get back up at 8 and stay up all night. I love the dark - and things that go hump in the night.

4. What is your favourite season? Fall is my favorite season. Halloween is my favorite holiday and when the air turns brisk, I feel like I can jump over the moon.

5. What is your favourite book? I love the Colter series by Maya Banks. Reading those changed my mind on what kind of author I wanted to be. I went from standing at the bedroom door, wishing I knew what my characters were doing - to barging in and pulling up a chair. I sit there now - watch them make love and take copious notes.

6. Who is your favourite author? I have several - Maya Banks, Lorelei James, Sarah McCarty and Lora Leigh. Cowboy erotic is my favorite - maybe its because that's what I'm around all day. Heaven - I'm in heaven.

7. What is your favourite television show? Ooooh. I love spooky, so the Medium was a big favorite - until they took it off. I like 'The Good Wife'. But, I'll let you in on a secret - my very fave - and the inspiration for all of my heroes - Michael Scratch on Cinemax Latenight show Lingerie. I have worn out a DVR looking at that man's butt.

8. What is your favourite movie? My favorite movie is The Others with Nicole Kidman. It's a smart, scary movie - very well done. I've watched it dozens of times. It's the same premise as The Sixth Sense which I also like. "I see dead people, too." but only through a camera lens. I ghost hunt for fun.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Heck, I love Gerard Butler. What's not to like? - he's luscious - and reminds me of my husband (whose reading this as I type).

10. Who is your favourite actress? My favorite actress is an odd choice. I love Kathy Bates - she's smart and always makes me laugh.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Oh, my. I love Elvis - he has my first loyalty. But, I also love rap. Bet that's surprising from a Texas Country girl. I like Eminem, Little Wayne, Usher and Kanye West. Must be that touch of Indian blood - I like the driving beat. Makes me think of sex - but, then everything makes me think of sex. Hence, the career. LOL

12. What is your favourite song? "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis. Will always be my theme song.

13. What song title best describes you? "The Bitch is Back" Ha! Well, hopefully not. My husband's ringtone for me is "Witchy Woman". Do you see a pattern here?

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Sundresses. Cotton, soft, colorful, strappy, breezy, sexy sundresses. I love bright jewel tones. They make me feel happy.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Vivacious.

Sable Hunter writes erotic romances. She is from New Orleans, now living in the Texas Hill Country with her husband, one son and a dog. http://sablehunter.com/

Scorcher Blog Tour

2011-06-16T15:20:00.001-03:00

We’re talking HEAT!

SIX AUTHORS! SIX BLOGS! SIX WEEKS OF PRIZES!

Our Scorcher Blog Tour kicks off August 1st
AND WE WANT TO GIVE AWAY OUR PRIZES!

To enter, each week visit all six blogs and leave a comment.
Your name will be entered into the drawing for a free e-book by that author!
All e-book winners will be automatically entered into our Grand Prize
drawing, where you could win a $30 Amazon gift card.

TOUR SCHEDULE:

August 1-5: Visit with Arial Burnz and discover her Midnight Conquest at http://arialburnz.wordpress.com/

August 8-12: Sarah Grimm is up After Midnight discussing her latest release at http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/

August 15-19: Crawl between those red satin sheets with Amie Louellen , author of Brodie’s Bride at http://www.amielouellen.wordpress.com/

August 22-26: Lisa Sanchez is Obsessed to let everyone know about her new novel at http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/

August 29-September 2: Come melt some snow with AJ Nuest, author of Jezebel’s Wish at
http://ajbooks.blogspot.com/

September 5-9: Darlene Fredette is no longer Keeping Secrets at http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

Summer Scorcher Blog Tour

2011-06-13T14:21:00.001-03:00

I am thrilled to be part of the Summer Scorcher blog tour that also features talented authors, AJ Nuest, Amie Louellen, Arial Burnz, Lisa Sanchez, and Sarah Grimm!

From August 1 to September we'll be talking about everything 'HEAT' related.
There's books to be won and a gift card! Mark the date on your calendar and be sure to stop by!

Friday Favourites - Missy Martine

2011-06-10T09:00:00.002-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Any shade of blue.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Okay, no laughing - the inside of Oreo cookies - I just love that white sugary cream. When I'm down for any reason I can go through a whole bag in the blink of an eye - and never eat one chocolate cookie!

3. What is your favourite time of day? The wee hours between 2 and 4 am. Everything's so still, and peaceful. You can relax, make plans and just dream and there's nobody around to disturb you.

4. What is your favourite season? Definitely winter. There's nothing like snuggling in around a warm fire, or playing in 3 feet of snow. It's a more intimate time, forcing you to stay home with your loved ones instead of gallivanting all around.

5. What is your favourite book? Separate Beds by LaVyrle Spencer was my favorite for years - and then I read Desire for Three by Leah Brooke - the two are tied as far as my favorite books.

6. Who is your favourite author? Leah Brooke - her books inspired me to become a writer.

7. What is your favourite television show? I had 4 favorites - and they're all off the air now - Stargate Atlantis, Charmed & Angel, and ER - I just watch re-runs of them now when I watch television at all.

8. What is your favourite movie? Independence Day - I'm a Sci Fi Fan.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Jack Black & Richard Dryfuss - big difference huh? Yet, they both can make you laugh, cry, and get excited - that's what actors are supposed to do.

10. Who is your favourite actress? Drew Barrymore - she's so versatile - also able to make me laugh and cry - I have to admit I don’t get excited when I look at her though.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Meatloaf - I know, I’m showing my age.

12. What is your favourite song? Paradise by the Dashboard Lights - It's especially good when you see him do it live.

13. What song title best describes you? Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams - it describes my relationship with my soul mate.

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Knee socks, panties and one of my husband's older, well-worn oversized t-shirts - he's 150 lbs larger than me so it covers nicely and been washed so many times it's soft as a baby's butt.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Eclectic.

Missy became an author late in life after retiring from nursing, and now lives with her soul mate and three cats in California. www.missymartine.com

Friday Favourites - Betty Carlton

2011-06-03T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Blue

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Lasgna

3. What is your favourite time of day? Nap time

4. What is your favourite season? Fall

5. What is your favourite book? The Wolf and the Dove

6. Who is your favourite author? Kathleen woodiwiss

7. What is your favourite television show? Good Wife & The Closer

8. What is your favourite movie? Mostly disaster shows. "Sum of all Fears" and such.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Tommy Jones

10. Who is your favourite actress? Sandra Bullock

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Barbara Streistand

12. What is your favourite song? Wind Beneath myWings by Bette Midler. Makes me think of my father.

13. What song title best describes you? I Believe in Dreams

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Fannel Nightie a long one.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Changes from minute to minute from cranky to grouchy, just kidding usual calm and take it as it comes.

Betty Carlton is a new writer for Sizzler Editions. She lives in the southern part of the USA. Her husband and dog live with her. http://bettysbloggingplace.blogspot.com/

Friday Favourites - Cynthia MacGregor

2011-05-27T09:00:00.014-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Various shades of purple, from just-plain-purple itself through lilac and lavender and violet. I even had my car (not this one but a previous one) painted lilac at one time. My fingernails and toenails sport purple polish, and I write with a purple pen too. (That does not, however, imply that I write "purple prose." )

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? More foods than I can name. Bacon comes quickly to mind, though out of respect for cholesterol issues I don't indulge in it as often as I'd like. Spicy foods, especially curries, are high on my list too. Right now I'm addicted to a sausage soup, the recipe for which I got from WorldWide Recipes a few weeks ago. I make it with Italian hot sausage, though the finished soup is not fiery, only mildly hot. I love to cook and I love to eat, but thankfully I don't have a sweet tooth and don't especially care about chocolate, so I don't have weight issues.

3. What is your favourite time of day? I have two: My absolute fave time is morning, when I wake up, contemplate the day ahead, and bound out of bed to begin my work and await what the day will bring. But I also enjoy the part of the evening when I slip between the cool sheets with a good book and just kinda luxuriate.

4. What is your favourite season? Summer. I love the heat and can't stand the cold...which is why I moved to South Florida 27 years ago. But even down here the winter has some bite to it whenever an Arctic front comes through, so though there's no snow and it's nothing like up north, I infinitely prefer the summers. Spring is nice too.

5. What is your favourite book? A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, which I first read as a child. The reason this is noteworthy is that it's a novel, and overall I much prefer reading nonfiction. Most of the books I read are nonfiction. Yet, oddly, my all-tiime fave is a novel.

6. Who is your favourite author? I don't have one. My tastes are eclectic. As I noted above, I prefer nonfiction over fiction, but I don't limit myself to any one particular author or topic. I'm partial to humor, whether it's Dave Barry or the late Lewis Grizzard or some other humorist, but I also enjoy books that aren't funny books per se but are written with a light touch, and then there are plenty of books that are totally devoid of humor but still make excellent interesting reading. But there's no one author to whom I gravitate in particular.

7. What is your favourite television show? Actually I don't watch TV at all...with one exception. I have a TV show of my own, and I watch it every week to see whether I messed up in any way or could improve my presentation in any way, whether the video editor screwed up (unfortunately, he often does!), how my guests came across, and such. But apart from watching my own show to critique it, I do not watch TV at all. (Note: I am preparing to launch two more TV shows of my own, and a fellow has hired me to host a show he is producing--it's a barter deal--he's going to be cameraman on one of my new shows in exchange for my being the host and also the guest coordinator on his show. So I guess I will soon have to watch four half-hours of TV a week in order to critique myself and each show.) But as for recreational viewing of TV, I never watch it.

8. What is your favourite movie? I think my all-time fave is Singin’ In The Rain. I love the scene where the guys look at each other, nod, and then together pull the curtain to expose Kathy Selden dubbing for Lina Lamont, so that Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) finally gets her rightful credit and Lina (Jean Hagen, I think) gets exposed for what she really is. I rarely go to the movies -- it's been several years since I last saw a movie -- but those I do watch are usually musicals. I much prefer stage shows -- especially musicals. For two glorious years, during the time when I was living in NY, I was a theatre editor and got to see and critique many of the shows myself. It was wonderful.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Don't have one. As I said, I rarely go to the movies to begin with, don't watch TV at all, and these days I can't afford to go to the theatre and see stage shows--even down here in FL they can get pretty pricey.

10. Who is your favourite actress? See above.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? I don't have a fave band as I'm not into pop/rock. My two fave singers are Michael Feinstein and Barbara Cook. Michael does mostly The Great American Songbook, and Barbara does mostly Broadway show music, so both of them are right up my alley in their choice of repertoire, besides being damn good in their own right. I've seen Cook in concert--couldn't afford it but splurged and went anyhow. I got front row seats and enjoyed it immensely. Feinstein plays down here sometimes too, but so far I haven't been able to convince myself to spend that kind of money again.

12. What is your favourite song? Probably "Some Day My Heart Will Awake" from a British musical show of the 1940s called King’s Rhapsody. That song got me through a very rough patch in my life and has become forever enshrined in my heart.

13. What song title best describes you? "Cockeyed Optimist" (from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Broadway show South Pacific, later made into a movie and more recently remade as a TV movie, so it may be familiar through that version to people who aren't familiar with the storyline or music from the show or the original movie.

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Eight months of the year I live in sundresses, and they're pretty comfortable.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Upbeat, or cheery-- same thing, really. Though "friendly" also comes to mind.

Cynthia MacGregor has 54 conventionally published books and 50-some e-books to her credit, is the siteowner of www.TheSoloParent.com and http://www.thepublicapology.com/, hosts/produces ‘Solo Parenting’, a weekly TV show seen in South Florida, and also a network version of ‘Solo Parenting’ as well as ‘Younger Every Day’, both to be seen soon over the forthcoming Funn Networks. Her website is http://www.cynthiamacgregor.com/.

Friday Favourites - Jennifer Labelle

2011-05-20T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Blue

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Chocolate

3. What is your favourite time of day? When the kids go to bed...LOL. I love them to pieces, but it’s the only quiet time that I get with a very active 10, 4 & 3 year old occupying most of my time. So worth the effort though.

4. What is your favourite season? Summer, there’s more to do. I hate winter the most.

5. What is your favourite book? Jewels, I know sappy right? I must have read it like twenty times, if not more, and it still makes me cry every single time.

6. Who is your favourite author? There is no way I could narrow it down to just one. There are too many talented authors out there. Many of them I’ve recently gotten to know. *winks*

7. What is your favourite television show? Don’t have one. I’d rather read then watch T.V.

8. What is your favourite movie? Hmm, yet again a tough one to narrow down, um... taps finger against chin in thought...

9. Who is your favourite actor? Bruce Willis, Yipee ki’yay mother Fu%$%#

10. Who is your favourite actress? Fellow Canadian, Rachel Mcadams

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? It’s a tie between Shinedown and Nickelback

12. What is your favourite song? Not sure

13. What song title best describes you? Yeah, um you got me on this one, because I’m drawing a blank, sorry.

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? I’m a jeans and t-shirt type of girl.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Strong

I’m a newly published author with Secret Cravings Publishing & Romance Divine, but most importantly I’m a mother to three beautiful children. www.jenniferlabelle.com

Friday Favourites - Lindsay Klug

2011-05-13T13:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Blue

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Lasagne

3. What is your favourite time of day? Morning. Even though I hate alarms.

4. What is your favourite season? Summer.

5. What is your favourite book? Pick one from the bookshelf. Lol

6. Who is your favourite author? Pick one from the bookshelf.

7. What is your favourite television show? Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe might be the sexiest man on tv.

8. What is your favourite movie? Rock 'N' Rolla

9. Who is your favourite actor? Gerard Butler. Hmm...look at that. Haha

10. Who is your favourite actress? That's a tough one. I have quite a few.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Avenged Sevenfold.

12. What is your favourite song? You're Going Down - Sick Puppies

13. What song title best describes you? Odd One. Lol

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Jeans and a t-shirt.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Quirky.

Bio: Just a one woman circus, managing a small family and writing to my heart's content! http://lindsaysbooks.webs.com

Friday Favourites - Avril Ashton

2011-05-06T09:00:00.001-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Really, you’d go there with me? LOL…I love food, anything I eat is pleasure, but I love whipped cream and uh, cake.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Yeesh…mornings. I hate waking up early, but once I’m up, I’m up.

4. What is your favourite season? Summer.

5. What is your favourite book? I can’t choose one, sorry. I’m a book addict. I read anything with sex, alpha heroes, and hard heroines.

6. Who is your favourite author? Again, I read way too much to pick just one.

7. What is your favourite television show? Gah, it’s a toss up between Criminals Minds and Castle.

8. What is your favourite movie? Pretty Woman

9. Who is your favourite actor? Clive Owen

10. Who is your favourite actress? Don’t have one.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Kings of Leon

12. What is your favourite song? LOL. Second only to reading/writing is my love of music. I can’t choose one.

13. What song title best describes you? Right now it’s Jessie J’s Do it Like a Dude

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Underwear and any of the mister’s t-shirts.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Filthy!

Avril lives in New York with a very understanding mister, and a rather crazy kid. When not reading, writing, or torturing the kid with wet hands (the kid hates to see anyone with wet hands) Avril is blackmailing the mister into buying her food…or books. www.avril-ashton.blogspot.com www.avrilashton.weebly.com

Friday Favourites - Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

2011-04-29T09:00:00.000-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red!

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Chocolate

3. What is your favourite time of day? Evening into night; I'm a night owl by nature but with three kids I am forced kicking and screaming into getting up early.

4. What is your favourite season? Autumn

5. What is your favourite book? This is always a hard one because I have so many but my current favorite is Sara Gruen's "Water For Elephants".

6. Who is your favourite author? Another hard one but I'll say Diana Gabaldon because I read her books over and over waiting for the next one.

7. What is your favourite television show? It would have to be "Dead Like Me" which isn't on reguarly any more but I have them all on DVD

8. What is your favourite movie? Right now, it's "Australia" with Hugh Jackman, I watch it every few months!

9. Who is your favourite actor? Billy Bob Thornton

10. Who is your favourite actress? Reese Witherspoon

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Another hard one because I love music of all kinds but I'll go with The Eagles

12. What is your favourite song? The retro "Stumbling In" Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman.

13. What song title best describes you? "Take Me Like I Am", an old Johnny Horton tune

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Jeans and t-shirts

15. What one word best describes your personality? Quirky

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy is raising kids and more than a little hell in a small town in the Missouri Ozarks. Blog link: http://leeannsontheimermurphywriterauthor.blogspot.com

Friday Favourites Tomorrow

2011-04-28T10:21:00.002-03:00

Be sure to visit tomorrow. My Favourite Friday guest is Lee Ann Sontheimer. Lee Ann will be sharing some of her favourite things. Stop by and say hello!

I'm busy working on the May E-News issus of Still Moments Magazine. There's lots of exciting news in this issue, so make sure you're on their subscriber list! This is an issue you don't want to miss.

I also just finished up my publisher's newsletter.

With no edits done on Law of Attraction this week, I'm off to make some progress today. I'm thinking I may never get through this story...augh!

Friday Favourites - Jean Joachim

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Pink. I’ve loved pink all my life. Even painted my room pink when I was seventeen.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Desserts. Napoleons, rich, moist brownies, cake of any kind, cream puffs…ugh, I’m getting hungry.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Early morning when the world is still asleep, except the birds are up singing. It’s the time of day easiest to hear my inner voice and write like mad. It’s a calm, peaceful time to be alone, with my dog (my muse) and create.

4. What is your favourite season? Summer, without a doubt. I feel better in the summer, never get sick. The sun shines most of the time, the air is warm, moist, caressing your skin, making you feel good. You can go swimming, not wear so many clothes, enjoy the foods that are best for you because they are in season, like berries and fresh veggies and it doesn’t get dark until late. What’s not to love?

5. What is your favourite book? “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “Dodsworth” by Sinclair Lewis (plus “Main Street” and “Arrowsmith” by Mr. Lewis, too.) A huge fan of Nancy Drew, too. I have eclectic tastes! LOL.

6. Who is your favourite author? Jane Austen, Sinclair Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, pick one.

7. What is your favourite television show? Parenthood, best writing, most realistic characters, unpredictable plot.

8. What is your favourite movie? Also Parenthood, While You Were Sleeping. And movies from Jane Austen books.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Harrison Ford, Matt Damon, Hugh Jackman

10. Who is your favourite actress? Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Jane Fonda.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? The Beatles. Abba.

12. What is your favourite song? Right now? “Summer Rain”, very naughty song!!LOL.

13. What song title best describes you? “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.”

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Stretch pants, no underwear, tee shirt.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Warm.

Writing for over 15 years but I’m new to fiction. I live in New York City with a family, plus a rescued pug named Homer. http://www.astraeapress.com http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T10:22:00.008-03:00

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to check out my Friday Favourites theme!
Jean Joachim is my guest and she's sharing some of her favourite things. Drop by and say hello!

It's also Easter weekend, so I'm wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

Friday Favourites - Cassandre Dayne

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red – the hotter the better

2. What is your favourite pleasure food? Cheese – any kind

3. What is your favourite time of day? Evening – I love stars and moonlight

4. What is your favourite season? Summer – I’m a beach girl

5. What is your favourite book? I have too many to even name!

6. Who is your favourite author? I have several including Carl Haissen, Dean Koontz, Tim Dorsey and a myriad of erotic writers

7. What is your favourite television show? True Blood

8. What is your favourite movie? Toss up with Die Hard, The Wedding Singer and anything with a vampire in it!

9. Who is your favourite actor? Harrison Ford

10. Who is your favourite actress? Susan Sarandon

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? Nickelback and Bon Jovi

12. What is your favourite song? Missing You by Steve Perry

13. What song title best describes you? Burning Down the House – cause I am wild and wicked

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? I tend to wear short dresses and love those little ones from Victoria’s Secret in the summer

15. What one word best describes your personality? Bold

Cassandre writes highly erotic stories for Rebel Ink Press with five in release and several more under contract. She also has a blog talk radio show highlighting writers in the genre. http://www.cassandredayne.com

Writing Wednesday - Chapter 6

2011-04-13T13:58:00.003-03:00

I want to give a big thank you to AJ Nuest for being my first guest last Friday for my new theme Friday Favourites. From last Friday to the release date of my debut novel, Keeping Secrets, in August I'll have a guest stopping by every Friday to talk about their Favourites. Cassandre Dayne will be here on the 15th. I hope you'll stop by for a visit and check out her Favourites.

I'm making some progress on the edits for Law of Attraction, but not as much as I would like. Managed a small chapter yesterday and hopefully get a start on Chapter 6 this afternoon (fingers crossed).

I had a dentist appointment this morning and I absolutely hate going to the dentist! Today I had a cleaning and found out my filling is chipped. So I have to return in May to have that fix. However, there was a high point to my dentist appointment. I told my hygienist about my book being published and she was so excited. She told all the ladies in the front office and now I have every one of them patiently waiting for August...they all have ereaders and are going to buy my ebook! Yay me! I guess that outweighs the bad news about the chipped filling.

Have a great day and don't forget to stop by on Friday!

Friday Favourites - AJ Nuest

2011-04-08T09:00:00.002-03:00

1. What is your favourite colour? Red

2.What is your favourite pleasure food? Double-dipped milk chocolate malted milk balls. I'll eat them until both my tongue and belly hurt.

3. What is your favourite time of day? Hard question for me. I like early morning, because that's when I feel most energetic. But I also love the end of the day, when I can cuddle down in the blankets with a good book.

4. What is your favourite season? Fall, because the summer yardwork is coming to an end, the temperature is cool (a perfect 70 degree day is my favorite), and I know a season of writing is right around the corner.

5. What is your favourite book? What kind of trick question is this? I could no easier choose a favorite author. Oh wait, I see that's the next question. How about this. My favorite book is the one I'm currently reading (right now, Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - brilliant, brilliant, brilliant). I will try pretty much any genre, but If I open a book and the first few pages don't instantly grab me, I set it down and usually don't return. If the book invites me in, however, I get so lost in the story that book instantly becomes my favorite.

6. Who is your favourite author? For purely enjoyment purposes, I gravitate toward fantasy so my list includes Jacqueline Carey, Lois McMaster Bujold, Stephen King, Tolkien, Sturgeon, Goodkind, Poe, the list goes on and on really.

7. What is your favourite television show? I don't really watch television, but if I had to name a show I really like Survivor. I enjoy the human element, putting people in a strange situation and seeing what happens. It's also nice that the show is tailored to family viewing. So many cop shows are on TV right now. The market is inundated with solving crime. I find it boring after a while.

8. What is your favourite movie? The Lord of the Ring series directed by Peter Jackson. I've yet to find a movie that encompasses the magnitude of what he created, both visually and emotionally.

9. Who is your favourite actor? Morgan Freeman. He's got such a subtle way about him. He acts without acting. And when he smiles or laughs, his whole face lights up.

10. Who is your favourite actress? Audrey Hepburn. Truth be told, I'm a little bit in love with her.

11. Who is your favourite musical artist (band)? This is another one of those trick questions. We're a musical family, so we have a really diverse playlist. And my son is always introducing me to new artists. It's easier for me to tell you I don't like Rap, and I'm not really fond of Country and Western. Other than that, depending on my mood I'll listen to anything from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 to The Smiths.

12. What is your favourite song? Right now? Fireflies by Owl City, because it makes me happy. But if you ask me again next week and I'm sure my answer will be different.

13. What song title best describes you? Ummm...I dunno. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper??

14. What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? I have these great lounging pants I love to wear, with a T-shirt and one of my five bathrobes, depending on the temperature and what mood I'm in. Great attire for writing.

15. What one word best describes your personality? Quirky. I'm long past the point of faking my way through stuff or pleasing others by trying to be someone I'm not. I talk too much, switch topics mid-stream, make strange faces and gesticulate with my hands a lot. No subject is off limits, which means I usually stick my foot in my mouth. I tell people exactly what I'm feeling and when. Because of this, I either get a bunch of wide-eyed stares or an outright laugh, depending on who I'm talking to.

AJ Nuest lives in Northwest Indiana with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She is the author of two published novels.
Visit her on the web at: www.ajbooks.blogspot.com
ajnuest@yahoo.com www.twitter.com/ajnuest Facebook: Tattered Pages

Friday Favourites

2011-04-07T10:28:00.001-03:00

Editing Cave Breather

2011-04-04T10:31:00.000-03:00

I've been hiding in my editing cave for the past few weeks, trying to get my second completed novel polished in order to submit it to my publisher. I'm making progress, but no as much as I had hoped. As of this Friday is will be four month to the release date of Keeping Secrets, so to start the buzz, I'll be hosting a new Friday Favourites theme. Stay tuned for more information. Okay, back to the cave.

Spring in the Air?

2011-03-08T11:01:00.003-04:00

Can spring really be on the horizon? The snow banks are almost gone and the temps are finally working their way to above zero. The mornings are still a little chilly with a Northern wind, but at least I'm able to walk the dog without several layers of insulation. I have my fingers and toes crossed that we have seen the last of snow and -20 temps.

If you don't see me posting over the next few weeks, it's because I'm trying to get through the edits for LOA. I had hoped to submit it to my publisher this month, but that's not going to happen. Hopefully no later than mid April. I'm trying to avoid the burden of social networking that can suck up so much of my time. If I can get through these edits and submit, then by May and June, I can get back into promoting Keeping Secrets (August ebook release date).

I have to work on the magazine's newsletter today and brainstorm with my assistant on the details we have for an upcoming cover contest. I'll post more info as we finalize the newsletter. Then I have a chapter to review that my CP returned to me, and then on to the editing cave.

Have a good day!

Lovin' my Ereader!

2011-03-07T11:16:00.001-04:00

My wonderful hubby bought me an Ereader on the weekend! I'm still smiling!

I've only been pestering him about an Ereader since last fall, lol! He's been doing lots of research on several different types and finally decided on the Kobo. He surprised me with a trip to Chapters on Saturday and led me to the table that held the Kobo. It's white with a lilac back, which is so soft to the touch. We came home and tested it out by downloading a few books. One from the Kobo store and another from the local library (a main requirement I had for an Ereader - it's ability to download books from the library).

Maybe people are reluctant to get an Ereader because they like holding a book in their hand, and I do too. But this Kobo is so light and comfortable it makes reading even more enjoyable. I haven't read a novel on it yet, but my daughter has read a few stories from 'Grimm's Fairy Tales'. I have a print book to get through, then it's Ereading for me! I'm even going to read a few of the free classics that were included on it.

Will still read print books, but lovin' my new Kobo!

Making Progress

2011-03-04T10:51:00.001-04:00

Revised complete 2nd chapter of LOA yesterday, so I'm headed back into the editing cave again today to keep the progress rolling. Still hoping to submit this story by the end of the month. Fingers are crossed!

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Author's Den - Alison Chambers

2011-03-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome, Alison!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.
AC: I’ve been in public relations and communications most of my life, working with non-profit associations, so I did a lot of writing in my work. When I was in my teens, I read many Nancy Drew stories and decided I wanted to write one myself so I did! Then I wrote my first novel at eighteen.

2. Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
AC: Early on, my parents, encouraging me to study and learn, and later, my boyfriend, who supported me in every way possible.

3. Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?
AC: Trying to make sure the story is not boring and there are no plot or grammar errors.

4. Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
AC: In the newspaper and in books I read.

5. Can you tell us a bit about your current (or upcoming) release?
AC: "The Montezuma Secret"
Hunky Trey Zacco, gritty survivalist and host of the Miami-based Holiday Channel’s hit "Wildman" series and glitz and glamour girl, Erica Kingsley, host of the channel’s "Lap of Luxury" show, are thrown together in the steamy jungles of Belize as a publicity stunt and to search for Montezuma’s lost gold. Zacco cannot hide his resentment at sharing the spotlight with the flighty fashionista Erica, and he locks horns with her every step of the way even as both try to ignore the strong physical attraction growing between them. But when Erica’s father's plane goes down in the jungle, Trey and Erica launch a desperate search to find him. And when, one by one, members of the camera crew are killed and the equipment sabotaged, Trey and Erica find themselves stranded where no rescue crew can reach them. But who is the target and who is really after them?
Click to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JU0IX6 Only $2.99 in e-book format for your Kindle, PC, iPhone, Blackberry, iPad, & Android

6. Can you give us a hint on what you’re currently working on?
AC: Here’s a sneak peak at “The Virgo Secret”:
Three Dead Men. Three Missing Cornerstones. One Deadly Terrorist Plot. Alexis McHenry is kidnapped while searching for her missing father, who was researching the mysterious Virgo Stone. She is offered a deal: find the Virgo Stone in ten days. If she succeeds, her father will be released. If she fails, her father will be killed and massive terrorist attacks will be unleashed on Washington, DC during the Presidential Inauguration. A sexy masked stranger accompanies her as her bodyguard to make sure she does not escape while they follow a trail of cryptic clues hidden in Boston and Washington. But who is this mysterious man and just what is he hiding? When his identity becomes suspect, Alexis wonders, is he only her jailer or something more?
Coming in 2011 from Amazon.com!

7. Give us a quick look into your day (a day in the life).
AC: In the morning, I usually spend my time promoting: working on blogs, participating in chats, researching new advertising opportunities, updating my website. In the afternoon, I try to devote my time to writing. Sometimes, I stop at dinnertime. If I’m really feeling inspired, I continue until bedtime at eleven.

8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
AC: Traveling, cruising the Caribbean (and last October, Canada for the fall colors cruise, which was beautiful), dining out, movies, watching sports on TV or in person, reading, playing the piano, doing crossword puzzles.

9. What one word best describes your writing style?
AC: Straightforward. I try to tell a good story without adding too many extraneous details, like too much description or conversation. (the parts people skip, according to James Patterson)

Favourites and Other Personal Stuff:

1. What is your favourite word?
AC: Can I have two because they’re interconnected? Perseverance—never give up! And hope—believing things will be better, no matter how dark the moment.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food?
AC: In Wisconsin, where I live, we have Friday all you can eat fish fries, either with cod, perch or walleye, and for dessert, ice cream, of course!

3. What is your favourite time of day?
AC: The cocktail hour! Time to relax with a either a glass of good wine or a martini.

4. What is your favourite sound?
AC: My sweetheart’s voice. He was a very soothing, calming voice.

5. What is your least favourite sound?
AC: Loud traffic noise or anything else that disrupts my sleep.

6. What turns you on?
AC: Big shoulders in a nice suit and a great smile.

7. What turns you off?
AC: Negativity and divisiveness.

8. What is your favourite quality in a man?
AC: The ability to listen and respect me.

9. What song title best describes you?
AC: Probably “You’ve Got A Friend”. I try to be there for people when they need me.

10. What one word best describes your personality?
AC: Introspective. As an only child, I often enjoy doing solitary things, like thinking, studying, reading, playing piano, solving word puzzles, and of course, dreaming up intricate plots and WRITING STORIES!

Where can we read more about you?
www.alisonchambersromance.com

Thank you, Darlene! Great questions!

Writing Wednesday

2011-03-02T12:10:00.002-04:00

Trying to get through social media stuff this morning, so I can have an afternoon of editing. LOA chapter two is coming along, but not as quickly as I had hoped. Need to focus a full day on it...just not sure which day :-o

Be sure to stop by tomorrow. Alison Chambers is stopping by The Author's Den for a fun chat.

Sunny today, but damn cold out. Where is spring?

Where did the weekend go?

2011-02-28T12:19:00.004-04:00

Another weekend down..not sure where it went, but it was here and gone before I knew it.

I've been busy working on the March newsletter for my publisher. Stop by the web site and sign up to receive the newsletter. www.secretcravingspublishing.com There's an exclusive discount coupon for subscribers only!

With one newsletter done, I have to get to the magazine's. Then there's my own 'author' one. Not to mention the editing on LOA and a new chapter to be written for CC&CK. Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about all the 'to do's' on my list.

I'm missing my Dd today. After two weeks of having her home, it's pretty quiet here today. I'll be the one standing in the doorway with my face pressed against the glass, waiting for her to come home from school today, lol!

Breaking for lunch, then work to be done. Have a great week.

The Author's Den - Cynthia MacGregor

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome, Cynthia!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.
CM: I've been writing ever since I could spell C-A-T. In childhood it was the summer camp "newspaper" (mimeographed--remember mimeograph?--my age is showing! LOL) and the newspaper of the arts program my folks had me enrolled in. By the time I hit 15 or so I was writing little articles for the local weekly newspaper--what would be called "interning" today, though I never heard the term "intern" appled to anyone but a doctor in those days. I wasn't paid for it, but it was great experience. When I was nine, a play I'd written was produced in summer camp. I've just ALWAYS written.

2. Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
CM: Well, maybe my late mother...she always had faith in me, always believed in me, always emotionally supported me.

3. Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?
CM: All the promo that's necessary and takes time away from actual writing. When my first book (print, not e) was published (which wasn't till 1993--before that I'd had a lot of short-form stuff published, but it wasn't till '93 that I first had a book published), the publishers took care of most of the publicity, and we authors were free to WRITE, until the publicity department called up and said, "We have a request for a magazine interview," or "for a signing" or "for a radio show" or whatever. I'd try to do local publicity--set up signings at the nearest B&N and such--but most of it was handled by the publishers. Times have changed. Now it's on us authors. And it takes a HUGE bite out of our time.

4. Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
CM: Damned if I know. The ideas just come to me. But you say "stories." Mostly I write nonfiction. Yes, I have a number of novels to my credit--even four romances, and I don't even READ romances--LOL--but I'm always stretching my wings, so I tried my hand at writing romances, too. And my mainstream (non-genre) e-book WHAT CHILD IS THIS? was released recently by the Living & Learning imprint of Secret Cravings Publishing, which also will release HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN, another mainstream novel, and FINDING ZOE, a mainstream novella, later this spring. So I do write fiction occasionally. But of the over-100 books (counting both print and e) I either have had published already or will have released by the end of this year, the overwhelming majority are/were nonfiction. And I get my ideas for those from real life, sometimes from problems I see friends facing, sometimes from stuff going on in my life...no one particular source. It varies.

5. Can you tell us a bit about your current (or upcoming) release?
CM: Which one? LOL! Where do I start? A couple of weeks ago, Living & Learning released WHAT CHILD IS THIS?, which I mentioned above, a mainstream novel about a woman pregnant with a child that her fellow townspeople believe is The Second Coming. She's sure she's just carrying a nice, normal baby, the baby she's wanted for years. But because two kids saw what they believe was an apparition of the Virgin Mary, and then Marie (our heroine) turns in, to a community food drive, an eggplant she grew that bears scarring in the image of Mary, and because her name is a variant of "Mary," everyone believes something miraculous is about to occur. Some are honest believers. Some have their own agenda and are merely using her toward their own ends. Nobody will leave her alone, everybody hounds her, her marriage is suffering, her life becomes miserable, it's a constant parade of reporters, well-wishers, and others. Can she get away from it all? Will her marriage go down the tubes? Can she have her baby in peace? Can she prove he isn't The Second Coming? (Read the book and find out.) (See below for ordering info.)

Then last week, Living & Learning released SOLO PARENTING, a book for all, moms or dads, who are raising a child without another parent in the home (whether through divorce, widowhood, or never having been married). Among my previous books are AFTER YOUR DIVORCE, THE DIVORCE HELPBOOK FOR KIDS, THE DIVORCE HELPBOOK FOR TEENS, and JIGSAW PUZZLE FAMILY (all conventional paper books). I am the siteowner of www.TheSoloParent.com. And I am the host of the TV show SOLO PARENTING, broadcast in South Florida over WHDT on Saturday mornings at 8:00. And yes, I raised my own daughter as a solo mom. (I was divorced when she was two years old.) Now there is SOLO PARENTING, the book, and it's available now to help solo parents everywhere.
This week Living & Learning released "STEP" THIS WAY, which is sort of a follow-on to SOLO PARENTING, in that it's a guide for stepparents. So if you have married someone who has kids, or someone has married you and taken on helping you raise your kids, you need, or he or she needs, this book.
This Friday (2/18) Uncial Press will release DUST BUNNIES ATE MY SOCKS, A Bachelor's Guide to Housekeeping, co-written with George Moyer. George is a true original. He's also an ex-boyfriend of mine whom I've stayed great friends with. The genesis of this book was in some off-the-wall emails George sent me. I said to him, "You know, you have the beginnings of a book here." He said, "No! I'm no writer!" I said, "I'm telling you!" When he finally believed me, he insisted I co-write it with him. So I did. It's a hoot!
Then on March 2, Living & Learning will release an eight-minibook series, five of which I wrote. (Lori Paige wrote the other three. We're friends.) The series is called "Get Yourself Published" and aims at both would-be writers and those already published who are looking to improve certain aspects of their craft. (See the site--info below--to learn the titles of the eight minibooks.)
I have other books scheduled on beyond that too, with Living & Learning and with SynergEbooks (though I'm not yet showing up on the SynergEbooks website).
To see all my books with Living & Learning, go to: http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/CynthiaMacGregor.html
To see the info for DUST BUNNIES ATE MY SOCKS on/after 2/18 go to: http://www.uncialpress.com/home.php

6. Can you give us a hint on what you’re currently working on?
CM: I have so many projects at this point, but my present projects all fall under the heading of writing or editing that I'm doing for others. I'm editing one fellow's memoirs and scheduled to videotape another fellow's memoirs soon (I'm not the videographer--I don't even own a camera--LOL--a friend will handle that part of it while I'm the on-camera interviewer). I just finished ghostwriting a novel for another client and have another ghostwritten book to write for him this summer. Another client wants me to edit a business plan for him, I just finished editing two short stories for another client, and still another client wants some web copy written and a commercial written. My TV show eats up a small but significant part of every week, too. The next book I expected to be writing for myself (I mean, not ghostwritten or anything) is for a publisher I made contact with late last year who has a series of books that I was to contribute to, but she's apparently a bit of a flake and not very good at maintaining contact. Till I get her specs--the books are nonfiction and written to formula--and till she sends me a contract, I'm not doing anything, and though she said she was THRILLED to have me aboard and she'd get back to me after the New Year, I've yet to hear from her--even though I sent her an email asking her where things stand. So that may not be the next book I write that's not for a client after all.

7. Give us a quick look into your day (a day in the life).
CM: I get up by/before 5 AM, get dressed and grab some cold coffee from the fridge and pour it over ice, make a fresh pot of hot coffee for my Significant Other, and get into my office (the alleged second bedroom of this condo apartment), and read and answer email, aiming to be finished by 6. I read the paper, aiming to be finished by 7. I check a variety of websites I need to check on (e.g. the traffic counter on www.TheSoloParent.com and the one for http://www.thepublicapology.com/, both of which are mine). Then I get to work. I normally grab a quick lunch out of the fridge around 10:45, work while I eat, lie down for half an hour at some point, work some more, and depending what I'm cooking for dinner and whether I have a dinner guest coming over, I might stop working temporarily in order to get dinner going and then get back to work while it cooks, or stop altogether and head for the kitchen, or quit early if I have a guest coming over. Guests, if we have any, usually come at 5 for drinks before dinner, though I normally pour my first drink (of two--I always stop at two) at 4:30. Most nights, though, it's just my S.O. and me, no guests, and dinner is around 6:30. After dinner I check email again while he washes the dishes, but I rarely do any significant work after dinner. Folks who are up at 5 (or 4, as I was this morning) aren't at their brightest by evening. I'll take a bath and get in bed with a good book and read till 9 and then turn the light out. He stays up later. (He also sleeps later.) But he has earphones to listen to his TV through, so it doesn't bother me. (People have asked me if the flickering light from the TV doesn't bother me, but no, it doesn't. The sound used to till he bought the earphones, but they solved that problem.) He also works from home, though he's out for a good chunk of every day, so we interact sporadically through the day.

8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
CM: Cooking is my major hobby. I enjoy entertaining friends. Reading. Listening to music--mostly Broadway show tunes.

9. What one word best describes your writing style?
CM: Conversational

Favourites and Other Personal Stuff:
1. What is your favourite word?
CM: I don't know that I have one. Nobody's ever asked me that before.

2. What is your favourite pleasure food?
CM: Most anything spicy. Curries. Foods with lots of garlic. "Hot" (I don't mean thermally) foods. I'm not much for sweets and never did pick up a fondness for chocolate, but I'm a sucker for spicy foods. Out of deference to my cholesterol I don't gobble down salami or peperoni the way I'd like to, ditto bacon, which I love but only allow myself to have on occasion, but there are plenty of foods that are yummm and not no-nos.

3. What is your favourite time of day?
CM: I have two. First thing in the morning when I wake up and bound out of bed with a whole new day of possibilities spread out before me, and evening when I first slide between the sheets and luxuriate in them as I settle down with a good book.

4. What is your favourite sound?
CM: Music.

5. What is your least favourite sound?
CM: I dunno. Maybe the lawnmowers whenever the lawn service comes to mow the condo greenery. Such a racket! And since we live in FL, it's year-round. I can tell you what used to be my least fave sound before CDs replaced records: a stuck record. When I was a little kid I had a record of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" that got cracked and the needle would stick and it went "Twinkle, twinkle little star star star star star star star star" and it absolutely drove me up the wall. I SCREAMED for my mother to come and make it stop!

6. What turns you on?
CM: You mean sexually? Voice and personality. I am soooo affected by voice and personality. Looks? Not so much. I mean, really awful looks could be a turn-off, but I am absolutely unaffected by those typical good looks. That does nothing for me.

7. What turns you off?
CM: Guys with overbuilt muscles. UGH! Also BAD personality, BAD voice. Also bad breath. I don't mean once in a while--it happens to us all once in a while--but consistently.

8. What is your favourite quality in a man?
CM: Good sense of humor. Kindness. Consideration. (I cheated--you asked for one and I gave you three.)
My S.O.'s sense of humor includes a propensity toward water gun fights. I must admit the water guns were mine, before he ever moved in, so I have to take responsibility. But he joined in wholeheartedly, and now I never know when I'm going to come around a corner and find him armed and stealthily waiting to douse me good with a two-fisted spray. (He's a two-gun water fighter. LOL. He cheats!)

9. What song title best describes you?
CM: "Cockeyed Optimist." (From Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC.)

10. What one word best describes your personality?
CM: Upbeat

Where can we read more about you?
http://www.cynthiamacgregor.com/

Move Over Monday

2011-02-21T11:19:00.004-04:00

After a week suffering with migraines (yes, the complete week!) and no progress on editing, new writing, and social networking, I'm ready for a more productive week. Unfortunately, this productivity will have to wait until later this week. My Dd is on her second week of February break and my Dh is on vacation for the next two days. Oh, then I have strawberry jam and chocolate chip cookies to be made on Wednesday.

All this equals very little productivity for me, but I'll kick butt as soon as time allows.

Because of my schedule being mixed up this week, I've cancelled Topic Tuesday. I'll keep you posted on its return.

Be sure to drop by on Thursday when Cynthia MacGregor will be visiting with me in The Author's Den.

Fingers crossed that I'll get another chapter of Law Of Attraction edited this week and I'll make further progress on my Christmas story Candy Canes & Chocolate Kisses, which is doing well in handwritten chapters in my journal.

Have a good week!

Winner for Topic Tuesday 'Covers'

2011-02-19T11:53:00.004-04:00

My apologies for not posting a winner sooner. I've been suffering with migraines all week that didn't allow me much computer time. But I'm finally coming out of the fog and have a winner for Topic Tuesday's cover discussion.

Everyone who left a comment had their name put in a bowl and the winner (as chosen by my daughter) is...AJ Nuest!

AJ has won an autographed copy of Liz Fielding & Patricia Thayer's February release of Becoming the Tycoon's Bride.

Congratulations AJ!
And a big thank you to everyone who stopped by to join in on the conversation!

The Author's Den - Jennifer Labelle

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome, Jennifer!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.
JL: Well, my most important job is that I’m a mother of three wonderful children. After my third child and only daughter was born I decided to be a stay at home mom. It was then I decided to take up writing again, and decided to peruse being published professionally. I began my journey at a very young age. Parentless by the age of thirteen, I moved around a lot. I was a loner, and for the most part I liked it that way. It was around that time that I really started to get into books. It was an out for me, my escape from the horror that was my life at the time, and I couldn’t stop myself from then on.

2. Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
JL: I inspired myself. I had a tough childhood, and was told I would probably amount to nothing because of it. Every day was a struggle, and I was determined to prove those people wrong. Although, I do have many wonderful people in my life now, my husband and children, especially. My journey was really just about enjoying the escape that reading and writing provided.

3. Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?
JL: I hate those blasted writers blocks. I’m a plotter, I always start out with an outline so I know where I’m headed, but sometimes even though I know where I want to go, it just doesn’t flow out properly. I hope I’m making sense.

4. Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
JL: My inspiration comes from life experience. Although, the story might not be about me, I always put a little of myself into it. I also write what I like to read. Then again, my children inspire me to be a better person. They’re quite proud that I’ve become published on my very first story.

5. Can you tell us a bit about your current (or upcoming) release?
JL: Meant To Be is an erotic contemporary romance with Secret Cravings Publishing.

Blurb:

Jenna Baker is shaken up after her recovery with a near death experience. As if, being haunted with visions and losing her husband in a car accident weren’t hard enough. Could she be losing her mind? She finally moves on, only to have the husband she thought was dead suddenly reappear.
After the shocking task of convincing Jenna that she’s not seeing his ghost, Tyler becomes overwhelmed with guilt for saving himself and leaving her to almost die. Jenna’s recovery takes its toll while Tyler’s vulnerability gets the best of him. He’s harbouring secrets that will devastate her and as Jenna unravels the truth her life takes an unexpected journey.

6. Can you give us a hint on what you’re currently working on?
JL: I currently have several WIP’s on the go. There’s a contemporary romance that was based on a true story called Deadly Consequences, I have a BDSM anthology called Leather and Pleasure, a historical paranormal romance from my “Magical” series, and a horror I called Haunted. I’m usually pretty private about my work until I’m ready to submit it, other than showing my critique group. Leather And Pleasure is almost finished, as well as, Deadly Consequences. I’ll be posting Blurbs and status updates on my website shortly.

7. Give us a quick look into your day (a day in the life).
JL: I’m a pretty simple person. My day revolves around my children. I get up at 6:45 am every morning to get my youngest son ready for school. I allow my oldest to sleep while I drag the two young ones to the bus stop. I then come home and get my oldest ready for school, and then it’s an hour and a half of just me and my daughter before my son needs to be picked up from kindergarten. I also run a home daycare and watch an eighteen month old. So a few times a week I have four children to entertain. Between cleaning, making meals, and catering to the kids, there isn’t a lot of me time. On the odd occasion that I do get time, I try to cram as much reading and writing in as possible. Most often there are a lot of late nights to get things accomplished.

8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
JL: Hmm, I would say spending time with the family. I enjoy reading of course, watching movies, and baking.

9. What one word best describes your writing style?
JL: Unique, I strive to surprise.

Favourites and Other Personal Stuff:

1. What is your favourite word?
JL: I’ve never been asked this question before. I really don’t have a favorite word. My husband and kids would probably say it was “No” though…LOL. Mom’s always the bad guy. *Sigh*

2. What is your favourite pleasure food?
JL: Chocolate.

3. What is your favourite time of day?
JL: The night, when the kids are in bed and I actually get a few moments of quiet. I love them dearly, but it’s a time where I truly get to relax.

4. What is your favourite sound?
JL: My favorite sound would be no sound at all. It’s rarely quiet in my household, so when I get it, I have to enjoy it.

5. What is your least favourite sound?
JL: A siren, the beeping on my alarm clock, or the dogs constant barking. A siren of any kind usually means something bad has happened, or in the midst of happening. The alarm clock means I have to get up. I miss the “sleep until you want” days. And, well I have a really yappy dog. Gotta love the mutt though.

6. What turns you on?
JL: A great personality, good looks, and dirty talk…LOL. I had to throw in something good. I’m only thirty but I’ve been with my husband for half of my life. I haven’t been asked this question in a really long time.

7. What turns you off?
JL: A lot. A bad attitude, back hair, bad breath, gross teeth, B.O., drug use of any kind, or anything violent to name a few.

8. What is your favourite quality in a man?
JL: A great personality.

9. What song title best describes you?
JL: That's a tough one. There are a ton that I can relate to, but I honestly can’t think of a song title that best describes me.

10. What one word best describes your personality?
JL: Strong, I’d like to think I have strong personality. Tell me I can’t do something, and it makes me more determined. I’d give a person the shirt off of my back if they needed it, and then some, but I also will not be taken advantage of. I’m open minded and like to speak my mind.

Where can we read more about you?

My publisher: www.secretcravingspublishing.com/JenniferLaBelle.html
My personal site: www.jenniferlabelle.com
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292
Or you can follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/1JenniferLabell

Topic Tuesday - Covers

2011-02-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

It catches your eye, even before you know what the book is about...
It pulls you in, making you even more anxious to flip to the back blurb...

What is it? The Cover

What is it about a book cover that grabs your attention?
It is the catchy/intriguing title? Or is it the picture design?

What type of covers do you lean toward?

On this Topic Tuesday, let's talk about covers!

Everyone that leaves a comment will have their name placed in a draw for a new release novel from an award winning/best selling author!

This Week's Events

2011-02-14T12:04:00.004-04:00

This week's events include the introduction of the new feature on my site: Topic Tuesday. We'll be discussing covers and to celebrate this new feature, I'll be holding a draw for everyone who leaves a comment on the topic. The prize will be a new release novel from an award winning/best selling author! I hope you can stop by and join in on the conversation.

Then on Wednesday, I invite you into The Author's Den. I'll be chatting with Jennifer Labelle who is celebrating the release of her debut novel!

I hope you have a minute to join in on the fun.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday Wrap Up

2011-02-11T14:33:00.005-04:00

Whew, spent the morning updating my site. Who knew all this social media stuff would take longer than writing a book! :)

As if my head isn't busy enough up there with a novel to be released in August, another story going through edits, another to be completed, and three more to be written - I've thought of three additional new stories. A fantasy, a Christmas story, and a new chick lit romance. Thank goodness I've made lots of notes. It's getting way too crowded up there (in my head), no wonder I can't remember my own telephone number! :-0

Good news, chapter 1 of Law of Attraction has been totally revised and sent off to my CP. I'm so curious to know what she thinks of the beginning of this story.

In 'weather' news. It's currently snowing, but not supposed to amount to much. I can't even stand to look at a shovel any more. Thank goodness it's February break next week. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my DD, baking, colouring, and just cuddling on the sofa with her.

Next week I have a couple of events coming up. On Tuesday my new feature 'Topic Tuesday' will begin and on Wednesday, I have a special guest joining me in 'The Author's Den'. I hope you can drop by for a visit.

Have a great weekend.

Must Edit Monday

2011-02-07T09:58:00.002-04:00

The sun is shining and the temp is climbing to a balmy 0c today. That's down-right beautiful compared to last week's weather and the heavy rain we had Sunday morning. Most of the snow that fell last week is now a block of ice. Is it spring yet??

My goal today is to get through the Social Media stuff that needs to be updated, and then get chapter one of Law of Attraction edited. I'm hoping to query that story in March.

So much to do, so little time...

Feeling tired Friday

2011-02-04T10:05:00.001-04:00

So tired today. Went to the Heart concert last night with my two younger nieces. We missed the opening band as we were enjoying a few drinks ;-) When Heart stepped on stage, I felt like I was twenty years younger. They were awesome!

Unfortunately today, I feel twenty years older. No hangover...geesh, I didn't drink that much! Just so tired. Had a hard time falling asleep even though I was exhausted. And I think I may have yelled a wee too much at the concert last night. My voice is nothing more than a whisper today.

Don't see much writing on schedule for today. However, I do see the sofa and a nap. Have a great weekend.

Another Snow Day

2011-02-03T14:43:00.004-04:00

Another snow day = another non writing day. A total of 35cm of snow fell between yesterday afternoon and late last night. We went out to plow and shovel last night and again this morning. Everything hurts - legs, arms, neck, wrist! I swear if I see another shovel I'm gonna throw it across the yard...wait, nope, can't do that...the dog will run after it and chew it to pieces...wait, yup! Will throw it...heehee.

Almost caught up with updating this site, Facebook, and Twitter. Who knew that all the social media updates would be more time consuming than writing a book. Adding a new links page soon and have my author banner almost complete. Once that's all done, I might actually be ahead of the game...might is the key word here ;)

Tonight is girls party concert night! Going to see Heart with my two nieces. I hope this old gal can keep up with them!

Snow Day - Cover Art Complete

2011-02-02T14:24:00.002-04:00

No school today. It snowed all evening last night and then started again late morning today. The worst is yet to come. Over night, the winds are to increase and the snow is to come down harder. They're predicting a total of 45cm when it's over tomorrow morning. Then the clean up begins.

I worked with the cover artist from Secret Cravings Publishing last night. After several drafts, we came up with an amazing cover. I'm very pleased with it. It has an old fashion feel to it. The letters are a pivotal scene and the key holds the visual behind the story...secrets hidden. I thanked the cover artist over and over for her patience. She was truly great to work with.

Here's the cover!

To read an excerpt click here!

Snow Again?

2011-02-01T14:11:00.003-04:00

Bio sent to publisher and now working on updating my web/blog site. Then I'm off to start editing Law of Attraction so I can query that story.

Let me know what you think of my site and be sure to give my Guard Dog (at the bottom of my site) a bone before you leave.

Here comes the snow...

Contract Signed

2011-01-29T20:07:00.002-04:00

The contract has been signed and emailed back to the publisher. Just waiting to receive their signature back, then should be starting the next step...edits. Looking forward to it!

Keeping Secrets Accepted!

2011-01-26T20:02:00.003-04:00

Keeping Secrets has been accepted by a publisher! A contract and cover questionnaire were included in the email. An estimated ebook release date is August 2011 and print date January 2012.

Doing Happy Dance! WooHoo!

Moving On

2011-01-10T09:52:00.003-04:00

I've decided to move on from publisher #1. They claim to not be a vanity publisher, yet wanted a deposit to secure my manuscript with them. After receiving such positive reviews on my Keeping Secrets manuscript, I know this story will find a home...one that I don't have to pay for. So on goes the battle and new queries to be sent. Onward and upward!

Where was I?

2011-01-07T11:31:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd drop in quickly to update this blog. I've been writing, editing, and critiquing all while waiting for a publisher to send me a contract for Keeping Secrets. There were a few terms I didn't agree with, so I'm waiting for the changes to come back. If they don't agree, it will be back to the submission board for me. And although it will be disappointing to not have KS published in February as I had hoped, if I do have to start resubmitting again, at least I know this book is publishable.

On a personal note, the holidays were fun and relaxing. Now I'm just hoping the next two months go by quickly and we have an early spring. Don't like winter much, even if today's light flurries are quite beautiful.

Daddy's Girls chapter 16, here I come...

Contact

2011-01-02T08:16:00.002-04:00

Places to contact Darlene:

Email: darlenelfmail@gmail.com

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Darlene Lf

Twitter: DarleneLF

Still Moments Magazine: http://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com/
Still Moments Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Moments-Magazine/111477208866396?ref=nf

About Me

2011-01-01T19:40:00.001-04:00

An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of her own. Following a career path in administration, she excelled in the art of editing and design, which led to a successful position as Director of Administration and Marketing. Thanks to the support of her husband and daughter, Darlene has been able to fulfill her dream to write full time. Residing in Nova Scotia, she can be found writing in her home office with the family dog, a yellow lab, never letting her too far out of his sight.

You can contact Darlene on her blog (http://www.findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/), Facebook (Darlene Lf), and Twitter (DarleneLF).

Darlene also developed and published a Magazine titled Still Moments, in print from 2003-2005. You can now browse the magazine online here: Still Moments Magazine.

Keeping Secrets

2011-01-01T10:29:00.002-04:00

KEEPING SECRETS
By Darlene Fredette
Secret Cravings Publishing
August 2011

Samantha Witherspoon is a strong, independent, businesswoman, determined to prove her worth as the heir to her late-grandmother’s chain of cafés. When she clashes with Matt Sullivan, the stubborn contractor who refuses her renovation project, Samantha returns to her childhood home to convince him. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and Samantha quickly realizes that befriending the rugged contractor isn’t as easy as she thought.

Despite her reservations, desire ignites between them under the city stars of Montreal. His mere touch makes her long for the kind of love she thought she’d never have. When a mystery box reveals devastating family secrets, Samantha decides it’s time to come-clean with Matt. But before she can, her secret arrives on her doorstep. Samantha’s heart is torn. Will a promise made to her late-grandmother prevent her from finding true happiness?

Keeping Secrets Excerpt:
Suddenly the air cooled around her when he shifted his weight and stumbled to a stand, leaning on the wall for support. He kicked the wood, sending it rolling to the other side of the room. Samantha, now believing he meant no harm to her, accepted the hand he offered helping her up from the floor. She ignored the tingling sensation running up her arm, knowing it couldn’t be from the strong hand that held hers.

He took a deep breath and opened his mouth as if wanting to say something, but shook his head instead. He pointed a finger toward the card on the floor and left, slamming the front door behind him. Samantha bent to pick up the card. It read - Donaldson and Sullivan: Architecture and Contracting: Matt Sullivan. Her shoulders dropped. “Damn!”

Samantha now had less than twelve hours to master the art of grovelling.

The Author's Den - Sarah Morgan

2010-11-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sarah Morgan knew she wanted to be a writer when she was eight years old. She trained as a nurse in a busy Emergency Department, but when George Clooney didn’t show up, she decided to do something different. She wrote medical romances until her heroes became more alpha and her plots more emotional and intense. Sarah now writes sensual, emotional, and gripping stories for Harlequin Presents. When Sarah isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Welcome, Sarah!

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you began your writing career.

SM - I had ambitions to be a writer from a very young age. I scribbled away at all sorts of different stories, but never finished anything. All that changed when my first child was born. Suddenly I was devoting more time to my writing and that’s when I completed my first book. That one was rejected but I wrote another and eventually sold on my third attempt and heard the news a few weeks before Christmas.

Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?

SM - My husband. He gave me unstinting support right from the start and always believed in me.

What is it like living in a household predominately of males?

SM - Interesting! And useful, because I’m given plenty of insight into the male psyche which is helpful when I’m developing male characters.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

SM - Writing is a solitary job and I’m a sociable person, so when I’m not working I like to spend time with people. I love getting together with family and friends, enjoy cooking, eating, going to the movies, riding my mountain bike, and reading. When I’ve satisfied my need for company, I love escaping into a good book.

When writing, do you have a particular routine you like to follow?

SM - I write while the children are at school and often I’ll return to the manuscript once the house is quiet and everyone has gone to bed. Working late used to be a necessity in order to meet deadlines, but now I find I enjoy it. I might write for part of the weekend, but generally that is family time.

Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?

SM - I find it hard when a story doesn’t always go as smoothly as I want it too. I love it when my fingers are flying over the keys and I can’t tell the story fast enough. I struggle with the days when the words are harder to find.

Can you tell us about your current release, on the shelves this month, The Twelve Nights of Christmas?

SM - The Twelve Nights of Christmas is the first Christmas book I’ve written for Harlequin Presents and I’m very excited about it. Even more excited because I’ve just heard it’s been nominated for a 2010 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award!

In this story, my hero Rio is in the middle of the most important deal in his life. It’s essential that his reputation stays untarnished until Christmas, but life conspires against him and after a reckless moment and one bad decision he risks being plunged into scandal and blowing the whole deal. To rescue the situation he insists that the cause of this disaster, my heroine Evie, pose as his fiancée. Rio hates everything about the festive season, but Evie is a woman who loves everything about Christmas. Before the story ends she’ll have sung Christmas carols, built a snowman and decorated a huge Christmas tree. This book has plenty of sparkle, quite a few secrets and lots of seduction.

Where do you find the inspiration for your compelling stories?

SM - Inspiration is everywhere. It might be something I’ve read, or a conversation I’ve overheard. The inspiration for one of my stories came from watching my youngest son playing with my friend’s little girl when we all went to the park. He was so caring and attentive that I started spinning an idea about a protective hero and a girl in trouble. That story became Destitute Yet Defiant and it’s currently available as a free download at http://www.everyonesreading.com/

Can you give us a hint on your next release due February 2011, Bella and The Merciless Sheikh?

SM - Bella and The Merciless Sheikh (called Bella’s Disgrace in the UK) is the 7th book in the Balfour Legacy series about eight sisters and their various scandals. My heroine is Bella, the bad twin, and I loved writing this story. Bella is certainly the naughtiest heroine I’ve written so far – a real wild child accustomed to using her looks to get her own way. In the hope of forcing her to reflect on her awful behaviour, her father sends her to a retreat in the desert but she escapes, gets lost and soon finds herself in big trouble.....
This story is intense, steamy and lots of fun. I’ll be posting an extract on my website next month.

What are you currently working on?

SM - I’m writing a sizzling, contemporary story for a Harlequin Presents miniseries called 21st Century bosses. It features a modern heroine whose life is turned upside down when a billionaire Greek tycoon takes over her father’s business. At the moment it’s hard to tell who’s the boss! I’m having a great time writing it.

Is there anything else you’d like to add and where can we read more about you.

SM - I update my website monthly with news and details of new releases, extracts and other information www.sarahmorgan.com Readers can also find me on Facebook and Twitter (@SarahMorgan_ don’t forget the underscore because there is another Sarah Morgan).

Another Rainy Day

2010-11-08T15:25:00.003-04:00

No goal for today. I woke with a migraine and though it's now gone, I'm taking it easy and giving my head a rest. It's another rainy day here...been raining since Friday. A very wet weekend. I'm surprised there's any water left in the clouds. But it's not snow, so I'm thankful for that because it will be here soon enough.

On a writing note, I made really good progress last week and currently working on chapter 11. With the sisters all introduced, the story now begins. It's so much fun having this story finally come to life.

Off to rest for a bit before dinner.

Check back tomorrow for my Author's Den interview with talented author, Sarah Morgan!

Between The Pages - Mistletoe and the Lost Stilette

2010-11-03T10:18:00.001-03:00

Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto
By: Liz Fielding
Harlequin Romance
November 2010

Back Cover: Lucy Bright can’t believe it when she’s plucked from secretarial obscurity and transformed into the pampered fiancée of a slick retail guru. But then she discovers it was all a publicity stunt! Rushing away from the media frenzy, she bumps – literally – into the arms of delicious tycoon, Nathaniel Hart…

Review: There’s a line in this story that I want to quote: Just one look… That’s all it took when this book arrived. I knew with just one look that I was going to enjoy this story. The cover is beautiful and the story is a tender Christmas romance. I thought it was sweet when Lucy opted to call Nat by his full name, Nathaniel. And their chemistry jumps from the pages.

Between the Pages of this story is a fun romp in the snow, tender characters, a believable romance, a cute little elf, and a hero that no woman could resist. This story received 4.5/5 stars, but I changed it to 5/5 stars because of its beautiful cover!

Even Colder Today!

2010-11-03T10:12:00.002-03:00

Today's Goal: Complete chapter 9.
Weather: 0c
Listening To: Kool FM - Indiana Wants Me

My Stuff: Can't wait until DD's Halloween treats are gone. We gorged on treats for a half hour yesterday afternoon. My stomach wasn't liking it ten minutes later, lol! I should not! I can not! I will not! I will not touch those treats today!

The Write Stuff: Managed another two pages on chapter 9. Hoping to finish it today!

So cold...brrr

2010-11-02T10:07:00.001-03:00

Today's Goal: Chapter 9
Weather: 1c (feels like -4c)
Listening To: Nothing...forgot to turn the radio on.

My Stuff: So cold here today. Wondering if I can type with gloves on...hmmm. Only have a half day to write as it's parent teacher meetings today, so DD only has a half day of school. We have just enough time after the parent/teacher meeting to grab a quick dinner before driving DD to Guides. It's so cold out there today, I just want to hibernate.

The Write Stuff: Making progess on chapter 9. Research done and 5 pages.

Winter on its way.

2010-11-01T12:12:00.008-03:00

Today's Goal: Complete research for chapter 9.
Weather: 4c Cloud (feels like -3c with the wind chill).
Listening To: Kool FM - Life in the Fast Lane.

Cool day out there today. I believe winter is showing an early presence...brrr! But thankfully, no sign of snow yet!

Weekend wrap up: Medical test on Friday, had me fretting most of Thursday and the whole day Friday. We watched a few movies this weekend. A highly recommend "How To Train Your Dragon". It's a great movie. We also watched Iron Man 1 - I know, the 2nd one is out and we just saw the 1st. We have to get the 2nd now because we really enjoyed the 1st one. Also, my Minnie Mouse looked wonderful in costume for trick-n-treating. It was a bit chilly, but we had fun. Dh, who stays home to give out the treats, said we only had about 50, which is low compared to most years. Maybe the older ones are finally staying home.

The Write Stuff: No progress on Daddy's Girls for the past few days. I thought I had chapter 9 written and would only have to rework, but to my surprise, I only had two pages. I know there's more to this chapter, so I'm checking my written notes. And I have to do some research on Calla's story.

Lunch break, then research. Have a good Monday.

Another day of rain.

2010-10-27T10:10:00.005-03:00

Todays Goal: Start revisions to chapter 9!
Listening To: Dancing Queen
Weather: 12c Fog & Rain

Completed another rewrite yesterday with chapter 8. Eight pages - woohoo! So happy to have it done and moving on to chapter 9. Then it's new writing!

Forgot to take beef out of freezer for dinner today. Must go before I forget again...

Have you ever seen the rain?

2010-10-26T09:45:00.007-03:00

Today's Goal: Complete review of chapter 8.
Listening To: The News
Weather: 12c Rain

After 22 days of ringing in my ear, I finally got my butt to the doctor. Have to have several medical tests I can't even pronounce. Probably a case of Tinnitus, but doctor wants to check everything. (heavy sigh)

Must get through chapter 8 today...Chryssa's intro.

Keeping Secrets Status

2010-10-25T15:34:00.001-03:00

Heard beack from editor #2 today. My manuscript has been declined for two reasons.
1. The story line of heroine meets construction guy is too popular and they've already published one story of this type.
2. The line required a comsumated love scene to take place, which my story didn't have.

She made a comment that the reading panel was drawn into the story after the first few pages.

I am disappointed, but not overly devastated. At least it wasn't my writing, the story is good and will eventually be accepted.

No Writing Today

2010-10-22T09:30:00.000-03:00

No writing today. Dh and Dd are both home and we have lots of errands to run. Hopefully I'll have some time later to dive into 'Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto'. Enjoy a great weekend!

DG - Chapter 7 continues

2010-10-21T13:19:00.006-03:00

Last Goal: Met expectation - reviewed CP's comments on #6 and started #7 (reworked opening scene).
Todays Goal: Continue with #7 revisions.
Listening To: Kool FM (Little China Girl)
Weather: 10c Cloud/showers

Thankfully I worked on chapter 7's revisions last night because I'm off off to a slow start today. I think the low pressure is affecting my head...feeling tired and dizzy. Though it may also be that darn ringing in my ear that's on day 18.
Reviewed a chapter for my CP, and with lunch, dishes and dog taken care of, time to get back to chapter 7. I'm reworking the entire chapter, so it will probably take another day to complete.

DG - Chapter 7

2010-10-20T09:44:00.005-03:00

Last Goal: Accomplished, chapter 6 revised.
Todays Goal: Review CP's comments for #6 and begin review of #7.
Listening To: Kool FM (Magic Man - Heart)
Weather: 4c Sunny

Going to start my review on chapter 7 today, Flora's introduction. She's sister #4. Then only three chapters away from new writing. Still no word from either editor. I hope that's a good thing.

DG - Progress

2010-10-18T15:51:00.004-03:00

Last Goal: Still in progress, halfway through chapter 6 edits.
Today's Goal: Complete edits for chapter 6.
Things that may hinder today's progress: Laundry, ironing, vacuuming...

Note: Just received in today's mail a copy of Liz Fielding's new book: Misletoe and the Lost Siletto! I love Christmas stories and I'm so excited to read this! Must finish edits first, then off to start this book.

DG - Progress

2010-10-15T15:44:00.002-03:00

Last Goal: Accomplished!
Today's Goal: Review chapter 6.

DG - Progress

2010-10-14T15:44:00.002-03:00

Last Goal: Accomplished
Today's Goal: Review chapter 5.

DG - Progress

2010-10-13T15:42:00.002-03:00

Last goal exceeded: Completed review of prologue and chapters 1,2,3!
Today's goal: Review Chapter 4

DG - Progress

2010-10-08T15:41:00.003-03:00

Today's goal: review and edit prologue and chapters 1 and 2.

Daddy's Girls - Book #1

2010-10-06T15:26:00.002-03:00

Hanna Carter
(aka - Kelly Monaco)

Alex Wilson
(aka - Alex O'Loughlin)

Back to Daddy's Girls

2010-10-04T15:31:00.004-03:00

Okay, now that Keeping Secrets is in the editors' hot little hands, I can finally get back to Daddy's Girls - Book #1 (tentative title - Welcome To The Family). I'm excited to return to this story, and even though new writing would be great, I've decided to review the first few chapters to bring me back to what's been going on with Hanna and her sisters. Stay tuned!

Edits Complete - Manuscript Sent

2010-10-01T14:00:00.002-03:00

Whew, just now coming up for air. Edits completed for Keeping Secrets and sent to both editors. Crossing fingers, toes, and anything else that can be crossed.
Now the waiting begins...

Full Request for Keeping Secrets

2010-09-28T14:46:00.002-03:00

I just received an email from editor #2 who really likes what I've done with my Keeping Secrets chapters and requested the full manuscript! WooHoo! Freaking out that not one, but two editors have requested this story. Doubled checked that it's okay to send to both publishers and now how to kick butt to get these edits done.

BTP - The Viking's Captive Princess

2010-09-23T13:53:00.000-03:00

Title: The Viking’s Captive Princess
Author: Michelle Styles
Date: December 2009.

Dangerous warrior Ivar Gunnarson is a man of deeds, not words. With little time for the ideals of love, Ivar seizes what he wants - and Princess Thyre will not become the exception to his rule!

Review: I found this story dragged a bit at times, taking me a few chapters before I could get into it. I think this was because the genre (A Viking theme) was a first-read for me, so I wasn’t familiar the style. Once I did get into the story, I really enjoyed it.

Between The Pages of this story you’ll find passionate characters, unique setting, lots of action, and an interesting plot. 3 /5 stars

Full Request for Keeping Secrets

2010-09-22T14:44:00.002-03:00

I just received an email from editor #1 who enjoyed my chapters and requested the full manuscript! WooHoo! Still trying to get through the edits, but will work extra hard to finish in order to send this manuscript off to her asap!

Revised chapters sent to editor #2

2010-09-21T14:42:00.002-03:00

Just received an email from editor #2 requesting my first three chapters and synopsis for Keeping Secrets! Just sent them to her. Fingers crossed double-time!