Wild Woman Author

A Vietnam vet, a Gypsy girl and a cursed doll-who could ask for anything more on a snowy afternoon?

2012-02-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome Poppy Tippens and “HOME”, a Vintage Rose release out of The Wild Rose Press, Inc. by author Calisa Rhose. “Home” is part of the Curse of the Scrimshaw Doll, a multi-line series written by a talented group of authors based in Oklahoma This is a particular thrill for us in that we've already had the privilege to read an ARC of “Annie's Attic” another story in the series so we've been looking forward to learning about other parts of this interesting series. And here we go!

First, the tag line really intrigues us: What could a Gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?

Blurb: Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved? Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a Gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?

Now that we have a bit of a teaser, let's get to know Poppy: It’s such a pleasure to be here. I could just pop! Thank you for inviting me. What do you want to know?

Where are you from? I’m a born and (mostly) raised Okie. That is, I’m from Silvertown, Oklahoma USA. Our story is part of a multi-author series of which all are set in Oklahoma or about how that blasted scrimshaw doll gets to Oklahoma. My mama swears that thing is cursed.

What is “HOME” about? It's about learning to live with the past and forging a future when all seems lost. It’s about forgiveness, acceptance and love. But mostly I think “HOME” is about finding that one place, that one person who makes you feel complete and embracing it with all your heart.

What did you think the first time you saw Sam, The Force, Callahan? Great name by the way! Oh boy-o-boy. Sammie is the greatest thing. It’s like the Chiffon’s, my favorite group, wrote every song about him. *sighs dreamily* I always thought he was the coolest even when he was a skinny sixteen year old. I knew he was special.

What was your second thought? Hmm. I guess I accepted the fact that he was too good for me. I mean crikey- he’s a doctor’s son and I don’t even know my father.

Did you think it was love at first sight? For me—oh yeah.

What do you like most about him? Sam has this ability to make my knees wobble with his voice. Geez, he’s so tall and handsome and smart. But I think the thing I fell in love with him for was that he never treated me bad like all the others do. He accepts folks for who they are no matter what or who that is.

How would you describe him? Tall, well, the things I already said before. He’s got the prettiest grey eyes and strong muscles. I love when he holds me in them.

How would she/he describe you? Heck, I don’t know. He likes my dark brown hair and brown eyes. He claims they’re like warmed chocolate. I think he likes my mouth because he always wants to kiss me. He calls me spunky.

What made you choose antiquing as a career ? My mama owns an antique doll store and I grew up working in it.

What is your biggest fear? That I won’t be accepted as a normal person. [Vintage Rose stories are set in] the 60’s and I’m a Gypsy. That word in itself challenges people. But if Sammie can’t see past that then what chance do I have of ever having his love?

How do you relax? I sing my favorite songs from the Chiffons. Hanging out with Sammie is heavenly, too.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I guess I don’t really have a favorite.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Well, Mama always told me I could do or be anything. I guess that means Sammie’s wife, too, even if Mama doesn’t really agree.

Let's take a look at an Excerpt:

Over the next week he actively avoided his mother as he raked and watered the lawn. He’d found out the gardener had left when his mother stopped paying him, not that Sam blamed the guy. So, he would try to do what he could to fix the old place up again. Somehow, like himself, he doubted the place he’d called home would ever fully recover the ravages of wartime. It gave him something useful to get through the days before he creeped out at night.

“Sammie, we need to talk.”

He dropped his head and counted briefly before facing his mother. “Good morning, Ma.”

“Have you talked to that woman?”

No nonsense, that was Ma. He dragged in a heavy breath to stifle a groan. “What woman would that be?”

“Don’t play games with me, Sam. You know full well I’m talking about that gypsy woman who owns the doll store. Did you tell her you want the doll back?” His mother threw hands to hips. He waited five ticks. Yep, there it was. Her left foot began flapping like a fish out of water to make known her full ire at him. He almost grinned.

As he stared at her tapping foot, Sam realized he’d actually missed that trait in his mother while he’d been gone. But she wasn’t interested in reflections of days past. “No. I’m not going to get the doll. It’s better off gone if it causes you so much distress. Just forget it and let it be, Ma.”

“Forget it? Haven’t you heard what I’ve been telling you? It will only cause more problems the longer that woman has it!” She was almost yelling and Sam cringed inwardly with a glance around. She ought to keep her voice down or—

Or, what? Did he expect the VC to pop out of the surrounding sticks that had once been shrubbery admired by the whole town? Yes. He did. Damn it all. Why was it so hard for him to let go of the war he was no longer a part of? He shuffled his loafer-clad feet and sighed heavily. “What’s so special about that doll that you won’t let it go?”

His mother looked away from him as though she had a secret and twisted her hands around her ever-present hankie. “It’s bad, evil.”

“Then, why on earth would you want it back? Good riddance, I’d say.”

“No!” She backed up a step and looked up at him, lips painted the same bright red, and he vaguely wondered if she’d worn it so long it had become permanent, a tattoo. A bright red tattoo. Blood red… “It was a gift from my cousin, Helen, when I visited her in California, before she died. I already told you that. But, it’s cursed! I can’t risk anyone else suffering because of that—that thing!”

Blood red… Sam shook the image off and looked over his mother’s head toward the street. Of all the times to wander in, he didn’t need Poppy showing up right then, while his mother was on her insane rampage about a doll.

A doll that Poppy’s mother had bought fair and square, according to Ma. Now it was a cursed doll? She’d said something about that last time she mentioned the damn thing. He was suddenly afraid his mother was losing her mind. “Son of a bitch.”

“Watch your mouth, young man. I won’t have that kind of language used in this house. Your father—God rest his soul—didn’t use that filth, and I won’t have my only son speak it.” She sounded so normal, suddenly.

“Sorry, Ma. I need to go…somewhere, for a while.”

“Get the doll.” Her voice poured from that red mouth like a warning.

He leaned the rake he’d been using before the interruption against the wood shed and tossed a wave over his head to his mother as he strode for the driveway, and Poppy. Suddenly, it took all his will not to break out in a run and just keep going. Never to stop until he was far, far away from this new nightmare his mother had introduced to him. Blood red, blood. Red, blood, red, blood, red blood.

Sam didn’t stop when he reached Poppy, but grabbed her hand and swung her around with him—took her away before his mother realized who she was. He especially didn’t need her to see the doll shop owner’s daughter.

He picked up his already fast pace until he felt a jerk against his hand and slowed down. He didn’t want to talk. Not yet. Walk. Keep walking…fast.

“Whoa, soldier boy!” She yanked him to a stop. For a little thing, she was stronger than he’d have thought. “What’s with you? If I wanted to race I’d be a horse.”

Blood red. No talking. Walk. Her hand still in his, he gave a rough tug

Now it's Kat's turn: Calisa, What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I read Phyllis A. Whitney years ago and her book “Rain Song” made me want to write seriously in the beginning. I try not to let movies or books influence me much in my writing though. But I love to read Nora and Brenda Novak.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? I’d heard about The Wild Rose Press years ago when they were a new publisher. At the time I was wary of all epublshers so I didn’t give them much consideration.

What influenced your decision to submit to them? “HOME” it was actually written specifically for TWRP. Alicia Dean, an author with TWRP came to our rwa group, the Outlaws, and asked if we’d be interested in writing a series for them. We jumped on it and came up with the scrimshaw doll theme that will run throughout all of the books. The doll is created in book one, "Pirate’s Proposal" by Diane Layne, which is available this week. The books are not in chronological order but a third book in the series by Callie Hutton will release in May and two more are contracted with no release dates as yet.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? As far as "HOME" goes, I submitted on April 4, 2011, almost a year to date from its conception. Nan, my wonderful editor, asked for the full on April 12 and offered a contract on May 11^th. The process fairly flew for me after that; cover, edits, the release date. Then my release day arrived- Dec 28^th- which also happens to be my birthday!

Kat: Yowza! From submission to notification of release less than nine months? Amazing. These are truly encouraging words for any author, especially new writers. Poppy and Calisa, thanks so much for spending time with us today. The series sounds fascinating, especially that it crosses many of the lines offered by Wild Rose Press.

Thank you for having Poppy and me here today, Kat. This is Poppy’s first ever interview.

To find out more about the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll at the dedicated doll series blog http://talesofthescrimshawdoll.wordpress.com/

To learn more about Calisa Rhose and the stories she creates go to: http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

On twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose

She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com

To purchase HOME go to The Wild Rose Press and Amazon and also B&N

Meet first time author: Katherine Grey and Impetuous

2012-02-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

Today First Timers Presents is pleased to welcome Katherine Grey and Mateo de Montayas from Impetuous a recent release from the Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Where are you from? I am from the country of Spain.

Tell us about Impetuous. It is about my search for a stolen family heirloom and my thirst for vengeance on the family of the man whom I believe stole it.

What did you think the first time you saw the heroine, Teresa? That she is bold, brave, and beautiful.

And your second thought? I knew from the moment our eyes met, she would be trouble. Some woman are like that, no?

Did you think it was love at first sight? Most definitely not. She was difficult or how you say…headstrong. Yes, that is the word I’m looking for.

What do you like most about Teresa? Her loyalty to familia. She risks everything to protect her mother.

How would you describe her? She is…smart, beautiful, my very own Dulcinea.

How would she describe you? That is the question, is it not? I fear she would say I am maddening and that I try her patience.

What made you choose your profession of thievery? I fear my career as a thief chose me rather than I choosing it. It was a necessity to provide for mi familia, mi madre, after the heirloom was stolen.

What is your biggest fear? A Spaniard will claim he does not know fear, but I will admit to feeling the emotion when Teresa nearly fell off the roof of a home she was trying to escape from.

How do you relax? I spend time with Teresa. Her spirit and kindness makes me feel less…restless. She calms my soul.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I have a great fondness for Don Quixote. Cervantes was a writer mi padre much admired.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? One must be willing to swallow his pride if he is to truly make amends for the wrongs he’s done.

It's Kat's turn to ask Katherine: Which movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Oh that’s a hard question to answer. As far as books go, I would have to say Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell and A Heart So Wild by Johanna Lindsey. As for movies, there are so many who inspired me in so many ways, it would be hard to list them all here.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? What influenced your decision to submit to them. My publisher is The Wild Rose Press. I’d heard they are a publisher that actually asks for author input and listens to what their authors say/want. That was what I was looking for. I didn’t want to just be a number on a balance sheet.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release?The submission process is very easy. I sent a query letter to their email address queryus@thewildrosepress and within a few days had received a request for the synopsis and first three chapters. I would say it took approximately 10 months from the time I emailed my query to the release date of Impetuous.

Kat: Wow! TEN months from date of query to release on a full length novel? Unheard of!!

Let's read a blurb on what sounds like a fascinating story:

Mateo de Montayas, an impoverished Spanish count, comes to England to recover a stolen family heirloom and to satisfy his hunger for revenge against the man who destroyed his family. Arriving in London, he learns his hated enemy died three years before but has left behind a daughter. What better way to retrieve the heirloom and exact revenge than to use her to his advantage?

Teresa Darlington will do anything to keep scandal away from her frail mother and prove her father wasn't a thief, even risk her reputation in a race to find the missing heirloom before the Count does. But she didn't count on falling in love with the man determined to ruin her family. Can she find the heirloom before he does and protect her family, or will her heart lead her in a different direction?

And an excerpt:

Teresa looked at him. “Would you read some of it to me?”

“Now?” He stalled for time, unsure how to react to her simple request.

Sitting here together, bathed in sunlight, made him wish for things that could never be but if he read aloud to her...it would create an even greater intimacy between them.

“Just a few pages,” she pleaded.

Unable to resist her, he took the book she offered and opened to the first page. At first, he felt awkward. His words were stilted as he translated the sentences into English before reading them aloud but after a few moments he found a comfortable rhythm.

Teresa moved closer, settling in against his side. He lifted an arm and rested it at her waist as he continued to read. Soon he lost himself in the story of a poverty-stricken man who lived his fantasy of being a gallant knight defending his fair maiden’s honor, fighting windmills that he saw as giants, seeking new quests to win her love.

As he began to turn another page, she stopped him. “Would you read a few lines in Spanish?”

“But you won’t understand it.”

“Please.”

Her amber-colored eyes drew him in, making it nearly impossible to deny her anything. He flipped the page and began speaking in his native tongue.

“It’s so beautiful, almost musical,” she whispered, as though not wanting to interrupt him but unable to keep from voicing her thoughts.

Mateo smiled and continued to fill the room with words. Teresa laid her head on his shoulder. He shifted position to make her more comfortable. Time passed unnoticed until he realized the sun had left them and moved on to another part of the room. He stared down at the sleeping woman nestled beside him. He wasn’t sure when he became aware that she’d fallen asleep, only that he was loath to disturb her.

Setting the book aside, he touched the stray wisps of hair that had come loose from the coil at her neck. He longed to remove the pins and run his hands through the honey-colored softness. Even more importantly, he wished he were worthy of her.

Kat: Katherine, we are honored that you brought this lovely story to First Timers Presents. We wish you much luck with sales.

To learn more about Katherine Grey and the stories she creates go to:

http://katherinegrey.blogspot.com or her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Grey/265375626827267?sk=wall

To purchase Impetuous, go to: The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=905

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Impetuous-ebook/dp/B005J7K52M/ref=ntt_at_ep_edition_2_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Or Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/impetuous-katherine-grey/1105052736?ean=2940013040984&itm=4&usri=impetuous#CustomerReviews

Welcome Beverly Wells and When the Loon Sings

2012-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today First Timers Presents is thrilled to welcome Beverly Wells who brings Morgan Prescott from Only When the Loon Sings, a 01/27/2012 Historical Romance release from the Wild Rose Press.

Where are you from, Morgan? I was born and raised in New York City, right in the very heart of high society, wealth and all the falsehoods that went with it. Oh, do I sound bitter? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I’d just like to put that part of my life behind me.

What is Only When the Sings about? I answered an ad for mail order brides and traveled to Washington Territory hoping for a great adventure and to be accepted for the person I am. But I achieved so much more; I learned acceptance, forgiveness, and against all odds--love conquers all. I also gained a friend, more of a sister really, who suffered from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I grew up.

What did you think the first time you saw Luke Kincaid? Oh my! That he had the physique of Adonis and a face to go with it. But I was petrified that he’d send me packing since I wasn’t the tart he’d originally thought to pair up with.

What was your second thought? I thought he might be trying to kill me. He’d suggested I order water and whiskey versus the bitter beer at the saloon. I really expected my throat to totally burn to a crisp. And he laughed, damn him.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Oh no, far from it. It could have been on my part, but he wasn’t too happy to have the switch in brides.

What do you like most about him? That he values friends and honor so completely. There are a hundred other traits, too, but you asked for the most.

How would you describe him? Strong as an ox, but gentle. Easy going, yet determined.

How would he describe you? Oh that’s easy. He thinks I have a fetish for fire.

What made you choose to become a mail order bride? Again, I won’t expand the reasons as I don’t like to recall my past. But I had to escape my parents who valued prestige, money, and their so called high society friends above all else, yet knew nothing of true friendship, or love for that matter. My sister, the two-timing no-gooder, too.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll never find true friendship, happiness and love.

How do you relax? By sitting by the pond and watching the loons glide, hear their melodious calls. Yet, it also relaxes me to plant flowers and plants, just to feel God’s rich soil sift through my fingers, to await the coming blooms. Both are extremely calming and peaceful.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Golly, that’s hard to say because I love every book I can get my hands on and everyone I read about—I had to read when my parents didn’t know it. At least fiction, that is. So I’d have to say as far as books go, Jane Eyre, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Uncle Tom’s Cabin--oh the list goes on. But fictional characters have to have a spine, a purpose, and a deep down abiding goodness.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Kat’s turn to quiz Beverly:

What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Gosh, like Morgan, the movies or books that have made an impact on me and my writing are too numerous to mention. So, if I had to choose one, I’d have to say Cinderella. I loved it as a child, and I find myself still relishing that down-trodden person or situation and the happy ending. I read constantly whether it’s a romance (mainly is) or main stream and I think everyone of them—if it’s a good read—impacts my writing somehow. But I will say that I like a purpose to a book (or movie), something that can be learned or stirs deep emotions—-even if it’s just a snippet-- while enjoying a good read. And if there’s some humor, that’s a definite plus. I could go on with a hundred names of my favorite authors who have made me want to write as good as I can.

To learn more about Beverly Wells and the stories she creates go to: www.beverlywellsauthor.com

To purchase Only When the Loon Sings, go to: www.thewildrosepress.com

Kat: let’s read a blurb from Only When the Loon Sings

Searching for true happiness, as well as escape from a controlling family, Morgan Prescott answers a Brides Wanted ad and leaves New York City’s high society life for the wilds of Washington Territory. Her spirit and intelligence carries her through the shocks that await her--streets of ankle-deep mud, life in a one-room cabin, the hazards of cooking-—but they are no help when she loses her heart to the one man she can’t have. Private investigator Luke Kincaid, a major stockholder in the Union Pacific Railroad, goes undercover as a logging camp foreman to apprehend the railroad’s saboteurs. All he needs is a mock wife to strengthen his act, but once he agrees to Morgan filling the role, he finds himself longing for much more-—a love he’s forbidden to accept or give.

And now . . . an excerpt:

Damn. Trouble always erupted when women were around a camp.

It came to him in a flash. Missy remained. Yet that couldn’t be. She didn’t fit the description of the woman Hans had chosen on paper two months ago. Hell, he lacked too much sleep to play guessing games. “So spit it out. What happened?”

Luke watched Missy lean against the wagon. Lean? It looked as if she wanted to burrow into the wood.

Hans pulled his hands out of his pockets, gestured with them in front of him. “I chose my bride, and Albert claimed Lila.” Lila. Ah yes, Hans had raved about her. “Tom chose Sarah instead of Roberta, and Peter wanted Roberta.”

Was anything ever simple? After an exhausting day of catastrophes, and this hopscotch of brides, a headache threatened. “And now the last two don’t match, is that it?”

Hans studied his boots, drove his hands back into his pockets then glanced at Missy. “We don’t know if they’ll match. They’ve... just met.”

It took a split second for Hans’ words to register, to become crystal clear. No. Hans knew why Luke had picked Rosie. He wouldn’t intentionally turn the tables on him. But lust and love would, by damn. It made men commit worse crimes.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “You chose Rosie.” His words almost gagged him. He dreaded to hear Hans’ confirmation. Hans nodded.

Acid churned in his stomach, a sour taste spiraled up to his mouth. He’d purposely picked a voluptuous dance hall woman who’d have no problem finding another man after he’d finished here. One who most likely would go along with his scheme and the proposition he offered.

Jesus! He was in a world of shit.

Kat: Beverly, what a great ending hook! Thanks so much for spending time with us today. This looks like a great story. Good luck with sales.

Please Welcome Joya Fields and Garrett Ciavello

2012-01-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Good morning from frigid Western New York!
At last, winter has hit this part of the state. The wind chill factor is right down there and baby we are cold outside!!
Never fear, inside we are toasty warm, especially after meeting Garrett Ciavello from "Beneath the Surface". Remember--Joya is presenting a lot of prizes to several of those who leave a comment, so tell us who was President [of the US] the day you were born, what your day job is, and ask an original question. . .
So now, for for the guy who needs no further introduction . . .

Where are you from, Garrett? Thanks so much for inviting me to visit this great blog today. I’m from Flagler Beach, Florida.

What is Beneath the Surface about? This story takes place during a tough time in my life. My twenty-year-old cousin has been missing for two months and, although I’m a police officer, I’ve been unable to find any trace of her. I’m very protective of people around me. After her friends’ boat explodes, I meet Brooke Richards, an underwater archaeologist who is determined to find out who was trying to hurt her friends. The case might be tied my cousin’s disappearance, and Brooke offers to help.The problem is, my overprotective nature suffocates her. She is a below-the-knee amputee who is determined never to rely on anyone. I need to protect her, but she needs her independence. We clash a lot on this issue.

Kat: Wow! A heroine who's an amputee AND works under water. Takes some guts and a lot of strength to maneuver through water without all four limbs. A true heroine. I can certainly see why you would be over-protective.

What did you think the first time you saw Brooke? Her short blonde hair was spiked in all sorts of directions. I thought she was a punk rocker. Turns out, the saltwater and wind had styled her hair while she was trying to save her friend after the boat explosion.

What was your second thought? My second, third, then ongoing thoughts were that Brooke is a fighter. She’d been through a tough morning the day I met her, and she’s had some bad things happen in her life, but she offered to help me find the person responsible for the explosion.

Did you think it was love at first sight? It was definitely “like” at first sight, but love grew from it. The more I spent time with her, the more I needed to be with her. Do you know what I mean? Being with her made me want her more.

What do you like most about her? I love her smile and the way she steps in to help friends even if she risks her own safety. I’m not too happy about that last part, but there’s no stopping Brooke when she’s determined.

How would you describe her? Brooke is smart, determined, sensual, beautiful and unstoppable.

How would she describe you? That’s a tough one. She’d probably say I'm a control freak.

What made you choose police work as a profession? I've wanted to be a policeman ever since I was a kid. One of my dad’s friends was a policeman and he told the coolest stories.

What is your biggest fear? My biggest fear is that someone I care about will get hurt and there won’t be anything I can do to stop it.

How do you relax? I like to build things from wood. In the evening, I like to sit on the deck I built and relax by looking at my canal view. With Brooke by my side, of course.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Cool Hand Luke is my favorite fictional character. Even though he doesn’t make the smartest decisions, he stays true to who he is and is a daredevil.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? I grew up hearing my mom say, “You can do anything you want to in life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She lives by that rule, and I like to think I live by it, too. If someone tells me something is impossible, I see that as a challenge.

For author Joya: What movies or books have impacted your writing? Growing up, I loved the “Little House on the Prairie” series and “Little Women.” Those books intrigued me and probably planted the seed for my desire to write. Stephen King’s books have been the most recent impact on my writing.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? I heard about The Wild Rose Press through different writing loops I subscribe to.

What influenced your decision to submit to them? A few my writing friends got published with TWRP and had a good experience. That gave me confidence in the publisher to know others had used them with success.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? I submitted Beneath the Surface in October. About a month later, I received a “revise and resubmit” request. I resent the revised manuscript in February, and got a contract offer on April 11^th (yes, I remember the exact date ).

Thanks very much for having Garrett and me to visit your blog today, Kat! We appreciate the opportunity to connect with new people. Here’s a blurb from Beneath the Surface:

After surviving an earthquake that killed her parents and left her an amputee, Brooke Richards needs time to regroup. She heads to Florida for a state-of-the-art prosthesis and a visit with her best friend. When her friend is seriously injured in a boat explosion, and the police determine the blast was intentional, Brooke knows her expertise in underwater archeology can aid the investigation. She decides to stay.

After his fiancé is killed, Garrett Ciavello, A local policeman, becomes overprotective of everyone around him. His cousin is missing and he thinks it's his fault. When a boat explosion leads to a possible clue about his cousin's body, Garrett turns to Brooke for help, unwittingly putting her in harm's way.

She is fighting to be independent, he needs to protect those around him. In spite of their differences they are drawn to each other. They need to heal each other's wounds and find a killer...before it's too late.

To learn more about Joya and the stories she creates go to: http://www.joyafields.com/

Follow Joya on Twitter @joyafields

Purchase links for Beneath the Surface

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Surface-Joya-Fields/dp/1612170048/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325702490&sr=8-2

The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4738

And the winner is . . .

2012-01-14T07:20:00.001-08:00

Many thanks to Lisa Scott for her support of Mad Dog and the Archangel.
Lisa wins a Jelly Tote in her choice of color from my tote bag business Kat's Kustom Karry Alls.
I hope she likes it.
Kat

Mad Dog and the Archangel have arrived at the reunion!

2012-01-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

At last, Rafe Archangeli and Gracie Dunavan, aka Mad Dog, have arrived at the reunion.
It's been a long time coming. We hope you like them.

Here's an excerpt:
Safety First. A personal motto that served Grace Dunavan well for the past thirty-something years. She never picked up strange men. In fact, she rarely dated men, strange or otherwise. And wasn't she the first to preach the wisdom of obtaining a detailed history—family, medical and sexual before contemplating a walk on the wild side? With any man, including the brother of her best friend.

Especially one whose thick mop of jet colored hair, hooded black eyes and razor-sharp cheekbones, all of which held undeniable appeal for a good girl who always did what the nuns and her parents dictated. With a name like Archangeli he should be a protector, not a walking advertisement that proclaimed: I've Been There, Done That; Let Me Tell You All About It.

As he helped her into her coat, Grace heard Gaby murmur something about an attorney who was trying to track down Rafe. None of it made sense. What woman in her right mind could think straight when faced with a man who redefined potency?

It was a night of firsts for Grace: leaving a party with a man she'd never met before; admitting how and where she'd learned to drive; breaking the land speed record for contemplating her first one night stand.

We hope you enjoy it!
Slainte
Kat

Welcome Jennifer Jakes

2011-12-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Good morning from First Timers Presents! Today we are pleased to welcome Jennifer Jakes who brings Twice in a Lifetime, an erotic Time Travel/Pirate Historical to us.

What is Twice in a Lifetime about? It’s a Time Travel Historical set in 1768 aboard a pirate ship. It’s different because the hero and heroine are on the verge of divorce in 2011, but in 1768, the hero doesn’t remember the heroine at all.

What did you think the first time you saw the hero and heroine in your head? I’m a sucker for tall, dark and handsome. Because of that I usually start with my hero’s image, but this time, Isabella came to mind first. She looked totally different than any other heroine I’ve ever written. Since I write historical, my heroines have beautiful, long hair. Izzy is from 2011 and goes back in time, so she has a cute short – bleached blonde – hairstyle!

What was your second thought? How much fun I was going to have with this modern heroine going up against a historical (pirate) hero – who just happens to be the very image her husband.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Oh, Izzy definitely fell for Ian on sight.

What do you like most about them? I like her spunkiness and I like his yumminess.

How would you describe Izzy? She’s stubborn, sometimes to the point of making bad decisions.

How would she describe you? Izzy could say the same about me, but I’m getting better about that with age 

What made you choose Writing as a profession? It chose me. I had way too many ideas and plots and characters talking to me to be a normal person.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll write crap.

How do you relax? Either [listening to] music or [watching] TV. I love this time of year because of all the romantic holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel. Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? The answer is always the one(s) I’m writing right now. Because they are so “alive” in my mind and I get to create their story.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Never give up. So see, that stubborn thing has come in handy.

Jennifer, what movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Westerns such as “The Outlaw Josey Wales” or “Pale Rider”, then epic sagas like “Dances With Wolves” or “Open Range”. This Fall I’ve been watching the new AMC Western, “Hell on Wheels”. Oh, and of course, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Can’t forget Cap’t Jack Sparrow.

Before we go farther, let's read a blurb for Twice in a Lifetime:

Be careful what you wish for. . .

No-nonsense stunt woman Isabella Douglas will do anything to stop an unwanted divorce and reclaim the happy life she had, even allow her old friend to concoct a magical spell to turn back time. But when the spell goes awry, Izzy finds herself trapped aboard a 1768 Caribbean pirate ship with a captain who’s a dead ringer for her sexy as sin husband, Ian. Convinced he’s playing a cruel joke, she’s furious – until she realizes he doesn’t know her or believe they’re married.

Captain Ian Douglas does not have time to deal with an insane woman who claims to be his wife; he has to save his kidnapped sister. But as Izzy haunts his dreams and fills him with erotic memories he can’t explain, he’s forced to admit he feels more than lust.

Trapped in a vicious cycle of past mirroring present, Izzy knows they only have days to find Ian’s sister and prevent disaster from striking a second time. If she doesn’t, their marriage will be destroyed again – along with the man she loves.

And to follow that, let's see an excerpt:

Her fingers threaded in his thick hair as she traced his mouth with the tip of her tongue. “Kiss me.”

He hesitated, then groaned and covered her lips in a breath stealing kiss. Hot, wet, silky. Her nipples hardened, ached for his touch, the tug of his fingers, the pull of his mouth. “Touch me.” She pressed a kiss to his throat, then licked his collarbone. “I need your hands on me.”

He grunted and slid his hands down her back. Rough palms gripped her cheeks, grinding her against his erection. His gaze burned through her as he moved his thigh between her legs.

“Yes. Please.” She tilted her hips, rubbing, needing release more than air. “Oh, God, yes.” Desire roared through her, the ache building. Building. The orgasm so damned. . .close.

A sharp knock sounded at the door. “Captain? The men are ready to go ashore.”

Ian pulled back and swallowed hard, his expression hungry, his heart thumping against her breast.

“Captain?”

“Yes. Yes, I’ll be right there.” His heavy lidded gaze skimmed her body. Possessive. Aroused. Regretful as he set her aside.

Her mind crawled to process what was happening while her body was doused with disappointment. “You’re still going?”

He raked through his hair, then nodded. “We need provisions before sailing for Jamaica. I’ll only be a few hours.” He stepped to the door, but turned and pinned her with a hard stare. “But when I return . . .”

“Yes?” Her heart thumped in anticipation of some explicit description of what he would do to her. Oh, but his tongue was naughty in all the right ways.

“. . . I expect an explanation.”

Izzy drooped against the door, her thoughts racing even though her legs collapsed. This was going to be the shortest second chance in history.

We'll talk about that gorgeous cover in a sec, but first tell us why you elected to go the self published route. I’m sure my publisher for Rafe's Redemption, the Wild Rose Press, would have looked at it, but I wanted to try my hand at self-publishing and thought a novella would be a great place to start. My decision had several layers to it: First, as fast as the publishing world is changing, I think having your eggs in one basket might not be smart. Second, it’s tempting to keep more money for yourself. That’s not to say I just slapped something on the screen and pubbed it. I had my critique partners help edit; I paid someone to format it for me because I’m totally un-techy.

And of course I paid Hot Damn Designs to do the cover because if you don’t have quality work – and I mean from the outside in – then you’re going to get horrible reviews and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself. Once you have the final version formatted and ready, you can upload it and expect it to go “live” within 12 to 48 hrs.

Thanks so much, Jennifer, for honoring us with a visit. Much good luck to you in your dream of writing that best seller. Kat

To learn more about Jennifer Jakes and the stories she creates go to: http://www.jenniferjakes.com

To purchase TWICE IN A LIFETIME, go to Amazon http://tinyurl.com/7gvanj6

Or SmashWords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/108621

Also available at ARe and BookStrand.

for all things Scots--here's the blog for you!

2011-12-05T04:52:00.000-08:00

First Timers Presents is pleased to welcome, all the way from Scotland, Nancy Jardine who brings Luke Salieri, from Monogamy Twist, a recent release out of the Champagne Rose line of the Wild Rose Press.

First, let's learn a bit about Nancy, former teacher of middle-school age children and, like me, loves spending time with her new granddaughter:

I’m from Scotland, where I’ve lived all my life save 3 years in Holland, and a couple of months in Norway. I currently live in the ‘Castle Country’ in Aberdeenshire, which is in the north-east part of Scotland.

Before we get into meeting the hero of Monogamy Twist, here's a short blurb:

Luke Salieri thought he'd seen everything. But when he inherits a dilapidated English estate from a woman he's never heard of—and with quirky conditions besides—it’s a mystery he wants resolved immediately. There must be a woman out there who can meet his needs. But how far will he have to go to persuade her?

Lucrative employment for a whole year? The job of researching the old house and its fantastic contents is enticing – but Rhia Ashton can’t see herself living with gorgeous Luke Salieri and not wanting his body as well. Can she live and sleep with him for a whole year and then walk away? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while.

And an excerpt:

…But his craving probably wouldn’t last. He’d had her twice already. He’d get bored with her soon.

Moving up from the long mahogany table he couldn’t resist looking out into the garden to watch her approach. She was wearing a short skirt; her top shimmered around her breasts as she jogged across the grass, and Thor bounded around her. A surge of recognition flooded him; the tiny spark of libido he’d tamped down for the afternoon flared up again. She was just a woman and Thor was just a dog, so why was he so happy to have them disturb him?

Usually he was so focused that very little would break his concentration, but he was honest enough with himself to acknowledge it had been shot to hell that afternoon. The tension that still beset him had nothing to do with the complexities of the new project of restoring Greywood Hall, and everything to do with concentrating on blocking out the thoughts of Rhia’s delightful body. She was right down below the window now, playing the fetching games Thor loved.

Luke had again lost track of what the assembled group were discussing. “We’ve done enough for today guys,” he declared as he turned back to the table. “It’s already well past eight o’clock. We’ll resume our findings tomorrow morning.”

Well, gee, how do we follow that—other than talking to the man himself. Luke, where are you from? I’m a born and bred Brisbane Aussie, son of an Italian father but the last 5 years, or so, I’ve lived mostly in England- zipping back to Oz to keep a check on my businesses over there.

What is Monogamy Twist about? In a nutshell, you could say I was pretty miffed that a completely unexpected inheritance had just been dumped on me with friggin’ stupid conditions attached. Sure, I could have walked away from it, except that’s just not me-so that left me time-strapped to find a female who’d take me on…err…help me out a bit, you know? For a while…Well, more like…a year. (A first cheeky smile appears) Rhia stepped into the breach, but I tell you, that woman sure had some conditions of her own.

What did you think the first time you saw Rhia? -My first thought? (deep throat clearing here) Mmm. Very, very, nice. Absolutely gorgeous. A lust worthy little pixie of a woman who’d just burst out of the woods with her bl**dy err…excuse me…ruddy huge Irish Wolfhound. She cast a magic spell on me down there on the lawn as she bounced around playing with Thor, breasts a-jiggle under a tight little yellow T-shirt. Never ever going to forget that.

What was your second thought? What the bl**dy hell had Rhia Ashton just done? Can you believe she called the cops and had me arrested? (Hearty laugh here) She thought I was a damned burglar! Me? A burglar? My Rhia can be such a snippy little cat!

Did you think it was love at first sight? - Love? No way! Remember I was using the woman to get me out of a bind. She was just temporary. Even if she needed to be physically around for a year, I didn’t need to bother if the initial lust wore off. Yet, I lusted after her gorgeous body for weeks and weeks, couldn’t keep my hands off her, but it still didn’t occur to me it could be anything long-term.

What do you like most about Rhia? I knew right from the start she was smart…but just not how smart. She’s a genius at winding me up, at winding me around the proverbial finger…and she’s incredible at getting me to compromise. Absolutely nobody else in this whole world can make me do what she can! I’m still talking decisions here…of course. But I love her enthusiasm; she’s a glass is half full kind of person…except when she’s mad at me…and that can be pretty often.

How would you describe her? Compared to me, Rhia’s knee high to a grasshopper, but she makes me feel like the happiest giant ever, even if the top of her head barely reaches my chin. She has the cutest little pixie face with shiny darkest black hair that curves down to her chin and always makes me want to tuck it behind her cute little ears. Her eyes are the deepest chocolate brown that get me hot as a furnace every time they flick my way. And her dinky button of a nose is a magnet I’m always popping kisses on.

How would she describe you? It would go something like: an arrogant sod, mad, stark raving bonkers, unpredictable wretch, a workaholic, a manipulator… (Another hearty laugh) She even called me ‘a big oaf’ when we first met. And I’m a liar, as well, by the way. Of course she’d definitely also call me a sex-maniac…and the love of her life.

What made you choose Chartered Surveying as a profession? That was a no-brainer really since my mother had a construction business going on in Brisbane, back in Oz. I couldn’t get out of my parents pushing me to do a stint at university, so I made sure it would benefit me in the long run and got me a Chartered Surveying Degree. The restoration of old estates just sort-of happened when I arrived in England and a buddy of mine nudged me in that direction.

What is your biggest fear? That would have to be if anything happened to Rhia. She burst into my life and I never, ever, want her to burst out of it.

How do you relax? You talking about that would be legal on this spot? I’ll leave it to your imagination…but let’s say relaxing time is always short so put some champagne, a few other intriguing knick-knacks into the picture along with…Madre di Dio!...my very hot Rhia…and you’ve got it.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? It’s got to be Scooby Doo. I used to love watching it as a kid…thought that huge dog was really dopey. Now, of course, I’ve got my very own version of dopey-dog in Thor. And that clever Rhia, love of my life, sometimes makes Velma look like an amateur.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? That’s a good one, a very good one. How about ‘put your back into it and never give up.’ Tailor made for me really, for I never do—give up, I mean.

Kat's turn: Let's hear a bit from Nancy: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I love paperback romances, and classics-especially romantic ones. Colin Firth’s 1990s TV/film version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is my favorite. While ‘tidying up’ my book collection of literally thousands of paperback romances and hardback books a couple of years ago, it was re-reading Charles Dickens Great Expectations which gave me the impetus to write Monogamy Twist.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. My publisher is the Wild Rose Press.

How did you hear about them? In 2010 I wrote my first contemporary romance Monogamy Twist, having only written one other full length historical romance. I searched the internet for a publisher who would read an un-agented submission and found the Wild Rose Press.

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? I sent Monogamy Twist to the Champagne Rose line Dec. 2010 and by 1^st March 2011, after some re-writing, I signed my first ever contract for it. I can truly say I was stunned since by the end of July the print version was available, and on 24^th August 2011 the digital version was released. The experience was excellent; my editor was absolutely marvelous at helping and encouraging and always responded quickly. I’ve just recently signed my second contemporary contract with the Wild Rose Press.

Kat: this is very encouraging to new authors, those who are just testing the waters on the road to publication. Thanks, Nancy, this has been fun and Luke sounds like someone to behold—and hold onto!

A huge thank you from me, Kat, for having me on your blog today. Luke enjoyed getting an ‘airing’. So from all of us at Monogamy Twist, Slainthe! Nancy Jardine

To learn more about Nancy Jardine and the stories she creates go to: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com

http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Jardine/257979237559223

For viewing the Monogamy Twist book trailer go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJVzbrkJQzA

To purchase Monogamy Twist, go to:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4613

http://www.amazon.com/Monogamy-Twist-Nancy-Jardine/dp/1601549652/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313524579&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monogamy-twist-nancy-jardine/1105052518?ean=2940013040922&itm=1&usri=monogamy%2btwist

Welcome First Timer--Callie Hutton

2011-11-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today, First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome Callie Hutton and Tori Henderson, heroine of A Run For Love, a November 23rd release from Soul Mate Publishing.

First, to get a flavor of A Run For Love, let's take a look at the tag line and excerpt:

The Oklahoma Land Run gives TORI HENDERSON a fresh start, and the arrogant JESSE COCHRAN for a neighbor. To right a wrong he corrals her into marriage, but she won’t ever give him her independence!

EXCERPT:

Annoyance stalled her steps when she saw the man from the woods yesterday washing dishes in the creek. With the hundreds of people getting ready for the race at noon, the only empty space remained next to him. Tori knelt and wet her washcloth, averting her gaze. Her heart thudded, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.

“Still here, are you?”

She clenched her jaw at the sound of that voice. He stood over her, a grin on his face. Now that she saw him without shadows, it irritated her when her heart sped up.

Lord save me from another handsome face and charming smile.

“Yes, I’m still here.” Her voice rose. “And I plan to spend tonight camped on my own lot.”

“Easy honey, I’m not the enemy.” He put his hands up in surrender.

“Don’t call me honey!”

“Sorry.” His smile contradicted his apology. “A woman alone dragging a wagon and a passel of kids will most likely spend the night right outside Arkansas City pushing on her horse’s rump.”

This man had all the nerve in the world. “I will get my lot in town, sir. And I will make a life for myself and my family. Believe it or not, I’ll even do it without anyone’s help.” She raised one eyebrow and flicked her fingers at him. “Now I’ll thank you to leave me in peace and mind your own business.” She turned back and mumbled, “And your manners.” She splashed her face with such vigor that water went up her nose, causing her to cough and choke.

Now, let's meet Tori Henderson:

Where are you from, Tori? Kentucky/Kansas/Oklahoma

Tell us about A Run For Love. In 1889, I’ve just become the sole parent to my four nieces and nephews. Bad enough I’ve never met them before, and the oldest is already sixteen, but the bank just notified me we’ll be homeless in two weeks.

I made a daring and difficult decision to enter the Oklahoma Territory Land Run. Thousands of would-be land owners will be racing on horse, in wagon, by train, by bicycle, even on foot to secure a dream. Dressed as a man to avoid unwanted attention, I will be among them.

Before I made the run, I clashed with arrogant Attorney at Law, Jesse Cochran, who dismissed my ability to be successful. He sure sets my teeth on edge with his condescending attitude. I took the train and succeeded in obtaining a town lot! The children were on their way in the wagon to meet me, and everything was wonderful. That is, until I discovered Jesse Cochran was my new neighbor in Oklahoma.

When one of my nieces decides she’s had it, and runs back to Kansas, Jesse and I hit the road to bring her back. The sparks that had been building between us exploded and not too long after our return, I discovered I was pregnant. Jesse forced me into marriage, something I was not at all interested in, but the contest to see who can be the most stubborn came to a halt when a tragedy devastated me. Jesse says he wants me, needs me, but I just want to call it quits. I don’t know who will win this latest battle of wills.

What did you think the first time you saw Jesse? That he was an arrogant, know-it-all, condescending man.

And your second thought? He may be annoying, but he wasn’t too hard on the eyes. He also had this way of smiling that did strange things to my stomach.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Heavens, no!

What do you like most about Jesse? His strength, determination, willingness to fight for what he wants.

How would you describe him? Tall, dark hair, broad shouldered, piercing blue eyes. And he has this way of smiling…

How would he describe you? Besides cantankerous? Slightly overweight (I think), spectacle-wearing, pretty face, freckles scattered over my nose. And, he does say ‘curvy.’

What made you choose teaching as a profession? I loved school, was good at it, and I enjoy seeing children learn something they’d never known before.

What is your biggest fear? That something terrible will happen to one of the many people I love.

How do you relax? Hmm. Well, Jesse and I go into the bedroom…

Who's your favorite fictional character and why? The Queen from Through the Looking Glass, because everyone had to do what she said without argument.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Never give up.

Kat's turn to ask author Callie: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Gone With the Wind probably got me interested in Historical novels. I also enjoy books and movies that are funny. Even though my stories have serious elements, they also have a bit of comedy. I love any book or movie that makes me smile at the end, and say “aww.” I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them? What influenced your decision to submit to them. Soul Mate publishing is a new e-book publisher. I heard about them on the RWA Pro Loop. Debby Gilbert was seeking submissions to get her publishing company up and running. What attracted me to them was the information on her website that indicated she liked stories that crossed genres. Since I’d been told by other publishers that A Run For Love didn’t fit in the ‘exact’ guidelines for romance, I thought it might be a book she would consider.

How long did it take from query to release? I queried Debby, and within hours had a request for a full. I sent it in, and had a contract within ten days.

Kat: Whoa, baby! That is quick. I understand A Run for Love has a sequel. Can you confirm or deny? A Wife By Christmas will be released on December 1^st

Kat: Two novels released inside two months? That's great! Soul Mate Publishing will certainly have some hits on their website after hearing your success story, Callie. Thanks for joining First Timers Presents today—and much luck in your writer's journey.

To learn more about Callie and the stories she creates go to: www.calliehutton.com

To purchase A Run For Love, go to www.soulmatepublishing.com

For the trailer, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kCfE1_F4g

Welcome First Timer--Dena dePaulo

2011-11-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

Today, First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome Dena de Paulo and Laurel Stevens, from Painted With Pleasure, Dena's first release from the Wild Rose Press, Scarlet Rose line. Unfortunately, the blurb didn't transfer well onto the blog page so we're going to get right into meeting Laurel, the heroine from Painted With Pleasure.

Where are you from, Laurel? Well, I’m from a town just outside Houston, called Sugarland, Texas.

What is Painted with Pleasure about? (Giggle) It’s about me having a fun fling before leaving Spain. I don’t like having regrets and if I would have left Spain, I know I would regret not having Alejandro. I bit off a little more than I could chew with him. But I must say it was well worth every moment.

What did you think the first time you saw the Alejandro? Hot Damn. (Fanning herself) I thought he was definitely a stallion. Originally, I figured he was just a playboy and I couldn’t chance it while I was working so hard to get stay professional.

What was your second thought? More a feeling. Every time he was at the gallery, he had this presence… addictive. I found myself trying to walk away but he pulled out the inner slut hiding deep within me.

Did you think it was love at first sight? It was more like Lust with a CAPITAL “L”. Love wasn’t in the cards for me at the time. Too much at risk to allow myself to fall in love. Too much.

What do you like most about Alejandro? Well… (Clears her throat) No really. He’s adventurous. In all my life, I’ve never felt more comfortable being so out of control. As long as his strong warm arms and his addictive scent surrounded me, it didn’t matter how crazy the situation was, I was good.

How would you describe him? He’s hot. It’s more of an oxymoron; he’s more a mix between a leather wearing biker with shaggy hair and a Marine in the best condition of his life versus being your typical average artistic painter. (Closed her eyes) Oh, his most sexiest moment is when he has paint smeared on his skin tight jeans and he’s bare chested, standing in front of an easel thinking. Too decadent.

How would he describe you? Bliss, he told me, I’m pure Bliss.

What made you choose being a Gallery Director as a profession? I love art, but mostly, I love that moment when I can find the right art for the right person. The pleasure of discovering the next best artist is thrilling.

What is your biggest fear? Losing everything, from my professional reputation to my heart.

How do you relax? Riding horses and long bubble baths.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Hmm, this is hard. So many to choose from... Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich. Man oh man, she gets into hug messes and somehow each time, it works out. Talk about thrilling.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Some Spanish lady on the train once said something along the lines, “Sometimes you should not deny your heart because the breaking will crush you.” And it was so true. The breaking just about crushed me into sobbing unrecognizable pieces.

Kat's turn: Dena, what movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I’m an eclectic reader from Beatrice Small to Tess Gerritson and everything in between. I love strong heroines and alpha heroes. Movies on the other hand are more fun in nature for me and I go for more comedy then drama, nine out of ten times. Everything in my life is fuel for my stories. But mostly, I employ the technique of “How can I pump it up several notches” just to make the story more enjoyable.

Kat: Thanks so much, Dena, for visiting First Timers Presents today. You're the first erotica author to visit our blog and I'm honored that you could be the one.

To learn more about Dena de Paulo and the stories she creates go to: http://denadepaulo.wordpress.com/

To purchase Painted with Pleasure, go to http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=852

Welcome Author Ruth Casie

2011-11-14T04:05:00.000-08:00

First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome author Ruth Casie and Rebeka Tyler Knight of Runes, a time travel which will be released today from Carina Press.
For everyone who responds--and leaves a comment--your name will go into a hat for a drawing for a copy of Knight of Runes.
Now, let's meet Rebeka Tyler.
What is Knight of Runes about? It is about my quest to find my way back to the 21^st century after being tossed 400 years back in time. I inherited Fayne Manor in Wiltshire, England from a relative I didn’t know existed. I went to the Manor to meet with the attorney and accept my inheritance. It came with an unknown private library. As an expert in renaissance studies, the thought of the potential things I would find excited me. Also, my parents are both gone and I have no information about either family. The thought of finding my roots was compelling. It all seemed like a dream.
After signing the papers I decided to go exploring and toured the standing stones in nearby Avebury. I walked through the standing stones and the next thing I knew I was careening down the side of a mountain and landed in the middle of a forest path in 1605. It took me awhile to realize I had fallen back in time but once I did I concentrated on finding my way back. I met Lord Arik who was trying to figure out what was attacking his land. As a conservationist, I thought I could help. It wasn’t until later we all realized that he was under attack from a dark druid. I found my skill in martial arts came in handy more than once.
It wasn’t easy keeping my time travel a secret but I knew this time period better than most and no matter how connected I felt to the people here I feared they would take me for a witch. I had to keep it from everyone. I found out later that Arik was the Druid Grand Master and told him my time travel secret. He revealed that I too was unique. Together we fought the dark druid. We make an awesome team.

What did you think the first time you saw Lord Arik?I thought he was an actor full of bravado. You see, I didn’t know I was back in time. I went to Avebury on May 1, Beltane. I thought he had some part in a re-enactment. They are rather prevalent during Beltane. Anyway, his ‘lord of the manor’ attitude didn’t impress me. There was a skirmish by the river. I have a black belt in karate and held my own. When he accused me of endangering his men I actually told him I saved is ass. Yes, I called his lordship an ass. That should give you a pretty good idea of how I felt about him.

What was your second thought? There’s much more to him than just a strong leader. He’s compassionate about his family, especially his orphaned nieces that live with him, and close to his brother. He is admired by his men and the villagers. There was more to this man than I originally thought.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Not at all. However, in retrospect I did notice those times when we touched I would tingle all over. Sometimes I would swear he felt it too.

What do you like most about him? He’s the most honorable person I know. There’s something very compelling about him. He’s a person used to command and control and he doesn’t take it for granted. He’s definitely an alpha male balanced with compassion. I found I wanted to him to acknowledge my abilities more than any other person.

How would you describe him? He’s tall, about 6’4” and has mesmerizing blue-green eyes. He has dark longish wavy hair that he rakes with his hands, a lot. He has magic runes, I thought they were warrior tattoos but they’re not, running from his back, over his shoulder, and down to his hip. He has a wicked sense of humor, a loving touch, and he’s mine.

How would he describe you? He calls me his warrior, witch and wife. He knows I will defend what is mine by any means.

What made you choose Renaissance Studies as a career? I guess you could say I followed in my father’s footsteps. My late father was a renowned authority on Celtic studies. Before I went to the university, Dad took me on all his trips and speaking tours. As a single parent, he didn’t have much choice. I began to read and study but found the renaissance period more exciting. After undergraduate school I worked on my advanced degree and taught.

What is your biggest fear? I fell back in time in the midst of a Druid struggle between Arik and Bran (the dark druid). While Bran was defeated he’s not dead. My biggest fear is what Bran will do next.

How do you relax? I like to walk in the woods or sit around the fire.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I admire strong women who take ownership on their own destiny. Jane Eyre and Scarlett O’Hara are classics. For the more contemporary heroines Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters’ The Golden One) and Lady Emily (Tasha Alexander’s Tears of Pearl) come to mind.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? You must look at things from every angle and not only from your own perspective.

Kat’s turn: This interview is particularly fascinating for me as time travels have always intrigued me. My hat’s off to any author who has the skill and imagination to create a believable story, as well as doing the research, while going back and forth between then and now. To that end, let’s chat a bit with Ruth.

What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I’ve always read romance and enjoy Lynn Kurland, Julie Garwood, and Diana Gabaldon to name just a few.

Your publisher is Carina Press. How did you hear about them? I read about them in “Publisher’s Weekly” as well as on several blogs.

What made you submit to them? I’m a member of the Futuristic, Fantasy, and Paranormal special interest RWA chapter. FF&P sponsored an online pitch with Angela James. With my pitch ready for the NJRW Conference, I decided to submit it. When my critique partner got the conference the next day, she told me Angela James posted a request for my full manuscript.

Kat: Whoa, baby!! Is that karma or what? What can you tell me about the Carina Press’ submission process? Carina Press is a digital only publisher. The books have been chosen by Carina Press for printing. My experience with them has been wonderful. I have an editor who has worked closely with me on my book. The turnaround times are comparable to those of traditional publishers. I had input to the title (it really needed a better title), the back cover blurb, and the cover. For example:

I submitted my full manuscript on January 3.
Angela James called me with the offer on February 3.
My contract was signed and delivered by early April.
Editing began a few weeks later.
My release date is November 14.

Kat: that is less than twelve months! A much shorter time frame other publishers. Something for authors to consider when they are wondering about where to submit their work.

Let's read a blurb for Knight of Runes:

When Lord Arik, a druid knight, finds Rebeka Tyler wandering his lands without protection, he swears to keep her safe. But Rebeka can take care of herself. When Arik sees her clash with a group of attackers using a strange fighting style, he’s intrigued.

Rebeka is no ordinary seventeenth-century woman—she’s travelled back from the year 2011, and she desperately wants to return home. She poses as a scholar sent by the king to find out what’s killing Arik’s land. But as she works to decode the ancient runes that are the key to solving this mystery and sending her home, she finds herself drawn to the charismatic and powerful Arik.

As Arik and Rebeka fall in love, someone in Arik’s household schemes to keep them apart, and a dark druid with a grudge prepares his revenge. To defeat him, Arik and Rebeka must combine their skills. Soon Rebeka will have to decide whether to return to the future or trust Arik with the secret of her time travel and her heart.

Kat: At my request, Ruth kindly submitted the following information about Carina Press:

Harlequin Enterprises Limited launched a digital imprint called Carina Press on June 12, 2010. Carina Press operates independently of Harlequin's traditional publishing businesses. They will publish a broad range of fiction with an emphasis on romance and its subgenres. They also acquire voices in mystery, suspense and thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, erotica, gay/lesbian, and more! Whether you've never been published or are multi-published and are interested in exploring the potential of digital publishing Carina Press is interested. Their philosophy is: no great story should go untold!

To learn more about Knight of Runes and the stories Ruth creates go to: www.RuthACasie.com

To purchase Knight of Runes, go to www.CarinaPress.com

Knight of Runes will also be available at Audible.com in November, 2011.

A Daemon Earns His Wings!

2011-11-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

Today, First Timers Presents is thrilled to welcome first time author Gina Lamm and heroine Ginger Thistlewaite from One Night to Fly, a recent release from Decadent Publishing in their 1NightStand series.

Where are you from, Ginger? A little town in the Blue Ridge mountains.

What is One Night to Fly about?

A well-meaning, but meddling friend of mine decided that I needed to go out on a date. She set me up for this dating service, conveniently not telling me that it was called 1Night Stand. *Ginger laughs* I think she knew there was no way I’d go along with it if I knew.

What did you think the first time you saw Baird Kirkland? I thought he was kind of overconfident. A little bit of a player, you know? He was way too hot, and that Scottish burr? Wow. Too good to be true, so he had to be an ass.

And your second thought? He knew way too much about me. It was scary, but then really incredible that he knew me that well that quickly.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Maybe at the sight of his Daemon wings. *she smiles* I’d thought those were just dreams, so to see them come true that way? Truly magical.

What do you like most about him? The way he likes to laugh. The way he holds me in his arms, and wraps his wings around me. It’s indescribable.

How would you describe Baird? Well, he’s tall, and really fit. He’s got shaggy blonde hair, and he’s tanned. Kind of looks like a surfer until you hear his burr. And that deep voice, with that accent? Totally delicious. I’m normally a pretty level-headed person, but when I see him? Yeah, not anymore.

How would he describe you? He’d probably say that I’m kind of a nervous perfectionist with way too many hang-ups. But he’d also say that he loves my body, even though I’m on the short side. He makes me feel beautiful.

What made you choose insurance adjuster as a career? Honestly, I’m not a big fan of my job. It’s just something that paid the bills until I met Baird. Now that I know who and what I am, I’ll be happy to leave it behind for something else.

What is your biggest fear? That I’m crazy, and my dreams mean more than they should. Well, it was til Baird showed me otherwise.

How do you relax? A flight under the stars.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I was always a fan of Velma from Scooby Doo. She was ordered, logical, and smart. She didn’t get enough credit, I thought.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Madame Evangeline [the leader of 1NightStand] told me to relax and live a little. That’s got to be it.

Let's read a blurb, shall we?

Ginger Thistlewaite doesn't want a blind date. She's happy with her career, her lonely apartment, and the strange visions that keep her company each night. But when a meddling co-worker sets her up for a blind date, she feels she has no choice but to go along with it.

Baird Kirkland's been searching for a Daemon female for a long time. Human women can't satisfy the urges within him so he hires Madam Eve's 1NightStand dating service to find a suitable Daemon match, hoping one night will lead to something more.

Baird rubs Ginger wrong from the start. But when hes Daemon wings burst free, a vision straight from her dreams, will Ginger be able to resist him?

On that intriguing note, Kat wants a turn: Gina, what movies or books have impacted your writing?

Oh, tons and tons! I’m a fan of lots of authors. Julia Quinn, Catherine Coulter, Piers Anthony, JR Ward, Kresley Cole, Stephen King, too many more to mention.

Tell us a bit about Decadent Publishing. How did you hear about them? I was looking for a way to stretch my writer-muscles, and found out about a call for submissions for paranormal 1Night Stand stories from Decadent. I wrote it for fun, subbed on a whim, and ta-da!

Tell us a bit about the submission process. How long did it take from query to release? I queried in June, on a Sunday morning. A contract was in my email that very night. Many happy dances.  I think two full months between contract and release? That’s pretty fast, all in all!

It's time for an excerpt, so let's get going!

Ginger couldn't believe her ears. A Daemon? Baird stood, smiling at her, his form shadowed by massive folded black wings. Wings. Just like she had in her dreams. They'd flown together, exactly the way she did in her dreams ever night. The only thing he hadn't done to mimic her night-time memories was wrap her in the glossy dark feathers as he claimed her.

Her body betrayed her, the pit of her belly curling at the thought of him covering her that way. The buttons of his shirt had pulled open during the flight, revealing a muscled chest as well as a lean throat. His broad shoulders tapered to slim hips. As if in response to her scrutiny, the front of his slacks tented.

“You know what I mean.” His burr deepened, his brilliant eyes darkening at her scrutiny. “I told you. I alone can make those dreams come true.”

Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. She sat on the chaise, immobilized by the blue of his eyes. He came toward her, prowling like a predator about to strike. The hypnotic rill of his hips mesmerized her, overturning her normally logical brain. Reason flew out the window as he pressed a knee into the seat beside her, straddling her lap. His wings extended, wrapping around her, leaving them in the tight cocoon of darkness.

“Ah, Ginger.” The R of her name rolled off his tongue.

She shut her lids against the magnetic pull of his gaze. “What are you doing to me?” she whispered.

“Giving you what you want.” His mouth dived down to claim hers.

Kat: Giving me what I want? Whoa baby! Where do I sign up for a 1NightStand—and will Ginger share this man with me? Based on the excerpt, Gina, you are destined to have a long and happy life at Decadent Publishing! Thanks so much for visiting First Timers Presents.

For more information about Gina Lamm, go to: www.ginalamm.net

To purchase One Night to Fly, go to http://www.ginalamm.net/books.html

We hope you'll all stop back the next time we showcase a first time author. Stay tuned!

Kat

A Hero? Or a Con Man?

2011-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Finally.
Mad Dog and Archangel has a release date--January 12, 2012.
I am relieved and grateful that Wild Rose Press took a chance on this story and put it in the Class of '85 series. If you've read The List and Embraceable You, you briefly met Grace "Mad Dog" Dunavan and Rafe Archangeli, the Scourge of Summerville.
Now, these two have their own story and I think it's a honey. Rafi is one of my favorite men. He is tall, dark and handsome, think Lou Diamond Phillips--and he played baseball back in the day. I never could resist a man in tight white pants.
Here's a blurb and an excerpt . . . and a quote from one of my favorite saints whose words describe Rafe perfectly . . .

“To a brave man, good and bad luck are like his right and left hand. He uses both.” Saint Catherine of Sienna

Rafael Archangeli returns home to Summerville to bury an old friend, collect his inheritance, and then return to the only life he knows—conning wealthy women out of their money. In Rafe's world, money not only equals success, it goes a long way to obliterate the stigma of his past.

Grace Dunavan, former nun turned community activist, gave up worldly goods a long time ago with no regrets. But she's never known a man with the raw appeal of the Scourge of Summerville: Rafael Archangeli.

Their first meeting is like an errant strike of lightning, fierce and stunning in intensity, and takes both by surprise. Has Grace turned Rafe into a changed man? Or is he using his inheritance to pull off the biggest scam of his life?

Excerpt:

Safety First.

A personal motto that served Grace Dunavan well for the past thirty-something years. She never picked up strange men. In fact, she rarely dated men, strange or otherwise. And wasn't she the first to preach the wisdom of obtaining a detailed history—family, medical and sexual before contemplating a walk on the wild side? With any man, including the brother of her best friend.

come the first of the year, we shall celebrate in an appropriate manner.

Slainte

Seducing a Reader--With An Unforgettable Cover

2011-09-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today, First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome W. Lynn Chantale and Matthew Sinclair, from Seducing His Wife,a multicultural contemporary romance release from Whispers Publishing.

Where are you from, Matt? I’m from a town called Ann Arbor, MI. Yes, I’m a Wolverine fan and a season ticket holder. Don’t let Ms. Chantale hear that last part, I know she’s a big Spartan fan. Poor misguided woman. Go Blue!

What is Seducing His Wife about? It is about me tempting my wife Sheridan back into my life, my home and my bed. But even more important is finding out why she left after her accident. We went from a happy, loving couple arguing over a stupid brief case to nothing. I need to know what makes my wife cry in her sleep and then keeps her awake for hours and sometimes days on end. She talks about everything but what makes her so sad.

What did you think the first time you saw Sheridan? The first time I saw her she was smiling. And I remember thinking I could spend the rest of my life watching her smile. I’d never seen a smile as bright as hers. To this day her smile simply steals my breath away.

What was your second thought? My second thought was I had to make this woman my wife. *grins*

Did you think it was love at first sight? Absolutely!

What do you like most about her? Other than her smile? She’s a very caring and loving woman.

How would you describe her? I would describe Sheridan as intelligent, outgoing, kind, warm, and funny all wrapped in one beautiful, sexy package.

How would she describe you? Probably as being overprotective, but romantic and loving.

What made you choose Human Resources as a career? I’ve always wanted to work in corporate America and make it a better place. One way to do that was by hiring the right people, that they had a voice, while maintaining the company’s vision and goals.

What is your biggest fear? Losing my family again. For a time my wife and I were separated. Regaining her trust wasn’t easy and it’s not an experience I want to repeat.

How do you relax? A quiet evening at home with the family. Sheridan and I try to spend as much time with each other and the children as possible. Both of our careers are demanding and coming home is the best thing at the end of a long day.

Who’s your favorite fictional character and why? I prefer nonfiction works. But since Mitchell has come into our lives The Cat in the Hat has become a fast favorite of mine. The character is just fun and provokes imagination.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Live life to the fullest.

From Kat to Chantale: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities would be the book that has influenced my writing, well that, and a few on how to write romance. The movies that have influenced me the most would be, It’s a Wonderful Life, An American President, and Pay it Forward, oh I almost forgot The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins.

Tell us about Whispers Publishing, how you found them and what made you decide to go with them. Will you work with them in the future?

Let me start by saying how much I enjoyed and enjoy working with the staff at Whispers Publishing. They published my first mainstream novel. Thank you so much for taking a chance on me. My editor was wonderful and I loved that he had an eye for the details. He really kept me on my toes and made me stop and think about who and when. Thanks Jeff.

I found Whispers through RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) list of publishers and agents. The reason I decided to go with them, well they said yes. It’s that simple. I have no regrets.

Would I work with them again? Absolutely. As a matter of fact I’m working on edits for a short story they contracted. Decadent Seconds, incorporates two things I love most, family and food. I plan on adding a few more yummy recipes to my site so keep an eye out.

Thanks, Lynn for offering First Timers Presents the opportunity to meet a sensitive caring man [won't we wish we all had someone like Matt in our lives?], a gorgeous cover, and a new publisher to consider. Kat

Now, for a blurb and excerpt from Seducing His Wife:

Blurb:

Haunted by nightmares, Sheridan Sinclair just wants to get through one night without reliving the terrible accident that led to her miscarriage. And she longs for the arms of the man who betrayed her. Matthew Sinclair has always loved his wife, but when she refuses to speak to him after her accident, he's left to wonder what went wrong. When a stolen kiss ignites their forgotten passion, he'll use their love as a means to get her home and in his bed again. Will a husband’s plan of seduction be enough to heal a wife’s broken heart?

Excerpt:

Matthew’s mouth watered. The last time they made love was six months ago. He’d been late for work that morning, but his tardiness had been well deserved. Sure, he had other offers, but only one woman spiked his interest, and if a certain part of his anatomy was any judge, only one woman ever would.

She turned and blushed. He hadn’t seen color redden her cheeks in a while. He slowly perused her body, undressing her with his gaze, wondering if her skin would taste just as sweet. “I-uh…um…” Hell, he couldn’t stop thinking about running his hands along her curves and wondering if she would still make that breathless little moan that drove him crazy.

He strode purposefully to where she stood, keeping their gazes locked, hooked an arm around her waist, and drew her against him in one swift motion. He yearned for this. He needed to kiss her.

She trembled in his arms, lifted her hands to his chest, and pushed him away. At the same time, she lifted her chin, her soft lips parting. So far, so good. He didn’t want to stop. He took a moment to savor the touch of her breasts against his chest, hungry for the heat of her palms pressed against his bare skin. He lifted a hand to her hair. The silky strands drifted through his fingers like water. But the sensation wasn’t enough. He caressed her cheek and saw a spark of desire simmering in her almond-honey eyes.

He touched his lips to hers, whisper soft, lightly teasing, coaxing her with the tip of his tongue until she responded. She sighed, and he tangled his hand in her hair. He tilted her head back, giving him better access to her mouth, deepening their kiss. He tugged her closer to his body when her arms came around his neck.

She melted in his arms. The months apart hadn’t changed anything between them. She moaned deep in her throat when he pulled her even closer, molding her soft curves to every hard line of his body. He slipped his hands beneath her jacket. The soft material of her shirt whispered beneath his palms, which went down her back, until he squeezed her bottom. He stepped closer, hungry for more than just a kiss. But a mere kiss would have to suffice.

He lifted his head, dragging a ragged breath into his starving lungs. He stepped back, and she returned her palms to his chest. He didn’t want to let her go. She stared up at him, eyes half closed, desire shimmering beneath her dark lashes.

Matthew held his palm against her cheek and brushed his thumb across her kiss-swollen lips. “I will find out why you left, Sheridan, and I will win you back.” He slowly released her. “That’s a promise.” He brushed a quick kiss across her lips and turned to the door.

To learn more about W. Lynn Chantale and the stories she creates go to:

Blog: http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.com http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.com /

Email: wlynnchantale@gmail.com

Twitter: @wlynnchantale

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/W.LynnChantaleAuthor

To purchase Seducing His Wife, go to

http://whispershome.com/erotic/seducing-his-wife/

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Seducing-His-Wife-ebook/dp/B005DOZYRC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311349014&sr=8-3 http://www.amazon.com/Seducing-His-Wife-ebook/dp/B005DOZYRC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311349014&sr=8-3

Mobipocket http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/searchebooks.asp?Language=EN&searchType=All&lang=EN&searchStr=seducing+his+wife http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/searchebooks.asp?Language=EN&searchType=All&lang=EN&searchStr=seducing+his+wife

All Romance e-books, http://tinyurl.com/AllRomance

FictionWise, http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b124873/?si=0 http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b124873/?si=0

A Little Bit of Class

2011-09-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning all, on this day after 9/11, First Timers Presents is delighted to welcome Michelle Rodriguez and Bianca McKenna from “Opera Macabre”, Michelle’s first release from Wild Rose Press.

Where are you from, Bianca? Originally, New Orleans, but I’ve gotten to tour other venues with the opera company. We opened theatres in San Francisco and then London. We’re still living in London now, but that’s just temporary. Aiden wants us to see the world.

What is “Opera Macabre” about? It is a love story, our love story, filled with many turbulent twists and turns. I would hate to give too much away, but of course there’s a hero, my Aiden, and a villain, the most insidious vampire I’ve ever had the misfortune of knowing, Alexi. I guess you could call it a story of good versus evil and how love can triumph over every obstacle put in its path. Aiden was not always prince charming; “Opera Macabre” is the story of how love made him a hero, my hero.

What did you think the first time you saw Aiden? Ha! I thought he was just another cocky, arrogant, bloodsucking vampire! I don’t think I truly looked at him beyond the fangs!

What was your second thought? That maybe, however uncommon it might be, I was wrong.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Perhaps, if you call love being unable to get him out of my mind and inspiring bouts of rage and aggravation at the same time!

What do you like most about him? That I can be myself with him. He changed me and taught me that it is acceptable to just be Bianca without the roles everyone else wants me to play.

How would you describe him? Well, attractive, of course, but aren’t all vampires attractive in that immortally beautiful way? But he’s more than that. He’s…amazing!

How would he describe you? I’m sure his first answer would be obstinate. He knows it isn’t wise to argue with me! But he better also say that he loves me all the more because of it!

What made you choose singing opera as a profession? It wasn’t exactly my choice. It was forced upon me, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else. There’s something so magical about performing from the moment the first notes of the overture ring out. It brings a thrill that races the spine and an excitement that nothing else can compare to. And then I sing, and it’s like letting my soul out. I can be the diva onstage and never doubt myself or my talent.

What is your biggest fear? Aiden saved me, and he keeps saving me every single day by loving me. So I guess my biggest fear would be losing him. He keeps me from falling into the many roles I prefer to play and makes me be no one but myself.

How do you relax? Performing onstage, of course! Most people would call that stressful, but I find that being able to play someone else and put myself into her shoes and her life for a little while is a wonderful escape. It’s like falling into a dream, most especially when the real world can seem a nightmare. I live out all my dreams onstage.

Who is your favorit fictional character and why? Erik from The Phantom of the Opera. He was scarred and broken, and…well, I can relate to that. Being treated as an outcast. …Beauty is a perception. Most people take it for granted and don’t look past the outside appearance to the person within. If anything, I hope my story teaches that we all have a heart worthy of love. …Aiden taught me that.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? That not all vampires are the same. Aiden taught me that as well, and thank God or I might have spent my life refusing his heart and incomplete because of it.

Blurb from "Opera Macabre":

Count Aiden de Lazarus has grown apathetic to the world around him and the monotony of immortal life. Determined to regain his zest for vampiric pursuits, he chooses a mortal girl and bites her with the intent to drain her. Instead, her intoxicating taste and enchanting beauty stirs feelings he has long buried. Scared by such mortal feelings, he gives her to another vampire as payment for a debt.

After eight long years, Bianca is still living a cursed life—singing on stage in Alexi's profitable opera and enduring the bites of the undead as part of his undercover auction when the stage lights dim. Doomed to become Alexi’s vampire bride, her future is bleak.

Aiden is horrified to find Bianca still alive and Alexi’s prized possession. Her image has continued to haunt him. Now he must find a way to free her from the life he unwittingly condemned her to and prove that he, unlike the vampires she has known, can be a man worth loving.

An Excerpt:

“Bianca,” he whispered provocatively near her ear, and felt her entire frame quiver in his grasp. With a wolf-like grin curling his lips, he bent nearer to that tempting pulse of her throat, but instead of biting her as he so ached to do, he grazed his lips against it, a feather light kiss, eliciting a soft, strangled gasp from her. Unable to help himself, he grew bolder in his endeavors and let the very tip of his tongue trail the same path.

Unwelcome and yet uncontrollable heat filtered through her body as it arched against him, desperate to get closer to that devil’s mouth. The voice in her head that should have been screaming at her to stop was only muttering fragments of musings, lost as well to the sensation, as she found herself unable to do anything but surrender.

Aiden burrowed his mouth against her throat, covering the sensitive flesh with seductive kisses. His tongue darted between his lips, teasing, tasting as she writhed fervently against him.

“Bianca,” he breathed again between kisses, “what is it that you want?”

“You!” she heard herself gasp out as though someone else had spoken.

“Oh? And what do you want me to do to you?” He gently nipped at her pulse, hinting at his desire, his hunger tearing at him to be satiated.

“Bite me… Oh, please devour me, Aiden!”

Biography:

Michelle Rodriguez is a classically trained singer with a BA in Music from St. Xavier University in Chicago. She has performed various roles on the operatic stage, including most recently Rosalinde in “Die Fledermaus” and Yum-Yum in the “Mikado”, and she has been awarded various accolades in the Chicagoland area for singing. An avid writer since childhood, Michelle frequently escapes to the world of the Gothic to create vivid stories of passion and romance. She also writes short stories based on the “Phantom of the Opera”. At the moment, her most important job is raising two little ones with her husband, who is her inspiration and soul mate.

Let’s chat a bit with Michelle, an author who proves the axiom: Write What You Know!

What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I have always preferred Gothic romances. I grew up obsessed with Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Phantom of the Opera. Those were the books that inspired my mind to the darker, more passionate of love stories, but the ones that made me want to use words to touch the heart were Phantom by Susan Kay and Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson. I have a very special place in my heart for Erik from Phantom of the Opera. He was always my first love as fans of my fan fiction can attest to. He taught me to write passionate male characters.

In regard to movies, I guess I would say Gone with the Wind inspired my love for big gowns and historical stories. But let me add TV to that: my vampire obsession came from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy is my idol, and her love stories with Angel and with Spike made me want a vampire of my very own. Writing vampire novels is a wish come true!

Your publisher for this story is? Opera Macabre is published with The Wild Rose Press. I feel so lucky to have found the company! Just starting off, I had no idea how to go about getting anyone to look at my book, but they gave me a chance. I am so grateful! And my editor Lill Farrell was wonderful. Working with her has taught me to be a better writer. I thank her and everyone at The Wild Rose Press for all of their hard work and for helping me achieve my dreams.

To learn more about Michelle Rodriguez and the stories she creates go to: http://www.michellegliottonirodriguez.webs.com/

To purchase “Opera Macabre”, go to amazon.com or thewildrosepress.com

First Timers Presents: Caroline Clemmons

2011-09-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to have Wild Rose Press author Caroline Clemmons with us today to help kick off our new blog spot titled, First Timers Presents, as she presents her first novel, Home, Sweet Texas Home, a contemporary romance set in Texas.

Before we chat with Courtney Madison, the heroine of this fun story, let's see the blurb--which looks like a honey!
Two million dollars? What a fortune to inherit! Courtney Madison has battled poverty her entire twenty-five years but is determined to make a safe and happy home for her teenaged brother after the recent death of their mom. She thinks her inheritance in West Texas is the answer to her prayers--but Courtney's problems are definitely not over yet.
Derek Corrigan suspects the worst of his new neighbor and vows to fight his attraction for her. He knows what women do to him--they always leave and take chunks of his heart with them. He's been there, done that, had the vaccination and is cured. Isn't he? s County until my legacy changed my life forever. There were hardships, yes, but I finally succeeded, and in a really good way!

What is Home, Sweet Texas Home about, Courtney? About me, of course, and finding my hero. My mom had died after a lingering illness and left me with a mountain of debt it would take a lifetime to pay. My sweet younger brother, Jimmy, aged fifteen, had turned sullen and started hanging out with a group of unsavory teens that made me shudder. Jimmy’s grades dropped and he started skipping class. A huge new chain bookstore had opened only a block from Bakers Books, the store I managed in Dallas. To hold on as long as he could to his investment, Mr. Baker came out of retirement and laid off the assistant manager and me. I understood, but I was broke, scared witless, and hanging on to my sanity by a thread.

Then, when I learned I’d inherited property and cash worth two million dollars in West Texas, I knew all my problems were over. I was wrong, of course. Money can’t really buy happiness. Oh, it solved all the problems of the moment, but soon an entirely new set of problems popped up. And one problem was a doozy, but you’ll find out about that in the book.

What did you think the first time you saw Derek Corrigan, the hero? That finally a gorgeous specimen of manhood crossed my path and I almost mowed him down. I was hurrying back to work from a talk with Jimmy’s school counselor about him skipping class, I was freezing from my walk from the bus stop, and I rushed down the aisle toward my office. Derek innocently stepped into the aisle, and I almost knocked him off his feet.

What was your second thought? That Derek Corrigan was the most handsome man I’d ever met. I’m still convinced of that, too. this man is gorgeous.

Did you think it was love at first sight? Hmm, he was definitely gorgeous, but I’d that for me say it was more attraction at first sight. He certainly didn’t seem drawn to me, but I’d never in my life seen such a good looking man. Still haven’t, by the way.

What do you like most about Derek? He looked as if he stepped from a western version of GQ magazine. Everything about him, from his grey Stetson to his polished boots, was perfect. I couldn’t help staring at him. I guess I was mesmerized instantly. Later I learned his stand-offish attitude hides a heart that has been hurt deeply, but his is a heart of gold.

How would you describe him? Sigh. Mmmm. Oh, yes, you want me to answer the question instead of daydreaming about him. Tall, he’s maybe three or four inches over six feet. Cobalt blue eyes that pulled me toward them and almost hypnotize me. Thick dark hair that always looks perfect and tempts me to muss it and run my fingers through it. Mmm, nice build that lets me know he doesn’t just sit behind a desk. A bearing that lets people know he’s used to getting his way. I learned that in spite of his money, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. He also helps a lot of people, but I didn’t know that about him until later.

How would he describe you? Probably as a nut. Honestly, I am always very professional and used to working with all kinds of people. But around Derek I seem to do clutzy, dingy things that always embarrass me. He tries not to laugh openly, but I’m sure that privately he’s thinking he’s never seen anyone who gets herself into so many, um, shall we say “unusual” situations. Some of them I will never live down--Derek and Jimmy will make sure of it.

What made you choose selling books as a career? Actually, I drifted into it from working part time in high school to full time after a truly unfortunate experience in another job. I love reading, so working in a bookstore was good for me. I love people, so I could work with crabby customers or pleasant ones. I’m a hard worker, so Mr. Baker was very pleased with me and promoted me to manager when he retired.

What is your biggest fear? Failure. If I’m not successful enough to care for Jimmy, I might lose guardianship and he’d end up in foster care. I can’t bear to think of letting myself or Jimmy down--or anyone else who depends on me. I am not afraid of hard work, but I am afraid of failure. I almost let a lot of people down, but in the end everything worked out.

How do you relax? You ask that of someone who worked in a bookstore? I read. Curling up with a good book is great. Lately, I’ve had fun getting together for lunch or shopping with my new friend, Elaine McCullough. Her brother, Rusty, is Derek’s best friend.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Taylor Stapleton from Julie Garwood’s Prince Charming. She was willing to sacrifice anything to save her sister’s children, and she succeeded in gaining all she’d ever dreamed of having.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?Of course it wasn’t to me personally, but Winston Churchill’s quote, “Never, never, never give up” has meant a lot to me. There were times when I thought life was hopeless and there was no way out, but I kept trying instead of giving up. Thank heavens I did! Now, I have everything I’d ever dreamed I wanted. Jimmy is happy, too. I am so blessed!

To Caroline: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? Not really any movies unless you count the Roy Rogers movies of my childhood. Many authors have influenced me: Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, Agatha Christie, Louis L’Amour, and too many others to mention have inspired me. Every book I read impacts my writing in the way that I analyze the book to search for the craft reasons that book appealed to me or did not. If I really love a book, usually I reread it to study it.

To learn more about Caroline Clemmons and the stories she creates go to: http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com or www.carolineclemmons.com

Caroline is also on Facebook as Caroline Clemmons author,on Twitter as CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline), Goodreads, and LinkedIn.

She posts monthly on http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com on the 26th, on http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com on the 6th, and on http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com on the 20th.

To purchase Home, Sweet Texas Home, go to:

www.thewildrosepress.com/caroline-clemmons-m-68.html

Thanks so much for spending time with us, Caroline. We wish you much luck in sales and in your next creation!

Kat

Coming Soon!!!

2011-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

While at my writers' monthly meeting yesterday, a long term member, brand new author asked my advice on promoting her book when it is released.
Her questions made me feel ashamed--that I'd not stuck out a hand and offered assistance before now.
As of now that will change.
Then I realized, why not reach out to all the other groups I belong to?
I put out 'the call' to new authors and have already received a nice response to FIRST TIMERS PRESENTS
I'll base each blog entry on the character interviews made popular by my pal Mallory Kane at her blog: www.WildWomanKane.blogspot.com. Plus, if the publisher is new to me, I'll ask the author to tell us all about it--gives the publisher a little free promo as well. Hey, you never know.
I am excited and hope you will be, also.
Kat

An excellent review for Dru and Rory

2011-04-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is from Nights and Weekends.
One of the first reviewers to "get" me.
I am so humbled.

Pages: 68
Goes Well With: Baked fish, brown and wild rice, and hushpuppies

In my first couple of years of grade school, I had no friends, and everyone picked on me. To this day, I don’t really know why, unless it had something to do with me being so quiet and shy. Something like that leaves a scar, as it did for the characters in Kat Henry Doran’s Embraceable You.

Ever since his arrival in Summerville, New York as a child, life has been rough on Sheriff Rory McElroy. Fellow classmates picked on him because of his deformed hand, which was broken by his abusive father. Only one girl would stick up for him: Druzilla Horrath. Now he has a beautiful daughter and a decent career. But when the chief asks him to attend his class reunion as a sort of bodyguard for one of the attendees, he’s not crazy about the idea—until he discovers that he’s protecting Druzilla.

Druzilla Horrath Boyd faced her share of bullies in school, but she went on to be a famous photojournalist on the brink of picking up her second Pulitzer. Though she has no desire to attend her class reunion, a fifty-thousand-dollar award, to be presented to her at the reunion, is a pretty good incentive—so is revenge.

Ms. Doran has the kind of fictional style that I love. She brings out her characters’ personality traits in a most interesting and humorous way. She also has an amazing talent for individualizing every character in the story while still making the main characters the most intriguing.

Druzilla makes her own way through life, mostly depending on herself. She’s most likely to be the one to take action when no one else will. A touch of vengeance in her heart gives her character a hard edge, but it’s not enough to provoke hatred of her in the reader.

Rory, on the other hand, has put his past behind him and provided a good life for himself and his daughter in the same small town that made his childhood a nightmare. His revenge was to succeed right where he is, then let his bitterness go. He admirably grew into a strong and mature man instead of getting caught in the trap of turning his life into one great big petty crime.

If Ms. Doran had gone into deeper detail about what happens with Druzilla after the reunion, Embraceable You could have worked well as a full-length novel. But it also works well as a novella because readers get to use their imagination to flesh out the story. What’s important, though, is the ending—and it ends in a satisfying manner, with all loose ends tied up.

The profound characters, along with a poignant and meaningful subplot, put Embraceable You near the top of the list of my favorite e-books so far in 2011. So grab your lunchbox, and don’t miss this one!

Meet Dru Horvath

2011-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Embraceable You, of the most gorgeous cover ever, will be released on February 23, 2011.
In honor of that, Dru Horvath is granting us a visit.

And here she is . . .

Where are you from originally? I'm not really sure. Somewhere in the mid-Atlantic states. My family traveled around a lot before they were arrested in Summerville for running a Gypsy scam and I was taken away by Child Protective Services.

What is Embraceable You about? It is the story of myself and Rory McElroy who come together for a few hours at an awards banquet during the 25^th reunion for the Class of ’85-and how those few hours forever changed our lives.

What did you think the first time you saw Rory? That he certainly filled out a tux real well.

What was your second thought? Since Homeland Security had me on a pretty tight leash that night, I looked at the great big bed over in the corner, and figured it was too bad I wouldn’t be sticking around long enough for him and me to try it out.

Did you think it was love at first sight? No, but there was a lot of lust flying around.

What do you like most about Rory? He makes me laugh, plus that man can slow dance like no tomorrow. Yum.

How would you describe him? He looks like Daniel Craig with that bored ‘screw-you’ look on his face and the build of a boxer. Man, he is hard all over. Sorry, didn’t mean to be crude, but this man does not have a soft part on his body . . . except his heart. That’s all mush.

How would he describe you? Tinkerbell with a mouth and an attitude to match.

What made you choose photo-journalism as a profession? I received my first camera as a Christmas gift when I was maybe 15. Pretty soon I was taking pictures of everything in town. Framing and light came easy, like instinct. An important man in town, Henry Dunavan, paid for private classes at RIT—Rochester Institute of Technology—for me. The instructor helped me get into RIT’s photography program. Things took off after that.

What is your biggest fear? Ten months ago I would have said not living long enough to accomplish my goals. Today I will say it’s not being able to come home to Rory.

How do you relax? When I find out, I'll let you know.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Ouiser Boudreaux from Steel Magnolias. She is confident, self assured and loyal to her friends. Plus, she makes me laugh.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Do not allow fear to keep you from doing what is right.

What books have had an impact on your life?

Mila 18 and Trinity by Leon Uris

Carnal Innocence and Divine Evil by Nora Roberts

A Problem From Hell by Samantha Powers

The Parsifal Mosaic and The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer

The Night They Burned the Mountain and Deliver Us From Evil by Dr. Tom Dooley

Here's an excerpt from Embraceable You:

Suddenly, Dru remembered the back-up phone tucked inside the double zippered pocket in her satchel, right beside the extra flash cards and rolls of antacids. Hot damn. All was not lost. With a grin, she hefted the bag over her shoulder and turned toward the bathroom. “I won't be long.”

Before she made the first step, he slid in front of the door, blocking her access. “Give it up.”

Down to her last strike, she pulled the affronted female card. Granted, she used it maybe once in a decade, but Fiona was probably tearing her hair by now. “I beg your pardon?”

Leaning forward, he brought them nose to nose. “Play much poker, Horvath? Your face just lit up like the Fourth of July, which tells me you've got something more stashed in the tote. Unless you let me search it, it stays with me.”

Clutching the canvas bag to her chest, she sneered, “The only thing in here is my outfit for tonight, McElroy. If you think I'm parading around naked in front of you, one of us is a couple fries short of a happy meal.”

His response came in the form of another gimme motion with those thick, blunt fingers. “I'll close my eyes if I encounter any lacy unmentionables.”

She knew the instant he found the back-up. The screw-you look morphed into a smirk. “It's not wise to mess with Homeland Security, sweetie. Those guys eat small animals for breakfast.”

To purchase Embraceable You, go to www.thewildrosepress.com.

Getting Out More

2011-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've often said I need to get out more. With that in mind, I've been blogging my butt off lately on several fronts. Under my other author persona I am involved with the All Romantic Suspense Blog Tour with 17 other R-S authors. 17 authors visit 17 blogs each week.

It's done a couple things for me: the most important, getting out more. Second it's improved my computer skills immensely. Third, it's pushed my imagination to new limits. To such an extent, I created another blog under one of my favorite character names and then invited other Class of 85 authors to blog each week. So far I've had a fair response and hope to increase that as I offer those same authors the opportunity to showcase works other than the Class of 85.

I truly hope this turns into a win-win situation for everyone.
so . . . if you're interested, go to www.Veronica-Lynch.blogspot.com and www.WildWomanKane.blogspot.com
Hey, you never know.
till then
siochain

Out of the Dark--a finalist

2011-01-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

I learned yesterday that Out of the Dark, the anthology I planned with Dara Edmondson and Lainey Bancroft has been nominated for best anthology on the Predators and Editors Poll for books released in 2010.

What a thrill!!
Peace

Movies That Have Changed My Life

2010-12-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, while guesting at a few author blogs, I listed the movies which have had a strong impact on my life and my writing. Except for one, all are based on real life incidents or persons. In no particular order of preference, they are:
1. The Killing Fields tells the story of journalist Sidney Schanberg and Dith Pran, his assistant and photographer whom Schanberg was forced to leave behind after Cambodia fell to the communist regime of Pol Pot. It is a salute to the perseverance of the human spirit and is made even more magical by John Lennon's "Imagine". A winner in more ways than a few Oscars.
2. Steel Magnolias is the lone fictional piece in the bunch. The first time I saw it, it made me laugh and it helped me to weep on a day when I needed to shed buckets of tears--we had sent our first-born child off to college and I was beside myself with grief. I am forever indebted to Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis.
3. The Accused starred Jodie Foster [pre Silence of the Lambs days], and Kelly McGillis. Based on an incident of gang rape at a bar in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Jodie earned herself a well-deserved Oscar and Kelly should have received one. Though more than 20 years old, this is still fresh and current as it graphically demonstrates how society punishes any woman who fails to 'follow the rules.'
4. Defiance showcases two of my faves: Liev Schrieber and Daniel Craig as two brothers who saved thousands of Jews by hiding them in the forests of Belarus while carrying out guerrilla attacks on the Nazis and their Belorussian collaborators. Another powerful tribute to the indomminant human spirit.
5. Veronica Guerin is the true story of an Irish investigative journalist who delved too close into the activities of a vicious Dublin gangster--then paid the ultimate price when she refused to heed warnings to cease and desist. Another fine example of a woman who didn't follow the rules set down by men. Cate Blanchett is a wonder.
6. Romero. Starring the charismatic Raul Julia, this follows the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who transforms from a bookish and reclusive hypochrondiac to an outspoken advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. He will be declared a saint for his martyrdom--once they prove a few miracles of healing.
7. The Official Story won an Oscar for best foreign film back in the late 80's and tells the story of a high school history teacher who begins to suspect her precious adopted five year-old daughter may be the child of one of los desaparecidos, thousands abducted, tortured and murdered during Argentina's Dirty War. The story is graphic in the telling and shows the sadness and strength of Las Madres de la Plaza, women who lost their children to the powerful military junta and to this day continue to demonstrate every Thursday afternoon for acknowledgement of wrong-doing, information on the location of the dead, and the rightful return of the babies born during their parents' captivity. The ending, left to the viewer to decide, is a catch-22.
8. Cautiva, another film out of Argentina, focuses on a 15 year-old convent school student who is pulled out of the only family she has ever known after it is proven she is the child of two los desaparcidos. It is truly remarkable if only for the professionalism and emotions by the two teenage leads. The ending, slightly different from that of The Official Story, is equally as emotional and rewarding.
9. The Stoning of Soraya M. proves, again, that male chauvinism continues to flourish in many parts of the world. Soraya's husband desires a younger, prettier [less shop worn] model so he lies and says Soraya committed adultery with a neighbor man. She is stoned to death as is the law of the land. If this doesn't raise consciousness I don't know what will.
Until next time.

She's here!!!

2010-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

It is official. Embraceable You will be released on February 23, 2011. I couldn't be happier.

The cover art takes my breath away. WRP artist Tina Lynn captured the vulnerability of Dru Horvath and the strength of protector Rory McElroy to a T. I am beyond thrilled. I hope you are also.
Slainte
Kat

On To Bigger and Better Things

2010-11-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

Embraceable You is complete, copy edited, finalized, and off to production. We are waiting for cover art and a release date. Yahoo!

Now on to Mad Dog and Archangel. Grace and Rafael have exhibited, shall we say, some anxieties over the delay in having their day in the sun. Must be all that fun they had on the sidelines during The List and Embraceable You [which made me cry at the end].

I have officially turned over my gavel to the new president of LCRW, Patti Mann. It is time. For new blood, rotation of service, taking a huge source of resentment out of my head and heart. As to how much contact I'll have with the group in the future remains to be seen.

Yesterday we celebrated two birthdays. Kieran turned one, Ashlin will turn 3 on December 8th. It was a great day and the kids were enchanted with something called either a "jumping house" or a "bouncing house". It kept them in one spot and having a lot of fun.

While I continue to struggle with food issues, please think of me.
Slainte
Kat

Another Goal Achieved

2010-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

What a relief!
"Embraceable You" is finally complete. I sent it off for formatting to galleys and to begin the process for cover art. It is a great relief because this sucker was contracted 7 months ago.
On the other hand, it is the best it can be.
I love Druzilla and Rory. They are a pair.
Slainte
Kat

Things Get Better Every Day

2010-10-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not saying I'm ready to swim the English Channel but I can do a whole lot more with my right arm today than the last time I blogged--about 24 days ago.
I am back to providing child care two days a week and diaper changes--my biggest concern--are a snap. Pulling Owen the Explorer out of a tight spot is another story.
This too shall pass.
I continue to work on three stories for the Class of 85 series: The List, Embraceable You, and Mad Dog and Archangel.
I'd like to have all 3 finished and handed in by the end of the year, and will be lucky to have 2 in by then.
There are so many other fun things to do!
Stay tuned.

this is for the birds

2010-10-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

I've not blogged for a few weeks, most likely because I've been 'handicapped' with a torn rotator cuff repair since September 24th. Not fun. Not something I'd recommend for sissies. Or wimps. Or those averse to asking for help.
I am very grateful to my family who stepped up to the plate and arranged temporary child care so I could take 3 weeks off to heal and not worry about changing diapers and pulling "explorers" out of all those nooks and crannies they seem to get themselves into with such ease. Also those who cooked and did laundry and made a frame for my bed so the mattress could be put into a reclining position.
Anyone to contemplates having this done: make sure you have lots and lots of heavy-duty pain killers available--and take them!!!
that's all for now
siochain

Come Blog With Me--Again

2010-09-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

on September 21st, I will be a guest blogger at Between the Lines. Hero Kieran Pollack from Raising Kane and Out of The Dark anthology will have answers to the questions we're all asking.
I hope you'll be able to stop by.
Kat

Upcoming Book Signings

2010-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

We will be signing and selling all titles by Kat Henry Doran [and Veronica Lynch] on the following dates and locations:

9/17 and 18: Write On Rochester! the Radisson on Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY

10/24/10: Ryan's "Bookstore", Seneca Falls, NY

Hope you can make one or both!!

Out of the Dark--available for sale

2010-09-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Out of the Dark, the Last Rose of Summer anthology is available for advanced sale to authors. Since I would like to have them handy for a conference later this month, I scarfed some up.
It'll be nice to have this one out there and ready to read.
I hope you will enjoy.
Kat

Vacation Results

2010-08-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

With regard to the goal to write my ass off--I did. Though my glutes are big as ever, I finished a story under the 'other' name, so that's for another blog site!

I did, however, bust my chops to find a working Internet connection which was at best--semi-successful. It was not until the very last day that I discovered a small community library which allowed me to take in my thumb drive and download and/or send attachments. After spending the previous week dodging garlic bulbs and silver crosses, some librarians' idea of protection against viruses, it was nice to be able to get more work done.

Lastly, I played with the computer, created new files, thinned out standing files and general did several hours of organizing. Nice job if I do say so.

Now the goal is to do some writing under the KHD pseudonym!
The intertwined characters from Embraceable You and Mad Dog and the Archangel will only wait so long. They did come out to play a bit in the story under the name who shall not be mentioned--and had a pretty good time if I do say so.
Moi.

New Beginnings, New Journeys

2010-08-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

We are heading out first thing in the morning for a vacation to the 1000 Islands in Northern New York State.
We went there 30 or more years ago. I vividly recall changing diapers on the tail gate of our station wagon. Those 'babies' are now 38 and 36 so . . . doing the math we're talking at least 35 years. We went with friends to camp at Jacques Cartier State Park. I recall the weather being foul, cold and wet, and altogether yucky. I'm hoping it's different this time.
First, we're staying in a motel with real beds, cable TV, and Internet access.
We plan to do a boat trip; he wants to do some antique boat museum.
I'll do the basics of shopping for souvenirs for the 4 little ones, but that's all.
It is write my ass off or die trying!
Pray for me.
Kat

Those Who Wait

2010-08-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here it is: Keenan Rossi, hero of Those Who Wait.
A man worth waiting for.
From now on, information on Veronica Lynch's books, short stories, workshops, book signings can be found at
www.VLynchAuthor@blogspot.com
Hope to see you all there real soon!!
Best
Kat/Veronica

Follow-up on good news--a new personality

2010-08-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

I did my best to lengthen the story for Decadent Publishing and submitted today 8/1/10. It has been received; the editor said she'd read it this afternoon. Here's hoping.
So . . . I realized maybe I should create another author personality to keep submissions and publishers straight. Plus, I wanted a new name. I thought I'd have difficulty coming up with a name, like I did for Kat Henry Doran--that took weeks and too much discussion with my daughters.
The new name came relatively easy: Veronica Lynch. She is someone from my parents' generation, a successful woman in her own right who, for her own reasons, never married. In that day and age, a single woman in business was unheard of.
I don't know that her voice will be that much different; I don't know what she writes about will be different. I do know the stories will all be short.
We'll just have to see where this all goes.
As of today, I have two stories to write as Veronica Lynch: Those Who Fear [part II of the vanDyke series] and Cool Revenge, a revenge tale for the Class of '85.
Siochain
Kat

A New Outlook on Life

2010-07-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since I last made a blog entry. I've got to get out more.
Good news, no fantastic news: I heard about a new epublisher who is open for submissions in their older H&H line. I tweaked something I had laying around that's too short for TWRP by making a more logical ending and submitted on Thursday 7/29/10.
today, Friday 7/30/10, they offered a contract!!!
Wahoo!!

Asking for help

2010-05-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

While writing a short story, Embraceable You, for WRP's Class of 85 series, I hit a snag on a scene in which the H&H must share a table at a black tie awards dinner with the school yard bullies of their youth. The bullies are powerful people in the community, due to charm, elegance, multiple plastic surgeries, dressing well, and boat loads of family money and influence.

Who says what to whom? Why and how? Who acts bitchy, who maintains their cool? Will one of them play it for laughs?

At a breakout session with two people whom I don't know as well as I should, came to my rescue. By the end of the session, I know them better, appreciate them more, and learned an important lesson: other writers will jump in to help--if you ask them.
It was a terrific session. We laughed a lot and shared a lot.
I will not hesitate to ask for help--and give it--again.
Siochain

I am blogging this week--May 1, 2010

2010-04-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Try Just Once More is coming out the end of this week--April 30th.
To celebrate the event, and the terrific review it received recently from RT Bookclub, I will be visiting several authors' blogsites in the next few weeks:

Tory Richards-- www.debbiewallace.blogspot.com [May 1st]

Kelly Moran--www.authorkellymoran.blogspot.com [April 29--May 1st]

You Gotta Read--YouGottaReadGuest.blogspot.com [May 10th]

Patty Tanner--www.patyjager.blogspot.com [may 12th]

I hope you will be able to stop by and say hello.

Siochain

professional athletes--again

2010-04-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about professional sports "heroes" and the differences we see.

Kobe Bryant's been playing by all the rules--or he's real careful so as not to get caught.

Then we have Phil Mikelson, the golfer who left the pro tour last year to be with his wife while she underwent treatment for breast cancer. He returned to the tour after a prolonged absence, did fairly well though it was clear his "head" wasn't in the game. Then, a few weeks ago, he wins the Masters and there she is, at the 18th green, surprising him. If the pictures of them looking at each other don't bring on a rush of emotion, well . . .

Tiger Woods of the foul mouth, quick temper, anti-social sex addict. After hitting his own personal bottom, courtesy of a golf club [appropriate weapon of choice don't you think?] admitted he was powerless and his life was unmanageable, came to believe, made a conscious decision, so on and so forth. After an appropriate period of time spent in treatment, he returns to society and . . . for whatever reason can not keep his mouth shut. Same old Tiger.

And then we have Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. If I was his mother I'd wear a bag over my head. His is a risk taker, behaving in a manner reminiscent of adolescents who believe they are immortal--so it's okay to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, crash it, and sustain serious bodily injuries. This is while he is under contract, BTW. This is an adult, not a child.
He is accused, after the fact, of sexual assault, after an incident in Las Vegas. We all know about groupies who hang around cocktail lounges in Vegas, dressed inappropriately, waiting for some dumb as a stump yokel to lumber by. Bing bang bong we have rape charges, civil or criminal, which sort of go away.
Once burned, doesn't it make sense to pay attention to where you go, who you go with, and what you do while you're with them?
Not our Super Bowl hero. No no no. He goes to a small town in Georgia and, according to DA's records, behaves in a manner which, as his mother, makes me go out to find the biggest, densest shopping bag ever made.
Within the next 48 hours, the NFL will make an announcement regarding his punishment.
Nothing will be enough.
Just ask the young woman he assaulted.
I hope his body guards are looking for new work.

Siochain

The Class of 85

2010-03-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

Following on the release date for Out of The Dark comes a fabulous new series: Whatever Happened to The Class of '85.
This is a series of short stories, 40,000 words or less, revolving around the 20 year reunion for Summerville High School.

Originally four of us planned 4 stories for an anthology which tanked for a number of reasons. While the others seem comfortable with letting their characters go, I could not give up on mine: Grace 'Mad Dog' Dunavan, a former activist nun turned victim advocate, and Rafael Archangeli, con man with a heart of gold.
With little or no effort, Mad Dog and Archangel [I hope] will become the kick-off story for the Class of '85 series at Wild Rose Press.

The response from other authors is growing; this is is going to be a blast.
Siochain,
Kat

It is here!

2010-03-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this cover! It was conceived, written, edited, submitted, and ready to roll within 6 months. I am amazed at myself if I do say so.
Out of the Dark is a Last Rose of Summer anthology at the Wild Rose Press. It contains three stand-alone stories about three women whose lives take a dramatic change after they are incarcerated.
Two talented, delightful and fun women wrote the stories with me: Dara Edmondson--Emotional Baggage; Lainey Bancroft--Sunni Side Up; and my story--Raising Kane.
The cover art is courtesy of Rae Monet, director of the art department at WRP.
I learned today the release date will be September 24, 2010, just in time to celebrate Last Rose month at WRP.
This is too cool for words!

Taking a Plea

2009-12-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Wah Hooooo!!!
Gary Pignato's plea deal fell through. He will got to trial, sometime in March 2010 [I think].
That sound you hear is snickering.

On another, equally distressing matter: the picture on the front page of the sports section in Wednesday's D&C. For those of you unfamiliar with Rochester, the Democrat & Chronicle is our only newspaper. The article, written by a fairly young looking reporter, John Boccaccino, featured a basketball game between two local high school teams. The accompanying photograph showed one of the players with his fingers in the eye of an opponent, as in attempting to gouge out the eye to prevent the shot.

Appalling does not come close to describing how I felt. Disgust ranks right up there.
Instead of sitting around bitching and moaning, I emailed the reporter to express my opinion, then emailed the offender's school district.
The response I received was a huge bunch of bullshit, excusing the player's behavior, assurances the coach does not encourage this type of violence, and [after the fact] everyone involved acted responsibly in that the offending player apologized and the coach monitored the opponent for injury.
Gee. I bet that made the injured kid's parents feel a whole lot better.

Several months ago a college soccer game made the news, including ESPN sports talk shows, because of some offensive behaviors on the part of one female player. Clothes-lining her opponents, yanking on pony tails with enough force to bring the player to the ground, that kind of thing. Another instance of appalling behavior. In this case the offending player was pilloried at the national level for unsportsmanlike conduct. After the fact, her apology rang about as honest and sincere as the response I received from the Fairport principal.

I have no thoughts about appropriate consequences for either the soccer player or the high school hoops player. Perhaps something along the line of the Golden Rule.

I'm just very glad my children never played like this--they knew better.
Siochain

Hazards of the Workplace

2009-12-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

One of my "heroes" is about to come up for trial--again--in a few weeks.
Gary Pignato, late of the Greece PD, formerly of the Rochester PD, considered it acceptable behavior while on the job to BOLO for victims, usually women violating the law in some manner, then tell them he'd make the transgressions "go away" if they would engage in sexual congress with him.
I love that term, sexual congress, a fanciful term for banging like bunnies.
Not that I hold the women blameless; all admit they shouldn't have been doing what they were doing.
That does not excuse Pignato's behavior. If he witnessed a crime, or found evidence of same, his duty as a police officer was to make an arrest, not make arrangements to get his ashes hauled once he was off duty.

His second trial for yet another accusation is scheduled soon. Rumor has it he may take a plea.
That's a bummer.

A moment of magic

2009-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday began with the promise of being one of those magical times a woman can tuck in the back of her heart and cherish for the rest of her life. My grand-daughter Meredith woke with a smile, asking the usual, "What day is today, Nana?" There are only two responses for this question; either will broaden her smile. "Today is Monday, a stay at home day" or "Today is Tuesday [or Thursday] a go to school day."
Once out of bed, she discovered Mother Nature had dropped several inches of snow, the heavy packing kind--suitable for making snow men or snowballs. The expression on her face was pure magic. Eyes wide with surprise and delight, a beautiful smile on her face, wonder in her voice. The usual questions ensued, as they always do: Who What Where When Why.

Such a joy this child.
Siochain

My day, November 17, 2009

2009-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Learning the Buffalo Bills finally fired their head coach turned a reasonably horrendous day a smidge brighter. Now if they could find a quarterback with an arm, and an eye for receivers, who is also equipped with a set of body parts which normally reside south of the umbilicus to slap a gag on Team Obliterator, er, Terrell Owens.

My day did not start out horrendous. Getting the kids up, dressed and fed, then off to pre-school went better than usual. No joke. In fact, it went very well. Meredith even brushed her teeth without the usual dramatic hissy fit. Even Owen was amused--and tried to cop the brush for his own. Gotta keep an eye on that one. He has the makings of a premiere pickpocket.

Okay, Owie and I had a good 2 hours together. He laughed, emptied cupboards, spilled juice all over the hard wood floors--not unusual for Owen the Explorer. A great morning in fact.
Until in the process of running out the door to pick up Meredith at pre-school, I locked the door behind me THEN realized I'd left my keys and cell phone on the kitchen table.

Without getting into the very gory details I carried my 20+ pound grandson who was too tired to walk on his own in a brisk wind with no hat or mittens on to the nearest neighbor [maybe a half mile, maybe it only seemed that far since I was close to a cardiac arrest by the time we stumbled into the driveway]. The neighbor took one look at me and asked, "What can I do?"
Everything worked out fine, once I walked back home, instructions in hand on how to break into the garage [my daughter is always prepared] to get into the house. The other Grandma, who lives nearby, pulled into the driveway just as I was starting the ignition. Apparently my daughter was concerned about my voice when i called her in a panic. Other Granny insisted on riding with me to the pre-school, bless her heart, until my respirations settled down.
Being fat and old is for the birds!!!
Have I hit my personal bottom with regard to my morbid obesity? I think so.
For the moment, I need to take a nap.
brighter. Now if they could only find a quarterback with an arm, an eye, and certain body parts residing below the navel to stand up to Team

Hoping to Steal a Laptop

2009-11-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

I took this off the Internet this evening:
In October 2008, a TV anchor-person was discovered in her Little Ark, Arkansas home, with facial fractures so severe she was unrecognizable. It took her 5 days to die; she never regained consciousness.
A man arrested in the case told police he'd hoped to steal a laptop.
Uh huh.
Stealing an easily transportable piece of electronics from someone's home is one thing. Beating the home owner so severely she cannot be recognized is something else.
Experts know sexual assaults are often a crime of opportunity. The laptop may have been his primary goal; once he was inside, the goal took an alternate direction.

Today, he was convicted today of burglary, rape, and capital murder [murder committed during the course of a second felony].
The jury is currently deliberating his punishment: the death penalty or life without parole.
What do you consider an appropriate penalty?
Siochain

Signs of the times

2009-11-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

So here I am this morning, sitting in an exam room, waiting for my physician to poke her head in the door, armed with her quarterly lecture on weight, blood pressure, cholesterol numbers and, unless she needs to address any acute symptoms, blood glucose levels. All of the previous, except acute symptoms, are high. Too high. Extraordinarily high.
Boring.
Four times a year, same bat time, same bat channel.
As I ponder life in general, things could be worse. Five years ago she frowned every time I mentioned the issue of smoking cessation did not make my Top 10 List of Things to Do While I Still Breathed.
Thankfully, as of Halloween I am four years clean from coffin nails.

The big deal, as it was thrust home today is: on November 14th I will become eligible for Social Security.
Big huge ICK.
I really don't know how this event came to be. It was only ten minutes ago that I turned 40, wasn't it?
Bigger, huger ICK.

Adding insult to injury, I was informed at the quarterly dental cleaning appointment [I have a nasty history of gum problems, all related to laziness] that as we age our risk for tooth loss increases.
Just what I needed to hear. Not only am I old, fat and hypertensive with clogging arteries, degenerating joints, and courting diabetes, MY FRICKIN' TEETH ARE ABOUT TO FALL OUT!!!

The "Golden Years" are neither gold, nor are they years.
bah humbug

lessons in curiosity

2009-10-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

While surfing the net for new and interesting quotations for my blogs as well as signatures for my email addresses, I came across the delightful quote which, according to the site I found on-line, is attributed to one of my favorite people, Dorothy Parker: curiosity is the cure for boredom [but] there is no cure for curiosity.

How very true. I believe writers, like good nurses and [some] physicians, are curious. About things, people, events either real or imagined. The old "what if" scenario: what if this were to happen; what if it weren't. Who would be interested in the profession of _____, and why? How do they think and why? How and why do they react the way they do?

It's what keeps pens to paper, fingers to keyboards, imaginations running amok.
As I write this blog entry, a 50 year old movie a"The Time Machine", based on a short story by HG Wells, and starring Rod somebody, Yvette Mimieux, and Sebastian Cabot is playing on the Turner Classic Movie station.
HG Wells. Now there was a man who used his imagination!

Would that I could have 1/10 his energy.

Siochain,
Kat

One Day at a Time--part II

2009-10-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

It is my honor to travel to a local correctional facility several times a month and talk to women who are incarcerated.
What a gift it is to spend time with them learning from them, learning about myself. it is a life-altering experience when I realize if it had not been for an education, an honorable man, parents who expected me to do my best, I could be living on the other side of the bars.
Instead, I am able to walk out a free woman.

Siochain
Kat

One Day at a Time

2009-09-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Late August and September have been busy months for me, professionally as well as personally. On the personal side, I had to do a lot of sewing to make a quota for the fall craft shows. Oh, my aching back--and I'm still not ready. Probably the best thing to happen was watching my darling Meredith begin pre-school a few weeks ago. That she loves it, and looks forward to it with delight, far out weighs the hassles of making sure she and her year-old brother [Owen, Mr. Explorer] are ready to be out the door by 8:45. It also means I have been thrust into a position of mastering the intricacies of child safety seats. Invented by a spawn of Satan, I'm convinced.

Professionally, I was able to complete edits of a full length novel in half the time I feared it took. What a relief it was to send that puppy off to production. The war is not over on that one; but we're farther down the road than we were four months ago.

In late August I toured the House of Providence which now contains, among other human service agencies, Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Syracuse. Back in the day "The House" was a home for troubled children, boys and girls. The staff was very kind and accommodating in allowing me to view archived documents. The pictures were amazing. Originally the House was run by my favorite order of nuns, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent dePaul, aka the Sailboat Sisters, aka the Flying Nuns, because of the size and shape of their habits. In the mid 60's administration of the House passed on to the Sisters of Social Work, an order of nuns from Hungary, political refugees from the 1956 revolution. As a teenager, working at Lourdes Camp, I heard from counselors who volunteered during the year at The House about the sisters who spoke little or no English trying to cope with so many [very very] troubled kids. At the time I thought the story was perhaps exaggerated, at the least embellished. According to the papers I reviewed it most likely fell somewhere in between. By the mid to late 70's the House kids were transitioned into the community via sheltered homes or foster families. What fodder for background information for character development!

Two WRP authors and I have begun work on an anthology for the Last Rose of Summer, Out of the Dark , about three women who experience a life-changing event as a result of being arrested and incarcerated. If only I find the time to write. It used to be so easy. At least, it feels that way.

There are so many stories dancing in and out of my head, so many half-formed plot lines for so many partially composed heroines. The problem is, finding heroes who can hold their own under these circumstances.
This too shall work itself out in god's time.
peace,
Kat

Upcoming Blogging Events

2009-09-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to blog at two different sites in the next month.

The first will take place on Friday September 25th at www.authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com. I've paid brief visits to the site recently. it's . . . interesting to say the least.

The second, date TBA but sometime in October is www.judythewordPlace.blogspot.com. The organizer of this monumental effort is Judy Nickles. She has invited 14 authors who represent every line offered by Wild Rose Press. it appears to be more sedate than Author Roast and Toast.

Come and visit, maybe win a prize!a

Peace,
Kat

new plans, new ideas, new dreams

2009-09-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Two other Wild Rose Press authors and I are in the process of writing an anthology for the Last Rose of Summer line. The premise is three women experience a life altering experience when they are arrested.

The overall title has yet to be pinned down, mine is Raising Caine. the heroine is still rather cloudy but the hero is an ultra-conservative radio talk-show host, prime time/drive time named Raisin' Caine who is not hesitant to share his views about women who fail to recognize their appropriate place in society: in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. At a charity event, he meets the woman who has been the source for his latest rants. Mallory Wainwright is arrested during a march protesting violence against women. Something goes terribly wrong and one of the protesters is critically injured. Mallory is innocent of harming her friend but when it comes to deliberately inciting outbursts from those with little impulse control, well . . . she's right up there in contention for the Inciters of the Year award.

This is going to be good.
Peace
Kat

We Pause for a Word From Our Advertiser

2009-08-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

I was bummed the other day due to what I felt was a lack of truth in advertising. Mostly, I thought on my part, due to me not reading the rules correctly.
Turns out 300 other authors failed to read the "rules" as they were originally posted and complained. Loudly, it seems.
As a result, the rules have changed and I have been invited back to the blog spot.
Someone up there has a backbone.
Peace
Kat

Truth in Advertising

2009-08-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed I'm ready to spit!
I spent a fair amount of time pulling together excerpts and blurbs and cover art for my entry to this new blog site I wrote about a few days ago. I got real excited when they accepted me immediately and gave me a "date" within the next 30 days. I thought I understood the rules and followed them
Sadly, after all that crapping around, the bloggers have withdrawn their invitation to participate because
. . . the love scenes I write occur in front of the bedroom door.
Not that I write erotica. I wouldn't know how to do that if someone held a weapon to my throat.
This particular blog site will only accept G or PG rated books--INFORMATION WHICH THEY FAILED TO INCLUDE IN THEIR INTRODUCTORY EMAIL TO A VERY BUSY AUTHOR LOOP. Their definition of PG doesn't exactly match mine--not when we consider all the participants are older than 21.
I am all for "sweet" romances. There are many readers out there who will only read that genre. Good for them. Good for the authors who have the ability to write good ones.
But for all that's holy in this world--tell people up front!!!

Another New Blog

2009-08-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well, aren't I the busy little bee these days!
I created a whole new blog today: www.KatsKustomKarryAlls.blogspot.com.
I'm hoping it will be easier for potential customers to look at the totes and bags I make without having to navigate to my author website.
This seems easy for everyone, especially me!!
go over and take a look if you like
Peace
kat

New Blog

2009-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was reading emails posted to the Wild Rose Press authors' loop and found www.AuthorroastAndToast.com.
it sounds like a hoot, based on the old Dean Martin roasts from way back in the day.
I've gathered all the information, submitted it, and just received notice it has arrived and is being processed.
Maybe you'd like to check it out.
Peace
Kat

sytem failure

2009-08-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

I just re-read my last blog entry and baby, I HAVE TO get back to spell checking what I write!!!
There are too many mistakes to be forgiven! The sound you just heard is my ego crashing to the floor.

Okay, enough of that.
An entry I recently made on another blog, I wrote about breaking out of the envelope and writing shorter stories and how much I enjoyed writing them. Taking that one step further I am now involved in writing an anthology with other Wild Rose Press authors--based on one of the short stories I wrote!!!
Yahoo, what a feeling!

Peace--and I promise to spell check this baby before I hit Publish Post. I think, if I can figure out how to do it, I think I'll go back and fix the other one!
Kat

Try Just Once More--a new view

2009-08-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Some of you know I won the rights back from the original publisher of Try Just Once More on or around June 1, 2009. By that time I had tweaked the original story a bit, put in a little bit more about Rachel Marvelic one of the secondary characters, and changed the name of Maggie's Palladin to Ben Wild Bear. Ia submitted the new version to Wild Rose Press in the end of June. I heard word this week the new, improved reissue of Try Just Once More will be out May 10, 2010. The new cover, created by the talented Rae Monet, is a honey, as you can see.

Three Thursdays out of five will find me at the local jail, working with women who are waiting to be sentenced on drug related charges or charges indirectly related to drug use/abuse.
All are in various stages of denial, not ready to accept, or are filled with resentment for their lot in life.

Makes me awful glad I tried just once more.
Peace,
Kat

Writing outside the Box

2009-08-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Several other members of my writers' group have mentioned several times how they submit short fiction pieces to various magazines either print or on-line. One makes a decent living and regularly appears in one of the True Romance [aka "Trues"]. there are two problems [for me] with writing for the Trues: no byline and everything must be in first person POV. I'm willing to write outside the box,a changing to 1st person is my limit.

So . . . after checking things out, I submitted two short stories, ~~ 1,000 words, to HipsAndCurves an online lingerie store catering to the large-size woman. Great fun to write these two pieces: Dressing Abby and Playing Hooky. In their acknowledgement letter[s]a the editors admitted they are contemplating going on hiatus until 2010 and that I could feel free to go multiple submissions.

So I did. Sort of. I almost totally rewrote Dressing Abby, turned it into a little over 3,000 words and sent it in over the weekend. Then I expanded on something Wild Rose Press had rejected a[the H&H are married], expanded it to 3,000+ words. That one felt better as there was more conflict in it, both internal and external, and a more positive HEA ending. I advertised both stories as stand-alones which are part of a series titled after the Henry vanDyke poem Those Who Love. I am hoping they like it enough to contract an entire series!!

I am psyched.
In a few weeks I am off to Syracuse where I will research something called the House of Providence, a home for needy children back in the day.
Peace
Kat

Another Bite out of Injustice

2009-07-29T11:58:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago, another sexual predator bit the dust: ex-police officer Gary Pignato was sentenced to 2-6 years for coercing a woman into sex acts under the pretense he would turn her in to her parole/probation officer if she didn't cooperate.
She wasn't the first and won't be the last to testify against this offender who believes he hasn't harmed any woman. Mr. Pignato comes up for trial later this summer. Same bat time, same bat channel, different judge I hope.
After his arrest was initially publicised, women began coming out of the woodwork. Unfortunately, many if not most waited beyond the statue of limitations to report so their assaults are considered moot by the courts.

After the woman in the Greece case to come forward, make a statement, then undergo THREE DAYS of testimony. If that's not courage, I don't know what is.
Hopefully the woman in the next case will have the same support and courage as her sister in arms.
Peace
Kat

Father;'s Day

2009-06-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

As Father's Day approaches and I view the photo I use as an avatar [is that what it's called?] I am reminded we/I need a new one. Going from the left, Ashlin is no longer a babe in arms; she's walking and talking up a storm and is a joy to take care of.
To the far right, Meredith is now speaking in compound sentences, is mostly potty trained and has a new brother Owen.
We'd best get on the stick here to update the family shots!!
Kat

A local jury reacts to a bit of social injustice

2009-06-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Victim advocates--at least those in Monroe County have reason to celebrate. On June 8, 2009, a criminal court jury found [former] Greece PD officer Gary Pignato guilty on multiple counts which relate back to an incident where he traded sex for not reporting a woman to her probation/parole officer. A call which would have landed her in a world of hurt.
After what this woman went through on the stand, as reported by the local newspaper, she might well have wished Pignato had dropped a dime on her way back when.
Of course he denies he did anything wrong.
At least 11 other women and the law enforcement agencies they reported him to feel differently.
Mr. Pignato is awaiting trial this summer on charges relating to a similar situation.

Gee, is there a message in all of this--for men like Pignato and women who find themselves in untenable situations due to untreated substance abuse?
Peace
Kat

An day to remember

2009-06-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

This posting is 24 hours late, but it's important enough to document. We'll pretend I wrote it yesterday on the 8th.

Today marks the day, 37 years ago, that I delivered my first child Rory.
We need not dwell on my personal journey through the valley of darkness; suffice to say it was something I decided not to repeat.

This almost 9 pounder was placed in my arms and it became love at first sight. She still is someone who never fails to make me laugh out loud.
The telling of how she came to be named Rory will be left to her; as is the story of how she came to be called Calhoun by various family members.

Here's to you, Dr. Rory Cottrell.
It's been a helluva ride.
Mom

happy Memorial Day

2009-05-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Another month [almost] has passed and I've not posted as often as I should.
Days go by and I forget my chores.
Does that happen to you?
If I don't make a list for myself, things simply don't get done.

An idea for a new story: while checking out the yellow pages to find a doctor's office number I landed on "Escort Services".
Oh my is mild to my initial reaction. Then, it hit. The old "what if" deal.
Kieran and heroine to be named later were born. He's an uptight, conservative, retired cop [gee what a new concept] who goes undercover as an escort to nab a duo of killers targeting male escorts. He loathes the whole idea of this business, considers it the closest thing to prostitution.
On his first "assignment" he "escorts" TBNL to a gala in Syracuse where he learns she is the recipient of an award for her reports on child labor and abuse. Next to prostitution, the media take second on his hit list.
Who knew.
Until I remember again.
Peace
kat

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend, my husband and I are getting away to his family's cottage on a small lake northwest of Syracuse NY. We are taking one of our daughters, her two kids ages 8 months and 3 years, and . . . the dawg, a histrionic black lab mix who barks at everything and anything. Not conducive to instilling healthy sleep patterns in infants, let me tell you.

That's okay. I can always dream about silencing the barking twit forever in a manner to make Stephen King smile.
I will be writing, promise. My newest project involves a police officer [moi? quel surprise!] who goes undercover in an escort service. "Escorts" are dying in some pretty brutal ways, for no apparent reason other than they carry the xy chromosome. And, this one's personal. Detective Lieutenant Kiernan Rossi's favorite nephew has died and Kee has promised his dying mam to he will hunt down the killers.
the heroine, of course, is top on his list of suspects--until she refuses his "advances" [all in the line of duty, of course] and tells him to get a real job. She, the player to be named later, is a highly successful romantic suspense novelist, duty bound to get in some hard core research before she writes that blockbuster breakout novel in a genre totally new to her.

Now, for the cooperation of Meredith, Owen, and the dawg.
Peace,
kat

Workshops

2009-04-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

I returned from the New England conference two weeks ago today fired up and ready to go about presenting additional workshops, how I can make them sing, then see the light bulbs go off in participants' heads. That's a high very few experience.

While in Boston--well, near it anyway--I had the pleasure to reacquaint myself with Jessica Andersen, award-winning author of the Mayan Prophecy series. We'd spent several hours together last summer in San Francisco, fighting off jet lag. Jess presents a fabulous workshop on Building Worlds. It shows clearly in her first book Night Keepers. Yowza. I can't wait to finish it so I can read the sequel Day Keepers.

It was meeting, or re-meeting Jess, that I came up with the idea for an upcoming workshop I'm presenting to the members of Lilac City Rochester Writers. I'll use the Night Keepers, as well as a couple of old stand-bys to illustrate how to create interesting characters.

Peace.
Kat

I am blogging today

2009-03-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

today, Wednesday, March 18, 2009, I am honored to visit Liana Laverentz's blog at: www.LianaLaverenta.blogspot.com.
I hope you can join us for a few minutes.
Peace,
Kat

Come Blog With Me

2009-03-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

This week I am blogging at www.MurderX5.blogspot.com. This blog was set up by five Wings ePress authors, all writers of suspense, mystery, romantic suspense, or a combination of all.
It's been an interesting experience for me.
Each day I'll have a different posting. Today's [Monday, March 9th] includes [from me] Write What You Know, and a review of Try Just Once More.
I hope you'll be able to stop by.
Peace,
Kat

The Man and his Girls

2009-02-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

This photograph is one of my favorites.
It was taken on Father's Day, 2008 and shows "the man" [my husband] and all his "girls": Kerry, holding her daughter Ashlin; Christen, holding her daughter Meredith [who is holding her favorite stuffed toy, cousin Ashlin's black lab]; and down front and center, our oldest daughter [whom many mistake for me, heh heh] Rory.

This year's Father's Day photo will include Owen Liam [aka The Squealer] who joined our family on September 1st, labor day--fitting I'm told.

Now all I have to do is come up with a new title. Maybe, The Man and his Children?
The Man and his Blessings?
The Man and his Kingdom?
The Man and his Loyal Subjects?

Peace
Kat

To Conference We Shall Go

2009-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

This Spring I will be able to fulfill one of my long-time writer goals: attending the New England Romance Writers' Conference. This is one of the premier conferences, equal to RWA national, New Jersey and Georgia. I will be presenting as my other personality--the nurse--on sex offenders. Too cool.
Then, come May, I will drive to the Maine Retreat for another weekend of fun with my pals in the Maine RWA chapter. Last year we had a blast; this year should be even better. Again, I am presenting as my other personality--the nurse again--on the myths and realities of sexual assault.
So. . . as Winter winds down [we hope], try to stay warm.
Peace.
Kat

A Phoenix Rises

2009-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

We have a new writers group to celebrate--Lilac City-Rochester Writers, rising out of the ashes of Lake Country Romance Writers. A few months ago we decided to branch out, file for "divorce' from Romance Writers of America, and open membership to writers of all genres of fiction. Yesterday, at our first meeting of the new and improved LCRW, we began plans for the future. We'll be hosting contests, both short and long term, trimming the business part of the meetings to concentrate on assisting writers, no matter their location on the road to publication, to enhance and improve their skills in all areas of their writing life.
If you ever wanted to write a book, but didn't know where to start, come join us.
If you've started a book, or many books, then found yourself stuck, come join us.
If you need someone to run a story idea by, we're the ones to come to.
If you have finished your story and don't know where to go, come talk to us.
If you simply want to talk to another writer ['cause we know where you've been as well as where you're going], come see us.
If we don't know the answers, we'll find someone who does.
Peace

Thought for the day

2009-01-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

In the middle of having blood drawn the other day, I saw this hanging on the message board--and nearly scared the needle out of the lab tech's hand. After the sudden onset cardiac arrythmia self corrected, she kindly offered to make a copy for me.

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. if you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. she multiplies and enlarges what is given to her."
So . . . if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.
Peace

Happy Holidays

2008-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

Mother Nature has hit Western New York with all her force. Again.
Thanks, madam. I always appreciate another opportunity to freeze my toes off.
Six inches fell during the night [yesterday the ground was bare!]. Folks on my street are just now digging out. Hope this puts a damper on tonight's festivities.
It is at this time of year when I'm glad I'm no longer carrying a pager for the Rape Crisis Service, either as staff, volunteer advocate, or SANE. The loonies always came on on this night. Don't know why, it just happened.
One memorable New Year's Eve I drove through a vicious snow storm to the local trauma center and discovered once I'd arrived I had not one victim to attend to but . . . SEVEN!!!!!
Those were the days.
Peace to all

And The Winner Is . . .

2008-12-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

I am honored to announce my second novel, Try Just Once More, recently won the prestigious Barclay Brooch for best in romantic suspense, published category.
Entering the Barclay Gold has been a goal of mine for perhaps eight years. To win is the bright red rose on the cream cheese icing on top of multiple layers of chocolate fudge cake!
"Try. . ." is a story of the triumph of love over betrayal, recovery from years of abuse and addiction, and the strength of one family in their journey toward healing.
If you are a fan of New York's Adirondack Mountains, come see what's up in Try Just Once More, available now through Wings ePress.
Peace

About Captain Marvelous

2008-12-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to have seen two books published, something I do not take for granted. Writing, not easy under the best of circumstances is only the conception; publishing the "products of that conception" is long, difficult, and often dysfunctional.
Captain Marvelous, my first born, available now through The Wild Rose Press, is a story of a town's apathy toward the murder and mutilation of immigrant women. It is the story of Annie Wolfe, a career focused woman who will allow nothing and no one get in her way of becoming a physician. Until, that is, she meets New York State Trooper, Captain Ronen Marvelic.
Hope you enjoy the ride down I-88 with the Captain and his Wolfgirl.
Peace

The Wild Things

2008-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

The picture you see next to "About Me" is a grand old brick mansion on the edge of historic Corn Hill in Rochester.
The home embodies my vision of the offices of the Wild Bear Agency, founded by [retired] Federal Court Justice Benjamin Franklin Wild Bear and his Wild Things, a collection of former cops and attorneys, social workers and victim advocates.
The firm was conceived to represent people who fall between the cracks in the legal system: can't afford the services of high-power high-price defense teams [remember The Dream Team?], but earn too much to qualify for Legal Aide or the Public Defender's Office.
The Magnificent Seven meets Upstate New York!