Mary Ellen's Musings

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

I'll admit that I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. It's not that I have anything against love. I love romance and watching two people show their love. That's why I read romance novels. My problem with the holiday comes from its commercialism. It seems to be that Valentine's Day has turned into who has the best flowers, the flashiest jewelry, the biggest surprise, or the most romantic dinner date. Most of the people showering their loved ones in gifts have no idea about the history of the holiday or the real reason for giving gifts.

So, I have decided to give a little history lesson.

The date of February 14th was originally a Roman pagan holiday that was celebrated as part of a festival to purify the city and rid them of evil spirits. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius decided to make the holiday Christian and named it "St. Valentine's Day." History alludes to their being several Christian martyrs named Valentine that the holiday could have been named for, but the Valentine that brought about the holiday as we know it lived in the late 4th to early 5th century.

During this time period, the Roman Empire was ruled by a very strict and demanding Emperor by the name of Claudius II. He ordered that young men in his army not marry because he felt it would distract them from being good soldiers. Valentine was a priest who secretly married the men when they found the one they wanted to be with. Claudius found out about this and threw Valentine into jail. While in jail, the men he secretly married and their wives brought him gifts to show their appreciation.

Valentine fell in love with his jailer's daughter. (Keep in mind that this was before the Catholic church decided that priests could not marry. Prior to this they were allowed to.) He wrote a letter to this young woman professing his love and signed it "from your Valentine." Hence the tradition of sending gifts and letters "from your Valentine." Unfortunately, he was executed on February 14th.

In 1969, Pope John Paul VI removed the holiday from the General Roman Calendar of Saints because the history of St. Valentine has been lost and he can no longer be proven as a saint. Although the religious symbolism is lost, St. Valentine's Day is still widely celebrated around the world.

The holiday in the United States tends to center around romantic love. However, most other countries in the world use this holiday to show love to everyone - from friends to family to people they respect or admire (like a teacher). This is the way I celebrate my Valentine's day.

Valentine's Day is a great chance to spread love around, but love should never be shown only one day a year. You should always tell others you love them. Or give your significant other a surprise. Or tell them how much they are appreciated.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Share your love every day.

FYI - All this info came from Wikipedia.

Book Trailers: Are They a Good Marketing Tool?

2012-02-09T13:22:00.003-05:00

About a week ago, several of us posters on the Absolute Write forums were discussing book trailers and whether they are an effective marketing tool. There were many valid points brought up, but the main consensus seemed to be that book trailers don't really have a direct relation to sales. I can definitely agree with that. My book trailer for "The Wild Side" didn't do anything to boost sales.

The question was then asked, "Why make a book trailer?"

In my opinion, there are two types of people - those who hate books trailers and those who love book trailers. I happen to fall into the category of those who love them. I am a visual person, and often times a book trailer adds to the excitement of the book for me. Have I ever bought a book based solely on it's trailer? No.

Book trailers can be a good asset to your book. Many fans do enjoy watching them. They can be great to add to your Facebook page or Goodreads. There are even sites like BlazingTrailers.com that promote books using their book trailer. I have done trailers for both of my books for this reason. They are not necessary, but they are a good addition.

Can you release a book without a trailer? Absolutely. If you do decide to use one, I would not pay for it to be created. Authors who have a large following and earn a lot of money opt to pay companies to create high effect book trailers. This is great if you are going to be actually showing the trailer on television or your publisher's website. You have probably seen trailers from Stephen King, Nora Roberts, and other major authors throughout the past few years. These authors have book trailers that look more like movies.

If you are the average up and coming author, the chances of your trailer being shown outside your Facebook, website, and Goodreads page is slim. I wouldn't recommend spending your hard earned cash on something with such a limited audience. I create my own trailers using Windows Movie Maker. My only cost has been a few stock photos and my time and effort. They aren't the fanciest trailers, and I am sure others can do better. For me, they are good enough.

I guess the important thing to remember is that if you do decide to make a book trailer, try to make it as interesting as you can. You want those who do watch it to be intrigued enough to be buy your book or at least want more information on it. If they don't watch the trailer, it isn't a big deal. There are a million other ways to promote. If you do decide to spend money on a trailer, be smart about who you go with and don't break the bank for something that may not pay you back.

Here are a few trailers I thought were good:

Writer Conferences: Do You Go?

2012-01-31T20:16:00.000-05:00

I've never been to a writer's conference of any kind. I have gone to a few free workshops that my local library held during NaNoWriMo, but not an official writer's conference.

I don't really have a good reason for not attending. I live in the Indianapolis area, so there are many conferences held just a few minutes to a couple of hours away from me. To be honest, I am a little scared to go. As a self-published writer, I sometimes feel less sure of my writing. Some of these conferences include workshops or bringing samples of your work. It makes me cringe. I'm shy that way, which is probably not a good thing.

I'm sure there are benefits to conferences. After all, writers should keep learning to make their writing more interesting. However, many of the conferences I have looked at cover the same topics - editing, building characters, show not tell, etc. Is it really worthwhile to go to the same session over and over again?

There are some great conferences coming to my area of the US this year, and I am considering giving them a go.

What about you? Do you go to conferences? Do they actually improve your writing?

Why Lora Leigh's Breeds are a Good Read

2012-01-29T12:12:00.002-05:00

I love to share what I am reading. It one of the best things about being a book lover. Word of mouth can go a long way, and most of the time I choose what to read based off the recommendations of friends. So, I have decided that I am going to start a new element to my blog called, Good Reads. These aren't reviews. They are just books or authors that I enjoy reading.

Occasionally I like to go back and read books I have previously read. This is especially true with series books. I will go back and review what happened in order to refresh my mind for a new installment in the series. One series I recently went back and read was the Breed series by Lora Leigh. She doesn't have any new books coming out until later this year, but it had been a while since I last read them.

For those of you who aren't familiar, the Breed series follows a genetically altered species and their mates. The species was created by top government scientists, who combined the DNA of animals and humans to create a super strong, high ability race. They used animals like lions, coyotes, wolfs, and several species of tigers and called the new species Breeds. Unfortunately, the Breeds were only seen as science experiments and were tortured and often killed during training.

During the crazy experiments, scientists were also able to find a way for the new species to populate. They discovered "mating heat." It's exactly what it sounds like. They go into heat, like an animal would, when they find their mate and remain that way until the woman conceives. At this point, no one is sure if the mating heat was scientifically created or nature somehow wired it into their genes.

In the process of finding all this out, many of the Breeds were able to escape the labs they were created in. They went into hiding and proceeded to live quietly among humans. Until the first book in the series...

I will be the first to admit that the story of genetically altered humans has been done a million times. What makes this series so different is that it is done well. The characters are not strange. They don't resemble a bad sci-fi flick. They have believable stories - with real emotion and honest problems. I often find myself cheering the Breeds on, crying at their failures, and waiting anxiously to find out what happens next.

The romance is wonderful to read. The Breeds were raised to be fighters. They were never cuddled, loved, and trained to abide by human emotions. Falling in love comes as a shock to most of them, and it is very entertaining to see how they work it out. Although the latest installment is number 26 in the series, it hasn't lost the appeal. The story keeps evolving. The "mating heat" is changing with each couple. You never know what to expect.

New characters are introduced in each book, yet Lora Leigh makes sure to show us how the old favorites are doing. The world is becoming more complex. Even more problems are arising for the Breeds as they try to make a life for themselves among humans who can never truly understand them. To make matters worse, the crazy scientists who created them are still trying to get them back. You would think that this far into the series things would get boring. They definitely are not!

The only thing that some people find a problem with Lora Leigh's writing in general is that it is very, very steamy. She writes erotic romance. When there is a sex scene, it is quite the sex scene. I don't usually enjoy erotic romance. I like my romance to be more moderate. However, the story is so good that I just skim over the scenes that are a little too risque for me. That is the mark of a good erotic romance author - the story still stands without the sex element.

If you are looking for a great read, check out Lora Leigh's Breeds. They are fantastic.

For more information, click here.

I Need a Writing Space!

2012-01-24T17:57:00.003-05:00

I've come to the conclusion that I need a proper writing space.

I have a desk. It's a nice desk. The problem is that it is made for a desk top computer. It has the little tray that pulls out for your keyboard and the actual top of the desk is higher so that you can see your monitor at eye level. Only I own a laptop computer. It's very uncomfortable to work at my desk because of this.

Usually when I write I like to go to the library or I write on slow days at work. When I am at home, I either sit on the couch or prop myself up on the side of my bed. Both spots are uncomfortable. To be honest, I don't get much written at home because of this. I tend to get distracted by other people in the room or the tv.

My work space, if you can call it that, is anything but organized. I have book shelves with a mess of books on them. I have a filing box, with very little in it. Everything else is stuffed on my pull out tray on the desk waiting to be put in a better spot. It's a disaster.

If I want to be a serious writer, I need to create a more serious work space.

My goal this week:

1) Clean up my desk

2) Make my desk area a work space not a junk space.

3) Create boundaries so that people know not to interrupt me when I am working.

We'll see how it goes.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

2012-01-23T22:35:00.001-05:00

I love hearing about where authors get their ideas for stories. It is one of my favorite questions to ask. It seems like everyone has their own unique answer.

I'm sure we have all heard that Stephenie Meyer got her idea for Twilight from a dream. Sherrilyn Kenyon formed the Dark Hunter series through her love of Greek mythology. Steven King got the idea for "The Shining" from the reportedly haunted Stanley Hotel.

Authors get ideas from all over the place. Something as simple as a picture or passing a random person on the street can create a story unlike anything else.

My idea for 'The Wild Side" came from a picture. "The Cinderella Dream" came from watching the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. "Nocturne" was formed by my obsession with vampire romance - I wanted to write one of my own. Each one came from a drastically different place.

Where do you get your ideas?

Writers Are Weird!

2012-01-21T20:56:00.002-05:00

As a fellow writer, I have the right to say this. LOL!

Am I the only person who has noticed that writers are weird about words? Not weird in a bad way, just weird?

For example, I was talking to a friend of mine that also writes and were discussing some of our favorite games. They were all word games. I kid you not! Scrabble, Crosswords, Word Searches, Up Words - if it involved words, it was one of our favorites.

I can spend hours doing word puzzles. I also love those little Dell puzzle books that are full of word games and activities. Although, one book takes me at least two or three months to finish.

Writers also tend to use bigger words in everyday conversation. Most of the time we don't even notice it. I have a bad habit of doing this at work. We have a lot of international guests, and they look at me like I am crazy. I often have to watch how I word things.

What other strange oddities have you noticed about writers?

Review of Electrify Me by Erica Stanciu

2012-01-19T21:27:00.000-05:00

If you know me well, you know that I love romance. It is my favorite type of book to read. Very rarely do I choose to read other genres. It's not that I am picky or that I don't appreciate other types of books. I just love romance.

So, when the opportunity arose to read a new fantasy novel by Erica Stanciu my first thought was no. I don't know anything about fantasy. How could I write a review?

Then I thought about how she is a self-published author like myself. I thought about how this is her very first novel. It can be hard for up-and-comers to get reviews on their book. I decided to give it a try.

It was well worth it.

About the book:

A young and reckless Water King broke the number one rule, don’t be friendly with the other Wielding races. Consequently, nine months later the first hybrid was born of earth and water. Being adored as a child, Kaiya was in for a rude awakening when the teenage years dealt her a hand she had no control over. With the ability to manipulate electricity at the young age of thirteen she was forced to stay in the palace where solitude was her best, and only friend.

Fast forward five years where she is a trained, eighteen year old fighter. Her birthday party also doubles as a reintroduction to the Water people but, the only surprise given that day was death. Tragedy strikes which forces Kaiya into a journey of monsters, relics, prophecies, love, but most of all, the ability to believe in herself once again.

The first thing that stood out to me about this book is how unique all of the characters are. I was completely intrigued with all the different Weilding races and their characteristics. I fell in love with the main character, Kaiya, who was loved by her father and almost hated by the rest of the people in her kingdom. She is a very strong lead to what promises to be a great series. I loved her attitude and the fact that she kicked butt in more ways than one. It was fun to see her grow throughout the course of the book.

The story line was full of action, and the author has a fantastic way of describing things in such a way that you feel as if you are there along side the action. There is even a little romance. Although it isn't a major part of the story, it is mentioned and adds a little bit of spark to the story.

I started reading the book very late at night (almost midnight) with the intention of reading a chapter or two before bed. I couldn't put it down! I stayed up until 2 am just to finish the book. It was completely addicting. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

I really can't recommend the book highly enough. Erica Stanciu is such a talented writer. The book was well-written and error free (a surprise for some self-pubbed authors!). I am anxious to see what else Ms. Stanciu writes in the future.

My rating:

Interested in Electrify Me? Click here.
Want more information on Erica Stanciu? Click here.

Coming to an End

2012-01-14T00:45:00.000-05:00

Two blog posts in one day. I think that's a record for me.

I've been feeling kind of down this past week, and it has been increasingly difficult to go about my day. I know why depression is creeping up on me, but that doesn't make it any easier to handle.

Since my mother passed away in September, I have been writing a book about her. It started about two weeks after her death. I was sitting in my room crying because I was scared of forgetting her. Maybe that doesn't make sense, but it was all the little things about her I was terrified to lose. The sound of her voice. Her smile. How she would always give me a big hug and kiss, even on her worst day. The sound of her singing off key in the kitchen while she cooked. Our weekly movie night at the nursing home. The smell of her perfume.

I hated the idea of life moving on without Mom in it. I didn't want to forget. So, I came up with the idea of writing down everything I wanted to remember. Writing about Mom slowly turned into a book, and I am proud that she will hopefully be honored by my writing.

Telling Mom's story has been therapeutic. It has been a chance for me to talk about all the things I loved most about her. Instead of crying, I wrote. Writing allowed me to get my feelings out. Writing allowed me to be open and honest. What writing didn't do was make the pain go away.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my Mom. I miss her all the time. Every night before I go to sleep, I ask God to tell her I love her for me. I have no doubt that if there is a God and a place called Heaven, my mother is there. She was too good of a person, and much too faithful to God, to be anywhere else.

What is hardest for me is knowing that in this lifetime I will never get to hug her or see her beautiful smile again. People tell me it will get better with time. As of right now, I don't believe them. A part of me wishes Mom were still here, but the other part of me knows she was suffering. I would never want her to suffer just because I couldn't let her go.

I'm not married, and I have no children. I often wonder what my children (when I have them) will think about my Mom. Will they be fascinated by her story? Will they think she is beautiful? Will they care at all? I so badly wanted to have children before she passed, but God never sent me the right man. My children will never know my mother and that hurts me.

I visit the cemetery often. I bring Mom flowers and wreaths. I try to make her resting place beautiful because she loved flowers. Yet, each time I stand at her grave, I can't help but think this isn't where I wanted her to be. I wanted her to get better. I wanted her to stay with me. Why is my mother in the ground? Who will bring her beautiful flowers when I am gone?

I just wish things had been different.

Yes, depression is creeping in on me, and I know it is because Mom's book is nearing an end. Now that I am done writing, it will be my time to truly grieve.

But I guess it had to come at some time.

Don't take your parents for granted. Good or bad, you will miss them someday.

Favorite Time to Write

2012-01-13T18:58:00.002-05:00

I'm one of THOSE people. You know the people that schedule everything. I even tried to schedule the last family vacation, much to my family's dismay.

I have always been a planner. I like to write "to do" lists for myself, and I put all my important dates on calendars. I even have an excel spreadsheet made to help me organize what bills have been paid for the month and which still need to be taken care of. I organize everything. Seriously, don't look in my pantry. You'll think I'm crazy.

Knowing this, it shouldn't come as any surprise that I like to schedule my writing time as well. It's not that I schedule actual time to write. I just plan what time of day will work best.

Believe it or not, I get a lot of writing done at work. My shift tends to be very busy, and we have reports and files to do. However, every shift faces down time. During that down time, I write. You'd be amazed at how much I can get done at work on a normal day.

I also enjoy writing when I get off work at night. I don't get home until almost midnight, which many may think is a terrible time to write. However, at this time the apartment building is quiet. No one is calling me on the phone, and unfortunately, I am still wide awake. It takes me a while to wind down. Thankfully writing for an hour or two helps me do this. Plus, I have always been a night person. I do my best writing at night.

What is your favorite time to write?

Books I Can't Wait for in 2012

2012-01-08T19:54:00.002-05:00

I love reading. Those who care about me the most often say that I take my books a little too seriously.

So, I have ran out of room on my bookshelf. So, I have at least three large tubs fully stacked in the garage. So, I need a tattoo on my forehead that says: "Addicted to Books"

Is that really a big problem? Actually... don't answer that!

At the start of every year, I sit down with my calendar and make a list of the books I am most looking forward to for the year. I make them their own happy spot on their release date.

Which dates have happy spots this year?

January 24

I adore Lara Adrian's Midnight Breeds series. They are a fantastic vampire series. The books just get better and better.

The climactic novel in Lara Adrian’s New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed series--and her hardcover debut--Darker After Midnight invites readers to enter a thrillingly sensual world where danger meets desire.

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order--a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike--to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach--until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .

March 27

Two of my favorite books!

This is the release date for J.R. Ward's next novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I'm sure this one will be a tearjerker because it is Tohr's book. For those who don't read the series, Tohr's mate died early on in the series. It will be interesting to see who captures his heart the second time around.

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.Now back in the Brotherhood – and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was – Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams – trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld – Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost.

When he’s told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed…Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future…

Kerrelyn Sparks is probably one of the funniest authors I have read. Her books usually have me in stitches. This one will be especially funny. I have no doubts about it. Wanted: Undead or Alive is Dr. Phang, better known as The Love Doctor's book. I can't wait!

Nobody does supernatural love stories featuring virile vampires and sexy shapeshifters better than Kerrelyn Sparks! Paranormal romance fans—like Lynsay Sands, superstar author of the Argeneau vampire family novels, who calls Sparks, “an absolute delight!”—simply cannot wait to sink their teeth into a new Love at Stake novel. With Wanted: Undead or Alive,New York Times bestseller Sparks takes the passionate action way out west, as a vamp and a werewolf go undercover at a Wyoming dude ranch...with sizzling results!

April 24

Lynsay Sands is another one of those great authors that can make you laugh. Her vampire series is very unique in its folklore, and I very much enjoy reading her books.

Christian Notte's story, the sixteenth book in the Argeneau series is set on an island paradise called St. Lucia. After a bad relationship and an even worse divorce, Carolyn decides to go on a long overdue and much needed vacation with the 'girls'. Only the rest of the vacationers didn't get the memo. Around every corner there seems to be another couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary and the few single men she does see are far too young to even consider, including an irresistibly attractive rock violinist she meets. It's really too bad he's so young but in the end it doesn't matter because according to his cousin, Giacinta, women in general aren't Christian's type.

But there's a catch, Christian needs Carolyn's help. He needs her to be his beard (to play the part of his fake girlfriend) for the week to appease his 'machismo' family. Carolyn just can't seem to say No and decides to help Gia's cousin. The only problem is that being around Christian and acting like they are a loving couple is wreaking havoc on her emotions. Carolyn's thoughts keep drifting back to places they shouldn't, like kissing his full lips or feeling his broad shoulders under her fingertips... good lord, she's in trouble.

August/September

I have no book cover or official release date for this book, but this will be the potential release date for the next Dark Series novel by Christine Feehan. This is my all time favorite series, and I spend most of each year anxiously waiting for any details I can get.

Notice the vampire theme? LOL!

What books are you waiting for this year?

Christmas Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-24T12:51:00.002-05:00

It's Christmas Eve. Time to announce the winner of my Christmas Giveaway!

I was very surprised by the number of you who signed up. Thank you for doing so. I wish I could give you all a gift, but there can only be one winner.

Just a reminder that I chose the winner using random.org.

The winner is Gail.

Congratulations!

And I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Thoughts on Self-Publishing

2011-12-22T22:55:00.003-05:00

I wrote a post about my experiences with self-publishing a few months back and chronicled how I decided to self-publish. I also shared the results I had with making that decision.

As time has gone by, and I have taken more time to research the self-publishing route, I realize how much I love the concept being in charge of my own book. "Indie Publishing" many people call it. I don't know if it's the proper term, but I've seen many people refer to it as that.

Growing up, the idea of self-publishing was a horrible thing. I would picture people sitting at home with ten boxes of books they were required to sell to get their money back. For many people in the past, this was how self-publishing worked. These days that is no longer the case. With the popularity of ebooks, it is easier than ever to share your books with others - no costs up front.

There is also the print on demand market, which I used to get "The Wild Side" in print. Print on demand means that your book doesn't get printed unless someone buys it. The company (In my case, Createspace), simply asks that you sell the book at a price high enough to cover the printing costs. My book costs $3.66 to print, and I am selling it for $4.99. This means that I earn $1.33 for every book I sell.

Self-published books are becoming more popular. Authors like J.A. Konrath and Amanda Hocking are making loads of money off of their books. Both are making a living solely off their book sales. Several other authors are making good money off of their books as well. In fact, one of my good friends from the Absolute Write Community made enough money off her ebook to pay her rent last month. Not bad considering she views writing as a hobby.

When my writing dream first started, I couldn't imagine anything less than being picked up by a major publishing house. I would still love for this to happen. However, I know that the market is changing. Bookstores are closing. Libraries are closing. More and more people buy ebooks and order their books online. Even those authors who are lucky enough to be published by a major market don't always get the instant backing they think they will. You aren't guaranteed seeing your book on shelves. Often times, unless you are a well known author, marketing is left up to you. You also get lower royalties.

When I wrote my first book, way back before "The Wild Side, I queried publishers. I didn't send out very many - 10 total. The response was decent. Seven never responded. One declined. Two asked for fulls, but ended up passing the book up. I was hopeful that someone would eventually choose my book. Then "The Wilde Side" came along and my eyes were opened to self-publishing.

It dawned on me - Why am I letting someone else determine whether my book is worth publishing?

Self-publishing is not an easy choice. You are in charge of editing, marketing, making the book cover, formatting, and every other aspect of the book making process. It's a lot of work. Many do not succeed...but then again, many do.

It's a challenge I am willing to face. I am tired of waiting for someone to think I am worthy to be published. I love my books. I want to share them with others. If other people like them, great. If they don't, I'm fine with that too. To me the most important thing is that I have the option. I have also learned a lot from publishing 'The Wilde Side." I know what mistakes I made the first time around and what did or didn't work. Going into my next book, I have a plan. Before, I was flying by the seat of my pants.

If a major publisher came knocking on my door, would I jump on the offer? I don't know. I suppose it would depend in the details of that offer.

So, here's to me taking the plunge and deciding to become a true "Indie" author.

Lord help me!

The Trouble in Writing a Series

2011-12-18T18:08:00.002-05:00

I love reading books that are in a series. It is by far my favorite type of book to read. I read my first series in elementary school. It was the famous Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. From then on anything in a series was devoured by me.

Ever since I was a small child, I have had this fascination in wanting to know what happens next. I would read a book and write my own interpretation of the ending - only it would never actually end! I would watch a movie and imagine what the characters did the next day. I always wanted to know how everyone fared after the story was finished. In fact, the very first book I wrote was written with the idea of turning it into a series. That book has not been published yet, but I have plans to do so. I already know what the first fours books will be about. It is all planned out in my head.

The trouble that many authors have in writing a series is losing focus of what the series was supposed to be about in the first place. When it is first planned out, and the rules of the world are set, the series goes along smoothly. Then as the series becomes more popular, the rules begin to change and the story lines become more "reader pleasing" instead of being true to the characters.

I follow many series by many different authors, especially in the paranormal romance genre. Some of the authors I read have written series that have taken off and become huge. Sherrilyn Kenyon is a good example of this. The problem I am noticing is that the books are no longer the focus. The focus is now on dolls, key chains, and other items that promote the book. There are manga versions of her stories. People dress up in costumes, and Sherrilyn goes to conventions all over the country to spend time with her fans while dressing up. Now, there is talk about one of her series being turned into a movie or tv show. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I am proud that her books have allowed her to become so well-known and gain recognition. The problem I have with it is the quality of the books. They are still good reads, but they don't hold a candle to her earlier work. Many rules in the series have changed and some of my favorite characters seem to have had personality transplants. I often wonder if this is because she is so limited with time. Sadly, many other authors have been bitten by the bug called fame and are following down this same path.

I still read Sherrilyn's books because I want to see what happened to the characters I have grown to love. However, I now buy the ebook version. I used to wait in line for a brand new hardcover copy.

Writing a series and keeping it relevant is a hard task. It isn't easy to keep the momentum going throughout many books instead of just one. Authors need to know that the books and characters should always be the main focus. Otherwise, why are you writing them?

Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Time to announce my Christmas Giveaway!

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve (hence "Christmas Giveaway!).

The prize:

Two books from one of my favorite authors, Kerrelyn Sparks - Vampire Mine and All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire. Her books are hilarious!
Upon the Midnight Clear by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Christmas with a Vampire Anthology featuring stories by Merline Lovelace, Lore Devoti, Linda Winstead Jones, Lisa Childs, and Bonnie Vanak

The rules are the same as all my other giveaways. Simply add your name and email address to the comments section and you are entered.

Happy reading!

New Website - Same Blog!

2011-12-11T16:38:00.001-05:00

I made a big decision the other day about my website. When I first started to seriously focus on my writing, I started a blog. It was what everyone said to do. "All writers need a blog!" So, I listened and got myself a free blogger account.

I love blogging. It surprised me how much I enjoy connecting with other people and sharing my ideas on things. It didn't take long to get a following, and I continue to be impressed with how many of you enjoy reading what I write. When "The Wild Side" was released, I bought a domain name. The idea was to make it easier to find me online. It worked, and I loved my personal blog.

It wasn't the most professional appearance, however. To get information on my book, you first had to sift through a bunch of posts about stuff and a side-bar filled with other blog advertisements and posts from friends. I wanted a more professional appearance.

So, I took my domain name over to Weebly and created a site just for my book and books to come.You can still reach my blog through the site, but it isn't the first thing you see. My blog is back at it's original address: http://maryequigley.blogspot.com. I also changed my blog design to somewhat correspond with the color scheme on my website.

This post is just to explain the switch and remind everyone to update their bookmarks.

What do you think of the new site?

What Has Mary Ellen Been Up To?

2011-12-07T13:49:00.001-05:00

These past few weeks, I have been rather absent from my blog. Several people have sent emails asking me what I have been up to lately.

To be honest, I've been writing.

As most of you know, November was NaNoWriMo. I'm proud to say that I actually wrote 50,000 words this year. I didn't think I would, but persistence prevailed. Nocturne, a book that has been in the works for at least three years, now has 76,000 words. I have decided to put it aside for a while just because I'm a little tired of looking at it.

I also did some more writing on "The Cinderella Dream." This was my original NaNo idea, but it wouldn't work for me at the time. It's funny how once the challenge ended, the characters starting speaking again. I am also working on a memoir for my mother. The tentative title is "Lessons My Mother Taught Me." Writing about Mom has been very good for me emotionally. Will I ever publish this when it is finished? I don't know. Right now the book is for me. We'll see where it goes in the future.

One of my big projects this week is working with Createspace to get "The Wild Side" in print. I just need to approve my latest proof and it will be available for purchase. I've been pleased with how fast Createspace works and the quality of their materials. I will definitely use them again in the future. I also went through the manuscript one more time to approve the proof. YIKES! It's amazing what my editor and I missed. So, I am fixing the errors and re-uploading the file. If you bought a copy of the book, you should be able to download the new and improved version early next week.

What have you been up to lately?

Plagiarism is an Addiction?

2011-12-02T16:53:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm not buying it.

Most of us in the writing world probably heard of the Quentin Rowan situation. Mr. Rowan released a spy thriller called, Assassin of Secrets, earlier this year. It did very well and received great feedback. Until the accusations came forth...

It turns out that the novel was plagiarized. Not just a few words or phrases were lifted, but entire sections of several books. The book was actually a compilation of several spy thrillers from James Gardner to Charles McCarry. The worst part - no one noticed. It wasn't until the book hit shelves and readers began to spill the beans that rumors of plagiarism hit full force. Needless to say, the book was removed from stores and buyers were given a refund.

Quentin Rowan had stayed quiet since the scandal broke - until a few days ago. He posted an article, Confessions of a Plagiarist, on the Fix. In the article, he tries to explain his reasoning for taking other people's work. According to Rowan, plagiarizing started off as a way to compile favorite phrases and paragraphs, but quickly became an addiction.

"I was 20 years old, and trying to write a short story for the first or second time when I came upon a paragraph I liked from a short story by B.S. Johnson called What did you say the Name of the Place was? It was so easy to do, as easy as picking up a drink, if you think about it. The lifted paragraph perfectly fit my narrative. And it temporarily assuaged the awful feeling I had in my head that I was no good as a writer."

For years he copied other people's work and passed it off as his own. Several of these "works" were published in different formats. During this time, Rowan also became an alcoholic. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous and quit drinking. However, he believes that the drinking problem contributed to his plagiarism.

Rowan states, "maybe that's when I transferred my obsession from drinking and drugs to plagiarism. My addiction didn't disappear; it simply morphed into something else."

Not once in the article does he apologize to his fans or to the authors he stole from.

As an author, I can't even contemplate stealing from someone else. The best part of writing is sharing YOUR words with others. I enjoy the feedback, both good and bad. I can't believe that someone would think it was acceptable.

These days it seems like anyone who messes up tries to pass it off as an addiction. Especially stars who get caught in affairs. "I'm not a cheater. I'm addicted to sex." No, you are not addicted to anything. You're just trying to cover your butt because you got caught.

Addicted to plagiarism? I don't think so.

I Love Christmas!

2011-11-30T17:19:00.001-05:00

I know I have been absent from my blog lately. Life has been busy. My aunt passed away, NaNoWriMo was in full force, and things at home have been stressful

Thankfully things are getting better, and I am super excited. Do you know why?

Because Christmas is coming!

I love the holiday season. It is by far my favorite time of year. Every year I look forward to putting out Christmas decorations. This year is especially special because many of our decorations are homemade. In fact, my mother and grandmother made most of them. Setting out our decorations is a way of remembering them and enjoying the beauty they left us.

We have not one, but two Christmas trees.

I found some really good smelling potpourri with pretty silver pine-cones. Yay!

We also put out Mom's Christmas village. She loved this. My sister bought her the first four houses. The following summer we scoured thrift stores to buy the rest. Unfortunately, Mom never got to see the whole village put together. I know she would have loved it though. (I need to buy something white to put on the shelves though because it looks funny on brown.)

I love watching all the cheesy Christmas movies on television. Our family tradition is to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Story holds a special place in my heart since it is based on a guy who grew up in my hometown. The fictional Hohman, Indiana in the movie is actually Hammond, Indiana in real life.

I also love reading Christmas books. Harlequin has their holiday books on sale, so guess what I'll be checking out later this month?

What do you enjoy most about the holiday season?

7 Tips to Make You a Better Writer

2011-11-19T23:24:00.001-05:00

All writers want to eventually get better at what they do. Just like any other profession, or hobby for some, you get better with practice. Writing is an art, and it can be improved.

Here are 10 writing tips that can make you a better writer.

1. Write every day, even if it is only for 30 minutes. You will notice a big difference in your writing. It also helps you become better at flushing out ideas. What this does is train your brain to turn on writing when you need it.

2. Don't edit. Just write. Let the words flow freely. You can always go back and fix your mistakes later. By turning off your internal editor, it allows you to write more in a shorter period of time.

3. Get rid of clutter and avoid wordiness. You don't need five adjectives or adverbs in your sentence. Sometimes less is more.

4. Use a thesaurus. They are a great tool in helping you vary your words and keep them from being redundant. Plus, there is one already built into Microsoft Word.

5. Consider reading your words aloud. This helps you hear how the words flow and can point out any mistakes. Sometimes you catch errors faster with this method.

6. Read books about writing. There many great books out there that contain good strategies for writing. Several of them specify different genres or types of writing styles. Check out your local library.

7. Let others read your work and take their criticism seriously. No one wants to hear bad things about what they write. However, it is meant to help you grow and learn. Don't take it to heart, but be willing to hear it with an open mind.

What are your tips for being a better writer?

The Effects of Teasing

2011-11-16T12:51:00.000-05:00

After reading Darian Wilk's blog post entitled, I Confessed to my Daughter About Being Ugly, I felt very inspired to share my own experiences growing up. It amazes me that so few people talk about the ways they were hurt or teased.

I'm not going to go into long details about how I was teased in school. I already spoke about this in my earlier blog, when I shared my friend's new blog on bullying. What I will talk about are the effects the teasing had on me and continue to have on me as I go through life.

The thing I was teased about the most was my weight. I have always been fat. I was fat when it was completely acceptable to tease the fat kid. In many cases, it is the fat kids that get teased the most.

Fitting behind the desks in middle/high school was an art form. I was the one huffing and puffing in gym because I was too fat to play 90% of the sports. When I did try, I was laughed at for trying. I wore the ugly, grandma dress at prom because it was the only one I could find in my size. I didn't get to wear the big fashions of the time because I couldn't fit into them.

I never dated. I didn't even try. Most of the guys in school were too busy shouting rude comments down the hall about my weight to consider going on a date. When I tried to ask out a guy, I would be shot down immediately.

I was called porky, plumper, fatty, tubbo, wide load, fat b*tch, fat a**, and ugly to name a few. I was called this EVERY day. All the way from kindergarten to senior year of high school and sadly even beyond that.

I hated myself. There were a few times I contemplated running away from home just so I wouldn't have to go to school. I was too chicken to think about suicide because I was raised to believe that suicide sent you to Hell (religious upbringing).

I tried dieting. It didn't work. I even became bulimic for a while, although I don't think my parents or my sister ever knew.

What I spent most of my life not understanding was that I had an eating disorder. People tend to look at me strangely when I say that. How can you be overweight and have an eating disorder? That is because I never heard of Compulsive Overeating.

It was the campus nurse at Marian College (University) who told me the truth. After going to party at Butler with some friends, I was horrified to once again be the fat kid that was made fun of - this time by half the folks at the party. So, I went to the nurse for dieting tips. It wasn't until I sat down with her to discuss my eating habits that she told me there were more eating disorders than just Anorexia and Bullimia.

I have Compulsive Overeating Disorder. What does than mean? It means that food is my drug. I eat when I am bored. I eat when I am tired. I eat when I am sad, mad, disappointed, depressed, happy, and joyous. Food is what I plan my life around.

Most Compulsive Overeaters use their food as a crutch. "I don't know how to deal with my feelings, but food can make me feel better." Just as alcohol or pain meds work for other types of addicts.

Did I always have this disorder? I don't know. Was it brought on by the teasing? Possibly, but again I don't know. All I do know is that somehow growing up I was taught that food was the way to make yourself feel better. Food worked for me. It also caused me to be fat.

Everyone was so busy teasing me that they never noticed the kind of help I really needed.

I was also really good at hiding it.

It took many years, but I got help. I starting attending Overeaters Anonymous meetings and slowly learned that there are other things you can do to control your feelings. I write. I take a walk. I call a friend or my sister. I listen to music. Food is fuel now, not my happy drug. Now that I have my eating habits under control, I have started to work on removing the weight. It's slow going, but it is working.

The funny thing is that no matter what I do in life or how much weight I lose, I will always consider myself the fat kid. I still get teased. The other day I was in the break room at work and some of the housemen barked at me like I was a dog. Thrilling, let me tell you. I though high school was over.

I still get shot down by the guys. This is why I think that I will end up the crazy old bird lady. Maybe when I am done losing my weight, this will change. We'll see.

Teasing changes your life. It sticks with you. Throughout the years I have tried to leave it behind, but you can't. It's too much a part of you. I learned that hard way that you have to love yourself first. No one else will do it for you. They are too busy trying to bring you down to make themselves feel better.

How do you teach this to young children? I have no clue, but someone needs to figure it out. If they don't, we are going to see even more kids committing suicide.

Teasing should not be a rite of passage. It is cruel, and it scars people for life.

Cover Snark - Girl with Mullet

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week's cover:

Poor guy.

All he wanted to do was take a nap and this crazy woman with a mullet decided to try and kill him.

I think this is supposed to be romantic.

It's not.

All Writers Need An Editor

2011-11-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

All of us that write like to think our work is amazing. We read passages and think how great they are. We like to believe our words will change the world... or at least make someone laugh.

Unfortunately, we also make mistakes. Sometimes they are simple mistakes. Typos and misspellings can happen quite easily. Even the best writers can miss them.

This is why all writers need an editor.

I found this video on Youtube and thought it would cause everyone to get a good laugh.

It also gets the point across.

You Can't Make An Idea Work...

2011-11-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

if it doesn't want to work. At least, that is what I am telling myself.

I tried so many times to sit down and write last week. No matter how hard I pushed myself, the words wouldn't come. I was trying to start my new novel for NaNoWriMo. The plan was great. I researched. I organized. I even had my storyline completely planned out.

The problem? My characters were boring. Absolutely B-O-R-I-N-G! I couldn't get them written correctly.

After sitting for ages with only a little over 1,000 words written, I realized that I was having my first case of writer's block. I have never dealt with writer's block. Words come easy to me. They always have. For the first time in my life, I couldn't make myself write.

The truth of writer's block for me was that idea I had just wouldn't click in my brain. At least not in the time period I wanted it to. My big decision was to walk away from the story I was trying to make myself write, and focus on the story my brain wanted to write.

Will I have 50,000 words written by November 30? I don't know, but I think I so. My new story is one that has been on the back burner for months. I love the story. I've just been too busy to complete it. Now that I am focused on it again, the words are flowing easily.

For me, NaNoWriMo is about making your writing work for you. Starting a new book just because it's November 1st is great if you can do that. For me, something new didn't work.

I guess that makes me a NaNoRebel. That's fine though. As long as I get 50,000 words written by the end of the month, I will still consider myself a winner.

What do you think causes writer's block?

Cover Snark Sunday - Lord of What?

2011-11-06T12:34:00.002-05:00

This week's cover:

Ah, Lord of the Isle.

You do nothing for me.

Maybe it's your ugly kilt, your strange boots, or your nasty looking beard?

Either way, you would never be welcome in my bed. LOL!

Review of The Lion Tamer by Madison Chase

2011-11-05T19:32:00.002-04:00

I was bored and looking for something to read the other day. One of my friends recommended checking out the free books section of Smashwords. I hate to say this, because it sounds horrible, but the free book section scares me a little.

I have ventured into the free books section a few times before. Most of the time, the stories are free for a reason... and the reason is not a good one. There are a few books that have surprised me in the past, but the majority have left me questioning why I wasted my time.

When I read the description to Madison Chase's story, The Lion Tamer, I was immediately intrigued.

Empath Carla Rogers has been in love with her boss, Leo Santini, for years. But the handsome werelion has never given any indication he returns her feelings. His rejection to her dinner invitation was the last straw. It's time to put some distance between him and her heart. Could resigning from her job be the kick-start their relationship needs?

Plus, since it was free I wouldn't be losing anything. I wasn't disappointed by this story at all. It was a great free read!

The character of Carla was very well written. Instead of being the annoying woman who is lusting after her boss, you can actually feel the love she has for him. The author does a wonderful job of making Carla believable and describes her emotions beautifully. You want to cry for her because of hurt she is feeling by Leo's rejection.

Leo in turn is a character that keeps you guessing. He is the complete alpha male who gives orders and expects them to be followed. His stubbornness doesn't last long when he realizes Carla is leaving her job. You quickly witness his alpha role go into overdrive as he sees what he is about to lose.

My only complaint was how short the story turned out to be. It is only about 6,000 words long. These characters were very complex and had a bigger story to tell. I truly believe that this could have been a full length novel. I also questioned the "werelion" aspect of the story. You never see that part of Leo come out.

Overall, I loved the book.

My rating:

Madison Chase has a few other books out, and I am very much looking forward to reading them. Learn more about Madison and her work here.

Happy reading!

Love Unfinished by Darian Wilk

2011-11-02T17:05:00.003-04:00

Soul mates from the past leave their love unfinished when a tragic accident ends their lives on their wedding day. Yet they are destined to meet again to fulfill that love in new incarnations, leading vastly different lives.

Emma thought she had chosen the right path, but too late does she realize her mistake as her husband reveals the monster behind his smile-morphing their fairytale image with loveless obligation. Trapped in a broken marriage to a powerful, abusive husband, she knows this is not the life she was destined to live. As her hope for love withers, she meets James, her love from a lifetime ago.

Emma cannot deny the love pulling her toward James, but courage to abandon her marriage wavers and unknowingly puts her love on the line. If Emma has any hope of life and love, she must trust the bond with James and be with the man destiny has spent two lifetimes guiding her toward. Are they fated to fulfill their love, or will they once again, leave love unfinished?

My rating:

I have had the pleasure of following Darian’s journey to publishingLove Unfinished for quite a while on her blog. I was able to witness the editingprocess, the decision to self-publish and even the excitement of finallyseeing the finished product complete and ready to be shared with the world.

Iwasn’t disappointed.

Love Unfinished is a book definitely worth reading.

The best part of the book by far was the characters. Theywere very real, with issues that were easy to understand. The story of Emma,trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive husband, broke my heart. Dariandid a good job of making the husband a true villain. By the end of the book,you can’t help but think that justice has finally prevailed.

The relationship between Emma and James is beautifullywritten. Their love, although seemingly forbidden, is very true. You go into thestory knowing that the two are supposed to be together, through eternal love, and wondering how in the world it is going to work out. The twists and turns keep the reader guessing.

This was a book I couldn’t put down. I sat for two straighthours reading like a mad woman until I reached the end. It tugs at your heartstrings and makes you wish for a love as true as Emma and James were luckyenough to share.

The ending confused me slightly, but it did not deter themain purpose of the story. If you believe in love that lasts for eternity, andwant a book that leaves you with an over all good feeling, Love Unfinished is a goodchoice for you. Just keep your tissues handy!

Visit Darian Wilk’s website for more information on LoveUnfinished and a listing of places to buy the book.

Happy NaNoWriMo Eve!

2011-10-31T18:51:00.000-04:00

and Happy Halloween.

I don't really do anything special for Halloween, but I hope those of you who do are having fun.

Tomorrow is the first day of NaNoWriMo. I'm excited, but nervous. I failed miserably last year. My mother has just had her stroke. We moved in mid-December, so November was spent packing up my parents 34 years of stuff from the house and job hunting. Obviously, writing was not a top priority and the 50,000 words were never written.

I'm going into this year with a plan. Unfortunately, my workplace has scheduled me for a 15 hour shift tomorrow, 8 of which are for a training session. I'm a little worried about starting off behind.

My big plan is to write at least 2000 words per day. I am lucky to have a desk job. On days when it is slow, I can often get writing done there. This isn't always a guarantee, but nine times out of ten I can get some writing time in. Otherwise, the plan is to wake up early and stay up late to meet my word count.

My other goal is to just write. I'm not going to worry about mistakes, editing errors or anything else. I can always go back and edit later on. This way my 50,000 words will be written without anything holding me back.

What is your plan for completing NaNoWriMo this year?

Cover Snark - Totally Confused!

2011-10-30T14:00:00.002-04:00

This week's cover:

This is another one of those naked man covers. I don't get the fascination. It looks weird and perverted.

Not only that - what exactly are they supposed to be doing? Isn't the middle of the ocean, during a thunderstorm, a really bad place to get it on?

Just saying...

My Experience with Self-Publishing

2011-10-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

Ever since my book, The Wild Side, was released last July, other writers have asked me to share my self-publishing experience with them. I was never sure how to put it into words. This is mostly because I think that every writer's experience is different and can't truly be compared. Nonetheless, after months of being asked to share, I've finally decided to explain my view.

My journey to publishing was an odd one. Prior to 2009, I never even thought of publishing my writing. I love to write. I had notebooks and computer files full of stories. The idea of sharing my work was terrifying. Then one day a friend introduced me to Textnovel. I was excited to finally share my work, and I was even more excited when people seemed to like it. The publishing dream was started.

A few months later, I entered a competition where you could win an editor. This free person would look through one of your short stories, edit it, and give you advice on the best way to publish your work. I won. It was a total surprise. My editor was fantastic, and he recommended self-publishing the story.

I didn't even know what self-publishing meant.

After researching, I decided to go for it. The story was only 20,000 words, and I had no experience with actual publishing companies or querying. What would it hurt to just try? I wasn't prepared for how difficult self-publishing would turn out to be.

I enjoyed the freedom of being completely in charge of my story. I chose the cover, the release date, what parts of the story were cut and which were kept. It was my story the way I wanted it to be. It was released on my terms. The control freak in me was thrilled!

I didn't enjoy all the marketing that no one tells you about before you send the book out into cyberspace. You are completely in charge of marketing your book. No one else will do it for you. You have to set up advertisements, blog tours, interviews, getting professionally reviewed, sending out promo items, etc. It's all you! Unless you can afford to hire someone else to do this for you, it's your job to research and figure out the best way to spread the word. Granted, there will be people who read the book, love it, and help share it with others. Don't depend on it though. I didn't do a very good job of marketing. Because of this, my book didn't sell as well as it could have.

Self-publishing also taught me an important lesson. Having an editor is great, and the man was extremely helpful. Having two editors or a beta reader would have been better. I jumped the gun a little on The Wild Side. I still love my story, but I look at the manuscript now and see what I could have improved. I should have gave more background on my main female character. I should have added more sexual tension and not have chickened out on the sex scene. I've gotten three reviews so far, and they are all good. None are glaringly bad. They all point out areas that could have been better. I made the mistake of publishing too soon.

Would I ever self-publish again? It would depend on the story. I like the idea of using self-publishing to release short stories. They are easy for me to write, and I don't know of many publishing companies that specialize in them.

For larger pieces of work, I would like to try the more traditional route. I guess the good news is that there are options. If traditional publishing doesn't work out, self-publishing is always an option. Thankfully, I now have a better idea of what to expect.

Scrivener - An Awesome Writing Program

2011-10-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually the type of person that endorses products. For one, it's annoying. For two, most people really don't care unless it is something they will use.

When I went to the NaNoWriMo kick off party in Greenwood, author Colleen Coble recommended a writing program called, Scrivener. I had never heard of it before, but we were told that there was a special free version being given to NaNoWriMo participants. How can you beat free? To be honest, I didn't really see a reason for it. What could Scrivener do that I couldn't do in Microsoft Word?

Boy, I was wrong!

Scrivener is fantastic! Not only is it an actual word processing program, but it also has the ability to organize your story into parts. I can organize by chapter and scene. Let's say I want to move a scene because I think it will work better elsewhere. No problem! I no longer have to cut and paste the section around in Word. All I have to do is drag the "note card" on my Scrivener template. Viola! The scene is now in a different spot.

They have cards for your characters - their description, personality, etc. They have cards for your settings. They even have a section for notes. My NaNoWriMo novel takes place in the Cyclades Islands. I know nothing about them. Not a problem. As I do my research, I can copy and paste sections of a website and have the information sent to the notes section of Scrivener. I can also save pictures and import whole websites of information. This way if I need to consult my notes, everything is in one spot.

Even better, the program is built with "manuscript" format capability. When you are ready to send your masterpiece out, Scrivener is pre-programmed with the common manuscript formats and will either print it or save it in the file type you need. (You can change the settings, of course)

I really love Scrivener. It is amazing how easy it makes organizing, planning, and writing your novel.

The program usually sells for $45, but if you participate in NaNoWriMo, you can get a free trial version through December (Find the info here.). If you complete NaNo, you get the program 50% off. Score! I'll definitely be buying this one.

Get more information about Scrivener here.

I Got to Meet Colleen Coble!

2011-10-26T18:50:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I don't read Christian Romance. Prior to yesterday, I had no idea who Colleen Coble was or what she wrote.

One of the best parts of NaNoWriMo is all the great opportunities for free workshops and author meet and greets that are sponsored. My local library is fantastic. They have all kinds of great events going on during November. Last night was the 'Kick Off" party and the opportunity to get some writing advice from Colleen Coble.

She's a fellow Hoosier, which made may day even more. She has also won numerous awards for the 40 or so novels she has written.

The focus last night was on writing a novel. How exactly do you write one?

A lot of what she said were things I already knew, but she did give three great pieces of advice.

1. Understand your character completely. What kind of person are they? What are they good at? What are they bad at? What is their personality? Their hopes? Their dreams? What is their biggest secret? Create a whole person - both inside and out. This makes the character more interesting and helps you write them more effectively and authentically.

2. Create layers in your story. Layers are not subplots. Layers simply mean the complexity of the story. There should be more than one layer; otherwise what exactly are you writing about? For example, if your characters are in love and can't be together because their parents don't approve, that's one layer. What if the parents don't approve, her father is an alcoholic, and he is moving away in two months? Those are multiple layers. They give the story more depth and give you more to write about.

3. Never stop writing. Even if you have sent something out in the hope that it will be published, don't get stuck on that one piece of writing. Always write something new. When you finish the next story, send it out and start something else new. This way, your name and your writing is always out there.

It was so much fun to meet other writers who are just as insane as I am. The next month will be tons of fun.

What cool things are happening in your area for NaNoWriMo?

I Love the Process the Most

2011-10-25T08:12:00.001-04:00

I love the writing process - all of it. I even love the editing part, which most people hate. The whole idea of writing a story and seeing it through to the end makes me feel fulfilled.

I especially love the feeling I get when a new idea is running through my head. I can't wait to get to the nearest computer or notebook to write it down. Sometimes I get so excited that I have to tell everyone I know about it. My friends are probably tired of hearing all my crazy ideas.

It's often hard to contain the excitement long enough to turn the idea into an outline and the outline into a story and a story into a final, edited piece. Yet, when it is done, the true feeling of accomplishment is there.

Sometimes people make comments. They say, "How can all that writing be fun?" I guess only another writer would understand. Some people love to shop or watch TV or play video games. I love to write. I also love to read, which in turns helps me write.

It's funny how everyone has their own thing that really makes them happy.

What do you love most about writing?

And the Winner is...

2011-10-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Time to announce the winner of my Halloween Giveaway!

Congratulations to Stephanie!

Thank you to everyone who participated. I wish I could give you all something, but unfortunately, I'm not that rich. LOL!

The winner was chosen using random.org.

Blog Award - 7 X 7

2011-10-20T18:12:00.004-04:00

I got a blog award today. I feel kind of special!

Thank you to Beckah-rah.

With this award, the blogger chooses their own blog posts for certain categories.

Here are mine:

1. Most Beautiful Post: A Special Occasion - This is one of my first blog posts ever, and it remains one of my favorites. My sister's babies are in it, as is my mother. Those two things alone make it beautiful.

2. Most Popular Post: David Craigmile - This is the top post on my page. This guy has more fans than even I knew he did.

3. Most Controversial Post: Plagiarism - I don't write controversial stuff most of the time. This is about as close to it as I have gotten.

4. Most Helpful post: Tips for Writing: How to Create a Story Outline - I have gotten a lot of feedback on this post. Not only is it popular, but it is the only one that I still hear about almost a year later.

5. Most Surprisingly Successful post: 10 Things That Creep Me Out - You wouldn't believe how many page views and hits I get on this blog. I guess people are very interested in women with mustaches and Oompa Loompas.

6. Post that Didn't get the Attention it Deserved: Group Blog Thursday - I did two of them, and they bombed. I mean, they REALLY bombed. I was so excited about the idea, too. Apparently, no one else was. LOL! I don't think they deserved attention, but it's the first post I've had that ended up completely dead.

7. Post I am Most Proud of: Life After Mom - This was a hard one for me to write. It was my first blog post after Mom's death. I rewrote it several times, trying to find right words to say. The end result turned out exactly how I wanted it.

Time to pass it on!

1. Crazy Lady with a Pen

2. An Aspiring Writer

3. Paperback Writer

Writing Tips - Dialogue Dos and Don'ts

2011-10-19T17:06:00.002-04:00

One of the hardest parts of writing fiction, especially romance, is mastering the art of dialogue. Bad dialogue can ruin a book, just as good dialogue can enhance it.

Creating meaningful dialogue can be tricky for any author, but there are some unspoken rules that can help you out.

Here are some dialogue dos and don'ts.

Do:

Make the dialogue count. Having the characters talk for the sake of talking wastes the reader's time. The dialogue should be used to move the story forward or to share the inner feelings of a character.
Use the dialogue to give your characters... well... character! Think about the way people talk. Everyone has their own phrases or words that make them unique. Maybe your character uses big, eloquent words? Maybe they are over polite? Maybe they are rude? Choose how you want your character to be portrayed and make their dialogue match that.
Give your characters something to do other than talk. People don't usually stand in one spot for ten minutes straight and talk. We sway. We bounce on our feet. We walk. We use our hands to emphasize what we are saying. To make the dialogue more realistic, you should make the actions of the character more realistic when they speak.
Follow correct grammar rules. Remember to use quotation marks and to start a new paragraph every time a different person speaks.

Don't:

Use slang. If you are talking about your house, call it a house. Don't assume that everyone will know what you mean if you call it a "crib." If you do decide to use slang, make sure you explain it's meaning somehow.
Have the characters talk too much. Have you ever been around that person that talks too much? They're annoying, aren't they? Characters that talk to much are just as annoying. Unless the dialogue is relevant to the story, don't use it.
Overuse "he said," "she said," "they said." I know that this fun rule was taught back in school, but it doesn't have to be used. It's fine to throw a few in there for clarification, but if your dialogue is well-written, it should be clear to the reader who is speaking. Overusing this makes the writing look very juvenile. No one wants that!

What are some other ways you can improve your dialogue?

Cover Snark - This Just Looks Wrong!

2011-10-16T11:50:00.001-04:00

This week's cover really makes me question people.

Now, I'm sure that the author and cover designer were just trying to show the trials and tribulations of a interracial relationship during the time of slavery. However, it looks like the man is trying to kill her. If they wanted to show how much the couple truly loved each other, they should have used a more romantic pose.

This makes me think more of a murder mystery.

Oh well!

Freebie Friday - The Wild Side is Free!

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

For one day only, The Wild Side is available for free.

Simply go to Smashwords and enter the coupon code TM63B.

Enjoy!

And I will love you forever if you write me a review.

Treat Writing Like a Job

2011-10-13T18:02:00.001-04:00

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was to treat writing like a job.

It is easy to get caught up in life. There are a million things to do and places to go. Life never slows down long enough for anyone to find real down time. Because of this, writing can often be shoved aside to make room for more important things

But what if writing was important? What is writing was looked at as a job?

Instead of looking at writing as something you do when you find the time, look at it as something you do when you make the time. You schedule doctors appointments and taking the kids to soccer practice. Why not schedule time to write?

I adopted this practice over a year ago. A good friend of mine suggested it. I'll be the first to say that it really does work. Just like any other activity going on during my day, writing is preplanned for a certain chunk of time. This way I have no excuses, and I am writing something every day.

Don't complain about never having time to write. Plan your time to write and treat writing like a job.You'll be amazed at how much you get done.

Looking to Help Fellow Writers

2011-10-12T17:12:00.000-04:00

It has been two years since I first started this blog. I began it on a whim and didn't take it too seriously until the beginning of this year. Everyone said, "Writers need a blog." They were absolutely correct. I knew nothing about the writing industry. I had no idea what a query was or how to write it. By starting this blog and getting to know other writers, I learned.

Writers who are self-pubbed, epubbed, or up-and-comers have a hard time getting noticed. We are competing against other writers who are more experienced or who have publishing houses backing up their efforts to advertise. This is the nature of the writing industry, and we all hope to someday be in their shoes.

Until then we need a place to toot our own horn, so to speak.

Because of this, I am opening my blog to other writers. I'm inviting other authors to be guest bloggers. My only stipulation is that the post be about writing, publishing, or your book. I am also opening my blog to blog tours and author interviews. I know I don't have the biggest following in the world, but every little but helps. Every time your name is mentioned in a blog, it gives you another hit on the search engines.

I also want to start offering book reviews. More information can be found on my "Review Policy" page located at the top of my blog.

As a self-published author, one of my biggest challenges was getting a decent book cover. Thank God that I have friends who rock Photoshop, or I would have found myself paying for a cover I couldn't afford. In the next few weeks, I will be putting up a page on my blog with premade book covers that can be personalized with your book title. I'm not charging for them, since I am just a beginner. It wouldn't be fair to charge. I just like to tinker around as I learn how to use Photoshop and Gimp. Each cover will be a first come, first serve basis. Once one is given away, it will not be used again.

If you are interested in being a guest blogger or participating in any of the other things mentioned above, just send me a message through the "Contact Me" page.

Tuesday Hunk - Jason Santiago

2011-10-11T12:32:00.002-04:00

This week's Tuesday Hunk is Jason Santiago.

I don't much about Jason. It's hard to find information on him. I know that he is 29 years old and loves fitness. He also loves soccer and has been playing for 20 years.

He was Mr. Romance in 2007. He has also done several covers, fitness commercials, and some acting.

You can check out his official Myspace page here.

Happy drooling!

Cover Snark - Freaky Cat!

2011-10-09T17:14:00.000-04:00

This week's cover:

Now that is one freaky looking cat.

Plus, the two people on this cover don't look so interested in each other.

What happened to her butt?

Halloween Giveaway!

2011-10-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

In honor of Halloween and my love of paranormal romance, I've decided to have a Halloween giveaway.

The prize:

Pictured:

1 copy of Embraced by Blood by Laurie London

1 copy of Forbidden Nights with a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

1 copy of Love at First Bite featuring novellas by Sherrilyn Kenyon, L.A. Banks, Susan Squires, and Ronda Thompson.

The movie Roger Corman's Frankenstein Unbound

Not pictured:

1 pack of Halloween stickers

1 bag of Halloween candy

The rules are easy - simply leave your name and email in the comments section.

The winner will be chosen on October 21.

Group Blog - Funniest Childhood Memory

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have so many great memories of my childhood. My family was always doing fun things. Whether it be trips to Grandma's house or family cook outs in the back yard, we always had a story to tell.

My funniest childhood memory would have to be when I was four. I used to love to watch wrestling with my Grandpa. We would sit on their ratty old 80's plaid couch and check out all the big matches of the day. The truth is, I enjoyed spending time with him more than I enjoyed wrestling. Grandpa loved wrestling, so I learned to love it too.

Since I was only four and didn't know any better, I thought it would be a great idea to learn some moves myself. The only person to try them out on was my older sister. She had no idea what was coming for her.

There we were in the living room watching the women fight (Anyone besides me remember the 80's wrestling women?), and I thought it would be the perfect time to try some moves. My poor sister ended up pinned to the floor with a piece of paper shoved in her mouth. I was telling her to "eat it" and sadly had my mother not walked in, I think she would have.

After that episode, I was banned from wrestling.

My sister and I still laugh about it. It's a running joke between us, and whenever she makes me mad I tell her to watch it or I'll make her eat paper.

Now, it's your turn.

What is your funniest childhood memory?

Tuesday Hunk - Charles Paz

2011-10-04T12:47:00.002-04:00

This week's Tuesday Hunk is Charles Paz.

He was Mr. Romance back in 2009 and works as both a model and a photographer. Rather than try to sum up all the great tidbits about Charles, I'll just give you some links to previous interviews.

Interview with Love Romance and Passion blog

Interview with Anya Davis

Interview with Romance Novel TV

His page at Model Mayhem

Happy drooling!

My Step Out for Diabetes 2011 Experience

2011-10-03T13:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you for everyone's support.

Cover Snark - Goat Man?

2011-10-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

This week's cover:

First of all, this is not a book I would ever in my life read. It's not my genre (fantasy romance) and the story line seems so confusing. Yet, there are many people who love this book. When a reader sent me the cover, I knew I had to share it.

What on Earth is this guy supposed to be? He has skunk hair and a tail! I don't even know how to handle the fact that his pasty white face doesn't match the rest of his body. You have to love the convenient placement of the giant bush too.

Bad photoshop?

I have no idea. All I know is that this poor author got a really... ummm... not so great cover.

Trends in Paranormal Romance

2011-09-30T19:08:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, I am an avid fan of paranormal romance. It's my favorite genre to read. I'll read historical or contemporary romance, but paranormal romance is where my heart is.

I have noticed that the trends in paranormal romance are beginning to change a little bit. I don't have any official statistics since I am just going by what has happened from my point of view.

Here is what I have noticed:

- Vampires are still popular, but they are taking the back seat to shifter and demon stories. If you go to the bookstore and look at the new books section, count the number of shifter stories. It's amazing how many there are now. Werewolves have always been popular, but now we have everything from lions to hawks to snakes. It's interesting to see what people have come up with. The demon stories have come a long way since Gena Showalter and Larissa Ione. I've never been a huge fan of them, but with so many new ones, I should check it out some time.

- Books are getting less steamy. Paranormal romance used to be filled with pages upon pages of sex scenes. Popular authors, like J.R. Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon, have cut them back quite a bit. It's not necessarily a bad thing, unless you prefer a book that is a little more steamy. The focus this year has been on the main story line and outside circumstances that develop the relationship. Some people have found this a let down, but I think the romance is still there.

- Alien stories are on the rise. This is especially true in the smaller publishing companies like Cobblestone Press and Jasmine Jade. So many authors are taking on the girl gets abducted by hot alien and falls in love story, that its almost comical. Some great series I have read lately are the Alien Mate series by Eve Langlais and Zorn Warriors by Laurann Dohner.

What things have you noticed changing?

Group Blog - If I Had a Million Dollars

2011-09-29T17:34:00.001-04:00

When I first started my blog, I used to love heading over to Steph in the City and participating in Group Blog Thursday. It was a lot of fun seeing what everyone would write, and she would come up with the neatest topics. As time went on, she stopped doing the group blog and focused on other things to write.

I've decided to bring back the tradition on my blog. Why not do our own Group Blog Thursday?

Here's how it works:

Each week we will have a topic that everyone writes a blog about. Simply add the link to
your blog post in the Mister Linky thing below and add a link to our listing of blogs in your blog post. It's a great way to make new friends and check out everyone's blogs.

This week's topic is "If I Had a Million Dollars."

I was listening to the Bare Naked Ladies song earlier today.

What on Earth would I really do with a million dollars? I would like to think I'd be responsible and pay all my bills off. The truth is that I would take my family on a vacation somewhere. I have no idea where we would go, but I would mot definitely find someplace to go.

Then, I would buy a big fancy house that looked something like this:

What would you do if you had a million dollars?

My Top Five Favorite Places

2011-09-28T18:18:00.000-04:00

Steph, from Steph in the City, wrote about her favorite places a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed reading her list and thought it would be a fun blog to do myself.

1) Home

We have only lived in our new place for about 10 months, but I love it. Our apartment has a great view of the lake. I love taking my morning walk each day around the lake and enjoying all the beautiful scenery. It's very relaxing. Our actual apartment is also very comfortable. More than anything, I enjoy a nice quiet day at home.

2) Downtown Indianapolis

I absolutely adore downtown Indianapolis. I love the skyline. I love all the great things to do. It is a big city with a small town feel. Best of both worlds. Someday I would like to live downtown, but I'll need to get rich before I can afford to do that.

3) The Beach

This is a picture of the Hammond, Indiana beach on Lake Michigan. As much as I enjoy living near Indianapolis, I miss going to the beach. The feel on the sun on your face and the sand on your toes cannot be replaced. I would spend a lot of time here when I lived in Hammond. It is what I miss the most.

4) Chicago, Illinois

I grew up near Chicago. We were only a thirty to forty-five minute drive away. It's funny how I took that for granted. There are so many neat things to do and see. Indianapolis is great, but Chicago is amazing. I am hoping to make a trip up there just for fun next summer.

5) Dallas, Texas

I had the chance to spend a summer in Texas with my best friend Shannon. She lives in Coppell, which is right next to Dallas. I fell in love with the city. I wouldn't want to live there because it is way too hot, but it is a great place to visit. Unfortunately, I spent the summer working so I missed out on some of the touristy stuff that most people do. I would love to go back and just do sight seeing.

What are some of your favorite places?

Tuesday Hunk - Julian Fantechi

2011-09-27T13:05:00.003-04:00

This week's Tuesday Hunk is Julian Fantechi.

Julian Fantechi is a model and actor who has appeared in dozens of magazines and on several television shows. He was born in California, but grew up in New York City. He started his modeling career as a fitness model for Men's Health Magazine, and even appeared in exercise videos.

When not modeling, Julian is involved in acting. He appeared in the ABC sitcom, Ugly Betty, and several television commercials. He also likes to get involved in local community theater projects, especially in San Diego where he currently lives. He has appeared on romance novel covers for Harlequin, St. Martin's Press and DCL Publications.

Julian is very educated as well. He has a Master's degree from New York University where he was awarded a full scholarship.

Happy drooling!

Crafty Stuff I Love

2011-09-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

A friend from work recently introduced me to a website called, Pinterest. It is basically this virtual bulletin board where people pin things they like or find interesting. I love it! If you haven't heard of it yet, you should definitely check it out.

Here are some recent finds from the site that are inspiring me:

**Click on the item name to go to the tutorial link.

Bridal Shower Gift - I love this because it is cute, but practical. You can never have to many baking supplies.

Housewarming Gift - Let's face it. When you really do get your very own house, these are the things you need most and never seem to have.

"Just Add Ice Cream" Gift - I think this is just adorable and very creative. You can buy gift packs around Christmas for cocoa and things like that. Why not make one of your own?

Makeup Board - I love this! No more rummaging through the makeup bag. In fact, I plan on making one for myself.

Pallet Herb Garden - Not only is this a great way to recycle old pallets. It is also a great space saver. I live in an apartment. Having a garden is pretty well out of the question. I could probably pull off something like this on the balcony though.

What has been inspiring you lately?

Cover Snark Sunday - Flaming Buns!

2011-09-25T18:45:00.001-04:00

This week's cover:

I'm pretty sure that someone must have thought this would be sexy.

Unfortunately, I'm thinking the poor guy ate some really bad chili or something.

Yikes!

Review of Dark Predator by Christine Feehan

2011-09-24T18:05:00.008-04:00

Earlier this month, Christine Feehan's new book Dark Predator was finally released. It is a book that I have been talking about for almost a year. The Dark series is one of my all time favorites, and each new book is one that I anxiously await until I am holding it in my hands.

It took me a while, and reading through the book three times, to finally form a strong enough opinion to write my review. Some people love the book. Some people hate the book. I would have to say that my vote falls somewhere in between.

If you haven't read the book yet, don't read on!

SPOILERS!!

As soon as I was introduced to Zacarias back in Dark Hunger, he intrigued me. I felt sorry for the oldest De La Cruz brother, who lost his parents and was forced to become the parent/protector to his younger brothers. I was saddened by his struggle to keep himself from turning vampire. I was devastated by the pain his brothers felt trying their best to keep him safe. Hearing that his book would be written thrilled me.

At last, he was going to be saved.

I don't think any of us readers completely understood the darkness that was in Zacarias' character; nor, how far gone he found himself to be. His word was law. What he wanted was law. How fitting that his lifemate be a small, human woman with nerves of steel. Totally unexpected.

What worked for the book:

- Christine changed up the mythology. We have always been told that a when finding a lifemate the male is able to recognize her instantly. She restores his colors and emotions. With Zacarias and Marguarita, that was not the case. Because she is mute, Zacarias didn't have that instant reaction. Instead, it came gradually. Even by the end of the book, it was incomplete.

- Marguarita was fantastic. She was vulnerable; yet, stubborn. She fought for Zacarias and never backed down, even when she knew she was seriously ticking him off. A lot of fire from an unexpected source.

- Finally understanding the darkness in the De La Cruz family. It has been spoken of and described in the books, but not in detail. We knew that family traits could be passed down. We learned which families were known for what. The De La Cruz family passes down the darkness. Hearing that their mother was killed by a vampire, and that their father then turned vampire, brought a whole new edge to the story. Imagine having to kill your own father? All I could think was, "Poor Zacarias!" It explained a lot about his character and his relationship with his brothers.

What didn't work for the book:

- I didn't like the abusiveness that Zacarias shows Marguarita in the book. I know that he was immersed in darkness and didn't fully understand that she was his lifemate. I understand that he is not human and does not think like a human. However, I felt like his violence toward her in this book was uncalled for. He almost kills her at first, drinking from her until she about dies. He forcefully turns her into a Carpathian. He constantly tells her what to do, worse than most of the other Carpathians in the past. He takes away her notebook periodically throughout the story, even though she is mute and it is her only source of communication with anyone besides him. I didn't like Zacarias. It took a few reads to finally understand him.

- Where was the reunion with his brothers? You are given a sob story at the beginning with him leaving his brothers after the big battle. They are full of sorrow and tell him goodbye. There was no closure to that. He found his lifemate, but never told his brothers? Strange!

- I didn't like the fact the Zacarias is unable to hold on to his colors and emotions without Marguarita fully immersed in his mind. This was the big, bad family trait that was passed down to him. Although it did offer a huge change in the mythology, it also made the story seem almost open-ended. Usually you end a Dark book knowing that the couple is secure and that the man's soul is safe. With Zacarias, that is not the case. You almost feel that he could still turn vampire. Will he be able to love his children? Will he truly be able to feel love for his brothers? I don't know. I got the impression he won't be able to. I didn't end the story with the "happily ever after" feeling.

Overall, the book was good. I would read it again. It did explain some things in the storyline that needed to be explained. I ended up loving the couple, but feeling sorry for them.

My Grade: B

What did you think of the book?

The Second Return of Tuesday Hunk

2011-09-20T16:19:00.006-04:00

... or is it the third? I lost count. Sad, but true.

This week's Tuesday Hunk is Greg Plitt.

Greg Plitt is not only good looking, he is a military man. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is Airborne and Ranger qualified. He has loved fitness since a young age and was inspired by his sister and the changed she made during her first year at the United States Naval Academy.

Greg Plitt has modeled for many well known campaigns, such as Old Navy Jeans, Calvin Klein, and Under Armour. He has also appeared on covers and editorials for magazines like: Maxim, American Health and Fitness, and Flaunt. In addition to modeling, he dabbles in acting.

For more information on Greg, visit his website here.

Happy Drooling!

Fall is Falling

2011-09-19T17:39:00.005-04:00

I love Fall.

I don't why, but it has always been my favorite season. There is something about the blooming fall flowers, the leaves changing colors, and the slight nip in the air that excites me.

Maybe the excitement comes from knowing holiday season is right around the corner? Maybe it comes from knowing that another year is close to coming to an end? After all, a new year means a new beginning.

Either way, I am pretty happy that fall is coming. Only four more days til the official start of Fall.

Fall also means the arrival of NaNoWriMo. Love it! I can't wait to see what National Novel Writing Month will bring for me. Last year, it brought about "The Wild Side."

You never know!

(I took the picture on a drive down to my sister's house a few years back. It's still one of my favorites.)

Cover Snark - Moobs!

2011-09-18T16:52:00.004-04:00

I've missed a few weeks. Tuesday hunk will be making a return this week as well.

This week's cover:

This is actually a pretty typical romance novel cover.

Cheesy - check.

Attractive guy - umm... check (If you are into the long-haired Fabio look.).

Damsel in distress - check.

It always bothers me when the guy has prettier hair than the girl. The big question I really have is why is her leg up? I see no chair, step, or anything else.

There is obviously a fire going on. Is it necessary to be feeling up his moobs at this particular moment?

Ah, I love cheesy covers.

The title is pretty funny too.

Things I've Been Enjoying Lately

2011-09-16T22:03:00.003-04:00

Summer is officially coming to a close in just a few days. It has been a summer of big changes for me. I always like to look back and reflect on things I did or learned.

So, here are some things I've been enjoying lately (in no particular order...):

1) Walking - It is so relaxing and refreshing. I've been making myself walk as part of my exercise plan. I love it. My daily walk gives me time to reflect and think about the things I need to do with the rest of my day. I'm also no longer dying by the time I make it back to the apartment. Score!

2) Stupid Facebook games - I quit playing these for a while, but after the hounding of several friends, I picked them up again. They are great for those long days at work when there are no phone calls and no room runs and the only thing going is the computer. (Yes, my work place has not banned Facebook... yet.)

3) Pictures - I have always loved pictures. I can remember sitting at my grandma's house when I was a little girl and looking through picture books with her. Now that my mother has passed, I am appreciating my pictures even more. I am also now the annoying person that is always carrying around my cell phone or camera to take photos.

4) Character photo planning - Non writers may find this a little strange, but a writer friend introduced me to the concept. When developing a character, it is sometimes hard to keep track of simple things like hair color, eye color, height, etc. During 'The Wild Side," Lena changed eye color halfway through. Thank goodness I noticed it during edits. My friend introduced me to the idea of choosing a picture (either a celebrity, a friend, or a random picture) to represent the character. When describing them, you use the picture for reference. Simple, yet very helpful.

5) Puzzles - I bought a book of variety puzzles. Love it! I originally bought it when Mom went into the hospital because I was spending the night with her. It gave me something to do to kill the time. Now, I am obsessed. However, I am apparently stupid because I can't figure out the logic puzzles.

What things have you been enjoying lately?

Life After Mom

2011-09-15T20:12:00.003-04:00

When my grandmother died in 1999, my mother was devastated. Life, as it does, went on and she went on as well. However, whenever I asked her how to sum up her feelings on things that happened after Grandma’s death, she would often refer to it as “life after Mom.” I never really understood that. I knew that Grandma’s death was hard on her, but I never grasped the total blow of it until now.

My mom passed away on September 7. It was the worst day of my life.

My entire adult life up until this point has been about Mom. She has been ill for years. When I graduated from college, I immediately came home and helped take care of her. My life was sort of put on hold, and the funniest part is that I never minded. I loved taking care of my mother. People had trouble understanding that. I never felt held back because the only thing I ever wanted was for my mother to be happy. I wanted her to have everything she could ever want.

Now that she is gone, I find myself trying to find my purpose.

And thus begins my “life after Mom.”

My mother always wanted me to do great things, and so I am going to try to live a great life for her. When we meet again one day, I hope she will tell me I did a good job.

I was thinking about how I want my life to change for the better. How can I make a difference in the world or make my mark? I don’t have all the answers yet, but I do have a plan to get started.

1) Keep writing – Mom believed in my writing career. It hasn’t taken me very far yet, since I only have one book out, but she always said that someday it would. I love to write and tell stories. It’s all about persistence at this point.

2) Take better care of myself –I have already joined Weight Watchers. I love it so far. Mom was so proud of me when I lost my first 10 lbs. She didn’t want me to end up with Diabetes like her.

3) Advocate for Diabetes – I am joining the Indianapolis chapter of the American Diabetes Association. I saw first hand what the disease did to her, and I hope that no other family has to go through this. I am starting by taking part in the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on October 2. I have only raised $40 so far, but at least it is something. Hopefully, I can do more in the future.

4) Quit being a couch potato – I never went out with friends or dated in the past because my focus was on taking care of Mom. My goal is to learn to have fun for me.

5) Mend fences and love deeper – Life is too short to let arguments and disagreements rule your day. A day never passed without me telling my mother I loved her. The one thing I know for sure is that she loved me and I loved her.

I don’t know what the future will bring, but I do know that life goes on. It will be hard. It will be sad. Life will continue to be a struggle, and I have no idea what to do with myself. Yet, I know that with time, things will start to make sense.

I also know that a part of my heart will always be missing. Just as it was for my Mom.

Cover Snark - Bleached Out Policeman

2011-08-21T10:12:00.004-04:00

This week's cover:

I'm sorry, but this policeman doesn't scare me, nor does he turn me on.

I think it's the hair that has ruined it for me. The odd look on his face doesn't help.

It's not necessarily a horrible cover. It's just needed a little more sex appeal.

What do you think?

Isn't It Strange...

2011-08-19T17:02:00.002-04:00

Everyone can remember that first band or singer they fell in love with. I don’t mean the crazy kid love that a person has for the boy band or pop singer of the moment. I’m talking about that first band you really loved because of the music. The one that had nothing to do with looks or sound or what was popular at the moment, but whose music made you feel something

I had many bands that did that for me growing up. Each of them was important to my growth as a music fan for difference reasons. INXS was the fist band I got into after my boy band phase. They taught me that music had a sound. It involved talent and work. It involved experimentation. It didn’t have to be good looking people, although they were very nice to look at. I liked their music because it was good. Metallica defined my last two, angry years of high school. High school was a time in my life where I was confused about everything. That confusion was completely defined in the music Metallica played. U2 became my band of choice in college. Their music had a message. They wanted to change the world and make it better. So, did I.

I still listen to each of these bands at times, and it makes me fall in love with their music all over again. I still wait for their albums to be released with the same joy I always felt. Some of them, like INXS, rarely release anything these days. Age, time, changes, and unfortunate deaths have changed the band’s outlook. However, when an album does get released it makes my day.

It amazes me how much a person’s taste in music changes as they get older. Music I once loved, I can barely tolerate. Music I once hated, I have an appreciation for. I even sometimes listen to… *gasp*… country! Ten years ago, I would have broke the radio.

What musicians did you love growing up?

Interview on Write Outside the Box

2011-08-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

A big thank you to Xondra Day for interviewing me on her blog, Write Outside the Box. It was fun, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with others.

You can check out the interview here.

Motivation Comes From the Weirdest Places

2011-08-15T20:33:00.012-04:00

Last week, I took a trip to Illinois - White Hall, IL to be exact. It's a trip I have been on a million times before. My mother was born in White Hall, and my grandparents lived there until I was about 12 years old. When I was a little girl, my favorite place was always grandma's house.

My grandparents moved away in 1994, partially because they couldn't handle the big house, and partially because they wanted to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They never seemed as happy in the new place, and we lost both of them in 1999. It was the summer and fall of my senior year in high school. I was devastated. They were buried back in White Hall along with the rest of the family.

Since their passing, my family has tried make the long drive to White Hall as often as we can. We go back to put flowers on the graves. That was always my grandmother's biggest fear - that she would be forgotten. Originally we were supposed to go every year. Then, life turned even more busy and every year became every other year.

This summer is the first time I have been back in about four years.

The funny thing about White Hall is that so many things have changed, and yet, so many things have stayed the same. It's still the small town in the middle of nowhere. Lion's Park still has the same old playground equipment and a merry-go round that is falling over. Meehan's IGA still has the best donuts. Dollar General still has the worst parking arrangement ever!

They did get a new stop sign, and yes, I almost ran it.

Grandma's house doesn't look like grandma's house anymore. I don't know why this shocks me. She moved out 17 years ago. However, the well my grandpa so painstakingly made still sits in the yard - with a huge crack in the side, but it's still there.

The spot that once held my great-grandma's house and my uncle Bud's house sits empty and is overgrown with bushes and weeds. The state took the land to make a new highway.

Many people I know think I am crazy to drive 5 hours to put flowers on a grave. I guess it depends on how you were raised. I was always taught to honor the dead. Every summer my grandma would take me to the cemetery to put flowers in the graves with her. She always told me that the flowers aren't for the dead, they are for you. It's your way of saying I remember you and I miss you.

The funny thing is that returning from this trip gave me a new outlook on my writing. It's sounds strange, I know. No one in the world was more supportive of anything I wanted to do than my grandma. She was always there with an encouraging word and a smile that made me believe I could do anything.

Standing in front of her grave last week made me realize that life is short. You only get one shot to live your dream. Grandma told me once that God gives you the chances to make your life special, and that it is up to you to grab them when he floats them by.

She was absolutely correct. It's my time to grab. Hopefully, she is looking down and proud of who I am turning out to be. I find myself renewed in a way I can't explain and more motivated to write than ever.

What motivates you?

Review of Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-08-04T10:44:00.015-04:00

I backed down yesterday and bought the latest book by Sherrilyn Kenyon, called Retribution. As much as I adore her books, I really didn't plan on buying it. To be honest, I thought her last few books were a little boring. I can't pinpoint what it is, but they are missing a certain something.

The last book that intrigued me was One Silent Night. Everything after that seemed like a letdown. To give Sherri credit, she did say that the Dark Hunter series is in three major arcs. Acheron was the end of one arc. For me it seems strange though. The series is so different from what it started out to be. Instead of Dark Hunters, Appolites, and Daimons, we have demons and Gods from other pantheons. Maybe the change is too much for me?

What finally made me break down and buy Retribution was that this book is Sundown's story. Sundown's character has fascinated me since the very first time I read of him. He's a cowboy after all. Plus, there were rumors that Ash's baby was going to be born in this book, so that was a good incentive for me to buy it.

I was pleasantly surprised at Retribution. It was a major improvement from the prior books released. However, I think the something is still missing.

A little information about the book:

Harm no human…

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief—Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

I enjoyed learning about Sundown's history and how he became a Dark Hunter. He ended up being a very interesting character. I was also glad that there wasn't a whole lot of sex scenes and the one in the book seemed to mean more because if that. The plot was interesting, but a little confusing. There were flashbacks of Sundown and Abby in their past lives. It made it hard to follow the storyline.

I thought that Abby was an interesting heroine though; much better than some of the others. She was very loyal to her family, almost to a fault, until she found out they lied to her. It made me respect her. Abby lived up to her title of heroine and was the one who grew the most during the story.

I thought the romance was a little rushed, but I liked the characters. They fell in love, and saved the world from an apocalypse, in three days. What? The end was a bit of a cliffhanger. The characters were wrapped up, but the not the storyline as a whole.

I love the Native American folklore; however, there are so many pantheons to keep track of. Did we really need another one? I miss the New Orleans crew that we all grew to love so much. If it wasn't for the bonus scene of Ash's baby being born, I would be more than a little disappointed. In an odd way, it almost seems like Sherri has lost the passion for writing the Dark Series.

If so, I hope she can find a way to wrap it up and create something that does excite her.

Have you read Retribution yet? What did you think?

Predictable Romance Novel Storylines

2011-08-01T21:04:00.004-04:00

Have you ever noticed that romance novels tend to follow a certain trend? 90% of the time I can tell you what is going to happen next. It's not necessarily a bad thing. That's why I like romance novels - the predictability.

Although, every once in a while you will get an author that throws a curve ball.

A friend sent me this earlier and I about fell over laughing. Hope you enjoy!

(It has four parts.)

What Are You Reading?

2011-07-29T20:11:00.005-04:00

The summer is in full swing, and it's too hot to sit outside without sweating to death (at least in my area). What could possibly be better than finding a good place to relax and read? Preferably this place would include air conditioning... just saying.

My to-be-read pile this summer actually hasn't included very many new books. There are a few that made the cut.

The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands
Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Bound By Darkness & The Darkness Beyond by Alexis Morgan
Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian
Vampire in Atlantis by Alyssa Day

Besides those books, I haven't picked up anything new.

Crazy? Not really.

I was looking at my bookshelves the other day. I mean really looking at them. I have so many books. Most of them I've read once and stuck on the bookshelf to collect dust. I can't even tell you what some of them are about.

My goal this summer was to read my old books. Get rid of the ones that are terrible. Keep the ones that I would read again.

My current book: How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Which, by the way, will stay a keeper.

What are you reading this summer? Are you waiting for any special releases?

Tuesday Hunk - Jed Hill

2011-07-26T19:11:00.004-04:00

I haven't done Tuesday Hunk in a while, but today I found a good one.

Today's Tuesday Hunk is Jed Hill.

His is a former Penn State football player (Nittany Lions), who decided to pursue underwear modeling. Since entering the modeling scene, Jed has been working non stop and even appeared on a few romance novel covers.

When not modeling, Jed likes to study nutrition and work out. He is represented by R and L Agency in New York City.

Happy drooling!

Did Ebooks Kill Borders?

2011-07-25T19:42:00.012-04:00

Sorry for the lack of blogs lately. It's been super busy. Thank you to everyone who has bought "The Wild Side." I have appreciated hearing your thoughts and reading your reviews.

Last week, I opened my email and was given the devastating news that Borders is closing. To many, that isn't a big deal. Maybe most people saw it coming.

For me, it was devastating.

I love Borders. I can't put into words how much I love Borders. It has been my favorite bookstore for years.

In college, I would go to the local Borders to study. I went there for book signings and book release parties. I would even go just to get the Javanilla Shake from the Seattle's Best Coffee Company. When I was stressed and wanted to get away, I would go to Borders pick out my favorite book and spend the next few hours reading.

It's not that I can't do these things at Barnes and Noble. I absolutely can. I just prefer Borders. For one, I think that the Border's Rewards program was better than other bookstores. I have earned so many Border Bucks that I lost count. I got huge discounts on books and received really great coupons. Barnes and Noble never seemed to have the best deals. Borders did.

So, what caused Borders to crumble?

Most say it was due to the ebook revolution.

That very well may be. I hate to say it, but ebooks have changed the book world for good. Many bookstores have started getting involved in the ebook craze. Barnes and Noble now have Nook, their own version of Amazon's famous Kindle. Borders came out with Kobo, but didn't advertise it well. Thus, the beginning of their downfall.

Yes, people do buy more ebooks. In 2010, ebooks totaled 9% of total book sales across the US. I imagine that 2011 will yield an even larger number. Ebooks offer people a convenience. Your new books are automatically delivered to your Kindle. No getting dressed and driving over to the store. You can carry multiple books with you and not need a huge bag to carry them in. The benefits of an ebook are a big reason why they are becoming more popular.

The bad news is that you don't need a physical store to sell ebooks. You only need a good website. This is why so many stores are now closing.

I am a huge fan of ebooks. This is why I released mine as one. However, there are some times when I want an actual book.

Will bookstores survive?

I have no idea. We will all have to wait and see.

What do you think caused Borders to fall?

Cover Snark - Hot Guy, Hot Cat?

2011-07-17T09:53:00.004-04:00

Here is this week's cover for Cover Snark Sunday:

There he is ladies - the man of your dreams.

He's tall.

He's handsome.

He owns strange looking boots and a photo shopped belt.

I'm pretty sure there's a mullet going on.

He carries a big stick and isn't afraid to rock the bling.

Oh, and he has a cat...

that apparently goes everywhere with him.

At least he's a cat lover, I guess?

Reviews are an Author's Best Friend

2011-07-15T10:12:00.003-04:00

and sometimes their worst nightmare.

Since the release of my book last Tuesday, many of my closest friends have been asking me about how I will react to bad reviews.

Bad reviews are a part of writing. Any time you share a part of you, whether it be music, art, or writing, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it. Or maybe they do like it, but they see things you can improve on.

I don’t see bad reviews as a bad thing. I see them as a learning experience.

As an author it is very easy to fall in love with your story to the point that you don’t see the mistakes. You can pass over plot holes and character flaws. In fact, you can often think your story is perfect; a masterpiece; a bestseller in the making.

Unfortunately, that is not usually the case.

Every author makes mistakes and can improve on something. This is where bad reviews can help. They point out the things that could have been done better and give you an idea of what to work on in your next manuscript.

Although I love good reviews, I value a review that teaches me something more.

For the record, I haven’t received any reviews yet. I am anxiously waiting for the first one – good or bad. That’s what writing is about!

"The Wild Side" is Now Available

2011-07-12T20:14:00.004-04:00

Today is the day!

"The Wild Side" is available on Smashwords.

It will eventually be on Kindle, Barnes and Nobles, etc., but it will take a few days.

I'll post the links when I receive them.

Plagiarism

2011-07-07T22:57:00.012-04:00

Plagiarism. If there is one thing that annoys me, that would be it.

Why someone would think it is ok to steal another persons writing is beyond me. Yet, we see it every day.

I remember the scandal a few years back when Cassie Edwards was caught plagiarizing her popular Native American Romance series from historical writings. I was never huge fan of Ms. Edwards, but I knew many people that were. She wrote an amazing number of novels, and most of these novels sold extremely well. To hear that such well-known author plagiarized was a shock.

Although Cassie Edwards was never officially in trouble for the allegations, it did cause her publishing company to drop her and many fans were alienated. I read the supposed plagiarized sections, and it looks suspicious to me. You can check them out here.

A few days ago, news hit the Absolute Write forums of an "author", named Angela Priest, who has been stealing the work of another author and selling it on popular ebook sites. The biggest shock to me is how blatant the plagiarism was. She did even try to change wording. She simply changed the names. (Read the whole story here.)

Even Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series has been accused. A lawsuit was brought against her novel, Breaking Dawn, saying that the story idea was copied from a novel that came out in 2006. The suit was thrown out, but it still puts the question mark in your head.

In the world of writing it is common to have similar ideas and story lines. How many vampire stories involve warriors? I have also read at least three that involve vampires being made by the Greek Gods. There a million rewrites of Cinderella, each author giving it it's own twist.

However, if your "twist" is taking entire passages from another person and following the story scene by scene, that is stealing.

Plain and simple.

I guess the main question is "How can authors keep plagiarism from happening to them?"

Win a Copy of "The Wild Side"

2011-07-05T18:53:00.006-04:00

The release of "The Wild Side" is less than a week away. I'm excited, and I hope you are too.

It's time for a competition! I wanted to do this earlier, but due to unforeseen glitches in the ebook, I had to wait until now.

Here is the competition-

Go over to my facebook fanpage and answer this question:

Based on the title, cover, and 1st chapter, what theme song would you give my book?

Whoever gets the most "likes", is the winner.

The competition runs until Saturday at midnight (Eastern time).

The winner will receive a copy of the book in pdf format (for those who don't have ebook readers), unless you request otherwise.

Cover Snark Sunday - What the...?

2011-07-03T12:43:00.003-04:00

This week's cover:

Apparently, this guy is a master of seduction.

Unfortunately, his bedroom appears to be a bit cluttered for "activity", if you get my drift. He seems to be missing a leg, and I am fairly certain that the red, satin sheet was photo shopped in later.

He also may be a bit distracted that his friend's boat is falling over, and a giant thunderstorm is getting ready to blow through his giant window.

Just saying...

What Does This Mean?

2011-06-30T22:11:00.001-04:00

I love when people give you random advice.

Especially when it makes no sense.

For example: "The weak customer chooses the understandable rack."

Huh? I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

Any ideas?

Novel Writing - The Importance of Tying Up Loose Ends

2011-06-29T11:58:00.004-04:00

Every good writer knows that you must have a purpose for what you are writing. Whether you are writing a poem, an article, or a resume, you need to have an ultimate goal in mind. Writing a novel should be no different. Today I want to discuss the importance of tying up loose ends and making sure your story is finished when the reader reaches the end of the book.

Picture this, Indiana, 2009 (channeling Sophia from The Golden Girls) – Mary Ellen has a brainstorm while washing dishes – feline shifters, hot sexy lion men, romance, oh my! The ideas for a romance between a feline shifter and a human falling in love came quickly.

The rest of the story did not.

What do I mean by the rest of the story? I mean the actual plot and where the story ultimately ends.

Most people who write or read romance novels know that 99% of the time the couples in the story end up together. It’s the way of romance. If they don’t have a “happily every after”, they should have a “happily for now”. However, if your book only focuses on the romance part, it gets boring.

Let’s look at “Dark Symphony” by Christine Feehan (If you haven’t read the book, I apologize for any spoilers.). Byron, the Carpathian, falls in love with Antoinetta, the human/jaguar person. You hear about the specifics of them falling in love, and they get married.

Fantastic, right? Can you imagine 300+ pages of just that?

I can’t either.

This is where an author brings in a secondary story line. For “Dark Symphony” it is the storyline of someone trying to poison and kill Antoinetta’s family. In the midst of these people falling in love, the couple has to deal with this mystery, as well.

Just like making sure the romance reaches a successful end, the secondary story line should reach a successful end too.

When originally writing “The Wild Side”, Alena never found what was making the pride sick, nor did she find a cure. It was after reading through the story several times that I realized how boring that was. I went back and made sure that the answers were found.

Secondary story lines are essential to making things more interesting. Yet, having too many storylines in one novel can be confusing. No matter how many story lines you put together, make sure that they are all tied up by the end of the story. Why? If not, makes the reader feel cheated and confused.

The only time I believe a secondary storyline should not be finished is if you are writing a series. The hanging story line is used in these cases to help usher in the next book in the series.

The next time you are writing your story, make sure to look at it very carefully. Ask yourself: “Are all the loose ends tied up?” "Will my readers understand how everything ended?" If the answer is no, you may need to go back and do some more writing.

Top 5 Favorite Things for June

2011-06-28T18:48:00.000-04:00

Cover Snark Sunday - Guy With Mommy Issues

2011-06-26T00:25:00.003-04:00

Ladies and gentleman, here is your man.

The good news is that he's nice looking.

The bad news is that he has serious Mommy issues.

Just saying...

The cover artist should have totally rethought the man's pose.

Thank goodness the book is actually pretty good. It makes up for the silly cover.

Remembering Michael

2011-06-25T13:37:00.006-04:00

Today is June 25th. It may be a normal day to many, but to me it is a day of remembrance.

I can remember that afternoon two years ago like it was yesterday. I was outside weeding the garden, when my Dad came out to tell me that Michael Jackson had been taken to the hospital. A few hours later, while cutting the grass, he came out to tell me he had died.

I wasn't a huge fan of Michael. I never had the posters on the wall or waited in endless lines for concert tickets. In fact, outside of Michael's biggest hits, I didn't know a lot of his music. Yet, I still felt the sadness in Michael's death.

My sister was a big fan, as was my six year old nephew. They were very upset by the loss.

I grew up in Hammond, Indiana. Hammond is right next to Gary. I grew up hearing about the Jacksons and the legacy the family left in our area. My Dad, who grew up in Gary, would tell me the story of how when he was a rookie cop, he was called out to Roosevelt High School. The Jackson boys and several other kids from the neighborhood snuck into the school to go swimming. They didn't get in trouble, but they did have to go home. I would always laugh when he told the story. After all, it made them seem more human and less celebrity.

Hammond and Gary are poor areas. The steel mills have all but closed down. The job growth has died. Most people are struggling to survive. Crime is getting higher. Unemployment is getting bigger. Good education is even harder to come by. This has been the case since I was little. It is even tougher now.

Even if the Jacksons are no longer a part of Gary, the lesson they left behind is that anyone, even those who grew up in our area, can become something big.

Apparently, my parents took me by the Jackson house as a child. I was young, and I don't really recall much of it. I went back a few weeks after Michael's death with my sister and her children.

It was very humbling to stand outside that little house on Jackson St. and see that this family came from the same beginnings as the rest of us.

Some people may hate the Jacksons. Some people may hate Michael. Everyone has their own opinion.

Yes, Michael was strange. He didn't always appear to be the most sane person at times. He was frivolous with his money and way too overprotective of his kids.

Some people think he was a child molester. I personally don't think so. He just loved being with children. Why? Because children can be more understanding. I simply think he was a man trying very hard to relive a childhood he never had.

Through all of the strangeness and oddity of his passing, one thing still bleeds through. Michael was a musical genius. He could write songs like no one else. He could perform like no one else.

That's what made him special.

The legacy and the man will always be remembered.

Whether you liked him or not.

Sharing a Good Blog

2011-06-18T21:30:00.004-04:00

Several week’s ago, I shared a blog written by a friend of mine on my Facebook fanpage. The blog is called “A Sister’s Love: An Inside Look at Bullying”.

Now, I usually don’t go out of my way to promote other blogs. I simply don’t have the time to. However, if it is one that I feel strongly about, I will share it with others. What makes “A Sister’s Love” different? For me, it’s because the topic is something I can relate to.

The blog is written by a woman whose younger sister is being bullied. Rather than sit by and watch the drama unfold, she is being outspoken about bullying and its impact on others. The blog opens up the dialogue on a topic that most people don’t want to talk about.

I will admit that bullying has become more openly discussed lately because of the number of teen suicides that have hit the nation in the last few months. I think that most people are finally realizing the severity of the problem.

Who besides me can remember the old days when bullying was just considered another rite of passage into adulthood? You were either the teaser or the one being teased.

Unfortunately, I was the one being teased.

It started in elementary school. I was always the odd child. I will a little taller than everyone else. I was also a little fatter. (Ok, a lot fatter.) My family was poor. My parents were sick. So, I became the target of childhood’s cruelest pranks. There were whoopee-cushions in my chair at school. I had no one to play with during recess. When people did come by me at recess, it was to call me “fatty” or “porky”. Their favorite was to change the “Your momma’s so fat” jokes to “Mary’s so fat…” jokes. It was humiliating. Towards the end of elementary school, I finally found a few good friends (Thanks Katie and Carissa!), who made 4th and 5th grade a little easier for me.

Then, there was junior high. I always had great friends there. Many of these people are still my friends today. However, junior high was the time I was sucked in to the cult. It was whole other kind of teasing. Suddenly, I was wearing dresses, not cutting my hair, and carrying a Bible everywhere I went. I became “Little House on the Prairie” girl. What hurt the most is that the bullying was in my church (cult), as well. We were still poor. We were the family the church gave food baskets and hand-me down clothes to. They helped with bills, bought us an old used car, and paid for us to be involved with youth group outings. Great right?

Nope. It wasn’t.

Because by being the “poor” family in church, we weren’t cool enough to truly be a part of the youth group. The people that should have been my biggest support became my worst critics.

High school wasn’t much better. I left the cult my junior year, which helped with the church jokes and youth group teasing. That didn’t help the fact that I was still fat. I was still too tall. My family was still poor. I was the nerd; the girl who studied too much. I didn’t date. I didn’t even try to date. After all, going up to the man of your dreams (at least he was back then), to start a conversation, and being told “What? I wouldn’t date a fatty like you? You’re too ugly”, really puts a damper on things.

I didn’t have my first date until college.

Even though I am now an adult, there is still that part of me that feel like the bullied child I was most of my life. Only now, I surround myself with people who like me for me. Very rarely do I ever get teased. It sill happens, especially by rude teenagers who should have better things to do. I am still too tall, too fat, and well… my family is still pretty poor.

But I like myself.

I have learned that the only opinions that really matter to me are the ones given by my friends and family.

The sad part is that no matter how hard it was for me back then, I know it is ten times harder for the kids being teased now. We didn’t have Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. In fact, the internet was new and only people “with money” could afford it. We didn’t all own a cell phone. If you called, someone’s parents would answer the phone. You had to actually…*gasp*… ask for the person. Because of all the new technology, bullying is dealt with 24 hours a day.

Sad, but true. Thankfully, people are now beginning to speak out about it.

There will always be someone who teases and bullies. However, if we teach our young people to have confidence and stand up for themselves, I think that the bullies may find it’s not worth their while.

Check out “A Sister’s Love: An Inside Look at Bullying”. It gives you some things to think about.

Were you ever bullied as a child? Or were you a bully yourself?

Comments on Marketing

2011-06-15T18:38:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have had many people ask me about how I market my ebook, blog/website, and Facebook fanpage. It’s a tough question. Mostly because I am still trying to figure out the best way to market these things myself.

Here is what I have learned in the short time I’ve been doing this.

Blog:

The best way I have found to market a blog is to be a proactive blogger. What does that mean? It means… BLOG! Blog as often as you can. When you stop updating, people stop reading. I know this first hand. I went through a dry spell when my mother got sick. I lost almost 20 subscribers, and even though I blog regularly now, I haven’t gained that number back. This doesn’t mean you should over blog either. If you are writing a blog post just to fill up space, people will stop reading what you have to say.

What is an easy way to find things to write about? Most successful bloggers I know have themed days. For instance, I do Tuesday Hunk, Freebie Friday (or Book Giveaway), and Sunday Cover Snark. I started these when my blog was new to help me find what to write. I have found that as time went by, and my blog became more established, I didn’t need to rely on them. Yet, it is still something fun that I like to occasionally do.

Being proactive also means reading and posting on other people’s blogs. Why would someone support you if you aren’t supportive of them? It is a great way to meet more people. It gets your name and blog out there. Plus, it is a great learning tool. I have learned so much about writing from my fellow bloggers.

Facebook:

My Facebook fanpage has done much better than I thought it would. I am pleasantly surprised. Here I am, a completely unknown author, with 56 Facebook fans. Doesn’t seem like many, but I am more than shocked.

My trick – Facebook ads! When I first started the page I ran an ad. I gained almost 20 followers in one week. I went a month without one, and only gained 5. Two days ago, I put up another ad. Yep, in 48 hours, I gained 3 more fans. The best thing about Facebook Ads is that you can choose the amount you want to spend on the ad.

For someone who has a book coming out, it is a great way to spread the word.

On top of ads, you also need to update your staus. I struggle with this. Most of my posts are links to my blog posts. I have been trying to update my status more often though.

Ebook:

I have no idea!

Well, not exactly. I do have some ideas. My book doesn’t come out for another month. What I have found is that it is hard to promote a book that isn’t released yet. Most people hearing of my book want to know, “Where can I buy it?” I have to say, “Well, it comes out next month.”

Of course having a Facebok page and a website are a must for every author. Everyone is on the web, and you should be too. This is especially true if you are releasing an ebook.

Things I am going to try:

I am going to release a Facebook Ad for my book on it’s release date.

I spoke to my local Borders and Barnes and Nobles. Because my book will be available on their websites, they have agreed to hand out bookmarks advertising my book at checkout.

I will be adding a press kit to my website, available for download. Will I get interviews? Probably not. I do plan on trying to contact some small local magazines and newspapers. What will it hurt? All they can do is tell me they aren’t interested.

To be completely honest, I don’t think I will make much money with this book. I’m fine with that.

I do think it is a great idea to try to put an effort into promoting, especially since I want to eventually get an agent and be published the traditional way.

What tips do you have for authors in regards to marketing?

Congrats to Lisa!

2011-06-14T22:37:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the whopping two of you (LOL!) who entered the giveaway for "Burning Wild".

I have to say, your chances of winning were excellent!!!!! Who knew?

With all joking aside though, I do appreciate those of you who enter my giveaways and regularly comment on my blog. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. (Cliche anyone?)

This week's winner is: Lisa! (again... although it would have been win #2 for either one of you.)

Happy reading!

Stay tuned for another giveaway this Friday.

30 Days of The Wild Side

2011-06-12T16:04:00.005-04:00

Today I am starting "30 Days of The Wild Side". It is exactly one month until the release of my book.

Each day, I will add something about the book. It could be a quote, a fun fact, or even a competition to win a free copy.

Check it out on my Facebook fan page.

Don't forget! You can also enter the giveaway for "Burning Wild". I am extending it through Monday night (per several requests).

Have a great day!

Book Giveaway - Burning Wild

2011-06-10T13:33:00.006-04:00

I haven't done a book giveaway for a few weeks. To be honest, I was dealing with a terrible post office that kept losing and destroying my books. Thankfully, they were great about paying me back for the damage. So, those of you (Karla and Lisa) who won books from me, should be getting them within the next week.

With that all finished, I thought it was time for another giveaway.

This week's book:

Bred by capricious parents for his innate leopard-shifting abilities, billionaire Jake Bannaconni has spent his life in an emotional vacuum especially after a tragic twist of fate left him to raise his infant son alone. But when his path crosses that of an enigmatic young woman, Jake’s life takes a detour he never fathomed.

There is something irresistible about Emma Reynolds something Jake can’t live without. Hiring her as his son’s nanny will keep her close. And warm. And under watch. She’s the first human to stir something in Jake, something he’s never felt before. But Emma may not be at all what she seems. And what’s raging between them is pure animal instinct out of control, burning wild and as hot as the lick of a flame.

I adore this book! It's another one of those books that I have way too many copies of.

The rules are the same. The giveaway goes til Sunday night. Just leave a comment to let me kow you are entering. I'll pick a name out of my trusty, old hat and announce the winner on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Things are Getting Better!

2011-06-09T17:25:00.000-04:00

Yep, they sure are! I have exactly one month and three days until the release of “The Wild Side”. I have to admit that I’m a little nervous. I’ve always been a closet writer. The idea of sharing something I wrote terrifies me.

Some people may hate it.

I hope that more people will like it.

It’s not being published the way I would have liked it to. There are no big publishing companies, no literary agents, and no “Mary Ellen Quigley” book sitting on the bookshelf at Borders.

But it is being released on my own terms.

My own way.

To the people I think will enjoy it.

Will I become rich from this? Absolutely not! I’m not worried about making money. I just want to share my story with others, like 99% of the other authors out there.

Life is certainly starting to look up for me.

Most of my friends and family already know this, but last year was h-e-l-l! My mother had a stroke last August. We almost lost her. She is now in a nursing home. We lost our family home. Couldn’t afford to pay for it due to all the medical bills. We moved downstate (with hardly any money to do so). Just for me to end up leaving a job I loved to be unemployed for almost six months. My father underwent major health scares, only for us to find out he has Myelodysplasia (pre-Leukemia) and the beginnings of liver disease.

Through it all, I kept writing. It was my solace. It was my stress reliever. When all I wanted to do was cry, I wrote. When the bill collectors started calling and job interviews went nowhere, I wrote.

It took me a while, but I finally realized that my writing is what keeps me sane. Unless a miracle happens, it won’t be my main source of income.

Does that really matter?

Not to me!

Thankfully, I now have a job. Doesn’t pay much, but it helps. I still have to deal with my parents’ health problems. I still have too many bills to pay.

I know that there is always someone out there ready to make life harder. Some people love to take pebbles and turn them into boulders. Problems will come and go. Yet, if I can write, I think I’ll come out of it just fine.

Strange, but true.

Nothing Irks Me More

2011-06-02T20:13:00.001-04:00

than bad grammar!

Day 10-Favorite Classic Book

2011-06-02T08:43:00.002-04:00

My favorite classic book would have to be Emma by Jane Austen. Out of all of Jane Austen’s books, this is the one that probably gets the least attention. Yet for me, it is one of her best.

I first read Emma in high school. While everyone else was complaining about the flowery language, confusing words, and boring story line, I was intrigued. The previous year, I read Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I loved them both. When I heard we were reading another Austen book, I was beside myself with excitement.

In my opinion, Jane Austen was one of the first true romance authors. Only, she was able to do so in such a way that has made her works timeless.

What do I love so much about Emma? Well the character, Emma, reminds me of myself. She is a woman so busy matchmaking everyone else, that she doesn’t think such a romance is available for her. All she wants is for the people around her to be happy. I completely understand that.

Mr. Knightley is a great companion to her. It was obvious to me from the start of the story that Knightley had feelings for Emma. He was always there to console her, criticize her, give her advice, and just be there as a friend.

I could also see that Harriett and Mr. Martin were perfect for one another.

I guess the lesson I got from the book is that finding true love is up to each individual person. You will fall for the person you are meant to fall for.

The other day, I found the movie version of Emma, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, from 1996. It was actually very good. I highly recommend it.

Tuesday Hunk - Emmanuel Delcour

2011-05-31T23:53:00.007-04:00

I first saw a picture on Emmanuel Delcour on a Sherrilyn Kenyon message board. We were doing a thread where you "cast" actors/models/sports stars as characters of the book. The goal of the thread was to find someone you though fit the character as the actor describes them in the series.

One of the girls posted her picture of "Acheron", the Atlantean God in Sherrilyn's Dark Hunter series. This was the picture:

I thought, "Wow! That guys really does resemble the Acheron I have always pictured in my head."

Flash forward a year or so, us Dark Hunter fans stayed up all hours of the night to catch the much anticipated release of the the Acheron book trailer.

Who's that playing Acheron? Yep, it's Emmanuel Delcour. Apparently, Sherri was paying attention to our thread.

That or we got really lucky.

Emmanuel Delcour is definitely hot. That's a given. He is also really talented. Some of you may recognize him from Bravo's show, "Chef Academy", that aired in 2009. He won the show. I didn't even know the man could cook.

Cue fantasies of him naked, cooking me dinner..... ummm.... yeah.....

Emmanuel is originally from France. He got his start in show business doing, um, movies of the over 18 persuasion (under a different name). So, if you are into that sort of thing (I'm not.), you can see his "other" talents.

He successfully crossed over into modeling and then acting. He also works out, and likes to compete in body building competitions.

He won the Muscle Beach competition in L.A.

I personally think that he is very talented. I'm sure that in a few years, his stint as Acheron will only be a blip on an impressive resume.

You can visit Emmanuel's website here.

Happy drooling!

Cover Snark - Bad Photoshop

2011-05-29T17:11:00.003-04:00

Gotta love cover snark!

This week's cover:
This cover just screams bad photoshop. It's not terrible. It's just annoying.

I think they are supposed to be kneeling on the rocks. It looks like they are floating.

Plus, the chick's missing a leg.

Is photoshop really that hard?

Arnold's Baby Mama Drama

2011-05-23T09:41:00.004-04:00

I’m not usually one to talk about celebrity sex scandals. I will admit to enjoying a good bit of gossip now and then. However, it’s not something I dwell on or spend too much time discussing.

Today, I’m breaking my unspoken rule.

Last week, the news broke that Arnold Schwarzenegger cheated on his wife, Maria Shriver, with the household maid. To be honest, I wasn’t that shocked. There are so many celebrity scandals that you kind of expect people in Hollywood to cheat on each other. Sad, but true.

I wasn’t even that shocked to hear that he had fathered a child with her. That’s the risk you take when you sleep around.

The media is flooded with rumors that there are more women waiting in the woodwork with tales of other extramarital affairs and illegitimate children. If he cheated once, why wouldn’t he have cheated again?

I think what bothers me the most is the actual children, all of the children, and the effect this will have them. Arnold and Maria have four children ranging in age from 13 to 21. Having your parents go through a divorce has to be hard enough. Having to go through it with the media watching would be ten times harder.

To make it worse, the woman their father had an affair with was someone they knew and trusted. She worked for the family for 20 years, and even was a part-time nanny for a while. Their half-brother, which they never knew about, was often at holiday parties and birthday celebrations with them. I can’t imagine the level of betrayal they must feel.

According to several news outlets, the two oldest children have begun calling themselves “Shriver” instead of “Schwarzenegger”. Seems kind of harsh, but I can understand the anger. They have also expressed their feelings on Twitter.

It will be a long, hard road for the children. I only hope that family rallies around them and helps support the feelings they are struggling to understand.

What most people seem to be forgetting is that the other child is struggling too. He lived his entire life as a normal kid; with a man he presumed was his father. He knew the Schwarzenegger family only as his mother’s bosses. He went to normal school and lived the life of any other child his age. Now he has to deal with the media, learning the truth about his parents, and coming to terms with being illegitimate. Just this morning, the Daily Mail released the child’s name.

Everyone is focusing on Maria and Arnold’s children together. That’s fine. But this other child needs support too. I think the thing that bothers me the most is that people will always see him as the “bastard” child or the “unwanted” child.

God doesn’t make mistakes. People do.

Do I think Arnold’s other children are going to embrace this kid and want to hang out on a family vacation together? Probably not. I do hope that they will be understanding though. This not his fault. The only people to blame are Arnold and the boy’s mother.

My only hope is that they all make it through this with their integrity and goodness intact.’

If there is one thing I hate, it is hurting children.

And with that, my take on celebrity sex scandal 2, 450, 917 is over.

LOL!

Day 9 - A Book You Thought You Wouldn't Like...

2011-05-13T19:36:00.009-04:00

but ended up loving.

That book for me would definitely have to be Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione.

When I first read the synopsis of the book, I wasn't so sure about it.

A demon-slayer? A demon run hospital? A guy with a name like Eidolon? I mean, after all, the series is called "Demonica". A good religious girl like me was more than a little freaked out.

But... my friends kept telling me it was a great book. That's what helped me decide to buy it.

I was very pleasantly surprised.

Yes, the story is about demons, but not the kind of demons you think they would be. These aren't the crazy ones ran by Satan that you hear about during Sunday school. In this series, demons can be both good and bad. Of course, the hero of the book is one of the good demons. In fact, he is a demon doctor that has dedicated his life to saving others.

Eidolon, in spite of his odd name, ended up being a very intriguing. He is an incubus demon, who is getting ready to go through his species' final sexual maturation phase. The change will turn him into a sex maniac, whose only goal in life will be to impregnate women and carry on the species. For someone like Eidolon, who has spent his life calm and under control, it is his biggest nightmare.

Enter Tayla. She's a demon hunter, who was raised to believe that all demons should die regardless of their kind. Imagine her surprise when she meets Eidolon. Not only does he save her life when she is brought into the hospital, but he also teaches her the truth about demons. She finds herself attracted to him, and must overcome her upbringing to see the real man (uh... demon?) that Eidolon appears to be. He also helps her find out some very interesting information about herself.

I won't tell you what. You'll have to read the book.

The world in the Demonica series is complicated, but that is what makes it so enjoyable to read. It is considered by most to be more urban fantasy than paranormal romance. I can certainly see how it is seen as such, but the romance is still a leading factor in the storyline.

This was the first Larissa Ione book I ever read. Since then, she has remained one of my favorite authors. The rest of the books in this series are equally as good. I have also found her other series to be great as well.

I love the experience of discovering new authors.

What is a book you thought you wouldn't like and ended up loving?

10 Silly Romance Novels

2011-05-12T11:16:00.000-04:00

I love romance novels. Even the worst of the worst never fail to entertain me. What's not to like about a love story? However, sometimes the storyline does make you scratch your head and wonder why someone thought it would make a good book.

Here are my favorite top 10 silly romance novels:

1.There he is ladies - Prince Dylan MacLeod. He is one of the last pure-blood dragon shape shifters, and ruler of the Dragonstar clan. Not only does he have to protect his people and their magic, but he has one other important duty: to provide an heir.

Enter Phoebe Quillum (Is that really a name?), human bio-chemist, who just happens to be his mate. Of course they are overcome with desire for each other (like every other romance novel). He must protect her from powerful enemies who wish to harm her with their magic.

Sounds ok, but I'm a little freaked out by someone getting it on with a dragon (apparently it happens in one scene.). Eww!

Lord Reynald de Mortimer awakes one day to find that he has been sleeping for seven hundred years. His castle has been turned in a hotel, and he is not happy. He's a ghost. A former con artist comes to his rescue, and they fall in love.

The big question - how can he touch her when he is a ghost.

3. This book has nothing to do with leprechauns. I don't know why it's in the title.

4. A whole series dedicated to getting knocked up. Let's make room for baby!

5.
But with that sexy dress, you just might surrender to him! (Kilts don't do it for me.)

6. It looks like the poor guy is having trouble with that row boat. What a captain!

Captain Derek Sutherland’s kisses leave Nicole longing, but after they share a night of passion, he cuts her loose. (Typical man!) Nicole vows to take her revenge, by helping her father beat Sutherland in the Great Circle Race from England to Australia. Instead, she winds up prisoner on his ship. She proceeds to sleep with him again.

Didn't she learn the first time?

Mustang Jackson (I love the name!) is known for two things: riding bulls and riding women. One problem - he gets injured and is forced to make cowboy pornos to pay the rent. Then he meets Sage Beckett, and decides she must be his next buckle bunny. (I kid you not, the author said it first!)

What will happen when she finds out about Mustang’s porno career?

8. I have no idea what this book is about. I can't get past the goofy title.

9.Magnus Ericsson, viking and proud father of 10 children, has accidentally traveled through time to modern day Hollywood. There he meets Angela, a wine maker, and claims her as his own.

The problem - it's half way through the book before they both realize that he has time traveled. After all, you always see vikings in Hollywood.

10.
This is a Christian romance in which a woman falls in love with a French lumberjack. I personally couldn't get past the hat.

What are some of your favorite silly romance novels?

I apologize for the formatting issues. For some reason, I couldn't get it to go right.

Day 8 - Most Overrated Book

2011-05-11T08:39:00.002-04:00

The most overrated book, in my opinion, has to be “Twilight”. In fact, the whole Twilight series is a little overrated. The Twi-hards may hate me for this. That’s ok.

Don’t get me wrong. I am guilty of the Twilight obsession too. I had to see all the movies. I bought the cute little key chains and stuff. After all, Robert Pattinson is pretty good looking. He needs to eat a steak and learn how to smile more, but I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.

After seeing the first movie, I couldn’t wait to read the books.

Boy was I disappointed!

It’s not that the books are bad. It’s that they aren’t great. For a young adult series, they fit the bill just right. There is the perfect amount of teenage angst. The characters are ones that most kids can relate too. The storyline doesn’t make that much sense, but it’s a vampire series, so the author gets to make their own rules.

What bothers me the most is the character of Bella. I can’t stand her! That sounds horrible, doesn’t it?

She’s a “Mary Sue”. If you don’t know what a Mary Sue is, you probably aren’t an author. So, I will explain it to you.

A Mary Sue is a character that is over idealized. They have either little to no flaws or they are loved by everyone for their flaws. They are usually more advanced intellectually and befriend or become romantically involved with the “cool” characters in the book, even though said character is not cool at all.

Here are some clues that Bella is a “Mary Sue”:

- The whole school is crazy over her even though she is an unbelievably boring and no one knows her. She is portrayed as being odd and not fitting in, but once again, is befriended by all the “cool” kids. Makes no sense!

- Her big flaw is clumsiness, which isn’t really a flaw at all. The portrayal is way over the top and considered cute, instead of realistically being something most people wouldn’t even notice.

- She is an exception to several rules in Stephanie Meyer's vampire world. She picks up skills ridiculously fast when they should take much longer to master. For example, she can control her thirst for blood when first becoming a vampire. None of the other Cullens could do so. Plus, Edward can’t read her mind, when he can read the mind of every other person on the planet.

- Meyer even admitted that Twilight was her version of what she wished high school was like for her. In interviews, Meyer has said that she always struggled with confidence issues, she loves reading, she is a hopeless romantic, and she enjoys being a mother. What are Bella’s characteristics? She has major confidence issues. She is a hopeless romantic, loves reading, and loves being a mom. I also find it strange that the description of Bella is an awfully lot like Stephanie Meyer.

Edward is also a complete Gary Stu, but that is a whole other blog post.

Like I said, it’s not that I dislike the Twilight series. I just get annoyed when people talk about the great literary masterpiece it is.

I guess I should be glad that the craziness of Twilight is making more young people read.

Tuesday Hunk - Chris Winters

2011-05-10T21:53:00.006-04:00

I knew from the very beginning that I would eventually use Chris Winters as my Tuesday Hunk. It all started back in 2006 when I saw the book trailer for "Dark Celebration" by Christine Feehan.

And the crush began...

Chris is best known in the romance world for winning the Mr. Romance competition, that is held every year at the Romantic Times convention. He won in 2008. As far as I know, he has not appeared on any book covers. He has appeared in a few book trailers, though.

Chris is both a model and an actor. Some of you may recognize him from the show, A Haunting, which was popular on the Discovery Channel several years back. He played the Vietnam soldier in the episode, Ghost Soldier. He has also had small roles in the movies, Evan Almighty and The Break Up.

I will also admit that Leander, my main character in 'The Wild Side", was based on Chris Winters. In looks, that is. When I picture my Leander, this is who I see.

You can learn more about Chris at his website.

Happy drooling!

Congrats Karla!

2011-05-10T19:01:00.003-04:00

You are winner of "One Silent Night" by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Thank you to those of you who joined. There were only two, but then I didn't promote as heavily. The new job kicked my butt last week.

I'll be adding another contest next Friday.

Happy reading!

Cover Snark - Look! It's Fabio!

2011-05-08T02:41:00.002-04:00

You know I had to add a Fabio cover. The man was on almost every one for years.

There he is ladies!

With a passed out woman...

A feather boa?

And what could be either water or grass that is having issues.

Ummm.... weird!

It's not that it's neccessarily a bad cover. It's just that I don't care for Fabio. Lol!

Day 7 - Most Underrated Book

2011-05-07T22:34:00.012-04:00

There are a lot of underrated books. However, I think that all books are special. After all, each book is an author's dream realized. The most underrated book I have read recently would have to be Bonded by Blood by Laurie London.

I picked this book up from Walmart on a whim. Everyone who knows me well, knows that I am obsessed with vampires. When I saw the cover, which is quite intriguing, I had to pick it up.

Plus, the man on the cover kind of reminds me of the character, Vishous, from JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. I don't know why. I guess when I picture Vishous, this is the kind of guy I imagine.

What made this book so interesting to me was how well it was written. Let's face it, there are a ton of books about vampires. The folklore sometimes changes, but not by much. There isn't much you can write about vampires these days that hasn't already been done in some way.

Laurie London did a great job of making her vampires unique, yet familiar. They do have a few new characteristics though. The vampires in this series can eat food. They do not need to drink blood every day. They can also feed off of humans by absorbing their energy.

There are different fractions of vampires. The Darkbloods are the ones who kill humans, and view them as cattle. The Sweetbloods are humans with a rare blood type that vampires find addictive (kind of like a drug). This is where the love story comes in.

Dominc is a vampire. Mackenzie is a Sweetblood. He falls in love with her, fighting his instinct to take her blood, and protecting her from the ones who would kill her for the rush her blood can give them. Sound intriguing?

I thought it was.

Laurie London has more books coming in this series. The next one will be released in June.

Why do I think this book is underrated? To be honest, it's just because not many people have had the pleasure of reading it yet. This is a new author. Most of us in the paranormal romance world, or the Harlequin world (Harlequin published the book), have heard of it. As far as it being really well known outside of the community, it isn't.

I have no doubt that if Laurie London continues to write books of this caliber, she will be known world wide in no time. I know that I will be anxiously awaiting the next one in the series.

Book Giveaway - One Silent Night

2011-05-06T12:05:00.010-04:00

This week's book:

In the world of the Dark-Hunters, all hell’s breaking loose.

Stryker has sent word and is gathering his forces.

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army
of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his
enemies—which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race. To avenge
his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry
when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought
nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew
who gives new meaning to pain.

It’s Christmas Eve and new battle lines are being drawn as
the Dark-Hunters rally for a final showdown on ONE SILENT NIGHT.

I can't believe I am parting with one of my Sherrilyn Kenyon books! Shocking! I have two copies of this though.

The rules remain the same. Just leave me a comment to let me know you have entered. The contest will be open until Monday (since I'm late posting this!).

Lisa - your book will be in the mail this weekend.

Day 6 - A Book That Makes You Cry

2011-05-05T14:00:00.004-04:00

I’m not a big fan of sad books. That’s why I read romance. You are almost guaranteed a happy ending. However, there is one book that makes me sad.

I first read this book in fifth grade. I was entranced by the story. I love dogs, so the tale of a boy wanting dogs and finally getting them, was fascinating. After all, I was raised in the time of Lassie.

I enjoyed reading the tales of hunting with the dogs. I loved exploring all of the adventures they went on.

You can imagine how I felt when the dogs died. I cried like a baby!

Admit it! You probably did too!

Tuesday Hunk - CJ Hollenbach

2011-05-03T20:58:00.005-04:00

This week's Tuesday hunk is CJ Hollenbach.

This is another popular request I've been getting. CJ Hollenbach is pretty well know in the romance novel world. He is best recognized for his work with Ellora's Cave, although he has worked for other companies.

You can learn more about CJ, and read interviews with him, here.

Happy drooling!