Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Bitten by books is having a party with Laura Bickle & Kelly Gay


 Come on over to Bitten By Books and chat with Laura Bickle today and if you comment you could be entered in a drawing of a Kindle 3G. Click http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=29955


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Also pop on over and check out Kelly Gay's release party as well. It looks to be full of fun and comment to win two awesome prizes.   Click http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=29943



Friday, August 27, 2010

Getting to know Steven Nedelton

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?

Thanks Dawn for this opportunity.

I write fiction based on partly true events. My novels deal with infamous criminals, espionage, extrasensory perception--with suspense, always. Basically, with anything that will make a reader interested in the story and enjoy it. I don't specialize in any particular sub-genre, I try to write about life in general. Also, my stories cover local and international events.

What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?

I would say—Plot. There is always an event, something special that sparks up my imagination. I never have a full plot in my mind in the beginning. It’s always partial and so I develop the story as I write it. Often in many, many steps, branching out to sub-events that I feel would make the story more interesting. My characters emerge from the initial plot idea, and multiply as I go on writing.

Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?

I don’t. My characters are fictitious men and women. I did use a true former CIA agent I met once at a library as my protagonist in Crossroads.  All other characters were products of my imagination and don’t resemble anyone living or dead.

How long does it take you to finish a book from start to finish?
It depends upon the strength of the initial plot idea. Also, I don’t write continuously. I’d say about six months.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

The inspiration for The Raven Affair came from the news. I read about the L.A. court proceedings, the prosecution of an infamous man who committed atrocities during the last world war, and who was hiding for decades in California. It seemed like a good story based on a true crime. I did research about him and other events in the book. But the depiction of the man himself, and all of the action, although based on historical facts, is purely fictional.      

How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author? Do you read your own reviews?

The readers’ reaction is obviously most important to me. And, of course, I do read all readers comments very carefully.
I also try to get opinions from the reputable, professional reviewers. For example, I obtained a review for Crossroads from Midwest Book Review and similar.

What are you working on now? Anything you want to tell us about?

I submitted my third novel, Dawn for the fearless, to my publisher in April. I started working on my fourth novel, Tunnel, too. I have about thirty thousand words done. A totally different kind of a suspense story, I still don’t know that much about it. We’ll see what happens.

What books are currently on your nightstand/bedside? Anything coming you are dying to read?

I have a couple, I like all suspense and sci-fi books and movies, and so I started to read Andre Norton’s Masks of the outcasts. And a suspense by Michael Beres,’ Final Stroke.

I am not that much into reading these days, I read a lot in the past though I never was a true avid.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

Reading and taste in books are very personal matters. I would say that The Raven Affair and Crossroads are equally good, they were both rated five stars by a number of reviewers. But, for those who like complex action, suspense, I’d recommend The Raven Affair. Read about the Vatican banker and his end. Read about a criminal and Interpol agents hunting him. Be in London one moment and the next one in Paris, L.A., Venice. If you’re a religious person, meet two very likable priests. Plenty of action, good characters, hit-men, revenge.

On other hand, for those who like paranormal, espionage, I’d say Crossroads would be a good bet. Read about spy agencies fighting for the most extraordinary man. Read what they were experimenting with. Read about a French woman spy, about her brutal death, about merciless spy master who controlled the Russian KGB, about his death. Be in New York City, Crossroads one moment, the next one in Paris, Moscow. Meet various characters; see how the French reason, the Russians, etc.

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

Dawn, to be honest, that’s a tough one for me. I abhor all forms of servitude and bondage. A better question would be who do I admire that much. There are many people in literature who I admire. Mark Twain, for sure. A fantastic writer, talent. Dostoyevsky, Hemingway, to name a few.
    
What do you see for the future of publishing and e-books?

I believe that literature is vital for human progress. There’s a real problem with people who don’t read, and I see that schools do encourage kids to read. So, if people do continue to read, only the book format and book production might change. I see that some people do like e-books, Kindle. Many people prefer paperbacks. I think that hard cover books might be on their way out. Personally, I’d prefer a paperback in my hands to an e-book reader device.
These days the automated machines make paperbacks on demand, so bookstores might get seriously affected.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I like Raven, my protagonist in The Raven Affair, a bit too violent though. Very materialistic too. He’ll shoot you for fifty K anytime, so you don’t have to worry about dying too soon. I don’t spend that kind of money on the Internet Interviewers. But, seriously, I like all my characters, even when I hate them.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her/it/him when she/he/it refuses to inspire you?

Not always, it’s a love, hate relation. She’s just like most perfectly normal females. Very rarely truly serious, always the extremes. It’s either something too sad or very funny on her mind. And she fools around a lot and prefers women. I think. She still manages to produce many male characters but likes to kill them off as soon as she makes up. She likes to kill females too. I tell her she has a serious mental problem but she argues that King’s Muse is much, much worse, a real mad woman, yet much better taken care of. To that I respond: ‘Well, change the boss.’ This placates her some because, secretly, she believes King’s even crazier than his Muse.
And, she knows to take quite often very extended vacations. A matter I have to discuss with her as soon as I can get her back from her resort in Las Vegas. The girl likes to gamble, another vice I have to put with.

It’s impossible to placate her, too whimsical for that. I just forget the work I am involved in and wait. I am at her mercy, you might say.

If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?

It would have to be very varied.

Which of your characters would you most likely fall for if they were real?

Lynnie, from The Raven Affair, is quite a gal, I’d say. The Russian spy woman, Dr. Tatiana, is too, though that one is too much of a murderess for my simple tastes in women.

Besides the bedroom, what's the sexiest part of your home in your opinion and why?

I am celibate, you know. Didn’t you know? My previous wife made sure of that.

Where can readers find you on the ‘net for more information on you, your books and other fun stuff?

The easiest place to find me/my creations, etc., is at www.snedelton.com, but I am all over the Internet, like Facebook.com, Goodreads.com, Myspace.com. Just look me up on the Internet, Steven Nedelton, I’m there.

 Sneak peek into The Raven Affair:

They named him Dino Benito in the St. Basil’s document after his uncle on his mother side and after Il Duce, a relative on his father’s side—a very distant relative, but nevertheless one that made the familia proud. Since his childhood, he progressed from Dino tesorino to Dino diavoletto, to Diavolo, to a long number on his black striped uniform, to Dino the Strangler, and finally to Dino de’ Medici, although that last appellation was vastly exaggerated and known only by a very small, select group. For he was only the delivery page of that miraculous concoction that sent saintly John Paul I into his heavenly slumber, as gently as a Lord’s lamb…Lord save his soul. Unfortunately, John Paul I was too much of an inquisitive ‘lamb’ for his own good, for the ‘interested parties’ must have thought that that particular coup of theirs was the wisest move they’d ever conceived of. When the ‘interested parties’ contracted him for the job, Dino wasn’t all that surprised. He had the right experience, was of the right age, and was definitely no longer the small time gangster many had thought him in the early days of his career. And it was sheer irony since the victim himself had chosen Dino as his trusted and only guardian, not to mention the millions he’d wasted on him for that ‘trustworthiness’.

On the other hand, his American partnership just happened…overnight, so to speak. Dino had been called and informed that there was a need for another ‘expert’, and that he would be arriving on the chosen night. Dino didn’t really care all that much for the blond, blue-eyed American who was too good looking for his taste in business partners. Who needed a whoremaster to quiet an old fat banker? But then, Dino had learned that there was also a third man in the operation, known as the ‘mason’, an expert at climbing walls, who would be waiting for Dino and the American at their
destination.

What had astonished him most was the choice of the execution place, some five miles from the safe house, when the flat was a far more convenient spot. But orders were orders and questioning them was a waste of time.

The night was cloudy, dark like ink, and the rain drizzled on Chelsea. As Big Ben struck the eleventh hour, Dino and the American arrived at the eighth floor apartment of the safe house and knocked on the door. Three sharp raps followed by another two, as agreed upon earlier.

“Who is it? Is it you Angelo?” a deep voice queried in Italian from inside. The old man knew Dino as Angelo.

“It’s me, it’s me. It’s urgent, Signor Rossi,” Dino responded in English.

“Uno momento, uno momento, Angelo. You‘re supposed to call before you disturb me,” the deep voice retorted, and the two men could hear a quick, heavy shuffle.

Buy The Raven Affair/publisher’s site:


Buy Crossroads/publisher’s site:


Thanks again for this opportunity.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Meet Rebecca Goings, Author of the B. E. A. S. T. Series

In just a few short days (11, in fact) you'll be able to get your hot little hands on my latest release, MARK OF THE B*E*A*S*T*, Book IV of my popular BEAST series.  This book follows the romance of Mac Bishop and Robyn Groves, the pair we first meet in Rogan's book, B*E*A*S*T* OF BURDEN.  But we find out more about their relationship in Wade's story, NATURE OF THE B*E*A*S*T*.

It took me a few years to follow through on the promise of this book, but I guarantee you it's well worth the wait!  This book is my favorite of the bunch, not because it's the most recent book, but because I believe it's the most well-written.  In my years off from the BEAST series, I've learned a lot.  I've dabbled in erotic romance, I've upped the ante with regards to emotions and tugging on heartstrings.  Therefore, it's definitely the hottest book in the series, as well as the most emotional.  If this book doesn't move you -- then you're DEAD!  Heheheh...

Without further adieu, I give you an exclusive sneak peek HOT excerpt.  Enjoy it!

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He took the stairs two at a time, forcing her to do the same. When she got to the top, she was breathless.
“Mackenzie--”
Before she could finish her sentence, he pulled her into his room, slammed the door and shoved her against it. His mouth claimed hers, devouring her whole. Robyn gasped loudly and Mac took advantage, plunging his tongue deep while pressing against her.
His hands raced up the sides of her bathing suit to the shoulderstraps, where he hooked his fingers and yanked none-too-gently. The sound of ripping fabric filled the room, and Robyn drew back, staring at him with surprise.
“I’ll buy Marlie a new one,” he said, unrepentant as he continued to rip the garment.
As soon as her breasts were free, he didn’t bother peeling off the rest of her suit before he knelt in front of her and pounced, filling his mouth with her nipple. Robyn couldn’t do much more than thread her fingers through his hair and toss her head back, suddenly on fire from his sensual attack. He’d waited far too long to be stopped now. He had claimed her to the others, and now he meant to do it in truth. Robyn’s heart kicked into overdrive. With every beat, her memory fluttered, and she tried like mad to grasp it.
But his hand rose to palm her other breast, tweaking her nipple before suckling that one as well, making it impossible to concentrate on anything but him.
He stood suddenly, then picked her up and strode to the bed. His arms were gone and she fell to the mattress with a shriek, but he was right there on top of her, pressing her back, kissing her senseless. Every breath was him, every movement, every feeling. Robyn’s entire world was Mackenzie Bishop, and she held him as if her life depended on it.
In a way, it did.
She undulated against his body, she couldn’t help it. She needed to feel his skin against hers and could only assume he felt the same. He ripped out of his shirt, pulling away only to tear it over his head before his warmth was back, heating her to the bone.
The moment her breasts rubbed his chest hair, she kissed him savagely. Her tongue stabbed into his mouth, demanding his surrender, yet he wouldn’t give it. He was waging his own assault, tugging, teasing, driving her wild with the need to feel him between her legs.
“Touch me,” she whispered, trailing kisses down his neck. “Please.”
Mac didn’t say a word, he merely complied, taking his hand and rubbing her through the crotch of the swimsuit.
The contact was electrifying. Up and down he went, making her wish she was naked, yet not willing to part from him to undress fully. Not now, not yet.
She spread her legs wider, asking for more.
“If I don’t get inside you I think I might die.”
His words made her look into his face. Twin flames greeted her in his gaze as his eyes flashed gold. The grin he gave her had her shuddering beneath him, knowing damn well her own eyes flashed right back at him. She could feel it, the familiar itching that accompanied the need to shift. But shifting was far from her mind. Right now, all she wanted was him.
“Don’t stop what you’re doing. Not yet.”
His hand still stroked her, finding a rhythm against the sway of her hips.
“You like it when I touch you?”
Robyn closed her eyes. She was close. So close.
“Always.”

WRITER'S WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD


IMAGINATION... ROCKS... OR RAISINS
By
Angelica Hart and Zi



We sat and lamestormed the subjects of our upcoming blogs. Pedicures lamenting... lame. Opinions on ink cartridges... lame. Could cracking one's knuckles be flirting... lame. Finally we decided that we'd write something about ourselves that no one knows.

My mother shared with me her great gift of baking. I adored baking. Hung around the kitchen and underfoot, constantly wanting to learn to bake various types of cookies, new types of cakes and pies. Nothing was from a cook book, everything was from her head with a lot of improvisation.

At the same time my dad share with me the gift of loving animals. We had a cat at one time, a dog, a hamster, a guinea pig and, of course an assortment of goldfish.

Life gave me the gift of imagination. Creativity was my muse and took me through many an adventure, albeit often only part reality.

One day, while still at a young age, I begged my mom to allow me to make all by myself my dad his favorite cookie, oatmeal raisin. She was hesitant at first, but I was also relentless. She went over and over the ingredients, stipulating how important it was to not leave anything out. She talked about taking care with oven mittens and hot cookie pans. I listened attentively and the moment arrived, I got to bake the cookies all by myself. I was tickled, and dad often came into the kitchen to ask if they were done yet, for the sweet aroma had filled the house.

I carefully placed each cookie on a plate in a perfect pyramid and carried them into my dad. They were still a little warm. He sat there eagerly anticipating the treat with a glass of skin milk, though he not a dunker, just a washer-down sort. He took his first bite, blinking in amazement, swallowing and then regaling me with praise. I watched happily as he ate every last cookie, pouring glass after glass of milk, and then shoving the cookies into his mouth one after the other as I continued to watch, refusing to miss a moment of his delight. Afterward, he gave be a big hug and thank you. Only, as he walked away he had a strange look.

At the time, I couldn't help wondering if it had anything to do with my one improvisations. And until now, this very moment, I never told a soul what that improv had been, nor would I have ever but Zi charged me with sharing something that no one knows about me. I have. We had been out of raisins, so I used my guinea pig 's poop. After all, they looked just like raisins to a girl my age. I always wondered, did my dad know, and if he did, what a wonderful man he must have been.

Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ September 2009
SNAKE DANCE ~ February 2010
CHASING YESTERDAY ~ July 2010
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com

BOOKS can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Getting to know Farida Mestak

Can you tell us a little about how you started writing; was it something you have always wanted to do?
Absolutely. I have always been writing and I have always wanted to be a writer. I am the happiest when I'm writing and I always saw myself as a writer. I always said that I would be one. At first my family thought that it was just a whim, a childish fantasy and that it would pass, so they didn't exactly encourage me. However, once they realized that I was in earnest and that I wasn't about to stop anytime soon, they started really supporting me.
Who or what has been your biggest influence as a writer?
It's really hard to say, because it all comes from within. There are writers who inspire me with their books as well as their life stories, but I have become a writer quite independently. But I suppose in my Regency-set books I am most influenced by Jane Austen, her writing style and her portrayal of Regency England. As a writer I am a staunch follower of her school of Regency-set novel.
What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?
I think it's a combination of engaging characters you can identify yourself and people around you with and interesting plot line.
Could you tell us a little about how you develop your characters? Who has been your favorite character to write? The most challenging?
The characters come to me already formed. It's like meeting people in real life: you can't supply them with qualities and characteristics, because they already have them. I describe my characters as I see them. They are quite independent from me. It’s as if they hire me to write their stories and that's what I do and as I write I learn more and more about them. I didn't have any problems with the characters from “A Secret Arrangement” and I loved writing them all: the good and the bad. Perhaps, the bad a bit more, because they are always fun to write. But there is one heroine, in a long-standing project of mine, that I find very challenging to write. I intend to start working on her story as soon as I am done with my current revision and I hope to overcome our problems, though so far her story proved very difficult to tell.
Please tell us about the projects you are currently working on; what can readers expect to see in the coming months?
Currently I am revising another M/M Regency-set novella. Also I'm thinking about writing several short stories that take place before, during and after the events in “A Secret Arrangement”.
Where can readers find out what's new and how can they contact you?
They can find out what’s new at my blog: http://www.faridamestek.blogspot.com/ or contact me at faridamestek@yahoo.com
What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
I love watching films and if I fall in love with one I will watch it every day until another movie catches my fancy. I love romantic movies: “French Kiss”, “You’ve Got Mail”, “Mona Lisa Smile”, “Miss Potter” just to name a few. Naturally TV series and movies based on Jane Austen’s books. “Pride and Prejudice” (BBC 1995), “Sense and Sensibility” (1995) and “Emma” (1996) are my favourites.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you have with you?
It would be highly inadvisable, but I suppose a lot of books, some warm clothes, a knife, a gun and someone with a good escape plan would make things somewhat bearable.
What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and writing?
I like reading, but if my eyes are too tired I prefer to listen to an audio-book or watch a movie or a TV show.
What is one historical figure you would love to chat with and why?
Jane Austen. Definitely. I think it would be so much fun.
Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your heart?
I have two published books at the moment: “Margaret’s Rematch” and “A Secret Arrangement” and I like them both very much. But I have a very soft spot for the very first book – a fantasy novel – that I’ve ever written and that unfortunately didn’t make it into the printed world. Maybe one day… It keeps revisiting me all the time…
What character out of all your books is the closest to your personality?
The very heroine I have mentioned who keeps giving me so much trouble. My friend says that the reason why she is so difficult to manage is because I write her from myself.
What do you feel is the most important aspect a new author should remember when writing/creating their own stories? Any advice for aspiring authors?
Do your best. Your characters trust you. Have fun while writing! And don't give up. Don't stop writing as long as you have a story to tell.
What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? What is one of your favorite authors?
I love Jane Austen. All six of her published novels share the shelf with Harry Potter books; I'm a huge fan of the series. I'm also very fond of Anne of Green Gables, Jeeves and Wooster and Sherlock Holmes books. 

A Secret Arrangement – M/M Regency-set novella from Dreamspinner Press
Description:
Henry Chadderton's father earned his wealth in trade, but he looks to elevate his son to the gentry through marriage into a titled family. And so it is that Edward Montford, the second son of an impoverished baronet, accompanies his twin sister Emma to London in order to introduce her to her future husband.
Henry neither appreciates being ordered around nor has any intention of marrying anyone. Then he meets Emma—and Edward—and falls in love with the wrong sibling, setting off a chain of events that will cause arguments, bloodshed, jealousy, and scandal. But Henry will endure it all if it will eventually lead Edward to him.



Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1936

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Weird Summer Festivals by Victoria Roder



 Weird and Wacky Festival Activities     
 
     Hooray for summer with activities ranging from camping to visiting a water park.  Perhaps you enjoy boating, swimming, or hiking.  Would you choose a motorcycle ride or a bicycle ride?  How about attending local or out of state summer festivals? 

     There are plenty of festivals throughout the United States.  You can attend a small town kiddie carnival or The Burning Man art event that, with the growing attendance develops a temporary community in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada each year.  The Frozen Dead Guy Day in Nederland Colorado boasts a parade of hearses and coffin races, and don’t forget to enter the chicken dance contest at Mike the Headless Chicken Days in Fruita Colorado.

     Most festivals boast an eating contest.  Oklahoma State Fair has a fried okra eating contest and the Dallas Texas State Fair has a jalapeno eating contest.  Imagine stuffing yourself with pickles at Picklefest in Atkins Arkansas.  The grossest think I’ve ever personally watched is the brat eating contest at Sheboygan Bratwurst Days.  Without a drink of beer, the winner ate 58 brats in ten minutes.  I wouldn’t be able to do that without a little projectile vomiting.  Whatever summer activities you choose, I hope they find you safe and happy.  I would love to hear the name of your town festival, a unique activity, or an eating contest.  Please share!    

     In my Suspense Thriller: Bolt Action, sarcastic Detective Leslie Bolt enjoys summer activities of motorcycle riding and the sensual activity of paint drumming.  She is a gun hording, Harley riding, detective with as much insecurity as the rest us, except that she tries to mask it with a tough outer shell.  Leslie Bolt is forced to work a serial murder case with her ex-lover, and as the body count mounts she races to capture the “State Quarter Killer” before her sister is the next victim.  Bolt Action is available at Champagne Books buy link http://www.omnilit.com/product-boltaction-426568-152.html or http://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Action-ebook/dp/B003IXGWRG      

     Author Victoria Roder enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached through her website at www.victoriaroder.com

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Talking with author Ed Williams


Two Articles Equal One Article

(This is just an experiment, so y’all bear with me. I’m going to try to write two articles “within one” here. How am I going to do it? Well, the first paragraph of the first article will be in regular type. It’ll be followed by the first paragraph of the second article in italicized type. We’ll go back and forth from that and see what happens. Does it make any sense? No? I thought not. Let’s see what happens anyway)!
Mary Beth gets out of bed this morning alert and refreshed. She got her required eight hours of sleep, and that always gets her day off to a good start. Today’s Sunday, so she can’t wait to put on her Sunday best and head off to church. She especially likes the lessons her Sunday School teacher, Eric Ecstasy, teaches for her class. He makes her feel good about herself, and that’s something that’s very important. Sadie Sally falls out of bed after a night of ‘ludes and poppers, major injury being avoided only because her head hits the floor after her ass does. Whatever the case, it wakes her right up. She stumbles into the kitchen, slugs down three beers, and decides she needs more ‘ludes and poppers, and that she needs them now! She stumbles around for the phone number of her dealer, a very cool, good lookin’ guy named Eric Ecstasy. She calls him, but his answering machine states that he’s in church and will return home around one pm.
Mary Beth showers, then dries off thoroughly. She then applies lots of ointments, oils, and make-ups to make herself look her very best. Eric Ecstasy commented just last week during Sunday School on how pretty she looked and smelled, and Mary Beth enjoyed that very much. Once sprayed and oint-ed up, she picks out a pretty white dress to wear. After putting it on and combing her hair, she’s all ready for church. Sadie Sally decides to stagger over to her closet and pick out her cleanest dirty clothes, figuring she can’t wait ‘til one pm for Eric, she needs relief right now! More ‘ludes and poppers would cut the edge from yesterday’s drug inspired orgy, and nothing is better to Sadie Sally than cutting the edge anytime and anyway she can! She throws on some peach colored poly slacks, a purple turtleneck sweater, and her blue PF Flyers. As a finishing touch, she puts some American Crew Pomade in her hair so she doesn’t have to worry about washing it. Looking in the mirror, she decides she’s ready for Eric and fun and heads out the door.
Mary Beth arrives at church a bit early, and takes a seat right up front. Eric Ecstasy’s Sunday School lessons are so popular that they’re held in the main church worship area, and Mary Beth wants to be sure that Eric sees her whenever he walks in. Mary Beth would never admit this to anyone, but she’s a bit sweet on Eric. Lucky for her that she arrives when she does, for in ten minutes time the entire church building is packed with people. After jumping on her Harley and gunning the engine a coupla times, Sadie Sally heads for the church. She runs two stops signs and flips off a cop at a third. The cop scalds rubber and begins chase, which takes he and Sadie Sally though allies, ditches, and around a coupla trees. Miraculously she gets to the church with the cop maybe a quarter mile behind her. Lookin’ at the clock on the church steeple, she realizes that Eric should only be about 15 minutes into the service, now if she can just find him for some sweet relief!
Mary Beth has never enjoyed a Sunday School class more. Eric Ecstasy just complimented her on her appearance, and she thinks he may have even winked at her! On top of that, he actually motions to her that he wants her to come up and help him with part of the lesson. Mary Beth gets up and starts walking towards the front of the church, more excited than she’s ever been! Sadie Sally throws open the church doors, and is shocked to see so many people! Amazingly the first thing she sees is Eric Ecstasy up at the front of the church delivering the message. Slugging down the last swallow of the Budweiser she nursed during her chase with the cop, she throws down the can, marches up the aisle, and yells out, “Eric, I need some help, you good lookin’ thing!”
Wow! As she gets within five feet of Eric Ecstasy, some greasy haired harlot reeking of beer cuts in front of her and hugs Eric right out in front of everyone! The nerve! Then she starts whispering something to Eric about drugs and sex orgies! How disgusting! Mary Beth decides to walk up and tell this greasy haired woman off! The hug between Sadie Sally and Eric is gettin’ electric when some quaint, spinster lookin’ lady starts telling her off! Sadie whispers to Eric that this quaint lady is obviously rigid, frigid, and worse, and that some drugs and wild sex is exactly what she needs. In fact, she whispers to Eric to do something that’ll get the quaint lady to go off with the two of them, thinking that it’ll be a weird ass kick!
No one is more amazed than Mary Beth is when the greasy haired woman steps back, and Eric walks right up to her and plants a wet, juicy kiss on her lips! In front of everyone! Then, he smiles at her and says, “Stay here and repent, or come with me and Sadie Sally and have fun.” Which do you want, darlin’?” Sadie Sally watches Eric deep kiss the quaint lady. Then, she grabs her by the arm, yelling to both of them that they have to escape in Eric’s car as the cops must have her bike by now! They all start running towards the side exit of the church!
Mary Beth runs out the side exit of the church with the greasy haired lady faster than she ever has in her life! All she can think about is that life really is like a box of chocolates….. As they gun Eric’s car and jump over a drainage ditch to escape the cops, Sadie Sally figures life really is like a box of chocolates…..

"ChristmaSin'", my new Christmas novel, is now available for sale! Click this link below to order!

Friday, August 20, 2010

CONTEST FOR WINNING VIRGIN DEVOTION by Destiny Blaineaine

"Take a Bite Outta This"


Winning Virgin Devotion, Book Five in the Winning Virgin Series is coming to Siren Publishing on Monday, August 23, 2010. Pre-order your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion now through Sunday, August 22, 2010 and you could win a snazzy Winning Virgin T-shirt like the one below!

How to enter: Purchase your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion while the e-book is being offered as a pre-order selection: http://www.bookstrand.com/winning-virgin-devotion

Send a copy of your receipt to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com with TAKE A BITE OUTTA THIS in the subject line.


On Monday, August 23, 2010 ONE RANDOM winner will be chosen and the winner of the Winning Virgin T-shirt will be notified via email. Winner’s name will be posted at: http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com.

Please note: The only size we have in stock is an ADULT MEDIUM. Winner will not have the option of trading this prize for another future or past prize or swapping for a different size. Image on the T-shirt is WINNING VIRGIN PROMISES. In order to verify your purchase of Winning Virgin Devotion, please copy and paste your receipt in an email and follow the directions above. Without the c/p receipt, we’re unable to verify book purchase. This contest/sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.

Front:




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Back:


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Don’t Miss the Best of the Winning Virgin Series—Ghosts, Vampires, and an unforgettable shape shifter guarantee to keep the paranormal reader flipping the pages!

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Contest ends at 12:01 AM PST on Monday, August 23, 2010.


Good Luck!


Destiny



http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com/2010/08/take-bite-outta-this.html

Thursday, August 19, 2010

WRITER'S WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



SPICY HOT VANILLA
BY: Angelica Hart and Zi

Angelica Hart and Zi are writers published by Champagne Books and underEarth Properties.

In all romances there is that moment when sex finds fruition, that instant when all the tug and pull, the laboring through emotional upheaval and external complications finally finds its way to culmination. It does happen. Sometimes the reader has to wait until nearly the end of the story, but then there it is, the reward, the prize in the cracker jack box called a romance novel. We cannot and will never trivialize that. The challenge for the writer is to make the reader want to be a page turner voyeur. This has to be accomplished by getting one to root for the story's couple to share lovemaking, but also for the reader to want, crave, and desire the outcome as much as the hero and heroine, to have a stake in their lives, and at times to relate to the situation in that they nearly meld with one of the characters, experiencing all there is to experience. But as important as is that, it is also crucial to make that scene interesting. The same old same old must never feel as if so. The act in of itself would be simple and maybe boring if not dressed in all the luxurious trappings a writer's imagination can provide. We want to put the fiery desire into those moments. We owe it to characters and the readers. So how?

"Would you like to
With Elinor Glyn
On a tiger skin?
Or would you prefer
To err with her
On some other fur?"
- (author unknown)

The afore poem was written about Elinor Glyn a 20s writer of torrid love stories. My Grams watched the soaps and she call them her stories. "Got to get done so I can watch my stories," she'd say, or "Run out and play during my stories." She'd grab a cup of coffee and a snack and sit in the big chair, losing herself to the scenes unfolding in a way that made her part of the characters' world. She loved the edgy.

We are lead to believe that Glyn found a certain amount of sensuality having the feel of fur on her skin. We are in a time where toys and kink are becoming more and more commonplace, and the usage of them is no longer a hidden secret. There are even fetish parties that play out just like a Tupperware party used to be demonstrated with a group of ladies in someone's home. We most certainly believe that traditional love making holds a profound import not just because of the grandness of all sensations but those sensations begin in the largest sex organ the brain. But there is much to be said that spicing up the act can be good. Perception of what is exciting varies from person to person and catching segments of that perception is what stirs readers, encouraging them to devour the scenes.

We as a society get our paraphilias, our sexual arousal, from a variety of sources. Glyn in the 20s was not vanilla but she is very much so in this day and age. We live in a world of adventurous lovers.

Our role if we use such fetishes is to give them value within the relating, because at the end of the day when you tally up the score, it is not the color of the condom on the talliwacker, or whether they score, but truly the honest exchange of emotions that facilitate meaningful physical expression. All the other paraphernalia and erotic action is just fun.

Our proclivity is spicy hot vanilla. That is apparent in KILLER DOLLS and stretched toward rare uniqueness in SNAKE DANCE. What would you like in love scenes found in your favorite genre?

Our release KILLER DOLLS is a wonderful romantic thriller based in bio-terrorism. SNAKE DANCE which is about to be released is a sci/fi-fantasy adventure romance placed in a unique culture. CHASING YESTERDAY is a gentle paranormal romance which provides an unfolding mystery.


We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at angeliahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ September 2009
SNAKE DANCE ~ February 2010
CHASING YESTERDAY ~ July 2010
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com

BOOKS can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Getting to know Melissa Blue



What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
         
Writing is full of challenges and rewards and fortunately the rewards are far greater than the challenges.  Personally the most challenging part of writing is getting past the waiting once the story is finished.  Here I’ve poured my heart and soul into a story, I’m itching to see it on the shelves, but first I have to wait on the whole long drawn out publication process—and it is very long and drawn out depending upon which route an author chooses for a story.
Despite the waiting and potential rejections from agents and publishers alike writing is fun and relieves stress.  My favorite moments are when a clever plot twist or phrase comes to mind and even if no one is there to share it I am pleased.  Seeing the finished product of a book is definitely a huge reward, and one of my favorite parts of the whole publication process is being presented with the cover art.  Is the hero on the cover of “Angel and the Unforgiven” not a total hunk?


Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it? Is it part of a series or is it a standalone title?

When murder suspect Cadence Jamison disguises herself as a boy and stows aboard the Heavenly Mistress Captain Curtis Langston may find his two past occasions for rescuing her more than he bargained for. 
Bitter  and Cynical after service in the Confederate Army, Curtis believes himself no more deserving of another’s love than capable of returning it.  Content to drift through life free of emotional and therefore romantic complications the once carefree and mischievous rogue may be forever gone.  But when Cadence appears in his life Curtis finds himself smiling again, smiling and dreaming and feeling more like himself than he has in five years.  Drawn with almost unnatural force to the sweet and innocent goodness Cadence offers, Curtis blunders again and again to resist the pull of what a life with her couldbe.  
Can Cadence show this wounded soul how to love again?  Or is he doomed to be forever unforgiven, haunted by the ghosts of his past?

Angel and the Unforgiven is a standalone sequel to my debut novel Without Regret My Love.  The story was inspired by a secondary character in the first novel in addition to my fascination with Civil War history and the fact that so many books are set within the Civil War, but not immediately after.  Angel and the Unforgiven is exciting and fast paced, full of mystery, and shows some of the dynamics of the American south immediately after the Civil War. 

What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?

Oh, that’s easy… Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and I know this makes four, but Breaking Dawn as well.  Stephanie Meyer is an incredible story teller and I am hooked on her books.  My favorite paranormal movies include the most recent Wolfman, Eclipse, and Daybreakers.

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

That’s a good question… I think that authors always put a little of themselves in the characters they write about because it’s what we know, but if I had to pick one I’d say Marissa McClaffery the heroine of Without Regret My Love.  Marissa is a stubborn nurse who drives a chevy and loves a man in uniform J 

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

Sex on a horse.   

How do you keep track of your world building?

I’m not much of an outliner which never failed to drive my English teachers insane, but to keep track of my world and the thread of the story I frequently go back to the beginning and read.  This helps me learn more about my characters, change the story as it evolves, and remember some of the smaller details that I don’t want to drop.

What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader to the environment?

A definite advantage of electronic readers are fewer mass market books being mulched up!  Although personally I do prefer print book.  I have a Nook and am very happy with it, but a paperback or hardcover novel is much more personal to me.  I also don’t dare take my ereader to the bathtub! 

What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?

That is another great question and I honestly don’t know.  For the most part I believe the bottom line will stem from how well known an author is.  For example, I am a HUGE fan of Julia Quinn.  I will buy her books in whichever format is most convenient at the time.  A few months ago I purchased a short story of hers as an ebook rather than in paperback simply because the ebook was most easily accessible.  Then a couple of months ago I purchased her new release in paperback.  As a reader I am not so much shopping for ebooks vs paperback but for the authors and genre that I know.   

What other jobs have you had besides being an author?

My everyday and favorite job is as a mom, and my bill paying job is as a Registered Nurse.   Montana healthcare is very rural so I am fortunate to work on a unit with multiple specialties from pediatrics to orthopedics to general surgery to oncology.  ‘Jack of all trades master of none’ as they say.

Which authors works do you enjoy reading and do you have any other authors that you bounce ideas of?

Phyllis Campbell, Marie Higgins, and Stacey Coverstone are authors that I enjoy and bounce ideas off of.  Authors that I just plain love to read are Julia Quinn, Cathy Maxwell, Tessa Dare, Kathrine Hawkins, Clive Cussler, Micheal Crichton, James Patterson, and the list goes on… and on… and on some more.  

Where do you see the paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it?

Urban fantasy and paranormal genres will never go away because people love to escape to a world completely different than their own.  I don’t write in the paranormal genre, but I do love to read them and despite what many in the writing industry are saying… vampires are not old!

What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day of work/writing?

My favorite way to relax after a hard day’s work is to write and my favorite way to relax after a hard day of writing is to read a book J

If we asked your muse to describe you in five words, what do you think they may say about you?

Too hard on herself.  Impatient.

Where can readers find you on the net?
Visit my website and drop me a line!!!  I’d love to hear from you.

When murder suspect Cadence Jamison disguises herself as a boy and stows aboard the Heavenly Mistress Captain Curtis Langston may find his two past occasions for rescuing her more than he bargained for. 
Bitter  and Cynical after service in the Confederate Army, Curtis believes himself no more deserving of another’s love than capable of returning it.  Content to drift through life free of emotional and therefore romantic complications the once carefree and mischievous rogue may be forever gone.  But when Cadence appears in his life Curtis finds himself smiling again, smiling and dreaming and feeling more like himself than he has in five years.  Drawn with almost unnatural force to the sweet and innocent goodness Cadence offers, Curtis blunders again and again to resist the pull of what a life with her couldbe.  
Can Cadence show this wounded soul how to love again?  Or is he doomed to be forever unforgiven, haunted by the ghosts of his past?



Monday, August 16, 2010

Bookcovers and Suffering for your Art by Christine London

Bookcovers and Suffering For Your Art


They say those truly dedicated creative souls sometimes bleed for their art. Well my tale today includes not only blood, but also a bit of sweat and tears as well.


Hello Dawn and friends. My Name is Christine London and I write romance with a twist…a decidedly British twist. It was late 2006 when my first contracted work, Sunninghill Snow was in edits and in need of book cover art. My wonderful publisher had sent me a questionnaire asking about my vision for the cover. Knowing exactly what I wanted in my mind, I filled in the query with ease.
   My web mistress, Alex Kent, just happens to be a very talented digital artist as well as being married to a professional photographer. Long story short, we collaborated to create a mock up of the cover for Sunninghill Snow to send to my publisher as a map of sorts. Being a complete newbie, I really didn’t know the protocol and thought this visual would be nothing but a service to their artists.
   Well the initial photos came out pretty well. In the meantime I noticed that some other authors in my publisher’s stable used other book cover artists and indeed read that it was an accepted practice. One of the great benefits of working with a small press is their desire that the author is as happy as possible with the final outcome of her cover. I also did not realize the difficulty on their part in finding stock photography to portray exactly what an author wants for her cover. No wonder my team was able to get it “just right”!
   Said use of stock photography arrived in my mailbox much to my chagrin. I had not expected that my pub would be working on the cover as I had told them I was putting something together for them to look at. Crossed wires I expect. Anyways…my digital artist, her hubby and I did one last shoot and bingo---great, neah fantastic results. We sent the cover off to my publisher and the rest as they say is history. They loved our efforts!
   Now here’s the blood part. Whilst posing me with knife propped in hand, my web mistress accidentally ran her fingers along the (very sharp) blade. Gush! We were mortified, jumping about to find medical intervention. Drip, drip on the floor, beads of sweat rising to foreheads as the sight of blood sent us all into a tizzy. It still brings a tear thinking how the injury could have been so much the worse. Alex has a bit of numbness in those fingertips, but the wounds did not require stitches; well healed.
   At the end of the day we have a great cover that brings much attention and sense of mystery from the viewer. “Why does she have a knife? Why he a key? Why is she in her underwear? Hmmm…must have to read more. Lol. Gottcha!!

Book Blast and Giveaway: Fox Hounds by Lia Connor

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