Monday, April 29, 2013

Kacey Hammell’s Roller-Coaster Writing Reality…


Hey everyone, please welcome Kacey Hammell to Meet the Author Monday! Kacey, please tell us a little about yourself and your writing. 

Many know I’m a Mom of three – two teens and one pre-teen – wife, daughter, cattle farmer & sometimes a Jane-of-all-trades type gal.
But I run a lot deeper than that, and am open to sharing more about myself, but it’s difficult to be vulnerable. That’s one of my biggest fears to be honest…being vulnerable. Odd thing to say for an author, isn’t it, considering many authors are vulnerable with each new release. And with each new release, the craziness really begins …
IMO, waiting to hear from readers/reviewers about a story is a roller-coaster, and sharing that baby and exposing oneself up to criticism makes an author vulnerable. I like to think I’m calm, cool and collected whenever I send a book out for submission or a new story releases, but to be honest, I feel like I’m standing in front of the classroom back in high school or a room full of peers expected to make a great speech—not a situation I’d ever like to find myself in.
I pace a lot. Even when I know there are going to be no reviews or reader feedback that first day, I still pace and stalk Amazon, Goodreads and other distributors and drive myself—and my husband—crazy. And even when I know in the back of mind I’ll find nothing for a few days at least, then I panic because there are none and think no one likes the story! Yep, a roller-coaster ride on full throttle. And it’s a vicious cycle with every new book! But I can’t seem to help myself, it’s like this self-conscious, paranoid, and nervous-nelly (my Mom’s fave term LOL) takes over me.
And in reality, bad reviews don’t phase me – again it’s odd – but I stalk bookseller sites for reviews and if I receive one and it’s not the greatest, I usually laugh it off and move on. I was a reviewer once, for many years. I understand that every person has their own opinions on what makes a great story, what works for them and what doesn’t, so for me to worry over things like that makes me want to pull my hair out. Reviews are important to our business yes, but for the most part (IMO) they don’t make or break an author/story. A lot of readers don’t spend time reading reviews – personally I don’t unless it is an author I’ve never read before and then again, I pull apart those thoughts/comments a bit in order to decipher what facts I find important – but most readers consider the blurb/excerpt/cover before they consider what a reviewer has to say.
All in all, I dislike being so vulnerable, but it’s the type of business I’m in. I signed up for it, I love it immensely, but the crazy makes my head spin. Sometimes I wish I drank alcohol more than 2-3 times a year. Maybe I should find a nice wine, whiskey or tequila for each new release to indulge in. LOL  Considering I hope to have at least 5-6 more releases this year if all goes well – that seems a bit much to me. Of course, since I drink so rarely, 2-3 glasses of wine make me giggle… ROFL
But with all the craziness comes great satisfaction of a job well done, characters I absolutely love, author peers who give me a shoulder to lean on every now and again, and a wonderful group of loyal readers who fill my heart with so much joy I can’t even begin to describe it exactly. 
So I’ll just ride the roller-coaster of crazy and enjoy every minute of it…

Too funny and too true, Kacey. I am much the same when waiting to hear what readers think. It is a very vulnerable time as I worry and wonder if everyone will love my characters as much as I have grown to. However, with reviews like this, I don't think you need worry ~

"If you're looking for some erotica that has emotional depth, you'll definitely want to check out the book." Carly - Amazon Reader Review: 5 Stars

“Hammell did a masterful job creating a story that was an equal measure of sweet and oh-so-sexy.” 4 Stars, The Book Chick with Kick


  
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Sweetest Salvation
Contemporary Erotic Romance/Light Bondage
Content Warning: Contains Voyeurism, Spanking, Multiple Partners
ISBN: 978-1-77130-330-9
Available at Evernight Publishing / Amazon.com (and more links below)
*An Evernight Publishing Editor’s Pick*

  
 Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013

“Mr. Sullivan is waiting for you. He said you’d know where to go.” He smiled and winked.
Cheeks on fire, she gave him a small nod and walked ahead. She moved into the bar area and looked around. The place was packed tonight.
There were a few people she recognized, but most were new faces. Hunter’s business was certainly thriving.
Bridget caught sight of her and waved. Andy did the same and turned to the left, down the hall that would take her to room fourteen and Hunter.
Movement caught the corner of her eye, and she looked to her right. At a table in the far corner, Paige and Nolan sat with another couple. She missed a step, but gained her balance again. She hadn’t thought about seeing them again. Paige waved and her husband smiled bright.
The couple’s kindness and understanding arced across the room. Andy smiled and waved back. They’d been there for her the other night. She’d be forever grateful for it.
Reaching the room, she took a deep breath and knocked. Hearing Hunter’s gruff, “Come in,” she turned the knob.
The room, similar to the one she’d used the other night, had a warmer feel to it. The fireplace ablaze, the heat of it welcomed her.
Andy’s gaze swept the room. Furnished with a full living room set, she loved the royal purple and black colors of the furniture and curtains than anything else. This room conveyed privacy and self-indulgence. Her heart rate increased just thinking of all that might have been done in this room.
It was made for sex. Especially with a glass display case that took up the most of wall. Inside were dildos, anal plugs, collars, floggers, cock rings and more toys of pleasure.
Andy’s gaze landed on Hunter where he sat in the center of the couch, arms stretched over the back of it.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Her gaze narrowed on his and she shut the door behind her. “Don’t you sweetheart me, Hunter. And get that look off your face.”
“What look?”
“That self-righteous look. I might be here, but not for the reasons you think.”
“Then why are you here?” he questioned, his gaze unwavering.
“I wanted to tell you in person that your idea isn’t going to happen. We’ve been… friends too long. You’re Patrick’s best friend. It’s all kinds of wrong.”
He leaned forward, arms resting on his powerful thighs. His red t-shirt molded his shoulders and the cuffs of the arms looked snug around his biceps. Damn him for being in such great shape.
She shivered, nipples tightening. She needed to get away from him.
“There, I’ve said all I have to say. Goodbye,” she muttered, and turned back toward the door.
Hunter was quickly behind her, arms encasing her as his palms pressed against the door and preventing her retreat.
His breath was warm against her ear. Andy wished she’d left her hair down. At least she wouldn’t be able to feel his breath on her neck.
A shudder ran through her. “Let me out, Hunter. I need to leave.”
“Why? You were so desperate to remain a member and be here the other night. I’m simply offering a safer solution. Me instead of strangers,” he rasped against her ear.
“I don’t have to worry about much with strangers. At least they aren’t people I have to see after the sex is over.”
Hunter pressed in closer behind her, which pushed her farther against the door. She’d always been claustrophobic. And right now, being caged in by this man, made it even harder to breathe than if she was locked in a closet. His chest was firm against her, his mouth against her ear, and his hoarse voice soft.
Her thighs rubbed together and her clit chafed against her thong. The string along her ass was snug. All she had to do was turn around and take what he offered. She wanted a cock inside her.
Dear lord, this was Hunter.
Could she step over the invisible line and take what he offered?
He was attractive, always had been to her. Hell, she’d only been married, not dead. She appreciated a gorgeous man when she saw him.
Hunter always treated with her respect and friendship. She didn’t know how much he dated but had heard women at the club mention his prowess in the bedroom. He could probably give her everything she needed. There would be a sense of safety with him at least.
And her body’s reaction to him today, while surprising, knew what it wanted. While she was sure it was a bad idea for them to journey down this path, she was overwhelmed by the sudden realization that not just any cock would do.
She wanted Hunter. Wanted only him inside her.
Her breath hitched and her lungs filled, making it hard to breathe. No, she didn`t have the courage to give into this man.
She needed to get out of this room and away from him. Grabbing the doorknob once more, Andy yanked.
Hunter’s palms never moved from the door, but in her hasty movements, his chest aligned tighter against her back.
Pressed against the door, she turned her head, her right cheek resting on it as her breasts pushed against her bra. The hard surface scraped against her clothing, which abraded her nipples. The urge to purr and rub against the wood was overwhelming.
Hunter’s body pressed against her; the cock cradling her ass told her that he was just as affected as she. His length was hard, solid. His hips dipped and shoved against the crack of her ass.
“Andy,” he whispered in her ear.
She closed her eyes, willed herself to push back against him until he let her go.
Her eyes opened when she realized her hips moved against his. Her pussy quivered and her stomach clenched. There was no sense in fighting a losing battle. She wanted him.

Blurb:
After the deaths of her husband and child, tragedies that she blames herself for, Andrea “Andy” Sheaver has shut herself off from the world. The only place she finds any relief from her shattered heart is Club Splendor, where she and her husband often frequented together.  There, Andy submits to pleasure and pain in situations so her grief is forgotten for a little while.

But Hunter Sullivan won’t stand idly by and watch Andy self-destruct. A friend of her husband, and the owner of Club Splendor, Hunter has kept his love for Andy hidden for years. He refuses to think of her at the club, cold and detached as she’s become, looking for an easy fix to take away the pain in her heart.  Hunter wants her to vibrant in life again and sets out to prove he is exactly who she needs.

 Buy Links:

~~~
Canadian author, Kacey Hammell is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes mainly in the Contemporary Erotic/Romantic Suspense genres.  She is a true romantic at heart.

Where to find Kacey…






Monday, April 22, 2013

Meet the Author Monday Welcomes Georgie Lee


Today Meet the Author Monday introduces Georgie Lee. 

A dedicated history and film buff, Georgie Lee loves combining her passion for Hollywood, history and storytelling through romantic fiction. She began writing professionally at a small TV station in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles to work in the interesting but strange world of the entertainment industry.

Her traditional Regency, Lady’s Wager and her contemporary novella Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion are both available from Ellora’s Cave Blush. Labor Relations, a contemporary romance of Hollywood is currently available from Montlake Romance. Mask of the Gladiator, a novella of ancient Rome is now available from Carina Press.

When not writing, Georgie enjoys reading non-fiction history and watching any movie with a costume and an accent. Please visit www.georgie-lee.com for more information about Georgie and her novels.

BOOK BLURB
Studio Relations
By Georgie Lee

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BLURB
Studio Relations by Georgie Lee
Available from Montlake Romance

Vivien Howard hasn’t forgiven Weston Holmes for almost derailing her career five years ago. Female directors in 1930s Hollywood are few and far between, and a man who coasts by on his good looks and family connections can’t possibly appreciate what it took for her to get to where she is. But when the studio head puts Weston in charge of overseeing Vivien’s ambitious Civil War film, she realizes she has a choice: make nice with her charismatic new boss or watch a replacement director destroy her dream.

Weston Holmes doesn’t know much about making movies, but he knows plenty about money. And thanks to the Depression, ticket sales are dangerously low. The studio can’t afford a flop—or bad press, which is exactly what threatens to unfold when an innocent encounter between Weston and Vivien is misconstrued by the gossip rags. The only solution? A marriage of convenience that will force the bickering duo into an unlikely alliance—and guide them to their own happy Hollywood ending.


EXCERPT


Hollywood 1935

Vivien Howard marched into Earl Holmes’s office and threw the script on his desk. “Storm of the South. This is it. This is the picture I want to direct next.”

Earl picked up the script and flipped through it, unfazed. “The Civil War? It’s been done, and badly.”

“Not the way I’m going to do it.”

“I read the script a couple of months back. It’s a war movie. A woman can’t direct a war movie.” He tossed the script onto his large mahogany desk and leaned back in his leather chair, his hands clasped over his round belly, his graying eyebrows knitted as his eyes bored into her. Earl’s imposing attitude would have cowed a lesser director, but Vivien had played this game too many times with the old studio head to be scared off now.

“It’s a love story set during a war.”

“The Civil War.”

“I know exactly how I’m going to shoot it.” She sat down on Earl’s plush leather sofa, pushing back her shoulder- length curly brown hair. She crossed her legs, thankful Miss Hepburn’s popularity had made wearing trousers respectable. Even if the Women’s Decency League proclaimed pants the ruin of womankind, Vivien preferred them to skirts and always made sure they were femininely tailored to complement her dark hair and eyes. Being one of only a few female directors in Hollywood, she played a man’s game, but she was always careful to remain a lady. Her career depended on this tightrope walk.

Earl leaned back in his chair and studied her. She knew he was intrigued, but she also knew he hated to let directors think they were getting their way, even if they were.

“The boys in New York won’t like the idea of a woman directing a war movie,” he replied, selecting a cigar from the humidor on his desk.

“If you pitch it right, they’ll love this project.”

“But I’ve got to love it first.” He clipped off the end of the cigar and placed it between his lips. Vivien picked up the large silver lighter from his desk, popped open the cap, sparked the flame, and held it out to him across the desk.

“You love the money my films make. You also love how good my successful films make you look to the boys in New York.”

Earl leaned forward and lit his cigar, then sat back in his chair, slowly drawing in the smoke. Vivien knew she had him. She smiled, waiting for him to make the next move.

“Who’d you have in mind for the lead?” he asked.

“Peter Davies. He’s perfect.”

“He’s a supporting actor. You need a leading man with box office draw, someone like Gary Roth.”

Vivien perched on the edge of his desk. “Peter has leading man potential. All he needs is the right role, and this is it. ”

“And the fact that you two are dating?”

“Has nothing to do with it.” Vivien was on shaky ground, and she knew it.

“The boys in New York are going to insist on a big star, especially when they get wind that I’m letting you direct a war movie,” Earl protested.

Vivien fixed him with a serious look. “It’s a love story, and you know it. It’s also the best script to come across my desk in years, and I’m the best director to do it.”

“We still need a star to headline it.”

“And we’ll have one when I cast the female lead.”

Earl chewed on the end of his cigar, eyeing her. “Fine. You can do it. Start tomorrow.”

“I’ll start today.” Vivien jumped to her feet. She’d been planning the film on the sly for weeks and relished the chance to finally work on it out in the open.

Earl shook his head, snatching the black phone off the receiver. “I don’t let any of my stars push me around half as much as you do.”

Vivien smiled over her shoulder as she made her way to the door. “That’s because no one makes as much money for you as I do.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Vivien,” Earl called out after her.

“You won’t, I promise.” She winked, then slipped out the door.


LINKS:
Twitter: @GeorgieLeeBooks




Monday, April 8, 2013

Cate Masters Writing from the Heart

It's Monday and you all know what that means! It's meet the author Monday. Today Cate Masters shares her latest release with us. Please make her feel welcome. Cate...take it away!


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Every girl remembers her first love. One mention of the guy’s name can ignite vivid memories. He might be the one to whom she compares every other guy, and most pale in comparison. He was the one who shared all those “firsts” with her, all those intimate moments made all the more special because she’d never tried anything like it before. Never wanted to until she met him.

I love stories like that, don’t you? Combine it with a “second chance” theme and I’m hooked. What if you could go back and find your first love? Would you want a second chance?

If you’re like me, you were lucky enough to keep your first love. My hubby and I celebrated thirty five years together last fall. We dated for six months, but we knew the first week, I think, that this was The Big One. Now our three kids are grown, and we’re blessed with three grandboys.

Life rarely follows the path we lay out when we’re young. But the path we find ourselves on is always the best one, isn’t it? Even if we couldn’t fully envision our futures, fate manages to help us find the way.

In Homecoming, I wove in another element – returning home, another theme I love. My hero and heroine, Nick and Jennie, are both a bit damaged, and reluctant to trust their own hearts. Until they find each other again, that is. Then their hearts tell them what they already knew. :)

Here’s the blurb:

Her abusive husband finally out of her life, Jennie Mayfair arrives in her hometown to rekindle old friendships and make a new start. Jennie wants someone safe but sexy to hold her again and make her feel loved, and a surprise invitation from Madame Eve seems to be exactly what she ordered. She never expects her wish list to be filled to such sublime perfection. But how can she trust the guy who shattered her heart years ago?

Nick Spencer’s business success doesn’t keep him warm in bed, and neither did his wife, though she knew how to keep other men warm – in his own bed. When he learns his first love, Jennie, is single again, he arranges for a blind date. One night with her convinces him he’s missed too many years of happiness. He doesn’t intend to let her get away from him again. But can he convince her their past will be a solid foundation for a new future?

Decadent Publishing released Homecoming on Friday as part of its very cool 1 Night Stand series



Bio

Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at her blog  and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
Cate loves to hear from readers! Email her at: cate.masters@gmail.com

You can also catch up to Cate at:

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Daily Dose of Decadence: There’s something about That Guy!

Fun post and a giveaway from L. C. Dean.
Daily Dose of Decadence: There’s something about That Guy!: You know the one. We’ve all met him at least once in our lives...

Monday, April 1, 2013

Meet Stephanie Beck


Birthday Fools Day
by Stephanie Beck

My husband turns the big 2-9 this year—today actually. But he’s told everyone he’s 30 for the last four years. Why? Because he prefers to round up rather than actually keep track of his age.

Every year, April Fool’s Day rolls around and he has no real desire to celebrate his birthday. I, unable to fathom why a person wouldn’t want cake and presents, have always attempted a fuss for his birthday....and after 10 years together, I can honestly understand why he doesn’t bother. 

Every damn year, something goes wrong.

19th birthday—the first I celebrated with him he got a shard of metal lodged in his finger. It rapidly became infected and by the end of the day he ended up in the ER.

22nd birthday—attempted to hold a birthday party for him at our first apartment. The power went out and the oven broke....within an hour of the party time.

23rd birthday—all was well (I should have known better) I set the cakes on the counter to cool before frosting. When I went to water the grass, our dog—who had never, ever shown interest in the counter in the 2 years we’d had her—ate the cakes.

24th birthday—our sweet daughter, 3 years old at the time, started telling the tale of how mom and dad were rolling around on the floor the night before, naked. Pretty sure I died, but somehow recovered to be mortally embarrassed any time I saw my in-laws for the next year.

28th birthday—he was recovering from knee surgery so spent the day doped up on the couch. The kids and I ate cupcakes.

I wish I could say those were all just April Fool’s Day jokes, but they actually happened. Now, the day is once again upon us. I went with ice cream cake from the store, a gift card and not inviting anyone over. Here’s hoping we make it through!
Enjoy your April Fool’s Day :)

All the best,
Stephanie Beck

***

Stephanie Beck is a full time mom, part time writer and ameture speller.

She's been writing since she was fifteen. Her first novel, "Love on the Mats" was a graphic heartwarming tale of a wrestler and a cutie coed which was lovingly edited by the c-squad basketball team on the long bus rides throughout the season. They were all sure it would be published, and it still has a home in a folder...somewhere.

Stephanie loves romance and all things romantic, heartwarming and usually funny, though a more serious piece will find its way in occasionally. 

In her spare time she knits and sews, walks the dog, plays with her two wonderful daughters and her adorable son, and tries to get her husband to act out the naughty things she researches...oh the sacrifices she makes for her craft. 

Contact Stephanie
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Coming Tuesday from Decadent Publishing's New Challenge Series. 

Jenn'a love of basketball and travel lead her to Greece, but only one man could keep her coming back. After sharing sexy summers with distinguished businessman Dorian Logos, Jenn returns for a seventh with more emotional baggage than she'd like, but her feelings for Dorian push her out of her comfort zone. 

Dorian has loved Jenn for years, the young American delivering spice and sweetness during their weeks together. When she arrives in Hellas, limping from an injury, he quickly sees more than her knee is hurting. He wants his love to be enough to heal all ails, but it’s hard to show his love to a woman who can’t tolerate his touch. If he can help Jenn get well, he might be able to make their usual summer last and bring her home to Hellas forever.


Genre: Contemporary, May-December romance
Heat level: 3
Word count – 28k

Cover art by Mina Carter

Monday, March 25, 2013

Calisa Rhose - author to author advice


Pen of the Dreamer
Hi Becca! Thanks for hosting me today.

Glad to have you here, Calisa. Readers, be sure to leave a comment below for a chance at goodies from today's guest. 

You know, coming up with blog post ideas, much less full posts are coming harder for me the longer I tour.

I can relate to that one, but without it readers won't find your latest. 

True but still I hear it all the time. I’ve done it.

What's that? 

I’m talking about over doing a blog tour for a new book. 

Promotion.
When is it too much?
The Torture Art of Self Promotion  
by Calisa Rhose

A first book is mind-boggling in and of itself. So many questions, even more answers. Beware--when you ask a question--be prepared to be literally flooded with responses! It’s wonderful, exhilarating, and daunting, how many have already been where you are, and are very willing to help a newbie. I was in tears with appreciation at times. I wouldn’t have made it through those two months without all my new friends!

But you have to be careful how much of that advice, or which part of it, you choose to take advantage of. Remember--no matter how valuable or inspiring all the advice is--not all is for you or your book, as much as you tweak and try to make it fit. It’s like Cinderella’s stepsisters. The shoe was intended and designed for one person. Both sisters wanted to wear that treasured glass slipper, but it wasn’t a good fit for them and look what happened.

Advice is like that. Take what does fit and run with it! Just be prepared to share it with a newbie in your future who can wear it too. It’s not ours to keep and hog, but to share and spread around. Someone, someday, will find it fits them too.

When Home released I jumped in so far over my head I actually had to cancel blog dates. That’s not good. It was great that the hosts I had to cancel on were so very understanding, though. They all said no problem and wished me luck…which, I might add, I needed desperately.

Who needs self-inflicted brain damage?

Yet we all throw ourselves into the fray head first, not thinking how that endeavor could end. How are we supposed to know? We already, many of us, spend from dawn to dusk, or well beyond, on the computer. What’s a few more sites to visit? A few more minutes a day will put us and the book we are so proud of out there for others to see, hopefully, to buy.

Oy-- that frame of mind nearly did me in two years ago. A few more minutes??

I got my release date the first week of October and by the end of three days later I had over 20 blog guest spots offered. By the next week I had close to thirty and began scheduling them around December 28th--release day.

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I knew I didn’t want to begin too far before release day. I’d been advised people would get used to seeing my book out there so far ahead of the release date that by the time my book actually became available everyone would have already forgotten about it. That scared me into waiting until two weeks prior to the date Wild Rose Press put it out for all to buy. I think I scheduled about eight dates in that pre-sale period. Not so bad.

Starting on the actual release date, though, I booked every single day for a week straight, two days I scheduled myself at two blogs at once. That week from hell taught me a huge lesson. Never book two in one day and rarely, or never, one a day for more than two or three days in a row! By the end of that week, I hadn’t even reached the half way mark of my tour, I was ready to be finished. I couldn’t because I had already committed to another month! Yeah, every other day and twice on a few.  Not only that, I found myself on more than one occasion, writing a post for the next day because I’d fallen so far behind I couldn’t keep up with all the dates I’d booked. In addition -I was editing for a different publisher then, and so, had work, family and all other kinds of things I had to do around blog posts that didn’t have to do with writing.

It was brutal.

What I learned.

Risk Factors released from Lyrical Press on March 4th. I laid out my plans, collected my guest spots, two months before and began writing posts and responding to interviews a month before the date of release. I’m still behind, but now, at least I have three or four days to a week to catch up between posts. I’m mostly two or more posts ahead at all times even. I strategically scheduled my guest spots every other day and some with two or three days between, none on weekends, so I can catch up with my other blogging, editing and writing obligations--and still keep everything on track. And that doesn’t count all the other forms of promotion, all those pesky hoops we have to jump through, just to get our book out there, so we can hope to make a few sales.

I haven’t got it ironed perfectly wrinkle-free this time either, but I’m a lot less stressed and have time to breathe. I’m getting closer to getting this self-promotion stuff down, I think. But I doubt any writer will ever be able to really market a perfect plan. There’s just no such thing.

Marketing plan.

What I can share in this is simple. Don’t over-do.

*Schedule only as many blog dates as you can manage without going bald.
*Don’t be afraid to cancel some if you find yourself over-extended.
*Don’t forget your blog dates! (Yes, I’ve done that…Monday, this week, in fact…)
*You spend a ridiculous amount of time begging people to visit you on those blogs, pleading for company, so you aren’t commenting only to find you’re the only one replying to yourself…take a few minutes every couple of hours (if not more often) to reply to those who have heard your blood-soaked pleas for company. I can’t stress how important this is! Why will they follow you to your next blog post if you don’t even acknowledge them at the first one? And each blog on your tour is a first for some reader.
*Take a few minutes to return the favor to those faithful followers. Go say hi to them on a guest blog or to their guests on their personal blog.
*Let everyone know you are on tour. Don’t use Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, G+, or any of those other social media venues? Start…right now. Get your face and your book out there. No one sells out of a closet only they have the key to! Open that door wide and begin yodeling. Loud. Louder, Heidi!
*Do you have a website? Blog? I know there are some who don’t think they need one, but in all honesty--that’s how I began getting my name and writer self out in the cyber world. It’s my comfort zone, where I share without feeling like I’m being pushy and crude. It’s the one place that can be all about me and no one thinks it’s wrong.

I began blogging at least five years before I sold my first book. By the time I did sell, I had a good following and support base to help me with this promotion gig. I was in a ‘club’ with other struggling writers who understood, who cheered me on when I sold. I gained this support system through my blog mostly. But that’s another blog post.

*I know a lot of writers who swear by swag. I don’t have any yet, but it’s a financial thing for me. I will have some soon. Bookmarks, cover cards, QR codes, pens, etc. They are great contest and gift items and each one helps you and your book be seen in a wide arena other than family and friends or internet.

I got a swag pack from a publisher contest editor, sent all the way from Canada. I won another contest and got the most beautiful cup with LaVerne Clark’s book cover on it and full of scrumptious chocolates…sent from Australia. I won another cup from Sarah Grimm for her After Midnight contest, with a music note thing I made into a key ring.
Guess what? I join contests because I won such fun ones in the past. I hope my contest will be as fun for all of you who comment today.

Bottom line? It’s like the old saying: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. Believe me, I’ve tried. You can’t. Not that I think readers are horses! Just that you can put your book out there all day long, but in the end the thirsty are the only ones who will buy your book, and only when they have been stimulated to do so.

To help you want to win my contest I’m also awarding one host with the same packages I’m offering each commenter. A signature Rose Rock or Gift Card and an eBook of Risk Factors along with some fun swag. Thank you all for taking a moment from your uber busy day to stop in and say hi. And seriously, that all it takes for you to be entered and help a host win too.

I’ve enjoyed visiting you Becca. Thanks for letting me take over to ramble. J

You're welcome, Calisa. It has been interesting and I hope helpful to other authors struggling with this very thing. And readers - remember, writers want to hear from you. The want to know what you think of their work (especially if you love it) and they what to know what you would like to see in the future from them. At least I do. So don't forget to say hi to Calisa. 


More

RISK FACTORS- available March 4, 2013


Love, like life, is not without risk.
BLURB- Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps.

Now Connor, a patient’s owner, is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for.

Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor’s life focus. He can’t seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he’ll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl’s life and having her feel the hurt of being left…again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she’s a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv--and himself--enough to play the possibilities?

EXCERPT:
It was close to five o’clock and Viv wanted to go home. Winter hadn’t reached the Midwest yet, but from September through October the temperatures often dipped and dove sporadically, before diving for the long winter ahead. There’d been a slight chill in the air that morning and she hoped for a few more weeks of warmth before harsh weather moved in.

She looked forward to a hot soak in the bathtub, but Skittles was due for pick-up first. Connor had assured her he’d pick her up, or have his father get her before five. She glanced at her watch again. Four-fifty-six. 
She didn’t mind staying late if she needed to; it would be a shame to leave the nervous animal alone another night.

She opened the small closet to put the dust mop away.

“Hello.”

With a start, she spun and her hand caught the broom handle on her way around. Gasping, she grabbed uselessly, horrified as the cleaning tool flew sideways from the closet. In slow motion she saw it shoot out against Connor’s shoulder and fall with a sharp snap onto the tile floor.

“Oh! I’m so--so sorry! Are you hurt?” Instant heat rushed up her neck and she bent to reclaim the errant broom to shove into the closet. She slammed the door and leaned against it on a sharp breath.

“I’m fine. You worried your killer broom might attack again? You might consider putting a lock on the door,” he said with a crooked smile.

Find Calisa Rhose


Monday, March 18, 2013

Meet Kate Richards

Today I'm pleased to introduce readers to the dynamic Kate Richards. Kate was one of the first authors/editors I became friends with as I started on this crazy journey. She was kind enough to host Valarie Mann and I during RT/LA, never fails to offer a sounding board or title help, and has become an invaluable asset in my life.

Kate Richards has wanted to be an author for a very long time, but only found time to begin about four years ago. She is an editor, an author, a pet owner, and a wife. Not necessarily in that order. Kate divides her time between Los Angeles and the lovely High Sierra town of Bishop, California.

Lately, she’s been traveling to quite a few book conventions for the pleasure of meeting readers, which she considers to be one of the best benefits to the job. She hopes to one day have the opportunity to travel to Tahiti for a book signing or maybe Ireland. She has also been known to conduct the occasional workshop on author/writing related topics.

Kate loves the beach and while she is not a surfer girl, she can Boogie Board with the best of them. She loves swimming and gardening and hiking but finds that she spends so many hours a day lost in her characters, it’s a challenge to get outside on a regular basis.


Connect with Kate 

Her latest work is Virgin Under Ground, one of the Decadent Publishing 1Night Stand Stories, which she created along with Valerie Mann and Olivia Starke.

Blurb:
Doctorate in hand, Jane Ann Summers is ready to return to the South Seas paradise of her youth, when the director of the institute—her mother—drops a bomb. She cannot return until she experiences more of life...a social life

Determined to waste no time, Jane searches for a shortcut and discovers the 1Night Stand dating service. A single night with a Dr. Gerard, geologist…and she can go home and get on with her fascinating study of world weather trends. The only question is whether to have sex with him…after all, it would be her first  and maybe only time.

Dr. Lukas Gerard’s own field of study has shown him some alarming trends. He believes a killer earthquake may rattle the Western half of the United States in the near future. In preparation, he has converted an abandoned gold mine to a secret bunker, loaded with supplies and all the comforts of home. Only thing he needs is company in his hideaway. Unsure how to find the right companion, he turns to 1Night Stand, but neither he nor Jane are prepared for the sudden impact of one of Madame Eve’s connections.

Maybe there is more to life than science…for both of them.

Excerpt:
“I need to ask you something first.”
His brow furrowed, but he shrugged. “Okay.”
“Does Madame Eve know the location of your secret place?” Out there in the dark, with the sprinkle of stars to light the black velvet night, the reality of proceeding blindfolded into the desert with a stranger, no matter how attractive, seemed dangerous. If the answer was no, she would ask him to turn the car around and hope she wasn’t already too late.
“Yes,” he said, in a low voice. “She insisted.” When she still clutched his arm, he smiled. “I understand caution, let me show you something.” Lukas reached over her to the center console. So close, his warmth and the clean scent of soap went to her head. Hang on, Jane. Even if he is the cutest guy you’ve ever met, and smells so good.
He retrieved his cell phone and clicked to a text message. “Look at this.”
I have confirmed the location of your date and we can schedule your evening. I hope you understand the safety of my clients is paramount, yours as well as Ms. Summers. Thank you for your cooperation. M.E.
Reassured, Jane faced away from him. “Do it, then.” She closed her eyes and tried not to flinch as the soft cloth covered her face. It tightened and then his hands dropped to her shoulders.
“Okay?” His fingers rested on her collarbones, inches from her breasts. Her eyes strained, but the several folds prevented the least bit of starlight from entering.
“I can’t see a thing.” But she could still feel his touch moving down her arms, past her short sleeves, and onto bare skin. The desert wind soughed; her heart thumped in her ears. Hyperaware of the man behind her, she waited to see what he would do next.

A peek at what this prolific author has to offer.




Monday, March 11, 2013

Please Welcome Dawn Luedecke


Today Dawn Luedecke joins us on Meet the Author Monday. Before we get into the interview, here's a bit about our visiting author. 



A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. As a child she would spend many afternoons reading books, watching western classics, and Rogers and Hammerstein movies. When she grew up she decided to leave the quiet country life for a chance to find adventure by serving a successful tour in the United States Coast Guard. During that time she found her soul mate (and alpha male) and started a family and writing career. She enjoys writing historical and paranormal romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript.



Readers please leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook. 


Hi, Dawn. Welcome to Meet the Author Monday. I’m happy to have a fellow country girl in the house. I can’t wait to get to know a bit more about you.

Thank you, Becca! I’m very happy to be here.

I heard you were in the Coast Guard. That had to be a life changing time. What can you tell us about it?

The time I was on active duty was the best in my life. I crave adventure and action, and the Coast Guard gave it to me. I was able to do things like stand guard for a president and presidential candidate, work with elite military forces, repatriate illegal aliens, and was involved in a very large drug bust.

My time taught me very important lessons and gave me life experiences I will never forget. I’m lucky to still be attached to the Coast Guard and love to live vicariously through my husband. J

Wow! How cool and exciting. I assume the Coast Guard kept you in the States but if you could make your home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Montana. Although I'm originally from there, I can't wait to move back home after retirement.
           
What would you say is the best thing about a (your) man.

My husband is a true alpha male. He is a drill instructor for coast guard boot camp, when he isn't being a DI, he is a law enforcement agent and does search and rescue at sea.

Do you prefer Alpha or Beta heroes and why?

Alpha! Having the husband I do, and with all of his friends, I am surrounded by alpha males. They are the best kind of hero!

Why do you write?

I write because I love the job! I am a true book nerd and proud!

What is best thing a reviewer/reader has ever said about your work?

I received the CTRR (Coffee Time Reviewer's Recommend Award) from a reviewer at Coffee Time Romance.  Here is part of the initial five-cup review:

To Tame a Montana Heart is an engaging read. This reader was immediately drawn in from the beginning. The strong character of Travis, and the sassiness of Dusty, blends in with some interesting dialogue that spins a splendid good read. Dawn Luedecke adds just the right amount of zest within her main characters, and secondary characters to create a convincing story of love and romance, along with action, thrills and downright good charm. She incorporates a western romance that is hard to put down, with a cast of colorful players that one will not soon forget.

Very Nice. Readers should know that your characters are often…
The heroines in my Montana Girl series are my sisters. I found that each of my siblings holds a unique characteristic that makes them the perfect heroine, my family is quirky and make for a great read.

Ha ha, I agree that family can be an endless source of inspiration. How would you define yourself as a person/writer?

I love to live by my personal motto "Always Have Passion". I try to incorporate this in everyday life, and my work.

Give us a quirky thing or two to know about you.

When I want to relax, I watch crime shows.
I secretly want to be a scientist.
           
A scientist? That's certainly different from being an author. Okay, now to see how good you are with short answer – a tough order for most writers. So quick fire—Complete the following sentences.

a.                   My favorite treat is…tootsie rolls.
b.                  The most interesting person I know is...my husband.
c.                   Given the opportunity, I would spend 10 days…in the Caribbean!
d.                  The glass is…half full.
e.                   The most amazing gift…is a good book.
f.                   Life is too short to settle for…anything less than what you believe is perfect.

Thanks again for dropping by Dawn. It was fun getting to know you and a bit about your work. Readers don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook courtesy of Dawn.  

Learn more about Dawn and her works:
Twitter @d_luedecke


Blurb: To Tame a Montana Heart

Running from a past of privilege, deceit, and danger, Travis Simms is ready to settle down. What better place to forget all he left behind than the quiet little Montana town of Lolo Hot Springs? His goal is clear — build a hotel and his own destiny without complications —until one of the town’s most troublesome women captures his attention.

Dusty Larson is hell bent on independence, helping her sister run the Triple D Ranch. She can do anything a man can, and do it better, so she certainly doesn’t need one in her life. The only problem is she seems to attract bad luck and danger...and Travis. Can he tame her wild ways and keep his bachelor status intact — or does he risk losing his heart?

Excerpt:
She watched him with care. “I don’t know if I love you. I like you, a lot, but I don’t have the slightest idea what love feels like.”
Travis’ smile grew slowly across his face. “I understand. I’m not sure if I love you or not, but I also don’t think I could live without you. So you will always have that.” His voice was almost a whisper when he said the last.
“Truly?” Her voice cracked and she had to force herself to breathe easy.
“Truly.”
She inclined her head and took two brisk steps toward him. She leaned over and kissed him with all the fever of a thousand fires. He reached up and intertwined his hand through her hair to hold her still as he plundered her mouth.
She released him with a shaky breath and jumped back to turn on her heels. “Put something nice on. I’ll be back with a preacher man.” 
“You know, I heard you only have to say ‘I marry you’ three times and then you’re hitched.”
She threw him a sassy look and slammed the door shut.


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