Roseanne Dowell

Available Now

2012-02-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

Designed for Love

Fate, kismet, or whatever you want to call it, it turned Interior Designer, Wendy Seidel’s world upside down. From a chance meeting at the airport to Florida and back to Ohio, she can’t believe the strange circumstances that throw her and Bill Johnson together, after he literally knocks her off her feet at the airport.

~ Find Roseanne's titles here http://bit.ly/t62esi

Excerpt:

“What the hell?” My carry-on bag slid across the floor and slammed into the wall. My feet slipped out from under me, I landed flat on my back, and someone fell on top of me, pinning me to the floor. The breath knocked out of me, I lay still a moment.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I finally caught my breath and pushed him off. “Everyone’s always in such a big hurry.”

“Why’d you slow down? You darned near stopped in front of me.” He stood up, brushed himself off and held out his hand to help me up. “Sorry.”

I knocked his hand away, got to my knees and stood. I didn’t need his help. Not his or anyone else’s for that matter. What I needed was to find my bag and get on to my gate.

“Look, I’m sorry. It was entirely my fault. I shouldn’t have been in such a hurry.” He held his hand out to me again, but I ignored it. “Here, let me get that for you.” He hurried to pick up my bag, but I grabbed it first.

“Look, Mister, I have a plane to catch, so excuse me if I don’t have time to chat.” I straightened up my bag, grabbed the handle and started toward my gate. Good looking in a rustic sort of way, I had to admit. Probably worked outdoors or at least spent a lot of time outside. Not that it made any difference. I didn’t have time for him. Or any man for that matter. I had a career to build, and men didn’t figure into it.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like men. I did. Even dated occasionally. Eventually I’d like to have a relationship, even get married. But relationships and marriage took time, not a priority right now. My career came first. Something about him, though.

I couldn’t resist looking back. Great. He stood watching me with a silly smirk on his face. Nice eyes, soft gray. I loved gray eyes. Maybe because my grandfather had gray eyes. He lifted his hand and waved at me. Heat burned my face, and I hurried off in the direction of the gate, looking at the signs above. Only at Gate 2. Not even close. Of course my gate was at the farthest end of the airport. Thankfully, there was plenty of time to get there.

I avoided a heavyset man, hell bent on his mission. I hated this time of year. Everyone was in such a big hurry.

To make matters worse, my butt hurt but I resisted rubbing it. Didn’t need to look like any more of an idiot. Ah, Gate 11, finally. Now I could sit down and relax, since there was still forty-five minutes before my flight. I took a book out of the side pocket of my carry-on and settled back to wait. Not that I could concentrate, anger at my boss raged inside me. Who in their right mind set up a meeting with a client right before New Years? And in Florida, no less. Obviously, Nick didn’t care that I had plans for New Year’s Eve.

So I was getting out of Ohio, big deal. Sure, my friends thought I was lucky, especially with the predicted snowstorm. Didn’t make any difference to me, I liked snow.

I glanced out a window. Already it was coming down pretty heavy, and there was still a good half hour before my flight.

Damn it, I hated flying. I could have sent the samples just as easy. What was so important they required me to personally bring them? I thought we’d settled everything before the client left. Why the sudden change? They could have at least waited until after the holidays.

Nick, my boss, promised I’d be home by New Year’s Eve. Yeah right. I knew how these things went. First this problem, than that one. I’d be lucky to be home in time for my nephew’s birthday on the sixth. Nick better not have any funny ideas. This was strictly business. I’d heard about his reputation with women. So far he hadn’t shown an interest in me, and I certainly didn’t have a problem with that. Good-looking though Nick was, nothing about him attracted me. Definitely not my type. Not that I had a type.

“Looks like we’re on the same flight,” a masculine voice said.

I looked up and almost groaned out loud. This couldn’t be happening. What were the chances we’d be on the same flight? I tried to ignore him, but something drew my eyes to his.

“Bill Johnson.” He extended his hand toward me. “I really am sorry about knocking you down.”

I shrugged and shook his hand. “No problem.” A quiver started deep in my stomach when he held my hand a bit longer than necessary. Rough, calloused hands. Does hard work. Maybe construction. I pulled my hand away and turned my attention back to my book. I hated talking to people at airports. Lord, please tell me he doesn’t have the seat next to me. I couldn’t be that unlucky, could I?

Of course I could.

Taking a peek at the ticket sticking out of his coat pocket, I groaned. Seat 16A. No way, what were the chances? I hoped he’d take the hint and leave me alone.

“Are you staying in Fort Myers?” He sat down next to me.

Figured, no such luck. I nodded. Maybe if I didn’t contribute to the conversation, he’d go away. I kept my eyes on my book but couldn’t concentrate. I had the irresistible urge to look at him, but ignored it. What was it about him?

“Visiting or business?”

I looked up from my book. He just wasn’t going to quit. “Business, no time for pleasure.” Maybe that would shut him up.

He smiled. “Everyone has time for pleasure. All work and no play...” He let the rest of the saying hang.

I put the book in front of my face. “I guess I’m a dull boy then.” Why didn’t he just let me read in peace. I couldn’t be much ruder. Some people just couldn’t take a hint.

Bill laughed. A big hearty laugh that caused people to stare. I wanted to crawl under my seat. “What’s so funny?”

“Honey, you look like anything but a boy.” His gaze took me in from top to bottom and came to rest on my breasts.

Okay, I’m well endowed and wished I had left my jacket on. Not that there was much to see through my bulky sweater, but enough. Heat rushed to my face again. Crap, why did I blush so easily? My face was probably as red as my hair. “Okay, so I don’t look like a boy. Just finishing the saying. And DON’T call me honey!” I put the book in front of my face, turned away from him, and tried to read. Lord, spare me friendly people. Especially men.

The last thing I needed was a man trying to pick me up. I wished he’d just go away. I could call airport security, but didn’t want to cause a scene. He’d done enough of that.

“Since you won’t tell me your name, I don’t know what else to call you.”

“Don’t call me anything.” I slammed my book shut, stood, and walked to the window. What more did I have to do to let him know I wasn’t interested? I stared out the window. Things didn’t look good outside.

“Full blown blizzard.” Bill’s deep voice came from behind.

I felt his breath on my neck and shivered from the warmth of it. Or was it from his nearness? Whatever it was, I didn’t like it. I looked at my watch. Still almost a half hour before take off. So far they hadn’t cancelled the flight.

As if my thoughts magically conjured it up, a voice came over the PA system. “We regret to inform you that all flights to and from Cleveland Hopkins Airport have been cancelled until further notice. New flights can be rebooked as soon as we resume our schedule. Sorry for the inconvenience. Airport shuttles are standing by to take you to a hotel. If you can’t get a room, you’re welcome to stay at the airport. Concession stands and restaurants will remain open for your convenience.

Great, just great. What more could go wrong? At least I could go home. If I could get a cab, that is. With the way it looked outside, I had a feeling most of the roads were closed, too.

I moved away from Bill and took my cell phone from my purse, got the number for the cab company from information, and punched it in. Crap, a recording. “No cabs due to weather.” Terrific. I punched in information for the number of the Sheraton Hotel. Hopefully, they still had a room. Spending the night sleeping in an airport wouldn’t improve my mood.

“Sheraton Hotel, how can I help you,” a female answered.

“Yes, I’d like a room for the night.” Please don’t tell me they’re all booked, I prayed. I didn’t care what kind of room as long as it had a bed.

“Yes, I have one room left. Two double beds. One hundred and fifty dollars.”

I let out a low whistle. A bit more than I cared to spend, but no matter. “I’ll take it.” I read my credit card number, grabbed my bag and raced to the exit while I spoke. Now to find an airport shuttle. Talk about luck, a shuttle parked just outside. I pulled the door open, and someone bumped into me.

“We have to stop meeting like this.”

I turned and looked into familiar soft, gray eyes. “Are you following me?” This was beginning to feel creepy. What was with this guy?

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Bill let out a low chuckle. “We can share a ride if you don’t mind. Give the driver a break.”

He followed me into the car. “Sheraton Hotel and...” He looked at me. “Where to?”

What were the odds he’d be going to the same hotel? This was getting scary. “Sheraton.”

“No kidding. Hey, maybe we can get together for a drink or something.”

Like I couldn’t guess what the or something was. I shook my head. Jerk. What made him think I’d even want to have a drink with him? “No thanks, I have work to do.” I looked out the window. How the driver managed to see where he was going was beyond me. All I could see was white. Thick, white, blowing snow. This was by far the worst snow storm I remembered. I just hoped it let up by morning like the weatherman promised.

Did you ever have a feeling something bad was about to happen?

2012-02-06T14:07:00.000-05:00

You know kind of a premonition, intuition, omen or whatever you want to call it? When it happens, goose bumps run up your arms and the hair on the back of your neck stands on end. You try to pass it off as a coincidence, but deep down you know it’s not.

We’ve all experienced ESP, haven’t we? You know, you even finish each other’s sentences. Nothing unusual in that, is there? Not at all. At least I never thought so. My friend, Allison, and I do it all the time. We just laugh about it. When we were growing up we used to do the jinx thing.

But this is different. I’m experiencing something with a stranger. Oh, by the way, I’m Rebecca Brennan, can’t expect you to know that, can I? I have this rare connection to someone’s mind. Seriously, I hear what he hears, feel what he feels, and sometimes I even know what he’s thinking. It’s pretty scary. Sometimes I feel his contentment or pride in an accomplishment. Those things aren’t too bad, but when I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain and even felt like I was bleeding, well let’s say I wasn’t too thrilled.

So, Allison talked me into seeing a parapsychologist. I was pretty leery. I just didn’t believe in these things. But something was happening to me, and I wanted to know what. Actually, what I wanted to know was who shared my mind.

Under hypnosis I kept saying the name Morris and came up with the name of a boot factory. I thought that was odd, but it gave me a place to start. My search led me to a small Victorian town.

All of this happened to me in Connection of the Minds. I have these strange visions about someone else’s life. Some might think it’s a unique gift. Believe me, it’s not.

Connection of the Minds is available at

http://bit.ly/ConnectionoftheMinds

You can find out more about my author, Roseanne Dowell, at http://www.roseannedowell.com/

Here’s an excerpt from the book.

“No!” Rebecca sprang up in bed. Hot searing pain bore into her shoulder. What was happening to her? A warm sticky substance flowed from her shoulder. Oh God, there was going to be blood. From the feel of it, lots of blood. Half afraid to look, her hand trembled as she slowly brought it in front of her face and looked at it. Dry, no blood. What was going on? These kinds of things happened way too often lately. Okay, they were dreams but still. They were so damn real.

Rebecca eased off the bed. Her feet felt like lead weights as she walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After a big gulp, she hurried back to bed. Shivers racked her body even with the blanket pulled up to her chin. A minute ago sweat soaked her skin. Now she couldn’t get warm. Someone’s life had invaded her mind. She didn’t know who or where they lived. And she sure as heck didn’t like it. These were more than dreams. Most of her visions happened while she slept, but they were real. Besides, too many occurred during the day.

The pain eased, but fear and danger lingered. Curling up, she pulled the blanket tighter, closed her eyes, and willed herself to sleep. Strange visions played in her mind. Red, white, and blue flashing lights, fire engines, and ambulances, and police rushed around calling instructions, trying to control panic and hysteria at the scene.

Rebecca rubbed her eyes, trying to erase the visions.

“If only I knew how to find this person. Maybe then I’d find out what these dreams and visions mean.” Her voice startled her in the quiet room. Snuggling deeper in bed, pushing the thoughts away, she tried to sleep.

But sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind wouldn’t be still. The visions persisted. Was she going crazy? Maybe Allison was right to force her to see a parapsychologist.

"I think you’re experiencing a psychic phenomenon." Allison had suggested. "Like ESP or something."

Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

Finally, it's here. The big game. The day football fans have been waiting for. The race to the championship.
Unfortunately, my hometown team isn't playing today. But that doesn't stop me from watching the game. Heck no. I love football.
Today, we're joing other family members at my daughters for chili and the game. Of course there will be other snacks. Everyone is bringing something. My daughter is providing the chili. There will probably be more eating and snacking than watching the game.
We all look forward to the commercials, too. Maybe more so than the big game. Of course if our hometown team was playing, we'd all have a different mind frame. I'm sure half of us will be rooting for the Giants and half for the Patriots. It really doesn't matter much to me, one way or another, who wins. I lean toward the Patriots because their head coach used to coach our home team - before they left town that is. We all feel he was the fall guy for a losing season, planned by the owner so he could move the team and we, the fans, wouldn't care. Boy did that backfire. Losing or not, we were football fans and taking our team to another city didn't sit well with us. It took several years before we had a team again. We still watched the games, but football wasn't nearly as much fun - except rooting against the team who left us. Since then, they've become rivals, for obvious reasons.
So, no matter who wins, we'll enjoy watching the game. Go teams! LOL

Welcome, Lianne Simon

2012-02-04T03:50:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much for being here, Lianne Simon.

It's my pleasure.

1: So, first question, what genre do you write?

I write young adult fiction dealing with social issues.

2: That sounds interesting. How long have you been writing?

In August of 2010 I woke with a story running through my mind. Since then I've been trying to learn how to write.

3: Yes, it’s a continuing process. We’re always learning. So, what do you like the most and least about writing?

The process is cathartic. It allows me to see how I might have handled life under different circumstances or as other people. The down side is I tend to feel everything my characters experience, so sometimes my mood has more to do with what's going on in the story than in my life.

4: Yes, it’s difficult sometimes to separate our lives. Tell us, what do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I enjoy shopping, cooking, and reading. I try to walk every day to work out the stress.

5: I think all authors love to read. So, which authors do you like to read?

I enjoy history, fantasy, and science fiction. My favorites include JRR Tolkien, Neal Stephenson, Branden Sanderson, and CJ Cherryh.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I'm a Christian and try to write in a manner that glorifies God. I'm not sure how well I succeed, but that's my goal.

7: Okay, tell us about your current novel, where can we find it?

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE HERMAPHRODITE is the coming of age story of a child with a genetic condition resulting in short stature, a pixie face, and a sexually ambiguous body. When Jamie was five, her ethereal face and small size convinced her she was an elven princess. Her parents assured Jamie that minor surgery and a few years on testosterone would make him a normal boy. At sixteen, the four-foot-eleven soprano leaves a sheltered home school environment for a large university. The elven princess can live in the books Jamie reads and nobody in the dorm has to find out he isn't like other boys. When a medical student tells Jamie he should have been raised female, he decides to be a girl for a single day to see what her life might have been like. CONFESSIONS is scheduled to be released as an e-book by MuseItUp Publishing in September and a paperback by FaieMiss Press shortly thereafter.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Lay aside your dignity and pride, share from the heart, and risk as much as you dare for your story. Write first and worry about the rules later.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

They say you write what about you know. I draw personality traits for my characters from the people around me, blending them to build a new character. Jamie's personality traits are based on people I know with that intersex condition.

10: How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I was already familiar with intersex conditions, but I was kind of blind-sided by the whole book thing. I wrote down the story in the hopes I'd be able to shake it. When I quit my day job to work on my writing full-time, my husband encouraged me to see it through until someone published my novel.

11: What are you currently working on?

I have a couple of story ideas brewing, but I'll keep editing CONFESSIONS until someone slaps my hand.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

My writing flows from a concern for the kids about whom I write. I spent more than ten years answering inquiries on behalf of a support group for the parents of children such as Jamie. I'm hoping, in some small way, to contribute to their welfare.

13. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

My blog is at www.liannesimon.com.

Books We Love Valentine's Contest

2012-02-02T07:02:00.002-05:00

VALENTINE CONTEST

Drawings will be February 14 - Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY BOOKS WE LOVE READERS

ENTER TO WIN THESE FABULOUS PRIZES

Books We Love will be sending one lucky winner a gift certificate to a local Spa where they may choose a maniucre and pedicure or a 60 minute massage.

One lucky winner will win a print copy of Erin Quinn's new romantic suspense Web of Smoke.

One lucky winner will win a box of chocolates from Godiva's Valentine Assortment.

Two lucky winners will choose their choice of any Books We Love Spice ebook.

Enter at: http://bookswelove.net/contest.php

Stacy Verdick Case talks about Getting Past Writer's Block

2012-02-01T08:05:00.007-05:00

HELP! I’m stuck in a dry well!

Getting Past Writer's Block

Whenever I write, inevitably I get to a place where my creative well seems not only to dry up, but cave in on me. This is usually around page one-hundred; right after my story has gone off like a shot.

I’m not alone in this discovery, am I?

Many other writers have experienced this phenomenon. That’s why we come up with artful ways to describe what happens – the sagging middle, muse-go-bye-bye, and worst of all. . .Writers Block.

The problem, as I see it, is far simpler and less traumatic than those phrases make it out to be.

Writers frequently sit down to write because we had a brilliant idea for a story. In actuality, what we had was a brilliant idea for a scene. We rush to our keyboards or paper frantic to begin the process. After you have expended all your energy on the brilliant scene you realize, you have to tie that scene to a beginning and an end.

My friends a scene does not a story make.

At this point is where the real work of being a writer begins. Anyone can create a scene only writers know how to craft those few ideas into a masterpiece.

When you reach the “I’m stuck” place, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I know where to begin?

• Do I know where to end?

• Do I have one notable climactic scene to anchor all the others?

• Do I have several smaller climax scenes leading to the big scene?

My guess is the answer to at least one of the questions will be, no. In addition, I bet the question most frequently creating obstacles is the last.

We know we have to open by introducing the characters in their natural habitat. We know we have to wrap everything up at the end. The monumental crisis scene is what set us off on this adventure in the first place. What’s left are the foothills leading to the mountain.

The foothills are the trickiest because they have to do with motivation and conflict. What drove the person who kills twelve people in the final spectacular scene to that point? Motivation is straight forward. On the other hand, conflict seems to be the most difficult part for authors. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time giving birth to these characters, and making them decent people, now you want to torment them? What kind of a monster are you?

It’s okay. It’s your job to torment your characters, and their job to suffer.

If plot is a four-letter word to you, then mull over the dilemma, let it simmer until you know all the scenes that build your story. If you’re a plotter, send your charting skills into high-gear, and map out what you need to do to get from a to b to c.

Whether your process is organic or mechanical, don’t force the answers. If you do, the results will ultimately be stale and predictable. Take your time and wait for the answers to come.

Getting stuck happens, but we don’t have to treat it like it’s the end of the world. Instead, redefine being stuck as not yet ready to create, or an opportunity to dig deeper and discover you’re not in a dry well but a mineshaft full of gold.

Stacy Verdick Case is in the middle of her gold mine digging for pieces of the third book in her Catherine O’Brien mystery series. The first book in the series A Grand Murder is available in paperback, eBook, and now audio from Before the Fall Books. Visit Stacy on her blog, http://sostacythought.wordpress.com for more information on her writing and general musings.

Note from blog owner - Jsut wanted to say I read this book and enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from the series.

Say hello to Kristin Battestella

2012-01-30T07:59:00.003-05:00

Have you chosen yet? Fate…..or Fangs?

When we visited with Roseanne in early December, I proclaimed the whirlwind for Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family-my ongoing series with Muse It Up Publishing- was showing no signs of slowing down. After the holiday revelry, we’re indeed back and steam rolling into the series’ conclusion! Book 6 Humanity: A Letter from Gaston came out the first week of January, and we’ve been back under the horror hypnosis since! Whew!

Professor James’ next account is a contemporary letter from Welshire son Gaston as he tries to move on with his life now that the Vampire Family is human again. Unfortunately, his sister Victoria cannot cope with the change and succumbs to drugs, depression, and sex binges with her former fledgling Caine. Their pregnant sister Samantha comes to London to help-but such a peace-keeping journey could be disastrous to her unborn children….

I’m really pleased Humanity takes the time to look at the post vampirism consequences. Neutered pale hotties has been done to death- hee, no pun intended!- and I much prefer the serious mirrors and drama the faint line between good and evil brings. Is a bad human worse than a bad vampire? Can a good vampire be more humane?

Here’s a snip from A Letter from Gaston:
The surgeons wrapped Samantha in a canopy of blue sheets and hooked her up to machines.

“Scalpel,” The masked doctor ordered.

The shiny silver glinted in his hand, then it dove in. Blood soaked the sheets and dyed them purple. Through some of our lost magic still remaining, I spaced out of the operating room. Memories not my own, thoughts and recollections of my Father I still held. From his dying breath to his most treasured moment, I saw my Mother. I saw my mother giving birth to me.

Antonio had been there, and there I was small and bloody and screaming. The vision was black and white, but red blood was everywhere. My mother’s eyes were fading, yet she was lovely, angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She gasped her last breath, and I heard my own baby cry.

But of course, the blood really stains the lips for our big Book 7 finale this February! Resurrection: Stephanie After the Lilithanfocuses on the state of the Welshire enemy and that unobtainable vampire allure. What wouldn’t you do to be a vampire if Mestiphles came courting you?

Former Lilithan vampire and newly divorced scientist Stephanie can’t get over how much she misses being a vampire in this final tale from Professor James. After a harrowing car accident, Stephanie meets Mestiphles, the giver and taker of vampire power on both sides of the coven wars. His charm and seductive powers sweeten the demonic offer he extends, but will Stephanie accept his dark opportunities?

Here’s an early treat from our finale Resurrection!

I don’t know what made me think of her…No, that’s not true. You can admit it to yourself, Stephanie. I’ve been thinking about Lilith a lot lately; ever since we left her company, in fact. As to why I’m thinking of her now as I drive home, who knows? Its dark; the rhythmic drizzle is rapping on the car windows in time with the steady wipers. Up, down, left, right again and again- day in, day out the same dreary monotony. Only Lilith’s deceptive white light could cease such conundrum I suppose. Sometimes, in the banal ho-hum of the day, I even think I see her. Is it really Lilith stalking the streets, taking the face of the store clerk for a moment, or passing me by as that one pedestrian on the crosswalk? The ceremonial policeman upon his bay horse was Lilith not two days ago. Her long white gown draped over the steed’s rump down toward the pavement-until I blinked and she was gone.

Which Fate and Fangs touches your world? Love, Punishment, Struggle, Debauchery, Lust, Humanity, Resurrection? Find us in the darkest bowels of the internet and tell us what twists your soul and sharpens your teeth!!
http://vampfam.blogspot.com/

http://jsnouff.com/kristin

http://kristin724.livejournal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vampire-Family/157922293588

http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella/

http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=307&category_id=64&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

Secrets, Lies & Love

2012-01-29T07:32:00.005-05:00

Hi, I’m Meghan Shelby. My parents moved away from Littleton when I was seventeen, but now, ten years later, I’m back.

I inherited the family home, a Queen Anne Victorian from my Aunt Beth. I always loved that house, so needless to say I was excited when I received the letter from my aunt’s attorney. Not that my aunt passed away, I was very sad about that, but coming back to Littleton after all this time was exciting.

I’m not sure why we moved away in the first place. It was all kind of sudden and we never even came back when Gran passed away. I never knew why. Every time I asked, the question went ignored. Eventually, I quit asking.

Anyway, here I was back in the town I loved, standing in front of a dilapidated, rundown house that used to be one of the most elegant in town. Shutters hung by one hinge, windows broken, the porch floor rotted and the back door lock didn’t work.

How had Aunt Beth allowed this to happen? I was half afraid to go inside, but curiosity got the best of me and I ventured in. What a mess. It was going to take a lot of money to get this place back to its glory days. And the stench was almost unbearable. Well, no wonder, I discovered a dead body in the living room.

Who he was, or why he was there in my house, I had no idea. For some reason, the sheriff wasn’t convinced. To top it all off, he caught me in the arms of my new boss, the principal of the elementary school and the guy I had a crush on all those years ago. Oh, I was hired as school secretary, guess you need to know that.

Needless to say, I was the main topic of conversation around town the next day. Gossipmongers in Littleton were having a ball at my expense.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the next day several eighth grade boys caught the principal kissing me in his office. I’d never live it down. Not that I minded being kissed, especially by Patrick. I just didn’t need it spread all over town.

Once I hired a handyman to fix the windows and change the locks, I rolled up my sleeves and got busy scrubbing the place inside so we could paint. I hired high school kids for that job. There was only so much I could do with working full time. But at least I was able to move in.

That’s when more trouble started. Someone broke in and I received phone calls warning me to leave. Obviously, someone didn’t want me here. If you want to know more, you’re going to have to read the book.

Secrets, Lies, & Love is available from Amazon. http://amzn.to/zZznVG

Excerpt:

Meghan loved this time of year, though a little too hot to start school in her opinion. Why they felt the need to go back in August was beyond her. She remembered her mother complaining about it years ago. “What was wrong with starting after Labor Day like they did in my day?” Her mother used to rant and rave for weeks before school started. Even got on the School Board. Not that it changed anything. School still started the last week in August. Meghan smiled at the memory.

Now that she thought about it, it was silly. Like they took the last week of vacation away from the kids. Bet the teachers didn’t like it either.

Meghan pulled into the school parking lot. Not much had changed here either. New landscaping, new windows, but that was about it. The old building looked pretty much the same.

Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She’d never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. The clean smell lingered through the first few days of school.

It had been a long time since she’d been to the principal’s office and she stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Duncan said look for Mr. Mac. He must be new in town. It wasn’t a name she remembered. So what was the worse he could say? Letting out her breath, she hurried inside, before her nerve left her. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books.

“Excuse me. I’m looking for Mr. Mac.”

“I’m Mr. Mac.” He turned toward her.

Meghan’s breath caught in her throat. “Patrick!” The word slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her, even better looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the edge of the desk to steady herself.

Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.

“Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see.”

Heat burned her cheeks as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. Would wonders never cease?

“Uh, um...” Oh crap. Now wasn’t the time to get tongue tied. “You’re the principal here?” Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?

“Yes, I am. I heard you were back in town. Are you staying then? Do you want to register your child?”

“Huh?” Her child, was he nuts? “Uh no I’m here about the secretarial position. Mr. Duncan was supposed to call you.”

“Really? You want the job?”

“Yes, didn’t Mr. Duncan call? He told me to come right over.”

“If he did I didn’t hear the phone. I’ve been in and out of the office.” He nodded toward the stack of books. “Too busy around here this time of year.” Patrick grinned and motioned her into his office. “So tell me about yourself. What qualifies you for the job?”

Qualifications? Think damn it. What was the matter with her? She’d lost all train of thought. “Well, I’m computer proficient. I’m good with math. And I love children.” What more could he want?

“I see. So why do you want the position? Tell me about your education.”

His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Meghan couldn’t take her gaze from him. All sense of reason flew out the window. She had the most God awful urge to reach up and push his dark hair out of his eyes. “I’m a former Math major, have two years of college. I’m a quick learner.” Finally, she looked away.

Secrets, Lies, & Love is available from Amazon http://amzn.to/zZznVG
Website: http://www.roseannedowell.com/

VALENTINE CONTEST STARTS JANUARY 14th

Drawings will be February 14 - Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY BOOKS WE LOVE READERS

ENTER TO WIN THESE FABULOUS PRIZES

Books We Love will be sending one lucky winner a gift certificate to a local Spa where they may choose a maniucre and pedicure or a 60 minute massage.

One lucky winner will win a print copy of Erin Quinn's new romantic suspense Web of Smoke.

One lucky winner will win a box of chocolates from Godiva's Valentine Assortment.

Two lucky winners will choose their choice of any Books We Love Spice ebook.

Enter at: http://bookswelove.net/contest.php

Time to Love Again

2012-01-28T05:15:00.034-05:00

I first met Rose Asbury the summer I moved in next door to her. Well, actually, I didn't meet her. I guess you can say I first saw her. She was working in her yard and I came out to say hello. Not that she gave me a chance to. Far from it. I hardly stepped in her yard and said hello and she jumped up and went into her house. I moved in to take care of my granddaughter while my son and daughter in law served their time in the Middle East. They were in the reserves and their units got called up. Rather than move Sarah to my house and disrupt her further, I moved in there. At least she could stay in her school and keep her friends.
It was a long time before I really got to know Rose. She rebuked me at every turn.
No matter how many times I tried to talk to her, all she did was nod a hello and hurry into the house. Her friends told me she'd lost her parents, husband, and sister all within a couple years of each other. She handled her parents death, but her husband and then her sister did her in. She turned into a recluse.
Once an outgoing, funloving, caring woman, she'd now become remote. Locking herself away from everyone but one friend. I found out later, she tried to avoid Louise too, but Louise wouldn't allow it.
Everything was going along like normal, Rose avoided me as much as possible and I still kept trying to talk to her, until that winter day she slipped on the ice. Our lives changed after that. For one thing, my granddaughter and her friends started bothering Rose. Little things, like sledding in her driveway and building snowmen. I talked to Sarah about it several times to no avail. I just couldn't stop her from bothering Rose. In fact, I was at my wits end what to do with her at all. She didn't do her homework or when she did, for some reason she didn't turn it in. I figured it had something to do with her parents being gone. I wasn't good at raising kids. My wife always handled our son. No matter what I tried, it didn't seem to work with Sarah.
To find out more about Rose Asbury and me, check out the book written by Roseanne Dowell. You can find it at Amazon. http://amzn.to/timetoliveagain

My latest interview

2012-01-27T07:01:00.002-05:00

from Books We Love Publishing is now up at http://networkedblogs.com/tej9v Check it out and see where I get my ideas and other things about me. Don't forget to leave a comment.

National Peanut Butter Day

2012-01-24T11:07:00.001-05:00

So, I just found out it's National Peanut Butter Day. I like peanut butter, always have. I remember coming home from school every day and making a peanut buttersandwich to tide me over until dinner time. My sisters and I came home from school early - about 2:30 and our lunch was usually at 11 and dinner wasn't until 6, so Mom allowed us to make a sandwich. We took our sandwiches into the livingroom, along with a glass of chocloate milk and watched American Bandstand. That was the only program we were allowed to watch during the day. Immediately after that the TV was turned off until around 7, when my dad turned it on.

But I digress, I was talking about peanut butter. I also like peanut butter cookies, although they aren't my favorite. Someone just said her husband could eat a whole jar of peanutbutter in one sitting. Now while I don't mind licking the peanut butter off the knife or spoon, I couldn't eat a whole jar. Heck, I couldn't eat a whole spoonful. I like my peanut butter sandwich with lots of jelly on it. Otherwise, it sticks to the roof of my mouth. Peanuts, on the other hand, well don't set a jar of those near me if you expect to have some leftover.

I remember when my parents went out for an evening, two of my brothers would take towels and swat me and my sister until we went into the kitchen to make them peanut butter sandwiches. Didn't take either of us long to figure out, it was easier to just do it when they asked - uh ordered is more like it - the first time.

Do you have a funny or favorite peanut butter story? Share it with me in the comments section.

Say Hello to Heather Haven

2012-01-23T08:26:00.025-05:00

Hi everyone! And thank you so much, Roseanne, for having me over for a visit. Currently, I am having 31 days of guest bloggers during the month of January over on my site, http://heatherhavensays.blogspot.com/. Roseanne was gracious enough to start Blogging Into 2012 off January 1st. That’s our gal! When Roseanne asked me to guest on her blog site, I was thrilled. It’s charming, well done, and saturated with romance. Just like Roseanne’s writing! I write mysteries, myself, but our Roseanne always manages to throw in ‘what’s going on?’ into her writing.

As for my writing, I’m very exciting these days. The final edits for the 3rd book of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Death Runs in the Family, were finished several weeks ago. Now I await the cover artist, Delilah K. Stephans, to start creating the cover for the book. After seeing the first two, I know the one for Death Runs will be just as darling.
For those of you not familiar with the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, let me welcome to the Family. You’re one of us now! And when the Alvarez clan is not is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of intellectual property and computer software.

Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and the soon to be released Death Runs in the Family are part of the humorous mystery series revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Graftonʼs Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitchʼ Stephanie Plum. Completing the Alvarez Family is Leeʼs Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. While ferreting out the bad guys, these whodunit novels explore familial love -- the good, the bad and the annoying.

“Heather Haven makes a stellar debut in Murder is a Family Business. Highly recommended.”

Sheldon Siegel. New York Times Best Selling Author of Perfect Alibi.

“Heather Haven has done it again with the second in the Alvarez series [A Wedding to Die For]. Just when I thought she couldn't best herself, she did.” Ginger Simpson, Dishin’ It Out with Ginger

Murder is a Family Business, Book One

Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.

A Wedding To Die For, Book Two

by

Heather Haven

A groom arrested for murder can put a crimp in anybody’s nuptials, no matter who designed the wedding gown. So when the wedding of Lee’s best friend is threatened by his arrest, thirty-four-year old Lee Alvarez heads to Mexico in search of the real killer and the best tasting tamales ever.

Death Runs in the Family, Book Three

by

Heather Haven

The man Lee divorced with joy in her heart and a gun in her hand has jogged back into her life, only to disappear again. But the -ex takes with him the secret of her cousin’s death as he hit the finish line of a footrace. Who will be next? Lee is in a battle against time to stop the Alvarez Family’s 12K race with death.

Heather is a story teller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she’s written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book.

One of her first jobs as a writer was given to her by her then agent. It was that of writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week and then promptly came down with the flu. She wrote "The Sands of Time" with a temperature of 102 and delivered some pretty hot stuff because of it. Later on, she wrote short comedy skits for nightclub acts and ad copy for such places as No Soap Radio, where her love for comedy blossomed. Many of her short stories have been seen in various publications, as well as 2 one-act plays produced in Manhattan.

Her first two novels of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Murder is a Family Business, and A Wedding To Die For were published by MuseItUp Publishing. The 3rd of the series, Death Runs in the Family, will be out in May 2012. Heather says they are a joy to write. She gets to be all the characters, including the cat! She lives in San Jose, California, with her husband and, yes, two cats.

Heather@HeatherHavenStories.com

http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/

Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp

http://www.facebook.com/

Twitter@HeatherHaven

Twitter@PILeeAlvarez

Say hello to, Sue Perkins

2012-01-18T08:04:00.005-05:00

It's very kind of you to invite me to your blog Roseanne.

Here in New Zealand we celebrate Christmas in the summer. The birds are singing in the sunshine outside making it difficult to concentrate on writing. On days like this I would prefer to sit in the garden with a good book, but writing commitments take priority. Writing this post isn't a chore though, it's a pleasure.
I had two books released over the Christmas period. One for Young Adults, and one for Middle Grade. Both are fantasy, the genre I love to read and write. Dragons also hold a place in my favorites as they are such wonderful animals, even if they are mythical.

Here is an excerpt of each book. I hope you enjoy.

On 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released "Reva's Quest" set in the magical land of Fey. Reva's garden gnome insists she go with him to Fey to save the world from an evil menace they have called Malice. The magical creatures of Fey believe Reva is to blame for the evil and believe she must be the one to destroy Malice.

Excerpt:
“Where are we going?”

“To sort out the mess you've made.” The gnome kicked grumpily at a dandelion. “You humans never think of consequences when you meddle in things not your concern. This time it’s gone too far, and you’ve got to put it right.”

They reached the pond, and Gareth stopped, waiting expectantly. Reva, not sure what he wanted, shrugged and sat down to pull on her trainers.

“Well go on,” the gnome said as she tied the laces. “Hurry up before the portal closes.”

“What portal? I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

“Humans!” He snorted derisively. “The portal in the pond of course. Jump in and pass through to the other side. You go first, and I'll follow.”

Reva looked dubiously at the pond. The scummy mess still sat on its surface, and it smelt even worse than when she’d first found it. Some horrible disease probably lurked in the depths, waiting to infect her.

I’m going to tell him to forget it. I’m off back to bed to wake up from this bad dream.

The look on the gnome’s face changed her mind. He stood, arms crossed with one of his little feet tapping impatiently as he waited for her to move.

A slow smile crossed her lips. If this was a dream, jumping in the pond wouldn't hurt her. With a shrug she began to untie her shoes.

“No need for that.” The gnome snapped. “You'll want them on the other side.”

With a grin, Reva pinched her nose shut with two fingers, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Feet first, she jumped into the murky depths.

Buy Link: MuseItUp Publishing http://tinyurl.com/revasquest

Desert Breeze Publishing released Dragon Flame a fantasy romance for Young Adults on the 1st January.

Talei's home settlement is burnt by flying dragons leaving her the eldest survivor. They join with survivors from other settlements. Talei is contacted telepathically by a dragon, and with Adri at her side she sets out for the other continent to solve the dragon problem. Failure means the end of dragons and humans on this new world.

Excerpt:

Crawling under the wagon, Talei peered out at the devastation unfolding across the field. Moments before gaiety and bright colors pulsed in time with the music as the colonists celebrated their anniversary. Now the field resembled a battlefield. The only color in the dark clouds of smoke rolling across the ground came from bursts of flame, as the dragons scorched the earth beneath them. Here and there intermittent smaller bursts indicated a few colonists trying to return fire with laser guns.

Darth stirred beside her, and thinking he moved to comfort her, she turned toward him. To her horror she saw him crawl from beneath the wagon and move toward a laser gun which had fallen from the hand of a dead defender.

"Darth, no," she hissed. "Don't be stupid."

He picked up the laser, and still lying on the ground he looked toward her, pride glowing in his eyes.

"I'm not stupid, Talei. I'm going to protect my home and people in the only way I know."

Without another word he wriggled forward until he reached the dance floor. Talei watched helplessly as he stood. Alone in the center of the dance floor, he fired at a dragon strafing the tents along the eastern side of the open space.

The beast turned. Without appearing to aim, it launched a stream of fire at Darth. He didn't even have time to cry out as his body burst into flames. When the blaze subsided only a blackened husk remained. Talei watched in horror as the residue of her childhood friend fell lifeless to the ground.

Buy Link: Desert Breeze Publishing http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame

Webpage: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

It's "Coffee, Doughnuts, Hold the Persimmon".

2012-01-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

It's Coffee, Doughnuts, hold the Persimmon

Where?

http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com/

When?

Tomorrow, January 18, 2012.

Don't miss this "can't believe I read the whole thing!" moment in history as ShutUrFace & DoWhatISay conspire against our hero, I.B. Nosey!!!!!!!

Amazing Author Event

2012-01-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

Amazing Author's Event

Starting Jan. 12, thirteen AMAZING AUTHORS will host a blog tour. Visit each author's blog and read through their post carefully. At the end of the tour there will be a test - but instead earning an A or, gasp, an F, you can earn PRIZES: amazing stories by these AMAZING AUTHORS, as well as some other cool giveaways. Thanks Anna Katherine Lanier for this catchy intro and Ginger Simpson for organizing this event.

Here's the AMAZING AUTHORS lineup:

Jan. 12. Caroline Clemmons - http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Jan. 13. Beth Trissel - http://bethrissel.wordpress.com/

Jan. 14. Roseanne Dowell - http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/

Jan. 15. Cathie Dunn - http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com/

Jan. 16. Maggie Toussaint - http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/

Jan. 17. Patsy Parker - http://plparker.blogspot.com/

Jan. 18. SG Rogers - http://childofyden.wordpress.com/
Jan. 19. Linda LaRogue - http://lindalarogueauthor.blogspot.com/
Jan. 20 Jacquie Rogers - http://romancingthewest.blogspot.com/2012/01/jacquies-amazing-authors-event.html
Jan. 21. Karen Nutt - http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/
Jan. 22. Anna Kathryn Lanier - http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Jan. 23. Barbara Edwards - http://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com/
Jan. 24. Ginger Simpson - http://mizging.blogspot.com/
I know I'm late in posting this. Sorry about that but you can go back and post late.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing!

Roseanne's Amazing Author's Event

2012-01-14T08:20:00.003-05:00

Hello, and welcome to my blog event. Several of my friends and I decided to participate together in sharing our best works for you, and at the same time, providing an opportunity to win one of several ebooks we'll be giving away at the end. All you need to do is follow the link daily for the next 13 days, and at the end, you'll be asked a few questions based on our blogs. Easy, peasey, lemon squeezy. Don't worry, you'll be given each blog to go back and find the answers.

Today, I'm sharing my tagline and buy link from my latest release from Books We Love Publishing. I hope you enjoy it:

When Meghan Shelby inherits the family home, she returns to her hometown after a ten year absence. Not only does she find the house is in a rundown, dilapidated condition, there’s a dead body in the living room. She also discovers secrets and deceit from years ago.

Meghan always loved this town that her parents whisked her away from when she was seventeen. Now she's back and looking forward to a new life . Her first surprise comes when she applies for a job as school secretary and the principal turns out to be none other than her high school crush. Needless to say, the feelings are quickly rekindled. Can she take the job and work with him every day?

Excerpt:

Meghan loved this time of year, though a little too hot to start school in her opinion. Why they felt the need to go back in August was beyond her. She remembered her mother complaining about it years ago. "What was wrong with starting after Labor Day like they did in my day?" Her mother used to rant and rave for weeks before school started. Even got on the School Board. Not that it changed anything. School still started the last week in August. Meghan smiled at the memory. Now that she thought about it, it was silly. Like they took the last week of vacation away from the kids. Bet the teachers didn't like it either. Meghan pulled into the school parking lot. Not much had changed here either. New landscaping, new windows, but that was about it. The old building looked pretty much the same. Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She'd never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. The clean smell lingered through the first few days of school. It had been a long time since she'd been to the principal's office and she stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Duncan said look for Mr. Mac. He must be new in town. It wasn't a name she remembered. So, what was the worse he could say? Letting out her breath, she hurried inside, before her nerve left her. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books. "Excuse me. I'm looking for Mr. Mac."
"I'm Mr. Mac." He turned toward her.
Meghan's breath caught in her throat. "Patrick!" The word slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her, even better looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the edge of the desk to steady herself.
Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.
"Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see."
Heat burned her cheeks as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. Would wonders never cease?
"Uh, um..." Oh, crap. Now wasn't the time to get tongue tied. "You're the principal here?" Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?
"Yes, I am. I heard you were back in town. Are you staying then? Do you want to register
your child?"
"Huh?" Her child, was he nuts? "Uh, no, I'm here about the secretarial position. Mr. Duncan was supposed to call you."
"Really? You want the job?"
"Yes, didn't Mr. Duncan call? He told me to come right over."
"If he did I didn't hear the phone. I've been in and out of the office." He nodded toward the stack of books. "Too busy around here this time of year." Patrick grinned and motioned her into his office. "So tell me about yourself. What qualifies you for the job?"
Qualifications? Think, damn it. What was the matter with her? She'd lost all train ofthought. "Well, I'm computer proficient. I'm good with math. And I love children." What more could he want?
"I see. So why do you want the position? Tell me about your education."
His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Meghan couldn't take her gaze from him. All sense of reason flew out the window. She had the most God awful urge to reach up and push his dark hair out of his eyes. "I'm a former math major, have two years of college. I'm a quick
learner." Finally, she looked away.

Buy link: http://amzn.to/tnqgR2

To continue playing along, visit Cathie's blog tomorrow at : http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com

On the last day, there will be prizes. Don't miss out. :)

I just read the review Ginger Simpson wrote for Secrets, Lies & Love and had to post it here. Thank you for the glowing review, Ginger. It means a lot to me, coming from such a talented, accomplished author.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Appropriate Title, January 13, 2012

By Ginger Simpson "mizging" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets, Lies & Love (Kindle Edition)

Roseanne Dowell has certainly captured all the elements that make a terrific story in this one book. Returning to your home town, one that isn't necessarily filled with pleasant memories, can be traumatic. The welcome mat doesn't really stand out when the house you've inherited is more ready for demolition than becoming your new home, and finding a dead body inside garners attention no one wants. When you add in the mystery of who the victim is, who is making the threatening phone calls, and wondering if the hero and heroine are truly destined to reignite sparks that started long ago, those pages will not turn fast enough. I highly recommend Secrets, Lies and Love. I certainly wasn't disappointed for one minute.

I Got a Liebster?

2012-01-08T00:34:00.057-05:00

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

I Got a Liebster? Wow!

Goodness, I'd never heard of the Liebster Award for blogs, but now I've gotten one...from Ginger Simpson. I'm honored because she mentioned that I'm dedicated in sharing my blog. I appreciate her thoughts. So thank you, Ginger, for the honor. I'm flattered. Especially at your comment "What a woman."
What is the intention of the award? To draw attention to blogs that deserve more.
If you're curious about the name, liebster is German for "favorite" or "dearest." I love being someone's favorite anything. :

My instructions, since I gladly accept this award, are:

1. Post this award on your blog. (Check)

2. Thank and link to the person who gave it to you. (Check)

3. Pass it on to five bloggers who have less than 200 followers. (Check, except I'm not entirely sure about the number of followers.)

4. Comment on those five people's blogs to share the good news. (Check, I can hear them groaning already)
I actually emailed them, it was easier.

Here are my five:

1. Gail Branan - I've grown to know Gail only recently, but she's become a very good friend. Gail's blog is dedicated to the memory of a friend who shared Flowers on The Fence with the world, which Gail now shares with all of us.

2. J.Q. Rose - Janet and I have become friends also through MuseItUp and shared on each other's blogs. Not only do we share a love of mystery, we share a birthday. Of course, her book, Sunshine Boulveard kept me up all night.

3 Rebecca Ryals Russell - Rebecca was one of the first people I met at Muse and another I was privileged to meet in person. Rebecca writes Y/A fantasy. She graciously allowed me and my husband to stay in her cabin when we were in Florida. In fact, she set up the meeting with me, Marsha and Barbara.

4. Marhsa Moore - Marsha and I met through Muse also and I had the pleasure of meeting her in person a few years ago. She's as sweet in person as she appears online.

5. Barbara Bockman - Last, but certainly not least, Barbara Bockman - another Muse author I had the privilege to meet. In fact, Barbara was a surprise we didn't expect when we got together for lunch in Florida. What an enjoyable time we had. Barbara also writes Y/A.

Okay...I've done my duty. I had a lot of people to chose from and it was a difficult decision. There are so many Muse Authors I've become friends with over the last two years. These five were not awarded on the spur of the moment, rather are listed because these women go the extra mile, Their blogs are interesting and fun.. Check them out, I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Congratulations, Ladies...and again, thank you Ginger. You made my day.

Say hello to Rosemary Morris

2012-01-07T04:33:00.015-05:00

1: Thank you so much for being here, Rosemary. First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?

When I was a child.

2:That seems to be when most of us began. So, what inspired you to write?

Reading and my interest in history.

3: Ah, yes our love of reading. Tell us, what do you like the most and least about writing?

I most enjoy the anticipation of the journey ahead when I begin a novel.

I regret that there are never enough hours in the day to devote to writing.

4: Oh to have more time. Seems to be a consensus with authors. And, what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

Spending time with my family and friends. Reading fiction and researching my novels. Growing herbs, fruit and vegetables throughout the year in my organic garden. Visiting places of historical interest. Arts and crafts, knitting, embroidery, patchwork etc.
5: We seems to have some of the same interests. Tell us, which authors do you like to read? A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s translations of classical Indian literature such as the Bhagahavadgita. Translations of the Indian classics such as The Ramayan and Mahabharat. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scot – particularly Ivanho, Elizabeth Chadwick, Georgette Heyer, Helen Hollick, M.M.Kaye, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind, Rosalind Miles, Colleen McCullogh’s Thorn Bids and too many others to list.
6: Wow, that’s some deep reading. What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I try to treat others as I would like them to treat me.

7: Tell us about your current novel, where we can find it and your website/blog.

Historical Background to Tangled Love. When the outwardly Protestant Charles II died, he left a country torn by religious controversy and not legitimate children. The throne passed to his Catholic brother James.

It was an anxious time for the people, whose fears increased when James II became to unpopular that he was forced into exile. In 1688,Jame’s Protestant daughter, Mary and her husband, William of Orange, became the new king and queen.

Some Protestants, who had sworn allegiance to James II, refused to take a new oath of allegiance to William and Mary and joined him in France.

Tangled Love Loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James II to France.

Before her father leaves, he gives her a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round her neck. In return Richelda swears an oath to try and regain their ancestral home, Field House.

By the age of eighteen Richelda’s parents are dead. Grief-stricken she believes her privileged life is over. At home her only companions are her old nurse and her dog. Clad in old clothes she dreams of elegant dresses and trusts her childhood friend Dudley, a poor parson’s son, who promised to marry her.

Richelda’s wealthy aunt takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is torn between her love for Dudley and her oath to regain Field House, where it is rumored there is treasure. While trying to find it will her life be at risk or will she find true love?

Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp Available from MuseItUp Publishing.com/bookssstore2/… Amazon Kindle and elsewhere.

Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012
http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/

8: Wow, sounds like you did a lot of research for this one.Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

However busy you are set aside time to write. If you write half a page every day you will finish a novel in a year. Join off or on line writer’s groups where you can mix with other writers, receive encouragement and encourage others.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Some historical figures feature in my historical novels but I do not base my characters on real-life people.

10: Where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?

I am inspired by incidents small and large in history. This novel was inspired by the turmoil created by James II. I asked myself: What if a young girl suffered as a result and wrote Tangled Love.

11: What are you currently working on?

I am revising two novels, one set in Queen Anne’s reign and the other in Edward II’s reign. I am also writing a new novel set in Charles II’nds reign.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I am grateful for my many blessings.

Prologue

1693

Richelda Shaw stood silent in her nursery while thunder pealed outside the ancient manor house and an even fiercer storm raged deep within. She pressed her hands to her ears and, eyes closed, remained as motionless as the marble statues in the orangery.

‘Nine years old and you’ve not yet learned to be neat!’ Elsie, her mother’s personal maid, pulled Richelda’s hands from her ears. ‘Come, your father’s waiting for you.’

Richelda’s hands trembled. What was wrong? Until now Father’s short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry while the servants spoke in hushed tones.

Followed by Elsie, Richelda hurried down the broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire the lilies of the valley in a Delft bowl. Only yesterday, she picked the flowers to welcome Father home. After she had arranged them with tender care, she placed them on a chest, which stood beneath a pair of crossed broadswords on the wall above.

Elsie opened the massive door of the great hall where Father stood to one side of the enormous hearth. Richelda’s eyes searched for her mother before she spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.

Father strode forward and placed his right hand on her bent head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Upon my word, sweetheart, I vow the colour of your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’

Richelda chewed her lower lip again. She did not know him well and dared not speak. Therefore, when he sat and beckoned to her, she hesitated.

Putting an arm round her waist, he drew her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father, child. Now, my daughter, do you know King James II now holds court in France and that his daughter, Mary, and William, his son-in-law, seized his throne?’

‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.

With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his knees and held her close. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to him. Tell me, Richelda, while the king lives how can I with honor swear allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’

Unable to think of a reply, she lowered her head.

Father held her closer. ‘Your mother pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary and begs me not to return to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand, Richelda?’

She nodded. Her cheek brushed against the softness of his velvet coat and she breathed in his spicy perfume.

‘If you remain in England, you will be safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry and I doubt the Crown will confiscate her estate.’

If she remained in England! Startled, she stared at him.

Smiling, he popped her onto her feet and stood. ‘Come, we shall ride. I have something to show you.’

Before long, they rode away from the house and estate. They drew rein on the brow of a hill. At its foot lay Field House, their ancestral home seized by the Roundheads soon after poor King Charles I execution.

He pointed at the Elizabethan manor house. ‘Richelda, I promised my father to do all in my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his chest. ‘Alas, so far I failed to keep my oath and now I cannot,’ he wheezed.

Richelda yearned to help him keep his promise to her grandfather. She also yearned to find the gold and jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.

After her father breathed easy, she ventured. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field House.’

‘Ah,’ he teased, ‘You believe Sir Nicholas did not give all his plunder to Good Queen Bess.’

‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his booty in Field House,’ Richelda said, excited by the thought of pearls and rubies, diamonds and emeralds, gold and silver bars and coins. Less shy of him, she asked. ‘In his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, did he put his ship’s…’ she broke off for a moment in an attempt to remember the word and continued triumphantly, ‘…his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’

‘Yes, for all I know she is still above a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’

‘I want to find the treasure.’

He chuckled and wheeled his thoroughbred mare round. ‘Come, time to ride back to Bellemont.’

‘Do you know our family motto, Richelda?’

‘Fortune favours the brave.’

‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’

To please him, she nodded.

Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp
Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012

http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE AMAZING EBOOKS

2011-12-30T09:01:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year. I'm ringing in 2012 by opening up my blog today and tomorrow to anyone who would like to post a tag line/blurb/buy link in the comments section. To play, you must have your own blog set up with the same title so I can hop over and post my info on your site. It's a 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' type of arrangement. I can't wait to see how many great reads we can post.

Since I'm the site owner, I'll post my info as an example. Just remember, don't post an entire book, we want to leave room for other guests...oh, and please keep your blurbs PG rated. Thanks.

Double the Trouble - Two murders, two men, one with five-year old twin daughters, complicate life for Kate Wesley. When the identical twin sister of one of the murder victims arrives in town more confusion erupts. http://bit.ly/doublethetrouble

Stranger on the Shore - It’s not every day you find a body washed up on your shore, but that’s exactly what happened to author, Jordan Blake, during an early Lake Effect snowstorm. http://bit.ly/dM2bHA

May I Have this Dance - Elizabeth Ashley returns to a place where she fell in love forty-two years earlier. Her memory takes her back. Back to a time when life was fun and she was full of life. http://bit.ly/MayIHaveThisDance

Connection of the Minds - Strange, realistic dreams and visions disrupt Rebecca Brennan’s life, especially when she actually feels someone’s pain. Determined to find who shares her mind, Rebecca takes a leave of absence from work to search for her mind connection and puts her life in danger. http://bit.ly/ConnectionoftheMinds

A Second Chance - Just when divorcee, Christine Rollins discovers new love, her ex asks for a second chance. Will she take the second chance with her ex or give in to her feelings for her new love? http://bit.ly/asecondchance

Coming Jan. 4th -

Secrets, Lies, & Love - A dilapidated Queen Anne Victorian, a dead body, and an ex boyfriend complicate life for Meghan Shelby when she returns to her hometown after a ten year absence.

http://bookswelove.net/dowell.php

For Unto Us A Child is Born

2011-12-25T00:28:00.000-05:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I remember singing this song in the choir many years ago.I miss those days. Life was simpler then, although I didn't think so at the time. My children were still young, in school and I worked as School Secretary. Life was good. Christmas was exciting. It was fun waking up Christmas morning and watching their faces as they unwrapped the gifts. We had a system. I didn't want them to just tear into them. It would be over too soon. So we started with the youngest first and with each gift the next youngest opened one first. I made sure there was enough to go around so each child had a turn at being first.

I loved waking up, often before the kids. I'd put on the coffee and wake them each in turn, telling them Santa had come. Yes, we still believe in Santa. How could we not. It's not the same now, hasn't been for years. The kids grew up and married, have their own children and made thier own life. Now they have the pleasure of watching their own children.
For many years now, it's been just my husband and me. Not quite the same excitment. We've started to open our gifts on Christmas Eve when we got home from celebrating with my brohers and sisters. It was usually past midnight, so technically Christmas.
But the excitement of waking on Christmas morning just wasn't there. I have to wait until later in the day to watch the excited faces of my grandchildren. The hours seemed to drag by. I guess I'm still lke a child with the excitement of Christmas. Besides, I love spending time with my family. I'm not used to being alone. I went from a family of eight (a brother and sister were still at home when I got married) to eventually having six children of my own. Obviously, it was a noisy, exciting household and Christmas was a special time. It was my mother's favorite holiday and I followed in her traditions. We started the holiday right after Thanksgiving with decorations, Christmas music and baking. It was a busy time of year. I wasn't used to living in a quiet house, especially around the hoilidays.
Finally, the hour came for the kids to come over. I loved the excitement of everyone, especially the kids. We still didn't let them tear into their gifts. It's so much fun to watch each individual child.
This year, we're doing something different. We're going to my son's for breakfast with my oldest daughter who's children have left the nest. This will be her first Christmas with no children in their house. I remember that feeling. So we're sharing the morning with my son, who wasn't blessed with children.
It won't be the same as when they were young, but at least I have something more to look forward to.
No Christmas morning will never be the same, but the reason for the day will always remain.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

I wish everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas.

I'm busy busy being....

2011-12-20T10:39:00.000-05:00

Here it is only five more days until Christmas.My gifts are bought and wrapped and now I have nothing to do. Funny, I'm usually panicky this close to Christmas, but this year is different. I'm not sure why. It's not that I'm any more organized, I'm not. I'm one of those people who like to get things done early and always have been. Not just for Christmas, but for everyhing. If I'm having people over for dinner, I have my table set the night before, serving bowls set aside and. if I can make any of the food the day before, I do that too. The more I can get done early, the better.
I was the same way when I worked many years ago as School Secretary. I got there early, put the coffee on and started my day before many of the teachers arrived. I liked to get my work done first thing, that way if anything unexpected came up, I wasn't rushing to get it done. Sometimes I miss working. It was a fun time in my life.
I loved the job, the people and everythign about it. It wasn't all work. We had some fun times in the office between the church secretary, the principal, pastor, and the teachers. It was a relaxed atmosphere.
Some days were busier than others and some seasons busier than others, like the beginning and end of the school year, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
It wasn't all that difficult balancing working with home life. My day started at 8 and ended usually at 3:30. Plenty of time to get home and make dinner. Plus my kids were old enough to help with the housework and laundry. In fact, one got married during my career and I was blessed with three of my grandchildren.
I didn't write back then, well not seriously. I kept a journal and I took a course for writing for children. I just wasn't cut out for that. I did write short stories, but I never submitted them.
Back then, I typed on an old Royal typewriter and then bought a used electric. It was qutite some time before I got my first computer. A Commodore 64 and a printer. There wasn't an internet back then, so any research had to be done at the library.
Wow, we've come a long way. How much easier to write now then back then. Of course, I no longer work and my children are grown and gone, so I can write pretty much whenever I want.
So...as I said, here it is five days before Christmas and I have nothing to do. Maybe I'll go bake some cookies.

Interview with Penny Ehrenkranz

2011-12-17T15:46:00.014-05:00

Today, my guest is author and editor, Penny Ehrenkranz.Thank you for joining us, Penny.

1. Whatqualifies you to be an editor?

My job as an editor is that of line editor. When I get a manuscript, it has already beenseen by a content editor several times. I look for grammatical errors, punctuation, spelling, and continuity. Iam also on the lookout for anything the content editor might have missed. For example in one manuscript, the authordescribed her character as always wearing a certain color. Then a few chapters later, she has her don asweater which is the wrong color. Ipointed it out to her and she changed it. An editor needs to be able to keep track and notice when something isoff. Another example comes from the bookI’m editing now. The author switched hermain character’s name and used the name of a main character from a previousbook.

I have a strong background in the English language, with English my mainarea of study in school. I spent anumber of years as an executive secretary where I needed excellent grammarskills. I’ve also been a publishedwriter since 1993, so I have a lot of knowledge.

BeforeI became an editor for MuseItUp, I took an exam which tested my skills. I know some people who applied failed thetest. When I got my job at anotherpublishing house as an editor, it came about after I reviewed a book and founda number of errors. I wrote to thepublisher and jokingly told her if she needed an editor to let me know. I sent her a copy of the book with myhighlights, and she quickly responded with a contract.

2. Howmuch input do you have in accepting a story that’s submitted to MuseItUpPublishing?

All of the editors have an opportunity to read submissions. The manuscripts are loaded onto a forum. Whoever has time, and all are encouraged,read the submission and comment as to the quality of the writing, including POVshifts, grammar, content, readability, and whether it is a good fit for ourhouse. The publisher has the final say,but she takes into account all of the input she receives. If she decides to reject, she sends ourcomments to the author.

3. Whodecides which editor gets which story?

We choose by ourselves. Sometimes it’s based on our own work schedule.Other times, we choose based upon our own interests. For example, I rarely, ifever, choose to work on a book of erotica. It’s not a genre I read, and so I’mnot familiar with it. I don’t feel it’sfair to the author for me to work on something I don’t really understand.

Ifan editor begins with an author on a series, we try to keep the editor with theauthor for the entire length of the series. Also, if the editor works well with the author, we try to keep themtogether even when it’s not a series. Building a good working relationship helps the editor know the author’svoice and style.

4. Whatdo you like best about being an editor?

Being paid to read. I love reading,and this is a job where I can read all day long, and no one tells me I haveother work I have to do. I’m alreadydoing it. I also enjoy the interactionwith authors from around the world. SomeI feel have become true friends.

5. Howdo you handle a situation where you suggest a change and the author refuses?

Ithink most authors understand why a change needs to be made. When they dorefuse, however, my method is to offer a compromise. For example, I’ll let them ignore a grammarrule in dialog, but they agree to correcting it within a scene. Since I started doing this a couple of yearsago, I’ve only had one or two authors I remember who stuck their heels in theground and refused to budge. I thinkmost authors can understand the need for a change if it’s explained properlyand not shoved down their throats as a command. I try to be respectful when Imake suggestions and listen to the author’s reasons why he or she doesn’t wantto make a change.

6. Doyou have a particular genre you prefer editing?

I love to work on fantasy and science fiction, since this is what I readfor pleasure. I also enjoy working onsweet romances, middle grade, and young adult. I’ve found I like cozy mysteries, too. Besides erotica, there’s verylittle I don’t want to edit.

7. What’sthe one thing you wish authors would avoid?

Point of view slips are the most annoying. They will take me out of the story, and Istop and ask myself: “Who’s story is this?” “Wait a minute, what happened there?”

It’sokay to switch point of view chapter to chapter or scene to scene, but itdoesn’t work when the author jumps back and forth between two characters withinthe space of one scene.

8. Doyou have a job other than editing? If so, what do you do?

Iretired from my day job in 2008. I wasthe Office Manager/Chief Legal Secretary for the Columbia County DistrictAttorney. Now, I can devote myself towriting, blogging, and editing full-time. Although I have to admit since I’m retired, I also give myself theluxury of spending time with my family, my pets, my garden and my craftprojects, like crocheting.

9. Whatdo you like about editing? What don’t you like about editing?

Since it’s difficult to edit my own work, I like being able to findproblems and tighten up a manuscript in someone else’s story. I wish I could do the same as easily with myown! I also like that I get paidroyalties for book sales, but I don’t have to do the marketing.

I enjoy getting to know the authors. I often invite them to be guests on my blog, having them answerquestions about their work, and learning about their latest releases.

When I worked with my other publisher, I didn’t like that I only had oneopportunity to go through a manuscript. I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the story initially andmissing subtle mistakes. Having thechance to go through it more than once, allows me to find errors I didn’t findthe first time. I have since “retired” from that publishing house.

About the only other thing I don’t like is when I get a manuscript laterthan I should, and I feel rushed with the edits. I don’t believe this is fair to the author,however, it happens sometimes. Life getsin the way, and earlier deadlines are missed. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen often.

10. What’s the difference between a contenteditor and line editor? Which would you rather do?

A content editor has the tough job of finding overused words, making surethe story makes sense, tightening up, and eliminating material which isn’tnecessary to the story. As I mentionedabove, the line editor works on the grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as wellas checking for anything the content editor might have missed.

I am very happy being a line editor. I believe this is where my strengths lie. Since I find it hard to chop and discard myown words, it’s difficult for me to do content edits on other people’s work,too. I’ve done a few content edits, butI definitely prefer being a line editor.

11. You're an author too, howdifficult is it to edit your own books? Tell us about your book and please addan excerpt.

I’ve talked about this a bit above. I find it difficult to edit my ownmanuscripts. As authors, we become“wedded to our words,” and divorcing them is very hard. I’d much rather work on someone else’s editsthan my own.

I have two books which I’ve been promoting recently. They are romances released by MuseItUpPublishing. Lady In Waiting came out inNovember and Mirror, Mirror will be released at the end of December.

TITLE: Lady-in-Waiting

Tag Line:Through a series of misunderstandings, Mabriona is forced to live a lie, butwhen the man she loves awakes from his coma, will she confess her deceit?

Blurb:Mabriona is cousin to the beautiful and spoiled Princess Alana. When Alana is forced to marry a man shedespises, Mabriona is torn between her loyalty to her cousin and her attractionto the handsome Prince Blayne.

Tragedybefalls the cousins on the way to Prince Blayne’s castle. Servants, believing Mabriona to be Alana,refuse to listen when she tries to explain.

While shewaits for Blayne to recover, Mabriona meets his equally handsome youngerbrother, Madoc, a bard.

When Blayneawakes, will Mabriona choose life with a future king, will she be sent home indisgrace because of her inadvertent lies, or will Madoc win her love with hispoetry?

Excerpt:

LADY-IN-WAITING

“Today’sthe day, Mabriona,” Princess Alana said as Mabriona entered the chambers. She wiped tears from her eyes with anembroidered linen. “Prince Blayne will be here, and soon I’ll be his wife. I think the worst part of being father’sdaughter is marrying someone I’ve never even met.”

“You’vealways known your marriage would be arranged for the benefit of the kingdom,Princess, but I’m sure he’ll be very nice,” Mabriona replied as she opened theheavy drapes covering the windows. She looked at her cousin and sighed. She wanted to feel sorry for Alana, butthey’d had this discussion so many times. Mabriona was tired of it. Alana had known from the time she was a childthat she would not wed for love. Why can’t Alana just accept her fate?Outside the day was as wet as the one before and the one before that.

“Nice? Who wants nice? I want someone handsome and dashing. A knight in shining armor who will love meforever. I certainly don’t want someonelike my father who will make me do everything I don’t want to do.”

TITLE:Mirror, Mirror

Tag Line:Lindsay Baker’s purchase of an antique mirror sends her back in time to salvagea love torn apart by class restrictions.

Blurb:Lindsay Baker is intrigued by everything about the middle ages, but when shepurchases an antique mirror and a costume to attend a Renaissance Faire, shesuddenly finds herself transported back in time. There she finds she’s been called by a witchto right a terrible wrong.

Grahamloves Prudence, but he can’t marry her because he’s landed gentry, and she isonly the baker’s daughter. BeforeLindsay can return to her own time, she must convince Graham to marry againsthis father’s wishes. Unfortunately, shealso finds herself falling for the handsome gentleman.

Can shefind her way back to her own time, or will she be stuck in a time when womenhad no rights?

Excerpt:

AfterStefany left, Lindsey adjusted the water spigots on her tub. A few drops of bubble bath went into thewater, and the soothing scent of lavender filled the moist, steamy air. While the tub filled, Lindsey tried on herRenaissance outfit for the upcoming Faire. She couldn’t believe her good luckat finding the perfect pieces. Shetested the bath water to be sure it was the right temperature. Then she pickedup her antique mirror to get a better view. Wasthis a scryer’s mirror at some point in time? It slipped from her wet handsinto the bathtub.

“Nuts,” she mumbled as she leaned over the tub. She pulled one sleeve up on her blouse andfished around in the bubbles for the mirror. When she pulled the mirror fromthe water, spots appeared in front of her eyes, and she felt faint. While she watched her reflection in the oldmirror, the background changed. She nolonger saw the inside of her bathroom. She closed her eyes as the room around her went black.

Buy link: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

What is your favorite Christmas gift?

2011-12-16T07:26:00.002-05:00

This one is especially difficult for me. I thought back through my childhood and came up with a tea set. I'm not sure what was so special about it. I believe I also got a doll, but something about that tea set stayed in my memory. I don't even remember how old I was, but I do remember it was white with pink flowers. Probably most of them were. Not only did it have a tea pot, cups & saucers, it came with spoons. I was pretty much a tomboy, so why I wanted a teaset I'm not sure. Okay, I played with dolls too, but I really loved climbing trees and playing ball with my brothers (when they let me). I can't say my older sister played with doll much either. I remember she got one also. Hers was taller than mine and walked. Mine didn't do much of anything but open and close her eyes, and it came with a baby bottle. That was okay, I didn't care that it couldn't walk. It was more fun pretending I was drinking tea - or more than likely coffee, since that's what my parents drank. Maybe it made me feel grownup. I remember drinking hot chocolate in those cups a few times.

As years went on, I'm sure I received many gifts that I loved - Darned if I can remember any of them. Until that year 46 years ago today, when my second daughter was born. I was getting pretty nervous with Christmas right around the corner. She was already ten days late. Back then doctors didn't think too much of it if you were late as long as everything looked okay. Obviously, it did.

I remember going to the doctor the day before and nothing indicated this baby was ready to be born. No pains, no dialation. Sure, she was down in the birth canal, but heck she'd been down there for a week. My sister and husband figured they could make me go into labor. My sister actually made me do knee bends and made hubby drive over the railroad tracks real fast. What she thought that was going to do, other screw up my car, was beyond me. Of course none of that worked. So she came up with this other brainsstorm. I was to go to the hospital and tell them I was in labor. Doh....did she think they were stupid and in about ten minutes would figure out I wasn't. But, I figured, what the heck. The worse they would do was send me home, so off we went.

Well of course I wasn't having pains and when I got there, I had to pretend they stopped. But lo and behold, I was dialating, so they kept me overnight. The next day I wasn't progressing very much, but I was having pains, few and far between. By 2:30 in the afternoon, the doctor decided to break my water. He said it would be a while yet and left the room.

I looked at the nurse and said, "my baby's coming."
"No, honey," she said. "The doctor said it's going to be a while."
I shook my head. "No, the baby's coming now."
Maybe it was something in my voice, or maybe just to humor me, she checked me. "Stop the doctor," she yelled. "Her baby's coming."

I guess I just didn't want him to leave the hospital. Anyway, that Christmas we celebrated with two children. My oldest daughter, almost two, was so much fun to watch open her gifts and admire her baby sister. So, I guess, that was my favorite Christmas gift. To be blessed with two beautiful children.
God was espeically good to us and blessed us with another daughter and three sons and they've blessed me with fourteen grandchildren and now one great grandchild. So what is my favorite Christmas gift? Every year when we get together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior is my favorite gift.

Meet C.K. Volnek

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Meet Tara Cummings

Hello. Oh, I thought we were meeting C.K. Volnek today to discuss her book, A Horse Called Trouble.

Sorry. C.K. asked me to take her place today. She’s busy getting ready for her book birthday on Friday, Dec. 16. She’s really excited and is going to give one lucky reader who leaves a comment on her blog-a-thon a FREE e-copy of her new book, A Horse Called Trouble. I’m Tara and this is the story of how Trouble and I met.

Oh, how wonderful. Can you tell us a little bit about A Horse Called Trouble?

Sure. As I said, my name is Tara, Tara Cummings. I was so happy when C.K. decided to write A Horse Called Trouble. It’s a horse story…of course. Lol. I’ve always loved horses, though until I was sent to this horse therapy program I’d never been around one in real life. Now, after everything Trouble and I have been through, I don’t know how I could live without him. He’s taught me so much.

How old are you, Tara?

I’m 13. I’ll be starting high school in the fall. I used to be afraid to go to high school. I just knew I would be miserable. Now, after meeting Trouble, I think I can handle it. I’ve made some friends and feel confident I can do it.

Good for you. Where are you from, Tara?

I used to wish I lived somewhere beautiful and green, like some place out of a travel magazine. But I’ve always lived in this dirty city. With it being in the mid-west, one would think there would be more green. But not so in the part I grew up in. It was all concrete and garbage. If something did try to grow, it was choked out by car exhausts and people tramping it.

Once, I found a bunch of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ videos in the dumpster out behind our apartment and I watched them over and over at Grandma Kay’s. (She wasn’t my real Grandmother, but I loved her as if she was. She took care of me when Mom was gone or drunk.) Anyway, I used to dream about running in the tall grass like Laura Ingalls does in the show. I never thought I would ever see that much grass. But going out to Freedom Farm was like a dream come true. There is so much grass and tons of trees. It’s the most beautiful place in the world.

At first I didn’t want to be at the farm. I was sent there because I’d been set up. I didn’t take Alissa’s purse…and she knew it. But it was just like her to get me kicked out of our school for it. I learned a long time ago to just keep my mouth shut and try to stay as low as possible to keep off everyone’s radar. Everyone expects me to be trouble. Partly because Mom was a drunk and partly because she dumped me, leaving me to fend for myself in foster care. I quit trying to prove to everyone I wasn’t bad. I couldn’t win. Then I met Trouble. Kind of funny, him being named Trouble. But we had a lot in common. And it’s because of him that I can hold my head high now. I never thought I’d ever feel confident or find happiness.

Freedom Farms sounds like a wonderful place.

Sigh. It is. It’s beautiful. I’d never smelled lilacs before I went there. Oh my gosh, I loved it! My first day, all the kids were gagging because of the smells. It was pretty bad. A guy was cleaning out some really raunchy stalls. But once I got past that, the smells grew on me. I even found myself liking the smell of horse sweat. Ha!

The farm is just outside the city, though it feels like it’s light-years away. It’s fresh and green, with tons of open spaces. Wide open pastures and white rail fences. Horses of all colors and sizes. Peaceful. And quiet. You can even see a million stars from there.

You talked about a Horse Therapy Program. What is that?

It’s a really neat program. In this particular program, they bring troubled kids and horses together. The horses are our teachers. I thought the instructor was so stupid the first day when she said that. How was I going to learn anything from a horse? But they do teach us—a lot. Horses could walk all over us if they wanted to, but instead they choose to work with us…if we work with them. They teach us about teamwork, respect and trust. I’ll never forget the first day Clancy tried riding. Clancy is one of the other kids in our program. He was not working with Homer and Homer let him know it. I couldn’t help but laugh. Yeah, that didn’t go over so well with Clancy. I thought he was going to kill me.

What did Clancy do?

You have to understand, Clancy ruled Marvel’s. Or so he thought. I accidently kicked him where no guy likes to get kicked the first day I got to Marvel’s. I didn’t mean to. He dumped me out of ‘his’ chair and my leg just kicked him there. Anyway, ever since, he’s been after me. I tried to stay out of his way and hoped he’d forget. Except Alissa wouldn’t let that happen.

Who is Alissa?

Alissa is a girl from my other school. She hates me. And I don’t know why. And she is so mean to Trouble, too. That was one of the things we had in common. I had to stop her from hurting Trouble.

Tell us about Trouble.

Trouble is a great horse. And he’s so beautiful. He’s what they call a bay—red with a black mane and tail and a white blaze down his face. At first I was scared of him. He was wild and crazy, ready to kill anyone in his path. But I can see why, knowing Alissa. If I hadn’t met him, there’s no telling what would have happened to him…or me for that fact. He saved me as much as I saved him.

Well, I need to go. Feeding time will be here soon and Trouble likes his oats. C.K. told me to tell you thanks for letting me stop by today. She also wanted to let her readers know where they can find her.

They can contact her at ckvolnek (at) yahoo (dot) com.

They can join her on her web page: www.ckvolnek.com, or visit her at her blog: www.ckvolnek.com/blog.html.

They can also find her on Facebook (C.K. Volnek) or Twitter (CKVolnek), Good Reads and Jacket Flap. Her book trailer is on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyJ1J9wESEY.

A Horse Called Trouble can be found at the MuseItUp Bookstore: http://tinyurl.com/7s7asu2

At Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7vhdo6e

As well as other great on-line bookstores.

So, on behalf of C.K. Volnek, thanks again. And remember to leave her a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of the e-book of A Horse Called Trouble.

Tara Cummings

Book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyJ1J9wESEY

I love this time of year

2011-12-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

I mean really. I love everything about it. The hustle and bustle of shopping - okay, I'm not doing much of that this year and truthfully, I miss it. Really I do. I used to love shopping for my kids, trying to remember what I bought and for which one and making sure I didn't buy one child too many gifts. I always kept the packages even. It wasn't fair if one child got five gifts and one got six, or worse four. Yes, I also tried to spend the same amount on each child, but no way was one going to have more packages to open. So sometimes one got something that cost less. In later years, when I bought them mostly clothes, I often got them the same things. My daughters used to laugh because they all got the same sweater only different colors. No one could say I wasn't fair. Now all my children get the same gift. One year I made them all flannel quilts, once I made them home made noodles and perogi. My son said that was his favorite gift. Last year my husband made his spaghetti sauce and canned it. This year I have other homemade gifts. Being on a fixed income, we can't purchase many gifts anymore. It's enough to make sure the grandchildren get gifts. Four of the grandchildren have moved into the adult category since they have spouses. They get the same thing my children get.
Truthfully, I think they all appreciate these homemade gifts more than the ones I purchased.
I love the Christmas music on the radio. It cheers me up and brings back memories. Memories of my childhood and early days of marriage and when the kids were young. What happy days. I loved waking up Christmas morning and watching the kids open their gifts. Now Christmas morning is just me and hubby and we have to wait until later in the day to enjoy the grandchildren.
This year, my oldest daughter will be alone for the first time on Christmas morning. I remember that first year. So I invited her and my son in law to breakfast and decided it would be fun to make it and take it to my son and his wife who don't have any children. I hope we can start a new tradition and I hope as each of my children experience the first year alone, they'll join us. It'll probably be a few years before that happens.
I love the Christmas lights too. Everything looks so cheeerful. I dread taking down the tree and turning off the outdoor decorations. It all looks so bleak and boring. I don't look forward to that at all.
So as I said, I love this time of year and hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

2011-12-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a great turnout we had. Sorry it took longer than we anticipated to count the points. But without further ado: The Winners of the Muse Family Feud Game are:

First Place: Larriane

Second Place: Jenna Storm

Tied for Third: JoAnna Becker

Tied for Third: Kristin T.

The top answers were:

1. Name something a woman might do to drive her husband crazy.

a. Tell him how to drive

2. Name something a woman wears that a man doesn't.

a. a bra

3. Name a man's body part that is bigger now, than when he was 16.

a. his belly

4. Name a reason a man might send his wife flowers.

a. guilt

5. Name something women borrow from each other.

a. clothes

1. Article of Clothing You Can't Wash in the Wash Machine

a. jacket

2. Name a Recreational Activity Traditionally Done in Hot Weather

a. swimming

3. How would you know your real life Prince Charming?

a. his smile

4. Name something that a Man Had Better Not Take Along on His Honeymoon

a. his mother

5. What might a customer do to Annoy a Waitress?

a. small tip

1. Name a food that has one or more holes in it.

a. swiss cheese

2. Name something you mount.

a. a horse.

3. Name something you lose when you get older.

a. memory

4. Name something you would play with in the bath.

a. a rubber ducky

5. Name something a man reaches for after he climbs into bed.

a. his wife

Name something a woman might leave her lipstick mark on.

a. a cheek

Again, Thanks to everyone who played. It was fun reading all the answers. Karen will send the gift certificates to the winners.

Muse Family Feud

2011-12-07T20:10:00.002-05:00

IT’S TIME TO PLAY…..THE MUSE FAMILYFEUD!

Okayall you game-player lovers, Karen Cote’& I decided to take theFamily Feud on the road and bring it home to our own family to create the veryfirst Muse Family Feud. In light of keeping it all-in-the-family, we polled theentire Muse-Staff, i.e. editors, cover artists, and yes we pulled in the bigfish, Ms. Lea, to get her answers as well.

Ourdesign, since we are one-big-happy family here, is to create something fun andinviting. So…what do you say? Wanna play? We’re giving away some big prizes…orat least, Lea is. LOL. Three lucky winners will win a book of their choice fromthe MuseItUP Publishing Bookstore.

Allyou have to do is look at the questions below and then visit www.karencote.tv/call-me to privately leave your answers (the answer link will beprovided below the questions). Each question has a corresponding score and thethree people who score highest in the answers polled, wins a book of theirchoice in our fabulous bookstore.

Areyou ready? Set… Go!

For a total of 150 points, we polledthe Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board.

1.Name something a woman might do that drives her husband crazy. (50 points)

2.Name something women wear that men don't. (40 points)

3.Name a man's body part that is bigger now, than when he was 16. (30 points)

4.Name a reason a man might send his wife flowers. (20 points)

5.Name something women borrow from each other. (10 points)

Double the points for a total of 300points we polled the Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board.

1.Name an article of clothing you can't wash in the wash machine (100 points)

2.Name a recreational activity traditionally done in hot weather (80 points)

3.If you met the real life Prince Charming, how would you know it was him? (60points)

4.Name something that a man had better not take along on his honeymoon (40points)

5.Name something a customer might do to annoy a waitress (20 points)

Triple the points for a total of 450points: We polled the Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board

1.Name a food that has one or more holes in it. (150 points)

2.Name something you mount. (120 points)

3.Name something you lose when you get older. (90 points)

4.Name something you would play with in the bath. (60 points)

5.Name something a man reaches for after he climbs into bed. (30 points)

Bonus question worth 100points: We polled the Muse Staff for the top answer on the board:

Namesomething a woman might leave her lipstick mark on. (100 points)

DO NOT PLACE ANSWERS HERE! Visit www.karencote.tv/call-meto list your answers. Good luck! Winnerswill be notified and announced on Roseanne’s blog Dec. 105h.

Commentsare welcome as long as they’re not answers. You don’t want to give anyonehints.

An interview with editor, Tanja Cilia

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm interviewing Tanja Cilia. First of all, Tanja, thank you for being here today.

1. A question many authors used to ask me -What qualifies you to be an editor?

It’s a combination of things – an eye for detail; the ability to enhance a writer’s voice rather than stifle it; an extensive vocabulary; General Knowledge; a reasonably good memory; a sound knowledge of syntax… and practice, practice, practice.

2. All of that is very important. I know you work for MuseItUp Publishing. Tell us, how much input do you have in accepting a story that’s submitted to MuseItUp Publishing?

Manuscripts are placed in a loop and we editors each give our points of view about them. What is interesting is that something that screamsyes! to me may be inane or a total loss to someone else. It may need a total change of point of view, or a drastic re-write and re-submission, according to someone else.

3. Who decides which editor gets which story?

Again, it’s a combination of things. If it’s YA or MG Science Fiction, I will ask for it upfront – other editors have their own preferences. Sometimes, writers have their preferred editors, and vice-versa. However, Lea sometimes says “You’ll love this!” to one of us.

4. What do you like best about being an editor?

The fact that I get to read both the raw book and the finished version; the friendships I have forged with writers over the years; and that I learn new things from my authors all the time.

5. How do you handle a situation where you suggest a change and the author refuses?

If it’s a question of coherence, logic, anachronism, flow or unity, a regional or time-restricted word, the writer usually concedes the point. Sometimes, my suggestions would be at odds with the universe (in Science Fiction) in which the story is set; so minute details to clarify this would have to be inserted elsewhere into the story. If it’s a deadlock, Lea gets the last word.

6. Do you have a particular genre you prefer editing?

Definitely – it’s Science Fiction. I was weaned on the Gollancz Yellow Jacket series, you know! The fact that the Public Library was ten minutes away from my childhood home was a bonus.

7. What’s the one thing you wish authors would avoid?

Some authors think that writing a book is just like writing a long essay – that a beginning, a body, and a conclusion to tidy up loose ends ought to do it. So they jump through loops to make sure that stock characters behave according to (what they think is) type, and woe betide anyone who dares point out that deep sea divers, for instance, do not necessarily pepper their speech with puns about salt and fish and seas non-stop. Murderers do not consider each person they meet a potential victim. I also wish authors would stop relying on spell-check.

8. Do you have a job other than editing? If so, what do you do?

Since I was 14 years old, I have been writing for Allied Newspapers (Malta). Apart from that [see elsewhere in this interview] I do several other writing-related matters, in Maltese and English, online and in print.

9. What do you like about editing? What don’t you like about editing?

It’s nice when an author says “Good catch!” or “I never thought of that!” I like it even more when they say I helped them polish their book to as near enough perfection as does not matter. I do not like it when they sleep on the edits although they know that a deadline is looming, in the hope of panicking me into letting awkward bits in the manuscript through because time is short.

10. What’s the difference between a content editor and line editor? Which would you rather do?

This is a tricky question – for me, at least, when I do content edits. Since I am also a proofreader for magazines, a translator (Maltese to English, English to Maltese), a ghost-writer and a journalist, I tend to tweak language, offer suggestions, check for redundancy and repetition, correct grammatical errors, punctuation and spellings, and point out inconsistencies (including indicating whether the reading level is readership-appropriate) as I go along with content editing – which I prefer. I know that strictly speaking, some of these are the province of line editors. When I do line edits, on the other hand, I cannot resist pointing out some things that are content editor territory.

Tanja has graciously given us one of her flash fiction pieces.

The Stranger at The Crossroad

You know what they say about truth being stranger than fiction? Well, you can believe it’s true.

So there I was, convalescing in Rome, reading Murder on the Orient Express, while on one of those buses that have the middle like an accordion so they can go round corners. Bendy buses, I think they call them.

I was thinking that this would have been the ideal vehicle on which to kill someone – you just sit at the back, with a potential victim, when all the people are in the front half, and do the deed. Then you alight from the door serving the hind part of the vehicle, and Bob’s your uncle.

And then it happened. You know how in another book - or was it another film? - Miss Marple saw a man strangle a woman on another train, and since a body was not found the police assumed she was rambling, what with being old and all? We were just nearing Le Quattro Fontane (the Four Fountains) – that group of four Late Renaissance fountains located at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale, the most famous crossroads of the world – or so the Italians say.

Well – I happened to look out of the window and I saw a bus coming the other way, and – suddenly – I saw a woman stand up thump a man on the head with what looked like a frying pan, and then, she just rolled him out of the emergency door. I gasped, and followed the body with my eyes.

Suddenly, from behind the sill of the Fountain of Diana (the only one of the four, as I recall, designed by the painter and architect Pietro da Cortona, for the rest were the work of the fortuitously-named Domenico Fontana), up jumped a man dressed in black from head to toe. He sneezed, and put his little fingers to his lips – I am assuming he whistled in that shrill chav ways I hate so much. A Black Maria-like car drew up, the driver hopped out, and together they half-pulled, half-lifted the man into the back. Hecate would have been proud of them.
Our bus rounded a corner - I rang the bell but the driver did not stop. I ran to the front of the bus, but I could not make the driver understand what I wanted him to do. My Italian is patchy at the best of times, and he kept saying something like “Espresso, diretta, non posso fermarmi”. I couldn’t have cared less about his offer of coffee when we got to the terminus - I just wanted him to stop, so I said “Polizia” and he said something that sounded like “My my my!” and I thought he was telling me I was making a fuss.

Of course, the nuns at the Convent of Saint Elisabeth, at whom I was staying, saw how shaken I was, and they understood what I was saying because a couple of them spoke almost perfect English. They explained that I had inadvertently caught the direct line that did not stop. What the driver had really said was “Mai!” which means “never”.

So they drove me to the police station where I made a report about what I had seen. They found the body a week later, when they dredged the section of the Tiber nearest the place I indicated, weighted and dumped. Later on, the full story was splashed across the papers, on all three RAI television stations and on the Mediaset ones too. The woman was an Albanian hooker, and the man she attacked had been her pimp. The man at the crossroad was her boyfriend – an ex-client who wanted to give her a better life and had hatched the plan. The pimp had been threatening to have her deported, because she was not earning him enough money, and she did not want to go back home.

I had to stay in Italy longer than I planned, but since I was a key witness I was given free board and lodging for the extra fortnight I remained; and of course, my Italian improved no end, in that short period. For a time, I was quite the media star.

This is weird, considering that I am a Maltese nun.

Welcome, Christi Barth

2011-12-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

Making Waves at Sea – a character interview from CruisingToward Love!

Welcome to myblog, Callie’s Cogitations. I foundedthe largest search engine in the world, WhoWhatWhy. Running it kept me waaaaay too busy to evendaydream about a trip. But now that Itook the company public, made a gajillion dollars and retired at the ridiculousage of twenty eight, I’m off to see the world. My friends back at my old company want to keep up with my super-excitingfirst vacation in a decade. Personally,I think none of them believe I’ve left the country and want proof. Plus, none of them ever take vacations. Inorder to live vicariously through me, they convinced me to write a travel blog.

To bring you upto speed, I’m on board the luxury cruise ship Amphitrite, somewhere in themiddle of the Caribbean. I promise I’llupload photos soon – my pal Reed is the ship’s photographer. His shots will wow you almost as much as his bulgingbiceps wow me! He claims ship rulesprohibit him from fraternizing with guests. Hmm. The brochure I got said, andI quote, this ship will cater to your every need. And my need is for a tall,slightly nerdy hunk. When I tried tokiss him last night, he freaked out. Butstay tuned – I intend to find out what’s underneath that uniform of his.

Right now I’m inthe solarium. I thought it would be asoothing place to meet my new bestie, Zoe. She’s nursing a wicked hangover, and doesn’t look pleased with my choiceof locale. The pale green glass of theceiling filters the sun’s direct glare, but it still glints powerfully off theswimming pool. I told her to stare atthe wall of bright purple bougainvillea instead. She brought this misery upon herself. Sure, Zoe was shocked to discover she’s stucksharing a cabin with the guy who broke her heart ten years ago. Is that any reason to guzzle good Frenchchampagne like it’s tap water? I don’tknow why she’s so upset. Apparently thecombination of moonlight and a romantic deck stroll got to her, and she plantedone on Nate, and then it became mutually hot, amazing smooches. Huh. From loathing to lip lock in one day. Might be a world record.

Anyway, Zoe’s got herpanties in a twist about what to say to Nate. Should she wait for him to bringup the smoochfest? Or pretend she was so drunk she can’t remember whathappened? All excellent questions, so weneed more input. Additional data always clarifies the correct option. Sorry,the computer geek in me typed that last sentence.

Whoops! Zoe just snagged my iPad and now is all in alather that I’m taking notes on her, and I quote, ‘wreck of a life’. But since we haven’t hit any ports yet, thisdrama between she and Nate is one of the most exciting parts of the trip. Let me know what you think in the commentssection. Should she ignore ten years ofbitterness and hurt to keep up the lip lock with Nate? Or find a way to leave him stranded on a tinyisland?

Can an unexplained breakup and ten years ofheartache be cured by the romance – and endless buffets – of a tropicalcruise? When her sister is left at thealtar, small town librarian Zoe Balis jumps at the chance to take the bride’sunused ticket for the honeymoon cruise. But she didn't count on sharing a cabin with the man who broke her heartten years ago!

Army medic Nate Hyatt never told Zoegoodbye when he enlisted - or the real reason why he dumped her on prom nightafter a year as high school sweethearts. And he never stopped dreaming about the girl he left behind. Could this voyage be his chance to fix theworst mistake he ever made? After all, aCaribbean cruise should be romantic… if he can convince her tomove past ten years of bitterness and hurt.

Once aboard the luxury liner, Zoebefriends a bored Internet mogul with more heart than tact. Natevents his problems to a ship’s photographer battling PTSD. The four team up on an island hoppingtreasure hunt. The stakes grow higherwith each of Zoe’s mysterious brushes with death. They race to discover why she's a target andwho's behind it, while still competing in the treasure hunt. Zoe’s nevergotten over her first love, and is tempted to let Nate back into her life. But she already lost him once. She’s not willing to risk loving a man whosecareer keeps him in a combat zone. CanNate breach her defenses and suture her broken heart? Grab a deck chair and see if they survive thestormy relationship seas as they cruise toward love!

For more information on allof Christi’s books, please visit www.christibarth.com or swing by her blog at http://christibarth.blogspot.com .

Welcome, Kristin Battestella

2011-12-05T07:26:00.006-05:00

Fate and Fangs: Tales from The Vampire Family

Feel Love, experience Punishment, know Struggle, indulge the Debauchery, crave Lust, learn Humanity, faceResurrection, and choose: Fate or Fangs?

It's been a whirlwind literary year for me as you can imagine thanks to my new 7 book series with Muse It Up! The themes, thoughts, and emotions of the collection run the gauntlet of desire, pain, excess, and immortality. I've been swept up by it all all over again thanks to the editing process with Muse Owner Lea Schizas and our sweet, sweet cover art designs by Suzannah Safi, in addition to all the virtual and real world promoting and appearances. I've had a great time visiting with my fellow Muse Authors, meeting paranormal fans, and discussing with horror readers- and we've had some really wild chat room sessions along the way, too!!

The Best part? Its not over yet! I find it both ironic and fitting that our next Fate and Fangs tale, Book 5, Lust: James at the Sundowner, is Now Available (!) for December. I mean, really, lusting and kinky speakeasy vampires for Christmas? Not what most of us think of for the holiday season! However, there's also a certain loneliness and melancholy to Lust, and I find the timely of Tale 5 for the holidays quite fitting in many ways. So many people are unhappy during the festivities, Blue Christmas, winter blues. Whatever you want to call it, for many this time is the most depressing of the year. Now then, imagine that kind of brooding for all eternity!

The Sundowner offers steamy Welshire vampires Jessica, Pamela, and Slava for underground vampire sex and biting fetishes in this mid-century tale from Professor James. Victoria’s twin brother James, however, is content with his gig as piano player at the club owned by their brother Stephen. James’ own love Catrina is the alluring singer at The Sundowner, but can he keep his longtime vampire companion away from the tempting, exciting young clientele?

Thus far in Fate and Fangs, we've had the romance, horror, extremes, and pouty, yes- but it has mostly involved the lady fangful. In Lust, we spend some time now with the unhappy male vampire perspective. Can the unwilling vampire of the family stick to the status quo and lose himself or his lady love? How does one hang on after centuries of blood and mayhem when one's heart isn't really in it? I confess, I've always had a soft spot for James, dating back to my original novel in the franchise- The Vampire Family, now on kindle with Eternal Press- and I think he might capture a few more hearts with his soulful tunes!

" Unfortunately, after five centuries or so, the comfortable vampire enchantment can, in fact, wane. Sometimes I think Catrina is longing for something more-just like her fooled admirers. I enjoy my music. I have to occupy myself with some post-war Goodman ‘Moonglow’ and Miller ‘Serenade in Blue’ in order to control my Welshire urges. These dark gifts cannot and shall not rule me. I will not succumb to animal anarchy the way Stephen does. For myself, I am content in my respectable role here until the next war comes calling. Can I admit to myself that I know Catrina is not content? How could she be? My voluptuous love has the predatory power of the wolf and all her fun feline charm. I enjoy watching her exude the dark magic allure as I play the music for her. Her exotic and spooky look brings the silver screen to life-curly black hair and white skin stamped with a perfectly deadly pout of red lips. I love her, I always have. I could not bring the vampiric gifts to anyone I did not love. I expected to spend the rest of my unnatural life with her. Although I don’t doubt Catrina loves me and will always have a space for me in her black heart still; deep down I know she intends to leave me for new vampire lusts. ...."

As always, you can find us online just about anywhere, and we're still going strong with Fate and Fangs into 2012! Thank you again so much Roseanne for having us stop by for a little holiday horror!

The Smells of Christmas

2011-11-28T16:46:00.001-05:00

We have many traditions in our family at Christmas. When I was a little girl, baking started the day after Thanksgiving. My mom baked dozens and dozens of different kind of cookies, Spritz, sugar cookies, frosted cookies, cookies with sprinkles, not to mention bakery - poppy seed and nut rolls and other delicious yeast doughs.
Oh yeah, the house smelled delicious. Back then, people visited more often during the holidays. Not a weekend went by without company, usually Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The week between Christmas and New Years was the same. Every night, we either went visiting or we had guests. Hence the need for bakery. Back then many of us didn't have a television and even when we did, it wasn't the center of our lives.
I still do a lot of baking, but not near as much as my mom.
For us, the day after Thanksgiving was spent putting up the Christmas tree - something my mom did on Dec. 6th - the feast of St. Nicholas. Of course back then we had real trees. Once we went the way of the modern world with artificial, we could put them up much earlier and we did. (Including my mom)
We also had a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, which I still make - but not on Christmas Eve any more. Mos of my children visit with their in-laws on Christmas Eve, so we decide last year to do it a week earlier. That way everyone gets to enjoy it.
This meal takes some advance preparation - for one thing, we make homemade peroghi - that's an all day job and involves me and my three daughters. We make potato peroghi and sauerkraut peroghi. Since we're getting together Sunday to make these, I browned the sauerkraut with butter and onion today. The very aroma makes my mouth water. As if that wasn't enough, I also boiled the mushrooms we use for our soup. Although this isn't necessary to do so far ahead of time, it's something we do when we find the mushrooms on sale. Strange combination of smells you think.
Let me tell you a little about our meal. We start it off with Oplatkay - paper thin wafer similar to Communion wafer with honey on top. This is a breaking bread type tradition. Next we serve mushroom soup. Mushrooms and potatoes mixed with a little bit of vinegar and browned butter and flower to thicken it slightly (I think it's more for flavor than thickening because nothing about the soup is thick). It's a sour soup and we serve either Mogan David or Manischewitz Concord grape wine, which is very sweet and a great compliment. The next course is babalki - little balls of bread that are steamed, drained, mixed with butter and either sauerkraut (browned in butter) or ground poppy seed with sugar and honey and of course the peroghi. Needless to say with all those carbs, it's a filling meal. But the smells that emanate from the kitchen are heavenly. My mouth is watering as I write this. I can hardly wait until the 17th to partake of this delicious meal. Thankfully, my sons and daughters in law love this meal also, as do my grandchildren.
Ah yes, the smells of Christmas make my mouth water.

Welcome, Shirley Martin

2011-11-26T07:20:00.003-05:00

Born in western Pennsylvania, Shirley Martin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. She taught school for one year, then obtained a position as flight attendant with Eastern Air Lines. Based in Miami, she met her future husband there. After raising three sons, she devoted her time to writing, something she'd always wanted to do.

With a vivid imagination and a love of storytelling, Shirley has always enjoyed writing. Her first published novel, "Destined to Love" reflects her familiarity with western Pennsylvania and her love of romance writing. From this historical romance, she blossomed out to other romance genres. "One More Tomorrow" is a vampire romance, one her publisher dubbed "a sizzling seller." With several fantasy novels and novellas, her writing should appeal to just about every lover of romance. Her books have been sold at Amazon and most major bookstores and have garnered great reviews.

A widow, Shirley lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her two cats.

When a good witch grants Morgana her dearest desire, the young maiden gets more than she bargained for. And a handsome prince gets the surprise of his life.

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Anniversary

2011-11-24T05:54:00.020-05:00

My husband and I arecelebrating our 49^th Wedding Anniversary today. I’m stilltrying to figure out where the years went. Seems like only yesterday, we beganour life together. I guess what that song says, “Don’t Blink A Hundred YearsGoes Quicker Than You Think” is true. We have much to be thankful for.

Weare especially thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed on us over theseyears. Yes, there’s been some rough times, but love and support of our familyhas made it all worthwhile.

When we look back and reflect on all we’ve been throughand all the blessings we’ve received - six wonderful children who have addedthree more sons and two more daughters to our family. Together, they haveblessed us with fourteen precious grandchildren.

Now the family is extendedfurther with the blessings of the grandchildren’s spouses and so far one greatgrandchild – we can’t thank or praise God enough.

We're going to spend the daywith our children and grandchildren We'll miss my granddaughter, Sarahand her husband, John, and our grandson, Nick, but they'll be with us inspirit, and we look forward to the day they all come home. John is serving ourcountry in the Navy, and Nick as a Marine.

To us the holidays and life is aboutfamily and the love we share. God has certainly given it to us in abundance. Ican’t imagine what it would be like without our children and grandchildren.Each and everyone are special in their own unique way. We cherish all of them. We are so Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.

Welcome, Nancy Badger

2011-11-16T07:27:00.002-05:00

NancyLee Badger:Roseanne asked me here, today, to interview one of the characters found in mylatest romantic fantasy, DRAGON IN THEMIST. With me is Rory Hawthorn. Welcome, Professor Hawthorn.

Rory: Please. Callme Rory. I get enough of ‘Professor’ at the university. I prefer walking aroundvarious countries, alone.

Nancy: Alone?Sounds…lonely.

Rory: It is, but Ido better with my…research when alone. Walking along Loch Ness is veryinteresting, and with the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, I sure don’t feelalone.

Nancy: You’re abeliever in Celtic legends? Some say the Loch Ness Monster is a winglessdragon. However, I heard you are visiting Scotland to research their history ofearthquakes. Scotland has dragons AND earthquakes?

Rory: Sure they haveearthquakes, but I am still on-the-fence about dragons. I’m a scientist,remember. I want proof. Researching earthquakes, though, is a clever ruse. (hewinks) It’s not actually why I’m here. I told my family and friends that, so Icould research something a bit more exciting. A curse.

Nancy: Wow! Tell memore! I can keep a secret (crossing my fingers)

Rory: My family wascursed long ago by a strange woman. Since then, no MacDonald has kept the loveof a woman. We can fall in love, but she eventually leaves. Like my Mom leftus. Something tells me I am close to breaking the curse.

Nancy: Have you everbeen in love?

Rory: No.

Nancy: You are veryquick to admit that. Hmmm. Have you met anyone interesting since arriving inScotland?

Rory: I did meet aninteresting woman.

Nancy: Are youblushing? What’s her name?

Rory: Nessía. Sheworks at the pub near Urquhart Castle. Her hair is the color of a glass ofScotland’s finest whisky. Her eyes are ice blue, and she has the cutestsmile…when I can get her to smile.

Nancy: Sounds likelove.

Rory: Nothing’simpossible, but I have to break the curse, first, while keeping those other womenaway.

Nancy: Suzie andKendra? Yes, I heard they are clingy. I hear they are staying at the same innas you. Didn’t they follow you when you toured Castle Urquhart? I bet Nessíawasn’t too thrilled watching them fawn all over you.

Rory: She saw that? I’min the doghouse now. I better think of something nice to do for her…or to her…andhead over to the pub. Maybe I can make her smile with my kisses.

Nancy: (sighs) Goodluck!

BOOKBLURB

Life without love is not worthliving.

Nessía of theLoch has lived beneath the murky water of Loch Ness since ancient times. Thepain of loneliness manifests in anger so strong, the entire valley shakes withearthquakes. In 1816, a Faerie queen pleads for her to cease the tremors andrewards Nessía with a human form. To stay human, she must find love. When theman she believes she loves casts her aside, Nessía responds to the betrayal bycursing the men of the MacDonald clan with the inability to keep a woman’slove. Only an act of true selflessness will break the curse.

After centuriespass, Nessía again searches for love. When Rory Hawthorn, an Americanscientist, arrives under the pretext of researching the earthquakes but inreality to research his MacDonald heritage and the curse, she believes she hasfound the perfect mate.

Amid stolenkisses, another earthquake, a steamy night of passion, and a broken heart,Nessía returns to the murky depths of the loch. When Rory dives in to followher, he meets the green, scaly Loch Ness Monster. Assuming Nessía is in danger,he is intent on killing the monster and saving the woman he loves.

EXCERPT

The day wore on and Nessía carried abasket of fresh-baked bread to the inn. The same inn where she had spentseveral blissful hours in the arms of a man. A man she was falling in lovewith.

The truth startled her, and alinen-wrapped loaf fell from the basket. Nessía crouched outside theflower-covered fence that surrounded the inn. She froze when she heard familiarvoices. One voice belonged to Rory Hawthorn.

“Ladies, I must stop in my room.”

“We’ll come with you,” the redheadcooed, like a lovesick cow. “Tell us more about your search for your MacDonaldancestors.”

The MacDonalds? Rory is related to that bastard Monty? And why would Rory be in thecompany of those women? As Americans, she supposed they held a certain homesickcharm, but he had told Nessía he would not stop into the pub for lunch. He hadwork to do. In fact, he claimed he planned to work along the northern shore ofLoch Ness all day.

What I amhearing does not sound like work. Far from it.

Nessía peeked over the fence, but allthree had disappeared inside the inn. Standing, she brushed dirt from herdress’s hem, then scurried to the inn’s backdoor. With her delivery complete,she swung the basket in a wide arc, desperately in want of smashing it over acertain gentleman’s head.

A MacDonald?Damnation!

Her heart ripped apart as she stampedher feet. Her dragon strength surged and the earth beneath her feet shook.Birds took to the skies and screeched, as they flew away across the loch.Stacked timber near the dock gave way beneath the tremors, and fell into thewater. A boat in dry-dock slipped off its scaffolds and crashed on its side.Screams echoed from the inn and the two American females ran into the street.

“Earthquake!”

Nessía closed her eyes and took severaldeep, cleansing breaths. Collecting herself, she urged the trembling to stop.When it did, she strode toward the pub.

“Nessía!”

Rory.

She forced her feet to keep moving awayfrom the inn, but two strong arms circled her shoulders. Rory turned her untilshe faced him. She refused to glance up. He cupped her chin, forced her headup, and she gazed into eyes filled with concern. And…love?

Silly dragon. Yeare a powerful, earthquake- causing creature. Forget him. Nessía found ithard to believe her own thoughts, especially when his mouth crushed hers in abrutal, yet passionate kiss.

About the Author

Nancy loves chocolate-chip shortbread,wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clangof dirks and broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. Nancy lives thedream. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sonsin New Hampshire, Nancy moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Sheand her family continue to volunteer at the New Hampshire Highland Games eachfall. Nancy is a member of RWA, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Sisters InCrime, FF&P Romance Writers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers. She alsowrites romantic suspense as Nancy Lennea.

Check out her website www.nancyleebadger.com

and her blog www.RescuingRomance.nancyleebadger.com.

Follow her on Twitter @NLBadger

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/scmtx5

Title: DRAGONIN THE MIST

Author: Nancy Lee Badger

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Length: 17,000 words

Amazon: http://amzn.to/nNpfNV

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/pzEYYh

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/oKGRDY

CONTEST:

In celebration of my recent birthday,I am giving a gift to one commenter. Actually, TWO GIFTS. One is a lovely SCOTLAND Bumper sticker, and theother is a gift certificate for any one of my e-books (6 to choose from!) Send anemail with the word contest in the subject to: Nancy Badger; nancy@nancyleebadger.com

Contest

2011-11-15T05:52:00.000-05:00

Here's your chance to win a free copy of A Second Chance!

All you have to do is leave a comment.

The Romance Reviews

www.theromancereviews.com

Happy birthday, Ginger Simpson

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my dear friend,, Ginger Simpson's birthday. I first met Ginger when I joined the MuseItUp Publishing House. She was quick to welcome me to the Muse family. Her quick wit and humor often has us in stitches. We had a lot in common and quickly became friends. I've read several of her books and enjoyed all of them. I think my favorite was First Degree of Innocence.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ginger in person last year, and she was everything I expected and more. She's as warm and friendly in person as she is on the internet, not to mention her sense of humor. I wish I had more time to spend with her, but we were just passing through on our way home from Florida.
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Ginger. Happy birthday to you.
So, my dear friend, I wish you the happiest birthday ever!
Love ya, girl.

Welcome, Nicole Langan

2011-11-08T07:42:00.048-05:00

Today, I'd like to welcome Nicole Langan publisher of Tribute Books.

1. Hi, Nicole. Welcome to my blog. How long has Tribute Books been in business?

We started in 2004.

2. I see you publish young adult books, tell us what you're looking for in submissions.

We're looking to work with authors who are savvy with social media - those who blog, tweet and update their Facebook status on a daily basis. Our preference is for authors who already have a book(s) published through a royalty-paying press. We want to work with those who are familiar with the ins and outs of the publishing process. We seek those who have experience having their work edited and know the effort required for successful book promotion.

3. Tell us about your publishing process. From start to finish or from acceptance to publishing. How long once an author is accepted to the publishing date?

From acceptance to publishing, we try to shoot for a 90 day time frame. We edit the manuscript and prepare files that are ready for the Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc.

4. How many authors does Tribute Books have?

At this time, we have published about 35 authors, illustrators, photographers and editors.

5. Is there a specific genre you're looking for?

We are looking to concentrate on the young adult genre. There would be NO charge for authors, and those selected would receive 50% of the net retail price in royalties.

To begin, we're looking to work with 12 authors in 2012, publishing one per month. Contact Nicole at info@tribute-books.com for submission guidelines.

Welcome, Diane Barr

2011-11-07T07:28:00.003-05:00

Thankyou so much for being here, Diane.

1: Forstarters, what genre do you write?

Urban Fantasy with a caress of erotica.

2: Andhow long have you been writing?

Off and on in high school and college and almostfour years from conception to publication of Out of the Shade.

3: Sotell us, what do you like the most and least about writing?

The Most - That I can explore the many facets of "what if" and createanything so that my readers can "escape" into a new world or lettheir imagination run wild.

The Least - That I can't put on paper what exactlyI'm trying to describe or express.

4: Ahyes, I love the what if. So what do you for fun and relaxation when notwriting?

Many things, lol. Watch football; pro, college orhigh school, read my favorite authors, knit, sun tan. Watch Bones, NCIS.

5: You like many of the same things I like. Which authors do you like to read?

Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Elizabeth Peters,Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritson, PatriciaCornwell, James Rollins, Any McDermott, Sian Williams my critique partner.

6: Interesting list. Tell us, what’s the one thing you’d most like peopleto know about you?

That I like tattoos and piercings.

7: No that is interesting. Okay, tell us about your current novel, where wecan find it?

It is called Out of the Shade and here's the blurb: Faeries that carry katanas and guns insteadof sprinkling magic dust and granting wishes. Dragons that reanimate the dead.Drug-crazed goblins terrorizing neighborhoods. Illegal demons attempting toconjure the alter ego of an Egyptian goddess.

Sounds like something out of anightmare, right? Wrong. It’s my everyday life.
Welcome to the Shade, where all thecreatures of myth hang out and where I, Detective Gabrielle Tate of theSupernatural Task Force, police them. My partner is AWOL and my sexy dragonboss is leaving nothing to chance as we deal with goblins high on Escape and aserial killer—or worse, a nest of rogue vampires—leaving the drained corpses offaeries and cops all over town.
And then there’s the psychoticdemons trying to conjure the goddess Hathor’s alter ego, Sekhmet, to destroyhumanity. As a faery and direct descendent of Hathor, I’m eager to manifest herpower and use it to combat evil. At the same time, I need to learn how tocontrol the accompanying bloodlust. How? By taking lessons from the charismaticleader of the local vampire clan, of course.

You can find it at:

· MuseIt Bookstore

· Amazon Kindle

· B & N Nook

· Goodreads

Here's the full list.

8: Wow, intriguing storyline. Here’s a question I’moften asked. Do youhave any tips for aspiring authors?

The cliche write what you know isn't applicable ifyou are writing Urban Fantasy lol. Youcan apply what you know to virtually any other genre - (erotica writers arealways exhausted - giggle snort - sorry I couldn't pass that up), but you knowwhat I mean. A better tip would be write about something that you like or loveactually because the research and time you spend plotting can either make youlove your subject or develop a love/hate relationship with it.

Also, write every day, be it a journal or diaryentry, a chapter, plots anything. It keeps your mind and your imagination goingso you don't develop writers block.

9: Great advice. Another question people want toknow.Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Yes, I do - human nature and our various quirks orphysical appearances make us the perfect creatures.

10: A question I’m always curious about. How did youcome up with the idea for this book?

I've always be intriguedby faeries, dragons, Egyptology and Urban Fantasy. In 1993 when I read LaurellK. Hamilton's Guilty Pleasures - she is my idol by the way - I was hooked andmy Muse began churning the wheels and not letting me sleep or concentrate.

11: I’ve experienced that. But when Muse speaks, wehave to listen. So tell us, whatare you currently working on?

Book 2 of The Shade Series - researching theEgyptian Underworld and writing down ideas that I have for children's books.I'm also taking an online Magic for writer's class through one of my onlinegroups by Rayne Hall

12. Isthere anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I speak Spanish, I like to laugh and do so loudly;usually punctuated with a snort.

13.Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

Luckily my day job (an ITtechnician) allows for breaks where I can check my email - diane_barr@ymail.com, twitter(DianeBarr1), facebook and update my blog; I'm working on my website - I have a kick asstemplate made in Adobe flash - so I'm teaching myself adobe flash as I go. ;)

Excerpt:

What looked like lightning bugs blinked all around the yard. A small breeze caressed me with the smell of lavender and I could hear the tinkle of the stream as I kicked off my boots, pulled off my socks, and threw down my weapons. I willed my wings from my back being careful not to trip over them, which I have been known to do on occasion.

The cool grass felt so good on my feet. I went and lay in my usual spot. Lavender bushes around me, one foot in the stream the other foot wiggling my toes through the grass. From the shadows, gnomes, pixies, ivy elves, and grape vine sprites approached me. The blinking lightning bugs were the garden fairies welcoming me home.

Welcome, Suzie Quint

2011-11-06T07:58:00.001-05:00

1: Thank you so much forbeing here, Suzie.

First up is the obligatory question. When did youfirst begin writing?

That would have been high school, but after I leftschool, life interrupted, as life often will. But that’s okay. I didn’t knowenough about life to write anything interesting then. I know more now.

2: What inspired you towrite?

Reading inspired me. I get completely lost in a goodbook. A good story makes me want to add to what’s out there.

3: What do you like the mostand least about writing? As far as I’m concerned, writing is the most fun I canhave with my clothes on. When it’s going well, you’ll find me cackling over mykeyboard, making life run less than smoothly for my characters. My leastfavorite is the interruptions, like going to work. If I just didn’t have toeat, I’d be okay.

4: What do you do for fun andrelaxation when not writing?

I read. Yeah, that’s a big surprise. I have brunchwith friends, and every once in a while, I go out dancing.

5: Which authors do you liketo read?

Jennifer Crusie is my favorite. Especially her oldstuff. It doesn’t matter how often I read it, I still laugh out loud. ToniBlake is a favorite, too. The best new writer I’ve found is Mira Lyn Kelly. Iliked her Harlequin debut so much that I found her on facebook and forcedmyself upon her. She hasn’t complained too much.

6: What’s the one thing you’dmost like people to know about you?

Oh, criminey. I don’t know if it’s what I’d MOSTlike them to know, but they should probably be prepared for the fact that whatyou see is what you get with me. I’m sometimes honest to the point oftactlessness. It’s something hardwired in me because I can’t be any other way.Trust me. I’ve tried. I can only bite my tongue for so long. Fortunately, Ihave friends who like knowing where they stand.

7: Tell me about your currentnovel, where I can find it and your website/blog.

My current release is A Knight in Cowboy Boots fromPink Petal books. It’s the story of Maddie, a woman who’s sister was murderedby her abusive boyfriend. When he beats the rap, she takes her sister’s child(also his) and runs. She lands in Galveston where she meets a cowboy (Zach) ina hotel bar where she’s applying for work. It doesn’t take him long to figureout that she has “issues” and that she’s not who she claims to be. She’d liketo hold him at arm’s length, but he doesn’t let her. It was fun writing theiropposing priorities and I hope readers enjoy reading about them.

Besides the publisher’s site, it’s available atAmazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and maybe a few other place.

My website is at http://suziequint.com/ and I have awriter’s blog at http://suziequint.blogspot.com/ The blog will be part of mywebsite as soon as I can figure out how to get the feed to go there.

8: Do you have any tips foraspiring authors?

The ability to easily self-publish is an awesomeinnovation, but make sure you and your manuscript are ready. Most people thinkthey’re ready before they are (I know I did), but just because you’ve writtensomething the best you can today, doesn’t mean it’s ready. You don’t get ado-over on that first impression. Be sure you won’t cringe in five years whenyou look back at what you published.

9: Doyou base your characters on real-life people?

God forbid. Of course, I might steal acharacteristic, attitude, or mannerism from real-life people, but I don’t thinkI know anyone as well as I know my characters, so it would be difficult to modelthem on someone real. I think if I tried, the character wouldn’t come to lifefor me the way they do.

10: Wheredo you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?

For me, the stories startwith characters, followed closely by a situation. Something that forces thecharacters together but also keeps them apart.

The McKnight clan was bornbecause I was trying to figure out how to make my characters’ voice unique.That led me to study dialect, so I wrote a story just for practice that hadseveral characters from different regions. I fell in love with one of thosecharacters (Jake, who is a secondary character in A Knight in Cowboy Boots) soI started writing about his family.

11: What are you currentlyworking on?

I’m working on another McKnight Romance. This onewill feature Sol, the oldest of the McKnight boys. He had a very short-livedmarriage right out of high school, but he’s never been able to emotionally letgo of his ex-wife Georgia. I’ve also written a short story about Sol andGeorgia that’s I’m planning to offer as a freebie, so folks can sample how Iwrite. I don’t just want readers; I want satisfiedreaders.

I should perhaps mention here that a second McKnightromance will be released in November. Knightof Hearts is Zach’s sister’s story. Rachel is the oldest girl in theirlarge family, so she has a tendency to be bossy, and she has an inborn need tofix things. That makes her good at her job as a hotel concierge but not so goodat relationships. She and Mac were a joy to write, and I hope the readers willlove them as much as I do.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to knowabout you?

The one thing that took me by surprise about beingpublished is how much I enjoy hearing from readers who like my characters. Iknew I’d like it, but I had no idea how muchI’d like it. It’s like heroin. Very addicting.

This is my favorite excerpt from A Knight in Cowboy Boots.

“Let me get that there drink for the lady, Pete.”Mr. East Texas Drawl stepped up to the bar. “That is, if the lady don’t mind?”

She turned her head cautiously, afraid moving toofast would blur her vision.

Mr. East Texas was watching her, waiting for a cuehis offer was welcome.

Maddie cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

Oh, crap. She sounded all Marilyn Monroe breathy.

He handed the bartender a ten. Maddie expected himto pull up the next barstool. Instead, he shoved it over with his foot andleaned one elbow against the bar. “So what’s a nice girl like you doing in aplace like this?”

Maddie laughed. It should have sounded old, trite,and corny, but nothing said in that drawl could sound anything but enchantingto her. Her laughter lit something deep in Mr. East Texas’s dark eyes. Maddiesuddenly felt warm. Sitting-in-front-of-a-raging-fire-on-a-cold-winter-nightwarm. The flutter in her heart moved into the pit of her stomach.

“Don’t tell the bartender, but I’m casing the placeto see if I want his job.” Maddie said, keeping her voice conversational. Thebartender's eyebrows rose, but he didn’t comment. He’d no doubt seen this danceoften enough.

“Ah, well. Looking for employment. That’s respectablethen.” Mr. East Texas nodded sagely. “Though I gotta admit, I was hoping youwas here for less reputable reasons.”

“You mean like looking for a man to take me awayfrom all this?” Maddie's open-handed gesture included the entire bar.

“Even the best watering holes have a long traditionof that sorta thing. Why, my daddy met my mama in a place a lot like this.”

Maddie fought to keep a grin from breaking outacross her face. How long had it been since she’d engaged in light-heartedbanter, never mind flirting? It seemed like eons. “Really?”

“Well, maybe there wasn’t as much brass and mirrors.Or the selection of beverages this fine establishment has. And there ain’t nostraw on the floor nor fiddle player in the corner . . . ” He looked away asthough seeking a fiddle player. “And they had dancin’.” His nostrils narrowedwith an indrawn breath. His eyes came back to hers. “Damn. A man oughta take awoman dancin’.”

The flutter in Maddie’s stomach moved lower.

“What kind of dancing do you do to fiddle music?”

“The spirited kind.” He let a beat pass before hecontinued. “But I think you’re the kinda woman a man takes slow dancin’.Someplace where there ain’t much light, so’s nobody’d see when I kissed you.”

He held her eyes, waiting for her response.

Someone down the bar hollered for Pete’s attentionand he moved away. Their audience gone, Maddie swiveled on her barstool to facehim straight on.

“What if I didn’t want to be kissed?” she asked,knowing her body language sent a completely different message.

“Why, ma’am . . . ” He leaned slowly closer as hespoke. “I don’t think I’d ask first.” His lips brushed hers lightly. Just agentle touch, as though she’d been kissed almost in passing. He pulled back,but only a couple of inches. Neither of them had closed their eyes. Maddieswallowed, trying to work up some moisture in her suddenly dry mouth.

“My daddy says sometimes it’s better to ask forforgiveness than for permission.”

“Does he?” Maddie forced out.

“Oh, yeah.” His tone was heartfelt. “And I think Imay need a passel of forgivin’,” he said just before he kissed her again.

Welcome, Brian Knight

2011-11-05T08:23:00.003-04:00

Thank you so muchfor being here, SB Knight,

1: What genre do you write? At the current time my stories arefirmly in the Dark Fantasy genre. In the future I may try my hand at adifferent genre but for now I greatly enjoy writing Dark Fantasy novels.

2: How long have you been writing? I have been writing short stories,poetry and novels for…. 5 years I believe.

3: What do you like the most and least aboutwriting? I love that I amable to share my stories through writing. As I write I become a part of thestory and that is always exciting. What I like least is when two of my storiesbattle for attention. In the end it is a good thing but until I finally step upand start writing one it can be a distraction. Ironically, one will win outover the other and that is the one I go with.

4: What do you do for fun and relaxation whennot writing? Fun andrelaxation…hang on I need to get my dictionary. OH, I know what they are. Justkidding, I try to do a lot outdoors. I like to garden, play basketball and go hiking.When I can’t do those things I read or you will find me with my wife relaxingoutside on our deck. I also really enjoy cooking and find that to be bothenjoyable and relaxing.

5: Which authors do you like to read? There are many but my absolute favoritesare: Tolkien, Fiest, Brooks, and the late Robert Jordan to name a few. Yes,these are all epic fantasy authors and yes, that is my favorite genre to read.One day I hope to write an epic fantasy like these authors.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like peopleto know about you? I hadto think about this one. I would much rather have people see those traits in merather than me tell them. I will say this; I am driven by faith and put forwardmy best effort in everything I attempt to accomplish.

7: Tell me about your current novel, where can Ifind it? Unfortunately wehave to wait a little longer before my debut novel is released. My currentnovel is the sequel to Born of Blood which is my debut novel. The trilogyrevolves around a bloodline with sinister ties which spawned an age old evil.It is the ultimate hunter and hunted situation. Things you thought you knew areonly half the story.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors? Never give up. If you don’t reach yourexpectations keep going. Time has no regard for your goals but in time you willreach them. It may not be exactly what you hoped for but it will be anaccomplishment and that should be celebrated. Keep working.

9: Do you base yourcharacters on real-life people? I would say they reflect some real life people. Tobe honest, I would say my characters have a touch of my personality in theirDNA. Yes, I can see characteristics of real people in them.

10: How did you come upwith the idea for this book? Actually, Born of Blood was developed more from aself challenge than anything else. I worked off the premise of ‘what if.’ Manynovels are born that way but when it comes to vampires there are not a lot of‘what if’ questions remaining that haven’t been addressed already. I found one‘what it’ question that was partially addressed; however, a new twist was bornfrom it and so we have Born of Blood, book one of The Blood Chronicles.

11: What are you currently working on? I am currently working with my editoron Born of Blood. I also have the sequel to Born of Blood in the works as wellas a third novel. It sounds like a lot and it is but, so far, everything isworking out well.

12. Is thereanything else you’d like us to know about you? It is my hope that you will see my name often as I have anumber of books I wish to write. With each I plan to improve my skill in thecraft of writing. Of course, I would greatly appreciate it if you picked up acopy of my novel(s) when released. Below you will find links to my sites whereyou can get updates, find additional interviews and fun stuff like that. Youcan contact me through my site too.

13. Where can wefind you? Website? Blog?

You can find mehere:

Website - http://www.sb-knight.com/

Blog -http://the-new-author.blogspot.com/

Twitter -@thenewauthor

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/FansofSBK

Google+- https://plus.google.com/113529126534348607451/about

Send your completed interview to Roseanne at rodow62@yahoo.com and I’ll schedule a date foryou. Don’t forget to add an excerpt (if it’s unedited, say so) and a jpeg ofyour cover art (if you have it) and yourself if you’d like.

Welcome, Dianne Hartstock

2011-11-04T07:52:00.007-04:00

Quinn talks withRosanne Dowell

Give-Away! Commentbelow or send an e-mail to diannewrites2@hotmail.comtelling me who your favorite paranormal character is, for a chance to win a PDFcopy of ‘Trials of a Lonely Specter’. Contest ends tomorrow night, Nov. 5^th,and winner will be announced Nov.6^th.

Thank youfor coming out here today, Rosanne. Are you comfortable? Here, let me help youwith that blanket. Go ahead and lean back against Clarabelle’s headstone. Shedoesn’t mind. Comfy?

Isn’t itpretty here? Aren’t those oak trees magnificent? Especially now that they’regetting their fall color. I really should apologize for making you hike all theway out here. I know graveyards aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoy thesilence. I find the presence of the living strangely unnerving, especiallyduring a haunting.

Have youever been on a ghost hunt? Oh, you have. How exciting! I’ve been on some greatones with Liam. And cemeteries are my favorite, as you could probably guess.Who’d you see? Oh, you got some nice orbs on film. Next time let me know whereyou’ll be, and I’ll take Liam there. He’s very good. Most of his orbs can beseen with the naked eye. One time he even had a whole room screaming just byringing a tiny bell someone had placed on a table.

But a few hauntshave scared the daylights out of me. Those are the one’s were we ran into atrue medium, someone with the energy to make contact without our aide. Youdon’t understand? Take us chatting here, for example. You can see me because Iwish it. A medium can see me because theywish it. It’s very painful, and I’m terrified of being trapped in-betweenthe two worlds. It’s very dark there.

So, to getback to an earlier question. Do I enjoy being a specter? The real question iswhether I’d prefer to be alive. Most definitely. There’s so much I miss… But Ihave Liam’s company on occasion, making it bearable. And you can’t tell himthis, but I do get a kick out of a good haunting. Liam says he knows a ghostwho’s met the ‘Grey Lady’ in the York Theatre Royal, UK. He says he wants to take methere one day, but I don’t know. I seem to tire easily these days. I wonder ifI’m beginning to fade…

Pardon? Oh,you want to know about my book ‘The Trials of a Lonely Specter’. It’s about ahaunting me and Liam went on and the frightening mediums I met. It was the mostpainful experience of my life. I have to confess that I haven’t read the endingto the book yet. I’m a little afraid to know what lies in store for me. You’llhave to let me know how it goes, the next time we meet!

Oh, do youhave to go so soon? That’s okay. I understand. It just gets a little lonesome,sometimes. Let me help you up. I really enjoyed our visit, Roseanne. Come byany time!

‘Trials of a Lonely Specter’

MuseItUp Publishing, Oct 14, 2011 http://bit.ly/rhfkBG

Amazon: http://amzn.to/oSJqEX

There’s been anaccident. Quinn believes he’s dead, though Liam insists otherwise. But if thatis the case, why does Quinn see the two of them as ghosts? And why does Liamplay along? Exposed to mediums and apparitions, Quinn has to make a decision:either accept his fate or risk everything to trust Liam one more time.

Excerpt:

He came-to with acry and sat up, embarrassed to find he’d been lying on Liam’s thighs. Hisfriend patted his cheek then nudged him aside, rising fluidly to his feet.

Quinn stood aswell, then froze in sudden confusion. He’d forgotten something important. “Whathappened?”

He was surprisedwhen Liam gripped his arm, his face alert, more alive than he’d ever seen it.“You fainted. Look.” Liam urged him to the mirror. “What do you see?”

“Isee you,” he said, exasperated, then blinked in surprise when the room wentabsolutely black. Liam shifted his weight and the orb he could so easily callup illuminated his handsome face in the mirror. Quinn jumped when the faces ofthe women appeared behind the ghost. He wanted to turn away but Liam’s hold onhis arm tightened.

“Whatdo you see?’ Liam breathed in his ear. The subtle voice meandered through hishead, bewildering his senses. Liam’s reflection watched him eagerly, though thewomen remained passive, focused. He realized what they were doing, andwhimpered as prickles of heat started up his body.

“Don’tlet them,” he begged as flames licked along the edges of his nerves. Liamcrushed his hand. Quinn stared at him in disbelief as the pain mounted in hisbody. He cried out as the very atoms of his being were seared and begandisintegrating.

“No!”

Thepain was excruciating, Liam’s betrayal hurting worst of all. With all his willhe gathered the fragmented pieces of himself. Screaming in pain, he tore hishand from Liam’s, stumbling backward as he did so. The women gasped as hepassed through them. Ignoring Liam’s despairing call, he raced from the room,plunging headlong down the stairs, regardless of possible injury.

Outside, the moonhad risen, lighting the dusty road. It wouldn’t have mattered had there beenpitch darkness. He could see in the dark, provided he concentrated. He hastenedfrom the house until the blinding tears made him stumble off the road into agrove of oaks. He sat with his back to one of the ancient trees and let thedark engulf him. Exhausted by emotion and hurt, he drifted into a fitful sleep.

Dianne Hartsock

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Welcome, Jane Richardson

2011-11-03T07:53:00.003-04:00

1: Thank you so much forbeing here, Jane Richardson.

First up is the obligatory question. When did youfirst begin writing?

-I couldn’t tell you exactly when; I suppose I’vealways written in some shape or form since childhood. I know there was a longhiatus during my teenage years – probably because I was far too busy pursuing variousother teenage pursuits, ahem! – and then in my twenties I spent a lot of timewriting video scripts and learning materials for a management trainingorganization, so my writing went in another direction entirely. Work rather took over for a number of years,so it wasn’t until after I’d stopped working and had both my children that I turnedto writing again.

2: What inspired you towrite?

-I suppose like many writers, it’s just the feelingyou have with a story forming in your head that won’t let you go until youbegin to write it down. From then on,it’s the way the story forms and shapes itself from there that keeps me at it.I don’t know where those stories come from – it can be a chance overheardremark that sets an idea off, or being curious about what the story might havebeen if something I’ve read about turned out very differently. Personalexperience plays a large part, too – the way a character feels or the choicesthey make will often be based on something that happened to me or someone closeto me in the past.

3: What do you like the mostand least about writing?

-I bet most writers will say that the best thing iswhen you’re really ‘in the zone’ – the story is coming together perfectly andthe characters are somehow writing their story for you, right down to the wordsthey want you to use. That’s the bestfeeling ever! What I like least are those times when I’m so busy with so manyother things but the story is still tapping away inside my head, and all I cando is grab moments here and there to make notes – then when I do sit down towrite, nothing comes out! That’s such apain! All you can do is just workthrough it, I suppose.

4: What do you for fun andrelaxation when not writing?

-Well, I’m a bit obsessed with food! I love to cook, and if I’m not cooking food,I’m reading about it and planning dishes. I had my Christmas menu all planned out in September...! Maybe I should add that I did it with myfamily’s help, the children in particular – they love to learn about food and totry new things. They like to contribute their own ideas for special dinners,and as they grow up, they’re learning to cook things themselves. We always tryto keep Sundays free as a family day, perhaps walk the dog together in themorning on the beach or one of the beautiful country parks here where I live onthe Sussex coast, then a huge home-cooked lunch followed by maybe some games ora movie later. If we have friends overtoo, then that’s so much the better. That’s what really relaxes me and keeps megrounded.

5: Which authors do you liketo read?

-My favourites change all the time, but I’m a bigfan of crime writer Michael Connelly. Ilove his direct, to-the-point style, and he never wastes a single word. Anotherbig favourite with me right now is the UK writer Maggie O’Farrell. She writes so beautifully, the sort of thingwhen you read it, you recognize the feelings or the emotions instantly. She touches something very raw inpeople. I’m re-reading her novel ‘TheDistance Between Us’ right now, and I defy anyone to get through the finalchapter without weeping, first tears of frustration and then ultimately, joy. She’s amazing. I’m also very fond of another UK writer,Nicci Gerrard, for similar reasons. I love books written by women that otherwomen can really relate to.

6: What’s the one thing you’dmost like people to know about you?

-Ok, I’m just getting over the flu, so hugs and hotdrinks are much appreciated!

7: Tell me about your currentnovel, where I can find it and your website/blog.

-At the moment I have just one release with MuseItUpPublications, which is a short contemporary story called Edinburgh Fog. It’sabout Greg Morton, who’s achieved his dream of running the best bar-bistro inthe city – a place called Tellers’ - but at a massive cost to his privatelife. When the woman he’s neverforgotten, Julia Brady, walks into Tellers’ out of the blue, all the feelingsGreg had suppressed for so long come flooding back – but it seems like someoneelse is interested in Julia, and Greg will have to work fast if he’s to standany chance of getting her back.

The story is available from MuseItUp here

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=193&category_id=18&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

I’m re-doing my website right now, but in themeantime people can catch up with me at my blog, Home IS Where The Heart Is http://janerichardsonhome.blogspot.com/ or find me on Twitter, where I’m@Gimmeahugyou.

8: Do you have any tips foraspiring authors?

-Just write. Don’tbe afraid of the first draft, but just write, even if what you’re writing isn’tgood – first drafts aren’t meant to be good. Once you’ve got the first draft done, then you can REALLY begin writingafter that!

9: Doyou base your characters on real-life people?

-No. There might be a touchof a real person or a few people in the very early thought process, but truthfully,once they begin to be set down on the page they become their own personentirely. Half the fun in writing is ininventing new people, I think.

11: What are you currentlyworking on?

-A novel set in two time-frames, present day and inWWII. I’m hoping I can make it work! In addition, MuseItUp will bere-publishing a previously published book of mine next year, a contemporarynovel called A Different Kind of Honesty, which I’m thrilled to bits about.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to knowabout you?

-How about I make you a promise? I’d love to have a perfect writing hideaway,something like one of those classic Airstream caravans that’s mine all mine,with a writing table, a comfy daybed, a cooker and all the mod cons, but Ithink the most I’ll ever manage will be a shed of sorts od the end of thegarden – but I promise that when I have it, you can all come by for tea andcakes!

Don’t forget to add an excerpt. You can add an uneditedexcerpt but make sure to say it’s unedited.

Thisis an excerpt from Edinburgh Fog:

‘After they’d cleared out, Tellers’ was at last blessed with a couple ofhours’ peace. The staff

heaved a collective sigh and set to preparing theplace for the Friday evening crowd. Nothing

eventful happened except Chrissie tripping over Ben ashe knelt behind the bar to re-stack the

mixers shelf and tipping half a bottle of vermouth anda bowl of stuffed olives down the back of

his neck. Ben took it in good part, commenting thatwhile he smelled like a martini, he was only

stirred and not at all shaken. Leaving them to cleanup as he sliced lemons and limes for the bar,

Greg mused on whether the olive incident counted asThing Number Three, and was on the point

of convincing himself that definitely, absolutelynothing else could possibly go wrong for the

rest of the day, when she walked in.

Julia.

Greg froze, hypnotized by the reflection shimmering inthe long mirror behind the bar. It

disappeared briefly, moving out of his line of visionand he stepped sideways, following the

mirror along the wall, seeking her out if only toconvince himself that it couldn’t possibly be her

—that Julia hadn’t just walked back into his life fouryears after he’d walked out of hers.’

Welcome, Collin Kelley

2011-11-02T07:59:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for being here, Collin Kelley

1: What genre do you write?

I write poetry and fiction. My two novels, Conquering Venus and the recently released Remain In Light, are both mystery and suspense – with a poetic twist, of course.

2: How long have you been writing?

I started writing when I was a child. My parents taught me to read and write very early. I always read far above my grade level. I got into poetry in high school, dabbled in fiction, but poetry came first. My first novel was Conquering Venus and I started writing it in the late ‘90s but it wasn’t published until 2009.

3: What do you like the most and least about writing?

I wish I could hire a publicity team to do all the marketing, because it seriously eats into my writing time, but that’s the way of the writing world these days. You have to wear several hats to be an author now. The process of creating, honing and editing – sitting in front of the computer and watching the story progress – has always been my favorite part of writing.

4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I’m a voracious reader, so when I’m not writing I’m reading. I also love to travel and watch movies, both of which inspire my writing. Some nights I just vegetate on the couch and listen to music.

5: Which authors do you like to read?

I have so many favorites – Margaret Atwood, Jeanette Winterson, Don DeLillo, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, John Irving, Anne Sexton, Walt Whitman, Raymond Carver, Ray Bradbury. I could go on and on.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

When it comes to writing, I’m a rule breaker. While my novels are mysteries, there’s also healthy doses of magical realism, poetry, and paranormal thrown into the mix. I don’t like to be boxed in by genres.

7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it?

Remain In Light is about a Parisian widow, Irène Laureux, whose husband was murdered during the student and worker riots in 1968. She’s been looking for his killer for 30 years and finally catches up with him with the help of American expat writer, Martin Paige. But finding the killer reveals a much larger conspiracy. There’s crooked cops, detectives with questionable motives and stolen identities. The ebook version came out in October from Vanilla Heart Publishing and is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. The print version will be out in January.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Explore all your options. The need for an agent and big-name publisher has gone the way of the dinosaur. Embrace indie presses, self-publishing and get involved with social media to promote your work directly to readers. Many writers don’t want to deal with Facebook, Twitter and blogs, but they are vital to success as a writer.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Yes, but they are usually composites of several people I know. I usually warn my friends before a book comes out that I’ve barrowed some trait or catchphrase. Everyone’s been flattered – so far.

10: How did you come up with the idea for this book?

The Venus Trilogy was inspired by a trip I took to London and Paris in 1995. It was an amazing experience and I got to meet some very interesting people and immerse myself in the cultures. Paris is usually portrayed as a city of love and romance, but it has a dark underbelly that most tourists never see. I wanted to look beyond the guidebooks and explore the Paris that is just beneath the surface of the postcards. As the character Irène Laureux says, “This city is not always full of light.”

11: What are you currently working on?

I’ve finished a new poetry collection and I’m doing research for a memoir about all my travels in London and the UK. Then I’ll turn my attention to the third book in The Venus Trilogy.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I’m a sci-fi geek. I love Doctor Who, Star Wars, X-Files, Fringe and anything that has an alternate reality spin to it. One day, I’m going to write a big sci-fi epic.

13. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

You can find me at www.collinkelley.com

on Facebook at facebook.com/collinkelleywriter

Twitter (@CollinKelley.

I also encourage readers and authors to join Goodreads. It’s a great place to interact and find new things to read.

You can read the first four chapters of Remain in Light for free (no sign up or anything like that required) to get a taste of the novel at:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/56800699/Remain-in-Light-Sample-Chapters

Welcome, Adriana Ryan

2011-11-01T07:50:00.008-04:00

1: Firstoff, I know you have several names you write under. Why do you feel the need touse a pseudonym and how do you come up with the names?

Hey Roseanne! Thank you for having me. JIt’s great to be doing my first official interview!

As far as pseudonyms go, I have two. I originallystarted writing under my real name: Sandhya Falls. I published a few shortstories in anthologies, and they were all speculative and/or dark fiction.

I also write under Sandhya Menon, which is used formy multicultural children’s books. I haven’t published anything under that oneyet, but there’s a ton underway!

When I wrote my contemporary paranormal romance forMuseItUp, I wanted to make sure my work wouldn’t clash with what I already hadpublished. I didn’t want to confuse readers, or make it hard for them to choosewhat kind of fiction they wanted to read. Hence, Adriana Ryan was born.

2: How long have you beenwriting and what was your first book and series?

I have been writing since I was a little girl. Iused to scribble bits of poems and prose on the walls and cabinets, and even myclothes and shoes! Finally, my parents got me my own notebooks and I filledthose up as fast as I could.

Now, my Netbook is my best friend. I don’t know whatI’d do without it! However, Her Heart’sDesire (working title) will be my first novella. I’m so excited!

3: What do you like the mostand least about writing?

Ooh, a really interesting question! There’s almost alove-hate relationship between most authors and the writing process, isn’tthere? The act of writing itself is like a drug – addictive and intense – butthen there are certain parts that make you want to tear your hair out.

Let’s see, my favorite part is when I type The End. Really! It’s not because it’s aproject completed (although that’s nice, too!), it’s because I feel like I’vehad so much fun in this happy – or sad, or mysterious, etc. – world I’vecreated. It’s a full, satisfying feeling, almost like when you’ve just had ababy. J

The worst part, I think, is editing! That firstround of going through and ripping out parts you’ve written, rewriting thingsuntil the words start to swim, and wondering why you ever thought you wereworthy of being a writer – ughhhh. ‘Editing’ is a four letter word to me.

4: What do you for fun andrelaxation when not writing?

I LOVE to read. I’m a fanatic about books. I can’tstand having a single day without something new to read – the minute I finish abook, I have a new one waiting in the wings. I’m a total word nerd.

I’m an amateur painter as well, with an emphasis onthe word ‘amateur.’ I absolutely love anything to do with color. I paintabstract realism most of the time, but most recently just finished my fullyabstract piece and loved the experience.

5: You mentioned that youstarted off writing dark fiction. When and how did you begin to writecontemporary paranormal romance?

HerHeart’s Desire is actually my very first romance, believe it ornot. I was so lucky that MuseItUp picked it up! I wasn’t even sure there wouldbe a market for a story like it; I just knew I wanted to write it. As youprobably know, Roseanne, there are some characters who just won’t shut up untilyou tell their story! J

6: What’s the one thing you’dmost like people to know about you?

I’m really bad at talking about myself, so it wouldprobably be that I’m not “just” a stay-at-home mom (although that in and ofitself is a huge undertaking!). I have other personas: writer, for one, andstudent, for another. I think that when people find out you stay home with yourkids, they sort of stop looking past that to see if there’s anything else. I’mlucky to have a proud husband who brags to anyone who’ll listen that I’m awriter and soon-to-be psychologist!

7: Tell us about your currentnovel, Her Heart’s Desire. How didyou come up with the idea and where can we find it?

HerHeart’s Desire will be out through MuseItUp Publishing (www.museituppublishing.com) inMarch 2012 (stay tuned for a concrete date as time gets closer!).

I remember the idea came to me like a bolt oflightning. It was so different than anything I’d ever written that I knew I hadto get it down. My first scribbles had allusions to an “imperfect heroine” anda “magic necklace” but the story hadn’t formed much beyond that until I startedwriting.

8: Do you have any tips foraspiring authors?

Don’t worry about what others will think of yourstory. Just write the story you want to tell, write your heart out, write everyday. Follow your instincts. And before you submit, have a few really smartpeople critique your work.

9: Doyou base your characters on real-life people?

My major characters arealmost always a vivid fusion of different people, and even different traits ofpeople. For Millie, I drew upon my sister, myself, a secretary with whom I onceworked, and my incredibly beautiful aunt. But ssh – don’t tell them!

10: Areyou finished with Millie Fields, or does she still have any stories left totell?

I’m not sure if Millie willcome back in future books. As of this time, I haven’t written any more storieswith her – her story feels told and done. However, I absolutely loved the fun,flirty feel of the book as well as the fact that it had a truer, deeper meaningin it as well. That’s something I hope to carry over into my future books.

11: Can you tell us about yournext book in the works?

Sure! I always have about a zillion projects goingat any time, so I’m happy to oblige. ;) My next novella, Dusk, is actually a light paranormal horror (absolutely no gore), with a touch of romance to it.I’m still editing it (ah, the lovely phase of rewrites – not!) and eventually Ihope it’ll make it past the slush piles like Her Heart’s Desire did!

12. Are you a plotter or punster?

I am most definitely a plotter. My ideas come in aflurry, but I have to get that butterfly net out and snag them down to where Ican pin them, or they’re lost. I like to have a visual map before me, either inthe form of an Excel spreadsheet or a column of flash cards.

13. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

My blog is http://adrianaryan.wordpress.com.I blog regularly about the writing process for a new (to the publishing world)author like me, but I also interview and feature a dazzlingly talented array ofother authors.

Blurb:Her Heart’s Desire isabout Millie Fields, whose unfortunate life is of Greek-tragedy proportions andcouldn’t possibly get any worse… or so she thought. But one humiliating encounterwith her heartthrob of a boss (aka Gorgeous Grant) finds her in the rain,desperate for a chance to be someone who matters. A mysterious woman slips hera necklace that gives her exactly what she’s wanted for years. Will she be ableto juggle her two identities and end up with the one man of her dreams?

Unedited Excerpt:

Millie knew she had to get out of there. Between the rainand her frizzy hair, the impossibility of getting promoted, and seeing her Graham fall so easily for Alice’strilling laugh, she’d had enough. She was halfway to the door when the heel onher shoe snapped, twisting her ankle and landing her flat on her face – atGraham’s feet. For a moment, time stopped. She staggered up on her knees andstared up at Graham’s confused face. The silence around the office wasdeafening.

Alice was the first one to register what had happened.She started laughing so hard, she snorted several times in a row. The paralysisthat had gripped the office broke, and people everywhere started joining in,chuckling and calling out, “Timber!”

Please don’t laugh at me.Millie tried to telegraph her entreaty to Graham. She was still on her knees;she just couldn’t bring herself to move. Please don’t laugh, not you.

But of course he laughed. With one look at Alice’scontorted face, Graham burst into guffaws.

Millie pulled herself up and took her shoes off insilence. She heard Alice drawl, “I don’t think you’re a heels kind of girl,Millie,” and there was a fresh wave of laughter around the office.

Millie looked around at everyone’s faces, distorted withmirth, eyeing her as though she might do something else for theirentertainment. They all thought she was a big fool, didn’t they? She was anuntalented, fat, unfashionable slob. She felt tears rush to her eyes andblinked them back furiously. She wouldn’t let them see her cry. She couldn’tgive them the satisfaction.

Without a word, she ran out of the office and down thehallway. Flinging the door to the fire escape open, she ran down the stairs inher bare feet, and out into the warm pouring rain. She hurried away from thebuilding, keeping her head down as people with umbrellas rushed past, dartingher curious glances. Her hair was plastered to her skull, strands of it were inher eyes, and her tears mingled with the rain. She only half-registered thesobs that escaped from some place deep within her chest; her shoulders hitchedwith the effort of containing them. Finally, she got to a bench and sat down,her sopping clothes clinging to her. She glanced down at her shirt and realizedwith a lurch of horror that it was white. Her ratty black bra was clearlyvisible. Fresh sobs racked her frame; she was so out of it that it took her afew moments to notice that someone’s hand was on her back.

She looked up to see a weathered old face staring at herin concern.

“My dear, what is the matter?” The woman sitting next toher was dressed in tattered clothing and had a shopping cart full of clothesand knick knacks parked nearby. Her voice lilted with an accent that Milliecouldn’t place.

“It would take less time to tell you what isn’t thematter.” Millie stared at the cracks in the sidewalk. She tried to gain controlof her wobbling voice, but failed miserably.

“You mustn’t despair,” the old woman said. “You have agood heart. I see it.”

“Yeah well, a good heart doesn’t really help you get theman of your dreams, you know? It doesn’t help you be something other than alaughingstock for your whole office. It doesn’t help you get ahead in a careerthat’s completely dead-ended. It doesn’t help you feel like anything except a28-year-old failure.” Millie put her hands over her face, giving in to herburning humiliation and sorrow.

She looked up whenshe felt something being slipped around her neck. “What –“

“This is for you.” The woman gestured at Millie’s chest.

Millie looked down and saw a glass pendant shaped like asmall bottle hanging on a black leather cord. The pendant was no bigger than aninch, and intricately carved. “It’s beautiful,” Millie said, fingering it. “ButI don’t have any money… I left my purse back at the office –“

The woman held up a wrinkled old hand as the rain pelteddown on them. “I do not want your money. This is for your pained heart.” BeforeMillie could protest, the woman placed her palm over the pendant. She closedher eyes and half-sang, half-chanted, “Mashaha la. Mashaha la.”

Millie watched in disbelief as a purple glow lit up thecrevices of the woman’s hand and light spilled from the spaces between herfingers. She could feel the pendant getting warm, warmer, almost hot. Then, ina sudden mini-implosion, the light and the heat receded.

Millie squinted at the homeless woman in the rain, unableto speak. What had just happened?

“This is the Night’s Hope necklace. By day you will beMillie, by night you will be transformed into your heart’s desire.” She flasheda crooked little smile at Millie. “Enjoy.”

Millie gazed down at the necklace, trying to remember ifshe had told the old woman her name. “This is amazing,” she said, stroking thependant. “How did you make it light up?” When there was silence, she looked upto see that the seat next to her was empty. Her only company was the thunderingrain and gusting wind.

Happy Halloween and Happy Anniversary

2011-10-31T07:29:00.003-04:00

We come to the end of our celebration. Although at MuseItUp Publishing, we celebrate every day. We celebrate our publisher - our editors - our cover artists. But mostly, we celebrate our family. Yes, Muse has become a family.
I've made many new friends here at Muse and I'm lucky enough to have met several. I was privileged to mee Rebecca Ryalls Russell, Marsha Moore, and Barbara Bockman t in Florida while on a trip to visit my father in law. As if that wasn't enough, I had the pleasure of meeting Ginger Simpson on the way home.
But I've made many other friends besides the ones I've met in person.
I knew Lea a long time ago when I presented a class in one of her earlier conferences. She was also my editor for a time at another publisher. Lin and Kat Holmes, I met while at another publisher also. In fact they were the ones who told me Lea started her own publishing house. I couldn't wait to submit.
Of course I feel like everyone in the chat room is part of my family. But a few I've gotten to know on a more personal level, like Ginger, Gail, and Tanja.
Everyone here at Muse has been very supportive and if someone needs something - prayers- encouragement - or just a pat on the back, Muse authors are here for each other.
So Congratulations, Muse on your first year and hoping for many more to come.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.