Ladies Of The Club

Kittens and plotting

2009-12-19T08:16:00.005-05:00

All things are possible toys to a kitten. The crinkly paper flowers come wrapped in. The flowers. The leaves. The vase.

Yes, we've had a couple of accidents already this morning. I'm going to lunch with friends, so bought a hostess gift (flowers) along with my potluck offering (fruit). Within 10 minutes of turning my back, the grapes had become soccer balls and the flowers were spilled on the floor. No vase breakage, thank goodness. The Paw of Destruction (a.k.a. Pandora the kitten) just looked at me like I was insane to yell at her. "Toys! Shiny, noisy toys! And small round objects just MADE for play!"

I believe that animals do know right from wrong in the sense that they know what displeases us humans. But kittens don't care yet what pleases or displeases us. Unlike puppies, who are social, kittens really don't care what their humans think. The only time it matters is when what the humans wants coincide with what the kitten wants. Then it's important.

I'm reminded of this while I write, too (yes, you knew this would come around to writing, didn't you?) I've been making good progress on my current W.I.P. but lately I got a bit bogged down (my current W.I.P is the prequel to the book shown here). I was trying to move the characters around on the stage, making sure they got to Point A by a certain time in the plot. It just didn't feel right. They felt wooden, recalcitrant, like they were resisting. Sort of like a kitten when ...

Yep. I was trying to impose my idea of what was correct behavior on the characters I created. And what I thought was right (for the plot) was totally out of character for the character.

Scrap that chapter (oh, I'll save it for later cannibalism) and back to the drawing board. Like kittens, I have to let my characters grow and develop. Maybe at some point our ideas will intersect.

Until then...oops. I hear a noise. I think I may need to clean up some more flower spillage.

New Release TODAY!

2009-12-16T08:24:00.003-05:00

Sweet Charity, book 3 in the Project Alpha trilogy, is now available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

BLURB:

Third in the Project Alpha series

Earth 2133

Adrian is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—thought dead by the people who created him. Living outside the Gate, a high tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside, he is the leader of the Resistance, living only to bring down the Gate and the people who sought to kill him.

Charity Caruthers is the daughter of one of the most powerful and brutal men in the inner city—the General. She risks everything sneaking outside the Gate to get a message to Adrian.

Passion explodes, ripping apart the foundations of both their lives. Charity begins to understand true sexual desire as Adrian teaches her the passion to be found in dark fantasies. Loyalties are tested and trust pushed to the limits as the final confrontation is at hand. Some will die. Some will live. And Adrian and Charity’s fragile relationship could be the final casualty in this war of retribution and freedom.

Project Alpha: Futuristic assassins on a deadly course with love. Books 1 and 2—Embracing Silence and Have Mercy—are now available.

Are authors allowed to write from their imaginations any more?

2009-12-13T13:49:00.002-05:00

I’ve had a few fan emails recently that made this a very interesting question.

The first one was a few months ago from a woman who said she enjoyed both my erotic and non erotic books and thought my F/F scenes were very authentic, but wanted to ensure I was a lesbian for her to continue reading my books. I thanked her for her kind comments, but told her I was happily married to a man. She told me (sadly, she assured me) that she couldn’t continue reading my books since I was heterosexual. Then just a few days ago I had an email from someone on Facebook asking me to confirm if I was a Christian, because she couldn’t in good conscience continue to read my paranormal erotic romances (which she said she truly enjoyed) if I wasn’t a Christian. I answered her nicely saying that I really appreciated her kind comments about my work, but that I hoped my fans enjoyed my work for my characters, worlds and stories and that I didn’t feel my spiritual beliefs entered into the equation. She answered back saying that if I were truly a Christian that I would’ve proudly stated it and promptly unfriended me. I won’t even get into the sad irony of that particular argument :) which would be an entirely different blog...

Neither of these are the norm within my fan mail, gladly, but I thought they were both rather interesting. Both readers clearly stated that they enjoyed my books, which to me speaks for itself. After all, when I read a book, I read it for enjoyment.

Have we really reached a point where personal affiliations and life color the actual writing to that extent? I’ve read some Stephen King, but I truly hope that within his personal life he doesn’t go around murdering people in macabre circumstances, and I can’t imagine sending him a “fan” mail saying as much. I think I could understand if I was being outspoken about something that they found personally offensive – fair enough for them to choose with their consumer dollars where not to spend their money. After all, that’s the beauty of consumerism. But both of these situations left me a bit puzzled and bemused since that’s not the case. Now let me state, I’m not ashamed in any way of my personal choices or state of being. I just feel that if people enjoy my writing, those things don’t matter or come into play. I’m a good person and am tolerant of others and their views, and I suppose, naively I expect the same in return from others.

Am I being shortsighted? Is this the new face of being within the industry?

I’d love to hear your thoughts...

Tina/Cassie

www.tinagerow.com

www.cassieryan.com

Holiday Entertaining!

2009-12-08T05:39:00.002-05:00

Holiday Entertaining!
By
N. J. Walters

This is the time of year when we entertain the most. And, if we’re not careful, it can also be the most stressful time of year. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Host a Christmas cookie swap with friends, family, or the girls at the office. A lot of women are doing this nowadays. You make a bunch of your favorite kind of cookie, save some for yourself and take the rest to the cookies swap. Be sure to decide beforehand how many cookies every person should bring. It will vary depending on how many people take part. If there are six of you, you would probably want to bring at least three dozen each so everyone gets a half-dozen of each kind. You might want to bring a few extra to “sample” as you all divide the cookies. This way you get a few hours out with friends and a bunch of different cookies to take home for the holidays, which you don’t have to bake yourself. It’s a win/win situation.

How about that formal Christmas party you always throw? You know the one I’m talking about. You stress, you shop, you worry about your table displays. That’s fine if you truly enjoy doing it, but if you find it more work than pleasure, how about throwing a different kind of party this year.

You could have a skating or sledding party. You don’t need kids to act like one yourself. Or, if you choose, you can have people bring their kids. Make huge pots of soup and chili for when you’re all ready to come inside. They’re quick to reheat and let you enjoy time with your friends and family instead of spending all of it in the kitchen. Put out loaves of thick, crusty bread or rolls a few plates of those cookies you got at the cookie swap and you’re all set.

Another great idea is a potluck dinner. Invite friends and family to share their favorites with you and others. It’s a great way to try out new foods. You could have a theme if you wanted or you could simply have folks go with tried and true. Maybe you could even print off recipe cards on your computer and put them by each dish so if someone likes a particular one they can recreate it at home.

If you’d like a more formal party for adults only, have a buffet. Help yourself out by going to the grocery store and buying pre-made finger foods. These days, you can find everything there from the most basic to the more exotic. Put out some fruit and cheese platters and let people mingle and enjoy.

Have a quiet dinner for a few close friends or family. Pick a meal you’re comfortable making. This is NOT the time to try out new recipes. It’s not hard to make the table festive. A few candles, some red napkins and a pinecone or two and your set. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be nice.

Above all else, have fun. The people you invite over want to spend time with you. And if they’re more concerned with what your house looks like or what you made or didn’t make, then they shouldn’t be on the guest list.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. Hope you all have fun entertaining!

Looking for a holiday read? Try Jessamyn’s Christmas Gift, a White Hot Holiday Quickie available now from Ellora’s Cave.

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

December Newsletter and New Contest!

2009-12-02T05:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning and welcome to December!

It's that time of the month again. The December issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now availalbe. If you're not receiving it, then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more!

Be sure to check out the this month’s author interview with Katherine Kingston.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

SWEET CHARITY SNEAK PEEK CONTEST!

To celebrate the release of Sweet Charity --the final book in the Project Alpha trilogy--from Ellora's Cave on December 16th, I'm giving away a download copy. Go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Ah, the drama, the excitement, the kerfluffle!

2009-11-21T06:56:00.003-05:00

Kerfuffle has become one of my favorite words lately because it just sums up the nonsense swirling around RWA, Harlequin, Harlequin Ho (their "Horizon" brand) and publishing in general.

Brief summary: Harlequin decided to create a vanity 'arm' (HarHo), RWA & other professional writing organizations slapped 'em for it, Har is now whining and authors are in angst.

I think this fuss has perhaps finally driven home some of the realities of the marketplace -- publishing is a losing business. Publishing can't continue under the old consignment model. It's a lose-lose for all involved. Har came up with a new model for one of its branches, one that will probably make money hand over fist. Gee, I wonder if they'll do whatever they have to do to keep it and satisfy the professional groups?

I agree with RWA that authors should be making money. I disagree about the 'an advance means you're a professional' but I am glad they took a stand on this. It proved they are willing to follow their own rules, something that frankly, I wasn't sure they'd do.

What does this mean for authors? Not sure yet. How abour readers? They probably won't notice -- HarHo books will not be shelved, so unless they're sought out, they can't be found.

I think the most profound impact will be on the hidebound organizations such as MWA, SFWA, and RWA. This has to make them rethink some of their core values because I firmly believe other publishing houses are going to take this route at some point.

Interesting times ahead....

Want to Win a Print Book?

2009-11-18T05:55:00.002-05:00

By The Book is now available in print. To celebrate, I’m giving away two PRINT copies. To find out how to enter for a chance to win, go to my website and click on the “contest” page for details.

BLURB:

Amanda Barrington has moved to Jamesville to start a new life, but someone in this quiet town is trying to kill her.

Former soldier, Jonah Sutter, has returned home to help his sister pick up the pieces of her life. Sparks fly when he and Amanda meet.

He takes on the job of fixing the wiring in her house and ends up protecting her from her stalker. When Amanda is attacked again, all bets are off. And Jonah is no longer playing By The Book.

Drawing takes place on November 30th!

A newlywed phase

2009-11-09T11:34:00.001-05:00

I'm in the creating process of a new Settler's Mine story. The hero is someone I've met before. But didn't delve too into his character when last we met. Now, I get to disover everything about him.

The heroine is new to me. I'm still trying to discover what makes her tick.

It's definitely the honeymoon phase. I'm talking gently to them. LOL.

Mechele Armstrong
www.mechelearmstrong.com

Have Mercy Needs Your Vote!

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

Have Mercy is up for Book of the Month at Dark Diva Reviews. Readers have one week to vote for their favorite book. Please stop by Dark Diva Reviews and vote! You can vote until November 7th.

Catch the Surge

2009-10-28T07:08:00.000-04:00

Bloodlines 6: Surge released late yesterday. Yay! I'm so excited to get to share Roc and Cheyenne with everyone. Roc is super sexy.

This story does standalone. I consider those who have read the previous books to get "extras" because characters from the previous books do appear in Surge.

Blurb: Sexy dreams haunt the vampire Cheyenne as she struggles with her schizophrenia. Her call awakens the man from her dreaming. Only he’s not a man. He's Marroc. The first vampire ever made who took to ground a thousand years ago where he's simmered, feeding on souls and dreaming of Cheyenne, dreaming of taking her for his own.

When she releases him with her call, Roc goes to find Cheyenne, sure she is “the one” to help him defeat his enemy. She recognizes him from her dreams, and after a wild bout of sex, he discovers that her orgasms give him a surge of power. Orgasms with Roc also have a benefit for Cheyenne: they make her sane.

When one of her friends is taken by Roc's enemy, both Roc and Cheyenne will stop at nothing to get her back. The surge of sex gives them both what they've longed for. But can they have enough sex to survive the fight, and keep them together in the end?

To read an excerpt.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen

Where Sensuality and Wonder collide

http://www.mechelearmstrong.com/

http://www.collector-series.com/

The future's never been so sexy

http://www.melanylogen.com

Beyond busy ...

2009-10-17T06:42:00.003-04:00

Every time I'm scheduled to post here, I'm either out of town or going out of town. Yep, I'm leaving town in a few minutes to go to see my Mom, who's in the hospital. It's pneumonia and she's 90, so this is a non-trivial illness.

I've been getting my affairs in order (so to speak) so I can stay with her as long as needed. Got ample clothing packed, bags of Stuff to work on, 2 computers, chargers ... it looks like a trek across the country not a 4-hour jaunt to a civilized place (yes, Iowa is civilized, no matter what those Left Coasters think!)

Along with all of this are deadlines at the Paycheck Job. I have an exceptional boss, and she's told me just 'go, do whatever you need to do, check in when you.' Thank you, Lord, for good bosses. That being said, I still put in a few extra hours to wrap up some things so others on my project won't be behind the 8-ball because I'm gone.

I've had 5 books release this year, and I'm trying to be a good soldier and do promo for those. Tricky when you're juggling so much else, but I dip in now and then and promo. Not enough, but it'll have to do.

And I had edits for a book which were, thankfully, amazingly light. Done in an hour and out the door. I have a request from an agent for more info about me, my marketing strategy, my books, my sell-through -- all good and all stuff I can put together while sitting in the hospital room with the drone of machines beeping nearby.

As I did all these chores this week, I thought about the old Need vs. Want vs. Should triangle we often find ourselves trapped in. As I did things, I thought, "I should do this, then that'll be finished and I can get on the road" or "I need to get that done so..." or "I want to check that, if I do...."

I finally realized that when Need, Want, and Should all come together it's the right thing to do.

I need to be with Mom. I want to be with her. And I should be with her.

So I'm on the road again...

New Books!

2009-10-14T06:50:00.002-04:00

Alexandra’s Legacy is now available in e-book from Samhain Publishing.

The truth will set her free…or get her killed.

Alexandra Riley’s day starts out like any other in her normal, predictable world. Then a tall, dark stranger bursts into her father’s garage and shatters the illusion. In one shocking moment, she discovers why she’s been feeling hot, restless—she’s the half-breed daughter of a legendary werewolf and is a much-sought-after prize.

Joshua Striker, enforcer in charge of protecting the alphas of the Wolf Creek pack, has come to take Alex home. Nothing more, nothing less. From the first moment he sees her, she becomes the one thing he can’t afford—a distraction from his duty. A weakness he doesn’t want—but can’t resist needing.

If only keeping her safe was as simple as fending off males on the hunt for a mate. Through city streets to the mountains of North Carolina, Alex and Joshua have to evade those who don’t want their pure bloodlines tainted with human DNA, as well as bounty hunters who think the only good werewolf is a dead one.

What Joshua and Alex can’t outrun is the passion that flares between them—or the choice Alex must eventually face. Whether to claim her inner wolf, or forfeit her chance to claim Joshua as her own.

AND

Out today in PRINT:

Trick or Treat is now available from Amazon.com and Simon and Schuster.

This Halloween anthology contains four stories: Unmasking Kelly by me, NJ Walters, Sinderella by Jan Springer, Stolen Goddess by Tawny Taylor and Wolf in Cheap Clothing by Charlene Teglia. Be sure to check it out.

Have Mercy is Available today!

2009-10-07T11:29:00.001-04:00

HAVE MERCY is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing. This is book 2 in the futuristic/erotic Project Alpha trilogy.

BLURB:

Second in the Project Alpha series.

Earth 2133

Logan is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him. He is now outside the Gate, a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Shot while evading security forces sent to eliminate him, Logan’s only goal is survival.

Mercy Dockins is a healer. Her world is shaken to its foundations when a stranger is brought to her near death. As she heals him, her body and soul respond to him, overwhelming her with sexual desire. With little more than a look and a touch, passion flares out of control, consuming them both.

But this stranger is dangerous to not only her well-being, but also to the safety of everyone she loves. And he has brought the security forces right to her door.

Kindle Download, Apps and Guest Blog...oh, my!

2009-09-30T06:11:00.002-04:00

It's been a very busy week for me and it's only Wednesday! Lots of exciting things going on.

From September 28th until October 12 my Samhain book, Discovering Dani , is available as a free kindle giveaway on Amazon.com. This is the first book in the Jamesville series. If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can do so now...for FREE!

Blurb:

Book 1 of Jamesville.

Dani O'Rourke has had the responsibility of raising her two brothers, Patrick and Shamus, since the death of their parents. As sole owner and operator of O'Rourke Cleaning Services, she is no stranger too hard work, but she is a beginner when it comes to men.

Burke is a very rich and successful businessman whose brush with death has made him question his priorities. He-s traveled to Jamesville for peace and quiet while he plans the rest of his life.

Their lives collide when Burke accuses her of breaking into his cabin to steal from him. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and after a series of misunderstandings he finds himself caught up in the lives of Dani and her brothers.

But can this gentle, giving woman get a man as hard and cynical as Burke to believe in the power of love? Or will Burke leave town without ever discovering the wonders of life with Dani?

If that wasn't exciting enough...Discovering Dani is an app!

You can read it on your cell phone. How cool is that!

I'm also guest blogging over at the Samhain Blog today. If you get a chance, drop by and check it out!

If you'd like a chance to win a free e-book, check out my latest contest, October Extravaganza, on my Website!

Books to Movies: Does it matter?

2009-09-25T15:31:00.005-04:00

Hi all,

I've been talking to some friends of mine about what I would like to see if my book, Carinian's Seeker Vampire Council of Ethics Book 1, was made into a movie. The topic of race came up.

The Vampire Council of Ethics series is a multicultural series. And when I say multicultural, I mean REALLY. In fact, the whole series is a nice mix of folks from various backgrounds, races and just about everything. The main couple is of different races. The secondary cast is multi-racial, and even the bad guys get into the mix a bit. In the end, there's Black, White, East Indian, Japanese, Native American, African, etc.

So here is the question that sent me to the blogs to get your advice:

If the books were made into a TV series or movie (like True Blood) would it matter to you if the main couple in Carinian's Seeker (white male, black female) was switched around to black male, white female?

The thought from the film maker chicklet was that it is more socially acceptable to see a white female with a black male than the other way around and that swapping the races might attract a larger audience.

But that made me think of the recent Star Trek movie. I mean Spock and Uhura had a seriously hot thing going on. Now how many of us saw that coming? Not me! But did I think it was cool and that the characters made it work? Sure did!

Personally, I like movies that stick as close to the book as possible, but the other argument is that if the acting is done well, will people really care if the races were switched?

What do you think?

TJ

Sadness

2009-09-15T08:10:00.002-04:00

I found out last night that Patrick Swayze passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. I remember when he came out about his diagnosis, thinking it wasn't good. He had one of the evil cancers that's not had a good survival rate.

I was a Swayze fan. After Dirty Dancing and Ghost, he had quite a few fans. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." An immortal line that will live on.

It's been a very terrible year for celebrities. Farrah Fawcett. Michael Jackson. Billy Mays. Walter Cronkite. Bea Arthur. Many more :>(

I'm glad no one stuck Swayze in a corner and his movies will live on. Not to mention his spirit. It would have been very easy for him to give up. Instead, he took a role on a TV show and went to work each day. He lobbied for cancer research. He turned the last bit of his life into something positive. All of us can only hope to do the same.

Godspeed, Patrick Swayze. You will be missed.

Mechele Armstrong
www.mechelearmstrong.com

October Extravaganza Contest!

2009-09-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

I know it's only September, but I'm already getting ready for October. I have TWO new releases due out in October. Have Mercy, book 2 in the Project Alpha series, is due out from Ellora’s Cave Publishing on October 7th. Alexandra's Legacy, the first book in my new werewolf series, is due out from Samhain Publishing on October 13th.

To celebrate, I'm giving away a download copy of both books. Go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how to enter.

a learning plateau

2009-08-15T08:25:00.002-04:00

I'm at a conference this weekend and it's proving to be a good learning experience, not because of what I'm learning from the presenters but because of what I'm learning about me and conferences.

I need to re-think why I'm coming to them and what I want from them. I'm a published author and my needs are different than a lot of the people here. I haven't really thought seriously about that in a few months, but it came home to me last night when I looked at the schedule and realized I wasn't sure which sessions might be of use... if any? I'm not sure.

It is fun to be in a different place & be among people who care about writing, but many folks herehaven't written a ms yet so there's a real variety of questions in the workshops. And somehow I got scheduled into a pitch session which I didn't plan on -- with an agent. I have nothing prepared so I'll just chat with her and see how it goes. Not a big deal...

All in all, an unusual weekend. I have to admit, it's making me rethink what cons I'll attend in the future. I need to take a serious look at my career plans and decide where they fit. All part of my learning process for publishing.

5 Book Review for Past Promises

2009-08-12T11:35:00.004-04:00

My latest Samhain Publishing release, Past Promises, just received a 5 Book Review from Long and Short Reviews.

Here's a snippet of what reviewer, Holly, had to say:

"N. J. Walters writes her Jamesville stories with heart and passion. Reading this book, you feel the pain Linda feels when her family will not accept her as she is. You feel the desire and passion she feels when she finds that Levi wants her, and the indecision of whether to get involved with a man who may move on at any time... This is the first of the Jamesville books I have read, but I am going to get the rest soon, because I want to visit this place and meet the people there."

Thank you Holly and Long and Short Reviews!

I dream of a Another Night, Another Dream

2009-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's a reality. It's released! Yippeeee.

The Blurb:

Cassie thought she'd convinced her friends not to throw her some lame birthday party, but when her 25th rolls around, boy was she wrong. Not only is there a birthday party, but there's a stripper, and a bitchy little tramp who insults Cassie's plus-sized curves at her own party. Pissed off beyond belief, Cassie storms out, only to get trapped in a stairwell.

The stripper, Aden, and the bodyguard, Leo, follow her out to check on her, but just their luck, they get trapped in with her. Aden can't believe his luck at being stuck with the gorgeous birthday girl and the Hotty McHotass he's been looking at all night. Hotty McHotass takes the whole thing pretty stoically, just like he does everything else—but you can't judge a book by its cover.

To distract Cassie from a claustrophic panic attack, the boys start up a game of Truth or Dare. Cassie reveals her secret fantasy to have a threesome, and one by one, hearts, souls, and bodies are laid bare. It's a fantasy come true, and so much more, but when the game's over, will it turn out to be just another night, another dream?

To read an excerpt.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen

Where Sensuality and Wonder collide

http://www.mechelearmstrong.com

http://www.collector-series.com

The future's never been so sexy

http://www.melanylogen.com

Dream Dream Dream Dreaammm

2009-08-10T14:35:00.002-04:00

This summer, the family and I went to Hershey, PA. It was sort of a dream of mine to go back. I went when I was a kid with my family.

Hopefully, next summer I maybe going to Savannah with the kids (and the youngest's Brownie Troop). It's another dream to go back there. Love Savannah, with all the Spanish Moss and Tybee Island.

Now, if I can just get back to Niagara Falls, a few of my dream destinations will be achieved. I'd still love to go to the Bahamas and Scotland.

Where do you dream of going?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
Where Sensuality and Wonder collide
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.collector-series.com
The future's never been so sexy
http://www.melanylogen.com

Celebrating Milestones

2009-08-09T12:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I emailed off my finished manuscript of Sleeping With Shadows to my agent.

I’ve spent the past four months of my life slaving over that book--living it, dreaming it, constantly thinking about it, scribbling ideas on receipts, napkins or even my hand when I wasn’t home near my computer. And at ten am yesterday I finished my final read through, had tears in my eyes when I read the Happily Ever After ending (yeah, I’m squishy about the HEA’s, what can I say??) and gave a big happy sigh as I closed the file, and emailed it off to Paige, so she can shop it around.

Then as I closed my laptop I realized I had no writing goal for the day, my brain hadn’t yet become too ensnared in the upcoming next book, and I wanted to celebrate and enjoy my accomplishment! There is nothing like that feeling of exhilaration that goes through you when you reach a milestone—no matter what type. A few weeks ago when I sold the two book deal to Berkley I was also doing the big happy dance. Granted, that one was a little more intense happy dance, but the aftermath of feelings are pretty much the same.

Although I’ll admit, I choose carefully who I ask to help me celebrate my milestones, because there are those who tend to suck the joy out of it for me or downplay it until the celebration seems selfish of me to have, or just an everyday thing not worthy of celebration. Obviously it’s much more fun to spend it with the people who are truly happy for and with me and want to celebrate as much as I do! I think it’s important to have that celebration and take time out to appreciate the accomplishment and all the blood, sweat, tears and effort spent—no matter how big or small the milestone. Wouldn’t it be a terrific world if we celebrated even the small ones? Hmmm...I think I may have to start having mini celebrations for finishing chapters now! Mwaahaaahaaa!

Anyway, I was able to do a mini celebration yesterday and today I’m doing the “not a damn thing” method of relaxing :) Because tomorrow I get to start on Jane Doe Succubus, which is the first book of the two book deal I sold to Berkley. That story has been noodling in the back of my head for a while—ever since I wrote the proposal (which is only a synopsis and one chapter), but it took a back seat while I was ensnared in Sleeping With Shadows. Now it can come out to play and become my new “obsession” for the next few months :) Ahh, the life of a writer.

A milestone that is no less important, but got lost during my deadline frenzy is the release of Trio of Seduction, the third book in my Seduction Series written as Cassie Ryan. Here’s an excerpt if you’d like to take a look – Excerpt. Or if you’d just like to hop on over and buy it, here’s that link too – Buy. :)

So here’s my questions to all of you. How do you celebrate your milestones, writing or otherwise? Is there anyone in your life that tends to suck the joy out of your accomplishments? If so, how do you handle that? Is it important for you to take time off in between projects? And here’s the fun one – what WAS your accomplishment, so we can celebrate with you! :)

Raising cyber Butterscotch Martinis to all, and might even find some real ones sometime today! :)

Tina/Cassie

Our dreams tell us what to do ...

2009-07-18T07:20:00.002-04:00

I decided to run for a national office (RWA, not 'real' politics), and last night I dreamed about being at a board meeting and talking to people there. I didn't really see the faces in my dream, but I remember thinking, "gee, if these are the Real Published People, then I'm okay, because I can understand what they're saying and I feel good being here' or feelings to that effect.

There was a bit of stress in the dream: I was supposed to fill out some forms or something, and I did but wasn't sure I did them right (I think this was crossover from entering an online contest earlier and waiting to see if my entry was received).

Anyway, I woke this morning and decided that maybe my dream was saying "go for it". I can still back out before 'officially' filing my papers. Or maybe it's saying I need to sleep on it some more. I'll let it percolate in the back of my brain for a few days and see if other thoughts come to me in dreamland. I've got a bunch of back-to-back travel planned from now until the end of August, so I won't have much time to contemplate, agonize, or reconsider. I'll decide, move ahead, and not look back.

Hmm. Not a bad plan ....

To every thing there is a season

2009-07-13T14:06:00.002-04:00

And my brain right now wants to be on summer vacation.

LOL I just finished three stories back to back. Fun stories that I enjoyed writing. But I'm feeling a little...needing of a break. A refilling of the well as it were. I plan to write a few fun things. Read. Bascially refill myself.

I know it won't last long. Characters are already talking. I have a sequel to write to one of the three stories. Not to mention other tales are lurking around my head. I have a story I'd really like to patch up and submit.

But for now, I'm going to enjoy this season.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Amethyst Dreams Out Today!

2009-07-08T08:49:00.002-04:00

Today is a very special day. My 30th Ellora's Cave book, Amethyst Dreams, is being released today!

This menage a trois/time-travel is a sequel to Amethyst Moon, but can be read as a stand alone book.

BLURB:

Dr. Augustine Mitchell has made her career researching a lost civilization. She owes her success to her colleague and friend, Olivia Fifield, who mysteriously disappeared four years earlier, leaving her with a set of notes, a vague letter and a silver and amethyst necklace.

Decisions and dreams plague her waking and sleeping hours. At a crossroads in her life, Augustine sets off on an archeological dig. The discovery of a secret room sets off a chain of events that land her in the world of T’ar Tal and in the arms of two sexy men—Rorik and Kirce.

Augustine is shocked when the men from her dreams are suddenly real. There is no denying the sexual chemistry that sparks between her and her two lovers, but there are seemingly insurmountable problems as well. Their destinies are entwined, but only Augustine can decide their fate.

Buy today from Ellora’s Cave