ofinkandquill

Submission Call

2009-09-03T10:53:00.001-07:00

Submissions Call:
Saddle Up
Length: 50,000 – 55,000
Who doesn’t love a Cowboy?
Our new line, Saddle Up, focuses on anything western. What we are looking for, for the series, are innovative well written stories that focus on strong, likeable, and appealing heroes and heroines.
The tone of the story can be upbeat, fun, and flirty, or dark, sensual, and erotic. We are always on the lookout for a story that pushes or exceeds the boundaries of characterization, plot, and explicit nature.
Saddle Up stories can be about an alpha cowboy fighting for his farm, a cowgirl fighting for her man, or a new widow who now finds herself doing something she never thought she would have to do … farm work. We want stories with real people; stories that pull the reader in till the very last page.
Saddle Up stories are set in both small town communities and large urban areas.
The first of the Saddle Up books will be released in 2010. Our goal is to release 2 books each month thereafter.
Please send your submissions to submissions@... with Saddle Up in the Subject line.
Don’t forget to read our submission guidelines before you submit.
*Permission to repost granted*

Word Search for My Contest

2009-08-31T07:40:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. I thought I'd do something a bit different with this so here goes. I've put together a word search featuring "Master's Mistress". Find all the words and let me know how many there are. All correct entries will be put in the bowl for the draw!

http://www.armoredpenguin.com/wordsearch/Data/2009.08/1420/14200849.389.html

Click on the link, you can select it as a pdf or html. Have fun and good luck.

Julia Knight Interview

2009-08-31T07:34:00.001-07:00

Please welcome Julia Knight author of Ilfayne's Bane.

Me: What inspired you to begin writing?

Julia: Two things really. Firstly, CJ Cherryh. I adore her heroes. I always fall for them, hook line and sinker, and I wanted to be able to do that to readers too! Secondly it was all Johnny Depp’s fault lol. I watched a film of his ( The Brave, I don’t think it was released in the States) and it’s one of those films that really makes you think. What it made me think about was the nature of sacrifice, what people would do for their families. Not long after, Ilfayne popped up in my head and refused to shut up until I started to write about him. A daunting prospect – I’d written nothing more than a shopping list since I left school!

Me: For each writer their genre is the one they’re comfortable with. Why did you begin writing within yours?

Julia: Well I read so much fantasy, it only seemed fair to write it. I just love the escapism of it, the fact that anything can, and does, happen. And so it goes writing it – you can make anything happen as long as it has an inherent logic within your world, and you think about the consequences. Or as Terry Pratchett has it ‘You can have flying pigs, provided you make sure that those who live under heavy flown flight paths have very stout umbrellas’. For me it’s the consequences of the fantastical elements that really make the world come alive.

Me: What was your initial reaction when you got that first contract? Have you had anything else contracted and if so what was your reactions? Did you have the same emotions?

Julia: My initial reaction was complete disbelief! I’d only been writing for about 3 years. Surely it must be a spoof e-mail. Right? When it sank in though I was thrilled. I told everybody, even the postman. I’ve just signed a contract for the sequel to Ilfayne’s Bane, Love Is My Sin, and my first thought was ‘phew, it wasn’t a fluke then’ *laughs*

Me: What would be your one piece of advice for anyone interested in getting a book published?

Julia: Perseverance is the key, and never stop learning. Okay that’s two, I cheated. But really it does come down to that. Never think you’ve learnt everything there is to know, keep reading and learning. And never give up, never surrender! If there’s one thing that published writers have in common, it’s that they never gave up.

Me: What sort of goals do you set for yourself with each project?

I tend to have two sets of goals. Daily and long term. So I write every day, and try and get a set number of words in ( 1 thousand is doable for me) If I go over, great. And the long term goals. My current MS, the third in the series, I hope to have the first draft ready at the end of August, tidied up and sent to betas by the end of September and the final draft done by Christmas. I’ll let it rest periodically in between drafts, but I work on other projects then, so I’m always writing. If I miss a day, it’s all too easy to miss the next day, and the next and before you know it life takes over and I haven’t written anything for a month.

And before I go, I’d just like to say a big thanks for the opportunity to talk to you.

Me: Thank you so much Julia for stopping in. It was great chatting with you. For anyone whose interested you can find out more about Julia's book and her other writing project at http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/ilfaynes-bane or Julia's blog http://juliazknight.wordpress.com/home-page/blog/.

Start of my Contest/Giveaway

2009-08-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

With the upcoming release of two of my full length western historical's I wanted to share with you, my readers my contest to help me celebrate. So here goes, in October, after the release of Love Thy Neighbor I'll be drawing three names.

The first prize winner will get the entire back library of my work, that's THREE full length Novels and one Novella.
Second Prize will be a choice of TWO of my books.
Third prize will be a free copy of my Christmas Novella released Dec. 08 as well as a mystery gift.

The rules are simple, read the excerpt and answer the trivia question correctly. Submit your name, email address, and the answer to me via my contact page and your name will be added to others for the draw. I'll also be posting some fun activities such as word searches and interviews with special hints. Good luck to everyone and I hope you all enjoy yourself.

Excerpt from Christmas For the Cowboy

“Excellent.” Holly hung up the phone and pushed the curtain aside. She stepped into the warm spray and sighed. The heat of the water washed away the makeup, the hairspray, everything that she’d plastered on to be someone other than herself. Holly rolled her neck under the shower, her hand already scrubbing at the streaks of black mascara that trailed along her body. The familiar smell of rosemary filled the room as she used the hotel’s shower gel to cleanse away the painted lady.
After washing out her long hair, she turned off the water and stepped out of the shower stall to smile at the man who held a bath sheet open for her. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“You didn’t,” he replied, and pulled her closer to him.
She responded to his gentle kiss before she tucked her head under his chin. “I’ve ordered something for us to eat.” The explanation came easily as she pressed heated kisses along the tanned flesh before her.
“Good, you’re gonna need the energy,” he teased, and swatted her on the rump as she scurried out of the bathroom. “Did you get coffee?”
“It’s on its way, along with your luggage,” Holly called back, and opened her suitcase. She pulled out the red silk nightie she’d made and slipped it on. The familiar comforting sounds of the shower filled the room as she moved the wine off the table and made room for the room service order.
When it arrived, she paid the tab, tossed in a tip and set it down as the bathroom door opened and her lover stepped out. He leaned against the doorjamb and watched her. “Does your husband know where you are?”
Holly rolled her eyes thoughtfully. “Does your wife?”
Tyson chuckled and moved to hold her close. “You know what time it is?” he whispered, his attention on the digital clock.
Holly turned in his embrace and shrugged. “So? I’m usually just going to bed at this time. I have a good excuse for being up this late.”
“Food, woman, you need the calories.”
Holly laughed warmly and sat down on the edge of the bed. She took the plate from his hands and set it in her lap. “So cowboy, tell me about yourself.” Her gaze was steady, unyielding, but not unkind.
“I ride rough stock. Broncs, bulls in the CPRA.” He paused and looked at her. “You know what that is?”
Holly shrugged, fully at ease with this particular word game in their annual ritual. “Figure it’s something to do with rodeo. Go on.”
Tyson spoke clearly, detailing his exploits of the past year until the accident. “That bull’s a prize-winner. Never been ridden and I thought I could beat him. I wanted to finish the year in grand style, to be top ranked for the Finals and it didn’t work out that way.”
“So what are you going to do if you can’t go back?” Holly tossed her napkin onto the empty plate and sat it aside. His answer was worth so much and she waited impatiently to hear it. Despite their role-playing, this conversation had far reaching consequences that could alter her future drastically. She shifted to hide the tremble in her body, the fear that raced along her nerves.
“I don’t know. I’ve never done anything but rodeo so not being able to do it is kinda hard.”
Holly nodded. “What about ranching? Why can’t you do that?”
Tyson stared at her, a multitude of emotions on his face. “It’s not the same. We run a small ranch when I’m not on the circuit.”
“What does your wife say about this? Doesn’t she resent having you only a few nights a year? I mean, you’re my lover and I could do with more than a few weekends. Is it enough to keep your relationship together?” She pointed at the pale band of skin around his ring finger.
“She wants me to stay home, to ranch. Sure I’d like to be able to be home every night but the road has some real perks to it. There’s a wildness, an untamed quality to it. When we’re together it’s great, the sex is great, the laughter, the conversations but,” Tyson shrugged uncomfortably, “I just don’t think I can ever stay put. Moving from place to place is something I’ve always done. I can’t stop being me.”
Holly nodded carefully, her eyes dropped to her lap. It was a familiar refrain, one she’d heard before and she felt her heart break a little. Sometimes it was an uphill battle to be the strong one, to be the one that waited. Now was one of those times. “So you’ll continue chasing the circuit then?”
“I’m not sure. I’m headed home in a few days and after that I’ll see.”
Holly smiled and shrugged. These few days weren’t about choices that affected them in real life. This was her time, time to be a woman. Her chance to be sexual, to explore the dangerous side of her desires without worry or concern for the consequences. She pushed her disappointment aside and smirked at him. The bed shifted beneath her as she got on her knees and reached for the plate in his hands. “Well, let’s see if we can fit a few more hours of excitement in, shall we?” she whispered, and leaned forward to kiss him.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS: What's the significance about this weekend with Ty for Holly?
The answer will be revealed Friday, August 28th, 2009.

Interview with Suzannah Safi

2009-08-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

For each writer their genre is the one they’re comfortable with. Why did you begin writing within yours?

I am a romantic person by nature. So, whatever I write: paranormal, contemporary, horror, and suspense, I mix it all with romance. The thing with my writing is that I don’t know what I will write next, it could be any mix of the romance genre, so it is not one writing style I stick with, but several.

What was your initial reaction when you got that first contract? Have you had anything else contracted and if so what was your reactions? Did you have the same emotions?

My first contract was with The Wild Rose Press for my contemporary romance novel ‘Worth Every Breath”, which is coming out in e-book and paperback in September 2, 2009. When I received the email from the publisher congratulating me, and offering a contract, at first, I blinked few times before it hit me ‘I’ll be a published author!’ After the first dance around the living room, and calling all the people I know to tell them about the news, I sat quietly savoring the moment. After that I received another contract with Champagne Books for my paranormal romance novel ‘This Time You Are Mine’. The feeling was the same as the first time I received my first contract definitely. The joy of knowing that my babies are going to see the world, and they will be enjoyed by readers is indescribable.

Do you have to do a lot of research to write the books you do or do you write within the fields you know?
Oh my, research is not only time consuming but also exhausting, but I love every minute of it. As an author you have to do lots of research, and that’s why most authors are knowledgeable about many subjects. I don’t necessarily write about what I know, only because I’ll be limiting my creativity, and I have a wild one when it comes to writing romance LOL. Talking about myself as an author who likes to write about all types of romance genres, I tend to research lots of subjects, you never know what you will find. I consider knowledge a precious jewel, without it you can’t be complete. When you have knowledge the sky is your limit.

What would be your one piece of advice for anyone interested in getting a book published?

Don’t ever give up; it takes time to get published. Be wise when you search for a publisher, don’t just go with anyone. It’s important to know if the publisher you are seeking is suitable for the genre you are writing in. Also is the publisher selling or not? Do your research on any publisher you are submitting too, it will save you time and effort in the long run.

What sort of goals do you set for yourself with each project?

My goal always is to enjoy what I write, if I am not enjoying the story no one will. When I get an idea for a story, I write it first as an outline, then I research all the materials for the story, save them, then start my journey. And what a journey it is, I live in my stories, experience what my characters are experiencing, live their lives, feel what they feel. It’s a world I create, people I meet, and experiences I go through.

What promotional avenues would you recommend to those who are newly published?

Use every avenue: bookmarks, brochure, internet ads, contests, book trailers, even talk to anyone about your books. You never know when you will make a sale.

For authors who are interested in having a professional book trailer created for their books to market, please visit my Book Trailer Design Company at www.design.suzannahsafi.com

Upcoming Contest

2009-08-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Its HUGE!!!!

Wow! With two full length historical novels due out in Sept. and October I'm holding a massive contest.

Starting August 25th I'm going to be posting clues and excerpts on my blogs and website. Along with each clue there will be a single question about the clue/hint you'll have to answer.

Collect all the clues/hints for a chance to win the entire back library of all my books in e-book format. This includes, Christmas For the Cowboy, Master's Mistress, and my upcoming releases Borderline Sin, and Love Thy Neighbor.

That's FOUR books in all plus a special 'freebie'. On October 5th I'll be doing the draw.

The prize break down will be as follows:

1st. Place the entire back library - including the 'freebie'.

2nd. Place one full length e-book of the winner's chosing from the library and special freebie

3rd. Copy of my novella on CD as a PDF Christmas for the Cowboy as well as a mystery gift.

The rules are simple: Leave a comment answering the days trivia with the correct clue.
Feel free to back link your sites/blogs with mine (I'm shamelessly trying to drive people to mine)
Have fun! And yes that's a rule. hehe.

Come out and have a great time - and learn a bit more about my characters and books!

An Interview With Mike Davies

2009-08-15T11:23:00.001-07:00

For each writer their genre is the one they’re comfortable with. Why did you begin writing within yours? First, my primary genre is a hybrid between suspense and romance. There’s two reasons that a big alpha male would even try to do anything with romance: First, I think in modern society love and relationships have been maligned by the media. You see signs everywhere, especially in youth that treat relationships as a throw away commodity. Why not do something to convey that there is a reason God made men and women bonded at their heart. It’s how I feel on the inside, its what I believe in. Second reason, I’m a Wussy when it comes to love, always have been, always will. No, I don’t write pure romance, rather I create stories that deal with how the bond between a Man and woman can give them the strength to overcome adversary. In other words, I write about relationships from the male POV. Why add suspense? Because I have so many images and scenes of an intriguing nature floating around in my warped mind, why not write about ‘em.

What was your initial reaction when you got that first contract? Have you had anything else contracted and if so what was your reactions? Did you have the same emotions? After two years of climbing that steep mountain, I finally got my first novel (TAINTED HERO) published in 2007. Hard journey, but there's something special about seeing your story released by a publisher and appearing on amazon and BN.com. Then the real work begins. Writing the second (FORGOTTEN CHILDREN), and the third (BLIND CONSENT), and the fourth (VEIL OF DECEPTION), etc. I’m now working on my sixth novel. Here’s what is the same across all of ‘em: The thrill of seeing the book covers the artist comes up with, the high of holding the first copy of the paperback in your hand for each release, the excitement each time I get a five star review. What’s different? My energy level is decreasing. I find I have to force myself to sit down for the first 3 or 4 chapters. Yet, once my muse starts stroking me in just that right way, I’m good to go for 90000 words. The promotional effort consumes so much more time than I ever imagined and wears on my creativity more and more.

Do you have to do a lot of research to write the books you do or do you write within the fields you know? I do a lot of research on places, environment, and the way things work. If there’s any science involved, I make sure it’s realistic. When I reference objects, houses, tress, animals, everything that exists in the world, I try to make sure I describe it with words and imagery that makes the story real to the reader. There’s a happy balance between too much and too little detail and I use my wife as my barometer (she reads about a book every two days). I’ve gone so far as to take a trip to a new area just to absorb the environment of the story. Fort example, my seventh novel will be a romantic thriller partially based in the Outer Banks of NC.

What would be your one piece of advice for anyone interested in getting a book published? I post the lessons I’ve learned about what works and what doesn’t with 24 other authors at TheWritersVineyard.com, and also post a series of articles every 3 months in the Brass Spectacle magazine. In terms of the best advice I can give to someone aspiring to write, here are a few of the axioms I’ve learned across almost four years struggling to become a published author and trying to improve my skills with each story:
a. Find someone, hopefully two or three, that will read your scripts and be brutally honest, I mean brutal. Then listen to their comments with an open mine, and don't make excuses why they aren't reading it right. Be prepared to learn and grow with each story. Listen to all pre-reviewers, editors, and the publisher. You'll learn a lot.

b. The big five and agents are interested in established commodities where their risk is minimal. A newbie doesn't fit that category, unless you're a politician, actor, or have major connections. The small publishing houses are more open and can provide a higher probability entrance into the field, but it is still hard.

c. The query letter and synopsis really means the difference between success and failure. One small house said they received 23000 submissions a year. How are you going to float to the surface of that queue if you don't grab them on the query letter before they even get to the manuscript?

d. Get accustom to rejection. I received over one hundred rejection letters before I got my first contract. And from what I’ve read at the writer’s forums, I was lucky

How did you family/friends react to your decision to become a writer? My wife is unbelievable. Never complains about the time I spend in the backroom. My two sons (both who write fiction) have contributed so many great insights. I have about half a dozen friends/family that bug me about my next script so they can read it and help catch typos and offer ideas.

Places that I contribute/post articles about writing – TheWritersVineyard.com, RomancesSuspesneNovels.com, Brass Spectacle magazine

My website – Davisstories.com

Five star reviews – See the review page of my website

Excerpts – See the excerpt page of my website.
Book trailers – I have two videos that discuss the origin behind where the stories come from and their connection to me on a personal level. You can find both on my website.

Please Welcome Candace Morehouse, author of Golden Enchantment

2009-08-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone, welcome to Candace's moment in the spotlight. I hope you'll find some useful and entertaining insight into her writing and being an author.

She was kind enough to answer all the questions rather than the five I asked for. Without further ado, here she is:

What writing style do you use and why? I write by the seat of my pants. A story is never fully developed until it’s done because the characters tend to take it in new directions.

When did you begin writing? When I was about 7 years old – my first book was entitled “Mr. Fathead Goes to the Moon”, about a character who looked suspiciously like Mr. Potato Head.

For each writer their genre is the one they’re comfortable with. Why did you begin writing within yours? I’ve always been a sucker for romance. When I was a teenager, it was away to go somewhere other than reality – a place I could imagine I was beautiful and popular and my knight in shining armor was just a coincidence away.

What was your initial reaction when you got that first contract? Have you had anything else contracted and if so what was your reactions? Did you have the same emotions? When I got my first contract, I was excited beyond belief. I whopped and hollered, sending my son running out to the back patio to see what was going on. After five contracts, the thrill isn’t there in quite the same intensity anymore.

Do you have to do a lot of research to write the books you do or do you write within the fields you know? Both – I tend to write about things I know, but I also do very intensive research for historical because I want them to be as authentic as possible. Suspicion of Love is the one book I’ve written that really stretched my abilities in both ways – the location was a place I’ve never been and the Edwardian era was one that required a lot of research.

What would be your one piece of advice for anyone interested in getting a book published? Have a lot of patience. The publishing industry moves at a snail’s pace compared to the rest of the world.

How did you family/friends react to your decision to become a writer? They were supportive, to some extent. The family liked the idea but didn’t like the fact that I spent so much time on the computer. Friends still think it’s neat.

What sort of goals do you set for yourself with each project? To finish and to sell it – that’s it. Finishing is the most difficult for me. I tend to start at least a handful of projects at once, then get stumped and move on. Eventually I go back to all those others manuscripts waiting to be finished, but it can take a good long while.

What sort of music do you listen to while you’re writing? I love country western, which really puts me in the mood for writing contemporaries and westerns. When I am writing a historical, I go for classical music. Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is a favorite.

What promotional avenues would you recommend to those who are newly published? That’s a tough one. Out of all the promotion I’ve done online, I’d have to say the most effective is still face-to-face interaction. Some will disagree, but readers rarely select a book from all the millions out there by an author they’ve never heard of – so it is important to establish relationships.

How do you feel about the difference in e-book and print publishing? Have you noticed a difference in how readers respond to your work? I love e-book publishing for its ability to offer my books throughout the world. E-publishers are also more daring; more willing to try new authors and break away from the tried and true plot lines New York publishers are so insistent upon. Since I’ve only been published in small press, I can’t speak to anything else, but I do love my publisher, her vision, and her ability to grow her company when others are failing.

What are you reading right now? I’m reviewing a book for Reading New Mexico called “Woman Who Glows in the Dark”. It is a New Mexico curandera and curaderismo in general, which I find fascinating. After that, I am ready to delve into New Mexico author Sabra Brown Steinsiek’s romance novels, Annie’s Song and her Time trilogy.

For more information you can contact Candace at her website: http://www.candacemorehouse.com/

An Announcement

2009-08-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Wow its already into August so quickly. Where does the time fly? This Saturday I'll be hosting three very talented authors from Champagne. They'll be talking about their books, their personal choices and other tidbits. Come out and join us for the day.

Summer is really heating up

2009-07-27T21:17:00.001-07:00

While I realize that this post has little to do with writing, I wanted to share it with you. We're currently going through a record breaking heat wave here at home. This past weekend we had a huge, huge lightening storm. Over 12,000 strikes were recorded. Today on the way home we saw the smoke plumes from three fires and heard about another three that have sprouted up within the past two days.

Temperatures are up there as well, 40 degrees Celcius (105 degrees fareinheit) and aren't helping the fire situation. In the past two weeks thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes due to the fires.

Its a terrible time and one that is reminiscent of 2003 when those here watched an entire town die with the carelessness of one person. Friends, family, people I'd grown up knowing lost their homes, their livelihoods in a firestorm that wiped out a small town and destroyed a multi-million dollar mill.

The town has begun to heal - although its no where near the way it was six years ago but the mill is gone. Jobs were lost, lives destroyed and millions of dollars spent fighting a fire that could easily have been prevented.

Now we're in the middle of another summer that's shaping up to be more destructive. Out of 340 fires at least 197 were caused by man...that's not a very good statistic. It's makes me wonder why and how we've gotten to this point.

If I may ask, please keep a postive thought to those of us in British Columbia Canada. We're walking with dragons and hopefully we'll come out unscathed, wiser but unharmed.

Take care and we'll talk to you soon.

Some news to share

2009-07-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been a while since my last post. I have to admit without internet its been beyond difficult to access the internet long enough to update my sites...but I've got it back and I'm going to be posting on a regular basis.

Today I thought I'd update everyone on what's been happening in my crazy, whirlwind life. Its been mostly good stuff - I've gotten numerous books in contract with two coming out within the next three months.

Master's Mistress made the #1 bestseller list for Champagne Books in May, and has been selling quite well. I ordered books from the publisher and sold out within hours of their arrival!!! I was amazed - especially considering the economy and everything. Alas, everyone loves a good book to curl up with.

Borderline Sin is coming out September 7, 2009 and I'm super excited about it. It's my first foray into multiple nations. She's Canadian and he's a US Marshal in the late 1880's. I'm hoping all goes well and it sells steadily.

Love thy Neighbor is coming out in October 2009 from Champagne and I've already got people waiting for a copy!

I've started back to work and am working full time 40 hours a week. A rather daunting task since I'm also writing three novels at the same time - two full length and one anthology. I've found that the amount of research has increased expentially - in fact I'm bogged down with researching PTSD for one of the novels.

Keep you eyes out for upcoming details of contests and special freebies that will be making an appearance in the coming weeks...

Happy reading and good writing. Until next time.

Wow! Here's an update for everyone.

2009-04-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Once again Michael Davis has done it! He's got another of his top-notch thrillers available. Check it out on his site at http://davisstories.com/.

"Michael W. Davis has once again written a top-notch thriller. He starts out with a bang, then steps back and slowly reels the reader into a story both believable and otherworldly. As the truth unfolds, the horror of what happened to the town and its inhabitants many years before leads the way to a stunning conclusion. Blind Consent is a necessary read for thriller lovers everywhere. Michael W. Davis fans can only hope he is hard at work on his next novel.", 5/5 stars, Reviewers top choice. Here's the link if you want it:

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=3407

Taking a Moment

2009-03-25T16:11:00.001-07:00

My how real life seems to have gotten away from me lately. I've got so much on the go its hard to know where to start. I am however, super excited about my upcoming plans. I've got several new projects on the go including the second of "Master's" Trilogy featuring Ninth century Ireland.

I've begun working on a new book as well (I'm writing two at once if you can believe it) that's set in 18th century France during the Seven years war. Its also an erotic novel **Gasp** so I'm going to be holding a contest for a pen name. The winner will be gifted with a special collection of my work and I'm looking forward to it.

Gotta run but feel free to post a comment or question and I'll try to get back to you asap. Have a great week and happy Spring.

Upcoming releases

2009-02-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yippee! Finally it has arrived. Master's Mistress will be out in March of this year. I'll be holding a contest the last week of february to see who gets a free copy! Come out and join me.

Hard work pays off.

2008-12-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

Tis the season - to be busy! With so many projects on the go its hard to keep things organized and on track. However, when you've got the motivation it can be a rewarding experience. Recently I began writing a western novel that I had hoped to get published via a New York publisher. I've revised that idea - not because its hard, or an out of touch idea but simply because at this stage in my career I don't feel confident enough to win an agent over to my talents.

Having said that, I don't think my writing is poor quality - I wouldn't get published if it didn't hold up to industry standards. No, I simply have come to the conclusion that the smaller publishing houses are a good experience and will help me create my name before I launch into a larger market so to speak.

If you get the chance, I highly recommmend you read the book The Career Novelist by Donald Maass. It's an excellent read and it will help you figure out where you want to go. Having a plan for your career is invaluable and necessary. You wouldn't start a business without a game plan, and your writing career is the same.

As an author you're making a product to sell to the consumer. It's a business plain and simple. Does it keep a person busy? For sure. Edits, rewrites, research, all take up time that you, the owner/author, must manage. I don't believe that it should consume every waking minute but a good five hours a day shouldn't be unheard of.

Am I guilty of spending more than that on the computer? Yes, I'm afraid so. What do I have to show for it. Three contracts ( The last came in yesterday for a full length western), my novella has been released, and the production on Master's Mistress - my Viking romance - has begun. That however is a tale for another day. I'm learning how to manage my time, how to juggle being a full time mother, wife, employee for another company, business owner - I do my own craft thing - and writer with a bit more finesse.

Its not always easy but it is rewarding. When I hear back from a fan that my work has touched them, that they've enjoyed what I've written I'm grateful that I've been able to do that. I'm touched that as an author, my work is an inspiration to others. Busy - yes, insane - probably...regretting it? Not for a moment.

Yeah! IT's now available.

2008-12-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

My christmas Novella "Christmas for The Cowboy" has come out - just in time for those still shopping for X-mas presents.

Warning: May contain material that is steamy - read at your own risk! Feel free to leave a comment:

An Excerpt from the Novella:

“And now for those ladies who haven’t got a date. We have a treat. All the way from Hornbow ranch, we have a real live cowboy.” Tanya waved a hand at the curtain as it pulled back to reveal the shadowed figure of a man.

Holly swallowed, her gaze soaking in the sight before her. A dark felt Stetson sat at a rakish angle over his features. His broad shoulders flowed down into a chiseled torso; a matting of darker hair followed a familiar line down his body to disappear into the low riding Levis he wore. The long, tight jeans were threadbare in places, conforming to leave little to the imagination. Her mouth went dry as she noticed the way he was ‘dressed’. The faded lines of the denim flowed down along the ridge they hid, to the edge of the frayed spot near his upper thigh. With each step he took, she could see the muscles flex and ripple beneath the material. A large championship buckle sat in the middle of his lower abdomen, the edges of his flanks visible as he pulled the pants down with his thumbs in the belt loops.

A pair of shiny spurs embraced the worn black boots on his feet. Each step sent a faint but distinctly metallic jingle through the air. The tall man stopped at the end of the runway. He lifted the toe of one boot and rocked it back and forth in a slow, beckonin’ motion.

“Starting bids?” Tanya paused, a smirk on her face as she cast an appraising stare at the man standing beside her. “How about two hundred? Anyone with two hundred, that’s a real championship buckle, ladies. He was the bronc riding champion of 2007, as well as came in the top three in bull riding. Gals, this is a man who knows how to stay in the saddle.”

“Two hundred!” a voice rose from the back of the room.

“I have two hundred.” Tanya called, “Two twenty?”

“Three hundred,” another voice chimed in.

Holly smirked into her glass as she watched the other women in the room wave their cards about. With each bid that rose higher and higher, she risked looking at the man standing silently. His expression hadn’t altered, his stare scorched through her dress to kindle the desire that was never far away.

“One thousand dollars,” someone called. He didn’t move a muscle, just stood there silently, his hat pulled low. The faded denim of his jeans hugged the strong, hard length of his legs as he altered his stance to tempt her just a bit more.

Holly shifted, uncrossed and crossed her legs. She noted the way his pale eyes followed the movement and adjusted her dress a bit to reveal more leg. With each movement he swallowed, his body tensed and he shifted slightly in an attempt to hide his reaction.

“Twenty-five hundred dollars.” Holly waved her sign when he stuck his hands deep into his pockets. The swelling along her dress line started an ache deep within her, and she wondered idly if anyone would notice a damp spot on her dress. Her breasts tightened her nipples hardening to poke at the slinky fabric of her gown. Unashamed of her arousal she stared at him; her gaze followed his tongue as it licked at his lips.

A shocked hush fell over the room as everyone turned to stare at her. Slowly, murmurs began to swarm around the room. Speculation flew as the other women assessed her. She merely sipped at her drink, her gaze steady as she stared at the cowboy on display.

“Any other bids?” Tanya asked weakly. The silence fell over the room as she searched for any other bidders. Finally, after a few moments of stunned stillness she brought the gavel down. “Twenty five hundred dollars it is. Sold to the lady in gold.”

Holly smirked to herself and stood. She collected her wrap, clutch, and auction card. A young man with a clipboard appeared beside her, a smile on his face.

“Could you fill this out?” he asked softly.

Holly took it, filled everything out, and reached into her reticule. “Cash okay?”

“Cash, ma’am?” he croaked as she pulled a wad of bills from her purse.

He watched bug-eyed, as she counted out twenty-five hundred dollar bills and laid them atop the clipboard. His eyes followed her movements as she pulled out another five and tucked it into his pocket. “Would you be so kind as to ensure that I get a receipt, please?”

“Yes, Ms. Walker, I’ll leave one for you at the front desk. Are you checking out tonight?”

“No, I’ve booked my room for a few days,” Holly explained, and sauntered off. She paused at the edge of the stage and winked at her ‘date’ before putting an extra swing in her step and leaving the ballroom.

The elevator ping’ed its annoying sound as the doors swung open and she stepped inside, aware of the silent man standing inches from her bare back. Careful not to catch her stiletto heels on the edge of the track, she turned to catch her date’s lust filled gaze. His shadow loomed in behind her and she reached for the panel. Her long-nailed finger pressed her floor number and she peeked upwards, her body abuzz with sensations, desires, and she wondered if this time would be any better than the others.

Upcoming Contest and Release

2008-11-27T07:10:00.001-08:00

Yeah! With only a handful of days left before my Christmas Novella comes out, I thought we'd celebrate.

So I'm holding a contest. Pop over to Blade's site and look through my excerpts of the novella. To win, simply answer the following question:

What was Ty wearing at the auction?

On December 3rd when Christmas for the Cowboy comes out from Blade, I'll be drawing a name from those with correct answers to win a copy of the novella.

From the remaining names I'll be drawing four to win a special 'surprise' gift as well as a promotional package.

Good luck, and happy reading.

The link to the excerpts is: http://www.bladepublishing.org/excerpts/cowboy.html

A Spooktacular Contest

2008-10-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, in the spirit of halloween I'm holding a contest. If you've got a short story 400-1000 words in length about a shapeshifter, vampire, ghost, goblin or anything halloween submit it to me via my contact information.

Submit a link to it if you've got it posted on your blog, or send me the entire story. I'll be posting them. Everyone will have a chance to vote on them and select your favorite. They will be entered to win a spooktacular gift basket!

Have fun with them - but keep in mind anything that is above the PG 14 rating will have to be flagged and I may only post an excerpt from it, simply to keep it family oriented. Thanks and hope to see everyone come out to participate.

Please welcome Amoda Ni Cormac from Ireland

2008-09-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to everyone, I'm glad you could join us. Today we'll be having a short chat with Amoda Ni Cormac from the lush green of Ireland's shores. Welcome Amoda.

Thank ye for having me.

PB: My readers have been wondering about you. You're not the typical 'slave', you can read the written word, speak several dialects, and follow two independent religions. Where did you learn so much for someone so very young?

AC: Tis the truth that I am educated, a rarity amongst slaves in Brattilhid. In fact none of the others I met spoke more than their master's tongue. But I was not always a slave, when I was very, very young I was stolen from my home by the Gaill King Tyr. Thrust into the darkness of my captivity, my learning was my only escape.

PB: You refer to Tyr as a Gaill - what does that mean?"

AC: Gaill is a celtic word that means invader. In the dialect of my people, Vikings were considered intruders, foreigners. It is a term we have always used.

PB: Your teacher, Rognvalder, forgive me if I miss pronounce it, is hardly one I would think to be a teacher for a young child.

AC: Its pronounced Rog Val Dr. Nay he is not a suitable instructor in anything clean and decent. I have often felt the disgust turn my own stomach and I have known him a great number of seasons.

PB: With so much upheaval in your life, how can you be so calm, so accepting of the man who is your Lord?

AC: The Gods had long ago written my fate, it is a rarity for a mortal to tempt them with his cunning. Mykyl is a good man, a fine leader - and his loyalties do not lie within his own family. He has given me much, how can I do less for him?

PB: If there was one thing in this world you could alter what would it be?"

AC: There is nothing I could change. Were I to change my family being murdered, I would have been wed to a Tuath from a neighboring clan. Change the darkness and horror of growing within Rognvaldr's house - I would not have learned to heal. Nay, there is no room for change. I would but erase a shadow or two but even then, Nay, nay. There is one thing I would change. I would fight for my lord, I would not run from him with such fear as I have done.

PB: What was your impression of the woman King Tyr selected as a bride for Mykyl?

AC: Humours laughter - A hollow stone. Frail and weak. She would never have survived here. Nor would she have been woman enough for a man of such passion. 'Tis better that she went back whence she came.

PB: How do you feel about the conflicts that have plagued your homeland for so very long?

AC: I have never known peace so what is war? It is necessary to rid the green fields of the vermin that slink about through it. I would but wash my lord's kingdom clean with the blood of his enemies, but alas, I cannot.

PB: Thank you for your time, with a small babe it is rare to have a few moments of peace and quiet.

AC: Aye, 'tis true. But my son and my daughter are both delights to me and my lord and husband. I would give him a houseful before I am finished.

Please join us next week as we talk to her husband and the Lord of Woodstown himself. Until then, thank you for joining us and take care.

An Interview with Kelly Thompson

2008-09-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

1. What was your inspiration to begin writing and when did you start?

When I was a kid I spent hours writing stories; besides reading, that’s what I loved to do. Life as an adult kind of pushed that aside for many years. I tried for a while when my kids were young, but it just didn’t work. A couple of years ago, I read a really good book. Okay, I’ll even name it. It was A Date With the Other Side by Erin McCarthy. It was laugh-out-loud funny, sexy, with characters who felt real. And I wanted to do that. Combined with the fact that my kids are getting older and I actually have some time to myself, I decided instead of sitting in front of the television every night I would do something productive and give writing a shot again.

2. When you write, how do you go about it? Are you a pantser or plotter?

I began totally as a pantser. I sat down with characters in my head and wrote my first story. And although I’ve never submitted it anywhere, I think it actually isn’t bad in terms of plot. (The writing is a whole other story!!) But in my last few books I’ve been trying to plot more. I can’t figure everything out, but I try to identify what my turning points will be, my crisis, climax and resolution. And I think about some possible ideas for the plot. But if I’m coming up blank, I find the best thing to do is just start writing and the characters make things happen! It amazes me the things they do!!

3. What do you find to be the most difficult about the craft of writing and why?

Definitely the “selling” part. Sending query after query after query is tedious when I’d rather be writing. Then the rejections are all discouraging. And then even when you do publish, the promotion work is hard for me. I’m not a hugely outgoing person and while I want people to read and enjoy my stories, I wish I didn’t have to tell them about them all by myself! Like, I’ll be sending out an announcement to friends and family and I was going to add at the bottom “Please don’t feel obligated to buy and read this book.” What kind of selling is that???

4. What's your favorite thing about the genre you write in?

I write contemporary/erotic romance and I have to admit I love hot love scenes. I like reading them and I like writing them. But to make them “hot” there has to be an emotional connection between the two (or three!!) characters, also between the characters and the reader. That’s what I strive for.

5. Why did you pick the publisher you went through?

I picked Samhain because they have a great reputation in e-publishing and they publish some fantastic authors, ones I know and like. I’m really proud to be a Samhain author.

6. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to publication - the highs and lows?

It’s like a roller coaster, isn’t it? Writing the book excites me. I especially love it when I solve a plot problem - I just feel exhilarated! I love it when I go back and read something I wrote and I think, damn that’s good! Then I send the queries and wait and wait and then the rejections come and I think, damn I guess that wasn’t so good. It’s hard not to get discouraged at first. I also had some discouraging experiences with critique partners who weren’t supportive at all, and was very close to quitting. Then – a sale! That first sale is definitely a high! I actually made two sales within a week of each other – major excitement! That gives the confidence a boost, which is good because that’s not the end of the rejections! Those just keep coming. It was a real low when my second submission to Samhain was rejected. That really hurt, but I did sell that story to someone else. And now I have made a second sale to Samhain, I’m happy to say!

7. Your cover art is amazing; do you believe the artists captured the essence of your stories?

Yes I think so. I know they’re working from stock images and are limited with what they can do, but I also got feedback from the artist at Cobblestone Press that she had an easy time because I put so much detail into my cover art form, so by the third time I had learned the more information you give the artist to work with the better. She got it exactly right. A cover is so important, but as a new author, any cover with my name on it is thrilling!

8. If someone were to ask you for advice on writing and publishing a book, what would you tell them?

Just do it! (As Nike says!) Many years ago when I first gave writing romance a try, I thought I’d send out queries but not bother writing the story unless someone was interested! Very efficient, except you only learn writing by doing it. Even though I’ve written so many books nobody will ever read, each one was a learning process. So write, write, write. And learn wherever you can. Take on-line courses, read and study books about writing, and find a great critique partner.

Thank you Kelly, if you have a comment or question for our special guest please leave a response and she'll do her best to get back to you.

Kelly Jamieson's "Love Me" Is OUT!

2008-09-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kelly Jamieson on her release this month.

“Love Me” by Kelly Jamieson

Read An Excerpt OnlineGenre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 978-1-60504-194-0Length: Short StoryPrice: 2.50Publication Date: September 16, 2008Cover art by Scott Carpenter

How far does she have to go to get his attention?

Melina Wenham is worried and frustrated. Lately, her boyfriend of six months seems to have lost interest in her. Yes, she knows he’s stressed about his big project at work, but jeez, it seems like he’d rather go solo than have sex with her. Sexy lingerie, a Brazilian…nothing seems to get his attention.

Gavin’s frustrated too. He’s under enough pressure at work, without feeling more from Melina every time he gets home.

Another night, another party, and Gavin is off talking to the boys. Feeling ignored yet again, Melina confides her troubles to an acquaintance, Abby, who suggests shaking him up by flirting with another guy. Hmm. Not a bad idea, except there are no flirt-worthy guys at this party.
Then Abby suggests a different tack—flirt with her.

Could a little girl-on-girl tango be the match that reignites romance with Gavin? There’s only one way to find out…

I read the excerpt and have to say - this is well worth the time to check it out! Congrat's Kelly.

Kelly will also be appearing during this week to talk about her writing.

Interview with Holly Walker star of upcoming Novella

2008-09-14T09:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome, today's guest is Holly Walker, the heroine of Christmas For The Cowboy due out Dec. 08 through Blade publishing.

Hello Mrs. Walker, its a pleasure to have you with us today.

Holly: "The pleasure's all mine. I'm glad to be here."

Interview with Holly Walker

You’ve been involved with rodeo in some capacity all your life, what got you hooked on rodeo?

HW: I started riding when I was six, my grandfather got me started. I competed in 4-H for two years before I got the competitive bug. By the time I was nine years old I’d been touring the show circuit. When I went to the local rodeo and horse show my friend dragged me with her to watch the cowboys. After watching the speed of the barrel racers, the skill, the horses I began to think I’d like to do that. When I was ten I signed up for my first rodeo and never looked back. You could say the cowboys got me hooked.

Do you ever wish you’d done anything other than the rodeo?

HW: I’ve done a lot of different things. I’ve done rodeo, shown, you name it I’ve done it. But I’ve also got a lot of other skills that most people who see my buckles don’t know about. I’m a qualified seamstress; in fact I run my own sewing shop from the ranch. I run a bed and breakfast, and maintain the ranch by myself because Ty’s constantly away from home.

When did you meet Ty?

HW: I met him at the local rodeo the second year I was Pro Rodeo. I’d seen him before then, I knew the name, the family – you don’t walk in the rodeo world more than a day and not hear about the Walkers but a formal meeting didn’t come until I was a teenager.

What was it about Ty that’s kept you with him so long?

HW: His love. We were kids trying to live in an adult world and by the time we realized what was happening we’d already gone too far. Things haven’t been the greatest for a couple of years but I love him too much to just abandon him without trying to save our marriage.

How has the rodeo affected your marriage with Ty on the circuit 50 weeks out of the year and you at home?

HW: It’s put a strain where there wasn’t one. I love Ty and I know he loves me. But no marriage can survive weeks, months of separation without some connection. I don’t regret giving up the rodeo; I just wish that Ty would realize that he’s more than the rodeo. Doubts, lonely nights, fears, they’ve created a gap between us. He’s young, sexy as hell and there are a lot of temptations out there that no man in his right mind would be blind to – I just try to support him and enjoy the moments when he’s at home.

What made you come up with the Christmas Getaways?

HW: The rode is full of temptations and buckle bunnies who would be only to happy to crawl into bed with a winner. For me the Christmas Getaway is my way of giving Ty a chance to explore his fantasies, his desires for sex outside of marriage and still be faithful.

What’s different about this year’s getaway?

HW: A few things. An unexpected, unplanned pregnancy for one. I’m excited about the baby but I’m scared to. I don’t want to raise a child alone; I want to have my husband with me. This year that may not happen. When he learns of the baby, he may not choose us. When this week is over, our lives have to go back to some semblance of normalcy, and I’m not prepared to have an absentee father and husband any longer.

Thank you Holly, for sitting down with us today. Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first child.

HW: Thanks so much for having me. Merry Christmas.

Interview with Ty Walker

2008-08-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome, today's guest is Tyson Walker, the hero of Christmas For The Cowboy due out Dec. 08 through Blade publishing.

Hello Mr. Walker, its a pleasure to have you with us today.

Tyson: "It's just Ty, and the pleasure's all mine ladies.

PB. You’ve been involved with rodeo in some capacity all your life, what got you hooked on rodeo?

TW: Rodeo is in my blood. It’s who I am. My father is a two time world champion Bronc rider and my mother is a world class barrel racer. I was born into the circuit, and didn’t know anything else. Growing up I was encouraged to follow my dreams, to experience the full range of the rodeo. I guess you could say, the rodeo’s excitement was bred into me.

PB: Do you ever wish you’d done anything other than the rodeo?

TW: No. Like I said, it’s a part of me. Wasn’t until I was a teenager that I really understood there was more to life, and by then I’d already gone pro. It’s pretty hard to stop being what you’ve always been just because something new appears.

PB: When did you meet Holly?

TW: shifts in his seat, crosses his legs. “I met Holly when I was eighteen at the final regular season rodeo on the curcuit in a small town in British Columbia. She was competing in every event a woman could. Joking around with a couple of the other bull riders and I hear a horse snort. Glanced up and it was like I’d been stomped by a bull – there she was, sitting atop a sorrel gelding waiting for her run.

PB: Do you remember your first date with Holly?

TW: That night. I watched her go into the arena, her body moved like poetry with her horse as they ripped up the cloverleaf. I followed her back to her trailer after her run and asked her out. We went to the Rodeo dance together. I remember our first dance; they were playing a Garth Brooks song. “Shameless.” She wore a green silk shirt with white on the collar, and a snug denim skirt that brushed the tops of her boots when she walked. I danced every dance with her, walked her back to her trailer and said goodnight.

PB: Where were you when you proposed to Holly?

TW: I proposed in July, on the last day of the Calgary Stampede, right in the middle of the award ceremony. With thousands of fans and officials, as well as other competitors staring at us, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. More exciting than any ride I ever made.

PB: How has the rodeo affected your marriage with you on the circuit 50 weeks out of the year and her at home?

TW: When we traveled together wasn’t a problem. When she retired to the ranch, it put a strain on things. She knew about the temptations and ‘bad’ habits that are out there for riders, men and women. You have to understand that there are going to be women who go to the rodeo just to rope a cowboy for the night – and they like a winner. There’s the booze, drugs, it’s like any sport really. A rough stock rider doesn’t have a very long career; it’s too hard on the body. When you face death in an eight second whirlwind, it’s not uncommon to try and find ways of dealing with the lows that come.

I never cheated on her but there were things that made her question my commitment. Fears that I never faced, worries, thoughts, doubts that I struggled with on a day to day basis. Wasn’t until this past year that we really got to know just how strong our love was. There are moments when I regret being gone so much – but she never tried to force me to be different, to not be who I was. In a way the rodeo gave us each other and it nearly took us away from each other. It’s a lesson we can’t, we won’t forget.

PB: What made you come up with the Christmas Getaways?

TW: My folks have been married a long time, Holly’s folks were married for thirty-five years before her Dad died. We came up with the idea of having a week long romantic holiday as a means of keeping the relationship alive. It was a way of stepping outside of the boundaries of our sex lives, of our marriage, without cheating on the other person. We decided to do it on our honeymoon. It would be our greatest Christmas and anniversary present since we got married Christmas Eve.

PB: The news about the baby was a shock, but having had a few weeks to digest the information how do you feel about it?

TW: I’m excited. I always knew Holly and I’d have kids, but I didn’t want to her to have to go through a pregnancy by herself. One of the reasons why I always used protection. Got so used to having it on me that I think she started to question my faith in our relationship. I was shocked when I found out that she was pregnant. Not because I didn’t want a baby – but because deep down I was terrified that I couldn’t be the father I wanted my kids to have.

It made me sit up and take stock of my life. A bull riding is a dangerous profession, one that you know you’re gonna get hurt doing. This baby made me really think, and it opened my eyes to what I truly want. And what I want is rather simple, comes down really to one thing. I want Holly and the family that we’re making.

Thank you Ty, for sitting down with us today. I hope you have much success and congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first born.

TW: You're very welcome, glad to have been here.

PB: Come back next week when we'll be talking to Ty's beautiful wife Holly Walker.

Back in the Saddle - so to speak

2008-08-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

It seems so unusual to have nothing to say - to write - when you've got that dreaded curse of writers block. Still, many suffer it, work their way through it. For some of us its as simple as our brains agreeing to work.

You're probably laughing at that statement but it's the truth. I'm extremely prolific - I've always got two or three things on the go and for me to have nothing - is uncomfortable. We had guests, as I've mentioned, they stayed for two weeks and I didn't write a single word. Thought it was because I wasn't on the computer -but it wasn't that. My brain - and my muse - had decided that I had enough on my plate. I was, admittedly, stressing a bit about the edits for my Christmas novella, about my company, family problems, and then work. For me my writers block wasn't about not having anything to say - it was simply my brain's way of telling me to relax, to become stress free.

So, now where I am? Well I'm elbows deep in writing again. Pumping out two chapters a day, except for yesterday when I did two and a half, researching Spain and Australia circa 1850's, looking up names from 9th century Ireland for my next Viking Saga book (Which doesn't really have a viking in it other than as a secondary character), doing interviews, planning a book reading for September, scheduling photo shoots, and taking care of two boys besides my own. Busy? Mmm maybe, but at least when I sit down to work on my books there's something flowing. My fingers are typing away faster than my eyes can read and I'm once again comfortable in my skin.

It may seem strange, unusual, or just plain odd but I found that if I let my 'inner writer' have free reign not only am I typing out quantity but quality. So for everyone whose having one of those days that nothing seems to want to flow, where you're constantly second guessing yourself and your writing, have faith. Your muse, creative juices, or what ever you call 'em will kick back in and when they do you'll be back into the full swing of writing.

Until then, take a moment to breathe, to wallow in the experiences that you're going through. To contemplate what you want and how you can get it. Until next time, have a great day and a great weekend!

The first steps

2008-08-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Firstly, allow me to apologize for being absent. With my internet down until I could get a repair person out it made it difficult to get online. And I have had several full weeks with company, writing, and 'work', but I'm back now and hopefully will be able to post a little note next time I'm to be away.

Today I want to talk about something that I think everyone needs to know. There are many talented writers out there who have both the skills and the talent to write - what most don't have or have little experience with is the overwhelmed feeling when your career suddenly springs into full gear and you're standing there go "Huh?".

I was invited to participate in a very interesting and exciting series through one of my publishers and I'm delighted to do so. It was an unexpected honor to be asked and I wasn't prepared with anything more than a summary of the story I'd intended to write before I learned that it was 'invitation only'.

So now I'm learning how to walk the tight rope of self-imposed deadlines on not one but three novels! Yes, I said three. I've got a novel in the works for a submission call, the one I was invited to do, and another one that is a prequel to my Viking romance due out in March.

This means that I'm spending my time researching, writing, and when taking care of my family. Its also a good indication that I've taken the first steps to building my writing career and that my perserverence and dedication to it have paid off.

For those of you still taking that first step - submitting to a publisher, do it. One cannot learn to walk without a few fumbles. Believe in yourself and you'll see that you can do anything you want. There's always going to be someone there to help you while you're learning to walk, even if its a fellow author you've never met in person.