Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday Flirts ~ News and Dates to Remember!!!

Whew! Been a long week, and I haven't even had the time to pay attention to that huge fantastic romance across the pond. I've got a bit o'news! I got the edits for Please Remember Me and I'm happy to say they are back and in the editors hands. Yay!!! I'm also darned proud to say the edits for What Might Have Been are also back in the hands of the editor. Double Yay!

And since I'm spreading the news...I got a release date for Ever Fallen in Love!! August 15th!! Can you tell I'm excited? Sure am!

I've still got at least one sub out there floating around. Can't wait to hear about it...I'd love positive news, but yanno, the chips will fall where they will.

My goal for this week is to get the Farmer really going. I keep saying I will and I keep falling down on the job. I don't really have an excuse. Just busy. So that's the plan. Get the farmer in shape so I can (hopefully) resub him. I'm sure he'd tired of being in the box waiting for his turn.

Some important dates:

* I'm doing a book signing at the Sandusky Borders on May 1st from 1-3 with my dear friend Deb Alferio.

* May 23rd is the release day for Please Remember Me from Total-E-Bound!

* May 25th I'm chatting on Coffee Time's Erotic Loop in conjunction with the release. Come join me!! I'm giving away a GC to BN or Amazon!

* May 25th I'm also going to be at Brandyz's blog, talking about, you guessed it, Please Remember Me!!!

That's the news of the nation. Mark your calendar and prepare to join me. It's going to be a great time!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thank You Thursday Free Read!!!

My pals Kealie, Chris, Megan, and I have tossed around an idea of writing about teachers. Since I happen to have a little experience as a teacher, I thought I'd give it a go first. Turns out, the story was good enough to make it as a free read on Whipped Cream. Pretty cool, eh? Click the cover to read it. I'd love to know what you think.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Ten Things You Didn't Know About...Must Be Doing Something Right

Gotta roll with a theme, eh? This week, it's Must Be Doing Something Right. Ok, so this was my third story and it was a favorite because I got to ask legal beagle questions.

10. Courteney was originally a librarian with Abby from Learning How to Bend.


9. Nate was originally a trial lawyer, but I don't know too many trial lawyers who deliver pizza...

8. I wrote the story in about a month.

7. I wanted to write a scene with voyeurism. Nate and Courteney shouted, 'we'll do it!'

6. The story went by 'The Lawyer Story' for the longest time because I wasn't sure what the title would be.

5. Arran still doesn't know how many times Nate and Courteney initiated his desk.

4. Courteney's favorite drink is a fuzzy navel. Nate will drink beer, perferrably from Courteney's navel.

3. Courteney started writing erotica to pass the time and to get the characters out of her head and onto the page. Sound familiar? Oh, and Nate is completely for the research portion.

2. Yes, I had that pesky Billy Currington song going through my head a lot while writing this book.


1. The book started out with Nate and another character, but he kept informing me he'd only make love with Courteney. I couldn't tell the guy no, yanno?

Here's the blurb:
If she can open her heart, she’ll find he’s her naughtiest dream come true. Being mischievous with him is exactly what she needs.

Nate Waterford knows exactly who he wants in his bed and his heart, but he’s on guard. When women find out his profession, they see dollar signs. He’s been hurt by gold diggers and he’s not about to fall in love—until he sees Courteney. She’s his fantasy come to life and once he gets her in his arms, he’ll be damned before he considers letting her go. Unless she tells him to go to hell first...

Despite her success as a fledgling romance author, Courteney Bennett’s had her share of bad relationships. She’s attracted to her best guy friend, Nate, and she’s not ready to throw a friendship away for one night of passion—even if his idea of desire puts the hottest scenes in her erotica stories to shame. Is her heart a fair price to pay for an evening to remember or will it be the biggest mistake of her life?

Contains Light Bondage, Voyeurism, and Anal Sex!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Monday Moans

Ok, so I totally dropped the ball on this post. Yup. I got so excited by the thrills of Easter - yes, I love my Cadbury Eggs - I kinda forgot the post. Hey, was with the family, eating chocolate, and hiding eggs...yanno...Easter fun. But at least I posted a bunny?

Ok, two days of Tasty Tuesday to make up for it. And I promise not to forget again. Really. :-)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Friday Flirts....

Yanno, I've been slaving away at too many things lately and haven't had much time to just write. I know, a writer who isn't writing...odd.

I've been working with Megan on an elemental story. Should be pretty cool. What I've read looks pretty good.

Wrote a one off short for the kick of it about a teacher. Might know a thing or two about teachers.

I'm finding I have no time to get what I want accomplished because everything else seems to encroach. Dishes still in sink...dog fur tumble weed under the couch...the contents of my makeup bag across the bathroom counter.

But I did put the blue streaks back in my hair. I mean, why not? It's still really dark, so it's camo (kinda) and I almost like it better that way. Has to be real bright sun to see it. But since it's been just about constant rain here...yeah, you get the picture.

Oh well....

More later. Promise. :-)

Thursday Review ~ Make the Yuletide Gay

I love a story where the characters seem totally not right for each other, but the author makes everything turn out exactly how it should be. I wanted to bring to light a story that caught my eye back in December. I know, I'm a little late. Been that way all my life.

Now about the story.

Make the Yuletide Gay by Lena Austin

Changeling Press
Contemporary
short story
M/M, anal sex

Dr. Gary Lord is comfortable and out in his homosexuality anywhere but his southern hometown -- and certainly not at his parents' house. But, in Yulee, Florida, secrets are very hard to keep when the folks across town know how you season your greens the minute you say, "Pass the salt."

And there's an old high school classmate who's been waiting patiently for Gary to come home... and he plans to crash Gary's Yuletide celebration in a big way.


I love a good short story filled with heart. Love one more when the story packs a real punch. This one does both. Lena Austin manages to put some real characters you won't forget in a story that takes maybe an hour to read. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for a Happily Ever After.

Ok, yes, Dr. Gary comes off a little maudlin, but yanno, it's acceptable. He's been through the grinder and would rather fly under the radar. He's someone the reader can relate to. We've all had our wallflower moments and we've all wanted to be noticed by that one person. He's still sweet and you want to see him have a great holiday.

And then there's Georgia and Adam. Add a cowboy to the story and you've got this reader hooked. I loved Georgia because she's a pill and nothing like I'd imagined. She's a great little addition to the story that adds the right amount of sugar.

Adam is another sweet treat. I could almost see him in front of me and it was a yummy sight. I liked the twists and turns concerning him and Gary. I smiled and sighed, completely caught up in the love story.

You should grab a copy of this book. I give it two thumbs up!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ten Things You Didn't Know About Right Where I Need to Be

I thought I'd continue my Ten Things posts and hit my first novel, Right Where I Need to Be. This one is from The Wild Rose Press.

10. This isn't the first novel I'd ever written. It's actually the fifth.

9. The original title was going to be The Boys of Crawford County: Logan.


8. Ray had a bigger role in the original book. But I thought it would make more sense (and so did Kiss Carson) to give him his own story.

7. There's a secondary character named Speedle. I watched way too much CSI: Miami at the time.



6. The book went only to The Wild Rose Press.

5. I wrote this book on my husband's PC at night after the family went to bed because it was the only quiet time I had at the time.

4. I listened to a ton of Gary Allan at the time, but the title has a little more symbolism than that. Dh is a pilot and if you watch the video for Right Where I Need to Be by Gary Allan, there is a plane in it.

3. I saw Gary Allan in concert at the House of Blues the week I subbed the story.

2. Writing Dex Rose's character actually made me angry and his actions made me cry while writing. He pushed the line and I hoped his anger and issues translated into the book well.

1. I polished it over Christmas and nearly didn't submit it because I thought it wasn't ready. Guess I was wrong.


Here's the blurb:
Logan Malone needs an acting job and fast. With his string of broken hearts, his professional life lies in shambles. To resurrect his career, he must audition for a television role which could be the job of a lifetime.
Cass Jensen needs an actor for her made for TV movie. The previous actor dropped out, leaving her stranded. Her savior shows up looking sinfully sexy and totally right for the part, but what part is she auditioning him for - her movie or her bed?

Monday, April 18, 2011

Monday Moans

Hi! I'm Janine. Wendi said we were allowed to come over here and blog. She never told me what time to blog. Oh well. I'm early for everything, except the blog. It happens.

Well, you want to know about me? I'm not real important--yet. Ok, actually I am, but my story hasn't been told. I work for Blitz Racing. We don't win, we Blitz the competition. Like that? Meg and I came up with that. (can you see me nodding and grinning? probably not...it's a blog...oh well...)

I am the public relations. I've got a degree in law, but I never bothered to take the bar exam. I mean, I get to work with race royalty and spend my weekends at the track. Yeah, bar exam didn't even cross my mind. I represent the team and help with contract negotiations. It's a lot of fun. Oh yeah, and I'm at the track with the drivers. I couldn't ask for more.

I lied.

I could ask for more. Like, Eric. Yes, I have a crush on our one crew chief, Eric Trask. I mean, Gawd...six-five, jet black hair, deep brown eyes, muscles, a couple tats (yes, I peeked)...doesn't talk much, but man can he weild a wrench...

Sigh.

He knows I exist. Hell, he flirts with me. But he's also the type to date a woman once and never go back. I don't know. Megan told me not to bother and to find someone who isn't so focused on the team and the trucks. She's probably right, but I can't help that I like him.

Ain't love a bitch?

I have to get back to my paperwork. I'll see ya around. Come to the tracks and get a sunburn watching fast cars and trucks. It's a blast.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Flirty Friday ~ It's Potty Time!!!!



Ok, so the pics don't want to line up. Story of my life - things are a little out of whack. Anyway, I don't have any thrilling wonderful updates for right now. I've not been doing much writing this week and not because life's in the toilet...well, actually it sorta is, but that's because we redid the potty. Ok, it's really the little bitty powder room on the first floor, but I did the tile work. I must say I am proud of myself. And don't be surprised if a character soon is a DIY-er. Write what you live. That's me.

Ta for now. Gotta get writin'!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday Review!

Not one of mine. Sorry. Well, yeah, I guess it is one of mine. Have you ever read a book you just couldn't put down? Sure, there were times when you wanted to throttle both characters, but you HAD to know what would happen next?

I did. When I read Crunch Time by Andrew Grey.

This is one of those books.

Now I have got to tell you, I love the work of Mr. Grey. I've read the other books in this series about the gym. It's fantastic. Really. The characters aren't perfect and that's what was really exciting. You could see yourself in their shoes,
er...cleats. Darren isn't perfect by any means, but he's trying to be the football hero. George just wants his fourth graders to succeed. I loved the pairing of these two unlikely men. I can honestly say, I wasn't sure they'd even get past their differences to get together. Polar opposites. But the way Mr. Grey writes the coupling, it's sweet and spicy at the same time. There are tons of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Each little change added layer upon layer to the story. By the time I closed the book, I'd laughed, cried, and wanted more. You should read it.

Here's the blurb:
When George Higgins agrees to help a soon-to-be-former professional football player rehearse for a guest appearance on a talk show, he doesn’t expect anything to come of it. To his surprise, Darren White shows up on time and actually makes an effort to learn from George. But Darren has definite problems; he can barely read and sounds awful when he speaks. Luckily, George is a teacher and Darren’s motivated. It’s crunch time: the first rehearsal for Talking Sports is looming, and Darren and George will have to work together if they want Darren’s guest appearance—and their budding relationship—to turn into a full-time gig.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

What the? Wednesday...Ten Things You Didn't Know About Learning How to Bend

I saw this on someone else's blog (JA Saare) and I thought, hey, ten things about a book the readers might not know... hmm... I can do that. So, here we go.

Ten Things You Might Not Know About:

Learning How to Bend

10. This wasn't the first book I'd ever written. It's actually out of a dare to write something uber hot.

9. Seth and Abby weren't originally from that book either. I'd written a short story earlier with characters named Seth and Abbey, but I liked the names so much, I put them into the new story. And Seth insisted his story couldn't be told without Abby. Oh, and Abby originally had an e in her name, like Abbey Road.


8. Besta Pizza Around is a play on the name of a pizza joint one of my dear friends owns. Her's is called Besta Fasta Pizza. Wonder if she'd change it for me?

7. I listened to more than my share of Gary Allan during the writing of this story. Oh and a lot of harder music...primarily Godsmack.

6. I had a friend in school who was named Abby. I have no idea what happened to her because after elementary school, she moved, but I never forgot the name.

5. Learning How to Bend wasn't the original title either. I'd originally titled it Untitled Soldier Story and Coming Home.

4. Crestline, Ohio is a real place. Yup. I grew up not too far away from it.

3. I had to do a lot of research on clitoral piercings for the story. I had no idea if it was possible before then (I had a pretty good idea it was), but I had to check.

2. It was my second contract, but my first release. Strange but true. Odd how things work out that way.

1. I didn't plan a follow-up to the story when I wrote it. It was a one-off erotic romance. But the characters wouldn't let me be. They *had* to have their stories, too. And I'm not sure if I'm finished with the Besta Pizza Around bunch.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Desiree Holt and Downstroke Here Today!

One of my favorite authors, Miss Desiree Holt is here today to talk about her new book, Downstroke. I've been reading her books for quite a while and got the opportunity to meet her last year at the Lori Foster Reader/Author Get Together. I can honestly say she's one of the authors I look up to.

Welcome! I'm so glad you could stop by!! You're well known for your action packed suspense books, why the suspense story versus maybe a simple boy meets girl?

I think because I’m addicted to action and suspense movies. I grew up reading mysteries rather, lived near an Air Force base, had a fascination with all things law enforcement than romance and because in my mind the alpha male is connected with action and suspense. And I love a good heart pounding story.

Absolutely. I could watch A-Team over and over and never get tired of it. I just love music and the music industry. I'd love to know what was the inspiration behind Downstroke?

I have to go back to the ten years I spent in the music business managing rock and country performers and the influence it had on me. I was listening to an old tape of a concert one of my bands had opened for and remembering the electricity in the air and the magic of the night. And then I met a man who in my mind looked like the prototype of a hero I was doodling around with. So between the music and the guy Dallas Creed was born. And while it is a suspense-there I go with the action again!-it really is at its heart a love story of two people who have to put twenty years of bitterness behind them and faced what has become a mature love. It’s a character study as much as a suspense story with the music industry as a backdrop. So. Three things I love that all came together for this.

Sounds exciting. I'll bet its a true treasure trove of info for books. Since I'm a newer writer, what wisdom do you have to pass down to new or pre-pubbed authors?

Get out there and develop a presence for yourself. Don’t overdo it, but join Yahoo groups and identify yourself. Take opportunities to let people know who you are and what you write about. Talk to other authors to find out the sites that have worked the best for them. Ask other authors if you can join in chats with them, blog with them, anything that will get your name out there. Get a Facebook and Twitter page. Make people aware of you. And always be respectful. Never, ever whine on the Internet about anything, It will come back to bite you.

Absolutely. You never know what will end up being a thorn in the side. Good idea to be cautious. Your book, Downstroke, is set in the music industry. What is your favorite music?

Country rock, definitely.

Yay! Another country music fan. I use country when I write, too. Did any specific music inspire the story?

An album called Duets with Emmy Lou Harris and others who partnered with her. Especially the song, We Believe In Happy Endings.

I grew up listening to Emmy Lou Harris. Her and a bunch of Patsy Cline. Since we're talking about music, if you could create a soundtrack to the story, what would it include?

The song I just named along with some Toby Keith and Lady Antebellum.

Toby Keith strikes me as the kind of guy who would be an ideal Desiree Holt hero, too. Now its time to switch to some silly questions. If you can't have fun, what fun is there? Heels or flats?

Flats. Most definitely.

I'm so short, heels are my lifeline. :-) Favorite vacation destination? (And has this influenced your writing?)

Any place in Texas and yes, it has absolutely influenced it.

Never been to the Lone Star state, but I'd love to go. If I peeked into your reading selections, what are you reading right now?

A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

That book was fantastic. Great hero. Since we're talking shop, what are some of your favorite authors?

Oh, way too many to name. I’d be sure to leave out someone important. But I do credit Joey Hill with inspiring me.

Joey Hill is one of my "I want to grow up to be" authors. It's raining here, so my next question is, thunderstorms or sunny weather?

Sunny weather.

And last but not least (since I know I've been known to soapbox), what's your pet peeve?

Rude people and people who whine.

That goes with your advice not to whine online. Makes perfect sense. You never know how it wil come back on you. I'm so glad you could stop by. And since we're talking about your books, I thought I'd share the blurb for Downstroke?

It’s been twenty years since Charley Roper and Dallas Creed parted with great bitterness. In that time she’s made a career for herself with the FBI and private security and he’s been a country rock music icon…tumbled to the bottom and risen again. Now someone’s trying to kill him and Morgan Creed wants Charley to protect his brother and find out who’s after him. When they meet again after all this time it’s obvious the chemistry is still there, stronger than ever. They’re older but are they wiser? Caught up in the bitter wash of memories and the tension of a killer in stalking mode, Charley and Dallas begin a roller coaster ride that is emotional erotic and suspenseful. Is their love strong enough after twenty years to pull them back together?

Twenty years ago Dallas Creed and Charley Roper were lovers with their entire future
ahead of them. Until they split. Badly. Now he’s a country rock icon who made it to the top, hit bottom but is back at the top of his game. And Charley’s the private security specialist hired to protect him from an unknown killer in stalking mode. Caught up in the bitter wash of memories they begin a roller coaster ride that is suspenseful, emotional and erotic. Is their love strong enough to erase the past and bring them back together before the killer strikes again?


Oh, this is going on my TBR list. But to wet the whistle a little more....here's an excerpt of Downstroke:
I felt unwelcome tears prick my eyelids. Me, the woman who, these days, thought of emotions as a disease. His voice was stronger now, the essence of it so much more mature. How had I missed such talent back then? Missed what he was really meant to do? But I knew the answer. I’d been so involved in plans—plans for my career, for his, for our future. A future I simply created without really talking to him about it. Assumptions can just kill you.

The song built to its amazing finish, the rhythm guitars and the strong bass emphasized by the pounding drumbeat, until they reached the final chord, the final notes. Dallas tilted his head back, arm raised upward, and suddenly everything stilled. He removed his guitar and set it on a stand, then bowed his head to the audience. Noise erupted like fireworks, the crowd cheering and whistling and stamping its feet, and screaming his name.

The sheer stage magnetism of the man and the incredible quality of his music would have stirred a dead person. I had clapped along with the others, tapping my foot to the beat. I was breathless, despite my intention not to be affected.

He bowed his head once more then waved to the crowd as he jogged back to the wings. I noticed he skipped his usual walk along the edge of the stage to shake the hands of those who’d crowded their way up there. A safety feature, I was sure. I was also sure it was Morgan who’d insisted on it.

The crowd stayed on its feet, the applause resonating, the band playing the chorus over and over until the house lights came up and they finally realized Dallas Creed was done for the night. The entire performance had been amazing. Polished. Electric. Emotional. The adjectives piled up on top of each other in my head and still they missed the mark. Dallas Creed had a magic you didn’t get with practice. It came from inside the soul. Why hadn’t I seen it all those years ago?

Do you want to follow Desiree Holt's tour? Do you want to win a Downstroke t-shirt? You sure do! Click here to follow the tour! Good luck!!!!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Desiree Holt Here Tomorrow!

The fantastic Miss Desiree Holt stops by tomorrow with her tour for Downstroke. Want to know a little bit more about Miss Desiree or the book? Here's the blurb. Come back tomorrow for the tour!!!

It’s been twenty years since Charley Roper and Dallas Creed parted with great
bitterness. In that time she’s made a career for herself with the FBI and private security and he’s been a country rock music icon…tumbled to the bottom and risen again. Now someone’s trying to kill him and Morgan Creed wants Charley to protect his brother and find out who’s after him. When they meet again after all this time it’s obvious the chemistry is still there, stronger than ever. They’re older but are they wiser? Caught up in the bitter wash of memories and the tension of a killer in stalking mode, Charley and Dallas begin a roller coaster ride that is emotional erotic and suspenseful. Is their love strong enough after twenty years to pull them back together?


Twenty years ago Dallas Creed and Charley Roper were lovers with their entire future
ahead of them. Until they split. Badly. Now he’s a country rock icon who made it to the top, hit bottom but is back at the top of his game. And Charley’s the private security specialist hired to protect him from an unknown killer in stalking mode. Caught up in the bitter wash of memories they begin a roller coaster ride that is suspenseful, emotional and erotic. Is their love strong enough to erase the past and bring them back together before the killer strikes again?

Come on back tomorrow!! We'll have a blast.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

What's Shakin' with Wendi??

Thought I'd clue everyone in to my hectic week and let you know what's coming up next week. Let me tell you, there's a lot. Especially on April 11th...

I'll be the featured poster on the Spring Is Bustin' Out All Over blog fest over at Whipped Cream!! Yup. Me. Click the button to head over there. You could win a Nook just for commenting.


I'll ALSO be at the Total-E-Bound blog chattering about lots of things, especially the manuscript you start with and what you end up with. Come on over. Should be fun.


Oh and this is the biggie...The fabulous Desiree Holt will stop by same day to talk about her 100th release, Downstroke. Yup. I met her. Love her. Want to have the career longevity as her. :-) Yeah, I'm a fangirl.


Whew...

I had a blast at Brandyz Book Blog. Want to go back and read any of the posts? Click here or on the button.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Flirty Friday ~ Guest Bloggin' with Brandyz


Been a long week, with lots of fun things to talk about, but today I'm over at Brandyz talking about Careless Whisper. I love me some ghost stories and this one was a blast to write. Come on over and chatter with me. :-)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

A New Contract!!!

For Thank You Thursday, I have a new contract to announce. Yuppers. It's been over six years in the making and gone through about fifteen different versions. What am I talking about? Only the one book that started it all and got me into the idea that maybe, just maybe, I can write...maybe. Hey, you won't hear my say I am the best author out there. I know I've got tons to learn. But this story is near and dear to my heart. I know I say that every time. But if you've been with me on the ride since the beginning, you'll know that racing is one of my passions. I can't race.
Can't figure out the clutch. But I love to watch racing. And I know a couple of drivers and have talked to a few more. Even know a spotter pretty well. (He tells the drivers where the traffic is on track, in case you were scratching your head.)
My first story, first romance I ever attempted was a race themed story. I had this awesome guy picked out for a hero and a great heroine to tame him. But I had no idea that there were words that shouldn't be use. These crazy things called passive voice and point of view changes, head hopping....since then, I've gotten a little better. I know how to not use, if at all possible, passive voice. I know the skill to keeping certain words (was, had, did, has, is) to a minimum, and I realize that if you switch POV's mid scene, it had better be REALLY important.

So my news? The book, six years in the making, has been contracted by Total-E-Bound. I can't wait!!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Monday, April 4, 2011

Monday Moans

Normally I'd have Monday Moans posted, but I thought I'd give the characters the day off. Plus, I'm happy to announce I'm over at Brandyz Books Blog!! Yuppers, I'm thrilled to be there. The post is about Cade and Melanie from You'll Think of Me. Come on over and let's chatter. :-)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Friday Flirts ~ And It's April Fool's Day!!!

I love doing my Friday Flirts posts. Today is no different. But first, I wanted to mention April Fool's Day. I love having fun, including practical jokes, but boy did I get a joke today. I looked outside. It's officially SPRING. What's outside my window? SNOW It's supposed to be SPRING. Not snowy winter. Sigh. Still waiting for it to at least crack 50 for more than one day.

I know, not the best joke, but for a girl who is definitely in need of sun and warm temps, snow is the pits.

Flirts!!!

I got the menage story turned in and ON TIME. I know. For me, on time is amazing. I tend to be a little behind. So it's turned in. Will it be accepted. No clue. But the war was getting it in. So I won the war.

Race story was turned in. Can't spill the beans just yet. :-)

Going to get back to work on the farmer. I mean, gee...I kinda let him slide a bit too long. Time to get back on the tractor and get him going.

I've got some great notes for Gypsy's story, so that's next after the farmer. :-)

Time to go back to work. More later.