Well, I had high plans for posting something really relevant to writing or publishing, but alas, my other job, the 8 - 5 job, got in the way.
Most readers already know that I also teach. This was the first week back and oh man, my poor puppies (feet) are feeling it. When I teach, I never sit and my floors are just concrete. I did break down and buy arch supports.
Hmm, to make this more relative to writing, I'm going to give everyone a glimpse into my day as a teacher. That might help someone who wants to use a teacher for one of their characters.
I arrive at 7:45 and grab the handout for the day so that I can make enlarged copies for one on my students. That takes about ten minutes as I have to hunt down the large paper for the copier. At least there was no line. At 8:00 AM, I'm choosing slides for the slide projector, putting out materials for the lesson and doing a very quick recording of grades for yesterday's assignment. The bell rings at 8:20 and we say the pledge followed by a moment of silence. I pass out a short assignment for them while I finish recording grades. After passing back the graded work, I begin the lesson. The lesson consists of about 4 different activities, but amazingly, I manage to organize and multi-task until it's all done. And that was only 1st period. Four different preps and by the end of the day, I'm ready to collapse.
Fourth period rolls around and one of my sweethearts decides to get lunch early and bring it to class. Grrrr. So after dealing with him, we begin class. They are already on a long project, so I don't have to present new material. When the bell rings again, it's advocate period which is a thirty minute period whereby students can just study. Then it's lunch time. By 12:30, we're all starving. After a thirty minute lunch, I have a conference period.
I spend my conference period counting money that was collected for fees and turning it into the office, then making xerox copies for the next lesson. I finished a PO for supplies, answered e-mail and drafted a grading paper for another project I worked on this past summer. This period is too short for all that I need to do, but . . . the bell rings and I have two more periods to go.
My classes are big this year. 31 in all my classes except 4th and it only has 20. My daughter shows up between 4th and 5th complaining about the treatment she recieved from her teacher and then the teacher e-mails complaining about my daughter. Ugh. Not fun to be caught in the middle.
Tomorrow I get to monitor tardies which makes me feel like the bad guy, but I know I'm only doing my job. If the child didn't want detention, they should not have been tardy. And of course there is the endless checking for dress code violation and lack of ID.
Well, that's a glimpse. Being that busy makes the day go by fast and by next week I'll be aclimated to my routine.
Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you'll know that TODAY is the day the third book in my Legends of Mynos trilogy is released from Samhain Publishing! THE WOLVERINE AND THE FLAME follows the story of Sir Ethan of Krey, who, you might remember, made a promise to his closest friend to watch out for his friend's sister. He didn't think he'd begin to have tender feelings toward her...
When an evil red ruby known as the Dragon's Flame is unearthed, they must destroy it at all costs. But when Mynos himself cannot withstand the taint of the gem, do they have any hope at all against a dragon hell-bent on destruction?
You should also know I got my author copies of THE WOLVERINE AND THE ROSE. :D Ever wonder what a "dream come true" looks like?
Holding that book in my hand gave me chills. It may not be the Greatest Book on Planet Earth, but it's special to me, and a turning point for me. NOW I've "made it". Now, I can sit back and truly tell my kids to believe in their dreams. Do you know how powerful that can be for a child? My kids literally look at me with big ol' eyes and mouths wide open when I tell them how long that story spark has been with me.
The first book is dedicated to myself, to give the little girl I once was validation. :P
The second book is dedicated to my children, to prove to them that sometimes dreams do come true.
The third book is dedicated to the fantasy authors I used to read as a child, because without them, I would have never *dared* to dream. :)
So give The Legends of Mynos a try. If you love fantasy and you love romance, chances are, you'll love my series. I hope. LOL
Today is normally Becka's day to post but she's got a sick DH so I'm going to pop in for her. So lets get down to brass tacks shall we?
First off, Becka received her newest cover over the weekend. This is the cover for her next installment of the B*E*A*S*T series. Check it out!
Now what shall we discuss today? Becka said something about doing a recipe so how about we discuss our favorite recipes and then maybe we can collect the actual recipes and send a copy to everyone who is interested?
I'll begin and let me tell you this isn't an easy one for me. I love to eat, I love to cook/bake and I love to eat what I cook/bake LOL
I think I'd have to say my favorite thing is a cake I make called a chocolate covered cherry cake. Moist, rich, cherry topped and filled. This is so rich if you could deposit it you'd never have to work again :)
(don't you just love this pic of me? Very close to the real thing, I think... ROFL!)
Reprints... What do you think about reprints? After a story has been published and available for readers, do you think the author should send it to another publisher after she's gotten her rights back? I published my Victorian-set, MY KNIGHT, MY ROGUE two years ago, but at the first of the year, my contract ran out. The publisher I had my story with at the time did not put my story in paperback and available at the bookstores. Now, all of my publishers provide this for me, and it saddens me that my first stories were never put to print.
I've revamped my original version and titled it HER KNIGHT OF SEDUCTION. The Wild Rose Press is republishing it for me, which is thrilling! Yesterday I got my cover and release date. My story will be released Sept. 21st!! I haven't been able to get my new cover on my website yet (still working with web designer...) but you can go to my Bebo page and check it out. www.phylliscampbell.bebo.com
Lady Megan Saxton will do anything—naughty if necessary—not to marry the drunken lord her grandmother selected. But when she thinks she’s trapped herself a duke, will a mistake in identity have her falling in love with the man who put her family in financial ruins?
Clever Scoundrel, Edmund Knight will stop at nothing to take back the deed to his goldmine that has been stolen from him. When his enemy’s daughter mistakes him for someone else, his plans change. Now he’s after her virginity.
**excerpt**
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.
Welcome to the new and improved Magic Mavens blog. I have a question for you all. Do have movies you enjoy watching. You knw the ones I mean? The movies that you can watch over and over and over again and each time they can still make you laugh, or cry or scare the bloody bajeebers out of you. This is the Mavens’ first T13 and its movies that we can watch over and over and over again. As the saying goes, the show must go on and so we’re gone like the wind
Donica’s top list: 1. Last Holiday 2. Harvey 3. Banger Sisters 4. Robin Hood (Errol Flynn/Olivia de Havelin) 5. Bringing Up Baby Ciara’s top four: 6. A Knight’s Tale 7.Scorpion King (The Rock is to die for in this movie, jmo) 8. Captain Ron 9. Dirty Dancing Becka’s top Four 10. EVER AFTER I really like Drew Barrymore, and even though this movie is cheesy, I still love it. 11. DRAGON HEART I based Mynos off of Draco years ago. This movie definitely shaped my fantasy books. 12. LABYRINTH~How can you go wrong with David Bowie’s codpiece?? LOL 13. THE WEDDING SINGER~ Again, Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. I love Adam Sandler, and this movie in particular makes me giggle when I remember the 80’s. EXCELLENT soundtrack, too. J
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!
Thanks to Becka, the mavens have some really cool graphics to go along with our new look. Whoo hoo! Check me out. I finally have blonde hair. Ha ha. Okay, but seriously, today is officially "hump day." So, what does hump day really mean? Getting over the hump, making it half way through the 8 - 5 day. Appropriate since I started back to work today.
From the Urban dictionary; The middle of a work week (Wednesday); used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a tough week. After hump day, the weekend gets closer. Well, it doesn't feel closer, but . . . it will once I get acclaimated to relax mode.
According to Wikipedia, Wednesday comes from the Old English word, Wēdnes dæg, meaning the day of the Germanic God, Wodan or Woden. Until about the 7th century, he was the Anglo Saxon God who in folklore was the leader of the Wild Hunt. A way to explain thunderstorms, the wild hunt was a mad pursuit across the skies. Woden also led dead souls to the underworld.
According to the Thai solar calenday, the color associated with Wednesday is green. Hmm, I like green. And it makes sense. Green has a midrange intensity about it. And Wednesday is the middle of the week.
So - just for grins, heres a fun photo I found to get us over that hump. Enjoy.
So, what do you do to get over the hump? To make it through the week? Me? I come home after work, take off my shoes, turn on the computer and write for an hour. Then I have to go to work for the family. Ah yes, the first job (the 8 - 5 being the second job) and cook, help with homework and run errands. At 9ish, I get to sit down and write again. Writing relaxes me. It takes me far away to all sorts of fantasies. (Thursdays are reserved for dancing but the rest of the week looks pretty much like what I described here.) Now, it's your turn. What do you do to get over the hump and deal with everday, work-related stress?
Today is a very special day for me. I believe it to be a turning point in my career. One of my books has been released today in print, one of my favorites, one close to my heart; THE WOLVERINE AND THE ROSE.
This is the first in my Legends of Mynos series, the book that's been with me forever, the one I struggled with in the early years of my marriage. It was with THIS very book I used to dream of being published nearly 20 years ago.
It all began after my parents' divorce. I was a sad, lonely child, who frequently played with my dogs. And one day, I told them a story about a magical talisman and the elves who protect it. That day in the mid 80's, the Crystal of Mynos was born.
Knowing I had a cool idea for a story, I jotted down notes and wrote three stories long-hand. I shared them with my classmates who would threaten me with pain of death should I decide to come to school the next day without the next chapter. I loved fantasy. I cut my teeth on C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, and David Eddings. But they didn't have enough romance to satisfy. I decided to rectify that.
My love for romance probably stems from my parents' divorce, as I was desperate to read stories of happy endings and couples who stayed together--despite the odds. So perhaps I should thank my parents for weaning a romance author. But back in the day, I would literally sit on my bed, a starry-eyed 13 year old, dreaming of being published and seeing Mynos's Crystal in bookstores nationwide.
Of course, that was a pipe dream, right?
Over the years, those stories were tucked away and I only dusted them off every now and again to remember those fond dreams of "some day". It wasn't until I married my hubby who was very into Dungeons and Dragons (a fantasy role-playing game) that my love of fantasy was rekindled. Couple that with a movie that came out in 1996 entitled "Dragonheart", one of the only movies I've seen with an intelligent dragon, I decided I *had* to write my fantasy opus.
And so, on the ratty old couch of our studio apartment in the backyard of our landlords' house, THE WOLVERINE AND THE ROSEbegan. But I didn't start it with any kind of direction. I began with a simple idea. What would happen if a mysterious man gave a young farmgirl a blank scroll in the middle of a crowded marketplace? The Legends of Mynos snowballed from there.
When this series was contracted with Samhain, I danced in the streets (figuratively, not literally, folks. lol) Now that it's going to print nationwide, I am finally seeing a dream that's been with me for most of my life come to fruition. My humble thanks to Samhain Publishing, as well as to the readers, who've made this series a success, and thanks to that little girl, alone in her room, staring out her window, dreaming big dreams. :)
Good morning, everyone! As you can see, our Mavens' blog has had quite the transformation this weekend. We want to make this blog better than ever with a new feature, called "Mavens Monday". Each Monday, we will chit-chat about different subjects, all kinds of things under the sun. This week's topic is our new look and what to expect from the Mavens in the future.
YOU are invited to join in the conversation, no matter the topic! So come on in and join the fun on Mavens Mondays! :D Not to mention every other day of the week, each of us will be blogging about a topic of our own choosing. In fact my day (Becka's) is Tuesday, tomorrow, so be on the look out for my next blog! :D
It took me forever to find a suitable blogger template. I tried looking for something magical, mystical, flowery, colorful, white, garden-y... But they all just didn't "do it" for me. They were too pink, or looked like a 14 y/o's blog or waaay too many swirlies, or too magical. I didn't want people to think we were all a bunch of fantasy writers, as not all of us write fantasy.
However, I *do* know that all of us ADORE the color purple. And when I found this template, I HAD to have it. The moon background is mysterious and mystical in and of itself; the template is feminine without being overpoweringly womanly, and it's very classy. Not to mention it looks awesome with a splash of color. Scroll down a bit to see my Cobblestone Press cover and you'll see what I mean. :D
I think this template will work out WONDERFULLY, and I'm sure my Maven sisters will agree with me. Don't you think so, ladies?
Hey all. Come join us for a beach party with other Champagne authors. We'll be chatting about this and that, posting excerpts and our publisher is even offering special discounts during certain times, but you gotta tune in to see when and where.
You can find us at the Coffeetime Loop until tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Bring your beach towel and sunscreen and prepare to have a blast!
Sorry Becka. I don't mean to rain on your parade. Your news is awesome indeed but I've gotten the okay to share my cover and I intend to show it off with pride! Isn't it AMAZING?!?!??!!?
They shattered his world by kidnapping his fiancée—now, paybacks are a bitch.
Justice Bernard, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency, has devoted years to stopping—or at least slowing down—the flow of drugs entering and leaving St. Louis. He’s seen a lot of messed up things in his line of work, but he never thought the woman he loved would become a target.
Since accepting Justice’s marriage proposal, Callye Ann Simone’s spent most of her time in a state of bliss. But when she’s kidnapped and left alone, tied up and in the dark, her dreams for the future turn into one long nightmare that never seems to end.
When Justice realizes Callye’s been kidnapped by the very men he’s shaken down for drug trafficking, his heart shatters. He vows to save her no matter what the cost, and now he’s on the hunt for his beloved, and hell-bent on revenge…
This book comes out October 9 published by Samhain Publishing.
I'm so stoked! The edits made it seem sortof real for me. Seeing the information up on the coming soon page helped it feel even more real and now that I've got this amazing cover i can't WAIT to see this one released!
Woohoo! I submitted a novella idea to Cobblestone Press for their Vampire Oracle continuity series. I wanted the TOMB theme. Well, they recently contacted me and now I'm one of their newest authors! :D Yay!
I'm very excited to write this story, as this will be my first vampire hero. I've written a vamp before in HEARTS ETERNAL, but he was the villain, so this will be quite the change for me, I'm thinking. And I've had my eye on Cobblestone for quite awhile now, because I love their website and their book covers, not to mention the quality of their books is outstanding. I even talked to a few authors over there to get a feel for the company.
Oh yes, I did my homework before submitting to them, have no doubt. LOL I don't have a release date, but I do know the books will be released sometime next year AND will be going to PRINT! :D All *25* of them.
Anyhow, check out my new cover, isn't it awesome?? Here is the blurb as well. Enjoy!
Douglas McCarthy is a vampire haunted by the screams of his victims. After killing a woman accidentally, he vows he will never kill again, and entombs himself within the walls of his own cellar.
Diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, Holly Cartwright knows she only has months to live. Buying the Whispering Pines Plantation with her life savings was,perhaps, the best thing she ever did. But Holly doesn't care that the manor appears to be haunted, as she'll soon be joining the "ghosts" herself.
But what she discovers behind the walls is more than she ever dreamed possible...
I've caught it! I'm doing an entire menu of crock-pot recipes. Why? Because it's too dang hot to really cook. So I've posted an appetizer recipe here. Over on the Belfry Collective blog I posted a death by chocolate cake dessert. Yes it really is a crock-pot recipe. And on Donica's Daily I have a main course recipe. So make sure you hit each site!
Chicken Wings in Honey Sauce
3 lbs Chicken wings Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups honey 1-cup soy sauce ½ cup ketchup ¼ cup oil 2 cloves garlic (optional) Sesame Seeds (optional)
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Cut off and discard wing tips. Cut each wing at joints to make 2 pieces. Sprinkle wing parts with salt and pepper. Place wings on broiler pan. Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 20 minutes, 10 minutes each side until brown. Transfer to crock-pot.
For sauce combine honey, soy sauce, oil, ketchup and garlic in bowl. Pour over wings, cover and cook on low 4-5 hours or high for 2-2 ½ hours. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Let me know how you enjoyed these recipes. I'm very interested in hearing from you so leave me a message at any of the blogs and let me know.
Pretend I’m Yours by Phyllis Campbell is a wonderful historical intrigue which winds its way through a complex set of circumstances and emotions. The tale evades an easy label, but certainly includes a compelling romance. Deception is also a large part of this wonderful saga. All things are not as they seem in this tale, as the reader suspects at once.
An unexpected and clever twist sets wheels in motion the main character - as well as the reader - could never have foreseen. Lady Mercedes Maxwell, a widow, steps into her twin sister's life, determined to help her by whatever means necessary. If that means an arduous journey to the colonies while pretending to be Katherine and committing acts of theft, so be it. Lady Maxwell's suspicions are aroused almost from the start, but soon, those very suspicions turn on her, as she doubts, again and again, what truth to believe. As her doubts grow, so does her frustration- and she is not the only one!
Her motivation, all too clear at the start, undergoes a change. It is a change easy to believe, once she comes to know the dashing Mr. William Braxton, Katherine's husband. However, she has her own goals to pursue, regardless of this dreadfully handsome but plainly not-what-he seems man.
Still, questions about trust and truth weave a clever web that the reader feels she can almost see through. Loyalty is called into question, and with it, all too soon, patriotism. Further complications soon arise, offering us a fresh perspective on the personal impact of the revolution.
The settings in this tale are delightful. Descriptions in no way intrude, but provide just enough background for the story to have a genuine, authentic feel. The horses and carriages, the minor details of passage by boat, even the look inside the hospital for the insane all are thorough and credible. From household extravagances like the polished cherry-wood doors, hand-painted silk screens and the plush velvet of gowns, precise descriptions offer a wonderful vision of the time and place.
The exact truth of the situation is revealed only slowly. There are many reminders of this other time, almost another world - where women were always subservient to the men of the family, and yet, were not powerless.
This is a delightful historical novel and romance. Pretend I’m Yours by Phyllis Campbell is sure to please a wide range of readers, its complexity, characters, and daring make for a stunning read. http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/
I just mailed off the ARC with corrections to my publisher so everythings a go for it's release. Whoop! Julia's Golden Eagle should be available Aug 1 or very close to that date. I really love the characters and I hope you do also.
Oh, and Romance Junkies awarded the Magic Maven some free banner space. How cool is that? Of course, my animated skills are a bit rusty and it took me forever to figure things out. Gotta luv the learning curve.
I've been hearing that our old font was too hard to read. I have to admit I agree. So I've made a few changes. For some the only change visible is an increase in the font size. It will be huge to those of you who do not have the new font avaiable on your computer. For this I'm sorry. I truly hope you can view the new one as it is one of my favorites.
New month: It's almost August. For many it is back to school. I hear the groans from teachers and students alike. My baby will be a sophomore this year. Yeah that doesn't depress me. (Can you FEEL the sarcasm there?) Back to school shopping (Mom I'm too old to have you go shopping with me. I want to take my paycheck and head out to the mall with mipsi. bipsi, bopsi or whatever their names are.) color me disappointed. I know one day she'll come back to me. I just don't want to be old and grey when she does.
Gee talk about a downer. How about we get on with some GOOD news???
I am still waiting to hear the verdict on Betraying Chase but I'm very hopefull. Please send me some good juju everyone! I did submit my fantasy Dragon's Angel and IT SOLD!! WAHOOO. I loved being in my own little world--yeah, yeah get it over with "But you've ALWAYS lived in your own little world". Thank you--But DA means alot to me in several ways. I had never written a fantasy romance. To make up new creatures, new worlds, new languages, I have been blessed with the chance to feel a little of what Tolkein must have felt when he wrote his hobbits. I spread my wings and took a leap and it was amazing to learn that I could write fantasy and it was GOOD. I can't wait for you to read it.
Here is my release schedule (dates ARE subject to change) Gateway Guardians: Callye's Justice--October 2007 Elemental Desires: Tides of Maryna's Love--July 2008 Dragon's Angel--October 2008
I only have three slated upcoming releases but if Betraying Chase is picked up (keep that good juju coming!) I'm sure the release will also be in 2008.
3 possibly 4 releases *thud* I can't beleive it. I have dreamed of having to work like a fiend, to be getting my books out there, and now I'm on the road to that dream! YAY!!!
Yes, it's all out of my system now...wait, here's another one YAHOOO!!! okay, think I'm good.
I'll be posting videos of my releases listed above before long.
I thought I would share with you a little endeavor I'm starting. A lot of my author friends have come to me for banner ads, and I thought I would share the wealth! But I should get something out of the deal too... :P So here's some more info on my open offer to any and all authors who want a cheap, professional-looking static banner (one that does NOT rotate) for promo. You can have one for yourself, your website, or your books. I have examples of the banners I've made for myself as well as others up on my website.
Yes. That's me. Wild and crazy. Why you may ask? Even if you didn't here is my answer.
In the last two weeks count that up, 14 days, okay minus weekends is 10. Minus Fridays, is 9. SO 9 days...I've completed and submitted my manuscript for my second Gateway Guardians series, Betraying Chase, to my editor.
I've sold The Tides of Maryna's Love, one of my Elemental Desires series books, to Champagne Books. I've completed all the required forms for Maryna including marketing form, cover art suggestions, blurb and tag line.
I completed the novel Dragon's Angel, polished, write the long synopsis, wrote the short synopsis, wrote the blurb and sent it all to the editor at Champagne Books.
Now all I've got left to do is taglines for Chase and Dragon's Angel. What? Did you ask what a tag line was? You did? Cool. A tag line is the one line that hooks you into the book. Its found on the back cover of the book and on the websites.
Take for example my tagline for Maryna: One Water Witch, one Marine Biologist—will it be a cruise on the Love Boat or the Titanic?
Or the tag for Callye's Justice: They shattered his world by kidnapping his fiancée—paybacks are a bitch.
Now to come up with tag lines for Dragon's Angel and Chase. Any suggestions? to learn about these books go to my website and check out the videos. Or you can visit my YouTube channel
Any suggestions for possible tag lines would be appreciated. Drop them into the comment section here. I'll be checking for them. Hope to hear from you soon!
First: The second book in my Gateway Guardians series is finished and sitting in my editor's in box.
Second: The second round of edits for Callye's Justice will be coming before long. I'm ready to get them done and out of the way so that I can get a release date approximation.
Third: Dragon's Angel, the fantasy romance I've been working on is almost finished. I've got a few loose ends to tie up, then it will be time for the clean up process and finally submitting somewhere.
Oh yeah! Remember the series about the Elemental witches I was so excited about. well if you will remember, I pulled them before they were previously published due to creative differences with the publisher. WELL I SOLD MARYNA!!!!! HEHEHE I've got high hopes that they will love the other three sisters and contract them as well! If things keep on schedule The Tides Of Maryna's Love will be released in July of 2008!!!! I'm so excited! Champagne Books, the publisher who picked it up, has a firm reputation and known for their quality books. IF I generate enough sales there is a chance I could go to PRINT!!! This would mean you could go into Barnes and Noble, Borders Books or any other fine book seller and order the book in paperback! There is no guarantee but it is a possibility!
Phyllis and Ciara are at the national conference. (No I'm not a bit jealous) Maybe when they get back they'll have some interesting news to pass along.
Well it's the weekend and getting close to time for me to wrap up my computer time. I'll see you all again soon.
Okay, I have to admit that my space is growing on me. Big time. I was a skeptic, but now. . . it's getting almost addictive which isn't great for the writing time. Oh well. One of the fun things is the bulletin board where your friends can post fun messages. Some are games intended to help you get to know folks better. Anyway, a friend posted - One question. Anyone reading the message could ask one question and receive one honest answer. "1 question. 1 chance. 1 honest answer. That's all you get." The trick was then to post to the bulletin this same challenge, which I did. Here are some of the questions that were asked of me:
Linda Mooney, author of AEQUANA asked: What is the one thing in your life you would change if you had the power to go back and change it? And here's my answer:
Ugh. That's a very difficult one. Funny, but it's almost the same question we're asking/answering on our newsletter. Except that question has a patriotic twist. So - I would try to change the way in which society accepted new technology, so that there was greater awareness at the onset of the consequences for our luxuries. Sure, I could try and stop a war, but that would probably only prolong the inevitable and war would happen anyway. I think something like this would be a more widespread fix.
Erin Moore, author of The Game, All I Ever Wanted and Flame asked: Hey lady, I've got a pretty simple question for ya, although it's something I've been wondering. Where did you come up with Ciara Gold as a name? I love it, and it's perfect for the type of books you write. And here's my answer:
That's a fun question. I wanted something that was a family name and Gold is my great, great grandmother's name. Then gold made me think of the sierras under a blazing sun, and my daughter had a friend whose name was Ciara, so voila! Ciara Gold. I thought too, that it would be a name easily remembered.
Little Sunshine asked: Do you remember you first kiss? And here's my answer:
Too funny. Yes. Now I suppose you want the details. LOL. But hey, I'm only supposed to give you one answer. Silly me, okay, the details. I was a late bloomer. I got sent to church camp for a week and didn't know a soul, but this one guy, Greg R. (the son of a preacher - I kid you not) took a liking to me. He had the most gorgeous red hair and lots of freckles and he was sooo sweet. We'd go on long walks and he started holding my hand. The next night, when he walked me back to my cabin, he asked if he could kiss me. Oh yeah, I felt it clear to my toes. I was 14. He kissed me a lot that week and that's as far as it went, but to me, it was incredible.
Hi everyone! I wanted to jump in and say hello to all of you. I'm very excited to be a new author with The Wild Rose Press. I've heard so many wonderful things about this company, and I know I'll be very happy here. TWRP has contracted my Victorian-Set, Her Knight Of Seduction. Here's the blurb...
Lady Megan will do anything not to marry the drunken lord her grandmother selected for her. Edmund Knight will reclaim his goldmine – using any means, including seducing his enemy’s daughter.
Forced to play the strumpet-- Lady Megan never expected her own mother to encourage her to play the part of harlot, but it’s preferable than marrying the drunken lord her grandmother has selected for her husband. When she mistakenly enters into a compromising position with a man other than the duke her parents wanted her to seduce, will her body be the worst traitor of all?
Known scoundrel-- Edmund Knight lost everything at the hands of Lord Saxton. Edmund will use every weapon at his disposal, including the nobleman’s daughter, Lady Megan, to reclaim that which is rightfully his. But, he never expected to want the lady more than his gold.
For more information about my books, please visit my website - www.phyllismariecampbell.com
Whoo hoo! I'm at camp. It's beautiful here, more wild flowers than I've seen in a long time. Five hours in the car and I already have a lot of new ideas. Of course, getting them to paper will be a trick. I'm on the camp puter, a real dionosaur. The right shift key won't work, so I keep having to retype stuff. Oh well, that is a small price to pay for rejuvinating the muse. I am soooo looking forward to this week.
Off to try a different computer. Not all the keys work on this one. hmmm. Camp life.
Geez, can you beleive its already June? (okay in two days) but still! Summer is here, kids are out of school for summer break and vacations are right around the corner. I've been trying to get some writing done in between trips to the country to get my "summer" place in order. In three weeks from yesterday I leave for a week. I'm dragging my best friend, and her two boys (12 and 11) with. A friend of ours from highschool is going to drive down for the weekend. I'm so excited I can't wait.
This vacation is also a little sad for me though. My daughter (will be sweet sixteen in February) opted to not go with us this year. She's decided to stay and work. I'm sad to see the end of an era come. The time when my little girl wanted to be with mommy every second of the day. The time when she promised me "never to grow up and go away" is long past. Now I'm the old woman taxi driver.
I guess life is just hitting hard. My son turned 19, too old for me to hold and cuddle any more. He's moving on with his liofe, searching for his own way in the world, leaving me and our home behind. Now my daughter is on her way toward making her own life as well. Call me melancholy baby I guess.
I've been trying to dive into my writing as an escape but it hasn't been easy. my concentration, my focus is all gone. The voices in my head scream one story today and a different on tomorrow. I have gotten to the point I can't just sit down and finish one book. Maybe it will help me get more books written? Hopping from book to book. Will it work for me or will they all read choppy? Time will only tell.
I have made a video for a book I'm working on now. The videos seem to help me get a little more into focus, well most of the time. Anyway, here it is. ENJOY!!!
Well must be off to try and get some more work done. To keep pace with all my news, you can always join the Maven's newsletter loop, my personal newsletter loop, visit my blog or my website. The links to all these places are listed at the sides of this blog.
I received my second review for my Colonial, PRETEND I'M YOURS, and I thought I'd share it on my blog. Romance Junkies gave my story 4.5 Blue Ribbons.
Mercedes Maxwell is a charming woman who has led a quiet life since the passing of her husband and father. Until one night she gets a call from the insane asylum that her twin sister has been admitted. She vows to take revenge on her sister’s husband. She sets sail for America and intends to extract as much coin as she can from William to pay for her sister’s care. What she did not plan on was the intense ardor that William elicits from her and the horrible guilt that is eating at her heart for a secret that she harbors. Will Mercedes be able to deny the passion and love that is blossoming in her chest for William? Or will her need for revenge cause her to walk away with a broken heart?
William Braxton is a successful business owner who uses his wealth secretly to help fund the Sons of Liberty. He feels very passionately for the group that has vowed to rid Philadelphia of the British tyranny. However, his biggest threat to his family is the cruel woman he has married. He thought his wish had come true when his wife disappeared, only to have her reappear as a different woman. Although he still does not trust her, he finds it more difficult to keep his heart closed to the woman she has changed into. Will William fall head over heels for his wife, only to learn that she is not the person he thought she had become? Or will he discover the truth about her betrayal before it is too late for him and his children?
Within the pages of PRETEND I’M YOURS, you will be pulled into a world of betrayal, treachery, mystery and a love triangle that will have you turning the pages swiftly to learn how it will all play out. Ms. Campbell writes a rich historical with delightful characters woven into a fascinating plot. Just when you think you have the perpetrator figured out, Ms. Campbell throws another twist into the plot.
Mercedes and William are remarkable characters that you cannot help but cheer for throughout this mysterious tale. Mercedes is a delightful woman who is torn between family and a man she has fallen in love with. She is strong, sassy and cares very deeply for people. William is a sexy hero who loves his children very much and believes whole-heartedly in his cause. The romance that shines through Mercedes and William is breath-taking and will leave your heart fluttering from the intensity of it.
PRETEND I’M YOURS is another award-winning tale penned by a talented author. I look forward to reading more of Phyllis Campbell’s marvelous tales.
Hey all. Some great news! My historical western, that is due to be released May 30th in print, is now at Fictionwise!! YIPPEEEEEEE!! http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook46146.htm?cached
Can a woman battle through secrets to win the love of the man who just might take away her home?
Dr. Cecilia Ashby is forced to disguise herself as a man in order to practice medicine in a small southern town after the Civil War. When she stumbles across an injured gambler in an alley one night, will her ruse get the better of them both? Especially when she finds herself attracted to him.
Gambler, James Lawrence has played his last hand and finally has enough cash to buy back his family plantation the carpetbaggers had taken from him…until he’s blindsided, robbed and left for dead. After an interesting stay with the town doctor, he finds his stolen earnings in the hands of the young thief and his sister, Cecilia Ashby, who now reside in his plantation.
James and Cecilia both want the plantation, but do they want a long lasting love even more? Battling deceit, betrayal, and disguises, the two must confront their biggest challenge yet – themselves.
Also...my very first review for this story has come through. THANK YOU COFFEE TIME ROMANCE!!
5-Cups!!! Queen of Hearts is a mesmerizing read and captivated me as soon as Cecilia entered the picture. I absolutely loved the theme of this book. The story had me on the edge of my seat until all the loose ends were tied up. Phyllis Campbell encapsulates the sensations of her characters, and the soothing chemistry she creates between James and Cecilia, is like slow moving lava, it really simmers. James certainly showed that chivalry is not dead and exhibits a true gentleman in all areas. This extraordinary book reads like a vintage wine, excellent. ~~Cherokee / Coffee Time Romance
I got tagged by Mary Martinez. She writes romantic suspense. So now, I have to think of 8 things to say about myself and then tag 8 more folks. Dang, do I know 8 more folks? Big cheesy grin.
1. I don't smoke. 2. I play girl scout chords on the guitar. 3. I sing alto or second soprano or at least I did in high school. (Now the frogs probably won't even sing with me.) 4. I make a killer mousse (as in chocolate.) 5. I'm an artist and my favorite medium is watercolor. 6. I didn't shave my legs last night, but you probably didn't want to know that. 7. I'm the proud mother of two teenagers. 8. I'm married to the love of my life.
Well, hmmm, that wasn't quite as painful as I thought. Oh, and I'll be a guest on the Coffeetime Forums in June with a lot of other great authors. So sue me. I just gave you 9 things about me. Oh wait, here's ten. I stay up really late to write.
So, let's see. Who should I tag? Hopefully these authors all blog.
Have you read dedications in novels and thought "gee, that would be so kewl to see my name there"? or read a character and know their name and some of their personality traits were based on you?
Well now is your chance!
My current work in process is my very first fantasy and I'm stumped. I need to create some fictional creatures but the ones I have so far are based on myths. You know, vampires, werewolves, that sort of thing. I need some creatures that can be villians but the criteria are: there must be a specific way to kill them (i.e. stake through vampire heart, silver bullet werewolf etc.) They need to have some nasty personal habits, (blood suckers, tazor sharp clawa they love to slash victims with). I have looked up mythological creatures and have found a few, but none that completely work for me. So I want you to come up with an obscure legend, a myth, or even pull something out of the air! And if you can't name it, as long as I have a character I can find a name. The best entry will see their name in the dedication AND I will name a character (good or evil if you prefer) in my book after you. I want all entries sent to donica_covey@sbcglobal.net In the entry put your name, email addy, your creatures description and the name of the creature. In my novel creatures that have already been used are: Dragons, Unicorns, Windigos, men eating plants, flesh eating rats, mannanggallas, so anything else is pretty much fair game!
I hope there will be a ton of entries! Thanks y'all! Donica
I'm so very excited to tell you I'M GOING TO DALLAS TEXAS in July!!! Now, so you all know, I'm a woman who never goes anywhere. It's not because I don't want to, but because I am dirt poor. I've been married for almost 22 years, and the first ever trip my husband and I took out of state was last year when we went to South Carolina. It was so much fun. Anyway, thanks to my friend in Texas whose husband doesn't use his earned free flyer miles, I have my flight taken care of. WOO-HOO! Of course, I'm still scraping the bottom of the barrel to save for my hotel room. I'll be rooming with another lady in my RWA Chapter, but it's still going to cost me $500 just for the room (for 5 nights).
Here's my question. Since I'm dirt poor (and yes, very cheap) what can I buy to help with my meals? The luncheons are paid for by the conference, but I still have to eat breakfast and dinner. My roomie and I will be getting a small fridge to go in our room, which will help, but I'm trying to think of what cheap items we could buy for our meals (my roomie is cheap, too). Any suggestions?
I am digging through my many unpublished manuscripts to see whichs ones I can tweak and polish to get them ready for publication. I want to pitch to a Harlequin editor, but at the same time, I REALLY want to get with an Avon editor, too.
Decisions...decisions...
Also, I get an agent appointment, but that's not as hard as picking the editor. Now...I just have to decide which story to pitch to whom.
I know the conference isn't until July, but these thoughts have been plauging me lately. Plus the fact that I'll be traveling on an airplane BY MYSELF!!! Like I mentioned before, I usually don't go anywhere. LOL
Whoo Hoo! The Mavens rock. Three of us have work published by Champagne Books. Phyllis Campbell, Becka Goings and I were all nominated for numerous awards. It's a huge honor just to be nominated so that was exciting in itself. Here's the line-up for nominations:
Novel Of The Year
Celestial Dragon
Dawn of Love
Braless in the Buick
Holding Out For A Hero
Author Of The Year
Phyllis Campbell
Rebecca Goings
Jenna Leigh
Lori Derby Bingley
Bestselling Novel of the Year
Mine For Keeps
Celestial Dragon
Braless in the Buick
The B*E*A*S*T* Within
Bestselling Author of the Year
Ciara Gold
Rebecca Goings
Jenna Leigh
Sara Fitzgerald
I won in two of the three that I was nominated for. I was bestselling author of the year and Celestial Dragon was the bestselling novel of the year. Becka won Author of the year! So - here's a round of applause to all those that were nominated and those that won. Champagne all around!
The golden Rose award winners were announced today. If you will remember each Maven was nominated for Golden Rose Awards. Today we learned that Rebecca received Honorable Mention for her book The B*E*A*S*T Within and I received Honorable Mention for her Inspirational novella Do Overs. Pardon me while I congratulate both of us! Next year we'll all get the gold!
So far, you can buy your copy through Coffeetime Romance Bookstore or MobiPocket. Fictionwise should have it loaded to the their site sometime this week. Way cool!
To help celebrate, I've got a contest running on the Champagne Toast Loop. Just come chat and from April 1 - April 14, I'll draw a number from all of the posts and the winner will receive a free download of ANS. And - you don't even have to talk to me. Just chat with whomever happens to be around. Here's how to join if you aren't already a member; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/achampagnetoast/join
And mark your calendar for April 10. The coffeetime chatroom will host a birthday party for Champagne Books at 9:00 EST (I think that's the right time).
Blurb:
Can a stranger from a distant planet breach Yalfar’s strict laws to save a nation from doom and rescue one lone woman from the errors of her way?
Fen Tared Charst has betrayed his brother, and his people. To right the wrongs he’s done, he suffers the horrors of the zeel pits only to find himself a captive of the Temi tribe. In Yalfar, he discovers that leading the Temi princess and her warriors from their dying world is the key to his redemption. But losing his heart to Princess Joyella will be the key to saving his soul.
Princess Joyella Denue has broken a sacred law and for that, she is exiled from Yalfar. To regain her honor, she agrees to lead a convoy topside to escape the collapsing city, but she can’t make the journey alone. She needs Tared, but can she overlook her convictions to accept a man not of her tribe?
http://www.ciaragold.com/ Available now, A Noble Sacrifice Available now in print, Best selling Celestial Dragon Available now, CAPA nominated Sarah's Brass Token
I couldn't be more happy with this cover. A Noble Sacrifice is a sequel to Celestial Dragon and releases very, very soon. Though at present, I don't have exact date, I'm hoping it will go live on the Champagne site this coming week. Everything is done, edits, cover, everything.
Blurb: Can a stranger from a distant planet breach Yalfar’s strict laws to save a nation from doom and rescue one lone woman from the errors of her way?
Fen Tared Charst has betrayed his brother, and his people. To right the wrongs he’s done, he suffers the horrors of the zeel pits only to find himself a captive of the Temi tribe. In Yalfar, he discovers that leading the Temi princess and her warriors from their dying world is the key to his redemption. But losing his heart to Princess Joyella will be the key to saving his soul.
Princess Joyella Denue has broken a sacred law and for that, she is exiled from Yalfar. To regain her honor, she agrees to lead a convoy topside to escape the collapsing city, but she can’t make the journey alone. She needs Tared, but can she overlook her convictions to accept a man not of her tribe?
Have you signed up for your newsletter yet? Each month the Mavens send out a newsletter to update our readers on all of the latest news. What happened the month past and what to look forward to in the upcoming month.
This next month promises to be very busy for me. I've got my first round of edits for Callye's Justice that will roll in early April. I'll work on those diligently and send htem back with the expectation of receiving another round and possibly a third. Rebecka has reased me on the three rounds because one of her books went through eight (or was it nine?) rounds of edits. I hope I don't have that many!
I learned that Callye's Justice isn't up to the word count limit for the print program at Samhain. I was very disappointed but there is still a chance for me to make it. As soon as I get the edits in I'll be able to better gauge where I can make additions and what needs to be cut. Please keep your fingers crossed that I make it!
Betraying Chase was causing me fits of lexiconstipation but a good dose of muselax hit me last week and I added almost 20K to the manuscript! YAY ME! LOL I'm just hoping that I can continue the flow.
I also sent in the proposal for my Elemental Desires series and the complete manuscript of The Tides of Maryna's Love to my new editor. I'm not sure when she'll have time to get to it, but I know it's on her list. As soon as I know I'll be announcing it. If its a yes you'll hear my happy shouting echoing off every mountain and in each valley. If its a no the cries will be heard in space!
It may seem like a long while since anyone has posted on this blog but be assured we're all still alive and kicking! Each Maven has been busy writing their next great masterpiece, promoting all their currently available works and enjoying contest nomination announcements.
There have been no results entered at this time for the EcataRomance Reader's Choice awards. And in Predators and editors poll the standings were not as wonderful as we'd imagined, but being nominated is always an honor!
The standings for the Predators/Editors Poll was:
Romance Category: Celestial Dragon by Ciara Gold made it to Number 17 The B*E*A*S*T Within reached number 24
Short Story Romance: Dear Micah was 21
So yes the Mavens were a little depressed with those ratings but to be fair, there is a MASSIVELY large writing community out there and the romance genre is one of the biggest so to place as well as they did is an AWESOME achievement. Make sure to give them a hand for their work, okay?
There is another annual Readers Choice Award, from Love Romances and More, called The Golden Rose. Authors who win this award are again nominated and voted on for their particular books. This year Rebecca was nominated for her FABULOUS book THE B*E*A*S*T WITHIN in the best paranormal romance category, and Donica was nominated in the inspirational category for her novella DO OVERS. To vote for these ladies please go to http://www.loveromancesandmore.com/goldenrosevoting.htm and for those not familiar with the voting procedure please see the next paragraph.
Click on the link provided and you will see an opening page that has two buttons in the middle. One is cast your vote and one is a Bravenet vote caster. (This is for people with bravenet accounts.) Select the cast your vote button and scroll through the list. The Inspirational Category is near the bottom of the page. Every vote counts and you may only vote once but maybe you’ll fond a couple of other favorites on there. The B*E*A*S*T Within is in the third category down, BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE. Then towards the bottom of the page is the INSPIRATIONAL category where DO OVERS is listed.
Hopefully the Mavens won’t be gone so long at a time! See you soon!
First, I just checked the Preditors and Editors Poll results and I'm really excited to see that Celestial Dragon tied for 13th place. Wow. I'm still smiling.
I spent hours yesterday trying to create mailing labels and postcards to announce my first solo booksigning. I can't wait to hold my first print book. Celestial Dragon went on sell Friday for the print version. But - I think I already blogged about that. Anywho - getting things ready for my first big event is making me crazy. In a good way, of course.
I also spent hours getting my tax information ready for the tax guy. I took him three years worth of writing expenses. He'd originally told me it was best to save my expenses for when I had income to claim against those expenses. Today, he told me we could apply all of 2006 expenses, but that it would be better to spread the other expenses out over the next few years. Sounded good to me, so yeah, have at it, Mr. Tax Guy. All of that is beyond my comprehension anyway.
The rest of my weekend was spent staring at html code. Ick. I don't know how the webguys do it all day. I'm webmistress for my RWA chapter and while I can handle simple stuff, some of it is beyond me. Needless to say, I'm learning a lot in the process of having to maintain our website. Mike from ktf-designs built the site and he's been very patient with me as I delve into new areas of web design.
But with all of that and spending three hours with the family on Saturday, I still wrote a full chapter on a new project. Whoop! It's all good.
Hey everyone! Its time for the annual Golden Rose awards. We've got a great shot at winning this year but we need your help! Please take a few minutes to head over to http://goldenrose.loveromancesandmore.com/ you'll find the rules and the voting/nomination ballots. Simply fill in the title of the book and the authors name in the correct category.
There a lot to choose from!
Here is the list:
Best historical: Holding out for a Hero by Phyllis Campbell Sarah's Brass Token by Ciara Gold In Your Arms by Rebecca Goings Best Contemporary 10 Ways to Melt a Man's Heart Best Paranormal The B*E*A*S*T Within by Rebecca Goings Best Romantic Suspense The B*E*A*S*T Within by Rebecca Goings Best Novella Do Overs by Donica Covey Dear Micah by Donica Covey Best Inspirational Do Overs by Donica Covey Dear Micah by Donica Covey Best Scifi/time travel/fantasy Celestial Dragon by Ciara Gold Best Cover Art The B*E*A*S*T Within
If you choose to vote please make sure to include not only the title but also the authors name or else the vote will be invalid.We thank you all for your constant support and we'll be back with more news later!
We went dancing last night at the local country western dance hall. We try to go at least once a month. Last night was a hoot. We saw all sorts of dancing. So - I thought I'd comment on the art of two-stepping.
Okay, first of all for those of you that don't dance country, with the two-step, you step twice slow, then twice fast, so - 1, 2 slow, 1, 2, fast. A really good two-stepper doesn't lift his feet, but slides. So perhaps, slide, slide slow, slide, slide fast. That's much better than the bunny hopper. Oh yeah, the hopper is hard to follow. Hop, hop, slow, hop hop fast. i had to dance with a hopper once and yep, only once. Hee hee. My husband is a great slider.
Now then, there's the hitcher. This is a very uncomfortable move for me because I'm a slider, but heck, I've seen some great hitchers. So what's a hitcher. So glad you asked. A hitcher moves like this: 1, 2, slow, hitch. He hitches his hip up and holds his toe to the ground for the count of the fast 1, 2. It's kind fun to watch them hitch that hip.
Last night we saw it all; hitchers, sliders, two-steppers (thems that don't slide) and hoppers. We also so an unusual combination that made us both smile a lot. An older couple, older meaning about 20 years older than us, danced almost every dance. They were having a grand time, but he was dancing and trying to lead with a two-step, while she waltzed most of the night and dang if they didn't manage make it all the way around the floor without tripping. I love to see older folks having fun and dancing. I picture myself in their shoes when I'm their age.
That's my goal, to keep dancing even when I'm 100.
If you haven’t you don’t know what you are missing! This month, the month of romance and love, the newsletter is filled with all things romance. There’s even a romance contest! If you haven’t joined up yet, get yourself on over to the sign up and join today. Then you too can enter the contest!
For me this month shows to be extremely busy. I’ve got a self-imposed deadline for Betraying Chase. At the beginning of the month there was a birthday party for my daughter, then there is a short stay with my best friend, Valentine’s Day, a trip to Arkansas, my birthday, girl’s night out with best friend and dear friend from high school. Girl’s day out with my mom, aunts, cousins and Nanny.
All this while trying to get 187 pages written to complete Chase and Brandy’s story. Then there is the next book on my schedule to work on. If only I could keep one voice channeled and get that book done!
I have always followed a specific pattern in my writing. I write from beginning to end, following as the voices dictate. Today I strayed from my normal path. I began writing a clip of a scene that I know has to go into the book, but the timing in the manuscript isn’t ready for it yet. Clear as mud? LOL So I’m trying to get over my personal issues with writing out of sequence while keeping the flow going. It may not sound like it but it really is a big deal for me.
I’m very curious here. If you were to write a romance novel, what kind would it be? Would it be a paranormal filled with shifters, ghosts, witches and the supernatural? Would it be an inspirational? Science fiction? Comedy? Historical? Intrigue/thriller? Plain contemporary? Inquiring minds want to know. Is your choice of genre for writing the same as what you read? Please leave a comment and share which genre you would write.
I look forward to reading your comments! Huggles, Donica
Totally non-writing related, but I took students to art competition and wow, what a day. Overall, there were 708 entries, but probably only 560 or so showed up. That's a lot of artwork. I work the war room as it's fondly called. That's where we man the computers and plug in scores. For that many pieces of art, things went fairly smoothly.
As for my students, they did very well. Lots of medals and eight out of my 42 are advancing to state. Whoo Hoo! That's something to crow about.
Coffeetime Romance just gave Sarah's Brass Token 5 coffee cups. Whoo Hoo! Can we say caffiene high? I'm so excited. The reviews have been coming in very slowly. This is only the second review and it's been out since December, but I guess good things come to those that wait. Ha ha.
Anyway, here's a snippet of the review from Matilda:
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It just blew me away. Such heartache turned into such promise. The three-dimensional secondary characters tell more than just the story of Sarah and Tabor. I can only hope for a chance to see some of them in their own story. The Brass Token in this story means one thing, but becomes a symbol of something else. You must read this story. It will touch you to the core. Kudos Ms. Gold on a riveting good book! You can find the rest of the review at
Each year there are awards given by EcataRomance network for BEST books in certain categories.
This year the Mavens have been nominated! Here are the nominations:
Favorite Author of the Year: Rebecca, Phyllis, and Donica BEST of 2006: BEST suspense/Thriller: The B*E*A*S*T Within by Rebecca Goings BEST Cover Art: The B*E*A*S*T Within BEST Romance ebook: The B*E*A*S*T Within by Rebecca Goings Do Overs by Donica Covey BEST Contemporary Romance: 10 Ways to Melt a Man’s Heart by Phyllis Campbell BEST Romance Historical: Holding Out for a Hero by Phyllis Campbell Sarah’s Brass Token by Ciara Gold BEST Romance Inspirational: Do Overs by Donica Covey Dear Micah by Donica Covey In Your Arms by Rebecca Goings BEST Science Fiction Romance: Celestial Dragon by Ciara Gold BEST Romance Suspense: The B*E*A*S*T Within Rebecca goings BEST Anthology: Stocking Stuffers containing Dear Micah by Donica Covey
Then there are the annual Predators/editors awards. The nominations are: Best Book of the Year Novel: Ten Ways to Melt a Man’s Heart by Phyllis Campbell The B*E*A*S*T Within by Rebecca Goings Romance Short Story: Do Overs by Donica Covey Dear Micah by Donica Covey Science Fiction romance: Celestial Dragon by Ciara Gold
You may or may not have seen these around the 'Net, but I realized, it's been far too long since I've posted on the Mavens blog!! So here they are in all their glory. :D
And this beautiful cover done by my good friend Dawn Seewer of Dagian Designs for THE WOLVERINE AND THE ROSE, releasing February 13th from www.samhainpublishing.com
Yes, I have TWO books releasing next month. Be on the look out for them. I'm going to have so much "fun" promoting these books. :P I have an author day on my WatR release day of February 13th on Ciar Cullen's author loop, so come on down and join the party. All sorts of awesome excerpts, questions, answers, and goodies to be had. I'm giving away prizes all day long! You don't want to miss it! :D
Promotion is a necessary evil. I'd be much happier if I could just write, then have the magic word fairy spread the news that my book was out. She'd flitter to every ear and whisper how great my story is, a must read. And every reader would rush out and purchase their "keeper" copy.
Alas, that's not how it works in the real world. Ugh. So - every writer stresses over what works and what doesn't. At this point my philosophy is to promote my name and not just my work. I want folks to recognize my name right off and say, oh yeah, isn't that the writer who writes . . . .
I don't care if I make millions. I'm not in this business to make money, though I wouldn't mind making enough to pay off the credit cards. Ha ha. No, I write because the muse won't leave me alone. She constantly sits on my shoulder, whispering new plots even before I can finish old projects. Silly muse. But, as much as a writer has the "write gene", they also have the "share gene." They feel compelled to share their work and to that end they crave success. I love it when a reader tells me that I have moved them with my work. Comments of this nature give my work validation. My writing holds meaning for others as well as myself.
My goal for 2007? To write from the heart for each new endeavor.
I’ve got a goal and plan set for 2007. No resolutions per se more like long-term goals. These include being more organized, using my time more wisely, being more prolific in my writing, focusing on one book at a time as opposed to being side tracked by every little thought bubble that pops in my brain.
To that end I’ve got a really great Harley Davidson calendar (my SIL gave me for Christmas) nicely marked. Mondays and Wednesdays are my personal blog days. My website will be updated immediately following my newsletter release. I will write 1250 words per day, 6250 words per week 12500 words per month. Using this calculation I should have a book title completed every other month. These books will be critic and polished and sent out in timely manner.
Out of the 20+ book ideas I have in the works I chose five, that’s right ONLY five to focus on and have completed by the end of the year. Here is the list with the self-imposed deadlines:
Betraying Chase (book 2 in Gateway Guardians series) February 22nd. Love Put the Bite On Me April 24th. Ember’s Flame (book 3 in Elemental Desires Series) June 25th Hunting Mickey (book 3 in Gateway Guardians series) August 24th Finding Tara’s Heart (book 4 of Elemental Desires series) October 31st
Will I be able to achieve my goals? I truly hope so. I haven’t set unrealistic goals at all. And if I succeed in completing all 5 books I’ll have written (pulls off socks and shoes. grabs calculator, Chinese bead board and graphing calculator) an estimated total word count of 285000 words! (Any mathematicians out there who want to check my calculations? My math skills are less than perfect! LOL) WOW! Looking at that has me a little freaked out but I know how it will all break down so I’m not worried. Basically if I can write 5 little pages a day, every workday then I’ll reach my goal.
Now that I have the plan, I need to set it in motion. I’ll come and post my progress every once in a while!
I just got some disappointing news yesterday. My newest publisher, Vintage Publishing, has just informed their authors that they will no longer sell refundable books. Which means...my western historical, QUEEN OF HEARTS, will probably not be in bookstores.
This news is such a blow, mainly because I went through this with one of my other publishers. I know 'print on demand' books do not sell very well. I absolutely LOVE my story, and my hero is one sexy charmer. But I'm having mixed emotions right now. I've been wondering if I've done the right thing.
There are things going on with one of my other companies that I'm not happy over, although I won't get into it. But on a good note; in the next two months, I will get my rights back for TWO of my historicals. Their contracts are up. MY HEART BELONGS TO YOU, and MY KNIGHT, MY ROGUE, will be mine once again. So what should I do? I'm seriously thinking of polishing them really good and querying a couple of the big houses - or an agent.
It's about time Phyllis Campbell rubbed elbows with the NY publishers, don't you think? Which leads me to my new year's goal... GET MY FOOT IN THE DOOR WITH A NY COMPANY!
Wow, I'm so excited. Sarah's Brass Token was nominated for a Psyche award. She was published December 2006, so she didn't fit the nomination criteria for a Cupid award. What a great Christmas gift. And I'm in great company. Becka was nominated as a favorite author and the Anthology, Stupid Cupid of which Phyllis has a story, was nominated for best anthology. Congrats ladies.
We actually celebrated today with Church this morning, then gift exchange and lunch. I'm typing all of this on a new keyboard. The rain messed up my husband's grilling efforts, but not much. The turkey was perfect. We slipped it into the oven before church to make sure it was done and when we returned, that bird was falling off the bone.
Wishing all the Magic Mavens and our readers a very Merry Christmas.
Just in time for Christmas I received one of the greatest gifts EVER!!! As most Mavens readers know back in October I sent a manuscript into Samhain Publishing and have been chewing my nails to the nub waiting.
No more waiting. I received an email from Jewell Mason, a lovely editor at Samhain. She said thanx but no thanx....
PSYCH!!! LOL I'd not be shouting, dancing and acting the fool if I hadn't received a CONTRACT for Callye's Justice! WAHOOO!!!!! This is planned to be book one in a series called Gateway Guardians. This series is about a team of DEA agents based at the St. Louis field office and their fight to stop a major drug importer. It shows the lengths the drug lord will go to in order to bring down the agents.
Here is the unofficial blurb for Callye's Justice:
Justice Bernard, DEA Special Agent, and his team have spent years investigating and putting kinks in the chain of drugs entering and leaving St. Louis. He’s seen a lot in his line of work but he’s blindsided when the love of his life is kidnapped on the very day he proposed.
Callye Ann Simone's head is spinning. One minute she's walking along the Landing with the love of her life. The next, she's opening her eyes in a large, dark room and tied up tighter than a Christmas goose. Maybe if she can convince them she means nothing to him she’ll buy Justice enough time to come up with a plan.
Justice awakens to find his fiancée gone, taken literally from his arms. Now, he must find her at any cost, because her kidnappers are the very men Justice has shaken down for drug trafficking--and they want revenge.
Can Justice save Callye from the men who want to destroy him?
Cool huh? I so loved writing this book! I mean honestly a man with a badge (or in a uniform or BOTH!) is so HOT!!! I also made a video "trailer" for the book. Hop on over to my website, www.donicacovey.com and check it out!
Anyway. While I'm on a roll I'm going to share the information on the next book in the series.
Betraying Chase:
Chase Willet is a DEA agent working from St. Louis office and he is in the process of destroying the drug business of a high dealing drug lord, Rivera. They’ve already put a large chunk in the import train, but it’s not enough. They’ve got to take out Rivera to stop the line.
Brandy Montgomery is a red head that swept Chase off his feet. She’s sexy, smart and has a secret. Brandy is a hired gun. Rivera hired her to take out Chase. She’s spending he time softening him up so that he won’t be prepared for the kill.
The problem with Brandy’s plan is that the more time she spends with Chase, the more she falls for him. How can she do her job if she’s in love with the man? When Chase finds out what she’s really up to he feels completely betrayed. Brandy offers to help Chase take down Rivera. Can Chase trust her?
The third (and probably last book in the series) is titled Hunting Mickey. Here is what is in store for Mickey and his wife Terese:
Mickey Flannery and wife Terese have been married for close to five years and they’re finally taking time to enjoy the honeymoon they never had. They are headed to an island paradise off one of the Hawaiian Islands. It is a private island owned by Rivera’s son and he is looking for revenge on Mickey for helping take out his father
While on the island Mickey discovers they are cut off from the outside world. He must use his wits to save Terese and him from the man who had them join his hunting party…as the prey.
Can Mickey keep Terese and himself alive and find a way to escape?
Whoo Hoo! I feel a cyber party coming on. Phyllis found this first review of Sarah's Brass Token for me and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Brenda Talley wrote:
"Ms. Ciara Gold has written a wonderfully uplifting story about two people who are made for each other but are skeptical about a future because of things that happened in the past. The more Tabor pushed, the further Sarah ran! She was skeptical of any kindness he showed to her. Sarah’s Brass Token is an incident which, though seemingly insignificant, becomes a thread which unifies the entire story. The initial offering of the token was an insult; the overall theme proves otherwise. Likewise, Ms. Gold uses the sub-characters in such a way that the story is greatly enhanced. I loved this story from the beginning; I enthusiastically recommend it! "
Check out Sarah's Brass Token, available now from Champagne Books!
Striving to make ends meet after her brother is hung for murder, Sarah Jones is determined to make it on her own. After losing everything to war, Tabor Nolan yearns for a family and a home. Can two lost souls discover love on a rural farm in Banjo, Texas?
I'm excited to announce my newest book cover....QUEEN OF HEARTS. My newest publisher, Vintage Publishing, will release this historical western May 2007. I can't wait!
Can a woman battle through secrets to win the love of the man who just might take away her home? Dr. Cecilia Ashby is forced to disguise herself as a man in order to practice medicine in a small southern town after the Civil War. When she stumbles across an injured gambler in an alley one night, will her ruse get the better of them both? Especially when she finds herself attracted to him.
Gambler, James Lawrence has played his last hand and finally has enough cash to buy back his family plantation the carpetbaggers had taken from him…until he’s blindsided, robbed and left for dead. After an interesting stay with the town doctor, he finds his stolen earnings in the hands of the young thief and his sister, Cecilia Ashby, who now reside in his plantation.
James and Cecilia both want the plantation, but do they want a long lasting love even more? Battling deceit, betrayal, disguises, the two must confront their biggest challenge yet – themselves.
December will see the release of not one, not two, not three but all FOUR Mavens!
Look for the rerelease of the Anthology Mistle Toe Magic (from Champagne Books) with novellas from both Becka and Marie! When life gets too complicated, you can always count on the enchantment of Christmas to lighten the heavy burden. Mistletoe Magic is three incredible stories of lost faith, snowy mountains and the quiet magic of the Christmas season. In 'Underneath The Mistletoe'by Rebecca Goings, Can Jeremy teach Faith about the magic of Christmas and get her to open her heart--to him? After burying herself in work to avoid the pain of loss, is Betsy heading for another Christmas filled with broken hearts? Find out in 'Blame It On The Mistletoe' by Liz Hunter. In the midst of a snowstorm, mistletoe is the magic needed to mend two broken hearts. See how in 'It Must Have Been the Mistletoe' by Phyllis Campbell.
From Donica Covey, comes Dear Micah: When her infant son was killed by a drunk driver in a terrible car wreck, Connie Rose Abernathy turned her back on God and her husband. She blames them both for Micah’s death and she’s held on to her grief and anger.
Dylan Abernathy is dealing with his own grief and guilt over the death of their son. If only he’d left on time, they wouldn’t have been on the road when the drunk was. Since the funeral she hasn’t seen or even spoken to him.
Dylan finds Connie at the church and whisks her away; forcing her to face the pain and anger she’s ached with for so long. Together with God’s grace can they overcome the anguish and get their lives back on track? Dear Micah, in the anthology Stocking Stuffers (from By Grace Publishing) will be released December 15!
And finally, but by no means least! Comes Ciara Gold's Sarah's Brass Token(from Champagne Books): Striving to make ends meet after her brother is hung for murder, SARAH JONES is determined to make it on her own. After losing everything to war, TABOR NOLAN yearns for family and a home. Can two lost souls discover love on a rural farm in Banjo, Texas?
These are all GREAT books so make sure you doin't miss out on the chance to get your copies!
Well the holidays are rapidly approaching and the year will soon come to an end. Have you all accomplished everything you’d wanted to in 2006? I feel as if I missed my mark by a little bit.
I’ve written two complete books in my witch series. (I’m still waiting for the release date of the debut book.) I’ve written and submitted book one in another series and I’m anxiously awaiting the yea or nay answer. I’ve had two novellas scheduled for release. Do Overs came out a month ahead of schedule, October 31st to be precise. Dear Micah, my second novella was slated for release in the anthology Christmas Grace but there has been a change in plans. Dear Micah will be released in an anthology titled Stocking Stuffers. Check out By Grace's website, http://www.bygracepublishing.com/ to see the GREAT cover for Stocking Stuffers! Anyway, I’m hoping that next year my release calendar will be filled and that I will have accomplished much more.
Christmas this year is coming to swiftly for me as well. I’m nowhere near prepared. This week I’m baking, decorating, and transporting the meal on Thursday to my in-laws. Then Friday is my side of the family feast so once more I’m baking, decorating and transporting foodstuffs.
I’m also going to take advantage of this time to relax. I’ve done a lot of writing over the past several months. My recent projects have been children’s books for my nephews. Writing and illustrating them has proven to be a BLAST! If I ever decide to quit my “day job” (writing romance) I may just have to write kid’s books for serious attempts at publication.
I’m going to pick up the books from my ever growing to be read pile and read, hopefully knocking down the pile by at least half. Then I’m going to do nothing but veg with my family in front of the tube. My favorite shows should soon be broadcasted. The animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas, all the Rankin Bass animation stories (Those not familiar with the names these are the shows like Frosty the Snowman, Santa Clause is coming to town, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, The night Before Christmas, etc.) Also time to pull out my FAVORITE Christmas CD, Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas by the Cryptkeeper. I’m a very NONtraditional person when it comes to Christmas. Can you tell? LOL
Well I’m curious, do any of you feel as if you’ve missed your 2006 goals by this >< much? Are you cooking tons of food? Are you traveling? Do you have favorite menus or just items for the holidays? How about programs, special music? Traditions?
Pick one or all and help us get to know you better! Curious minds want to know!
Thought I'd change gears a bit. I was thinking (yeah, it happens on occasion, LOL) about emotions and how a writer solicits emotions in their work. Sometimes it's very hard to guage reader response to something I'm working on because I've read the piece so many times, it ceases to engage my own emotions. I try to show what I think the character must be experiencing. But - dang, wouldn't it be nice to have a richter scale for testing the emotional level in one's writing.
While I was dwelling on this issue, I thought about my first kiss. I can still feel the same emotions that coursed through my body whenever I think of that one moment in time. I was fourteen and it was my first time at church camp. None of the same kids from my church had signed up for the particular session and for a shy girl like me, I thought I would have a miserable week with no friends.
But that wasn't the case. One of my cabin mates introduced me to Greg. Oh wow. I hadn't had any boyfriends until this moment, but Greg and I developed an instant friendship that grew very quickly into more.
It started innocently enough. He started holding my hand as we walked to the cafeteria. Warmth flowed from his fingertips onto my skin, seeping into the deep crevices of my untouched heart. He didn't care that I was awkward, that my skin wasn't clear or that my hair was a frizzy mess of curls. We talked, we laughed and we shared.
That night, he walked me to my cabin. With his hand on my shoulder, he asked if he could kiss me. I stammered. A kiss? I'd never been kissed? "I . . . yes." What else could I say? And then, he lowered his lips to mine. I kept my eyes open, afraid to move. Oh God, he was kissing me. My stomach quivered and goosebumps trailed along my back, but I was in heaven. I closed my eyes and savored the moment.
We shared more stolen kisses that week, an innocent expression of puppy love. I often wonder what became of my red-headed, freckle-faced first love.
Come join the magic mavens for a chat day at LoveRomanceCafe. We'll be jabbering today, tomorrow and Saturday about this, that and of course, our books. We'd love to have everyone join in the fun. Connect at LoveRomanceCafe:
Cassie Chapman has just met the perfect man in the mysterious Laith Moreland. But there's a catch: he's a ghost. Not only that, he claims Cassie is the reincarnation of his one true love who died hundreds of years ago! As she begins to have visions of her past life, Cassie is flung into Laith's world and realizes only she has the power to break his curse and make him mortal once again.
Lord Laith Moreland, the Third Duke of Crichton, is a ghost. He's been searching for his true love, his shelmir, for centuries. Finally he has found her, born again in Cassie Chapman. They cannot deny the strong bond that is mysteriously between them.
But Laith isn't the only one who's found Cassie, and now they must stay one step ahead of Laith's murderous twin brother, Jareth, who willingly cursed himself ages ago to find her reincarnated once again.
Can Cassie Chapman break the ghostly curse of her one true love before his murderous twin brother claims her as his own?
~*~
~~Becka
Thursday, November 02, 2006
I'm so excited. I just got the bookcover for my December release, Sarah's Brass Token. I love it and had to share. Champagne Books has one of THE best artists in my humble opinion.
And don't forget to enter my holiday contest for your chance at a free copy of Sarah's Brass Token. http://www.ciaragold.com
Hello everyone! I've added a new section to my website, my Free Reads! I've been writing some short stories and scenes over the years, thinking I'd eventually expand them into full novels. But I know with my busy schedule and books that demand to be written, I'll never write books for these stories. Therefore, instead of letting them collect dust on my hard drive, I've decided to share them all with you!
They shattered his world by kidnapping his fiancée—now, paybacks are a bitch.
