Never Give Up

As a writer I encounter all kinds of people, often very well-meaning, who do or say things that I find discouraging. It might be a critique partner. It might be a contest judge. It might be a rejection letter. Writing for other people, rather than just for oneself, opens up a writer to all kinds of opportunity for heartache.

A friend of mine, after critiquing someone else’s writing, got back the complaint, “I feel like you just told me my baby is ugly.”

Whose fault is that? The critique partner? Maybe. She might have been un-diplomatic or un-gentle about her criticism. More likely it’s the fault of the writer for taking offense and worse, lashing out at her critique partner. If you can’t take criticism, you don’t have any business trying to get published. Sure it hurts. Sometimes, after years of writing, entering contests, and submitting, I still get my feelings hurt. I cry. I pout. I rage. I eat chocolate. Then I roll up my sleeves, take a second, and hopefully objective, look at the criticism, and ask myself if there’s any truth in their words. Sometimes no. Sometimes yes.

The point is to not give up. If, at some point in the race, you fall down and skin your knees, get up, dust yourself off, put on a Band-Aid, get a kiss from your Mommy (or whoever is in your corner cheering you on), and get back into the race.

Persistence will eventually pay off. And sweet victory will follow.

Have You Heard the News!?!

Attention all White Rose Fans!!

I'm sure you've heard the news already, but thought I'd drop in and remind you that the White Rose Authors have a NEW HOME!

Yeah, Rhonda & RJ - with the help of Nicke Martinez and her editors - have opened a new imprint White Rose Publishing and all of the White Roses have moved!

We've also got our own blog - White Roses in Bloom!

C'mon over and visit with us and check out my new release, Winter Madness and my new FREE READ - Review of Love!

Oh and one more thing....autographed copies of The Inheritance are on sale for a limited time! Details at my website or Pertinent Promotions!

Until later....take care and Be Blessed!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

White Rose Author

"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw reviewed by LASR

My latest Hoofbeats & Heartstrings horse rescue romance novel just got a 5-book rating from Long and Short Romance Reviews! Check out what they had to say:

"Christabel Wilde’s life has just turned upside-down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she’s never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

Christabel was worried something was wrong with her health, but then she knocked over a snowy white Chihuahua on a lonely country road. As soon as she touched the little dog her confusion cleared and she knew she’d been given a gift. She packed her belongings and moved away from all she knew to take a new direction in life.

She takes a job at a horse rescue farm but keeps her gift secret. Most of the people on the farm wonder why such a novice with horses would want to work as a groom. After the first few days Christabel knows she’s made the right choice; she feels a natural empathy with the horses and can’t imagine doing any other job. Her happiness is enhanced by the attraction she feels for Declan, the resident vet. 

Declan is instantly fascinated by Christabel, but he senses she is hiding something. He teaches her to ride and they grow closer. Their feelings for each other grow stronger, but neither is willing to admit this. Christabel knows she cannot give her love to Declan until she has told him her secret, but she is afraid he will treat her revelation with scorn.

Love, Lilies, and the Unbroken Straw is a sweet, sensitive story which shows the full range of Christabel’s feelings for her amazing gift, the horses and most of all Declan. Christabel is a warm, vibrant woman who at first appears to be shy and retiring, but Declan brings out the best in her. As their relationship develops she shows the strength she usually hides from the world. The Yellow Rose of Texas Equine Rescue Center provides a warm, comfortable backdrop to the triangle of love developing between Christabel, Declan and the horses in need of their help.

Although the setting is Texas with its hot summers, I would recommend this book be read beside a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate on the table within easy reach. It’s the type of story which leaves a satisfied, warm feeling inside so it’s essential to find a comfortable place to settle before starting to read Love, Lilies, and the Unbroken Straw."

Orchid ~ Long and Short Romance Reviews

Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw is available NOW at The Wild Rose Press. Just click here to purchase! 

Blessings, Teri

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

www.teriwilson.net

 

Riches is here! I just received a copy of the book. It is so awesome. I hope you all enjoy the book. Thanks to all who helped.

Now comes the hard part...book signings, promotional stuff and interviews. Keep watching.

New Release Date!

No sooner did I find out about TWRP's new venture of White Rose Publishing than I was asked if they could move my release date up to May 1. Gee, that was hard to decide. :) So now Chance's Return will arrive just in time for Mother's Day gift-giving, and I think it would be the perfect gift for any mom on your list. On one level, it's a serious story about a family in crisis, torn apart by jealousy and distrust. But it's also a story of two people finding love for the second time and how it changes their lives. I call it my prodigal son story, because that's how Chance views himself, the prodigal son of the North Star ranch. His homecoming is fraught with misgivings, but young widow Casey Girard and her son Jamie show Chance that with God's help, all things are possible. It's also a very emotional story but one that I hope shows how love can help us overcome life's obstacles and find new meaning. In today's world, that's what we all need--more love and hope!
I had a wonderful time writing this story and my hope is that it will bring readers the same joy.

Spring and flowers and notes from friends -

Plus there is a new astrology fortune cookie up on my website AND I have added a Blog page.  I blog on other people's pages but somehow never set up my own.  So visit Phoebe, check your fortune, and then come on over to the blog page.

Deja Vu Lover by Phoebe Matthews, a Vintage Rose

Cover by Rae Monet

  Her love life takes her from Seattle today to Hollywood in 1925.

Order ebook or paperback from TheWildRosePress 

There's a Monster Under My Bed

There are things hiding in the dark, creatures in my closet, a monster under my bed, a boogey man outside my door. The love of suspense begins at an early age. As a child I loved to hear ghost stories. I would shiver and shake and crawl into bed too frightened to close my eyes. Once I awoke screaming because a blue ghost was after me.

I'm still frightened of the dark. I don't like to go outside my house once the sun has set. And at night I still wake up and hear something creeping around in the dark--most times it's one of my cats or my hubby heading off to get a drink of water. As a writer, all my stories, no matter how sweet and simple I plan them to be, turn out to be suspenseful. Thus, I continue to write about the monsters under my bed.

During the upcoming week, I'm going to be sharing my insight into how to write a page-turning suspense by relating it to falling in love and sharing that very first kiss. So, please join me from March 23 through March 27 at my Inside the Writer's Mind Blog to learn more.

JOSHUA'S HOPE, my latest romantic suspense novel has been receiving five star reviews and was a 2009 Eppie Finalist. If you haven't yet read my Eppie Finalist, JOSHUA'S HOPE, hop over to White Rose Publishing where you'll find it on sale during this White Rose month. FOXFIRE, my second novel, also an Eppie Finalist, received five star reviews. It was my favorite book to write because I truly fell in love with the characters. There just might be a sequel coming up soon.

Hope you'll join me for the free workshop on my blog next week. Happy reading.

My new story releasing

I have a release date for my new Vintage Rose line entitled Taking Advantage. It is set in 1949, a sweet romance between two high school seniors, Zack and Gloria. Zack has his work cut out for him. He's got several obstacles to overcome. Gloria is dating three sports heros, Gloria's mother is for her dating the jocks and she is against Zack who isn't good at sports nor is he good looking. On top of that Zack doesn't have confidence in himself to start with.

It's Seventh Heaven's release day!

by Cate Masters

Hooray! It's finally release day for Seventh Heaven, my Vintage rosette set in the Sixties. I'm so excited!
For a chance to win a copy, visit Yankee Romance Reviewers today, or my blog tomorrow.
Here's the blurb and excerpt:

Blurb
Lilah owns the New Hope Record and Crafts Shop with her friend, Val. Independent and free-spirited, they sell their handmade jewelry and pottery to tourists in their Delaware River town. Lilah’s only hangup is James, who bartends down the street. She’s crazy about him, but lately he’s been cold and distant. Turns out he has reason to be down--he’s had his ticket punched for Vietnam. Lilah makes him a lucky leather-string choker using a silver ankh--the Egyptian symbol of eternity.James is skeptical about its lucky charms, but warms to her again. For seven months, James is in Vietnam. He comes home changed, in more ways than one. Can Lilah show him that her love is all the luck he needs?

Excerpt
James stands in the open doorway. The choker gleams from his neck. “I came by to say thanks.”
The distance she’d felt between them last night is gone. His warm eyes search hers, reaching again for a connection.
“I didn’t know it was you.” She steps from behind the counter. No more barriers between them.
He closes the door. “So. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. It looks good. It’s an--”
“An ankh. I know.” Something seems to be holding him back, but somehow she knows she must be patient, let him come to her.
“The Egyptian symbol of eternity.” She doesn’t know what to do with her hands, and her breath is jagged. “Sorry. I mean, Ben told us. It really stinks you’re leaving.”
He runs a finger across a glazed jug. “Bad timing.”
She clasps her hands in front of her. “I guess it’s never a good time…”
He glances up and flashes a switchblade smile. “I mean, I wish we had more time.” His soft voice rushes at her like the wind and billows the sails of her heart’s rocky boat.
The air thins, seems rarified. “Me, too.”
He takes a step closer. Time feels maddeningly slow. She wants to run to him, fill her arms with him.
She folds her arms. “I hope you’ll write me, if you get a chance.”
“Yeah?”
He’s within arm’s reach. His gaze flows over her inch by inch, over every curve and hollow.
The floor needs sweeping. And needs to be smaller. Or his steps need to be more expansive. “Sure, I’ll keep you up on the local gossip. Send you goodie packages.” A lock of her hair. A photo of herself so he’ll think of her every day. And night.
His eyes lock on hers. “That’d be nice.”
“We’re going to miss you around here.”
“You will?” The timbre of his voice rumbles inside her like an earthquake.
With his last step, he is so close her skin tingles with his heat. “No one can make a margarita like you.”
He fingers her hair, tucks a strand behind her shoulder. “Come back tonight. I’ll make you all the margaritas you can drink.”
In her head she is already there, sipping at a wide-rimmed glass, serenaded by Dylan in the background, James attending to her alone. “OK.”
“See you about seven, then?”
She smiles. “Seven it is.”
He backs toward the door, slowly, as if still taking her in. The silver ankh winks in the light as he turns to leave.

The author of four novels, Cate Masters’ short stories and flash fiction have appeared in various web zines and press sites. Visit her online at http://catemasters.ning.com/ or www.catemasters.blogspot.com or friend her on Facebook.

Fool for Romance contest and more news!

I was asked to take part in this contest by a fellow writer, Christle Gray who admitted she's now a fan after reading Reason to Believe! What a warm-fuzzy feeling!!! ;-) She interviewed me on her site here: Author Interview and Escape with a Scotsman! BTW: She's running a contest until March 25th to win a PDF copy of my book! All you have to do is sign her guestbook and mention it's for Reason to Believe :) GOOD LUCK!

More about the Fool for Romance contest from Crystal Rain's site:

THE CONTEST IS NOW OPEN !!! GET THOSE ENTRIES ROLLING IN!

Check out the prizes that each author has donated. All this cool stuff will go to one lucky winner whose name will be drawn and announced on April Fools Day (April 1st)!Wanna win? Of course you do. Scroll down to the QUESTIONS section. Each author has posted a question for you to find on their website (just click on their names to get to the websites). Answer the questions and send those answers in an email (along with your contact info) to: FOOLROMANCE@AOL.COM

PS: I had the most wonderful surprise recently -- Night Owl Romance blogged about Reason to Believe! Made my day!! Here's a bit of what Diana Coyle said about her "Top Pick":

I loved it (Reason to Believe) because Ms. Dennis presented a different kind of storyline to her readers and wrapped it around a romantic love story. I was pulled immediately into the story and just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next for Lane and Conlan. I loved everything about this story, from the characters to the setting and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. I definitely look forward to reading more from this wonderful author in the near future and I would urge you to pick up a copy so you can see just what I'm talking about regarding this author and her incredible talent.

DEJA VU LOVER, TheWildRosePress, Vintage Rose

He broke her heart in another lifetime and now he is back. April's startling visions of 1920s Hollywood include silent film stars, roadsters, glamourous people and places, plus a handsome actor who pursues her. April's best friends think she is delusional. And then she meets the actor's charming lookalike in present day Seattle. Torn between her memories and her new love, April is terrified that she will repeat her past mistakes. Is that her destiny, to love him and lose him throughout eternity?

For your weekly fortune cookie, check Phoebe's website

Touch of the Demon - Friday 13th March

Only two days to go until my Scarlet Rosette, Touch of the Demon is released by The Wild Rose Press!

On Friday, 13th March 2009 I'll be having a party on my blog to celebrate. Everyone who leaves a comment on Friday and Saturday will go into a draw for one lucky person to win a free download of Touch of the Demon!

I'm also being roasted over at the Book Roast on Friday, and for a second chance to win a free download of Touch of the Demon, all you have to do is answer a question or leave a comment (I've had a sneak peek at the question, and it totally rocks!!)

Christina

Blog

Website

Hope to see you all on Friday!

And the EPPIE Goes To...

Congratulations, Lynnette Baughman, winner of the contemporary romance category for 2009!

She doesn't remember that the handsome Montana rancher was once a poor cowboy who loved her. He can't forget that she left him and never looked back.

Mandy McCay's life as a Hollywood starlet ended with a bullet from a deranged fan. Miraculously, she recovers, learns to walk and speak, but there are gaps in her memory. Important gaps. The years her face and figure were splashed across tabloid pages are easy. But what happened the summer before she left Montana?

Like everyone in Mandy's home town, Campbell West followed her medical miracle on TV. He's not prepared for her to come home more beautiful than ever, or for the sudden new attraction between them. At least, Mandy thinks it's new. Cam--God help him!-- remembers every inch of her body! When should he tell her of their passionate love, her betrayal, and his pain? Or can he risk forgetting it all--and hoping she'll never remember?

Your proud editor "hearts" you!

"For those looking for true romance..."

Well, I got quite the shocker-oo this morning. One of my writer friends emailed me a brand, spanking new review for my book Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw, Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book Two. You Gotta Read Reviews gave it a very nice review! I am stunned because the book hasn’t even been released yet! It comes out next Wednesday, but I guess it’s not too early to spread the news. Sit back, pop some champagne with me and Hear what You Gotta Read Reviews had to say:

“Christabel Wilde's life has just turned upside down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she's never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

In one word: sweet! This chaste romance was a breath of fresh air, with characters more interested in getting to know each other than jumping into bed. Their romance is a shy and innocent affair based around daily encounters rather then carefully arranged dates.

Another thing I like about this story is that the characters have passions having nothing to do with each other. Christabel often takes time to talk about flowers and their meaning, and Declan is quick to teach her – and vicariously the readers – all he knows about horses.

Overall, I’d recommend this story for those looking for something closer to a true romance. And, in fact, I already have.”

Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw releases electronically on Wednesday, March 11!

Blessings, Teri

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover’s soul

www.teriwilson.net

Your astrological fortune cookie -

He broke her heart in another lifetime - had she known her fortune, could she have escaped her fate?  Deja Vu Lover by Phoebe Matthews, Vintage Rose

3/2 Monday - THIS WEEK MOODY PEOPLE RULE. NOBODY WANTS TO MAKE A DECISION. EVEN THE WEATHER IS APT TO BE MOODY. BUT MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY OF A LOT OF STUFF YOU’RE GLAD TO SEE FINISHED AND TUESDAY OFFERS NEW STARTS.
for more fortunes and a Free Read group check http://phoebematthews.com

New blog featuring several TWRP authors!

Hey everyone, we'd love it if you would check us out. The Wicked Thorn and Roses blog is brand new, starting today! This week we will be interviewing each member to get to know each one a little better. Please stop by and see us. If you would be interested in link exchange, you can send an email to thornandroses@yahoo.com. Or, if you want to set up a guest interview, we'd be glad to do that, too.

Don't forget to leave a comment, we'd love to hear what you think and get to know you a little better, too. You can follow our blog by clicking on the "Posts RSS" link on the top bar or the "follow" link on the right sidebar of the page. Nothing would make us happier than to have a lot of friends to share with. Hope to see you there!