And time marches on...

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~

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




October is upon us...

...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~

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.

D~

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:)

D~

Happy Memorial Day!

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

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~

Author Spotlight: Joanne Hall, Fantasy Author

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?

Let's Talk Twilight

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~

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?

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~

Author Spotlight: Karilyn Bentley, Paranormal Fantasy Romance

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

 

A Word About Reviews...

Sorry, I just couldn't resist:) I've been pulling out the autumn and Halloween stuff for the last couple of weeks so...

I've got what I think is a very important, possibly debatable subject, I'd like to discuss today. It's happened to me on two occasions and it actually happened to a good friend quite recently.

The subject is book reviews.

This is a process we must go through and a nailbiting, edge-of-the-seat wait. We never know when that first review will pop up, and we sure as hell don't know how our heart's work will be accepted. So we wait chewing our nails with bellies churning.

Finally, that first review comes out and you've either gotten notification from the review site, which is how I learned of most of my reviews or we finally find a crumb of info after googling our name day after day. Then we sit rigid afraid to actually click the review to see what it says.

Ohmigod! It's wonderful when you click, finally open your eyes, and read it and find it's a positive review. My first one was a 4 from Manic Readers for Curse of the Marhime. I about fell off my seat. My second review came in from LASR and was a 4.5 and Bitten by Books gave it a 4.5 as well. More came in within the same parameters. So it's all good, right? Technically, yes. But...


I'm sure every or at least most authors out there have experienced the nasty hateful reviewer that seems to blatantly and with malice to trash your book and your talent all at once. Fortunately, mine was not the first review I set my eyes on but it hurt just the same. I've had two reviewers write less than complimentary reviews about two different books, that I know of. I won't reveal the review sites, and I will acknowledge that I understand a review is just an opinion. So I am not putting this blog out to antagonize reviewers' opinions. What I do want to do is give authors who have received less than stellar reviews or feel they have been trashed a different point of view in regards to how they react to the bad review.

Two of my peers recently have written to me about some bad reveiws they received and when I read the reveiws I had to admit they could have been handled a bit differently. For one of the authors, it was her first review! I felt terrible for her, but told her that's just one person's opinion. Though I am sure it didn't make her feel any better. In fact, I know it didn't.

Before any reviewers out there that may be reading this blog react, I myself am a freelance reviewer. So I do have a right to voice my opinion on the way a reviewer approaches a review. But I would certainly love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Again, I will reiterate that I understand that everyone has an opinion and not everyone likes the same things. And to be perfectly honest, I never pay much attention to movie reviews or book reviews because if I did I'd probably never go to the movies or read the book, LOL how do I know if their tastes run along my tastes? Very important point here:)

The two reveiwers that gave me low numbers and had a lot of negative things to say about my books obviously did not like the type of books I wrote(and btw one of them admitted she didn't like the type of romance portrayed). So I ask, why would you read it in the first place? One of the reviewers even got the title of the book completely wrong with the cover art hovering right beside her review! That doesn't give her much creedence at least in my humble opinion.

Now, I'd like to discuss how I go forward with a review job.

If I get into a book that I truly don't like or the editing is really horrific, I stop reading it. I contact the liaison at the site and ask for it to be reassigned, which fortunately, is an option with the review site I work with. Some don't allow it and you must muddle through the review and do the best you can to be honest but not insult or hurt the author. Not an easy task. Why? Because I never want to discourage an author from persuing the craft and destroying any confidence said author has built within his or herself. It is a big step when a writer decides to submit a book. That writer is putting her/himself out there in a big, personal, naked sort of way. If you are not a writer you would never understand.

I will never give a book below a 3.5 because I just don't think it fair to the author. My opinion, my way of doing things. Obviously not everyone's cup of tea.

One of my peers was actually given a 0! How can you possibly give a book a 0? There is always something good to say about something. That is just moronic. The person who did that should not be reviewing books.

I'd like to hear what your take is on this subject. Many authors also review books so if you do, please pipe in. I'd like to know why it is necessary to blatantly ruin an author's work. I can't believe a publishing company would put out a book that didn't have something worth publishing between its bindings. Is it just me?

Dayana~

A Hard Day's Work

Wow! Today has been a flurry of activity for me. Busy...busy...busy:)

As most of you know, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the colors, which are bred within me even though I've been transplanted in the South for twenty-five years. I am a Northern girl at heart. Autumn colors and snowy Christmas' Most of all though, I absolutely Love Halloween:)

September is when I begin my home decor transformation and Labor Day has always represented the Fall for me, soooo...I've gone and transformed the house into Halloween central. Well...not completely but I've got the traditional autumn colors, and a lot of the traditional Halloween decorations situated around the house. Inside only for now. Geez, I've even beat Target to the punch. That is amazing.

Here's the tough part. You know how when you decorate, you also have to clean? Yeah, you guessed it. I busied my self today with fall cleaning chores such as shampooing the carpet, cleaning windows, dusting, mopping floors, and moving furniture around. Can I tell you, I'm beat! But the house looks so beautiful and like a completely different space. Vibrant and warm. Good karma is radiating all around.

Now I'll continue to add little touches and, of course, work into decorating the outdoors as well. I'll share another little tid bit of information. I take my vacation from the day job every year on Halloween week. That's love, LOL


I did work on some writing stuff today but I didn't set the world on fire. Too busy with all the other stuff. I am working on a new story that I anticipate being released next Halloween, at least I hope. I have to sell it first*grin* Actually, truth be told, I have to finish it before I do anything else, LOL

Anyway, that's what I've been up to this holiday weekend. What have you all been up to?

Oh and one more thing. Traci Hall who was the author spotlight will pick the winner of her book on Tuesday as she went to a conference this weekend given by Heather Graham in New Orleans--lucky girl *sigh* Can't wait to see who nabs the book.

Talk to you later.

D~

Author Spotlight: Traci Hall, Author Young Adult Paranormal

Traci Hall is a friend and a fellow Florida Romance Writer member. I met Traci over three years ago when I wandered into the Super Saturday celebration our local RWA chapter, the FRW. At the time, she was President of our RWA Chapter and did a mighty fine job of it! The rest as they say is history.

Welcome, Traci. It’s so nice to have you here today.

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

I am simple I don’t like to be angry or sad, so I avoid those emotions at all cost. I smile whenever possible because my grandma said that frowning causes more wrinkles.

I have to tell you, I follow the same rule of thumb with frowning. I prefer less wrinkles, especially as that number climbs each year, therefore smiling lots is the only option!

So tell us, how many books have you written?

Over twenty.

Wow! That is quite an inventory. Are they all published?

Thank God, NO, lol. I wrote a book about a 19th century heroine who was raped by the local sheriff. She had a blind son, and an MIA dad who turns out to be the star of the traveling show just come into town. (hanging head)

Ho! Boy! Which brings to mind my next question How do you decide on a topic?

Usually something will ignite the creative spark and a title comes to mind, which then leads to theme and plot.

Hmm…so you title your works before you actually have written the story? Interesting. Titles are usually the hardest for me.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

Duct tape my ass to the chair, and self-bribery of diet coke, sunflower seeds and Good and Plenty candy.

LOL Unique tactic and dangerous! Have you ever tried to get duct tape off of anything? My preferred bribery is chocolate―dark chocolate:)

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

I love money, don’t get me wrong, but so far writing has been a break-even affair. Book marks, travel expenses, and don’t get me started on an hourly wage:)

I hear you, Traci. Anyone who thinks writing/publication will gain the average newbie fortunes is delusional, LOL I write because I love to see my stories build on those blank pages.

Hourly wage? Did you say we should be charging an hourly wage?! *grin*

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

I remember going to a Florida Romance Writers conference back in 2003, and I walked around wide-eyed at the way people talked about writing like it could be a business. I had no clue – about anything! One of the first things I learned from that conference was to take myself seriously – which meant practicing saying – before being published - “I am a writer”.

Oh, I do remember the wonder of that first meeting! You were the chapter president at the time and how great you were at it. You welcomed me like I was a long lost friend. We have a wonderful group at the FRW.

Thank you!!! You were so friendly that it was easy to be nice:)

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

I like writing stories about families, and about possibilities. I like action, and happy endings. Always happy endings!

Where do you write?

I have a very small house, so my ‘office’ is a corner of our bedroom. It works for me:) And my hubby knows better than to complain about the book piles and post it notes.

LOL I can definitely relate to that. Where do you go to think?

The beach – the inspiration comes in (prepare for bad joke) waves, lolol

LOL good one! Do you have an upcoming release?



Yes, Something Wiccan This Way Comes is the second book in my Rhiannon Godfrey series(the first being, Her Wiccan, Wiccan Ways) – Rhiannon Godfrey is a teenaged girl who has recently moved to a small town. Her parents are Wiccan, but she is still searching her heart for her spiritual path. She’s psychic, almost fifteen, and confused, lol, as only a teenager can be. I really love this girl *grins*

Where can we find your upcoming release?

Amazon.com is the easiest way to order, although Barnes and Noble and Books A Million carry it on their websites too.

When will it be available?

September 1st! Here’s the purchase link:
Something Wiccan This Way Comes

Sneak Peak:

What’s a girl to do when trouble finds her at every turn?
A Rhiannon Godfrey story.
Being different is nothing new for Rhiannon Godfrey. Neither is hiding who she really is to all but a select few. So far she’s managed to walk that line, but now someone is spreading rumors that the Godfreys’ New Age store is really a front for witchcraft, complete with cauldrons and eyes of newt.
The whole town is turning against them—even Rhee’s boyfriend is suspicious. Then there’s her ex-crush Matthew, who just showed up uninvited on her doorstep carrying a single suitcase—and a heavy secret.
Rhiannon tries to be good, she really does. But it’s hard when trouble pounces at every turn, and her unsuccessful spells seem to prove that science is the only path to enlightenment.
Hiding her gifts and running from confrontation is easier than standing up for what she believes in. But this time, there’s more at stake. And the possibility she may have to find the inner strength to banish one friend in order to save another.

More about Traci Hall:

Traci Hall writes young adult paranormal stories, and medieval paranormal romances. She is an active member of FRW, and she lives in Southern Florida with her family – you can contact her at traciella@aol.com or visit her websites at www.tracihall.com or www.traciehall.com

Thank you, Traci, for taking the time to join me today. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you. Wishing you well with you series and your newest release.

Thanks for having me – it’s been a blast! By the way, I will be drawing a name over the weekend from all visitors who’ve left comments for their choice of print or ebook copy of Something Wicked This Way Comes, so tune in on Monday for the winner.

Oooohhh, that sounds great, Traci. Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you all for joining us today. Don’t forget to check in here on Monday to find out who won Traci’s book.

Here's Mickey! Please welcome Parnormal Romance Author, M Flagg:)

Hi, Mickey! Thanks so much for coming over to blog today. I read Retribution! and got totally lost in Michael and Alana's struggle to come to terms with the purest love possible. An amazing story of selflessness and true worshipful love between two people. Michael is the true Champion over the darkness.

Hi, Dayana. I am so happy you enjoyed Retribution! and thank you for your kind words. I'd like to discuss how at times life-memory ends up on the page.

Have you ever written a scene with one particular item stuck in your mind? For me, it was cherry cheesecake—with chocolate cookie crust. Just to be clear, chocolate goes with everything under the sun. But you need to be clever and a bit sneaky.
Let me not digress too far. While writing Retribution! an off-beat mini-vision hammered at my brain. This set up the “big rescue” scene. Why cherry cheesecake? The thought had come out of nowhere to steal my attention. But before snappy dialogue filled the page, I sat back, let a memory play out.

Growing up, food had a starring role in our family. Check out some old movies, like “Moonstruck” and the hilariously sweet “Fatso” with Dom DeLouise if you have any doubts. My Mother was Italian, and most of those characters could have been relatives. Every holiday meant multiple courses that took hours to eat through. It was a ritual. Peasant dishes, nothing fancy, graced the family table. Once married, our home became the gathering place. Plan for eight but be ready to serve eighteen. My sister helped with the cooking. Since I loved to bake my most memorable part of any meal was dessert. One Easter, a friend who was preparing for Passover suggested I make a cheesecake. Hmm… Dare I shake up tradition?

Had there ever been a homemade cheesecake at our dinner table? Fresh ravioli or melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, zucchini cake or biscotti could be found, but cheesecake? Never. Cheese is cheese. Cake is cake. Nothing “cheese” goes well with perked coffee after a meal. For decades, the family’s iced Italian cookie recipe ruled our dessert menu. My mother and her favorite sister could whip them up with their eyes closed and bake enough to feed several city blocks. But a scrumptious cheesecake topped with cherries?

Never!

Fear crept into my fingers while I cracked the eggs. This recipe wasn’t engraved on my grandmother’s mind when she came to America’s shores. My aunts, 10 just on my mother’s side, often withheld one special something. This recipe didn’t look like it had that infamous wiggle room. So goes another tradition.

Cheesecake had to be precise or it cracked and crumbled! Could there be a patron saint of cheesecake? No such luck… I’d be doing this alone. Carefully measured ingredients went in without an extra dollop of this or that. Just to be authentically ethnic I hand smashed chocolate cookies into a thick crust. Two pans baked side by side—with love and a litany of prayers. Only one had a huge crevice running through the center. Potholders wedged the oven door ajar for an excruciating hour. Heavenly aromas of vanilla and cream cheese wafted through every room.


Eventually, fresh berries drowned in store-bought cherry filling topped them off. I whipped up six dozen Italian cookies just in case.

No pun intended, but success was sweet. Full of pride, my mother took two pieces home.

That’s why I had to make cherry cheesecake part of my first novel. It would surreptitiously spark a hero’s rescue. Perhaps I not only craved that particular confection. Perhaps I wanted my mother and her favorite sister with me once again.
Real-life shapes the writing process. So do memories. Whether we create paranormal fantasy or inspirational romance, who we are appears on the written page. Do you agree? If so, will you share a memory that crept across your page?

One poster will receive a copy of Retribution! The Champion Chronicles: Book 1. And of course, you can find the family cookie recipe at http://www.mflagg.blogspot.com

Retribution! Excerpt
Night Shift

“You did good, Phil, and half the night’s over.” Denny Kim laughed. “Jeez, for all that fluff in your head, you really got this down faster than even Big J did—and he’s one hell of a smart guy!”
“Thanks a whole bunch, Mr. Kim,” Philip said with a huge grin. “I went home and my friend helped me study. We just moved to this fab condo in Fort Lee. Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you a slice of cherry cheesecake.” He pointed to the plastic container on Denny’s desk.
Denny scratched his head. “It’s my favorite. Isn’t that something?”
Denny ate it at 3 a.m., got up from his desk, and Philip caught him before he hit the floor, down for the count. At the same time, the “temporary” security supervisor checked his watch. At 3:15 there’d be a pre-recorded CD confirming that everything had been routine during the dead man’s shift. Philip would only have three minutes before the back-up alarm showed an elevator door open.
Philip ran down the cell list on the clipboard, charting statuses and times until he got to Number 5027. Next to “Second Rotation” he noted: Rapid Deterioration. He replaced the clipboard on the desk and got the metal gurney. After unsealing 5027, the ex-Guardian lifted Michael onto it and wheeled it down the hall.
As the elevator reached “Loading Dock”, he placed a piece of duct tape over the motion sensor. When the doors opened, he started the countdown.

Short bio: Mickey spends her days bringing the joy of music to hundreds of children. She has recently been named a Distinguished Music Educator at the 2009 Yale University Symposium on Music in Schools. The itch to write a paranormal novel occurred while finishing her second masters, a degree in Educational Leadership. The journey to publication led her to The Wild Rose Press where a talented editor, Callie Lynn Wolfe, entitled her series: The Champion Chronicles. Consequences, Book 2 continues Michael Malone's road to redemption. Learning more about the craft of good story-telling each day, Mickey is putting the final touches on Book 3, Inheritance.

Thanks so much for having me today, Dayana. It's always a pleasure to visit with you. I'll be checking back after a morning of summer school antics. Now that's a whole 'nother story completely!!

Guest Blogger: Jaclyn Tracey, Paranormal Author

Ready or not, here she comes! Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and please give Jaclyn a warm welcome. Oh and... you better grab a pillow. The belly laughs this woman gets will require padding your gut:)

Dayana, first off~ hi and thank you for inviting me to your blog for a second time. This is a nice comfy place to hang my Yankee hat. I’d like to share with you what not to do when writing your first novel. My first novel is a testament to this from the first time I said aloud I was going to write a book and then get it published. The journey’s been a long one, but worth every second.

Day 1 of 4 years, (“Ahhh!” Your screaming, “No, get the hook!” Relax, I’m not planning on giving you a blow-by-blow of the last whatever 365 days times 4 years equals) I can’t remember yesterday let alone 4 years ago, but some things stick with you like a bad case poison ivy. This one especially:

End of Sept 2004. The Yankees lost their place in the World Series and all things in my universe seized to exist. Left with nothing but the reality shows and junk on TV, I picked up my first book and read it cover to cover in about 8 hours. It was Laurell K Hamilton’s. I was hooked. From there I read 1 to 2 books a week until the light bulb went on and I said to myself, “If the Sox can win a series, I can so do this.” So Jan 1st, 2005 recouping from the previous night’s festivities and with a large mug of tea I sat in front of my husband’s computer and with one finger tapped out my first 3 pages of Eden’s Black Rose. 9 hours later, I emerged triumphant and headed back for the wine to celebrate. Live and learn. I’ve yet to get that part right!

Jan 1st 2006, literally one year to the day I claimed I had written the next great American novel. Again, a little naivety keeps your hopes high. Sitting in my shoes at this point I didn’t even know what the word genre meant—swear to God. Prior to this I’d failed every English class I’d ever slept through.
The book came in at 1,200 pages. Ok, so I never once checked for any guidelines. Rule #1, always do this before you spend the next 2 years trying to get someone to take you seriously so you don’t have to spend countless hours switching up your baby, your blood, sweat and tears.

The little quirks a computer has is nothing compared to the major spasms I had when the computer burps at me or just went blank and I lost all my days work. Learned the hard way to back up everything. Being absolutely illiterate on a comp and slower than a snail typing my heart attacked me more than once.

So, now that the MS is done and printed out, all 1,200 pages, I wanted to find someone to edit it and do the whole grammar thing for me, cross my ‘T’s, dot my eyes, just kidding, ‘I’s and fix all my blunders so it’s polished and ready to go to print right away…

Ha!

This is where I lost an entire year with this book. I gave it to a friend of a friend who said she’s do this for boucoup bucks.
Panic attack came after I saw the price tag, but being of the invertebrate family I never opened my mouth and for 11 months said a silent mantra that this woman would take my first born as payment. It’s not that she didn’t want my daughter. She said she couldn’t afford her either. So, we ate hotdogs for quite some time and in the end, she told me I should cut the book in half and make it into 2. Blood roiling we parted our separate ways. I packed up my half of a tree and shipped her off to some publisher with my synopsis and query, 2 more words I learned the hard way about, and I said my prayers. One week later my box sat on my steps with a small handwritten note on top. The note said, “Get a Etymology book and a writer’s guide.”

Ouch!

Ok, set back more $$$, I went through the ms umpteen more times and corrected all my stuff I paid the editor to do. Confidence built, March, 07 the book journeyed to the Wild Rose Press. It was well received by an editor who’s no longer with the company. Again, it was highly suggested I cut the book in half and this time I did. I resubmitted a few months later and she said she loved the story and she’d go through it. I waited 9 months without a word. And I sure as hell didn’t bother anyone coz if you’ve ever read those writer’s guides they all tell you in bold print, “Don’t hassle the editor or it’s an automatic rejection.” So I didn’t and in my spare time I wrote the new beginning to my 2nd half of my book and my 3rd book. Once again, I heard from the editor, elated she hadn’t forgotten me after such a long time, until she asked for the book back because it was lost in cyberspace. If anyone has knowledge of where my heart fragmented to I’d appreciate it. Again, I resubmitted and waited…

In or around May, 08 I received a e-mail from my savior, Callie Lynn, who asked what was going with my book. I told her I was wondering the same thing. Anyway, one thing led to another and my book is great hands. All good things in time, right?
So, what have we learned?

1~ Stay awake through English class.

2~ Don’t skip out on typing classes because you don’t want to cut your nails off (yeah, I flunked that class too.)

3~ Learn all you can about the field you’re entering so you’ll be taken serious.

4~ Be polite and patient… to a point. Give an editor their space and then if you haven’t heard from them send a nice follow-up letter. I am too nice and there is a doormat on my back because of it.

5~ Read and follow all the guidelines suggested when you’re ready to let your baby out into the hungry world of agents and editors. I can still feel my heart thumping after I left the post office for the 1st time. What if’s clobbered me. I’ve gotten somewhat better. There’s work to be done on that note.

6~ Don’t give your last earned cent to a stranger to edit your book. Pick some poor slob in your circle of family and friends and hound the hell out of them for help. Bribe them with whatever it takes, just don’t pay for it. A true friend will tell you what’s wrong or great about your work and you have to listen.

7~ Have faith in your editor. I do.

8~ Don’t get discouraged when rejection letters find your doorstep. If you love your book, someone else will to.

9~ Back up your work regularly. Otherwise you’ll be sorry.

10~And my final advise, PROOFREAD! It definitely helps when you’re sober and wide awake. Speaking from a hypothetical position of course.

Hope this helped someone out there.

Now for a snippet of Eden's Black Rose, soon to be released over a The Wild Rose Press.

Excerpt:

He gave her a brilliant grin, one she wanted to knock off his face if she could just get free. He proceeded to toss her flat on her back and cover her with his two hundred-forty pounds of dead weight.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Lucian,” she warned. Lucian’s mirth only enraged her more. “I mean it. Let me go.” Serina began to cry. “Please, I don’t want you…” She never got the chance to finish her sentence, like this, drunk.

Lucian covered her mouth with his hand. “Shush! You don’t mean that.” About to cover her lips with his, Lucian stopped and studied her two heads and four wild, ferocious eyes. “I would never hurt you. I just want to kiss you. Trust me… that’s all that could happen right now. I only want to tell you I am sorry I left you last night. I wanted you to want me for me. Pity was plastered all over your pretty little face.”
Serina pushed at his chest, grunting. “Please get off me? I can’t breathe.” She lied through clenched teeth.

“Not so fast.” He dipped his head towards her, testing the waters. If she truly didn’t want him, he’d know soon enough, when she clobbered him. “Serina?” From behind sealed eyes, tiny water droplets ran off her cheeks. Drops he’d caused. “I’m going to kiss you, just once, and then I’m pretty certain I’m going to pass out.”

“As you wish, M’lord.” Serina was finished fighting both him and her head. Her heart would win this round. Being stubborn was one thing. Being stupid was not an option. When his lips covered hers all her anger, self-doubt and lack of self-esteem disappeared. He moved her to unchartered territories. She’d never lay beneath a man before, and she found this divine until his tongue dragged across her cheek and left behind a slippery cold trail. Then his head bumped into hers, and she heard him snoring—that fast.

“Oh bloody hell. He’s got me pinned beneath him. This is not happening.” Serina took in slow, deliberate breaths of air. With only her fingertips free to move, she twirled them in an upward motion and envisioned a gentle wind to lift and carry Lucian to the other side of her bed. Short of breath and anxious, she spit out, “Any day now!”

Lucian’s snoring intensified, sounding like tiger purring in her ear.
Swearing and thoroughly upset because nothing happened she tried a second time. “Winds of change, pick up your pace. Place Lucian St. James into outer space.”
Everything happened so fast Serina didn’t have time to react. She blinked and Lucian spun horizontally above her, in a cyclic fashion. First, his head whipped past her, then his feet, then his head again, and he kept going like her victrola at nauseating speed.

Fully awake, he screamed for his life, “M’lady, I beg of you, stop this,” as he grasped at air.

“There’s a slight problem, Lucian,” Serina yelled, “I’ve never done this incantation before. They rarely work as they should. Case and point, of course, being you.” She tried to duck seeing him coming directly towards her.

Lucian latched onto Serina as he circled. Now they were both caught in the windstorm within her bedroom. Lucian’s feet slammed into Serina’s coat-rack. Splintered. Serina’s nightdress caught her oil lamp and tore it from the dresser. There would be no more flicker from the shattered rubble.

“You have to stop this,” he screamed petrified.

Without giving it another thought Serina spit out, “The eye of the storm, a twist of fate, land us inside my garden gate.”

Inside one second, outside the next, and falling fast towards thousands of thorns and roses. “Hammock,” Serina bellowed a split second before they ruined her precious flowers. Never mind looking like a pincushion, the flowers came first. Serina had her priorities.

Serina shoved back her hair from her eyes and caught her breath. “Wow! I’ve never done anything quite like this before. What do you think, Lucian?” Serina asked exhilarated. “Lucian?” She tapped his cheek.

Lucian attempted to focus.

“I can explain,” she said. “You’re not hurt, right?”

Lucian stared in disbelief. He did however, find he fancied the position in which they landed. Serina was buried under him for a second time this morning with her legs spread to both sides of him, and her nightdress scrunched beneath her hips.
“Do you want me to tell you what happened?”

“Serina, after the past two days there’s nothing—absolutely nothing you could say that would surprise me. The cat’s out of the bag. I tried with the ignorance card pretending not to notice a few things, like the way Raven miraculously stopped bleeding last night or this feeling I can’t shake that you were—are still inside of me. And the funny thing—I’m quite sober now, thank you. I can’t even blame this on the wine or the whiskey or the scotch I got into last night thinking my sister attempted suicide after we were both attacked by vampires. This little excursion through the air was fun. We’ll have to get a magic carpet the next time though. Duncan told me I should, by all rights, be popping up daisies, yet here I lay! Not that I mind this position.” Serina opened her mouth to speak, but he placed his fingers to her lips. “Just tell me I haven’t lost my mind. We’ll go slow. I’ll swallow one dose of your reality at a time, Dr. Spencer. Fair enough?”

For more about Jaclyn please visit her at:

http://www.jaclyntracey.com/