Lauren Johnson Where Romance Lives

Ground Beef Barbeque (Or Glorified Sloppy Joe's)

2011-08-02T06:25:00.001-05:00

This is very tasty, but it's pretty much homemade sloppy joe's. Don't forget the bread. They don't include it in the recipe but you're going to need it. Enjoy!

GROUND BEEF BARBEQUE

1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2-1 onion, diced
1/2 c. diced celery
Diced pepper, if desired (I omit this!)
3/4 c. catsup
1/4 c. smoked barbecue sauce
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/4 c. brown sugar

Brown meat, onion, celery (and pepper) lightly in frying pan or in microwave oven. Drain. In saucepan or crock pot, add other ingredients and simmer (the longer the better).

Serves 4-6.

Cute but Strange

2011-07-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

So the little one (who will be two soon) is apparently training to be a fighter (we’re he’s receiving this training, his dad and I have yet to figure out). One day as he was standing, blocked by the invisible barrier at the doorway of the kitchen (so not allowed in there for all our sakes) he proceeded to hang on to the wall, stick his foot in the air and shout, “HI YA!” Well the yell was convincing enough (OK not really more like cute) but the kick, well he’s going to need some more training if he’s going to be a successful fighter. However the other thing he does, is to get in your face, yell, “Fight!” then proceed to sock you in the jaw. Really, young sir? No more TV for you.

Well the oldest (a gigantic four year old) isn’t without his specialness either. The other day his dad had told him to do something (or maybe not to do something, who can keep track anymore). So he came to me babbling about whatever it was. The Man says, “Hey I’ve already told you about that.” The Boy comes back with, “But I’m not takin’ ‘bout you. I’m talkin’ ‘bout mommy.” Well knowing he was being a little smart ass (please excuse my language) I replied, “Little boy you need to watch your mouth.” Do you know the little loudmouth came back with, “But, Mom, would I ever steer you wrong?”
*blink* *blink*

Well the conversation was over after that, because The Man and I laughed until we couldn’t breathe. There are times when I am royally depressed I don’t own a video camera. *sigh*

Kids…

2011-07-19T06:17:00.001-05:00

They’re such weird interesting little people. So one day (don’t ask me which day though) the boys were taking a bath. The little one thinks the big one is the best things since sliced bread (so what if it’s cliché) except for when he tries to bully him for his toys. Well anyway, they were splashing and covering the bathroom with soapy water (so glad they have their own bathroom... sort of) and all of a sudden we hear this insane, belly laugh coming from the little one (who will be two in August, so just imagine how that might sound). I am not sure what the big one was doing to make the little one laugh SO hard, but it seemed each of the twenty four thousand times he did it the little one laughed, HARD. For the life of us I can’t think of anything I’d find that funny now, but I would kill to be let in on the joke. Ah, to be a kid again… not that I’m that far off from being one myself.

Can I Get to the End Already?

2011-07-12T06:14:00.001-05:00

I mean really, is it asking too much to just be done with this book? I mean I really do love the story, don’t get me wrong, and that’s part of the reason I want to be done with it so badly. It has nothing to do with that fact that I’ve worked on it for so long that I am now seeing double. No, no it’s for the love of the story. And if it wasn’t taking me so long to polish this baby up I’d have already submitted it. It has nothing to do with my procrastination issues… and addiction to angry birds. That can’t be it! I refuse to accept it. Soon, hopefully very soon, I’m going to finish this story and move on to something else, just as soon as I finish this game of angry birds get my brain in gear. *starts up another level*

I Could Really Use a Laptop (Random)

2011-07-05T06:47:00.003-05:00

*sigh* The one computer we have at our place is totally NOT cutting it. The teenager (well he’s actually more of a young adult now, but that’s not as fun to say) needs it for school, The Man needs it to look for work and I need it for playing angry birds writing. You should see the tussle that takes place in the mad dashes we all take to get to the computer. Seriously, it shouldn’t be this difficult to get in a game of angry birds some writing time. Anywho, if I could get a nice laptop of my very own it would totally make my day, no my week, no my LIFE! Dramatic much? Why, yes I am, thanks so much for asking. I mean come on, is it really that much to ask to want my own space to get in some much needed time for angry birds writing/editing. If anyone wants to donate to my worthy cause I am not above begging. *sigh* It’s really sad what I’ve been reduced to, isn’t it? Wait, never mind. Don’t answer, I’ll be over here playing a game of angry birds. *wink*

Glazed Pork Chops Baked in Mushroom Cream Sauce

2011-06-28T06:12:00.000-05:00

I found this one when I was just looking for something other than my usual. You can check it out on Cooks.com if you'd like. It's one of my favorite spots for finding recipes. Let me tell you I didn't have any leftovers or complaints when I made this dish. Yum!

GLAZED PORK CHOPS BAKED IN MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

4 pork chops
kosher salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can whole mushrooms (or equivalent fresh)
1 large onion, sliced and quartered
3 stalks celery, sliced
½ cup sweet Marsala wine
3 tbsp. butter
1 cup water

Season pork chops with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic then heat up a frying pan (cast iron preferably!). Melt butter and brown the chops on both sides. Remove chops and put aside.
Deglaze the pan with the Marsala wine and let simmer a few minutes while you scrape up the bits off the bottom of the pan. Put the chops back in the pan, turning them over to let both sides get a nice glaze on them. Put the chops in a large casserole dish. Add the mushroom soup and water to the frying pan and stir until mixed then add the celery and whole mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile brown the onions in another pan in butter until golden brown then add to the main frying pan. Once everything is mixed nicely together you can pour over your pork chops (make sure you turn the pork chops a few times to get some sauce all over).

Bake at 350°F for about an hour or so.

Vacation!

2011-06-21T06:49:00.001-05:00

I’d really love a vacation. Not a staycation, where you take time off from your normal life and stay home or even in the same city. I mean a real vacation. I want to get on a plane, boat or train and go somewhere no one knows me except my travel companions, preferably with beaches and or waterfalls with crystal clear water. I want to eat different/ethnic/exotic foods and do some nice shopping. I want to immerse myself in a different culture for a while and learn a few things about their native land, then spend a good portion of time just… relaxing. I want my room to have a nice balcony or maybe I’ll rent a splendid vacation home and enjoy fresh ocean breezes coming in through my bedroom window. Oh my, that sounds so nice. *happy sigh*

Oh well, back to reality… at least for a little while. *wink*

Blank!

2011-06-14T06:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever worked hard to come up with an idea of something only to come up with a big huge blank? Yeah, the story of my life. I think I’ve even tried to focus so hard that I’ve given myself a headache… or fifty. Perhaps this is my brain trying to inform me that it just needs a rest… or I could be losing my mind. It does usually help if I just let my mind go for a while, only watch or read "fluff" (as my dad would call it), but then I get board with that and I’m pondering away once again. Do they have twelve step meetings for people who are going to think themselves crazy? If so I’m going to need their info, ASAP!

*sighs and goes in search of fluff*

First I’m Hot Then I’m Cold

2011-05-03T06:11:00.000-05:00

No this is not a post about the weather… though where I live it could apply. This is post about my wavering motivation. Regardless I always want to feel like I’m being productive. I love knowing that I am working on something that brings me joy and to feel like I’m making progress in important areas of my life. There are times when I am so pumped and ready to go, I’m moving too fast or too much even for myself. Then there are other times when I can barely get moving. It’s not that I don’t want to, I just can’t seem to motivate myself to do whatever it is I’ve planned.

Honestly, the only thing I can think of to help my situation is to avoid beating up on myself when I hit my down moments. They happen, it’s just life and everyone gets tired. Logically I know this, but when I’m not working on something I feel like I’m going stir crazy or like I’m losing my edge… which is silly, right? I’m sure we all just need to take a break everyone once in a while so when I’m “cold” perhaps I could just consider it a break and enjoy it, then when the mood hits me, hit the ground running (I totally love that saying).

Stuffed Cornish Hens

2011-04-26T06:12:00.000-05:00

I found this one online one year when I was looking to do something different for Christmas. Though it's not Christmas I'm sure you can still enjoy it. ;)

STUFFED CORNISH HENS

1 (6 oz.) pkg. long grain and wild rice mix
1/2 c. diced celery
1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced
1 (3 oz.) can chopped mushrooms, drained (1/2 c.)
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 tbsp. soy sauce
4 (1-1 1/2 lbs.) ready to cook Cornish game hens

Cook rice using package directions; cool. Add remaining ingredients except Cornish hens. Toss lightly to mix. Salt inside of birds and stuff and kk. Roast according to poultry roasting chart.
Serves 4.

MIA (Again)

2011-04-19T06:10:00.001-05:00

So I’ve been missing… again. I know, bad Lauren. *slaps hand* But it I’ve been doing a lot while I’ve been away. I went to a woman’s conference with my mom and it was fabulous. It definitely helped me to bond with other women; believe it or not I’m not always so good at that. *gasp* Right, I know. Anyway, I took a lot of time to look deep within myself and acknowledge things about my life I love or want to change. Then when I got back to the day job I had 40 bagillion things to catch up on. *still trying to catch my breath* And finally life is coming to some semblance of calm so I’m back. Yay!

I’ve been working on my writing and getting a lot of editing done. I feel really good about the path my writing is taking. I can see my growth with every story I finish and I love to see how my writing is transforming for the better (at least to me anyway). Now, that life has settled back down it’s time to get back to business. Wish me luck!

I’m Turning into My Mother (Totally Random)

2011-03-15T07:05:00.001-05:00

OMG how has this happened? I’ve been a tomboy all my life. I preferred to buy everything in grey, black and blue (the darker the better). Everything was to have as little glitter and glitz as possible, and make-up, forget it. On the other hand my mom is one of the most festive people I’ve ever seen. Glitter, sequence, bright colors galore and poor woman she’s spent her life trying to convert me (and probably wondering why she got stuck with such a dull dresser). Of course, over time, she’s decided to buy my clothes to help spruce up my wardrobe, but that only went so far and even though the clothes were cute I still resisted wearing them.

Well I don’t know what alien came and altered my brain while I’ve been sleeping, but now… things have changed. I go to the store now and buy reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. One of the last things I purchased was black but *gulp* shinny. I purposely bought a top with (oh my dear) sequence. And I have a few of pairs of leggings sporting (heaven forbid) glitter. As I checked out my wardrobe, recently, I realized that my mom must be rubbing off on me... but maybe I kinda like it so I’ll keep the little parts I’ve stolen… for now anyway. Sorry mom. :P

Tasty Beef Stew

2011-03-08T07:21:00.000-06:00

Here I go again with the Crock Pot. I'm telling you, that thing is completely awesome. I found a recipe for easy beef stew and I want to share it. I hope you enjoy!

CROCK POT BEEF STEW

2 lbs. stew meat in 1" cubes
¼ c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ c. beef broth
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic or chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
4 sliced carrots
3 diced potatoes
1 stalk celery, diced
Put meat in crock pot. Mix flour, salt and pepper and add to meat and stir to coat meat. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix. Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours. Stir well before serving.

Far From Perfect by Portia Da Costa

2011-03-02T07:56:00.002-06:00

FAR FROM PERFECT - Portia Da Costa

Enduring passion, turbulent emotions, and an engagement of convenience…

Anna Felgate and Nick Lisitano shared a night of passion together four long years ago, and even though the sex was perfect, the emotional aftermath and the estrangement that followed were about as far from perfect as it's possible to be. Both strong willed individualists, they've been keeping their distance ever since - even though they both secretly admit that they're still hot for each other. But the best laid plans of estranged lovers never run smoothly, and a crisis in Nick's family brings the two of them back together again. For the sake of his ailing father, Nick proposes a daring plan - a temporary engagement - and even though she knows she's playing with fire and putting her heart in deep peril, Anna is compelled to agree to it.

Can these two former lovers pull off their deception without tearing each other apart in the process? And will they manage to resist their mutual desire and keep their hands off one another... or will they plunge headlong into an affair, perfect or otherwise?

Read an excerpt

Read a longer excerpt at Google Books

Read an excerpt and BUY from Samhain

Personal Time

2011-02-27T12:10:00.002-06:00

I have a thing for this time “issue” don’t I? Anyway I was really considering the notion that many people want time for themselves but rarely get it. We feel guilty thinking of ourselves when we feel that so many others want or “need” our attention. There is nothing wrong with wanting to share time with others, but there is something (in my opinion) wrong with never feeling like our own needs are met.

I’m not saying go out for hours and spend time frolicking out in the forest communing with the creatures in nature… unless you want to. But we can take a sliver of time (or more) each day to take a deep breath, relax and just be. Most of us take some sort of lunch break or other break no matter what our professions happen to be (including being a stay at home parent) and during these breaks, we could take some time just for ourselves, if we wanted.

Who says that taking time for ourselves has to take hours and cause us to feel guilty about leaving our families or loved ones without our attention (heaven forbid)? But, we could take fifteen minutes here or an hour there, each day to relax our minds and spend some special time just alone with our thoughts and no one else. And it doesn’t have to cost anything either. It can be window shopping at a new store, or taking a walk down a trail, taking a drive down a street you’ve always wondered about, but never went to. It could even be something as simple as going to the local park and observing the people around you. It’s the quality of the time that matters not the length of it or the amount of money you did or didn’t spend. It doesn’t even have to be done every day, but it sure would feel nice if we could all pull it off.

I think things like this contribute to the overall wellbeing of people in general and specifically to their creativity. When we are able to clear our minds and just let things be and enjoy ourselves it seems that a weight is lifted from our minds, so we can have clarity about what we’ve been trying to accomplish. Spending quality time with myself often helps with my writing and makes me feel like the creative individual I desire to be. Give a shot. What do you have to lose?

The Plot Bunnies are Against Me!

2011-02-20T18:07:00.002-06:00

I’m sure I’ve brought this up a time or twenty, but sometimes I just need to vent a little. My characters do what they want, with no regard to how I feel or how I want MY story to go. My ideas come and go constantly. One moment I think I have the best idea ever and then the next I think I need my head examined for ever having it. On top of all that, before I can finish anything I get more and more and more and more (ok you get the picture) ideas for new stories.

The plot bunnies are evil. They pop up out of nowhere, sprinkling my brain with little dustings of story ideas that I can’t forget, but I have to force myself not to work on them. Then I get all antsy, because I want to work on them (because I won’t allow it if I ever want to finish something). I have documents and workbooks full of story ideas not to mention the tons of stories I have yet to complete. Please just hit me over the head with a mallet and end my misery. *sigh*

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

2011-02-13T05:41:00.002-06:00

My Boyfriend's Back

A Short, Sweet Romance

by Chrissy Olinger

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance only .99

15,826 words

Available on Kindle
from Amazon.com -- BUY IT NOW

"Fear not! I bring you tidings of... DAMMIT!"

With those few words, Jack Lynch's world was turned upside-down. Once the nerd everyone loved
to torment, he has returned to his home town for his twentieth reunion. Now a multimillionaire, Jack has everything but the one thing that matters: his
true love. Twenty years ago he let her slip away. Now he's back, and determined to win her heart.

But screeching tires on an icy road change everything. If being temporarily dead weren't bad
enough, Norman— an angel in training— returns Jack's spirit to the wrong body— the class bully, John Lydon.

With the rockin' hot bod of his former nemesis, the help of a nerdy angel, and his own wits,
Jack has to get Rori to see him, love him, and bring about a miracle... without revealing this true identity. The clock is ticking, and he only has three days.

Jack's got the brains; his new body has the brawn; and Norman's got his back. What could possibly
go wrong?

*This book contains some mild language, no strong sexual content, and an excessive amount of silliness.

Chicken and Rice Recipe

2011-02-13T04:17:00.001-06:00

Here is a recipe I love because it's so easy. The crock pot is one of the best cooking inventions ever, in my opinion. I can make a wonderful meal with as little hassle as possible for the most part. Check it out and tell me what you think.

CROCK - POT CHICKEN AND RICE

4 lg. chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ c. diced celery
1 c. minute rice
Mix in crock pot the 3 cans of soup and rice. Place the chicken on top of the mixture, then add diced celery. Cook for 3 hours on high or 4 hours on low. Makes 4 servings

Quality Time

2011-02-07T13:39:00.000-06:00

Time is a big issue for most people, as it is considered our most precious commodity. We want to be careful how and with whom we spend our time. And really no one can be blamed for being picky about it. The balance between needs and wants is very sensitive and we all want to make sure we are getting the most out of our time.

One of the biggest areas people feel they don’t get enough time is with family members, and more specifically with their significant others. We want to spend time with the one who makes our heart beat faster, the one who sends flutters down our spines, the one who supports us daily whether it’s emotional or monetary or physically. But for some reason the overwhelming majority of the couples I know seem to be lacking in the area of quality time. They want more time to have nice dinner dates, go to the park and walk hand in hand, take in a movie or go on vacations. Between work and home there don’t seem to be enough hours in the day, or are there?

My husband and I have been together almost ten years and there was a time in our lives when we felt the same way. Where was our quality time? But when we took the time to look at a little closer we realized that we had to make the time and then take the time. We go on small dates to Starbucks or McDonalds. When we go to the Y for our workouts we enjoy a free cup of coffee and some conversation before we hit the weights. We take a short trip to the mall and do a little window shopping. Before I leave for work in the morning he makes me a very quick breakfast and we eat together. Sure some of these things require me to wake up a few minutes earlier or go to sleep a few minutes later but I am willing to do what it takes to share quality time with the man I love.

The time is there but we had to decide to take the time and just learn to be appreciative of what we had. Quality time does not have to be an expensive date or candle lit dinner (though there is nothing wrong with those things). Sometimes all it takes is the willingness to sit down and just be together and enjoy each other’s presence. Well, that’s how it works for us and we are happily going on to ten years of loving companionship. Just a thought…

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

2011-02-01T05:18:00.002-06:00

SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums

GAH! Totally Random Rant!

2011-01-30T09:57:00.002-06:00

I reaaaaaaaaally hate bad weather. Snow, sleet, ice… pretty much anything that comes with winter and cold weather conditions. I hate, hate, HATE winter. If it could just be cold and windy (and nothing else) I wouldn’t be forced to loathe it so much. I mean hey, throw on a jacket, scarf, hat and cloves and I’m good to go. But any type of precipitation that comes along with cold weather I am totally NOT a fan of… at all… EVER!

Though I am from the Midwest and grew up accustomed to freezing pipes and below freezing temperatures that doesn’t mean I like it. In fact once when I was young I questioned my mother about the necessity of winter. I mean is it really needed? I know there is science and all that, but really, couldn’t there be a way around it? (Keep in mind that I was like five when this conversation took place.) I even asked her if there were places that didn’t have winter and when she said yes, asked if we could we move there. Clearly since I’m still complaining about the weather I must have never gotten my wish, which I try not to hold against my dear mom ‘cause I really do love her. *waves* Hi mom!

I thought I would escape some of the crappy weather if I moved to the South. WRONG! Apparently I didn’t go far enough. For a nice while I managed to avoid the nuisances caused by snow, now we are being bombarded with the wet, flaky, white substance. I think the little bit of snow we get here is worse than the tons of snow received in my home town. The reason is because in the Midwest they are prepared for it but in the South it’s not as expected so things just don’t go well. If spring could come early this year I would be ever so grateful, because I never want to see snow again. *grumbles*

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

2010-12-12T06:47:00.001-06:00

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

Holidays are all about relaxation. And what better way to relax than with a hot holiday fling?

On vacation in Mexico with her two best friends, forty-one-year-old Celeste Kopp vows to break out of her middle-aged rut and live life to the fullest. Taking surf lessons is on the top of her to do list. However, when she meets sexy surf instructor Ben, the idea of a holiday fling with a younger man becomes the only thing on her list.

Ben is more than willing to live out Celeste’s fantasies as well as a few of his own. But their holiday romance turns out to be more than either of them bargained for when the connection between them deepens. Being with Celeste forces Ben to deal with his own baggage in a way he never expected.

As the vacation draws to a close, Celeste realizes she wants so much more from Ben than a holiday fling, but can she convince him that their future together is worth the risk?

Buy Link

For more info on Lauren visit her website http://www.laurenfraser.com

Peek-a-boo

2010-12-05T16:12:00.002-06:00

Yes, this is absolutely a post about a game played with small children. My oldest has been whisked away by my parents and I won’t see him until Christmas. *sob* On the upside this gives my husband and me some special time with the little one. He hasn’t had much alone time since he was born so I thought it would be wonderful to spoil him (as if the little stinker isn’t spoiled enough already).

One day I sat with the little one on my lap watching TV and I realized he was around the age where children play peek-a-boo. So I gave it a shot. “Peek-a-boo,” I said then covered my face, of course peeking through my fingers to see his response. To my surprise he knew how to play… very badly. How can you play peek-a-boo badly? Ask my son.

When you say the words, he instantly brings his little hands to his face but he doesn’t cover his eyes. He covers his cheeks (think of Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone) or his mouth. The motion has become second nature to the child. We say, “Peek-a-boo,” the hands go up, usually in a look of surprise because his eyes are wide as saucers (and not covered as they should be). Of course this makes all the members of my household cry with laughter, so it makes him enjoy the game even more. So as a result I live in a house filled with adults addicted to playing peek-a-boo. Yes, this is my life. *Sigh*

Procrastination, my constant companion. Heavy Sigh

2010-11-28T19:19:00.002-06:00

Sooooooooooooooooooo… I should be working on one of a zillion WIPs. What have I done over the past month? Not a thing! I mean I’ve thought and taken notes and hummed and hawed but nothing has been done to actually increase my word count. Sad, yes I know. Nevertheless I am determined to finish something. I have too many things collecting virtual dust on my hard drive to be at a standstill. Now, I am going to kick all of the excuses I’ve been feeding myself to the curb and find a way to get to work. First I need to decide on which story I want to finish…

Carolina Pearl by Sela Carsen

2010-11-23T18:15:00.000-06:00

Carolina Pearl

A family legend could lead to a treasure more precious than pearls…or get them killed.

Between babysitting her very pregnant sister-in-law and fending off her mother’s nagging about her marital status, Blair Moreau is going insane. Her only hold on sanity is her daily walk for a guilty peek at her crush, the sexy neighbor who’s fixing up the old Cotesworth place.

Conn Lucas, the bastard son of Culford’s leading family, got way out of town a long time ago. When the only relative who didn’t despise him leaves him her 250-year-old house, Conn plans to refurbish it, flip it, and get back to Connecticut as soon as possible. Until a local beauty with a rare talent for DIY gives him a hand with some stubborn siding.

When he makes her mad enough to swing a two-by-four at his head, he realizes Blair is better than perfect. Especially when his efforts to keep her from killing him explode into an erotic rush of adrenaline that unleashes desires they’ve both kept hidden.
Breaking through Conn’s tough shell isn’t as difficult Blair’s next hurdle—telling him she’s a werewolf. First, though, they’ve got to deal with meddling ghosts and a bad ol’ boy cousin who isn’t above taking what he wants at nail-gun point…

Product Warnings

This book contains a smokin’ hot werewolf chick with serious DIY know-how and a man who thinks that’s sexy; illegal use of nail guns; things to do in a claw-foot tub; pirate references; piddling Dobermans and meddling ghosts. Which is better than meddling Dobermans and piddling ghosts.

Read an excerpt!

Buy Now!

Sweet Potato Pie

2010-11-20T14:22:00.000-06:00

I love to cook and my mind has been particularly focused on food with the holidays coming. So in the spirit of the time of year I'd like to share my cousin's recipe for sweet potato pie. It is completely scrumptious and worth the effort. Enjoy!

SWEET POTATO PIE

4lbs Sweet Potatoes
1 Cup Each White and Brown Sugar
1 Can of Canned Milk (Milnot if you can find it)
4 Large Eggs
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 Stick of Butter
2 Packages of Pie Crust (I Use Graham cracker Crust)

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Peel and boil sweet potatoes until tender enough to break with a fork. Mash and add butter, both sugars and canned milk. Add eggs last to ensure that mixture is cooled by the milk or your eggs may start to cook. With a hand mixture, beat until smooth try to get any stringy bits out. After all large chunks are out, add vanilla and cinnamon and mix in with a spoon. Bake until center is firm and spots appear on the top.

Well...

2010-11-07T23:06:00.000-06:00

Not so much progress on the writing front but plenty on the procrastination. *sigh* I do have some ideas for a few things I'm working on. Perhaps instead of starting new stories I should just finish the ones I'm already working on. If only my characters would just do what I want. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Some Like it Hot Writing Contest

2010-10-26T21:22:00.002-05:00

Announcing Tawny’s Taylor’s “Some Like It Hot” writing contest!

Starting October 25th, 2010, Tawny Taylor will be hosting a writing contest.
The final judge is an editor from Ellora’s Cave.

The Prizes? Read on!

All SubGenres of erotic romance accepted, including:
~Contemporary~Fantasy~Futuristic~ Shapeshifter/Vampire~BDSM~

*You may submit one chapter--not to exceed 5000 words. Stories must be complete and unpublished.

*Each Monday, two stories will be selected by an Ellora's Cave editor who is actively acquiring. At the end, six weekly winning authors will submit a partial (first three chapters, last chapter and synopsis) to the final judge for ranking.

The first place winner will receive ...

A critique of the full winning manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley!

The second place winner will receive...

A critique of the partial manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley (first three chapters, last and synop).

The third place winner will receive...

A critique of the first chapter by EC editor Grace Bradley.

Details at: http://www.tawnytayl...ingContest.html

Here I am!

2010-10-23T21:46:00.002-05:00

I’ve been gone for a while (please forgive me) but things are changing. I am back on track with my writing and ready to do big things. Woot! Anyway, I’ve been working on a new story (yes I will keep you in suspense for a while longer because, well I’m allergic to plotting and really don’t know what’s happening next, but soon I will and then so will you). The important thing is that I am writing again. (sadly I was forced to stop for a while). So in between, keeping up with the kids, and the husband, and the day job and the workout schedule (wew I need a breather just thinking about it all) I will be writing… and keeping in touch. I promise!

Accepting the Story

2010-06-11T17:59:00.000-05:00

I’ve noticed that some people may have issues relating to or accepting books that are in opposition with their personal beliefs. For example if you believe that anything having to do with demons has to be “bad,” can you read a story with a “good” demon? If you don’t believe in having sex before you fall in love would it ruin the story if the couple sleeps together on their first date? If you don’t believe in ghosts can you get into a ghost story? If you don’t believe in aliens can you buy into a story involving extraterrestrials?

I’ve noticed my own reading preferences vary wildly. Whether the story is in line with my personal beliefs or not doesn’t affect how I feel about the plot or characters. If the author creates believable characters and an engaging story I can buy into it as long as the story is true to the motivations of the characters and the situation. That’s not to say I’ll like every word of what’s written, but I can accept the world as the author has presented it to me in that particular piece of fiction.

How about you?

Double Dare by Jeanne St. James

2010-01-15T21:00:00.000-06:00

Today is release day for my first m/m/f interracial menage a trois, Double Dare from Loose Id!

BUY HERE!

What could be better than waking up next to a hot guy? Waking up sandwiched between two of them.

Quinn Preston, a financial analyst, is not happy when her friends dare her to pick up a handsome stranger at a wedding reception. What better reason to give up men when her previous long-term relationship had not only been lackluster in the bedroom but he had cheated.

Logan Reed, a successful farmer and business owner, can't believe that he's attracted to the woman in the ugly, Pepto-Bismol colored bridesmaid dress. And to boot, she's more than tipsy. After turning down her invitation for a one-night stand, he finds her in the parking lot, too impaired to drive. He rescues her and takes her home. His home.
The next morning Quinn's conservative life turns on its ear when Logan introduces her to pleasures she never even considered before. And to make things more complicated, Logan already has a lover…

Tyson White, ex-pro football player and Logan's business partner, is completely in love with Logan. He has mixed emotions when Logan brings home Quinn. But the dares keep coming and things heat up with the three of them. Nevertheless Ty wonders: will adding Quinn to the mix end up enhancing or destroying Logan's and his relationship?

Double Dare is an interracial ménage a trois (m/m/f) erotic romance that is sexually explicit, including light BDSM, anal sex, homosexuality, multiple partners, role playing and more.

Read Excerpts Here:

http://jeannestjames.blogspot.com/2009/12/double-dare-coming-january-5th-from.html

http://www.jeannestjames.com/bookshelf/double-dare-excerpt/

Available NOW here:

http://www.loose-id.com/Double-Dare.aspx

Compromising Positions by Jenna-Bayley-Burke

2010-01-08T07:23:00.000-06:00

Compromising Positions releases today!

Falling in love is the last thing on his busy agenda…but compromising positions can lead just about anywhere.

David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.

Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.

David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.

Warning: This is one exercise program you won’t need to consult your doctor before beginning…unless he’s hot and available for house calls. The Kama Sutra isn’t for the prudish or faint of heart, and neither is this story.

Read An Excerpt Online

REVIEWS

“With sensual love scenes, flirty repartee, and a man and woman clearly meant to be together, you get everything you could ever want in a romance novel. Overall, I have to say that Compromising Positions is a must read!”
~ Long and Short Reviews

"Compromising Positions would have to be one of the best contemporary romance novels I have read in a long time. Jenna Bayley-Burke delivers it all, romance, humor, and great chemistry between her hero and heroine. It is so well written. The pace is great, and the story line fantastic."
~ Fallen Angel Reviews

"This thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy has likable characters and a smart, spitfire heroine...Bayley-Burke delivers a really fun read. "
~Romantic Times

Note to Characters

2010-01-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

Stop it! Stop it right now! I’m the author and I say what goes. Stop changing the way this story is supposed to go. And really stop bogging my story down when you don’t like where it’s headed. It’s my story… mine, mine, mine even if it is about you.

Thanks and have a nice day.

LONE WOLF, book 2 of the Maxey Wizards by Teresa D'Amario

2010-01-01T09:19:00.002-06:00

LONE WOLF, book 2 of the Maxey Wizards by Teresa D'Amario

Tease Publishing LLC.
ISBN: 978-1-60767-082-7
EBook Buy Now

AllRomanceEbooks

Excerpt

Once the victim of scientific experimentation by the Government Control of Supernatural Activities (GSA), Damon doesn't have a past, and he isn't sure he has a future. He doesn't even know if his ability to change from human to wolf is a virus, or magick.

But the instant he lays eyes on the pretty cop from the local
police force, he knows he has to learn the secrets of his past
before they destroy her future.

Krystal is the best animal cop on the police force, hiding
magickal talent beneath layers of excuses and quick thinking.
For five years she's tracked Peter Burke, a butcher who
steals any form of canine to supplement his dietary needs.
The day she saves a wolf from losing his head at the sharp end of an axe, her entire life changes. And then there is Damon, the mysterious, sexy ex-soldier with no memory of his past who awakens fantasies of dark and sensual nights.

But the GSA isn't finished with Damon, and when the shadowy
government agency joins forces with Burke, Krystal too finds her life in jeopardy, the target of men and women led by their own desires. Damon and Krystal must work together to stop evil and destroy years of illegal research. But can their budding love survive when experiments distort Damon's shifting skills, creating a monster?

EXCERPT

Giving in to instinct, she licked her bottom lip, then teased it with the edges of her teeth, trying to ease the burning sensation of need. The need to press her mouth against his.

His eyes followed the motion. The sound of a soft growl rolled on the night’s breeze. Her body gave an unexpected shiver.

The wolf. The wolf must be able to smell them and didn’t like being left alone. Odd how the growl had echoed around them, giving the impression it had come from Damon.

She shook the thought away and motioned toward her door, breaking the connection of his gaze. “There’s my house.”

He turned and escorted her to the door, his arm never leaving her waist.

She searched for something to say, but the blood in her body was definitely not reaching her brain. They arrived at her door and she turned to face him. “Thanks for walking me home.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.

He moved a step closer, crowding her against the hard, cold wood of her door.

“My pleasure,” he murmured.

The sounds of the night disappeared, with only the beat of her heart echoing in her ears. Damon’s molten eyes rested on her lips and he dipped close. Heat from his body burned every where he touched, filling her with an aching need deep in her very core. Her muscles turned liquid, waiting. Hoping. He leaned in, one hand rested on the door beside her head.

“Definitely my pleasure,” he murmured again. He nuzzled her cheek, the soft edge of the day’s beard brushed against her skin.

She tipped her head back, savoring the sensual touch, ignoring the shiver travelling through her body.

His breath feathered across her face, hot and inviting. His masculine scent rolled over her, the same as the wolf’s growl had. Low, soft. Hot.

He closed the last excruciating inches, and when his lips finally touched hers, she almost moaned with relief. His first touch was gentle. His mouth was hot, burning her with his soft, sensuous touch. She’d expected hot, maybe even hungry. This romantic, almost worshipful kiss destroyed her reason. A soft whimper rose in her throat filled with craving. More.

At long last, he opened his mouth, as though sipping a rare vintage wine. He tested, tasting. She groaned, opening to him, wanting more. His tongue delved in and his taste exploded inside her. Wild, masculine, hungry. Their tongues tangled in unison, and she tasted his power, his masculinity. It was a part of him, deep inside. A power she knew had to be magick. It swirled around her, inside her, stealing every vestige of her reason and breath. Her head spun, sensations exploding throughout her body. She arched toward him, needing, aching. One large hand burned at her waist while the other still rested on the door by her head.

More. Please more.

Her own magick pushed inside her, hungry to escape, to wrap him in its touch, to own him and mark him as hers. Mark him? Something about this kiss wasn’t normal, but her fogged brain couldn’t make out what it was. For this single moment in time he was her one and only reason for being. He was her breath, and her heartbeat. And she liked it. No, she loved it, and needed more.

Damon slid his hand from the door, tangling it in her hair, angling her head to go even deeper. He hadn’t intended to kiss her, but the instant he’d seen her teeth teasing her lip, he’d lost all control. Now, her heated body pressed against his, driving the animal inside of him wild. The more he touched her, the more the wolf inside growled, demanding more. Her taste drove him to the very brink of control, exploding along his taste buds, drugging him with an insane need to drink more of her. He felt her knees buckle and he yanked her close, her body now flush with his.

Mine. The thought whispered in his mind.

From him? Or the animal?

For the first time since he’d awakened in that dank cell, he wasn’t sure there was a difference.

Her scent wrapped around him, like a gentle mist. Soft and sweet, hardened with the sharp edge of desire. Her breasts pressed against his chest, teasing him with their softness, dragging a moan from his throat. She was so beautiful. So soft and feminine, her body molding to his as though built for him. He slid his hands down her back, cupping the soft muscles of her rear. He let his fingers tease and massage her, holding her close to him. He wanted more. He wanted to crawl inside her, to be a part of her. He wedged one knee between her legs, pushing her thighs apart. She moved willingly, groaning her desire when he pulled her tight against his thigh.

His lips left hers, trailing down her cheek, burying his lips against her neck. Yes, hissed the wolf instincts. His gums itched and his fangs descended. Damon tried to shove the instincts back, to fight his thirst for her kiss, the thirst for her taste. He scraped the tips of the canines against her flesh and she moaned, tipping her head back. Such sweet submission.

A growl rolled from his chest. Hunger twisted inside him as his lips closed over her throat. An image of his teeth slicing into that sweet flesh flashed in his mind, blood oozing from the wound. He needed her, wanted her, was starved for the sweet wine of her blood.

Blood?

Horrified at the thoughts in his mind, he yanked away, releasing her so quick she stumbled against the door. He spun away, dragging his hands through his hair.

Queen Bee by Gail Roarke

2009-12-25T10:02:00.001-06:00

Daisy Cooper's fellow secretary likes to think of herself as a bad girl, but she'd be shocked to discover her unassuming co-worker's secret pastime. Every weekend Daisy sheds her mild demeanor and conservative image to revel in the hedonistic pleasures of the notorious Soixante-Neuf sex club. She knows exactly what she wants from the men there--and she isn't shy about getting it.

She also knows what she doesn't want--emotional entanglements. But when a new co-worker stumbles upon her secret, Daisy knows things will never be the same. Her only choice is how to deal with the changes.

To read an excerpt, or to purchase a digital version, click here.

For more titles from Gail Roarke, click here.

A Recipe for Fun

2009-12-21T09:12:00.000-06:00

Recently we had a nice little get together at our place. For these occasions we like to make little finger foods and dips. This time I tried my hand at a tasty recipe I found at cooks.com. It was hit! There wasn't a scrap left by the end of the night.

CROCK POT MEXICAN DIP

18 oz. can whole tomatoes with juice
Chopped onions
1 lb. hot sausage
1 lb. ground beef
2 lbs. Velveeta (16 oz. shredded)
Jalapeno peppers (opt.)

Chop tomatoes and put in crock pot with juice. Turn on High. Brown meats with onions. Put in crock pot. Cut up Velveeta into cubes. Shred cheddar. Put cheeses in crock pot. Add peppers. (May wait until about to serve to add peppers if you prefer a milder dip.) Simmer on Low for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Christmas Magic by Adelle Laudan

2009-12-18T05:46:00.000-06:00

Let Christmas Magic take you away from all the stresses the season might bring you. At @2.99, it makes the perfect gift for each one of your cyber friends. After all, everyone can use a little Christmas Magic, right?

In Christmas Magic, a tragic fire puts a major damper on Laura Payne's holiday spirit. She'd just as well skip Christmas all together. A series of circumstances brings self-imposed bachelor, Justin Carron to care for his sixteen year old niece, Richelle, whom he's never laid eyes on.

A winter storm, and an unexpected turn of the wheel, on their way home from the airport, changes all three of their lives forever. Each one is faced with their own mortality, the prospect of becoming a family, and the kindness of strangers.

Mr. C. is a kind old man, who lives alone, and tends to a stable of deer. There is something different about the jolly old man with a white beard and suspenders. After a series of unexplained incidents, he shows them that all things are possible, if they'd just let go of the past, and believe in the magic of Christmas.

This is my first holiday themed story. I hope everyone turns the last page with a sense of hope for better days ahead, and maybe, just maybe...a little Christmas Magic.

Available NOW at Red Rose Publishing.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Magic HERE

Drop by my WEBSITE for Contest Details

From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our girl, Chachi

Don’t Judge Me! (Warning Rant Ahead)

2009-12-15T22:38:00.000-06:00

I will be the first to admit that I have some rather unorthodox views about life, love and spirituality. I believe that we should all be free to learn and discover and find beliefs that fit each of us individually. Sadly, there are far too many who don’t share this belief. During my lifetime I’ve been looked down upon, judged harshly, called all types of sinners and told I was going to not so nice places. I’ve been told I was wrong to live my life the way I do and for people to make these types of judgment calls about me without even knowing me makes me sooooooooooo angry! Picture a large fire breathing dragon with a thorn at the bottom of its foot. Yeah, not pretty.

Anyway I personally feel that we shouldn’t be JUDGING each other anyway. We should be working to accept each other as we are. Our differences make us unique and beautiful. Diversity should be used to learn about our wonderful differences not used to tear one another down. None of us are perfect. Deal with it!

/rant

The Christmas She Rules by Jennifer Leeland

2009-12-11T08:35:00.000-06:00

"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.

It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.

Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.

Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.

Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.

BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.

Love of Writing/Reading

2009-12-08T05:33:00.001-06:00

I’ve recently noticed that I love to write for a lot of the same reasons I love to read. I want the fantasy, with just a little realism tucked in. I like to get away, go somewhere far and wonderful without having to leave the warm comfort of my home. Learning about the worlds that others have created or even better yet, being the one to create the worlds takes me to another level, another place.

Reading and writing both allow me to escape from the pressures of every day life. I like romance because I know the escape is going to be a good feeling one (I love happy endings!) This is what I’m looking for when I’m reading or writing, something to make me feel good, even warm and fuzzy. Sure not all romance or fiction is warm and fuzzy but for me it’s a big fat bonus when it is. I can deal with the harsh realities of life when I come crashing back down to earth but in my fantasies I want to be swept away on a cloud of feel good.

What do you like about reading or writing?

The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian by R. F. Long

2009-12-04T08:32:00.003-06:00

"The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian" by R. F. Long

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

BUY IT HERE!
Read an excerpt HERE.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-12-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

I love to hear what people have to say, especially if they’re funny. I’m particularly fond of quotes that can make me laugh. I have a few websites I like to visit that have some of the best quotes ever. Today, I thought I’d share a few with you.

Thirteen quotes that make me lol. ;)

1. “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” - Louis Hector Berlioz (A side of the argument you don’t hear very often…)

2. “I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.” - Henny Youngman (I would have kicked him with the other leg after I was done laughing.)

3. “I have opinions of my own -- strong opinions -- but I don't always agree with them.” - George Bush (It’s just funny I don’t care what anyone says.)

4. “A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.” - Groucho Marx (I totally love Groucho Marx… I blame my dad who acts just like him.)

5. “Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing.” - Robert Benchley (I do this often… probably not often enough though.)

6. “I am free of all prejudices. I hate every one equally.” - W. C. Fields (I really know people like this… it’s not me either.)

7. “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” - W. C. Fields (I’ve never added it to the food…I should try that.)

8. “I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.” - Rodney Dangerfield (In my house it’s the other way around… just kidding.)

9. “I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.” - Joan Rivers (Holy cow!)

10. “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx (Again, I love him.)

11. “I used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass.” - David Lee Roth (When I picture it happening it’s even funnier.)

12. “I would talk in iambic pentameter if it were easier.” - Howard Nemerov (I shouldn’t have sipped that water BEFORE I pictured this one. *wipes down keyboard*)

13. “What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on?” - George Carlin (Dude, I ask this question every time and no one ever gives me an answer!)

If you want to check out more quotes click the links below.

http://www.coolfunnyquotes.com/

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_funny.html

Happiness is a Choice

2009-11-25T07:36:00.001-06:00

I don’t get to watch TV often, but it’s always fun when I get something more out of it then a loss of precious brain cells (reality TV anyone). Whenever I can, I like to watch the show “Monk”. There’s this character that gets goofed on A LOT, but in the show it never seems to faze him. No matter what, he is always happy.

The last time I watched, Monk asked him how he always managed to stay so upbeat. He replied that happiness is a choice, one that he decided to make. The statement really made me stop and think. Maybe he was right. Sometimes life really hits you HARD and you feel like you’ll never recover but we can and we do! But how would we feel if we worked on being happy as much as we worked at our jobs or our relationships?

We work hard to make other people happy all the time. Why not put some of that energy into making ourselves happy? Some may think it sounds selfish but what is life if you NEVER think about yourself? I’m not saying don’t ever think of anyone else, but to make sure we take some time to take care of ourselves. We can’t depend on someone else to make us happy. Why not choose to be happy today? Why not choose to give ourselves a little time and do some things that bring some happiness into our own lives?

I’m Back

2009-11-23T07:35:00.000-06:00

Did you miss me? Well, here’s a nice little update on my life. This past year, I moved to a new place, took on more responsibility at work (hopefully with some more pay to come shortly), got married to my sweetie on our eight year anniversary, participated in a mentor program with the most awesome mentor ever AND three months ago I had a baby. Yes I’ve been doing a lot which is why I’ve been MIA (please still love me).

The new place… well it could use some sprucing up but it’ll do. The work… well it’s work. The marriage is awesome. Our relationship is the same wonderful relationship we’ve always shared and now we have a nice license and pretty rings… which are lovely. The mentor program couldn’t have been any better. I had (have) the best mentor ever. (Hi Cup!) I’ve learned so many awesome things about writing and how to improve my writing. The great thing is it’s already paying off. One of my CP’s said my latest WIP is the best thing I’ve written and she could barely pay attention to the edits because she got so sucked into the story (SCORE!). Ahem… moving on. The baby is wonderful. He (yes I now have two boys) is wonderful and cute and sweet and cute and precious and did I mention cute? Being a mom so agrees with me. *happy sigh*

So that’s what’s been up with me. I am back and more determined than ever to turn out these WIPs. Stay tuned!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-08-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of times when I should be writing or doing something equally productive but I’m wasting time instead. I am in fact a master procrastinator. I’m so good at it I could teach classes. Today I thought I’d share some of my procrastination techniques.

13 Methods of Procrastination

1. Daydreaming. Oh yes this little bugger has gotten me into trouble since the third grade. Instead of paying attention in class I’d stare out the window (window seats are a bad idea for me) and imagine flying with magical unicorns. Not much has changed only now instead of ignoring a teacher I’m ignoring my manuscript (MS)…

2. Doodling. This is when I sit with a notebook (usually when I am trying to brainstorm ideas) and draw little hearts, balloons or something equally stupid instead of WORKING ON MY MS. Often I will get inspiration from number one to make the little pictures for this one even more ridiculous. No, I will not post examples of my illustrious illustrations.

3. Surfing the web. This is by far my biggest time suck and procrastination tool. I do research, usually for non related writing things. Today I learned a great deal of information about the great lakes… That I will NEVER use!

4. Romance Divas. One of the greatest places in the internet world. I would describe this place as internet heaven actually. This site is an excellent resource for writing information but also a great place for hanging out, making friends, posting life experiences… procrastinating. Of them all this is the one I would never even think about giving up.

5. Myspace. Seriously, that Tom guy has some serious explaining to do. I don’t know if he’s the one who invented this place or not but I blame him. The stupid apps, and messages, and status updates, comments… okay you get the picture. There is too much to do there and now they’ve attached the IM thingy to the bottom of the window so people can just contact you if they see you’re on. Not good.

6. Obsessively checking emails. I have numerous email accounts (probably a mistake) and I check them constantly even when I’m not waiting for a specific response about something. Really, they must have anonymous groups for people like me…

7. Blogging. *gasp* As much as I enjoy blogging sometimes I do it instead of working on my MS… like now, but I’m almost done so it’s okay.

8. Obsessively checking to see if anyone has commented on blog. Yeah I know I need help. Refer to the last sentence of number 6.

9. Staring for long moments (we won’t count how many) at a blank Word document (or unfinished document) while wondering if the story I’m starting or working on is any good and if there is a point to even writing it. What I should be doing is working on the damn story and not angsting over the nothing that I haven’t written!

10. Yahoo IM. OMG what a HUGE time suck! I spend more time talking to people on IM than should be legally allowed.

11. Talking on the phone. I do this with people I can’t reach on IM. Usually it’s my mom and we talk until the battery runs out on my cellphone. Yeah, that’s a lot of talking and very little writing.

12. Reading. Yes reading is fundamental but not when you’re actually supposed to be writing. Once in school I got in trouble for reading instead of paying attention in class… I think it was an omen.

13. TV. I can’t tell you how many brain cells I’ve lost watching it. I can say, however, that no matter how bored I get or how much I am trying to procrastinate I will NOT watch “reality” TV. Seriously, 99.9% of it is crap and not realistic in the least. I just can’t force myself to watch it. It makes me want to wash my eyes out with bleach whenever I’m forced to watch it… okay sorry went on a little tirade there but now I’m back.

So here is my list of procrastination methods. Do you have any?

Body Image

2009-08-12T06:10:00.000-05:00

Yeah there’s a big one. It seems that these two little words reek so much havoc on a lot of our every day lives. The media tells us we should look one particular way, eat a certain amount of food, weigh only so much, get a tan and the list goes on. My question is who are they to tell us how we should look and feel? Who are they to tell us what we should be striving for?

I think as human beings we certainly put enough pressure on ourselves to look and feel a certain way. Who is to say who’s way is right and who’s is wrong. As a matter of fact I think right and wrong are subjective anyway and should not be forced onto the public at large (regarding this particular topic anyway).

I’ve noticed that body image and appearance preferences differ from person to person, region to region, culture to culture and so on. Where did I get such a ridiculous notion? Well the advantage of being friends with a diverse group of people is that I get to hear a wide variety of view points. Our differences are so fascinating that sometimes it just bowls me right over.

For instance I am a black female (Like you couldn’t tell that from my pic lol!). For the most part (I say for the most part because I don’t like blanket statements.) being skinny/thin is not looked upon favorably in our culture. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had family or friends try to stuff food down my throat because I needed some “meat on my bones.” Or to be the friend who always got looked over by all the boys because I was the dark “skinny” one. Now the funny thing is, 5’5” and 125 lbs is probably not too skinny for most cultures, oh but if you lived in the same neighborhood as me you didn’t really make the cut. The boys wanted the luscious girls. They wanted the girls with the wide hips, thick thighs and the perky behinds (I thought that rhymed just leave me alone ok.) Anyway I didn’t have any of that and after a while it really weighed on my self-esteem. I tried my damndest to gain weight. All of those little things they say not to do I did and you know what? I didn’t gain squat! Grrrrrr!

Anyway when I tell certain friends about my desire to gain weight when I was younger they look at me like I’m a deer with two heads. See, some of them come from cultures where being thin is in. What threw them even more was that when two of them went to Africa not one man went near the skinny one. The one who the men would have been tripping all over themselves to get to, had they been here in the US, didn’t even get a second glance. But the woman, who would have been told she was fat or unattractive, here, was the one who got ALL the attention, over there. Does this mean I personally think skinny is bad? Ok for my body type yes but in general no. What it does show me is that not everyone wants the same thing and that we are all beautiful to someone. The anorexic looking models that the media tries to shove in our faces should not be who or what we are modeling ourselves after. This goes for guys and girls, because if you ask me a male model with his ribs poking through his flesh is not attractive, but hey maybe there is someone out there who likes it…

Yes my ramblings do have a point, just let me get there. I think the most important thing in the world is to be a healthy human being, emotionally, mentally and physically. No matter what, the aim should be to work on being the healthiest people we can be. I had to learn this lesson the hard way and spent years being miserable with terrible self-esteem because I couldn’t accept who I was. Why? Because for so long I based my idea of beauty on what someone else thought instead of just loving me. I think this is what it all boils down to. Love yourself and be the healthiest you that you can be. Screw what everyone else is trying to shove down your throat. What do they know anyway?

Thursday Thirteen

2009-08-06T07:14:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things in the world is traveling. I love to see new places and meet the people and learn about different cultures. When I’m older I plan on traveling the world but for the most part my travels have taken to me various places in the US. I’d like to share them with you now.

13 Places I’ve been

1. Disney Land (not to be confused with Disney World).
This one is sunny Ca. We were at a family reunion and I was very young… maybe four or five. My most unforgettable memories from this trip are from when I leapt into the hotel pool thinking I could swim and almost drowned in 3 ½ feet of water. The other is when we went on this ride that was totally in the dark. It scared me so badly I squished the hell out of Mickey Mouse cap, which I’d thrown on the floor of the ride so I wouldn’t lose it while going loopty loop. Yeah… good times/

2. Vallejo, Ca.
It was a sad event that brought me to this fair little city in Southern Cali. The Man’s grandfather had passed away and I was there for moral support. This was also the very first time I got to meet his family after having been together for six years. Though it was small I thought it was a beautiful place. This was the also the first time I’ve been so close to real mountains. I mean wow those things are huge!

3. San Francisco.
This occasion was much happier than the Vallejo trip. One of The Man’s Friends was getting married and of course I leapt at the chance to go to The Man’s home town. He’d already been to mine plenty. The thing I’ve noticed we have in common is that we both have mostly male friends so sadly I couldn’t hook anyone up. I think they decided to forgive me for that one. The city was sooooooooooo beautiful; I’ve been dying to go back since.

4. Washington D.C.
Going back to my younger years I actually used to visit our fair D. C. all the time. It’s where my great grandparents lived for a very long time. My great grandfather was very influential in politics. He knew people like Martine Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and John F. Kennedy. I went there all the time to visit them and I loved the city but my most vibrant memories of this place are the huge house they lived in… and the pattern in which my great grandmother used to snore in. I was young, what can I say?

5. Dumas, AR
This is actually where my grandmother (on my dad’s side) is from. She hated it so much she left as soon as she was old enough (maybe in her twenties) and never moved back. We went there later on for another of those notorious family reunions and I gotta say… it was really dusty. And there was also a huge bug that lived on the ceiling of our hotel room for the entirety of the trip. On a positive note this is where I ate at my first Sonic… we don’t have those in Chicago.

6. Milwaukee, WI
Being that it’s not that far from Chicago my parents and I used to go here often. It’s also right off the lake (meaning Lake Michigan) and they have an awesome zoo, where I rode my first elephant and camel. They also have a variety of fests during the summer where you can buy great food and listen to great music.

7. St. Louis, MO
I’ve actually been here a number of times since I have family there. I love to walk the city, especially downtown. I really love the area near the arch. It’s very grassy and pretty and the arch is just amazing to see up-close… though going in the arch I could have done without. It was nice to have the experience but the elevators were like shifty, shaky little ovens and I thought I might hurl before I got off…

8. Atlanta, GA
I’ve also been here many times. My mother and cousin both went to college there and loved the city. There are so many places to see since it is place full of history. I visited a number of historical colleges and the Coca Cola Museum which was awesome! I also got to do lots of shopping. The food’s great too.

9. Ontario Canada
I was about eleven when we went to Canada. It was during the summer so it wasn’t cold but it wasn’t too hot either. I thought it was one of the most beautiful cities. There were cobblestone streets and different shops and eateries. The architecture was fantastic; I think we even visited a castle. It’s a place I’d love to visit again only I’d like to maybe learn some French first.

10. Nassau in The Bahamas
Still the most beautiful place I have ever been to in all my life! The water was so clear I could see straight through it. The sand was beautiful and the temperatures were lovely. The food was excellent. I mean they probably caught it and served it to us that same day and the people were so friendly. It was the first time I’d ever seen a palm tree in my life. When a thirteen year old me said, “Oh my God mom look, palm trees.” on a bus full of people I new I was out of place. I never wanted to leave and I am so going back when I get the chance.

11. Universal Studios (Yes now this is in FL)
I had gone to St. Pete, FL with a friend for spring break and she and her mom took me to this wonderful place. I took a picture with The Grinch who I later found out was doing bunny ears. I also took a picture with Thing 2 from The Cat and the Hat (who we had to catch before we could take the picture). Also we took pictures with various XMEN and lastly Betty Boop… who was taller than I remember. Hmmmm

12. Miami, FL
It rained damn near half the time so I was pissed because I didn’t get my much coveted tan. Hey, I had planed on being dark chocolate when I left there not the same caramel that I was when I arrived. Anyway we went to a bunch of different clubs, made friends at a few bars, wore naughty little outfits (some of the time) and enjoyed the beach (when it wasn’t freakin’ raining).

13. Manhattan, NY
I went with my mom which could have been a mistake. We went by Central Park, past a couple of vendors and into the world of shopping. We walked so far we had to take a cab back. We also ate some delicious Brazilian food and went to see a show on Broadway. It was an awesome time. We spent all our money and came back with a t-shirt and a tie for my brother and father…

Dealing with Fatigue

2009-08-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

First what is fatigue?

Fatigue - To weary with labor or any bodily or mental exertion; to harass with toil; to exhaust the strength or endurance of; to tire.

(Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913))

Fatigue is something I believe most people feel or deal with on some level regularly. I know I do. There are many causes of fatigue including; lack of sleep, health conditions and even certain medications. There are a multitude of symptoms that can help us to identify whether we are suffering from the effects of fatigue; the most obvious being Weakness, lack of energy, tiredness, exhaustion. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you then you may be suffering from fatigue but don’t worry. There are ways to cope with fatigue which can involve medications, vitamins and dietary changes. Even though there are ways of coping, the best method is prevention. Things like relaxation techniques, dietary changes, taking “me” time and exercise go along way in helping to avoid fatigue.

Letting In The Light by Fae Sutherland

2009-08-03T17:45:00.002-05:00

On sale now at Amber Quill Press!

When Rowan Lee arrived in small, liberal Provincetown, he heard tales of the eccentric, brilliant, possibly insane Finnegan Clark. A world-famous mystery writer, Finnegan’s been to the top of the bestseller list more times than anyone can count. It’s about the only place he goes, sequestered away in his mansion by the sea.

Enter Rowan. The free-spirited lovechild of aging hippies, Rowan believes all anyone needs is love, and when he makes a delivery to Finn’s mansion and meets the man himself, it’s infatuation at first sight. Not to mention lust. Never mind that Finn’s twice his age and snarls at him more than he speaks to him.

All Rowan wants is to make the world a better place, one person at a time, but all Finn wants is to be left alone. Sparks fly, and if Rowan can’t break Finn’s walls down, he’ll burn them down...one sizzling encounter at a time...

Letting In The Light by Fae Sutherland Click HERE to read an excerpt and buy your copy!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-30T06:27:00.002-05:00

Since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with Astrology. My parents even bought me a telescope which my little brother ruined... I've forgiven him for this (mostly). Anyway from time to time I still like to do some studying up on what's out there. I found some very fascinating information here and here. So here we go.

13 interesting facts about Mars

1. Mars has the biggest mountain in the solar system. It’s called Olympus Mons and is over twice the height of Mt. Everest.

2. The Egyptians gave Mars its first recorded name: Har dècher (“The Red One”).

3. In the 1970’s, the Viking orbiter took pictures of what appear to be giant faces and pyramids carved into the planet’s surface in the Cydonia region. Scientists disagree on whether or not they are just eroded mesas or evidence of an ancient alien civilization but still the idea is cool.

4. For a planet with so little atmosphere, Mars has some of the wildest weather in the solar system. There is a variety of windstorms, dust storms and small tornadoes and there are more of them when Mars is close to the sun.

5. There are huge deposits of ice underneath the planet’s surface.

6. Only 1/3 of all the missions to Mars have been successful. Mars is actually referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle” of the solar system. I would NOT plan a vacation there if I were you.

7. Mars doesn’t have an ozone layer; as a result, the surface of Mars is bathed in a lethal dose of radiation every time the sun rises. Really, a lethal dose? Yikes!

8. Although it is much colder on Mars than on Earth, the similar tilt of Earth’s and Mars’ axes means they have similar seasons.

9. Mars’ seasons are twice as long as those on Earth because it takes Mars 687 days to orbit the sun, twice as long as Earth’s 365 day journey. Eek! This would be great for the summer months but not so great in the winter.

10. During a Mars winter, almost 20% of the air freezes. Refer to pervious comment about winter.

11. The average temperature on Mars is minus 81 Fahrenheit and can range from minus 205 degrees in the winter to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. No good, I would have to move!

12. Until recently, it was thought that Mars’ polar caps were made from carbon dioxide (dry ice) with only a small amount of water. Later observations indicated that the polar caps were mostly frozen water with a thin layer of carbon dioxide. Why is everything here frozen? This is not a selling point!

13. If melted into liquid form, the amount of water in the southern polar cap would cover the entire planet to a depth of about 36 feet. Holy cow, let’s hope they don’t experience global warning!

That's all for now. Until next time.

Dark Host by Kim Knox

2009-07-29T06:22:00.003-05:00

Dark Host was a finalist in the Brava Novella Competition and it’s also the first time I played with shifters. Oh and some zombies…of a sort *grin*

Blurb

Feline Mosaic, Charis Sur, thought her mission aboard the INS Pagidion would be quick and easy. All she has to do is watch her target and keep him alive until Betelgeuse goes nova.

Simple. Until one of the passengers drops dead in front of her.

Suddenly everything is not simple. Her life depends on a successful mission and she has to protect her target from whatever killed this man. That throws her into the path of Jason Narak, the one man she never wanted to see again. The man who burned her six months before. Yet, even as her past with Jason hurls her mission, her life into disarray, Charis finds that…something…is waiting for them aboard the INS Pagidion.

It calls itself darkness. And it needs a host.

The buy link is here and you can read the first chapter here

Stress

2009-07-28T06:09:00.001-05:00

I think this topic is one we can all relate to on some level. We have to meet demands placed on us by employers, loved ones and even ourselves. I’ve been reading a lot on this particular topic as it affects so many aspects of our lives that we sometimes aren’t even aware of.

We spend most of our day ripping and running trying to do things for everyone else (usually) and then we have five minutes (it sometimes seems) to relax before we have to start the whole process over again.

Hell, I’m out of breath just thinking about it! It got to a point when I didn’t even realize when I was stressed or starting to stress. It wouldn’t be until after my heart was racing, my head was screaming and my mind could no longer form coherent thoughts that I realized I was freaking out about something.

When I realized this behavior was really damaging to me and my relationships I decided something needed to be done. I learned to meditate and open my mouth and talk about things that were bothering me instead of letting them fester. I read books and looked at web sites and talked to actual people to find out how others dealt with stress.

During my search for information I came across this article. Here they discuss what stress is, how it affects the body and what you can do to identify when you are stressed and how to cope with it. I hope you gain something from it as I did. Let me know what you think.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-09T06:22:00.002-05:00

I seemed to have forgotten all the things I hated about pregnancy so in my ignorance I decided to have another one. What the hell was I thinking?

13 things about pregnancy I can’t stand!

1. Morning (more like all day) sickness. I’ve never gotten the full blown sickness but the halfblown was more than enough.

2. The constant bathroom breaks. Seriously I have never peed so much in my life… ever.

3. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough sleep again. Between the little munchkin in there stealing all my energy and the constant nightly bathroom breaks (up to 4 a night thanks) I’m never going to feel well rested again.

4. If my skin gets any itchier I think I may scratch it off. All the stretching can’t be good for me and there isn’t enough cocoa butter in the world to relieve me of my sadness. *sigh*

5. New wardrobe. Yes this is the one time in life where having to get new clothes is not a plus.

6. My face is so fat it might float of my neck at any second.

7. Pregnancy brain is the devil. Oh yes it does exist. I can’t remember a damn thing… er what was I saying?

8. Trouble breathing. There is a living being in there pushing against my lungs and other organs. Thanks a lot!

9. Cravings. Seriously how many helpings of brownies and ice cream can one person eat… have I mentioned that I don’t like sweets?

10. The constant hunger makes me feel like a vampire. I always need to feed… only food not blood… right, moving on.

11. If one more thing on my body starts to ache I can’t be accountable for my actions.

12. When strange people touch me I want to do violent things. People I do know can touch. If I’ve never before seen you in life, stay the hell away!

13. 9 (Really 10) months is like forever. It’s almost a year! Why am I being punished?

Well that sums up my life in a nutshell. I have to say that even though I totally want this to be over… NOW there is nothing like holding a fresh, newborn baby in your arms. All of this is totally worth it. I’m sure I’ll agree with that statement even more once the pregnancy is over.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-23T07:15:00.001-05:00

13 Things I Love and Miss about My Home Town
Some of you may not know this but I’m originally from Chicago, IL. It was like culture shock when I came to the south but eventually I learned to love it. There are still some things I miss and will always love about Chicago.

1. Hot Dogs. The Chicago style hot dog was one of the best inventions on the planet. It really is a meal on a bun topped with pickles, onions, tomatoes, Ketchup and mustard. Some people like to add or subtract but I like it just the way it is!
2. The Gyros Sandwich. I know they have this wonderful Greek treat in other places but in Chicago… wow. They are so big you have to eat it sideways and I have yet to finish one. The lamb meat is wonderful and succulent and they are best served with onions, tomatoes and lots of cucumber sauce. Yummy!
3. Pizza! Chicago is the only place I will eat a deep dish pizza. My favorite place is Gino’s East. OMG they make the pizza on a yellowish cornbread crust and the pizza is so saucy and flavorful. The pieces are so big I can only eat about two. *drool*
4. The Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite museum. They have exhibits that will interest people from 2 years old to 80. There are all kinds of buttons and walk through exhibits and information. It’s just wonderful.
5. Next is the Field Museum. The exhibits there are wonderful as well. You can learn about dinosaurs and see their bones reconstructed, soaring toward the ceiling or catch an adventure into an Egyptian tomb. Really how could you not love it?
6. The Shed Aquarium is to die for. There are all sorts of sea animals and snakes and lizards. They also have shows. It’s well worth the time and money and you’ll have to go more than once to see all there is to see and get the full experience.
7. Brookfield Zoo is excellent. I’m 26 and I still beg my mommy to take me when I go home during the warm months. They have so many activities and events depending on the time of year and it’s just lovely to walk through.
8. Barbeque. I know the south is supposed to be known for barbeque but they don’t do it the way we do. We do it in a pit. (ooh that sounded naughty) You can literally smell the food a block before you get to the place and you can order ribs, chicken, hot links and pretty much anything else. My favorite joint is Lem’s Barbeque House. The food is so good and the sauce is one of a kind.
9. The Taste of Chicago. I haven’t been in years but I want to go back so badly. You can get a taste of what everyone has to offer and meet a lot of people along the way. If you go on July third you’ll be treated to the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen. It’s good enough to stop traffic on Lake Shore Drive.
10. Harold’s Chicken. By far the best chicken joint I’ve ever been to. The chicken is tender and juicy and the sauce is to die for. You don’t go to Harold’s and not get sauce. I usually get a mix of hot and mild. *more drooling*
11. The Lake (That would be Lake Michigan). During the summer the lake is where it’s at. There are concerts, festivals and don’t forget The Taste (mentioned in number 9). It’s the best on an 80 degree. When you walk by you get that nice lake effect breeze and it… just… feels… so.. GOOD! And It’s huge. You can’t even see to the other side. The first time I took The Man there his eyes turned to saucers and he said, “That’s a Lake?”
12. Public Transportation. I love where I live now but the public transportation system sucks. In Chicago I didn’t even need to drive… and I didn’t. There are the buses (The CTA and the PACE), the L Train (which has multiples lines and there are two many to try and list them all) and the Metra. Some of them even run all night long. God I miss owl service.*sigh*
13. Last but not least I miss and love my family and friends. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and closest friends all still live there for the most part. They always make me wish I could live in two places at once. I love them all and miss them dearly. *kisses to all my family and friends*

Well it’s time to go to work but thanks for stopping by and sharing things I love about my hometown. See you later.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-16T19:15:00.002-05:00

Bath room etiquette or 13 rules of public/non private work place bathrooms that should never be ignored.

1. If there are 8 other perfectly usable stalls available DON’T SIT NEXT TO ME! Seriously could you not have used one of the other stalls?
2. If you insist on sitting next to me and I happen to be out of toilet paper the least you could do is hand me some if I ask. Don’t hoard an entire roll in your stall. No one needs that much damn TP.
3. Along the lines of TP don’t leave it all over the floor when you’re done. Again no one needs that much and if it’s trailing the floor (And now attached to the bottom of my shoe) then you’ve gone overboard.
4. Don’t pee all over the seat (especially women). I mean seriously ladies have no excuse. If you don’t want to sit your bare ass on the public toilet then use the seat covers or make one out of TP. Don’t make the rest of us suffer
5. If I don’t know you please do not try to have a conversation with me over the walls of the stalls… seriously if we don’t know each other the only time we should speak is if discussing number 2 and it should still be brief.
6. Speaking of briefs, if for some reason you feel the need to remove your underwear please don’t leave them behind. We don’t want to see them… trust me.
7. Also, women, if it’s your “time” of the month PLEASE do NOT leave behind used feminine products were others will be unfortunate to see them. Really. Those little trashcans in the stalls are there for a reason.*HURL*
8. Let’s talk about the handicap stall. I know it’s got the little blue sign on the door or near the door but seriously, if you are close to having an “accident” please just use it ESPECIALLY if there are no handicap people around. Really I’m sure they’d rather wait a few minutes than slip and fall on your pee.
9. If you feel the need to take your cell phone into the stall with you I beg you not to have a 30 minute conversation while taking up said stall. Really someone could be out there with their bladder about to burst. You wouldn’t want to have that on your conscience now would you?
10. The bathroom is not a conference room. Please do not hold extensive meetings in there with your buddies. Most of us are trying to get in and out quickly and chances are your “meeting” is in the way of more urgent matters.
11. When you’re done handling your “business” please flush. And if it all doesn’t go down the first time flush AGAIN. There is no such thing as limited flushes as far as I know and everyone who comes in afterward would be eternally grateful.
12. After exiting the stall please wash your hands. No other explanation needed on that I should hope.
13. When washing hands please try not to make horrendous mess. I know it can be difficult but the least you can do if the water gets out of hand is clean it up. Really I don’t want to lean to close to the sink and come back looking like a wash rag.

Can you tell I had a not so nice day? Let’s hope for a better tomorrow, shall we? *Sigh*

What Type of Car Are You?

2009-04-14T18:44:00.001-05:00

Oh come on, let's have some fun! Take the quiz and let me know the results. *rubs hands together*

You Are a Convertible

You're playful and carefree. You are lighthearted in all aspects of your life.

Life is short and you act accordingly. You don't worry, and you try to bring fun into other people's lives.

You love feeling free, and you don't do well with rules or restrictions. You need to be able to do your own thing.

You feel more alive than most people. You can really savor the little things in life, like feeling the wind in your hair.

What Type of Car Are You?

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-08T22:19:00.002-05:00

Thirteen Things I Love About Spring.

1. The smell of freshly cut grass. It almost smells sweet.

2. The warmer weather. I'm a winter baby that hates the winter. The hotter the better.

3. Thundershowers. I know it rains during the winter but it rains more in the spring. The sound and the smell relax me and make me sleep like a baby.

4. Saving electricity. I love leaving the doors and windows open to let the breeze flow through. The fresh air just does something for me.

5. Kids. I'm from a generation where the kids liked to spend more time outdoors than inside (even though we still loved to play our video games). Seeing the kids playing outside, when it's finally warm enough just touches my heart.

6. Long walks. Once the weather finally turns, I love to spend time outdoors walking and enjoying the time with someone special.

7. Sitting on the patio (doesn't have to be your patio). What's better than sitting outside and enjoying the breeze? Sitting outside and enjoying the breeze.

8. Then there are barbeques. The smell of food cooking on a grill as you sit on the patio mentioned above is one of the best things ever. I know barbeques are sometimes thought of as a summer thing but around here we barbeque on the first day the temperature hits 70.

9. While enjoying the barbeque I like to watch the leaves come back. There cute light green color makes me feel good and happy inside.

10. The longer days are wonderful. I hate daylight savings time, really who wants to lose an hour, but having longer amounts of time with sunlight is so worth it.

11. I like the new wardrobe colors for the spring. Though the deeper reds and browns from fall and winter are lovely the blues and pinks of spring are my favorite.

12. Speaking of changes in wardrobe I like the new fashions of spring. The shorts, tanks and miniskirts are right up my alley.

13. Finally there are the opened toed shoes. I love to have my feet out and feel the air against my flesh.

It's supposed to be warm out today. I think I may go out and enjoy some of this spring weather!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-03-25T23:41:00.002-05:00

13 Woes of a Mom with a Two Year Old Son

1. Bad listening skills. I KNOW he understands me, I can tell by that little sneaky look on his face that says, “I know what you’re saying, but so what I’m going to do it anyway.”

2. The two letter word that should really be a four letter word! Sometimes The Boy is bold of enough to tell me NO… of course after I give him “The Look” he runs off and does whatever it is I’ve asked, which proves the validity of number 1.

3. Kisses! To balance out the horrors above sometimes he’ll give me kisses. They are sweet and a little moist and just melt my little heart.

4. Then he has to go and wipe off said kisses. I don’t know why we just can’t stay on a high note.

5. The running. It seems like just yesterday he was taking his first wobbly steps and now we’ve just skipped to running. There appears to be no such thing as walking.

6. Splashing in the bath tub. OK this one is actually kind of fun… as long as I’m wearing a shower cap.

7. Of course number 6 and pretty much everything else he does leaves behind a huge mess. It’s safe to say that my house will never be clean again.

8. Sleep time is my favorite time of day. He really looks so calm and peaceful and sweet… and quiet.

9. At one year old he wasn’t picky, he ate whatever we gave him, now he’s developing a list of “don’t likes” and I don’t like it. If I hand him a raison he should just eat it! I can’t be alone in feeling like this?

10. I mentioned kisses but forgot hugs. These are almost better then kisses because they are so warm and sweet… and he can’t wipe them off.

11. I totally love the conversations we have. Here’s this morning’s. Him: “How [are] you doin’?” Me: “Fine, how are you doing?” Him: “Fine,” cute little giggles. “How [are] you doin’?” Really this can go on for at least thirty minutes. For some strange reason the both of us find it amusing. Oh, God I must be regressing!

12. Hitting. The Man boxes so The Boy feels he must box… with boxing gloves that come up to his elbows. He does the bounce and “foot work” (his version of it anyway) and even falls down and waits for the count before he tries to get back up. I told them to stop playing that video game around the kid. *sigh*

13. Out of everything we do the best is I love you time! I don’t pick it he seems to feel the urge and there it is. We can do that for a good thirty minutes too but I can’t say that I mind.

OK now I think I need to hug him and go get my kisses wiped off.

The Realistic Heroine

2009-03-23T18:42:00.000-05:00

Today I want to discuss the realistic heroine? What makes her realistic? What kind of traits do we want to see in a realistic heroine?

I read A LOT of books (mostly romance) and I’ve read about all types. I think it’s true that you can’t put all women in a box and say, “They all act like this,” so neither can we do this with heroines. I like to believe that I can find something to like in all of the different types of heroines, but non interest me more than the Power House Woman and the Quiet Innocent.

I actually love them both but at times I don’t agree with the way they are portrayed. I think a woman can be strong without being overbearing and a woman can also be Quiet without being week. The trait that can make or break either one of them for me is stupidity. Now just hear me out before throwing rotten veggies.

The Power House Woman can be a force to reckon with. I also think she may be the most popular. She can be a kickass woman who won’t take crap and knows who she is. That doesn’t mean she has to be overbearing and stubborn to a fault. There is one instance that realty sticks out in my mind (I’m not going to name names). I remember that the heroine was in trouble and there was NOTHING she could do to help. She was paired with a strong alpha hero who was much stronger and had the abilities to deal with the situation (without her help) and the only thing she could do was slow him down and put them all in danger. So what happens? She forces her way in anyway, insists on going KNOWING that she can’t do anything to help (these were her thoughts) but because she didn’t want to be told what to do she makes a big issues out of going. What happens next, you ask? She faces horribleness that no one can save her from and is scarred for life and puts everyone in danger and does nothing to help. Hmmm… I think to myself as I try really hard not to throw the book against the wall, I can’t see how this was necessary. To me it just made her look stupid not powerful.

You’d be surprised at how many times I’ve read similar scenarios and every time I think, “What a moron.”

Now I have read stories where these women are done very well. They are secure in who they are and refuse to be left behind, not because they are being babies about being told what to do, but because they actually have something to contribute. They can actually do something productive to make the situation better. These are the types of heroines I want to read about.

Then we have the Quiet Innocent. She’s not very assertive, unless TOTALLY necessary and she is unsure of herself. This woman at times is looked down upon, but why? She’s realistic in a lot of ways. Not every woman is the power house type and most of us have our own hang-ups and personal issues we’re dealing with. She may not be able to kick everyone’s ass or tell everyone off but she has a quiet strength that she can summon up whenever she NEEDS it. She may not be a force to reckon with but if she is pushed to the limits she can do what needs to be done. So, what if she depends on the hero, at times don’t we all WANT a hero to depend on? Isn’t it nice to pass the reigns over to someone else for a while? Though women are strong we certainly don’t have to do everything on our own. The only time this heroine pushes my buttons is when she just can’t think for herself EVER. She’s so much of a mouse that she can’t even stand up for herself and she is completely clueless of the ways of the world. I don’t care how innocent a person seems to be, there are just something’s that every adult should know.

What I’ve noticed is that it’s the traits of the heroines that stand out to me. Some can be level headed and sure, some can be rigid and uptight, some can be demanding, some can be unsure. There are a variety of traits that can be used to make up a heroine, but I’ve noticed that some of them are frowned upon even if they do represent a percentage of women who truly exist.

I actually relate better to the hero when I write versus the heroine so I struggle with making likable heroines. The one that comes to mind now is the initial version of the woman created for my alter ego’s short Locked in Love. In the initial premise the story begins with an argument where the heroine thinks (with good reason) that the hero has cheated on her. She has had issues with past relationships and constantly takes them out on him. He deals with it because he loves her but at this time she is being truly unreasonable. She can not see or hear past her own pain to realize that he is telling her the truth about not being with other woman.

The heroine was hated so much that the premise had to be changed because there was no way the story could stay the same and remain true to the character. The thing that got me was the commentary received on the story. She wasn’t likeable, but she was not intended to be at the beginning and was supposed to redeem herself at the end (which apparently failed). A few people thought she was a bitch, and that she should down and look at things rationally and be more level headed.
Wow, just wow!
In real life if a woman (or man for that matter) was presented with this exact situation how many of them would be nice, instead of a bitch or an asshole? How many would be rational, calm and level headed? None that I know of, including me. If you thought you’d found concrete evidence that your significant other was cheating on you, someone that you loved and devoted time energy and effort to, would you be calm? Why should she have been?

To take it further I asked the men that I know if they’d ever been treated the way the heroine treated the hero. I didn’t get one no. Obviously that means that the behavior was realistic and plausible. So this lead me to the conclusion that, though we say we want realistic heroines that may not be completely accurate. Sure the idea sounds nice, but when confronted with something that may be a little too real, I get push back every time. I think we want someone we can aspire to be like, someone we can look up to but a flawed woman completed with issues and insecurities might be a little too much to handle? Tell me what you think. I’d love to know!

Stop by and see my alter ego for a discussion on the realistic hero.

Is Chivalry Dead?

2009-02-24T22:31:00.000-06:00

I think not.

Where is this coming from, you ask? I work around a lot of women on a daily basis. I hear negative things being said about men all the time and I even hear negative jokes. Some jokes are funny (and may have some truth behind them) while others are merely tasteless. If a woman dogs out a woman he’s just supposed to man up and take it, but let a man say something about a woman. He’s wrong, he’s a jerk or he’s just no damn good. While men have been known to say some things that were just way out of line, so have women.

The way a lot of women talk about men, people wouldn’t think there was a good guy left in this world. Contrary to popular belief, however, I have been noticing nice men everywhere I go. Nine times out of ten if I am going through a doorway and there is a man in the vicinity I won’t even get a chance to touch the door let alone open it. Most of them even smile while they do it. I have guy friends who have never let me pay for a meal, pull out my own chair, walk on the portion of sidewalk closest to the street, or go through a doorway after them.

Yes, there are gentlemen out there and I want to take this moment to solute them. There are many of them out there and they sure as hell don’t get enough credit as far as I’m concerned. *smooches to all*

V Day Free Reads. Yes I Said Free!

2009-02-13T21:33:00.002-06:00

Join Romance Divas for our Third Annual V Day Free Read Challenge. The stories are incredible and all about this special day. Come and show your support and I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. You can check out my comtribution in the Free Read section of my blog.

Until next time!

Why Is This Being Tolerated?

2009-01-30T06:32:00.008-06:00

I try not to rant, but today I really can’t help it. Why are large organizations constantly being allowed to step on whomever they want? Why do they never have to pay the price for the wrongs they commit against the public? We scream about social injustice and doing what’s right, but when it comes down to it, if the organization is big and bad enough they can get away with whatever they want.

Where did this all come from, you ask? Here

A 93 year old man froze to death in his home, because he had unpaid utility bills. They put a limiter on his meter to regulate the use of electricity. Really, in the middle of one of the worst winters ever? WTF? The temperature in the man’s house was reported at 32 degrees. Are you freakin’ kidding me?! I, personally, can’t stand that kind of a temperature with a coat, hat and scarf on. I don’t know how they would expect someone to live through it.

The article reports the man died a painfully, slow death. To me this just sounds inhumane! The man was late on his bills, so in essence they killed him for it. Don’t say I’m being harsh, because anyone with a brain has to know that surviving a harsh winter without heat is virtually impossible. The person might as well take their bed outside and sleep on the sidewalk.

Oh, and did I mention the article stated that when the poor man was finally found, they noticed he had money clipped to the bills. Hello! Maybe he didn’t pay the bills because he was busy freezing to death. The utility company deserves to be put through the ringer for this! Sadly, since the man didn’t have any family left, this will probably slide threw with no consequences issued to the big bad utility company and they will be left alone to do this to yet another poor person. May God have mercy on them!

*Rant Over*

Until next time.

I'm Sleepy

2009-01-25T23:07:00.000-06:00

I just got back in town and I am beat. I love going back home to visit my people, but they tire me out every time I go. We have to go to fifty different places and see one hundred different people. I'm not even sure if I got a wink of sleep while I was there. Well, thank God I'm back home now. Enough complaining. I'm going to bed ASAP and if anyone gets in my way there will be hell to pay!

Until next time.

I Hate Winter

2009-01-18T20:53:00.001-06:00

Seriously, it's one of the reasons I moved further south. The harsh winds, the stupid, feet numbing snow and the loss of daylight makes me cranky. Once when I was smaller, and more optimistic I asked my mother if we could move to the equator. She told me no. I let her know she was being unreasonable before I was banished back to my room. I spent a lot of time there... wonder why.

I can't wait for summer. And for you winter people I hate to dress in layers. That whole you can add as many layers as you want but are limited to what you can take off argument means absolutely nothing to me. Under all those freaking layers I am still cold! *sigh* When will June be here?

Until next time.

Take a Gamble on Love!

2009-01-16T16:31:00.001-06:00

Let's help a family in need.

Come Learn About Epublishing

2009-01-12T06:38:00.002-06:00

Angela James, editor extraordinaire, is coming to Romance Divas for a 3 day class on Epublishing! Come join us Jan 13-15 and ask her anything.

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Epublishing (and some things you didn't know you should know)

Why doesn't epublishing offer advances? What are some of the pros and cons of publishing my manuscript via epublishing? How do I research publishers? Can I really make money in epublishing? What exactly is POD? Can you give me a snappy comeback for people who say that epublishing isn't real publishing?

Epublishing has evolved and grown, especially in the last 5 years, but with growth comes pitfalls and problems, and trusting an epublisher with your baby might seem like a risky proposition. We'll cover the basics of epublishing, from choosing an epublisher and contract details to methods of ebook and print distribution to reasons why you might not want to epublish your manuscript.

Bio:

In 2005, Angela James joined Samhain Publishing, Ltd, a small press company focusing on digital publishing, as its executive editor, where she has played an instrumental role in building the company from the ground up. In her executive position at Samhain, Angela is responsible for managing the publisher's editorial services division. Her responsibilities include the management of editorial staff, quality oversight, networking and marketing efforts at regional, national and international writing conferences to promote the electronic publishing industry as well as Samhain.

In addition to her administrative duties, Angela continues to edit more than 50 authors including national bestselling authors Lucy Monroe, Lilith Saintcrow and Deidre Knight.

More Car Shopping

2009-01-11T16:31:00.000-06:00

I am actually a car junky so car shopping isn't a bad thing for me... unless it's in the pouring rain. The Man wants a 2000 Celica which is not the easiest car to find. Apparently the car dealers on our side of town don't care to buy them so we went thirty minutes across town instead. Why oh why did the sky decide to open up as soon as we got there?

Anyway, I wasn't going to be a spoiled sport and my hair needed a makeover anyway. We brought a very large umbrella, parked the car and took a walk. After searching an unknown number of dealerships we finally found The Man's dream car. It's sporty red and a stick shift. Hurray! The Man was in car heaven. He liked the price and he liked the dealership. Needless to say if we can work it out in time we'll be going back soon. Yay car shopping!

Until next time.

A Tender Rough by Fae Sutherland

2009-01-09T08:23:00.000-06:00

A Tender Rough by Fae Sutherland

When Mason Palmer's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, aka Dixon, Alabama, the only person who can help him get to his destination is mechanic Beau Gaines. However, as the days pass and the two forge a bond neither expected, Mason begins to learn that sometimes it isn't the destination that matters. It's the places you discover and the people who change your life on the way there.

On sale NOW at Ellora’s Cave!

Favorite CD

2009-01-08T22:27:00.000-06:00

As most people know I am a lover of music. When I was a girl of three I took my first music lesson and I've been hooked since that day. Singing is and always will be my greatest love, though I do love to dance as well. As a result I am very picky about the type of music I buy. Sure I can tolerate just about anything but for me to own it, I want it to be magic to my ears.

Right now my favorite CD is Jennifer Hudson's new release. The first time I saw her was in the musical Dream Girls and I've been in love with her voice since then. She has soul and more importantly she has something to talk about, which is more than I can say for a lot of new people coming out. I really think she's going somewhere and I can't wait to see how far she goes.

Until next time.

The Millionaire's Fake Fiancee by Rita Sawyer

2009-01-07T08:05:00.000-06:00

ISBN Number: 978-1-897560-08-2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Category

Heat Index: Mild

Read an excerpt or buy it here!

Harley Taizer wasn't used to dealing with her greedy parents. They'd never wanted her and made it perfectly clear by giving her to her grandfather. It's funny how things change when money is involved. Discovering the trust fund her grandfather set up for her, her parents show up demanding the money be given to them. Afraid of just how far his son and daughter in-law will go to get it, her grandfather brings in a security specialist to help protect her.

Kasper Drake hasn't met a trust fund baby he liked, though he is one himself. Upon meeting his uncle's newest client he's willing to throw out all his preconceived notions out the window. He's trying to get Harley to admit to their fierce attraction when her father shows up demanding to know who Kasper is. She tells him that he's her fiancée. Kasper latches onto her lie hoping to make her see how good it could be.

The HEA

2009-01-06T23:19:00.002-06:00

The Happily Ever After ending is one of the most magnificent things about romance. Knowing that I get to spend wonderful, glorious time with characters that I am going to grow to love (hopefully) makes me sigh with happiness. *happy sigh* But the added bonus of knowing that there is going to be an HEA at the end just fills me to the brim with warm, gooey goodness. How does it make you feel? Are you a fan of the HEA? Please say yes.

Until Next Time.

Be There or Be Square

2009-01-05T08:10:00.000-06:00

JANUARY 16th and 17th, 2009
Come participate in a Romance Divas workshop with an in depth look at the way successful Erotic authors have created a story that's not only HOT but also meaningful.
This workshop will be held in the Diva's Secrets Steamy section which requires special permission. Please contact an administrator HERE when you have created an account. There are no requirements other than your statement that you are over 18.
This is for readers and authors alike so come and join us.

Woe is Me

2009-01-04T09:59:00.002-06:00

Apparently stress isn't good for writing. Go figure. Over the past month I've had more than my share. Two doctor's visits later I am determined to toss this stupid stress and get everything back on track. This week I started with my car situation and my writing. Both were in dire need (no I am not being dramatic) so I started making moves. I've created writing goals and joined a group that will kick my ass in gear if I start slacking. Yeah, I'm sure I'll need it too. *sigh*

The car thing was by far the most detrimental. My family is NOT meant to be a one car household. Nope, absolutely not! We need to have two cars at all times. Well we've been stuck with one car since sometime during the summer (it's been so long I can't even remember). There was a huge issue with The Man's transmission which seems impossible to fix. Seriously, if they can't get this issue resolved heads are going to roll and I can guarantee it's not going to be mine. For a short time we even thought the issue was fixed. We took the car back and all seemed well so then we took my old hunk of junk to get repaired. What was the quote? Let's try 4k+. Umm… how about hell no! So we took that car off the insurance and searched long and hard for a new one. In the mean time The Man's car went back to acting stupid and will not go above 35 MPH. For real? Where can I go but down a back road at 35 MPH. After the angry looks from all those drivers I couldn't take it anymore. We went this weekend to do some car shopping. There was NO way I was coming home without something. I am now happy to say that I am the proud owner of a new (actually it's used but it's new to me) vehicle. Thank God! Now all we have to do is get The Man squared away and all will be great. Woohoo!!

Until next time.

Gamble's Game by Tara S Nichols

2008-12-08T06:49:00.000-06:00

"One is fun, two is company, three is not always a crowd, but four is more, and more, and more! The idea for Gamble's Game came to me one day while I ate my lunch in a local grocery store. Inspired by my surroundings, I saw erotic potential in a stereotypically sterile environment (excluding the produce aisle, of course). " ~Tara ~

Gamble’s Game

by Tara S Nichols

Now Available at Siren Publishing

Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance with elements of Ménage a Trois M/F/M and Ménage a Quatre M/F/M/F
Length: 33,814 Words

A notorious player, Desiree Jones resists all attempts to trap her in a relationship. According to her, it's what made her parents miserable, and therefore, it is what would make her miserable.

Once a lover of Desiree's, Andrew Gamble doesn't agree and it is his hope to be the one who makes her see reason. Smitten from the first kiss, Gamble has not touched another woman since, so a bet to go without sounds more like an opportunity to seduce her to him.

Desiree's other competition is Joshua Tully, perpetually single and harmless, until the temptation of two week's wages are up for grabs. After that, it is open season, and the three of them do what ever it takes to push their pals over the sexual finish line. A parade of firemen visit Desiree's cash counter, a pretendsbian tryst is performed for Gamble, and a date is arranged for Tully.

Released December 1st, 2008 Siren Publishing!

Working Out Sucks!

2008-12-07T20:48:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I like the results from this horrible activity but do I have to be so sore afterward? *sniffle* :(

My thighs are freakin' killing me and my arms will never be the same again. I better be all perfect hotness by the time this is over!

That is all.

Until next time.

Her Knight Before Christmas by Debora Dennis

2008-12-05T06:34:00.001-06:00

ISBN Number: 978-1-897560-10-5
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Length: Novella

Heat Index: Hot with Explicit Language

Read excerpts or buy it here!

Dreaming of the past.

Hannah Falcon loves her job cataloging medieval artifacts and setting up the displays at the Natural History Museum in New York. What she doesn’t love is her father’s steadfast refusal to let her go on any of his archeological digs, or her friends insisting she date more. When a man dressed as a medieval knight shows up in the museum, Hannah mistakes him for her friend’s latest attempt at a blind date.

Sent into the future:

Sir Gavin of Rogueforth is a battle-hardened twelfth century knight, having seen and caused his share of death in the crusades. He expects nothing more from life than to live and die by his sword. After Gavin rescues a woman and her daughter from a band of highway thieves, she sends him through time to protect another Hannah, claim her as his own and fulfill his destiny. He doesn’t expect a woman who refuses to be protected.

Timeless passion:

Can a man in chain maille convince a twenty-first century woman to follow her heart? Can a modern day woman show a medieval knight there’s more to life than being a protector? When two people from two different times explore Manhattan during the holiday season will time be an obstacle or will they find the magic to span centuries under the mistletoe?

Movies

2008-12-04T22:14:00.000-06:00

I love movies but I never get to the "show" (that's what we called it when I lived in Chicago) to see them. I always end up having to catch them when they come to DVD. Sure, I would love to sit there in a large theater, eat overly buttery popcorn and see my movie in surround sound but most of the time I can't.

When I was in high school it cost us $7.50 unless you got the matinee which was $4.00 or went to the dollar show. Now it costs like ten bucks and then you have to pay an arm and a leg for treats. Heaven forbid you want a hotdog. I won't even go there.

Sorry I think I may have gotten off topic. My point was, though I love movies I hardly ever get to see them in the theater... because I am cheap.
Who goes to the movies regularly? Let's see a show of hands.

Until next time.

Carnal Desires by Crystal Jordan

2008-11-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

Centuries after the destruction of earth, several species of altered humans still survive. These shape-shifters are exciting and exotic creatures, and their human forms do little to mask their most primitive and passionate instincts...

IN HEAT
Mahlia is a snow tigress in heat and now that her tiger king has returned to rule the planet Vesperi, she can no longer deny her desperate need to mate. She greets him as a woman, but their desire for sex is uncontrollable as they come together with a primal passion.

IN SMOKE
When Lady Katryn is called back to her home world to join Lord Nadir's harim, she is curious to learn more about her weredragon nature. What she discovers is a scorching eroticism that consumes her all over.

IN MIST
Dr. Sera Gibbons is one of only two human survivors after a five hundred year cryogenic freeze. Save by the merman Bretton Hahn, she savors the way her caresses her and makes her live out her wildest fantasies.

And if you want to get it online rather than going to a brick-and-mortar store, here are the links:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Chapters.ca

Editing is not the Devil?

2008-11-23T20:48:00.000-06:00

I've been editing non stop for about a week... maybe two weeks. Usually I hate to edit but this time I actually found some satisfaction in the process. I got to go back and get rid of the stuff I hated and add in all the pretty, flowery language I love so much. I think I may be on to something here. Hmmm. *taps chin with finger*

Okay, enough playing around. Back to editing.

Until next time.

I Hate Commas!

2008-11-09T20:12:00.001-06:00

I wish I could put a big red circle and a slash through this thing. Seriously, I spent the entire day in this chair adding stupid commas to my WIP. I am terrible at punctuation so there's no doubt I needed them but God, there were so many. No doubt I am going to dream about commas tonight. *Sigh*

Am I the only one who wants to wage a freaking war against punctuation? Right now I feel so alone. *pokes out lip*

Until next time.

Everlasting Hunger by Tawny Taylor

2008-11-08T07:24:00.002-06:00

Twilight's Possession:

Everlasting Hunger

Release Date: 11/7/08

ISBN: 9781419918643

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Genre: Paranormal BDSM, Menage

(click HERE to buy)

Blurb:

Raine Avery needs a job. Badly. So when she hears about a primo position she’s willing to overlook a few salacious rumors about the company’s owner, Tryphon Zade. But then she meets him, and it’s clear that at least two of those rumors are true.

He is the epitome of a wet dream.

And he is one controlling, possessive, dominating jerk.

Sons of the Twilight Tryphon and Bale Kincaid are looking for more than a well-qualified office manager. The Hunger has them in its agonizing grip. They need a woman for the Blood Bond. Raine is the perfect candidate, with her lush body, fiery red hair and temperament to match. She makes Tryphon burn, in a very good way, the submissive nature she suppresses calling to the Dom within him. But this Binding isn’t like any Bale and Tryphon have shared before. Their relationship is strained, and Raine fights Tryphon’s domination like a hellcat. But Tryphon is determined to not only prove his love for Bale but also tame Raine. She will learn the pleasure of complete submission.

CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXCERPT

Cara's Christmas Fantasy by Lauren Murphy

2008-11-06T19:14:00.000-06:00

Cara's Christmas Fantasy by Lauren Murphy

Genre: Contemporary Big Beautiful Woman

Heat Rating: Bonfire

Length: Long Story-17,000 words

Price: $3.75

With their marriage on rocky ground, will Mike’s passionate plans reignite Cara’s love?

Plagued by her weight gain, Cara’s self-esteem has taken a downward spiral. No longer feeling attractive she unknowingly pushes away the one thing she truly wants; her husband’s affections.

Mike considers himself to be an understanding man but enough is enough. He wants his old Cara back--the wild, vivacious woman he met and knows is waiting to be revived. His desire for her compels him to create a plan that will bring them closer together emotionally and sexually. But will Cara be able to open her mind and body to the man she loves or will she push him away for good?

Read a full excerpt here!

Available now here!

At Long Last I Have Finally Found It!

2008-10-30T19:43:00.000-05:00

Yes what you see here is an image of the cover of my favorite movie. For the longest when people would ask me what my favorite movie was I would just draw a nice long blank. I could never figure it out. I love so many movies and so many genres it was impossible for me to choose.

How did I finally choose, you ask? Why, sure I’ll tell you. I was relaxing in the comfort of my cushiony bed watching this movie for the trillionth time. The plot is forever carved into my brain and I could probably recite the dialogue on demand if you asked me (but please don’t). Anyway (I swear I am going to learn not to ramble.) as I sat there at the end of the movie crying (from joy of course) like I’d never seen it before, it hit me. “This is my favorite movie.” For me this movie never, ever gets old. It touched my little bitty heart in a special way that no other movie has ever done before. *sigh*

So now tell me, what’s your favorite movie? Are you like I used to be, all twisted and tongue tied or do you actually have an answer? You know I want to hear it!

Until next time.

Ah L'amour!

2008-10-28T15:56:00.001-05:00

I love, love and of course that's the main reason I like to write about it. I love it from the beginning to the end. The first time a couple meets and sparks fly. The first real date. The first kiss is especially wonderful. The first time they make love and then when they realize they are in love. To me the word love is just magical (obviously since I just used it seven times including in the title).

One of the most unforgettable loves is our first love. Though mine crashed and burned at the end like the coyote on Looney Toons, it still holds special meaning to me. My first love taught me what it felt like to have butterflies in my stomach and long to hear the richness of his lovely voice. *sigh* Just the memories of it bring a smile to my face. The way his arms felt around me was like heaven and when his lips touched mine it was like magic. Even though it didn't work out between us I am still ever so thankful for the experience. Until him I had lived in a world without romantic love and to me that made it all worth it. So now I would like to send out a thank you to my first love for introducing me to the greatest emotion out there. I would be so lost without it.

So now that you know all about mine I want to know about yours. Tell me about your first love. Is it one of your fondest memories or would you rather forget it? Or even better, did you find that love that lasts a lifetime on your first try?

Come, come now don't be shy. We all want to know.

Until next time.

Promo and EBooks

2008-10-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

Last week at Romance Divas we were discussing promo ideas and if they really helped with sales or not. Okay I was really lurking and not so much discussing since I am a newbie to the publishing world.

It was very interesting to see different people's response on this subject. There are many ways to promote eBooks. Among the most popular are yahoo loop chats, regular chat room chats and blogging. I'm sure there are many more but these are the ones I tend to see for eBooks. Most people did not feel that any of these had much or any effect on sales. But there were a few that did feel their sales spiked after some form of chat.

The general consensus was that if an author wants to increase sales they need to write another book. People tend to be more comfortable buying a book from an author they've already read. So if they've read one of a particular author’s books and liked it then chances are they will buy more from that same author. This shouldn't have come as a surprise to me since that is often how I buy books. When I read a book by and author that I like I will buy up everything else they've written as well.

So tell me, do you agree or disagree?

Writers, do you find that promo really works for you? If not then what does?

Readers, do any of these promo techniques help you to find new authors to read? If not then what does?

I'd love to know everyone's thoughts.

Until next time.

Excerpt for Cara's Christmas Fantasy Available from Shadowfire Press Novemeber 7th

2008-10-19T11:23:00.001-05:00

Cara's Christmas Fantasy by Lauren Murphy

Genre: Contemporary Big Beautiful Woman

Heat Rating: Bonfire

Length: Long Story-17,000 words

Price: $3.75

Coming November 7th from Shadowfire Press

"I didn't think you were ever getting out of that shower." Mike's deep rumbling voice said from behind her. Her breath caught in her throat as she whirled around and spotted him standing at the door. Stuck. She hadn't brought a towel with her when she came out of the bathroom figuring that she was still alone in the house. This situation gave the deer in the headlights saying a whole new meaning.

"Well aren't you going to speak to me?" His eyes roamed over her body slow and sure. His voice curled around her like silk drawing a shiver from her naked form. All thought fled her mind until her brain was empty of everything but the sound of his voice and the heated look in his deep brown eyes.

"Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the nerve racking silence hovering about the room. His foot steps echoed in her ears as he made a slow, purposeful advance toward her.
"Cara," he said against her parted lips once he'd finally reached her. He pulled her against him, touching her with his erection through his thin slacks, creating a pool of heat deep in her loins. Damn, he was hot!

She had never seen him like this, all raw and shaking with desire. Desire for her, really? His generous hands roamed over her body. When he reached her hips and ass her body involuntarily stiffened at the contact, but he pressed her closer and growled into her ear, "Mine."

Lust crashed over Cara like a tidal wave hurdling toward land. With just one single word he had stripped her of everything except the need for him and his possession of her. And God help her, she loved it. Like warm butter she melted under his artful touch. He knew exactly what to do to get her juices flowing and it had been so long, all he had to do was just look at her with those hooded eyes and she was lost.

Coming November 7th from Shadowfire Press

My Alter Ego Got Signed!

2008-10-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

As most of you know I've been writing for about ten years and I've been working on becoming published for about a year. Well finally the day has come. I signed a contract with Shadowfire Press (www.shadowfirepress.com) a new e publisher on Sunday for my Christmas Novella. I am so freakin excited! A dream come true. The release date is set for November 7th written under my pen name Lauren Murphy. Check out the cover and the blurb below.

Plagued by her weight gain, Cara’s self-esteem has taken a downward spiral. No longer feeling attractive she unknowingly pushes away the one thing she truly wants; her husband’s affections.

Mike considers himself to be an understanding man but enough is enough. He wants his old Cara back--the wild, vivacious woman he met and knows is waiting to be revived. His desire for her compels him to create a plan that will bring them closer together emotionally and sexually. But will Cara be able to open her mind and body to the man she loves or will she push him away for good?

Until Next Time.

Fantasy Workshop at Romance Divas

2008-10-06T23:26:00.001-05:00

Please join us at Romance Divas THIS WEEKEND!

Friday October 10th and Saturday October 11th, we will be joined by some huge names in fantasy and fantasy-romance for a workshop on what the difference really is between the two genres.

Is Writing Always So Hard?

2008-09-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I always seem to have some type of issue when it comes to writing, here are a few. I have a great idea in my head but then when I write it, it doesn't sound as great as I thought. I get to the end of the story and get completely stumped. I try and edit and no matter what I type it all reads like crap. I'll just stop the list there before I depress you even further. My point is that while I didn't expect writing to be supper easy I didn't expect it to be so difficult and complex.

On one hand the complexity is what makes it fun on the other hand the complexity is what makes it so difficult. Did I just confuse you? I hope not. Anyway I don't know how it's possible to enjoy the one thing that frustrates me to no end but apparently it is.

Non-writers seem to think that writing is cake. You sit down and write whatever comes to you and voila that's all there is. These people have obviously never stepped foot into the world of writing/publishing/editing. If they had they'd know better and stop saying such ridiculous things in ear shot of us writer folk who want to do them bodily harm for saying such blasphemous things.

However, through it all I have maintained my love for writing which tells me that I am right where I need to be. So with that in mind I think I'll head off to do some more work on my WIP. My characters have finally decided to clue me in on where this story needs to go so I need to get it out before they decided to clam up on me again.

Until next time.

The Rapture by Missy Lyons

2008-09-24T19:31:00.001-05:00

The Rapture
Missy Lyons
Price $2
September, 2008
ISBN 978-1-60659-030-0

The lure of a demon lover is difficult to resist, and impossible to leave, because sex is highly addictive. Sex with a demon is known as the rapture, since it brings absolute pleasure so intense that it is almost painful. But is the price worth gambling your life and your freedom?

Now available exclusively at Phaze Books. Click here to purchase.

You can read more at Missy Lyon's webiste.

Where Did My Life Go?

2008-09-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

Seriously, if you've seen it please let me know. I used to have so much more time, which seems ridiculous since the number of hours in the day haven't changed. I used to be a video game junky, read whenever I felt like it, shop without feeling rushed and whole slew of other things that I just don't have time to list. Now, all I seem to have time for is the day job, working out (gotta lose the baby fat) and maybe some writing if I don't fall asleep as soon as dinner is over.

*sniffle* Is this what I signed on for? Is there ever going to be a time when I get to enjoy my life, even for a little bit? I always feel so rushed and pressured to get things done. Every day I try and plan things so that I can have just an ounce of me time but it never works out that way. By the time I get done with my responsibilities (God, I hate that word) all I want to do is sleep.

Every day mirrors the one before it and by the end of the week I crash. I Feel like I am going around in circles to hurry through my day to get things done so I can get in bed at a decent hour just so I can get up and do the same thing over and over. Please tell me I’m not the only one or I may be forced to take a head first leap off the balcony. Okay it's not that high so you don't really need to worry...

Alright, I think I've complained enough for the day. It's time to go back to my WIP.

Until next time.

Piercing the Veil by RG Alexander

2008-09-18T19:45:00.001-05:00

PIERCING THE VEIL, Available September 17th from Ellora's Cave
Genre: Paranormal erotic romance/menage

Here's the blurb:
Twins Hawk and Val are Fianna warriors under the vengeful curse of a scorned goddess. Following the prophecy in the Book of Veils, they search for the one who can help them retrieve the Claiomh Solais before their enemies get the chance. Their quest leads them to Linnea. One touch and there can be no doubt that they have found their match. But will she accept them once she knows the truth?

Linnea is no one special. So why is she on the run from evil faeries and her egotistical ex? Why is she suddenly spending time in the company of dragons, druids, and one kinky Viking with a split personality? All she knows is she has to keep her daughter safe from those who hunt her, and her heart safe from another betrayal.

To protect one gifted child and all of humanity from the dark god that seeks retribution, they must learn to trust each other. To have a future together, they must find the perfect balance.

***

Purchase at Ellora's Cave and don't forget to visit RG's website.

The Fallen by Gwen Hayes

2008-09-18T19:41:00.002-05:00

“The Fallen” by Gwen Hayes

ISBN: 1-60504-196-3
Length: Short Story
Price: 2.50
Publication Date: September 16, 2008
Cover art by Anne Cain

Love will redeem them…or damn their souls.

As Darkfall gains a foothold in the small coastal town of Serendipity Falls, Bridget, a witch and healer, fights a battle on two fronts. Against the chaos bleeding through the fissures of a cracked portal between realms, and against her attraction to a fallen angel with his own agenda. Talon’s dark ways and mysterious magics go against everything she believes in, but he’s the only man she’s ever loved.

Talon, forever haunted by his fall from grace and his ceaseless desire for the headstrong Bridget, longs for what he can never possess. Though he is no longer her guardian, she tempts him with pleasure he can never touch and emotions he can never reveal.

Caught on opposite sides in a war between good and evil, they struggle against their mutual passion. Then an ancient prophecy points to the one who will break the portal wide open and shift the balance of power: Bridget. She has no choice but to turn to Talon, and the love that will damn their souls—or save the world.

Warning: Contains graphic sex worth falling from grace for. And a dark, fallen angel with voyeuristic tendencies—if you’re into that sort of thing.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

Time for a Poem

2008-09-14T23:12:00.001-05:00

Poetry is where everything started for me. I was required to write a poem for a class in high school. I didn't even think I could do it but went ahead and pushed through it anyway and changed my life forever. I have been hooked on writing since that day and I will be forever thankful to that teacher for making me broaden my horizons. Now my focus is more so on writing stories but I do still write the occasional poem from time to time and I love to share them. This one won first place in a contest and I am most excited about sharing it with you. It's about my son. :)

My Gift

Little hands dance across the plains of my face

Small features shine with a tiny dimpled smile

Caressing my heart with warm tenderness

I place gentle kisses on smooth, flawless skin

And sigh inside as my emotions gather,

Overflowing, my spirit is filled to the brim

With love unconditional bursting within

Delight overwhelms and your beauty overtakes

So pure and untarnished so honest and true

Only joy could reside in one such as you.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Song of the Sea by Cassandra Curtis

2008-09-11T21:45:00.004-05:00

Song of The Seaby Cassandra CurtisISBN-13: 978-1-60272-379-5 (Electronic)Available September 14, 2008

Sequel to Amber Heat best-seller Shifting Tides: Beneath A Midnight Sea…

When a mafia don’s bride-to-be goes missing, Peter Varien is hired to find her. Varien, an ex-cop turned private eye, takes the job despite the warning bells going off in his head.

He manages to track down the missing woman to a nightclub in Memphis, where she’s belting out jazzy torch songs with the boys in the band. She’s every man’s desire, with a body born of sin and a voice that enthralls, putting men under a sexual spell.But it’s a spell under which Peter is determined not to fall.Vivilyn Ondine is having the time of her life, given the power over human men through the control she wields as a sea siren. She’s never fallen in love, never truly surrendered–until she meets the handsome private investigator.Soon, Peter and Vivilyn are in a race against time, and must join forces to defeat a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing, even murder, to capture Viv and force her to reveal the location of the magical pearl known as the Soul of The Sea.

Genres: Shapeshifter / Fantasy / Witchcraft / Magic / BDSM (Light) / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Romantic Comedy

Heat Level: 3Length: Novella (26k words)

To purchase go here: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/SongSea.html

Come Join Us for a Workshop at Romance Divas!

2008-09-09T06:27:00.002-05:00

Kick A$$ Characters By Authors Who Know How To Kick A$$
September 12-13 at Romance Divas

Featuring:
Bob Mayer
Lori Avocato
Maggie Price
Lindsay McKenna
Barry Eisler
Linnea Sinclair
Larissa Ione
Merline Lovelace
Want to know how to write authentic action, suspense, law enforcement, and military romance? Ask authors who know firsthand! Romance Divas is hosting a 2-day workshop with some of the hottest names in the genre. It will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register by entering the site and clicking on Forum.

Shout Out to My Mother

2008-09-07T18:09:00.000-05:00

Today my mom got me thinking about how we treat the ones that we care about and love. Sometimes when she is at church the minister (who is actually my godfather) has the congregation to call someone special and bestow on them a blessing or a prayer or just something positive to let them know that someone is thinking of them. As I spoke with her I realized that every time without fail she calls me. She tells me how much she loves me and supports me (we tend to fight a lot about my future but only because she cares *g*) and that she loves the rest of the family (the man, the boy and the teenager) and to let them know.

When she was speaking to me I couldn't help but feel blessed to have parents that love and care for me the way that they do (they have always been very involved parents but I try not to hold that against them lol) and so I told her so. She thought it was sweet and said that she felt blessed too. She finished with her blessing and said she loved me then got of the phone. I couldn't expect her to stay on the phone too long since she's sitting on the platform with the choir.

My mom treats everyone that she loves with this same care and compassion even when she doesn't receive it in return. I have learned a lot from her over the years and this is definitely one of the most important lessons. One day I hope that my children will feel this way about me, though at the moment I am ready to strangle my one year old since he is spitting on my arm. *Sigh*

Anyway, I said all that to say this, thanks mom. You rock! :D

Until next time.

Trying Not to Strangle my Muse (But it is so not working)

2008-09-01T12:34:00.001-05:00

My journey through romance has been a fun one, but a trying one thus far. Lately I've been having more days were I want to bang my head on the keyboard in hopes that some words may fall out that will actually move my story along. I'm sad to say that it hasn't been so good so far. Though I’ve made SOME progress it feels very small in comparison to what I was hoping for. For the past few months I have been feeling bogged down, like I have an anvil sitting on my shoulders and no matter what I do I can't shrug it off.

I'm torn because I feel like if I try to force it then everything that comes out will be total crap and then I would be irritated. On the other hand I feel like I am letting precious time tick by as I sit here not really making much progress. God, I feel so lost.

Luckily I have a gang of people who encourage me on a regular bases and force me not give up (under threat of extreme consequences.) If it wasn't for them I fear that I would have given up long ago. I love writing, don't get me wrong, I just don't have any patience. I always want things to happen immediately and I get frustrated when they don't. Trust me; I know this is something I need to work on. So with that being said I am going to open my WIP and wait patiently for some ideas to come to me so I can continue this story. Ack!

Until next time.

Taking a New Direction

2008-08-24T16:06:00.005-05:00

I have been ridiculously unmotivated for a few weeks. I think it stems from the fact that I thought I was ready to work on this story but the truth is that I’m not. This is the longest story I have ever written by far (60K and climbing as I edit) and it needs work. It was written as a fast draft so now going back to do the edits is rough. Not to mention that my writing in the present versus my writing then has grown by leaps and bounds. While this is a good thing I am doing a lot of rewriting of whole scenes instead of adjusting some wording here and placing a comma there.

This story is really close to my heart and I AM going to finish these edits but I think that I've been rushing it. I want to finish this story so badly that I can taste it and I have no patience. Regardless of how I feel about the situation the story seems to have a mind of it’s own and I am forced to play a waiting game. Oh well. I’m going to have to pull something else out and work on that instead until this story calls to me again. Whenever that is. *sigh*

Anyway the story I’m working on is called “What Doesn’t Kill You” and no it is not a thriller lol.

Here is the blurb:

After Talia’s grandmother looses an ugly battle with breast cancer, life looses all meaning. That is until she meets Mark. His sincerity and sexy grin sparks something inside her that she long thought she'd lost. Passion.

Divorced with a three year old daughter, Mark isn't looking for love, but for Talia he is willing to take a chance. Her witty banter and playful antics intrigue him, but he senses something is keeping her at a distance. Can Mark reach past the fortress that is forever guarding Talia’s heart or will her overbearing insecurities be the force than finally succeeds in driving him away?

Until next time.

So I Seem to be at a Standstill

2008-08-17T09:08:00.001-05:00

I am having a heck of a time trying to edit this WIP. The weird part is that I really love this WIP and I really love editing it, but something is holding me back. Every time I sit to work on it I just can't do it. I can't even make myself click the icon to open the file. Oh God, what is wrong with me!

There are so many ideas floating around my head for this story. I can see it all playing out the way I want it to. I wrote this story In January and my writing has grown so much since then. As I edit I find myself saying a whole lot of, "God what was I thinking when I wrote this." But the great thing about this is I actually realize what needs to be fixed and I actually know how to do it!

Now if I could just get my butt in gear and move this thing along I could sub it. *sigh*
Well I've gone on long enough about this topic I'm going to try and edit. *wink*

Until next time.

Lauren Johnson Where Romance Lives

Ground Beef Barbeque (Or Glorified Sloppy Joe's)

Cute but Strange

Kids…

Can I Get to the End Already?

I Could Really Use a Laptop (Random)

Glazed Pork Chops Baked in Mushroom Cream Sauce

Vacation!

Blank!

First I’m Hot Then I’m Cold

Stuffed Cornish Hens

MIA (Again)

I’m Turning into My Mother (Totally Random)

Tasty Beef Stew

Far From Perfect by Portia Da Costa

Personal Time

The Plot Bunnies are Against Me!

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

Chicken and Rice Recipe

Quality Time

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

GAH! Totally Random Rant!

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

Peek-a-boo

Procrastination, my constant companion. *Heavy Sigh*

Carolina Pearl by Sela Carsen

Carolina Pearl

Product Warnings

Sweet Potato Pie

Well...

Some Like it Hot Writing Contest

Here I am!

Accepting the Story

Double Dare by Jeanne St. James

Compromising Positions by Jenna-Bayley-Burke

Note to Characters

LONE WOLF, book 2 of the Maxey Wizards by Teresa D'Amario

Queen Bee by Gail Roarke

A Recipe for Fun

Christmas Magic by Adelle Laudan

Don’t Judge Me! (Warning Rant Ahead)

The Christmas She Rules by Jennifer Leeland

Love of Writing/Reading

The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian by R. F. Long

Thursday Thirteen

Happiness is a Choice

I’m Back

Thursday Thirteen

Body Image

Thursday Thirteen

Dealing with Fatigue

Letting In The Light by Fae Sutherland

Thursday Thirteen

Dark Host by Kim Knox

Stress

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

What Type of Car Are You?

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

The Realistic Heroine

Is Chivalry Dead?

V Day Free Reads. Yes I Said Free!

Why Is This Being Tolerated?

I'm Sleepy

I Hate Winter

Take a Gamble on Love!

Come Learn About Epublishing

More Car Shopping

A Tender Rough by Fae Sutherland

Favorite CD

The Millionaire's Fake Fiancee by Rita Sawyer

The HEA

Be There or Be Square

Woe is Me

Gamble's Game by Tara S Nichols

Working Out Sucks!

Her Knight Before Christmas by Debora Dennis

Movies

Procrastination, my constant companion. Heavy Sigh