Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
It’s amazing….
Sometimes, out of nowhere, a beautiful thing can happen. And even while so much around you is distressing, this ray of hope reminds you that things will be ok.
The goal of every writer is to be published. But I’ve been working on some of the same books for so long, I got lost in the writing of it. I wanted to perfect it, I wanted it to resonate. A few contests later and I kind of forgot what I was trying to do, almost losing the joy of it all. But, with planning carefully in place, a seed I planted long ago has borne fruit. (just goes to show to be nice and have a good presence. It works in both real life and on the web.)
I have excellent news coming my way, and my careful and sporadic ways are definitely going to prove valid.
Stay tuned!
Romance Writers’ Conference, at home. Diva-style.
Not forking out the dough for the RWA Conference this year, with evening wear, suits, high heels and whatever “business casual” means?
Not to worry! Romance Divas is hosting the
Not Going to Conference Conference…
The Conference You Don’t Have to Get Out of Bed For!
From July 28-31, come hang out with some terrific, savvy authors — and you don’t even have to brush your teeth (although, seriously, good dental hygiene gets you extra points.)
We’ll be hosting panels on:
The Power of Three: A crit group tell-all (Paranormal)
The Lolitas of STEAMED! Present Writing the Steampunk Romance -more than leather corsets and brass goggles!
Whips, Chains, Slings, Oh My: It Really Isn’t About the Toys (BDSM Erotica)
The Great Big YA Panel
Register for free at Romance Divas, then come join us on the forums for the discussions, as well as some terrific prizes:
Eden Bradley/Eve Berlin:
1) erotic e-books, THE SEEKING KISS and TEMPT ME TWICE.
2) a synopsis critique in any sub-genre of erotica/erotic romance.
Jax Cassidy:
1) erotic e-books, DEVIL’S HEART and BRUSH STROKES.
2) book cover design or banner ad
Kristen Painter:
copy of her e-book, ALL FIRED UP
Rhonda Stapleton:
1) STUPID CUPID YA Book trilogy
2) a proposal critique (1st 3 chapters and synopsis) for any genre of book, romance or not
K.B. Alan:
1) The choice of one of her e-books: PERFECT FORMATION, ALPHA TURNED or BOUND BY SUNLIGHT.
2) A $25 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Robin L. Rotham: Signed copies of BIG TEMPTATION, ALIEN OVERNIGHT, and ENEMY OVERNIGHT
AJ Chase: copies of e-book CAT AND MOUSE
Inez Kelley:
1) e-book package of both MYLA BY MOONLIGHT and SALOME AT SUNRISE
2) The complete Dirty Laundry Series (3 e-novellas) co-written by Ginny Glass aka Wordsugar and Inez Kelley
Kate Pearce:
1) a three chapter ~and~ synopsis critique-any erotic romance, paranormal romance or historical romance.
2) Winners choice, in either print or e-book format (if available), of a set of the Simply series (there are 5) ~or~ a set of the Cowboys (there are 3) ~or~ a copy of KISS OF THE ROSE-readers choice.
R.G. Alexander:
Winners choice of any two e-books from her Samhain or Ellora’s Cave back list
Nadia Lee:
Critique of 1st chapter & synopsis-paranormal or contemporary romance
Shelley Munro: Winners choice of any one her backlist books from Ellora’s Cave or Cerridwen Press
Ciar Cullen: Winner’s choice of any one e-book on her website.
Voirey Linger: A copy of her e-book RISKING ETERNITY
RF Long:
1) a submission package critique (letter, synopsis and 3 chapters)
2) e-books! (details TBA)
Crystal Jordan:
1) 1st chapter and synopsis critique
2) One copy of any e-book off her Samhain backlist (http://samhainpublis…/crystal-jordan)
3) One copy of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (print or electronic, winner’s choice)
Jeannie Lin:
1) a first chapter critique, any genre
2) an official BUTTERFLY SWORDS souvenir charm
Elise Logan: Winner’s choice of any e-book from her backlist
Marguerite Labbe:
1) A critique of an m/m story
2) Signed copies of her m/m vampire trilogy MY HEART IS WITHIN YOU, HAUNTED BY YOUR SOUL and OUR SACRED BALANCE
Seeley DeBorn:
One jar of home made body or face scrub, customized to the winner’s preferences and skin type.
For example: Orange Spice Oatmeal, Coffee-Cocoa, Citrus Salt, Lavender Mint, Honey and Flax
Sela Carsen: a copy of her e-book CAROLINA WOLF
Hailey Edwards:
1) a copy of her sweet fantasy romance ebook, EVERLONG.
2) two five dollar MBaM gift cards
Charlotte McClain:
Copy of her two e-books, LOVE TO DECLARE and ROCK STAR’S RETREAT
Cynthia Justlin: (Golden Heart Finalist!) Proposal Critique (3 Chapters and synopsis)-any genre other than erotic
Lainey Bancroft:
1) signed copies of her contemporary romance, THE TROUBLE WITH TESSA and her chick lit romance COZUMEL KARMA
2) Proposal critique (3 chapters and a synopsis) any genre except Steampunk
Tina Burns-Publisher-Liquid Silver Books:
1) a critique of 1st 3 chapters & synopsis
2) 3 be-book prizes for 3 different winners! Winners choice of any one e-book download from LSB library.
Mima:
Winner’s choice of one e-book from her backlist-see her website for booklist.
Taneasha: handmade jewelry by our own Taneasha-details to come!
Barbara Sheridan:
1) Winners choice of one e-book from her backlist-see her website for booklist.
2) Critique of up to 20 pages of either M/M, or M/F romance or erotic romance in various subgenres (contemporary, historical, paranormal or suspense/mystery)
David Bridger:
A copy of his ebook BEAUTY AND THE BASTARD
Victoria Janssen:
3 print books TBA (whatever she finds at the RWA Conference)
Gemma Halliday:
Signed copy of SCANDAL SHEET
Jennifer Leeland/Jennifer McKenzie:
1) copy of her e-book MARKED FOR PLEASURE (Kindle version available upon request)
2) copy of her e-book MARKED FOR DESIRE (Releasing June 29th) (Kindle version available upon request)
3) copy of her e-books The Command Series (Trilogy)
4)copy of her BDSM e-book series (3 from TWRP and 1 from Samhain)
Emily Ryan-Davis:
1) Critique of novella-length (up to 30k) manuscript; any time period, m/f, menage, f/f (m/m not her area of expertise)
2) signed print copies of her anthology: MATING CALL, DRAGON DANCE and DRAGON BOUND
3) e-book copy of CHANGING THUMBELINA
Sabrina Darby:
1) Signed copy of her erotic historical novel, ON THESE SILKEN SHEETS
2) Critique of first thirty pages of any Regency (erotic or non erotic fine, but m/m outside my area of expertise)
Alina Morgan:
1) copy of her e-book The Twilight Deception
2) copy of her e-book The Shadow Unveiled
Debbie Mumford:
1) Critique of a synopsis
2) Winner’s choice of any e-book from her back list.
Kimberly Troutte:
1) copy of her e-book SOUL STEALER
2) copy of her e-book CATCH ME IN CASTILE
Sasha Devlin:
1 pair of hand made writing mitts or gloves-style and color TBD by the winner
Julia Knight
Winner’s choice of one copy of any of her books available in e-book format
The incomparable David Bridger
BEAUTY AND THE BASTARD by David Bridger releases today from Liquid Silver Books!
Dangerous love in dangerous times…
Saul the Bastard is a fallen angel who works as a bounty hunter for powerful urban demon families. Rebecca Drake, a modern day demon princess, is being hunted by dangerous desert demons. When Rebecca’s family hires Saul to protect her, they are both unhappy with the arrangement, but before long sparks fly as they try to resist their strong mutual attraction. For the first time in living memory, Saul has someone to love; someone he is scared of losing; someone the desert demons have marked to be their next sacrifice.
Beauty and the Bastard
from David Bridger and Liquid Silver Books
More good company
This lady is so dear to my heart. In my circle of friends she’s tops. And within that circle is the author ring of people to whom I look for advice and grounding. She is a very special friend and I am honored to be one of her first fans. Seriously!
I have at least three (maybe four?) of her books, and I could not put them down. She is so clever and witty and smart. (Yeah, I’m being redundant, but these all fit her.)
Folks: I give you, Inez Kelley. Before I give you the blurb, let’s get inside her mind. Now, don’t be scared. I kind of know my way around. Just in case, I will leave some breadcrumbs.
I feel like I’ll be redundant in some of these, I’ll just ask a bunch, you answer what you wish and we’ll go from there.
1. You bring such a depth to your characters with clever wit and charm. Do you save all of this for your writing or is this how you always are?
What you read is what you get. I could possibly be described as a wee bit melodramatic. Or Juvenile, depending on your take. Whatever, I am fun at parties.
2. Compare the stress of your former occupation to the stress of writing. What do you miss most? (didn’t want to mention 911 unless you wanted to…) What could you do without most right now?
I used to say answering life threatening emergencies was nothing compared to raising children. I still stand by that. Writing has pressures and stresses of a different nature. They are more drawn out, longer lasting and I guess gnawing would be the word. There is no quick fix. I can’t hit a button, drop some fire tones and know the good guys are on the way to save the day. Where the heart pounding adrenalin rush of hearing someone plead for help is gone, now I get to craft that and hopefully inspire that reaction in my readers.
3. I had the honor of being among your first readers. That was a tremendous leap of faith. Do you still have that first never-to-be-read manuscript that all writer have hidden somewhere? Any chance of reviving or rewriting it? (note to blog readers, that was not what I first read: Jinxed, and it is awesome! check it out too.)
Oh God. The absolute first, no. But I still remember it well. I do however have the second, third, fourth, etc. And yeah, I may revive a few of those one day. Strangely when I go back and read them, I cringe in many places and am astounded in others. At 12, 13 and 14, there are things captured in those words that show how wide-eyed I was but there is a depth that surprises me. I only wish I had been taken seriously and encouraged when I said I wanted to be a writer.
BTW, JINXED was a rewrite of one of those stories from way back when, not from age 12, but young. It got completely revamped to where it is not recognizable now.
4. Where do you see yourself as a writer in 3 years? 10?
3 years- Churning out stories, sizable backlist, people who crave my books
10 years- Churning out stories, a hell of a backlist, people who crave my books and one kook who got a tattoo based on my work.
5. All writers have to start somewhere. This question is cliche, but has to be asked. What would you tell them? (besides to just BICHOK, or Butt in chair, hands on keyboard.) Because, yeah, you give me swift kicks often. I haven’t forgotten my promise. Just postponed it’s completion….
There is a voice inside that shows you a path. Everybody will try to divert you from it, be it saying “You can’t say it like that”, “that is too far a reach”, “you must follow these steps and pay these dues”, etc. Shut them out. Listen only to the voice inside. Blinders on and barrel forward.
SALOME AT SUNRISE by releases today from Carina Press!
It’s not nice to piss off Mother Nature…
Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him…
Salome at Sunrise from Inez Kelley and Carina Press.
Seize the day.
To a wonderful woman:
You met a man and fell in love
Two hapless girls in tow
One with stringy hair and too big clothes
The other was too little to know
What a family was or what it’s not
But that you had made it whole.
You filled a space so hard to fill
But within me made it grow
That wasn’t without sacrifice or will
But a heart of gold you bestowed.
This gift of love you gave to him
You more than gave to us
So much of that life is instilled in me
I like who I’ve become.
And none of it would be as such
If you hadn’t been as one
Despite men’s faults and changes of heart
You’re indelibly of my life
I’m better for it as a woman, mother, wife.
Who I am and who I’ll be is
A reflection of who you are
That cannot be taken from me
Nor reduced from your bright star.
I ache for you, I’ll always need you
And miss you with all my heart.
I thank God for you and
His leading you in your path
May He guide us still as we walk this life
And may we honor Him with each pass.
Thank you, Mom, for being you
Better words I cannot express.
President’s Day Plot-off
So what does an author of colonial historical romance do on President’s day when she’s off from her RL job and she has the kids?
I had planned to take out some large chunks of time and devote it to my current work in progress that is becoming a Herculean effort. But instead, I cleaned the heck out of my room while watching the History Channels presentations on the presidents. They only played from Washington to Lincoln. But I enjoyed it.
Of course, that led to plot bunnies and more inspiration. I can’t take NEW ideas right now. I can store them away for a while until it’s time for their turn. I’ll be damned if I never finish this book. I have 14 to finish before I get to my next ‘thing’ whatever that may be. I hate that I can’t finish anything. But it will happen.
Now that H is not showing anymore presidents day stuff, I pulled up my Netflix and have one of my favorite musicals playing. 1776 There you go for more inspiration.
What inspires, or derails you?
Oh, and by the way, a Plot off is just brainstorming with my author pals and pluging plot holes.
Fan versus Fanatic
We all want to be liked. Let’s face it. It’s natural to desire approval. This could be true in varying degrees. Some people cultivate this naturally. Others seek it out, subtly or blatantly.
I don’t have that ‘it’ factor that some do, which garners that natural reaction of, “Oh, I LIKE her. I like HER.” But I do have enough confidence to feel that some people, with only moderate encouragement would say, “Oh, her, sure, she’s alright.” And I’m ok with that.
I have been known to look in the mirror and give myself pep talks, a la Stuart Smally. Those silly little moments really do wonders for ones psyche and ego. It was in that vein that I created a Facebook page for myself. It would be nice to have fans. And not just those in my family. (Thanks you guys!)
So then, why was I pleasantly surprised that I got fans? And even moreso to get a new twitter follow out of it. (Jennifer Keller, HI! and thank you)
I think it’s the nebulous concept of fans and fandom that leaks to the possible fanaticism that makes once fame starved celebrities shirk at the ’sudden’ onset of notoriety. I have no illusions that I will attain those heights (or lows as it were) but I do desire to have a respectable following.
As I am wont to do, I began thinking about fans. About the word fan. I assumed, erroneously that it was derived from the word fanatic. But NAY, according to wikipedia, it is short for fancy. Do you fancy that new colonial romance author? Why yes, I do.
To quote: There are certain common characteristics to be found in fans interested in different topics and these characteristics influence the behaviors of those involved in fan behavior. Those common characteristics include internal involvement.[1] Fans focus more of their time and resources intently on a specific area of interest than a non-fan would, and are not significantly concerned if non-fans (including family or friends) do not derive pleasure from the area of interest. Fans usually have a strong enough interest that some changes in their lifestyles are made to accommodate devotion to the focal object. As well, fans have a desire for external involvement – are motivated to demonstrate their involvement with the area of interest through certain behaviors (attending conventions, posting online, etc.). Fans often have a “wish to acquire” material objects related to the area of interest, such as a baseball hit by a famous slugger or a used guitar pick from their musical hero. As well, some fans have a desire for social interaction with other fans. This again may take many forms, from casual conversation, e-mail, chat rooms, and electronic mailing lists to regular face-to-face meetings such as fan club meetings and organized conventions.
Wow. I don’t think I’ll be auctioning off any of my sundry items; but the original (garbage) handwritten pages of Constance might be valuable once I sell the whole series to Hallmark for a movie.
In light of this and the fact that I’m watching the Golden Globes with some feigned interest, I want to thank my fans. All 33 of you. While I write with the hope that others enjoy my work, I do so out of the joy of the art.
Because I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggonit! People Like me!
May the force be with you
My ideas come so sporadically sometimes that when I need to be productive I have to force it. And usually that doesn’t amount to very good work. They say that bad work is better than no work.
Why is it when I have projects for non writing tasks, the pressure just adds to the allure and quality of the piece? It’s not for lack of passion that my writing suffers. Discipline, maybe. Well, I do have a theory…it’s chemical. My muse gets silenced at times. But if I don’t partake of this Adult ADD thing then everything else suffers. You read (i hope) my previous post in which I described my ADD. It was not an exaggeration. Now, it was an example of my more hyper times. It’s not always like that.
One way that I ‘force’ myself to do whatever is to minimize distractions. I like too much and usually all at once. I feel like i’ll miss something if I don’t keep it at hand. TV, twitter, FB, Divas. Whatever. Well, this is obviously not conducive to writing. So I do a small exercise to refocus myself. I switch projects to do something quick and less stressful, like a blog post for example. And once I ‘prime’ myself I feel refocused and ready to take on the task at hand. It also helps when the demand is down. I serve in multiple roles.
That is really no surprise. Wife, mother, housekeeper. Full time job that is quite demanding.
So, today I took a mental day. Day off from FT job. Got some housework done without feeling pressured. Less guilt now to sit down at pc and enjoy.
*sigh*
So now I can work on my other job. my unpaying one. The one that I feel could pay off in the long run if my ambitions are met. You know, the whole colonial series being contracted and made into movies for Hallmark channel. (Hey it’s okay to dream and I could dream bigger, but really, I think that’s pretty lofty!)
But it won’t go anywhere if I don’t ‘get ‘r’ done’ So, after this side project called today’s blog post, I will write. I will finish these last few pages of edits and I WILL WRITE!
right?
We’ll see. Another tool to get in gear is the timed challenges. I have spoken of these before in my You gotta have friends post.
Off I go. What? You want to challenge too? Be my guest!
My friend is a writer too! It’s good to have friends…
Compromising Positions releases today!
Falling in love is the last thing on his busy agenda…but compromising positions can lead just about anywhere.
David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.
Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.
David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.
Warning: This is one exercise program you won’t need to consult your doctor before beginning…unless he’s hot and available for house calls. The Kama Sutra isn’t for the prudish or faint of heart, and neither is this story.
REVIEWS
“With sensual love scenes, flirty repartee, and a man and woman clearly meant to be together, you get everything you could ever want in a romance novel. Overall, I have to say that Compromising Positions is a must read!”
~ Long and Short Reviews
“Compromising Positions would have to be one of the best contemporary romance novels I have read in a long time. Jenna Bayley-Burke delivers it all, romance, humor, and great chemistry between her hero and heroine. It is so well written. The pace is great, and the story line fantastic.”
~ Fallen Angel Reviews
“This thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy has likable characters and a smart, spitfire heroine…Bayley-Burke delivers a really fun read. ”
~Romantic Times
I’m ADD that way
So I have four google chrome pages up. I’m eating, watching tv and playing a game. I’m listening to music and I’m blogging. But how can any one thing get my full attention?
Well, it can’t. But it allows my easily distracted brain to not get bored. My current fascination is with the Celtic Woman clips on youtube . PBS had a showcase of their talent and I went to find more. And as I do, I had to find out about them. One of the members names is Maeve. A very lovely name. It will feature in one of my colonial books.
But for now I have the music playing on an autoplay, finding not only that particular group, but others with similar musical qualities. And it’s inspiring. While I should be continuing my work on the never ending novel of Constance, I’m moved to write Maeve. I don’t even have her story fleshed out yet. But the sounds move me. At least the accompaniment is peaceful. Very pleasant a soundtrack for writing, or for playing games or for ….oh look, a kitty.