Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Great Review for ANGELIC VOICES


Wilga Hill Boomerang of Cocktail Reviews awarded 4 Champagne Flutes to Angelic Voices!

Here's a snippet of her review:

A fun YA that explores the way the teenage mind works. I cringed upon realising I’ve entertained similar thoughts as a youngster myself.

*LOL*

Yes indeed, Wilga! The cringe factor is part of the reason I titled this story as I did…Deanne and Susie might have angelic voices, but their thoughts and actions are anything BUT heavenly.

Read Wiga's complete review here.

Buy Angelic Voices here.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Back to School was Never This Romantic

All in Good Time

Take one shy schoolteacher with a secret, and one WWII vet in the midst of a scandalous divorce and put them together in the romantic setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains...then watch the fireworks!

When Philadelphian Elizabeth Temple arrives in a small, Southern town to teach first grade in 1948, she hopes to slide unnoticed into a spinster’s existence, believing herself unfit for any companion. She doesn’t count on falling for handsome Jake Ryan, a World War II veteran tainted by a scandalous divorce now struggling to raise his young son alone. Despite an undeniable chemistry, the road to romance is strewn with roadblocks and detours. Between the personal secret that has a devastating grip on Elizabeth, and Jake’s temperamental, soon-to-be-ex-wife, what looks like a ‘sure thing’ could easily slip away.

Now available at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.com.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Book Signings Galore!


Wow.....now with my first three book signings behind me, I can look back and reflect! My first signing was in Abilene, Texas at The West Texas Book and Music Festival on September 29th and what a ball I had meeting my online critique partner and wonderful romance novelist, Rita Thedford! I love this woman! We had the honor of signing our books along with 100 other Texas authors! And guess who showed up? Mine and Rita's very talented cover artist, Mrs. Tamra Westberry! We were so blessed to have her there! Thank you, Tam!

My second book signing was held at Borders Books in Mesquite, Texas on October 13. What a dream come true! I was signing books along with a handful of some of the hottest names in romance! Thank you Borders and Fresh Fiction for the beautiful roses and the cake! All of you made my day so special! I was the new girl on the block, the very pregnant new girl on the block and everyone made me feel so welcome! A big thank you to the fabulous Jade Lee (this woman writes the most luscious, hottest romances......wooooo!) for all your tips! Family and friends showed up for my big day and new faces, asking where I get my inspiration! Wow! And for you writers out there, here is a big tip.......give out something free cause I made book thongs and they were a huge hit! I even sold two books only because the person wanted the book thong! I hope they enjoy my book as much as they enjoy my beaded thongs....snicker!

My third book signing was the annual Buns and Roses Tea for Literacy held at the Radisson Hotel in Richardson, Texas on October 14th! What a grand time we all had, autographing books with a slew of fabulous romance authors, all for a great cause! I hosted a table of nine readers and enjoyed a lovely afternoon of tea and pastries!

Please check out my web site at www.alishapaige.com and see my book signing pics under Photo Album!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Writing and Reading!

Reviews........Eeeeeeeeek!

There are so many different stages that a newly published author goes through. There's the OMG.......I just received my first contract stage! And then there's the OMG......I received my first edits stage! The third stage is OMG......I'm actually holding a print copy of my book! It's surreal.....really! And then there are the dreaded reviews! Will anyone like what I've written? What if they hate it? What if my editor is the only person on earth who thought my book was worth reading or worse.....what if she was just low on manuscripts and decided to make my year? Waahhh! We as writers go through a myriad of nightmarish thoughts!

I tried not to think about it. I sent my book off to a dozen review houses and shuddered. "Fear not!" I told myself. That was that. When I received that first review, it was I think the point where I actually realized that maybe my mother wasn't lying about my book. Maybe it really is good! I decided that right then and there, I loved this reviewer! What a wonderful person! Her heart must overflow with goodness! Surely she did this out of the goodness of her own heart....not wanting to hurt my feelings. Then I realized that this woman will never meet me. Well, probably not, but maybe one day. I don't even know her last name. She knows nothing about me. This is her job and she must have been telling the truth. Right? I hoped so.

Then a few weeks later, I got my second review and to my amazement, it was good too! I started to seriously become convinced that I was a good writer. Then a third and a fourth rolled in! The pressure of opening those emails! Eeeeeeeeeeek! And they were all good! One reviewer even recommended my book to other readers as a "must read"! She mentioned that she would one day buy the book, so I mailed her a copy! I love this woman! Thank you for reviewing my book, you kind soul! I was silly about it all. I was convinced that these people were angels sent from heaven, sprinkling happy review dust into my email Inbox!

Then one reviewer really blew my mind when she nominated me for an award! Okay, that does it! I'm convinced! I don't suck as a writer. Sure, I have good days and bad days, but from now on, I will believe in my writing. Onward!

For me, those reviews really cemented the fact that I am a writer and not only that, but I'm a published author with something special to offer my readers. Now, if I can only come down off Cloud 9 long enough to give them something else!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Didn't want to see the end of summer?



~ Lynette Rees ~


Okay, the nights are drawing in [depending on which part of the world you live] and you might well dread the onset of winter.

Well, if you wish to relive those hazy, crazy days of summer, then you can!

My book, It Happened One Summer, is now available in paperback:

Here are a couple of recent reviews:

This is a very thrilling read, especially when I imagined Sandy’s stalker could be at a dinner party with her. That idea was creepy enough to give me goose bumps! Sandy and Matt seemed like an improbable couple at first, what with the way they met, but as the story progresses his compassion for her and the stalker situation is obvious. He cares, and it shows. In turn, it makes the reader care. I wanted Sandy to be safe, and I wanted Matt to protect her. I won’t say how this turns out, but I can practically guarantee readers will keep turning pages long after dark on this one. I know I did, and it was worth losing sleep over!

~ Carly, Fallen Angel Reviews 4 Angels

It Happened One Summer is a fascinating read that immediately draws in the reader. The characters of Matt and Sandy are really genuine in all their emotions. This reader could practically feel all the feelings that were vibrant in the pages. With some touches of envy, hatred, and disloyalty this gripping story blends great creativity. Ms. Rees instills characters that leave a lasting impression with wonderful dialogue that enhances the story. The secondary characters are a welcome addition to the storyline. Ms. Rees knows how to hook the reader and fascinate in this compelling page-turner. It Happened One Summer is a phenomenal read that should not be missed.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Linda L. The Romance Studio

Friday, October 19, 2007

Avenue Of Dreams by Anne Whitfield


Fancy reading a hot little short story?

Check out my latest release, Avenue Of Dreams!

Blurb
Molly Daniels is summer holidaying in a small town in the country to recover from a broken marriage. She’s hurt, disillusioned and unsure of her future. She last thing she is looking for is a man.
Sebastian Lord is the town’s most eligible bachelor, a title he hates. Having given up on a successful career in the city he now owns a small farm and is content to hide away there, away from the real world that has hurt him in the past. Since his fiancĂ© was killed four years ago, he’s refused to enter the dating game again.
They’re an unlikely pair, but Seb’s wayward dog has a habit of bringing them together. They give into their attraction and share a hot summer together, but can they let go of the past enough to embrace a future together?
Purchase for $3
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=592&zenid=8ceefcd9b7142848a9436ee97baadd52

Regards, Anne.~
Historical & Contemporary author

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Delicious Darkness is Available Now


Delicious Darkness is Available Now.



5 Angels - Fallen Angels Reviews. Reviewer Bella says,

"I thoroughly enjoyed Delicious Darkness. The psychic connection that Audra and Dorian had before they’d even met was fascinating. And once they did meet? Their physical and emotional bonding was electric, with sex so intense; the words fairly sizzled as I read them."


4 Hearts - The Romance Studio. Annie says,

"Delicious Darkness is a short story with intense spiritual and metaphysical overtones, and a high concentration of sizzling sensuality... The ending will gratify readers with its promise of hope. Author KyAnn Waters definitely has proven to be a writer to keep an eye on in future.


5 Roses - Sensual Reads and Reviews. Dakota says,

"Delicious Darkness is a very sexy read. KyAnn Waters draws the reader in from the first page and keeps you scrolling as fast as your eyes can take it in. This story was wonderful, and very, very hot."


5 flutes - Cocktail Reviews. Nutty Nana says,

"A white hot read with characters that meld together nicely, Delicious Darkness is a tale of lust, longing, and magical powers."


Blurb: A fugitive from a dark dimension, Dorian Hunt seeks a total bonding. Like a vampire needs blood or a werewolf needs the moon, Dorian needs to anchor himself to a woman of white light in order to survive. Without the mating, within one lunar cycle his might and magic would cease to protect him.
Audra Quinn has always been afraid of the dark. As an empath, she knows when Dorian enters her small metaphysical bookstore, he is the man who can help her realize her true potential as a woman of white light.


Bounty hunters from his dimension are lurking in the shadows, waiting for their opportunity to capture him, dead or alive. Dorian knows he will be easier to manage dead. Will Dorian have the strength to defend, or does it take the magic of a woman of white light to annihilate the evil darkness?

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

May the force be with you

This has been a great year for me. My first book came out from The Wild Rose Press, more were contracted, and opportunity knocked at my door. What’s been part of my learning curve is to decide which opportunities to take. For introverts, opportunities can be scary things indeed.

There were festivals, near and far. I attended some in a booksigning capacity. I spoke at local organizations, at local writers’ groups, at regional conferences. There were blogs, interviews, press releases, and so many more opportunities to chose from.

What’s a newbie author to do? Especially an introvert like me.

First, take a deep breath. No one is making you do any of this stuff. You won’t get a bad grade if you skip something or if you say no.

That’s actually the hardest part, saying no.

Practice saying it with me right now: NO. You are not required to drive to an outdoor literary festival 4 hours away, pay $30 for the privilege of being there, and sit in the August heat all day hoping to make book sales to perfect strangers. You are not required to send press releases about your latest book to every newspaper within 100 miles.

In fact, you’re not required to do anything. But you will. You will do crazy things to make sales. You’ll do it in the name of networking, to help a friend, or just because it appeals to you.

That’s actually the key to happy promotion, in my opinion. Do the no-brainer stuff first, the stuff that’s easy or that you enjoy. Then chose something outside your comfort zone and do that. A little later, try something else. Keep track of how much time and effort these activities take. You’ll need that feedback for your next book.

Recently, I was asked to do the same talk two weeks in a row to different groups. I was highly stressed for the first talk but it went over great. I didn’t even sweat the second talk, until that morning when I wanted to look over my notes, and I couldn’t find them. My brain froze. Honest.

I could barely remember my name, much less my topic, which was “Ways to get started in writing.” I had a full fledged panic attack, then I realized what I was doing. I was all worked up about a talk I could do in my sleep. A few more deep breaths, and my brain unfroze. Then I remembered where I’d stashed the notes - in the tote with my books to sell. Duh. I gave the talk and I didn’t glance at my notes once.

Why? Because I believed in myself. Same as you believe in yourself. When you’re called upon to step outside your comfort zone, take that deep breath. Close your eyes and become fearless like Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.

May the force be with you in all your promotional and writing events!
Maggie Toussaint
No Second Chance, electronic release 12/28/07 from The Wild Rose Press
http://www.maggietoussaint.com/
cross-posted at www.sweeterromanticnotions.com/blog

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Finally, This Season review


Finally, This Season has been reviewed by The Long and The Short of It Reviews and has gotten a 5-Book Rating! Here's what they had to say:

"Finally, This Season will beguile romance fans from the very first line. This short, historic romance is an absolute delight.
The old world sense combines with that hint of formality that marked the life of the gentry of old. We follow this story from Central Park to ballroom. Yet, comfortably familiar though the setting is, the unexpected spontaneity of the story bubbles through.
The tone of the dialogue enhances this, by offering a certain level of lightheartedness. The dialogue even gives a hint of history, through word choice and sentence structure. I can do no better than to offer a short excerpt:
"For you it seems a small payment, but for me...ah, it is a most treasured gift." He turned toward the path and held out his arm. "Shall we?"
The quality of the main characters is undeniable, the conflict realistic, the lovely Miss Alexandra Parkington, practical. This is the classic romance.
Five books to Ms. Leone and a thank-you for this most engaging of reads."

Woo Hoo! I am thrilled!!

~Sarita Leone
Sarita Leone

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

It's Here! It's Here!


My author copies of The Space Between arrived in the mail today.

My book is shiny. It's petite yet not flimsy. The paper inside is bright, with easy to read type. If you look closely at the braided grass on the shark tooth necklace, you can't tell I drew the grass myself. Can you?

If you're in the mood for a plane crash, a hurricane, a crazy used car salesman and a bit of kissin', order it from Amazon.com or Amazon.ca today.

If you're in the Newmarket or Toronto area and you want me to sign your book, I'll throw in a shark tooth necklace for free.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Humpty Dumpty's Wall

Recently I hit a huge wall. It smacked me hard. I didn't get a concussion, but instead faced major reconstructive surgery. No plastic surgeon could assist me. I had to perform the operation.

What happened? It's a long sad story, but deserves telling...

I had a perfectly wonderful and exciting plot for a new book. The hero and heroine were perfectly suited and their goals were totally opposite. Getting them together would be a roller coaster ride of emotions. I dove into the novel and churned out the pages. They flowed seamlessly until I hit page 156 and that brick wall.

I found myself forcing pages, writing too much introspection, dragging the manuscript along. I finally stopped, stepped back, and held my head in horror. I would never finish this manuscript!

What did I do?

I gave myself a break from writing. The timing was perfect. My RWA chapter conference was approaching and I had volunteered to help out with stuffing goody bags, attending a booksigning, and picking up an editor at the airport. For a week I didn't even think about those pages impaled on that impassable wall. I enjoyed the conference, made new friends, sold some books, and attended lots of workshops.

At some point during that fabulous weekend, the answer to my problem came to me like a bright light from a dark void. I had started the story at the wrong point. I needed to write what I had considered the backstory. Everything fell into place. I have the new beginning outlined and I'm ready to start pounding the keyboard once again. I know the story will be much stronger now.

If you ever find yourself at a loss for words, if you are struggling to get from one point to the next, step back and take a look at your beginning. Starting the story in the right place is crucial to the success of your manuscript.

Thanks for reading!

FOXFIRE, Romantic Suspense
HIT AND RUN, Romantic Suspense

Monday, October 01, 2007

Listen to my Interview!

Hi Fellow Roses and Friends!

Recently I had the privelege of being interviewed by Yvonne Perry who owns/operates Write On! Creative Writing Services and Writer's in the Sky Blog, Newsletter and Podcast.

To listen to the interview, click here!

Until later remember....when the going gets tough, the tough get on their knees.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"