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 fiancĂ© 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





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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, 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?




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!