Saturday, June 30, 2007

A New Review

I got an email about the revamped FAR site and checked it out. To my surprise, I found a review for one of my Wild Rose Press short stories, "Relationships"

5 Angels!



The development flows well and Greg and Amy’s reactions to would-be
obstacles are refreshing, honest, and much more endearing for their
realism. Readers looking for the freshness and nerves of a new
relationship, paired with a mature couple who know what they want, won’t
go wrong with Relationships. ... Amanda S

That's my second 5 Angel review from FAR for my short stories. "Words" was the first.

Terry
Terry Odell

www.terryodell.com

Tune in to....Inside the Writer's Mind--Blog Studio

Come on over the my Blog Studio where I'm interviewing "live" one of our fabulous authors...Elaine Cantrell.

Learn more about her and her novel PURPLE HEART. I love interviewing fellow authors from The Wild Rose Press, because it gives me a chance to promote our publisher as well.

I do a live interview in my studio each Thursday, so if any of you are interested in being interviewed, just go to my website and click the "contact me" link. I don't have a lot of dates left this year, but I could squeeze in about five more.

Hop on over and leave a comment for Elaine on my blog.

Friday, June 22, 2007

PROMO- Ripples in the Water

1609. Three years after seven Catholic conspirators are executed alongside Guy Fawkes for their part in the infamous Gunpowder plot...

Celeste Darwent trudges the lonely, barren wilds of Hawkridge. Sold to the Captain of the Black Moth for a princely sum she escapes this fate unaware her life is forever destined to be a part of his no matter where she should run, or how far, for she no longer has memory of their past, or the son she's borne, but for whom her body no longer yearns...

until she reaches Teigne Hall, and is confronted with a man bearing a most remarkable resemblance to the Captain of the Black Moth.

Darby Manderville, Earl of Hawkridge, had thought to rescue an unfortunate beggar from certain death on the moor, but discovery of a long lost family heirloom sewn within the hem of her dress revises that opinion. Resentment, prejudice and contempt soon take the place of his compassion...

The daughter of a traitor, Celeste Darwent comes to Teigne Hall a haunted woman, yet, her presence ultimately shatters Darby's life as, unwittingly, she unlocks a secret best left alone. A secret whose affect, like Ripples in the Water, influence both their lives.Yet, she, too, carries a secret; one that, should it be discovered, would see her hung...

Lord Hawkridge will, in the end, need choose between his love for Celeste, and his duty to his king; and determine if he could truly be father to his brother's child.

Read an excerpt: You, who must despise me my contempt

Her fingers tightened about the door handle."It would be wrong of me now to concern you further with my affairs," she said evenly, "you, who must despise me my contempt."
"I do not despise you," Darby replied levelly.
"Your manner suggests otherwise." She heard his tread draw near, and steeled herself against the intensity that was him.
"To retain my sanity," he said his voice taut, "I cannot allow myself to think about something I cannot have."
The reflection in his voice pierced deep into her heart, and a small cry bubbled forth from her lips. Her heart had been closed to him, yet he'd found a way to unlock it, throwing her emotions once more into confusion. Why must he tell her this? She could feel his warmth around her drawing her to him like a blanket. Their blanket.
Mustering her strength she stepped back into the room, and distanced herself from him. "It didn't occur to me that you were sincere in your feelings for me," she said her voice scarcely above a whisper.
"I gave you no reason to believe it," Darby admitted. He moved again towards her, but she stared ahead of her, her manner determined. She didn't wish to be reminded of a time she could never know again.
"You owed me no consideration, my lord," she replied, "nor did I expect it. We shared a strong attraction for each other, and I, too, am guilty of what happened between us."
"Guilt? Is that why you refuse me? Is that why you run from me?" His breath stirred her hair. Celeste closed her eyes, and clasped her hands tightly against her stomach. The simplicity of his questions conveyed the anguish from which they'd been expressed. She turned slowly to face him. His uttered words still lingering in the air, his vulnerability laid rather unexpectedly bare to her.
Digital release- April 27th, 2007
Available in PRINT- June 22nd, 2007
http://www.thewildrosepress.com

Michelle Chambers
www.miwi-carpediem.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Random subject, weird thoughts

Yesterday my cp told me that my blog was too educational. Er, yeah--it is educational, because for the life of me I couldn't figure out what to write about, so I went with "educational". Like SpongeBob would say with all long drawn out vowels and that wide-eyed look. It might lack a little something.

Probably cats.

And pistachio muffins like on Anna Genoese's blog. She's got this thing about muffins and knitting. I do like food. I've often thought about starting a food blog, 'cause most of my links go to places like the Tasty Island. Picture intensive and yum-inducing.

Food blogs. Find-a-place-to-eat blogs. Candy blogs and agent blogs and screenwriting blogs, and I have a friend who's a bookseller. She's always got something to say when she has the time. But I haven't seen anything that qualifies as a tried and true way to hook 'em in. I'm starting to think blogs are very close to non-fiction platforms. You've got to have something unique to say.

I'd love to know what people look for in blogs and websites. Unique, educational, useful. Recipes, lol? Help a person out...

...got an opinion?

Glad to be aborad =)

Hi all...
This is my very first blog experience so be gentle...lol!
I’m thrilled to be a part of the WRP team! I just signed a contract for, BANNED IN TEXAS, a contemporary western set in Texas. Cole is a bad boy with a serial dating reputation while Angie is a bad girl with respectability on her mind. It's anybody's guess who comes out on top.
Spencer Glen is my editor and she’s fabulous!!

Sylvie Kaye

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Tears on My Keyboard

Okay, I admit it. I'm a hopeless romantic.

I've been working on my latest manuscript, Joshua's Hope, and just knew that tonight I'd be able to write that final scene. I have to admit that the last few scenes I wrote were so emotional that I could only write one at a time. Tonight I actually cried as I wrote the ending scene.

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in your characters and your story that you were sucked in so deeply that you felt every single emotion?

I'm elated that it's finished, and I'm praying that it really is as good as it felt.

Carol Ann Erhardt

Hit and Run, romantic suspense - Crimson Rose Line
Foxfire, romantic suspense - Crimson Rose Line

New Release "Love of My Heart"


Hi all,


I'm tickled to announce that my first novel, "Love of My Heart," will be released on June 22, 2007 with The Wild Rose Press. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/



Here's the blurb for the Faery Rose:


Aggie has done what no mental health therapist should do. She’s fallen in love with her mysterious client, Bill. Aggie has recently purchased an old Victorian house on a hillside overlooking Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Washington; where she finds an old photograph of a Victorian era couple and a love letter written in 1885. The letter speaks of another love that can never be—that of Louise, the daughter of a wealthy English family, and her Irish lover, William. Heartbroken, Aggie soon begins to dream of the forbidden love between Louise and William, but in her dreams, William’s face mirrors that of her beloved, Bill.Bill is in love with Aggie, and he can’t figure out how to get close to her. If only he hadn’t entered her professional doors as a client. How is he going to fix this?
Thanks for reading my post. I look forward to hearing from you at www.bessmcbride.com
Bess McBride

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Hey--stopping in to say "hi!"

Hi, my name is Jodi and I'm thrilled to be part of Wild Rose too. They contracted my romantic suspense HOT CONTRACT to be part of the Crimson Rose line, and I look forward to...er, many happy returns. *lol*

Laura Kelly is a great editor and I look forward to working with her. This has been a great experience. :)

  • visit me?
  • Setting as Character


    ~ Lynette Rees ~

    Have you ever considered how the setting you choose for your novel or short story becomes one of its characters?

    Think of the home where the character, Norman Bates lives, in the 1960 film, Psycho. The dark, brooding house very soon takes on a life of its own with its creaking doors and dark passage ways.

    Or how the setting for the 1945 film, Brief Encounter, filmed in a real railway station during the days of the steam train, transmits a certain something, that was evocative of that era in both tone and ambiance.

    In the case of the first film, who could forget that infamous shower scene?

    Or how in Brief Encounter, the couple who are having an affair, rush breathlessly for their prospective trains, whilst their shadows are reflected on the walls behind them showing their embrace?

    Taking my own books as examples, in IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER, the castle where Matt and Sandy spend the night, Castell Mynydd, reflects a romantic tone, which falls into line with how both feel about one another.

    In the follow up book, RETURN TO WINTER, the wine cellar at the same castle takes on an eerie, sinister feel as Stephanie is trapped down there in the dark. Even the odd cobweb frightens her to death during her temporary blindness!

    Allow the setting you use to reflect the tone and mood of the situation. For example, in the case of a horror story, you are not going to want to show the forest as a beautiful, serene place, rather as somewhere sinister where anything might happen. This will be reflected in the shadow and sounds, e.g. the sound of an owl hooting, a twig breaking, the moon shining through the rustling leaves of the trees. The same forest might appear innocuous in daylight and may provide the backdrop for a romantic walk in summer.

    Next time you write a story, think how the setting can reflect its tone and mood. If your story is a romance, what smells can you induce, for example, or how can you best describe your setting in the way a lover might do? If it’s a horror story, what could you use that could take on a life of its own? A house? A mountain? The river?

    If you have difficulty imagining how you can do this, watch a few films in your chosen genre. How has the writer/director chosen to film the shots? What tools has he or she chosen? Did they use the weather in some way to predict the mood of the characters? [Prophetic fallacy.]

    You are the writer, director and producer of your own stories. Think like a collective production team and use your chosen setting as one of your characters. I promise, it works.


    Lynette Rees has two books out with The Wild Rose Press this year:
    It Happened One Summer and Return to Winter
    http://silverlady00.tripod.com
    http://nettiesramblings.blogspot.com

    Friday, June 15, 2007

    Thursday, June 14, 2007

    I'm a new author

    Hello all! This is my second try at posting this message, so I really hope it doesn't show up twice. But I wanted to announce my new contract with The Wild Rose Press, and tell you how excited I am to be an author of such a wonderful publishing house. TWRP contracted my Victorian-Set Romance, 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.


    If you'd like to check out more of my books, please visit my website - www.phyllismariecampbell.com

    ~~Phyllis~~

    I'm a new author!

    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

    Wednesday, June 13, 2007

    Sweet Revenge Released TODAY!

    My latest release from The Wild Rose Press, SWEET REVENGE is now available! WOO HOO! You can purchase it by following this link!

  • SWEET REVENGE


  • It's published under the English Tea Rose Line as a miniature rose! It's my debut release in this line at The Wild Rose Press, so, I'm quite excited! It's a regency suspense, so if you're into that genre this story is for you!

    Plus, it has a lovely cover, how can you resist? LOL

    Here's the cover and the blurb,
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    Lady Carys Richardson is a woman set on a mission. She’s convinced her brother, Charles was murdered during his service in the Napoleonic wars. On her path to vengeance, she falls in love with the Duke of Penrose, Thomas Williams. Thomas was her brother’s commanding officer in the Navy. Her investigation leads her to point the accusatory finger in Thomas’s direction and her world begins to unravel. Lord Thomas Williams is a duke with wealth and power. He also is a man that knows too much without having enough evidence. When he finds out that Carys believes him to be the murderer, his heart is broken. But he hasn’t lost his faith in Carys nor can he stop loving her. When Carys finally realizes her horrendous mistake, will it be too late to right the wrongs of the past and bring the true killer to justice?

    Thanks!

    ~Marly

    Monday, June 11, 2007

    Work? I Don't Think So

    I was asked today what my typical "work day" consisted of. I thought for a moment, then realized, this isn't work. How can I call living my dream "work"?

    The word work makes me think of physical labor or doing something unpleasant like...**cough**cough** laundry. Creating characters from my imagination, giving them life, a little conflict and a lot of love is so enjoyable I feel guilty calling it work, like I'm a fraud.

    I've wanted to be a writer since I first held a pencil. So, if this is called work, I hope to never retire!

    What about you all. Do you love what you do for a living?

    Jules Bennett

    Famous First Lines


    ~ Lynette Rees ~

    You pick up a book from the shelf, deliberating whether or not you will buy it. Now, if you are anything like me, after scanning the picture on the front cover and reading the back cover blurb, then giving those the thumbs up, you open the book and read the first couple of lines. If they do not immediately grab you by the throat, then chances are, you won’t purchase that book. The author in question has lost another sale.

    So, what first lines grabbed you, making you want to read on?

    Here are some of mine:

    Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden:

    Suppose that you and I were sitting in a quiet room overlooking a garden, chatting and sipping at our cups of green tea while we talked about something that had happened a long while ago, and I said to you, “That afternoon when I met so-and-so…was the very best afternoon of my life, and also the very worst afternoon.”

    What a powerful start to a book! It’s the type of sentence that makes me want to read on even though it’s quite long as sentences go. It has a kind of an intimacy about it as though the narrator is talking to an old friend. It also poses the question: How on earth could that afternoon be the very best afternoon of that person’s life and also the very worst? Intriguing.

    It Had To Be You, Susan Elizabeth Phillips:

    PHOEBE Somerville outraged everyone by bringing a French poodle and a Hungarian lover to her father’s funeral.

    This sentence conjures up a very visual start to a book for me. It immediately makes me think this book is going to have comedic elements to it and begs the question: Why is Phoebe Somerville intent on putting everyone’s backs up at her father’s funeral?

    A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:

    It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

    The two cities Dickens refers to in the title are London and Paris. Throughout the novel, pairs of people, places, etc. are compared and contrasted. The book takes place just before the start of the French revolution. Again, this is another long sentence and very poetic at that. In some ways I find it similar to the start of Memoirs of a Geisha in so much as the way the narrator provides us with the element of contrast.

    Not only does this book have a very famous first line, it also has a famous closing line:

    “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”

    So what are your favourite first lines? Please post them below for discussion.

    Bio:

    Lynette Rees has two books out with The Wild Rose Press this year: It Happened One Summer and Return to Winter. Visit Lynette's website, here:

    http://silverlady00.tripod.com

    Saturday, June 09, 2007

    Since We're Introducing Ourselves...

    I'm Bronwyn and a new writer with TWRP, and really excited to be here. I sat here, debating what I should say in the post, what to talk about...I figure I'll stay away from really introducing myself, because I have this terrible tendency to ramble and get off the beaten path of introductions, which totally reminds me of this great trail I took this morning in the woods...

    What I really wanted to post and tell you guys about is this great (and slightly disturbing, depending on how you look at it) movie I saw last night: Pan's Labyrinth. It's a Spanish movie with subtitles, takes place in Spain 1940s and centers around Ofelia, a 10-12 year old girl whose mother remarries a Captain in the army.

    Don't let the CGI and fairies fool you, this is not a movie for kids. It's R-rated for gore, and although there were only two scenes that I thought were violent, they were disturbing enough to warrant the R-rating.

    The movie is narrated by Pan, who tells us that in the Underworld, the Princess was so taken by the world above her, she escaped to see it. Blinded by the sun, she forgot who and what she was, and the plot centers around Ofelia's quest to prove she's that Princess.

    It's not the best synopsis, but to say more risks ruining the story.

    The reason I wanted to post about it was because of the following: Show not Tell. As writers, we're always trying to adhere to this, and I wanted to suggest the movie to you as a resource to use.

    Whomever wrote this story deserves some kind of Show not Tell award. Within two minutes, we know the villains, the heroes, and none of it is explicitly stated, but the way the screen-writer shows character, is nothing short of amazing.

    For example, the captain. The story opens with Ofelia and her very pregnant, very sick mother being driven to the camp deep in the heart of the woods. Ofelia's never met her new father, so as viewers, we're wondering what kind of man he is.

    This is how the we find out:
    One of the sergeants says to him, "Your wife has arrived."
    He looks at his watch and says, "Yes, and fifteen minutes late."

    And he says it in this really emotionless, dead, I Don't Care That My Wife Almost Died Just Trying To Get To Me way. I turned to my husband and said, "He's evil. I hope he dies."

    LOL, not that I'm easily swayed or anything.

    I won't go further, but for those authors who are looking for resources to hone their craft, I heartily recommend this movie...and for those who are like me, and can't handle gory scenes, I'd be happy to give you the head's up on the parts when you can shut your eyes and plug your ears!

    PS
    It does have a happy ending. And if there's anyone out there who's seen the movie, I'd love to chat about it 'cause there's so much great imagery and I'd like to ask someone, "Hey, what do you think this meant, or that stood for?"

    Friday, June 08, 2007

    Popping in to say hello

    I'm out of town for two weeks, and we were wandering through Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico when we passed this shop, and I realized I'd kind of been out of touch with the WRP groups, other than the occasional drive-by posting. With loops all on digest, and limited email access, I've been concentrating on writing.

    I saw the post about the best seller lists and was curious to see if any of my stories made the cut. I didn't expect much, since they're not new releases.

    I was amazed (and very pleased) to see that two of my short stories, Romancing the Geek and Words are listed as Best Sellers in the Champagne Rose imprint. They've been around a while (Words was the very first outside contracted work to be published, so I got kind of used to seeing it on all the Top Ten lists, because there weren't even 10 stories out yet!). But to see it has 'staying power' warms my heart, and keeps me motivated to keep writing more. I know there's a burst of sales when a story is released, but Words has been out in the world for over a year now.

    Terry Odell
    www.terryodell.com
    Short Stories from The Wild Rose Press

    Thursday, June 07, 2007

    Here, but briefly


    I know, I should have dipped in earlier to introduce myself, but life got in the way. You see, I adopted two new cats after my elderly companions passed away, and Awol Whodini and M.I.A. (aka, Mia) are keeping me and my hubby busy. Said hubby is, right now, trying once again to cat-proof the basement ceiling. Whodini has figured out how push up the ceiling tiles with his head and get inside the crawlspace. It's man vs. cat.
    I'm betting on the cat.

    Anyway, I'm J L Wilson and I write for Crimson Rose. My first book is coming out next week (yea!) I love my cover (thank you, Kim, wherever you are!) and am very, very happy with the edits I received from my excellent editor, Ally and how the entire book turned out. Brownies is about a woman who takes brownies to the company potluck and somebody turns up dead. Is it an accident? Or murder?

    The heroine is a widow who is just starting to enter the dating game again after her husband died. She gets involved in the investigation and with the investigator who's looking into what happened. It's a fast-paced book and a fun read, if I do say so myself. I write about real people who get tossed into the middle of odd situations and how they have to get out of it.

    I have to get going, I have an interview scheduled with the local newspaper and must primp a bit for it. I look a mess because I was, once again, poking my head up into the ceiling tiles trying to coax down the #*(@ cat. This is my third interview in two days, and I'm not accustomed to such excitement!

    I'll post more later when life settles down (hmm. "When will that be?" she asked.)

    Who knows?


    J



    Tuesday, June 05, 2007

    newbie: just howdy

    Good morning all. have just been going thru old postings and all, wanted to say hello and let you know I was lurking here. I am new to Wild Rose & new to blogging, in general.
    I have had a really short story just accepted by Vintage Rose: not sure on release date. It is set in the USA, just after WWI, "The Painter's Brush With Death."
    Love some of the front covers that Wild Rose has created; and now, reading the blog, realize I am very behind on my reading! There are some great stories out there that I have just discovered...
    Nancy in NH

    Monday, June 04, 2007

    # 1 Best Seller

    Mail Order Husband has hit # 1 on the Fictionwise best seller list!

    It had moved to # 3 last week and I was very excited, but when I looked today and saw # 1... Well, I'm still screaming it from the roof top! http://www.fictionwise.com/

    I have no idea how many have to sell to make the list, but THANK YOU to anyone who has purchased it and I hope you enjoy the story!

    My son had class tonight and had told his teacher his mother's book was at number 3, then during break he listened to the message I'd left saying it was now # 1. He went back in and the whole class had to check it out! :)

    It's so wonderful to have such a supportive family!

    Have a GREAT week everyone!

    OMG...I just realized I had published this post to WRP Blog instead of my own! I can't figure out how to delete it, only edit it...So....SORRY if I screwed up someone's Posting Schedule! I will try to be less excited and watch what I'm doing next time!

    Meanderings

    Maggie,

    Thanks for your booksigning checklist. Very helpful and I appreciate your posting it. I'll use your suggestions when my book, Logan's Redemption, is in print, hopefully before the end of the year.

    Carol Ann, I can relate to your posting about getting inspiration all around you. My husband and son kid me about how I'm always asking questions and wondering about people, even strangers. I find people endlessly fascinating and when I see someone interesting looking, I want to know about them, what kind of life does he/she have. I sometimes make up stories about perfect strangers when I'm waiting in line or doing something mundane.

    I just finished reading Kim Watters story, Dog Days of Summer. What a sweet, heartwarming read. I didn't want it to end. If you're looking for a heartwarming story about likeable, real characters, I recommend Dog Days of Summer.

    Carolyn Matkowsky w/a Cara Marsi

    Packing for your booksigning

    As I was scurrying out the door last Friday to a booksigning, it occurred to me that I should make up a checklist. Here's a list of items that I take along with me:

    A pen. This sounds obvious, but I forgot to take a pen to a signing once, and since I'd locked my purse in the car, I didn't have six to chose from.

    An eye-catching prop. Sometimes I take a velour shawl and drape it around the table. Sometimes I include my two bean bag frogs. I've also taken along story-related items to my romantic suspense, HOUSE OF LIES, like binnoculars and birding guides.

    Freebies. These are inexpensive promotional items or candy. If possible, attach a label with the name of your book or your website to the item. You might also consider running a contest during your signing to encourage shoppers to hang around.

    A scrapbook. In mine, I have an introductory bio page and copies of newspaper articles about my appearances. I have photos of me at conferences with friends. I also have reviews for HOUSE OF LIES and copies of my newsletters.

    A name tag. Having your name displayed prominently helps allay stranger anxiety. I often wear a name tag with my various RWA pens clustered around the edges. You wouldn't believe how many people ask what the pens mean.

    Extra books. Keep these in your car, but make sure the bookstore knows you have extras in the event of a sell-out. Also have an invoice prepared so that you appear professional. Most bookstores expect to pay 60% of retail for a book. On my invoice, I have preprinted the prices for books from one book up to ten books. I also have spaces for myself and the vendor to sign documenting that the transaction occurred. Make sure your contact information is on the invoice.

    Bookmarks, newsletters, business cards, or other concise written promo material that will direct a reader to your website.

    A Can-do attitude. You will be talking to people about your books. People who don't know you. Be sure you can pitch your book effectively to them in just a few sentences. For best results, practice ahead of time with a family member.

    Be sure to arrive a little ahead of your signing to allow sufficient time to set-up and chat with the store personnel. If they like you, they will hand-sell your books long after you've gone. It never hurts to follow-up afterwards with a thank you note. After all, you will be writing other books and will want to return to this store.

    Best of luck at your booksigning!

    Maggie Toussaint
    www.maggietoussaint.com
    House of Lies in print at http://www.amazon.com/House-Lies-Maggie-Toussaint/dp/1601540310/ref=sr_1_1/102-6871584-8406567?ie=UTF8&s=books&quid=1173118770&sr=8-1 ebook at http://www.fictionwise.com/

    Sunday, June 03, 2007

    Inspiration

    Sometimes I'm inspired by the weirdest things. Scenes play out in my mind when I see a person that interests me, or see people doing something that makes me wonder what their lives might be like. I believe most writers do the same thing. It's that creative piece of our brain that tells us we have to write a specific story.

    Well, today, coming home from church, I saw this beautiful cardinal in our neighbor's yard. I've seen him, and you can't convince me it isn't the same bird, in our yard and in various places nearby over the past few weeks. I began to imagine looking closely at a bird's spread wing...at all the little bones and soft and vivid coloring, the incredible softness of the feathers and I feel inspired to write something. I'm not sure what it will be, but I'm being called.

    Being a pantster is so much fun, because not only do I have the pleasure of doing something I love (write), but also to be surprised at what is going to come from placing fingers on keyboard.

    Carol Ann

    Saturday, June 02, 2007

    Recommended Read & 5 Angels for Freedom's Touch!


    Carly, from Fallen Angel Reviews, gave Freedom's Touch their highest rating! Five angels and a Recommended Read! I am so happy about this, I just had to share some of what she said with you!
    "Freedom’s Touch by Sarita Leone is by far one of the best historical romances this reviewer has read in a long time. There is so much happening in this story that it is impossible not to become totally caught up from the very beginning. And even though there is a lot going on and a huge amount of historical information in this, it never feels cluttered or confusing. This is written in such a straightforward manner that even those who don’t particularly care for historical tales will enjoy this one. Because it is, through it all, an engrossing love story. The romance in Freedom’s Touch made me laugh and cry, and both were well worth it. I was completely hooked from the first page!...
    The underlying themes of love, sacrifice and freedom are just a few of the things that make this story so great. It is not just an ordinary love story. It is a tale that brings forward the fact that even though times may be turbulent, there can be room for love and romance. Freedom’s Touch by Sarita Leone is a historical romance that will touch you not just once, but many times over. Then, it will stay in your heart forever. I loved it!"
    Thank you Carly! The full review can be read here.
    I'm going to celebrate over this one!
    ~Sarita Leone

    Friday, June 01, 2007

    IF WE LISTENED by Jenna Bayley-Burke




    IF WE LISTENED is one of my favorite stories...and today I received another great review...so good I wanted to share! 5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews!

    Rachel and Evan Hansen have been surprised by their daughter, Julie,and her boyfriend, Nathan. The young couple has announced their plan to marry. Understandably, Rachel and Evan have some very definite ideas about the news. They know what young love feels like; they're not so old that they don't recall how Julie feels. But they know, too, how a decision like this can impact young lives. Their daughter's behavior brings back memories of the way they eloped when they were younger.



    If We Listened by Jenna Bayley-Burke is a timeless story about aserious topic. The decision to marry or not is one to be weighed carefully at any age. Any parents in this situation would have concerns. I liked it that this was realistic in its portrayal of thesubject. Ms. Bayley-Burke didn't try to gloss over the bigger issue,the marriage of two young adults. The dialogue between Evan and Rachel is compelling and realistic. Aside from the fact that the story is seamless and engaging, this exchange of thoughts and memories between the parents is what I like best about this story.Through their reminiscences, the reader sees how their decision tomarry affected their lives. This is a touching, tender story and I honestly loved it. I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.



    ....not only is it a great review...it is so well written! I know,that is an author thing...this story has been getting good reviewsall along, but this is the best yet.

    "Ms. Bayley-Burke is able to paint a vivid picture of a tough decision and the results of them. She also shows the choices you may make in life affect how you end up conducting yourself with your children. I felt the story was believable since many people elope to escape the stress of planning a wedding. It was a wonderful story and very heart felt." -- 4 cups from Coffee Time Romance

    "A delightful little read. One that made me think. The dedication also made me smile." --4 champagne glasses, Cocktail Reviews

    "Ms. Bayley-Burke did a nice job of working believable characters into a realistic situation and still pull off a mini-story in such short a length." - Wild Child magazine, 3 cats