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

Finally Spring

The snow has melted and though there is possibly more coming, I am ignoring that and declaring, "I'm sick of winter so it is spring time."