Wednesday Promo- Harlequin Love Inspired author-Terri Reed

I'm pleased today to be promoing an author who I met several years ago. She and her two critique partners came to my RWA chapter meeting and did a presentation on critiquing. After that, even though I was a nobody and a person who is quiet and tends to stand in the corner by myself at large gatherings, every time one of those three saw me at a conference they made it a point to say "hi" or come sit by me. And all of them were published authors. Their openness and friendship made me a fan. And after I was published I had the pleasure of sitting on a panel at a librarian's conference with Terri. That was a thrill! And now without any more of my chatter here is some info about Terri Reed, Harlequin Love Inspired author.
BIO:
At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. Her second book, A Sheltering Love was a 2006 RITA Award Finalist and a 2005 National Reader’s Choice Award Finalist. Her book Strictly Confidential, book five of the Faith at the Crossroads continuity series, took third place in the 2007 Book of The Year Award. Her December 2007 book, Her Christmas Protector, took third place in the 2008 Book of the Year contest. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children, and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

Being an author for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense which line do you feel is the most challenging to write for and why?

Wow, tough question right off the bat. Each line is equally challenging for different reasons. In my opinion the Love Inspired romances focus more on the character arc. For me this is challenging because I tend to write more plot driven stories so I find I have to reel back the action and up the emotional quotient.

For Love Inspired Suspense the challenge for me is to remember the romance amid all the action. I have to work hard to balance the character arc with the plot.

What brought you to the decision to write Inspirational romance?

I didn’t know about the genre when I first started writing romances. I had read mostly historical romances at the time and that was what I started out writing but quickly deduced I needed to write a contemporary because doing the research for a historical required trips to the library which were difficult with a baby attached at the hip. So I targeted Silhouette Romance. Not long after that I heard that Harlequin was starting a Christian fiction line. At the 96’ RWA conference in Dallas, I went to the spotlight on Steeple Hill and decided to focus my energy toward Love Inspired. It only took eight years to finally sell to the line.

You are a mom, an author, and a regional director for Romance Writers of America, how do you find a balance and keep your sanity?

Sanity? Ha! Some days sanity is in short supply. I write/ do RWA business and my own personal business (such as writing blogs and email) during school hours. I try not to let my “job” as a writer interfere with my family life. Mostly what keeps my life running relatively smooth is prioritizing and not letting myself get bogged down by too many details that I can’t control.

Fall in love again with these uplifting stories from Terri Reed.

Love Comes Home

Twelve years ago, Dr. Rachel Maguire followed her faith into medicine, choosing her career over love. But time never diminished her feelings for Josh Taylor, and now God is giving Rachel another chance—if she can overcome the pain of the past.

A Sheltering Love

With her faith as strong as her shoulders, Claire Wilcox opens a shelter for runaways. But it's her mysterious handyman who causes her sleepless nights. As their attraction grows, Nick Andrews must decide if he can trust in God's power to heal.

As I did the research for this story, I was touched by the plight of homeless teens. The many stories I read brought me to tears. And I discovered that homelessness among the youth in this country is reaching crisis proportions in every city in every state. Young people are routinely sleeping in parks, abandoned buildings, alleys and doorways. Lacking guidance, many turn to drugs, crime and violence. Without intervention the street culture becomes home and family.

But there are many, like Claire, who've stepped up to the plate and are trying to make a difference by supporting their local teen shelters.

Paty, Thanks for having me!

You can purchase this book here.

Wednesday Promo - Barbara Dickson

Today I'm pleased to showcase Barbara Dickson, a fellow Hearts Through History RWA chapter mate,and her book Mountains for Maddi.

Barbara Dickson, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992, refused to succumb to illness without a fearless fight. Forced to retire from her career as an IT software analyst, she quickly re-discovered her love of writing. Now a multi-published inspirational author and public speaker, Barbara strives to instill hope in her audiences, especially when life has other plans. Barbara’s determined to touch the world, one heart at a time.

What attracted you to writing romance?
I read my first romance novel – or at least the first one that left any lasting impression – when I was about twelve years old. An elderly woman in my church gave me a copy of “Crimson Roses,” an inspirational romance written way back in 1928 by Grace Livingston Hill. The age of the woman and the date of the book’s publication should have set off alarm bells, warning that perhaps the book was not quite groovy enough for this early 70’s girl. But I was hooked from the opening paragraph. Ms. Hill wrote during the early decades of the twentieth century when morality, integrity, and solid life principles were part of the tapestry of society, when a man’s word was his bond, and when a gentle kiss meant a life-long commitment.
Then, about 10 years ago, a diary came into my possession written by an English gentleman who was born in 1769. 1769! I was astounded that such a real life account had survived some 230 years. I was fascinated with David Cragg’s story. He was a fine, upstanding family man who, over the course of his life, lost everything – his land, his wealth, his beloved wife, and at times his faith, through no fault of his own. When he was forced to put his daughters to work in cotton mills to barely earn enough money to feed the family, he packed up what was left of his meagre possessions and emigrated to Upper Canada in 1833, bringing his eight children with him. His diary is rife with extraordinary events, from living through the Napoleonic wars, to the Industrial Revolution, to a storm-tossed voyage across the April Atlantic, to founding the town of Greenbank, Ontario. But, as interesting as all these events were, David’s incredible and moving love story with his dear Molly touched me the most. Sixteen years his junior, a mere maid in his home, and a Methodist (David was a Quaker,) their courtship was fraught with family angst and fury. But their love was true blue, a ‘til death do us part’ love, and is absolutely gripping reading.
I felt compelled to write David and Molly’s story but I didn’t know where to start. After two years of research at the Toronto Archives, I headed to my alma mater, Ryerson University here in Toronto, to take a fiction writing course – in romance, of course. Dawn Stewardson, our instructor, was a prolific Harlequin writer. We were given several assignments, culminating in the first chapter of a romance novel. I didn’t feel ready to write David and Molly’s story yet, so I started a story that had been in the back of my mind for many years. It was there that “Mountains for Maddi” was born.
David and Molly’s story still waits to be written – a 2009 New Year’s resolution!

Which of your character's shoes would you step into for a day and why?
I’ve written six books and each character is special to me, but if I could, I’d love to step into the shoes of Kelly Greene, my heroine in “Rock-a-Bye Baby” just for a day. A nurse at Barrington Memorial Hospital in Stonebridge Cove, she is shocked when a lost love shows up in ER, almost drowned. She doesn’t know why Tristan MacFayden is in Stonebridge Cove, or how he ended up in the Pembrooke River, but it really doesn’t matter. What matters is he’s the guy she loved as a teenager growing up in Toronto.
What makes the story unique is that Kelly has never met Tristan. Their friendship was nurtured via long-distance telephone calls, from him to her, while he toured the world as a young, yet legendary rock star. Despite living on different continents, overcoming a language barrier, and contending with Tristan’s band’s crazy tour schedule, they managed to carve out a fragile, tender friendship. He counted on her then as a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. He’s counting on her now as he clings to life, even though he doesn’t realize who she is.
This story is unique for another reason, too. The backstory is based on actual events. I lived Kelly’s backstory. There’s a part of me that would love to enjoy a day as Kelly Greene, delighting in crazy butterflies, and of finally meeting the young man who made her heart flip-flop as a sixteen year old girl. From his deep brown eyes, to his exquisite smile, to his disarming, thick brogue, he’s still the same guy she longed for so many years ago. There’s been a lot of life crammed into their lives since those heady days. Will he remember her? Could he still care a little? I’d love to find out...
“Rock-a-Bye Baby” is a book for any woman with memories of loving a teen idol; whether it was Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, the Bay City Rollers or the Backstreet Boys—they were men who were responsible for countless head-over-heels, scream your head off, I’ll love you forever crushes.

How many hours a day do you spend on writing-what is your typical day like?
My writing day is split up into two chunks – a time for writing and another for e-mail/business. I try to write for a couple of hours every morning, from about 9:30 to 11:30. Then I have lunch and rest. I have multiple sclerosis, so fatigue is a big issue, along with stamina and cognitive clarity. After resting for a few hours, I’m usually able to do some light housework, make supper, and spend time with my family. I try to spend an hour or two in the evenings answering e-mail. And that’s it. I can’t do anymore. I marvel at women who work full-time and write as well. It’s amazing. I can’t do it. I have enough trouble making it through some days, not writing at all.

Blurb for “Mountains for Maddi”:
Maddi Madigan, while on vacation, careens into Dr. Gregory Connor on a snowy ski slope. Entangled with Greg and buried in snow, her heart skitters, almost as far as her ski poles.
She soaks up the magnificent Rocky Mountain atmosphere over the next few days while avoiding an entanglement of another kind—romance. She bears the scars from a broken engagement, and is convinced men and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis don’t mix; at least that’s what her head tells her. Too bad her heart has other plans.
Greg, utterly smitten, pursues Maddi the same way he works—hard. When she lingers just beyond his romantic grasp, he rallies with dogged determination.
Can Maddi make it through the week without her heart ending up in a puddle of slush at Greg’s feet? How hard should she try? Could Greg truly offer hope for a Happily Ever After?
Excerpt:
Greg reached Maddi, out of breath. “You’re running away from the ball and it’s not even midnight.”
Maddi watched as he gulped another breath and eyed her discarded shoe. “You fled so fast you dropped your slipper.”
Her heart warmed to the gentleness she detected in his voice. She smiled. “I didn’t realize you were looking for me.”
“Yes, I was looking for you,” he chastised. “The judges are about to announce the auction winners, and you’re ditching the party. Who knows—you may have won the bid for the elegant pearl-studded milk decanter.” He smiled and those exquisite pools of blue that he dared to call eyes, locked with hers.
“I’m a little tired.”
“Tired? But the clock hasn’t struck twelve yet. And I don’t see any pumpkins,” he teased. He gathered her hands. The strength and warmth of his clasp made her catch her breath, in pleasure and panic. Would he notice the tremor?
“Come back with me,” he asked, holding her gaze. “Please?”
Who could say no to those eyes? They would be her complete undoing if she didn’t muster every scrap of internal fortitude she could find. She met his gaze, and felt heat escape into her cheeks.
The elevator dinged its arrival and the doors opened. Greg looked at the open elevator and then back at Maddi. He searched her face.
She struggled. She needed to tell him that she should head upstairs, that there was no hope for anything between them beyond polite friendship.
But something, or Someone, kept the words from forming.
“All right,” she managed, her voice just above a whisper. She knew her face had deepened in color.
“That’s my girl,” he murmured. He released her hands and knelt before her.
“What are you doing?”
“Your slipper, my lady.” He grasped her foot to slide on her pump.
Her hands flailed out to steady herself, grabbing his hair for support. The softness of his curls startled her.
It felt as if time had stopped. He looked up from where he was kneeling and she met his eyes.
She didn’t want to let go of his hair for fear of falling, but more so, she didn’t want to let go for fear of never touching him in such a loving way again.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to answer your questions. And to everyone who reads Paty’s blog, may I wish you peace, love, joy, good writing, and great success!
Barbara Dickson

Barbara's books can be purchased at:her website www.barbaradickson.ca or through her publisher www.mmpubs.com or through www.amazon.com

Wednesday Promo- Jannine Corti Petska

Assapora la passione
(Feel the Passion)
Buon giorno tutti! I am thrilled to be here today on Paty's blog. My thanks to Paty for allowing me to be her guest author. I love sharing my stories and my life's experiences with everyone, and I promise not to bore you. *grin*

I'm Jannine Corti Petska, Corti being my maiden name. I grew up in a very Old World Italian home. It was the right beginning for my eventual leap into writing romance novels. So it's no surprise that I love to set my stories in Italy, or make my heroes or heroines Italian if the stories take place in the good ol' U.S.A. Several years before I wrote my present release, I had researched 15th century Italy for another series of Italian romances. From that moment on, I was hooked on this period in Italy's history.

Would you like to receive a copy of CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN in ebook format? Anyone who leaves a comment is in the running. One name will be drawn and the announcement will be made Thursday, February 19.

What intrigues you about writing historical romance?
For someone who hated history in school, my family and friends were shocked when I began writing historicals. But I had been a reader of sweeping historical romance novels for a number of years before I penned my very first book. For me, it's the intrigue of history, the obvious and the not-so-obvious events that would make an exciting backdrop for a romance. Although you can research any subject and any country, there is the fact that there was so much more to it than what books relate. And this is where a writer's imagination starts brewing. I think it's the mystery of the past that has me looking forward to researching a new book. Sometimes, I feel like a detective, finding clues until I get to the center of truth. Then I stretch the truth, lol.

What do you think makes a sexy hero?
Long hair and a buff body. No kidding! But beyond the aesthetics, a sexy hero must have a sensitive side, no matter how arrogant or unapproachable he is, and no matter what his situation is in the story. He must be dedicated to the heroine, be selfless and, above all, treat her with respect.

What makes your characters come to life for you?
I'd like to think my characters are closer to how we as humans today feel and interact. They're not one-dimensional or unfeeling. I put my characters in situations very similar to what people in modern society face, then I fit them back in time. Many of my stories deal with issues. One dealt with spousal abuse. Another with alcoholism. And another with pride and greed. These were all historical romances, two of them set in the medieval period. My characters have problems just like everyone else. They have flaws. That's what makes them realistic.

My latest release is the first book in the Sisters of Destiny trilogy about three psychic sisters separated at birth. The story takes place in the Po Valley of Northern Italy in 1425.

Here is the blurb for CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN.

Forced to the streets after her mother dies, Carina Gallo is desperate to survive and find her long lost sisters.

Consumed with locating his missing brother, Count Luciano Ruggero has forsaken his needs.

When Luciano catches beautiful and vulnerable Carina stealing from him, he takes pity and cares for her until she's strong enough to work off her crime. Carina is forever grateful to Luciano, yet fears he will learn of her wicked secret and condemn her to burn.

Will Luciano and Carina find a way to feed the mutual passions they share, or will heresy and obsession with lost family destroy them both?



Excerpt:
(setup) After Carina steals food from his tavern, Luciano rescues her from starvation and takes her to his home to get healthy and to work off her crime. This is the first meeting where he tries to learn who she is. His manservant has fallen ill, and his upstairs maid is also showing signs of becoming sick.



“Did you come here to ply your trade?”

“And what trade might that be, my lord?”

He forced himself to remain rooted to the floor else he’d throttle the

outspoken wench. “Are you a strumpet?”

His directness caused her to blush. She wasn’t unshakable after all.

“I fear you have misjudged me, Count Ruggero.”

“Then from where did you come? And I’ll have a straightforward

answer.”

She dropped her hands to the folds of the silk gown. To hide her

nervousness over speaking of her past? Luciano wondered.

“I worked for the Baldovini,” she replied.

His eyes bore into her. Carina read his suspicion.

"If you do not believe me, send someone to the Baldovini to inquire

about me,” she openly challenged. “I spent the whole of my life on their

lands, working the fields these four years past.”

He set his goblet down gently and moved closer. “You were a

laborer?”

She nodded but couldn’t speak with the count standing but a long

stride away. His imposing presence commanded attention. Were she not

a pauper and he a count, she’d assuredly lure him into a kiss, as

improper as it might be. It wouldn’t be an unpleasant experience, she’d

wager. The only kiss she’d ever received from a man had been from the

lecherous, slobbering Signor Baldovini. He had cornered her and tried to

snatch more than just a kiss. Miseria! She still cringed from the horrible

memory.

“The Baldovini employ only men and boys to work their fields,” the

count pointed out.

“Signora Baldovini did not allow me to work in her private

residence.”

He stepped closer. So close, Carina smelled the clean scent from his

morning bath and the faint fragrance of wine on his breath. Her heart’s

pace quickened.

“Why would the signora forbid you from her home?”

“Truth be told, Signor Baldovini had an eye for me. The signora told

my mother I tempted her husband. Mamma knew better, for Signor

Baldovini has an eye for all women and has many bastard children.”

The count’s cheeks lined with shallow dimples when he suppressed a

smile at her directness. Carmine Baldovini’s illegitimate children were a

well-known fact, one his wife continually denied.

“Did you tempt him?”

Carina cocked her head and tightened her mouth.

“I will take your silence as an affirmation.”

“No!” she exploded, unduly put out by his judgment of her character.

“I did not tempt him, and I am not a strumpet. I am still a vir—” Her lips

slammed together.

Pleased to hear her virtue remained intact, Luciano took another step

forward. His pulse hastened and suddenly he desired to touch Carina’s

cheek, to know if it was as preciously smooth as it looked. “Why are you

no longer working for the Baldovini?”

He was not prepared for the sadness flooding her features. He

gentled his demeanor.

“My mother died four months past. Signora Baldovini demanded I

leave at once. I had no where to go but the streets.”

The directness of her gaze captured his. Not weak in courage by any

means, she hadn’t looked away when she replied. Gesu, how could he

allow her to pluck his heartstrings as she did? He felt her sorrow and

wished he could comfort her. Sorrow he knew all about. But where did

the need to hold her come from?

“And still a virgin. You are fortunate.”

“Mayhap.” She shifted her stance. “I am certain you did not bid me

here to discuss my virtue.”

His gut constricted again. “Maiden, you’d do well to mind your place

in my presence. And that includes your impulsive tongue.”

“Sì, my lord.” Contrite, but nonetheless acceptable.

“I shall leave you in Sandra’s care. Once you have attained a more

substantial…a healthier look about you,” he said carefully when her

head tilted, “you’ll tend to my chamber.” So much for keeping her at a

distance. “That means seeing to my laundry and cleaning my chamber

and reading room, the same in which you sleep. You will also mend my

garments. Marcello carries my meals up when I am in no mood to dine

downstairs. So too, he lays out the clothes I wish to wear and sees to my

grooming.”

“Your pardon, count. Am I to clean your chamber pot as well?”

His tone clipped, he replied, “I use the garderobe.”

“And your bath?”

She wouldn’t ask if she knew the road his mind drifted down. The

scrawny wench teased his lust into awakening yet again, and the day

was still new. “That, angel, I shall take care of myself, with help from my

manservant.”

Was that relief he saw flitter across her face?

“Then I agree to the duties you have stated.”

“Agree?” He couldn’t hide his disbelief. “Agree?” he repeated,

closing the gap between them. Looming above her, forcing her to tilt her

head to see his face, he wondered if she was a fool or just naïve. She

didn’t even attempt to move away. Any other woman would have

cowered back.

“Sì, agree.”

“There is naught for you to agree to. You are working off a debt. Your

service to me is your punishment for stealing.”

“It is, my lord.”

She relented. Luciano became suspicious.

“How long must I work to pay my debt, for I barely ate enough to

warrant a lengthy punishment. And I did lose it all, do you not recall?”

Her reasoning askew, he realized he could reprimand her until the

morrow and she’d not tone down her carelessly spoken words. Had she

lost sight of the fact she had committed a crime? It mattered not how

much she stole. Or that she’d lost it shortly after eating.

A firm knock interrupted their meeting. Agitated, Luciano barked,

“Enter.”

Sandra rushed in, her cheeks flushed, her face wrought with worry.

“Beg your pardon, Count Ruggero. Please forgive me for not

accompanying Signorina Gallo.”

He nodded, though he was concerned. Except for the warm color on

her cheeks, she appeared as if standing was a chore. Her rapid breathing

confused him, and he would have addressed her health if he knew she

was prone to illness. But Sandra and Marcello hadn’t been sick a day

since they came to work at the manor.

“Our meeting is over,” he said and slid his gaze to the wench. “Get to

the kitchen for food. The first order will be to fatten you up. For that I

shall add a new debt for you to work off.”

He glared at her to keep her from speaking another cursed retort.

“I do not run a room and board here.”

“Count Ruggero—”

“Not another word.”

“But I must—”

He clamped his hand over her mouth but her lips continued to move,

tickling his palm. “Be damned, woman. Must I tie a cloth around your

mouth to silence you?”

“If you must…” She swept past him, her head held erect, and glided

toward the open door. Her gracefulness contributed to the appearance of

her floating on air. No commoner had he ever seen walk as regally as she

did.

His fingers twitched, his entire body tensed. As he watched her walk

away, a strange feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. About to turn his

back to her, he paused when she called his name and faced him with a

tantalizing grin, which renewed the tingling in his groin.

“You cannot fatten me up, count. I am thin by nature.”

Blasted wench! He slammed the door then miserably adjusted the

swell in his hose.



CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN is available from http://allromanceebooks.com/product-carinaandthenobleman-13963-161.html and from www.eternalpress.ca

ebook: 978-1-926640-59-4

print: 978-1-926647-35-7

(print release date tba)
To learn more about me and my books, please visit my website at www.jcortipetska.com

Wednesday Promo- A book for Writers

Today Renee Knowles is here to tell us about a book she wrote for writers.

Savvy Business Skills for Writers
Renee Knowles

Wild Child Publishing


Buy link: http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95&products_id=275

Renee’s bio:

Renee Knowles is an award-winning historical and contemporary romance author. She is also a published freelance writer and columnist whose work has appeared in national consumer and trade magazines, as well as newspapers. Besides fiction writing Renee is a freelance editor and writing coach.

In her business life, she’s the owner and president of Total Confidence Image Consulting, LLC, a full-service image and business-etiquette-coaching firm. She has spent over fourteen years as a business manager and successful entrepreneur, during this time serving as a board member of the Arlington LeTip International Chapter, as well as being active in many chamber of commerce organizations. She has presented workshops to writing groups all over the country.

For more information, please visit her coaching site at www.totalconfidenceimage.com and her fiction website at
www.reneeknowles.com.

‘I’m writing this series because I saw the need was great and there wasn’t really a good how-to resource out there for writers to learn the business end of publishing. Agents and editors at conferences often speak about how they feel the one area many writers can improve on is the business and marketing side. And, as an editor myself, I've noticed many authors are not as comfortable dealing with promo and networking and career plans as they are with plotting and craft. I’ve seen fabulous writers struggle and I wanted to help them discover all the opportunities that could open to them if they were to expand their way of thinking.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial atmosphere—my family has owned a florist business for over thirty-seven years—I’ve gained a lot of business knowledge even from an early age. I’ve helped many authors find their bearings in this challenging publishing business.”
Blurb:
This is the first book in a series on developing business skills to grow and thrive in the challenging publishing industry. Make no doubt about it, to agents and editors, writing is first and foremost a business. Publishing generates billions of dollars every year. How can a writer find their slice of the pie? That's what this book will help you accomplish.
Of course, having a salable project and great writing ability is ultimately what will sell your book or article and keep your readers coming back. Yet, in this competitive time, you need more. You need an extra edge. Building your business skills will make you shine to editors and agents and help you build an audience. This is what will set you apart from all the other writers who haven't been savvy enough to learn the business end of writing. Ms. Knowles discusses how to creating a dynamic career plan, networking and promoting on a budget, shining at a writers' conference, time management, and no fear public speaking.
Are you ready to take your writing career to the next level?

Reader quotes:

"Savvy Business Skills for Writers: Nuts and Bolts is a book that every writer MUST have! Not only is Ms. Knowles' material extremely helpful, the way she writes made me feel like she was sitting right beside me. She really drew me in, captured my attention, and got me moving on the right track. Being a writer, I don't always find myself excelling on the business end of things, but with this book, I feel a lot more confindent. Not only does Ms. Knowles present a great wealth of knowledge, she makes learning fun!"--Eliza Knight, historical romance author and owner of the History Undressed blog.
"Ms. Knowles’ common sense approach to mapping out a thorough business plan is a must have for every successful author!"--Juliet Burns, Harlequin and Red Sage author.

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- Nicole McCaffrey

Okay before I give this over to Nicole- since I haven't found a meter to put on my blog -yet- I have to confess to 4 1/2 miles so far this week, but I haven't walked today.


Back to our regularly scheduled blog:

Today it is my privilege to showcase a writer I've been friends with for many years. In fact, through both her son's births. However, we've only talked on the phone once and have never met in person. When I first found the internet, I found Nicole. Even though she's an easterner and I'm a westerner, we formed a bond through our love of westerns and struggle to become published. Over the years we've laughed, cried, and ranted together over writing, kids, and family.

Here's Nicole:

If it’s possible to be born a writer, then I certainly was. I’d probably have started sooner if there had been pen and paper available in the womb! But for as long as I can remember, I have heard voices in my head. Fortunately for me, they’re all characters—begging me to tell their stories. My first sale was a holiday novella, published by The Wild Rose Press in November, 2006. The Model Man, my first full length contemporary, was released in March, 2008 and I’m under contract with them for two more stories.
I’ve been married to Peter, my best friend, for ten years, and am a work-at-home mom with two busy boys ages six and eight. When I’m not working, writing, or buried nose-deep in a research book, chances are I’m baking, fussing over my many houseplants or just kicking back and hanging with my guys.

You write both contemporary and historical, which is your favorite to write and why?

Definitely historical. I love the idea of simpler times, simpler struggles. It seems so much more romantic than anything going on in the present day. I guess we could sum that up in one word: escapism! Now and then, though, I like to take a break from trying to remember all the historical "stuff" and write something contemporary-set, and that’s how Small Town Christmas and The Model Man came about.

You write hot heroes, what do you think helps you raise their heat factor?

LOL Well, I don't set out to create hot heroes on purpose, they just sort of pull up a chair in my brain and start talking to me. One thing my heroes all have in common, though, is a genuine love for women. Not just a sexual attraction, but a sense of appreciating everything about the opposite sex—a fascination with women and how they tick. Sure they're also the kind of guy who wants to promise you an unforgettable night in bed, but they also believe they can deliver on it. Add to that a healthy dose of arrogance (after all, he loves all women and all women love him!) and an overabundance of self confidence and charm, and you've pretty much described my ideal hero, LOL. Enter the feisty heroine who isn't interested in him, and you've got the makings for the kind of sparks I like to see fly.

Tell us about your releases.

Well it’s kind of interesting that my first two releases are contemporary set when I consider myself an historical writer, LOL. But in both instances, the story ideas came from dreams. Funny, I never seem to have historical dreams!

In The Model Man I really tried to explore the idea that sometimes, the person you thought was all wrong for you is the one person who turns out to be exactly right for you. Derek is a hot, successful young guy at the peak of his career—he’s not looking for excitement, but he is looking for something different. Kelly is an over-40 divorced mom who believes romance has passed her. She’s totally focused on being the best possible mom she can to her two teenagers. She has her hands full, she’s definitely not looking for love—and he isn’t looking for more than a one night stand. The fact that he’s a romance cover model and she’s a romance novelist just made it more interesting!. I had a lot of fun bringing these two characters together, and a lot of fun writing the story. I think it shows!

Small Town Christmas has a slightly different tone. In this instance, my heroine, Holly, has a run-in with not just the guy who got away—but the one she never really had. Tucker Callahan has just returned to their hometown, with his two young daughters, divorced and ready to embrace the small town values he grew up with. Holly is getting ready for a big change in her career, something she’s been working toward a long time, and is more than eager to shake the small-town dust from her feet. When love enters the picture, she has to choose between her dream guy and her dream career. Since it was a Christmas story with a Christmas Eve ending, I had to add a little nod to my favorite Christmas movie in the ending, LOL.

What are you working on now?

Recent months have seen a real return to my historical roots. I have a western historical in the hands of an editor as we speak, and am working on one of the two other stories that were inspired by that one. Northern Temptress, my Civil War story with TWRP should be out later this year. Additionally, I have a couple of short Civil War stories I hope to pitch to TWRP soon.

Thank you for stopping by Nicole! I can't wait to read your western historical, and we'll all be on the lookout for the Civil War stories.

www.nicolemccaffrey.com

Wednesday Promo- Elisabeth Naughton contest

Hi all! Happy Christmas Eve!

Today I'm promoting a fellow RWA chapter member's new website contest and her debut release for Stolen Fury on December 30th from Dorchester.

Wednesday Promo- Anna Kathryn Lanier

Today, I'm proud to promo Anna Kathryn Lanier. We've been online acquaintances for a while as we are both members of Hearts Through History an online RWA chapter for historical writers.

Here's a little about Anna Kathryn and then we'll get into the good stuff- Her stories!

BTW- if you leave a comment she will pick two winners- and each will receive one of these stories! Enjoy!

Bio:
Anna Kathryn Lanier started writing while still in high school. Her first novel was a futuristic Armageddon tale and she had several poems published in the school’s literary magazine. She also started reading romance novels at that time. Anna Kathryn wrote her first romances in her early twenties, but her only submission was rejected. After putting her writing on hold for nearly two decades to raise her two daughters and play housewife, she picked up the pen again, so to speak--this is the computer age--four years ago. She has completed three historical romance novels to date and is editing the last of those in hopes of submitting it soon. She has discovered she enjoys writing short stories and will most likely continue with that venue as well. She is published in short story format under both Anna Kathryn Lanier and M. J. Sager. Her contemporaries short stories are: Happily Ever After published in the Bay Area Writers League 2005 Anthology, That Thing You Do, Second Chance at Forever in No Law Against Love, Enchantment By the Sea in Blue Moon Magic, and Soup d‘ Amour in Recipe for Love. Her debut historical was Tempt Me Twice in Holiday in the Heart. Her most recent release was The Priceless Gift, an e-book available through The Wild Rose Press.

She has two additional e-books due out soon: A Cowboy’s Dream, December 17, 2008 and Salvation Bride, January 21, 2009. Both will be available through The Wild Rose Press.

Anna Kathryn lives in Deer Park, TX with her husband and two cats. She is attending college, working on a double degree in history and education. You can learn more about Melinda at her website or at her blog


THE PRICELESS GIFT by Anna Kathryn Lanier
The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=635&
zenid=a29f8705ea8872cb3a0fa95beadc3121

Excerpt:
The last thing Christina Scott expects Santa to bring her is a sexy—and very familiar—cowboy. Gavin Holloway’s just as shocked to discover she’s the woman he’s sent to pick up from the airport for a Christmas visit with her brother. They'd spent one hot week together months ago—a week where they both left their identities and individual problems behind. Neither ever expected a reunion.

Little do they know, Santa's elf has more than coal up his sleeve. Ho ho ho and a badgering we'll go before reindeer two-step on their rooftop and deliver THE PRICELESS GIFT that will leave their snowy days sizzling.

Unedited Excerpt

After she hung up the phone, Christina took a relaxing shower. Just as she slipped into a pair of Jacob’s sweatpants someone pounded on the front door. Only one person would disturb her peace in such a manner. She slipped into the matching overlarge sweatshirt, wrapped a towel around her wet hair and went downstairs.
The pounding didn’t stop until she opened the door. Gavin stood huffing and puffing on the porch.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been calling for the past fifteen minutes.” He pushed past her and tramped into the great room.
She shut the door and followed.
“I was taking a shower. So sorry I didn’t get your permission first.”
He whirled on her and his dark eyes grazed over her body. She stood transfixed, remembering, as she was sure he was, the several showers they’d taken together while on the cruise.
She hugged her arms around herself. “Did you want something?”
“Jacob called and said the roads were too bad for him to make it in tonight. I wanted to make sure you were all right and knew where the emergency supplies were.” He slipped out of his coat and tossed it on a nearby chair.
“Jacob said the generator was outside.”
“Yeah, it is. I’ll come over and start it if you need it. But if the electricity goes out, it’s best just to hunker down in front of the fireplace.”
His aftershave triggered memories of sensual nights, while his jeans hugged his hips and legs like a second skin. Naked images of him caused desire to whip through her only to pool low in her belly.
He went to the den and opened a closet. “Jacob keeps the supplies in here.”
She stood in the doorway and nodded. She had no desire to get within touching distance. If she did, she just might do something really stupid, like kiss him.
His handsome face rose and he sniffed. “What smells so good?”
You. She shook off the arousing thoughts.
“I baked. It’s a family tradition.” She started for the kitchen. “I made plenty. You can take some home.” Leave and stop being a temptation.
He fell into step behind her. When she reached for the plastic bags, his hand gripped her arm and whipped her around. Before she could react, his lips were hot and demanding on her own. She opened her mouth, eager to taste what she knew so well.
The towel fell to the floor and her wet hair tumbled to her shoulders His hands slipped around her waist, pulling her close. Fire shot through her as a whirlwind of emotions engulfed her—desire, need, love and a bit of fear of the known—and unknown.
His fingers slid under the sweatshirt, brushing her bare skin, sending shivers of delight up her spine. He deepened the kiss with a sensual glide of his tongue.
Yes. Oh, God, yes. She needed this as much now as she had six months ago. She molded her body against his, feeling every rock hard inch from breast to thigh. She heard a moan, but wasn’t sure if it was hers or his.
He broke the kiss to feather his lips down her neck and lick the skin behind her ear. Her whole body shivered. He cupped her bottom, holding her against his length.
And another blurb and excertp from Anna Katharine

A COWBOY'S DREAM by Anna Kathryn Lanier
The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1086

Blurb
Author Leah Smith has fantasized about her neighbor, Houston’s pro baseball player Marcus Slade, for years, but thinks it’s unlikely she’d catch the cowboy’s interest since her IQ is bigger than her bra size. Having already been hurt by a man who wanted size over substance, she’s not in a hurry to play in that ball field again.

When an unexpected opportunity gets Marcus inside his favorite author’s apartment, he’s not about to let a second chance at love pass him by. Their attraction is quick and electric and has him instantly thinking about something more long-term. But when a woman from his past intrudes, his hopes of a cozy Christmas with Leah are buried beneath her cold shoulder. Risking a strikeout, Marcus has one chance left...go for the grand slam of his life and crash Leah's annual Christmas Eve party in hopes of convincing her she’s this Cowboy’s Dream.

Excerpt:

The mouthwatering scents of seared steak wafted around Leah as Marcus escorted her into the world famous Kemah Boardwalk Steak House. Her stomach grumbled, a reminder she hadn’t eaten since early morning.
The hostess greeted Marcus by name and smiled warmly at her. Leah glanced at him, wondering how often he came to the restaurant. Celebration dinners should be rare, not weekly—unless you found an excuse to celebrate every little thing. But what made them special then?
She slid into the booth and mentally shook her head. No matter what Marcus did in the past, this was her celebratory dinner. She smiled as he sat opposite her and determined to enjoy his company for as long as she had it.
The hostess handed them menus. “Would you like something from the bar, Mr. Slade?”
Marcus placed his Stetson beside him on the booth cushion and raised a brow at her.
“Whatever they have on tap will be fine,” she said.
He grinned and nodded. “Two beers, please.”
Glancing at his ‘celebration clothing,” she was glad she’d summed him up right. She’d nearly put on the $900 designer gown she planned to wear to next month’s charity fund raiser and made her look hot as hell, but at the last minute went over what she knew about pro ball player Marcus Slade. Celebrity though he may be, he was obviously still a cowboy at heart. Instead of the silk and satin confection, she pulled on blue jeans and simple blouse. She matched his jeans and western-styled shirt quite well.
Leah opened the menu and looked it over. “You’re a man after my own heart. There’s nothing better to celebrate with than a beer and a good steak.”
He jerked back as if surprised. “You mean to say you’ll actually order a steak?”
“Well, of course.” She laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear. “What’s the point of going to a steak house and not ordering a steak?”
He opened his mouth, but then shut it for a moment before uttering, “Truth be told, most of the women I know don’t eat much meat.”
That was no surprise. Most of the women she’d seen him with were the size of twigs—except in the bosom area—and probably ate weeds.
“Well, I hope you brought along your charge card, because I haven’t eaten much today and I’m starving. I plan to get a really big steak with all the fixings to celebrate.”
Marcus laughed. “Honey, the day I can’t afford to buy a pretty lady a steak is the day I’ll hang it up for good.”
Her heart fluttered at the endearment. Sure, it was common enough for Texans to drop honey and darling like hello and good-bye, but still, hearing it from Marcus made her insides quiver.
He wagged his brows, then glanced down to study his menu. She released a small sigh. Since she was a Roughrider’s fan and had held season tickets for years, she’d known who Marcus was before he moved into The Towers. To say she had a crush on him was probably an understatement, but she’d never suffered from delusions, either. Leah Smith, plain, average daughter of nomad archaeologists just wasn’t the type of woman the major league outfielder dated. As much as she wished she differently, she shouldn’t read more into this ‘date’ than what it was—a friendly, celebratory meal.

Thank you for stopping in today Anna Kathryn!

And don't forget- if you leave a comment she will pick two winners- and each will receive one of these stories!

Wednesday Promo

I entered the first line of my WIP in Karin Tabke's "First Line" contest. It's on her blog it you want to take a look at all the great first lines.

This Friday I'm guest blogging at Nicole McCaffrey's blog. I still need to come up with a topic. Shhh... Don't tell Nicole!

On Tuesday I'm blogging at the Cactus Rose blog. There have been some great blogs on this site. The Cactus Rose authors have posted about some interesting topics. Also Tuesday night, December 16th is when they announce the winner of the Sony eReader contest. So if you want to get your name in the running, you need to purchase one of my e-books and get your name in the pot.

Next week Author Melinda Porter will be my guest on Wednesday. So be sure you pop in to see what she has to say about her writing life.

Wednesday Promo- Keena Kincaid

Today, please say hello to another Wild Rose Press author, Keena Kincaid. She's gong ot tell us a little about her latest release, Anam Cara.

Why do you write in this genre?

I love larger-than-life heroes, and this genre lends itself perfectly to men who are stronger, faster and more intense than the average male. What also interests me as a writer and a reader is how the hero struggles with the dark side of whatever extra “gift” he possesses. I find it boring when heroes are just superhuman. But if the gift is also a curse, i.e. makes them capable of great deeds, but also isolates or weakens them in some way, I’m hooked.

In ANAM CARA, I wanted the reader to understand the positive and negative aspects of Bran’s magical talents. A descendent of Druids, Bran may possess power, but much of the knowledge associated with it was lost in the millennium between the Roman invasion of England and my 12-century setting. He has little idea of how to use his magic except through trial and error. Primarily, he is a seer. On the surface, this is a good gift because Bran knows which lord will welcome him and which one will make him sleep in the rain. But what happens when he “sees” the lord murdered by his wife? Does Bran tell him? How could he break that news and not cast suspicion on himself? And what are the consequences if he says nothing and the lord is murdered?
This internal angst isn’t on par with Hamlet’s fatal flaw (I’m not writing tragedies, after all) but it does create wonderful conflict within my hero.

Additionally, by making my paranormals historical, I get to layer in societal biases and pressures that only make it more difficult for Bran to live in the “modern” world of medieval England. His ancient magic sets him apart from the world around him at the most basic level, religion, and increases his sense of isolation and need for secrecy.

Yes, more conflict and torture for my characters. I love it.

Bio:
Keena grew up on a farm slightly left of Nowhere, Ohio, where she made pets out of pigs, cows and a half-broke pony named Star. She learned to read by picking words out of an old history book of short stories about children: The Grecian slave boy. The girl from Pompeii. The English knight’s squire.

The stories stuck. She studied history in college and medieval history in graduate school. After honing her writing skills as a journalist, she switched to PR and fiction writing.

She inherited the family’s nomadic gene and has lived in Ohio, Indiana, New York, Missouri and North Carolina, with short stays in places from Colorado to the UK.

When not working or writing, Keena regales her niece and nephews with stories of quick-thinking ladies, mathematically challenged knights, and ill-mannered dragons that chew with their mouths open.

You can learn more about Keena at her website.

Thank you for being here today, Keena!

Wednesday Promo- Lynna Banning

Welcome Lynna Banning!

Lynna Banning combines a lifelong love of history and literature into a satisfying career as a writer. Born in Oregon, she has lived in northern California most of her life. After graduation from Scripps College she embarked on a career as an editor and technical writer, and later as a high school English teacher.

An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on psaltery and harp with a medieval music ensemble. She loves hearing from her readers; write her directly at P.O. Box 324, Felton, CA 95018, or email her (and sign up to receive her newsletter) at carolynw@cruzio.com. And visit Lynna's web site at www.lynnabanning.com.

What is your favorite romance genre and why do you write in this genre?
My favorite genre is historical romance, currently with emphasis on the medieval period, particularly the 12th century. I'm drawn to this era largely because of Arthurian romances in my college studies, but when I first started writing I preferred Old West settings because I grew up hearing my grandparents' tales about ranching in Oregon. My first book, Western Rose, was based on my grandparents' courtship.


Blurb for her latest book Templar Knight: Forbidden Bride:
Hardened, battle-weary warrior Reynaud has forgotten what it is to be in the company of a beautiful woman, to delight in her comfort and warmth. On his return to Granada, he is drawn to Leonor, sensing that she could heal his hidden scars. However, Leonor is set upon her own dangerous path--a path they travel together, becoming closer every day and every night, even though their passion is forbidden because of his Templar vows.

You can find Lynna’s books at: Borders, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Thank you for stopping by, Lynna!

Wednesday Promo Day

Today. I'd like to welcome Wild Rose Press author Christine Phillips.

Paty, thanks for having me on your blog today! I'm thrilled to be here!

FORETASTE OF FOREVER is my debut release from the Scarlet Rose line of The Wild Rose Press. It's a dark erotic romance with paranormal elements about a heroine who is prepared to do anything to be with the man she loves, and an alpha hero who is so blinded by his sense of honor that he can't see his destiny when she is standing right in front of him.

BLURB

Elyesha, last surviving descendant of a line of powerful witches, finally finds the only man she's ever loved, the man who deserted her countless years before. But Ben is torn between desire and despair when Elyesha, his only love, eventually penetrates his protective retreat. He knows what she wants, but the price of their love is too high. At midnight, on the beach, a battle of wills and erotic seduction ensues as each confronts the other's darkest fears.

Bio

I moved to sunny Australia from the UK almost ten years ago with my very own hero and our three adorable children. Over the last few years as I’ve actively sought publication for the romances I love writing, I’ve tried my hand at category romance, chic lit, paranormal and now dark erotic romance. I discovered I absolutely adore writing hot romance after my CPs told me I should give it a try! My mantra is Never Say Never, because I will immediately go and do whatever I said I could never attempt!


FORETASTE OF FOREVER is a Scarlet Rosette published by The Wilder Roses at TWRP.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=651

You can find me at my website http://www.christinaphillips.com

Or check out what I’ve been up to lately at my blog http://christinaphillips.blogspot.com

I also have a MySpace page http://myspace.com/christinaphillips1 (come and friend me, I’d love to see you!)

Christine, thank you for hanging out here today. I wish you great success with your book!

Wednesday Promo- Jennette Green

Today, I'm featuring Jennette Green's medieval historical "The Commander" published at The Wild Rose Press.

Travel on a journey of romance into medieval Scotland...

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince's battle-scarred Commander -- the man who ended King Thor's life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride...

Excerpt:

“Give me your blades,” The Commander growled down at her.
Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my person. Perhaps that is because I have none.”
“I don’t trust you.”
She smiled. As well you shouldn’t. However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”
“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to this room.”
“But my clothes!”
“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes that provide no access to the blade at your thigh.”
“Nonsense.” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear and horrified humiliation. “Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back. “Put me down, you monstrous serf!”
He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down. Put me down at once!” she gasped. She bit her lip, trying to stop the weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive neck!
“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart.
“To my chambers.”
“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I require in a husband!”

Bio:

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I wrote my first story over thirty years ago. Since then, I’ve written numerous stories and have had several articles published. My first love, however, is writing romance novels. I've written seven. I'm blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, and three terrific children who put up with my crazy writing hours. When I'm not writing, I love reading, photography, making videos, and learning to create my own websites.

You can learn more about Jennette at her website: her blog: and you can purchase her book here: The Wild Rose Press