Friday, October 30, 2009

I've Got the Link! Now Vote!

Okay, so I'm a little slow at this game. Here's the link to the contest:


http://www.mistressbellashortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://www.mistressbellashortstories.blogspot.com/2009/10/do-you-want-to-know-secret-by-wendi.html


My story is Do You Want to Know a Secret?

I'm still a little behind, but second is still pretty good!

Thank you!

Wendi

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

What Next?

I was asked yesterday what's next for me. I was also asked when a whole slew of Wendi Zwaduk stuff was coming out...

Um...

As soon as I get the info, I'll post my entry to the Mistress Bella contest. I hope I do well, but won't die if I don't win. (Can you see my brave face?)

I sent another short to Whipped Cream. I had this need to write an art story. I wanted to write something that was sexy not because the characters are having sex (But they are), but because of the way they talk. I know, I know that sounds a little odd. Trust me. If it's accepted, you'll understand.

I sent my previous WIP to my second CP for critique. I'm hoping she likes it and that it'll soon be ready for submission somewhere. Fingers crossed.

Currently, I'm working on a resub that is getting that total overhaul I mentioned only about a hundred times. (Did I mention I tend to obsess?)

Oh yeah, and I decided to give NaNoWriMo a shot. Yup. I have this idea for a follow-up to Right Where I Need to Be that involved Jade Weir. What's going to happen? Well, the story is inspired by the death of a dear friend of mine. You see, I do craft shows in the fall for some extra cash. I make new buddies at each show, but Judi was my favorite. She had a cat she loved like a child. But, sadly, she passed away. When she passed, someone needed to take her beloved cat, Casey. Now I'm not much of a good friend because I'm not sure what happened to Casey, but this story (When it's done) is inspired by and written in memory of Casey and Judi. Will it be a tear-jerker? Maybe a little bit, but it'll still have my biting humor and sexy plot.

So what are you up to?

Let me know.

Toodles.

Monday, October 26, 2009

And It's In!

For what seems like forever, but has really only been about three months, I've been working on a farmer story. When my dad lost his job and got to farm full time, I decided to write my own farmer, who was darned sexy and totally not farmer material... so... after writing an outline, I did it.

I shocked myself with how fast it seemed to flow, too. But that being said, it wasn't all giggles and sunshine either. I always get this self-inflated feeling when I finish the first draft of a WIP that it's the best thing since sliced bread... then it goes to a CP and reality kicks in. Duh, it's good, but not the best. And it shouldn't be, not yet, anyway.

Why else would there be CP's?

So, I finished it, sent it to one CP and got it back and kicked my butt getting her suggestions and changes done. Do I feel good about it? Honestly?

Yes.

I think it's a strong story that shows that just because you don't look the part doesn't mean you can't do the job.

So it's off to the second CP. We'll see what she thinks and move on from there. The goal is to sub it before the end of the year.

Wish me luck.

Toodles.

I sent it in!

As some of you know, I decided to enter a contest.

Now, that being said, I've never been one to enter contests. Heck, when it comes to putting my name in the hat for random drawings, I'm never too lucky.

But my luck isn't at stake here. My story is. And what is that story?

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

What's it about?

Pennelope had a blast at her Halloween party the night prior with her best friend. When she hunts for her little black cat, Fang, she's in for the biggest trick or is it treat of her life.

So where do you go to see it?

Here: http://mistressbellashalloweenbash.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-celebration-of-halloween.html

Yes, Mistress Bella's Halloween Contest.

I'm not totally sure how the public voting will go, but I do hope (though I don't want to seem tacky) that you'll vote for my story Do You Want to Know a Secret?

I know the contest entries end on October 28th and the winner will be announced on November 1st. Mistress Bella's even having a day-long celebration on October 31st for the contest and that holiday... what is it... oh yeah, Halloween.

I'll post updates as I get them.

Toodles.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Spare Time... What's that?

So I, like a lot of other people don't have much spare time. I write, yes, but I also have to do other things to bring in a little cash and to keep myself sane. I know, sanity... what's that?

I do craft shows. As a matter of fact, I have one today. Will I do well? In this economy... um... many and maybe not. Some people think crafts are extras and others think they NEED them. I would like to think everyone needs some crafts in their lives... especially if I make them. But I understand that milk is more important than a knick knack.

So, until the show is over or I make a zillion bucks selling my next big novel... I'm off to sell and then work on my WIP.

Toodles.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Funny

Ever heard something that just made you laugh you buns off? I mean something too true it's hysterical?

I have two and I need to share because they are too funny. Thanks of course to M and K who told me.

"I had to explain the little squiggle over the n to my Spanish students. One means I am seventeen years old. The other way means I have seventeen butt holes."

I took more years of Spanish than I'd like to admit to, and this was too true. Then again, I once told my Spanish prof in college that I didn't have a spare tire in my car. I have no idea what he asked me, but I said no and everyone laughed. Thank Goodness I don't need too much Spanish right now or I'd be locked in the potty without a way out.

The second one... well... it fits me when certain people try to tell me something that's either A) really technical or B) they mumble.

"Hahahahahahaha... wait,... what?"

Yep. That's me. I think I know the joke and then I second guess or worse, I never got it in the first place. Yep. I get the "duh..." a lot.

But then again, there is the scene of the skunky dog running rampant through a house and everything in the house sorta wilting... I was so there. But as bad as it was, it was also funny cause at least she didn't actually run through the house (the stench did), and it wasn't my fault.

At least I have a sense of humor. Any funny things you heard recently? Let me know. I'm counting this as one of those times I really should be writing and instead am fooling around doing something innocuous like twiddling with a blog.

Toodles!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

When Life Gives You Lemons.. err I Mean Skunks...

Now I must admit early on that a good friend of mine has a great story about a skunk shifter. It's a cute little love story that she outlined, but I'm not sure she's written yet.

That being said, I've decided that skunks, no matter how cute they are in stories or books, ARE NOT MY FRIENDS.

Why?

Ummm... Let me just say that the dog went out in our back yard and decided that it would be a pleasure to chase a critter of the night. When she returned to the house, not only did she get a stern talking to, but she graced us with a FOUL stench. Yup, whatever she chased stunk like skunk and wild critter.

Let me tell you, writing romance while the house reeked of skunk DOESN'T work. Nope. Not romantic in the least.

So, I think I'll work on edits tomorrow and hope my massive Febreeze and Oust offensive got rid of the lingering memories.

Toodles.

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Fresh Perspective

So the Halloween short is done. Its with the CP.

Well a funny thing happened on my way to sleep last night. Yep. I must do my best thinking once I turn out the darned light because no matter how pooped I am, I can't turn my brain off and I come up with new story ideas.

Or in this case, I figured out a new way to take a rejected (asked for resub) story. That's right. I came up with a new story angle and I actually LIKE it. Sure, it's a bit toned down and will be shorter than the original, but if its stronger, than shorter it is.

I got lots of great advice from my blog readers and friends and was able to put most of it into practice, which is great. Everyone should have such great friends and readers.

So now I'm off to work on an edit (for a hopeful submission) and a rewrite that I'm jazzed to write.

Toodles.

So I Tried Something New

Yep. I tried something new.

You may be wondering... new food? new sport? (Umm, if it's not cars going around in circles, preferably on dirt... then I'm probably not there, but I am gaining an affinity for hockey.) new outfit?

Sorry, but none of the above.

I wrote something for a contest.

I'm super protective of my work. I know it needs critiqued and I know it will be shredded (I'm also of the opinion that a good, blunt CP who can tell you straight what needs fixed is a Godsend). Does that bother me? Nope, because what doesn't drive me crazy will make the work stronger and better.

But still...

Would they like it? I'm not versed in writing paranormal, so would they laugh at it? Is the thing too contrived to be taken seriously?

Yep. All these things ran through my mind. (Did I mention I'm a worrier? Oh yeah, I am SO there.)

So, I pushed that aside, ran the idea for the story by a CP I trust very much, knuckled down, wrote the story, and sent it off to another trusty CP. Yep, I'm treating it like I'm sending it off to an editor.

What will she think? I have no idea. The first CP liked the idea, but I've learned that what one person loves and makes them cry is the ONE THING that another person HATES.

But if she thinks it's worthy of contest entrance, then I'm golden.

More details later, as I don't want to embarrass myself if the story really does suck.

Toodles.

Friday, October 16, 2009

A Quandary

Every so often, you get to that point where you aren't sure what to do.

A quandary.

Well, I am SO there.

I have a finished MS that I love. The characters are a bit confusing because of the situation they are in. I know this and am ready to fix the issues.

BUT

I don't want to totally change the MS because I like it. Does that mean it doesn't have room for improvement? Quite the opposite. If the story will get better, then I'm all for a change.

I have some very much trusted colleagues and friends who argue I should take the thing elsewhere. Others in this group think I should forge ahead with the changes and try again. Both sides are valid suggestions and both sides mean well.

Still, where is the line? Where is the point where you keep what you have and take your chances or you change to the point of losing your voice? I am the first to say the story needs some changes. I am also the first to say I don't know everything there is to know about writing. I'm not sure I'm ready to rewrite the blasted thing just to make someone else happy and I'm not totally sure I want to leave it if it can't be enjoyed by others.

Oy!

Now I know that sounds sort of fork tongued. In a sense, it is. I want my story to keep its integrity, but I want it to see the light of publication.

Double oy!

What do I want to do?

Ugh. I'm not sure.

I think I'll think on it and try for an answer by the end of the week.

What do you think? I'd love your input.

Toodles.

Monday, October 12, 2009

I'm not much for teasers, but this sounded fun

It's Teaser Tuesdays, a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Everyone's invited to play along! (Okay, I really got this from Marianne Arkin's blog and thought it was cool.)

Here are the rules:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mine is this (and yes, I posted a different one on M's blog):

"In an hour then," he reaffirmed. "It will be nice to merely visit rather than snipe at each other."

But sniping at him was so much fun, especially considering that she detested him.
Page 85 of Heat Seeker by Lora Leigh

So what's in your TBR pile?

Sunday, October 11, 2009

JA Saare - Another Author You Should Know!

There are a few authors that come along that are ones you need to read their body of work. JA Saare is one of those authors. She's stopping by today to share an interview for her paranormal book tour. You can follow her at: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2009/09/virtual-book-tour-j-saares-paranomal.html



J. A. will be giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter from the tour and a $25 Amazon.com GC to the tour host with the most comments, excluding duplicates or J. A.’s responses.


Here's her interview. Welcome JA!


1. Describe your writing environment.

My office is referred to as “the cave” by my family. It’s in the corner portion of the basement and is the room that is used for severe weather (think hermit dwellings). My desk is large and curves around the wall. It’s a great thing because it allows me to flip to and from the laptop so I can jot down random ideas or check my email (I prefer to write on my PC). When I start writing, I pull my knees into my chest, get set in my chair, and choose a list from my itunes. That’s how I’ll stay–barring a trip for a drink or the restroom–until I’ve either met my word count for the night or finished my goal.

Since the winter is coming, you can add a blanket to the above mentioned room. I’m terrible about carrying around a blankie when it’s cold. Just call me Linus.



2. Where do you get your ideas for your work?

Most of the time, they come when I’m listening to music. I’ll see a scene in my head, or a character will begin to develop. Most of the time, I try to shirk it, as I have too many unfinished projects as is. But more often than not, I’ll end up writing a brief synopsis of my rambling and appease that inner voice until I have the chance to put something to paper.



3. Which authors do you admire and why?

There are so many! And after discovering how hard it is to do networking, promo, and finding the time to write at all, my respect has risen to the rafters! One author I’ve been supporting rather vocally is Joey W. Hill. I just can’t say enough about the Lady. She writes beautifully, and she is so incredible humble and gracious. I honestly wonder how she does it. She writes such incredible stories, yet keeps in touch with her fans and responds to emails personally.

Another author I love is Patricia Briggs. She writes some amazing stuff, and has done so without gratuitous amounts of sex. That’s not to say sex in literature is a bad thing, but reading work that gives just as much heat using sensuality alone is extremely refreshing. If you haven’t read the Mercy Thompson series, I highly recommend them! There is no sexier male alpha than Adam Hauptman. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a werewolf so badly! The focus is on him as a man that just happens to be a werewolf. Not his equipment. *smile*



4. Any tips or suggestions for new writers?




Most of the things other writers recommend have merit, aka critique groups and online classes. But the generally accepted rule of thumb I abide by is write, write, and write. And read, read, and read. Daily if you can. I recently went back and studied some of my earlier stuff, and it’s just terrible. It’s amazing how a writers mind and style will evolve as they learn and grow.

With that said…

When I started, I went the recommended route by sending off my first story to agents and e-pubs and continued working on my second book. When I finished the second, I started all over again, submitting and starting on the third story in my brain. When I was offered a contract for my first story, I was ecstatic. Then I got an offer on the next. And then on the third…Suddenly I realized those free days and nights of writing whenever the mood struck were long gone.

So my primary suggestion would be to set a schedule now, while you’re fresh in the game. Make sure you allow for free time to take care of promos, blogs, and networking. You’ll be shocked by the amount of work it takes to get recognition. And even worse, at how much time the process of promotion will take from any actual ‘writing’. Being prepared from the beginning will help future frustration immensely.

5. What's your best childhood memory?

When I was eleven years old, my Mom and Dad bundled my sister and I up on Christmas morning and told us we were driving to my Aunt Laura’s home in the county. My parents were rather secretive about it all, saying only that she had presents for us that had to be shared at her farm. When we pulled past the fence and drove onto her property, there were the usual chickens, dogs, and cats scattered about. But just to the right, tethered to the rail my Aunt used when they had the horses saddled to bring in the cows, was this beautiful brown Welsh pony with a big red bow around her neck.

I had begged for a horse as a girl for years (I think that’s fairly common) but I never thought I would get my wish. My Aunt came outside, led me over and showed me my new bridle, saddle, boots, and helmet, and said she was mine. Princess was the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. It’s a very fond memory.

6. Are you a people-watcher? If so, tell us a funny or interesting story about someone you saw.

Okay, if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? *snickers* Born and bred in Alabama, I live in the midst of rednecks, and there is no better place to observe an Alabamian than in their natural habitat–Wal-Mart.

You can find the best and the worst in humanity each and every year on Black Friday when those gates to Hell (aka those electronic doors) swing wide. I’ve seen grown women fight over the last discounted Barbie doll, and men carrying the maximum ten-per-customer boxes with portable DVD players while some poor guy that wants one for his son or daughter is told they are all gone.

On a positive note, the woman that fought over the last Barbie was put in her place when a woman that was purchasing the dolls for her grandchildren removed one of the three from her cart, handed it to the manhandled woman that was left empty-handed, and gave the perpetrator a lesson in manners!

Thanks for having me on the blog, I really appreciate it!
Jaime



Here's the blurb for her book, Moon Kissed.


When Kassia Lambert wakes in a nice warm bed, alive and intact, she can’t believe her good fortune. She should be dead, considering she was sent head first into brick and mortar. So why isn’t she?

Lycae Adam Trevlian has waited three long years to claim his mate, a human that battles for the Thymeria vampires. After he saves her life, he brings her with him, intent on doing just that. But betrayal and heartbreak is hard to overcome, and even with the kiss of the moon on his side, Adam knows Kassia may or may not forgive his past mistakes.

Moon Kissed Excerpt:

“Back off,” I snarled and started to leap onto the bed, mortified by the memory and my response to him.

His hand shot out, negating my progress. He guided me back against the wall and stood in front of me, his massive body blocking out the room behind him. The scent was stronger with the source so near, swamping me, encasing me, and I had to bite down hard on my lower lip to silence the moan that threatened to slip past. I slammed my eyes shut to block him out in the only way I could.

“Do you want to know who killed Demetrius?” His words, spoken in a husky timbre, were accompanied by his warm breath against my face. “Aren’t you curious?”

My entire body melted at the verbal caress, and a dumb nod was all I was capable of.

“I did,” he whispered thickly, violently. “I ripped out his goddamned throat before I severed his fucking spine.”

My eyes flew open, and I stammered, “W-what?”

Lycae did not get involved with the Thymeria without the promise of compensation. They detested the blood drinkers, thinking them little more than cold-blooded parasites. If Adam killed Demetrius, he would be owed a heavy boon.

“That’s right,” Adam murmured as I caught on, and he brushed his nose lightly against mine. “Since I relieved the Thymeria of their burden, they relinquished what I desired most.”

He pulled away to look me in the eye, and I blurted, “I don’t understand.”

His warm fingers wound into the hair at my nape, twining gently into the thick blonde strands. “The Thymeria knew of my intentions. That’s why they waited until you were twenty-one to send you after their most sought after Fallen. They banked on the fact I would be there, and that I’d kill the fucking bastard if he so much as touched you.” My hitched gasp of surprise amused him. “You shouldn’t be surprised, love. Vampires are shrewd creatures, if anything.”

As he spoke, I found myself moving closer to his enticing warmth, drawn to the cadence of his speech. His lips appeared so full and soft, so tempting . . .

Damn it! I cursed myself, shaking my head to clear my mind and ripping my eyes away from his sublime face to stare blankly at the wooden floor. My body refused to settle despite my best effort. My breasts felt heavy, my nipples going hard as the soft cotton shirt brushed painfully against the agonized flesh.

“Why would you follow me?” I choked out the question in the same instant I thought it. Distraught by the reaction he produced in me. “You made your feelings clear in New Orleans. Nothing’s changed.”

I tried to move to freedom and was rewarded with Adam’s impressive body pressing flush against me. My knees gave out with the contact of his heated skin, and he wrapped a strong arm around my waist to keep me upright.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Kass,” he rasped and nuzzled my neck, sending vibrations along the nerve endings and creating a scattering of goose bumps along the surface. He brushed his mouth against my ear and whispered, “Everything’s changed.”

Our eyes met, hunter green clashing with mushroom blue, and I froze, unable to move as his face descended, coming closer, then closer . . .

His lips were softer than I’d believed them, and far more gentle than I’d imagined. My eyes fluttered closed, and I moaned when his tongue slid past and caressed mine, darting in tenderly before retreating and coming back once more. Already frazzled senses heightened, allowing me to revel in the smell, taste, and feel of him. Eager and wanton hands caressed the hot smooth skin along his back without shame, fingers delving into solid and unyielding muscle.

He pulled away, breathing heavy, and whispered possessively, “You are mine now. The Thymeria have severed the tie and have placed you into my keeping. You’re of proper age to claim and take as a mate, and that is exactly what I intend to do. I’ve waited far too long for you.”

The words had meaning, but they didn’t compute, buzzing through one ear and out of the other. My mind couldn’t fathom anything but the man directly in front of me. I’d fantasized about Adam for so long I wondered if I had died and went to some eroticized version of heaven.

His laugh was rich, throaty, and deep. “You’re not in heaven, love. Not yet.”
More excerpts:
“Lick of Frost”Onyx “The Ice Princess”
Blackthorn has yearned for the nearness of another for two centuries. Cursed after she shunned the advances of a lovelorn wizard and felled him with a cursed blade, she ventures to New Orleans with his coven, desperate to put an end to the isolation that is slowly killing her.
“Soft as Moonlight”
Lycae Wolfe Trevlian returns to New Orleans after a lengthy self imposed absence with one goal – to appease the vampyren harboring a grudge against his kin so he can leave as soon as possible. Bitter memories linger in the Big Easy, memories best left in the past. Fortunately, the agreement with the vampyren is simple – destroy the creature killing off their brethren, and the death of their Master is forgiven.
“Moon Kissed”
When Kassia Lambert wakes in a nice warm bed, alive and intact, she can’t believe her good fortune. She should be dead, considering she was sent head first into brick and mortar. So why isn’t she?
“A Kiss Before Dying”
Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted - gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price - the cost of her life.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Eye Candy Part Twenty-Six



Where can you find a man with a sexy accent who prefers to play parts where the character is a writer? And where can you find said man who also knows how to use his hands? And do you think he'd have a brother who's hot in his own right?

Then you just might have Joseph Fiennes.


This Irish hottie makes my blood sizzle. As I've said, I'm a sucker for eyes. The guy has to have eyes that just draw you in. This picture makes me shiver.




His mom was a writer. He's a fraternal twin. He rock climbs. Can you ask for more?


He toyed with the idea of being a painter and carries a sketch book. Oooh, he'd make a great subject or an even better hungry artist.


I got these quotes from ImDb, but I think they are great and can be applied to writing so well:


I've always believed that you shouldn't want to mend a broken heart, because that's someone you don't want to forget. Scars can be good.


It takes years to establish yourself, and then you have one big film and everyone calls you an overnight success. You think, 'Christ, I've been sweating and crying for seven years.'
"Who has gone through their lives without those ups and downs, whether they are a journalist or an actor or a painter or an accountant? There are always going to be times when it doesn't flow as much as you were hoping. So of course I'm going to fail. And when I do fail I hope I fail better and better, again and again. I am happy to fail."

How can you ask for more?
Enjoy the view.
I am.

JA Saare - Moon Kiss - You Gotta Read This Book

JA Saare stops by the blog tomorrow for an interview. Speaking that I loved A Kiss Before Dying, I can attest to this author being one you need to know!

Moon Kiss Blurb:

When Kassia Lambert wakes in a nice warm bed, alive and intact, she can’t believe her good fortune. She should be dead, considering she was sent head first into brick and mortar. So why isn’t she?

Lycae Adam Trevlian has waited three long years to claim his mate, a human that battles for the Thymeria vampires. After he saves her life, he brings her with him, intent on doing just that. But betrayal and heartbreak is hard to overcome, and even with the kiss of the moon on his side, Adam knows Kassia may or may not forgive his past mistakes.

Moon Kissed Excerpt:

“Back off,” I snarled and started to leap onto the bed, mortified by the memory and my response to him.

His hand shot out, negating my progress. He guided me back against the wall and stood in front of me, his massive body blocking out the room behind him. The scent was stronger with the source so near, swamping me, encasing me, and I had to bite down hard on my lower lip to silence the moan that threatened to slip past. I slammed my eyes shut to block him out in the only way I could.

“Do you want to know who killed Demetrius?” His words, spoken in a husky timbre, were accompanied by his warm breath against my face. “Aren’t you curious?”

My entire body melted at the verbal caress, and a dumb nod was all I was capable of.

“I did,” he whispered thickly, violently. “I ripped out his goddamned throat before I severed his fucking spine.”

My eyes flew open, and I stammered, “W-what?”

Lycae did not get involved with the Thymeria without the promise of compensation. They detested the blood drinkers, thinking them little more than cold-blooded parasites. If Adam killed Demetrius, he would be owed a heavy boon.

“That’s right,” Adam murmured as I caught on, and he brushed his nose lightly against mine. “Since I relieved the Thymeria of their burden, they relinquished what I desired most.”

He pulled away to look me in the eye, and I blurted, “I don’t understand.”

His warm fingers wound into the hair at my nape, twining gently into the thick blonde strands. “The Thymeria knew of my intentions. That’s why they waited until you were twenty-one to send you after their most sought after Fallen. They banked on the fact I would be there, and that I’d kill the fucking bastard if he so much as touched you.” My hitched gasp of surprise amused him. “You shouldn’t be surprised, love. Vampires are shrewd creatures, if anything.”

As he spoke, I found myself moving closer to his enticing warmth, drawn to the cadence of his speech. His lips appeared so full and soft, so tempting . . .

Damn it! I cursed myself, shaking my head to clear my mind and ripping my eyes away from his sublime face to stare blankly at the wooden floor. My body refused to settle despite my best effort. My breasts felt heavy, my nipples going hard as the soft cotton shirt brushed painfully against the agonized flesh.

“Why would you follow me?” I choked out the question in the same instant I thought it. Distraught by the reaction he produced in me. “You made your feelings clear in New Orleans. Nothing’s changed.”

I tried to move to freedom and was rewarded with Adam’s impressive body pressing flush against me. My knees gave out with the contact of his heated skin, and he wrapped a strong arm around my waist to keep me upright.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Kass,” he rasped and nuzzled my neck, sending vibrations along the nerve endings and creating a scattering of goose bumps along the surface. He brushed his mouth against my ear and whispered, “Everything’s changed.”

Our eyes met, hunter green clashing with mushroom blue, and I froze, unable to move as his face descended, coming closer, then closer . . .

His lips were softer than I’d believed them, and far more gentle than I’d imagined. My eyes fluttered closed, and I moaned when his tongue slid past and caressed mine, darting in tenderly before retreating and coming back once more. Already frazzled senses heightened, allowing me to revel in the smell, taste, and feel of him. Eager and wanton hands caressed the hot smooth skin along his back without shame, fingers delving into solid and unyielding muscle.

He pulled away, breathing heavy, and whispered possessively, “You are mine now. The Thymeria have severed the tie and have placed you into my keeping. You’re of proper age to claim and take as a mate, and that is exactly what I intend to do. I’ve waited far too long for you.”

The words had meaning, but they didn’t compute, buzzing through one ear and out of the other. My mind couldn’t fathom anything but the man directly in front of me. I’d fantasized about Adam for so long I wondered if I had died and went to some eroticized version of heaven.

His laugh was rich, throaty, and deep. “You’re not in heaven, love. Not yet.”

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Phyllis Levine - Another Author You Should Know



Phyllis Levine is a dear friend and a hardworking author of the Matilda series. While she doesn't consider her works romance, but rather fiction. She feels the books show one way of living and good ethics with a romantic twist.


I asked her to spend some time talking about her work, available through Wasteland Press or it can be ordered through Barnes and Noble or Amazon. You can visit her at her website: http://www.phyllislevine.us/


Here's her interview:

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

1. Yes, I have, but when this happens, I leave the story and do something else and sure enough my mind will click and it's then I resume writing.

Which come first, the characters or the plot?

2. In my case, it was the character which came first.

What are you reading now?
3.I just finished reading a biography on Barbra Streisand. Occasionally, I enjoy a biography because I have always been fascinated by how a person accomplishes his/her goals.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

4. My titles have come from an event, a goal that my protagonist seeks, or a particular place in the book. In my second book "At the Skylight with Matilda," "The Skylight" is named for a hotel that involves my main character, Matilda.

What inspired you to write your first book?

5. I was inspired to write my first book, Matilda because while teaching, I felt that my ninth grade students could use a good nanny because many suffered from their parents' separation, divorce, lack of love, or any direction from an adult in their lives.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

6. My writing quirk is a character in my books who I would like for a friend in real life. This character makes me laugh out loud and has an attitude that I'd like to have. She is trustworthy and gives me a lift.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

7. When not writing, I walk in the park and enjoy nature, or spend time with my dog Beau, a Boston Terrier, who I adore being with.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Eye Candy Part Twenty Five






Okay, I love to look at the hunks on television. I also love CSI: Miami. When I noticed the latest edition and episode... yes, I took notice.

Eddie Cibrian.



Now, I love Wolfe (Jonathan Togo). He'll always be my favorite on CSI, but you can't NOT notice this shot... Whew!

Now I don't know about his love life (and yes, I looked, but didn't feel it was my place to spread rumor or innuendo.)

So why not just stop and enjoy the six pack. And yes... I'd love to (As Kealie put it) toboggan down those curves.



Gotta love a guy so at ease with his body.









Friday, October 2, 2009

Red Hot Reads for October Nights - the September edition

I forgot to post this while it was still September. Sorry!

Here are my suggestions for some Red Hot Reads. You won't want to miss these fabulous authors and fun reads.

A Kiss Before Dying - J.A. Saare - Amira Press
Sometimes love is enough to sustain even the frailest relationships. When love is a part of the strong relationships, the couple can survive for all time. There are some novellas that just seem to stay with you long after the last page. A Kiss Before Dying is one of those novellas.

A Witch’s Beauty - Joey W. Hill - Berkley Sensation
Beauty and acceptance are all around, but it takes a special trust, a special love to bring it forth.
Ms. Hill writes an entire complex world within a few pages and draws the reader in from the first word. A Witch’s Beauty is one of those novels that stays with you far beyond the last page. You want to see these characters come together for a greater good, but you also want to see them fight beyond their differences and find the love that will bind them together. While this story may not be for the reader seeking a breezy, fun novel, you won’t want to miss it either.


Getting Lucky - Carolyn Brown - Casablanca, Sourcebooks, Inc.
She’s been burned in love by lies. He’s been burned in relationships by loveless women. What happens when they end up thrown together by fate? She’ll get a run for her money. As for Griffin, he’s Getting Lucky.
Ms. Brown writes witty characters that stay with the reader long after the novel ends. You want to see them fight, laugh, love, and succeed in their lives. You feel a part of the story as well. You can almost smell the hay, corn, and live stock. The details set the mood for the story.

Simon Says Mommy - Kay Stockham - Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.
He needs another set of arms in his life. She needs a job and to reconnect with her sister. When he comes into her life offering a solution, what’s a girl to say? Well, read Simon Says Mommy and find out.
Ms. Stockham scores another great story with this novel. We meet yet another of the Tulanes, Dr. Ethan. I loved how the stories intertwined with earlier characters. From page one until the end, I couldn’t put this novel down.

I'm looking forward to the next Love at First Bite by Kimberly Raye, entitled Cody as well as Lora Leigh's Heatseeker and Hot for the Holidays. I can't wait to read JR Ward's new book, Covet: A Novel of the Fallen Angels, Carly Phillips new book Lucky Break, as well as LL Foster's Servant: The Kindred and Carolyn Brown's Lucky in Love.

Have fun and Happy Reading!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Ummmm....

Have you ever felt in the lurch? You really want to know something, but no matter how hard you try, you just can't find out what you need.

I'm so there.

I have a couple of projects in the works that need conclusions. I have a love scene that really needs to be finished, but it's not happening. I have a vampire who'd probably love to finally be with his mate, now that she's his mate, but they aren't together at the moment.

I'm lousy with patience and I'm no good at waiting. I'm trying to keep myself busy with the other stuff until the ultimate decisions. Yes, this is God's way of telling me to be patient, humble, and all that, but it's still hard.

So I'll go back to my Arca Remax race and hope that Parker Klugerman (I might have spelled his name wrong) wins because he's my champion in this series.

Toodles for now.