Shana Galen: Definitely A Diamond Of The First Water!

If your week has got you down, you've clicked over to the 'write' spot!!

The delightful SHANA GALEN is hanging out with us today!!

Besides being an incredibly talented writer and totally doted upon by the Cover Gods, Shana is a truly wonderful person. I just love her books and have enjoyed following her career. If you've yet to traipse the life fantastic with one of Shana's books, it's your lucky day . . . WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND released this week and is sure to be gracing Keeper Shelves the world over!


 

THE FIRST FIVE

By: Shana Galen

 



First of all, I want to thank Sarah for inviting me to blog. We’ve been buddies on Facebook and Twitter for a while, and I finally got to meet her IRL at a book signing in Anaheim during the Romance writers of America conference. I’m really excited to be here today, chatting about my new book When You Give a Duke a Diamond.

 Everyone who comments has a chance to win a copy of the book, but since only one of you can win it, and I’m hoping a few more of you will be tempted to buy it, I thought I might whet your appetite a bit by giving you a quote from each of the first five chapters.

 Chapter One

“You know my rule,” Pelham told him.

 “Ah, yes, Pelham’s Cardinal Rule. Never fall in love. It’s complete rubbish.”

 Chapter Two

She shouldn’t have come back; only a fool would return. But she didn’t know how else to stop the shaking. She didn’t know how else to staunch the gnawing hunger inside her. Neither food nor drink could satisfy it.

Only the game.

 Chapter Three

 “Why don’t I call you Juliette? It seems fitting, as we are going to be good friends, Juliette.”

Her throat tightened. She had to get out of here. “And what should I call you?” she asked coolly.

“Lucifer, of course.”

Chapter Four

It took Pelham no more than a second to appraise two of The Three Diamonds, but when his gaze landed on the Diamond in the center, he found he could not dismiss her quite so easily. His heart actually thumped harder when it appeared her gaze met with his. But her ice-blue eyes slid away, and he realized he must have been imagining the connection.

 Chapter Five

 “I would rather be a well-paid whore, sir, than an insufferable ass.”

 He jerked to a halt and spun around. His fists were clenched and his face red with what looked like fury.

 "One is a choice and can be changed,” she continued, raising her voice so it would carry. “Whereas the other is a permanent trait of the personality. Not that you have much of one.”

 

Did any of the quotes from the first five chapters intrigue you? Which ones and why?

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of numerous fast-paced, adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.

Now she writes full time. She’s happily married to an incredibly supportive man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan, and she has a beautiful little girl she calls Little Galen.

I'd like to thank Shana for visiting with us today!! Here's wishing her tons of success with WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND!! If you'd like to know more about Shana Galen, please visit her website: www.shanagalen.com 


I went to Nationals equipped with a "must-see" list and Shana was at the tip-top! Meeting her was awesome! Total fan-girl moment for sure. I was lucky to remember my darn name, let alone how to talk coherently! I've got a spot picked out for this one on my wall. Love it!

 

 

THANK YOU, TLN'ers for swinging by and joining the party! Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of WYGADAD. I'll announce the winner tomorrow! Good Luck and Happy Reading!~Sarah

Confessions of Conference Virgin



(Definitely not me. She doesn't have a ponytail or yoga pants.)

Tick, tock, the clock don't stop!!

RWA 2012 begins in less than THREE weeks! I can't believe how quickly last month flew by. (Most likely, that's due to having three bored kids home all day, but hey, that's just my hypothesis.) To say I'm feeling over-whelmed with everything would be a blatant understatement.

I've been a stay-at-home mama now for almost seven years. Yoga pants, ponytails, and flip flops are how I roll. The last time I could actually do my hair, the Jennifer Aniston shag cut was en Vogue. My wardrobe consists mainly of cast-offs from my maternity days. (Don't judge. Elastic waist bands are all the rage . . . with the slightly-plump-haven't-lost-the-baby-weight set.)

Shoes. *sigh* Don't even get me started. I want something snazzy, but know I need something practical, and in this case, my usual Target special cheapo flops aren't going to cut it. And high heels? Ha! Ha! I'd spend more time on the floor than I would anything else. (I'm not a great tanner, so there would be a whole lot of white meat on display, my friends!)

As for the business side of things, I've still got to hone my pitch to perfection. (NO easy task, let me tell you!) I've got the ground work, now I just have to work on presentation. My RWA Chapter, YOSEMITE ROMANCE WRITERS, held a "Practice Pitch Session" for members at last month's meeting. There was an editor, two fabulous authors, and a couple PRO's listening to pitches and offering advice.

Here are a couple of suggestions for areas I needed to work on:

1. RELAX!!
2. And Relax! (did I mention relax already? lol)
3. Take a deep breath and just converse. (My pitch sounded memorized. Oops! (shh, it was.)
4. Come prepared to answer ANY question. (Wouldn't you know the one question I floundered was the one I thought I had under control.) For all the nosy rosies: I totally botched the "What is your book's Black Moment?" Ha! I'm sure I had a "Oh, holy crap!"  look on my face when asked that Q. Yep. My 'off the cuff' talk is a little rusty--to say the least.

The raves were:

1. Loved my High Concept line
2. My writing voice shined
3. Excellent poise and eye contact (Thank you FFA!)
4. The pitch sparked their interest. (YAY!)

So! There is my report card thus far. My To-Do list this week entails:

1. Book a hair appoint. (I haven't had my hair cut since *groan* November, hence my love of ponytails.)
2. Order my business cards.
3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE my pitch!
4. Continue writing! With a little luck and a whole lot of grit, I should be writing "THE END" soon.

For those of you going to RWA 2012: What do YOU need to get done before leaving? For those housebound this go-round, what's your favorite part of gearing up to go to a conference?

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!
~Sarah~

RWA 2012 Prep: It's Almost Here!!

Well, this isn't the RWA 2012 Anaheim Marriot, it's the Marriot I stayed at in O'ahu. I wish I was back there--right now.

Heya Writerly Peeps!!

Is anyone else excited about RWA 2012?!! Good gracious! I can barely contain myself!

This will be my first time attending. YAY! For so long, I've been Cinderella--always viewing the fun via FB and Twitter. After years of being pea green, I finally get to go! *Can I get an Amen?!*

I've gotten tons of fabulous tips on packing. (I'm horrible at it! I always over pack.) Should you fall in the same category of packing-challenged, here is the link to debut author Erin Knightley's website. She has a fabulous video on packing for conferences on her "Extras" page. Love it! Her site is gorgeous and full of fun stuff.

I don't know how she managed all those outfit parings. Sheesh! As of right now, my suitcase would have yoga pants as the staple clothing item. *no fashion sense. zero. zip. zilch!* Heels? Only if I can find a stylish helmet . . . 

Got a room-mate, am hitching a ride, my fashionista sis-n-law is taking me clothes shopping, and I sweetly asked both moms to watch the gremlins during the day until Hero-Hubby gets home . . . and now, all I have to do is WAIT!! Sheesh. It really is the hardest part!

I've got my agent/editor appointments set up. I'm refusing to acknowledge the gut-clenching anxiety I'm experiencing over pitching for the first time. Ha! Little do my family and friends know, but they will be my victims for 'pitch practice! *insert evil laugh*

In the meantime, I've been typing away like crazy! We're talking up with the chickens and hanging out with the owls. All I can say is: thank goodness for expresso. *and cat naps!* I'm a little less zombie-ish after a few sips.

So, what's YOUR conference prep-routine? Any tips for this newbie?

A Novice To Watch: Meet Kaily Hart!!!

Welcome to another installment of A NOVICE TO WATCH!!

Today's novice writer is the super sexy and witty KAILY HART!

A click on over to Kaily Hart, Writer, is a sure-to-please adventure. Kaily injects a delicious dollop of her zany and sassy voice into every post. Whether the topic is about life or writing, visitors will leave well satisfied!

Ain't no use dawdlin', let's get to the good stuff . . .


1) If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

Kaily Hart, a seemingly straight-laced mother of four left corporate America and a high-powered, lucrative career to be a stay at home mom. Ha! That lasted about four weeks, during which time she realized she had a deeply repressed dream - to write. Romance! By day, Kaily plays conservative wife and soccer mom, but at night crafts hot and steamy tales of romance and love with gorgeous heroes who wouldn’t dream of leaving the toilet set up. Ever. She’s smart and sassy, at least in her own mind, and is trying her best to bring the alpha male solidly back to contemporary romance. Two years ago she never would have thought she’d be doing this, but now that she is? It just feels so right.

BTW, this is the hardest blurb I’ve ever had to write!

(Well, you ROCKED it!!)

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

You know, I’ve actually thought about this a lot. Probably way too much. When I was trying to come up with a tag on my blog, I wrote about 3 pages of notes, trying to describe my writing, stories and voice. I haven’t actually found a tag line yet that fits 100% and I keep changing it thinking eventually something will click. What did I come up with? Well, if I have to narrow it down to 3, it’d be - Edgy, hot, and snappy. Yeah, it’s not exactly earth shatteringly amazing, but I think it narrows it down well.

3) What genre do you write? Which popular author would you say comes the closest to your style?

I started off writing contemporary romance as a conscious decision. I figured at the beginning, I would have enough challenges with the craft of writing and I didn’t want to complicate it with huge amounts of necessary research or complex world building. I should know about things contemporary, right? At least that was the idea. I used to read strictly contemporary but now read romance across the genre board, gravitating toward paranormal and urban fantasy lately. I’m fairly sure I’ll end up writing these types of stories as well. I have a ‘WIP’ file bulging with ideas on this. A popular author close to my style? Are you serious? I’ve just started to get used to the idea that I might actually be able to write! I think my style is very ‘spare’. It’s action based without a lot of descriptive prose, but no way could I liken my style or writing to a popular author. Sheesh. I’m much too humble yet. I might have to get back to you on that one, or better yet, if when I’m published, perhaps someone could let me know what they think?


4) Tell us a little about your WIP(s). What kind of word count do you aim for?

I used to be a one WIP at a time gal. Now I’m just a WIP slut. Oops, can I say that word here? Anyway, these days I seem to like to share myself around. You see, I discovered the allure of the novella. It’s instant gratification for the writer. I currently have 3 things I’m actively working on while I wait on 2 submissions; one a requested full at Harlequin (Blaze) and another (a novella!) after one round of revisions for an epublisher. It’s kind of fun to flip between 3 hot heroes and it sometimes gives a story a much needed break so that I can come back to it fresh. I don’t really stress about word count so much. I mean, I don’t have daily or weekly goals, but try to set a target for the month. I was amazed at Nationals last year when Jayne Ann Krentz said her goal is 3000 words a day. Wow! One day I wrote 5000, occasionally I can write 2000, others a few hundred, some days nada. Sometimes, it’s not working at all, so I’ll work on characterization, fiddle with my blog, try to get up the nerve to post on Twitter (LOL), or do some research about the business aspects of writing. As long as I’m working to the bigger goals I’ve set, I don’t beat myself up about it too much. I do (try to) write every day though.

5) How did it feel to enter the Golden Heart? Which category and MS did you enter? Did you have the MS ready to go for opening entry day or did you sweat bullets until the deadline?

I think the Golden Heart is one of those ‘rites of passage’ things for unpublished authors. If you’re on this journey to publication, you probably should enter at least once. Of course, I don’t think it necessarily guarantees publication even if you win, and I’ve heard of writers publishing works that didn’t final. Just like all contests, it’s subjective of course, and you don’t receive any feedback apart from the scores. I entered the Contemporary Series Romance category and I’ll probably continue to do so each year. I figure if I manage to final or win (gasp!), the accolade ain't gonna hurt. Right?


6) What kind of future aspirations do you have for your writing?

Future aspirations? Gosh, that sounds so formal. The goal I have for my writing is really simple. I want to be a ‘I’ll buy any book with her name on it’ author. OK, I said simple, not easy! I figure the more specific goals - such as hitting bestseller lists, or writing single title V category, or publishing with certain houses, or selling a certain number of books - will come automatically if I can reach readers to that extent. I also have some goals that go beyond writing. I’ve been shocked to discover that romance is still looked down upon in terms of ‘viable’, ‘respectable’ fiction and still doesn’t get the respect it deserves overall (despite the hard numbers and performance of books in this genre). I’ve discovered there are still many people who think readers of romance are ugly, overweight, under-sexed, socially outcast women, unhappy with their lives (someone actually said this to me!), not to mention what they think about people who WRITE them. There is definitely a stigma in the writing industry as well. Do I care what (some) people think? I shouldn’t, but it saddens me to think people (mostly women) can’t feel they can be open about what they read or write. I would love to be a part of raising awareness for this genre and somehow add validity and weight to it . Additionally, I’d like to give back and provide value to other writers, particularly those of us working toward publication. Sarah, I really love the profiles you do on your blog and when I thought about what I could do, I immediately fantasized about being able to grill published authors about everything I ever wanted to know about how they did it. So, I thought – why the heck not? Just Published is a feature that’s actually launching on my blog today!

Sarah, thank you so much for the opportunity to be a ‘novice to watch’. I check in on your blog on a regular basis and you seriously rock this stuff! Keep up the great work, my friend. I hope one day I can return the favor and feature you on Just Published. You’ve truly been an inspiration and I’ll be a herd with you any day, anywhere!

Aw, thanks, Kaily! We'll have to think of a name for our novice herd. Oh, and definitely a theme song! Wouldn't we be a pair to draw to?! *hubba, hubba* :)

I'd like to wish Kaily the best of luck with her writing career. With her talent and drive, I know it's only a matter of time before she adds Published Author to her blurb!! If you'd like to know more about Kaily Hart and her writer's journey check out her lovely blog.

Thank you, TLN'ers! Hope your week is Fantabulous! I've got just the song to get you running on all cylinders. How about a little Conway Twitty and TIGHT FITTIN' JEANS! No one can resist a good girl goin' naughty song! Catch you back for Whip-IT Up Wednesday! TTFN!!

Whip-It UP Wednesdays!

Hey, Hey, Hey!!! It's Wednesday!!

How in the heck is the week treating you?!

Mine? It's about to get a whole LOT better! Tomorrow is my date Dr. McDreamy! Wah-hoo! I'll be getting the 'deets' as to time and place sometime today and after that . . . it's all over but the waiting!

All I can say is, "Oh, chocolate and diet coke, how I have missed thee!" This mama is gonna take it slow on adding back the flavor- aka the fat!- back into her diet. It's been almost two whole months of living off a Survivor style menu, but I did say good-bye to over 20pounds!

Ha! My hubby has already planned what dish he's cooking for dinner tomorrow night! Aw! What a sweet guy! So, keep your fingers crossed for me, but don't worry, there is an author ready to get grilled in the TLN Hot Seat this Friday. lol Ain't schedulers a grand thing?!

On to In Pursuit of Love news . . .

I've been a VERY good girl this week. (for once *wink, wink*) I've been writing everyday which wasn't something I was doing very often. I realized I hadn't been making my writing as high a priority as I should have. Being a stay-at-home with two young kids there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done, but I need to remember to take time for me. lol I've got to admit, I've been a lot more relaxed!

Here's my progress report: 3368 words since Sunday! I'm not going to kick that out of bed for eating crackers! lol

The new RWR arrived in my mailbox yesterday. An article caught my eye and I thought I'd ask the Q here.

Does a book have to have a "hook" on the first page to keep you reading? If it doesn't have that witty first line, but, maybe a clever and strongly written first paragraph or page, would you keep reading?

I went to the grocery store and, of course, stopped by the book rack (shh! our secret!) and I scanned the six Regency books offered. It was very intriguing to see what constituted a "hook". For some, it was that 'snag-ya' first line for others it was more of a clever lead-in.

Amazing how even a trip to get a nightlight and a box of cereal turned into a writing lesson!

So, tell me, how do you set up your "hook"?

Monday Morning News!!

Good morning, TLN'ers!!

Did your weekend leave you eager for the new week to start? Boy, howdy, mine sure did! Busy, busy!

This weekend went by in blur and mine started on Thursday with attending a Brad Paisley concert! Smokin' hot is all I can say. Smokin' hot show! Friday brought about a meeting with Dr. McDreamy and the date is set. Chocolate, oh, how I have missed thee! In two weeks, we shall be reunited, my love! lol

My son's surgery is this week, so if I'm light on visiting your blogs bear with me. I'll catch up as soon as I can. This Friday is my day to blog at Mama Writers and I will be giving up the deets on MAMAS BOYS and how my little guy is doing. So, swing on by MW and show me some love on 2/26! (Don't worry, I'll still have an author roasting in the Hot Seat here at TLN!)

Saturday was FUNx200! I rode to the Yosemite Romance Writers meeting with my good friend Sharon Lathan. It's so inspiring chatting up the wonderful world of writing with friends, ain't it? Author JAMI ALDEN was our speaker and she was fantastic! It was like she was speaking straight to me. Her segment was on staying motivated ( I gobble those words up, believe me!) and figuring out what writing is to you. Career or hobby?

I definitely walked away with my batteries recharged! Be not afraid, I asked her for an interview. I'm on it! :)

The day wasn't over yet. Sharon asked me to join her for the Jane Austen Society's book chat. What a blast! There were over 30 people sipping tea from gorgeous china tea cups and munching on cute little sandwiches all while discussing Pride and Prejudice. A perfectly awesome way to cap off the day!

As for progress on In Pursuit of Love, I managed 1012 words!! Nothing like getting back in the saddle, eh?!

So, dish it up! What did YOU do this weekend?

Getting Spicy With Kiyara Benoiti!!!

Hi-Oh!! How you doin', Hot Stuff?

Hope you're ready to kick the heat level up a notch!!

Better flip on your fan because the Lovestruck Novice is going SPICY this week! We've got the vivacious Kiyara Benoiti lounging in the TLN Hot Seat and she's laying it all out for us today!

Let's savor the flavor of Valentine's Day and take a walk on the steamier side of romance!

So, slip into something more comfortable and get ready to be seduced . . .



1) If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

Racy, full of unexpected twists and turns, Kiyara will woo you with her romances and shock you with surprises.

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

Smooth, lyrical, spicy.

3) What's your favorite aspect of writing? Plot? Characters? Building worlds?

The actual writing of all of the above.

4) What's the best writing/career advice you've ever received?

To keep trying because you never know when your big break will come.

5) Writing with heat: Is steam level an ingredient to the story as a whole or is it more like a frosting?

It's frosting. My plots don't need the heat, but I add the heat because that's what today's romance readership wants 90% of the time.

6)Give us the 411 on Kiyara Benoiti!!

My work is either erotica or erotic romance, but it’s usually blended with paranormal or dark fiction. I have fun with urban fantasy and science fiction themes too. Again, always with romance.

In the summer of 2009, I returned to e-publishing. I was offered five contracts in the fall of 2009. Four have been published; one of those is with LoveYouDivine and three with Breathless Press. The fifth contract is with Siren-Bookstrand, with a tentative spring release date. I’m happy to announce, too, that Siren-Bookstrand offered me a second contract, and that book is scheduled for a June 2010 release.

I enjoy people and hanging out with writers, but I don’t have a lot of time to be a cyber social butterfly either. It’s tough to balance my writing with the promo required by publishers, but I try to direct readers to my site where I work hard to write interesting blogs. That way I don’t feel like I’m firing one buy-my-book promo after another at people.

If you would like a sample of my work, I have two short and free e-books on my website (http://kbhotromances.wordpress.com/). One is Her Surprise, which is contemporary erotic romance, and the other is On the Wicked Moon, which is erotic fantasy with a dark edge.

I have a few manuscripts in progress, and an outline for the second book to one of my Siren contracts, so it’s just a matter of what I decide to finish next.

Please stop by my site and comb through the blog posts that range from vampires and werewolves to m/m romance and the woes of promotions. Check out my excerpts and available titles, and visit my alter ego, Amber Redd, who writes m/m romance.

You can email me at kiyarabenoiti@googlemail.com or leave a comment on my site.

Thanks for reading!


Blurb: Bloodlust

When a tiny wisp of a woman is cursed by Loki, she wields a sword most men would struggle to use and is untamable, but then along comes the Ambassador of Dwarves...

Deyorah is cursed by Loki. She loves to spill blood. Thus, she suffers from bloodlust, and, as a result, most men fear her. Sir Avegore, Ambassador of the Dwarves, has a different perspective of her power...as well as the power of sex and love.

Excerpt:

Night descended on the eastern face of Jewel Mountain. The shadows deepened across the steep inclines, crags and boulders. With only the bloody smear of the sunset tinting the sky behind it, the mountain transformed into a stark silhouette above Deyorah.

She glanced skyward. The first glimmer of stars sparkled in the gods’ canopy. It wouldn’t be long before she could tiptoe into the Ogre village and begin slaying the filthy creatures. Deyorah waited until their cooking fires winked in the gloaming. She dropped her cloak to the ground, scooped up a handful of ogre dung she’d found near her hiding place, and smeared it over her clothes to mask her scent. She could easily kill the monsters if she took them by surprise, but if their keen noses sniffed her out, and several of them ambushed her, she’d certainly end up above a spit as one of the females ladled meade over her body.

On the ground lay a large suede sheath. It took three yanks, but Deyorah finally unsheathed a broadsword that a full-grown man would have difficulty wielding, let alone a young woman who stood only ten hands high. She paused and contemplated the big weapon as she dragged it through the dirt. Its tip glinted dully in the fading light. It was unfortunate that she came from a long line of small, delicate women, but Loki’s twisted sense of humor would forever be her true curse.

She had to kill, had to quench the bloodlust that Loki had infused in her body through the sword. She had to....

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she slung the sheath’s strap across one shoulder. With stealth, she crept up the rough path that led to the village, tugging the broadsword along behind her. The Ogres’ love for potent drink would once again be their downfall; the beasts were easy to slay when they guzzled meade. The ugly creatures caroused by their fires, their guttural laughter filling the night.

Deyorah paused by a boulder and peered several yards up the mountain face at the cluster of mud-and-thatch huts. A female squealed, spun on her big, blocky feet, and slugged a male who kept pawing at her generous behind. He snarled something and reached for her again. The female punched him in the face. He tumbled over backwards and lay still. The others roared with laughter.

“Are you insane?” a voice whispered.

Deyorah pressed herself flat against the rock, her gaze zipping from one dark silhouette to another.

A burly form separated itself from the deeper shadows. “You can’t sneak into an Ogre village alone. They will kill and skin you before your blood cools.”

“Who goes there?” she whispered. Her heart knocked crazily against her ribs, and a chill swept over her feces-smeared skin. Although she was favored by Loki and an accomplished killer as a result, she wasn’t stupid enough to take chances. An unexpected voice in the night could be anything from a god to something from the depths of Hell.

The moon crested the mountaintop. A dwarf stood in the orb’s soft illumination—a big dwarf.

“Who are you?” Deyorah asked.

“Sir Avegore, Ambassador of the Dwarves at your service.” He bowed, his light-colored braids and beard swaying with the action. “I am on my way back home from a Communion of Races held in the Southern Region.”

She quirked an eyebrow. “Really? An ambassador? You look more like a warrior. Perhaps a Captain of the Guard?”

“Regardless of my unusual size, I am truly an ambassador.” He nodded toward the village. “This is a new Ogre settlement. It wasn’t here a fortnight ago when I passed through on my way to the Communion of Races. Ogres seldom make homes this close to the base of a mountain.”

“I am called Deyorah,” she jerked her head toward the raucous sound of merrymaking, “and the Ogres are why I’m here.” She slipped the sheath over her head and placed it on the ground. It took her a moment to wrestle her weapon into its home. Once Deyorah had the strap stretched over her shoulder again, she slowly straightened and balanced the weight of the weapon across her torso. “The village is too close to my home. It won’t be long before those things begin to prey upon us.”


Wowza! Who doesn't love a heroine with a wicked side?! I'd like to thank Kiyara for giving us such a tasty teaser! To learn more about Kiyara Benoiti, click on over to her website.

THANK YOU, TLN'ers, for being so darn awesome! You've helped make the Lovestruck Novice a fun place to hang out! Now, go get a little naughty this weekend! Here's The Divinyls rockin' I TOUCH MYSELF! Oh-la-la! See ya next week!

A Moment In Time: Savor Yours!

A novice's advice for relishing the here and now . . .

Novice writers spend a lot of time wishing and hoping on the horizons of tomorrow rather than taking in the sights of today. It's intoxicating to dream of publishers, agents, contracts, and book signings. These visions of grandeur fill in the crevices of the work day like a gooey chocolate frosting on a flaky pastry. Sweet dreams are made of these, huh?!

Daydreaming has always been a favorite past time of mine, ask any one of my teachers. They'd probably say I've got a PhD in whiling away the day. Yet, there is something to be said for staying grounded in the present.

When I was a teenager, I yearned to be older. I can remember waiting and waiting for those milestone birthdays to arrive. As soon as I turned fourteen, I couldn't wait to turn sixteen. It was a vicious circle of never being satisfied. Ha! Now, I've no curfew to beat, I wear what I want, I can knock back a beer without fear of "The Fuzz" carding me, and I've been married almost 9yrs and have two kids!

In hindsight, I should have listened to all the older folks in my life when they told me to not wish my youth away. If I would have known that adult life wasn't nearly as exciting as childhood, I think I would have been a little more reluctant to say adios to the good ole days!

As much as I adore the thought writing "The End", polishing my MS, and casting a line out into the sea of publishing, I really want to make sure I savor the flavor of the learning curve. I don't want miss a thing. I have a goal to finish In Pursuit of Love this year and I think it will be a bittersweet moment. Bradford and Melanie's story will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first MS. Ha! And don't we all remember our firsts! LOL

Moral of the story? Take time to appreciate every single writing milestone. Whether you're pounding away at the keys to finish your first MS, crying over a rejection, or promoting you're booty off for book number seven . . . enjoy it! Relish your achievements! Time is fleeting and fickle. All we have is the here and now.

For all you authors out there, do you remember what it felt like the first time you wrote those tow glorious words? Did you celebrate? Does it feel the same when writing "The End" for the fifth time or maybe even the twentieth?

____________________________________________________
This is part of the Classic Romance Revival Valentine's Day Blog Carnival. Winners for the grand prize -- a 5-ARC package from Classic Romance Revival authors -- will be drawn from visitors commenting on the most blogs. To qualify for the grand prize, you need to register for the contest. Please visit the Classic Romance Revival blog to find details of all the blogs and to register:
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1671

Get To Know Erin Quinn!!!

Ceud mìle fàilte! A hundred thousand welcomes to you, TLN'ers!

Over the last few months we've had hunky Highlanders, dashing dukes, sexy space captains, sizzling shape-shifters, and kick a** cowboys pull at our heart strings and seduced us into readng more. Well, I hope you're hungry, because today I'm adding another hero to the hottie buffet!

Please join me in saying Dia Dhuit to Erin Quinn and her Irish Warriors!

If you've yearned for tales of the Emerald Isle, then get ready to have your fancy tickled. HAUNTING WARRIOR is Erin's latest release and on the shelves in May!

Pull out your secret candy stash, top off your cup, and get ready to fall in love!


1)If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

Girl next door moves to the big city, meets the man she is destined for. Spends the next 20 years living happily ever after (when she’s not trying to knock some sense into said man), raising two beautiful children, and working a day job while, against all odds, she pursues her dream to become a famous author, never quitting . . . .even when it seems her dreams will forever remain just outside her reach.

2)Using three words, describe your voice.

Compelling, evocative and unique

3)Newbie to Published Author: How has your writing changed?

Hmmm, great question grasshopper. I think my writing changes with every book. I still have a habit of writing very complex plots—although I’m here to tell you that I don’t know exactly how that happens. It’s not what I start out to do, but now I’m on book five and I’ve come to understand it just is what it is. Every book is a learning experience and writing a compelling romance is a challenge each and every time. People who say there’s nothing to it are either incredibly gifted or not very bright, IMHO. I think creating a believable, compelling relationship is almost as difficult on paper as it is in real life. I’ve gotten better at seeing where my story is weak (at least I hope I have) and better at seeing where it’s strong so I can fix/build on those points. And the more I write, the easier it is to find the RIGHT words to fit my descriptions. I have a better understanding of how to build a scene and I’m finding tools (or methods) that help me construct a novel. I believe I write with more confidence now and that shows in my stories. I’m not afraid to write what I want anymore and for a long time I was. By that I mean, there were points in my career where I was so worried about being marketable that I forgot why I was writing in the first place. I’m able to distance myself from the voice of doubt much better and therefore allow my creativity to come out. I don’t think I answered your question, though. I guess I don’t really know exactly how my writing has changed, only that it has, lol.

4)What's been the best writing/career advice you've ever received?

I have a few bits of advice that really made an impact on me and help me when I’m struggling. Author and writing instructor Bob Mayer says don’t write what you know. Write what you want to know. That was excellent advice because I don’t want to write about the day-to-day drudgery I know. My unique perspective on the world will, of course, be in everything I write, but learning something new and translating that into a story is what really excites me. Another writing instructor (I believe it was Leonard Bishop, but I can’t remember now), said that writing a book is like buying a fixer upper house. If you look at it all at once, you’d be overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done. But if you look at it in bits—a door that needs to be rehung, a wall that needs paint, a floorboard to fix—then you can wrap your head around it and make progress. When I get really stuck I ask myself, am I painting walls I haven’t plastered yet? Moving furniture before the carpet is laid? It helps me keep perspective on the whole thing. On the business end, Jennifer Ashley (who just hit the NYT bestseller list with Pride Mates—woo hoo Jennifer!) told me once that the only thing that sells more books is more books. New authors get wrapped up in the overwhelming task of marketing and it can be like quicksand, sucking you under. The truth is, there is no tried and true marketing tool to sell books . . . .except more books. Having a list that is long enough to keep a reader busy is part and parcel to having a career.

5)Any words of wisdom for the aspiring authors out there?

It’s nothing new, but it is absolutely true. Never quit. If you want to be a writer more than anything and you never let go of that, never stop writing, then you will become your dream. This business is not for the faint of heart. Even after you publish, you’ll still hear no and probably a lot more than you ever imagined. If you only want to be a writer a little bit, my advice, walk away and just indulge yourself in other people’s books. You have to want it bad enough to wipe off the tears and keep going with even more determination than you started with if you’re going to succeed. My career has been a long uphill-both-ways journey. I wanted to quit many, many times. But I could never bring myself to do it. This business has very little security, few perks, and lousy pay unless you make it big. Or, in the tone of positive thinking, until you make it big. If you’re in it for the money, get out. I still have my day job and most of the writers I know still have theirs. Every time I see my name on the cover of a book, every time I get a note from a reader, it’s all so very worth it.

6)Give us a little sneak-peek into your writing process. How do you structure your characters? Charts or spreadsheets? Or do you just wing it?

I used to just wing it, but once I started writing under deadline, that option had to be crossed off the list. I’m not a plotter so all the wonderful plotting methods and tools just plain don’t work for me. My brain doesn’t work that way and it puts me in gridlock. I found that I’d write up the charts and studies and then never look at them again or I get from point A to point B and jump off somewhere new and then the outline becomes irrelevant. What I do rely on is the hero’s journey. It helps ground me on the arc of the story. I may not know what will take place 1/3 of the book through, but I do know how it will impact my characters and what circumstance they will facing. I know if I’m in the initiation stage, the trials and tribulations, or the return. As for my people—getting to know them as I go is what makes it fun for me. I start with a general sketch in my head, but that is subject to change and will undoubtedly change a lot before I’m finished.

7)What inspired you to use Ireland as the backdrop for your books?

Well, my name means Ireland and so I’ve always felt a connection. I come from a long line of mutts—meaning we are such a mixture, who knows what we are—but we have always claimed the Irish as our predominate heritage and I love everything about the people and the culture. The oral tradition of storytelling was very much part of my childhood and though I’m the first writer in the family (that I know of) I am far from the first storyteller.

8) What can Erin Quinn fans look forward to in 2010?

I am so excited about the release of HAUNTING WARRIOR which happens in May of this year. WARRIOR takes the story begun by Danni in HAUNTING BEAUTY and turns it on its ear, filling in some questions left in BEAUTY and bringing into play more of the history of the Book of Fennore. Following WARRIOR later this year or early next will be HAUNITNG DESIRE and then the wrap up book, as yet untitled.


Here’s the cover blurb for HAUNTING WARRIOR:

A past he couldn’t forget.

Rory McGrath's life changed the night his father mysteriously vanished after uncovering the secrets of the ancient Book of Fennore. The trauma turned Rory from an innocent boy into a troubled, cynical man. Leaving Ireland, he shunned his family, his heritage—and the very magic that has defined his people for centuries.

A dream he couldn’t ignore.

Then the dreams begin…dreams of an ethereal beauty whose touch is more real that any he’s known. And in these dreams, she has a message—a calling for Rory to return home to a destiny that will take him beyond the realm of anything he imagined.

A woman he couldn’t resist.

Lured to the castle ruins where his father disappeared, Rory is plunged back in time, and into the body of another man—a man betrothed to the very woman of Rory’s dreams. In possession of the secrets of his past, his family, and his identity, her hold on Rory is inescapable. For she is his doom. His salvation. And his destiny.


Read the first chapter here: http://www.erinquinn.info/Haunting_Warrior_excerpt.htm

I’ll be very honest with you—When I finished HAUNTING BEAUTY, I didn’t think I’d ever get over Sean Ballagh. He was the perfect man, custom made. I was so in love with him. But Rory MacGrath . . . sigh. Rory is a man who is just trying to find his place in the world. He carries the responsibility of his father’s disappearance on his shoulders and he’s never felt he’s worth a damn. His journey to discovering his inner hero took courage and integrity and I fell head over heels in love with him (sorry, Sean . . . you were meant for Danni anyway :) ) It took a special woman to challenge and encourage Rory and he found that in Saraid. She is a woman who’s had everything she loves endangered or destroyed and she must rely Rory—a man who wears the face of the one who has wreaked disaster on her life—to lead her and her people to safety. She takes a leap of faith and learns that behind the face of her enemy is the heart of her destiny.

I really hope my readers love WARRIOR as much as I loved writing it. Early reviews have called it my best book to date and as a writer, all you can ever hope for is that each book you write is better than the last.


Ready to add another hero to your menu? Here's hoping Cupid gets the memo! I'd like to thank Erin for being here today! For more information on the lovely Erin Quinn, please click on over to her GORGEOUS website: http://www.erinquinn.info/
(FYI- Erin runs monthly contests on her website and will be having a grand prize contest posted soon to celebrate HAUNTING WARRIOR's release!)

THANK YOU, TLN'ers! I'm sending you best wishes for a romance filled weekend! Whether it's chocolates, diamonds, or just a hug, let your special someone know you love them! How about a little Sam Cooke crooning CUPID to getcha in the mood! Tabhair aire --Stay safe, take care-- and we'll meet ya back here next week!

A NOVICE TO WATCH: Meet Anne Barton!!!

Welcome to the second edition of my new series, "A Novice To Watch"!!

I'd been toying with this idea for awhile and finally made the plunge when I met Anne this last fall. Well, I didn't actually "meet" her. I cyber-hunted her (ok, hubby-man would say I stalked her- but ignore him- I do. lol)

Why would I google Anne? What did the poor woman do to deserve my snooping?

Um, her entry, HOW TO REFORM A RAKE, took FIRST PLACE in the Historical category of the 2009 Southern Heat Contest. I pulled up her website and was dazzled! Literally dazzled! AND I knew you would be, too!

So, without further narrative, let me introduce you to the very talented ANNE BARTON- aka the lady whose entry gave mine the smack down! *wink wink*


1) If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

Anne lives a charmed life. Her days are filled with spelling bees, multiplication tables, and book reports . . . while her evenings are filled with lavish balls, house parties, and carriage rides. Oh, and devastatingly handsome heroes. Of course, real life occasionally intrudes--in the form of malfunctioning kitchen appliances, unruly children (some of whom are actually her own), and, all too often, a rather shocking number on the bathroom scale.

2) Using three words, describe your voice.

Witty, fresh, provocative.

3) How long have you been chasing the dream of publication? What have you found to be the biggest road blocks?

I started writing my first romance novel in 2006 and finished it a few months later. I'd always imagined writing a book would be really hard, and it was. But I had no idea that it would be so much fun. I was hooked. When my next story finaled in the Golden Heart, I attended my first RWA National Conference in San Francisco. I was star struck at the huge literacy signing, and when I saw one of my favorite authors in line at the hotel's Starbucks, I hyperventilated. To be honest, the size of the conference was overwhelming. As you know, though, romance writers are some of the most generous, talented, and kind people you could ever meet. I made wonderful writing friends, and they've helped make the journey even more fun.

Fortunately, I haven't faced too many road blocks. I try to focus on what's under my control. If self-doubt starts to creep in or I get impatient, I know I need to get back to the joy of writing.

4) You have finaled and collected tons of accolades from contests. Is there a strategy to how you enter? Do you have any advice for contest newbies on how to make the most of a contest- good or bad?

I cut my writing teeth on contests, and judges taught me the basics of dialogue, point of view, and pacing. They pointed me in the right direction (i.e., books on craft, critique partners, etc.). Now, I like to enter a couple of contests when I have a new project to see how the story will be received. Some of my stories have done well and others so-so. It's hard to say what makes a certain story click with readers, and I sure wish I knew the secret.

I don't have any earth-shattering strategies for submitting to contests. I try to show a likeable heroine in a tough spot, introduce a hot hero whose goal is at odds with hers, and end with a big hook. In 25 pages or less.

My advice to someone thinking about entering their first contest . . . go for it! Contests are a lot of fun, and a great way to get feedback. Just don't forget to keep writing, finish that story, and then start another.

5) With winning comes getting your entry in front of some of the industry's top editors and agents. From their comments and advice, what did you find the most helpful?

That's a tough one. The comments I've received from final round judges have been encouraging but pretty general. Requests are nice, though! They give me hope that the editor or agent not only likes the story, but might believe it’s also commercially viable.

6) Give us an idea of your writing schedule? Are you structured? Or are you a pantser? Do you use any charts or worksheets/books?

I write in the evenings and on weekends--any time I can work it in. I belong to a weekly online goals group that really helps keep me on track. If I'm writing new material, I average 20 to 25 pages a week. If I'm revising, I shoot for three chapters a week. I start a story with a good idea of my characters and their goals, motivations, and conflicts. I usually write a rough synopsis that includes the three major turning points of the story . . . and that's it. The rest, I fill in as I go.

I like to try different strategies or tools, depending on the need. Sometimes I use a plotting board filled with colorful sticky notes (usually after I finish a draft) to check for any sagging parts of the story. I also use the framework of The Hero's 2 Journeys, by Michael Hauge and Christopher Vogler, as a way to make sure my characters are growing and behaving, well, heroically.

7) Let's talk game plan. What are your goals for 2010?

This is what I posted for my goals group. It’s probably way more detail than you wanted, but, hopefully, sharing it with you will keep me honest.

1st Quarter:
--Revise WIP from beginning to end.
--Begin outlining my next story, the first in a Regency trilogy.
--Act as category coordinator for my chapter's contest.

2nd Quarter:
--Work with my agent to prepare project for submission.
--Draft the first 3 chapters and synopsis of a new book.
--Redesign my website.

3rd & 4th Quarters:
--Complete a draft of the new book.

Ongoing:
--Work with and support my critique partners.
--Enter and judge at least 2 RWA contests.
--Attend at least 4 chapter meetings/workshops.
--Read at least 4 books on craft.
--Attend one conference.


Congrats on all your success, Anne! Thanks for letting me grill you. I'm looking forward to following your journey!

It was fun! Thanks for having me, Sarah, and I look forward to hearing great news about your journey as well. Happy (early) Valentine’s Day to you!

Right back at ya, Anne! I'm sure we'll be "seeing each other" soon since the contest season is getting ready to kick off! lol Best wishes and thanks for being an inspiration!

Ok, TLN'ers! You just met a rising star! Keep Anne Barton on your radar! I know we'll be seeing her name on book shelves soon! Feel free to scope out her beautiful website, just be prepared to be seriously amazed! www.AnneBarton.com

Thanks for hanging out with us today! To cheer those the snow left housebound, how about a beach song? (don't worry, there's hunkie-dunkie included!) Here's Kenney Chesney- NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO PROBLEM!

Whip-It UP Wednesdays!

A new month is dawning and January is nothing but a bad memory. How have you kept up with your goals? Are you staying motivated?

I've done pretty good. I dropped a few pounds last month . . . thanks to a doctor ordered low fat diet. Bland chicken and veggies is on my menu, thanks in part to a disgruntled gallbladder. I've got two weeks of cooling my heels and eating like an obsessed Hollywood Starlet until I find out if I have a date with Dr. McDreamy and a knife. So, cry for me Argentina because this chocoholic has had the jake-brakes slapped on her habit. All I can say to that traitorous organ of mine is Et tu, Brute?

As for my WIP, it's been smooth sailing. I've finished a chapter and have chugged on toward another turning point. I've found the bread crumb trail and am making headway through the forest of confusion in my mind.

Praise be and pass me a carrot stick!

I'm hoping to finish up the another chapter this week. I think setting small attainable goals has been my dark horse in this side show called life. For once, I haven't been second guessing my voice. Ha! I guess I've reached my own turning point. lol

This weekend, I watched THE DUCHESS with Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes. What a treat! Ms. Knightly did a fantastic job playing Georgiana Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire. The costumes were absolutely gorgeous and the sets were actual locations in England. In the 'special features' section, I watched the behind the scenes snippets and was fascinated by how much information the author had on the grand dame. The real life caricatures of the duchess were awesome . . . but brought to mind a question.

While the ever-talented Ms. Knightly knocked it out of the park in her usual fashion, she didn't quite fit the buxom mold the real duchess seem to fit. Curves. The paintings and drawings of Georgiana all showed a VERY buxom woman. Obviously this is no slight to the actress as she was quite stellar in her role, but why didn't the powers that be fit an actress with more plump in her trunk?

So, with that in mind . . . what about you? Do you tend to fit your heroines within the standard norm of body types? Trim and lean with nary a roll in sight? I find it interesting that most romance novels cast the heroine in the "curvy, but trim" category. Ever after child-birth, the leading ladies of romance just keep on truckin' in their banging little bodies. I realize this is fantasy, but I think it would be fun to have a fuller figured heroine. I'm thinking kind of like a Bridget Jones and her "always just a little bit fat" body.

Do you think romancers would shy away from a buxom heroine? Is that a character you would gravitate to? On the flipside, what about a hero with a little cushion for the pushin' ? Would he be just as dreamy if his hips weren't so lean? Truth be told, I'm a bit of a chubby chaser myself, so a super trim hero doesn't do much for me. I like a man with some meat on his bones. Picture a Kyle Chandler or a Triple H (WWF). Sure they're fit, but also rounded in a very real way! Certainly no half-starved Hollywood actor. What about you? Would you want to read about a hero or heroine who has a little more to love than just angles?

A Novice To Watch: Meet Sara Lindsey!!!

Here's some Monday Morning News I've been looking forward to sharing!

I'd like you to meet debut author, SARA LINDSEY! Tomorrow, her first release, PROMISE ME TONIGHT, will be on shelves ready for readers to snap up! Sara has signed with Signet Eclispe and will be celebrating another release from her Weston Family Series in June. Talk about livin' the dream, huh?!

Get ready to get inspired and to fall in love with a new author to follow!


1) If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

A bookish graduate student by day, Sara Lindsey's nights are filled with romance and passion ... of the fictional variety. As an historical romance author, Sara dreams up happily ever after endings for her characters while remaining optimistic that someday a billionaire cowboy-turned-CEO (who is also the heir to a dukedom) will show up and ride her off into the sunset on a white horse.

2) Using three words describe your voice?

Smart. Sassy. Sparkling. (And sometimes prone to alliteration...)

3) Tell us a little about how you got "The Call". Was it everything you hoped it'd be?

In true twenty-first century fashion, I actually got “The Email,” which was really for the best as my wild screams might have deafened my agent had we been on the phone. I was in my apartment in New York, but fortunately my roommate is also my best friend so she screamed with me, much to the dismay of the cat and probably all our neighbors. Then I called my mom and screamed some more. I'd had my fingers crossed for a two-book deal, so the offer for three books was even better than I'd hoped.

4) What's the best writing/industry advice you've ever recieved?

The best advice I ever received was from Julia Quinn, just as I was starting out. She told me that if I wanted to be a writer, I actually had to put my butt in a chair and write.

5) Newbie writer to published for the masses: How have you grown as a writer?

I learned how to finish a book. That's the biggest difference between a newbie writer and a published author - the ability to complete a manuscript. Starting a book is the easy part. It's fun and exciting to come up with the characters and think of ideas for their story. Pushing forward and fleshing out those characters and plot ideas is the hard work. Putting your butt in the chair and writing is how you grow as a writer. There's no way around it. Believe me, I've looked! *g*

6) You're not just a published author, you're also a graduate student. Any advice for your fellow writers on time management? What's your trick for staying organized?

Ha ha ha ha ha haNO. I am the last person to give advice on time management. It's something I constantly struggle with, especially since writing always seems to come last. It's far easier to complete a school assignment (or an errand or household chore), because it can generally be completed in a much shorter time frame than it takes to write a book.

That's one thing I have learned. If you look at your book as a single, enormous project, the chances of finishing it diminish ... unless you are the type of person who enjoys the feeling of standing on one side of a huge chasm and leaping off without caring if you make it to the other side. I like knowing I can make the jump, so I've learned to take a lot of little jumps I know I can land. These little jumps might be meeting a daily goal (words or pages), completing a scene, or even writing uninterrupted for a set period of time - whatever it is, I know it's something I can accomplish in the space of a day (or a week). The end is in sight as soon as I start, so I have no excuse to do something easier like scrub the toilet or dust on top of the kitchen cabinets (both of which I have done to avoid writing).

Make goals you can meet - that's my advice, though it doesn't really have anything to do with time management, except that (in my experience) if something seems too daunting, you will somehow manage to never find time for it. As for staying organized, my latest obsession is Google Calendar - I have it set up to email me my daily agenda.

7) Your debut release, PROMISE ME TONIGHT, hits bookshelves tomorrow. What's going through your head right now? Are you doing anything to celebrate?

I'm a bundle of nerves right now because I'm doing a reading at Lady Jane's Salon (http://www.ladyjanesalon.com/) tonight and I have a terrible fear of public speaking. I'm going to celebrate by going around and signing stock at bookstores throughout Manhattan with numerous stops for cupcakes and hot chocolate along the way!

8) What's up next for you?

This is a busy year for the Westons (and me!) since Tempting the Marquess, Olivia Weston's book, is due out June 1, and then A Rogue for All Seasons (featuring Henry Weston) releases in January 2011. Readers can stay updated by joining my newsletter at http://www.saralindsey.net/.

Excerpt:

“D-did you miss me?” She tried to keep the question light and teasing, but James heard the wobble in her voice, saw her beautiful eyes glistening too brightly.

“I didn’t want to.” He realized the truth in the words as he spoke them.

“I didn’t want to,” he said again, taking an involuntary step toward her, then another and another, until he was face-to-face with her. He knew he should back up, return her to the dining room, and then make his farewells and leave—leave until this madness had passed.

She was a child, and a younger sister of his best friend, for Christ’s sake. The only feelings he should have toward her were those of a protective older brother. Anything else was inappropriate and dangerous. Yes, James knew he should walk away, but he had an awful suspicion he wasn’t going to.

“Y-you didn’t want to. . . .” Her voice shook as she watched him.

James swallowed hard, and then nodded once.

“B-but you did?” It was half question, half statement.

He stared down into her aquamarine eyes, dewy with tears. They were at once the eyes of the woman she had become—the most beautiful, most desirable woman he had ever encountered—and of the adorable, irascible girl she had been. He had never been able to lie to the child, and he found it just as impossible now.

He had missed her. He had missed her wit, and her sunny smiles, and her delight in the absurd. He had missed their conversations, and the looks they shared when Henry said something particularly daft, and the way she had always shown up no matter how hard he and Henry had tried to hide from her.

More than all of that, though, he had missed her—some indefinable quality that was Isabella.

Dear Lord, he was becoming a half-wit. Yes, he had missed Isabella. He had also missed Henry, Lady Weston, and the rest of the family. There were a lot of people he had missed, including his tailor, his boot-maker, and Lucy, the lovely little ballet dancer who had been his mistress before he’d left.

Of course he had missed Isabella; she was practically his little sister. It would have been strange if he hadn’t missed her, James rationalized.

Isabella was still looking up at him expectantly, anxiety and hope written clearly on her face.

“Yes,” James said easily, now that he had figured out his feelings. He smiled down at her benevolently. “Of course I missed you.”

The expression of pure joy that burst across her face was dazzling. Her happiness wrapped itself about him and yanked hard at his insides.

“Oh, James,” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck. Then she pressed her mouth to his and he froze. Her eyes had fluttered closed, and she was kissing him without a whit of skill, frantically rubbing her lips against his, and he, James Sheffield, acknowledged rake, was instantly harder than the oak bookcases lining the room.

How is that for a tasty teaser?! Gotta love a heroine who can throw a rakehell for a loop!

On behalf of novices everywhere, I'd like to wish Sara tons of success with her debut and tomorrow's release of PROMISE ME TONIGHT! If you'd like to learn more about Sara Lindsey, please click on over and scope out her website: www.saralindsey.net!

Thank YOU, TLN'ers, for swinging by and showing the love! We newbies have to sick together! To help get your Monday rolling- here's the Bangles singing MANIC MONDAY! Don't worry, Friday will here soon enough! Now, that's my FUN-day!

Whip-It UP Wednesdays!

It seems I have a screw loose. Well, not me, my super-duper-ultra-cool mini PC. Yep, turn the sucker sideways and the joyous sound of rattling bits assaults the ears. Perfect, right?! So, I take it back to the "Buy More" (gotta love Chuck! lol) expecting a quick fix and to be merrily on my way . . . only to come to the realization I must dwell in a dream world.

Nothing is EVER that simple!

Long story short, I had to "upgrade" (for all of you who don't speak Geek- that just means they got more money out of me) to another model. My new, new mini PC has longer battery life and Windows 7! Oh joy, oh rapture . . . oh, blister it, somebody just smack me! If there is one thing I can't stand it's having to learn a new operating system.

Four hours later, I had everything set up and ready to go and it was only say, um, midnight! Hooray for me!

So, my productivity was not as stellar as I would have hoped. BUT I did manage to work a little more in my WIP Notebook. The new section I'm on is about 'Setting'.

I really enjoyed fleshing out Weston Manor and Langdon House. Ha! Guess my doctorate in daydreaming is finally paying off. Creating the backdrops for Melanie and Bradford's tumultuous courtship has proven to be very invigorating and oddly philosophical.

During one of my moments of creativity, I had a startling comparison pop into mind. Writing is a lot like painting. Characters are the subjects. The setting is the backdrop and the plot is the canvas that holds the two together.

Take for example, the Mona Lisa. Would the tone of the painting change if she'd been placed behind a brilliant blue sky? Or a robust seascape with puffy clouds? It's the combination of her intriguing looks and gentle earthy tones that catch our eye-- that lend the lady a mysterious glow. A truly perfect pairing any author would probably sell an eye-tooth for!

So, tell me--What is it about your characters and settings that you hope will draw a reader's eye? Do you try to capture every detail of your setting like a medieval tapestry? Or do you keep things on the periphery like an abstract? Paint us a picture!

Monday Morning News

Well, well, well, are you rested and relaxed from your weekend?

Mine flew by so fast, I think it might have been a dream! One thing for certain, my Friday night CP group was very rejuvenating. It was great to reconnect with my friends and climb back into the saddle.

One of the major things we discussed was Internal/External Conflict. Very interesting to hear our different perspectives on such a very important element of writing. Click on over to check out our round table discussion.

I posted last week that I'd been working diligently on reshaping my characters' conflicts. Well, my work is paying off in spades. With the help of the WIP workbook and the Plot Structure worksheet from Kimberley Killion's fabulous website, I gained a whole new perspective of where I was going with my story.

Boo-Yah!

I spent my down-time this weekend re-doing my bulletin board into a Plotting Board. I wish I could bottle the feeling of stepping back and viewing "my baby" there on the wall laid out like a masterpiece. Definitely a moment of awe. Ha! Now comes the hard part . . . building onto the chassis!

There's my news in a nutshell, what kind of progress did you make this weekend?