Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thank You Thursday ~ A Review!! A Review!!!

Y'all are realizing I'm a vocal girl. I love a good cover and I love a good review. I even love the bad ones (Because I learn from them), but this is a good review and I am thrilled to chatter about it!!

Honeysuckle over at Whipped Cream had this to say about Tangled Up:
This is a really sweet story. I’m always pleasantly surprised when an author comes up with a unique storyline. Tangled Up takes the story of three people who have an unconventional love for one another and suggests that love is a table for three rather than the traditional party of two. There is a completely believable misunderstanding that arises from a lack of communication.


Why thank you!! I'm thrilled you liked the uniqueness of the plot.


Ms. Zwaduk did a terrific job of building a tangible and obviously loving relationship between Arran and Sav. At the same time you hear the love that Arran still has for Mindy when he first leaves her a voice message and then again when they speak in person. I felt like Sav’s acceptance of Mindy in their lives is a sign of his love and trust in Aaran that was integral to making the whole relationship work.


Again, thanks for really getting the story.

My only real problem with the story is that I felt like I was thrown into the story with only a couple of snapshots of the past to get me caught up and invested in the present before it moves swiftly towards the HEA. I would like to have been given some more background on both Arran and Mindy’s relationship as well as how/where Aaran met and fell in love with Sav. Having said that, this is a short story and it is still an entertaining read despite its length.


Ah, such is the bane of short stories. Only so much room for details. But I'm glad you mentioned it. I toyed with the idea of Arran and Sav getting together (when they did) but haven't gone down that road, yet. I completely agree it could've been longer and maybe one of these days I'll add to it or write a prequel. You've indeed given me an idea or two.

Are you are looking for a sweet and unique twist on a menage in the making? If so, pick up a copy of Tangled Up. This little novella has plenty of heart coupled with some steamy heat in just the right mix to keep you reading. This is an easy read as well as an obvious recommend!


Again, thank you. I love when a reviewer is pleased with my work. Gave me reason for a Snoopy dance all day long. :-)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

New Cover!!! (I know...again? Yup!)

That's what you get when you sub two books within a shorter span of time. Didn't plan for it to be that way, but hey, it did. Wanna see?


I like this one. I think the infusion of the city at the bottom is fantastic. What do you think? I'm thrilled.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Sorry...Had Chores to Get Done....

Sorry. I know I shouldn't start a post with sorry, but I had to feed cattle and fuel the tractors. If I don't get out there early and get the chores done, then they won't get done. The kitties will go hungry and the cattle will grouse, so...

My name is Marley. I own twenty head of cattle and about a hundred acres of mostly hay fields. My brother owns the farm next door. He's got forty head of cattle, but he uses his two hundred fifty acres for pasture and soy beans. We work together and it seems to be working. He can keep farm hands a little easier than I can. For some reason, the guys around town get this idea that I can't run the farm. They think they need to defer to my ex-husband. I'm sorry. I'm thirty-two. I've got a degree. I'm not stupid.

Men.

Things can only get worse if my best friend's brother shows up. Ok, I don't say this often, but he's hot. He is. Sweet. Muscles. Tattoos...just enough piercings to look dangerous. Plays the guitar. Sings well enough to command an audience. Yeah, he's sexy.

But he's also dangerous. He was my first and the only man to break my heart. If he comes back, he'll want someone to get him out of a jam. I love him, but I can't be around him. Murphy's law would send him right to my doorstep.

I hope (not).

I've gotta go. Looks like Dolly's ready to have her kittens. C-ya!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

New Cover!!!


I got my cover for Please Remember Me and I gotta tell you, I love it. What do you think?

Friday, March 18, 2011

Careless Whisper Is Up For Book of the Week on Whipped Cream Reviews!!


It's up for Book of the Week on Whipped Cream. Now how cool is that? Click the cover to read the review. I'd love your vote! Where? Click the button to go vote!!! Want your own copy of Careless Whisper? Click here!


Click. Vote. Be Merry. Read ebooks.

A Review, A Review!!!

Careless Whisper got a fabulous review at Whipped Cream. I am super stoked!!
Voting starts tomorrow here.
Can't wait to see you there. Squeee!!!!

Wendi Zwaduk
www.wendizwaduk.com
www.total-e-bound.com

He’s her kinkiest desire, if she’s willing to open her heart and believe in him.


The dead don’t always rest in peace. Some stick around to make the lives of the living hell on Earth. Ryan Black knows the frustration of dealing with the dead. He’s a Ghost Explorer. He’s conquered houses filled with apparitions, abandoned school buildings that house angry vermin, and managed to woo the female population of Snake Falls, Ohio. But he’s about to face his toughest challenge, convincing sceptical Samara Jacobs she not only shares his gift, but holds his heart.

Women fall at Ryan Black’s feet and Samara’s determined not to be one of the many—that is until she’s forced to work with him. He’s certain ghosts exist and willing to prove it. The more she gets to know the man behind the television persona, she decides the handsome klutz who chases things that go bump in the night isn’t so silly after all. But is he worthy of her love?

This book contains anal sex and a little harmless domination.

Available here!

Flirty Friday

I'm a little behind as of late. It happens. A lot.

I'm still pluggin' away at the menage story. I'm honestly one love scene short of being done. It's kinda fun, but kinda sad. I don't really want to let go of the characters. I'll get it done, though.

What's next on the hit parade?

Good question.

I want to help Megan get her story done. It's with a CP and getting there, but not quite ready. So that's a challenge. But I won't give up and I won't let her give up either.

Next for me? Three things. I think.

One - Gypsy, Todd, and Allan's story. They still won't tell me what they want to do. As soon as I think I know, they change the game. Brats.

Two - Rhett's story. So far I know one thing. That's it. Brat.

Three - Felicity's story. I know quite a bit for her. She's probably next on the line, but she may prove to be a brat, too. We'll see.

Oh crud. There's a four. Well...depending upon how the submission goes. I turned in Tucker and Megan's story. That's the infamous 6 year old manuscript. I love that story and didn't want to let it languish. But Janine and Eric want their story. They've waited nearly six years, too. So I guess they are due.

And a five...sheesh. Berto and Remi would like to tell their story. Which might be a bit difficult since they are already together and like one person. Double brats.

Looks like I need to get my plot bunnies in gear.

But...want a little snippet of the reunion story? This is unedited, so it may be a bit rough. Bear with me. Macy's going back to her 15 year high school reunion at Mason Senior High School. She's equally excited and scared to see her high school crush, Tanner Connolly. At the same time, she's with her two best guy friends, the wonderful Berto and Remi. This is when they enter the building and sign in.

As Macy stepped up to the folding table, Remi wrapped his arm around her waist. “I’d like to sign in with my ravishing date, Macy Shibley and my life partner, Berto Katz.”

Faith’s eyes widened as her brows knotted together. She elbowed her best friend and partner in tormenting crime, Jill Mickelson. Biting back a grin, Jill turned the registration book towards Berto and folded her hands. “It’s great to see you. We all wondered if you three would be a modern couple.” Jill snorted and rolled her eyes. “You were always ahead of your time.”

Macy opened her mouth to correct Jill when Remi patted her shoulder. “Thank you, Jill, honey. We thought we’d let Macy out to get some air. We shelter her so.”
“Oh.” This time, Jill’s jaw dropped. “I meant—”

“If we keep her locked up for too long, she gets cranky and I have to get out the whips.” Elbowing Macy forward, Berto nodded. “Bye, girls.”

Once inside the spacious auditorium, Macy plugged her ears. The song playing on the stereo system echoed off the walls and rattled her brain. The fog from the DJ stand clouded the room, making it hard to see more than twenty feet from her face. Grief, she hoped she didn’t trip into the rows of seats.

“I’ll be right back.” Remi planted a kiss on her cheek and one on his lover’s before disappearing into the throng of dancers.

Berto wrapped his arm around Macy once more. “He’s a dork sometimes, but he’s the love of my life. I’m glad you made us go on that date.”

“You’re welcome, but that little comment was childish.” She rolled her eyes. “Whips? I think she choked on her gum.” She ducked in close and spoke in his ear. “But I loved every moment. Next time say something about using the bondage bed. She’ll pass out.”



Enjoy!!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Thank You Thursday

Before anyone gets the knickers in a twist, I want to say I am NOT complaining. Actually, this is a true thank you post.

Here goes...

I recently got a comment on a site about me. Now, first off, the comment had nothing to do with the book it was posted with. That's not the point. The comment was about me. At first, I was outraged. I mean, why would someone say something like that about me? I didn't do anything to them. Heck, I don't even think I know them.

But that's the beauty of the Internet. Anonymity. Again, not the point.


The point is, the comment and the incident served as a stark reminder. Anything done on the Internet--be it a dirty picture, a comment, a posting, whatever, is subject to anyone's opinion in return. If you write a book, you're subjected to the opinions of the reviewers and readers. Thankfully, most of my comments have been positive. I've learned from the ones that aren't. Apparently, what's on the Internet includes the actions of the author as well.

So why am I thanking the person? Simple. It's opened my eyes. A lot. I thought, ok, I can post what I want, say what I want, and it's fine. I'm being honest and straightforward. In most cases it is no big deal. Then there are those little moments that remind me, you probably said something you should've thought twice before saying, or did something you shouldn't have. Time to pay the piper.

Thank you for restoring my humble factor. Fact is, an author has to have a pretty thick skin. Reviews, now matter how nice, can always be the not fun kind. Occasionally people add things into reviews that are not really a reflection of the work, but rather a reflection on their opinion of the author. Is this right? Probably not. But, it's a First Amendment right to speak one's mind. I respect that. I do.


While I thank the person for opening my eyes, I do want to offer this word of caution. What you put on the Internet is more or less forever. Pictures, once unleashed on the virtual world, won't go away. It will end up somewhere. Words will still be there after the delete. So look at it this way, would you want someone to say something or post something--like a picture or a comment--you wouldn't want posted? Probably not.

Thank you for reminding me to think before I speak or post. And reminding me of the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you'd have done to you."

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What the? Wednesday...The Scariness of Submission

Submission. I know where your mind went. In some ways, you're right. There's a little of that in this post. And there's a little of a different kind of submission.

I'm working my heart out on a couple stories right now. One has to do with a menage. Yup. That one. Still not done with it. Not always a good thing. It's due by the end of the month. So if I want to sub it, then I need to get my buns in gear. That one has some fun submission and some yummy manlove. Yes. Megan convinced me to write some more m/m/f. And I liked it.

And then there's this other story. I've got a story I subbed last summer. Pitched it in person and everything. Needless to say, it was given a R&R. Revise and Resubmit. That would've been fine, had I not oh, I don't know...let it sit for more than a month. I worked my tail feathers off on it and then passed it on to a CP. Problem is, she kinda forgot about it...between forgetting about it and then finding out it was really not in shape...I haven't bothered to resubmit it. It's not that I don't want to. Far from that. I'd LOVE to resub it. I just didn't realize how bad off it was when I'd subbed it in the first place.

Hence my scared-y-cat-ness. I get all excited when a story is close to being ready but the queasiness that accompanies actually submitting...strikes every time.

Ugh.

I've got a sub in right now. It's a favorite of mine. So if it gets shot down, I'll be honest, it'll be a bit painful. Why? It's the polished and rewritten version of my very first MS. I call it the 6YOMS (6 year old manuscript). We'll see. And have fingers crossed.

You ever experienced the "I really need to ralph because I sent in a sub" feeling? Share your story. I'm all ears. Or eyes. Whatever. Let me know.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Monday Moans ~ What I'd Say...

I'm doing the blog today and I have to say, it's a toughie. I'm not really one for talking, but I'm a public figure. Sucks. I'm very private.

Ok, so Wendi says I have to talk about me...Fine. My name is Parkur. I'm a Leo. Middle name's Leo, too. I hate snow, but I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Not the brightest move, but it works. My recording studio is there.

I just got back from a tour and I'm lonely. I know, there's lots of people on the road. One issue. They aren't ... well, they aren't the two people I love.

I put the picture on the post because it reminds me of how I feel. I'm locked in their webs and really don't want free. Oh well.

I gotta go. Ask me to sing to a crowd of 20k and I can do it no problem. Ask me to write in prose about my feelings. Ain't gonna happen. And no, I won't share lyrics either.

Sorry.

I'm handing the blog back to Wendi
(Sorry Wen, not much into talkin' right now.)

~ ~

Sorry, he's not the most chatty guy I know, but I love Parkur anyway. He's heading back to his studio up in Cleveland to work on the next Razrs Edge record.

I had a tour in February for my book Careless Whisper. I'm going to announce the winners of the downloads of that book.
For the tour with the most commenters...
Diana and the Book of Secrets Blog!!!!

For the randomly drawn commenter...

Kay Dee Royal!!!

Congrats ladies. Enjoy!!

~ ~

And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

A Review!! What's Up Matilda? by Phyllis Levine


What's Up Matilda? by Phyllis Levine
Wasteland Press
Contemporary
Length: Full Length (202 pgs)
available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wasteland Press

Matilda is about to take her final science exam, which will finish up her first year at the University of Miami in Florida, Coral Gables, but her mind suddenly becomes intrigued by Richard Evergreen's confession to her. Newly married to Mark Rosen, she questions herself. Is it possible she could be in love with two men? Or is it that she misses being a nanny to Richard's two children? Matilda is in a panic. What can she do? She must concentrate on this final science exam. Follow Matilda in this fourth series of her remarkable adventures. This is the book you requested to learn more about her.


A book with heart and soul, guaranteed to make you smile.

I know when I pick up a book by Phyllis Levine, I’m in for a good time. Her latest book, What’s Up Matilda? is a winner. Fans of Ms. Levine’s work will love the return of Matilda. The writing flows and draws the reader in page by page. I couldn’t put the book down.

Matilda’s in her hardest challenge of all—she’s out of her comfort zone and trying to find her way in the world. I could identify with her feelings of frustration and confusion. Being a newlywed is tough and Ms. Levine writes Matilda in a way the reader can feel like he or she stepped into Matilda’s shoes. The whole cast of characters returns, Mark, Richard, the children. It’s nice to see what feels like old friends and fun new characters. Jennie and Joey are delightful additions. I loved seeing how they’d come along from the first book.

And talk about tension. This book comes with boatloads and it’s fantastic. I couldn’t get through the book fast enough o see what would happen next.

If you want a story guaranteed to leave you with a grin on your face, then you need to read What’s Up Matilda? If you want a new-to-you author to try, then you need to read the rest of the books in the Matilda series. You won’t regret it one bit!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Flirts

I'm hanging out over at the Total-E-Bound blog today!! Come on over and read my post. I'm talking hotties and procrastination.


Want an update as to where I'm at in the world? Sure you do!!

NASCAR story is almost done. I'm at the point of fixing little things here and there and trying to polish the rough edges. Hope to sub that soon.

Menage story is way back on track. 2500 words from the min. So I can't wait to get back to it.

Farmer is next on the docket. I want to get back to him and really whip him into shape. I mean, why not? Whips are fun. Ask Megan.

That's all for now. Unless edits roll in and derail everything. Which happens.

Toodles.
~ ~

And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday ~ Review for Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell


Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell
Samhain Publishing
Novel
Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
M/M, anal sex, overzealous use/consumption of pastries

An old mystery brought them together. Solving it could tear them apart.

In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.

At seventeen, Trey was taken in by the wealthy Gardner family after his father was jailed for his mother’s murder. Until he left for the Army, he fought a double-edged battle—for proof of his father’s innocence and against his attraction to Daniel.

Fifteen years later, things haven’t changed. Trey is still looking for the real killer. And Daniel has never forgotten how Trey used to sneak into his room at night.

Now new clues to the murder are resurfacing—and so is Trey and Daniel’s sexual chemistry. Except this time, Trey has come to terms with his orientation.

But their connection may not be enough to overcome the mistakes of the past. Not while a murderer still walks free…

Product Warnings
Anyone who would rather not read about hooking back up with someone who broke your heart, minor suspense, hot guys who can handle guns and each other, and lots of steamy gay sex probably isn’t reading this warning anyway, but if you are, back away slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.


Those who know me, know that since I was given four of Ms. Mitchell's books and bothered to sit down and read them, I've been hooked. Yuppers. Her characters are like reading about friends. I can't put the book down and I can't walk away.

Same goes for Chasing Smoke. I put off reading this book for a while. I'd like to say it was because I had all kinds of fantastic things happening. But alas, the truth is less glamorous. I didn't want to read it and be at the end. When I say being in the characters' world is like really being there, I'm not kidding. I didn't want to have no more K.A. Mitchell to read. Sad but true.

I'll be honest, when I started this book, I wasn't real impressed with Daniel or Trey. I thought both were self-serving and a bit put-off-ish. I should've known better. Ms. Mitchell has a way of writing characters that I initially dislike, but then love because of their peculiarities and coolness. I loved Daniel's zeal. When the guy gets a thought in his head, hell couldn't move it. And he's got his heart on his sleeve. So sexy. Then there's Trey. I found myself more than once wanting to sock him in the head, and then wanting to comfort him. Yeah, he got under my skin that much.

The plot has plenty of twists and turns and quite frankly, I didn't see the ending coming and I loved it. Up until the last few paragraphs, I still wasn't sure how things would end. Then I shut the book, went to do something else and continued thinking about Trey and Daniel. They literally invaded my dreams. Not that I'm complaining. Based on their descriptions...yum.

If you want a book that's got heat and lots and lots of heart, then you can't get any better than Chasing Smoke. I totally recommend this read.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What the? Wednesday ~ Rules...Who Do They REALLY Apply To?

Sorry, but I have a rant today. Yup. You're shocked, I know. But it's a matter of being fed up and a little...unimpressed.

I'm not saying I am a saint. Far from it. But, let me tell you two stories.

Story One
I'm at a large store minding my own business. Youngling needed sweatpants, because he lives in them, and I was on the lookout for said britches. Ok, so don't hunt for sweatpants in March. They aren't out. Anyway, I'm standing in line at the checkout. Nothing much is going on, but the line is long. Fine. I didn't really have anywhere to be (at that time, but that's another story). I'm browsing the magazine rack and listening to the muzak when the register right beside me opens. She even motions me over to get into her line. Ok. You might be thinking, what's the issue?

The woman who decided she HAD to go in front of me. Now had she ASKED and said something like, I'm late, I'm in a hurry, I'm something other than being rude...I'd have happily let her go. Live and let live. But no. She just butted in front of me. I was RIGHT THERE!! I said, excuse me. She smiled. "I was here first."

Yanno, fine. If whatever you had to do was that important, fine.

Story Two
I went to the school to pick the youngling up. We don't live in his district, but open enroll him. Fine. There's a pick up line. Same procedure every day. You get in line, show your number, when it's time, they release the totlets. Fine.

Except when parents feel they and their children are more important than yours.

I start driving towards the turnaround and this person decides come hell or high water, she needs to be in front of me. Normally, I wouldn't care. I wasn't first in line. I wasn't in a hurry. No, what irked me, was that we are at a SCHOOL. We are supposed to be teaching our kids to FOLLOW the RULES. How is it following the rules when you hurry up and speed in a 10 mph school zone, to get right in front of ONE CAR. ONE FLIPPIN' CAR!! It's not. First, the person broke the speed limit. Second, kids come running out of the school without LOOKING WHERE THEY ARE GOING. Speed racer could've easily taken out a running kid. Third, person cut in line. We teach kids, be polite, don't cut, do unto others as you'd have done to you. And then we turn right around and show them, if you aren't first, you aren't wanting it enough.

My Point?

We have these things called rules for a reason. So people don't get hurt. Whether it's copyright infringement, bodily harm, vehicular harm, or emotional harm, there are rules. Without rules, we'd have anarchy. No stop lights, we'd have mayhem in thr streets. No seating charts, we'd all be squished at concerts like the Who concert in Cincinatti. So, rules reallly have a place in society.

Except when someone gets the idea that they are more important than everyone else. Just because you drive a Mercedes and have fashionable specs, doesn't make you more important than me. Just because you don't want to wait the extra fifteen minutes to pick your kid up because you don't want to 'cut it close to practice' doesn't make you better than me. It makes you more affluent, maybe. Might make you a bit of a scheduling control freak, but it doesn't mean you or your kid is anymore important to me or my kid.

Am I ranting? Yes. Why? Because it's irritating to stand in a line, mind your own business and have someone butt in because they've deemed they needed to go first. It's aggrivating to watch a parent scream at a kid that they haven't followed the rules when Mommy and Daddy just sped through a school lot to make sure little Jonnie and Suzie didn't have to wait to go home.

Stepping down from soapbox. I feel a little better now. Thank you for listening.


And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Monday Moans

There's this man I love. Well, actually, there's two. I know it sounds crazy. I mean, some women can't even find one man to love without care. So I should feel lucky. Right?

And yet... I'm torn.

Good thing I can put the pain into song. My name is Juniper Binder. I sing and play piano and organ for the rock band Razrs Edge. Did I mention I co-write the songs, too? I do.

Are you wondering about the men in my life? I thought you might be. Both men are my bandmates. Well, they were. Jacoby is still in my life. He's my husband. I love him with all my heart. I mean, he's the man who makes me shine and understand what I need. He's the drummer and yeah, he's really good with his hands.

And then there's Parkur. Oh, man. He's the tough one. I was with Parkur first. Now don't get yoru britches in a bunch. I didn't cheat on him with Jacoby. Nothing like that. Parkur and I started Razrs Edge in high school. We needed something to do that was a little more constructive than having sex all day. Yes, we were horny as hell. After school, we took our little two piece band to the bright shiny lights of LA. We got a contract, but it didn't go anywhere. And then we met Jacoby. Funny thing, it was Parkur that cheated on me with Jacoby. I mean, duh, I knew he was gay. Hell, I'd pick out boyfriends for him. For a while there I thought Parkur wouldn't need me--in life or in the band. But when we pooled our resources and went with the mutual attraction, we realized three really was our magic number.

It was bliss.

Now you're wondering why we aren't together. I'm not totally sure what happened, other than Parkur said he wanted to move on. He wanted a wife and a family--not a girlfriend and a boyfriend. That revelation damned near killed me. It was hard as hell on Jacoby, too. Thank God we had each other to lean on. Probably why we decided to get married. We had each other and we had the music. But you ask Jacoby and he'll...probably grunt and grimmace and walk away. On the inside, he's hurting. I'm his wife, yes, but I'm not the only person he wants.

And it hurts.

I want Jacoby to want me and I want Parkur to be there. I want my husband and his gay lover.

How fucked up is that?

*****Sigh***** Now that I've surely bored you to tears... I'll close. Thanks for letting me rant.

Rock on.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Yvonne Walus Is Here Today!

Yvonne Walus stops by today. The blurb for her book snagged me and I just had to host part of her tour. Check out her book, Murder @Play. Now, her tour only lasts one day, but it's a doozy! She's giving away a $10 Gift Certificate to Amazon.com. So comment to your heart's content!! I want you to!!
Welcome, Yvonne. How about a few questions?


What was the inspiration behind this story?

“Mom! MOM!!!!!”
It’s 3 o’clock in the morning and my daughter's had a bad dream. I drag myself out of the warm and cozy bed (almost as cozy as my murder mysteries) to cuddle and kiss away the nightmares.
7.20: “Honey, wake up. I’m going now.” That’s my husband on his way to work. I’m half-sitting, half-lying down, all-shivering on my son’s bed. Huh? How did I get there? The last place I remember is my daughter's bed.
8.00: I'm ready to go. The children are playing, still in their PJs.
8.01-8.30: A lot of yelling happens.
8.50: We make it to school before the 8.55 bell.
9.15: I switch on the computer and begin my day job, which has nothing to do with mystery novels.
3 p.m.: Collect the kids, drive them to piano, or ballet, or swimming, or art, or a play date.
5 p.m.: Return home exhausted to an evening of homework, dinner, making
costumes for the school play and other family activities.
9 p.m.: Open my Murder Mystery folder. Record as much of the day as I can remember, from “Mommy, why did God make bad people?” all the way to “If I knew what I was signing up for, I would never have become a father”.

That's where I get my inspiration for any story. Although most characters in MURDER @ PLAY are child-free, Elizabeth and Roger have children, and reading their scenes makes me smile in fond memory... particularly the bit when they get to go away for a weekend without the children.
Yes, now that I think about it, that's what inspired me to write the story: this idea of a mansion full of old friends and no chores! Time to kick off your shoes, let down your hair and reconnect with your loved one.

Favourite Part?

MURDER @ PLAY is structured like a music piece: with a prelude, a finale, and three
movements in-between. The melody that keeps haunting my amateur detective, brilliant
mathematician Christine Chamberlain, is interwoven into the novel and becomes a crucial piece of the murder puzzle.
The words that helped put the criminal behind bars?

Though I have all faith so that I could move mountains, if I have not love, I am nothing. Though I speak with the tongues of angels, if I have not love, I have nothing.

Favourite Character?
Christine Chamberlain. Anybody who decides to get married on the basis of a painting her future husband created, is just crazy enough to get my vote!

Want a blurb for MURDER @PLAY?
EVERY MARRIAGE NEEDS A TOUCH OF MYSTERY. OR DOES IT?
In the new free South Africa of 1994, men are still boss, women carry handguns for self-protection and some mistakes can change your life forever.

When a body is found during their weekend away with friends, Christine Chamberlain must use her brilliant mathematical mind to prove her husband’s innocence...

... whether he’s innocent or not.

When it comes to your loved ones, is it possible to know too much?

I can even give you an excerpt!
Daniel punched in Christine's number as soon as he got off the aeroplane at
Johannesburg International Airport. He was aware of the looks he drew. Admiration from the women, envy from the men. All because of his cellular phone, the latest technological trump in the game of Show Off Your Business Status.

"Hi, Tom," he said into the brick-sized phone.

Damn it! He didn't want to speak to Christine's husband, not today of all days.
"Daniel." It was an acknowledgement, not an invitation. "I'll get Christine for you."
One of his fellow passengers bumped into Daniel's briefcase.

"Hello, Christine. Are we still on for lunch today?"

"You're back? I thought you'd still be in Hong Kong."

"I managed to get an earlier flight." He didn't mention he cut the trip short in order to make it to their regular lunch date. "I tried to call–"
Please don't say you have other plans.

"No problem. Same time, same place?"

Yes!

He refused to have his good mood spoilt by the you're-on-my-time look of the passport
control officer.

"Your passport, please? Thank you." The official stamp fell in a sausage-machine
gesture. "Welcome home. Next!"

Daniel jammed the passport into his pocket and headed towards the green customs exit.
With more nonchalance than needed, he swung his overnight bag past the crowd gathered
around the conveyor belt. One of the customs officials stifled a yawn, rubbed his eyes, and signalled for Daniel to stop.

"You've just arrived from…?"

"Hong Kong," Daniel kept his face calm and relaxed. It was easy, because his whole
body felt awake, not only because his internal clock showed midday even though it was six A.M. South African time.

"You don't have much luggage." It was a question, even if it didn't sound like one.
"It was a business trip. No time for shopping. But you know, whenever I take a girlfriend along–"

The official laughed and waved him through.

Daniel waited until he was in the parking lot before he exhaled. His phone rang just as he was loading the suitcase, with the contraband, into his car. Alice's number. He sent it straight into voicemail.

"Hi," he heard the throaty voice. "I hope you've had a wonderful trip." The words
sounded artificial somehow, as though she had rehearsed in front of the mirror. "Please call me back when you get this." A pause, then a quick, "It's important."

Important, sure. Important to her. In her world, it was always Alice, Alice, Alice. She was the axel–what she thought, what she felt, what she wanted–and everything else revolved around her needs.

The Porsche yielded to his touch like a loving woman should. A loving woman…. It had
been a while. Nobody since Alice, in fact. Why was that? Was he losing his charm? Getting old? Twenty-six already. Even without glancing in the rear-view mirror he knew his face was still that of a naughty boy, with smooth skin and sharp cheekbones. He tensed his abdomen muscles with satisfaction.

So, what is it?

Deep down, though, he knew well enough. He'd had a loving woman, once, long ago,
and he had let her walk out on him. Today, though, today he was going to tell her. During their regular lunch date.

Want to know more about Yvonne? Here's the vital stats:
• website: http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net.nz/
• blog: http://yewalus.blogspot.com/
• facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yvonne.walus
• book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJpbOiFkPkU
• buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Play-ebook/dp/B003CT30GC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3QI763M62X7GQ&s=books&qid=1274234575&sr=1-2
• publisher: http://www.echelonpress.com/

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Yvonne Walus here Tomorrow!


Yvonne Walus stops by tomorrow with her book, Murder @Play. Her tour only lasts one day, but it's a doozy! She's giving away a $10 Gift Certificate to Amazon.com. So comment to your heart's content!!

Want to know a little about the book? Here's the blurb:

EVERY MARRIAGE NEEDS A TOUCH OF MYSTERY. OR DOES IT?

In the new free South Africa of 1994, men are still boss, women carry handguns for self-protection and some mistakes can change your life forever.

When a body is found during their weekend away with friends, Christine Chamberlain must use her brilliant mathematical mind to prove her husband’s innocence...
... whether he’s innocent or not.

When it comes to your loved ones, is it possible to know too much?

Need an Excerpt? Here you go!
Daniel punched in Christine's number as soon as he got off the aeroplane at
Johannesburg International Airport. He was aware of the looks he drew. Admiration from the women, envy from the men. All because of his cellular phone, the latest technological trump in the game of Show Off Your Business Status.

"Hi, Tom," he said into the brick-sized phone.

Damn it! He didn't want to speak to Christine's husband, not today of all days.

"Daniel." It was an acknowledgement, not an invitation. "I'll get Christine for you."

One of his fellow passengers bumped into Daniel's briefcase.

"Hello, Christine. Are we still on for lunch today?"

"You're back? I thought you'd still be in Hong Kong."

"I managed to get an earlier flight." He didn't mention he cut the trip short in order to make it to their regular lunch date. "I tried to call–"

Please don't say you have other plans.

"No problem. Same time, same place?"

Yes!

He refused to have his good mood spoilt by the you're-on-my-time look of the passport
control officer.

"Your passport, please? Thank you." The official stamp fell in a sausage-machine
gesture. "Welcome home. Next!"

Daniel jammed the passport into his pocket and headed towards the green customs exit.
With more nonchalance than needed, he swung his overnight bag past the crowd gathered
around the conveyor belt. One of the customs officials stifled a yawn, rubbed his eyes, and signalled for Daniel to stop.

"You've just arrived from…?"

"Hong Kong," Daniel kept his face calm and relaxed. It was easy, because his whole
body felt awake, not only because his internal clock showed midday even though it was six A.M. South African time.

"You don't have much luggage." It was a question, even if it didn't sound like one.

"It was a business trip. No time for shopping. But you know, whenever I take a girlfriend along–"

The official laughed and waved him through.

Daniel waited until he was in the parking lot before he exhaled.

His phone rang just as he was loading the suitcase, with the contraband, into his car. Alice's number. He sent it straight into voicemail.

"Hi," he heard the throaty voice. "I hope you've had a wonderful trip." The words
sounded artificial somehow, as though she had rehearsed in front of the mirror. "Please call me back when you get this." A pause, then a quick, "It's important."

Important, sure. Important to her. In her world, it was always Alice, Alice, Alice. She was the axel–what she thought, what she felt, what she wanted–and everything else revolved around her needs.

The Porsche yielded to his touch like a loving woman should. A loving woman…. It had
been a while. Nobody since Alice, in fact. Why was that? Was he losing his charm? Getting

old? Twenty-six already. Even without glancing in the rear-view mirror he knew his face was still that of a naughty boy, with smooth skin and sharp cheekbones. He tensed his abdomen muscles with satisfaction.

So, what is it?

Deep down, though, he knew well enough. He'd had a loving woman, once, long ago,
and he had let her walk out on him. Today, though, today he was going to tell her. During their regular lunch date.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

What the? Wednesday!

Whew! It's been a long couple days...what am I saying... Long couple of weeks! I did the blog tour for Careless Whisper. What a blast! I should do it again. After a nap. I had a great time meeting new readers and getting the word out there. Oh, and talking about ghosts. Always fun.

This week I'm over at Whipped Cream as the Spotlight Author. How cool is that? You can win a LinkGC to Amazon or BN if you comment. Why not? I love being spotlighted over there. The ladies at WC/LASR rock.

And then there was the announcement of TWO contracts. Call me an overachiever, but yeah, I turned in two subs and thankfully my editor liked them enough for contract. Please Remember Me comes out tentatively in May! What Might Have Been is tentative for a June release. Both from Total-E-Bound. Yanno, how cool is that?

Sara Reinke stopped by yesterday with her book, Dark Passages. That was a fun tour visit. Yvonne Walus stops by on her whirlwind tour on Friday and in April the ever wonderful Desiree Holt stops by for her 100th release. That is cool.

So really, my what the? Wednesday isn't really that earth shattering, but it's actually pretty good by me. :)

And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!