Friday, December 28, 2007

Looking forward to 2008!



I don't know about you, but I'm sooooo ready for 2007 to be gone. This has NOT been my year at all. And to make things worse, I haven't been able to write for four months.

Things are looking better for 2008. My teenage daughter (who has been giving me grief) is going to move out. This is good news and bad. I'll miss my 20-month-old grandson terribly, but at least I won't stress over my daughter. I'll have more time to write, which I'm looking forward to.

It's my goal for 2008 to get my foot in the door (or window, whatever works) with one of the big NY publishers. Santa even gave me a new computer and laser printer for the occasion. Woo-Hoo! To prepare for the time I start writing full time, my muse has been on over-drive. Since Christmas, I've though of three new story ideas. Oh boy! heehee

So, raise your glasses of wine, champagne, Coke, or water (or whatever you drink) and let's toast to a great New Year!!


~Phyllis~

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Flypen




Technology continues to get better and better. My son and Santa brought me a flypen for Christmas. And oh, wow, I'm in love. All I have to do is turn it on, activated it, and write. So, when I'm in the car on long trips or stuck in a boring assembly, I can write. I had to install software on my computer, but now it's all ready to recieve so I can take the pen home, plug it in and the program tranlates my hen scratching into words in my word doc. file. How nifty is that? Did I say I'm in love? I can't wait to make real use of it.

I also recieved a digital dictaphone and the only thing that would make this gadget better is the same ability to transform audible into printed word, but still, I can see a ton of uses for it as well. In fact, I took it to the bath last night. I'm always getting an idea or two while I relax and this time I was able to record the idea before I lost it.

I am all set for the coming year. Whoop!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Danger In Her Arms is available NOW!



I'm so excited! My first romantic suspense, Danger In Her Arms is available today! Woo-Hoo!!!! Check out the book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAqMq46u-Cc



Visit The Wild Rose Press to purchase.

**excerpt**

If not for the chills rushing over her skin and multiplying quickly, Taylor Marshall would think today’s stroll in the park was like any other day with her daughter. A soft, autumn wind blew through the trees and stirred a lock of hair against Taylor’s cheek as if to soothe her.

It didn’t.

Instead, fear spread through her like a disease, cold and impetuous. She sucked in a quick breath. Remember, breathe. In through the nose, out through the mouth. She peered over her shoulder and glanced at the cluster of trees near the edge of the park. Nobody looked her way, but it was if somebody’s gaze crawled over her. Trepidation of the unknown raked through her like jagged fingernails.

Tightening her hands on the handle of the baby stroller, she pushed it faster. Instead of walking to the swing-set like she’d promised her daughter, she headed back to the parking lot.

Three-year-old Megan tilted her head and looked at her with sad eyes. “Mommy? I wanna swing.”

“No. Not today.” She bit her tongue, wishing her tone hadn’t been so sharp. Instinct told her to get the hell out of there.

Meggie’s big blue eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip protruded. “But I wanna swing.”

Taylor tried her best to smile, but her unsettled nerves made her lips quiver. “Meggie, let’s go home and make some cookies. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Meggie shrugged. “O-tay, but I wanna swing.”

Taylor glanced around the park, taking in the number of people standing by the fenced pond, the park benches, and the jungle gym. Since it was lunchtime, many walked toward the group of trees near the picnic areas. Out of all the people who surrounded her, there wasn’t one she detected watching her every move. Still, the unidentified terror that rushed through her testified differently.

The closer to the parking lot she came, the more she wanted to break into a run. It was bad enough her poor daughter’s head bounced in rocky rhythm as they dashed over the grassy knoll. The heavy pounding of Taylor’s heart knocked through her chest, overriding the steps her athletic shoes made as they slapped the ground. Her car wasn’t much farther.

Who’d be doing this to her? Could it be one of the many people threatening her father? But then she should be used to this since he’d been threatened a lot in his profession. Although, this time was different. Her father had acted different.
She clenched her jaw. Two nights ago, her father informed her he’d been receiving threatening letters again. Threats weren’t unusual for multi-billionaire Leland Marshall. But this time he had mentioned hiring a bodyguard to protect her. She’d argued. Her safety had been just fine so far in the past twenty-three years.

Almost to the car...

Taylor slowed as she neared her shiny silver Audi. She calmed her breathing, hoping to ease the panic lodged in her dry throat. When she stopped, her legs wobbled and her hands shook. As she reached to unlatch her daughter, she glanced over her shoulder. The cars that filled the parking lot held no immediate threat—none that she could see, anyway.

Meggie giggled and clapped. “That’s fun, Mommy. Do it again.”

Taylor didn’t want to laugh, but the sweet cherub face of her red-cheeked daughter had her grinning anyway. “I don’t think so, honey. Mommy’s all out of breath from running.”

“You were fast.” Meggie giggled. “It tickled my tummy.”

The burning in Taylor’s throat matched the pain in her chest, and under her breath, she swore. She bent and rested her hands on her knees, breathing in deep gushes of air. Perhaps she was overreacting. She glanced behind her at each car. As far as she could tell, nobody had followed.

She blamed her father for putting fear into her. He’d drained the first twenty-three years of her life by being so over-protective, she didn’t want him doing it any longer. She’d told him time and time again she needed to control her own life, not live under the Marshall Dynasty’s thumb.

Once she helped Meggie out of her stroller, her daughter ran to the back of the car to help put it in the trunk.

"No, honey, we’ll just put this in the back seat.”

Meggie shrugged and skipped to her side.

The keys rattled as Taylor reached with a shaky hand to hit the unlock button. She took a deep breath. Steady. Aiming, she clicked the remote and the doors unlocked. She yanked the door open and motioned to her daughter. “Hurry inside, honey.”

Heavy footsteps thudded on the pavement behind her. She turned her head and glanced in the direction of the sound. A man barreled toward her wearing a gray jogging suit and a black knit cap that covered most of his forehead. His heavy shoulder slammed into her and her body struck the car. Pain raced up her spine as her breath whooshed from her. The keys fell from her hands.

He yanked Meggie and hooked her underneath his arm. Her daughter cried out and stretched with outstretched arms.

God no! Fear gripped Taylor’s throat and made it impossible to scream. She lunged for her daughter and grabbed at the man’s baggy sleeve. With his elbow to her side, he shoved her away. The corner of the door struck her back with the force of a sledgehammer and she collapsed to the pavement. The man zigzagged between the vehicles and dashed away.

She yelled through the pain, “Help me. He’s got my baby.”

Tears sprang to her eyes and blurred her vision. She scrambled to her feet and broke into a run. Her lungs ached, her throat burned. The faster she ran, the weaker her legs became. But she couldn’t stop. She also couldn’t stop screaming, although nobody seemed to care or to help.

The man headed for the clump of trees while Meggie screamed for her. Held like a football in this monster’s arms, Meggie’s head bounced as she held her arms out to Taylor while big tears streaked down her daughter’s face.

As he ran toward the other side of the park, fear suffocated Taylor. Soon he’d be out of sight.

She tripped and her body flew through the air. When she landed, her heart crumbled. An intense sting ripped through her bruised knees and scratched hands. A loud sob tore from her throat and tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t stop now. Limbs shaking, she struggled to her feet.

Another man ran by her in a business suit, holding a gun, heading directly for the monster who’d taken Meggie. He stopped before reaching the kidnapper and her daughter. Standing still, legs apart, he pointed his gun.

“No! Don’t shoot—” She sprang toward him, adrenaline pumping through her weak limbs.

The precise pop of the gun made her heart leap to her throat. She stopped and clutched her churning stomach.


~Phyllis~

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Tradition! Tradtion!


Favorite Christmas traditions

Ciara:
1. Opening one gift on Christmas Eve in anticipation of the other gifts the next morning
2. Christmas Eve services at Church.
3. Baking cookies with my mother – we have a special family recipe called a Bretzle that takes a special iron to make, similar to a waffle iron and oh, it’s to die for.
4. Christmas dinner with everyone gathered to enjoy the feast.

Becka
5. Opening one present on Christmas Eve.
6. Spending time with DH’s mom, either at our house or hers alternating years.
7. Listening to Christmas Carols whenever the radio is on
8. Chopping down our own tree at the tree farm (this is so much fun, as we also get candy canes and hot chocolate at the farm) – and we can also buy their handmade wreaths from real fir branches.

Donica
9. Spending Christmas Eve with my entire family (mom’s side) all forty of us gather at my aunts house and we eat, watch the kids open presents. Play with the new babies, remember the ones who aren’t with us, Talking about the ones soon to be joining us.
10. Christmas Day at my mom and dad’s. We were gone for almost 14 years. That’s a lot of Christmases to make up for.

Marie
11. Go door-to-door singing carols
12. Go to Christmas Village in another town to see lights
13. Open one present Christmas Eve





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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Wednesday, December 19, 2007

2008 Eppie Finalist!!!!!

Last Friday, I opened an e-mail that said, "Congratulations, Ciara!" A friend had seen my name on the list posted by the Eppie commitee. With hammering heart, I went in search of this list. Of course, Epic didn't have it on their site yet, so I went in search of pasts posts. With the flood of e-mail that comes my way, I put EpicBiz loop on digest. The first time I scrolled through, I didn't see it. My heart fell. But - I searched again, going much slower this time, and there it was. Whoop!


I'm both thrilled and honored to have finaled. I saw the list of authors in my category and there was some very talented people listed. So, now what? I don't know. I'm seriously thinking of attending Epicon now, but I'm going to have to do some serious saving to be able to afford it. LOL. A Noble Sacrifice is a sci-fi futuristic with paranormal elements. For those that haven't read it, you can find the first chapter on my website.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Romance Satisfies our Inner Child

We romance readers (and writers) have never truly grown up. We are still little girls, longing to read stories about "princesses" being swept away by their "Prince Charmings".

My girls love anything Disney. I know a lot of people have issues with Disney, but not me. I'm giddy when I go to D-land or D-World. I love meeting the characters and watching the movies. I'm a sap, through and through, no doubt about it. But I realized that we have never really grown out of our "princess" phase.

Sure, our fairy tales might be a bit more graphic and intense, but it all boils down to the happily ever after. Romance authors write modern-day fairy tales. They may be a bit more gritty than even the Brothers Grimm (which is actually saying something, as those tales are pretty wicked), but what it all boils down to in the end is that those who love the romance genre probably still love glitter, cry at cheesy movies, and either A.) do arts & crafts, B.) loves animals or C.) have a permanent place on their DVD shelf for either "Pretty Woman" or "Dirty Dancing" or BOTH! LOL

As for me, I have never truly grown up. I fully admit that I still adore princesses and the Charmings who love them. And that's one of the reasons I enjoy writing romance. :)

~~Becka

Monday, December 17, 2007

Not much of a post today

Just an invitation to join the mavens at Love Romances Cafe for an all day email chat. Please go to Love Romances Cafe and drop us a line.

Huggles!
Donica

Friday, December 14, 2007

What an awesome review!





Her Knight Of Seduction received a great review from Joyfully Reviewed! I just had to share!!

This tale begins as a case of the biter bit. Rather than marry an aged Earl, Lady Megan Saxton embroils herself in a card game with a darkly handsome man she believes is an eminently handsome and marriageable duke. With only a month to achieve her seduction, she sets out to capture him. Unfortunately for her, she loses the game and it is Edmund Knight she seduces, rather than the Duke of Kelton.

Edmund Knight is the man who brought her family to ruin and he sees no reason why he should not seduce Megan. This conflict is the bedrock of Her Knight of Seduction, an energetic romance with likable characters and hardly a dull moment in the storyline.

Ms Campbell had some success with this story under the title My Knight, My Rogue. She writes of lively and developing relationships and I enjoyed the wit and tension between the major characters, which is fun to follow as they work through their problems.



It's fun to read reviews like this and see that others liked my witty characters and sense of humor...and especially my TENSION. Yeah, they don't call me QUEEN OF SEXUAL TENSION for nothing! heeheee


Phyllis Campbell

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Songs of the Season



Favorite Christmas Music


Everyone has his or her favorite music this time of year. For some it’s traditional, for some it’s modern, country, or even comical. Here is a list of our favorites:

Jami:
1. The Hallelujah Chorus – we had to learn it in high school choir and I still remember several of us gathering on the main stairway right after school and singing it without prompting from our director. The other students were a bit stunned by our forwardness, but we didn’t care. We enjoyed every minute of it.
2. O Holy Night – my best friend had the most beautiful soprano voice and sang the lead solo for this one while the rest of us sang back up. It still gives me shivers, remembering her voice.
3. Holly Jolly Christmas – My two best friends and I had to learn this for a trio we were in and we spent our senior year performing at many functions.


Becka
4. I love O Holy Night. Such a beautiful song. The version sung by Clay Aiken is very powerful
5. Carol of the Bells is another favorite for me. The Gary Hoey version (all guitar) totally rulz.
6. What Child is This? Yes, it’s adapted from Greensleeves, but I still love it.
7. Anything by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Donica
I’m VERY non-traditional. My kids know it’s Christmas when they hear The Cryptkeeper’s Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas. With that in mind, here is my list:

8. Juggle Bills
9. Rusty Chevrolet
10. What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas

Marie
11. O Holy Night
12. Silent Night
13. It Must Have Been The Mistletoe


What are your favorites?




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Holiday Blues

So here I am, trying to write and I've got a good start, but I think the holiday blues are setting in. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the holidays. But man, there's so much to do and so little time. I'm just feeling overwhelmed. And when I'm overwhelmed, I tend to procrastinate. Ugh. That only makes things worse. Let's face it, when there's not much time to get things done, procrastinating makes even less time. Yep, it's a time eater.

So, I think I need to post ways to stay focused. And hope they work on me. The number one rule would be to work/write first, then play, but time the play. So - I spent a solid hour of writing. That was good. My reward, I played on myspace for about thirty minutes. Now, I'm writing on my blog. Okay, so that's a form of procrastinating also, but it's healthy procrastinating. And as soon as I finish my thoughts here, I've promised myself that I will write for another hour. After that, I plan to relax in the jacuzzi with a good romance book. The second rule to staying focused is to take care of any home chores first that are making you feel guilty. So yeah, I loaded the dishwasher and fed the dog before sitting at my computer. And third, but not least, we must feed the muse. And this means total nurturing from food to music to scented candles. Make the cave a welcoming environment and stimulate that muse. So, does anyone have any other ideas on staying focused? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

On a totally different note, I got to ride in my first limo this past weekend. Too cool. As soon as I get pictures loaded from my camera, I'll try to post

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Research



Research. It's a necessary evil. Some authors love it, some really hate it. I think I'm right in the middle. I hate being "delayed" writing a book to research it, however, I've always loved history, it was one of my favorite subjects in school. Therefore, I can sometimes get lost in researching a project.

Case in point, my next book, ONCE A DREAMER, (The Orphan Train Series) is set in Dodge City, KS in the summer of 1878. While researching the routes of the Orphan Train, the name of the streets and shops and saloons, I come across a wonderful nugget of history.

BOTH Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday lived in Dodge City in the summer of 1878. Earp was the local Marshal, while Holliday came along for the gambling, with a little light dentistry on the side (hence the "Doc"). :)

Am I going to incorporate them into my book? Heck yes I am. I have an awesome opportunity to do something VERY cool. I mean, history buffs who may or may not read ONCE A DREAMER might think to themselves why I would set my book in Dodge City circa 1878 and NOT mention Earp or Holliday at all.

I was excited before to write this book. Now, I'm all kinds of TINGLY excited! :D I've got to watch the movie Tombstone again, even though the shoot out at the O.K. Corral was like 5 years later. Just gotta get some inspiration when and where I can.

Talk about finding a nugget of pure gold in the era and area you are researching for your Next Big Novel! :D

~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Monday, December 10, 2007

Do Overs is BEST



I was cruising the 'net yesterday because I needed to research...aw heck who am I kidding I'm becoming addicted. Actually I was waiting to see if an editor had contacted--nope. Dh was making a comment about finding me on some website I didn't belong on. Hint: It was naked people doing naked people things...ROFLMAO

So I decided to google my name and see where I turned up. I was also hunting for some more reviews on Callye's Justice. Didn't find any of those yet. However I did find something surprising. I didn't know that Do Overs had been selected as BEST inspirational for 2006. It was awarded by Single Titles .com I never heard about it. The prize I mean. I just did a random search. I think its pretty cool! Check out the award site



What makes this even better? Single Titles is part of the Cataromance network. How is this better? In 2005 I won awards for the BEST BOOK in the following catagories: Contemporary with Seeing the Light. Paranormal with Hawk's Rayne, and Romantic Suspense with Dante's Duty.

Do Overs has been a lucky book for me. It was nominated for a Golden Rose and I took honorable mention in the Inspirational catagory.

AND this means I've won best book for the last two years in at least one catagory. I wonder if I can do it again? The only title that qualifies this year is Callye's Justice. This book totally rocks so maybe I can have some good luck with it as well!

Something else really cool happened. My DD had her Christmas concert yesterday.We came home and the most amazing, beautiful hawk was sitting on our porch. His large eyes watched as we pulled into the drive. He didn't move as we got out of the truck. LORD I wish we'd had the camera. He looked at me and then pushed off, circled for a little and then was gone. Now I'm not really superstitious. I beleive that I have a totem animal, a cougar. Whenever I'm having a particularly stressful time in my life a cougar comes to me in my dreams and helps me feel safe, and confident.

ANYWAY I took the hawk as a sign. He was waiting for me. Sure the family was with me. But when he looked me in the eye I knew he was waiting for me. I have another Hawk waiting for me. Hawk's Rayne. I had been invited to submit this book to another publisher. I had put it off due to my schedule but now is the time. I feel it.

When I submit the book I'll give a shout and we'll see how it goes. I'm still in the pickle barrel on finishing the revisions on Beyond Death but those will be done soon. Once they are then I'm going to look at Hawk again.I love the book and I want it to be released to a while new audience.

Looks like I've blathered anough.

Have a great week!
Donica

Friday, December 07, 2007

New Book Trailer & Interview


I'm excited to announce another book trailer! Check out Danger In Her Arms.

This romantic suspense (my first!) will be released Dec. 21st from The Wild Rose Press. I'm counting down the days!


And check out my interview, too! It's on Joyce Anthony's blog. Woo-Hoo! Great way to promote myself.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

T13 Homemade Christmas gifts.



Best ones you've made/given and/or received


Jami:
1. When I was in high school, I sewed a lot, so everyone got sewn items from me, shirts, skirts and once, I even made my dad a suit (though it didn’t come out like I wanted LOL)
2. My husband is quite a carpenter so one year he built me some wonderful bookshelves.
3. My son learned to etch glass in art and made a wonderful decorative piece for us.
4. I crocheted an afghan for my mother one year.

Becka
5. I’ve made crocheted teddy bears for each of my kids. One year, I made them all out of variegated yarns and had them poking their heads out of the stockings on Christmas morning. They were a HUGE hit.
6. I’ve received three BEAUTIFUL flower-wrapped wreaths from my brother-in-law’s mother, who makes them as a hobby but could TOTALLY sell them. I keep trying to get her to go into business, but she says she’s not business saavy. With all the promo I’ve learned from being an author?? Please. The woman should hire me as her marketing guru. :P
7. My daughters gave me a few gifts last year that they didn’t make, but that they bought with their own money. Some wooden spoons, barettes, and chocolate candy. I loved those presents, because they’re not given allowances in the traditional sense, more like pocket change whenever we have any or money in the laundry, etc. So having them buy me stuff meant a lot, because they don’t have a lot of money to spend, and they chose to buy me gifties. J

Donica
8. Gifts in a Jar. Those are a big hit. You put the dry ingredients into a jar and attach the recipe. I covered mine with holiday fabric but you can make them for any time of year.
9. Hand quilted potholders. Different themes for different friends and family.
10. Mountain Pounding baskets. I make these for wedding showers too. You put in a pound of all the basic kitchen necessities and some measuring cups, spoons, etc.

Marie
11. Anything I’ve received from my daughters when they were youngI crocheted wall fans with flowers one year.
12. Anything I can put on the wall
13. Husband made the girls a dollhouse one year…lasted a very long time





Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!






Wednesday, December 05, 2007

New Release!

Eliza's Copper Penny is now available. I'm very excited about this one. Copper's one of my favorite heroes and I think Eliza's part me. LOL.

You can find the e-book at Champagne Books
Eliza's Copper Penny


Ciara GoldSo, what have I done to let folks know about this book besides blogging here? I think promotion is a big topic lately. What works for one person, might not work for another. And too, there are a ton of really good books out there. What sets one book apart from another? All good questions which we could debate all year and still not answer to our satisfaction.


Today, though, I'll share what I've done. Right or wrong. First, I did pre-promo as I like to call it. A contest was placed on my website and over the course of two months, I posted excerpts when I could. This past Sunday, I hit four loops with the announcement and an excerpt. I updated my website and my spot at Author's Den. Monday, I mailed out my contest prize to the winner and 300 postcards to addresses I've gathered over the year. (I still have more to prepare and mail)Today, I'm scheduled for a loop chat with Phyllis Campbell at ebooklove. Oh, and I posted a bulletin on myspace. Will it be enough to get the book off on a good start? Only time will tell.

Okay, I totally forgot today was Wednesday. Couldn't possibly because I had a wonderful loop chat at e-booklove or the grand opening of a magazine I'm editor for, so yup, I'm posting very late. Oooops. My bad.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

NATURE OF THE B*E*A*S*T* Is Available Now!



If you haven't heard by now, Book III in my popular BEAST series, NATURE OF THE B*E*A*S*T*, is now available in eBook!

Buy your copy here:

http://www.champagnebooks.com/bookstore/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=141


You've been waiting since February to find out what happens to Wade McAllister... Your wait is now over. What's in store for my BEAST series? Read the book and find out. :) Woohoo!

~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Monday, December 03, 2007

what a way to end the weekend!



My first official review of Callye's Justice arrived. Ashley at FAR gave it 5 ANGELS!! I'm so happy. Here's just a little of what she had to say:

"Donica Covey managed to portray emotions in an uncommonly good and realistic way. At the heart of this book, it’s about two people who are in love who need to find their way back to each other during and after a tragic event. Callye’s Justice was one of the better romances I’ve read, and I can’t wait for more from Donica Covey."

THANK YOU Ashley!!!!

To read the review in full head over to FAR and read it for yourself! I'm so jazzed!

It was a great boost after sitting with my son in a hospital ER. He'd been there from 3 am and hadn't been taken to a room until 10 am. I drove up there and we sat there until he was finally dischareged at 2:30. He'd been in a work related accident and injured his back. The idiot supervisor was informed DS had received a back injury. Supervisor advised him that he had the right to medical treatment BUT DS had to DRIVE HIMSELF to the ER. No one from the company would go with him. No one would drive him. No ambulance would be called. My son injured his back. The drive was done in torture.

I learn that he had been trying to help move a peice of machinery when it slipped. Instinctively he reached out to try and catch it--all 700 pounds of the steel item. His back popped and the pain almost leveled him.

Now I should tell you, my son's pain tolerence is so high that when he was little (talking like 5) he had dental work done-without novicaine. He hates needles and he claimed the drills and stuff didn't hurt anyway. So his saying he was in pain is a HUGE deal.

After his release I tell him to hand over the keys and I'll drive him home. He declines. Says the pain is much better. He backed out of the parking spot and I saw my own death as he drove home. I made it mut my hands were frozen in place after having been gripped to the door handle.

He had to stop by work first. He had been clocked in the entire time so he is "supposed" to be getting paid for the hospital visit--at time and a half. We'll see.

How was your weekend?
Donica

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Holiday T13



Thirteen of our favorite Christmas Decorations



Jami:
1. Beaded eggs – when I was in high school, there was this craft store and the owner decorated eggs with beads. I bought beads, cut window holes in blown eggs and became hooked on decorating these eggs. Each egg is different with painted scenes on the inside. I still have most of the collection though many have broken over the years.
2. Personal homemade items people have given me over the years.
3. A handmade stocking that was given by a very special lady, one who was like a grandmother to me.

Becka
4. Hands down, the Christmas tree. I love watching it shine while snow is softly falling outside… 5. The Christmas lights. We don’t do anything gaudy, just white lights on our house, but it’s so pretty against the snow.
6. The presents. DH and I wrap the gifties and place them under the tree as we buy them. They become decorations themselves. So pretty.

Donica
7. My Christmas Cows. Plus animals that play different Christmas songs when you squeeze their tummy
8. My cow Christmas lights
9. My cow ornaments (Seeing a pattern here? I LOVE cows. I collect them in all forms, shapes and sizes.)

Marie
10. MISTLETOE!! Heehee
11. Ribbons – purple if I can find them. Definitely red
12 Garland
13 Angel on top of tree





The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Epiphany

Yep, gotta love epiphanies, especially at my age. LOL. So - my debut book was Celestial Dragon, a sci-fi futuristic romance. It wasn't the first book I'd written though. Prior to writing this one, I'd written two and half historical westerns, one and a half time travels and started a fantasy. You might call them my learning books.Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Sarah's Brass Token was my first completed romance since writing the "under-the-bed" book over twenty years ago. When I started the project, I realized I had three major stories happening in one, so I separated those plots to create three separate tales. In essence, I wrote SBT, Julia's Golden Eagle and Eliza's Copper Penny simultaneously, though I only wrote half of ECP before starting work on Celestial Dragon. While I queried CD, I finished ECP and started two more projects. Once I landed a contract for CD, I immediately queried my new editor about the three historical westerns, thus landing me three more contracts.


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From the time I was accepted, to the launch of CD, I had a year and a half to start promoting the book and writing a sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed creating A Noble Sacrifice, but since it's launch in April '07, I haven't had time to work on any more paranormal, sci-fi type stories and I miss the creative freedom of that genre. I'm currently working on Once Jilted, another historical western and though this manuscript has been a blast, I'm feeling the constraints of historical accuracy and verbiage. I'm ready to write another sci-fi.
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My epiphany? I've decided that Once Jilted will be my last historical western for a time. As soon as I finish, and I'm close, I plan to devote my energies to paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi related genres. I made this epiphany when writing an article about science fiction for a new magazine that will come out in March. (more on this later - grin)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It Is Finished



Yes, folks, it's true. I finished TOMB, my contribution to Cobblestone Press's "Vampire Oracle" series today. YAY! This is my first project with Cobblestone, and so far, they seem to be an excellent publisher. I'm excited to work with them on future projects.

This story clocks in at 18,500 words, and is quite the steamy little novella. I didn't realize until after I'd written it that this book has no secondary characters. The only characters are the main leads, the hero and his heroine. I can only hope I did their story justice, as it's hard for me to grasp a true HEA in such a short book length, but I did the final read-through yesterday and everything seemed on the up and up!

There is an exclusive blog you can check out for this series located at:

http://vampireoracle.blogspot.com

If you want to find out about the series as a whole and who all the authors are who are participating on the project, you can go to:

http://www.vampire-oracle.com

If you want to find out more about my book specifically, you can go to my website at:

http://www.rebeccagoings.com/books/paranormal/tomb.html



~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Friday, November 23, 2007

Book reviews - aren't they wonderful?



I love getting great reviews from review sites. But what's even better is finding a review that was given by a regular reader. I have one I'd like to share with you...and an excerpt to entice, of course.

5 stars! Everyone loves a good plot. But Phyllis Campbell has gone a step beyond our expectations with this one. She brings in healthy subplots, believable characters and witty dialogue that kept me entertained through the whole story. Her characters have a cheekiness that make you smile along with them. The comedic enjoyment is only surpassed by the love story which encompasses warmth, caring, compassion and heat. I loved every minute of it! ~~ Julianna Stephens, author




Edmund settled in his chair and picked up the deck of cards. Everything was falling perfectly into place. Surprisingly, she hadn’t noticed his cheating, but that, too, was part of his seduction. Now as the game was almost finished, it was his turn to win. Once she forfeited, he’d have her soft body against his as he lavished her mouth with kisses.

She wouldn’t fight. The way she’d ogled his body let him know she thought about touching it, almost as much as he wanted to touch hers. She was a well-trained seductress. Well skilled at playing the innocent.

He shuffled and dealt out the correct amount of cards, making certain she couldn’t win. Megan looked at her cards. By her sorrowful expression, the realization of having a bad hand was starting to settle in.

The firelight behind her tinted the red in her auburn hair, which contrasted her pale face. Yes, she definitely didn’t have the impassive countenance required for gambling. She wasn’t gifted at deceit, at least at cards. So different from her father. But in time, Saxton’s bad seed would rub off on his daughter.

For a moment, a pang of guilt pierced his chest. Perhaps he should have given her a full house. But when he imagined her soft hands upon his bare chest, he dismissed the idea.

She lifted her gaze and smiled through her saddened expression. “I would like three cards, please.” She slid the three she wanted to exchange across the table.

He nodded and gave her three. “And I’ll take one.” He lay his cards face up on the table. “I have four Jacks. What do you have?”

She sighed with a frown, her shoulders wilting as she placed her cards on the table. “I have two eights and two sixes and a King.”

He chuckled. “I’m relieved to see you’re off your winning streak.” He widened his grin. “What will you forfeit?”

She tapped her fingernail on the table for a moment, before her face brightened and she reached to her lap, pulling up his shirt.

“I’ll give you back your shirt.”

He didn’t know whether to get upset or laugh. The little minx had tricked him, but she was correct in assuming she could return his clothes.

He took the shirt and smiled. “Thank you.”

He realized how clever she was. Now he knew her game. She intended to return his clothes, forcing him to redress, but that wasn’t his plan. Would he ever get the kiss he so desperately sought? Strong desire mingled with his need for revenge.

“Are you going to put it on?” She gave him an expectant look.

He nodded, slipping his arms through the sleeves, but he didn’t button it.

Dealing the next hand, he put the higher cards in his favor. The game was called, and she had a small straight. He held four Queens.

Just as before, she handed over his waist-coat and he slipped it on. The next game, she handed over his cravat, and he hung it around his neck. Now he had her. This time when she lost, she’d have to give him a kiss. He dealt the cards again, purposely giving her the lower hand. She held two Jacks, a ten and two fives. He had a full house.

He grinned. “It appears you have no more clothes to return to me.”

She nodded without answering.

“So I assume a kiss is in order. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless you would like to take off your robe?”

Her face flamed a brilliant red. He held back the laughter readying to erupt from his throat.

“No. I will forfeit a kiss.”

Her tongue glided out to moisten her lips, causing his immediate arousal. She looked so provocative. Did she know what lustful thoughts flew through his head—fantasies he wanted to act upon? Of course she did. She couldn’t possibly be the innocent girl she portrayed.

He stood and moved to her side. Her gaze had dropped to her lap as her fingers twisted together.

“My lady?” He reached down to take a cold hand in his, the soft whiteness contrasting against his dark tan. He pulled her to her feet, her reluctance showed through her stiff limbs. He would change that soon. She was good at this game, but he was better.


click here to purchase

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

An excerpt to celebrate the holidays

Eliza's Copper Penny will be available Dec 1. Whoop! So, since I'm trying to pack and get ready to leave for the inlaws, I thought I'd post an excerpt.Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



BLURB:

When Texas Ranger Copper Reeves goes on the hunt for a suspected murderer, he finds more than he bargains for in the form of schoolmarm, Eliza Woodpen. Copper has a mission, but his efforts are impeded by two young boys who mistake him for a deer.

Eliza has been hiding from a past she'd rather forget, but a chance newspaper article promises discovery from a powerful foe. Salvation comes when two of her students bring a wounded man to her home. Can she open her door and her heart to the man who can unlock secrets she’s held for three long years?

Excerpt:

“So sweet, I wish... I wish we had met during a different time and another place. I think you could be just the woman to settle my roaming heart.” Copper hated that he’d made her cry.

“Oh, God. Don’t say those words to me. I can’t feel anything for you. I won’t feel anything for you. This is all wrong. We’re all wrong.” She twisted away from his searching hand. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know that your generosity of heart gave sanctuary to a wounded man. I know your kisses taste of home. And I know that your voice warms a tender spot in me that I can’t ignore much longer.”

Eliza stood. Wringing her hands and twisting the apron she wore, Eliza stared down at him. She straightened her spine and readjusted her glasses. “There will be no more kisses, Mr. Reeves. We will just forget that this happened. You’re feeling beholden to me for helping you. As soon as you are back on your feet, these feelings you think you have will pass.”

“Perhaps. And then perhaps they will keep you awake at night with the same fantasies that I’ve been entertaining,” he replied.

“Indeed. I think you flatter yourself too much. That kiss was a nice experiment, and I want to thank you for that, but it was just a kiss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have dinner to make.”

He ignored her taunt about the kiss and focused on the comment about cooking instead. “I didn’t think you cooked.”


“I normally don’t. We might starve before the end of the week.”

“So what’s on the menu?” he asked with just a hint of suggestive speculation.

“Not me, so you can keep that particular appetite to yourself.” She pushed the wire rims farther on her nose to punctuate her opinion.

“In that case, I could handle a steak, medium rare, with lots of mashed potatoes.”

“You’re getting stewed chicken with carrots.”

He scrunched his features. “I despise carrots.”

“And you’ll eat every bite if you want desert.”

“You definitely need children, Miss Woodpen.”

“Maybe, but they won’t be yours, Mr. Reeves. Let’s get that straight right now.” She marched out of the room before he could respond appropriately. He smiled. Yes sir, that woman could get a man to thinking all right. When he was fully recuperated, he had unfinished business in Brownwood. Once that job was completed, he would take some time off and come back to Banjo. Copper Reeves liked challenges, and Eliza Woodpen would be worth the time and effort. There was a certain spark between them that he’d never felt with any other woman. He needed to find out if that spark could lead to something more.Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Plotster vs Pantster



I know many authors, and usually, you can divide them into two camps. The plotsters and the pantsters. For those who are not familiar, I shall humor you.

Plotsters: Authors who like to be in control; authors who must plan their book out from beginning to end because they would either A.) go mad by not knowing what happens, B.) are insane control freaks, or C.) the kind of authors who can sell a book on proposal alone.

Pantsters: Authors who fly by the seat of their pants, meaning they either A.) start with a general idea and run with it, B.) are one of those people who wake up one day and think, "Hmm, can I really write a book?" or C.) just like to "discover" the plot of the book along with the rest of the readers.

You might think these are the only two camps. But there's an elusive third, folks. A whispered "nether-camp", if you will, of authors. This is where I'm lumped.

The Tweeners.

The Tweeners are (you guessed it) the "middle of the road" authors, the ones who are stuck in limbo between plotting and... pants..ing (??). The ones who write a detailed synopsis, then decide to "change the whole damn thing" halfway in. The ones who "sometimes" thoroughly plot whilst other times, they write where the wind doth take them. The ones who start out with a basic idea and basic plot points, but it's anyone's guess how the characters will get from A to B to C.

I'm pretty sure a lot, if not most, authors nowadays are actually "Tweeners". I have acknowledged and embraced my tweens. My first few books were brainstormed on the spot. If I had a problem, I'd solve it, and sometimes, that problem could take weeks to solve.

I am a firm believer that writer's block comes because you are "pantsing" the story. However, I have also been stuck in a book when I knew where I wanted to go but just couldn't pull the dang scene from my brain if I wanted to. **cough**NATURE OF THE B*E*A*S*T**cough**

Sorry. Something in my throat.

So perhaps the whole concept of "writer's block" can happen to us all.

I don't really have a point with this blog post other than to ask what kind of writer are you? Are you a control freak who must have all drama plotted out ahead of time? Do you go with the flow? Or are you somewhere in between? What kind of writer are you?

~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Monday, November 19, 2007

Disappointing

Sometimes your writing life becomes such a disappointment you wonder why you bother. Last week was one of those weeks. As you all know I’ve written a series, the Gateway Guardians. The first book, Callye’s Justice was released in October. The second book was in my editor’s inbox. She transferred me a different editor as my editor was becoming overwhelmed with other authors.

This new editor is rumored to be a wonderful woman. Extremely bright, intelligent, and even though she’s harsh, she’s fair. The way an editor is supposed to be. They want to help you get out the very best story possible.

But she crushed me. My second book in the Gateway Guardians series was soundly rejected. That’s right folks. As of right this moment you will not see how the rest of the series fairs. She disliked Chase and Brandy immensely. Said she couldn’t get past the fact she couldn’t stand them. So I’ve asked her if I rework it would she be interested in seeing it. She’s not replied. So I am torn between rewrite and resend, or keeping as is—which I want to do, the book is AWESOME. Even the original editor liked what she read—and send it to a different publisher. I hate to do that. Series books should be with the same publisher—but if it’s rejected then there is only one other alternative: let the series die. That’s not an option for me.

How are two editors so completely different? One really, REALLY likes the book/characters; one thinks they’re stupid (not her words. I’m summarizing) the rejecting editor was kind but vague and cold in her rejection. Not cruel. Not a ‘you suck, give it up’ kind of rejection. Just a thanks but no thanks type of thing. She was even encouraging as far as I shouldn’t give up writing. She wants me to keep working on this and other projects.

The fact she said “this and other projects” is why I thought she might want to see a rework of the book. But I can’t run under this assumption. The last thing in the world any writer, particularly this writer, wants to do is piss off an editor.

Last week I stung, and even cried. It hurt so much to be rejected. I have to tell you, any writer WILL have some rejection, it will hurt like hell. It will make you doubt yourself. You will sit back and wonder what’s wrong with your writing. You’ll wonder if you’d even know a good manuscript if it bit you in the ass.

But you have to remember (and this is so hard for me) that an editor is only a person. The rejection is only their opinion. They’re not the be all, end all, of the writing world. If they tell you no, read your work over. If they’ve made suggestions consider taking them. But they are only suggestions. You don’t like them, don’t use them.

Keep this in mind: Just because one editor didn’t like the book doesn’t mean another won’t. I sent Tides of Maryna’s Love, from the Elemental Desires series to my editor for Callye’s Justice. She didn’t like the book. It wasn’t her cup of tea. And because she didn’t like that genre, she didn’t feel she could accurately guide me in edits. I sent the book to Champagne Publishing. They picked up Maryna and had all sorts of positive comments about her. I’m glad I sent this book to Champagne. The editors are great. The other authors are terrific and the publisher is really sweet. (I’m not just saying those things because Storm, the second book in the Elemental Desires Series is over there right now…) I’m saying it because it’s true.

So. With a rejection you can do one of two things: cry and bury your head in the sand vowing to never EVER write again or you can cry, grieve for the pain, then submit the book somewhere else. If an editor makes suggestions its definitely worth your time to read them over. They know their stuff. They can help guide you from submission to publication.

I cry. I eat chocolate everything. I doubt myself. I rage against the injustice. I curse the lack of taste the editor has shown. After all, it is my “baby” it’s perfect, right? Then I sit back and I force myself to move on. Take time to feel bad. Take time to get mad. Then yank yourself up and get busy. Do the suggested rewrites. Submit it back AS LONG AS IT’S BEEN ASKED FOR. If the editor has NOT invited you to resubmit the work, send it to someone else.

I personally went to a girl’s night out where we ate a chocolate silk pie, drank a 2-liter of Dr. Pepper, and played cards until dawn. It got my mind off my disappointment—for a while—and it made me rethink. I’m going to read Chase’s story again. I’m going to see if I can find what the editor didn’t like about it. If I can’t find anything and she doesn’t write and tell me suggestions or ask for it a second time I’m going to send it to another publishing house. The contract only states I have to give them first dibs on the work. It doesn’t say I can’t send it to someone else.

I’ve got so many irons in the fire right now it’s not hard for me to sit back and let Chase simmer for a little bit.

All of this was just to say this one simple message: Don’t give up hope. If this is your dream, don’t let one person stomp it out. Keep at it. A rejection is only one person’s opinion. Keep it in perspective. Give yourself a few hours, or even a day or two to be upset. It’s perfectly acceptable to feel bad. But don’t let it ruin your writing life.

Good Luck!
Donica

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Favorite Thanksgiving traditions


Here are ours


Jami:
1. Family gathering
2. Baking
3. Shopping

Becka

4. Getting together with family and having a wonderful time with them.
5. Putting the black olives on our fingers and eating them off. LOL
6. Using my sister’s fine china she was given from my grandmother. I love the history of those dishes.
7. Going around the table and naming one thing you’re thankful for.
Praying before the feast, thanking God for all the good things (and family) in our lives.

Donica
8. Spending the morning cooking. Eating in the afternoon
9. Four Wheeling after lunch
10 . Playing cards with the family

Marie
11. Getting together as an extended family
12. Trading off turns to cook Turkey
13. Before family prayer, we all say one thing we’re thankful for.
Taking a loooong nap after we eat



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, November 14, 2007

A wee bit of research

I spent this past weekend in Galveston which turned out to be great fun. While I was really there for my other job, I took a bit of time to do a bit of research. They have this wonderful train museum and since I'm currently working on a story for an anthology about heroines who once rode the orphan train, I was very excited about taking pictures of the trains.Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

So . . . I'm going to post a few of the more modern train pictures here, then post the images that most resemble the trains from the 1870's on the orphan train blog.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketThis is a picture of the 555, a 1922 steam engine that was one of the last revenue engines in service in the US.

The next pictures are of the interior because when I tried to do a search for the interior of trains, I came up empty handed. I'm hoping others will be able to learn from these.

This image is of the inside of a mail carrying car. Further into the car, they had a row of slots with names for each town on their routePhoto Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketCheck out the galley. Can you imagine cooking while the train rumbled across the tracks? I actually got to ride the George Bush train to Dallas and it built up quite a bit of speed on the straight tracks.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketAnd last, but not least, enjoy a picture of a sleeping room. My mother was big on "experiences" so she booked us on a two-day train ride when I was about 12 just so I could say I slept on a moving train. The room was very similar to this one and yes, being the child, I got to sleep on the top bunk. Needless to say, I don't think I slept much that night.

Be sure to check out the orphan train blog tomorrow for more train pics. The ones I post there will be of an earlier era; 1890's.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Had so much to share!

But the weather has turned nasty and storms are moving in so I'm going to have to just post something fun until later. Here goes:



Your Love Life is Like Casablanca



"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time."

For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them.

You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like.

Your love style: Traditional and understated

Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous



Huh--I don't think I ever watched this movie. I've seen parts and pieces. I know it has something to do with Nazis, passports, and a gin joint or something but I couldn't tell you what it was about if I had to.

Okay thuder making itself heard. See you all in the funny papers! Or would that be Turner Classic Movies....

Huggles!
Donica

Friday, November 09, 2007

I have book trailers!



Yes, as amazing as it sounds, I have three book trailers. TrailMix is a new company that makes book trailers for authors. I was VERY lucky to get on board right when they put their company together. Anyway, check out my new book trailers for Holding Out For A Hero -- Her Knight Of Seduction -- Pretend I'm Yours.

Book Trailers

AND...my book video, Her Knight Of Seduction, is in the running for the Covey Awards. I'm begging for votes, here. I'm #23! Here's the link. Scroll all the way down past the book trailers and there are two places to vote. I'd appreciate all the help I can get!

Thank you!

~Phyllis~

Whoopsy!

So yeah, I forgot to blog on Tuesday, which is a total faux pas on my part because I had a new book release that day! How could I not come and tell my fellow Mavens?? Therefore, I'm slipping between the T-13 and Phyllis's Friday post to announce the release of HEARTS UNBOUND, the sequel to HEARTS ETERNAL.



Their bond brought him back for a second chance at life—and love.

Book 2 of Cursed Hearts

Jareth Moreland has waited centuries for his lover to be reincarnated, but his reward isn’t the reunion he expected – it’s murder. He awakes to find his soul has been pulled back centuries into the past, to the very day in 1657 both his lover and his brother died and, in his grief, he became a vampire. Fate, it would seem, has given him a second chance at life.

Fate comes at the hands of Jessica Belstowe, who has always loved him from afar, and whose magic saved him from death at the hands of her own sister hundreds of years in the future. But Jareth seems less than pleased that she has bonded him as her soulmate — her _shelmir_ — in order to protect him from the evil witch Morana. She wonders if she has risked her fragile heart only to have it broken.

A bond with Jessica is not what Jareth would have chosen, but its power will not be denied. He is drawn to her, wants her more than he’s ever wanted any other woman.

And when Morana vows to crush that bond and kill Jessica, he will risk the fires of hell to save her.


~*~*~

Excerpt:


Jessica had just blown out the candle on her nightstand when a soft knock disturbed the silence. With a groan, she tried to sink down into the pillows as if she could hide. Was it Jareth? Concentrating on him, she couldn’t feel their bond through the door. It was not Jareth. Then who could it be? And why did they think to disturb her now?

"Who is it?" she called out.

There was a slight pause before a man’s voice called to her from the other side. "It is I, my lady. Lord Charles."

"Charles?" she said, knitting her brow. "What are you doing here?" Rising from the bed, she donned a robe over her shift and stood by the door. She did not open it.

"I must speak to you. Will you open your door?"

Jessica gasped. "No! I am in naught but my bedclothes."

He sighed. "I must know, Jessica. Do you have feelings for Crichton? Did he trick you into a marriage with him?"

Biting the inside of her lip, Jessica leaned against the door. "He did not trick me," she said softly. It was I who tricked him, she thought. "And yes, I do have feelings…for him."

"I do not believe he cares for you," Charles said. Jessica gasped.

"How dare you speak of him so casually?"

"Please forgive me, my lady," Charles said, his voice muffled. "But he was betrothed to your sister. I doubt there has been time for any true feelings for you to emerge. I fear he wants you only because you are Cassandra’s blood."

A shiver raced down Jessica’s spine at his words. She’d wondered the very same thing. "Charles, I will not have you speaking of my fiancé so. Please apologize."

She could hear him clearing his throat. "I am sorry, my lady," he whispered.

Charles was a good man, Jessica knew, but there was no possible way she could be happy with him, not when every waking moment of her life would be spent thinking of Jareth Moreland due to the bond they shared.

"Thank you," she whispered through the door. With another shiver, she rubbed her arms, recognizing the feeling. "Charles, you must go!"

"But—"

"Jareth is coming."

"How do you know?"

Jessica stomped her foot in frustration. "I just do. Please leave. Now!"

"I will always think fondly of you, my lady," he said a moment before his soft footfalls faded down the hall.

"Now isn’t that comforting?"

Jessica shrieked and spun around, clutching at her chest with both hands. That was Jareth’s voice. He was in the room. Dark shadows moved next to her, and her tingling skin told her it was him. How had he entered her chambers without her knowledge?

"Jareth!" she exclaimed, breathless.

"Yes, it is I, my sweet. Although I must admit I do not know whether I should be insanely jealous that Lord Charles has visited your chambers, or if I should be immensely flattered that you defended me to him."

Before she knew it, Jareth was in front of her, pressing her back against the door. Jessica’s breath came in sharp gasps as she strained to look into his eyes. There was no moon tonight and the room was shrouded in darkness. That didn’t stop her body from responding to him, however.

"You shouldn’t be here," she managed to say past the lump in her throat. "Why are you here?"
Jareth chuckled and her nipples tightened in response. It was as if every nerve ending in her body begged for his touch.

"I am here to seduce you, my sweet. Why else would I be lurking in your room?"

~*~*~

Purchase Link

Woohoo! I love Jareth! (and so do my fans lol) If you get a chance, I hope you enjoy this one!

~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Thursday 13 - Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes


Thirteen Things about Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes



Jami:
1. My mom’s cranberry salad
2. Sweet potato casserole
3. Smoked turkey with dressing
4. Cheese grit casserole
5. Pecan pie

Becka

1. I love making the gravy, with the turkey drippings. Mmm…
2. I make yummy pumpkin bread too, but it’s from a box I buy at Costco… LOL
3. Pecan Pie… I’ve only made one personally, but it was sooo great. My favorite part of Thanksgiving!
4. The rolls… I’m very much a “side dish” kinda gal. I’ll probably make homemade rolls this year, they’re so much better than storebought.
5. Stuffing… I love making homemade stuffing, however, I usually go the lazy way and get a box, but it tastes SO MUCH better out of the bird!


Donica
1. Cabbage casserole. Yeah I know sounds a little odd but its very good!
2. My cousin’s little smokie things. They’re wrapped in bacon, and sprinkled with a brown sugar glaze. HEAVEN!!!
3. Another cousin’s frog legs. No not from the little amphibian. These are dill pickle spears wrapped in thin beef lunchmeat and cream cheese. YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY
4. My cheesecake
5. Honey baked Ham

Marie
Turkey cooked in broth
Dressing
Raisin / Nut Salad
Cornbread





Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, November 07, 2007

A wee bit of rambling





So many things to talk about. First, I have a new cover for my December release, Eliza's Copper Penny. I love it. And I love the story that goes with the cover. Can't wait for it to come out.

Last week, I got invited to be an editor of a new community magazine. The idea was too intriguing to pass up, so yeah, I now have a fourth job. Let's see, I'm a housewife/mother, a teacher, an author and now and editor. Dang, can things get any more crazy?

I'll have to write about balancing it all, but later. I spent the night working on an upcoming June release for the Orphan Train Series. If you haven't checked out that blog, it's another fun spot though it's just now getting started. We'll be posting a lot of historical references on that blog for all you history buffs.

And speaking of orphans, DH and I held our annual orphan's thanksgiving this past Sunday. We fed the biggest group yet. At least 60 folks showed up in our backyard. DH started grilling on Friday night. He prepared 2 turkeys, 2 chickens, a pork roast, 6 racks of ribs, 2 briskets, and 2 links of sausage. I put together cornbread stuffing, squash casserole, stuffed zuccini, pinto beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, fresh fruit and a pumpkin pie. Everyone else supplemented by bringing more food. We ate until we thought we'd pop. Most of the food got devoured but we did have on turkey left so yep, we had turkey and dressing tonight for dinner. Yum.


Monday, November 05, 2007

Monday again?



Hey folks! Today's post is going to be another short one. I've got a busy week ahead and since I'm leaving town on Thursday I've got just a couple of days to get everything done. Have you signed up for the Mavens newsletter yet? Now would be a good time! The newest edition is being sent out today. In our newsletters you'll find all the latest breaking news, contest announcements, recipes, fun facts, just a variety of fun and informative articles. Hope you'll sign up now!
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Recently I've hinted around about a new book I was working on. A book that was one part romance one part horror one part suspense. I finished this book, titled Beyond Death, and have submitted it to a publisher. Now I'm just waiting to hear what the final verdict is. While I wait I created a video. Yeah I am big time procrastinator. Anyway I created a video and I'd LOVE feedback from you. What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Did the book sound intriguing? Please let me know your opinion. Here's the video:

BEYOND DEATH



Off to get my day finished. Look forward to seeing you next time!

Huggles, Donica

Friday, November 02, 2007

My First Book Trailer!




I'm so excited to show you my first book trailer. Ginger Simpson is the great friend who put this together for me. She picked the pictures for my characters perfectly! Isn't she wonderful? Check out my book trailer.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Favorite things about fall



Crisp, cool, and colorful.



Ciara:
1. The colors.
2. Cooler weather
3. Early Christmas shopping


Becka
4. The steely overcast days. I love them for some reason. I don’t know why. Probably all that indirect light, not too hot, not too cold.
5. Halloween and Thanksgiving. The fall is fast becoming my favorite time of year. I used to love spring, now I really look forward to the holidays.
6. All the pretty colors on the trees. The yellows and golds can take your breath away (however, it is NO fun raking them…)
7. I love the holiday baking. Pumpkin bread/pies, apple pies, pecan pies…


Donica
8. The smell of a fireplace
9. The crackle of the logs as they spark up.
10. The slight bite to the air


Marie
11. Cooler weather
12. Beautiful landscapes / mountains
13.Longer nights (yes, I enjoy my sleep!)

What are your favorite things about fall?




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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Let's get into character



Ever wonder why we like to dress up for Halloween? Could it be the same reason we create memorable characters? I used to love "becoming someone or something else" for a day. It was like the old me didn't exist and I could forget all my inibitions and act differently than normal and it would be okay.


I think that's why we create some of the characters that we invent. Because they can literally get away with murder. They can act brave, silly or stupid and if we do a good job, the audience will love them anyway, because the reader has intimate knowledge on why the characters act a certain way. As humans, folks often have to read us at face value. They don't understand the "backstory" that make us so unique.


Well, we could probably debate this all day, but since it's halloween, I'll move forward. LOL


I thought it might be fun to find some past Halloween pics of DH and I, so here are a few:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
The first costume party we went to, we got a prize for "best couple" for our portrayal of Popeye and Olive Oil. Batman and Robin came two years later and was based on the old style TV show. Friends and us went as the Wizard of Oz characters one year and that was a blast. DH dressed as Captain Hook and I went as Peter Pan once. I don't know how he did it, but he walked around on that peg for hours with his leg bent and taped. We were much younger then. Of course, we've done the hippy costume and various others. We both enjoy going to Good Will store and resale shops to find our costumes and then we kinda put them together. Too fun!!!

Murphy's Law #12

12. Whenever you set out to do something, something else must be done first.

Source

Ah, the great and illustrious "Murphy", whomever he may be. Don'tcha just want to rip out his...*ahem*. Never mind.

I sometimes wish I had a magical book-writing wand. Some of my friends think I own one already. :P But let me tell you, this year in particular has been HELL on me. Why? Well, this gawd-awful thing called "Real Life" keeps getting in the way of my overactive imagination, killing my inner child. Why? WHY, I say?!?

One thing after another has hit me this year, to refinancing the domicile, having work done on said domicile, to going on a kick-ass two week vacation to Disney World (which took a LOT of planning ACK!), personal issues, creative issues, family visiting, compounded by a sad, sad case of the BLAHS.

You see, I've had a crazy personal life this year, and it's taken a toll on my writing. For the first time ever, I was late on a deadline, which acted like a domino effect, making me late on subsequent deadlines, and not just for one publisher. I'm *still* feeling the effects of THAT fiasco, and the pressure is ON. Why does life have to suck right when you're finding success in what you do?

For the first time in my career, I'm actually feeling like an author, I'm churning out books, I've got fans, I've got plans, I know what I want to write, who I want to submit to, and still, I'm plagued with the BLAHS. What is UP with that? Perhaps I'm a little depressed with not getting as much writing done as I have in the past. I've been focusing more of my energy to other things, like my family, and that is a GOOD thing. Nothing wrong with that. But when I sit at my computer, I don't *feel* like writing. Nothing comes. And if I force myself, it's just crap. Or at least, I think it is.

I think to myself maybe I need a break, but then, I remember all those days I wasted when I missed my deadline. I rested THEN. It's just so dang hard. I've got so many jobs. I'm a wife/mother, schoolteacher, maid, cook, CFO, errand runner, & author.

I need to go on a writing vacation is what I need. A week in a hotel with nothing but my laptop, wi-fi, and a stack of delivered pizzas. For ONCE, I want to be that secluded writer in the woods... Wouldn't that be nice? *sigh*



~~Becka
http://www.RebeccaGoings.com