Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Why I wrote Coming Home

All my life I had a driving urge to write. I was always making up stories in my head, and writing plays with my best friend that we acted out in our yards. As I grew older I founhd myself in a number of careers that usilized my creativity and writing skills. And when I finally had the chance to write, the genre I chose was romance, because aboe all else, I believe in happy endings. In 1988 I was baptized and since then my faith has been a very strong part of my life. Although I write other sontemporaries under other names, I wanted to write a story that my grown children could enjoy and relate to. I think in Coming Home I've done it. I hope you'll read Jake and Jenna's story and follow her on her journey back to her faith.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Chat tonight with Maggie, Carol Ann and Mary



Hello roses! What a lovely day in the garden. So many new and exciting things are happening at TWRP. We've got a new print source, we've got fabulous reviews for our authors, we've got a new yahoo group, and the list just goes on and on. Good times, people!



Today's my moment to promo a chat tonight at Realms of Love. I'm chatting with two other TWRP suspense authors, Carol Ann Erhardt and Mary Winn Falkner. Its at 9 tonight - go to http://realmsoflove.com and enter their chat room. It promises to be a lively hour and a fun time will be had by all. Check out excerpts from our books at www.thewildrosepress.com and then join us for a chance to win our books. You can't miss with a free book!

And, to toot my own horn, here's what some folks are saying about my romantic supsense, House of Lies: "a tender tale of redemption, forgiveness -- and romance!"

"Like a donut's cream-filled center, Maggie Toussaint's debut novel contains secretive pleasures"

"The perfect blend of heart-warming romance and suspense. House of Lies is a book you'll definitely want to curl up with."

"Maggie Toussaint is a tremendous author whose fast-paced, exciting stories will sweep you away from start to finish"

So come by and chat. I'd love to see you there at Realms of Love at 9 tonight!

Maggie Toussaint, author of House of Lies

Dreams Do Come True

Hi All...I guess I'm the "new kid" on the block...but not new to writing. I've been writing short stories and poems for over 25 years, and October of 2006 my first paranomal romantic suspense, entitled COMA COAST was released. It's sequel, THE VANITY is set to debut August, 2007. To read an excerpt and for purchasing a copy info log on to my personal site at: www.robertadecaprio.com.
I'm a classic example of the phrase "if you work hard enough, your dreams do come true." In 1950 I was born with mild Cerebral Palsey. Then, medical treatments and technology were not what they are today. When my parents sought the doctor's advise on how to help me, they were told to institutionalize me, because I'd never be productive in the community, and to go on and have other children. I am grateful my parents didn't listen, and trusted in the Lord instead. As a Christian I walk to this day with God, using my canes and a wheelchair...and I think of how that doctor could have ruined my life....how many others did he?
I'd like to find him and say..."You said I wouldn't be productive...huh! I have an education, I drive, I'm married...a mother & grandmother, I own my own home, I work, and I'm a published author."
Dreams do come true if you believe them in your heart and work diligently. You can't let others call the shots for your life. Never give up the faith.
The Wild Rose Press has just accepted my romantic fantasy, entitled A RIVER OF ORANGE (no release date yet), and I'm working on several other projects, as well as being an Assistant Editor for INDEPENDENCE TODAY newspaper (a national publication dedicated to the needs & rights of the disabled). If there is anything I am aware of, its the daily struggles phyiscally challenged individuals face.
As a former Chaplain's Aide for a local rehab center, I'd tell those recently disabled with spinal cord injuries and MS, that the circumstances in their lives may have changed, but the quality of their lives hasn't. Life is what you make it. My grandmother always said: "When life deals you a bunch of lemons, make lemonade." I've made tons of lemonade and will continue to make more, I'm sure. What I've lived through has molded me to be who I am today, and able (with the grace of God), to see dreams do come true.
To all of you who are struggling with something in your life, take heart today. If you give up, you also give up any chance you have of achieving your goals. Hang in there...remember it's not over until you take your last breath...and then it's just doing things in another dimension.
Sincerely,
Roberta C.M. DeCaprio

Sunday, January 28, 2007

A Five Angel Review for Words

I had to share this:

In Words Ms. Odell takes us into the world of a newlywed couple. The man is the first to open his thoughts to us and express his feelings for the woman who has captured his heart and placed the precious gold band upon his hand. Then we get to watch the scene play out in the woman’s perspective. As we watch this scene unfold the love between these two is especially visible. There are definite flames between this loving couple. It is unique to feel like you are right there in the house with them, but that is just how you feel while reading this short story.

The words of Ms. Odell fly off the page and into our minds while this scene plays out. It is quite different to read about a newly married couple and how their feelings, although not necessarily expressed with words, show through their slight actions. It was nice to see a blushing male for once instead of a female. Although it is a short story, readers will not be disappointed with this sweet romantic episode. Words gives us a refreshing look at how love can be expressed not only with words but actions.

Reviewed by: JoAnn

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/January/JoAnn-Words.htm

Wintertime Blues

Well, it’s finally winter here in Michigan. Living in the suburbs, that means whitish-gray snow, lots of slush, and more salt than the Utah desert. And let’s not even mention cold and flu season. Anyone with kids in school, (right up thru high school) knows that game. It is, however, the perfect time to curl up with a good book, right?

One of the downsides of finally becoming a published author is that I now have much less time to feed my own addiction---er---I mean read. I miss it! I’m firmly convinced that one of the best ways to beat the winter doldrums is by getting lost in a book set somewhere warm, whether that’s a distant planet or a glittering Regency ballroom.

On the upside, though, I’ve discovered a whole world of on-line friends, wonderful readers and fellow authors whose notes give me a smile all day long as I type. So I raise my mug of tea to all of you! Because friends, whether face to face, or on the other side of the world, are even better than books.

Keep warm!
(Or cool, if you’re in the southern hemisphere.)
Cindy

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Wonderful to see new blooms in the garden


Welcome to all the beautiful new blooms in The Wild Rose Press garden!

Just wanted to say hello and invite you to check out my Valentine rosette,"Lucki in Love" http://tinyurl.com/yuplob

Susanne Rose

Also available at The Wild Rose Press:

http://tinyurl.com/y72uhv "The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

Keep the spirit of the holdays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author (Susannerose@thewildrosepress.com) with "The Christmas Promise" in the Subject Line. You'll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.

http://tinyurl.com/sbhyv "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Part of the Rose Garden

Hi everyone,

I am a new author in the garden of Wild Rose Press. It is a thrill to have a book under the Champagne Rose group. The name alone makes me think of white lace on the trim of a pillow meant for two, twelve red roses in a vase, chilled champagne by the fireplace, and a sweet chocolate truffle being fed to me by a hot sexy lover. Now, that’s a story that every woman looking for romance can enjoy.

The excitement of joining this group has made me look at the other beautiful roses in my life. What did Mac Davis say in his song? "You got to stop and smell the Roses." You can’t help but heed his advice occasionally. I am blessed with a great husband, wonderful kids, and a great group of family and friends that have believed in me. Their love and support blooms in my life everyday.

My passion is writing, the soft velvet petals of a rose. The thorns are the rejections, which have spurred me to be a better writer. My dream is to inspire my reader’s hearts with compassion and love.

I am very happy to be a part of the Wild Rose Press’ garden of writers.


Tina Gayle

Is there anybody out there?


Do you ever get the feeling you're talking to yourself?

You blog your best or participate in an author chat/Wild Rose Press Promo. After letting your fingers fly across the keyboard, you wait for a response.

Just like in those old B-movies, it's much too quiet out there. Except for a couple of words from another WRP author or one of the handful of loyal readers who comment, there's nothing but the vast silence of Cyberspace.

Is there anybody out there?

Susanne Rose

http://tinyurl.com/y72uhv "The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
It's not too late to take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author (Susannerose@thewildrosepress.com) with "The Christmas Promise" in the Subject Line. You'll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.
http://tinyurl.com/sbhyv

"Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette

"Lucki in Love," Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press

Sunday, January 21, 2007

OOPS

oops! I didn't mean to post twice. The last post was meant for another blog. Hope you don't mind learning more about me.... Maggie

Introducing -- Maggie Toussaint

Hello World! Maven Maggie Toussaint checking in and introducing herself. Our head maven has tasked us to tell three facts about ourself and being a writer doesn't count.

1. I grew up eating seafood for breakfast. My dad would cook dishes like brown oyster stew, squid, fish, crabcakes, whatever was on hand. He got up early, regardless of whether he was going fishing or not, and I often got up with him to hang out in the kitchen.

2. Which brings me to my next fact. I learned to drink coffee at a very young age. As I grew, though I had medical reasons to avoid caffeine, so now I say I got my lifetime dose early. After The Change, I could drink caffeine again, but now I like tea instead.

3. Bread is one of my favorite foods. But its restricted on The South Beach Diet, so I seem to be jonesing for bread these days.

Here's an unrelated trivia fact: in the South, macaroni and cheese counts as a vegetable. Weird but true.

Have a great week! Check in next Monday for more from Maggie

Bloggin, bloggin, bloggin

The world is an ever evolving place. Kids today don't know how to use a tv without a remote. They wouldn't dream of going on a trip without a stash of DVDs to watch in the car. And the internet phenomenon is incredible. Each iteration brings more connection to people across the miles and around the world.

Okay, I know I'm showing my age, but truly, did anyone here really know what a blog was a few years ago? Now we're all out here, bloggin. Nothing better than sitting in the comfort of your own home in your favorite unpresentable clothes and telling your deepest darkest secrets.

So what does this have to do with publishing? Are you going to get to the point, Maggie? Yeah, I have a point, somewhere.

Publishing isn't all about mortar and pages anymore. Its a virtual wildfire, and places like TWRP are giving people what they want - great stories at affordable prices. Its like having a candy machine in your living room.

Don't be afraid to try new things. E-books are HOT!

I Ate My Contest Prize:)

Yes, you read that right - I ate my contest prize. If you go to my website www.julesbennett.com you'll see where I put up a nice box of chocolates for this month's contest. I went out the other day with my hubby (first mistake). We picked out a really nice box of chocolates and brought them home.

The contest doesn't end until February 8th, but I went ahead and bought the box anyway (my second mistake).

The other day hubby and I were dying for something sweet. We searched every cabinet, the fridge, the freezer...nothing. Oh, but wait, look over there on the island in the kitchen...A BEAUTIFUL BOX OF WHITMAN'S CHOCOLATES!!

I swear the Hallelujah chorus erputed from the angels as a light stream came down from the heavens. We didn't say a word as we tore into the box and devoured nearly half.

Ahhhh...it was so good:) I think I'll wait until I pick a winner on the 8th, then buy a box of chocolates on my way to the post office to mail it:)

Friday, January 19, 2007

Guess I should jump on the bandwagon!


Well hello everyone! Yes I've signed with Wild Rose Press for my first two novels. Shadow of the Wolf (book 1 of my Wolf/Raven series) and Scottish Whispers. Both are coming soon from the Faery Rose Line. I'm truly excited to be part of such a wonderful company. These people have been a wealth of knowledge and support that I couldn't have asked for more.


I'm looking forward to having many more novels available through WRP in the near future. So much writing to do and so little time. Good thing the characters in my mind keep me busy.


Please feel free to check out my work at WRP website or via

www.robynwren.com

Again, its wonderful to be part of the Garden!

Robyn

TGIF


The Wild Rose Press authors bloom in almost as many varieties as the romances we write.

Some juggle writing with 9-5 jobs, family, and other responsibilities. Others are "full-time" authors (whenever we're not juggling family and other responsibilities.)

None of us know the meaning of TGIF (unless of course there's a new WRP release scheduled to debut on Friday!)

The work week never ends for us. No matter what the day of the week, we'll be working on first drafts, moving forward on works in progress, proofing galleys, and exchanging e-mails with editors!

Susanne Rose

"Forever Love" and "The Christmas Promise" available now at The Wild Rose Press

"Lucki in Love" coming soon to The Wild Rose Press

My New WRP Release

Hi!
I'm excited that my new release, "Romancing the Geek" is now on sale at TWRP Bookstore. It was a whirlwind process, going from contract offer to galleys in a week, but the folks at WRP are great about moving things along. I also had a chance to work with Lori for the first time.

Here's a blurb:

Stephanie's lifelong dream is to design toys—sweet, cuddly toys. Instead, she's hired as a glorified typist. And not even with the rest of the marketing department, but way downstairs in the only available office, which she has to share with Brad, who's a total geek. A geek who's happy programming computer games full of explosions.

They agree to ignore each other while Stephanie waits for a desk to open upstairs. But when Brad has girlfriend troubles—like he can't get Lianne, the cocktail waitress to notice him—he swallows his pride and asks Stephanie if she'll teach him how to talk to women. She agrees, but he's having trouble passing her exams.


Here's the link to my bookstore page at
TWRP
Check out my website, too: www.terryodell.com, for more information and a trip behind the scenes for all my WRP titles.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Preditors & Editors Poll Results

Every January the Preditors & Editors online community hosts a poll to determine the best in publishing for the previous year. The results are in, and I am proud to share The Wild Rose Press made a good showing, especially in the Romantic Short Story category (especially the Sweetheart line), which we excel in. Check out some of the nominees :
Book Editor -- 26. Ally Roberston (Senior Editor, Crimson Rose)

eBook Publisher -- 15. The Wild Rose Press

Romance Novel :
18. Desert Guardian, Karen Duvall
36. Secret Surrender, Lisa Dawn MacDonald
37. The Cowboy's Christmas Bride, Cindy Spencer Pape


Erotica Short Story :
16. Diary of a Narcissistic Bloodsucker, Lynda Hilburn
Romance
Short Story



4. When A Rose Blooms, Tarah Scott
9. Dark Encounter, Lauren Delaney
14. Now That We've Found You, Marianne Arkins
20. Calico Country Christmas, Sharon K. Garner
21. How About Tomorrow, Jenna Bayley-Burke
24. Drama Queen, Christine Columbus
25. Vampire of my Dreams, Hera St. Aubyn
25. Trick or Treat, Hera St. Aubyn
26. First Class Male, Christine Columbus
27. Cheatin' Hearts, Stacy Dawn

Monday, January 15, 2007

Gez, Jules, I thought I was the only one that laid awake half the night thinking about her writing!!!! Sometimes it's a song or family problem keeping me awake, but more often it's my writing. I've been without a full night's sleep so long that I wonder if such a thing even exists.

Character Interaction

Now that I've finished one manuscript and started on two others, my new characters are waking me in my sleep. I'm glad the story line is flowing through my head so well, but come on...I'M SLEEPING!

This happens every time I start a new project. This is a good problem to have and I've noticed I write more emotional, memorable scenes when I'm sleep deprived.

More often than not I dream of the whole book and, of course, I'm in the staring role:) That's kind of cool, but one of these days I NEED SOME SLEEP!

I can't wait to see what comes out of this new group of dreams. Stay tuned...
Sorry about the double post. A screen came on saying my first attempt didn't post.
I love Betsy Ann St. Amant's cover for Midnight Angel!!
I love Betsy Ann St. Amant's cover for Midnight Angel!!

Friday, January 12, 2007

I've never blogged before....

Truly. I've put it off for as long as I could but now that I'm here, I think it's going to require a LOT of chocolate...maybe I should just close my eyes and type.

I'm going to start with a special thank you to The Wild Rose Press for the contract offer. I'm very excited about working with Katherine and TWRP. I love the user-friendly website, packed with information for readers & writers. But what is truly wonderful...they care about their authors and their books.

I'm new to TWRP, but have been writing for over ten years. I've had the pleasure of creating characters that I love, even though not all of them will be published, and have had two of my western historical romances published. I also published two short stories and three short stories in e-zine format.

Over the years, I've learned that trying to find the right home for your work can be a daunting task. Frustration and doubt can damage your writer's heart. But if your heart is in your story, then have faith, the right editor and right publisher is out there waiting for you to find them.

NEVER GIVE UP! Besides, if you try, the voices will only make you appear quite insane to those that do not have the gift of imagination and ability to hear their characters arguing (ahem...talking) in their heads.

Well, I've said too much already.
Keep writing!
C.H. Admirand

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

House of Lies to be released on Jan. 12


Hey everyone,

I'm very excited about the electronic debut of my romantic suspense, House of Lies, on January 12. I'm still learning the marketing ropes, but expect to see excerpts about this yoga loving bird watcher and this busted up CIA agent as they sift through the lies of the past and tangle with a trained assasin!


Stay tuned, and tell all your friends!

Maggie Toussaint

New Kid on the Block

Well, here I am! I've signed with The Wild Rose Press and I can't wait to get started on a promising writing career with them. The enthusiasm and support this group provides will be will no doubt boost my spirits when the writer's block kicks in:)

My Sweetheart Rose single-title, Home Again, should be out in print this spring. I can hardly wait! The fan base I've already established overwhelms me and I only hope they enjoy my characters as much as I do.

It's somewhat hectic working on other manuscripts, promoting yourself, and worrying about the edits that will be coming soon. After four years of dreaming of becoming published, this is a nice problem to have:)

Friday, January 05, 2007

DOUBLE DEBUT!!

Hi there everyone! I wanted to breeze by and annouce my double debut at The Wild Rose Press! I write romance for Mills & Boon, but love the challenge of a short story. I am so thankful WRP celebrates the medium, giving those of us pressed for time a smile and a bounce to our step.

The love after loss story, How About Tomorrow, is the first Rosette I contracted with WRP. My writing friends at Romance Divas helped me tweak it until it was just right...and then Leeane fixed that to perfection.

Jack hasn’t been out on a date since his wife’s death five years ago. Even his teenage daughter thinks it’s time he finally go on a blind date brokered by his sister-in-law. Jack’s unsure, until he meets Maria. She’s as timid as he is at first, but the more they talk the more they realize they should see each other again, and again.


My English Tea Rose, In Silhouette, was so exciting to write. I work mainly in contemporary romance, so stretching into Regency was difficult, but rewarding! I dedicated this story to my critique partner, American Title II finalist Suzan Hyssen. She writes intelligent, comedic Regency romances, when she is not busy with law school.

James Darby is bored by the ennui of country life, fervidly anticipating his return to London. When he spies Miss Hughes entertaining herself by cutting silhouettes at a party he’s captivated by her talent, and charm. How can someone so fascinating survive in a place so tedious?

In February, another of my stories will appear in the Dreams & Desires charity anthology. Keep a look out for my Last Rose of Summer Rosettes...they are coming soon!

Jenna

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Midnight Angel


My White Rose romantic suspense, Midnight Angel, is now available to buy in digital format through the Wild Rose Press website! The print version of Midnight Angel will be available January 26th.

Thanks for the friendship, encouragement, and support. This has been an amazing journey.

God bless!

Betsy Ann St. Amant
www.betsystamant.com
betsystamant@yahoo.com