Friday, December 31, 2010

Out with the old...




We are just moments from a brand spanking new year!

So, what are you going to do with it?


I hope you don't have every moment planned. I know I don't. I have all sorts of goals: personal and career, but not every moment is on a list of to dos. Isn't it more exciting that way?

Well, at least I think so.

No matter what you have planned for the upcoming year, I hope that you will take a little time to enjoy: family, friends, lovers, today, tomorrow, and being you!

Now, let's bring the year in with a little style!


R3XXU26UXF3Q






Monday, December 27, 2010

Voices from the Heart


Don't forget to drop by Voices From the Heart on the 27th to read my latest post.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

All Romance


My short story, My Son, is a best seller at All Romance!

Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing. Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way. One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back. Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once. He’s determined not to do it again. Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Character Inspiration









Shemar Moore "Derek Morgan" Criminal Minds

Monday, December 13, 2010

Year End, Year Begin


Year End, Year Begin

What kind of year-ender (yes, I invented the word year-ender) are you? Do you run around like crazy trying to do things you promised you’d do last year? Cramming everything in before December 31st. Or, do you shrug your shoulders, and say “Oh, well, next year”?

I think I might be some weird combination of the two. I may have said this before, but I never considered myself a superstitious person until I found myself doing some of the crazy things my mother or other members of my family did when I was a child. Honestly, they’re too embarrassing to list here. Let’s just say one involves socks and shoes. But, one I will mention is to bring the New Year in with your house in order. I apply this to everything: finances, my house (literally), family, relationships, friends, etc.

December 27th, I will be discussing some of my goals, not resolutions, in my post at Voices from the Heart.

So, please drop by and share some of your thoughts with me.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Internal Rhyme


Chance O'Malley is the hero in my novella, Love's Chance. He's not a man who talks a lot. Until he met Sinclair Mosley, he wasn't even a man who wanted to talk...at least not to women. He could think of so many other things to do with them that, in his opinion, were much more fun.

But, Sinclair Mosley made him want to do a lot of things. One of them was to face what happened to his father, and how it affected him.

Drop by Internal Rhyme to read what Chance feels and thinks about the passing of his father.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Rules for writing fiction

Over the next several months, I'll post tips from various authors featured in an old article by The Guardian.

I love pieces of all of these tips. As I reread them for this series of posts, it makes me want to take a quick peek at everything I've written, again.


This first post is from Elmore Leonard, novelist and screenwriter.

1 Never open a book with weather. If it's only to create atmosphere, and not a charac­ter's reaction to the weather, you don't want to go on too long. The reader is apt to leaf ahead look­ing for people. There are exceptions. If you happen to be Barry Lopez, who has more ways than an Eskimo to describe ice and snow in his book Arctic Dreams, you can do all the weather reporting you want.

2 Avoid prologues: they can be ­annoying, especially a prologue ­following an introduction that comes after a foreword. But these are ordinarily found in non-fiction. A prologue in a novel is backstory, and you can drop it in anywhere you want. There is a prologue in John Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday, but it's OK because a character in the book makes the point of what my rules are all about. He says: "I like a lot of talk in a book and I don't like to have nobody tell me what the guy that's talking looks like. I want to figure out what he looks like from the way he talks."

3 Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue. The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in. But "said" is far less intrusive than "grumbled", "gasped", "cautioned", "lied". I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she asseverated" and had to stop reading and go to the dictionary.

4 Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said" ... he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange. I have a character in one of my books tell how she used to write historical romances "full of rape and adverbs".

5 Keep your exclamation points ­under control. You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose. If you have the knack of playing with exclaimers the way Tom Wolfe does, you can throw them in by the handful.

6 Never use the words "suddenly" or "all hell broke loose". This rule doesn't require an explanation. I have noticed that writers who use "suddenly" tend to exercise less control in the application of exclamation points.

7 Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly. Once you start spelling words in dialogue phonetically and loading the page with apos­trophes, you won't be able to stop. Notice the way Annie Proulx captures the flavour of Wyoming voices in her book of short stories Close Range.

8 Avoid detailed descriptions of characters, which Steinbeck covered. In Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants", what do the "Ameri­can and the girl with him" look like? "She had taken off her hat and put it on the table." That's the only reference to a physical description in the story.

9 Don't go into great detail describing places and things, unless you're ­Margaret Atwood and can paint scenes with language. You don't want descriptions that bring the action, the flow of the story, to a standstill.

10 Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip. Think of what you skip reading a novel: thick paragraphs of prose you can see have too many words in them.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

What motivates you as a writer?


Motivation defined by Merriam-Websters: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence : incentive, drive

Not what inspires you, but what motivates you as a writer? As a young writer, doodling away in my diary, then at short stories, and then at books...my motivation was simple--to become a published author.

I've accomplished that goal. And it still excites me everyday!

But, now, I've got a new one. To be able to continue to write fresh, interesting, and different stories. Stories that keep readers coming back for more. Where do these ideas come from, and when they're not flowing like water...how do you keep pushing through?

For me, one thing I love is to meet up with other writers. Surrounding myself with others who are doing what I'm doing, and just simply talking over a cup of coffee or tea gives me a jump start.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Inspirational Romance

I've always wanted to step out on a limb, and write an inspirational romance. But, I know absolutely nothing about writing in that genre. However, recently, an idea jumped into the front of my mind that I can't shake.

I'll have to do a little studying and reading in preparation for this new undertaking. It's a little nerve-wrecking, but I love this idea so much that I can't let it go.

Has anyone ever jumped out of their comfort zone, and tried something completely different?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Voices From the Heart


Don't forget to drop by Voices From the Heart to read my latest post.

November 27th, I will be discussing how the seasons (holiday and calendar) affect reading habits.

I know they influence what I choose to read, but do they do the same for you?

Drop by, and let me know.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Rewrites vs. Critique partners?


For months, I've been working on rewrites of a manuscript that I love. Everytime I read through a chapter, it amazes me that I continue to find: characterization that I feel has been missed, or 'deep point of view' opportunities, or continuity missteps.

Prior to beginning my rewrites, this time, I took a month off from writing, and I only read. I read everything. Giving myself a break from writing, I believe, opened my mind, and allowed me to see what I had been missing. Some things my critique partners couldn't point out to me because they didn't know where I was taking my story.

What works best for you?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Have you ever wanted to know the difference between Women's Fiction and Romance?

Well, I have. I love to write both. My short story, My Son, is women's fiction. The romance is not the main push of the story, only a part of it. My novella, Love's Chance, is a true romance. Without the romance, the plot would be weakened, severely.

My friend, Jessica, discusses her love for women's fiction, and why she chooses to write in that genre.

Here debut release, Voices on the Waves, is available from Red Rose Publishing, now. And if you haven't purchased your copy, yet, this is your lucky day because she is giving away a copy.

Visit Romancing the Pen to find out more.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Blogging with Jessica Chambers


Thursday, November 18th I will be visiting with Jessica Chambers. Please drop by, and leave a comment.


Check out this review of her debut novel available from Red Rose Publishing.

•"This book has romance, suspense, along with a little thrill. There is no way you can be disappointed in this book." ~ The World of Books Reviews

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Character Inspiration


Boris Kodjoe, "Steven Bloom", television's Undercovers.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Could there be a more dramatic love story?


I was reminded of this love story the other day while watching the Today Show. Wow. What would you give up for love?

Friday, October 29, 2010

Character Inspiration


Charlie Hunnam, "Jackson 'Jax' Taylor", Sons of Anarchy

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

From the Heart Romance Writers


On the 27th of every month, I drop by the blog for From the Heart Romance Writers.

After I joined RWA, From the Heart Romance Writers was the first group I became a member of. The critique groups, the knowledge of the members, the feel of being surrounded by other authors: well-published, and beginners, made me feel 'official'. That was years ago, and I'm still amazed by this group of authors today.

Drop by; read my post, and take a look around at some of the others. You just might be as amazed as I am at the talented authors in the group.

Monday, October 25, 2010

D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters

Drop by D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters on October 26th, 2010 where you will be able to read the first scene of My Son.

And don't forget, My Son is now avaiable from Red Rose Publishing.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Chatting with Marilyn Lee


Marilyn Lee has allowed me to chat with her and her readers today at her yahoo group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marilynlee/

If you have time, please drop by.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

What happens when someone you trust betrays you?



Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing. Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way. One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back. Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once. He’s determined not to do it again. Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Now available from Red Rose Publishing!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Countdown to My Son

My short story, My Son, will be available from Red Rose Publishing October 21, 2010.

Here's a blurb:

Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing. Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way. One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back. Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once. He’s determined not to do it again. Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Here's an excerpt:

A loud pounding sounded on the living room door. The boisterous voice demanding attention disturbed him.

“Charlie-boy, I know you’re in there. Open the fucking door.” The door rattled. “Charlie-boy, open the fucking door!”

The sound of Jerry’s voice, combined with Charles’ childhood nickname brought back memories. Memories that could make it hard for him to do what he had to.

He stared down the hall at Justin’s room. He had no way of locking the door, so, he had to make sure this didn’t happen here. Another time, another place, and he’d detach his guest’s head from his damn body.

The stench of cheap liquor filled the air as Jerry stumbled through the opened door, his unsteady balance throwing him into Charles’ chest. Odd purplish-black bruises marred Jerry’s fair complexion.

As kids, they were the “two musketeers.” They didn’t need a third. Back in their day, two light skinned brothers didn’t have to do anything but walk into a room.

Charles heaved Jerry up against the open door, attempting to block out the memory. “What in the hell are you doing here, man?”

Jerry tugged at his bloody, torn t-shirt. His hand brushed across his lips, wiping away blood and drool. He stiffened his back and stared at Charles. His words dragged. “I—I heard you’ve been looking for me.”

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Have you ever been stumped by the dreaded request for a 1 page synopsis?

The first time I had to write a synopsis, it ended up being a long back cover blurb. Too much tease. The absolute wrong thing to do, but I didn't know that until after a few lovely rejections, and a few wonderful classes.

Now, I can write a pretty good 5-7 page synopsis, but unless I'm writing a synopsis for a short story, writing the 1-2 pager still takes a bit of time, and a number of rewrites.

Margaret West has dropped by Romancing the Pen to discuss shortcuts to writing a strong synopsis.


Margaret West is the author of The Heart of a Warrior,and she’s been writing over 20 years and has numerous short stories, novels and articles published. Margaret writes romance and paranormals. Incorporating her spiritual experiences, into her books.

For more visit Romancing the Pen.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Game, Set, Match!



Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright's playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he's down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago. While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn't the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven't dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle. Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?

Author Nana Malone drops by Romancing the Pen to discuss that oh so elusive muse. Drop by to find out more about what she thinks, and don't forget to leave a comment.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Murder, Hate, Love, Envy...what more does it have?

Icy Snow Blackstone, Class Act Books author, will be dropping by Romancing the Pen to discuss her latest book Brother Devil. A sequel to Bargain with Lucifer.


The story begins with a funeral…Michel’s wife Clarice is being buried after attempting to kill Luc and accidentally killing herself. She has not only left Michel a bewildered widower at the age of twenty-eight but also made him the nominal parent of a child who is possibly Luc’s son. Torn now between trying to reconcile with his brother in spite of his wife’s obsession with Luc and the question of the baby Michel-Clair’s paternity, Michel finds the problem partially solved when Luc returns to Texas, placing himself in therapy to save his own sanity as well as his marriage. Left with a plantation to run, a child to raise, and a sister-in-law to look after, Michel is overwhelmed by everything that has happened and only one thought surfaces in the turmoil of his mind: He’s now free…Luc is nowhere in sight…and there is an entire parish of women just waiting to be introduced to the other half of the Notorious Deveraux Boys. Married at the age of twenty and consequently stifled and frustrated in that marriage because of his wife preoccupation with Luc, Michel is ripe for a downward plunge into sexual excess and an overindulgence in the senses. He’s headed for trouble and enjoying all of it, and then… He meets a woman who looks like Clarice, and his fall is over. But is it too late for Le Ange to regain his halo? Or is he going to usurp his brother as Orleans Parish’s new diable?

Visit Romancing the Pen for more.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How do you stand out in a crowd?

A recent radio interview made me think about the numerous amounts of books published each year. What does it take to make your book stand out in a crowd: book stores and virtual. Is it promotion, quality of writing, publisher or what? And why do we even try anyway?

Please visit my post on Savvy Authors and find out what I really think.

Friday, August 20, 2010

The LoveStruck Novice

Sarah Simas has invited me to guest blog at The LoveStruck Novice. Please drop by, and leave a comment.

I don't think I've ever had anyone ask me what would my book blurb be before. It was quite an enlightening experience for me. If you've never done it. I truly suggest you give it a try. You might be surprised to discover what you find. I was ;-)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Have you ever wanted to strangle your muse?

Well, I wish she'd pop out of my head right in front of me, then she and I could have a real knock down drag out fight ;-)

Gracen Miller, author of Elfin Blood, visits Romancing the Pen to discuss just how to drag your muse kicking and screaming to the tips of your fingers.


ELFIN BLOOD BLURB:

Scorned by her own kind for her half-breed elf status, Julija lives a lonely existence among her Ivory Elf kin. She is the only one the elves can trust when a magical book in elf lore is stolen. Relegated to steal the Book from the vampire thief, Landau Jamieson, she’s surprised to discover he has the ability to walk in daylight. Refusing to be deterred by developing setbacks, she’s committed to executing the heist for an Ivory King who grows more desperate to possess the Book. Nothing about the vampire is as it appears and Julija begins to doubt her mission. Worse, she begins to worry she won’t have the strength to guard her heart from her sworn enemy.

Landau is fascinated by the elf stalking him and baffled by the potent hunger she elicits after ten thousand years of celibacy. Soon he discovers the lovely sprite is a pawn in a dangerous game–orchestrated by none other than a reviled enemy from his past. While blind-sided by her beauty and her magical powers, the least of which is the spell she casts on his heart, the sinister plot unfolds. What started out as folly to catch a thief, blossoms into a love that casts aside bloodlines and forges all boundaries.

Visit Romancing the Pen and leave a comment, and maybe you could win a free copy of Elfin Blood!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Promoting 101

Okay, as a new author or not, trying to understand the what, when, where, and how to of promoting is difficult. When I received the news that my first book Love's Chance was going to be published by Red Rose Publishing, I had no idea of what that really meant for me. Cover artists, copywriting, radio interviews, blog interviews...all while you are still trying to write.



It all feels so overwhelming and daunting in the beginning, but after a few mistakes and wrong turns you begin to understand what you should be doing or at least you hope so ;-)



Visit Romancing the Pen where Kim Smith, author of the Shannon Wallace Mysteries, joins me to discuss promotion for authors.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Isabel Roman


Read Dark Desires of the Druids: Sex & Subterfuge available now in bookstores! And be sure to check out Isabel’s free story!

A master magicker, Morgana Blackthorne has a tenuous hold on her following. When a strange Englishman arrives on her doorstep with news of other druidic magickers, and magicker problems, she’s intrigued but suspicious. There hasn’t been contact between the American and European druids in over a hundred years. Plus she has her own worries and doesn’t need the handsome earl adding to them.

Lucien, Earl of Granville, left England to seek out the Blackthorne Druid line and discover what they’ve been up to since contact was lost. Once he and Morgana meet, their mutual attraction distracts him from his purpose. Embroiled in her problems, he finds himself more concerned with her welfare than is practical for a passing affair.

When I invited you into my bed, it never occurred to me I wouldn’t want you to leave.

There are darker forces at work and the hunger of a weak magicker desperate for power. Will Lucien convince Morgana of his true feelings before things spiral out of control? Or will the surrounding subterfuge tear them apart?

Visit Romancing the Pen to find out more about Isabel Roman.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Have you ever wondered how to choose the right epublisher?



I've asked author Ginger Simpson whose been writing for years, and published since 2003 to drop by Romancing the Pen to discuss her experiences, and what she thinks about epublishers.


Ginger's release Hurricane Warning will be available from Muse It Up Publishing January 2011.



My first book, Love's Chance, was released by Red Rose Publishing in February 2010. I was absolutely amazed at the volume of sales. The camaraderie among the authors allowed me to be able to promote my book through various blogs, Internet radio shows, and more.


I pitched Love's Chance during a free Internet conference to the head editor of Red Rose Publishing, and low and behold...five months later I was published. I received my first royalty check three months after that, and nearly fell off my seat.


Deciding on the right publisher can determine the direction of your writing career, and can provide great financial compensation.


Drop by and tell us what your experiences have been.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

To Plot or Not



Fifty-eight year old, Rose Asbury knows people think she’s a recluse, but she doesn’t care. She just wants to be left alone. She doesn’t need anyone, and no one needs her and that’s just fine. At least she didn’t until this year. For some reason this year is different. Suddenly she’s melancholy and discontent with her life.

And the man next door doesn’t help matters. Every time he sees her, he insists on speaking to her. To make matters worse her sister’s ghost begins to harass her.


Roseanne Dowell, the author of Time to Live Again drops by Romancing the Pen to discuss plotting. Should you or should you not? What works best for you?

Drop by Romancing the Pen to find out more.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

My latest interview

I've been interviewed by Don McCauley of The Author Show please drop by and listen. It was a lot of fun! Don was extremely friendly and warm.

We did the interview really early in the morning ;-) Tell me if you can tell I was still in my robe.

Maybe I have another career opportunity as a radio DJ ;-)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

How do you make the perfect book trailer?


Everytime I browse an author's site, and I come across a book trailer, I wonder if I need to make one. Do people really care? If so, how do I make a really good one?


Book trailers are an author's answer to a television commercial. But, just like the remote control impacted viewers' attention span, the nature of computers and the internet lends itself to even shorter attention spans and vast resources.


So, how do you really make a book trailer work for you, and can you do it yourself? Author, A.M. Wells, discusses her take on book trailers, and gives us an inside view into making trailers that can work for each of us, and our own works.


Visit Romancing the Pen to find out more.


Saturday, June 26, 2010

What does a Florida girl know about bombs?


I'm a Tennessee girl, and I swear I don't know anything. But visit Romancing the Pen to find out what author Kelly Abbell knows.



Here is the blurb from Captured In Lies.

In Book Two of the In Lies Series Jack and Caroline are faced with insurmountable odds and we get to meet sexy Bomb Squad Commander Dane Kendrick. Dane will become embroiled in Jack’s tumultuous life and meet his beautiful sister, FBI Agent, Lucy. Although they meet under less than ideal circumstances the sparks fly leading to a passion that explodes off the page, literally.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Can you really teach someone to write?



Visit Romancing the Pen to find out if it's possible to teach someone how to write.

Meredith Bond teaches fiction writing and another course on how to get published at Frederick Community College in Frederick, MD. She has published four Regency romances (back when they were published by mainstream publishers like Kensington and Signet) and she is always writing something fun and paranormal.

You can find out more about her at her website and more about her courses at Frederick Community College in the Continuing Ed., Personal Enrichment section.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Cindy Jacks visits Romancing the Pen



June 15TH, Cindy Jacks drops by Romancing the Pen to discuss her new release All The Good Men.



Blurb:

Dahlia is sure the hackneyed platitude is true: After a certain age, all the good men are married or gay. She feels her thirty-eight years put her well past that 'certain age.' Her best friend and her sisters dare her to put her fate where her mouth is. The terms of the challenge? During the month of October, she has to end her five-year-long man fast and go on dates with men of their choosing. Oh, and she also has to go out with anyone else who asks.

As the date disasters pile up, the vindication almost makes the torturous evenings bearable for Dahlia. But a handsome new neighbor, Jackson Carmichael, moves in, changing the rules of the game. Retired after twenty-six years as a pro firefighter in Boston, he volunteers with the local fire department, coaches a youth hockey team, and appears for all the world to be the perfect man. He just might throw a wrench into Dahlia's plan to die lonely and single...that is if she doesn't scare him away first.

Stop by Romancing the Pen to read more!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Breast Cancer Walk in D.C.



I don't know how many people participated in the June 5Th Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, but it was amazing. Ambassador G. Brinker, and Dr. Jill Biden spoke. It felt like a privilege to be a part of something so much bigger than myself.


In honor of my grandmother, and with my friends (breast cancer survivers), for an hour and a half at the pace of a very fast turtle, with the occasional trip over the person in front or beside me, my friends and I finished the walk. Hot and tired, but we finished.




Sunday, June 6, 2010

Do you know what a goanna is ?


Author Suzanne Brandyn drops by Romancing the Pen to discuss the Australian outback, and her new novel Heat in the Outback.

A goanna the size of a large crocodile!
Visit Romancing the Pen to find out more, and to see some lovely pictures of the outback.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Award winning author LaVerne Thompson visits Romancing the Pen


The positives and negatives of reviews. The expectations of readers. As an author or a reader what is the power or truth of a review?


Drop by Romancing the Pen, June 6th to find out more.


Friday, May 28, 2010

Kaye Manro visits Romancing the Pen

Kaye Manro has dropped by Romancing the Pen to discuss Sci-Fi romance, and her debut release from Red Rose Publishing, Forbidden Love.

Drop by, and join in the conversation.


FORBIDDEN LOVE Blurb

T’Kon and Maya are galaxies apart, so different yet so much alike…

Exploring the galaxies at faster than light speed (FTL) is routine for the inhabitants of Asconage. T’Kon’s cool-blood culture exists on a planet in the scorch of binary suns. Yet there are governing archaic rules to prohibit interspecies mating with those from different worlds and evolutionary paths.

When T’Kon crashes his spacecraft on Terrain, a seasonal planet barely on the cusp of space travel, he cannot resist Maya, the warm-blooded audacious female who gives him aid. His desire for her entices him to abandon his species moral code.

There is little time to linger inside their illicit passion. The warring factions of her world are closing in. A quick fix of his spacecraft and a fast exit is his best choice. But can T’Kon leave Maya behind and forsake their emerging Forbidden Love?

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Voices from the Heart

Please drop by Voices from the Heart. A new place on the web for you and me brought to you by From the Heart (RWA affiliate chapter). Today, I blog about how life temporarily interrupted writing. Sometimes, we just don't know what life has planned, and when we are faced with life's little interruptions, we can either shrivel up or thrive.

Which one do you do? Drop by Voices from the Heart to read more about my personal experience.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Angela Kay Austin visits with Denyse Bridger

Today, I am visiting with prolific author Denyse Bridger. She's allowed me to discuss not giving up on dreams. Something that my latest release, Love's Chance also tackles.


The story of love between two people who must decide what is important life, love, career, or family. Is it possible to have everything?

I hope that you will drop by to visit.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Toni V. Sweeney visits Romancing the Pen

Author Toni V. Sweeney chats about her latest double release from Double Dragon Publishing. Yes, double release!

Visit Angela Kay Austin's Romancing the Pen to find out what type of women it takes to tame the men of Toni V. Sweeney's Sinbad's Pride and A Singing in the Blood.


Sinbad's Pride: Family life can't keep a good smuggler down! To wife Andi's dismay, Sinbad sh'en Singh, now permanently installed as his grandsire's heir to the Province of Khurda, announces plans to once more take up smuggling, this time making his base of operations on Felida--and what's more, he intends to include the entire planet in the venture. The best part about the whole scheme is that, according to a loophole in the Treaty made when Felida was conquered, the Federation can't do a thing about it.

This time around, Kas sh'en Singh plays an important part in his cousin's plans, discovering a heretofore unknown relative in Sin's family tree. In the midst of it all, the children are growing up, becoming old enough to discover love and hate and make choices which will bring tragedy to some and happiness to others.

A Singing in the Blood: Riven kan Ingan has reached his middle years, settling comfortably into the life of a country giarl, and Life, in general, is good. Oh, there are a few things which could be better--such as his less than congenial relationship with son and heir Val or his discovery that second son Ilke wants to become a priest. At least the other children are still under control, and his beloved Barbara is just as loving and fiesty as ever. A treaty has been made with the Ghermians, and the barbarians are settling peacefully within Francovia’s borders. Too soon, however, their little bubble of contentment bursts. When a new sovereign comes to the Throne, civil war erupts between native Francovians and its foreign-born citizens, and Riven’s home and family are threatened as he is forced to choose between swearing loyalty to a madman or becoming a traitor to the country he loves.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Pirated Books

Prior to becoming a published author, I like so many others didn't think much about things like Napster. Or even worse things like bootlegs or pirated works. I never joined napster or any similar program. I only just recently, with the gift of an iPOD from a friend, began to use iTunes. I never worried about pirated copies of anything because I'm odd in that I like to have all of my DVDs lined up nicely with cover art, same thing with music and books. And, before you ask...yes, they're alphabetical. I don't like to see heads that don't belong to the actors in my movie or hear laughter/music that is not part of the soundtrack.

Love's Chance was released in February, and yesterday, it was brought to my attention that it's listed on torrent sites (pirated copies). I would list them, but I hate to give them any more publicity, but on one site, Love's Chance had been downloaded 1371 times. Wow. At $3.99 per book, that could pay my mortgage.

I know that the people downloading the items believe that it causes no harm, but it does. As an author, you take a lot of time to create something you hope people will enjoy. And, if they enjoy it you hope they will share it, but not in the way these sites work.

I fully support sharing a love for any creative art with someone else, but pirating is not fair to artists, authors, publishers or sellers. The next time you wonder why the neighborhood bookstore or music store or video stoe closes, think about these sites. If you truly are a lover of the arts, I ask that if you come across any of these sites, you ask that they remove the products they have loaded instead of contributing to or downloading the items that are available.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

My Friend Kaye Manro



My friend, Kaye Manro, had an early release for her book Forbidden Love. For anyone who knows anything about Captain Kirk and his kiss with 'The Green Woman' or Uhura, this is the book for you because you understand The Romance of Science Fiction.

Visit her website; read an excerpt, and enjoy!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Appearances for Angela Kay Austin in May

May 27th: Join me as I guest blog at Voices from the Heart. A new voice for you and me from From the Heart Romance Writers.

May 27th: Red Rose Publishing authors will be spending the day at NovelSisterhood. Stop by and join in the fun!





Monday, May 10, 2010

Angela Kay Austin's Romancing the Pen

Angela Kay Austin is announcing the launch of Romancing the Pen!

Love's Chance, my debut novel remained on RRP's Bestseller list for 10 weeks! And, I attribute that success not only to my publisher and editors, but to the fabulous authors I've met along the way. Each allowing me to visit their blogs to talk about my books, and why I love to write.

So, now, I invite you all to visit Romancing the Pen. I've asked these friends to share with my readers their stories and love for and about writing.

I hope you will visit soon and often!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Denyse Bridger visits Angela Kay Austin


Author Denyse Bridger discusses how she's used legend, murder, and romance to develop the plot for her latest work of fiction SHADES OF DEATH.

If you'd like to see how Denyse used years of research to pull together this magnificent read visit Angela Kay Austin's Romancing the Pen @ http://www.angelakayaustin.com/romanc...ing-the-pen/.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of the story, visit Denyse Bridger @ http://www.denysebridger.com/books-ShadesDeath.html.

If you would like to purchase a copy today visit http://solsticepublishing.com/shades-of-death-p-6.html.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Angela Kay Austin's Birthday Bash!

In honor of my birthday, and my book Love's Chance, I am having a celebratlion.




Blurb: To pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn't welcome her with open arms, but Chance O'Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family's restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she's willing to take a chance on love.

To read an excerpt, visit www.AngelaKayAustin.com.

Purchase your copy TODAY at www.RedRosePublishing.com!


Calendar

April 16th: Join me at Toni Lynn Cloutier's Heroines with Hearts.

Join Angela Kay Austin as she discusses her love for writing, and you could win! Magnets, bookmarks, mugs, goody bags, and more! All you have to do is visit Heroines with Hearts on April 16th or Angela Kay Austin.com on April 17th, and wish Angela Kay Austin a Happy Birthday!*

*Supplies are limited, so post early, and you could win! Winners will be randomly selected from posts on both websites until Midnight April 17th, 2010.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Join me and Margaret West

March 20th-25th please stop Margaret West's blog to join me as I discuss with Margaret some of the things that inspire me as a writer, and why I love writing.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tune in to The Literary Goddess

Please tune in to The Literary Goddess at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarygoddess/2010/02/25/the-literary-goddess tomorrow at 11:00 PM EST, and join me as I discuss life and writing with Kristy Brock.


We will be discussing my number 1 bestselling book, Love’s Chance, available NOW from Red Rose Publishing.



Blurb: To pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.



Purchase your copy today at http://www.redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=314&products_id=759!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Love's Chance is #1 @ Red Rose Publishing

Wow! Day 2 of sales, and Love's Chance is now #1 at Red Rose Publishing. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and my first published work! And, don't forget to visit me at www.AngelaKayAustin.com to find out about some great contests and prizes!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Countdown to Love's Chance


I can't believe that we are only 2 days away from the release of my premiere novella, Love's Chance available from www.Red Rose Publishing.com.

Blurb: To pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.

For more information visit www.AngelaKayAustin.com.

And, of course there's a contest and giveaway!

Blogging with Lisa Leibow

All day, I will be the guest of fellow Red Rose Publishing author, Lisa Leibow. I will be discusing writing influences in my life.

Also, I've added a little contest. Visit www.AngelaKayAustin.com, and look for the Blogging with Lisa Leibow tab for more details.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Blogging with Kim Smith at Bookmadness

Please join me at Kim Smith's www.Bookmadness.wordpress.com as I discuss writing through emotion. During this economic season, so many of us have so much on our plates that sometimes we just can't focus.

Join me as I discuss some of the ways I've found helpful to battle this nagging problem.