Whoo Hoo Release Day Party for Surrender at Sea!

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It's up! Surrender at Sea is up! Snoopy Dance Time!

Ready everyone? Arms out! Head thrown back! Dance!

Meet Author Olivia Starke



Boo!

 I love the paranormal, and I admit I love a good ghost story. One of my favorite programs is Ghost Hunters on the SyFy channel, which is on T.V. as I’m writing this blog post.

My parents swear they lived in a haunted house years before I was born. As a kid I listened eagerly to their stories of it. If you walked upstairs, they said you’d hear someone walk downstairs and across the floor. If you walked downstairs you’d hear someone walk upstairs and across the second story floor. They had a yard gate that regardless of whether it was locked would be open each morning. One evening they arrived home with my uncle and aunt in tow and saw a bearded man walk through the home. Everyone saw the figure as they stood in the driveway. When my father and uncle went inside they found the place still locked and no one in sight.

Yes, it sounds pretty creepy right down to the fact that after my parents moved out the home burned down (as you hear haunted houses often do.)

My best friend says as a teenager she heard the family dog, with her little nails tapping away on the hardwood floor, trot into her bedroom per the dog’s usual morning routine. Of course this was days after the much loved canine family member had passed on.

I have to say that I am a diehard skeptic. Though I have a vivid imagination, I’m simply someone that has to find a plausible explanation for everything. Yet, this past winter I had an experience that leaves me scratching my head.

I was sitting in my cozy chair one night, typing away on my laptop, when I saw my Rat Terrier, Max, jump behind the arm of the sofa out of sight. I scolded him right away to leave the cats alone, fearing he wanted to bully the kitties (he’s so darn bossy.) My mother was sitting on the couch and she gave me a strange look.

“Why are you on to Max? He’s right here.” And yes, he was sound asleep at the foot of the couch, not on the floor. As I thought about it, the dog, though similar in build, had been smaller with a lighter color and different pattern of spots.

If I’d had a quick glimpse out of the corner of my eye, I’m sure I could discount it without a second thought. But I had looked up and had a clear image of the small dog’s leap and had even heard the soft thud of paws hitting carpet. I mentioned what I had seen to my mother, who humored me while engrossed in her television program. I searched all over for the yellow spotted stray that had somehow gotten into my house. Of course, I didn’t find the mystery dog.

A couple of months passed and my mother was walking down the hallway from the bathroom when she stopped at the door to my bedroom. She walked inside my room, looked around, and came back out with a strange look on her face.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“I swear I saw a small dog in the doorway to your bedroom. It was sitting there staring up at me, before it ducked behind the door. I went in, but none of the animals are in your room.”

I asked her what it looked like, and she said it was a little yellow spotted dog.

How odd, because for one the door was open and I keep it closed so I don’t have four dogs and two cats fighting over my bed. Second, she’d seen the dog I’d seen—though she’d forgotten about my own encounter. And third, it was in the daylight, so she’d had a clear view of the phantom pup and not just a shadowy figure that could have been anything.

I’ve never owned a dog that looks like the one we’ve spotted, and from what I know the previous owners’ of the home didn’t have a dog. I am a complete sucker for strays, and all of my companion animals are rescues. Though I’m still not a believer I have to wonder, am I now a magnet for strays of a ghostly sort?

Oh well, at least they’ll be cheap to feed…



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Olivia Starke is a multi-ePublished erotic romance author with six paranormal releases available at Cobblestone Press (http://www.cobblestone-press.com/.) She can be found on Facebook, as well as on her website http://www.oliviastarke.webs.com/

Drum Roll Please

JoAnne Kenrick, come on down! Kate Richards selected you as the winner from her guest blog on Meet the Author Monday. Unfortunately, I have no address for you. Please contact me off loop or stop by the blog to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by.

It's Monday! Meet Kate Richards

Blogging with Becca

Why Authors are Sleepy Most of the Time

After reading Valerie Mann’s inspirational blog the first week, with all the hunky guys and fabulous things that make her writing the rockin’ experience it is, I thought, as a bit newer writer than she and Becca, I would share what it’s been like so far.

It’s so exciting to join this world of storytelling. Everyone is so interesting and has imaginations that extend beyond the furthest reaches of space. It is a heady thing not only to be allowed to pal around with them, but also to become one of them. The stuff of dreams, for most of us. I waited all my life, and when Breathless Press accepted Finally, My Love, last spring I snoopy danced, sang and hosted a chat party, about fifteen authors and one reader (Hi Brandy). Okay, I could have advertised it better.

But as you learned last week from Clarissa Yip, most of us don’t just write. Noooo, that would be silly. We are critique group members, helping our friends as they help us in return, preparing manuscripts for the insightful eyes of publishers and editors. This goes hand in hand with beta reading, a little less heavy-handed form of critiquing. And reviewing…yes, many of us are reviewers as well.

 


Got Romance Reviews

 

Which brings me to owning a review site. Valerie Mann and I own Got Romance Reviews where we gather with a fabulous group of other authors and readers who read and review some of the best and the sexiest romances being written today. That’s also a fun part of my authorly life. Thank God for Val who is incredibly organized and makes spreadsheets in her sleep.

And editing. If you’re an author, and (like me) have an English degree, why not learn to be an editor. Since it takes a while to get known as an author, the money you make as an editor will give you the feeling you’re being a productive part of the writing community. Plus you get to read a whole bunch of great books in their early stages and watch them become polished and awesome. If you’re lucky, you do this for two or three presses!

Now, having a book accepted by a publisher has its own list of chores, as you are now the editee. You get to participate in picking out your cover and learn to promote your work. The authors that you know and love do these things and more. And most of them have day jobs, families, and do things for their community. So, if we seem just a bit tired, there’s probably good cause. If we didn’t love all of it so much, we wouldn’t do it. And of course, sleep is highly overrated.

PerfectPartners.com Excerpt:

I clicked.

The screen went wild. Golden confetti and silver streamers shot across the monitor like fireworks, and when it all settled down, a name appeared—this time in tall, electric blue capitals: QUINN EVERBY.

Quinn? Really? A remarkable name. I giggled. I guess I had asked for an extraordinary man, after all.

Buy Now

Too intrigued to stop, I scrolled down and found that Mr. Quinn Everby was a self-trained software designer, who spent his summers assisting on archeological digs in the Sahara and his winters bowling. He had indeed been born in China, where his parents were some sort of trade delegates. One by one, my stated preferences were met, and on the next page, I found a picture of a dark haired, sky-blue-eyed Adonis. Fantasies erupted, adding to my deprived sensuality.

Elbow on the table, I laid my cheek in palm and studied Quinn's sensuously full lips. How would he kiss? With great lips and a smile that lit up to those incredible eyes, I may have trouble keeping my hands to myself. We would have two children and maybe—wait, no. I sat up. Craziness.

What was I thinking?

Breathless Press
PerfectPartners.com
http://www.breathlesspress.com/erotic/perfect-partners-dot-com.html

Finally, My Love
http://www.breathlesspress.com/erotic/finally-my-love.html

Solstice After Dark
Confessions from the Carnivore Club: Dave and Nancy’s Story http://solsticeafterdark.com/confessions-from-the-carnivore-club-dave-and-nancys-story-p-118.html?number_of_uploads=0

Decadent Publishing
One Night at the Beach http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=145&osCsid=bis9iapotil50ujtlfp3e16220


Finally My Love



 

One Night



Confessions



Great blog, Kate. I am glad you stopped by and I swear I have learned as much or more from you than you have learned from me. If nothing else, you keep me laughing, which I hear is a fantastic cure for fatigue.

Winners from Clarissa Yip

Steph Beck and Jennifer Shirk you both have won a free book from Clarissa Yip. If she has not contacted you, please let me know and we will get your prizes to you. Congrats!

I have an official release date for Surrender at Sea.

  Blurb: Experience has taught forty-year-old Jessica Summers how to manage and diffuse even the toughest situation, but when she’s assigned to protect a multi-millionaire game designer everything changes. The hot, young entrepreneur with sex on his mind becomes the one thing Jess can’t control. Damned irritating brat.

Petite and sassy, Jess teases Sean McCloud’s sense of humor and ignites emotions he’s repressed for too long. He doesn’t see the twelve year age difference as an issue. His heart and body want her plain and simple. Sean just has to get past her hang ups, survive a pirate attack at sea, and convince his sexy bodyguard to surrender. What could be easier?

Excerpt - warning language is a little direct

Jess let go of his bicep and scooted away. “You have to go.”

“What? Why?”

Because every word that comes out of your mouth reminds me of how old I am. A woman who grew up with Pacman and Donkey Kong should not want to jump a modern gamer. “Because I’m out of my mind to be here, with you, like this.” She forced herself to rise, to move away from the bed and the illogical allure of his presence.

He stood, blocking the narrow path to the door. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“What’s wrong? Every time I’m around you, I start thinking things I shouldn’t.”

“Really? Anything you’d like to share?”

His cheeky grin teased desire. She longed to kiss it, to soak up his sexiness for later. “Get out of my room, brat.”

He trailed a finger down the side of her face and across to slowly outline her lips. “Don’t send me away, Jess. Not when I want to stay so very much.”

How did he know exactly what to say? Did someone teach that to young men? Guys of her generation didn’t have a clue for the most part. “Damn it, kid. I’m twice your age.”

“You are not, and if you were, who cares?”

“I don’t want to want you.”

“But you do.”

“Bull.”

His grin flashed again. “When you look at me, you lean forward, and your nipples tighten under your top.”

“They do not.”

“Do too.” He chuckled and edged closer. His long, muscular hands circled her waist and kept her from collapsing in an embarrassing puddle at his feet. “You also lick your lips, wetting them for my kiss. Where else are you ready for me?”

Everywhere. “Damn it, what do you want?”

He brushed his mouth over hers, more graze than touch. Her entire being tipped toward him, anxious and eager.

“I want you. Plain and simple.”

Meet Clarissa Yip

Today I welcome, Clarissa Yip to Meet the Author Monday.
Don't foget to leave a comment. Two lucky winners will recieve choice of Love by Auction or Unforseen Reunion so make sure Clarissa and I can find you.

Hi Clarissa. It is good to have you here.

It’s good to be here. I’m so excited.

And I am excited to have you take time for a visit. It seems to me that with the growth of e-books, the publishing field is changing. You are among a rising group in the new literary world – a jack of all trades. Every literature lover enjoys books for different reasons, but as an author, editor and a reader, which literary hat do you enjoy most?

I actually love all three, but writing makes me happy the most. It gives me a break to run off with my muse. I love helping my authors grow and they’ve helped me also. I don’t think I’d be here without my wonderful crit partners either. (* waving *) And I’ve been an avid reader since I was nine. I can’t imagine living without books. So, I get a little bit of all worlds and it’s fun.

It sounds like you enjoy the writing aspect of your career a good deal. In fact you just released your first story, Love by Auction. As a new author, has anything surprised you about the process or experience in general?

Well, besides the amount of author paperwork? LOL. No, not really, but it’s interesting sitting on the other side of the fence as an author, instead of an editor, and having to endure the torture of doing my own edits. Once I’ve seen a story so many times and each word is tattooed in my brain, I’m ready to run away from it. But the end product is always the best part. And seeing my own name on a cover is always exciting.

Do you have a blurb and/or an excerpt you’d like to share?

Intent on leaving the Date for Charity Auction, billionaire Mark Passmore vows not to bid, until he sees the gorgeous blond strut across the stage. Need overwhelms his senses and he has to have her.

With an etiquette drill sergeant and society snob for a mother, Rebecca Hathaway a.k.a Ice Princess accepts an extraordinary dare—one that lands her in the arms of her ex, except he doesn’t know it’s her.

After an explosive passionate night with Mark, Rebecca sneaks back to her mundane life of tea parties and book clubs. But she knows she’ll never be the same again.

Although he’s ended their relationship three years ago, Mark has never stopped loving Rebecca. When he learns the truth of Rebecca’s role in the action, will he forgive her for her betrayal or walk away again?

So now that they’ve had a taste of Love by Auction, tell readers what makes your characters and their story special.

Well, I’ve always been a closet writer, always hiding in my own world, and I gave a piece of myself to Rebecca. She’s the shy, responsible type that wants to make everyone happy. Rebecca kind of forced me out of my shell for a little bit. Truly, I’m not the daring type, but Rebecca made me want to be. And I’m such a softy for reunion/second chance stories. My heroine is the type that follows rules until temptation crosses her path a second time and she receives the chance to be someone else for a little while. Mark, my hero, is sexy, hot, and definitely charming, but he knows what he wants. He’s the guy that makes any woman feel beautiful, the one that can tease them out of their hiding places. But I’m not going to give away everything. You’re just going to have to read and find out. * wink *

I read Love by Auction before your visit, but I promise not to tell. Do you have anything else in the works or are you sitting back and enjoying the ride for a while?

Coming Soon

I’m actually a very busy girl. I never sit still for too long. Don’t know how I handle it all either. But I do have a few more releases coming out. Unforeseen Reunion will be out with Decadent Publishing in a few months. Bachelor’s Return will be out with Lyrical Press April 2011, and I recently signed a contract with Cobblestone Press for One Unexpected Night. So, I do have a lot going on and I’m definitely enjoying this ride.

Wow, you and your readers have a great deal to look forward to. That’s fantastic. Speaking of readers, since this is an opportunity for readers to meet their favorite and soon to be favorite authors, tells us a little about yourself.

Well, I currently live in Hawaii, but I’m allergic to the sun (No, not really. I tan too easy and I like hiding in my cave) and then I’m allergic to the snow when I’m in New York. I’m actually an East Coast girl, but I do a lot of traveling when I get the chance and I never know where I’m going to be. Besides reading, writing, and editing, I love scrapbooking, video games and new tech toys. I’m a sucker when there’s a new invention on the market, which explains where most of my paychecks go. But I do like going to the beach and meeting new people in general. I find everyone else’s life more fascinating than mine. I also have a great love for Asian languages since it was my major in college (Yeah, it should have been English), but I haven’t had the chance to utilize my degree either, except I do hope to see my books in other languages some day.

English is a good thing, but so is knowing other languages. Multi-lingual and multi-talented. Impressive. With all those skills under your belt, if you could do one thing-anything at all-what would it be, and what do you think your choice says about you?

This is a toughie. I want to do a lot of things. Now you got my mind running in circles. But I guess if I really had to answer, I’d say travel to Europe and Asia. I don’t like plane rides, but I’d love to go to Italy and drink wine. (Okay, it’s more than the wine, maybe the cute guys, but…lol.) I think it says that I have a bad travel bug, and I can’t sit still. Is that a bad thing?

Not at all. That’s one of the joys of being a writer or even an online editor, you can work from anywhere in the world. I wouldn’t mind writing from Australia or the bonny shores of Ireland. Unfortunately, cute guys are off limits for me as hubby might protest. For now though, before you run off to exotic and erotic places, where can people find you and your work?

Come visit me at http://clarissayip.com. I’m also on twitter and facebook. I love hearing from people, even if it’s just to say hi. Or even email me at clarissayip@gmail.com.

Great! Thanks for hanging out with me and my visitors today, Clarissa.

Thanks so much for having me, Becca! You’ve been so wonderful and fun to talk to. I really enjoyed being here, and I hope everyone visits!  

Winner of Amazon Gift Card

Kammie is the winner of Valerie Mann's Meet the Author Monday Giveaway. She will receive an Amazon gift card and a free copy of the Mile High Club. Congrats, Kammie!

"I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all." -E.B. White

First things first...big thank you to Becca for letting me be the numero uno author for her new Monday blog! Beck is a very cool chica, awesome author and has a marvelous sarcastic humor to rival mine. We understand each other well...

Writing is scary but ultimately, hopefully, fulfilling. Becca and I often consult each other for inspiration in the hopes of finding that elusive fulfillment. From emails and instant messaging to lengthy phone calls, we bounce ideas off each other frequently. Recently, my husband (one of my biggest sources of inspiration) and I had the opportunity to vacation with Becca and her uber-nice husband. We visited some great sites, laughed a lot, and generally had a ball. So, on that note, I'm going to keep this blog light and fun and show you some of the things in my life including a couple vacation sights that inspired me as an author.

MUSIC is an enormous source of inspiration for me. The hubster patiently accompanies me to concerts on a regular basis. And takes some great pictures...

SHINEDOWN - Richmond, VA 9/2009

SEXY MEN

  One word...dang.

I LOVE my Country. Wherever you live, I hope you love yours, too...

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota 

Who doesn't love to LAUGH? There's always humor in my writing.

This hunka burnin' love took a real shine to Becca in Sturgis, South Dakota last month. 

FOOD inspires me. Here's a great shot of my husband cooking for me. 

Uh huh.

A romantic movie can provide writing fodder for months...

And, in case you missed it, SEXY MEN inspire me.

My good friend, Gerard. We're very close. In my dreams.

Please leave a comment and tell what inspires YOU as an author or reader! I'm always open to new ideas! I'll pick one commenter to receive an Amazon gift card! Yay, a prize!

Valerie Mann

Author ~ Fanning Old Flames - Cobblestone Press

                 Hide & Seek - The Wild Rose Press

                 Mile High Club - Noble Romance Publishing

Meet the Author Monday is COMING!

I am so excited. Starting on Sept. 6 I will have a new author visiting every Monday. If there is someone you would like to know more about, shoot me a note and I will see if they are on the list so you know what day they will drop by. If they aren't scheduled for a visit, I will contact them to see what I can do. The list on the side of the page is only a glimpse of all the names waiting on my calander. I can't wait to get started!

Editing

Editing Surrender at Sea. Trying to spice it up and bring it to life. Do any of you ever struggle with making a scene hot without crossing to trashy? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Why Water, Becca?

I case you are wondering why a landlocked author would have pictures of water all over her blog, I will explain. Oh admit it, the question has been burning in your mind. Well, right now, sitting somewhere on my editor's desktop, is a story of love and intrigue on the high seas. See it is all coming clear to you, isn't it? Surrender at Sea will make you long to surrender your booty to the hot hunk. This is the same manuscript which I struggled for a title. I hope the water makes you want to plunge in and take a look when it finally arrives.

Meet the authors Mondays

I am looking at adding a new element to this site. I want to invite fellow authors to visit on Mondays. If there is someone you would love to know more about, something you as an author would like to share with visitors to the site, or anything else, let me know and I will try to set it up.

Comment below but also look right and take the poll

Nerdy is Hot

Oh my gosh. Growing up I was always drawn to the super smart guys. The ones who loved Lord of the Rings and could actually write, read, and speak the languages from J.R.R. Tolkien's books. They played video games and wrote computer programs. They were the boys in the play and on the debate and oral interp teams as well. They were adorable, but hardly anyone seemed to notice them but me and a few other equally nerdy girls. Why was that? I can not imagine. Honestly, how can any woman resist the sexy cute draw of a man with an adorable grin that says if I tear myself away from my computer, you will have my undivided attention.

There is something undeniably adorable about such men. Don't get me wrong, I like a super buff boy or a guy in boots and a hat as well as the next woman, but my libido still jumps to attention when a guy in a white shirt and black dress pants walks by with the absentminded professor look. Christopher Gorham has that look in spades. His new show Covert Affairs is an appetizer for any nerd lover in my humble opinion.

My own guy isn't quite a nerd - though he is smart as hell and sexy to boot. As an engineer, I suppose he qualifies, but I have seen him in biker leather too many times for the nerd image to remain. LOL

So what do you think ladies - and gents for that matter - does a cute nerd do it for you? I'm working on an anthology with some friends, and I think the hero just might have to be a hot nerd extraordinaire. Is it just me or is that hot for others as well? Are you in love with a nerd? Do you lust after one? Does your mind and body go on alert when a well dress computer geek walks by? Share you thoughts. Can't wait to hear what you think.

Title Contest - help help

Have you always longed to get in on the early stages of a story before it is published? Fantastic! I need I title! Read the following rough blurb and offer a suggestion. If I use your title, you will receive credit on the thank you notes and a five dollar gift certificate for the novel of your choice from TWRP. The only catch is my editor has to like your suggestion too. If no title is chosen, the cleverest suggestion will still receive the gift certificate.

Think heat as the story will fall under the wilder roses catalog. Possible triggers - sea, water, Caribbean, pirate, cougar, resistance, seduction, yacht, bodyguard, or video games.

Blurb:
Life has taught forty-two-year-old Jess to protect herself emotionally and physically. Her abusive ex-husband skewed her idea of what a real relationship entails. She loves with passion but doesn’t take crap from anyone except her beautiful daughter.

When she’s assigned to protect a multi-millionaire game designer everything changes. He's far too young but Sean ignites a passion that captures Jess's body and mind. She refuses to admit the attraction because of the twelve year difference, but Sean becomes the one thing Jess can’t control. She tries to push him away but to do so she has to touch him. Bad idea. She tries to block him out of her head, but he sneaks beyond her defenses. No matter what she does, he won’t back down and leave her be. Damned irritating brat.

In Jess, Sean sees a fit, sexy, and beautiful woman who makes him laugh, keeps him humble, and does not want him solely for his checkbook. Jess teases Sean’s sense of humor and stirs emotions he’s repressed for too long. He doesn’t see the age difference as an issue. His heart and body want her plain and simple. He just has to get past her hang ups, survive a pirate attack at sea, and convince his sexy bodyguard to let him love her. What could be easier?

Excerpt: Slight language warning

She gestured around the room. “This wasn’t handed down from Great Grandpa So-and-so?”

“No. The boat I rented. The money I earned. Some from talent, most by sheer luck.”

“Doing what?”

“I design computer games.”

A generation next job. What other profession would a self-made rich kid have? “Of course you do.” She let go of his bicep and scooted away. “You have to go.”

“What? Why?”

Because every word that comes out of your mouth reminds me of how old I am. A woman who grew up with Pacman and Donkey Kong should not want to jump a modern gamer. “Because I’m out of my mind to be here, with you, like this.” She forced herself to rise, to move away from the bed and the illogical allure of his presence.

He stood, blocking the narrow path to the door. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“What’s wrong? Every time I’m around you, I start thinking things I shouldn’t, that’s what.”

“Really? Anything you’d like to share?”

His cheeky grin teased desire. She longed to kiss it, to soak up his sexiness for later. “Get out of my room, brat.”

He trailed a finger down the side of her face and across to slowly outline her lips. Heat pooled hot and heavy between her legs. “Don’t send me away, Jess. Not when I want to stay so very much.”

How did he know exactly what to say? Did someone teach that to young men? Guys of her generation didn’t have a clue for the most part. “Damn it, kid. I’m twice your age.”

“You are not, and if you were, who cares?”

“I don’t want to want you.”

“But you do. I see it.”

“Bullshit.”

His grin flashed again. “When you look at me, you lean ever so slightly forward, and your nipples tighten under your top.”

“They do not.”

“Do too.” He chuckled and edged closer. His long, muscular hands circled her waist and kept her from collapsing in an embarrassing puddle at his feet. “You also lick your lips, wetting them for my kiss. I wonder where else you’re ready for me.”

Everywhere. “Damn it, what do you want?”

He brushed his mouth over hers, more graze than touch. Her entire being tipped toward him, anxious and eager.

“I want you. Plain and simple.”

Great Review on Amazon - yay

Here's the whole review. 5 out of 5 Sweet

I loved this story. Once I opened the file and began reading, I found myself unable to stop until I had reached that magical part of the story: that part where you finally find out what will happen. Ms. Dale made both Darcy, with her insecurities; and Marcus, with his confidence; seem like people that you or I would meet out on the street, while we were walking around town. Being a bit overweight myself, I could truly understand where Darcy was coming from in regards to Marcus. Knowing what it is like to be tossed aside or passed over because I don't look like what society (in general) thinks a person should, I was able to empathize with her self doubt and other insecurities.

Not only would I be willing to read this story again, I intend to do so, several times. This is one of those books that will forever stay in the "To Be Read" file. As a matter of fact, I actually read it several times before I wrote this review. I intend to recommend this book to many of my friends, and when I do so, I will be quite vocal about just how much I liked it. - Alyna Couture

Thoughts on poor reviews

Not that I have ever received a weak review myself (Yeah Right) but I wanted to remind fellow authors that reviews are subjective. One person may love your characters while another is unable to relate to them. Rather than taking this to heart and weeping into your wine about it (this too I have done) look for the good bit and use it for promotion if you need it. Most reviewers are kind enough to list a work's redeeming qualities as well as its faults.

In addition, pay attention to the identified problems and use the information to improve your writing for the next book. Negative feedback is not necessarily a bad thing - although it can kill sales - it can also make you face your weaknesses as a writer and move beyond them.

Sometimes poor reviews are just that - poor reviews. A friend of mine was once criticized because her hero had a condom in his pocket as if he were out trolling. Seriously? Many publishers expect an attempt at safe sex to be mentioned. Unless your hero is a vampire/alien/were and therefore - I assume - immune to communicable diseases, he should have a raincoat on. The exception, I have been informed, is some BDSM situations. However, my point is that comments like this are not a reflection on the author so much as the reader's personal taste/issues.

Occasionally, a review will pop up which makes an author wonder if the reviewer read the story at all. Or a book will receive a low rating with no reason or explanation attached. These types of feedback are perhaps the most difficult to handle. An author is left with a black mark on his or her work which may be undeserved and no way to address the problem. While these are disheartening, try to see past them and focus on more positive reviews. There is not really much that you can do about them except remember that even the biggest name authors have had their work trashed on occasion.

So here’s to poor reviews, the authors who receive, and the reviewers who write them. Use them, grow from them. If nothing else, they are an excuse to have a glass of wine and a bitch session with a buddy.

Visiting with Sky Purington

I am a guest on Sky Purington's blog this week. If you haven't checked her site out before, please do so. You won't be sorry. It's a great place to visit. Offer a comment and have an opportunity to win a free Ecopy of Sweet Temptation and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wilder Rose Press. Sky and I would love it if you stopped by.

Don’t miss the romance on the wilder side of the garden. Go past the hot house teas and the sweethearts, turn left and take a look at the untamed roses. You may be surprised as they take your breath away.

http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/

Blue Ribbon Review from romance junkies

Beauty is more than skin deep and Becca Dale proves that point with her story SWEET TEMPTATION. Darcy’s family has done her a grave injustice by making her feel inferior because she’s not wafer thin... Marcus stole my heart with his refusal to buy into the ‘thinner is better’ idea ... I loved the ending because Darcy finally stands up for herself – and you have to love a man who can convince you of your own worth in such a short period of time. 4.5

Seriously Reviewed

Seriously Reviewed had this to say about Sweet Temptation:

HUA!!! The only thing better than a sexy man is a HOT Marine :)
Oh the ways that I loved this story, I would count the ways but then I would just be reading you the entire book :) A winner for me from start to finish that left me with a warm feeling and damp panties :) Oh Yeah I'll take another dose and then some.
Thank you Ms Dale. *SNAPS* 18/20

Review for Sweet Temptation

Here is what Sasha from Got Romance Reviews had to say about Sweet Temptation.

I'd hoped that this story could do justice to the hunky cover model and it indeed did! The author has a wonderful way of making the story flow effortlessly from word to word and I didn't look away until the end. An erotic Cinderella-type tale with a hot Marine in lieu of a dashing prince--Hooah! The foreplay starts from nearly the first page (margarita cheesecake has never looked so good) and the heat between our heroine and hero doesn't let up until the last word. Definitely amust read for anyone’s hot and spicy list. And best of all—it promises a believable happily ever after...

What makes a modern hero attractive?

Are my heroes what today’s women want? Do you like a man who is assertive, intelligent, funny, wealthy, or laid back? Some or all of the above? Take a poll and help me out. If your choice is not listed or if you want to clarify your choices, be sure to leave a comment in the postings.

Technology and today's author

Does technological savvy really make a difference in today's market? Can it make or break an author's career if he/she does not know how to operate a webpage, blog, or other networking site? Have you been impressed more with an author's blog than with her actual writing? Does his book trailer offer more promise than his novel? Do you keep following them anyway? Does a well managed website make you want to buy a book?

Egg-cerpt as Easter approaches

Check out Banished Scoundrel by Anita Philmar.

Banished Scoundrel

Blurb: Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.

Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.

Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.


Excerpt -

“Have you dropped off your stipend for the game
tomorrow?” She laid her finely, manicured hand on
his arm. The dainty touch sent sparks of awareness
through him, and his cock swelled. “The governor
likes to put all the money in his strongbox for
safekeeping before the party begins.”

Jack reined in his desire and reminded himself
of his primary objective—to transport the lady back
to Ardenia.

However, he liked Sloan’s clever rule. If a man
didn’t contribute the required gold coins to the game,
the governor shouldn’t waste resources entertaining
him. “No, I can’t say that I have. I arrived just a few
moments ago.”

“Then let me show you to the study, and I’ll
fetch you a drink.” She touched his arm again and
stepped into the foyer.

He bowed his head slightly and played the
unfamiliar part of a refined gentleman. “And you
are?”

She fluttered her hand over her face and
brushed a wisp of light brown hair from her brow.
“The governor calls me Kitty. It’d probably be best if
you did, too.”

“What an alluring name? It makes me think of a
cat with its lips covered by a luscious coat of cream.”
Jack stared at Kitty’s mouth, and his tongue tingled
at the idea of tasting her rich, flavorful lust.

She giggled and wove her hand through the
crook in his arm. The soft swell of her breast
bumped against his arm. “Oh, you’re naughty, but I
love the alluring image.”

“Then, I hope you’ll let me have a taste later.”
He didn’t crowd her but allowed her to step back.
She led him across the entranceway to a door on the
other side.

Remember she’s a princess.

Purchase at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php

Learning more about Anita at her website www.anitaphilmar.com

My Trailer is back! Finally!

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?

Joys of Editing

I have read through Sweet Temptations more times than I can count even though I know I need to step back a bit to actually see it. Am I alone in this? What do you do when the editor demon on your shoulder won't shut up?

In love with my character

Editing Sweet Temptations and all I can think about is what a sweet guy Marc is. Is it strange to be that distracted by a man who lives only in my mind? Should I seek help?

The Wild Rose Press

TWRP picked up Bountiful Pleasures -- To now be known as Sweet Temptation! I am very excited to get rolling on this. I think readers will love it. Marc is the first hero that I have loved unconditionally. He's strong and gentle while still a little rough around the edges - the warrior knight - a drop-dead sexy combination in my mind. Can't wait and I hope readers will love him as much as Darcy and I do.

Happy for Friends

Many of my author friends and I were fairly stagnant over the holidays. Now several are up and running, submitting, writing, editing and such. If you have not checked out Valarie Mann's new review site Got Romance Reviews or Got Erotic Romance Reviews do so. There are some pretty cool books reviewed there.

Promises has fallen

Promises Promises has fallen by the wayside for the moment. I just noticed that I told myself I would finish and submit it by the end of September. That didn't happen. My muse does not want to write in first person right now. I did write a short called Bountiful Pleasures - that one that I'm waiting to hear about. I also polished and submitted a shape shifter to Ellora's Cave. Waiting on that too. And I started a new WIP! Life is good.

waiting on wild rose

I am waiting on pins and needles to hear from a publisher. I realize I am not a patient person but I can learn. I hope I only have to discover how to be a little patient not extremely so.

Interview with Cara on Moonstruck Gems

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Meet Becca Dale
I met Becca on Facebook ~ a friend suggestion by Valerie Mann. Here is the interview I did with her. Be sure to check out her works!Where are you from? I am from the lovely but quiet state of South Dakota, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. When and why did you begin writing? I started writing in elementary school when I would make up stories for my friends. My mother still has copies of my middle school poetry too in which I often lament unrequited love. So I guess I was focused on romance almost from the beginning. How many stories have you written? More than I can count. Unfortunately, most of them exist only in my head, but if you could read them, I’m sure you’d love them. LOL Have any of them been published? I have three ebooks available – four if you count the freebie from Phaze called “Woodland Wonder.” I also have several in the works which I hope to have published in hardcopy. Are the characters in your stories based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Quite often my characters start out based on people I know or things that have happened to me, but usually they take on a life of their own. It doesn’t matter what I intended in the beginning. They all become their own people and often do things I don’t expect. My heroes have a little of my hubby in their personality as I think he’s about perfect, but none of them are much like him otherwise. What/who inspires you to write? That’s a tough one to answer. I guess I do. Originally, my teachers wanted me to express myself in writing, and my mother encouraged me to read and write all the time. Mostly though it’s the voices in my head screaming to get out that make me sit down at the computer. Before I had a PC (yes, I’m really that old), I used to keep a notebook by my bed so I could write down what the voices told me in the night. I know it sounds completely crazy but I cannot remember a time when ideas for novels weren’t bouncing around in my skull. I do try to control them when I’m in public though. ;-D What books have most influenced your life? I should say Shakespeare’s plays or some novel of “literary” merit, but honestly, I used to read Barbara Cartland all the time in middle school. She wrote cheesy, sweet and innocent romance novels that were calm enough so Mom didn’t freak out. I later moved up to Janet Daily in high school and Jude Deveraux in the early years of my marriage. Jude’s work is certainly more realistic, explicit and sensual than Barbara’s, but they still had that battle of the sexes thing going on. I guess those and gritty, realistic works like Their Eyes Were Watching God have impacted me more than the traditional works from the cannon. As an English major, I’m not sure I am allowed to say that, but it’s true. I emulate those books because I love a good escape that allows the reader to experience love and if it ends happily then what could be better?Who is your favorite author? Jude Deveraux and Zora Neale Hurston traditionally, but recently I found Lora Leigh and the Breed Series. If you’re into a little cross species fantasy, her work is hot. What book are you reading now? A world Geography textbook – weird I know. My understanding of geography stinks so I’m trying to expand my grasp of the world and its governments. I think Political Science will be next. What are your current projects? Mostly, I am busy playing mom even though my kids have both moved out. I’m helping my son remodel his home into a duplex so he can afford the payments and helping my youngest make curtains for her dorm room so my personal projects tend to get put on hold. I am really excited about a first person novel that I’m working on though. I don’t usually like first person point of view, but here would be an example of a character taking over. It started out as an experiment to see if I could write in that format but then Teri (the heroine) took over and demanded I finish her story. I love her and the hero so I have no choice but to complete it. I think readers will like it as well. A few people have taken a look at the beginning and told me to run with it. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest story? No. I love both Trea and Jason from Tied Up with Green. It was a challenge for me to write as it has a little bondage in it and the heroine is much more confident than I am, but it was fun to write and the bondage wound up to be a freeing element for characters and me. Can you share a little of your current work with us? Sure. Here is a self-introduction by the main character from Promises-Promises cleaned up a bit for the casual reader.Let me start this story by saying I’m not a dog. I am perfectly capable of getting a date when I need one. Mostly, I’m a little above average looking, but not beautiful with small boobs and a big mouth. I’m a definite extrovert who loves kids and hates cats. Summation, I don’t want to wind up old and alone with no kids and a house full of felines trained to crap in the toilet so I don’t have to deal with a litter box. As you can tell, I’ve thought about this a bit. In fact, I contemplated putting the above description on a dating webpage, but my best friend Cass laughed her ass off when I showed it to her. Like many American women pushing forty, I long ago tired of playing the boyfriend game. I decided to avoid the whole messy middle step of marriage and have a child on my own. I thought about a sperm bank but I couldn’t afford it. That’s why I chose to have a kid the old fashioned way—find a guy I could tolerate sleeping with and get pregnant. The only catch was I needed to know his medical history so I could handle the no condom thing, but I didn’t want to get too friendly with him because then he might want to have a say in my son or daughter’s life. I actually wanted the guy to be disposable but I couldn’t find a dildo to do the job. I needed a man from out of town, somebody I could use and forget. I’m an HR consultant and travel a lot for my job, so I figured I’d wait until I had to speak at an out of town convention and find my mark. Anyway, that’s why I walked into the bar that Thursday night determined to get laid; well, not just laid, pregnant. It wouldn’t be easy. Nothing in the world ever is, but I was stubborn enough to give it an honest try. The crowded bar swarmed with men and women on the market for relationships or sex. I fell somewhere in between. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I can’t write bad guys. I work with kids who have often been labeled as bad kids or trouble makers and I love them. As a result I have a hard time believing that anyone is all bad. My bad guys often come out stiff because I feel like I leave out part of their character. As soon as I figure out how to write a sweet and charming bad guy who still qualifies as a villain, you’ll see a lot more of them in my books.What was the hardest part of writing your book? I hate editing. I suppose most writers say the same thing. I want to tell the story and make people laugh or cry or something, but I don’t want to go back and look for the little details like missing commas or wrong words even though it has to be done.Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? I learned that I could do it. It is scary to put myself out there, but my first positive review was a real confidence builder. Now I’m a junkie for the rush of a novel release. Do you have any advice for other writers? Make yourself do the stuff you hate so you can celebrate the fun parts. I can’t write the end of a story before it’s flushed out, or I will not go back and finish it. For me the joy of writing comes in finding out what happens just like with reading. Some authors have outlines and everything all laid out before they start. That’s great if it motivates you, but don’t let people tell you your method is wrong. Plow through the tough stuff and dance naked with the rest.Is there anything you want to say to your readers? Thank you. I feel so blessed to have readers. I don’t make much money from my work, but I gain a great deal from sending my stories into the world and hearing that they made someone smile. Even as a kid, I appreciated nothing more than feedback from my friends when I got a story right. Where can we find your books?Phaze Publishing ~ http://www.phaze.com is the main site and where you can find my free story. Or this will take you directly to the page that lists my titles http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Becca+Dale/exact_match=exact My releases are also available through Amazon and FictionwiseWhere can we find you on the web? Visit me on Facebook, myspace, and blogger.com http://beccadale.blogspot.com/What do you like to do when you're not writing? I do everything and nothing at all. I hang with family, watch shows like NCIS, Bones and Drop Dead Diva, sew, read, ride motorcycle with my hubby, and garden. I do not clean. Well I do, but not by choice. I wish I knew a couple of little housework elves who would come in and do the laundry and cleaning while I slept. That’s not asking too much is it? A girl’s gotta have a dream. Thanks for having me visit, Cara.

Feeling good about Promises

Promises/Promises is my latest WIP and it's going pretty well. I am pretty excited about it. I hope to have it done and sent to a publisher by the end of September so I am setting September 30 as the goal deadline. That gives me 4 whole weeks to get my act together.

Tied Up With Green Released and Reviewed

I am feeling pretty good about Tied. Good reviews even though I haven't had much opportunity to promote it.

2 reviews both 4 / 5. :-) Tied up with Green a delightfully spicy short story that gives new meaning to the phrase, 'tied up with the boss'". - Night Owl Romance "Bottom line this gets a 4. The sex scenes between the two are re...ally hot, with Jay making Trea want him even with her restrictions. It is an honest story, with a HFN ending. Don’t let this one pass you by." -San Diego Erotic and Romance Book ExaminerRead More