 Monday, March 31, 2008 Rose Quartz  He rolled his eyes then glanced down at their clasped hands. He stared at them for a long moment then raised his head and looked into her eyes. Something elemental and raw as lightning flashed between them. Her muscles loosened and her lips parted. She raised her face to his. He was going to kiss her and she was going to let him. His heated gaze swept over her features then he dropped her hands and took a step back. “Are you into casual relationships?” Her head jerked up. After Jeffrey’s comment it felt like Hank had just slapped her. “Are you, cowboy?” “Not with you.” “What does that mean?” she fired back fisting her hands on her hips. “Figure it out.” She raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t going to jump your bones just kiss you.” “One of us would have been jumping bones and the other would have been responding.” Heat shot through her, flushing her face. “That sounds rather arrogant.” “Only if it’s not true.” “Well,” was all she could think to say. She touched her amulet. “Don’t do that, Bella.” His eyes darkened, color rode high on his lean weathered cheeks. “Do what?” she stalled. “And don’t play games. I’m sure you are good at it, but I admire the way you can call a spade a spade even if it is dressed up with sugar and goo.” She heaved a sigh. “Actually I was trying for some inspiration when I touched the amulet. I don’t quite know what to make of you, Hank McHenry.” “Oh you know what to make of me all right,” his crispy Yankee vowels softened and went as smooth as malt whiskey. “It’s us you don’t know what to make of.” He shrugged, his thumbs still hooked in his pockets. “Neither do I. I’m pushing fifty, Bella and I feel like an awkward teenager with his first crush on a girl. You are way out of my league. And this is way more talkin’ than I’m used to doing. ” He ran his fingers through his hair in a restless gesture. “Listen to me, I sound like a babbling fool.” “That’s one thing it would be impossible for you to sound like, Hank McHenry.” For a moment her guard was down. The sugared southern belle persona set firmly aside. Staring up at him, she jumped when the call box sounded. He looked at her in disbelief, “Is it always this busy around here?” Still off center she just stood looking at him. “Bella?” She blinked and reached automatically for her amulet but he caught her hand and held it in a gentle clasp. “Don’t. If you ratchet up your beauty one more notch I won’t be responsible. You don’t need this for a creative response. You’ve got a good mind, woman, use it.” Labels: Rose Quartz paranormal romance Sandra Cox 
Monday, March 24, 2008 Grand Prize goes to Jean P. She wins an ebook reader with the following downloads - Jenyfer Matthews --All the Way Home Mary Ann Chulick -- Game Time Teri Thackston -- Deadly Climb Sam Cheever -- Tween Heaven and Hell Liz Jasper -- Underdead Catherine Berlin -- Return To Me Dorothy McFalls -- Lady Iona's Rebellion First Prize goes to Shannon She wins Charlene Leatherman -- Prophecy of Vithan Janet Miller aka Cricket Starr -- Tasting Nightwalker Wine Jean C. Gordon -- My Lady Viking Judith Atkins Anna's secret Karen McCullough --Beneath a Christmas Moon Karen McCullough -- Shadow of a Doubt Lise Fuller-- Intimate Deceptions Second Prize goes to Cathy She wins: Eilis Flynn -- Introducing Sonika Marianne Stephens -- Street of Dreams Micqui Miller -- Morning Star N. D. Hansen -- Hill Gilded Folly Amy Corwin -- Smuggled Rose Third Prize goes to Debby She wins: Sharon Horton -- My Shadow, My Love Melissa Alvarez / Ariana Dupre -- Talgorian Prophecy Terry Odell -- Starting Over Vicky Burkholder Danger Xy-One--Book One of the Hunter for Hire Series Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Saturday, March 22, 2008 
Blurb: Isabella Tremaine's credo is always look your best even when you're running from the bad guys. This modern Southern Belle has an ancient secret. Bella, as Isabella is known to her friends, is the possessor of a primeval amulet empowered by the gods with creativity and beauty, and this spunky blonde has an abundance of both. Unfortunately a madman has discovered Bella's secret and is determined to gain possession of the amulet, even if he must kill her to do so. It will take every wile in Bella's formidable arsenal of tricks to outwit the megalomaniac who is after her. At the same time the madman is trying to steal her amulet, a ranch hand is trying to steal her heart. Bella is determined to not only stay alive but to keep her size five stilettos foot loose and fancy free. Who will prove the greater danger? The madman who wants her amulet or the ranch hand who wants her heart? Excerpt: A streak of silver flashed as the knife sailed through the air. Hank shifted and the knife went flying by him. The two men closed in from different directions. He crouched, waiting. Bella watched, helpless. When the two men rushed him, he reached out grabbed them each by the nape of their necks and knocked their heads together. The sharp crack made Bella wince and cradle her own aching head. The men went down without a sound. Hank ran to her side and dropped to one knee. “Bella,” he said his voice hoarse with anxiety. “Amulet,” she whispered. “I got it, honey.” She gave him a loopy smile. He kept spinning toward her then away from her. “My hero,” she said. She was going to make a joke and tell him she could have taken them but she lost her train of thought. She tried to raise her hand to pat his cheek, but it fell limply to her side. The world tipped then turned black. “Wake up, Bella. Come on, ole girl.” The voice came from a long way off. Closer , an irregular thumping sounded in her ear. The scent of blood and sweat mingled with the musky sent of man and aftershave. Arms around her tightened, as memory tried to slither in through the black wall of oblivion. “Where’s a cop when you need one,” Hank muttered. He gave a tiny jiggle of his arms that sent the hammers hitting against her head pounding. She moaned. “I’m sorry, Bella, but you need to open your eyes.” Someone must have stuck a sticky, weighted substance on them because she just couldn’t do it. “Come on, woman. Show me how tough you southerners really are. No wonder you lost the war.” The sneer in his voice angered her enough to pry one eyelid halfway up. “That’s my girl. Come on, Bella.” Labels: Rose Quartz paranormal romance Sandra Cox
Friday, March 21, 2008  Two on the Hunt is now available! This book's heroine is the sister to Cass in One Juror Down and the hero is my first multi-cultural hero. Don't you just love the cover? The characters along the side are supposed to mean "vampire"-which may give you a clue to the plot... Blurb: Moonlight-dappled water, a luxurious boat and a handsome man in the next slip. Life at the South Seattle Marina is heavenly. Georgia Bellair and her four-year-old daughter Abby have been reunited after a tough couple of years and it's time for a few days' relaxation before moving into their new home together. Georgia would never have gone there though if she'd realized a cult was operating on the calm waters of Puget Sound and the leader thinks drinking Abby's innocent blood will make him a full chiang-shih, a Chinese vampire. Bounty hunter Yun MacCready is investigating a series of break-ins reportedly caused by a bail jumper at the marina. He doesn't expect to get involved with a beautiful blonde, much less work to rescue her kidnapped daughter from a vampire cult. Nor could he have expected this family's complicated past would come back to haunt them in the form of gang lord Oscar Nesell. Evil is storming the gates of heaven. http://cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419912566
Thursday, March 20, 2008 Today is the last show on The Reader's Round Table for the season. In the Fall I'll decide if I'm going to continue the show or not. Today my guests are Mary Castillo, Nancy Haddock and Sally Painter. It's an hour and a half to two hour show today depending on listener response. I'll be interviewing Mary and Nancy about their work. Sally and I will be discussing how she does Akashic Readings and I'll give free clairvoyant readings during that section of the show. So join us at The Reader's Round Table at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. If you'd like to call in and talk to any of my guests or ask questions the number is 347-215-6831. Or you can ask questions via chat from the show page. I hope you can join us! I'd also like to share two reviews that I received this week. The first one is for Talgorian Prophecy. I was thrilled with this review because this is my first full length novel since Night Visions (which was originally released in 2004). I'm so glad that Wateena loved the book so much. Here's part of the review. You can read the full review by clicking the link. 5 Cups - "Ms. Dupre has created a mind blowing tale that grabs you right from the start, throwing you into a maelstrom of action and keeping you on the edge of your seat all the time. With superb ingenuity the author pens a breath taking adventure with some astounding characters and sensual romance. Without missing a beat the author takes you from a normal hunt into a spectacular paranormal world where you learn the key to what is happening. This is one of those stories that at the end the reader feeling like they had just run a marathon. To sum all of it up would be to say one phenomenal read." Wateena, Reviewer for Coffee Time RomanceReviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books A new review came in this week for Beneath A Christmas Moon. I know Eden and Karen are just as happy with this review as I am! Here's part of that one: 5 Hearts - "Beneath a Christmas Moon is an enchanting tales of heroes that have not had good luck lately and women that will not go away to be with their man. Three great stories that all have such a great story line it is hard not to like each one. They are all paranormal yet each one is different from the typical shape shifting and vampire story. Each one tells about love that they wish they can go through and a life they dreamt of having. I loved them all and any reader will enjoy each story." ~ Melinda, Night Owl Romance Smiles, Melissa Alvarez/Ariana Dupre http://melissaa.com http://apsychichaven.com http://blogtalkradio.com/MelissaAlvarez
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 This happened because the damned squirrels are digging up our newly planted colorful primulus and it's my job to go out and replant them. I decided to fertilize the pretty little things and that's when I got soaked. Whew. Having said all that I'm going to put up the covers of my CP books in print to let you know I am alive and well and living in Victoria. My time travel, Ring Around The Moon, will be released on April 8 and my romantic suspense will be released on June 12. So much to think about. Getting the word out to readers urging them to purchase. It's a never ending task but it's   easier  that fighting off a rampaging garden hose. Check my web site for excerpts and other interesting bits of this and that about me and my books.Anita www.anitabirt.com www.anitabirtstoryteller.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 I'll start this series of blogs with my first couple of questions for Jason. Question 1: Eden: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do? Jason: I do not have such days. I am gargoyle. We turn to stone each day. Eden: Okay, if you had a free night without any responsibility and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do? Jason: I always have a mission. The day I don’t is the day I die, or turn chaotic. Eden: Chaotic? Jason: Yes it is a state of chaos, when my people lose their mission and their way. We must have our mission to live a full life, otherwise there is no purpose. And with no purpose, no mission, no life quest, often my people go insane. Eden: Every second of every day you must have this purpose? Jason: Yes. Eden: But, wh- Jason: Next question. You are human, you would not understand. Eden: Fine. (gritted teeth) Question 2: Eden: What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? Jason: I do not know. Why don’t you tell me, since this is the first time we have met? (He leans forward and his silver gray eyes glow as he meets my gaze with his own bold, unwavering one) Eden: (Gulp) I sense intelligence, a strong character, boldness, a person who likes to be in control of himself as well as others. I also see a slight arrogance. You are used to getting your own way. Jason: Really? (His eyes twinkle with mischief) Eden: (I’m so taken back by this, I gasped. His smile turns wolfish, and my stomach does somersaults) Jason: Tell me more. Eden: Well, I think- (I start to talk, then realize that Jason is trying to take charge of the conversation). Eden: How about after they've known you for a while? What do people think of you then? Jason: These questions don’t make sense to me. I do not know or care what other people think of me. Eden: Yes, but I do. I need to get to know you. That’s what this interview is all about. Eden: Why do you human females always want to get to know me? You are constantly trying to figure me out, when there is nothing to figure out. I am who and what I am. Can’t you just accept that without asking me so many questions? Eden: (I snort indignantly, stiffen, square my shoulders and meet Jason’s gaze head on) Eden: No, I can’t. My job is to find out more about you. And it has nothing to do with me being female. Now please just answer the question. Jason: (He moves closer, until his face is only inches from mine. I lean back in my seat, he follows until my head is pressed back against the back of the chair. He moves slightly closer.) Jason: It always has to do with you being female. Don’t you know that? Every male does. When a male and female are together, there is something there, something tangible. Never forget that. Males and females are different for a reason. A very important reason.(His silver eyes glow as he narrows them and drops his intense gaze to my lips. Then his nostrils flare as he breathes deeply, taking in her scent). Jason: Your scent is almost as enticing as your lush lips. What do you call it? Eden: I um, (I lick my lips nervously) It’s called- (I stop mid-sentence when I realize what Jason has done again. Standing up in agitation, I start pacing.) Eden: Stop that, Jason! I have a job to do. I’m a professional, and I need to interview you. Now stop trying to distract me. Eden: (I stop pacing, stand in front of Jason, and place my hand on my hips impatiently)In answer to the above question, I think I’m going to say that once people get to know you, they still find you intimidating, strong willed, arrogant and very focused. What else would you say about yourself? Jason: (Jason sits back in his seat, eyeing me for several moments as if he can’t decide whether or not to keep teasing me. But I know he’s on a schedule, and needs to get done with this interview quickly.) Jason: Okay. I think people would say that I’m fair, honest, practical, focused, and goal oriented. They would also say that I know what I want, and get what I want. Hope you enjoyed that little "taste" of Jason. There will be more for you to sink your teeth into in my upcoming blog on April 8th... Happy Reading! Eden Eden Robins Dark, Dangerous and Decadent Happily Ever Afters www.edenrobins.com www.myspace.com/edenrobins
Sunday, March 16, 2008  My last Cerridwen book came out at the end of December and I don't have edits yet on the next 2 or 3 I signed contracts for, so I'm in a limbo CP-wise (not with my other publishers. I've got books out or coming with them. Check my web site for details). Here in the Midwest we're gearing up for our obligatory March snowstorm. We always get one right around State Tournament time. It's usually just sloppy slush, but it's a PITA while it happens. We've had snow as late as April, and I remember one memorable one on April 1 that was a real April Fool's joke on us. I'm in the middle of enforced spring cleaning, 'enforced' because we're remodeling and it has necessitated me weeding through stuff and deciding what will move into the newly remodeled space and what won't. My home office full of stuff: furniture, cats (when they're trapped because of construction), cat stuff (litter box, food dishes, toys, bedding), boxes, and other gear. I can barely move. And don't get me started on the laundry room: do you know how hard it is to do laundry when you have to climb over furniture to get at the dryer? We may just have to be PigPens for another week or so. It'll be nice when done -- a new home office for me, a new space for DH. And a great chance to weed out and buy new stuff to fit the new place (always fun). I've found that as I'm toiling at this physical labor, my Work in Progress is flitting through my brain, so even though I haven't had a lot of 'quality' time with my ms, I'm still making excellent progress. All in all ... a good spring. Looking forward to RT (first-timer) and hope to see some of you there. I'll be the person sitting in the bar, relaxing because there's no construction noise around me....
Saturday, March 15, 2008  After days of shamelessly hovering by the door, UPS delivered a box on my doorstep yesterday afternoon. As soon as the box hit the step, I dragged it inside and began sawing away at the tape with the rough side of my front door key. Apparently they bought the tape from NASA, because it was so strong I had to shift to the smaller, sharper mailbox key and finally to a steak knife. The latter tells you how excited I was to get into it as my mother had me well trained not to use kitchen knives to open packages (or cut string, or trim flowers, or any of the tasks kitchen knives seem to be better at than the tools designed to them.) The last centimeter of tape gave way with a pop as I tugged open the box flaps and pulled out a folded program with a pretty rose backdrop under a sheer cream over cover. I held it it a moment and put it aside. Next came a thick, square cream-colored envelope. Once sealed, it had been ripped open. This item held my attention longer. It was like something out of the Oscars. On one side was a list of all the nominees for the Mystery category. Inside was a matching length of thick paper-stock. The silver and gold seal was split open, revealing, in thick black letters, The EPPIE goes to: Liz Jasper for Underdead. Scattering packing peanuts (to the joy of our cat, who rocketed around my feet trying to corral them), I reached inside an pulled out a bubble-rapped trophy. My trophy. It has Eppies 2008 Best Mystery etched on the glass and Underdead by Liz Jasper enscribed on the base. It is so cool. An award for writing. It isn't my first writing award. A long time ago, I won my high school English department award, but somehow, this is cooler. I didn't get it for analyzing the work of others, I got it for my own novel. My cozy vampire mystery, Underdead. Writing is hard. It's fun, but it's hard. There are a lot of times when you (or those around you) subtly encourage you to do something else with your time--something easier, something more constructive, something...different. But now I have an EPPIE Award with my name on it on my desk. A sharp, blunt instrument sitting an arm's length away, with which to whack anyone who suggests I should be writing something other than murder mysteries. Who says awards don't inspire? Liz  Not Undead, merely...UNDERDEAD. Available now in paperback and ebook. For a chance to win a copy of Liz Jasper's 2008 EPPIE Award winning Best Mystery, UNDERDEAD, and many other wonderful novels by CP authors (and even an ebook reader!!) play the Spring Fling Contest. Details are in the post below: Labels: award, best, eppie, mystery, paranormal, science, teacher, undead, underdead, vampires
Comtest Recap Day 1: Amy Corwin writes Regencies (and dabbles in other genres, coming soon) -- check her BOOKS page at http://www.amycorwin.com for the secret word of the day! Day 2: Micqui Miller's home page (http://www.micquimiller.com) sends you to her books page where a secret word is sitting right on top of her guest book -- the word could be an male animal or it could be something we'd all like a lot of! Check it out! Day 3: Sometimes characters have a say in their own character development. Read how Randy, hero of Finding Sarah, helped author Terry Odell. And it won't cost you a thing to read it. (HINT: it's FREE). Check her web site at http://www.terryodell.com for details. Day 4: Terri Thackston always puts this person first when she thinks about her next book. Go to her blog at http://www.terithackston.blogspot.com and find out today's clue (this was posted on March 4). Day 5: Vicky Burkholder hangs out with these folks and brainstorms her great plots with them. Go to http://vickyburkholder.blogspot.com and find today's word! Day 6: Check out Eilis Flynn's website in her reviews section. Her secret word points to generosity in action! http://www.coffeeon sundays.info/_sgg/m5m9_ 1.htm Day 7: You can find This 'n' That at Sharon Horton's web site, including today's word. Check it out at http://www.sharonhorton.com Day 8: We've got a poet today! Go to http://www.NDHansen-Hill.com and solve this riddle: 'tis a four-letter word with an "m" and a "t", so stop by the lighthouse, look, and see. Day 9: Sam Cheever’s website contains lots of surprises for readers. Check it out at http://www.samcheever.com! Day 10: She never knew when she grew up that she'd be writing romance for this publisher. Check out Jenyfer Matthews' bio page at her web site (http://www.jenyfermatthews.com) for today's secret clue. Day 11: Jude Atkins writes romantic suspense. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe you'll find that's true (and her picture) if you check her web page at www.judeatkins.com Day 12: Karen likes fantasy and mystery along with her romance, but for Christmas get her a vampire. Please! Check http://www.kmccullough.com for today's secret word. Day 13: Next to Chambord and champagne, Frances likes this best. Go to http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/index.php to find out the answer. After all, this and champagne go together! Day 14 Liz Jasper's UNDERDEAD is now available in print, but her 2008 EPPIE Award nomination (and WINNER!!!) was for UNDERDEAD in this green version. Look for today's word in VERY BIG PINK TYPE at Liz's website www.lizjasper.com Day 15: Mary Ann's Secret word has to do with her FOUR-footed friends, which is a big clue right there to the Secret Word. Check it out at http://www.deadlinehellions.blogspot.com Now you have all the clues! Gather up the location of the tree icons Amy Corwin: http://www.amycorwin.com Charlene Leatherman http://www.charleneleatherman.com Catherine Berlin http://www.CatherineBerlin.com Dorothy McFalls http://www.dorothymcfalls.com J L Wilson http://www.jayellwilson.com Janet Miller http://www.janetmillerromance.com Lise Fuller http://www.myspace.com/lisefuller Liz Jasper http://lizjasper.com Marianne Stephens http://mariannestephens.net Ariana Dupre http://melissaa.com Micqui Miller http://www.micquimiller.com Vicky Burkholder http://www.vickyburkholder.com Jude Atkins http://www.judeatkins.com Jean C. Gordon http://www.JeanCGordon.com and send your entry to: GreenBookFriend@yahoo.com Questions? Check http://www.jayellwilson.com/CPContest2008.htm for details Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Contest Clue - Day 15 Don't delay - an eBook reader is worth some extra effort!. Day 15: The location for Mary Ann's Secret word is a multiple of the word you're looking for. "Deadline Hellions" ... hmm. How many letters are in there? Check her out at www.deadlinehellions.blogspot.com Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Friday, March 14, 2008 Devon beamed as he handed Jocie out of the plane. “I don’t have to ask you if you liked it.” He’d thought her pretty before, but now she was beautiful. Glowing and beautiful. “Thank you, thank you,” she breathed as she threw herself into his arms, reaching up on her toes to kiss him, a kiss of exuberant joy and gratitude. Just as she lifted her face to his, he swooped down and caught her kiss with a full-lipped response that staggered them both. He bound her to him with his strong arms, holding her flush against his body as he responded so quickly she had not time to do anything but cling to him. His warmth seared her even through her clothes, and the breathless sensation his presence could bring assailed her once again. What she’d read in the novels was true. A kiss could actually make a girl giddy. Almost as if she were catching a fever. Her eyes opened even wider in astonishment at such unknown feelings. He recovered first. Still he stood for a moment, relishing the feel of that supple body he held plastered to his. He finally forced himself to loosen his arms and release his tight hold. She stood in the circle of his arms, knowing she could break loose at any time, and too dazed to make a move. “Well.” Devon took a deep breath. “I wish I’d asked you to go flying with me the day we met.” He grinned, but his voice held a husky quiver, and he didn’t let go of her until she wrenched herself away. His big hands lightly kept her body flush against his until she stepped from his reach. Even so she seemed to wobble a bit as she moved back. “Oh damn,” she muttered on an outward breath. “I asked for that, didn’t I? You must think me like all those other women you chase and seduce. An easy mark. I didn’t mean to kiss you like that.” He smoothed back her hair, his touch gentle and seductive on the shining tresses. He couldn’t believe he was still having trouble breathing. “I’d like to think you did mean it.” His voice was silky dark, as his beautiful eyes remained fastened on her face. She shook herself and put on her brightest smile, and moved well away. “It was all so very beautiful.” She felt his hot gaze on her. “Quite exceptionally beautiful,” he murmured, still not moving his eyes from her. She knew he was not referring to the sky. She shook her body slightly. “I do thank you, you know. I love flying. I would not have known how much but for you.” He looked at her embarrassed face and thought her the most precious girl he’d ever met. Any other would have been clinging to him and urging him on for more kisses. Jocie was so genuine. An unguarded kiss from her was worth a hundred of the practiced ardor of his set. His rather useless set. He’d never voiced this opinion even to himself. Now he admitted they were a group who laughed and played at life, and did nothing with the privileges they took for granted. He saw a sudden picture in his mind of Jocie standing side by side with Priscilla. Priscilla would be better coiffed, better dressed, with impeccable makeup and faultless and stylized manners. Probably looking askance at someone so gauche as to be a suffragette. She could not begin to measure up to Jocie. He tucked Jocie’s hand on his elbow and escorted her to his car with the flourish of a long-ago courtier. As he handed her in, he couldn’t resist leaning over and kissing the soft skin of her forehead. He breathed in her lilac scent, just for a moment, but knew just enough to keep from frightening her by letting his lips linger. They drove off for home, mostly in comfortable silence, although each one’s mouth quirked with a little smile. Hope you like it. Oh, and I've been honored to asked to join other writers at talesofthetrade.blogspot.com. My day is every Sunday so I'll debut on the 16th. Labels: Druid Redeemed, new book and new blog
Contest Clue - Day 14 Liz Jasper's UNDERDEAD is now available in print. But UNDERDEAD recently won the 2008 EPPIE Award for best mystery in this green version of the novel. Look for today's word in VERY BIG PINK TYPE at Liz's website, www.lizjasper.com. Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Thursday, March 13, 2008 Now, onto the world of book trailers, which may be turning into video trailers. Some people like books, some like TV and movies, some like both. Often we're both excited and cringing when one of our favorite books gets made into a movie (The Other Boleyn Girl, anyone?). But what about when a book you haven't read is made into a two-minute movie? Do you want to see it? Is it going to ruin the world of your imagination to have images placed in your mind for a book you haven't read? Will it make you want to buy the book? Next, we have podcasts and radio. In fact, I'm supposed to be doing my first on-microphone interview pretty soon. I'm the most excited about this option. The big fear of course is that we authors sound like idiots and the other part of the equation is whether the interview questions are interesting. What do you want to know about authors? Labels: Heather Hiestand "One Juror Down" "Two on the Hunt"
Contest Clue - Day 13 Day 13: Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Day 12: Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Day 11: Jude Atkins writes romantic suspense. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe you'll find that's true (and her picture) if you check her web page at www.judeatkins.com Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Monday, March 10, 2008 Here's your Clue for the Day: "She never knew when she grew up she'd be writing romance for this publisher. Check out Jenyfer Matthews' bio page at her web site (http://www.jenyfermatthews.com) for today's secret clue. -------------------------------------------------------------- For a list of all the clues to date, go to http://www.jayellwilson.com/clues.htm Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
The Power of Story It echoed much of what I love about reading as well. In her comment, Maureen says, “Call it total escapism. In a world of growing uncertainty, constantly bombarded with news about disasters, tragedies, wars, murders, deaths, and corruption, I crave an antidote. A world of wonder, a world of falling in love, of unlimited possibilities, of overcoming impossible odds, and of living happily ever after is more to my liking. What better way to escape than to curl up in front of a fire with a cup of tea and a good romance novel?” That combined with this post on the Ladies of the Club by Katherine Kingston (http://ladiesoftheclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/nora-says-it-all.html), with the quote from Nora Roberts, got me thinking about why I read and what story means to me. I acknowledge and recognize a need for serious literature, the kind of books that examine the human condition and seek to find some kind of meaning in it, to gain pity for it, or to demonstrate how it might be improved. That’s an important undertaking and I applaud it. I also can see the value of beautiful writing for its own sake. Art does enrich us. But the truth is, I read for the same reasons Maureen does. Because after a long day of working in the real world, of trying to please clients, of fighting traffic and lines and phone tag and other frustrations, I don’t need someone to tell me about the human condition. I’m living it. I don’t need someone to show me the enormous potential human beings have for cruelty and selfishness and inhumanity to our fellows. I see it every day on the television and read about it in the newspapers. Like Maureen, I want to spend time in a universe where justice does triumph, where struggle is rewarded, and where love wins. But I don’t want it to be too easy, either. I want to see people work at it and struggle toward it and even suffer to get to their goals. I want it to be hard for them, and I don’t want to be able to guess how they’re going to manage to get there. That’s the fun of reading the story. If something happens that surprises me—the killer turns out to be that last person I would have suspected or a character makes an unexpected sacrifice—as long as it’s consistent with the rest of the story, I’m delighted! And if I do get some insight into the human condition along the way or a book can show me a side of life I’m not familiar with, better yet. It better tell me a great story at the same time, however. Knowing that at the end of a long, hard day I can sink into a story where effort is rewarded and people do overcome obstacles—that’s what makes life bearable. Karen McCullough has published six romantic mystery/suspense novels, two romantic fantasy novels, a Middle-earth RPG tie-in book, and most recently a paranormal novella in the Christmas paranormal anthology from Cerridwen Press, BENEATH A CHRISTMAS MOON. Karen invites readers to learn more about her at her web site, http://www.kmccullough.com and her Myspace home at myspace.com/karenmccullough.
Sunday, March 09, 2008 AND !!!! Fanfare, please. My fifth book in the the Druid series debuts this week. Druid Redeemed is about a suffragette and a playboy, who don't have much in common..So I'm excited about that too.......Jean Labels: Druid Redeemed, wildflowers, Witch fire
Contest Clue - Day 9 Here's your Clue for the Day: Sam Cheever’s website contains lots of surprises for readers. Check it out at http://www.samcheever.com Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Saturday, March 08, 2008 Here's your Clue for the Day: We've got a poet today! 'tis a four-letter word with an "m" and a "t", so stop by the lighthouse, look, and see. -------------------------------------------------------------- For a list of all the clues to date, click here Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Friday, March 07, 2008 Here's your Clue for the Day: You can find This 'n' That at Sharon Horton's web site, including today's word. Check it out at http://www.sharonhorton.com -------------------------------------------------------------- Here's a recap of our contest 'rules': We'll post a Clue-A-Day which is a pointer to a "Secret Word". The word will be on a web site or blog and will be in a LARGE or UNUSUAL font so you can find it. Collect all 15 words (the contest runs from March 1 to March 15). In addition, several authors have posted a tree icon on their web sites. It looks like this:    Find all trees and assemble the words into our 'secret sentence' and you're eligible for the grand prize, an ebook reader LOADED with books. Runners-up will be eligible for multiple downloads. Once you find all the words and trees, send your finds to the email address we've provided. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 21: THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING! Questions? Problems? Email jayelle Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Book trailers My new computer has Windows Movie Maker on it, and I noticed a friend of mine used the software (though she said it was clunky) to make her trailers so I thought I'd give it a shot myself. I suppose my trailer is pretty idiosyncratic, but it does reflect my tastes! Short and to the point. I took the approach of focusing on a series instead of just one book. At Cerridwen, you don't officially have a series until you've sold them the third book, but my upcoming release, Two on the Hunt, is the standalone sequel to One Juror Down, and I have my series title approved if I ever write that third book! What do you think? Does the trailer need music or is the voiceover effective? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8SOHez3X6k www.myspace.com/heatherhiestand Labels: Heather Hiestand "One Juror Down" "Two on the Hunt" book trailer
Thursday, March 06, 2008 To recap, here are the secret word clues to date: Day 1: Amy Corwin writes Regencies (and dabbles in other genres, coming soon) -- check her BOOKS page at http://www.amycorwin.com for the secret word of the day!
Day 2: Micqui Miller's home page (http://www.micquimiller.com) sends you to her books page where a secret word is sitting right on top of her guest book -- the word could be an male animal or it could be something we'd all like a lot of! Check it out!
Day 3: Sometimes characters have a say in their own character development. Read how Randy, hero of Finding Sarah, helped author Terry Odell. And it won't cost you a thing to read it. (HINT: it's FREE). Check her web site at http://www.terryodell.com for details.
Day 4: Teri Thackston always puts this person first when she thinks about her next book. Go to her blog at http://www.terithackston.blogspot.com and find out today's clue (this was posted on March 4).
Day 5: Vicky Burkholder hangs out with these folks and brainstorms her great plots with them. Go to http://vickyburkholder.blogspot.com and find today's word!
Day 6: Check out Eilis Flynn's website in her reviews section. Her secret word points to generosity in action! Labels: E-book reader giveaway. Cerridwen Spring Contest
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 So, here goes: Grammy, I'll miss you. Your hugs, your cookies and your love so true. You sang with a beauty incredibly profound. To the pleasure of family and friends around. The person you were. The role model you became. The way you lived your words. For you, it was never a game. Your spirit was strong and bright. Your authenticity, passion and purpose a guiding light. A devoted nurse, a wife, a mother and grandmother to this life you would bring. But to me simply Grammy was enough...and everything. I love you Grammy... Eden
Monday, March 03, 2008 My editor says 'no' and there should be no reference to a heroine wanting to have the hero's baby. I'm not talking about having a baby in the book--just a line at the very end when the HEA is cemented, where she wants to have his baby. What's your take?
Saturday, March 01, 2008 I'm starting a little ahead of time on this book, Druid Redeemed, as it's to be released March 13th. It's one my favorites, though. Devon is the handsome firstborn son of Morgan and Lord Lance Dellafield. Thinking his parents are so superior he can never match them, he settles for bring the most elusive bachelor in London. Jocie is a suffragette who scorns his life and tries to scorn him. Sparks fly as they both fight the attraction. Lot of things happen before they truly find each other, and Devon accepts his Druid heritage. Devon beamed as he handed Jocie out of the plane. “I don’t have to ask you if you liked it.” He’d thought her pretty before, but now she was beautiful. Glowing and beautiful. “Thank you, thank you,” she breathed as she threw herself into his arms, reaching up on her toes to kiss him, a kiss of exuberant joy and gratitude. Just as she lifted her face to his, he swooped down and caught her kiss with a full-lipped response that staggered them both. He bound her to him with his strong arms, holding her flush against his body as he responded so quickly she had not time to do anything but cling to him. His warmth seared her even through her clothes, and the breathless sensation his presence could bring assailed her once again. What she’d read in the novels was true. A kiss could actually make a girl giddy. Almost as if she were catching a fever. Her eyes opened even wider in astonishment at such unknown feelings. He recovered first. Still he stood for a moment, relishing the feel of that supple body he held plastered to his. He finally forced himself to loosen his arms and release his tight hold. She stood in the circle of his arms, knowing she could break loose at any time, and too dazed to make a move. “Well.” Devon took a deep breath. “I wish I’d asked you to go flying with me the day we met.” He grinned, but his voice held a husky quiver, and he didn’t let go of her until she wrenched herself away. His big hands lightly kept her body flush against his until she stepped from his reach. Even so she seemed to wobble a bit as she moved back. “Oh damn,” she muttered on an outward breath. “I asked for that, didn’t I? You must think me like all those other women you chase and seduce. An easy mark. I didn’t mean to kiss you like that.” He smoothed back her hair, his touch gentle and seductive on the shining tresses. He couldn’t believe he was still having trouble breathing. “I’d like to think you did mean it.” His voice was silky dark, as his beautiful eyes remained fastened on her face. She shook herself and put on her brightest smile, and moved well away. “It was all so very beautiful.” She felt his hot gaze on her. “Quite exceptionally beautiful,” he murmured, still not moving his eyes from her. She knew he was not referring to the sky. She shook her body slightly. “I do thank you, you know. I love flying. I would not have known how much but for you.” He looked at her embarrassed face and thought her the most precious girl he’d ever met. Any other would have been clinging to him and urging him on for more kisses. Jocie was so genuine. An unguarded kiss from her was worth a hundred of the practiced ardor of his set. His rather useless set. He’d never voiced this opinion even to himself. Now he admitted they were a group who laughed and played at life, and did nothing with the privileges they took for granted. He saw a sudden picture in his mind of Jocie standing side by side with Priscilla. Priscilla would be better coiffed, better dressed, with impeccable makeup and faultless and stylized manners. Probably looking askance at someone so gauche as to be a suffragette. She could not begin to measure up to Jocie. He tucked Jocie’s hand on his elbow and escorted her to his car with the flourish of a long-ago courtier. As he handed her in, he couldn’t resist leaning over and kissing the soft skin of her forehead. He breathed in her lilac scent, just for a moment, but knew just enough to keep from frightening her by letting his lips linger. They drove off for home, mostly in comfortable silence, although each one’s mouth quirked with a little smile.
Spring Fling Contest! Celebrate Read an E-Book Week with free ebooks! .jpg) 15 Cerridwen authors have banded together to fight the winter doldrums with a giant spring fling contest! And as national ebook week is next week, what better timing? Channel your inner easter egg hunter and find trees (go green, read e!) and secret words on websites. Grand prize is a gently used (again, go green, read e! Reduce, reuse, recycle!) ereader loaded with 7 Cerriden Press books! First place wins 6 books and so forth. For details, you can visit my website at www.lizjasper.com PRESS CHATROOM ON A DAILY BASIS FROM MARCH 1- MARCH 15, SO YOU'RE ALREADY IN THE RIGHT PLACE. If you're not already a member of CP Chat, shoot a blank (hmm... rethinking that word choice with this group, LOL) email to cerridwenchat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com These authors will have a tree icon on their web site or blog for you to find starting on March 1: Amy Corwin: http://www.amycorwin.com Charlene Leatherman http://www.charleneleatherman.com Catherine Berlin http://www.CatherineBerlin.com Dorothy McFalls http://www.dorothymcfalls.com J L Wilson http://www.jayellwilson.com Janet Miller http://www.janetmillerromance.com Lise Fuller http://lisefuller.com Liz Jasper http://lizjasper.com Marianne Stephens http://mariannestephens.net Ariana Dupre http://melissaa.com Micqui Miller http://www.micquimiller.com Vicky Burkholder http://www.vickyburkholder.com Jude Atkins http://www.judeatkins.com Jean C. Gordon http://www.JeanCGordon.com These authors are participating in the Secret Word part of the contest (some authors may be participating in both: tree and word). You will receive a clue by noon on each day to find out where to find the secret word. Amy Corwin Jenyfer Matthews Liz Jasper Frances Stockton Mary Ann Chulik Vicky Burkholder Sam Cheever N.D. Hansen-Hill Eilis Flynn Terri Thackston Terry Odell Micqui Miller Karen McCullough Jude Atkins Sharon Horton See you all there! Cheers, Liz  www.lizjasper.com not undead, merely...UNDERDEAD. 2008 EPPIE Award Nominee And visit the Read An E-Book website at http://www.domokos.com/readebookweek.html.
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