Wednesday Promo- Rogue's Angels

I'm pleased today to introduce you to three women I met twelve years ago when I joined Romance Writers of America. Their warmth, willingness to mentor, and openness drew me into the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter. Welcome Genene Valleau, Christine Young, and CL Kraemer.

IF YOU LEAVE A COMMENT YOUR NAME WILL BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF THIS ANTHOLOGY.

COLLABORATING ON AN ANTHOLOGY: A COLLECTION OF "FIRSTS"

I was delighted when Christine Young asked me to contribute a story for an anthology. Her new e-publishing venture was just getting off the ground and I was honored to help make it soar!

This was my first novella, first anthology and first romantic comedy. As we moved through the process of publishing the anthology, I garnered a few more "firsts."

A friend at the local animal shelter asked if we would donate "write-in" parts in our stories--similar to cameo appearances on TV--for a benefit auction. I had recently worked at the shelter and adopted a number of dogs from there. This would be the first time to try something like this, but how could I say no?

This was the first time I had collaborated with other authors and planned promotion with others. Ironically, this was also my first published story that did not have a pet in it.

Our launch party for A VALENTINE'S ANTHOLOGY--my first one that wasn't online--was held at the local shelter. A dog who belonged to one of the staff drew names for our door prizes. The winner of the write-in parts attended with two of the three daughters who purchased it as a gift for their mother. (The other daughter is a veterinarian who was on call and had to perform an emergency surgery.) I saw friends I hadn't seen for awhile. Both of my adult sons were able to attend to support me. We sold books and I went home exhausted but pleased.

This first time was special for me and I guess Christine and C.L. had a great time also, because we've decided to do it again next year for St. Patrick's Day. Seconds, anyone?

Have you written a story for an anthology? What did you think of the process? How about books in your to-be-read stack or on your e-reader? Do those books include anthologies? Do you have a preference for shorter stories or full-length novels?

To checkout the Anthology visit Rouge Phoenix Press.

Not bad for a recluse

I have to admit, I LOVE staying home, only rolling into town to nab some groceries and hurry home again.

But I spent the weekend hanging out in Portland,OR. First, Friday afternoon and evening shopping with a friend. I handed her colorful, hip clothes to try on and she came away with one blue shirt that looks like all the other ones in her closet! LOL I couldn't get her to change her style or color habits. We had dinner in a crowded restaurant and wondered about the relationship between the couple at the table next to us and listened in to conversations all around us. Fodder for characters in stories.

Then on Saturday we rode the MAX transit system to downtown Portland to attend the Rose City RWA chapter Reader's Luncheon. ON the trip both there and back we again had some interesting discussions about some of the people we encountered. Especially the brave soul who admitted to the whole car he wasn't an American citizen, yet began preaching about America's salvation amid many people's protests. It was amazing how he kept his cool and kept on talking while others hurled unsavory words at him. Then was the girl who would have been beautiful if not for the piercings in her dimples. And the interesting older man and younger girl who appeared to be having a quarrel. My thoughts were father and daughter. When he got up and moved half a car length from her, she fought to keep the tears from falling.

The luncheon was held in the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland. The ballroom is the perfect spot to hold a romance event. The tall ceiling with ornate architecture is beautiful. The speaker this year was Lucy Monroe. She was fun and witty as well thought provoking. A book signing was held with a portion of the proceeds going to the Portland literacy fund. There were several of the Mid-Willamette Valley members there: Lisa Catto, Sarah McDermd, Donna Kiehle, and authors Christine Young, Genene Valleau, and Elisabeth Naughton. It was great to see an old chapter member Rosemary Indra who is published now. And visit with the many Portland chapter members I've met through the years. As always, being around other authors no matter what the occasion I feel like I get rejuvenated.

And was happy I left my reclusive life for a weekend.

Don't forget to hop over to Romantic Ramblings to see what the Author Question is this week and leave a comment to get in the drawings.

My usual third Tuesday of the month blog at the Cactus Rose blog will be on Thursday. I changed with another blogger. And I'll be blogging at Seduced by History on Friday.

Wednesday Promo

I did walk yesterday, though I had to stay on the road and it was still a bit slick. I"m hoping the snow melts enough today, I can walk on the road and not have to worry about my feet slipping out from under me.

Let's see to start things off- This Saturday I'm the spotlight author at -Pamela S. Thibodeaux Blog

I'll also be at the Spokane RWA conference March 13 & 14th.


Genene Valleau a fellow RWA chapter member is running a cool contest for the release of her third book, Stars in Your Eyes. The info is below.

I've launched a new series of contests to celebrate the February 27 release of my next book titled, STARS IN YOUR EYES. This is the third in a series of three connected books from Awe-Struck E-Books.

"Leader of the band Zach Zacata has one more chance to make a comeback on stage--
and prove to himself that he is worthy of Lauren Westover's love. However, pursuing that comeback convinces Lauren that Zach will never leave the business she blames for her husband's murder."

Prizes will include a guitar-shaped watch, something from Lauren's beauty arsenal and, of course, chocolate! Visit my web site at <www.genenevalleau.com> for more details. Enter the first drawing by midnight, January 26, for your chance to win!

Wednesday Promo- Genene Valleau

"To celebrate the e-book and print release of her second novel, FEATHERS
ON THE FLOOR, romance author Genene Valleau is offering a twist on the
Twelve Days of Christmas with a special event from December 1-12.
Everyone is a winner--every day! Free downloads and prize drawings every
day between Dec. 1st and 12th, wrapping up with the Grand Prize drawing
for a fully decorated Christmas Tree. Also, special buys on books and
book bags, with $1.00 from each sale donated to local animal welfare. A
special blog will go online on December 1 to host this event. Please stop by and comment to enter!"

Promo Wednesday

I keep getting sidetracked on the promo stuff I've been promising and today is no diffferent.

A friend and RWA chapter member has her debut release this Friday. Way to go Genene!!

Here is Genene Valleau's promo for her book:

To celebrate my first release, SONGS OF THE HEART, on this Friday, April 4, I'm having a cyber release party. The party will include interviews with characters from the book and drawings for prizes every 4 hours, starting at midnight and wrapping up at 8:00 p.m. with the grand prize drawing. I'll have a special blog set up to ask questions and make comments. Please join me by visiting my Web site at www.genenevalleau.com and follow the clicks!

I'm going to try and be there but as it is at night and I like my sleep.... we'll see! But if you're a night owl like Genene- head on over and visit with her and her characters!