Dayana Knight, Paranormal Author

It's a new year...

2012-01-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

The Moon Goddess amongst the orchids.

and with it the hope for a better one than the last--at least in the craft of writing. Resolutions and goals don't always work out as neatly as on the written page. The whole point is I need to get back to the written page--you think? It has been quite some time. I've dabbled, I've promised, I've even worked hard at trying but...

Well...

I didn't give my writing the commitment that I should have. My bad.

So, here I am. No promises, no timelines, no BS talk about when, where, what.

Just do it! Yep, as Nike laments. Just do it!

D~

True to True Blood?

2011-07-31T12:41:00.001-04:00

I have been watching True Blood and just finished season one consequently moved on to season two and watched the first episode last night. In retrospect, I love to watch or test watch all the shows/movies in the genre I love best, of course! Research, don't you know:) Well, I will say the jury is still out on this show. I can't seem to toss it aside as I did with Vampire Diaries--did not like that one in the least. I will admit, in a strange way, I am hooked on TB. At times I'm really not sure why I continue to watch but others I reflect on an episode and chuckle to myself. The characters at times are so dumb and backwards but then that seems part of the dark charm of this series. I find myself laughing outloud at something humorus every single episode as well as saddened by a death--by the way, if they keep killing of the regulars there won't be anyone left!

I'm not that big of a fan of Bill but I do like Sookie. I love Lafayette--who wouldn't? Maryanne is very strange and I haven't entirely figured out what the heck she is. Tara and Sam are likeable as well. I have to laugh at the poor Iraq vet and the waitress that surely reminds me of Flo from Mel's Diner(if anyone remembers her and "Kiss my grits!"). I did like Rene until he turned out to be the serial killer who by the way offed my most favorite character, Sookie and Jason's grandmother! I so loved her. She reminded me of my own sweet grandmother, God Bless her soul.

Anyway, I guess you can say though I'm still not quite sold, I will keep watching--at least for now.

I am curious at what you all think. Please feel free to pipe in and voice your thoughts on this one.

D~

And time marches on...

2011-07-24T10:44:00.000-04:00

Spring has come and gone, the dog days of summer are upon us and still my life seems to sway against my sitting down and writing. I know you all have been through this. Been busy with an array of things lately. Day job demands are greater and grabbing overtime(these days we all need the extra dollars, don't we?). Implicated an exercise program into my agenda for stress relief as well brain food and alertness. Family life is always at the heart of matters, so...

Speaking of exercise, has anyone grabbed onto Zumba? I am loving it! I love to dance so this program is right up my alley:) Like most people, I tend to become bored with diet and exercise programs but this one is fun. I also change it up which keeps me interested. I add biking, walking, etc. So far, it's working well for me.

Gonna head out and do some wicked weeding in a bit. Whoa! Even my gardening has slacked. Funny how we cycle through life. Hot and heavy, cool off, then move full circle again.

Writing? It's coming in its on good time. Festering, I am, conniving, scheming, projects in hand.

D~

2011-04-03T09:27:00.000-04:00

Whew! Rough week but I'm still standing!

Laptop crashed and burned last Monday evening! Panic? Not yet. Tried everything we could think of for two days to coax the machine to cooperate and come back up. Turn it off/turn it on. F8 to start in safemode. But all it did was cycle off and on. Okay now the panic is ebbing in. Although I, for the most part, save my documents and back up the system on a regular basis, I hadn't saved them in several days! Okay, I told myself, you can recover them from the hard drive. That is assuming the hard drive isn't damaged, as well. Oh but we won't go there as I am a 'glass is half full' type of gal:)

Okay, I call a friend who aids me in removing said hard drive and go get a nifty adapter/box so I can test the waters to see if it is, in fact, okay. It is! And as luck would have it I have a borrowed back up laptop because wouldn't you know, like the girl scout I used to be, I am pretty much always prepared. My particular laptop, a HP Pavillion Plug and Play, is involved in a class action law suit of which I have recently filed my claim. So onward and upwards. But... Yes there's that incessant but. Little by little things trickled into my mind that were most likely lost. One such thing was my AOL filing cabinet. All my important files regarding correspondence bit the dust--we are talking years of stuff that were necessary keeps!

Lesson here: if you do nothing else on a daily basis back up your system, your files, and your mailboxes!

I do have a happy ending, however. Although my filing cabinet and all correspondence as of Monday are toast along with my laptop, I brought a brand new laptop yesterday, have the promise of a replacement machine from HP sometime in the near or distant future(who knows with litigation cases), and a lot more techie knowledge than I ever had:) Next purchase: A large external hard drive that will be programmed to back up system daily!

D~

2011-03-26T08:34:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! And a beautiful sunshining day it is:) Well, the week is over, the day job done for a bit and other projects have been wrapped up and safely set aside for the time being...

Time to roll up my sleeves and dive into more rewrites! Actually, I am very excited about it. Big change from the procrastinator I'd become when I even thought about the chore of rewriting Dancing on the Edge. I would love for you to join me in my venture. I've even added a comment box so you can put your two cents in along the way. Please check out my progress by clicking the link below the header above. I really have made some fantastic progress in only one weekend!

Looking forward to hearing what you think.

D~

2011-03-19T18:49:00.000-04:00

I'm back! Remember I mentioned that my dear departed friend, Joan, had helped me to break into the wonders of being a published author? Do you also remember that I'd pulled my first published title, a crime romance novel, when the contract at ePress-Online had run its course for revisions? Well...

I am actively rewriting and revising that book! I am excited that my muse has returned, and I am once again motivated to WRITE! And more importantly, I once again have something to thank dear, dear Joan for. I feel it necessary to get this book out there again for Her. She is my motivation, and I will be dedicating this republication to her memory.

Thank you, Joan. You are so instrumental in my career that Dancing on the Edge WILL once again see publication:)

For more information on the revision of this book, I will be creating a special page on this blog to follow the process.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

D~

2011-03-13T09:52:00.003-04:00

I've lost a very dear friend and colleague this last week. Joan McNulty-Pulver was a very instrumental part of my writing career. We have a long history together.

I met Joan at The Writers University back in the early part of the year 2000. She invited me to help with a new digital epress they were opening up. I went on as a reader and over time began to edit. We have worked together at a ePress-Online, which handles mostly Non-Fiction, Mystery, and SciFi genres for over ten years. ePress-Online took a chance on me with my first novel a crime suspense romance, which didn't fall into any of there genre category guidelines, but that's how they are. They tested a new line with my novel but the line didn't work out for them, and I've since pulled that first novel with their blessing to place it where it might do better.

Joan will be greatly missed by many. She was a wonderfully supportive person whose goal in life was to help writers. I wanted to share something special Joan did for several of us just this last Christmas. My Angel is back on display in honor of my very muched loved friend, Joan McNulty-Pulver. I think of her and all she meant each time I look at this sweet angel...

Below I've copied Joan's Obituary. Thank you for stopping by and please do comment if you so feel moved. Joan is very special to many people. She will forever live on in our hearts.

McNULTY-PULVER, Joan 67, of Brandon, passed away March 7, 2011. She is survived by her children, Raymond Vidal, Alicia A. Savoie, Rodney V. McNulty, Marjorie Pulver and Frank Pulver; seven grandchildren; and an extended loving family and friends. Services will be private. Stowers Funeral Home-Brandon.
Published in the St. Petersburg Times on March 9, 2011 Email

Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Onion

2011-03-09T07:40:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick, yummy alternative to french fries.

Need:
4 medium red or white baking potatoes
1 large onion
Seasoning of your choice(I use Montreal Steak Seasoning or Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic)
Olive Oil

Cut unpeeled thoroughly washed potatoes into bite size chunks. Place into a large mixing bowl along with sliced onion. Coat potatoes and onions with olive oil and sprinkle with desired seasoning. Toss until evenly seasoned and coated with oil. Pour out onto a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees until done. Takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Serves: 2-3 adults

Great side dish where ever french fries would be used also the leftovers make wonderful home fries!

Enjoy.

Another tasted recipe from Dayana's kitchen~

2011-03-05T18:51:00.000-05:00

Working on some stuff right now but thought I'd post a humorus true adventure. This is sort of a Chicken Soup for the soul type of story I like to call Domestic Bliss.

Have you ever had one of those days you wondered why you bothered to put forth an effort to accomplish anything? This was my day of domestic bliss…

Let me start by setting the scene. We had a galley kitchen that opened into the dining room on one end and a breakfast bar with a pass through into the family room on the other end. My husband was kicked back enjoying Sunday football on television, and I decided to bake a cake.

I proceeded to get all my ingredients together for a Hot Milk Sponge Cake; something I hadn't made in a long time. It's delicious but a whole lot of work. I began measuring out the flour. By the way, what is it with flour? No matter how carefully you deal with the stuff, the kitchen always looks like the dusting in the aftermath of a small explosion.

Okay, I've got all the dry ingredients together and the bowl set aside. I got eggs, sugar and vanilla going in the mixer, then began warming the milk moving from mixer to stove careful not to scold the milk. I'm in the rhythm now; on a roll, so to speak.

I combined all ingredients into one bowl then poured the batter into a bundt pan, placed it in the oven, set the timer and began cleaning up the kitchen. It's amazing how one person can create such a mess in such a minimal amount of time!

The kitchen was small, so I crawled around the floor with the dustpan and brush in an attempt to sweep up the nuclear fallout of flour that managed to migrate everywhere. Finished, I started to get up but, stopped in a squat to dump the dustpan into the small trashcan I kept under the ledge of the breakfast bar. That done, I stood up and BANG! My head met the underside of the counter with a dull thud. The pain blackened my sight and a millions stars sprinkled across my vision. My husband swears to this day, the counter lifted several inches with the impact.

"God! Are you all right?" He asked coming into the kitchen concern written all over his face.

Meanwhile, I'm cursing and laughing at the same time, rubbing the knot on the back of my already aching head. I nod to assure him I'm not going to fall out nor did I think I had a concussion. After a quick hug and a small stint with the ice pack, we both went about our business. By that time, the cake was ready to come out of the oven.
I took it out and placed it on the rack to cool for about ten to fifteen minutes. You wouldn't believe what happened next…
I got the cake plate and set it on top of the cake pan so I could turn the still hot cake out onto the plate. Well… the plate somehow went AWOL and the next thing I knew the cake had taken flight. I watched mesmerized as it passed over the breakfast bar and into the family room. My husband looked as if he were watching a tennis match; his eyes traveled between my face and the airborn cake. But, he was quick to recover. He jumped up and after one-bounce rescued the hot cake from the floor on the rebound, flipped it from hand to hand and finally, landed it upright on the cake plate. I still stood in the kitchen grasping the cake pan laughing so hard tears were streaming down my cheeks and my stomach muscles ached.
To this day, we get a gut-busting laugh over that episode. I guess you can say, without a doubt, that sponge cake had bounce.

Writing...

2011-01-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

is exactly what I've been doing this weekend!

D~

Writing Sensibility

2011-01-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

Ever hear that if you don't use something you lose it? Or a writer should write every day to keep the muse active?
Well... I have to tell you though I never was a writer who wrote every day, I did have my own system. Problem is I let the muse lay for far too long. And I let the branding and visibility slide right along with it. Life sometimes gets in the way. Time slips ever faster. Don't let it take your writing to the wayside.

Words of advise:
Don't do as I did.
Keep actively writing.
Keep something going whether jotting down an idea, a scene, a cluster writing episode even a journal.
Keep in touch with your muse.
And most of all, keep your name out there.

Otherwise, like mine, you muse may just take an extended vacation.
And all the PR work you've done will have been for naught.
Now I'm off to trick my muse into coming back from the islands. We've got work to do!
And yes, I will rebuild.
From the ashes we can build another day...
Moody Blues

2010-11-28T17:01:00.001-05:00

Oh my! Time does get away from me these days! Seems Halloween was approaching and now Thanksgiving has blown by.

Yikes! Christmas is knocking on the door like a big, bad wolf. Speaking of wolves, Pita and Niko are quite annoyed with me at the moment along with some other characters I've left in limbo. It's time I get back to it, ya think?

Life sometimes becomes too overrun with...well, issues that take us away from our comfort zones. Mine is writing and gardening, neither of which I have spent much time at. Ah well...

Pull up those bootstrings, my dear, and get a move on. The only one who can get it done is...

well...

me:)

D~

Woo Hooooo!!!

2010-10-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

OMG! I am so excited. I just got a 4.5 diamond review on my erotic short, Eternal Obsession! Snoopy dancing over here. I have to tell you guys that this couldn't have come at a better time as I am heading off to surgery on Monday and have been a bit of a nervous wreck.

Anyway check it out: http://gotromanceholiday.blogspot.com/2010/10/eternal-obsession-by-dayana-knight.html

D~

October is upon us...

2010-10-03T19:30:00.000-04:00

...and the weather here will be much cooler and dryer. Yay! The reason I live in Florida. I love this time of year and as you are all well aware, Halloween/Samhain is my favorite holiday. As I dig out my Fall decor, I think how fast the years flash by. I have been on an unscheduled sabbatical this year, it seems, from writing. The reason not any one thing or event but a multitude of things. It seems that I have had to deal with many life-changing things this year, but such is life. A writer's life is hit or miss so with that said, I hope to be very busy with the muse in the coming new year and the last part of this year.

Today was the first time in forever that we could work outside and clean up our much overgrown backyard. It felt wonderful to be outside for much of the day! I am very motivated with the freshness of the coming season to spend a lot of time outdoors. Funny, people up in the northern states hide in the winter and here in Florida we thrive. The AC is a thing of the past. Fresh air blows the stagnant air out of the house and life seems nothing less than perfection.

And oh! I haven't even broken the news of my new arrival to you all! Labor day weekend we rescued a Sheltie/Collie mix and Bea now has a brother! His name is Shane and he is thriving. He looks a lot more Collie but is much smaller than a standard Collie much like my GypsyLee who passed over the Rainbow Bridge almost three years ago. He had a horrible skin issue and the previous owner had shaved him. You NEVER shave a Sheltie or Collie!!! But since I had to give him two medicated baths a week I have to admit I was kind of glad for the mistaken shaving:) It definitely helped in getting the soap where it needed to go and now the infection is 99% better.

Bea(right) and Shane(left) get on quite well and one more dog has been rescued into a loving 'forever' home. We have rescued two dogs now from The Mid Florida Sheltie Rescue. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting a Sheltie, please give Barbara Davis a holler. The web address is: http://www.midflsheltierescue.com/. Unfortunately, there are plenty of dogs that need to find their 'forever' homes. If you can't adopt a Sheltie at this time, and maybe just want to donate, Lord knows, they could use whatever you can find it in your heart to give. They are a full non-profit shelter and take wonderful care of the dogs from shots, neutering, grooming--everything the dogs need. Some even receive life-saving surgery.

Sorry to bend your ear but as you all know animals--expecially canines--are closest to my heart. Thank you for letting me share as always.

I hope you are all faring well. I'm off to work on something. Not sure what... But mark my words, it will be a story plot of some sort:)

Have a wonderful week.

D~

No... I haven't lost my way:)

2010-08-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

I'm here and working behind the scenes. I am working on breaking out full throttle. I am working at bringing Dayana back into the limelight. I will not get lost in oblivion. Isn't keeping yourself visible the hardest part of writing? Hmm...not sure of that. Sometimes the entire art of being creative can cripple. But hey, LIFE happens and talent/motivation sometimes ebbs and flows like the tides. We all must deal with the cards we're dealt, right? Well, look out 'cause I'm shooting high and I'm going to be lighting up the internet, LOL

D~

2010-08-08T16:14:00.000-04:00

So much going on lately! You know about me but one of my best friend's just underwent major surgery in which they ended up taking her entire lung. She'd been diagnosed with a nodule in one of the upper lobes of her lung and best case was just pluck the bad boy out but as with cancer diagnoses nothing ever goes as planned, so she is presently convalescing, and I am along to do whatever necessary. She is such a motivated individual! I am so impressed with her sense of will and spiritualism. She does have her moments as would anyone but she is doing great. Not one pain pill! Can you imagine?

Remember all my Three Dog Nights and Doggie sleepovers? Well, that friend and bestest neighbor in the world just left for Colorado yesterday. She and I became quite close over the years, and I have to tell you it hurt to watch her go. But such is life. People come and people go and of course all my and Bea's furry friends with her! But the good news is, it's only temporary. She left Florida to take care of her mom who is failing. She will be back when... Well...
you get the point.

Writing, writing, writing...

Oh how I wish I were... But let me tell you, I certainly and collecting lots of fodder to write something! All the recent events? Something is bound to take hold and ramble its way onto paper. I will be visiting some blogs this fall and getting some teasers out there as well. My holiday(Halloween) is fast coming, and I hope to have something going on for that. Just wanted to let you all know what's happening in Dayana's world:)

As always, thanks for dropping by.

~D

2010-07-11T21:18:00.002-04:00

It seems the wolf is at the door. The writing bug still evades me but then it's looking like I'll have some quiet down time to get something going in the very near future. I have been doing some diagnostic testing of late and will be considering some invasive surgical options to handle my issues. The least invasive will give me about seven to ten days down while the bigger more invasive procedure can put me out of work(the day job) for three to four weeks! Plenty of time to mull over some writing ideas, you think? Nice quiet time to tie some projects, that are already in the works, up? What will I do with myself all day while I convalesce. I plan on finishing those blasted projects, at least that is the plan.

Don't get me wrong, I am not happy about having to deal with procedures and/or possible surgical

interventions but hey, isn't it better to look at the positives as opposed to the negatives. This may just give me the time and space I need to get the writing bug going again. What else am I going to have to do? Life just seems to get away from us, and I don't know about you but I never seem to have enough time in a day. I have so many good intentions but I don't seem to be able to get to everything on the "To Do" list ever!

I looked out my picture window this morning and the weeds have taken over my poor garden so densely I don't know where the flowers begin and the weeds end. Yikes! I'd been planning a weeding escapade it seems for several weekends... I just don't seem to find the time or energy to get out there in the heat and get it done.

Now that's embarrassing, LOL I did, however, tackle several wonderfully nagging projects today. One was to move myself back into my office and out of the family room! Even cleaned up both spaces and got rid of stuff I hadn't looked at in years! Feels good to accomplish things like that, you know?

Now that my workspace is clean, organized, and in a comfortable environment once again there is no excuse to get something accomplished.

Thanks as always for stopping by.

2010-06-27T19:10:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been caught in a quandry as to where you wanted to take your story? The characters fall silent and no matter how you think, consider, review, study past events nothing seems to surface? Nothing just feels right?

You've got a beginning, some solid threads and ideas even some scenes written yet can't seem to move forward?

Well, it seems that's where I am and have been for some time now.

Frustrating yes!

But I am one who can not by any means force myself to write. So I wait... and wait... Mull things over and try to be patient as I know that one of these days the muse will once again knock me upside the head and then I will be in the zone.

Point I am making? I guess I am trying to say that when your writing seems to be at a standstill and you feel like perhaps you should toss in the towel. Don't! I do speak from experience. I once shelved a project for three years before I moved on.

I sincerely hope that is not the case now but life does tend to toss us odd curves at times. So... We'll see. I have several projects at different stages and hopefully inspiration will settle in and I'll tie at least some of them up real soon. Like this year would be good.

Until then, I will mull and consider and jot things down. Move on, I chant. It will come...

Thanks for dropping by:)

2010-06-13T22:20:00.001-04:00

Whew! is it hot! Summer is upon us and with it hurricane season. Amazing how fast time flies. Graduations are in full swing and school's out for the summer.

Spent the day doing computer housekeeping. Should be writing but hey... The old files need to go, you know? I cleaned and backed up all files onto disc from the desktop and next project will be the laptop. You know its been years--in fact, I have never cleaned the old files off that poor desktop.

One reason I got motivated was my husband utilizes that system so I thought it would be nice if I freed up some space for him. You would not believe the stuff I had on there! Whoa!

Felt wonderful to get rid of all those things I just thought about getting rid off. LOL Yesterday, joined the neighbors in a yardsale. Made $45.00 I didn't have when I awoke yesterday morning and got rid of a lot of stuff that had been hanging out in the garage for months. After the sale we took all to the Goodwill drop nearby and voila! no more gazing upon that stuff. Then I really got motivated and cleaned out the linen closet! Can you stand it. I have a whole pile of sheet sets that I never use ready for the next garage sale. And whatever is left will go to my vet's office, who never have enough of those type of creature comforts. This really feels good *grin* Could you tell?

I have been procrastinating on this stuff for so long... What made me suddenly move on the dormant thoughts? Don't know. Just suddenly motivated. A good thing, I'm sure. Next weekend is the closet. Can't wait. The garage will be on the To Do list when the heatwave breaks which should be around October, LOL

Anyway, overall a very productive weekend. Still working on plotting RWT book II. But life happens, you know?

D~

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T11:30:00.000-04:00

Please let's take a moment to thank those who have given themselves to protect our country and our freedom. Let's remember those who have given their lives in the same pursuit, as well.

I hope you all are having a wonderfully relaxing and restful weekend. Whether you are celebrating the official beginning of summer, attending Memorials or BBQ'ing in your own backyards have fun and be safe.

I have been busy in the background working on some things and cleaning up other things so I may more easily pursue writing. Sometimes its so hard to spread ourselves around. Something has to give and of late it has been visibility for me. Life tosses us all kinds of surprises, and we never know what is on the agenda for us from day to day do we?

I will tell you that I enjoyed a wonderful day at the beach on Saturday. As I lay soaking up the sun and surf, I wondered why I don't take advantage of my environment more often, after all I do live in paradise. What a beautiful and peaceful place to get the juices flowing. As I reclined drinking up the sun's warm rays, I vowed that I will take myself to the beach more often than not on Saturday mornings and just relax and veg and write. I will not leave home without some means of jotting down whatever comes to mind. People, imagery, and the senses in abundance! Yes, food for thought...

Current read: My own book, Curse of the Marhime. I am busy making a timeline and story thread log to delve into the sequel currently untitled:)

So yes, I've been quiet but I am working:)

D~

Author Spotlight: Brenda Huber, Romance Writer

2010-05-20T07:30:00.004-04:00

Wow! just look at that book cover! It definitely gives me the jist of this story. The cover alone makes me want to rush and buy the book, then the title just closes the deal, don't you think?

Sorry, it seems I got sidetracked...

Hello everyone! Please welcome author Brenda Huber my guest today for my Author Spotlight segment.

Brenda, thank you so much for joining me today. Tell me about yourself.
Ah, we’ll get the hardest question out of the way first…It’s much easier for me to talk about my books or writing style than to talk about myself. Let’s see… I’m a stay-at-home mother of two (they are the sunshine in my day and my wishing stars at night), and I have a terrific husband. I come from a relatively large family. Before staying home with my kids, I was a Youth Counselor at a placement facility for troubled youth. I’ve recently become a driver on my local ambulance crew, and I’ve signed up to take the EMT course. My ideal day depends on my mood, but I’d have to say I love to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book or a movie on cold, rainy autumn days. For hobbies, I like scrapbooking and photography…I also enjoy creating book trailers as well.

Whoa! You've got a lot going on, Brenda! What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance? Snoopy dance?
Lol. Well I guess you could say I snoopy dance when I get a contract for a new book. What else makes me happy…finding a new book by one of my favorite authors and having a little quiet time to actually read it, and spending time with my family. Sad…when my kids outgrow clothes (it means they are growing up too fast on me). Angry…inconsiderate people, especially inconsiderate drivers.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always been a very avid reader. I remember discovering my first romance novel at my local library--I was maybe 15 or 16--it was “Captive Bride” by Johanna Lindsey. I was immediately hooked. I also dabbled with writing while I was still in school. Somehow the two meshed until I had this secret desire to see my name on the bookshelves. I think it was pure impulse that pushed me to actually sit down and start typing though.

How many books have you written?

I’m currently working on my sixth book now. It’s the sequel to “Mine” and is centered on one of the secondary characters, the mysterious, sensual Vampyre named Styx.

Geez, another awesome cover. Truly expressive artwork, Brenda. How do you decide on their topic?
I don’t know that I really decide. The storylines just sort of come to me at odd moments…when I’m driving the kids to school, or working around the house or something. Then they slowly evolve as I write. I think sometimes that the story takes me where it wants to go rather than the other way around.

Oh, I understand where you are coming from with that, Brenda. My characters seem to take the reins at some point and will not allow any deviation. They can be willful and very, very stubborn! When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
I think when I signed my second contract with The Wild Rose Press. I think it finally hit home that something I’d dreamed of for so long was finally a reality.

Who would you say modeled your career? Who would readers compare your work to?
Wow, that’s really hard to say… Johanna Lindsey, I think, gave me the initial interest. It’s difficult to say “I modeled my career after…” because I’ve had so many different and wonderful influences over the years covering everything from historical and paranormal romance and to suspense, murder mysteries, and thrillers. I don’t know that I am comfortable comparing my work to someone else’s. I guess I’d like to be able to say that I have my own distinct voice.

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)
As a mother of two young children, I’d say my writing time greatly varies. A majority of it happens now while they are in school. Otherwise, usually at night after they are tucked into bed. I try to write as often as possible, but it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes my muse ends up accumulated on piles of sticky notes until I can get to my computer. lol

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?
For the most part I can sit down and stare for a few moments at a blank screen and ideas just start pouring out. Occasionally I’ll hit a spot where things just aren’t flowing right…or it seems like a struggle to get the right words to come…then I’ll take a break, a couple days/a week or two and either let things stew or I’ll just put it out of my mind all together and when I come back the kinks are gone and I start writing again.

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?
I like to listen to music when I write, and sometimes I’ll call up a playlist on Youtube. I was actually working on a different book at the time when I called up the song “Slither” by Velvet Revolver. There’s like a five second flash where Duff McKagan steps up to the mic and the lights flashed red and I thought, Man, he’d make a really sexy vampire…and “Mine” was born…lol.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?
For the characters names, instinct mostly. It’s like…this guy feels like a Cole or an Ethan, or she really feels like an Alex or a Kate. The main rule I try to go by on names is not to make them too complicated. (Not only do I have to keep them all straight, but I also don’t want my reader to fall out of the story because they have a difficult time identifying with or sifting through odd names (or pronouncing them) …especially the hero or heroine.) As for the title, sometimes that’s the most difficult. You want to pick something that really catches a reader’s eye, yet something in sync with the book. I like to find a certain word I actually used somewhere in the text, something that holds meaning and really sticks out.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?
I think it’s impossible for a writer NOT to put at least some bit of themselves into their stories.

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)
Synopsis, definitely. Condensing is not my forte. I envy people who can write short stories, I don’t think I could get my point across in that limited amount of words.

The cursed synopsis seems to be the winner. LOL Do you have an upcoming release?
Yes. It’s titled “Mine” It’s about brilliant songwriter, Alexandra Sinclair, who left the entertainment business after a…well, let’s just say a bad experience (wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?), and ancient Vampyre warrior, Cole Gunnarrson. He’s been recruited by the Vampyre Task Force for Rogue Apprehension to identify and neutralize an enigmatic Rogue targeting the Human music industry. Cole decides he needs Alex by his side to maintain his cover and refuses to take no for an answer, but the Rogue soon sets his sights on Alex, and Cole realizes he’s lost his Immortal heart to a Mortal woman. It becomes a race to decipher the Rogues puzzling clues as time runs out and Alex’s very life is put on the line.

Sounds awesome, Brenda. Where can we find your upcoming release?

In the Black Rose Line of The Wild Rose Press. When will it be available? My release date was actually moved up and “Mine” is now available, release date was April 30, 2010. I have another book with the Black Rose Line coming out in September of 2010 titled “Shadows,” and I also have one with the Cactus Rose Line coming out soon titled “Texas Blaze.”

What do you do for relaxation?
I read… (preferably something I didn’t write :)

What TV shows do you watch?
I love Criminal Minds, CSI Miami, and The Bachelorette/The Bachelor.

What type of music do you favor?
I have very eclectic tastes. It depends on what I’m writing and my mood. I listen to everything from H.I.M. and Velvet Revolver to Michael Buble to Patsy Cline. I don’t really do much Jazz or Classical, though.

Just a note, I will be holding a book give-a-way on my blog so come on over, check out the details and register to win!

More about Brenda Huber:

Always a voracious reader, Brenda closed the cover on a book by one of her favorite authors, and said to herself…I can do this! Ever fascinated by all things mythical and mystical, Brenda decided to try her hand at Paranormal Romance and discovered her second great passion…writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two small children.
~.~.~
Author of Mine available April 30, 2010 at The Wild Rose Press.
And author of Shadows, coming soon to The Wild Rose Press.
brenda_huber@ymail.com
http://www.brendahuber.blogspot.com/

Brenda, it's been a pleasure having you here today. Thank you so much for stopping by. Don't be a stranger. I'd love to have you back. Now I'm heading over to try my luck at your book give-a-way! See you soon:)

And for all you readers, please check out past author spotlights and look forward to new ones. Meet the people behind the books you read. They are an awesome group aren't they? Thank you, as always, for following this blog!

D~

Attention: Readers! Opinions and thoughts please...

2010-05-16T09:09:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday morning, all! If you haven't already, please do visit with my good friend Jo Hall. She was my author spotlight this week. Very interesting and warm author who writes Fantasy.

I've news! I'm working the sequel to Curse of the Marhime as we speak. Actually, I'm reading Curse--yes, I am reading my own book *grin* --and making notes so I am refreshed of all the minute details and story threads so the sequel will be fresh and contain all the things YOU the reader want to know. And of course, lots of new twists and turns.

What do I need from YOU the readers? Simply this. If you've read Curse, I'd like to know your thoughts on what you'd like to see moving forward. Who was your favorite character? What parts of the story did you feel you wanted more information? To continue? As added incentive for your comments and thoughts: Anyone whose suggestions I use or ideas I expand upon in the sequel will be 'acknowledged' within the credits! Yes! Your name will appear in my book.

If you haven't read the books, please do. I would love to know your thoughts. Without the reader an author is nothing.

I have lots more in store for you, and of course, if you've read Bestial Cravings, my companion short story, also part of the Roma Wolf Tales series, we have more of Vesta and Torr! So in short, new adventures, new characters, suspense, discovery, history, and future. What more can you ask for?

Back to work now.

Have a wonderful week!

D~

Author Spotlight: Joanne Hall, Fantasy Author

2010-05-13T07:30:00.003-04:00

Please welcome a very special friend and peer author who I met back in my beginning days at Writers' Village a dynamic writer's site. We have crossed paths and been in touch over the last ten or so years since.

Joanne is a writer of Fantasy and has to my knowledge three books available and another coming, I believe. Anyway, without further adieu...

Welcome Joanne! I am so happy to have you with me today. It is a great pleasure to spend some time on my patio just gabbing with you:) Grab a nice glass of that Mint Tea and some of those beaufiful tea cookies and let's get started, shall we?

How many books have you written?

I’ve written three published novels (The New Kingdom trilogy), half a novel that’s currently on hiatus, and I’m about one-third of the way through a novel that ambushed me when I didn’t expect it and is now demanding to be written! Prize offer – A signed paperback copy of “Hierath”, my first novel, to the first person to name the heroine of the New Kingdom Trilogy – answer can be found somewhere on my website!

Ooh, that sounds like fun, Joanne! I love a good hunt. Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Oh, for the love of writing, absolutely! I write because if I didn’t, the stories rushing around in my head would drive me completely crazy. When I’m writing, I’m a happy person. When I’m prevented from writing, people better stand well back from the angry explosions!

LOL Right now I'm in the midst of missing muse but I do keep busy so I do understand that. If I didn't have other projects going, I would definitely be one cranky non-productive author. Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

I try and make myself write every day. The muse is like an old Morris Minor engine; it often needs to be cranked by hand to get it going. And once it’s going it can be quite hard to apply the brakes!

Where do you write?

Anywhere and everywhere! I have an office at home where I write in the mornings, to put myself in a businesslike frame of mind, but I’m equally happy writing curled up on the sofa, in bed, or in a café. I’ve even been known to scribble story ideas on napkins in restaurants!

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I think, as an author, everything you experience is writing fodder. Pieces of my life, my friend’s lives, things from TV, overheard conversations in the supermarket… It all goes into the big melting pot of Story where it gets churned around, often beyond all recognition. I know which parts are inspired by real life and which just come out of my head, but that’s my secret!

Oh, I hear you. My novel, Curse of the Marhime, came from a quick stop at a supermarket when a little gypsy-looking psychic approached me and told me she must talk with me. I would never go to a psychic but Pita did:) What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)

Writing a synopsis is just about the hardest and most stressful thing I’ve ever had to do as a writer. It’s like taking your brilliant idea, stripping all the fun creative part out of it and boiling it down into glue. And my ideas always look terrible in synopsis form! I write a synopsis, look at it, and go “Well, that looks like a heap of nothing, I wouldn’t buy it!” It’s a massively disheartening process.

Why do you write?

Because I’m a horrible person to live with if I don’t write! And because it’s something I love to do, above everything else. It’s how I express myself creatively. I can’t draw, or craft, so I write.

Do you have an upcoming release?

I do! It’s in early stages now, but I have a collection of short stories called “The Feline Queen”, due to be published by Wolfsinger Publications. Some of the stories are set in the world of my novels, some in this world, and others somewhere entirely different. There are even a few unpublished stories in there that have never seen the light of day before, so I hope people will enjoy them.

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?

“The Feline Queen” will be available in 2011, through Fictionwise and from Amazon.com. Look out for it!

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

My current hero is always my favourite. I always fall in love with my heroes, just a little bit, then move on to the next one. I’m a fickle lady! And my heroes always seem to have a certain endearing, scruffy charm about them.

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

Some of the minor characters are. My high school history teacher makes an appearance in my new novel, as a cadet instructor. He was a wonderful character, terrifying if you did something wrong (I once saw him pick a boy up by his ears for chewing gum in class), but when he taught you something, it went in and stayed there!

LOL My first vehicle ended up in my first novel. A 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. When you looked over the front seat you could see the street, *grin* but I loved that car. What do you do for relaxation?

I find writing quite relaxing, I’d do that all the time if I could. But when I’m cajoled into resting, I like to watch movies, read, play console games, and listen to music.

Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?

Although I take a lot of inspiration from song lyrics, I can’t listen to music while I’m writing because I end up listening to it, rather than working.
Okay I'm going to rattle off a bunch of things: Favorite music? Author? Hobby? Movie? Pass time? Food? Perfume/cologne? Time of year and why?

Music – indie guitar, although I’ll listen to almost anything! Movies – Star Wars, Labyrinth, Dogma, The Terminator. Food – lasagna (I have been nicknamed “Garfield” for the amount of lasagna I can put away at one sitting!) Time of year – Spring – when the daffodils bloom I know it’s around my birthday!

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!

Ok, silly story time! I was at a gig watching a band. I was squashed into the front row, it was very hot, I had stupidly decided to wear skintight PVC trousers, and I fainted. And you know what it’s like when you faint, you don’t really KNOW that you’ve fainted. So, one minute I’m fine. Next second it’s all black and I’m lying on my back on a bed while a green shape shines a light in my eyes. “Oh my god!” I thought. “I’ve been abducted by aliens!” The aliens are shining lights in my face and poking me and trying to get me to drink something which I KNOW is some nasty alien drug because it rattles… So I sit up, yell “No, you’re not going to impregnate me with your alien fetus!” throw the cup of water (with ice) all over the nice ambulance man in his green boiler suit, and bolt from the room…*blush* He must have thought I was crazy!

LOL that is a funny story:) Wow! I'm thinking I would never want to run into those paramedics again:)

More about Joanne:
Joanne Hall lives in Bristol, England, with her partner. She enjoys writing fantasy, and has been lucky enough to have short stories accepted by From the Asylum, Quantum Muse, Art and Prose, and Afterburn SF, among others. She has also had her New Kingdom Trilogy published by Epress Online ( www.epress-online.com) and a short story featured in Colin Harvey‘s “Future Bristol“ anthology. In her spare time, Joanne enjoys listening to music and going to concerts and the cinema, when she can be coaxed out from behind her keyboard. Her personal website can be found at www.hierath.co.uk, and she’s always happy to hear from readers.

Joanne's link: http://www.epress-online.com/HALL/By-Joanne-Hall.htm

Joanne this has been so much fun and I've even learned more about you and have seen another side of you! Thank you so much for coming. Don't be a stranger, ok?

2010-05-09T14:18:00.001-04:00

Well, the muse still alludes me but I haven't been idle. I took last weekend and reworked my orchid arbor. Many of you know I am an avid gardner as well which is my other stress reliever:) So rather than brood over the inability to tap something worthy into my laptop, I began my Saturday at Home Depo and purchased my needs to begin my much needed arbor refurbish project. I'd moved many of the plants out the week before and cleaned up the area so it would be easier to work within the space off my patio.

I replaced the dilapidated bamboo reed fencing, cleaned plants of dead roots and leaves, etc., repotted them with new orchid media, and moved onto placing them neatly into the arbor. Finished off with cypress mulch and my statuary and ornamentation and voila! my beautiful and peaceful escape is complete.

I love to sit on my patio and gaze at the arbor and my spacious backyard. It is so relaxing. The birdsong, the fresh air, blue skies, all that green!

Check out the do over:

Author Spotlight: Barbara Monajem, Romance Author

2010-04-22T07:30:00.004-04:00

Hello, Barbara! Welcome to my humble patio garden. Make yourself comfortable. Aren't the orchids beautiful this time of year? I've made a special batch of Hibiscus/Green Iced Tea with a hint of mint from my own garden for us. There are some wonderfully sinful double dark chocolate chip cookies as well. Help yourself.

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Angry and sad: People being mean and nasty to one another.

Happy and dancing: People being kind to one another.

It’s not complicated: never be mean and nasty, even if you’re hurt or upset. I’m not saying everything’s all sweetness and light; unfortunately, it’s not. Sometimes kindness backfires, and sometimes it’s misinterpreted, but as long as you mean well, that’s what matters.

I have to agree with your theory here, Barbara. My basic rule of thumb is to treat people as I would want them to treat me. I really strive hard to practice this no matter the situation as eventually it will come back in a positive light:) What inspired you to write your first book?

Reading. On my first day of school, I came back ecstatic, telling my parents, “I can read!!” In third grade I wrote my first story.

Wow! We've something in common. I began writing at a very young age as well. How many books have you written?

Hmm...
Long answer: One children’s book which was published long ago. One romance which is under the bed. I submitted it to Harlequin years ago, but they returned it saying to send it again later, as they were snowed under with submissions. Dummy me, I just put it under the bed and forgot about it. First paranormal, which I wrote twice and am now writing again. Hopefully this time it will be good! Then two more paranormals. Then three regency romances and a regency short story (which was released as an e-book by Harlequin in January).
Short answer: 8.25 or 9.25, depending on whether the same character’s story written twice counts. :)

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

A page count goal. It’s best if I have to report my progress to someone else. I first realized this when my local RWA chapter, Georgia Romance Writers, held a writing challenge. I promised 15 pages per week, and about killed myself to get there, because I didn’t want to confess to the coordinator that I hadn’t lived up to my pledge.

That's a very attainable goal and no stress! I like the way you think. Even I could do that if I put my mind to it:) You know? I'm think I may just work on utilizing that goal. Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Money would be useful, but I can’t help but write. It’s so much fun! (Oh, and it keeps me sane, more or less.)

What is your favorite holiday? And why?

Halloween. I love spooky stuff.

Something else we have in common *grin* Everyone that knows me knows how I feel about Halloween. When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)
Whenever, wherever. I get a lot done on road trips (with my husband driving) because there are no distractions. I’m a morning person, so I’m better at first drafts in the daytime. I can revise anytime.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?
Whenever I have time. Most days, I write something – original text, revision, blogs. The muse tends to wake up *after* I start writing. He (yes, my muse is male, and I adore him) shows up in mid-scene, being a pain in the butt sometimes, but he’s usually right. (I daren’t say always… can’t let him think he has control.)

Oh, I get that, LOL Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?
Both. If I have to write something right away, I do. However, once I’ve written something, I really *have* to let it stew for a while. A day, a week, maybe longer. I hope I never have a deadline that doesn’t account for “stew time.”

Me, too. I once put a manuscript away for two years, pulled it out, blew the dust off and got to work again. Where do you go to think?

I have to go somewhere? LOL.

Maybe I should rephrase, LOL Where is your favorite place to mull over things?
I try to think all the time, but long walks are good.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

The title of my current release, Sunrise in a Garden of Love & Evil, came from my genius editor.
We brainstormed the next one, Tastes of Love & Evil. It was originally called Vamping the Chameleon, because I was entering a contest (this was several years ago) and needed a title, any title, right away. I really do need “stew time.” :)

Characters’ names tend to show up as I’m writing, so I guess my muse gets the credit, although sometimes I can’t stand his choices, so I change them.

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)

I loathe synopses. My muse deserts me, so they’re boring to write, a real chore. I can write a decent synopsis of a completed book, but as for writing one just on a concept – it’s torture. And it shows.

How long did it take you to get your first project sold? And was the project your first actual completed manuscript?

I don’t count the children’s book (because that was pure serendipity, and I wasn’t really trying to sell). Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil (my 5th finished manuscript, if you count the two versions of my first paranormal) finaled in the Daphne contest (under the title Love in a Twisted Garden). Chris Keeslar of Dorchester was one of the judges, and he requested the full. Three years after I sent it, he emailed to see if it was still available, and made me an offer the next day.

Wow! that's quite a long time between. You must have been estatic and pleasantly surprised. Do you have an upcoming release?
Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil was just released.

You do! Oh please tell us all about it.

Here’s a short blurb:
Dark secrets abound in the town of Bayou Gavotte, Louisiana, from blackmail to fetish clubs to murder, and when blood-and-love starved vampire Ophelia Beliveau calls in the police to scare away whoever is desecrating her garden, Detective Gideon O'Toole unearths more than he ever dreamed...
It’s the first in the Bayou Gavotte series, and is available at the usual places for books: bookstores, online bookstores, Amazon.com, and of course from Dorchester Publishing (www.dorchesterpub.com). The second in the series, Tastes of Love and Evil, will be a September release.

Sounds like a very interesting read, Barbara. I may just have to put that one on my TBR list asap.
Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

My absolute favorite hero is the one I’m writing now. He’s a part-Native American rock star with telepathic abilities. He appears in the first two books of the series as a secondary character, but now he gets his own book. I’m working on it now, and I’m totally intimidated trying to write him. I need my muse’s full support for this one!!

Contest info:

One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of Sunrise in a Garden of Love & Evil, and will also be entered in the contest I’m holding all through the month of April. I’ll be giving away signed copies of Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil and various other prizes. (Including socks. If I have a fetish, it’s for socks. But there’s lots of other stuff, too.) You can get extra chances to win by signing up for my newsletter, or by posting links to any of the blogs I’m doing this month (see the list on the Events page of my site, http://www.barbaramonajem.com/) on Facebook, MySpace, and/or Twitter. Just fill out the form on the Contact page of my site to sign up or to let me know where you've posted links.

Bio: Barbara Monajem wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes. After dabbling in neighborhood musicals and teen melodrama, she published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young. Now her kids are adults, and she writes paranormal and historical romance for grownups. She lives in Georgia with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays. Barbara can be contacted via her website at http://www.barbaramonajem.com/

Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil is available in your bookstore, or here:

www.tinyurl.com/sunriseingarden from Amazon
as well as directly from Dorchester Publishing: at http://www.dorchesterpub.com/

Notorious Eliza, a short regency historical e-book, is available here:
http://tinyurl.com/notoriouselizahhu from Harlequin,
or via Amazon for Kindle or Barnes and Noble for various formats.

Author Spotlight: Debra St. John, Romance Author

2010-04-15T07:30:00.008-04:00

Hello, everyone! It is so good to be back and talking to my fellow authors again. I hope the passage of time has freshened these segments. Pull up a comfy chair grab a tall glass of iced raspberry tea or whatever your preference and enjoy.

Today I am welcoming Debra St. John writer of sultry romance and sexy heroes whose ultimate challenge are taming spunky heroines. Oooh la la! I can't wait to get into this interview. Oh and...Debra told me that she will be giving away a copy of one of her books in .pdf format to one lucky commenter today:) Wait! I heard the front door. Yoo hoo! Debra! We're back here on the sun porch...
Are you comfy now, Debra? Isn't the iced tea refreshing? Now I suppose we should begin. And let's get down to the nitty gritty...

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

I definitely write for the love of writing! And for the pleasure of holding a book with my name on it as the author in my hand.

And oh what a feeling that is every time, don't you agree? The first book is special but the feeling is never lost on the following ones, at least for me:)

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

Usually I write when the muse strikes. If I try to write when there’s no muse flowing, I don’t accomplish much at all. If I’m working on revisions or edits, I make myself write every day.

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?

My ideas usually need to be coaxed and coddled into fruition before I sit down to write. I spend a lot of time working through things in my head and jotting notes everywhere when I first start working on a story…or even in the midst of one. I’m telling you, I have literally hundreds of little yellow sheets lying around filled with scribbles. That said, I really am more of a pantster than an actual plotter. On some days that muse does knock me upside the head, and I can sit at my keyboard all day and pound the words out.

Oh I hear that. I am a sit down and go with it type girl. I don't plot and plan. Once I get into a story idea in my head its off to the finish and once the characters come alive, most times they run with it. Have you ever noticed how the characters do that? I mean I've literally hit a brick wall with one book trying to take things one way until I finally gave in and followed my hero's lead. Whoa! I'll never ignore a character again:)

Where do you write?

I’d have to say I’m the most productive when I’m working on my lap top. I tend to migrate while I write: front porch, back porch, patio, living room, etc. Sometimes a change of scenery helps to push past those annoying episodes of writer’s block.

I will move about as well depending on the mood. Yes, environmental stimulants and scenery changes can make all the difference at times.

When do you read? Where?

In the winter I curl up in bed right before I go to sleep. In the summer you’ll find me cozied up in a rocker on the front porch sipping lemonade or out back on a bench by our pond. Early afternoon reads when the weather is nice are my favorites.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I like to use places I’ve actually been as the settings for my books. I also like to put people I know in my books as minor characters.

Do you have an upcoming release?

“Wild Wedding Weekend”, my second book with The Wild Rose Press, came out last week! This was a fun story to write, as it involves two people who get married under unusual circumstances. While faking their way through a wedding and honeymoon for the cameras, they learn something about life, love, themselves, and each other.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

For Noah life is all about fun and adventure. He’s completely content living a carefree single life. That is until he meets Abby and discovers being with her is all the adventure he’ll ever need.

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for (and a little bit of a crush on) all of my heroes. Logan, from “This Time for Always”, is trying to prove he’s a better man than the boy he used to be. Noah, from “Wild Wedding Weekend”, discovers falling in love is better than any other adventure in life. Zach, from the upcoming “This Can’t Be Love”, wants nothing more than to love and cherish the unexpected woman who comes into his life. And Chase, from my WIP, is learning how to balance fatherhood and falling in love. My heroes are all very special to me. Not to mention sexy as all get out!

Tell us about your Heroine.

Abby is perfectly content to live a life without any adventure at all. But when she finds herself married to Noah, she discovers a little adventure in life makes it worth living.

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

I had a bit of fun using friends of mine as minor characters in “Wild Wedding Weekend”. I think they’ll get a kick out of seeing themselves in print!

What type of music do you favor?

I am a huge country music fan. To me no other type of music evokes as much emotion or brings characters and stories to life like country does. Each song is like a mini-novel unto itself.

Wild Wedding Weekend Except:

“I really am sorry.” Abby's mind whirled. The thoughts tangled. The Noah she’d spent the last couple of days with wasn’t anything like the man she’d imagined him to be. The man even he claimed to be. Who was the real Noah?

She didn’t have time to ponder the question, because he took both her hands in his, drawing her attention back to him. “Know this. While we’re married. For this week, this trip, this asinine show, I am committed to you.” He paused and raised one hand to tuck a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Totally. Completely. Committed. To you.” With each word his voice and head lowered, until the last was a whisper against her lips.

His hand slid around to the back of her neck, then up into her hair, unfastening the clip and tossing it aside. He tangled his fingers in the strands that fell free, using enough force to keep her from pulling away as he deepened the kiss.
Abby had no thoughts of moving even the slightest bit away. She wrapped her arms around him as the tip of his tongue teased the fullness of her bottom lip. When she opened to him and he dipped inside, she almost melted from the instant flood of liquid heat that suffused her body. The warmth spread to her limbs and made her pliant as, his mouth never leaving hers, Noah lowered them both to the bed.
More about Debra:

Debra St. John has been reading and writing romance since high school. She always dreamed about publishing a romance novel some day. She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, who is her real life hero. Her debut release, "This Time for Always" is a Champagne Rose and Rosebud bestseller at The Wild Rose Press. "Wild Wedding Weekend" was released last week. "This Can't Be Love" is coming soon from TWRP.

Feel free to visit her at her website http://www.debrastjohnromance.com/, or at The Acme Authors Link, where she is the Sunday Blogger http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/.

Links to buy:

WILD WEDDING WEEKEND

THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS

MISTLETOE AND FOLLY

Let's Talk Twilight

2010-04-11T22:00:00.001-04:00

Writer to writer...

I never really had an interest in the series because I imagined it was geared toward teens, Young Adult which I typically don't read. I listened to all the hype. I saw all the fuss. I've seen and heard a million reviews from stellar to trashing the author, the books, the editing. But I had no opinion as I had not read any of the books so why would I have an opinion.

I have to very honest here. I admit I wondered what this author did with her story, how she made her vampires different, what the twist was that shot her to near-overnight success and movie deals! And I will also admit to being a wee bit envious. Yet I still wasn't compelled to check it out.

Two years later, a co-worker at my day job, actually our office manager who is in her thirties, was totally drawn in and talked about nothing by Edward and Bella with pure AWE. She was bowled over and living the story. Mind you, this woman is NOT a reader. She saw the movie, Twilight and liked it so much, she ran out and purchased the books--the entire series of books. To date she has read the series no less than seven times!

Now my curiosity peaked and was getting the better of me because I wanted to know how Stephenie was able to draw someone in so deep that they didn't sleep at night because they just couldn't put the book down. She literally came into work happy, smiling and giddy(because of the books) and did I mention totally exhausted. What is so special about this series that would drawn someone who is not a reader to such total devotion?

I decided the only way I would find the answer is to take the time to check Ms. Meyer's work out for myself. So the first thing I did was order the movies, "Twilight" and "New Moon" and I sat and watched both a couple of weekends ago. At first I wasn't so impressed but then something happened. I began to feel for Bella and Edward, and I fell into the story. Actually swan dived...

The love growing between Edward and Bella was beautifully laid out and so very tragic--a no win situation. It just pulled you in so that you wanted the HEA so badly for them. But how can it be? How in the world can these two people so different secure any type of future together. One a mere human and one a monster--a vampire? So there you have it. You need to keep going in order to see how poor Edward and Bella can make this work. And it's not as simple as all that. There are so many other factors flying around this story that seem to work for and against the couple. This author has done her job and done it very well. Oh, and did I mention, this is not the typical YA. This series works for any age. It is such a wonderfully written love story full of sadness, humor, happiness, tragedy, every emotion will be tested and experienced.

Did I mention after I watched the movies, I got my hands on the books as well. I have completed Twilight and Midnight Sun, which by the way, is a partial manuscript from Edward's POV following Twilight, that Ms. Meyer will sadly never finish because it somehow ended up published on the internet before its completion. Something we writers all fear. You can only read this draft on the website. If you would like more information on this draft please visit Stephenie Meyer's website. I do suggest you read it after your read book I because it gives you Edward's point of view and it will give you so much more insight into how much pain and confusion the brooding Edward is dealing with.

I look forward to New Moon which I will begin to read next weekend. Why you ask would I wait until next weekend to begin the next book? Well, I read Twilight in five days(I do work a full time job) and Midnight Sun this weekend. Need I say more? I really need to get some work done *grin*

Next question you may be wondering. Why am I posting this? Well, I wanted to give Stephenie Meyer kudos. She is an exceptional writer of a genre I love, and I hope that someday my work will be accepted and loved as hers is and for good reason.

If you are skeptical like I was because of what critics or peers are saying about this series, the only advise I have for you is to sit down and read it. The movies are fine but they are nowhere as deep or well-rounded as the books. As everyone knows, the books are always better.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and whether you have experienced this series. BUT and this is a BIG but...Please donot give anything away as I am only just beginning New Moon and do not want to know anything past Twilight or Midnight Sun. Do not ruin this for me:) My heart thanks you:)

Thank you Stephenie Meyer!

Dayana~

Author Spotlight: Jason Barrett, Paranormal Romance

2010-04-08T07:30:00.002-04:00

After several weeks we are back with my Author Spotlight segment, and I have to tell you that I am very excited to not only have a paranormal romance author but a MALE paranormal romance author for my new season of interviews. How cool is that? I can't wait to sit down and drill Jason about his great new book, Dead or a Lie, and dig into a male's take on love and romance, what's hot and what's not. This is going to be alot of fun. So grab a cushion, something to drink and let's get this party started!

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?
Snoopy Dance? I don’t do the Snoopy Dance. Although the ladies in my romance group, CNYRW, are always taking about it and writing it on the loop I’m trying to keep some semblance of masculinity so I refrained from using the term. I use: That’s Great, That’s Awesome!, I’m so happy for you!, but, no, never the Snoopy Dance.

Oh, Jason, you know? I get that. Watching a guy snoopy dance... *shakes head and grimaces* well... just isn't a pretty picture, LOL

Angry? I suppose still social injustices and prejudices. It’s been that way since I was a youth, It’s a core value and I can’t understand hatred fostered by appearance or beliefs.

I hear that and whole-heartedly agree.

Happy? I’m just the opposite of the Dr. Phil’s saying, “When Mama’s not happy ain’t nobody happy.” I prefer to think of it in this way, “When the family’s happy, Papa’s happy.” Nothing that makes me happier than happy faces, especially those of my family.
Sad? I get sad from not being able to “fix it.” As a husband and father I’ve almost always been able to “fix” the problem, whether it be a broken heart, skinned knee, broken doll or broken furnace. When I run into things I can’t make right for my family it seems to threaten my place in the world and that makes me sad.

Spoken like a true father, Jason. That's what dads do:)

Also, I get sad when I think of the kind of world my children will have to raise their children in. There’s way too much violence and a certain disconnection between the people that make up our society, whether it’s our neighborhoods or the world. The heart is missing. I can only hope that things will change for the better.

Oh Jason, you are so right. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other and noone's doors were locked. Kids could wander the neighborhood and play in anyone's house without a worry! Today our neighborhoods are closed and most times you don't even know who lives next door. Fortunately, for me, my immediate neighbors are wonderful but that is within a three house radius in all directions. I have no clue whose around me further out.

What inspired you to write your first book?
Social injustice inspired my first book. I never finished the book as I was seventeen at the time and other things took precedence, yes hormones and dating, but social injustices still make me angry. As soon as one starts to be resolved another one jumps up and rears its ugly head. Sadly, it’s been that way since the beginning of time and doesn’t appear to be ending soon.

How do you decide on the topics for your books?

Usually it’s something I’ve seen real life that catches my interest. For 'Dead Or A Lie' it was an episode of Extreme Home Makeover. The crew made a sun safe home for a family with a child with a sun allergy. I thought about it for days and began to create my new world accordingly. The book has nothing to do with that Home Makeover episode but the situation and the onset of the affliction gave birth to my new world.

Ooohhh...great fodder for a vampire story. Sun-safe dwelling. I see how that could get the juices going.
Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

The first book I actually finished was a story that needed to be told. So that was for the love of writing. The characters and story rattled around in my head for years and it needed, demanded to be written. So I wrote it, and I will always love that book more than any other book I’ll ever write. I break the process of writing a book into two distinct parts. Writing the book is pleasure, and I love to do it. When the book is written it then becomes the business end of the process but I still feel that I’ll always write whether I make money or not. And I think anyone reading this knows exactly what I’m taking about.

Absolutely. And we writers know that unless really fortunate, most of us will make some income but may never become rich. I totally get what you are saying. I love to write stories because for me each little world I create and each character is my escape from the nasties of reality. I know I'm in deep when I seem to stay in the fiction world even when I am living real life. It's like that movie you loved and you just can't shake.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
Of course I have a website, http://www.jasonbarret.com/, and have contracted with several romance sites for online advertisement. I also have an ad in the February edition of the RWR and one in the March RT magazine. As far as drawing attention to myself I plan on doing interviews and author spotlights on Long and Short Reviews, The Romance Studio, Coffee Time Romance and the Vampire Romance Books site, but this will actually be my very first author interview, thank you Dayana!

OMG! A virgin too? I love it, LOL You are very welcome, Jason. I love having you here. You are always welcome here.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?

I love Christmas. Not for the presents but for the family side of it. I loved seeing the kid’s faces on Christmas morning when they came down the stairs and saw the tree all lit up with the presents under it. It was a time of wonder, and I could see it in their eyes. I still see that wonder in my grandchildren and when I play Santa each year at an elementary school, K-2nd, where my wife works. I suppose it’s selfish because the children are so unconditional with their love for Santa. I guess that’s my present to me.

It is such a beautifully festive time of year. It and Halloween are my favorites. I remember being that child who couldn't sleep for anything and who ran to wake my parents up who had just gotten to bed because I just couldn't wait a moment longer! Then the only light was the beautiful Christmas tree and the mountains of presents! OMG! It seemed truly like mountains when you are so small. Also, the crumbs on the plate and the milk gone where we'd set them out for Santa. Oops! Sorry, got carried away...

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

I work as a construction inspector from spring to late fall, even winter. This year I was in the field on December 28th working with a crew in a minus 14 degree below zero wind chill factor. It was cold, and I was very happy to leave it all behind and start writing again. Normally I try to write whenever I can but long days at work sometimes interfere with my writing. Now, during the winter, I will try to write daily in the quiet solitude of the empty house.

I hear that. Working a full-time job can crimp a writer's style:) I live in that world as well.

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?

I can write on demand but only if I can get myself to sit down and open the darn book! That’s my hardest part- avoidance. I’m not sure where it comes from but I’ve spoken about it with other authors, and they too have experienced this. One actually told me she’d rather dust the house with a Q-tip rather than sit down to write! She does have several books published though.

Wow! That's heavy... I can not write on demand and only sit down to have at it when something needs to be written. Unfortunately, sometimes a lot of time passes before that happens. Once I get into a project, I'm usually okay.
Where do you write?

We have a study upstairs where my wife works on her photograph and I write. It’s quiet and away from the rest of the house. I can’t write with distracting noises like the radio, or TV. I just loose total concentration when I hear those things and it takes me some time to get back into the moment.

When do you read? Where?

I just got a Kindle and I love it. It actually read my book to me. How cool is that? I normally read while on vacation usually in a beach chair; sunglasses on, Pepsi to my side and a willingness to nod off whenever I want. I enjoy reading books by fellow authors from my romance group, CNYRW, like Alee Drake, Mary Reed McCall, Gayle Callen, Christine Wenger, Maggie Shayne and CJ Barry. Unfortunately, I had to stop reading Maggie’s books in fear that it would influence my thoughts when creating my world of vampires. There are so many wonderful others in our group I can’t name them all here. I try to sneak in some reading on my lap top, now my Kindle, while on break when substitute teaching in the winters.

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking while driving. One of my daughters lived in Virginia and it was a 10 hour drive so I would have my trusty recorder available to record any good ideas I came up with while driving. I also go to sleep while plotting my books. I don’t know how beneficial it is because I probably forget half of what I was thinking but it helps push out the day to day stressors.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

The title to Dead Or A Lie was recognized by one of my critique partners, Alee Drake. We were in critique one night and while I was reading a dramatic scene from the heroine’s black moment Alee stopped me and said “That’s your title, Dead Or A Lie.” She was right; I hope everyone loves the book as much as the title!

Oh, I'm sure they will and the title begs me to read it. I really must get a hold of it. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

Yes, I think my values are always part of my books. I really don’t like a lot of violence and I love a happy ending, and that’s why I turned to Romance. My first book got a little too close for comfort. I tried to write in the same way some actors prepare for a part by using method acting. In method acting you bring yourself to a point in your own life that is associated with the emotional you need to portray. That first book had a lot of conflict and sadness so I was continually bringing myself to different points in my real life that stirred emotions needed for that scene. Bad idea- won’t do that again.

Funny you should say that, Jason. A really emotionally distressing time brought me back to writing in the year 2000. I'd lost my father and my first Sheltie, Kazzy both to cancer within months of one another and writing through the grief is what helped me. So I can definitely relate to what you are saying.

Do you have an upcoming release?

Yes, 'Dead Or A Lie' released on February 19th by the Wild Rose Press. It will be in both e-format and paperback. In 'Dead Or A Lie' I create a new genre of vampire. A group of vampires caught somewhere half way between man and beast. An ancient ritual promises to produce a savior, the Sacrosanct. She will bring those unbound by the shackles of hell back to the world of the living. The vampire hero has waited centuries for the coming of the Sacrosanct but now that she has arrived can he help her fulfill her destiny before the evil Lord Trevacular captures and destroys her? I really thought the day would never come but now that it has come and gone I am so excited. You can find me at The Wild Rose Press or you can always look on my site.

What do you do for relaxation?

I like to kayak with my wife, Janice. We paddle up some streams where you can almost believe no man or woman has ever traveled before. When we get close to a picturesque site or we spot some sort of wildlife she puts down her paddle and picks up her camera. Then says, “Scout, get me in close.” We’ve paddled up to within a few feet of a doe (female deer) resting under an evergreen tree on the edge of the stream. We also like to golf without keeping score and I personally enjoy restoring my 1972 MGB European sports car.

Dayana you’ve asked me how and why a man actually got involved with romance so here it goes.

Yes! and that is a question we hit on when we talked about this interview and I am so glad you brought it up, Jason. This is something I'm sure would interest readers and authors alike. Please do tell all:)

I had just finished that first tragic novel, Unrequited Love. I think the title was a give away to everyone but me, but what did I know. I was a guy who primarily read Sci-Fi and mysteries but was now writing a story I needed to tell. I bought a copy of Writers Guide and from the short description I knew I was holding a Romance novel. So out of the blue I looked up a local romance author, Mary Reed McCall, and asked her advice. She was so nice just to take a phone call from a total stranger, but she did and suggested that I go to a conference that was hosted by the Central New York Romance Writers in Syracuse, New York. So I did.

I walked into a room with 80 or more romance writers and slapped a name tag on my shirt. I was greeted very warmly and introduced all around, you see, Mary had called ahead! I was in awe. I wasn’t prepared to be in a room with so may other authors, it’s a memory and feeling I’ll never forget. There were Sci-Fi writers, paranormal writers, time travel, historical, you name it they were there and all there to listen to Deb Dixon speak about GMC, a lucky day for me in so many ways.

Then came lunch, I was waved to a seat at a table by my future critique partners. We all ate and talked excitedly about the conference and our works in progress. When it was my turn I jumped right into a verbal short synopsis of my book, then it happened. I told them that my heroine died at mid-book. Gasps, forks dropped, and a deadly silence enveloped the table. At my best memory there were ten little pairs of unbelieving eyes just staring at me in utter disbelief. I thought I swore and didn’t realize it. Finally, my soon to be critique partners, Alee Drake and Jenna Gray, took pity on me and delicately told me that my book was not a romance but, not a problem, everyone is welcome at the CNYRW group. I came to understand romance writing with their help and I’ve been a member of the RWA and CNYRW since that day. A reviewer once said to my editor, Amanda Barnet, “you can tell it’s written by a guy!”
“Thank God,” I thought to myself.

Great story, Jason. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself here today. I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know you better and you can be sure I will be purchasing my copy of Dead or a Lie right away.

Below is an excerpt from Dead or A Lie:

“If there’s a scenic route back to Astoria, I guess we took it. Here let me get your door.” He stepped out of the car.

“I can manage.” But as she opened her door, he was already there. “Now that was quick. I suppose in the rest of your spare time you do a little sprint training too? Okay, Mr. Sir Lancelot, you win.” She gracefully extended her hand, which he took. On the way up the dark walkway to her front door, she took her keys from her jacket pocket. Instinctively, she let several of them slide between her fingers, allowing them to protrude past her knuckles. She made a fist, transforming her hand into a formidable weapon.

As they approached the foyer, the warnings she had gotten from the stranger on the internet, Man O War, and Charlie raced through her mind. A battle raged within her, a battle between those warnings and her heart. She gripped the keys tighter, all the while cursing herself for doing so. When they reached the door she turned and when she did, their eyes locked. However, she saw no threat in his dark gaze. Despite the closeness of the foyer and the shadows surrounding them, she loosened her grip on the keys. First, allowing them to dangle with her pinky through the key ring and finally she slipped them back into her pocket. For this moment, the battle was over.

“It’s been a wonderful evening, Lee. I hope we can do it again.” He paused and she saw his eyes grow vacant, like when he looked out the window at the sea, but this time he was staring into the depths of her eyes—her soul.

I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he afraid to make the first move? Oh to hell with it.

She leaned into him and her hand rose to his cheek. He didn’t retreat. He didn’t protest. Instead, he turned and gently kissed her fingertips. Lee let her hand slide to the back of his neck and pulled him closer. He smiled as she gently played with his long hair. Her breath quickened, and the heat rose within her. She kissed him gently. When she released him he lingered at her lips barely touching them with his and then he kissed her cheek. “Beautiful,” he whispered.

Hmm… me or my perfume. Either way is fine with me.

He embraced her, his powerful arms pulled her as close as two bodies could get without being one, and she felt his passion rise. His need obvious. As they kissed his hand slipped down and pulled her into the cradle of his thighs. A too long absent heat raced through her. She wanted more and pushed forward against his hardness, their burning desire now only separated by the delicate threads of their clothing. Yes, she wanted more of his touch—more of him.

“Luke,” was all that quietly escaped from her lips. This time there was no questioning his passion in their kiss, but just as quickly as it peaked, and he pushed himself away, removing her arms from around his neck. He brought her hands to his lips, kissed both palms, and gently released her.

“I’d better go,” his words were barely audible.

She delayed speaking for a moment. “Yes, I suppose so. Maybe it is a little too soon to get things messy.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I wouldn’t actually say that,” she said giving him a demure smile, “and don’t be sorry. I enjoyed every minute of the evening.”

“I’ll see you at work tomorrow, Lee. I had a great time too,” but his sad smile told a different story.

“Me too, Luke. I’ll see you tomorrow. We can do that blood sample thing. I’ve been thinking that I should put the lab level on my security rounds anyway. After all, the autopsy room is right next door, and we don’t want any of those bodies walking off on us, now do we?”

“Yeah, that whole walking dead thing, doesn’t it just creep you out?” he asked, followed by a gallows laugh. “See you tomorrow. Good night, Lee.”

“Night.” Lee slipped her key into the lock and entered the building, looking back one last time at Luke through the glass pane. He gave her a playful salute and headed back to his car. When he got in, she saw him hit the steering wheel with the heel of his hand.

Once inside her apartment she heard the predictable greeting from Rocky. “Hello, Doll,” but she was also greeted by something that took her by complete surprise. A fragrance so enchanting, so lovely, she stopped for a moment and inhaled it, as Luke had her perfume. Wanting to make the moment last, she slipped into a warm tub and the heavy, moist air mixed with the scent of the jasmine in an intoxicating way. “Thank you, Luke,” she closed her eyes and allowed herself to slip further into the water until it was just below her chin. With her eyes closed, she inhaled the steamy elixir. “Could you be the one?”

****

The tires only chirped when he drove away from the curb, but as soon as he was a short distance from her door he slammed the gearshift violently into second, then third, and right on through to fifth gear. He rocketed towards the quickest route out of city and to a winding country road he had visited countless times before. He attacked each curve, each bend in the road as if it were his enemy. At every turn, he tempted fate with his ungodly speed. The scream of his tires echoed through the mountains like a lonely mournful cry. His tires cried for hours that night.

More about Jason:
Jason grew up in Upstate New York at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains where he still resides with his wife and high school sweetheart, Janice. They now have two married daughters, and two grandsons. Jason enjoys activities like kayaking with Janice, candle making, and restoring his antique MGB, a European sports car. The experiences he’s accumulated over the years with his first and only love, Janice, and then their wonderful children help him write of relationships. His college background in math and science inspire him when writing Sci-Fi and Paranormal.

He started his first unfinished book when he was seventeen and has had a few other starts before actually beginning a book that he eventually finished. That book still awaits publication but he’s moved on to other projects, including his new release, Dead Or A Lie, published by The Wild Rose Press . Jason enjoys writing of relationships, real science twisted enough to make a new world come to life, and things belonging to the realm of the paranormal.

Jason’s site: http://www.jasonbarret.com/
Purchase Dead or a Lie

Author Spotlight: Dayana Knight Answers All

2010-04-01T10:39:00.001-04:00

Hello, everyone. Welcome and thank you all for joining me today. I am also doing a simulcast with The Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers Blog today, so hop over and check them out, too. Who knows what questions are going to be asked of me:)
As promised I am open and ready to answer whatever question you toss at me to the best of my ability, LOL Many people have responded via email. I have posted each of the questions below along with the name of the person who asked it. Feel free to shoot questions at me today as well if you just dropped by and hadn't had a chance to email me one. If I receive a lot of questions within the comments section, I will set up a second post so everyone is visible on the blog and readers don't have to peruse the comments for Q&A.

I will drop in this evening(day job you know) and over the next couple of days to catch up with people who may drop in later.
Something tells me that these questions will have nothing at all with the craft of writing and everything to do with...

hmm...

well shall we begin?

Jennifer Mathis asks:

Well since it is April Fools, I have to ask are you a practical joke kind of person and if so what do you think is you best practical joke?

Actually, Jennifer, like the clipart at the beginning denotes, no, I'm not really good at that kind of stuff. I was always lingering in the background so as NOT to be the brunt of a practical joke. But, hey! You know, this stunt here might change things up a bit. LOL I'd have to say this is my best practical joke--and it's on me!

Mary Marvella asks:

How old were you when you lost your first tooth?
Geez, I truly don't remember but I do remember the agony of the tooth hanging by a thread and why is it you couldn't help but to play with the darned thing with your tongue. I also remember placing the errant tooth under my pillow, the Tooth Fairy visits and finding some cold hard cash in the morning in place of that pesky tooth:)

Do you remember your first boy friend?
Absolutely! He was awesome and probably all but 12:) I used to go to the Little League field to gaze upon him.

Who was the first boy you kissed and how old were you?
His name was Joe and he lived in the next town over. I think I was 13 and he was 15. He gave me my first piece of jewelry too. It was a small garnet birthstone pendant that was simple and very pretty. I still have it. He broke up with me by telling me I was too good for him. My translation: He was wanting more than I could give:) A gentleman at a very young age. A very special memory.

Do you have a tattoo, where, and of what?
No. Not a one. I have wanted to get one for years--a tramp stamp which is the low back one, LOL but I am too chicken:) I don't like needles all that much. Do what I have to but the thought of being poked at a constant rate for a long period of time... I don't think so.

What is the strangest food combination you like?
M&Ms and cornflakes in milk(weird when I did it but now we have Chocolate Cheerios, so... And yes, I like them*grin*) I also used to put maple syrup in milk as a kid.

Sharon Donovan asks:

What birthday was hardest for you to deal with and what did you do that could be considered zany to combat it?
Clever way to ask me how old I am, LOL. Let's see. No birthday was really that hard for me but with age comes other changes that are very painful for me. That midlife spread around the middle is haunting me now and I just cannot seem to get rid of it. I find time has stripped some of my energy as I get into things I did without any thought and now realize I'm not as--shall we say-- spry as I used to be, LOL BTW: I stopped aging/celebrating at thirty-five, just so you know *grin*

Mary Ricksen asks:

Do you have dreams involving sex? In color?
Absolutely! Where do you think I get some of those sex scene ideas? Color? Not sure. I think they are but I'm usually too busy to notice:)

Do any of your stories have a basis in reality?
Yes. Actually I mention or use several things from my life in my first book. I do model character's morality, thoughts, mannerisms around people in my life. And sometimes things I myself have experienced. In fact, my second book Curse of the Marhime was born of a real life rather strange experience. I believe that there is a certain realism added through "real" life in fiction.

Lisa Finch asks:

What is the freakiest paranormal thing that ever happened to you?
I would have to say messing with a Quija board when I was probably at the cusp of my teen years. My neighbor had a board and a creepy house. She was older than me(late teens, early twenties) but she tolerated me, LOL We were playing with the thing one night and it began to take a life of its own which totally freaked us both out and needless to say we abandoned the thing, and I never touched another board in all these years! I have to add I never will expecially after watching Paranormal Experiment. That just plain freaked me out!

Keena Lykens asks:

If you could time travel with any fictional character, who would it be with, where would you go and would you eat the local cuisine?
I would have to say Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. I would go anywhere with him, LOL As far as partaking in the local food, it would definitely depend on what the local cuisine was. I do draw the line at organs and bugs, etc. As well any animal in depicted in the story Bambi:) But generally, I'm not a picky eater:)

Jackie Sajonjo asks:

What is the scarriest thing you've ever done?
You may not believe this but I have to say my scariest moment was when I posted my first piece of writing to a critique group(my first) and hit the 'send' button. I was so nervous, I shook and was near to panic and remorse as I awaited the first response.

My next panick-filled fearful moment was when I sent my first manuscript to an editor per her request. I beat myself up and refused to open her eventual email for fear of what it would say. LOL she asked my why I was hiding my work. She loved it and wanted to contract it. As FDR said, "the only thing to fear is fear itself." And I firmly believe that, LOL Though each time I put myself out there I am honestly afraid. Afraid I or my work will be rejected. Natural, but significant.

Paranormal fright? Well...the Quija incident I mention above and I used to have nightmares that I awoke bodily harmed afterwards--meaning I would have bruises and marks on my body in the exact places I was hurt in my dreams which were all very strange. I discovered that the root of my very frightening dreams were all the hardcore horror books I was reading. When I stopped reading them the dreams stopped.

Oh and once my brother hid under my bed in the dark. I came in (I never worried about turning lights on, still don't to this day. Good night vision. Must be one of shifter traits:) sat down on the bed he grabbed my ankles. If I weren't so young, I would have died on the spot of a heartattack. What are brothers for? I ask.

Catherine Bybee asks:

Where was the most outragious place you ever.....???
On the X-ray table in my office. It was cold and very uncomfortable but we had nowhere else to go. I wondered what the heck I was thinking... I mean geez, all kinds of people touch and lay on this table. Why in the world would I ever...

Oh! No! you are all thinking...

No... no... I'm talking about having lunch in the X-ray room because the kitchen was already full of people and...

Oh get your minds out of the gutter. Next you'll all be thinking I lured some unsuspecting hunk of a patient into my lair on the pretence of an extended x-ray exam and well...you get the picture I'm sure;)

Thank you for all the wonderful questions. And, not a one about writing! This has been a blast. Please be sure to tune in on Thursdays and check out who is in the hot seat each week. Also, if you'd like a heads up on what's going on here, please join Dayana's Happening. Just scroll down on the right sidebar of the my blog and click Yahoo Group "Join this group".

Oh and thank you Fuzzies for inviting me to simulcast this event on your blog today as well.
Dayana

Author Spotlight and April Fools with a twist:)

2010-04-01T10:39:00.000-04:00

As you all know April 1st is not only the kickoff of my Author Spotlight this year, it is also April Fool's Day, so I thought I would put myself in the hotseat on for this silly holiday. Foolish I know but I am opening myself up to YOUR questions. Send me a question between the dates of March 21 and 27th, and I will answer the things YOU want to know about moi:)

Almost anything is game. Let's have some fun, shall we? Best question will earn you a surprise gift. The jury's still out on what that will be but surprises are always nice, aren't they?
Send your questions to my email addie: gothscribegirl@aol.com and please put "Fool's Questions" in the subject line. Please DONOT post questions on this blog as comments. They WILL NOT be answered.
Looking forward to receiving your questions, so think up some doosies, LOL

As promised, Jason Barrett and Debra St. John spotlight dates are Jason, April 8th and Debra, April 15th. I will also have Barbara Monajem, April 22nd. Stay tuned for many more of your favorite authors throughout the spring and summer months.

Now I'm back to my new erotic, working title, Unchain My Mortality.

D~

2010-03-19T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hello, my friends!

After a long, unexpected sabbitical Author Spotlight returns in April. I look forward to these little peeks into other authors' lives and craft secrets. I hope you all do as well.

If you have a new release coming up or just want some free PR, which, btw, never hurts, *grin* please contact me privately via email.

If you are a reader interested in finding out just how your favorite author ticks, by all means, drop in on Thursdays and take a peek at who is in the hot seat. You may even win free books or some other item the author is giving away. Look forward to getting started again.

I will notify you of specific dates before the end of the weekend on the below authors' visits.

I will have Jason Barrett, author of Dead or a Lie (great title isn't it?) and Debra St. John, author of the new release, Wild Wedding Weekend(Looks very interesting if you ask me), coming up in April.

Stay tuned for the details and dates on these two wonderful authors.

Dayana

A Loss...

2010-03-14T13:40:00.002-04:00

March 12, 2010 this beautiful little guy left us for the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Mister was one of my good friend and neighbor's furry children. If you remember a few weeks ago I had a doggie sleep over. Well, Mister is one of my kitty wards that I visited and gave fluids to each day while my friend was out of town.

Mister was well-traveled having come here from Chile, lived in California and Florida(the places that I know of) and a wonderful lap mate. He loved to climb up in your lap and sleep, purring contentedly. A beautiful loving animal with one grey eye, and one blue eye as you can see here in his picture. He was 16 years old. I will sorely miss this little guy.

Not long ago, Jacira, my friend, lost another wonderful little kitty, named Starfish, to cancer. Starfish with Mister pictured on right.

I don't know about you but a loss of a pet hurts as much or more than people. Some may be offended by that statement but pets give such unconditional love and never turn their backs on you. My opinion and as most of you know, I LOVE ANIMALS!

Thank you for letting me share two very special animals with you that I have grown attached to over the years.

Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful lush meadows of green. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.

Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance... bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate.

Happy tears and kisses are warm and plentiful, your hands caress the face you missed. You look into the loving eyes of your pet and know that you never really parted. You realize that though out of sight, you love had been remembered.

You cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

D~

To All Pet Lovers. I just couldn't resist...

2010-03-10T19:58:00.002-05:00

The following was found posted very low on my fridge door:

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom!If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't hang out with drug-using people,

(7) don't smoke or drink,

(8) don't want to wear your clothes,

(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and

(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

A friend sent this to me because she knows I am an animal lover and I just had to share it with all of you. I actually have a magnet plaque on my fridge that says: The more people I meet the more I love my dog.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

D~

2010-02-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

Hello? Is there anyone out there? Just nod if you can hear me...

LOL Well, it seems I have disappeared yet again. Ugh! I have been so busy that I find it hard to manage all my projects again of late. Looks like I may have to brush up on my time management skills.

Valentine's Day has come and gone, my 27th wedding anniversary celebrated with a quiet dinner at home. We had planned on going out but decided we'd rather just relax and enjoy in the cozy comfort of our home.

Two months have come and gone of the new year, and I really haven't accomplished a whole lot of writing but I have accomplished some really big things. Mostly on a personal level. Some in other aspects of my career. My point?

Well, though sometimes we don't have anything to really flaunt or visibly put out for all to see, like a new book accepted for publication, or a release coming up, a booksigning, etc. it doesn't mean the things that go on behind the scenes aren't just as important. All the planning, organizing, reorganizing, scheming, stolen minutes to jot down new ideas, maybe toss out bits of a new story. All these things essentially will fall together into something bigger and productive.

That's where I've been. I write a little bit, add something to this work in process and brainstorm on that WIP, jot down some new idea and maybe toss out a few thousand words of a new story. Whatever disjointed direction I go, I rejoice that my imagination is alive. My muse determined. The next story that much closer.

Gotta get back to work. Be back soon. Gotta get the Author's Spotlight back on line. I've got some wonderful authors lined up in the next couple of months and I've got quite a collection of disjointed and partial story ideas lying about.

D~

Slipping into oblivion: How important is visibility?

2010-02-07T09:02:00.002-05:00

We're going to leave the ghosts, asylums, and other paranormal entities behind for a bit. I wanted to talk about something of dire importance to anyone who depends on 'visibility' to survive in this cyber world we live in. We all know that money, for most of us, is tight and our only venue promo and advertisement is the internet. So how to keep a consistent presence across the net is a big challenge. I have inadvertantly tested this and found that slipping into the oblivion is so very easy to do and unfortunately, you sink fast!

Over the last several months, I've noticed even my most dependable followers have moved on. It is not a good feeling being alone and unheard, especially for a writer. My views and comments on this blog have dropped drastically and are non-existent on my website. So what is the problem?

Updates. This is something that is a necessessity, and I do religiously keep up with. Fresh conversation and topics draw your readers and show them you are out there. So, I know I'm okay in this department.
Topic/Content. Maybe my topics are uninteresting to others? Could be an issue but I wouldn't know that unless someone said "Hey, you're boring the bejeebers out of us, already!"
Visibility. Bingo! This one is a biggie. I have been so tied up with other responsibilities that my overall visibility had dropped excessively. What does that mean? Well, for instance, I have not spent the time needed to visit other blogs, give interviews, hold contests, author spotlights have slimmed out, and hold the occasional give-away to drawn interest. I have attempted to visit my favorite blogs in the last couple of weeks and comment but I suppose because I cannot do this as a daily routine my visitations may be lost in the mire. I am only able to follow through on this on a weekly basis.
Loops and Blogs. Another major problem for me is finding the time needed to remain visible on the loops and blogs I belong to. Whew! this is a major challenge for me. I have attempted to incorporate one morning a week to do this. But again, it seems futile as I don't really see any gain from this. Not complaining. Will keep plugging and keep working at it. Solutions are hard won especially with life biting at your heels. Everyone has one and all the demands that come with it, so I'm not alone. Were there an easy solution, it would be a perfect world, would it not?
New Material/Releases. Another huge obstacle. I have been pulled from my personal works for sometime now. I haven't been able to write except in limited spurts of time, nor am I the type of writer that can force the muse, so much of those times may produce nothing, nada, blank pages... I will say that I have no less than five/six projects in different stages! I just need to sit down and get them going. More likely--get them finished! New releases regularly are the key. Each new project, its promo, etc. bring potential new readers and bring back your faithful followers. Without fresh material flooding the saturated market, you are guaranteed a nosedive into oblivion. Trust me, I know...

Well, that said, I am going to pull out one of those projects I mentioned and get to work. As Nike says: Just do it!

D~

2010-01-30T23:42:00.002-05:00

As I Tweeted, Facebooked, and MySpaced this evening, I sat down and watched "Paranormal Activity" alone in the dark, in my house, with my Sheltie, Bea. Can I add anymore commas to that sentence? LOL

I thought I would have been more frightened, and I will admit to thinking that this flick was about ghosts but when I realized it was a 'demon' who haunted this poor girl, I felt a bit more uncomfortable. Demons make me nervous.

With that said, the movie was interesting, and I thought unique in the way it was done. I don't know if many of you remember "The Blair Witch Project" but that was the same type of thing. I like the questionable nature of wondering about its authenticity. But I will be honest, I'm not going to wonder overly about this one as I will admit it wasn't as terrifying as I imagined it might have been, but the ending totally freaked me out. I honestly didn't expect it. I don't want to go into too much detail here as many who read this may not have seen the flick as yet and don't want to give it away. Nor do I really want to concentrate too heavily on this one for the obvious reasons.

By the way, anyone interested who has Comcast On Demand, they do have "The Blair Witch Project" which I am going to take advantage of and watch again. Jaclyn! I know you wanted to watch it. Also they are running "Paranormal Activity" as well.

Well, once again my Byberry Asylum discussion has been pre-empted. Do you think it may be an omen? Perhaps to leave well enough alone?

Sleep well...

D~

Wolf Moon...

2010-01-30T00:18:00.003-05:00

Tonight is the "Wolf Moon" which, of course, interests me! Wolf and moon in one conversation:) Definitely up my alley.

Apparently, this is the brightest and fullest moon of the year and a bonus is that Mars is visible as well. I went out earlier and viewed the phenomenon and if it is still clear skies for you take a step out the door and check this beautiful moon out. Just to the left and toward the bottom of the moon you will see a reddish star twinkling. That would be Mars.

I attempted to get a picture but hey, all that I had was my Blackberry:) Check it out. I've posted it top right.

Borrowed resource info:

(Jan. 29) – Tonight's full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. It offers anyone with clear skies an opportunity to identify easy-to-see features on the moon.

This being the first full moon of 2010, it is also known as the wolf moon, a moniker dating back to Native American culture and the notion that hungry wolves howled at the full moon on cold winter nights. Each month brings another full moon name.

Tonight's full moon is the first of the year.

But why will this moon be bigger than others? Here's how the moon works:

The moon is, on average, 238,855 miles from Earth. The moon's orbit around Earth – which causes it to go through all its phases once every 29.5 days – is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. One side of the orbit is 31,070 miles closer than the other.

So in each orbit, the moon reaches this closest point to us, called perigee. Once or twice a year, perigee coincides with a full moon, as it will tonight, making the moon bigger and brighter than any other full moons during the year.

Tonight it will be about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than lesser full moons of the year, according to Spaceweather.com.

Author: Robert Roy Britt
For more information and to read the complete article:
Wolf Moon, Article Aol Resource

This article claims there is no correlation between people and animal moods and the full moon. What do you think? We've been told that the moon affects the chemical balance in the brain and makes the unbalanced person or animal even more unbalanced or shall we say the crazies come out? Though Robert states this is myth. However, the tides are affected.

Hmmm...

More interesting information:
Space.com

Tomorrow I'm back on Byberry history and ghostly apparitions. Bet you can't wait:)

D~

Let's talk ghosts...

2010-01-24T10:59:00.007-05:00

after spending the evening working on my new paranormal erotic novella I decided to surf the channel listings to see what was on. Bored and looking for anything to watch, I stumbled upon that ghost hunter show on The Travel Channel. So... I thought why not? I'd never watched it before though I did see some of the spoofs done in regards to the show, namely a South Park episode.

I settled in and watched. I found it for the most part overly dramatic and the playbacks of the experiences not so strong in the proof department but the fourth episode caught my attention. Why? Because it was familiar or at least in the same vicinity of a place I used to venture to as a teenager when we were brave and daring in the night, LOL

Jaclyn, you will relate to this as we talked about this and have this place in common. Remember Byberry(sp)? Well, last night one of the episodes was seeking out paranormal activity at a place called

Pennhurst State Asylum or Institutution located in Spring Town, Pennsylvania. I believe I've gotten that correctly. Anyway, this is a huge condemned complex where people would drop off mentally challenged and difficult children. At one time there were over ten thousand inhabitants. Definitely a dark and desperate place. It was condemned and closed in the early sixties, I believe. The most interesting thing about the episode were the people that Zak interviewed about the place. Catch the episode if you can. It definitely gave me a few goose bumps.

Funny thing is I kept thinking about my Byberry adventures and as the guys panned one of the rooms in the place, I couldn't believe my eyes! Low and behold, I caught what appeared to be the word "Byberry" spray painted on one of the walls and I saw it more than once so I know I wasn't imagining it!

Below is a slideshow of the episode. Enjoy:) Hey, Jacke! Let me know what you think. All I could think about was our old haunt.

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Ghost_Adventures/Photos/Slideshow_Pennhurst_State#

Just for balance, I'd seen this prior to ever watching an episode of Ghost Adventures. Check this out:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6178554

Now formulate your own opinion, LOL

Adendum:

I was curious to see if I was spelling the name of Byberry correctly and felt compelled to do some research on the place. I will continue the actual facts on this asylum in my next post but interestingly found much information on the place we stared upon in the wee hours of the night without exiting our car. Eerie doesn't begin to describe the misery of this place. It has since been demolished in 2006 yet still haunts my mind.

Some photos and additional links:

http://www.oboylephoto.com/byberry/

Some additional photos.

2010-01-10T18:42:00.000-05:00

Sunday has gone to the dogs! I've had a great canine weekend spent with Bea(Sheltie), Scooby(Right, Charpei mix) and Frisco(left rear, golden). Bea in front is mine, Scooby and Frisco belong to my neighbor who is hanging out in Denver for the week. We decided to have a puppy sleepover though I am caring for two cats as well who have remained at home:)

Great practice on deciding whether or not to adopt a brother to keep Bea company. They have all been the perfect angels. No problems here. Great way to relax since it's too freakin' cold to go outside. I never thought I would be saying that. Where do I live again? Coincidentally, the temp this morning in Denver was one degree colder than we were in South Florida which was 32 to our 33. Again, where am I?

Anyway, one more peek at my furry kids. They will be going home on Wednesday though I wouldn't care if they never left. It's been a wonderful experience.

2010-01-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

Author Spotlight, Jason Barrett will not make it today but no worries! He will be here in February. The 18th to be specific. Please stop back and check him out. His new release, Dead or a Lie, will also be available in February at the Wild Rose Press, and you don't want to miss that.

Still cold and will be for the next week to ten days here in tropical paradise, so don't make any hasty plans to escape your winter Hell in the North and come to Florida just yet. Whoa! We're just not equipped for this long term, but this too shall pass:)

Have a wonderful week everyone.

D~

2010-01-06T07:24:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

Well, the holidays have come and gone once again. Things are scaling down and it's time to put all the decorations away. Ugh! I hate this because once I take all the festive decor down the house looks so cold and bare. I'll be tackling that this weekend:( Ah well...

As you may know, I live in tropical paradise. Sunny Southern Florida to be exact. And I will tell you that yesterday evening Spokane, Washington and us had something in common which is not a good thing. We were both 48 degrees at 7PM! Amazing! We woke up to 35 this AM! Steam actually is misting from my mouth.

If you know anything about South Florida, this is NOT normal. The year we moved here from Southern New Jersey there was a citrus freeze so the temps were in the thirties when we got here-incidentally that was in the mid eighties. Apparently, that lasted about a week but according to the experts this is a record cold snap for us and though you may call us the biggest wimps, LOL it is cucking fold to us *grin* This is forecast to go for a couple of weeks. The crops will be in serious trouble if it does. We have not surpassed a daily temp of 60 something all week and it is forecast to remain about the same at least for the next week.

I will tell you that I actually don't mind. I'm a New Jersey girl at heart and it is a nice change from the norms of 75-80 degrees year round. But clearly we are not used to this long-term:)

Stay warm and have a wonderful day...

D~

Author Spotlight: Denyse Bridger, Paranormal Author

2009-12-31T06:42:00.027-05:00

Geez, it seems another week has flown by and we're here again. New Year's Eve with Denyse will be a blast. She is an amazing author. If you haven't already read Blood Wine and Pale Roses you really need to. It is an awesome book and extremely sensual. Don't miss it!

So without further delay let me introduce her as here she comes now.

Hello, Denyse and welcome to my blog! I can't wait to get started:) So here goes...

What inspired you to write your first book?

I don’t know that anything inspired me that first time, I just can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. The first completed project as an adult came in 1984, inspired by my favourite television series at the time. It led me to the world of fan-fiction, and the discovery that what I loved most was to write.

How many books have you written?
OMG, far too many to remember, honestly. I think if we include all my published works, amateur and professional, we’re in the range of about 400+ by now...

Wow! that's quite an extensive catalogue! How do you decide on their topic?
Sometimes it’s an image, other times a song. I never really know what will trigger the idea. I’ve even literally “dreamed” novels and stories into being.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Usually the story keeps me focused, and if I lose the focus, I either look at the images that have created the story, or listen to the music my brain associates with it. I cannot live without music, so it’s always there as a soundtrack to life and creativity.

Oh I do know what you mean there. I had a Linkin Park CD in my truck for over a year as I wrote my crime romance novel. I don't know what about it inspired me but it just seemed to keep the characters alive in my head. I practically lived within the story!

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Definitely the love of writing...

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
From the moment I started writing with an honest desire to entertain people. It wasn’t the first sale or the first publication, but the first completed project that I was willing to give to friends and share... that’s when I was a writer.

What type of stories do you like to write and why?
I like to mix genres all the time... there is always an element of romance in anything I write, but I add lots of other styles, too... fantasy, paranormal, mystery, historical, suspense. Pretty much everything except sci-fi, really, and hard-core horror.

What type of stories do you like to read and why?
Romance and fantasy, mostly. Some mystery, but usually stuff in historical settings, like the Anne Perry Monk Mysteries, or Sherlock Holmes, I really love the Victorian era.

Victorian Gothic stories! Yes, I grew up on them. I always had a novel in my hand about ghosts and old mansions:) I don't even remember the author names now. I think one of my favorites was Victoria Holt.

Who would you say modeled your career? Who would readers compare your work to?
I’ve been compared to P.D. James, Terry Brooks, and a number of Harlequin romance authors, ALL huge compliments in my opinion!

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)
I can write anytime, anywhere.... I’ve been known to write half the night when the inspiration hits, other times it’s hit and miss all day long. No children or husband to distract me, just real-life!

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?
I used to need to “feel” the mood, now, I can write on demand. Whether the demand comes from me or someone else, I can sit down on the spot and work an idea, then go for it....

Where do you write?
My home office mostly, but I always have a notebook and pen with me, so if I’m going for coffee, sitting in a hospital or doctor’s waiting room, I can just flip open the book and write....

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?
A friend in Italy, he’s the hero of my current project. His job and his personality are perfect for a romance, so he’s it!

So your hero is a real person, eh? Well, ladies, looks like this one is attainable, perhaps? Might have to fight the heroine for him, LOL

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?
Usually there is ONE trait of mine in a hero, or a heroine, even if it is something as innocuous as a hair colour, or an eye colour. Other times it’s a piece of temperament, or a fear in me, or someone close to me, but there is always one trait that I use to anchor the character and make them “real” to me as a person.

How long did it take you to get your first project sold? And was the project your first actual completed manuscript?
First pro contract came when I entered the Amber Heat competition for Amber Quill Press. I wasn’t going to do it, then the night before the deadline, the story just dropped on me and demanded to be told. I wrote it in one day, polished it, then made the deadline under the wire... A few weeks later I had an email informing me that I’d won my first contract. Haven’t looked back since then!

Why do you write?
Because I can’t stop the voices in my head demanding to be heard! I think it’s a gift in some ways, and it allows a form of expression that can take you anywhere and allow you freedoms that nothing else can.

What type of music do you favor? Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?
Music is with me every minute of the day, and I am either singing (badly) or listening to whatever suits the mood of what I’m writing. If I am answering mail, or doing something like this interview, I have things like howling wolves in the background, or storms, stuff like that. My favourite music is anything romantic and inspiring, and for me that is usually the music of Italy, or singers like my friend Riccardo Foresi. I also love jazzy-blues sounds, so it’s really a very eclectic array of sounds...

Denyse will be giving away a copy of her newest release to one lucky commenter. So don't be shy ask her questions and jot your comments down. She will draw the winner tomorrow. I will announce the winner here on this blog!

Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosporous New Year! Wishing you all the best and thank you so much for dropping by:)

More about Denyse:

Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My life has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write, the American West, Victorian England, cowboys, a passion for pirates, Greek Gods, and Ancient Egypt. The other endless love affair in my life is Italia and all its magic, beauty, and dazzling culture. That passion spills into all aspects of my life.
My first major fantasy novel is AS FATE DECREES. (Available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon’s international sites.) The novel relies heavily on Greek Mythology, and is set in Ancient Greece and modern Athens. If you enjoy a tale of Gods, Destiny, and the battles of an Eternal Champion, this is the book for you! Not surprisingly, there’s a touch of romance throughout, of course! A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, and the mixing of genres and styles that will be employed in many up-coming projects as well.
To stay current with all these projects, or to just say hello, please feel free to email me anytime, there’s a contact link on the mail menu. I promise I will do my best to answer everyone, though it may take a day or two, so please be patient! Or, feel free to sign up for my newsletter, which is called Romance and Fantasy.
Website: http://www.denysebridger.com/

Blog: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/

Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com/

HEARTS ON FIRE BOOKS will be publishing my short fantasy/erotic romance ROYAL CONSORT. That stunning guy on the cover, he's real... someone I love and adore - my Italian Prince, Vincenzo. This book was written for him. So, please check it out on Sunday when it goes live at Hearts On Fire.... In the meantime, let me tell you a little bit about the book, and tease your interest (I hope) with an excerpt:

ROYAL CONSORT
Publisher: Hearts On Fire Books
Release: November 15th, 2009
Cover Model: Vincenzo Chiofalo
Photographer: Mariagrazia Germanà
Cover Artist: Dara England

Blurb:

On the fantasy world of Foress, the daughter of the world’s last remaining god is challenged to locate one of the ancient swords that were forged as the Triad of Power among the once-powerful gods. Sherindal is a skilled warrior, but a woman with many conflicts in her heart. She has spent her life in the service of her father, the god M’Har, yet it is not she who will wield the most powerful of the swords. Diviner is to be her brother’s destiny, even though she is certain the legacy should be hers. Sherindal carries another of the three ancient weapons, Huntor. The final part of the triad is to be held by the hands of men, and her lover, the Prince of Ember City, is the guardian of Predator.

Royal Consort buy Link:
http://www.heartsonfirebooks.com/downloads.aspx?categoryid=8

BOOK COVERS (Slideshow): http://www.slide.com/r/bqRfkYr10D8gfyi__LvEBUA2jZbc5RLT?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

EMBED CODE:

Author Spotlight: Susan Macatee, American Civil War Romance Author

2009-12-24T07:00:00.019-05:00

Hello and Merry Christmas to all! Please welcome this week's guest, Susan Macatee. Hello, Susan! Hope you've managed to get all your Christmas preparation done, LOL Are we ever done?

What inspired you to write your first book?
Reading great books written by others. When I was a kid, I loved books so much, I imagined what it would feel like to actually write and have my name on the cover of a book and have people read stories about characters I’d created. As I grew older, although I never thought of being an author as a real career option, that vision of writing novels never completely left me. It was through reading and my love of novels that made me want to write a book of my own.

How many books have you written?
Not that many, actually. I started out writing short stories, so as of today, I’ve written four complete novels and just completed the first draft of a fifth. I have another completed first draft put aside, awaiting revision. The first novel I wrote was never published.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

Schedules. LOL. I list all my writing goals. I have yearly goals, monthly goals, weekly goals and even daily goals. I also belong to an online challenge group where I record my daily progress in a database. This keeps me from frittering away my time, when I know I have to account for what I’ve done each day, whether it be words written, pages edited or hours spent plotting or researching a story.

Do you write to make money or for the love or writing?
Although I’d love to make money from my writing, I’d have to say that’s not the reason I’m doing it. If it was, I would’ve quit long ago. I just love putting words to paper, creating characters that live and breathe in both my and my readers’ heads. And mostly, I want readers to be uplifted by my stories, so if only for a short time, they can get away from problems and escape into a fictional world with a happily ever after.

What type of stories to you like to write and why?
My favorite genres are historical and paranormal. And a mixture of both genres is ideal. I love the Victorian period, American Civil War and also have a thing for vampires, the idea of reincarnation, soul mates, time travel and pure adventure. But the main ingredient is the love story. I want my characters to fall head over heels in love and, no matter what the obstacle, end up with that happily ever after ending.

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?
Early afternoon is my most creative time, so on weekdays, I spend early afternoon hours on new projects, like first drafts and plotting out stories. I also like to squeeze some late morning time on weekends to write too. Since I don’t have an outside job and no longer have kids underfoot, I divide my days between household tasks and writing projects. So, late morning and afternoon is reserved for edits, book promo, proofreading, checking email and other writing related stuff.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?
Generally, I write at the same time every day. Knowing that I’m supposed to write at that hour, makes it that much easier to dive right into the project at hand and make the most use of that time. Otherwise, I might fiddle around all day and not accomplish anything.

Why do you write?
I write to be happy and sane. Enough said. LOL.

Do you have an upcoming release? You do! Oh please tell us all about it.
While I don’t have any upcoming releases, 2009 has been my year of releases. I’ve had five in all. Besides a Christmas novella in an anthology, my latest stand-alone release is a vampire novella, Sweet Redemption out last month in e-book format from The Wild Rose Press. This story is set during the American Civil War, my favorite historical period. My hero is a Union infantry captain and an ex-Catholic priest. The heroine is the widow of a Confederate soldier. She’s left alone on a farm just after her father’s death, trying to keep from starving when the hero shows up on her doorstep. The villain is a centuries old vampire, who stalks them both.

Blurb: On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett, is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul.
Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents have passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop.
Maddie and Jon soon form a bond of love and tender desire. But when Jon begins to exhibit signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?

Sweet Redemption is available now at:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sweet-redemption-p-3750.html?zenid=744a80ff8a416037d43a4dd470786511

If you would like to read a review please visit the Long and Short Reviews at the below link:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/sweet-redemption-by-susan-macatee.html

More about Susan:
Susan Macatee writes American Civil War romance, often with a paranormal twist. Along with her husband, she's been a Civil War reenactor for a number of years. Her other loves are sci-fi, watching major league baseball, camping and baking.

Susan loves to hear from readers. You can find her at her website:
http://www.susanmacatee.com/
and her blog:
http://www.susanmacatee.blogspot.com/.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T22:20:00.000-05:00

Please stop by and visit with Historical Romance author Susan Macatee tomorrow and by all means check out her newest release Sweet Redemption.

Author Spotlight: Beth Trissel, Historical Romance Author

2009-12-17T07:15:00.083-05:00

Hello, Beth! So glad to have you here. Everyone, please give this lovely lady a warm welcome:)
Thanks so much, Dayana, for having me on your lovely blog~
Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Greetings all. I'm Beth Trissel, author of historical romance and light paranormal romance, published with The Wild Rose Press. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and live on a farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley with entirely too many dogs and we're probably getting another one. :) We also love our kitties, well, at least I and the girls do, and the grandbabies. The beauty of the valley is an inspiration, as are my roots which go well back into Virginia’s history. Virginia truly is for Lovers. ~

And now, for some lucky visitor (or visitors) paying attention and not too shy to comment, I’m giving away a signed copy of An American Rose Christmas, drawn from among comments left for this post. If you reside outside the United States I’m giving away a digital download, so may be awarding two prizes.

****
Oh Beth, that's wonderful. I'm going to have to grab a copy of American Rose Christmas for myself. I so love Christmas stories. Well, best I get to it, then, LOL What inspired you to write your first book?
To be passionate about history so that you feel it in your very essence and long to commune with the past is often to be alone. One profound way I’ve found to connect with those who’ve gone before me is through my writing. Research into my English/Scots-Irish ancestors inspired my journey back into early America and the Virginia colonial frontier.

Wow! you make it sound so exciting. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to one's ancestors. How many books have you written?
I have four novels published since the fall of 2008 and a story in the newly released Christmas anthology, and I just signed for another completed American historical. I am mostly finished with another American historical (both part of my colonial frontier trilogy) and am closing in on finishing up the next light paranormal novel in my ‘Somewhere’ series. I have several more in various stages of completion.
You are a busy lady! What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Hot Earl Grey tea, Dark Chocolate, and the right music. I can be bribed and inspired. Threats I tend to ignore. Pleas are answered with promises and excuses. From myself, I mean, as I am my main motivator.
Umm... I myself am a Dark Chocolate lover! Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Ever and always the love of writing is my foremost reason. When I stop loving it, I shall retire and rest on my laurels or whatever it is writers do. However, I cannot imagine such a day. Unless I wrote for a company that dictated what I must compose and in that case, I would quit and find another. I love the freedom I am allowed for creativity at The Wild Rose Press. It is well I’ve met with favor among the editors there because I have no intention of leaving.

Of that I can definitely relate, Beth. The Wild Rose Press is a wonderful group of people. I am quite comfortable there as well, and am working on a new Scarlet novella. Hot! Hot! Hot! And of course working on the second book of my Roma Wolf Tales series.
What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
The social networks like Myspace and Facebook where I have wonderfully supportive friends and fans. I blog my heart out and have several blogs, and repost so as to reach the most people. I’m also a member of a group blog, The Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers. I’ve been a guest on a number of sites and done interviews. I also like Authorsden. Between the Lines, Readers and Writers of Distinctive fiction, Manic Readers…those sorts of sites are worth doing. I belong to some great loops, The Wild Rose Press Yahoo Group, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers…that help spread the word about a new release and are great for sharing information. I’ve done blog radio and am open to more guest spots on those shows. I like anything promo wise that’s FREE, but do pay for some services. I sometimes feel like all I do is promo but I think it’s because I had so many releases on top of each other this year. Whew.

I know what you mean about promo. I tend to try to do all I can to draw people, and it does tend to take a lot of time expecially when you have to continuously monitor all those venues. Lately, I am guilty of going AWOL on some of my loops and groups because there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day, days in a week to do all I want to do! I belong to most all of the venues you mention.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?
I confess to loving Christmas but find it rather overwhelming. Easter is not so much fuss, and I Love Spring! Even though I’m allergic to it and have to take allergy shots.
When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
After I finaled in the Golden Heart (2008) and sold Somewhere My Love to The Wild Rose Press. Or maybe that’s when I felt validated. It came in steps really. I wrote for 12+ years before achieving those two goals. Each contest final, signing with a good agent even though it ultimately didn’t work out, all helped move me in that ‘I Am A Writer’ direction.

When do you read? Where?
I read most every night before going to sleep, usually in my bed but sometimes on the couch. I need an E-Reader!

LOL, I have one though I guess mine is antiquated at this point. It's a Bookwise ebook reader:) Though it's enough for me. Where do you go to think?
I usually take a walk. Wander aimlessly is another word for it. Thinking times are vital to creativity, as is music. I favor Celtic music and movie soundtracks…music that takes me from here to ‘There.’ I’m often inspired when I watch something that stirs my imagination like Lord of the Rings.

Oh that is my favorite movie series and Aragorn(Viggo), well...
What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)
I HATE writing a synopsis. And I’m not very good at it. My editor at the Wild Rose didn’t insist on one for my last manuscript, but I have to come up with a better blurb and I loathe writing that as well.
Do you have a recent release?
Funny you should ask. An American Rose Christmas, a fabulous anthology featuring six stories by American historical romance authors, is out now at the Wild Rose Press. My story in this anthology is "A Warrior for Christmas." In addition to the Wild Rose Press, An American Rose Christmas is also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble online and will expand in both print and digital download to many other online booksellers. Local stores can order it in.

For more on my work please visit my website at:
http://www.bethtrissel.com/

Author Spotlight: Karilyn Bentley, Paranormal Fantasy Romance

2009-12-15T07:00:00.004-05:00

Please welcome Karilyn Bentley today. Good to have you here.

Thank you for having me, Dayana.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was tired of working and wanted something where I could stay home. Writing immediately came to mind b/c I used to write stories as a kid and as an adult I had about 3 stories running around in my head. So I sat down and wrote one of them. It’s now hiding in a dark corner of the closet never to see the light of day, but hey, I finished it. As a bonus, I’ve since learned that writers really don’t sit at home and eat bon-bons:)

Wow, Karilyn. That is the primary dream of many writers including myself. Tell us how you are able to support yourself with your writing as your primary source of income as many of us can't through just our writing. We maintain full-time jobs as well.

I also have to work a day job. I'm a clinical research coordinator for an oncology practice. This means that I help run cancer trials for patients in our clinic. I feel like I'm giving back to the community by working with all the brave people fighting cancer.

Ahh... I'd thought you had quit you day job, LOL I must admit I was a bit envious as that is my dream.
Someday... *sigh* Oh but I digress. How many books have you written?

5 books (including the above mentioned hidden one) and 1 short story. But not all of them are editor worthy!

How do you decide on their topic?

The first one I wrote was what I thought might have happened to this kid I knew in high school that had a mysterious past. Or at least I thought it mysterious:) The next two came as daydreams, striking out of the blue. Then I decided to write romance and needed a series idea so I brainstormed a whole new world. The short story that was published with The Wild Rose Press was part of the Got Wolf? contest so I wrote it specifically for that contest.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! And why? This might make me greedy, but I love opening presents! Growing up, Mom used to break apart sock sets so I had more packages to open. There is something about unwrapping a gift and hearing the paper crinkle that I love. You can give me bubble gum, just wrap it really good and I’ll be happy! Plus I love to give gifts. And see all the lights and decorations. And listen to the music, especially the real Christmas carols sung at church with an organ that vibrates through your feet and into your soul. I just love Christmas!

Christmas is one of my favorites as well. I love the festive atmosphere most of all. I just spent this last week or so decorating my home. I so love the lights, holly, pine, everything...

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I love to write paranormal/fantasy. Probably b/c that’s what I love to read. Reading is an escape to another world, so I like to write about those other worlds. Plus, how cool would it be to have magical powers and be able to kick the bad guys’ butts all over creation? Sign me up!

Where do you write?

Started off writing with my laptop on the bed:) Now I’ve moved to the living room. Plop down on the floor, stick a pillow behind my back, lean up against the wall or sofa and write away. All the research books are upstairs so I can think I’m getting exercise hauling it up and down the stairs:)

LOL very resilient of you. Running up and down stairs is said be a good workout. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I did in my earlier novels. Now, not so much. Usually the characters speak to me and I write ‘em as they come.

Yeah, you know? I can relate to that. I'm about the same and I'll tell you sometimes the new interrupt the ones in process! How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

Probably about 4 years.

Why do you write?
Because the stories are there yelling to get out. I can’t write fast enough for them all, so I have to pick and choose. But the writing itself is like a catharsis, and it feels so good to finish a story.

Do you have an upcoming release?
Yeah me! I’m one of the Got Wolf? authors and am so excited about it! The story is in Taming of the Wolf and my story is Werewolves in London. It’s out now and available from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon and other online stores. Check it out! I’m really excited, can you tell?? *grinning from ear to ear*

I have to tell you, Karilyn, I have both anthologies and have read all the stories in the stories. They are all wonderful and I will be the first to say, if you haven't read Karilyn's and the other stories in these collections you need to run right out and get them.

Tell us about your Hero.

Tom is a rancher and single father whose herd is being gnawed on by a wolf. When his daughter is kidnapped he must rely on Vonda to help save her. In the process he discovers a secret about himself. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books? Since Werewolves in London is my only published story, Tom is currently the fav.

Tell us about your Heroine.
Vonda is dog trainer who loves steak tartare fresh off the bone. When she sees Tom’s daughter being kidnapped, she had to help save the girl. But she and Tom got more than they bargained for in the rescue. Do you have a favorite? Like Tom, Vonda is my only published heroine. So of course I love her! :)

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?
Well, the first story I ever wrote (the one currently in hiding) featured someone I used to know. Other than that, nope. All characters are figments of my imagination. Unless you consider the dog. Sam, the dog in Werewolves in London is modeled after one of my psycho pups. My Sam has obeying issues. Anyone know how to get Cesar Milan to pay us a visit?

Short bio:

By day, Karilyn works in the research department of an oncology clinic. By night, she tells the stories of her imaginary friends. Karilyn and her most wonderful, ever patient husband share their home in the great state of Texas with two partially psycho dogs and a couple of colorful fish.

Visit me at my blog:
href="http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/">http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/

or email me: karilyn@karilynbentley.com

Links to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Taming-Wolf-Wild-Press-Authors/dp/1601547099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259546709&sr=8-1

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/taming-of-the-wolf-volume-2-p-3708.html?zenid=fa7ec73c846182a59e7915b2f678e0f1

2009-12-14T07:01:00.002-05:00

Evening, all. Just thought I'd pop in and show you what I've been up to the last couple of weeks besides fighting the flu that is... The picture to the left is a closeup of one of my Christmas topiaries I create each year. I use this pic for the wallpaper on my Blackberry:) As many of you, I've been very busy preparing for the beauty of the Christmas Season. I just love being creative and customizing my own decorations. Two years ago, I was very impressed with a "Corner Tree" I saw in an ABC Distributing Catalogue so yes, I bought it. Below is a picture of it. It saves space and looks absolutely exquisite! I have two seven and a half foot trees that are beautiful with a revolving tree stand but you know what? Sometimes you just don't feel like dealing with all that and I'll tell you, this tree is just as pretty.

Also, I had picked up some-- for lack of a better description--stick lamps at a garage sale a few weeks ago with the thought of dressing them up for each holiday. Wait until you see what I've done with them. I am so excited:) Below are some closeups of the lamps which you will see on the fireplace mantel. See? We writers can be pretty clever and crafty in other ways, LOL

And of course, I had in my mind I wanted flicker bulbs for the lamps and you know? I finally found them at Home Depo. I'd about given up but as I crawled along the floor of the lightbulb display wall there they were! Hidden way at the bottom and only one little row of them. But I felt as if I'd found heaven:)

Also, I am very proud of the topiaries I mentioned below. I had created matching set which sits on either side of my china cabinet in the dining room. I have put them up for probably four years now and decorated them each year like the tree. For the first couple of years I'd utilized them as I'd bought them with white lights but I love colored lights so a couple of years ago I switched them out.

And finally, I have like many people collected village pieces and change it up each year. I have a train set but depending on how much room I want in the living room I utilize them. This year I opted for a simple village so I only used a few pieces. Sometimes simple is more effective. Don't you think? I'll save these pics for my next post.

Thanks for sharing my holiday preparation with me. May yours be festive, warm and filled with happiness and much joy!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

D~

Coming up this week...

2009-12-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

I've got two Author Spotlight segments. Please drop in on Tuesday and meet Karilyn Bentley one of the Got Wolf Anthology authors and then on Thursday, Beth Trissel, award winning romance author. I know you will enjoy these very animated ladies.

Tomorrow part one of my Christmas antics. Then more pics and show and tell on Wednesday.

Hey! I've got a wonderful idea. Why not share your busy, bustling holiday season? Shoot me pictures and a short recap of what you are up to these days. I'll put them up with your story. I look forward to sharing the fun:)

Talk soon,

Dayana~

2009-12-09T22:19:00.001-05:00

Well, here we are once again at my weekly author spotlight but unfortunately this week's author had to reschedule her spotlight. As you may know my guest was to be Romance Author, Mallary Mitchell. Something has pulled her away but no worries, I will reschedule her early in the new year.

I don't know about you but the last several weeks has been very busy for me and not in the arena of my writing. That thing called 'real life' has dug in and pulled me out of my author mode. I don't see any light at the end of the reality tunnel until into the new year. I did, however, jot down the completed story for a new erotic novella story recently. I need to lengthen it a bit and flesh it out a bit. But, I have generated an interest in reviewing it for publication after querying the premise. So, I am doing some personal work.

I'd like to take a moment to update you on some things that I have not been able to get to of late.

My newsletter is on hiatus until after the New Year, and I've decided I will only put it out every quarter. It seems to make more sense that way. I am also interested in hearing your ideas on distribution.

I am currently sending a special notice out when the newsletter is available through my loop, Dayana's Happenings, so members can download their copy. I notice that some of my peers send it directly to their mailing list. I'm not sure how to format the newsletter for this type of destribution so any aid is appreciated.

My participation in the loops has suffered immensely the last few months. If anyone is reading this from my various loops please accept my sincere apologies. I hope things to loosen up after the holidays.

I spent last week down with the nasty flu strain going around. But I am feeling much better and moving on to get the homefront ready for the holidays.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness and joy.

Dayana~

Author Spotlight: Tamelia Tumlin, Paranormal Romance Author

2009-12-03T06:40:00.002-05:00

Oh do I have a treat for you today. Tamelia Tumlin dropped in to share some hot and fiesty vampires with you. Welcome to my Author Spotlight segment, Tamelia.

Thank you for having me, Dayana.

Okay, since it is the holiday season, I think I'd like to begin with the obvious question, what is your favorite holiday? And why?

This is an easy question! LOL. Christmas-hands down! I love everything about it. The lights, sounds, smells. the whole season is special to me. Somehow the spirit of giving has a way of turning any die-hard Scrooge into a holly, jolly elf. :)

I can't debate you there. Isn't it strange how disaster and the holiday season bring out the best in people? I love the season because it's so festive bright and full of good will towards other and animals as well. What made you decide to write?

I knew God gave everyone a special talent and I also knew I couldn't sing, dance, or act, but I could write stories about people falling in love so that's what I did. Now, it's addicting. Once I'm through with one story I can't wait to start on another one with two new characters and a boatload of trouble to work through. :)

Great answer and it is so true of me, as well. You don't even want to hear me bellow out a tune! My mom used to beg me not to sing, especially when I had earphones on, LOL When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)

I write when I can. Day. Night. Holidays. But, I do my best writing at night when I know no one will be needing me for anything and I can concentrate on my hero and heroine.

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

When I recieved my first e-mail from a fan. I thought, "Wow! I actually have a fan! Someone really likes my stories." I was so excited, I sent her a free copy of my latest book. From that point on I realized I actually was a writer.

That's wonderful, Tamelia. Did I mention that fan was me??? LOL Just kidding:) Where do you write?

At home. Usually on the couch with my laptop. Sometimes with the TV on (low, of course) and sometimes with just music. I can’t write with complete silence. I have to have some kind of background noise. LOL.

Funny, I love quiet. Just the sounds of the environment around me. A siren in the distance, traffic faroff, the windchimes in my yard, a barking dog or classical music because its background. Okay, that's what I like but most of the time the TV is blairing and my husband is channel surfing or the music is on surround sound and I do everything I can to hit the turn off switch. Do you like to read? Where?

Everywhere. Home. Work. In waiting rooms etc. Right now I’m reading several of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books.

I love Christmas stories, in fact, I made a promise to myself that this year I would catch as many of my favorites as possible. I love the movies and specials as well as holiday books/stories.

Now on to you. Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

I’ve always loved vampires and I’ve read many of Amanda Ashley’s novels, so it only seemed natural to write about a deliciously sexy vampire and the woman who loves him. *grin*

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking when I’m driving. If I’m stuck on a plot point or character trait a good long drive helps me work through the problem.

Ooooh, I love long drives and yes they can be a great time to work out a plot issue or a strategy to move forward in a story. How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

I usually have a working title until the book is at lest 2/3 finished. By that point, I can use the overall theme to find a title which fits the whole book. As for the characters I do come up with their names first and work from there to build three-dimensional characters.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

I tend to fall a little bit in love with all of my heroes, but if I had to choose one I suppose it would be the crown-prince Luke from Her Royal Protégé’. He’s the bad boy ( a biker no less) with a surprisingly tender side and by the time the heroine is finished with him, he’s definitely royal material.

Oooh, he sound hot and an interesting read. And I have to mention that I have read the below mentioned book, Seducing the Night. What a positively wonder vamp read. You want hot romance and a love that transcends time and all else, you will want to pick this one up. Great read!

Links on where to buy my latest books.

Seducing the Night
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/seducing-the-night-p-3713.html

Rana Cartwright wanders into The Voodoo Den for one reason and one reason only. To seduce and kill the man she once loved. The only way she can save her son's life is to destroy the vampire who sired him. There's only one problem. She soon realizes that she never stopped loving the man she must destroy.

Alexandru Milkos has lived six long years of torment since turned by an elder vampire. He lost the only thing that ever mattered to him. His fiancée, Rana.

Now she's back. Though his love for her has never wavered, he senses she has a motive much deadlier than a simple reunion. However, what concerns him the most is the shameful secret he's harbored for the past six years. A secret that could turn Rana away from him forever, that is if he lives long enough for her to realize the truth

Home is Where the Heart Is

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=624

An unexpected inheritance…

Jenna Wade was homeless, poor and orphaned as a child. Now as an adult she is desperately seeking stability and financial security. An unexpected inheritance promises to bring her the financial freedom she craves: until she reads the clause.

An unexpected love…

Temporarily confined to a wheel chair, Ridge Townsend's stubborn, self-reliant pride refuses to accept his new caregiver's help. He suspects Jenna is nothing more than a con artist who manipulated his mother into writing her into her will. Especially since Jenna maintains that she has never met his mother. With her caring nature and tender heart Jenna is slowly breaking down his defenses and finding a way into his heart. Then he asked her to do the unthinkable: give up her part of the inheritance. How can she choose between financial security and love?

Where to find Tamelia Tumlin:
http://www.tameliatumlin.webs.com/

2009-12-02T19:35:00.001-05:00

Here we are again. Almost another week has flown by. Whoa! Please don't miss my Author Spotlight segment tomorrow. Tamelia Tumin will be here sharing her latest releases with us. One is quite a spicey vamp romance. I've read it myself and highly recomment it:)

I'm down with the flu. Not good timing. Hopefully it will pass as quickly as the weeks have, LOL

Well...

Just dropped in to say "hey!" Going to go lie down now with another cup of medicinal tea.

Nite.

Author Spotlight: Christine Columbus, Romance Author

2009-11-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

Please welcome Author, Christine Columbus today. Hi, Christine, glad to have you here today. Tell me a bit about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Glad to be here, Dayana. Well, Christine Columbus, is my ‘real name’. I am 50 and a MT Nester (empty nester) – my kids are off to college, although they left behind their Jack-A-Poo, (but she has a doggy door)

So, for the first time in my life I have no responsibilities and no expectations-- (I don’t expect the kids to have cleaned the house or taken out the garbage…I don’t expect the dust bunnies to have prepared me a meal…while I slugged away at my day job)

My Motto - No Expectations and No Disappointments Now when I get home from work…everything is exactly like I left it…No surprises…(unless the SO sneaks into town for a visit)

LOL Your motto I believe is universal. I could carry the same myself:) Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Writing is like Desserts… I don’t eat them because I am trying to gain weight. I eat them because they are Pure Pleasure…I don’t write because I want to be rich…I write because I love to entertain.

What a wonderful metaphor, Christine, and so eloquently put. Great answer to the question and one I will surely remember:) When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

When my son was in first grade, we were at a school function; a parent walked up to me and asked, “What do you do?”

Before I could answer my son said, “My mom is a writer.”

“You are.” The parent said.

What could I say? My son was correct, while he played at the park I wrote, when he was busy playing with his toys, I wrote. I didn’t want to embarrass my son and as hard as it was, I said. “Yes, I am a writer.”

Where do you write? Besides the park that is...

I write everywhere, at home standing at the pub table, huddle beneath the covers in bed with the laptop on my lap, (I now know that you can’t set your laptop on top of your down comforter - apparently the little fan can’t suck in a cool air—the name laptop is misleading…)

Hehehe... I learned that nifty little fact myself the hard way. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

No, but I do put pieces of other people’s lives into my stories…which makes my friends a little nervous.

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture.
I hate to write the end of anything…short story, novel, letter… I just love doing the beginnings – I can write and re-write a beginning a million time. The start of something is so magical. The ending of something is depressing. But there is one thing that I don’t like to start…housework, because there is no ending…just lots of middle.

Again, I have to agree with you. I really love the way this woman thinks, don't you? What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done?

I haven’t done it yet…. (wink)

I have lived my entire life in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am a Romance Novelist for The Wild Rose Press, with a number of short stories and soon to be released novel, ‘The Perfect Country and Western Story. My latest poem appeared in the Bloomington Art Center’s Literary production Waters. my flash fiction appeared at MnArtist.org. Other publishing credits include creative non-fiction, poetry and children’s fiction stories.

Tell us a bit about your latest release, Trust Your Heart and what inspired you to write the novel.

They say, ‘write what you know.’ I know love, men, co-workers and kids. That’s what you’ll find in “Trust Your Heart” My latest release from The Wild Rose Press.

The idea for Trust Your Heart…
Waking up late, I slugged into jeans and a sweatshirt - my co-workers wore jeans, soiled t-shirts and construction boots. No one cared what I wore as long as I entered payroll on time.
There I was stuck away in the corner of the basement, in an area no larger than a storage room; I sat at table with my back to the department manager. Keystrokes, copies, and digging through old dusty records eight hours a day as the boss rambled on … but the job paid the bills.

Then out of the blue a handsome man walks in wearing a suit with a trench coat folded over his arm…

“Chrissy?”

My head snaps around so fast. Everyone called me Christine. I look closer. Couldn’t be? “Dave?” No way. This professional man couldn’t be the guy that had hair past his shoulders and stood outside the school smoking instead of attending class.

He stepped up to my desk and pointed a picture on my desk. “Your daughter?”

“Yes, she’s eleven.”

“Wow, she looks exactly like you at that age. That’s what it’s all about…family,” he said with a faraway look in his eyes.
That conversation and the following piece of prose sparked - “Trust Your Heart.”
Ever Wonder How Angels Fly?

The snow white play-sand in a turtle shaped plastic box was supposed to keep my children entertained, but like most things reality was different than fantasy. Instead of being outside in the sunshine, building castles they were tugging on the edge of my t-shirt as I tried to vacuum the sand hills from the carpeted steps.

“Mom, mom, mommy!”

Only a little further. I ignored my Max and Emma, stretching the hose out as I held the humming machine in place with my knee. Sweat trickled down my back. One more step. The Dirt Devil’s roar came to an abrupt stop. Crap! I didn’t need to see the limp cord to know I had once again pulled the plug from the outlet.

Wearily, I dropped to the step, my elbows balancing on my knees and my palm holding up my chin.

“Mom, mom, mommy!” Max persisted.

“Yes,” came out on a sigh.

“Is this heaven?” he asked.

Max’s sky blue eyes gazed expectantly at me. I pushed the damp hair from the back of my neck. “No, this is not heaven.” I arched my back trying to ease my sore muscles.

“How do you know?” His small hand rested on my forearm.

How could this be heaven? My muscles tensed, a beautiful Saturday morning, stuck inside cleaning the house, with a list of chores that never ended.

Max’s soft pudgy hand pressed against my cheek. “This could be heaven,” his sweet voice softly spilled into my ear.

Two healthy children, a home, job…”Yes, this could be--”

“This isn’t heaven,” Emma interrupted with arms folded tightly across her chest.

I nodded. “It might be--”

Posturing like a General ready to face battle her blue eyes darkened. “No, it’s not.”

Not wanting to argue with a six year old, yet not willing to toss away the notion that maybe eternal bliss wasn’t something rewarded at the end of a successful life but, rather experienced by living in the moment…If I could teach my children to find happiness in the most mundane activities—

“Is too,” Max’s voice pitched higher.

“Is not,” Emma shouted.

Wanting to defuse the situation, I reached out. Emma resisted my hug. “This could be heaven,” I spoke softly.

Her head shook as she pushed from my arms. “It. Is. Not.”

“Why?” I asked suddenly curious as to what could possibly be so awful in her little life that would prevent this perfect Saturday from being paradise.

A long slow sigh slipped from her lips. “Because of gravity, it’s not heaven.”

“Huh?” I shook my head.

Emma leaned closer. “In heaven there is no gravity. That’s how angels fly.”

BLURB:
Michelle, a divorced mother of two preschool children living in a Minneapolis suburb, maintains her subscription to her hometown newspaper. So when she bumps into childhood friend David, she already knew he was successful and a bachelor, but what the paper forgot to mention was how he had matured into a handsome man.

Memories of their past resurface, and once more, she envisions playing house with him. Although this time it's the adult-rated version, where he's selling software that threatens her job, her co-workers refuse to play nice, her ex-husband is acting just plain weird and the hometown paper is in an uproar over who is sending her flowers and who she should date. Michelle doesn’t know whom to believe until she steps back and looks deep within and trusts her heart.

Visit me at my Website: http://www.christinecolumbus.net/

'Tis the season...

2009-11-21T09:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, you gotta love this! I just couldn't resist. It may be the only decoration I buy this year, for as we know dollars are extra tight for many but I just had to do it! LOL

Who doesn't absolutely love "A Charlie Brown's Christmas?" I grew up with this cartoon and to me, it is Christmas!

I also love Allistair Sim's version of "The Christmas Carol" as well "The American Christmas Carol" with Henry Winkler, "One Magic Christmas," "Prancer," "All I Want For Christmas," "The Little Matchstick Girl," which they never seem to put on any more, oh and so many more.

Throughout my life, year after year, I settle in and watch these holiday specials over and over again. What do you like? What are your favorites?

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! So bright, so cheery, though I do miss the northeast the most this time of year, as unless shipped in, we don't get snow and Christmas isn't Christmas without snow...

Have a wonderful weekend!

D~

Author Spotlight: Annette Snyder, Novelist

2009-11-19T06:30:00.005-05:00

Good Morning, Annette.
Thank you so much for stopping in today. Well... Let's get down to it, shall we?

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was in a museum with my kids. There was an exhibit on orphan trains that ran across the USA and stopped at all the little towns giving homeless/parentless children away. While I was reading one of the stories on a story board, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “My name’s Sally. Write about me.” When I turned around, no one was there but I had this idea for Sally Murphy. Turned out to be a great story plus seven.

Wow! what an interesting inspiration, Annette. Gives me chills:) How many books have you written?
I’ve got twelve pubbed books, counting my December release, Travis Pass MegaBook II. If you’re into historical reads, it’s a great bargain as you get 3 books in one. Travis Pass MegaBook I released in October. I’ve got another that I’m submitting and maybe 30 that I have to get ready to go out. Then I could actually name three characters right now begging me to write their stories so—MANY!

You are a busy little bee, aren't you? How do you decide on their topic?
My stories usually just come to me. When I get the idea, I write whatever comes into my head. The very first draft is really really rough and hardly even readable but I get the beginning, middle and end down while it’s fresh in my mind. I put it in an idea folder if my muse stops there and I go back and rework it when the urge strikes or I have time. Sally Murphy tapped me on the shoulder. My grandpa Doda whispered to write a story about whistles for him…which you can read on my website. They say to keep a pad and pencil by the bed, well, I leave my computer on and it’s not unusual to find me at my desk in the middle of the night.

LOL I know exactly what you mean. The other night I woke from a sound sleep with a title rolling around in my head then some story ideas so insistent that I had to get up and find my notepad and jot them all down because I knew they would be long gone in the morning. Then the next morning I did an outline for the story line of a new novel! Amazing how the writer's mind works, isn't it? Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
I once read an interview with a famous author, and I don’t remember which one, but she said only the top 10% of writers actually make money doing it. I also talked to a famous author and asked him what he thought was the catch to make it and he replied, “Luck. Just plain luck.” So I guess I write because I love it and hope that someday I’ll have some of that luck!

You and me both, but I truly love the art as it is my stress relief when reality becomes too overbearing. I am able to lose myself in the worlds I've created:) What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
I do the bookmarks and the flyers, speaking engagements and talking to the local booksellers. Promoting with people I know. I advertised with a group in Romantic Times and next year have purchased advertising in a Nebraska magazine because I’m a Nebraska author.

What are some unique methods?
I joined a regional marketing group that co-ops with other Nebraska producers and gets my novels to many more eyes than I could on my own. It does cost a little, but I’m finding the publicity is expanding my fan base and, because it’s a co-op, much of the marketing that I wouldn’t normally be able to afford, is done because I’m in the group. I also write a bit for one of the regional papers when they ask for stories about things. Usually they give away a short blurb about who the writer is so, since it’s a regional newspaper, I get to reach thousands of readers for free.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?
I write every single day. Sometimes it’s just a little, sometimes so much I don’t get anything else done. I hold a real job so I don’t write from 8-5 unless I’m off!

You know? I was just about to ask you that. So many of us hold full-time jobs and have families to care for so writing can be the tiniest snippets of time. Me? I usually take time off from the day job and busy myself with my craftwork. Time is a hard commodity to find sometimes. Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?
My latest release, November’s, is Eureka Springs. It’s the second in a series and it tells the story of one of the secondary characters from Viveka’s War, released in January and getting some awesome reviews.

Congratulations on your great reviews, Annette.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?
In Viveka’s War, I knew I wanted my heroine to have an unusual name as it’s a story based on my grandmother’s life and she has an unusual name. For Eureka Springs, the main character reminded me of my great uncle and he had a girlfriend so I named the characters after them. Usually, I try and pick names for the time period unless the characters tell me otherwise.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories? Doesn’t every author?

Well, I know I do:) How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?
Five years

Me, too! My first novel took three years to complete and two more years to publish, so a grand total of five years.

How many manuscripts had you written by the time you had your first publication?
By the time Sally Murphy came out, I had five or six more in the works.

Why do you write?
I write because one day I woke up in the middle of the night from this dream about two hot guys in a forest that found a woman and felt the need to save her. I woke up, wrote it down and it turned into sixty thousand words. That book is far from publishing stage as I’ve learned so much in the last years about writing, but someday I’m going to revamp it and see if anyone wants it.

Hmm...that sounds like something I would like to find out more about. Sounds quite interesting, Annette. Do you have an upcoming release? Eureka Springs came out November 1st.

Here’s a blurb:

Beginning life in a new direction is harder than Ruth Seidle realizes when hidden secrets surface. With an obscure past exposed, can Ruth forsake lies for honesty in effort to correct past mistakes?
John Vickers loved one woman. Tragedy, and an affair uncovered, forces a new path for him. Can he put distrust aside and let another close to his heart?

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?
You can purchase this title, along with all my others at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/ and you can find out about them and more on what I do at http://annettesnyder.atspace.com/

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?
My husband is the main character in Liberty Road. He tells everyone that he’s the hero in a romance novel.

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!
There was a hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska with a swimming pool on the roof. My boyfriend at the time, and some friends, took the elevator to the highest floor we could, snuck out the fire escape (I think it was 10 floors up) and climbed to the roof for a swim. We did get caught by the security guard who was watching the elevator and knew no one was rooming any higher than the fifth floor. He ushered us out of the hotel. It was a big thing for me as I’m afraid of heights and going on that fire escape was so terrifying. Still, the water was warm and the view of the city from there…amazing!

Great story, Annette. Thank you for sharing it. The most important thing is you didn't let your fear of heights stop you, LOL
As a great big thank you to Danaya and her readers, I’d Like to give away a copy of Eureka Springs, with a handy book tote for all your reading needs, to one lucky winner who comments on Dayana’s blog for my interview. Just post a comment for your chance to win and thanks for joining me here today!

Oh boy! A Prize to boot! Thank you, Annette for dropping by. It's been great getting to know you better. I will be looking up your work. Best sales to you with your new releases and don't be a stranger. I'd love to see you back.

More about Annette:
My novels are available at www.whiskeycreekpress.com as well as www.fictionwise.com and their affiliates. My work is also available at www.growneb.com and their year round and holiday stores, some local stores in my area and at The Great Platte River National Archway Monument in Kearney, Nebraska.

Author Spotlight: Kelley Heckart, Historical Fantansy Romance

2009-11-12T06:35:00.043-05:00

Good morning, everyone! Good morning, Kelley. Great having you here today.

Great to be here, Dayana.

Well, might as well get started, shall we? I can't wait to hear all about you and your upcoming releases, Kelley. What inspired you to write your first book?

I had been writing short stories and my Creative Writing teacher encouraged me to turn one of them into a novel. I'm not sure I would have done it without her encouragement.

Sounds like you had wonderful support. I took creative writing classes in school. I loved them and the teacher. But I digress...

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
I write because I love doing it. I wouldn't do it otherwise because writing is the hardest job I have ever had and I make very little money.

Ain't that the truth, LOL All you newbie writers out there, if you are in this for the money, take heed. It really doesn't work that way for most, though we strive to get our stories told and perhaps recognized by larger circles, most of us just love to tell our stories because we love to. And, at least for me, it's like a stress release, a way to escape life's realities which are not always on the brighter side of the spectrum. I get to live through my characters and their adventures and hopefully so do my readers.
What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
I am all over the Internet. I have a website, blog, myspace page, Facebook page and fan page. I am on twitter, Goodreads and various other social groups. I also write for two other blogs. I also belong to a bunch of Yahoo groups related to writing and romance books. Promotion takes up a huge amount of my time, but it does pay off.

I do agree with you, Kelley. I feel the more visible you make yourself the better. I, as well, try to keep my name out there. I belong to many of the same venues and love to mingle with my peers. I love that this craft is a small close knit community and we all are out there helping each other.

What is your favorite holiday? And why?
I love Halloween because of the whole mysterious and frightening nature of it. It's fun to dress up as someone else for one night of the year. Even if I don't go out on that night, I like to pop in a scary movie. I think I like to scare myself.

As everyone is aware, Halloween/Samhain is also my ultimate favorite:) Good choice, LOL

What type of stories do you like to write and why?
I write Celtic historical romances/fantasy because I am inspired by the ancient Celts and the stories about them, especially the ones about the Irish gods, the Tuatha de Danaan, and the ones about the Irish Fianna, fierce warriors with the hearts of poets. All of these old tales influence me as a writer.

When do you read? Where?
My favorite time to read is early evening and I like to read in bed. I find that to be the most comfortable place to read.

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?

I was researching the Picts and I came across an Irish warlord who had a mysterious past and may have fathered a king of the Picts. It fascinated me and I decided to make him the hero of my latest release, Cat's Curse.

Where do you go to think?
This is a good question. I don't try to think, things just pop into my head in the weirdest places like the shower or when I am cleaning the house. That's usually when I come up with a plot line or fix a plot problem.

Funny you mention that. The other night I woke up at three or four in the morning with a niggling idea and a phrase running through my mind over and over like a broke record. So intense I finally had to get up and I began an outline for a new novel and gained a title. So the ideas do just "pop up" at the weirdest times.

Do you have an upcoming release?

My upcoming releases from Awe-Struck are Night's Daughter and Beltaine's Song. Night's Daughter is the prequel to Of Water and Dragons and Ravenwolf and is set amid the battle between the Titans and the Olympic gods. I mix history with Greek/Celtic mythology in this book and draw some parallels that some people might not like. I love stirring up controversy. This unplanned series revolves around reincarnation and enduring love.

The second book in my Dark Goddess trilogy is coming out early next year. Beltaine's Song covers the time when Aedan is finally king of Dal Riata. Of course, being a king isn't an easy task especially with a Dark Goddess trying to destroy you, and having to contend with earthly foes as well. I also introduce another being who is somehow associated with Cat Anna (Cailleach). Their son, Gartnait, is one of the few people who can see her, but she may or may not be a threat. I had a theme going on through this second book that although spring brings about new life, it is also the time when clans battled one another so spring also brings about the harsh sound of the battle horn, and danger. I also have something coming out December 21 from Noble Romance Publishing. My sweet, short story titled A Winter Solstice Kiss is a contemporary paranormal is part of Noble Romance's Christmas/Holiday anthology.

Congratulations on all your releases, Kelley. You certainly are a busy girl:) Your books sound wonderfully intriguing. I will have to put them on my wish list!

Where can we find your upcoming releases? When will they be available?
Night's Daughter will be available sometime in mid 2010. Beltaine's Song is scheduled for early 2010. Both books will be available at the http://www.awe-struck.net/ A Winter Solstice Kiss will be available from http://www.nobleromance.com/ Release dates and links will be postsed on my website at http://www.kelleyheckart.com/

What TV shows do you watch?
I am addicted to the television. My favorite shows right now are Supernatural, Smallville, The Closer, Saving Grace, Monk, Eureka, Warehouse 13, Ghost Whisperer, Bones and How I Met Your Mother. I watch a lot of the VH1 reality shows like Rock of Love and Daisy of Love and write snarky blogs about them on myspace for kicks.

Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?
Yes. This helps me when my muse decides to bail on me. I think the music coaxes him/her out. I haven't decided if my muse is male or female. My favorite music to write to lately is Icelandic Metal like Apocalyptica and Nightwish, but I also like to listen to Celtic music and other rock bands.

Tell us where else to find you.
My links:
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1257939303851

http://www.blogger.com/goog_1257939303851

http://www.blogger.com/goog_1257939303851

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

My book page at Awe-Struck
http://www.king-cart.com/Awe-Struck/category=Kelley+Heckart/exact_match=exact

More about Kelley:

Kelley writes Celtic historical romances with fantasy elements. Her stories reflect her passion for ancient history, storytelling and the supernatural. She is drawn in particular to the ancient Celts who are shrouded in mystery and associated with the otherworldly realm of the Fae. With her pen and paper, she recreates long ago places filled with fierce warriors, bold women, magic, conflict and romance.

Two of her favorite things are sunrises and men in kilts. She can be found online at http://www.kelleyheckart.com/

2009-11-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Morning! I've been a very bad girl. It has been so busy, I seemed to have neglected my blog. But, alas, here I am! Just dropped by to fill you in on some highlights:)

My Halloween short, One Blessed Samhain, is available at Yareah.com which is a bilingual magazine out of Spain. I'd love for you to take a look.

I've got the very talented Kelley Heckart, Celtic Fantasy Romanc author, here tomorrow. Please don't miss her. She's wonderful and has some very fresh and new releases coming our way.

Due to time constraints and the hectic month of October, there will not be a November issue of my newsletter, but I promise the December issue will be full of Holiday fun and cheer. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in a day!

Well I'm off to ready for the day job! Wishing you all a magical day. Talk soon.

D~

AND THE WINNER IS...

2009-11-02T21:59:00.000-05:00

Evening all!
Hope your Halloween/All Hallow's Eve/Samhain were all you wished them to be. I know mine was:)

Well I wrote the participant initials on the back of my working pile of 3/5 cards really tiny at the top turned them over and shuffled and shuffled and...

Oh...are you waiting for me?

Sorry, let me get to the point before someone blows an important vessel. LOL Anyway, I picked a card turned it over...

And the winner of the Halloween Free Read Goodie bag is...

Lisa Finch!!!

Congratulations, Lisa. Please shoot me your snail mail address, and I'll get your goodie bag out to you:)

Thank you all for your participation. This was so much fun, I will be doing the Free Read again for the winter holidays, so as the saying goes, stay tuned.

Dayana~

A Blessed All Souls Day...

2009-11-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

I've gotten up this morning and lit candles for all of those I've lost in recent years, people and loved pets. My mind is heavy with memory and my soul heavy with loss, though I know they are with me always and I pray for blessing on their souls as well as those of the living.

May you remember those you have lost as may their souls be eternally at peace and blessed as well.

Of note:
Origins
Halloween is now celebrated beyond Britain and Ireland but it dates back more than two thousand years to the Celtic Samhain festival. November 1 was the first day of the Celtic New Year. The transition between the old and new year was when the Celts believed the souls of the dead and evil spirits could visit the living world.

The Catholic church moved All Saints Day from May to November, perhaps in an effort to contain the Pagan festival of Samhain. Samhain then became known as Halloween - the eve before All Hallows or All Saints Day.**

Dayana~

**http://www.bbc.co.uk/taysideandcentralscotland/content/articles/2008/10/15/halloween_taycent_feature.shtml

2009-10-31T14:09:00.012-04:00

Happy Halloween

A Blessed Samhain

May your tricks or treats be safe and your lost souls be blessed.

***Today is your last chance to qualify for the "Halloween Free Read" gift bag. For details please visit my website and click on the contest button. Looking forward to drawing a winner tomorrow evening.***

Author Spotlight: Faith V. Smith, Paranormal Romance

2009-10-29T06:53:00.006-04:00

Please welcome Faith V. Smith, creator of the Bound By Blood series and a dear friend of mine. I believe with her are a couple of very hunky Vamps to keep things interesting:)

Hello, Faith!

Hey, Dayana. Thanks for having me today. Can't wait to get started. Our last get together was such a hoot!

I know. It was a lot of fun and so steamy with those big vampire hunks you travel with, LOL I don't suppose they'll be joining us today, will they?

No, sorry. They had other obligations. To be honest, Dayana, I think we wore them out last time.

LOL That's a good possibility. Well, let's get started then...

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Angry:When people don’t seem to listen, and when I can’t fix something myself.

Happy: I am happy when I’m peaceful.

Sad: Sad, well thinking of things I could have done that might have changed things.

Snoopy Dance: When the blessings come in from above.
When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

I don’t think I have a first moment. I’ve always thought I was a writer since I penned my first poem in my teens. If we had to define it, it would be when my first 3 songs I wrote were recorded.

Wow, Faith! You wrote songs and got them recorded? That's pretty impressive. What kind of songs?

Southern Gospel songs with soul and some where you just had to tap your feet.

Sounds fun and inspirational. What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I try to write stories that give hope, are full of sensuality, and make readers believe anything can happen.

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?

A Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Kansas City. The Vampire Ball that Heather Graham threw.

How many manuscripts had you written by the time you had your first publication?

3 full.

Do you have an upcoming release?

Dunbar’s Curse, the second book in the Bound By Blood, The Legends, my vampire series will be out March 19th 2010. Miles is a great character, and I love how he loves the heroine, Hope.

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?

The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and others. March 19th 2010.
Dunbar’s Curse, the second book in the Bound By Blood, The Legends, my vampire series will be out March 19th 2010.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

I think my first hero in my medieval. He’s not had his place in the limelight yet, but I’m hoping. So please don’t tell my vamp boys. They might get upset…lol.

Your secret is safe with me, no worries:) Now I think I'd like to hear a bit about your current release, Kensington's Soul. Zacke is one hot vamp. I know I've met him up close and personal:)

Vampires can be such sensual and titillating creatures when it comes to what they want or whom they want. It’s been my pleasure to tell one such vamp’s story in Kensington’s Soul, Book 1 of the Bound By Blood, The Legends series with The Wild Rose Press.

Zacke was an excellent vampire, hot, edgy, tormented and determined to protect the woman he loves while he tries to redeem his soul. In Dunbar’s Curse, Book 2 of the same series, Miles is a vamp also driven by emotions. He wants what he is sure he can’t have and when he gets it, he is frightened it will be snatched away.

Please enjoy a short blurb and excerpt. Zacke and Miles both will be here to field any questions from curious and intrigued readers.

A VAMPIRE WITH MORALS AND A DOCTOR WHO'S AFRAID OF MONSTERS.

Erotic dreams haunt Dr. Hope Morgan. The man who makes her burn with desire is only a figment of her imagination—or so she thinks until she meets him at a party. She fears she is losing her mind and flees the handsome stranger but finds she can’t seem to get him out of her heart.

Miles is over four hundred years old and a bit long in the fang department to fall in love. But when the child he rescues grows up into a beautiful and sensual woman, he can’t keep his heart or desire under control. When Hope’s life is in danger once again, he moves Heaven and Earth to protect her but wonders who will protect her from him.

Excerpt:

She stepped off the bottom step and almost tripped over an uneven patch of floor.

She aimed the beam of light at where the window should be. What on earth? A bookcase blocked out her expected light source. Miles was the only one who could have done that, but why would he?
The cold penetrated deeper, spurring Hope toward the furnace. Her foot caught on something soft but unyielding. She stumbled and ended up sitting on the something. Her hand recognized the contours of a mattress. A mattress that should have been stuffed in a corner, not lying out in the open.
Once again, she sent the light spiraling over the basement, but nothing else seemed out of place. She brought the beam back to shine on the mattress and a body.
Her heart beat triple time before she recognized the body resting on its side, a scant two feet from her hand. Miles! Why was he sleeping in the basement and not upstairs? Her hand reached out toward his arm. Should she wake him or let him sleep? Common sense won—he had to be freezing. He didn’t even have a sheet. This time her palm brushed his sleeve before she gently shook his shoulder.
A hand caught her wrist in a cruel grip.
She bit back a cry of pain.
A second later she was flat on her back—Miles’ face above hers. But not the face she loved. His eyes were so dark they were almost black. His beautiful lips were drawn back in a snarl. A snarl that revealed one-inch incisors. The hand that held her down sported claws.

Now sit back, enjoy, ask your questions, and have a good time!

Faith

BIO:

Faith started her journey to publication when she joined the Romance board at iVillage.com, where she has long since become a community leader. She has written book reviews for Bridges Magazine, MyShelf.com, and for the past six years, Romantic Times Book Reviews. She also pens a column for a local magazine. Her path veered into editing and marketing for a small press before she joined The Wild Rose Press staff. Her dream of having her own work published is a blessing and an honor. Faith resides in the south with her daughter Amanda, memories of her now angel husband Rick, and a special zoo crew of furry babies.

Please visit me at www.faithvsmith.com, www.faithvsmith.blogspot.com,
I’m also on Twitter! http://twitter.com/FaithVSmith
And visit my fan page on Face Book Access it through my blogspot.

As Promised, the October "Free Read" Contest Question...

2009-10-24T07:28:00.004-04:00

...and the question is...

What is the relationship of the caped ghoul in my Halloween short read, located on my website, between the main characters, Rachel and Paula?

For complete details on this contest and any other activities, please visit http://www.romawolftales.com/ and click on the "Contest" tab at the top of the home page.

The short of it is jot your question answer into an email and place Halloween Free Read Contest in the subject line. The shoot it over to gothscribegirl@aol.com. Good luck!

Reminder: Please jump below and read my post of yesterday. I've posted an important link to a petition against ebook and internet pirating.

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Some News! And a petition you don't want to miss. Help stop the Pirating of our work

2009-10-23T06:38:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago I was solicited via email and asked if I would like to write a Halloween story for the magazine to be published in Yareah Magazine, which is a bilingual electronic and print magazine! I researched and sent a inquiry back to be sure they were legit and low and behold, they are. I have a short Samhain piece coming out November 1st in the magazine titled "One Blessed Samhain." If anyone is interested in taking a look, you can go to http://www.yareah.com/ and download or purchase a print copy.

Next I wanted to mention something that I am strongly opposed to which is the pirating of ebooks and other forms of digital works and did a couple of blogs on the subject, if you remember. Well, Michelle Flagg brought this letter and petition to my attention and I'd like to bring it to yours. Thank you, Mickey!

Please visit http://www.copyrightalliance.org/letter/index.php?&thankyou and drop your vote in. Someone mentioned that you may receive a call for dollar contribution after signing the petition. Let's hope the signatures are valid without contribution.
Hope you are all doing well.

Oh and don't forget. I will post the question on Saturday, October 24 regarding my posted Free Read Contest, winner to receive a Halloween Goodie Bag. If you haven't checked out the details nor read my quirky little Halloween story, please visit www.romawolftales.com for details.

Dayana~
__._,_

Author Spotlight: M Flagg, paranormal romance

2009-10-22T06:30:00.001-04:00

Please welcome Michelle Flagg a good friend and peer paranormal romance author. Her series is AWESOME! I've read Retribution! and look forward to the next book.

Thanks for having me here, Dayana. It’s always such a pleasure to visit with you.

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

I’m a left-handed Virgo who loves chocolate. That just about covers it! Been blessed with a wonderful family who brings happiness and joy to my life. I tend to snoopy dance a lot, and the only thing that truly ruffles my feathers are mean-spirited people. I don’t tolerate bullying, either in the classroom or out of it.

How many books have you written?

3 – Retribution! is my first release. Consequences is also contracted with TWRP, and Inheritance, Book 3, has not yet been queried. All are full-length novels.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?

I’ve done pens, postcards – the usual. Also, I spread the word about my work on blogs, Facebook, and anywhere anyone will listen.

What are some unique methods?

Recently, I was interviewed on blog talk radio. Now that was a very strange feeling. Taking out ads, even short news releases to a local paper have worked really well. The latter led to a fantastic invitation for a book signing at a busy coffee house. I sold well over 30 copies of Retribution! I’ve been invited back there for a Halloween book signing, but this time, I’ll be joined by Noble Blood’s author, Linda J. Parisi. Two Black Roses in costume! I’m so looking forward to it J

Oh blog radio is strange. I had an interview with Paranormal Palace last year and was so nervous, but you know? The host was so warm and friendly we ended up talking like we were longtime friends. BTW I listened to your interview, Micky, and it was great:)

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)

My two children are in their 20’s, and I totally give kudos to authors with little ones around. I don’t believe I could have written one sane word while my two were small. I usually write on nights and weekends. Some Saturdays, I’m so involved in the characters that the day fades to black before I realize it. Being a teacher, snow days have me jumping for joy and raring to write. The ambiance of a blizzard just thrills me!

Now that is something I truly miss from my life in New Jersey. Snow days were always the best.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

Nope – I’m strictly a ‘when the muse strikes’ kind of gal. I can edit most anytime, but the creative process of writing only happens when the muse makes an appearance.

Ditto, Micky. Me too!

Where do you write?

Ah, I love this question! There’s a small eating room at the back of my home. The table becomes a perfect desk, the view, an entire wall of window. My laptop faces open space full of greenery. There’s a really neat forest on my left. Deer, fox, groundhogs, bunnies, chipmunks, and various species of birds are often present. I love the feeling of solitude in the midst of Mother Nature when I write.

Oh that sounds wonderful. I am so jealous. I grew up venturing through forests and loving nature. I miss it. The flora and fauna is so different in the tropics.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

Yes. I think most writers do. I also put pieces of my family’s lives in the characters as well.

Again, I tend to do the same thing. My first book a crime suspense has a lot of my father in it:)

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author?

Jeez, can’t I have more than one?? Making the query letter perfect, penning a thrilling synopsis, shameless self-promo… The uncomfortable tasks one must accomplish if we choose to entertain others with our creations. If it helps, writing the book is what I like best.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

Michael Malone is a tall, dark, and handsome vampire with moral conscience and tons of depth. Reclaiming his soul after 200 years of lusty kills changes him. Michael’s complex disposition makes him fun to write. His arrogance hides a very caring (but metaphorical) heart, and devotion to Alana, my heroine, never wavers.

As I've told you on numerous occasions, I love Michael and Alana. They are just amazing. And the strife they muddle through is so well written. All your characters are so very well fleshed out, I felt as if I knew each one of them. You guys really must read this book.

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

Bits and pieces of the good people in my life show up in each of my characters. Thorn, the empath who helps Michael, is a combination of three wonderful men that I have the pleasure of being related to. I love each one of them in a different way, and Thorn is a tribute to their persistence and importance to me.

What do you do for relaxation?

Very little. No lie… I’m wound pretty tight.

What TV shows do you watch? I never miss Bones, The Closer, or Mad Men. I’m a sucker for drama and complex characters.

Oohhh, I love Bones as everyone already knows.

What type of music do you favor?

Being a music teacher, I find different types of release in different genres. I’ll escape into my thoughts with Bach’s Cello Suites or anything Chopin. But I get equal satisfaction out of Santana, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, or Louis Armstrong.

Quite diverse taste, Mickey. I tend to do Alternative and Classical which totally on two different ends of the scale, LOL

Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?

Nope. Never. My head starts analyzing the piece and I slip into the musician and out of the writer. I prefer total silence when I write.

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!

I gave up a tenured teaching position to study acting in London and traipse around Europe when I was 26. For five months, I lived without a plan, without a care in the world. Anyone who knows me will attest to that being the most uncharacteristic thing I have ever done!

It's been a pleasure having you here today, Micky. I look forward to reading Consequences and please do get Inheritance submitted, woman!

More about M. Flagg:

Mickey brings the joy of music to hundreds of students every week in an urban K-8 school. Named a Distinguished Music Educator at the 2009 Yale Music Symposium, she also accompanies a church choir on Sundays and writes paranormal romance. Retribution, her debut novel, was released in 2009. Book 2, Consequences, is also contracted with The Wild Rose Press. Living in northern NJ, she shares her home with her children, a rescued, bright-orange Main Coon who only bites her ankles, and a very sweet JRT who doesn’t know he’s a terrier. Her novels can be purchased at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ as well as various sites on the web. You can contact Mickey at http://www.mflagg-author.com/

Author Spotlight: Sheri Lewis Wohl, Paranormal Author

2009-10-15T06:00:00.001-04:00

Please welcome my good friend, paranormal author, Sheri Lewis Wohl. Thank you so much for coming to spend the day with me today. I, better than anyone, know how very busy you are, Sheri. Tell us about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Hi Dayana. Well, I live in northeast Washington State with my husband, two really big dogs, and a little calico cat. I’ve lived here most of my life, which is why the majority of my books are set here. What makes me both angry and sad, is intolerance. I mean, seriously…why can’t we all just get along?? What makes me happy is time my family (including the four-legged variety) and I usually reserve snoopy dancing for things like book contracts, great reviews, and royalty checks! Oh yeah, and I definitely did the snoopy dance when my Masters Thesis on a vampire story was nominated for outstanding thesis of year at the university.

Wow, congratulations, Sheri! That's wonderful. I'd love to read your thesis sometime. That sounds very intriguing. And the contracts, great reviews, and royalties tend to make me happy as well:) Tell me do you write to make a living--you know for the money--or for the sheer love of writing?

For me, it’s both. I have always written because I just flat out like to write. At the same time, making money is the ultimate ideal. My goal is to not be just a writer, but a professional writer who puts money in the bank. Nothing wrong with shooting for the New York Times Bestseller list.

Oh I have to agree with you there, Sheri. I would love to sell to a NY house and be on the New York Best Seller's list. Wait...isn't that every writers' goal and dream.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?

Well, as a writer in the paranormal genre, it’s go to be Halloween. There’s something so intriguing about the concept of the veil lifting between the world of the seen and unseen. That, and for one night getting to dress and pretend to be whoever or whatever you want to be. Yes, indeed, definitely All Hallows Eve.

As you and everyone else who knows me is aware. Halloween is my ultimate time of the year. LOL So I definitely can understand where you are coming from here. Now I have to do a shameless plug here, *grin* The one author who celebrates this holiday the best, in my experience, is Sharon Donovan, bless her soul. I just spent all day Tuesday with her and Oliver at the Haunted Mansion and I will tell you, it was AWESOME. I am going to take some lessons from Sharon for next year. Watch out! I'm going to start planning now.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

I write every day. I don’t wait on the muse because sometimes, old muse forgets to show up! When the muse does show up, I tend to write a little more and for a lot longer.

oh good for you for being able to be scheduled. That just work for me. I envy you and authors like you. I have to wait until the muse hits me in the head, otherwise, the page will remain blank.

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?

I can pretty much write on demand. I think I learned the skill from a combination of work in the office, college, and grad school. Bosses and Professors aren’t really inclined to wait for a muse to appear, if you know what I mean. I’ve carried over the ability to write on demand into my creative side as well.

Where do you write?

Everywhere. I do have a home office though I find I do most of my writing on a laptop that I carry with me everywhere. The few times I didn’t bring it along, I was lost!

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?

I got the latest idea when I was sitting in Sunday services at the Washington National Cathedral. I was in D.C. for the Romance Writers National Conference and had some time to kill before I was to fly home. I walked up to the Cathedral and was in time for the morning service. It was wonderful and as I sat there…voila…the plot for my next book hit me.

Interesting, a cathedral? Hmm...You got me curious:)

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture.

I HATE to write the synopsis. It’s not just a mild dislike either. We’re talking heartfelt detest. I’m never happy with them and no matter how much time I spend on them, I never feel good when I’m finished.

Seems to be the common hate amongst writers. Maybe I'll put a poll up and test this out, LOL Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

My favorite hero so far is Adam Bell, a shape shifting Spokane Indian from my dark paranormal trilogy at Loose Id. He’s one those guys who’s sexy, tough, insightful, and calm. And, when he says “I love you,” he means it. I recently had a reader ask me if I was going to write a fourth book in the series because she wanted to see more of Adam. Of course, I’m also very fond of Jason “Bigs” Bigelow, the hero in my latest paranormal romance. Bigs just has a way about him that makes you love him.

What type of music do you favor?

I’m pretty much a classic rock and roll girl. Anything from Janis Joplin to Aerosmith. Throw in a little blues now and again, and I’m happy.

Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?

No, not music. I have a tendency to put movies in when I’m writing and the kind of movie I put in usually tracks with the kind of book I’m writing. I don’t really watch it while I’m working but I listen. Sort of subliminal motivation.

You know, movies inspire me and I also utilize them in my research. I like to watch a movie like Van Helsing and describe the shifter change, or maybe Blood and Chocolate and describe the imagery of the hunt. It's sort of a writing lesson to me. To create what I am watching on the screen, so to speak.

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!

It’s got to be the flaming breasts. We are big car people and every year attend numerous functions for car enthusiastic. This past summer we had a large gathering at our home. Later in the evening, one of our friends (a very artistic fellow) took his collection of Sharpie pens and drew flames of varying colors on the chests of willing women. Sort of temporary tattoos. I, being pretty conservative in that respect, kept saying no, no, no, every time he asked me. Finally I gave in and spent the rest of the evening with lovely red and black flames erupting out of my tank top! My husband was floored and that’s putting it mildly. I’m sorry to say (not really) there are no pictures of the flaming breasts for blackmail purposes.

Oh, Sheri! I am so sorry you didn't take pictures, LOL How about the skull collection? How is that fairing? My black rose centerpiece is as beautiful as the day I got it what 3-4 years ago? LOL I am now pining for a black rose wreath I saw at Target.

The skull collection is coming along nicely. Wild Bill Whiting, the Oregon artist who makes the ceramic skulls, does fantastic work and I pick up a new one each year at the Portland Swap Meet. Though the swap meet is a huge collector car event, Wild Bill always brings the skulls. I drag the hubby over to see him (right after I pick up my latte) and we get the skull purchase done before a single car part is looked at.

Newest book Blurb:

Adrian Meade is on the run from her rich, powerful, and vengeful ex-husband, so she creates a new identity as Anna Koch to keep herself safe. Tired of running, she has no sooner put down temporary roots in Spokane, Washington, than she finds herself in the midst of an unexpected romance with her landlord, Jason “Bigs” Bigelow, and also confronted with the century-old mystery of a missing boy. Full of dark secrets, she keeps Bigs at arm’s length until their fiery passion becomes too great to deny. Love, lies, and a ghost complicate Adrian’s life even more than it already is. As secrets begin to crack and mysteries begin to unravel, the line between the past and the present fades. Can Bigs keep her safe from an evil that transcends time or will he lose the one woman who has finally healed his heart?

Buy it Now: http://alturl.com/u354
Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfMzxXsQYdQ
www.sherilewiswohl.com

More about Sheri Lewis Wohl

Bio:
A reader since I could pick up a book, my goal in grade school was to read every book in the library. I didn't quite make it through every book, but I came darn close, and thus my love of literature was born. I started writing in high school and have continued through today. I didn't follow my muse to college, at least not at first. Instead, I floundered around and managed to complete a degree with concentrations in Psychology, Communications and Women's Studies at Eastern Washington University. But, the pull of the written word wasn't done with me yet, and I went back to school to complete a Masters in Humanities through California State University. With a thesis on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's vampire tale "Carmilla", it was a gothic writer's dream come true.
Today, I'm still writing and reading a ton of books. With the advent of electronic publishing I can carry any number of books in my PDA. I'm never without a touch of fiction. I live in Eastern Washington with my husband Steve, a German Shepherd named Falco, a St. Bernard named Shaggy, and a rescued calico cat named Halle.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, EPIC, the Transylvanian Society of Dracula, and The International Order of Horror Professionals.

2009-10-12T22:00:00.003-04:00

I'm very excited to shout out that I will be hanging out at Sharon Donovan's Haunted Mansion tomorrow. Please drop by and join us. Oliver is such a hottie and the atmosphere is phenomenal! Don't miss any of the tricks or treats Sharon has in mind.

Also, please don't miss my Free Read contest. I will be asking a question toward the end of the month for a fabulous Halloween gift bag. For details on this contest and all upcoming events, please hop over to my website and click on the contest link.

Hope to see you all tomorrow.

D~

2009-10-10T09:36:00.004-04:00

Good Morning! Just a quick note to let you all know and invite you over to Faith Smith's blog today. Faith and I are gabbing over champagne and chocolates and we may even have some special hunky guests dropping by. Isn't that right, Faith?

Have a wonderful weekend!

D~

Author Spotlight: Catherine Bybee, Paranormal Romance

2009-10-08T06:30:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone. Please welcome Catherine Bybee, my good friend, paranormal romance author and promo guru.

Whoo hoo, I’m playing at Dayana's! What fun! This is so awesome considering last year at this time I was pining for that coveted ‘Got Wolf?’ T-Shirt that Callie was giving away last year on your blog! I’ve come a long way, baby.

LOL Yes, you have! Great having you here, Catherine. And if I remember correctly you did win that T-shirt.

Thanks for having me, Dayana.

You're very welcome. We did have fun last year, didn't we?

Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

Soul Mate available at the Red Rose Publishing, was inspired by a weekend in Sequoia last summer. Once the family nestled into the RV for the night, I sat outside watching the full moon poke through the hills and thought it would be a great place for my next werewolf story. And oh, Dayana… I found a whole new excerpt just for your blog. Wanna see it?

Oh sure, I'd love to see it:)

Okay, here ya go.

Excerpt:

“Damn it, Pierce. Where the hell are you?”

“How do you know my name?”

She sounded angry and close.

“I looked you up.”

“Why?”

Her voice shifted directions.

Nick swirled in a circle. “I told you I knew you from somewhere.”

“We've never met, Murdock.”

“I know, but the department has photos of you.”

Behind him a twig snapped. He spun around in alarm.
Ice blue eyes spit cold fire from beneath long pale lashes. Kari was literally a foot away, and he hadn’t heard her.

“Why?”

“Your parents.”

A flash of pain sparked and went away almost as quickly.

“The FBI was interested in their murders?” She took a step backwards.

“The case is studied due to the weapon of choice used by their killers.”

Kari’s eyes cast to the ground. “Wolves,” the word came out on a sigh.

“The file said dogs.”

“I was there; they were wolves. The police have a hard time listening to details.”

Nick watched as she straightened her shoulders and stared him in the eye.

“Any more questions, Agent Murdock?”

“Yeah, one.”

Kari cocked her head to the side and said, “Shoot.”

“How did you know the missing girl came to us?” Nick didn’t blink, didn’t breathe while he waited for her response. He watched for subtle changes in her stance and eye contact that would give away her feelings. A slightly twitching left eye gave him what he needed.

Ooooh, that certainly got my curiosity stirred up. And I have to tell you that cover is HOT! I have Soul Mate on my laptop queued for reading. Unfortunately I've not had a moment to myself since I bought it on release day! I am definitely closing myself off this week and delving into this book, Catherine, which brings me to my next question, why do you write?.

Because I have to or the voices in my head would drive me crazy! LOL… Which is in part true. I have so many ideas and stories floating in my head that if I didn’t start putting them on paper, I’d have gone a little nutty.

Really... *grin*
How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

Names are hard for me. I try to pick names that are easy to identify with. What I mean by that is if you have a hero named Malcom or Francis, it might be difficult to read the book without laughing. I also work with whatever time period I’m writing about or nationality.

Interesting theory and you're right, Malcom or Francis for a hero just doesn't work for me either. I have a hard time picking character names myself and agree about the story backdrop. You're not going to call a character Pedro if your story is based in Romania, LOL

Where the title to my stories aren’t difficult at all. So far, all my contracted books have titles that truly ‘fit’ the story.

Hmmm...
Titles are a challenge for me. I never like the titles and am always alert for a better fitting one as I work through the story.

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?

I write whenever I can grasp an hour or two without an interruption. Three years ago this month, I injured myself at work and found myself at home in front of the computer all the time. Not having the ability to do my day job because of my injury has afforded me time to write whenever my family isn’t in need of me. I guess you could say I made lemonade out of a bowl of lemons.

Oh, I am sorry about the injury but a lot of good has come of it. I guess there really is a silver lining in every black cloud, huh.

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture.

Query’s are easy for me, as are the blurbs and marketing…

Umm... you state the obvious here, Missy. Stop bragging, LOL I, of all people, know how wonderful you are at marketing:)

I don’t know a writer who likes writing a synopsis, and I’m in that boat. Funny, I can write a 400 page 100K book but a 5 page synopsis has me breaking out in hives. But the thing that makes me crazy as a writer is waiting. Waiting to hear from a publisher, waiting for edits, waiting for release day, waiting for reviews.

Oh I can relate to that. I have to agree but I do try to move on to other projects to keep my mind off the incessant waiting.

How many books have you written?

Hmm, lets see? There are two full-length books in my hard drive that may never see the light of day because of the edits needed to make them marketable. Two full length time travel’s – Binding Vows and Silent Vows. Redeeming Vows is 1/3 finished.
Soul Mate is one of three werewolf stories. I have three erotic’s written, Kilt Worthy, Kilt-a-licious and Batteries Not Included. One ghost story and my newest WIP is a full-length paranormal I’m not quite ready to yak about:) So what is that, 11?

Wow! not too shabby, Catherine. BTW I read Kilt Worthy and absolutely loved it.

Do you have an upcoming release?

Well, notice I didn’t talk about my other two werewolf stories above? While my first two werewolf stories didn’t win in the Got Wolf? Contest, they did both receive contracts. Before the Moon Rises is waiting final galley, and I should be able to announce a release date soon. When I completed BTMR, another story was kickin’ around in my head for the brother of my hero in BTMR. So Richard’s story, Only for You is twice the page length and that will be coming on the heels of Before the Moon Rises.

But the big news for me this year is my full-length time travel, Binding Vows, the first in my trilogy will be available in paperback and e-book December 4th 2009 from The Wild Rose Press. This is the book of my heart. The first book I attempted to publish. I can’t wait to hear what the romantic world thinks of Duncan and Tara!

Thanks again for having me here today, Dayana.

Oh, Catherine! Thank you for being here. It has been great gabbing with you. I hope to have you back again soon:)

Treats for Tricks - Contest and Drawing

2009-10-04T20:02:00.003-04:00

Evening all!

I've been very busy as you all know. This is my time of year. I've been decorating the homefront and today I've updated my website and am very excited with the Halloween setting I've created. I've also finished and distributed notification of my October newsletter. Whoa! Yes, my bum is quite sore at the moment from sitting in front of this laptop all day.

Anyway, I have a special treat offer this month. I have posted a Halloween "Free Read" in two places today, and I am offering a special Halloween gift bag to a one lucky winner at the end of the month. If you've ever won one of my gift bags or baskets you will definitely want to see this through:) How do you win, you may be wondering?

Well...
all you have to do is visit my website or Dayana's Happenings to download a copy of my newsletter and read my Halloween free read. On October 24th I will post a question that you will only be able to answer if you've read the story. You will have one week to post your answers. I will have a drawing on Halloween for the winner and announce the winner on November 1st. Don't miss your chance. I will post a reminder every couple of days after the question is posted.

Any questions you can always reach me by commenting here or emailing me: gothscribegirl@aol.com .

Author Spotlight: Isabel Roman, Paranormal Romance

2009-10-01T06:30:00.004-04:00

Please welcome Isabel Roman to the Author Spotlight today.
Hello, Isabel. Thank you for joining me today.
Thanks for having me today, Dayana!
How do you decide on your books’ topic?

I decided on my four book paranormal series by looking at what has been done and not doing that. Druids have mostly been done in medieval or ancient stories, I haven’t heard of one taking place in Victorian England and America. ‘Course my four books series was originally a three book series until I felt horrible for poor Isadore and had to give her a story of her own. *G*

Oh, I hear that. Sometimes, I find that secondary characters jump out and beg for their own stories. I have two sequels in the works now because some characters just need to have their own day in the limelight.

HAHA, see how that happens? With other books, I think about what I’m interested in and build a story from there. Sometimes it’s a story in a place I’ve always wanted to write in. Sometimes it’s based on what fits in that time period.

Oh yes, that makes sense, Isabel. I try to write about what I know and what I love. I also like to experiment with different settings and create worlds with descriptive imagery.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Deadlines. It’s the one surefire way to keep me focused. There’s nothing like a looming deadline, and by that I mean 2-3 weeks away, to keep me focused and on track.

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Both.
What? I’m not that shallow. *G* I’d love to be able to support myself in the manner my day job keeps me supported through writing, but for now, I write to breathe. And for that future of supporting myself.

I definitely agree with you. I am writing for my future as well. I’d like to eventually retire and write. A dream at the moment but dreams are made to come true, aren’t they?

Yup! I’m right there with you. :)

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

Is that like the line from the first Mummy movie when Evie says “I…am a librarian.” Then passes out? LOL, sorry, that’s what it sounded like in my head when I read the question. I love that movie and that line always cracks me up. As to the “I…am a writer” bit, I’d say after I got my first review. It had nothing to do with validation on MY part more like on others. I now had a great review in hand, someone I didn’t know who read my first book and LOVED it! I mean what more is there? Sure, I loved it, but a complete and utter stranger? It’s what I wanted and now had. It was after that, that I felt more comfortable in telling people, though I don’t often introduce myself as such. Usually it’s my day-job title that I use, but more people know I’m a writer now than even 6 months ago.

Very well put, Isabel. I’d never thought of it quite that way but reviews do sort of validate your success when they are positive. On the same token, what if that first review was a bad one? Would you have not written again? Or would you have said, “Ahh… It’s just one person’s opinion.”

Well, I don’t think I would’ve brought out the sack and ashes, but it may have been close. Then again, despite that, I think I would’ve kept on anyway. Write to breathe and all.

Where do you write?

At home. Pathetic but true. I have a home office with a great desk, a spiffy new computer, and a great set up that I love. And a soon-to-be bathroom, with luck in three weeks. Though I have written well on trips, I’m most comfortable and get the most done at home.

Why would that be pathetic? LOL Most of us write at home in a makeshift office atmosphere or bedroom corner. But I do take my laptop when I travel because I never know when I might want to work. Also, I am never without a pad of paper. I write longhand as well at times.

I take my laptop, too, cause you just never know when that idea that’s been percolating will become full blown. I really look forward to those moments!

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

With tedious effort. I hate titling my books, and naming my characters is always a chore.

Ho Boy! Do I have to agree with you. I hate this process as well.

But I do take the time to carefully name them because I want names I like for the type of character I’m building, be they the main hero and heroine, secondary characters, or throwaway walk-through ones. They also have to reflect the country or their family’s country of origin.

Again, great advice. That is why I think it is so ‘tedious’ because a lot of thought go into both titles and naming the characters. You want both to stand out and say something about the story. Make lasting impressions, etc.

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)

Synopsis. I know so very many people who say the same thing but here’s my example and I will willingly bow to anyone with a worse horror story.
The first time I wrote a synopsis to send out with a completed story it took me 12 hours on a Sunday. With no breaks. 12 hours in my chair, pacing around, banging my head on random walls. 12 freakin’ hours!!
It was the single most excruciating thing I’d ever done. I still have nightmares about that Sunday.

Oh my! Not my favorite thing either. So much is riding on a synopsis. You are trying to sell your book, your writing, and your soul here. So much pressure. It’s amazing how much work goes into the fun of sitting down and crafting a story. The only fun in the entire process, honestly, is writing the story, isn’t it? An author learns pretty quickly the real work begins when the story is done:)

YES! I agree, writing the story can be loads of fun.

How long did it take you to get your first project sold? And was the project your first actual completed manuscript?

Yes, it was my first actual completed manuscript though I had an incomplete one before I may never look at again. This one (Murder & Magick) took about 8 months to sell to Ravenous Romance. With revision, with cutting, with changes to the plot. (I’ve since learn to plot each chapter and character arc, so they take me a lot less time to write.)

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

No, but I have had people ask that they (their names at least) be put into a book. One even wanted a glorious death in a gunfight. I’ve used aspects of TV characters, movie characters, things I like about a person or a movement of body someone does. But 99% of my characters are fictional.

What TV shows do you watch?

What, you haven’t heard about my NCIS addiction? LOL, I’m very serious about it. If it’s a Tuesday night, don’t bother. I’m watching NCIS. It’s one of maybe um…no actually it’s the only show I’ll make it a point to watch every week and whenever it’s on. Other than that, mainly sci-fi stuff.

Oh, I’ve got a couple of those and actually it is my only time I really sit and relax other than my nightly exercise program of walking or bike riding, LOL. I watch Dark Blue and Bones with a ‘don’t bother me’ aura radiating from me.

Thank you so much for dropping by today, Isabel. Now before you run, I do know that you have a wonderful story titled, Shadow State, coming out this month in the Black Rose Got Wolf Anthologies, which release this month at The Wild Rose Press. Why not tell us a bit about it?

Shadow State is a favorite. I don’t know if it’s the storyline, the characters, the setting, or all three, but I really do love this story. Set in 1934 Germany, just after Hitler’s governmental coup, Night of the Long Knives or Nacht der langen Messer, the Arminius Clan realizes they’re no longer safe in Germany. This is a new war, a new way of looking at enemies, and they know they’re a prime target. Then one of their own is taken by the Nazi’s and experimented upon.

It was a real eye-opener researching medical knowledge in the 1930s. For decades, Germany was the place to study science and medicine, so my heroine, Elsa, is a research doctor at a prestigious Berlin hospital. I learned a lot about my wolves and Nazi experimentation during this time, and used it. I also used the Nazi fascination with the occult, since that’s well documented and easy to add in.

Excerpt: (I debated a humorous part or a sexy part, and of course came down on the side of sexy.)

“Have you decided this is our moment?” she asked.
He pulled away just enough to see the eyebrow raised in amused question. But he could also see how her blue eyes darkened, could feel her breath coming in gasps. Could smell the change in her scent.
Trailing his lips along the back of her neck, he breathed her in. Another growl escaped him, louder and stronger, establishing his dominance over her. When Elsa growled back, his cock hardened further.
Yes, this was his mate.
Nipping her shoulder, Christoph was only slightly surprised when she entwined her fingers with his and moved them slowly up her body. Cupping her breasts through the thin silk of her blouse, he felt the harden peaks push through her clothing. Her entire body shuddered when he pinched her nipples.
“Christoph,” she murmured.
Turning her, he slammed her against the bookcases. Mouth on hers in an instant, he took hold of her hands again, pinning them above her head. She tasted better than he imagined, and when she kissed him back, all thought fled.
He had to have her.
A loud crash jerked what little attention was not on Elsa back to their surroundings. Christoph spun to scan the library, Elsa secured behind him. He saw no one. The faint scent of Peter, however, lingered in the air.
He was going to kill his friend.

Books and Purchase links:

Murder & Magick: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-1-murder-and-magick.php?flypage=0

Sex & Subterfuge: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-2-sex-and-subterfuge.php

Desert & Destiny: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-iii-desert-and-destiny.php

Temptations & Treachery: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-iv-temptations-and-treachery.php

And my bio: A mostly historic, oftentimes paranormal, definitely racy romance writer with a love of movies. And NCIS.

My website: http://www.isabelroman.com/My blog: http://authorisabelroman.blogspot.com/

Road Trip ~ The Black Rose Blog Tomorrow:)

2009-09-29T22:34:00.004-04:00

I am introducing myself on TWRP's new Black Rose Blog tomorrow. Please drop on by and check it out. I'd love to have you meet my peer line authors as well.

Looking forward to Paranormal month with The Wild Rose Press. Last year was a blast so this year should be all the better.

D~

Happy Autumn! Updates and an important follow up on the "A Word About Reviews" Post.

2009-09-22T11:41:00.009-04:00

Yeah! My favorite season and holiday is coming at me fast. Got to get busy with my decor! I love this time of year. A northerner at heart, fall is such an awesome time of year. Still warm with Indian Summer yet so very vibrant. Living in Southern Florida, I truly miss it but this is the time of year that is most comfortable in the south. We get cold fronts that give us the most delectable weather. Breezy and much cooler temps from October through just about May. Ahh...Wintering in Florida is heaven.

I want to mention that this week's Author Spotlight didn't work out. Kelley Heckart's new release has been slightly delayed so her spot will move to November 12th. Be sure to mark you calendars of the change. The first and second week of October are open. Any paranormal authors interested in jumping in to be spotlighted? You don't have to have a new release to be interviewed so don't hesitate to contact me ASAP ( gothscribegirl@aol.com ) if you are interested in some free promo.

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who jumped into the review conversation below. If you have not read this post, please do. It's something that touches all of us as writers and reviewers alike. I've even had two reviewers step up to the plate and talk to us about thier perspective.

An update: The author that I talked about who was given a "0" rating on her book has had yet another review by the same reviewer none-the-less at a different review site! This time she was awarded a 1.5! How is this fair practice?

Reviewers out there, a question. Do you review the same books on different sites? I've never come across this practice before. Please pipe in and let us know what's up with this?

Dayana~