Category Archives: Writing

Jaguar Moon by Linda Palmer

Posted on by

I recently read Jaguar Moon by Linda Palmer and I must say I was drawn in from page one.  Livvie Merrick and Alex Sawyer were electrifying characters that leapt off the pages.  I was immediately immersed in the story, unable to pull away until I had read every word.  Livvie’s psychic talents cause her no end of trouble, yet Alex doesn’t seem to mind them despite the fact that he doesn’t believe in his own family curse.  However, when strange things begin to happen to him, he has no choice but to believe in the impossible. 

Ms. Palmer has created a tale of paranormal delight with a hint of romance and a dash of suspense.  Curl up this Halloween with Jaguar Moon and allow Ms. Palmer to thrill you, chill you, and leave you begging for more.

Sneak Peek at Ashton Grove Werewolves Book 3…

Posted on by

Would you like a sneak peek into the 3rd Ashton Grove Werewolves book?  Moonlight Guardian is due out October 27th and while there are a few excerpts floating around here and there, and it’s available for pre-sale at All Romance Ebooks, I’d like to give you a little more insight into the book…

Chloe is a very strong woman.  She’s used to standing on her own two legs.  Needless to say, after having a brief affair with Michael – which she thought of as more – she finds herself pregnant and alone.  After losing her job, her car, and her apartment, she’s at her wits end.  After much soul searching, she feels she has no other option but to tell Michael about the baby and hope that he’ll lend her a helping hand.  Going to him for help goes against everything she believes in as an independent woman, but there are times when you just have to admit defeat.

Michael is surprise to say the least to find out Chloe is pregnant.  A cold dose of reality is what he needed to realize his life is lacking something important – a mate and a family of his own.  Convincing Chloe to stay by his side isn’t going to be easy, but he knows he has to give it a shot.  What he doesn’t count on is a little competition for her affection.

When Kiera and Gabriel throw a party inviting the entire pack to meet Chloe, Ramsey takes the opportunity to get to know the spunky redhead.  She might be carrying another werewolf’s child, but she hasn’t been claimed as a mate – yet.  Deciding to give Michael a run for his money, Ramsey sets out to win Chloe for himself. 

With two men trying to win her heart, Chloe feels more confused than ever.  She’d like to believe that Michael has changed, but can she risk her heart and her baby? Ramsey claims to care for her and can offer her and her baby a stable home life.  Will that be enough or should she hold out for the all-consuming love that she sees in the couples around her?

Moonlight Guardian
Book 3, Ashton Grove Werewolves
Release Date: October 27th
Wild Horse Press

ScribD … good or bad?

Posted on by

ScribD has several listings of books on their site. People can upload content, anywhere from a few pages to entire novels.  I’ve noticed a few authors using it to upload a chapter or two of their latest work.  I decided to see if this marketing technique would work and uploaded the first 2 chapters of Moonlight Hero, Moonlight Protector, and Magnolia Magick to the ScribD database.  We’ll see if sales increase any from the extra exposure.  I made sure the files were available in PDF only and included links to sites where the full novel could be purchased.

In addition, it seems that Authors and Publishers can use the ScribD store to sell their books directly on ScribD, less 20% commission the site charges.  So if sales are slow and you’re looking for a new site to try, you might check them out.

New Releases ….

Posted on by

The reviewers at The Novel Blog are working on an anthology.  If you enjoy horror, sci-fi, and paranormal short stories, stay tuned for more information soon…  I’m not sure of the release date, but it will be this fall.

And who are the reviewers at The Novel Blog you ask?

null    null   null    null
     Dan Boucher             Peter Mark May           Rachelle Gange       Jessica Coulter Smith

 null

And in other news, Peter Mark May has a short story being released in Creature Feature, published by GhostWriter…  Creature Feature will be available for pre-purchase on June 1st and will be released in mid-June.  Don’t miss out on your copy!  Visit the GhostWriter blog for more details!

null 

Peter also has a novel being released, also published by GhostWriter, this summer called Cavern.  You won’t want to miss out on this fantastic novel! Be sure to purchase your copy at Amazon.com!

null 

Review: My Man Michael

Posted on by

My Man Michael (SBC Fighters, Book 4)

 

My Man Michael by Lori Foster
rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I am not typically a fan of futuristic books, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. As a fan of Lori Foster, I figured if anyone could pull it off it would be her.

Michael Manchester, Mallet, is laid up in the hospital after an accident. His fighting career ended, he’s desolate and unsure of what to do with his life.

Kayli shows up from a time in the future claiming she can heal Michael’s wounds, for a price of course. If he goes back to the future with her and trains the warriors of her colony, she will make him whole again.

Not able to pass up the opportunity to have full use of his legs again, not to mention that he thinks Kayli is a total hottie, Michael agrees – thinking that she has to be joking and he’ll wake up at any moment.  Finding himself in an unfamiliar land with technology beyond his wildest dreams, Michael faces the reality that he has indeed travelled to the future. Fighting to change the colony’s rules and procedures, Michael ends up falling in love with Kayli.

This book is a remarkable journey through self-growth, learning, and compromise. The future may hold all sorts of wonders, but they still have their issues that need to be resolved. If you enjoy stepping out of reality, you’ll love this story!

View all my reviews.

My review

 

Paperback vs. E-book

Posted on by

Which is preferable?

Ever since my first novel was published, I’ve faced the issue of paperback vs. e-book. Some people sneered when they found out my book could not be purchased through Barnes & Noble or another large book retailer. As far as they were concerned, that meant I wasn’t really published.

Well here are my thoughts, for whatever that’s worth…

E-books are coming a long way.  If you check out some of the larger e-book stores like Books on Board, Bookstrand, Fictionwise, Kindle, and All Romance Ebooks, you will see that the larger publishers are starting to sell e-books too.  With new e-readers coming out all the time it’s no wonder that the previously sneered at e-books are starting to become rather popular.  You don’t have to drive to the store to purchase it (and who couldn’t stand to save some gas money?) and you don’t have to find a place to store the book when you’re done reading it. 

There will always be people who prefer to have a book in hand, but some of us are starting to adapt.  While I still purchase books from the bookstore, I also purchase several e-books per month.  They’re convenient, inexpensive, and I don’t have to leave home to buy it – not to mention you can start reading it immediately.

And if you’re an author looking at it from a sales stand point, the bottom line is this — if you don’t promote your book, chances are it won’t sell regardless of the format it’s in. 

I do guest blogs, have my own blog (obviously, since you’re reading it), post on myspace and facebook, hand out business cards, give away booksmarks, request at least 15 reviews per title (since chances are less than 5 requests will actually be completed; and quite a few of those will take over a month), and I’m part of over 20 groups that discuss books of my genre (and am currently a moderator of 2). 

I spend about 15-20 hours a week promoting my novels online and by word of mouth.  It’s a lot of work, but it’s paid off.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not raking in the dough by any means, but my checks have gotten a little bigger each month.  Overall, I think things are progressing nicely.

So … what do you think? Paperback? or E-book?

I would love to hear your opinions so please take a moment to comment below …

Before the Season Ends

Posted on by

Before the Season Ends
Written by Linore Rose Burkard

About the Book…

null

England, 1813: Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her Aunt Bentley’s town house in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Under her aunt’s watchful eye, Ariana is soon steeped in high society–and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London’s current darling rogue.

Then, unexpectedly, rumour of a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her faith and her future are at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent’s attention.

Will Ariana’s faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it is Ariana’s heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to a man who cannot share her faith, how can it ever turn out right?

You may purchase this title from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com!

About the Author…
Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the era of Regency England (circa 1800 – 1830). Fans of classic romances, such as Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility, will enjoy meeting Ariana Forsythe, a feisty heroine who finds her heart and beliefs tested by high-society London.

Ms. Burkard’s novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Her books and monthly newsletter captivate readers with little-known facts, exciting stories, and historical insights. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy romance that reminds us happy endings are possible for everyone.

Visit her at her website!

Angel’s Fire, Demon’s Blood – by Tamela Quijas

Posted on by

Angel’s Fire, Demon’s Blood, written by Tamela Quijas, will be released later this week with Wild Horse Press.

Lucien D’ Angel is a celebrated paranormal detective with a lucrative television show and numerous best selling books pertaining to the world that may exist beyond the human experience. He’s managed to keep the proverbial low profile over the decades and has purposely stayed out of the public eye, due to a secret that he harbors. His life was perfect. Low keyed, private (except for the television shows) and orderly.

 

null

This amazing story will be available on the Wild Horse Press site as well as Amazon Kindle. It’s also being reviewed by Satin & Lace Reviews.

Angel’s Fire, Demon’s Blood is sure to be a shining star in the realm of paranormal romance… be sure to check the Wild Horse Press site this weekend to be the first to own this fantastic, stunning, dazzling tale that is unlike any I have read before!

That was, until Evangeline Keegan enters his life and disrupts the perfect facade that he had erected over the centuries.

Blogging with Tamela Quijas!

Posted on by

Tamela’s latest release, Dante’s Lady, is published by Hearts on Fire Books.  It has received rave reviews thus far and I’m sure we will see many more in the future! 🙂  I’m happy that Tamela could join me today.

Now, on with the show!  It’s time for me to stop hogging the spotlight and give the reins over to Tamela.

—————————————————————————————————————————

From Tamela Quijas, Author

In 1840 England, the death of the Earl of Ravensmoor weighs heavily on the entire household. Many regrets flash vividly through the dying man’s mind, but none as painful as the lost love of his life. In his youth, he had fallen in love with a maid in his mother’s employ but, due to his station in life, he had been unable to follow the true direction of his heart. With a heavy heart and his dying breath, he extracts a sacred vow from his grandson and every last one of his yet unborn male heirs.

Somewhere, somehow, in some time, his beloved Kaitlyn’s soul must be found.

Nearly two centuries later, Leslie Dante Jonathan Burroughs, the last Earl of Ravensmoor and owner of BAI, LTD, continues his ancestor’s quest. One trusted relative from each descendant was given the task of finding Kaitlyn’s soul, or the embodiment of the love that had been so cherished. Dante is the last and the search must be completed and the dreams of his ever elusive siren’s soul will torment him until the end of time. Aided only with the story passed down by word of mouth and a beautiful portrait, Dante continues his quest for the woman that has become such an integral part of his life.

When Dante travels from England to Phoenix, Arizona, he is in for the shock of his life. Working in one of his warehouses is the spitting image of Kaitlyn. From her beautiful green eyes to her luscious lips, Dante knows he must find some way to get her to England, to return her to his estates and into his arms. As he finds himself lost in her eyes, he understands the full force of the love that had been granted to his ancestor and craves the same for himself.

 null

Dante’s Lady can be purchased at www.heartsonfirebooks.com, www.fictionwise.com, www.target.com,  and at www.amazon.com.

Please visit me at my website http://www.myspace.com/tamelaquijas for more information about what I’m working on!

Author Interview with Jenna Petersen

Posted on by

Ms. Peterson kindly consented to an interview.  I hope that you will find it entertaining and informative.  Be sure to check out her newest release, Red Hot Valentine’s Day, which released today!

What first interested you in writing?

I always loved writing and wanted to be a writer for a living for as long as I can remember, really. As for romance writing, I have to say I was one of those horrible people who thought it would be “easy” to write one of “those books”. I learned quickly that “those books” were often wonderfully engaging and well-written and really DIFFICULT to write and sell. But I kept at it and here we are.

How many novels do you currently have published? What genre are they? Where are they published?

As of tomorrow, January 6, I will have 11 books published. Under my Jess Michaels name, which is erotic romance, they are:

A RED HOT VALENTINE’S DAY (Anthology), January 6, 2009 – Avon Red
SOMETHING RECKLESS, May 2008 – Avon Red
EVERYTHING FORBIDDEN, November 2007 – Avon Red
PARLOR GAMES (Anthology), June 2006 – Avon Red (Line Launch book)
SECRETS, Volume 12 (Anthology), July 2005 – Red Sage Publishing
SECRETS, Volume 11 (Anthology), December 2004 – Red Sage Publishing

And I have another one out this year called TABOO, which comes out in May 2009.

Under my Jenna Petersen name, which is historical romance, they are:

LESSONS FROM A COURTESAN, July 2008 — Avon
SEDUCTION IS FOREVER (Lady Spies Book 3), October 2007 — Avon
DESIRE NEVER DIES (Lady Spies Book 2), January 2007 — Avon
FROM LONDON WITH LOVE (Lady Spies Book 1), August 2006 — Avon
SCANDALOUS, October 2005 – Avon

I also have a new book coming out in April called HER NOTORIOUS VISCOUNT.

All my books are widely available in stores and online retailers everywhere.

Do you write full-time or do you have another job as well?

I write full-time and have since I started 10 years ago. I’ve been lucky enough to have a financially as well as spiritually and emotionally supportive husband who believed in my wacky dream.

Where do you see yourself, as far as writing goes, in five years?

I hope I’ll still be an actively publishing author. I really love historical romance and erotic historical romance, so I’m sure I’ll still be writing them.

What goals or dreams do you have for your writing career?

I think I have the same dreams most writers do. I want to keep selling books and growing my readership. Of course I’d love to rise up to USAToday and ultimately NYTimes Bestseller status. But those things are really out of my control in a lot of ways. So my biggest hope is to keep writing and improving my craft and hope that the readers keep coming and multiplying.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I love to read what I write, which is historical romance. I also read outside of the romance genre when I have time (which seems like never right now LOL).

Do you have any favorite authors? What do you like about them?

I really enjoy the sensual storytelling of Lisa Kleypas. I like the sparkling wit of Julia Quinn. I like the emotional rawness of Kathryn Smith. I adore the magical quality of Jacquie D’Alessandro.

How hard was it to become a published author?

Hard. I actually have a diary of my journey from 2001 until… well, this morning, up at my site for writers, The Passionate Pen. http://www.passionatepen.com I think it gives a pretty accurate view of the wonderful highs and pretty crushing lows of five years and over probably… 15ish books or so before I published.

Do you have any suggestions for writers who wish to be published?

I think my best suggestions for writers are at the same site. The Passionate Pen is ten years old this year and we’re having a huge celebration! All kinds of prizes for writers, interviews with top editors and agents, big fun. But the site is, at its core, a site for aspiring romance authors. You’ll find a list of romance publishers there, one for agents, articles I’ve written for writers, links, and of course that famous diary I talked about above. http://www.passionatepen.com

Do you recommend using more than one publisher?

I think it really depends on the writer, what genres they are writing, how quickly they can write and if they have a strong agent. There aren’t really great answers to these kinds of questions because of so many variables. Writing for multiple publishers can give you some level of job security, an increased income and a broader promotional plan. It can also make things complicated and occasionally double your work. So it all depends.

How do you typically promote your books?

I have a website, http://www.jennapetersen.com , as well as a Facebook and a MySpace account (http://www.myspace.com/jennawrites). I do a lot of online promotion, as well as drive-by signings of stock, interviews and whatever my publisher sets up for me.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I write sexy, emotional romances whether they’re erotic like my Jess Michaels books or highly sensual like my Jenna Petersen books. I write in the Regency period. If that appeals to you, I’m your girl! 🙂