The Romance Reviews is celebrating with games and prizes and I'm part of the fun. Check out their awesome site and play to win! It's going to be fun!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
Showing posts with label prizes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prizes. Show all posts
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
TWRP Turns Five
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thewildrosePress/
Or if you like walking on the wild side, join The Wilder Roses celebration at http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2Fthewilderroses%2F(The Wilder Roses is an adult content group for 18+)
For chances to win more than $500.00 worth of prizes, all you have to do is party with my publisher and fellow TWRP authors. Everyone who participates will be entered into the prize drawings. Non-stop fun from Wednesday, April 27 - Sunday, May 1st. Join the fun and help us celebrate 5 years in the garden.
Friday, March 25, 2011
And the finalist is...
Everyone who weighed in on the Soulmate Debate was entered into the drawing for the Fool for Romance contest. From those who commented, I chose Jennifer aka Jenny Lowery as the finalist. I sent Jennifer's name and contact info to Crystal Raine, blog coordinator for the tour. At the end of the tour (3/31) Crystal will draw the name of the grand prize winner and runner up prizes. I'll post those names here when I know who the winners are.
Thanks to everyone who participated, and good luck with the drawing, Jenny!
Lilly
Thanks to everyone who participated, and good luck with the drawing, Jenny!
Lilly
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Soul Mate Debate
Do you believe in soul mates? Do you think there’s one perfect person for everyone? That we’re two halves of a separated whole, destined to find our other half? Or do you believe there are endless possibilities when it comes to love and once we find it, it takes two dedicated souls to make it last?
A soul mate is one's other half. That one person who makes us whole--a true companion or lover with whom we are meant to spend our lives.
Another definition of a soul mate is someone with whom we share many experiences in different lifetimes. Soul mates can be friends, siblings, parents, or lovers. But with each relationship, there is a deep and abiding love or a spiritual bond that connects the two in a profound and meaningful way.
My youngest daughter believes a soul mate is that one person who can make you happy and fits perfectly in your life--but it doesn’t always work out. She also believes other people can make you happy without being your soul mate.
It’s an interesting philosophy but I disagree. If you’re happy with someone, why would you not believe he/she is your soul mate if you believe in such things? And if you believe you’ve found your soul mate and it doesn’t work out, are you destined to spend your life alone? Or fake happiness with someone else?
Perhaps my daughter believes in soul mates because she’s grown up with two loving parents who love one another, have always been faithful, and were never married to anyone else. But even loving my husband the way I do, I don’t believe in soul mates. I just don’t think there’s one single person out there specifically designed to “complete” us and make us happy.
Frankly, I don’t think anyone should wait around for another person to make them happy. Happiness comes from within, and if you rely on someone else to make you happy, then you’ll spend the rest of your life blaming someone else for your misery.
No, I don’t believe in soul mates, but I am a romantic. And I believe in love at first sight, happily ever after, and true love.
True love is the kind of love you feel when the person you’re with gives you a confidence you never had before. When you find true love, there isn’t a question. You just know it’s right. You may know it the moment you meet, or it may take a while to develop. But whether it’s love at first sight or a love that grows over time, true love comes from a deep and natural affinity between two people who are compatible spiritually, sexually, and emotionally.
True love lasts a lifetime—until death do you part.
I’ve been happily married for thirty years, but I’d hate to think that if one of us died, the other would be left alone and lonely until death. If I died tomorrow, I’d like to think my husband would eventually find someone else to love the way he’s loved me. Love is too special and too wonderful not to believe in second or even third chances.
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Love never fails.
And for me, believing in true love is more comforting than believing in soul mates.
So, where do you stand on the soul mate debate?
Leaving a comment today could put you in the running to win a Kindle! This post is part of the Fool For Romance Contest. See contest rules at: http://www.crystalrainlove.com/foolforromance.htm.
Another definition of a soul mate is someone with whom we share many experiences in different lifetimes. Soul mates can be friends, siblings, parents, or lovers. But with each relationship, there is a deep and abiding love or a spiritual bond that connects the two in a profound and meaningful way.
My youngest daughter believes a soul mate is that one person who can make you happy and fits perfectly in your life--but it doesn’t always work out. She also believes other people can make you happy without being your soul mate.
It’s an interesting philosophy but I disagree. If you’re happy with someone, why would you not believe he/she is your soul mate if you believe in such things? And if you believe you’ve found your soul mate and it doesn’t work out, are you destined to spend your life alone? Or fake happiness with someone else?
Perhaps my daughter believes in soul mates because she’s grown up with two loving parents who love one another, have always been faithful, and were never married to anyone else. But even loving my husband the way I do, I don’t believe in soul mates. I just don’t think there’s one single person out there specifically designed to “complete” us and make us happy.
No, I don’t believe in soul mates, but I am a romantic. And I believe in love at first sight, happily ever after, and true love.
True love is the kind of love you feel when the person you’re with gives you a confidence you never had before. When you find true love, there isn’t a question. You just know it’s right. You may know it the moment you meet, or it may take a while to develop. But whether it’s love at first sight or a love that grows over time, true love comes from a deep and natural affinity between two people who are compatible spiritually, sexually, and emotionally.
True love lasts a lifetime—until death do you part.
I’ve been happily married for thirty years, but I’d hate to think that if one of us died, the other would be left alone and lonely until death. If I died tomorrow, I’d like to think my husband would eventually find someone else to love the way he’s loved me. Love is too special and too wonderful not to believe in second or even third chances.
1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Love never fails.
And for me, believing in true love is more comforting than believing in soul mates.
So, where do you stand on the soul mate debate?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fool For Romance Contest
I'm posting on Tuesday March 22nd and all you have to do to win is visit my blog on that day and post a comment. Then I'll draw a name on the 23rd and send it in to the contest coordinator. Easy. Huh?
Looking forward to the 22nd. Now, what should I blog about?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Developing Unique Characters
Welcome to the fourth and final week of The Wilder Roses' Valentine's Month Blog Tour!
Rules and blogs to visit for your chance to win either the $40 weekly prize or the $50 grand prize are
listed at the end of the blog. So, read on and comment on as many blogs along the tour as possible!
After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion, there is no better read than a steamy western historical.
Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs.
During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.
And what's Jennifer's take on developing unique characters? I'll let her tell you.
Jennifer- Things I Don’t Believe In:
Leprechauns. Nope.
Easter Bunny. Sorry.
Tooth Fairy. Uh-uh.
Unique Characters. Not gonna happen.
What?! You’re thinking I’ve been in the liquor cabinet again, huh? You’re headed into town to buy tar and feathers? LOL
Wait. Wait. Hear me out. While I don’t believe there are any unique characters left to create, I do believe as authors, we can pick from the 8 main archetypes and create unique situations. There are several books written that break down common archetypes, but my favorite--and the one I’ve found most helpful--is THE COMPLETE WRITER’S GUIDE TO HEROES AND HEROINES by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders. This book not only breaks down each archetype but gives examples of what would happen if Hero type A meets Heroine type B – but it does this with each of the 8 Hero and 8 Heroine types. It also gives examples using movies and TV, then lists occupations certain archetypes might hold. ( I highly recommend this book as a research tool. Plus it’s just really interesting!)
So have I piqued your interest in exploring archetypes?
Jennifer Jakes' latest release, Rafe's Redemption recently got a 5 heart review from Sizzling Hot Reviews http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/
Blrub:
He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.
For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.
She wanted freedom, not a lover.
Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.
But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?
Excerpt:
****
Maggie wanted freedom, not a lover…
Oh, Lord. He was going to kiss her. She shouldn’t want this. She was confused enough.
Respectable women didn’t kiss men they barely knew, certainly not men who made them have wild,exotic dreams.
It was crazy. He was making her want crazy things. Making her not give a damn about her reputation
or her virginity. Or her long-awaited freedom. All she could think about was that dream, and the way
his sinful mouth had felt. The table was only a step away, and honey was just as sweet as peach juice…
She swallowed hard and looked up into his hooded eyes.
“Maggie,” he groaned. “Don’t be scared. I’d never hurt you.”
Her mouth parted to object, but firm lips covered hers, hungry, demanding. She gasped, shocked at his hunger, but even more at the illicit response coursing through her. An aching heat unfurled low in her stomach, pulsed between her legs. Oh, yes. It started just like in the dream.
He deepened the kiss, coaxed her lips with his warm tongue. Long, languid strokes teased the inside of her mouth, encouraging, tempting before he pulled back to nibble the corners of her lips.
Oh, God. Is this what all kisses felt like? Hot, lethargic? Melting her like molasses over warm bread?
“Kiss me, Maggie,” he breathed.
You can find Jennifer at: http://www.jenniferjakes.com/
http://www.authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @erotichistory
and Facebook: Jennifer Jakes
Rafe's Redemption can be pre-ordered at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=810
Blog Tour participants and blog links-
The final week of the month-long blog tour. Commenters this week are up for a weekly prize worth $40 and/or a Grand Prize worth over $50! Topic this week - Developing Unique Characters.
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/
Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.blogger.com/goog_675512504
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Rules and blogs to visit for your chance to win either the $40 weekly prize or the $50 grand prize are
listed at the end of the blog. So, read on and comment on as many blogs along the tour as possible!
Today, my blog tour guest is TWRP author Jennifer Jakes.
Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs.
During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.
And what's Jennifer's take on developing unique characters? I'll let her tell you.
Jennifer- Things I Don’t Believe In:
Leprechauns. Nope.
Tooth Fairy. Uh-uh.
Unique Characters. Not gonna happen.
What?! You’re thinking I’ve been in the liquor cabinet again, huh? You’re headed into town to buy tar and feathers? LOL
Wait. Wait. Hear me out. While I don’t believe there are any unique characters left to create, I do believe as authors, we can pick from the 8 main archetypes and create unique situations. There are several books written that break down common archetypes, but my favorite--and the one I’ve found most helpful--is THE COMPLETE WRITER’S GUIDE TO HEROES AND HEROINES by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders. This book not only breaks down each archetype but gives examples of what would happen if Hero type A meets Heroine type B – but it does this with each of the 8 Hero and 8 Heroine types. It also gives examples using movies and TV, then lists occupations certain archetypes might hold. ( I highly recommend this book as a research tool. Plus it’s just really interesting!)
So have I piqued your interest in exploring archetypes?
Jennifer Jakes' latest release, Rafe's Redemption recently got a 5 heart review from Sizzling Hot Reviews http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/
Blrub:
For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.
She wanted freedom, not a lover.
Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.
But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?
Excerpt:
****
Maggie wanted freedom, not a lover…
Oh, Lord. He was going to kiss her. She shouldn’t want this. She was confused enough.
Respectable women didn’t kiss men they barely knew, certainly not men who made them have wild,exotic dreams.
It was crazy. He was making her want crazy things. Making her not give a damn about her reputation
or her virginity. Or her long-awaited freedom. All she could think about was that dream, and the way
his sinful mouth had felt. The table was only a step away, and honey was just as sweet as peach juice…
She swallowed hard and looked up into his hooded eyes.
“Maggie,” he groaned. “Don’t be scared. I’d never hurt you.”
Her mouth parted to object, but firm lips covered hers, hungry, demanding. She gasped, shocked at his hunger, but even more at the illicit response coursing through her. An aching heat unfurled low in her stomach, pulsed between her legs. Oh, yes. It started just like in the dream.
He deepened the kiss, coaxed her lips with his warm tongue. Long, languid strokes teased the inside of her mouth, encouraging, tempting before he pulled back to nibble the corners of her lips.
Oh, God. Is this what all kisses felt like? Hot, lethargic? Melting her like molasses over warm bread?
“Kiss me, Maggie,” he breathed.
You can find Jennifer at: http://www.jenniferjakes.com/
http://www.authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @erotichistory
and Facebook: Jennifer Jakes
Rafe's Redemption can be pre-ordered at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=810
Blog Tour participants and blog links-
The final week of the month-long blog tour. Commenters this week are up for a weekly prize worth $40 and/or a Grand Prize worth over $50! Topic this week - Developing Unique Characters.
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Meet paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet author Amy Corwin at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/
Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.blogger.com/goog_675512504
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Meeting THE One
Welcome to week three of the Valentine Month Blog Tour.
Today's topic is: Meeting Your Significant Other. The prize is $30 in gift certificates and a chance to win the grand prize worth $50.
To enter, simply visit the blogs on the tour and leave a comment.
Today's blog interary:Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/
Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/
Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
And I have author Lynne Roberts with me here today. So, Lynne, how did you meet your guy?
Yup, that’s where it started. My youngest daughter wanted to play soccer, so I signed her up through the school, bought the uniform and took her to the first practice. The coach was this nice looking, soft spoken man who seemed good with the kids.
As the weeks went by, I grew to really admire the coach. Not only was he one of those people who love kids, they love him. I found myself going to soccer practice early. I told myself just to take advantage of the quiet…. But you know the coach also came a little early.
Sometimes we didn’t talk much. He set up cones or played with my daughter until the other kids arrived, but I always felt more relaxed around him. I started looking forward to seeing him because of the peace that came with it.
Then one day, as I was walking past the parking lot on the way home, he turned on his car and classical music filled the air. I whipped my head around and stared at him as though really seeing him for the first time. I thought that there was a man I really could have fallen for.
I was not looking for a relationship. I’d decided a year prior that I was quite happy with my kids and my characters.
So eventually I admitted I had a crush. I figured it was a harmless crush because he couldn’t possibly be interested in me. I was pretty sure he was younger by at least 5 years.
Then we ended up at a birthday party together. You know when you write or read about chemistry… when two people feel like there is a magnet drawing them together…? Yeah that. Big time. Proof positive any place can be romantic, even Chuck E Cheese.
So, to make a long story short and not bore you. There came a reason, a soccer related reason of course, why he should call. Okay, yes, it was an excuse. We started talking on the phone daily and that magnet thing only intensified. Guess what? He’d had a crush on me the entire season, but figured I was out of his league…LOL Honestly, I don’t even have a league.
Then he asked if I’d maybe want to get coffee with him (I’ve since learned, he doesn’t drink coffee, but y’all know I do… and so does he.)
This is the part where I say yes, right? Nope.
I decided to be honest. I explained to him the reasons I don’t date. I have five kids who are my life. We agreed we couldn’t approach this casually, like adults without children, because our children had been hurt by past relationships that didn’t work. Butterflies, chemistry and a genuine admiration wouldn’t be enough if we weren’t compatible. Hence: The not date.
You know all the ugly things about yourself that your partner doesn’t find out until at least the 6th date…6 months… maybe 6 years in? Yup, we sat down on a park bench and laid them all out on the table. That’s the night I really met him. You know what? I think that’s the night I fell in love with him too. *sigh* and still going strong.
Blurb for Creative License
Loose ends have a way of tripping you up…
Years ago, a law school graduation weekend in Vegas had been part of Lily MacPherson’s plan. Waking up next to a naked Adonis with a ring on her finger was not. After a quick annulment, she relegated Caleb Anderson to her late-night fantasies—and very short list of mistakes—until his voice on the other end of the phone asks a favor that could shake the foundations of her neat and tidy future.
Caleb is still haunted by Lily’s horrified expression that morning in Vegas. At least it had made it easy to set her free…except they aren’t. The papers were never filed. And when the nosy patroness who could launch his painting career insists on meeting his “wife”, does he confess, or call Lily? He calls Lily.
When she steps off the plane, Caleb’s determination to play tour guide disappears in the San Francisco fog. Lily thought she could keep up the pretense for one weekend, cut the last tie to her past, and move on. But their chemistry still pops and sizzles, finally exploding into passion at Caleb’s studio.
It’s everything they remember…but so is the yawning chasm of differences that, in the end, could once again drive them apart.
________________________________________
Product Warnings:
Contains balmy ocean breezes, coffee as seduction, the creative use of melted chocolate, and naughty shower lovin’ that gives new meanings to the term "shower head."
________________________________________
Except:
The computer screen blurred. Lily blinked to refocus her tired eyes on the deposition and sighed in relief when the phone rang. She loved her job, loved working for a law firm, but staring at a computer screen for hours took its toll.
Blowing a strand of dark hair out of her eyes, she reached over a stack of law books. “McPherson.” Lily glanced at the clock as her stomach rumbled. She’d worked through lunch again. Damn.
The other end of the line was silent for so long, she thought the caller had changed his or her mind. “Hello?”
“Yes, hi.”
The rich, masculine voice sent chills down her spine and knotted her stomach. Eyes closed, she gripped the phone so hard it hurt. Even after all these years, she knew that voice. “Caleb?”
A low, sexy chuckle rumbled through the line. “You remember me.”
Oh shit, why was he calling her now? Memories of the most erotic night of her life flashed through her mind. Lily opened her eyes, reminding herself the most embarrassing morning of her life had followed. “How did you get this number? Never mind.”
Despite the deep breath, the receiver trembled in her hand. “Can I do something for you?”
An intake of breath and then a pause. “We have a slight problem.”
Lily’s stomach churned acid. None of their problems had been small, not for the twelve hours and twenty-two minutes they’d been married. “Yes?”
Caleb cleared his throat. “It seems the annulment didn’t go through.”
“Oh, shit.” I’m in a bad movie. This has got to be a joke. She leaned against the back of her chair. “What do you mean it didn’t go through?”
“We’re still married, sweetie. The annulment was never processed.”
________________________________________
Lynne Roberts is a romance and erotic romance writer. She wrote her first story out of frustration at the age of 11 because Gone with the Wind just couldn’t end with Rhett and Scarlett not together.
She’s a hopeless romantic and a sucker for a happily ever after.
She’s been writing professionally since 2005 and, after reading some very talented authors, attempted her first erotic romance in 2009.
A hopeless coffee-addict, when she’s not writing, editing or on Twitter—which isn’t often—you can find her in the garden, reading or with her five children. Sometimes all of the above.
Lynne currently lives in sunny California. You can learn more about her on her website and blog. She’d love to hear from you.
http://lynneroberts.net/
http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day
The winner of week two's prize of $25 in gift certificates is Sherry Cahill. Sherry's name, along with other blog posters, will be entered into the drawing for the grand prize--$50 in gift certificates and a surprise gift.
And this Wednesday, on week three of The Valentine's Month Blog Tour, I'm going to be on Jill James' blog telling readers how I met my Johnny. And author Lynne Roberts will be visiting here. So stay tuned for a day filled with romantic stories as the Month-long blog tour continues with the new topic: Meeting Your Significant Other.
Come meet some fantastic Wild Rose Press authors and leave a comment for a chance to win this week's prizes worth $30 or be entered into the Grand Prize drawing worth over $50!
Meet author Amy Corwin at http://amielouellen.wordpress.com//Meet contemporary and paranormal romance author Jill James at http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com//Meet romantic suspense author Kat Duncan at http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/
Meet contemporary YA an adult romance author Linda Kage at http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com//
Meet paranormal, and historical romance author Caroline Clemmons at http://www.blogger.com/goog_1137538561
Meet historical and paranormal romance writer Lilly Gayle at http://www.jilljameswrites.com/
Meet Amie Louellen, author of fun and whimsical contemporary romance at http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
Meet erotic western historical author Jennifer Jakes at http://lindakage.blogspot.com//
Meet author AJ Nuest at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Meet author Lynne Roberts at http://www.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com/
Before signing out for the day, I'd like to share one of the sexiest songs ever sung. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYSsR3C1cm0&feature=player_embedded#at=81
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Week One Winner
Week One of the Valentine's Month Blog Tour has been chosen from a list of commentors on each of the 11 blogs. Marci, a commentor on one of the other blogs won a $15 gift certificate to TWRP and a $5 gift certificate to Samhain Publishing. Clancy's name was drawn from my list of commentors and although she didn't win the prize for Week One, her name is going into the "hat" for a chance to win our $50 grand prize.
There's a one in forty chance of winning the grand prize so the more blogs you visit and the more comments you post, the greater your chances of winning.
So, once again, here are the blog addresses for next Wednesday's blog posts when our topic will be: What Inspires Creative Ideas:
Blog participants are:
Linda Kage- http://lindakage.blogspot.com/, Amie Louellen- http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/,Caroline Clemmons- http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/, Jennifer Jakes- http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/AJ Nuest- http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/ , Lynne Roberts- http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/, Maeve Greyson-http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/ ,Amy Corwin- http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/, Jill James- http://www.jilljameswrites.com/, Kat Duncan- http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
There's a one in forty chance of winning the grand prize so the more blogs you visit and the more comments you post, the greater your chances of winning.
So, once again, here are the blog addresses for next Wednesday's blog posts when our topic will be: What Inspires Creative Ideas:
Blog participants are:
Linda Kage- http://lindakage.blogspot.com/, Amie Louellen- http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/,Caroline Clemmons- http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/, Jennifer Jakes- http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/AJ Nuest- http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/ , Lynne Roberts- http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/, Maeve Greyson-http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/ ,Amy Corwin- http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/, Jill James- http://www.jilljameswrites.com/, Kat Duncan- http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Significance of First Lines
Welcome to week one of the Wild Roses Valentine's Month Blog Tour! Commentors on all eleven Wild Roses Blogs are automatically entered to win one of four weekly prizes and a grand prize worth $50. So stay tuned all month, visit as many blogs as possible and leave a comment for your chance to win!
Blog participants are:
Linda Kage- http://lindakage.blogspot.com/, Amie Louellen- http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/ ,Caroline Clemmons- http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/, Jennifer Jakes- http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/AJ Nuest- http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/ , Lynne Roberts- http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/, Maeve Greyson-http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/ ,Amy Corwin- http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/, Jill James- http://www.jilljameswrites.com/, Kat Duncan- http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
My guest today, who'll be talking about the significance of first lines, is Kat Duncan.
You want to be seduced when you read a book. You want to be drawn in, to forget your troubles and just enjoy yourself. That's why first lines in a book should be like pickup lines. They could be the kind you might expect to hear in a bar, "Hi gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?" or in a nightclub, "Hey, I'm Joe, wanna dance with me sexy lady?" These kinds of first lines are a sexy come-on. They promise an enjoyable, sensual experience. How's this for a first line:
"Strip off his shirt," she said.
That's the first line of the book I'm working on now, Ransom's Captive. It's an historical romance and I wanted the first line to be a bit scandalous-sounding. The next few paragraphs show why the man's shirt has to be stripped off.
First lines could also be the kind you might hear from the cell phone salesman at the mall "We've got a 1-day special on iPhones." These can feel a bit off-putting, making you feel as if you have to pay attention to something you don't want to miss out on. The first line of my romantic suspense, Fifty-eight Faces, is:
"We're gonna win this one, Caroline."
Win? What are they gonna win? I have to find out. Within a few paragraphs it's clear they need to win a big court case over the Blue Diamond or they'll have to close their financially-challenged children's hospital.
Still other first lines are the kind you might hear walking around a huge warehouse store "Were you able to find everything you're looking for?" The solicitation lets you know you are in good hands, or maybe it irritates the heck out of you because you don't like to be interrupted while you shop. The first line of Six Days to Midnight, another romantic suspense I wrote, goes:
"With an explosion of dirt and hooves, Mirza whipped her mount toward the starting line."
The words are harsh and the character, Mirza, sounds merciless. She hurts my feelings just whipping her horse. She doesn't even think of it as a horse. To her it's just a "mount". An evil woman. I don't like her already.
And then there are the kinds of first lines that are sort of slow-witted. The kind you don't always understand right away, but yet can't stop listening to. The kind you might hear sitting next to an old man at a bus stop. "You know, back when the bus stop was on Main Street, folks used to wait inside the newspaper office. Good stories weren't so hard to find back then." You scratch your head and read on, hoping everything will become clear if you keep reading. Another of my historicals, Without a Lord, starts like this:
"It isn't possible to capture a faerie."
Huh? If it's not possible, then why are we talking about it? In the short conversation that follows, we learn that dozens of knights, desperate to end a local war, insist that they've seen a faerie.
Depending on what kind of mood you're in, you may be turned off by the first line or you may be interested in hearing more. Personally, I'd rather have a reader put my book down if they're turned off. I'd rather they read it when they're in a mood to enjoy it. The first lines of a book set the mood and tone and should be an honest indication of what is to come. If I keep reading it's because I've been seduced by the first line.
So, which first line of mine would seduce you?
Kat Duncan's most recent release, Fifty-eight Faces is part of the Jewel of the Night series. You can purchase this book at: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4366
Blurb:
Chief of surgery at a small children's hospital, Caroline's last hope to save it from financial ruin evaporates when she loses the Blue Diamond case to greedy Evan Quinn. When Evan buys the hospital property for high profit condo conversion, Caroline's hatred shifts into full red-alert.
But Evan is not her real enemy. Rolf, the hospital's chief administrator, has had his eye on the blue diamond since he learned of it from his Nazi grandfather. To be the 58th face to possess the Blue Diamond, one for each of its facets, grants the owner unlimited power. Rolf plans to kill the current owners and use the diamond to build his Neo-Nazi regime. Can Caroline give up her hatred and Evan his greed before Rolf kills them both?
Excerpt from Fifty-eight Faces:
"If I wasn’t sworn as a doctor, I’d pull this trigger.”
A flash lit the darkness. An ear-shattering echo reverberated in the concrete vault. Evan staggered. Caroline dropped the gun, and its over-sensitized trigger fired again. It spun like a top on the concrete. She rushed forward.
“Evan. Evan. Are you hurt? Where? I didn’t pull the trigger. It just went off in my hand.” She grabbed his shoulders, bracing him, scanning him for a wound.
He steadied himself and pushed her aside. “You missed.” He stared at the gun lying on the floor. He picked it up and hefted it, his brows pinched in thought. Pointing it away from her, he firmly grasped the weapon and gently tapped its side. It fired.
He turned on her, his mouth thinned into a grimace, his eyes squinting.
She put up her hands. “Evan, don’t…”
He tipped the gun toward the ceiling and, with a snap, removed the clip. He tossed the pieces in opposite directions. They spun and clattered on the concrete floor. In a few quick steps, he closed the distance between them. His broad hands engulfed her shoulders, infusing her shivering body with a surge of solid warmth.
“That gun was rigged by an expert. An expert who arranged for us to meet here. Then disappeared.”
Kat Duncan writes romantic suspense. Visit her at http://www.katduncan.net/ or http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WriteAbout/150069588366130
She's also on Twitter: Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/write_about
Blog participants are:
Linda Kage- http://lindakage.blogspot.com/, Amie Louellen- http://amielouellen.wordpress.com/ ,Caroline Clemmons- http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/, Jennifer Jakes- http://authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com/AJ Nuest- http://www.ajbooks.blogspot.com/ , Lynne Roberts- http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/, Maeve Greyson-http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/ ,Amy Corwin- http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/, Jill James- http://www.jilljameswrites.com/, Kat Duncan- http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout
My guest today, who'll be talking about the significance of first lines, is Kat Duncan.
As a young child, Kat once tried to confess the telling of her stories to her parish priest because she thought they fit the definition the nuns gave for 'telling a lie'. The wise priest asked her if her stories were told to hurt other people. "Oh, no!" she replied, "I only tell them to make people happy." The priest asked her if she had any other sins to confess and when she didn?t, he advised her to continue telling her stories and then he assigned her a few prayers to say for those who could not hear them. Kat has been telling her 'lies' ever since and writing stories to entertain and enlighten. After a successful career as a software engineer, Kat decided she needed something different to do. She's now a tutor of adolescents with special needs. With one teenager in high school (home school) and another in college, every moment of her meager spare time is spent creating romances.
So, Kat, tell us what you think about the Significance of First Lines~You want to be seduced when you read a book. You want to be drawn in, to forget your troubles and just enjoy yourself. That's why first lines in a book should be like pickup lines. They could be the kind you might expect to hear in a bar, "Hi gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?" or in a nightclub, "Hey, I'm Joe, wanna dance with me sexy lady?" These kinds of first lines are a sexy come-on. They promise an enjoyable, sensual experience. How's this for a first line:
"Strip off his shirt," she said.
That's the first line of the book I'm working on now, Ransom's Captive. It's an historical romance and I wanted the first line to be a bit scandalous-sounding. The next few paragraphs show why the man's shirt has to be stripped off.
"We're gonna win this one, Caroline."
Win? What are they gonna win? I have to find out. Within a few paragraphs it's clear they need to win a big court case over the Blue Diamond or they'll have to close their financially-challenged children's hospital.
"With an explosion of dirt and hooves, Mirza whipped her mount toward the starting line."
The words are harsh and the character, Mirza, sounds merciless. She hurts my feelings just whipping her horse. She doesn't even think of it as a horse. To her it's just a "mount". An evil woman. I don't like her already.
"It isn't possible to capture a faerie."
Huh? If it's not possible, then why are we talking about it? In the short conversation that follows, we learn that dozens of knights, desperate to end a local war, insist that they've seen a faerie.
Depending on what kind of mood you're in, you may be turned off by the first line or you may be interested in hearing more. Personally, I'd rather have a reader put my book down if they're turned off. I'd rather they read it when they're in a mood to enjoy it. The first lines of a book set the mood and tone and should be an honest indication of what is to come. If I keep reading it's because I've been seduced by the first line.
So, which first line of mine would seduce you?
Kat Duncan's most recent release, Fifty-eight Faces is part of the Jewel of the Night series. You can purchase this book at: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4366
Blurb:
Chief of surgery at a small children's hospital, Caroline's last hope to save it from financial ruin evaporates when she loses the Blue Diamond case to greedy Evan Quinn. When Evan buys the hospital property for high profit condo conversion, Caroline's hatred shifts into full red-alert.
But Evan is not her real enemy. Rolf, the hospital's chief administrator, has had his eye on the blue diamond since he learned of it from his Nazi grandfather. To be the 58th face to possess the Blue Diamond, one for each of its facets, grants the owner unlimited power. Rolf plans to kill the current owners and use the diamond to build his Neo-Nazi regime. Can Caroline give up her hatred and Evan his greed before Rolf kills them both?
Excerpt from Fifty-eight Faces:
"If I wasn’t sworn as a doctor, I’d pull this trigger.”
A flash lit the darkness. An ear-shattering echo reverberated in the concrete vault. Evan staggered. Caroline dropped the gun, and its over-sensitized trigger fired again. It spun like a top on the concrete. She rushed forward.
“Evan. Evan. Are you hurt? Where? I didn’t pull the trigger. It just went off in my hand.” She grabbed his shoulders, bracing him, scanning him for a wound.
He steadied himself and pushed her aside. “You missed.” He stared at the gun lying on the floor. He picked it up and hefted it, his brows pinched in thought. Pointing it away from her, he firmly grasped the weapon and gently tapped its side. It fired.
He turned on her, his mouth thinned into a grimace, his eyes squinting.
She put up her hands. “Evan, don’t…”
He tipped the gun toward the ceiling and, with a snap, removed the clip. He tossed the pieces in opposite directions. They spun and clattered on the concrete floor. In a few quick steps, he closed the distance between them. His broad hands engulfed her shoulders, infusing her shivering body with a surge of solid warmth.
“That gun was rigged by an expert. An expert who arranged for us to meet here. Then disappeared.”
Kat Duncan writes romantic suspense. Visit her at http://www.katduncan.net/ or http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WriteAbout/150069588366130
She's also on Twitter: Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/write_about
Friday, January 28, 2011
Not Another Blog Tour!
There will also be a grand prize at the end of the tour worth over $50! So come on and check us out starting next Wednesday, February 2 as we talk about the significance of first lines.
One February 9, we'll discuss where creative ideas come from. February 16, it gets personal as we talk about how we met our significant other. And lastly, on February,23, we're talking aout how to develop unique characters. Hmm. I'm going to have to think about this one myself. lol~
For a list of blog hosts and participating authors as well as a list of prizes, please visit http://thewildrosepress.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-month-blog-tour_28.html
Looking forward to a month of fun and romance! So, come on. Join us!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas Traditions
Today is the last week of The Wilder Roses Blog tour. Leave me a comment today about the man of your dreams or your favorite holiday traditions for a chance to win The Man of My Dreams candle from Celebrating Homes.
So, what's your favorite tradition?
Christmas dinner. Grandma's special cookies. Reading The Christmas Story. Decorating on a certain day. Everyone has a Christmas tradition, even if those traditions change over the years the way my family's have. (You can check out my Christmas traditions at http://plparker.blogspot.com/ . It's part of the Wilder Roses Christmas Blog Tour.)
Today Maya Blake, author of Hostage to Love is sharing her Christmas traditions.
So, Maya, tell us something about yourself and your favorite holiday traditions.
Hi, I’m Maya Blake, I’m a thirty-something romance writer whose life-long dream of writing finally came true last year when my debut novel was published by The Wild Rose Press. I’m the fourth of five siblings and I live in Kent, England with my husband and two (sometimes, lol) adorable kids.
I don’t have a Christmas tradition at my house, per se, but definitely the one thing I look forward to once lunch is out of the way is opening presents, and who doesn’t? But before we get down to this momentous task, we have a little pre-present opening “thing” we always do. First, we get out the mince pies (which goes in the oven after the turkey comes out) and the mulled wine. For my buddies across the Atlantic who’ve never heard of mince pies, here’s a link http://www.yourcounty.co.uk/recipes/mincepies.html of the ingredients that goes into a yummy mince pie (and no, it has no meat in it ). The teetotallers in my house go for tea, but I always make sure I’m nice and toasty with a glass of warm mulled wine on standby. 
My husband tends to do the honours in dishing out the pies, usually served with lashings of rich cream. There’s nothing like digging into a warm mince pie with a roaring fire going and everyone full and happy from a lovely lunch.
It is only after the pies and wine are eaten and drank that we open our Christmas presents. The children get their presents first, naturally. Then it’s Grandma’s turn. I tend to open mine last, because more often than not, I know what I’m going to receive - my family aren’t very good at keeping secrets *sigh*.
Finally, the older ones succumb to a well-earned nap in front of the TV clutching whatever present they’ve received that year and wake in time (if they can) for the Queen’s Speech!
What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
Maya Blake is Crimson Rose author of Hostage to Love, available from The Wild Rose press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/hostage-to-love-p-1277.html
and Amazon: http://goo.gl/POGwd
Blurb –
Crushed by betrayal, Belle Winkworth-Jones flees the shambles of her short-lived marriage, only to be kidnapped by a vicious rebel soldier determined to keep her for himself. Nick Andreakos mounts a ruthless rescue to save the wife who walked away from him, even though he's resentful Belle could dismiss their marriage so easily.
On Althea, their private Greek island where Belle recuperates, passion ignites, taking hold with relentless force. But in the shadows, danger lurks. The rebel soldier is determined to recapture Belle.
Can Belle and Nick set aside their differences in time to fight this threat and save their love, or will it be too late…?
Excerpt
Belle jerked awake as a loud blast ripped through the cave, her eyes unprepared for the blinding, strobe flashes of light that lit up the dark cavern a second later. Squinting, she saw the flashes continue intermittently for several seconds, then stop. She lurched from her position propped up against the wall and wondered for a moment if she was still dreaming.
The screams from a few feet away told her she wasn’t.
She’d stayed awake long after the rebel leader retired behind his curtain, unable to sleep for fear he might vent his anger on Father Tom.
She’d also contemplated what she would do after nature ran its course. She’d bought them three days, four at the most. What would happen after that? Could she willingly to let the loathsome man touch her for the sake of keeping one or all of them alive? And what guarantee did she have that he wouldn’t harm Father Tom?
The idea that perhaps they could overpower two of the soldiers, steal their weapons and make a run for it, she immediately discarded as foolish, and dangerous. She’d slumped, dejected, against the wall of the cave. That’s when she must’ve fallen asleep.
Dizzy and momentarily blinded by the flashes, she jumped as Edda screamed again. What was happening? Had the rebel leader decided they weren’t worth keeping and blasted the cave, burying them alive? Curiously though, the walls of the cave remained intact. She blinked a few times to dispel the blindness. Nothing happened.
A staccato burst of muffled gunfire sounded close by. But the gunfire was inside the cave, not outside. Which meant the rebels were still inside. Something brushed against her and she bit back a scream.
‘It’s all right lass, it’s me,’ Father Tom whispered close to her. ‘I told yer we’d be rescued today.’
Rescued! Why hadn’t she thought of that? Her spirits soared. Then plummeted.
Who would rescue them? Only Liz knew where she was, and she knew her friend wouldn’t give up her whereabouts lightly. Besides, she wasn’t due to make her weekly phone call to her best friend until Monday, so she wouldn’t guess Belle might be in trouble until after she failed to make the call. As for Father Tom, having lived and run the mission in Nawaka for the last seventeen years, he wouldn’t be missed back in his native Scotland. The same went for Edda and Hendrik, who’d been travelling around Africa for the past two years. As for the Nawakan government, it had enough on its plate with its fight to prevent the gold and diamond mines from being looted to mount rescue operations of kidnapped foreigners.
So rescue was not an option.
The only other conclusion she could reach was that another rebel faction had caught wind of Captain Mwana’s bounty and intended to claim them. It wasn’t unheard of for one rebel group to seize another’s hostages if they could profit from it. Sometimes rebels within the same group rose up against each other. Was that what was happening here? Had Mwana’s subordinates staged a coup against him?
If so, they had to take advantage of the gunfight.
‘Father, I don’t think we’re being rescued, but I still think we should make a run for it. This may be our only chance.’ God, she prayed she was right.
He gave a nervous chuckle. ‘I’m with you, lass, but unfortunately, these old eyes cannot see a thing at the moment. I think I’m blind.’
She stopped herself from telling him she suffered the same ailment, although she could just about make out shadowy images in her periphery. ‘It’s all right Father. Just hold onto my hand and I’ll guide you. Keep your head down. Hendrik, Edda, are you okay?’
‘Yes,’ Hendrik responded.
She took a deep breath and edged forward, her hand clamped around Father Tom’s. They’d travelled only a few feet when a bullet slapped the cave wall beside her. Small rocks struck her cheek and she cried out. Fear strangling her, she crouched down, eyes shut, beside Father Tom.
‘We have to keep moving,’ Hendrik urged from behind her.
She opened her eyes and thankfully, most of her vision had been restored. But what little she saw stilled her heart. Since whoever was attacking the rebels was doing so from outside the cave whilst the guerrillas defended themselves from inside, there’d be no way to escape without being caught in the crossfire.
Another bullet whizzed past her and struck a lantern on the far side of the cave, igniting it. A huge plume of acrid smoke bellowed up towards the craggy ceiling of the cave.
Their situation had just worsened a hundred-fold.
She knew they only had a matter of minutes to live. Because if the bullets didn’t get them, the smoke and fire would. There was enough bedding, ammunition and lamps to set the place ablaze in seconds.
Just then the gunfire ceased.
‘Come on,’ she whispered desperately to Father Tom. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the entrance of the cave, trying not to let the sight of the bloodied bodies disturb her. She focused on the discarded guns instead. If they could arm themselves, they’d increase their chances considerably.
But as she reached for the nearest rifle, she heard the crunch of feet approaching.
Another burst of gunfire. Then silence.
Through the smoky light she saw a figure, tall and male, enter the cave, followed by two more. In silence, the men advanced towards them. Belle’s throat closed up, fear completely seizing her. She turned to Father Tom. Her hand gripped his and she tried to shield him with her body.
Someone crouched behind her. She squeezed her eyes shut.
This is it. This is it.
‘Hello, Tinkerbelle,’ a deep voice purred in her ear.
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