The Magic Mavens

unscheduled day in Paris

2008-07-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Friday morning and afternoon was an unsheduled day and my mom, daughter and I decided we had gained enough experience using the subway system that we could navigate Paris on our own without following the large group about. I also confused this day with our day at Chenonceau and Chambord as we actually did this day before that one. Oh well. We still had fun.
So, the first thing we did was walk/subway to the Eiffel tower. It opened at 9:00AM and we got there about 9:30 which was great timing. The lines were just forming so we only had about a 15 minute wait. We elected to go to just the second level. Tickets for the very top were a bit steep and Casey and I are both wusses when it comes to heights. And the second level was perfect. We had a great view of Paris from there. After the Eiffel tower we headed for the Musée D'Orsay and the Musée D'Orange. Both were incredible. Musée D'Orsay housed impressionism and post-impressionism so we saw work by Seurat, Monet, Renoir, Degas and others. As it was lunch time, we found a cafe on the top floor that had great food. We then went outside on the terrace that was on the 6th floor and had another great view of Paris. The Musée D'Orange houses Monet's large waterlily paintings.

After this, we decided to visit the Petit Palais which had no admission charge. Wow! I fell in love with the architecture and courtyard. It housed as much artwork as some of the art museums we'd paid good money for.

By this time we were exhausted so we decided to head back to the hotel before having to meet our group for dinner. But, by the time we missed out bus stop and backtracked, we really didn't have time to rest as we'd hoped. We had a wonderful dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, so my daughter was very happy.

My favorite day in Paris - Chateau hopping

2008-07-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

This was a special day. For a little extra, the tour took us to two chateaus, Chenonceau and Chambord. I loved them both but I think of the two, Chambord was my fave. The first picture is one of Chenonceau. The bus took us to Chenonceau first which is close to Tours, France, and west of Paris. The two-hour drive was very pretty and we saw a variety of countryside. Certain parts reminded me of the drive through West Texas through Amarillo. My German neighbors are so funny. They were very insistent that France has no castles. Yep, they're called chateaus but they sure look like castles to me. Both buildings were massive and the grounds beautifully sculpted.

Though a bit dark these pictures are of the kitchen. Yep, I took lots of the kitchen but what can I say. I was snapping them from a writer's perspective. Notice the fancy pulley system they had for turning the spit. There was a weight hanging outside the window to keep it in place.

Next we went to Chambord. After a wonderful lunch at Chenonceau of course. Chambord had this stairway that was a double helix. Fascinating. And almost all of these buildings had either painted ceilings or vaulted ceilings. I'm even going to include a photo of the "hunting" room with the largest deer blind I've ever seen.

A day at Versailles and Monet's Home

2008-07-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Day three was perhaps one of my favorite days. We started out with a bus trip to Monet's house in Giverny. The weather was simply gorgeous and the scenery en route, a treat for the eye. Giverny, itself, is a very quaint village hidden among tall, lush trees. I spent more time snapping pictures of Monet's garden than I did of his house.

After taking in the sights and getting lost trying to find the parking lot with our bus, we headed for Versailles. Located west of Paris, the estate of the late King Louis XIV is quite impressive. Called the Chateau of Versailles, it's more like a castle. I can't begin to tell you how large this area is. The chateau is a wonderful example of French architecture while the grounds remain beautifully sculpted.

Day Two in Paris

2008-07-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

We woke up early and ready to get start on our sight-seeing adventure. Nabila, our guide, told us that breakfast would be at 7:15, but we were in the lobby and ready to eat at 7:00 AM. The hostess for the dining area waved us away, communicating in sign language that she wouldn't be ready to serve until 7:15. Not even coffee! So, we waited and she came and got us when she was ready.

The morning was spent on a bus, sight-seeing. He drove us everywhere and let us get out to take pictures now and then. My daughter, was sick the entire trip which made it hard to enjoy everything, but she was a real trooper and never complained. One of the places we stopped was Notre Dame and oh my, the architecture is simply wonderful.

I'm posting some of the pictures I took on our walking tour including the one of the ambulence strike. Yep, the first day was the taxi strike but this day was the ambulence drivers's day to strike. That evening we ate at a greek restaurant and it was very tasty. We got back to the hotel around 9:00 PM and crashed.

Once Jilted is now in PRINT!

2008-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Once Jilted is now available in print version. Whoop! Not only that, but I also saw where two more of my westerns are available in print. I'm so thrilled!

Blurb:

How many times will an orphan be cast aside before someone offers love?

Shauna Joyce has three weeks to find a husband or face watching a special little girl fall into the hands of loveless parents. An orphan herself, she knows the heartache of growing up without love. Armed with a need greater than her own, she finds a likely candidate in bridge-builder, Kane McKenna.

Kane McKenna has one goal; to finish the bridge he’s erecting so he can earn the capital needed to start a business of his own. A wife and child would drain his finances, so when Shauna Joyce proposes marriage, he balks at the idea. Will her determination be enough to build the bridge of trust needed to make him trade one dream for another?

Excerpt:

“You plan to have the babe out of wedlock?” Kane scratched his head.

She looked skyward and gritted her teeth. Was the man dense? “Can you stop walking? It’s hard to talk to you at this pace.”

He slowed but continued to walk. “Daylight’s a wasting and I’ve got a deadline.”
“Will you at least let me explain so you can stop the rumors?”

Her foot caught a gopher hole, and she tripped, falling headlong onto the hard ground. She cried out when her elbow kissed the ground.

“Goodness, you’re a walking calamity. First pickles and now, a sprawl in the grass. You wouldn’t perchance be related to me Aunt Nell?”

She groaned and rolled to her knees. Every joint ached. Twigs and grass stuck to her dress, and she brushed them away with sore hands. She moaned at the pain and glared at her scraped skin.

“Are you hurt?”

Now he asked. She shook her head. “I’m not sure.”

He grabbed her elbow none too gently and helped her stand. She tested her foot and found herself uninjured. Praise be. An injury would have complicated matters more. “Thank you, Mr. McKenna.”

“You’re welcome. Now, if you doon’t mind, I’d like to be gettin’ back to me work.”

“But . . .”

“Miss Joyce, do you see that armature?” He pointed a finger at the structure. “That’s a mighty important bridge to folks around here. Can you tell me in all honesty that your quest for a hoosband be as important as the building of that bridge?”

She swallowed hard and frowned, thinking of Sarabeth. “For one person, it’s even more important.”

He frowned. “To be sure, and I can sympathize with your plight. Unwed and pregnant must weigh heavy on your mind, but alas, I can noot help you, nor can any of me men. Good day, Miss Joyce.”

She stomped her sore foot and grimaced. “For the last time, I am not expecting!”
Her shout brought the attentions of his workers. Seventeen sets of eyes peered down at her, and the heat rose to her cheeks.

“Now see what you’ve done. You’ve distracted them froom their work again. At this rate, it’ll take me five years to have this bridge completed.”

Available Now at www.champagnebooks.com

My first day in Paris!

2008-07-01T19:59:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a week since I've returned from Paris, France, and it took me that week to recover and feel like my old self again. Ten hour flights are no fun, but I did catch up on every movie I hadn't seen. After we arrived, it took us almost two hours to get to the hotel (okay, so I'm exaggerating a bit) because the taxi drivers were all on strike and their idea of striking was to form a wall in front of cars on the freeway/highway and travel about 20 miles an hour. It was fun to watch the police force in action, though.

We stayed at the Adagio which was an interesting experience. Everything in Paris is small with regards to room. The lobby was very small compared to our hotels. The room was a nice size but the bathrooms were small. We slept on a Murphy bed which we figured out in due course. We found bedding and pillows in the closet but no sheets. The bedding was some sort of comforter and I couldn't figure out if it went on top or we slept under it. The mattress was very hard. I slept under it because it was cold but then it made me sweat so we figured it was meant to be slept on top of. Of course, silly me just assumed it was the Parisian way to sleep without covers. Thank goodness my daughter and I brought blankets for the plane ride. We found out much later (like after we came home) that the missing sheets were just an oversight. Oh well.

After checking in, we found a place to eat lunch, then took a short walking tour of the surrounding area. It's hard to see, but this is a view of the small cafe we found. Every inch of space in eating establishments is used so it's a bit cramped, but it was tasty so no complaints.We were with a group of folks, one of those package deals. We booked the tour through Passports and I must say, I was very impressed. Our tour guide, Nabila, did an awesome job. We didn't have a lot of time before our main first meal and my daughter wasn't feeling well, so I had my first Paris shopping experience. They don't have Wally World or Super Stores. You buy food at a Market and medicine at the Pharmacy.

I'll post more later. I want to document the trip one day at a time.

Come on down!

2008-06-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Or over. Tides of Maryna's Love is releasing tomorrow, July 1 and I'm having a small bash to celebrate.

Hop over to my blog for the first round of fun! See you there!

Hugz!
Donica

Paris was amazing

2008-06-26T11:48:00.001-07:00

My daughter and I were smiling big as we started our journey. After ten hours on the plane we were still smiling but not quite as broadly. LOL. We arrived about 10:00 AM Paris time so we dropped off our bags and headed out to see our first glimpse of Paris.

The architecture is absolutely amazing, but they have a law or city ordinance that doesn't allow new construction to exceed a certain height because they don't want the tall skyscrapers to dwarf the older buildings. While the buildings aren't much taller than 8 stories, the city itself is very compact, to the point of feeling crowded. Space is at a premium and all the rooms and stores are quite small. They pack a lot into each space.

Parking is almost nonexistent so everyone rides bikes, mororcycles or they walk and walk we did. Everywhere. They have an amazing subway system but even so you have to walk down lots of stairs to make the connection you want. Needless to say, I came home well toned.

We saw so much that I'm on visual overload, but my two favorite areas was Monet's home and water gardens and Chambord Chateaux.

Oh and the Reims Cathedral was breathtaking. The heighth was astounding, but the solemn atmosphere was spiritually uplifting.

Danger In Her Arms - in print!!!

2008-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

WOO-HOO! I love announcements like this. My romantic suspense, Danger In Her Arms, from The Wild Rose Press is now available in PRINT. You can order it at Amazon.com . I got my author copies the other day and the cover is gorgeous! Ahhhhh....

Taylor Marshal and her daughter need protecting, yet the bodyguard assigned is the one man she fears the most.

Three years earlier, Taylor gave her heart and body to stranger. After a whirlwind affair of unbridled passion, her hopes were crushed when she finds out her lover, Cory Ross, is a hit man. When she witnesses him take another man’s life then watches her new found love fall from a cliff after being shot, her heart shatters. The only thing left to soothe Taylor’s broken soul is the little life growing inside her. The last thing she expects to find is Cory Ross alive – and back in her life as her own personal bodyguard.

Cory thought his luck had changed after his near death experience in the Bahamas. But when he looks into the eyes of the woman who he suspected had something to do with his accident, he realizes his new assignment to protect Taylor and her young daughter will be pure hell. But to fall in love all over again with Taylor Marshall will be sheer torture.

**excerpt**

Cory took a step toward her until the heat from his body connected with hers. Invisible sparks ignited between them, making Taylor’s heart hammer faster.

“How did Zack kiss you?” His deep voice sent shivers over her body.

“I...I can’t remember.” She shrugged. “Open mouth, I guess.”

Cory drew nearer and dropped his gaze to her lips. “Did his tongue sweep across your lips?” His hand lifted to her face, his fingers breezed over her skin and down her neck. “Did his caress excite you?”

A magnetic pull lulled her to lean into his hand as it traveled inch-by-incredible-inch toward her breast. She closed her eyes and tilted her head, her heart beating in an erratic rhythm. The words denying his questions were on the tip of her tongue. Although she wanted to tell him Zack had never stirred desire in her body, she worried she might tell Cory that his touch had always made her melt.

His hot breath stroked her ear. “Did he?” he whispered, his hand slipping further over the curve of her breast. Against her bra, her nipples puckered in remembrance of his fascinating touch.

Although she tried to stop it, a moan escaped her throat. Keeping her eyes closed, she leaned into him until his lips touched her ear. She rubbed her cheek against his and held onto his arms to stop from dissolving to the floor in a heap of gooey passion.

“Cory…please…”

“Tell me.”

“No.” She turned her face to his, her lips touching the day’s growth of whiskers he used to love to tickle her naked body with. “He never made me feel that way. Never.”

~~Phyllis~~

Headed out for a fun trip

2008-06-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post tonight since I'm in the middle of packing. I'm going to Paris, France. Whoop! I can't wait. I'm hoping it will inspire all sorts of stories. We'll see.

When I get back, I'll post some pictures and brag a bit about the great time I had. Until then ....

Held captive by a cockroach

2008-05-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

EWWWW. We all have our little fears. Some are sillier than others I suppose, but one of my biggest fears is the cockroach. My DH finds that terribly amusing because I'm so big compared to the brown bug. However, they just gross me out. I always have to call DH to come kill the darn things whenever I come across one. I think it has to do with a childhood experience in which a junebug crawled up my slip. I couldn't strip fast enough. I know - junebugs and cockroaches aren't really in the same league but .... Then there was the time in our first home when I was literally attacked three times by cockroaches. They fly and the first one flew off the ceiling to land on my chest. It landed hard enough to awaken me from a dead sleep. I sat up, screamed, woke my DH, woke the cat and preceded to go on a cockroach hunt as I wouldn't be able to sleep until it was dead. No worries, mission accomplished. So - I go back to sleep only to wake up to the same exact thing happening. After taking care of the second attack cockroach, I fell into a fitful sleep. Sure enough, another one started to fly about, hitting the side of the wall. That was it. No more sleep that night. I'm not talking your small house roaches. I'm talking those giant waterbugs. Creepy.

So - last night, I get up to go to the bathroom and as I push open the door, there it is, on the edge of the door. The biggest, yuckiest cockroach I've seen in a long time. I freeze. Finally, I close the door ever so gently. I don't want the bugger flying at me. I do my business, keeping a watchful eye on the beast, but when I'm done, I'm faced with a dilemma. If I open the door with the light on, I'll wake DH. No way am I going to turn the light off first and then open the door because that will give the waterbug a chance to move in my direction. I can't swat him. The sound will wake hubby. I know - you're thinking that it didn't stop me from waking him that other time, but he had to get up at 5:00AM for work and he hadn't slept in three days. Nope. I'm NOT going to wake my husband. And of course, there's no spray in the cabinet.

Oh, but wait. There is spray -- hairspray. So, I very cautiously pick up the hairspray, aim and squirt. Well, it didn't kill it, but at least he moved in the opposite direction. Well hidden beneath a towel, I was able to skirt around him, turn off the light, open the door and run for the bed.

I fell into a light sleep only to be awakened by the cat. She was amused by something and chased it about the room for a good hour. I only hope she got the bloody beast.

A very sad day!

2008-05-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are Moonlight fans, you're mourning with me. Moonlight was cancelled! UGH! The horror of it all. What's wrong with CBS anyway?

The reason this has affected me so much is because I'm usually not a tv watcher. I can't remember the last time I fell in love with a tv series and HAD to watch it every week without fail. When Moonlight first started, I had several online friends tell me how good it was. I'm part of a paranormal Yahoo Group too, and they said I had to watch it. By episode three, I decided to watch it. WOW!!! It was great. It hooked me immediately. Of course, it didn't hurt that Alex O'Laughlin who plays Mick St. John (the vampire) is gorgeous!!!! But I fell completely in love with him...ummm...I mean, the tv series. I watched every Youtube video that was made with him in it. I joined two Moonlight Yahoo Groups because I wanted to talk to other people who was obsessed as I was.

This Friday will be the season finale show...and now we know it'll be the LAST show. I almost don't want to watch it because it's going to leave me hanging - for nothing. Grrrrr. I'm pissed! How could CBS do this to me?

I'll be in mourning for several months. This is seriously going to affect my writing, too. He was my inspiration!!! AUGH!!!

~Phyllis~

Blog Hopping

2008-05-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I confess. I'm procrastinating, but in all honesty, I was very productive in my procrastination. See, I should be writing, but instead, I found myself blog hopping. And wow, I'm so glad I did.

Here's where I've been tonight:

I would visit more but I really need to write. However; my favorite was a blog post on alien romances about the exogamous female. Why? Because it gave me "food" for thought and stimulated my stagnant brain cells. Gotta love a wee bit of intellectual stimulation. In fact, I actually feel charged to write.

video and blog links

2008-05-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

In this chaotic world of promo and writing I've stretched myself across the electronic world. I've joined different blogger groups, created a few place of my own and am so excited to share all of it with you. So here are a few links to many of hte places you can find me online:

My Blog: http://donicacovey.blogspot.com

My Website: www.donicacovey.com

Gateway Guardians Blog: http://gatewayguardiansunit.blogspot.com

The Writer's Vineyard: http://thewritersvineyard.com/

Shades of Suspense: http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com/

Books and Authors: http://authorsandbooks.blogspot.com/

My newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/donicacovey/

Magic Mavens Newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagicMavensNewsletter/

Samhein Cafe: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/samhaincafe/

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/donicacovey

I invite you to please come visit each one and drop me a line. Just pop in long enough to say hello!

Well have to get busy. I'm working on a manuscript that I hope to target a New York house with. Wish me luck!

See you all soon. Hugz

Donica

Sorry to step in

2008-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the cover for my July release, Tides of Maryna's Love, the first book in the Elemental Desires series. I loved it so much I've requested the artist do all the books. Can you blame me? Just look at it:

Is that not the coolest? I think so! Okay I'll go and let Phyllis have her day back, LOL I just wanted to pop in and show it off!

Hugz
Donica

WOW!

2008-05-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

I got the greatest email today. Maryna's cover arrived! Can we just say I am AMAZED at how great it is? I have to admit that with each book I've had published not a single one of my covers have been a clunker!

Now as soon as it is finalized I'll be sharing it. I can't WAIT for the world to see it. So now the cover is in, the edits start next week, Maryna is becoming real--finally! I can't wait.

July will be here before I know it and I'll be celebrating Maryna's release as well as traveling to Arkansas for my week long vacation. Then August I'll be doing my release party for Callye's Justice. Plus edits for both Dragon's Angel and my alter-ego Jinger's Beyond Death--both books are to be released in October so I'll be busy! I'm loving it!

Well, have to be off!
Hugz,
Donica

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!

2008-04-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Don't you sometimes feel like you're in the middle of Alice's wonderland, fighting to find your way to sanity?

I think sometimes we dig our own hole. You know, that deep, dark crevice that grows each time we take on a new project when we haven't finished the half gillion we already have on our plates. Ugh. So - here's to time management. I just have to remember to follow the prescribed regiment. Maybe I'd have better luck following the Cheshire cat.

Okay, I think I'm venting a tad, so - slap, slap. No more whining or venting. I've made my bed and I shall sleep in it and wake from it, eventually. I can't wait until school ends and I have more time to add more things to my plate.

Oh, I do have some great news though. A Noble Sacrifice is now in print! Whoop! And Kaitlin's Silver Lining and Once Jilted have gotten some awesome reviews. Gotta love that. Make the craziness all worthwhile. Check out the reviews by going to my website: www.ciaragold.com

So it's not the normal romance...

2008-04-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

For the past eight months, I've been trying to get my historical, Spanish Eyes in front of agents or the big publishers. This is one very sensual, and adventurous story. Not only is my hero, Anton, one HOT man, but he's sexy as hell. And...he could be a stunt double for Antonio Banderas in his younger years. heehee So why shouldn't the agents or big publishers want it?

Well...I was thinking last night about mailing more queries to agents since I haven't heard anything for about four months now. But then it hit me. Why aren't they liking this story? Lots of adventure, lots of sexual tension (you know I love to write that!) and there's a mean, dangerous bad guy in this story... It has all the elements. It's one of my best written, if I have to say so myself. But then I realized last night that this story takes place on two continents. The first half of the book is in New York and sailing on a ship. The second half of the book takes place in Spain. Shoot, I'm adding a LOT of scenery.

Yet, I can't think of one historical from Harlequin, or from Kensington, or from Avon (or the others) like this. Usually the story takes place in one town, city, state...country. So is this the reason agents aren't biting? Because there is no 'fit' for this story?

Once again, I've written out of the formula. However, it's what publishers are asking for. It's new and fresh. But apparently, they don't like this kind of fresh? I don't know. Just confuses me sometimes.

Anyway, here is the blurb to the story. Tell me if you think it's marketable...

In a world when women must fight for every right, suffragette Rebecca Wakefield is determined to become a Pinkerton Detective. Her plan? Capturing the notorious thief, Anton Carerra; a man known as much for his womanizing as he is for his brilliant criminal mind.

Lady’s man, Anton Carrera is smitten with Rebecca from the very beginning. He wants nothing more than to seduce the stiff Miss Wakefield, until he learns she is investigating him for a crime he didn’t commit. She is innocent and naïve; convinced he is the villain her superiors have painted him. But her over-zealous determination places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.

Sweeping her away to Padre Island off the coast of Spain seemed like a clever idea at the time. But how can he protect them both from his own uncle’s murderous games when Anton’s heart falls victim to a woman as full of independence as she is desire…
~Phyllis~

Junkie?

2008-04-24T10:53:00.001-07:00

I have decided to try to take a little break from writing. I need to take a break. I want to take a break. I can’t.

Let’s recap what I’ve got going this year:

My alter ego had a release in January. I wrote two books, Beyond Death and Heaven’s Torment, and submitted them—as my alter-ego. Beyond Death was picked up and I have already gotten two rounds of edits on it and sent them back. This book is a fall release. October actually, well as far as I know it is. Since I only submitted Heaven’s Torment this week I’m sure I won’t hear anything on it for a while. Keeping my fingers crossed, nerves jangled, etc.

As myself, I have a book due to release in July—the first Elementals book, Tides of Maryna’s Love. I’m still waiting on edits for that one, but I have no doubt they’ll be here soon. I hope so since its almost May!.

Then I have Callye’s Justice coming in print in August.

After that is Dragon’s Angel, coming in October.

Plus, I have to write the final book in the Gateway Guardians series. Oh! Can’t forget my other two girls, Ember and Tara.

It’s only April and already I have gotten so much accomplished. I’m proud of myself. Is that wrong? Is it vain to be proud of myself? I don’t know.

Anyway, I’m extremely OCD. One of the many things I’m obsessive about is my writing. I’ve got this huge fear, this terrible fear, this all consuming fear: I’m scared to be away from the computer. I’m afraid I’ll miss an important email, or instant message. I’m equally terrified that if I’m not writing, blogging, or promoting I’ll be forgotten. My dream will come crashing down around me and I’ll never be able to pick it up again. How’s that for an admission?

Hi, my name is Doni and I’m a computer addict. Not necessarily an internet junkie, but I’m dang close. There are those what if’s hanging over my head. What if I loose momentum and I can’t get it back? What if I take that break and all my ideas disappear. What if my muse decides to head south and never comes back?

I’m going to try and break this cycle now. Today. I’m going to get off the computer and go do my cleaning, maybe even start some bread. How about a cake? Maybe some cookies…Huh.

Must…leave…computer…must…leave…computer…

D…

Both Westerns get great first reviews!

2008-04-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all, check out Loves Western Romances. Phyllis and I are their featured authors for May! Whoop!

And to top that, I just recieved two wonderful reviews. Kaitlin's Silver Lining received 4.5 books from Long and Short Reviews. Jasmine wrote: "I could not stop reading this story. Kaitlin’s independent streak and Bryce’s protective streak clash so well and powerfully that the story was entertaining and exciting to read. Reading Kaitlin’s story made me truly thankful that there were women in history who were willing to fight for women despite the odds stacked against them. Another reason that I really enjoyed this novel is due to the fact that it had everything in it. Some stories are very philosophical and its aim is to show the good or the bad in that particular ideal. Other stories have just the romance or the mystery or a combination of the both. However, this novel had all three. The principles of the suffragist movements, the mystery of the threatening letters to Kaitlin and the romance brewing between the two main characters all worked together to create a very well-rounded story." Read the full review here.

Once Jilted got 4.5 hearts from the Romance Studio. Brenda Talley wrote: "The escapades of this strong-minded woman were so intricately written it was impossible to not love Shauna and hope for love and happiness to find her. Her counterpart was an Irishman, Kane McKenna, whose mannerisms made him a stand-out, perfect compliment for Shauna. He obviously was well mannered and hated to be rude and ugly but he was challenged in true Gold style with more than most men could possibly handle.

This book was an emotional one for me. I have to admit that I laughed out loud, but I also shed several tears. And the ending—not what I was expecting. I recommend that you read this book. It is well worth your time and you will certainly be glad you took the time. Expect the unexpected, and see for yourself what a Ciara Gold book is like. You will not be disappointed." Check out the rest of the review here.

I want to thank both reviewers for taking the time to write such indepth reviews. Whether the author agrees with a review or not, reviewers are a welcome addition to the publishing process. Without their opinions, authors would have a more difficult time spreading the word about their work. So - kudos to all reviewers.

Stop in and say hello!

2008-04-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Well the boys now have their own blog. I hope you'll stop in and say hello to Justice, Chase, Mickey and Bobby. This blog will give you a little deeper insight to who they are and how they work. So please stop by http://gatewayguardiansunit.blogspot.com/ and say hello!

Have a great one!
Donica

Have you seen DEA on Spike TV?

2008-04-17T09:23:00.001-07:00

When this series first premiered, I was so excited. It’s no secret that my favorite series is my Gateway Guardians books. My team, my boys, are so uppermost in my heart.

If you haven’t seen this program then you should it’s a lot like cops. A crew follows a DEA unit out of Detroit around on some of their busts and things. I went into watching this series with mixed emotions.

I was excited because I could finally see first hand what a take down looked like—better than doing something and asking the local group to give me a ride along---RIIIIGGGGHHHT we know that would happen, NOT. And I do have a couple of contacts at the DEA who have been absolutely wonderful about taking time from their busy lives to answer questions, but it’s not quite the same, you know?

I also was worried. I know, it’s not my place to worry. The DOJ would screen this stuff closely before it was allowed released for public view. Still, they show faces, they give names—but several agents are masked from view—That job is so dangerous anyway it’s almost like they are daring the idiot drug dealers to come at them.

From the very first episode I was hooked. The group was EXACTLY how I envisioned my guys to be. The “brotherhood”, the sense of humor, the mesh of personalities that worked to portray exactly what I always thought it would be like.

When I write a character I have specific image in mind. I can see their picture clearly but sometimes it helps to have a picture of a person who is “close” so I hunt actors websites and movie stills trying to find as close to my ideal as possible. Most authors I know will tell you that this is something they do. With Mickey I was having a terrible time. They wouldn’t be the right height, the right build, there would just always be something “wrong”

Then this agent walked into the frame and my heart stopped. There he was. The living, breathing counterpart to exactly how I saw Mickey. I almost fell out my chair. He had the exact build. His hair is the same length and color. Those same eyes.

I joked with my mom that I should write him and ask him to send me a beefcake picture. For research purposes mind you. LOL I am tempted to name him here but I’ll restrain myself. Not that I actually believe anyone from the organization reads this blog, but on the slim chance they do I’d hate for them to go back and razz him about being my “ideal hunk hero”.

And if they are reading, I personally am proud of each and every one of you. I bet there are some days when you feel like your just trying to empty the ocean with a bucket, but I know you do make a difference.

Well I have to get back to Hawaii. I left Mickey and Terese on the side of volcano with the drug runners closing the distance.

Oh! By the way, if you haven’t watched this series and you can get Spike TV then check in on Saturday. They will show all the DEA episodes. Check it out and while you’re at it, see if you can guess which one is my Mickey!

Huggles,
Donica

My horoscope for the day

2008-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, dear Pisces, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things. Life can seem so beautiful some days. You will benefit from this state of mind, as you'll be able to meditate. But be careful not to start reminiscing about sad memories.

Hmmm, so that's the trick. Meditate. Yeah, well, I can't say that today was an easy day but I guess it was easier than most. Last night my son invited me to do stretches with him. He bought some month long exercize program so last night was stretch night. It did feel good. I'll have to do it more often. I've been trying to wrap my mind around an exercize routine, but alas, I'm not committed yet.

There's been a lot of discussion lately on my author's loop about back problems from sitting in front of the computer too long. With that in mind, I've been really trying to work on my posture and other habits that would be good for my back. I saw a really neat gadget on the TV that helps stretch your back muscles in a healthy way. Truly, I think I just need to exercize daily. Why is it so hard?

Late as Usual

2008-04-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's 10:30 at night and I'm just now posting on this blog. Whaaa. Why? Because I'm multi-tasking. I think you have to multi-task in this business or lose your sanity. Or maybe multi-tasking leads to insanity. As I'm rambling, you probably already think I'm there. LOL.

February through the end of April are usually so busy for me I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. As you all know, I teach art, so my students and I are involved in a huge contest in February. From that one contest, I have 13 students going to state! March is Art Youth Month so it's riddled with all sorts of activities including a show at the local mall and an art show for art teachers at the local gallery. Shows and contest require that we mat a lot of work. I matted 70+ pieces for contest and 5 for the art show. April is state so my students and I are preparing for our trip out of town this weekend. April is also deadline month for scholarships and other contests. And the first weekend in May is our big district show for which I have to mat about 40 more pieces of art. The week after that, AP portfolios are due and with 12 taking the test this year, I have help them select 5 pieces each to be submitted. Hmmm, there's another 60 to mat. Have I started matting yet? Well, of course not. It will all be done last minute as usual. Ugh.

This is one of the reasons why my writing comes to a screeching halt in March. I'm so overwhelmed by my other job, that my muse has a hard time focusing. I piddle at writing but that's about it. Once AP porfolios are mailed, I can relax and start writing in earnest. I can't wait!

New Covers!!

2008-04-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! It's like Christmas all over again. But better. I have TWO new covers to show off. My first one is for my newly contracted story, The Man Hunt, which will be published by The Wild Rose Press.

Unwilling to let another man control her life, Dr. Jordan Reed hires someone to portray her new love interest to satisfy her nagging stepmother. Part of the bargain is that he also convince her ex-boyfriend that she has happily moved on. Unfortunately, it’s hard to prove when Brock Hamill blames Jordan for his sister’s suicide and embarks on a mission to destroy her psychiatric credibility. Acting the part of a patient, his mission is deterred by the doctor’s hot body and giving heart, and when he discovers her life 's in jeopardy, he’s willing to reveal his true identity to save her. Will Jordan forgive his deceit when she learns the truth?

My next cover is for my historical, Pretend I'm Yours, which was released almost one year ago. My publisher wanted a catchier cover...something sexier, which hopefully will let readers know how sexy my story really is... What do you think? Does this cover work? YUMMY!!!

Lies brought Mercedes Maxwell a breath away from her heart’s true desire. Could they keep her from happiness?

A Woman on a Mission

Englishwoman Mercedes Maxwell is forced by her identical twin’s medical circumstances to America. Mercedes will not rest until her brother-in-law accepts his financial responsibility—even if it means impersonating her own sister.

A Man With a Secret

William Braxton’s selfish wife could end his life with one word regarding his actions against Mother England. But William and Mercedes discover each may have been mistaken about the other. William is discovering this woman is nothing like his bride, and instead everything he’d hoped for.

~~Phyllis~~