Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Monday, October 29, 2012

1 Night Stand: Why I would love to hire Madame Eve

1 Night Stand: Why I would love to hire Madame Eve: Buy Taking Control HERE by Virginia Nelson   The 1Night Stand service is brilliant.   They manage to find you the love you ne...

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Year In Review

About this time last year, I heard my publisher was closing.
Not quite now but we're getting really close.  December 1, 2011 they officially closed and I heard about it in November.

For a moment, I really despaired.  Although my publisher, Sapphire Blue Publishing, believed in me, would anyone else?

Strangely, it seemed to be a case of when the going gets tough, the tough get going and I found out I was a little stronger than I thought.

I considered it a challenge. Either I was going to make a go of being an author or I would take this as a sign from the universe and hang up my hat.

So, without further preamble, here is my year in review:

November 2011- Wrote Lips of Velvet and submitted it.  Only 3k, I searched for a house that would be interested in something that short.  Lips was picked up almost immediatly.
Also, applied for and got a job as an editor.

December 2011- Endeavored to re-contract some of my previously pubbed work.  Out the door went Clothing Optional, Odd Stuff and Accidental Pirate.
Odd Stuff was picked up almost immediatly and is still awaiting release.  Clothing Optional was picked up by MuseItUp and slated to release in July 2012.

January 2012- Accidental Pirate contracted.  Wrote and submitted Someone Like You (later renamed Turn Me On)  Wrote and submitted Hypnotist.  Started work on Necro.

February 2012- Wrote and submitted Taking Control

March 2012- Contracted Taking Control with Decadent. 

April 2012- Contracted Hypnotist with Decadent after some revisions. 

May 2012- Wrote Runaway Groom.  Sent out on submissions in July.
Wrote 3/4 of Lasso the Groom. Contracted Turn Me On. Visited with authors and readers at Lori Foster's.

June 2012- Clothing Optional released

July 2012- Wrote and submitted Rumor Has It.  Edited and prepared for release all the other stories.  Worked mostly on promotions.  Rumor was then contracted by Champagne Book Group.

August 2012- Wrote and submitted Dom of the Dead and self pubbed Lips of Velvet and Accidental Pirate. Taking Control released.

September 2012- Wrote Were,Witch and Baby, Started Tourist Trap and Catching Death.  Hypnotist released.

October 2012- Wrote and submitted Proper Care and Feeding of a Sex God

November starts in a few days.  All in all, in less than a year, I've written and submitted thirteen short stories/novellas/books.  I've signed eight contracts and still have three stories out on submissions.  I also self pubbed three books in the meantime.  I also have four more WIP's still on my desk.

Point of all this?  When you're feeling like you can't do something is often exactly the moment you should see it as a challenge and refuse to give up.  You can do anything if you just grit your teeth and get to work.

If I can do this while being a full time student, single mother of three kids with varying challenges, and still find time to work as an editor and crit partner to some authors who make me look like I'm slacking, you can do just about anything.

Well, except be a fish. Or a bird. But anything else...you can do it.

NaNoWriMo is coming and this was your pep talk.  For more about my coming soon books, check out my Coming Soon page on my website here.
Happy writing!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sneak Peek Sunday- Proper Care and Feeding of a Sex God


I wanted to post seven sentences so this isn't a Six Sentence Sunday...although it is a seven.  So, here's a peek at my current project, Proper Care and Feeding of a Sex God, coming soon!!
Blurb:
Being a sex god isn't easy...
 
Yes has been a sex god for centuries. No one wrote stories or songs about him but they sure do remember to call out his name at the peak of pleasure. Satisfying the world by fulfilling their carnal needs, he is no stranger to Aphrodite's Island. When his sister, troublemaker that she is, calls him home for what she deems a 'special' job, he shudders to think what she could want.
 
Being frigid is worse...
 
Katie can't get off. She's determined it's physically impossible. She's tried everything--toys, men, women, flogging. It's just not happening. Finding an ad for a tropical island promising 'ultimate fantasy experiences' she figures it's worth a shot. It's not going to work, but it's worth a shot.
 
Passion beyond her wildest dreams...
 
Who knew that the one man who can trip her trigger would refuse to touch her? The more he backs off, the more he tempts her. Katie is fascinated by the man Miss A has sharing her hotel room but, although he seems attracted, he won't do the deed.
 
Can Katie figure out The Proper Care and Feeding of a Sex God?
Sneak Peek:
No matter how great the foreplay, a girl likes to get off. Like the icing on the cake, the chocolate chips in the cookie, an orgasm made the need to clean up after worth it.  Sex without orgasm, in Katie’s book, could be compared to a Monday without coffee.
Not that she ever got the coffee, so to speak.  Accepting her frigidity took time but now that thirty loomed, she pretty much accepted the facts of life.
Legs crossed, head resting on the back of the chair as she slouched down as far as possible, she refused to open her eyes.  You can drag a workaholic to a beach but you can’t make her vacation, damn it.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Heather Long: Workshops for NaNoWriMo Participants and Writers

Heather Long: Workshops for NaNoWriMo Participants and Writers: Happy Monday! It's October 1st and we're officially heading into the Harvest, Halloween, Samhain season!  It also means NaNoWriMo is right a...

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Melissa Kendall: Spotlight: Hypnotist by Virginia Nelson

Melissa Kendall: Spotlight: Hypnotist by Virginia Nelson: Hypnotist Virginia Nelson Who knew quitting could be so hot? Carnie Sabatina wants to break her bad habits, but is a hypnotist rea...

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Cover Art Reveal...Turn Me On

Just in time for Valentine's Day, you can keep an eye out for Turn Me On, an ff erotic romance by yours truly. 

Blurb:
Valentine’s Day sucks.
When Kay gets a call to meet a former lover for Valentine’s Day, she learns that not only is the ex getting married but she expects Kay to take part in the blessed event.
Kay doesn’t want chocolates.
The sexy sister of the groom-to-be is determined to help Kay get over the bride.
Turn Me On…
Will Camie help Kay learn that passion is better when it isn’t hidden? Or will Kay give up the one woman who can bring her body—and her broken heart—back to life?

You can preorder it starting in January at MuseItHot Publishing coming in January!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Rise of Zombie Boy


Through a series of unfortunate events involving an old glass door, a stubborn eleven year old, and an annoyed teenager...my son had a battle with glass this past weekend.

Glass won.

The door broke, raining glass down on him and slicing his arms resulting in fifty one agonizing stitches and a vision I can't seem to UNsee. Luckily, the glass falling didn't cut any muscle tissue, nerves or anything else important but instead skinned him...making me see the fat and muscle below.  According to the ER nurse, it looked far worse than it really was because of how the glass fell.

It looked like something worse than my worst nightmare.

The amazing thing was his level of trust.  I guess I never realized how very much my children trust me to make bad things better.  Once he saw me, once he heard my voice, he didn't cry.  (This was partially due to shock since it didn't hurt until they began numbing him up but it was still horrific.)  He calmly talked to me and the doctors, assuming that because I was there, I'd fix it.

I did.  I doubted my ability to fix this one but I did fix it.

Now he's wandering the house like a restless ghost, unable to play because of the bandages but back to his normal cheerful self.  And I keep staring at him, amazed that he knew I'd be able to fix this one.

He's okay.  I keep hugging him as if to reassure myself of this. 

During the chaos, my children both acted much like me, which was amusing.  My son, with huge gashes in his arm, was very concerned with the towel he ruined with his blood.  My daughter, although she handled the whole thing well, at one point yelled at my son and didn't let him sit on a couch because he'd get blood on it.  Both of them inherited my ability to appologize for things they had no control over...

All in all, the whole experience taught me my kids have a bit more of me than I realized and both of them trust me, even when I'm not sure I deserve that awe-inspiring level of trust.

But zombie boy is doing well.  And I'm a very happy mommy to have everyone home and though stitched up, in one piece.

He likes this song...and it seemed apt.  Some nights are fun and some nights...yeah.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Spotlight on...Wendi Zwaduk! Check out her 1NS!

One More Night $2.99
Buy it Now!
A 1Night Stand Story


Three years ago, Jenna ran away from what should have been the best night of her life. Letting her fear and shame get in the way of true happiness has haunted her ever since. It’s time to move on and put the past behind her. A date through the 1Night Stand service is the perfect opportunity to start living life again.

When the love of his life slipped through his fingers, Drake hated to let her go. A near-death accident prevented him from going after her. But after three years of recovery and waiting, he’s ready to take back what’s his, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from running again.

Can Madame Eve work a miracle or will love lose out to pride and fear?


Genre: Erotic romance, contemporary, BDSM


Want to know more about Wendi Zwaduk? Here you go:
I always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I earned a BA in education at Kent State University and currently hold a Masters in Education with Nova Southeastern University.
I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. If you like my work, tell your friends and email me. I love hearing from readers!
 
Author Website
Blog
Twitter
@WendiZwaduk
Facebook
Other Sites
Excerpt:
“You bring out the bad girl in me. I forgot how much I liked it.”
If he shoved her panties to the side, she’d let him grope her there in the reception room. He resisted the urge to go too far and moved her dress to repair her modesty. “You’re good at being bad.” With the pads of his fingers, he stroked down the length of her leg and caressed her ankle. The crimson polish on her toes glittered in the fluorescent light. “You always did like bare feet.”
Her voice dropped to the husky purr he hadn’t heard in a long time. “My stilettos pinched my toes. Bare is more comfortable.”
“I’m glad you came back.” The old feelings welled in his brain, reminding him how he hadn’t stopped loving her. Ever. “You aren’t the same girl who walked out of here three years ago. Not really. I want to discover all the ways you’ve grown.”
“You’ve changed, too.” The husky tone of her voice trailed up his spine. Jenna traced the line of his lapel with her finger. “More poetic, less gruff. And you shaved.” For the first time since she’d set foot on the tarmac, she smiled. “I like the changes. They work on you.” She murmured in his ear, “I wouldn’t have stopped you if you kept going.”

Monday, October 8, 2012

Are you searching for some words?

So, Champagne Books is having this contest.  It's called a Reader Appreciation Swagabration and there are all kinds of prizes available from swag packs weekly to a grand prize of a Kobo Reader.  For details on the contest, you should click here, but if you're already participating in the games, you might want to pay close attention to the following blog.

I write lots of books.  Clothing Optional was a menage, featuring a trio of characters who couldn't wait to rip each other's clothes off.  Not so with my coming release with Champagne books.  Rumor Has It is a mf romance that features a guy who has wanted to rip the heroine's clothes off...

For a really long time.

Jeremy engaged in the world's longest long game, waiting and holding his breath till his face should have been purple for Liz to realize he loved her.

In comes former-Elvis-impersonator/exhubby to couch surf and Jeremy ups his game.

Blurb:
Elvis left the building a long time ago…

Liz knows that there are some things you just can’t live down. Marrying an Elvis impersonator was one of her biggest mistakes yet when he comes rolling back into town, needing a place to couch surf, she can’t say no to the father of her child.

And someone else took his place…

Jeremy has been engaged in the world’s longest long game. For thirteen years he has loved Liz and her daughter but never made a move, waiting for the right moment. When her ex-husband shows up out of the blue, he realizes it is time to put up or shut up.

But now that Elvis is back, the rumors are flying.

Jeremy makes his move, leaving Liz in a tailspin. Elvis comes back, the man she has always secretly loved is making moves…but why now? The sparks fly and the gossips mouths are running…but will Liz find the love she has been waiting for or will the small town gossips destroy her like they did so long ago?
 
Look for Rumor Has It coming in April from Champagne Books and Clothing Optional is available now.

Happy Writing!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Still hopping but...

I'm still off bloghopping for my two book tours... (If you're not sure where I am today, check out this handy dandy blog for my stops to figure out where you can see me.)

But while I'm gone, things are still happening over here.

For starters, Champagne Book Group is having a Reader Appreciation Swagabration and it's chock full of contests.  For the details, check out this blog here.

For my contribution to the fun and games, there'll be a blog up on October 8th (Monday) with words for the word hunt.

Then on October 9th, Wendi Zwaduk will be spotlighted here talking about her recent 1Night Stand release with Decadent.

Lots going on. Be sure to pop in and check it out!

Happy Writing!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

October Touring!!

Taking Control Tour
1 – Interview @ Jessica E. Subject
2 – Guest Blog @ Erotica for All
2 – Spotlight @ Ashlynn Monroe
3 – Spotlight @ Melissa Kendall
4 – Spotlight @ Steamy Reading
5 – Guest Blog @ Bonnie Bliss
8 – Spotlight @ Book Reviews & More by Kathy
9 – Interview @ W. Lynn Chantale
11 – Interview & Giveaway @ Storm Goddess Book Reviews
12 – Spotlight @ The Page Flippez

2 – Interview @ Bonnie Bliss
3 – Spotlight @ New Age Mama
4 – Guest Blog @ Two FantasyFloozies
8 – Spotlight @ C.S. Maxwell
12 – Interview @ Storm Goddess BookReviews
12 – Guest Blog @ Bookin’ It
15 – Interview @ Mike Woody
16 – Interview @ You Gotta Read
17 – Spotlight @ Melissa Kendall
18 – Spotlight & Review @ Steamy Reading
25 – Interview @ Krystal Shannan
26 – Spotlight @ Books-n-Kisses
29 – Interview @ Kirsta Ames
30 – Interview @ Full Moon Bites