How I Almost Hit a Fireman

Last summer one evening my daughter and I were heading to the movie store in my little beetle to grab a chick flick and some chololate chip ice cream. We had the top down and the music blaring, singing along with the radio and having a good ole time. As soon as we turned into the Blockbuster parking lot, though, we noticed a big fire truck in front of the Philly cheesesteak place. A couple of police cruisers were parked off to the side. I slowed to a stop but it was obvious that whatever fire there was had been put out. Since we were already in the parking lot, in order to leave we were going to have to back out of the entrance and then go all the way around the block.... well there was a young fireman standing near the truck so I waved to him and very politely asked if I could go past the firetruck instead of going around.(Cara and I both noticed his hottiness) He smiled.... we smiled back and he nodded and waved us on.

I suppose we ere both distracted by his cute smile and all of that gear and what not because I didn't realize how tight of a squeeze it was going to be to pass the big truck, but I had already committed and had no choice but to proceed. I inched past the truck (my daughter was questioning my decision and I was sort of defending my position... after all the young fireman *had* waved me on (I think) Anyway, just as my little VW has right at the middle steps (remember the top was down) a big fireman began descending the steps backwards (in full gear). He didn't see me until the last second as I creeped past and was in real danger of falling backwards into my car (on top of me with that big hat on and everything) He suddenly turned and saw me (or maybe Cara and I might have screamed).... teetered backwardstossing his hat into the air and cursing just as I inched past. Once past I sort of gunned it and in the rearview mirror I saw his hat as it crashed to the pavement and sort of bounced. I noticed too, that he was older but a hottie too... but he raised fist and starrted yelling at me. I felt compelled to stop and yell sorry back to him and sincerely hoped that his hat wasn't dented or anything. The police by his time were taking notice and my daughter thought that I might be arrested so I gunned my car again, roared over to the far end of the parking lot and we waited like fugitives from the law, huddled down in the bucket seats. Finally, when the coast was clear, we headed into the movie store.

By this time (after the police had left) we thought the adventure was quite amusing and of course my daughter immediately called her friends and told them that her mother had almost run over a fireman... not my fault I tell you....not my fault.

So my question is: have you ever done anything this blonde? (I'm now a redhead but my blonde genes run deep)

It is 70 degrees out and I will have the top down today for the first time in months....fireman beware ;-)

How do YOU welcome spring??

Well, this may be wishful thinking for a lot of us. It snowed here all weekend. Nothing deep, but the ground would turn white and then melt away... only to do it all over again an hour later. It was a pretty snow - big fluffy flakes. But I am more than ready for warm weather!! Which brings me to my blog topic for today. :) How do YOU say hello to spring? For me, there are two "events" that mark the passing of blah winter and the advent of lovely spring... The first is the day when I carry all my cold weather clothes to the upstairs closet and bring down all my short sleeve stuff. It hasn't happened yet, but soon. :) And the other milestone - my first pedicure and breaking out the sandals! Again, it hasn't happened yet, but I'm thinking I may bring out the polish tomorrow or the next day. The forecast for the end of the week is warm - yeah! The picture on today's blog is from a trip I made this week with my mom, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and two nieces. We went to Gatlinburg for two nights. The tree in the pic is a flowering cherry (I think) and in the distance you can see snow on top of the Smokies. It was pretty chilly, but the sunshine was great. So tell me ladies (and gents), what do you do to welcome spring??? I'd love to hear, and I'd love to say goodbye to winter for good. Janice

And we have a winner...

:-)

it looks like the first author interview was a rousing success.

If memory serves me correctly, Sylvia Day is going to be the next victim. *G* If you want to join in and help us out with the first round questions, just go to

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScampsVampsandSpicyRomance/ and join the group. We run random contests for members only and the group is a fun one. We'd love to see you there.

The winner of JR Ward's prize, a signed copy of Lover Eternal is .... Tina! Tina, I need to email me @ shilohwalker@gmail.com . Put something like BLOG in the subject line so I can find it easy.

Thanks everybody!

Just to clarify

if you want a chance to win today's prize offered by JR Ward, the questions have to be posted here. I'll draw a winner, probably tomorrow, from those who joined in.

if you want to participate in the future author interviews and possibly win a prize before the interview is posted... you need to join the yahoo group.

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

The way it works, we tell you who the next author is, and you have about a week to post your questions to the group, then we will choose five or six of those questions. By participating, you may be able to win a prize in the group.

When the interviews are posted here, there's another chance to win, if the author has offered a prize.

Hope people aren't too confused. While you can ask as many questions at the blog that you want, I'm only each each name once, in order to be fair.


Shi

Author Interviews! First Up ... JR Ward

Blogger is apparently having PMS or something because every time I try to upload a picture, it times out on me. Finally got one up, although it's not JR's latest book. Ah well... it's still an awesome cover.

Vamps and Scamps will be doing author interviews with various authors~some of the future victims include Lora Leigh, Sylvia Day, Toni Blake, & Erin McCarthy.

Today, the victim is JR Ward and JR has kindly agreed to give away a signed copy of Lover Eternal to some lucky poster. Yes... to win, you have to post.

Dark Lover, the first of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, appeared on shelves last fall and many, many paranormal fans fell in love.

With the author interviews we are doing, we are letting the readers ask the questions. For a week, readers are given the chance to post their questions to the yahoo group associated with the blog, ScampsVamps& SpicyRomance.

The readers who ask questions may be entered in a drawing for a prize, but that prize is only available to the participators, so if you want to increase your chances of winning, just visit the group's home page or send an email to

ScampsVampsandSpicyRomance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

And onto the interview...

1) Will there ever be any female warriors in this series?Or will they all stay male?

Absolutely. There is a female named Payne whom you'll meet soon and she is... VERY cool. I like her and I believe I know who she ends up with. And the thing is, with a female coming into the Brotherhood, you're going to see a lot of the essential social values of the race get skewed. Males are supposed to protect their counterparts. But Payne is not in need of protection. She's going to shake up the scene, but in a good way. She's also not one of those annoying, brash, in your face types. She is power. She is strength. She is as up front and direct as any male warrior so she doesn't need theatrics. She just levels her weapon and gives you a choice: you either do it her way or you end up with a leaky hole. I like her because she's really an amalgam of male and female characteristics...

Can you tell I'm into her? ;)

~*~

2)Which authors do you think influenced you most in the writer you became?

Ummmm... Stephen King for the horror aspect and the world building. He's fabulous, a true genius. And I like his stripped down style of prose. Suzanne Brockmann for the romance. She's incredible... she can create emotion in a reader in like, two sentences. I also like her style, very mainstream. Sue Grafton for craft. She has a great command of story fundamentals and she's helped me a lot. She's also very disciplined both in her prose and in her approach to business, so yeah, definitely Sue. Plus I dig her books. My CP, Jessica Andersen, without whom, I think I might be behind bars for a heinous crime against an inanimate object (the compy). Jess also has a great line by line, cleanliness to her work and she's wonderful at suspense. And then I think of my friends... because other writers can influence not just what you put on the page but how you deal with this business of ours. So... Linda Francis Lee and Gaelen Foley and Tina St. John and Shi and Lora Leigh and I'm sure I'm leaving folks out. You need people to talk to, you know?

~*~

3)Who is your favorite brother and why?

Zsadist. Definitely. Without a doubt. He is violent and unpredictable and dangerous. He's also... awkward and not a total savage. I like the darkness in him because it makes his redemption so much more vivid and engrossing. But I will say, that this dark side of his is grounded in what has happened to him- there's a reason for why he is the way he is. I wouldn't be in love with him if he were just a bastard. The fact that he's suffered is the way I connect with him.

~*~

4) If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?

Queen's Under Pressure. Because I'm usually stressed out and over-focused and feeling like I wish I were doing things better.

~*~

5)If you were to describe each of the brothers as an ice-cream flavor,what would it be and why?

Ummmm... I can't! I just don't and can't see them like that! LOLOL So much for the writer's imagination... *hangs head in shame* See? This is my point about the song choice. I can't answer this question and I think I failed the interview!

~*~

I don't think you can fail this kind of interview, JR. ;) Although I was wondering who was going to be Rocky Road. *G*

Okay...floor is open for comments and JR will pop in later if anybody has other questions.

You can learn more about the books at www.jrward.com and she has a reader group @

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

I'll be posting who the next author interview is here in a few days, so if you want to get your shot at asking the questions, join the group!

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

Shi

http://www.shilohwalker.com

Take My Breath Away!

What would you do or have you done if/when you met someone who actually did take your breath away? Or are you surrounded by beautiful people?

My story: I went to the booksigning at RT when it was in Ft. Worth many, many years ago. I had never been to anything like that before and I was in awe at all the authors who were going to be there. I went with a group of women and they were talking about the cover models and I was very smugly thinking that I could care less. I wanted the books and to meet these authors who created them.

As we arrived so did a group of men. Jeans, no shirt, wearing vests, boots, tanned, muscled, 6-pack abs.

OHMYGOD! I couldn't look away. My mouth watered, my heart skipped beats, then began to race. Smugness went to hell in a handbag. I stuttered, I drooled.

But then I met one who took my breath away. John D'Salvo (spelling?) I asked if I could take his picture and quickly snapped two---double exposing him (don't I wish!) Never have gotten a blasted picture of him.

So, tell me since RT is fast approaching. What has been your favorite experience at RT? If you've never been and are planning on going then you're in for a treat. I always have a blast. And if you're not planning on going, have you ever met someone who made you stutter because they looked so damn good?

If you respond in any way, form or fashion I'll put your name in a drawing for a copy of Southern Comfort.


I'm off to look at flooring but I'll check in before I go to bed.
Good Luck!
Karen Kelley

Take My Breath Away!

What would you do or have you done if/when you met someone who actually did take your breath away? Or are you surrounded by beautiful people?

My story: I went to the booksigning at RT when it was in Ft. Worth many, many years ago. I had never been to anything like that before and I was in awe at all the authors who were going to be there. I went with a group of women and they were talking about the cover models and I was very smugly thinking that I could care less. I wanted the books and to meet these authors who created them.

As we arrived so did a group of men. Jeans, no shirt, wearing vests, boots, tanned, muscled, 6-pack abs.

OHMYGOD! I couldn't look away. My mouth watered, my heart skipped beats, then began to race. Smugness went to hell in a handbag. I stuttered, I drooled.

But then I met one who took my breath away. John D'Salvo (spelling?) I asked if I could take his picture and quickly snapped two---double exposing him (don't I wish!) Never have gotten a blasted picture of him.

So, tell me since RT is fast approaching. What has been your favorite experience at RT? If you've never been and are planning on going then you're in for a treat. I always have a blast. And if you're not planning on going, have you ever met someone who made you stutter because they looked so damn good?

If you respond in any way, form or fashion I'll put your name in a drawing for a copy of Southern Comfort.


I'm off to look at flooring but I'll check in before I go to bed.
Good Luck!
Karen Kelley

Description...boring or brilliant??

Description...how much is too much??

And I don’t mean this about the sex because that’s sort of determined by the line but what about the rest of the story...

I often wonder how much does the reader really want to know? Do you really give a hoot what he/she is wearing? How they fix their hair? What they’re wearing on that date and to what detail? Black shoes, white shoes? Blah, blah, blah...

What about the setting...what the room looks like, how she’s making those knitted hats, how he’s building that four-lane bridge?

Sometimes I feel like I’m boring everyone to tears but it does add color or is it adding surface crap?

So, how much is too much or too little?
Any thoughts on this?

Hugs, Dianne

The Way U Look Tonight
April ‘06
RT: 4½ star review
Brava Kensington

Promo on a budget

This week, PBW has been doing various topics that might interest new writers, aspiring authors, and others in the writing industry.

She asked for topics that people would like to explore more closely, and one of them was....

PROMOTION~ to be exact, I think the words were What can be done about marketing for writers with a $2k advance?

Okay, so promo isn't my favorite topic, but it is something I've picked up a few things about. A lot of this is specific to romance writers, magazines, review sites, etc, but I know every genre out there has these things targeted to their genre. You just have to look for them.

Now I'll be honest. I'm greedy. I wanna spend my money on me, I want to take my kids and the DH on a trip, or buy a nice, pretty desk... but you have to put some of the money back into your career.

So with $2000.... what can you do? Bear in mind, the more money you spend on promo, the more it helps with Uncle Sam once tax time rolls around.

GET A WEBSITE!!!! I can't stress that enough. I'm also a reader and one thing that will irritate the crap out of me is when I try to find something out about an author and can't find a website. Readers want to to be able to connect with authors and a website is the best way to do it. A couple of sites to check into for web design are Millenium Promotion and Your Web Goddess

Some pointers...

• If you are going to do it yourself, be objective. If you can't make it look professional, hire somebody. A dumpy looking site, a cluttered site, or a site that looks like your five year old did it isn't going to impress readers.
• Don't get a website with pop-ups. Please.
• Keep it current. If you've had three books out in the past two years, and it still has info from the second one but not the third~you're losing potential readers.
• Make sure somewhere on your site you have a working email address. And don't hide it.

Get some bookmarks~ You can check around, but a good place to go is Earthly Charms. You can get a thousand bookmarks, including the design for around $200.

Use Banners~ Have a banner designed. Sites like Millenium will design a banner for about $20-$30. Then you can post them on reviews sites, every place from Romantic Times (more expensive) to smaller review sites, like FAR or AAR.

• If you really want to go all out, you can spend about a thousand bucks and get an ad in Romantic Times magazine. Sounds like a lot of money, but remember, that magazine is for romance readers. If you've written a romance and sold it, that's one of the best ways to get the word out.

Make friends in the reader community~ For a variety of reasons.

• Word of mouth sells books. People find out you've written and sold one, a lot are going to be curious. If they like what they see/hear, they buy, and if they REALLY like it, they talk about it to others. And that sells books.
• Booksellers! I've met quite a few people who own their own bookstores. An independent bookseller can be your best friend. They like it when authors are friendly to them. Ask if you can send some bookmarks or an ARC (advance review copy) or both. If they like that book, they'll stock it. Independent booksellers tend to know their customers, they know their tastes. If your book is something that would appeal to said reader, they will mention it.
• Pay attention. There are some people in the reader community that really like to talk about books they like. I've been known to give ARCs to these people. They aren't bookstore owners, but they can really sell your book. They tell everybody, from friends to the people in the local bookstore. Some of them have blogs or websites of their own. One author suggested giving away dozen of copies of your book to people with the biggest mouths~so they'd read it and talk it up. Sorry, can't remember where I read that.

Contact your local paper~ or if there's a local magazine, try them. I contacted Velocity Weekly. They did an interview with me and a fellow author, Anya Bast, and we got free publicity. It was a cute, fluffy piece, and very little work on my part. Of course if I'd known they were going to insist on pictures.... ugh...

So, keeping our budget in mind, lets assume you decided to have Jewel Stone do a three page website. The three page package is around $250.

You order 1000 bookmarks from Earthly Charms. $210, give or take.

You run an ad in RT. $1000

Get a banner from Millenium and run it on FAR for the month before and of your release. About $50.

That adds up to $1510.

You've contacted a local entertainment magazine and they are running an interview the month the book releases.

And viola... some simple, fairly cheap *mostly* promo.

Now I started out as an e pubbed author. Things are sometimes done a little different then. First thing I did was join online groups and start trying to establish myself among the readers of my first publisher. Then I designed a website. Then I started messing with things like banners and stuff. It wasn't until nearly two years later that I finally got a book into print. The e pub went into POD and I had to start promoting my print books as well as my ebooks. But promo is promo. You do what you can to get the word out.

*please bear in mind~I checked these prices prior to putting this blog together, but that doesn't mean the prices won't change. Please don't take anything I've said as written in stone. Check around, ask around, shop around.

New Feature Coming~ Author Interviews

With your participation. A couple of times a month, we are going to post the name of the upcoming victim. *G* First victim is JR Ward. Once we post the author, readers will have a chance to post questions they'd like us to ask the author. There will be prizes involved.

However, there is a stipulation. In order to ask the questions and possibly increase your odds of winning a prize, you need to belong to the group associated with the blog. To join, go to the group's home page here and simply click on join this group.

Or you can send a blank email to

ScampsVampsandSpicyRomance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It's a fun group and the authors often run contests that are for members only. As well as daily hotties and updates on upcoming releases.

We've got some fun authors in mind that we plan on asking to participate and we hope to see some of you all join in as well.

So... floor is open in ScampsVamps for questions.

Uppity Women Unite!

Uppity women...I love 'em. Give me a true article about a woman who stands up for herself and/or her beliefs and I'll eat it up. So, it will come as no surprise to you that one of my favorite book series is the "Uppity Women of..." you name the era. What this series shows is that women have been asserting their intelligence, their rights and their backbone for as far back as written history goes. Cool, huh?

I think so...which is why when I write a historical, I tend to write uppity women heroines. Not stuck-up heroines, but women who stand up for themselves, their loved ones and their beliefs. My motto is, "If there was one woman being this bold and daring during this era, she could have been my heroine."

But some historical readers prefer writers to stick with what they view as a more realistic portrayal of the time. Women who were not necessarily unique, or forward thinking, or confrontational. Certainly this type of heroine is more typical of the time, but she wasn't the only sort of woman who lived during *any* era. And I don't know...I can't make myself write heroines that don't get on somebody's nerves...usually the hero's, but oftentimes the rest of society's too.

What kind of historical heroine rings your chimes? The more traditional belle of the ton, or a woman who was reading "The Rights and Vindication of Women" even as the author was being killed by her government (France btw - if you are interested) for being such a blasphemous thinker?

I'll be honest and say that while I can't seem to write the more traditional heroine, I can really enjoy reading about her. But my favorite historical authors usually write outside the box too...Amanda Quick, Teresa Madeiros, Julie Garwood, Stef Ann Holm and Barbara Dawson Smith - to name a few.

What about you?

Hugs,
Lucy

whatcha reading...

After being sick going on close to two weeks, my brain is half dead. ;) Yeah, yeah I know...what else is new. Normally, I can think of something to yak about for a paragraph or two, but-uh, I don't wanna.

So here's something easy~and since you're reading this blog, chances are it's something near and dear to your heart. Books & reading.

The past two days, the only reading I've done is my stuff~bleh. That's work, not fun. Had to finish the copyedits for Hunting the Hunter. For my first mass market paperback, it was a lot less painful than I expected. Still made me a little nervous. OKAY... a LOT nervous. If I was a nail biter, I'd probably be in dire need of a manicure right now.

I keep promising myself a treat if I get enough done on my current deadline~my idea of treats is generally getting to read something. Sucks, but I read probably only a couple books a month anymore. I used to read a book a day.

So what was the last book you read?

What is the next book you plan to read?

The last book I read was last week~read Jude's Law by Lori Foster. I picked it up in Cincinatti last month at the signing and I'm glad I did. Great book.

The next book I plan to read is going to be Lover Eternal by JR Ward. *G* I read it months ago~JR was nice enough to send me an ARC and I've read it probably a dozen times by now. But I still need to read the finished one, the one with the pretty shiny blue cover.

My husband and I came dragging into the house at 3 this morning. The dog was really pissed off. Now that the kids are grown, she's the little princess. My grandaughter let it slip that, "Momma said Sukie (the little princess) rules your house."

Yeah, okay, I'm still wondering what her point was. Of course Sukie rules the house. She's spoiled rotten. We know we've created a monster in the guise of a small Pekinese.

We keep dog food out for her all the time, but she gets ham and cheese every day for lunch and dinner and occassionally turkey bacon. She loves turkey bacon but will leave sausage in her bowl. Go figure.

If she gets upset with us, she lets us know by wetting in our bed. We've learned to cover it with a shower curtain if we go away for any length of time.

Leash=vet=shots. My husband and I are probably the only people in the world who dress in full body armor if we have to put a leash on our dog. She doesn't like the leash and she lets us know by biting---usually us.

She used to chase the neighbor's cat when the cat would get into our backyard, but the cat stopped running and Sukie isn't brave enough to get too close.

But in the morning she wakes us up by laying her head on our face. Yes, it pretty much smothers us and she needs a bath really bad---the leash thing again. We're not about to bathe her and taking her to the groomer requires The Leash. But she's cute and adorable and loves us to distraction. I guess we'll keep her.

So, do you have any funny or embarrassing pet stories? If so, now is the time to vent. I'll listen---think of it as therapy. Oh, wow, I could start a whole new business---The Pet Owner Therapist. I couldn't fix any problems but I would listen.
Have a Great day!
Karen Kelley
www.authorkarenkelley.com

I my RIDE WILD enough?

As you guys know WILD RIDE comes out this week, my sexy anthology about Wild Ride Resort, an all inclusive playground for adults that's sort of a Club Med meets Coney Island. The three stories are all set on the island resort but since I've had readers ask me for a single title but my editor likes this format for me, I decided to combine the two and weave the novellas together so that it reads more like a single title and yet you have the fun of mulitple characters and story lines... so I *hope* it is like having the best of both worlds.

So anyway I'm thinking that WILD RIDE is some of my steamiest stuff yet...pushing the emvelope with some sexy situations that include waterfalls, elevators and yes a rollercoaster in motion.... and yet there was a review (I know we always get hung up on the ones that are a little snarky) that said that my stories are about good midwestern folks and are warm at best instead of smokin' hot like the cover implies..... okaaaaay. Of course I started questioning if my love scenes were hot enough for the erotic romance billing when it hit me that IMO hot does not mean raw language or crazy wild sex, but more how intensely the characters feel about each other.... in other words the emition in the sex scenes, not the sex itself. Sure in erotic romance the bedroom door needs to be wide open but I don't think I need to use words or situations that are there merely for shock factor... am I right? Or is WILD RIDE not wild enough?

I know since the book just came out it's hard for you guys to know if it is merely warm or hot but just makes a book hot? The review is over at www.likesbooks.com in case you are curious as to what all the review said. All in all the review was actually pretty nice and well done... I just think the reviewer didn't get the type of heat she was expecting but of all things to critique about the book I thought I had the heat factor nailed.....LOL

What do you all think?

What's in a name?

I have a great book called "45,000 Baby Names". My daughter borrowed it when they were looking for just the right name for the new baby-to-be.

Today's question - what's in a name? Or perhaps - "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. " I don't think so! Would you fall in love with a hero named "Dudley"? Would the book sell?? Maybe Nora could pull it off, or Lori. But I'm 99% sure no editor would ever let that name go into production.

So here's my question for today - Please tell me your three favorite names for heroes... and the same for heroines. Then give me three of your "yuck" names for heroes. And the same for heroines.

I'll take a look at all the lists and pick one entry to keep in my mental rolodex. I'll send that person a small prize.

But remember - to be considered for the prize, you have to come up with 12 solid choices. Put your thinking cap on and have at it!

Janice

Interesting...uh...unique research...

Have I ever mentioned I run across some really interesting things when I'm researching? Well, I do and I've found a new favorite website, but I'll get to that later.

The most recent "makes you blink in astonishment" thing I've run across while researching for my new Brava series is a radio for the shower that has a hidden camera in it. I'm so not kidding...they really sell such a thing. Want to see? Visit the product page here. Okay, I'm having a really hard time grasping the need for this unless you are like the FBI, or something. Really...the or something is a little scary, but the website that sells this also has other ultra hip spy equipment. I can see that coming in very handy with my new series. (And yep, as promised...I've just posted a little info on that on my Current Projects page.)

And how did I find this really very strange product that is honest-to-goodness for sale? On my new favorite website. It's full of info on cool and unusual and sometimes downright strange gadgets. I love gadgets...maybe not as much as my hubby, but enough that I definitely qualify for closet geekdom. Oh...he sent me the website link, by the way. He's great for stuff like that and he reads my books too...what more could a woman ask for???

Now it's your turn...what kind of weird or uananticipated stuff have you run across while innocently web surfing?

Just to let you know...I'll be out of town for my mom's birthday weekend with her and my sisters until Monday. But I'm REALLY looking forward to reading your comments when I get back!

Hugs,
Lucy

Advice... from me?

You're kidding, right?

I have this reaction several times a week. Over the past... oh, I dunno, year or so, I've gotten emails on a regular basis, usually several a week. Asking for some kind of advice. Or info. Some are a little easier than others. The easiest question to answer is...

How much money can I expect to make... I always answer that one the same. I have no answer for you.

I'm primarily still an ebook author, and yes, I write for a living, so I think I do okay, but every author is going to be different. So that one is easy. No answer~sorry.

The rest of them, though, they make me bang my head. I hardly ever have an answer. I've asked, how do you make yourself finish the book? Well, I just do. If I don't finish it, i can't sell it and I like selling them. $$$$$

Where do you come up with your ideas? Every single one is different. Sometimes, I'll see something that inspires me to start a book and then the book comes from there. My current release is one of those. The idea for Hunter's Pride came from something I saw on Animal Planet. A young girl in Africa was rescued from a couple of kidnappers by.... a pride of lions. Now I moved my book to America and it was cougars, or mountain lions, that saved her, but that's where that idea came from.

The original Hunters? Eh...that was all Tori. I wanted a heroine that was kick a$$ but not so stupidly independent she'd cut off her nose to spite her face. Those sort of heroines really annoy me. So there was Tori, and then there was Declan and then there was the book. The rest just sort of came naturally after that.

Other ideas came from various places... fairy tales, or I'll be talking with a friend, and there it is. So I don't have a simple answer for that.

Do you plot out your books? I hate answering this one. I always feel like a moron. Nope, I don't plot out until after I've started the book, and usually the plot just unfolds for me as I write it.

Where should I try to sell my book? Oh, boy. That's a tricky one. Depends on what sort of book, how long, too many factors, and that's another question i hate.

How did you get published? Another one that I kind of scratch my head over. Often... it feels like pure dumb luck. I had a book that was rejected by Harlequin. That form letter so many of us have seen, not what we're looking for...yadda yadda yadda... My personal opinion~eh, it was perfect for them, however I wasn't going to sweat it. That was about the time I'd found EC and I decided I'd just revamp the book and try it there. And that's that as far as my ebook history goes. I've sold more than thirty various books, novellas and short stories to places like EC, Triskelion, and Samhain.

New York career, eh... a little different. Boils down to a couple of people mentioned my name to Cindy Hwang at Berkley and she looked me up, read a few things, and liked them. So I got the infamous call. I didn't really do anything~so pure dumb luck on my part.

There's other questions, like I need an agent. Will you read my book? Do you do critiques? Frankly, I wish I could help but I can't. You can find a lot of these resources through RWA. I don't have time to read for pleasure hardly, and I suck when it comes to technical advice, so I'm not a good person to ask.

It's really very mind boggling to keep getting these emails~scary, yet at the same time, feels kinda cool. But I seriously suck at advice...

Character Qualities

What hero qualities do you look for when you read a romance? Let's go a little further, what qualities do you like to see in your heroine?

I love the alpha hero, but the kind who has a vulnerability. When I read a romance I want to live vicariously through the heroine.

What was the first romance that hooked you? What are a few on your keeper shelves?
Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rodgers and I was hooked. Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Lori Foster.....

What really fabulous romance did you finish last year that you really enjoyed and why. Ulterior motives. I want to add to my mountain of a TBR pile LOL! Believe it or not, I read my first Susan Elizabeth Philips last year for the first time and WOW!

Everyone who answers will have their name put in a hat/can/Wal-Mart bag or whatever else is handy and I'll draw a winner for a copy of one of my avaivable books--winners choice.
Karen

Pets

Pets!

I read about that fifty-thousand-dollar dog that escaped from the airport and it got me thinking. Pets are the best thing ever and they sure don’t have to cost 50K to make them special!

We have two cats, both intended for our kids and somehow wound up with my dh and me. I guess that means we have grand-pets. Our cats don’t do much, no neat pet tricks. Pixel brought me a live mouse once but since that sent me screaming and climbing on top of my computer desk I won’t classify it as a trick...except by me.

My agent has ten dogs, all little ones. She’s starting to buy pets for her pets. When my brother’s dog passed he had a coffin made. My cousin buried her dog in a pet cemetery complete with headstone. I sent a card. When my cat dies a bit of me will die too.

I love pets in books, add them whenever possible and they always play a part in saving the day.

So two questions.
Have any of your pets done anything remarkable?
And using the link below tell me what kind of dog you really are.

I’m a cocker spaniel!

Ruff!
Dianne


http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_astrology/tests/dogs.htm

Would you, could you...have you?

A few weeks ago I did something I had never done before....I went into Hustler Hollywood (an adult toy store). I had been wanting to do this for a while after my editor said that I needed to spice up my love scenes that were "too conventional". Well.... since conventional was all that I know, I decided that I needed to broaden my horisons so to speak and I convinced my husband that I needed to take a look around in one of *those* shops to see what was out there...

He was appalled (but I could tell he was curious) and cracked me up when he made us both wear baseball caps because he was convinced that someone would see us. I, in turn, convinced him that we wouldn't see anyone we knew in an adult store in downtown Cincinnati and I bravely said "who cares?" if we did?(of course you know where this is going).

So, there we were looking at props and toys, lotions and potions with our caps pulled low over our foreheads. I was in a constant state of giggling and my husband was in a constant fear of being discovered but after a while we both relaxed and started having fun. So, I'm looking a pretty realistic rubber replica of a male body part and commenting to my husband on "geez what would you do with all of that?" when...you guessed it...I saw someone that I knew. ( I was suddenly secretly glad for the ballcap) Of course my husband has at this point forgotten all about his fear of discovery so I have to yank him away from the display and whisper in his ear who I saw. This was a woman was the head of an organization that we had belonged to when our children were younger and I have to admit that I was a bit (okay a lot) shocked to see her in the store. Now under normal circumatances we would have marched over and said, "Hey how have you been? So nice to run into you...." and so on, but instead we hovered in the corner of the store pretending rapt interest in various massage oils until she left.

So my question is: should we have been embarrassed? She hadn't appeared so and seemed to know her way around. As a matter of fact, most of the partons in the store were couples and while there were things on display with a huge "ew" factor, there were plenty of fun things too...chocolate body paint, flavored lotions, scented candles... things that were sexy and would spice things up a bit and were harmless fun. So...

Would you, could you...have you gone in an adult store? If you saw someone you knew would you greet them or hover in the corner like we did?

Let me know your thoughts ;-)

Valentine's Day Gifts

Tomorrow is the big day, and I'm here to tell you that it's not just for lovers. As a public school teacher for 15 years, I enjoyed a host of Valentine parties and gifts... not only from children, but from parents and other teacher friends. I think the day should be about "Love" in all its forms. One of my most treasured "gifts" is a heart-shaped red rhinestone pin my grandmother gave me when I was 13 or 14. It has an arrow through the middle, and I love bringing it out of the jewelry box once a year. I fully intended to wear it to the Reader Appreciation Day in Cincinnati on Saturday, but forgot to put it in the suitcase. :( The picture on this blog is another of my "old" and treasured Valentine's Day gifts. My dh and I started dating during our senior year in high school. This little guy is the stuffed animal Charlie gave me on our first February 14. I keep it in a glass-fronted barrister bookcase that has lots of my romance novels. You can probably see that the paint on his eye is scratched and his original white fur has the patina of age. I hope some of you will share stories of a "special" gift you received in years past. And remember - tomorrow is a day for love... make sure to tell all those special people in your life how much they mean to you. And I'll say it now to all of you - "Thank You" for reading and loving romance and for being such great online friends! Janice

The sexy geek...

Isn't this cover to die for? This guy looks exactly as I picture Hotwire, the hero for and ABLE. He's a super sexy computer geek/ex-mercenary. Is that an oxymoron for you?

I admit I'm biased. I married an uber sexy geek so I see the breed as hero material for sure, but what about the rest of you? Can you go for a hero who can program a super computer, but isn't sure how to tell if he's in love? Do you think a guy who can go on for hours about the new theory for warp drive space travel but has a hard time saying, "I love you," can be sexy? What about the man who has more geek gadgets than Inspector Gadget, but has never touched a vibrating massager? Can he be your idea of a man who can make the heroine melt into a puddle of passion...or at least certain parts of her anatomy?

I love the super geeky, super sexy hero, but what about you? I'm starting a new series for Brava...and I'm thinking there are definitely going to be a hero or two who are as competent with the computer as they are in hand to hand combat...is that a good thing, or does it totally turn you off?

Let me know what you think...

Hugs,
Lucy

What do we owe our readers....

Okay... a troublemaker I know... *and love, admittedly...* is the inspiration behind today's blog.

Said troublemaker lives in Australia. Said troublemaker loves to read. I've gained a number of readers just from her recommendations alone. When you've picked up a LOT of new ebook readers and print readers all from the recommendation of one reader, you realize just how much one reader can affect things.

And she's not alone. There are readers of mine like her in Canada, England, Italy, the Dominican Republic, and Singapore, just to name a few. And most of them buy print books, which means they pay a pretty penny. They all talk about the authors they like. The more they talk, the more others might buy. Okay, not might... do buy.

This is one of the reasons why I appreciate readers from across the globe. You read my books, you buy my books, I love you and you can enter whatever contests I have. And it's even cooler when I get an email, well, so and so said I should try you...and this person is from Singapore, or Italy, or other places that I can't type without misspelling, so I won't try... *G*

But the reason for today's entry was the author who sparked the uh... hmmm... discussion.

Author stated...(and I'm paraphrasing...I'm not linking to the blog, because frankly, I don't want to give her the clicks...it got a little rude) "I don't see why some reader from out of the country thinks I owe her anything more than a thank you."

Okay, somebody opens a door for me~I say thanks. Somebody lets me cut into the flow of traffic without waiting ten years~I wave thanks.

Yes, I'm very grateful to my readers. Now I'm not about to open a vein in gratitude, and they cannot have my first born, my second born, or my soon to be third... But they should get a little more than a simple thank you. I'm not saying they should all get a free book, or you should fly them to the moon. But they deserve a bit more than the same thing you say to somebody who said bless you when you sneeze.

I write for a living. I get to stay home and actually see my kids and play with them, instead of hitting the PC to pound out one more chapter when I get home from work. That right there is worth more than a simple gee, thanks.

But more...readers see something in my writing. They shell out their hard earned dollars, and whether they loved the book or hated it, they still thought it was worth their time, and for that, I think they deserve more than a simple thank you.

They deserve our respect. Even if all they do is look at the book and think about buying it, I think that deserves respect.

Regardless of whether or not you think it's worth it to send books overseas, you owe readers in general some courtesy. Dragging something out into the very public world of blogging when a reader was simply expressing her opinion and displeasure...eh, it's kind of tacky. It showed a complete lack of respect for her opinion, and basically, for her.

It's even worse when you cut off commentary the second it seems that others might agree with her, or they can at least see this reader's side.

Good Morning!

Okay, how many just looked at their watch or a clock to see if it was still morning? I know I'm running behind today. I had to hurry and get my page quota for the day so I could do something really important like drag my husband shopping. Okay, maybe it's not THAT important---I just want to get out of the house and go shopping.

I often wonder if other husbands or boyfriends go shopping with their significant others. Karl does really good unless we go to the mall. Then his eyes glaze over and he looks like he's off in his own little world. Are there Mall phermones to put men into a Zombie like state so they don't care how much their companion spends?

So tell me---inquiring minds want to know---does your spouse/boyfriend (or both if this be the case)go shopping with you?
Karen Kelley

Baby Blog Winner

Phoenix was the winner of the baby blog contest, but I haven't heard from her yet. Anyone know her? She needs to e-mail me at JESM13@aol.com with her address etc.

Super Bowl Commercials

Okay, it’s Super Bowl Sunday!
Yippeeeeeeeee!

Not for football--I honestly don’t know which teams are playing or where they're playing--but this is the day for the best commercials on TV. At 230 million for a thirty-second ad you get the best creative minds out there.
I still remember the frogs and the beer commercial.
And this year there’s Fabio. I love Fabio, mostly because he’s really a nice guy. This really counts in the hero department.

So watch the commercials...if you have to watch the game that’s up to you. And tell us what you think. And if you go to a Super Party and find a new yummy dish share that too.

Have fun.
Dianne
DianneCastell.com

How Hot is Too Hot?

I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately, so I thought I'd toss it out on the blog. For those of you who enjoy reading sexy romances, how hot is too hot? (And by the way, since there is no contest involved this week, if you would feel more comfortable about posting without your real name, feel free.)

I have always enjoyed romances with wonderful love scenes. I started reading Lori Foster in Harlequins long before I knew who she was, and I really enjoyed the way she wrote her sex scenes. I started reading Bravas for the same reason.

Now, new publishers and lines are popping up all the time... Kensington's new Aphrodisia line, for example. And by the way... that line is being marketed as "erotica" and not romance. Do these distinctions make sense to you as a reader? Does it matter?

I'll admit that there are certain words and situations that turn me off. But since I can't be anonymous, I won't write them down here. Ha! But I do have my preferences when it comes to the nature of a sex scene. For one thing (and I will admit this), I hate to see a woman do anything stupid or dangerous in the name of sexual fantasy. I can't separate my judgment about what is safe and smart from the fantasy aspect.

In other words, you'll never see me write about a woman having sex with a total stranger she just met in a dark bathroom. See what I mean? The guy could drug her or knife her, or who knows what? Even though I have written (and will still write) super sexy scenes, my mental editor stands by my side making sure my heroines are doing these fun, sexy things in relatively safe scenarios.

And what about language? Are there words that are "too" coarse? Maybe I shouldn't get into that here... but I do wonder. For example, I never curse in real life, but my characters do. Does that make me a hypocrite? I'm writing fiction, and everyone is not just like me... so that's my take on it. But everyone may not feel the same.

I guess in a way, romance novels are a lot like TV. When I was a little kid, Lucy and Desi were still sleeping in twin beds. Now, if you're watching cable, almost anything goes. The world has changed. Books have changed, too, and one thing I love about the romance genre is that there is something out there for everyone... from sweet inspirational romances to fantasy worlds where sexual taboos are ignored.

So tell me what you think. What spoils a sexy romance in your opinion? What makes your heart race in a good way? And if you need to answer under an assumed identity, we promise not to reveal you for the scamp you are. :)

Janice

P.S. Don't forget to stop by my website and enter my February contest. I have two fun prize packages up for grabs. :) www.janicemaynard.com

Joni's post on the Scamps, Vamps & Spicy Romance about her gorgeous hot tub got me thinking about the things we dream for. And I thought it would be fun to share some of those things.

What would you like, but you don't think you'll ever have?
What would like and you hope to have someday?
What would you like and are willing to sacrifice big time to get in the next year or two?
What would you like and you plan to get soon without the big sacrifice?

Here are my answers:
What would you like, but you don't think you'll ever have?
A castle or a villa as a part time residence.
What would like and you hope to have someday?
My children's happiness.What would you like and are willing to sacrifice big time to get in the next year or two?
A hot tub (the kids aren't the only ones who want it LOL).
What would you like and you plan to get soon without the big sacrifice?
A toaster oven for my office.
Your answers don't have to be limited to material things...this is about sharing the desires of our hearts and those aren't even always measurable.

Hugs,
Lucy

I need a hero...

Well, not really... but the kids have been on a Shrek binge and I've been forced to listen to the soundtrack for Shrek 2 like ten times in the past two days. Fortunately, it's a pretty decent soundtrack, but now I have that song stuck in my head...

So what's your favorite kind of hero? Funny, charming, upbeat... the kind who's drawn to protecting people...or maybe the dark, tortured one?

Me... it's not so much the tortured hero, although I do like them a little dark and broody. But I like them best when they are misunderstood.

Like Zarek from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dance With the Devil. Or Dash from Lora Leigh's Elizabeth's Wolf. Granted, Dash had more of a problem misunderstanding himself than a lot of others did, but still... makes for a great 'angsty' plot.

Or... *G* one a lot of readers are looking forward to.... Rhage, from JR Ward's Lover Eternal. I got to read it early and Rhage is definitely one of my fave heroes. Even many of his brothers don't understand him completely and when your best friends don't see you clearly, well... again, more for a great plot with a lot of emotion.

Of course, my all time favorite hero isn't from a romance book~Duncan Reever from the Stardoc series by SL Viehl, also writes as Lynn Viehl. I couldn't make up my mind, even from book one, whether I hated him or loved him.

Of the characters I've written, I think some of my personal faves are Blue...from Once Upon A Midnight Blue. He turned out to be a more complex character than I expected, and he ended up taking over the story, even though techinically... he wasn't the hero. I like complex. And Joel, from His Every Desire, oh yeah, I think he was definitely a little misunderstood. A crook, a con artist...even a killer, but all for reasons.

So who are some of your fave heroes and why?

The Sexiest Man in 2005

Besides the men we have to list: husband, lover....Who is the sexiest man from 2005. I have to say thet Johnny Depp still rocks my world. Oh, yeah! All he has to to do is crook his little finger and I'd do the Depp. There's something about him. Dark, mysterious---okay, forget the Chocolate Factory. The only thing that looked good in that movie was the chocolate!

Johnny Baby, you got to listen to me here, don't do a movie like that again. You went from Sex Symbol to---dare I say it---GEEK!!!! Thank goodness you have your next Pirate movie coming out. Definitely a Bad Boy there!

So, who rocks your world?

If you give it up and tell me who you secretly drool over I'll put your name in a hat for a drawing. Three winners will receive a copy of their choice of either Southern Comfort, Southern Exposure or Bad Boys With Expensive Toys! How cool is that???
Karen Kelley
www.authorkarenkelley.com

The Diet Blues

I love food. A mudslide frappuccino (introduced to me by Shiloh Walker) is God’s little gift to the word via Starbucks. (God works in mysterious ways). And then there’s the pastry issue...like cake. There is nothing like double-chocolate cake and butter icing. And what about a cheeseburger? Barbecue rib...I love ribs! Chips...are chips not the best thing ever. Potato, grease, salt...what more could a girl ask for?

Summer’s coming and RT is in Daytona and there’s the get-together in June and there will be no more sweaters to stretch over my fat. So, I have to diet and worst of all...exercise and not just my fingers on the keyboard. I have to tread on the mill. I hate treading. I like sitting.

Last year I joined Curves...great idea...then I realized you actually had to go, not just fork over the money, to lose weight. Awk! I paid them, what more do they want? It’s good enough to get results from the electric company...I pay them and they give me light. I pay the telephone company and I get to talk. I pay Curves, I lose weight. Right?

Not exactly. So, I am now on Weight Watchers and counting points...like an apple is one point and an apple pie is a gazillion. A rice cake is one, fried rice uses all my points for a year.

Anyone else out there ever diet? What has worked for you? What doesn’t! What was your worse diet? I did the cabbage soup diet once and drove my dh right out of the house with the stench. We had to Fabreeze the house.

I need inspiration, guys! Anyone got any inspiration to share? A trick to shedding flab? I have a lot to shed between now and May!

Dianne-the-plump

Hair Today, Gone Tomorow

As some of you guys already know, my hair is ever-changing... blonde, red, long short, curly striaght. My question is: does hair color really matter? Do blondes have more fun? Do gentlemen prefer them? Are blondes less intelligent that brunettes? Are redheads fiesty, hot-temperred? Do people treat you diffenently because of your haircolor?

I've been blonde most of my life....natural as a child and then I lightened my hair from my sophomore year in high school on. I think my hair color pretty much fit my personality but recently I've gone red....ginger actually and my husband swears that my personality has changed. (He wants his sweet blonde back LOL)

So what do you think? Does hair color really matter? Alter your personality and how you are treated? I think, yes.

This is an interesting question for authors too, because I put a lot of thought into my characters hair color. There was a question at a conference once about red-headed heroes. You almost never see them. Would a red-headed hero turn you off, keep you from buying a book? Or are red-headed guys hot too?

Give me your thought. Color me curious ;-)

Romance can lead to...

Babies! Surprised you, didn't I??? Okay, fellow bloggies (is that like Trekkies???). Today's blog topic may be a stretch, but I felt like having a bit of fun...

My daughter is expecting her second child - due date January 31. She and hubby decided this go-round "not" to find out the sex - they want to be surprised. So... I thought it would be fun to have a little contest...

Between now and Wednesday at midnight, please post your vote. Tell whether you think it will be a boy or a girl, guess the birthday, and guess the weight. When the "poll" closes, I'll record all the "entries" and save them 'til the baby is born. Then I'll throw out all the ones who guessed the wrong sex. Of the remaining entries, I'll see who came closest to the correct birthday. In the event of a tie or ties... I'll use the birth weight to decide the winner.

I know this is silly, but I hope - entertaining. Do you feel lucky?? In case it influences your vote, their other child is a girl... our sweet Anastasia.

I'll let Caroline know who hits the closest. We'll send you a picture of the new baby with bragging rights, and I'll add a $15 certificate for Cracker Barrel. I think you can find a Cracker Barrel most anywhere, but if the winner doesn't have one near, I'll make a substitution.

We've already missed the full moon, so you'll have to use some other "mumbo jumbo" to do your prediction. And may the best "bloggie" win. :)

Janice

Life's little mysteries...

Why is it easier to leave the toilet seat up than down? Why do teenagers all seem to have PMS, even the boys? Why does your mom call whenever you're talking long distance to a friend? Why do all casinos smell of cigarette smoke? How does a guy with a skull and crossbones tattoed on his bicep get a job in customer service at Toys R Us? Why does he want one?

Okay, maybe those aren't mysteries to you, or even something you care to think about, but what about this?

I'm not a ranter, but Shi's post got me thinking about Amazon reviews. It probably started earlier with the realization that a lot of the negative reviews on Amazon for my books are by the same reader. What is up with that? I don't understand why someone would read more books by an author she totally dislikes, much less take the time to post a snarky review on Amazon. Okay, maybe I'm naive, but there just seems to be something wrong with this picture.

And she always says something to the effect of, "Ignore all these other glowing reviews. They don't know what they're talking about." That really annoys me. Because, okay...if this woman really despises my books, fine. Really. Not everyone is going to like every author's work. Anyone will tell you that, but how incredibly arrogant to just assume she knows better than the other readers who have taken time to read the book and review it.

On a positive note however...I got another snarky review that to paraphrase, accused me having overblown emotion in my work. But see she compared me to another author and said we both have this "problem" and well, I thought that was pretty cool. I love this other author's work and the emotionalism in her stories. So, I ended up feeling really complimented. Nice.

How about you...do you feel the need to share when you hate a book and what do you think of reading more and more books by an author you purport to dislike? Am I nuts in thinking this is odd?

Hugs,
Lucy

So what makes you buy a book?

Here it is... my last bit of procastination before I finally go and clean....

So what makes you buy a book?

Is it the cover? *G* See my new one? It's for my first standalone title coming from Berkley in June.

Is it the author?

Or the description on the back? What about recommendations from friends or seeing reviews on places like amazon?

Part of what made me decide to blog about this was a friend's commentary on Romancing the Blog. She was questioning the credibility of reviews on review sites and places like amazon. I'll be honest, I'm going to put a bit more stock into a review that comes from a halfway professional organization like RRT or the RT magazine. There's several very good review sites out there, but I rarely buy based on reviews... especially ones on Amazon. Professional review sites generally aren't full of errors, and if they don't like a book, they can usually tell why without running the book into the ground and bashing the authors.

Now I LOVE getting a good review there, but the more I read the variety of reviews on there, the less stock I put in them. Ones that are poorly written, overly glowing, or so full of spelling errors I need a translator... I don't pay much attention to.

UNLESS... and this is a big unless... Unless there's a review that just downright trampled a book. Mrs. Giggles, anybody? I know there's tons of readers out there who picked up a book she despised, simply because they had to know if it was really that bad. There's been a few books I picked up because the review on amazon was so awful, I had to wonder... why did this reader hate that book so much? Those are the few times I'll actually buy a book I was ambivalent about... based on a review. And if you're actively bashing the author... oh, there's a good chance I'll end up buying the book. Bashing an author is useless.

Review descriptions like... Well, the book just wasn't to my taste. That is ambivalent and people are less likely to be intrigued. So if you're writing the review to dissuade other readers... descriptions like Oh man, this book blew... the hero grossed me out and the heroine was a purple haired leprechaun freak who got off teasing the hero... Well, I can't speak for every reader, but I am a reader and always have been. That sort of review is more likely going to perk my curiosity than dissuade me from buying. Of course, the author in me wants nothing but good reviews for my books, but I know that's not going to happen and I'm okay with that. Over the past year or so, I've slowly stopped worrying quite so much about reviews... or try to. **and yep, i made that review up... never read it anywhere...it's just an example.**

What else plays into my book buying?

Cover? Eh... sometimes I'll pick a book up because it had a great cover. I'll read the blurb, and I may skim the first few pages to see if it hooks me. But it can have a cover that would put Michelangelo to shame, if the plot doesn't catch my interest and if the writing inside the book is flat, I'm not buying it.

Author? Ohhhhh... absolutely. I'll buy just about everything that SL Viehl and Nora Roberts/JD Robb write. Certain series... like Lora Leigh's breeds, JR Ward's Brotherhood or Mary Wine's Dream series, I'll grab them the minute I can, unless I can somehow work an early read out of them... **i've already read Lover Eternal... ;o) ** And I adore Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. So yes, the author can play into it, as well as the series.

Reviews...already discussed that.

Here's a big one, especially if it's somebody I haven't read. Recommendations from friends. A friend of mine recommended a book I didn't think I'd like, Natural Law by Joey Hill. More serious BDSM, not necessarily hard core, just a lot more serious and it played into the book. Plus, the hero in the book was the sub. My big reason for not trying it... but oh man... Mac was one of the best alphas I've ever read. Yep, an alpha whose preferences were to be the sub. I kept telling my friend, nah... I won't like it... nah... then Joey posted an excerpt on a list, and I was hooked. I didn't like it. I loved it. So reader recommendations from friends, especially those who know my likes and dislikes, are a major factor. That was how I started reading Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and too many others to name.

Does an author recommending a book... like the little quotes you see on the covers...does that play a deciding factor for you? For me, rarely. Although I do have to admit there are a couple of authors who I am so in awe of, that I will pick up a book if they say they loved it. But those are few and far between.

So reviews~rarely. Covers? Nope. Author? Oh, yes... Series? Definitely. Recommendations from friends? Yep.

I've listed what does it for me when it comes to book buying... what about you?

A New Year

How is everyone doing on their New Year's Resolutions? I'm really trying harder this year, but 2006 is really making it difficult for me. Okay, it started in 2005 because that's when I decided I would lose weight this year. Maybe that's the problem. Never start New Year's resolutions until the new year begins.

Anyway, I wrenched my back and stopped exercising. Lots of Ibuprofen and a week or so later and 7 pounds heavier, I began again. Hey, someone had to clear all the leftovers out of the house.

I think that's where I've gained all my weight over the years, by the way. Have you ever decided you were going to start a diet but first you have to get rid of all the goodies? I always gain at least 5 pounds because there is no way those Twinkies are going in the trash! Nope, not in my house.

Okay, so I get started on counting points again. Three days later I fall. This is so not fair! My leg is still swollen, bruised and I'm back on Ibuprofen. I'm thinking maybe I'm not meant to lose weight. Then I watched a motivational speaker and he said we are what we think. He got my attention.

Have you ever put fat pictures on your fridge? I have. How depressing. It's enough to make me want to--eat. Think positive was the bottom line to what he had to say. Think positive and you create inner energy that will help you reach your goals--whatever they might be. Meditate every day and picture what you want in life. Let me know if it works for you.

Ypm-da-da-da....hmmmmmmm....Johnny Depp wants me so much.......yom-da-da-da....

Okay, maybe it won't work EVERY time. If anyone does meditate or have ever thought about trying it, let me know your thoughts.
Hugs,
Karen

It’s Really Cold Out, So Bring On The Hotties!

Since it’s cold and gray and altogether rotten in Cincinnati and a lot of other places, I really need to think of something else...like sexy hunky hotties to fill the temp void.

So, who is your favorite hottie?? Husbands don’t count. Which personality, singer etc really floats your boat? Judy F sends the scampsandvamps loop a picture of a hot guy every day...thanks Judy! But what about you? What guy would you send around?

I like the older rougher guys so Alan Jackson wins my vote. I have a life-size cut out of him that I take to my signings. Always draws a crowd and he’s great company...doesn’t complain about my driving or that I stop too many times to shop.

Come on, tell me who you think is hot!

And, is there anyone who you really don’t like at all?
For me it’s Jane Fonda...but she’s not a he so I guess Jane doesn’t count. Then I’ll go with Howard Stern. I loathe that guy. Would go out of my way to throw rocks at him.

Now it’s your turn. J

Dianne
DianneCastell.com

Winter blahs

Do you all get the blahs after Christmas? I LOVE Christmas... dread once it's over.

January is like the longest, most depressing month. had something to look forward to... release of the latest book from my fave author. IT's called Rebel Ice, written by SL Viehl. I loved it... hated for it to end... hate that I now have to wait I dunno HOW long for the next one. But now that I've already read the book, devoured it, literally, I'm tapping my fingers and waiting for Valentine's Day.

You wanna know how bored I've been? I've already started compiling receipts, invoices and crud for taxes. Taxes! That is so pitiful.

However, I am trying to make judicious use of my time. Spent quite a bit of time on my current WIP, a paranormal erotic romance contracted with Berkley. And I'm working on the follow up to an EC book, FireWalkers: Dreamer. But it seems a little be harder to get into anything when I'm suffering from blah-dom.

So what's the cure for blah-dom? I've already tried a dentist appointment with my son... gee, now that was fun. And I've hit the doctor myself. Obviously, visiting the doctor isn't a cure for blah-dom. A trip to someplace sunny and warm might help. It's been so overcast here, it's depressing. But I don't think I can justify a three week trip to the beach simply because I hate January.

Maybe the best cure is to attack my TBR pile. It's humongous.

What do you do when you're that bored?

Happy New Year - 2006!

Well, I have just about finished day one of the new year - it was a good day. We had both girls, hubbies and baby here for the weekend. They all left about 6PM, and dh and I worked on putting stuff away for about 3 hours. We had left all the decorations up since the kids were coming, so now most of it is packed away, and I am about as tired as I can remember being for a long time!

But it's a good tired, and I am looking forward to getting back to my laptop tomorrow! I would have written this blog tomorrow morning, but I am determined to get my week off on the right foot with a productive writing day! :)

Tuesday is the official release date for Suite Fantasy, but I think most stores have it on the shelf. The photo is from our Books A Milllion, which is the first place I "saw" this new baby. :)

Notice Erin's new book, Heiress for Hire on the far right. I've bought it, but haven't read it yet... it's getting rave reviews!!

Be sure to stop by my website, www.janicemaynard.com and click on the contest tab for details of my January contest.

Monday always comes, doesn't it??? I hope all of you have a good week. And if you have a minute, tell us about any "resolutions " you may have made.

Mine are not set in stone, but I want to continue to develop a healthy lifestyle, spend more time enjoying friends, and being grateful for the blessings that come my way.

I wish for all of you a wonderful, challenging, surprising, and fun 2006.

More later,
Janice

The Day After

I have no idea what was going through my mind when I bought my husband's Christmas presents. I found him some Chinese Health Balls that you roll around in your hands. He has arthritis and it's supposed to help. Then at another store they had golf balls on sale so I bought him a couple of boxes. Next I came across a golf ball initializer and got it so he could initialize his balls. When he commented that he might have gotten a complex if I'd bought him a new putter, I told him his putter was just fine and still good for a few more rounds.

We had a great Christmas! I think any time you're surrounded by family then you're blessed. Presents are nice, but just having my children home, the grandkids here, that's all that matters. We had lots of good food and a home overflowing with love.

I'll leave the tree up until New Years Day, but I'm going to start writing down my New Year's resolutions today.

How about you? What's the one thing you want to accomplish in 2006? The most important thing on your list? Mine is the same thing every year: lose weight and get healthy. Someday I'll do it. I have no doubts. Want to know why? I'm published. And what's that got to with anything, you ask? Because that was a goal of mine for six years. Because I haven't smoked a cigarette in 6 yrs and 2 months. I remember because I quit on my birthday. That had been a goal for longer than I can remember.

That's the thing about goals. You can't give up on them. Where there's a will, there's a way.

So, what's top on your list?
Karen Kelley
Available Now! TEMPERATURE'S RISING/BRAVA
06/06 HELL ON WHEELS/BRAVA
09/06 Texas Bad Boys/Brava
www.authorkarenkelley.com

worse present???

Soooo, how’d the present scene go? Everyone get what they wanted or pleasantly surprised by something they got?? A good surprise or a bad one.

Tell us about it. Let’s throw a little contest. Who got the worse present???
Actually, I think I get the prize as my dh gave me a funnel!! I’m not kidding here, a bright yellow plastic funnel. Said he couldn’t find one in the kitchen the other day and thought this was a nice addition. A set of 3.

My kids laughed till they cried, I wore the big one like a hat...I looked like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. I’m considering making the smaller ones into matching earrings.

So, if you think you can really beat out my yellow funnels let me know. The prize is a pink boa. Now that’s a really good present. I might even send you a funnel.

New Winner!

For a gift pack of my December releases, the winner is...Julia B! Julia...if you already have them, you can choose an alternate book from my backlist...or an advanced copy of WILLING. :)

Hugs,
Lucy

Hello ladies... and Chad and Mark!

Today is my blog day, and as I promised this morning... here it is... a bit late, but better late than never - right??

I had to do major grocery shopping this morning (A madhouse!!). And since dh is out of town, I had to lug it all in and put it all away myself. I'm such a whiner. :)

Our younger daughter, Anna, is coming home tomorrow along with her hubby, Chris. They celebrated their first wedding anniversary yesterday. They'll arrive in time for dinner and will stay until about 8PM on Thursday. Then they go to his parents' house until Saturday evening. They'll be at their own apartment Saturday night, and then we we'll see them again Sunday for lunch at my mom's in Chattanooga.

Our older daughter is 8 months pregnant and has flatly refused to do anything but stay home, which we all understand. We'll be opening presents with them sometime from the 25th to the 27th... still fine tuning that.

Anna and Chris have requested roast and mashed potatoes tomorrow night. Plus my grandmother's "flop-over" rolls. The rolls are labor intensive, but so wonderful. The house smells amazing when they are cooking.

I also have to make dough for "cut out" Christmas cookies. That is one of those Christmas traditions that no one wants to give up! We'll play Rook after dinner... Chris used to be a newbie, but he has played with us enough now that we are all pretty cut-throat. Ha!

All my shopping and wrapping has been done for awhile, but I have to go out tomorrow and pick up one last gift. We have a stained glass shop near where we live, and every time we go by, my hubby says, "I'd love to have one of those." Our house is old and has big windows, and in his office, he hangs all sorts of pretty colored glass. In mid-November, I went to the shop and talked to the guy. He is making a stained glass piece approximately 10 x 12 inches that will include mountains, sky, a waterfall, maybe a bird or two, etc. I hope it turns out well... this is the only surprise I have for Charlie... his other stuff is practical... either that or books which he asked for.

The picture at the top of this post is our sweet Anastasia! The coat is one of her Christmas presents from Nana and Granddaddy. We gave it to her early so she could begin wearing it. The photo is from last Sunday en route to church.

Well, I need to get back to the kitchen. Looks like there's no hope of a white Christmas for us. Supposed to be in the 50's Saturday and Sunday. Oh well, that will make travel easier.

I hope everyone is having a good week. More later...

Janice

Ooops...late with my blog...

I was supposed to blog on Saturday, but I took the weekend off. I didn't mean to take it off from blogging. I really didn't, but not going to the computer had that effect. I feel really silly now, but hope you all will forgive me and if my message gets bumped by another blogger...well that's okay too. :)

We had an awewome weekened anyway...wish you all could have been at some of the parties we went to. Friday night, my sister hosted a caroling party and a few dozen of us tramped her neighborhood serenading her neighbors with Christmas carols. Saturday was the annual family reunion on my dad's side...four generations of family show up to share our joy in Christmas together. We ate, we sang and little ones opened gifts. The family has been meeting every Saturday before Christmas for over 50 years and I've been going since my birth 37 years ago. It's an awesome heritage for my children. Yesterday we spent Christmas shopping and then having dinner with my mom (it's a weekly event for us as she's been ill for quite some time) and that was lovely, even though it meant driving both ways on sheets of ice.

Today, I'm catching up on email and then I'm going to supervise Christmas cards and gift wrapping. I say supervise because the teens do most of the work to save my wrist joints. :)

What are your last minute Christmas preparations?

Hugs to all,
Lucy

And we have a winner...

:o) nope, I didn't forget...

Jennifer~she posted in Karen's entry on tuesday 12/13. Name was chosen by my daughter.

I'll get in contact with Jennifer once she responds. ;)

Stretched too THIN!!!!

Oh man!

I love the Christmas season but for some reason, this year it's kicking my butt.

Well, it might have something to do with a sick preschooler, sick friends calling me to ask for help, working on THREE different books, and the fact that ... as always... I can't sleep.

Sadly, I'm not getting much accomplished on my book(s). So I think it's time for a plan. Less email, less shopping~Santa's already bought the kids everything in the known universe anyway!~ less play time and just focus on writing.

The good news is... I have finished one book, and a second is coming along really well, but the ideas for that one tie into the next two I plan on writing, and I'm going to go ahead and start them and hopefully they will all flow together.

Christmas is almost here and then things do slow down a little. Soooooo if I can just hold on a little long...and if I can just keep the kids healthy... and NOT ANSWER THE PHONE... I may get some work done.

Don't you all ever feel stretched out to the limit?

And I haven't forgotten... I'll be drawing a winner here in the next few days!

Contest is over ahhhhh

But the winners are:
Sheila---who wrote that her mother gets her brothers the same thing every year
Jenny---gryffindor
Cindy---Lil Bitchy
These were picked totally at random. You can choose a book from my website www.karenkelley.com Then e-mail me your snail mail address to kkelley@classicnet.net
Merry Christmas and A Happy Holiday! Now I'm going shopping!!!
Hugs,
Karen Kelley

Happy Holiday Contest

I love this time of the year! Merry Christmas! And if you have a different belief, then Happy Holidays!

There was a coupon in one of the circulars for $10 off! How neat is that? Then I read the fine print: excluding all jewelry items, all cosmetics, all on sale items, all clearance items, it listed all the brand names in clothes that I'm familiar with, all fragrances, all purses, all hats, all seasonal gifts...the list went on and on. Why didn't they just put, excluding everything in the store?

I've almost finished my Christmas shopping. I still need to buy my son's present. Guys are so hard to shop for. He's 33 and single.

And hubby, I want to get him something fun. Not an easy task. In fact, if you'll tell me what you're getting the men in your family for Christmas, I'll put your name in a drawing for your pick of any of my books, backlist or current release. Excluding (grin) Bachelor Party. This was my very first book---a Precious Gem and I only have a few copies that I'm keeping. But all the others are fair game. So go for it! Has the man in your life been naughty? (Did you chuckle?) Or nice?

The rules and hints:
The gift has to be less than $100 so you can't say a sports car.
Both my guys have a good sense of humor
They're also competitive
I'll pick three winners and announce it tomorrow morning so you have all day.

You can check my books out at www.authorkarenkelley.com

Best Wishes For A Happy Season!
Karen Kelley

And the winner is...

Christy Haynes won the "big" prize... and I decided to pick two more names for small consolation prizes... Nichole Lupardus and Nicole Hulst.

I'll let Christy tell you the contents of her "goody" box when it arrives.

Keep watching the blog/and or my website for new contests in 2006. I'll do one contest in early January to celebrate my new book. Then at the end of January/first of February, I'll have a "big" Valentine's Day giveaway.

And don't forget, other blog authors will be giving stuff away this month.

Happy Holidays!
Janice Maynard

You'd Better Watch Out!

I thought we'd start out philosophical this morning... maybe analyze a popular Christmas song like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". I mean, really... what exactly are we watching out for??? And why can't we cry if we feel like it??? Pouting??? Surely that's a woman's prerogative - right?

And "he sees you when you're sleeping"... what kind of creepy red-suited guy IS Santa. Sheesh!

Ha! Enough of my silly mood... it's raining here in Northeast Tennessee this morning and in the thirties... snow all around us. We may get some tonight.

I'm having one of those days where I have a million things to get done, and I'm having a hard time prioritizing. I woke up with my brain scattered. Some people would say that's normal, but don't believe them :)

1) I'm finishing off the last of some promo mailings for my January book. 2) My vacuum cleaner is on the fritz and needs to go to the shop. 3) I need to look at my Christmas list and make a plan to finish shopping. 4) My dh is home sick and is disturbing my usual peace and quiet. 5) I have to start wrapping pretty soon, or I'll never get it all done. 6) Dh wants to go to a movie later today and keeps asking me to check the times online. 7) We have a small roof leak and are trying to decide if we have to re-roof the whole house (gulp). 8) And the list goes on...

Of course, I would much rather hang out online with you guys, and pretend that it's VERY important to get this blog done. :)

I'm drawing a name for my contest winner tomorrow. Since I didn't send this contest out to everyone on my website contact list, there are far fewer entries this time, so those of you who have put your name in the pot have pretty good odds. Anyone else who wants to enter needs to do so tomorrow before noon.

All in all, it's a Monday... what can I say? We all have to survive them, and hope Tuesday comes along soon!

Stay warm, and don't lose the holiday spirit. I have decided to smile at all the grumpy people I see this week. It can't hurt...

Talk to you later,
Janice

Janice's Contest

I'm giving away a box full of goodies! I've been saving up for this, and I have lots of fun presents to brighten someone's day. One item is for the Christmas season, so I'll be drawing for my prize on December 6.

To enter, send me an e-mail at JESM13@aol.com. Put "December Contest" in the subject line. In the body of the e-mail, list the names of the three novellas in Suite Fantasy. With each title, include the names of the hero and heroine. To do this, you will need to pop over to my website (www.janicemaynard.com) and read the three excerpts. (They aren't long.) I think the first one does not mention the heroine by name - so I'll give you a freebie. Her name is Katie. The other five names should all be there.

Make sure to include your name in the e-mail. Sometimes I can't tell from the e-mail address who it is. Other than that, just be aware that our December contests are to reward people who take the time to stop by our blog and comment. So post away... :)

And by the way, Suite Fantasy technically has a January 3 release date, but I'm guessing it may show up in some stores earlier, maybe Christmas week. My editor sent me a single copy to look at, so I am still waiting on author copies. What fun!

Janice Maynard

And Speaking of CONTESTS!!!!

:-)

The authors of Vamps and Scamps are having one. And it's ALLLLLLL for the readers of the blog.

We'll be giving away gifts, one from each of us... and to different winners. So that means like six or seven or eight chances to win.

Ways to win.... participate... And by participating, I mean more than just a little one line Hello~ Talk to us, comment on the topic of the day, etc.

We'll start drawing winners close to Christmas time, but the more you participate, the more likely you are to win.

Good luck!

Naughty or Nice.... CONTEST

Having a contest....a Christmas one.

Just how well do you know my books...or maybe I should say the way my mind works?

Let's have a contest to find out. Throughout the month of December, I'm holding a contest. If you win, you will win one of two prizes, Christmas Stockings... one with pressies for Nice Girls... and one with pressies for Naughty Girls. And yes, you can try for both, although I won't give two prizes to the same person. But entering both ups your odds of winning. However, you CANNOT enter more than once. I'll be watching the entries and if you enter more than once, your entries are disqualified. Have to be fair.

you can visit my website to skim my titles~ http://www.shilohwalker.com


For the Nice Girl contest~

Who is the ultimate nice girl from the books I've written? Yes...I do have a particular person in mind. She's a heroine, not a secondary character. And I'll even give you one more hint... she is NOT from an EC book.

To enter your guess, send an email here.

For the Naughty Girl contest~

Who is the ultimate naughty girl from the books I've written? And again... you have to guess the right one. She's a heroine, not a secondary character. And this heroine IS from an EC book.

To enter your guess, send an email here.


**You MUST send separate emails for each guess. Please don't send one email with both guesses inside. **

In early January, I'll draw a winner from each one, a Naughty Girl and a Nice Girl. The prizes in the Naughty Girl stocking will be something fit for a naughty girl...not telling what! And the Nice Girl contest will be prizes fit for a Nice Girl.

Good luck and have a Merry Christmas!

Note:... I used the cover for Christmas Cara, but that isn't by any means a hint. Cara is probably too sweet to be the naughty girl and she can't be the nice girl either, since I already gave a hint that it wasn't an EC book.