sad

I pulled my trailer because I discovered that pictures I thought were cool were actually not. No one asked me to do this. I did it because I would not like someone to use my work without permission so I should not do this even unintentionally. I will put it up again as soon as I revamp the pics.

Making a Trailer

Wow! This was much harder than I expected, but that was probably my own fault. I tend to over analyze everything. It was exciting though as well. I am pleased with the effort overall and would certainly do it again as well as recommend it to friends. I used the movie maker on my computer, and once I figured out how it worked, it wasn't that complicated. I would be happy to help others if you are like me and unfamiliar technology intimidates you.
I have no idea if having a trailer will boost sales at all, but making it was fun so I guess that’s what is important.
If you get a chance to watch it, let me know what you think. I would love to hear your opinions as always.

On behalf of Darcy

Okay my lovelies, I want an opinion. We live in a world concerned with body image, health gurus, and bizarre exercise equipment. The question is what do you think is the true body image of our times? The Twenties had the slender and straight flapper, the Forties gave us the padded shoulders and narrow waist of the working woman, the Fifties Marylyn Monroe, the Sixties 5’9” – 89 pound Twiggy. The Eighties yielded in between beauties like Madonna who has now morphed into a lean and buffed out woman, totally contrary to the – though some would say improved upon – softer beauty of her youth.

Today we have both the slender and the curvaceous – from Keira Knightley to Kim Kardashian. Country to RAP music and everything in between sing the value of a rounded backside, yet we wait on the edges of our couches to see if women like Heidi Klum will drop her baby weight or become as soft as the rest of us. Celebrities such as Tyra Banks and Jennifer Love Hewitt say they embrace the soft curves of a woman but when it comes down to it, they quickly jump on the band wagon to super slender.

Airlines kick off or double charge overweight people. Commercials scream about the latest pill, electrified belt, spinning-jumping-running-amazingly perfect piece of equipment to change your body. Health officials tout the benefits of a good diet but disagree what that is – high fat, low fat, high carb, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, or meat lovers supreme. Everywhere everything seems to be about body image even if it’s disguised as all about good health.

Men too suffer more today with body image than ever before. Once the paunch was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Now it’s as taboo as it is for women. Everywhere we look gorgeous men like David Beckham abound. Six to eight packs are a must and don’t forget to shave! On the other hand, super skinny Rusty Cartwright (Jacob Zachar) and his slightly chubby friend Dale Kettlewell (Clark Duke) have a certain undeniable appeal to young girls so someone must be looking beyond the hard body to the mind inside.

So which is it? What is the perfect body in our world? You tell me. Maybe there isn’t one. Maybe it is for each of us what we see or need. Darcy needs Marc’s super buff body to make her curves seem perfect. I’d like to think the later, that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. If not, I am seriously screwed.

First Contest winners

Olivia Stark won the best/worst romantic gesture prize, and robynl won the random drawing for a copy of Tied Up with Green or Sweet Temptation. Now I just have to figure out how to find robynl. A friend told me that most people ask for an email address as part of entry - unfortunately, she mentioned that after the contest ended. ;-) Thanks Val!

I actually enjoyed hosting a contest. It made me feel like I write for more than my own pleasure, which had an interesting effect on me that I had not expected. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Something that shifted your view of how or why you do something? I am constantly amazed by the way my mind shifts, bobs, and weaves. Tell me I am not alone - please.

New Cover Love

I am in love with the cover for Sweet Temptations. It's simple but the artist did an excellent job. It is simply hot in my opinion. Getting a cover, an image of your story or character is always fun, but this one is special. I LOVE IT! Silly I know, to get so worked up about a simple picture of a hot guy, but it's what the cover represents that makes it special.

Valentine's contest prizes

Random drawing winner will win a copy of Tied Up With Green or a copy of my upcoming release, Sweet Temptation. Winner's choice.

Best story - to be selected by myself and a few objective judges - prize depends on the number of entries. If fewer than five respond the prize will be Lindt chocolates. for every additional five entries I will add to the prize. Encourage your friends to join in. Let's see how big we can make this.

Remember the deadline is February 10, 2010.

Valentine's Day Contest

What was the best or worst romantic gesture a boy/girlfriend, spouse, or lover ever made for you? What made it special, odd, or otherwise?


My hubby has not a romantic bone in his body. He tried to slip my engagement ring on while I slept, and although it was probably the least inspiring way to handle a proposal, his face when I woke up and caught him was beyond endearing. I've learned to find romance not in his words but in the way he takes my hand for no reason at all, the way he does the dishes or deals with a problem without hesitation, or the way he's always there when I need a shoulder. Though my heroes are usually outspoken, I would never trade my DH’s quiet love for fancy words or roses.
So what’s your story? Share it here and you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a copy of Tied Up With Green to be given away on February 10, 2010.


In addition, a winner will be selected from among the entries to receive a special prize. (Prize to be determined by the number of entries but it will be cool. I promise! More entries = bigger prize.)

Excerpt from Sweet Temptation

He scowled. “You don’t buy into the crap your mother fed you out there, do you?”

So much for maintaining any sort of dignity. “Mom never feeds me anything.”

“Then she’s a fool.”

An involuntary smile tugged at her mouth. His comment did wonders for her self-esteem, but he didn’t need to know that. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to insult a woman’s mother?”

Marc set the plate of cheesecake aside and caught her hand in his. “I’m not worried about her feelings.”

He stroked her fingers, his touch tender, as if he cared. Impossible. Hot guys with killer smiles and muscles for days did not worry about overweight women who wore conservative wardrobes and worked at the public library. She tugged her hand free, scolding herself for thinking the sexual sparks shooting from him were anything beyond her imagination. “Can I get you some coffee or iced tea?”

“Quit changing the subject, Darcy.”

“I’m not. It’s just—you make me uncomfortable.”

He smiled. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Maybe.”

Marc scooped up another bite of cheesecake and held the loaded fork toward her. “Live dangerously.” When she hesitated, he brushed the rounded tines over her lips. “Come on, Darcy, let the tart creaminess melt in your mouth. Let it slide down your throat. No one’s here but you and me.”

She couldn’t resist. The pretzel crust hit her tongue, crisp and salty, moments before the smooth filling spread across her taste buds in a burst of lime and subtle orange liquor. The tangy citrus, combined with his presence, had an aphrodisiac quality. “Mmm.” Her eyes closed of their own accord. Her nipples tightened. Sensual pleasure swirled in her stomach then swept downward.

He leaned closer. So close his warm breath tickled over her lips. “Another?”

Her eyes flew open. God! What kind of person practically had an orgasm over a bite of dessert?