Happy New Year!

Where has the year gone?

Seems like it was just January and now 2006 is almost in the history books. It's good to sit back and reflect on the year gone by. As Mr. Dicken's put so aptly, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." That pretty much sums up this year for me, although I do like to dwell more on the positive stuff then the negative.

This year had it's ups and downs both personally and professionally, but the good outweighed the bad, so I consider it a successful year.

I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the people who have read my books, written letters of praise and encouragement, and generally offered their goodwill and support to me throughout this past year. Writing is such a solitary profession, you'll never know just how much your continued support really means. Thank you!

I also want to thank my fellow authors at Ellora's Cave and Samhain Publishing for their good humor, support and encouragement during this past year. You're an amazing group of people, always so willing to give your time and opinions, and I'm happy to know you all.

May 2007 bring all of you health, happiness and prosperity. And may it be even better than 2006!

Happy New Year!

HOT Holiday Reads!

I'll admit that I've taken a few days off work this holiday season and indulged in some reading. The first two books are part of the Ellora's Cave Wild Winter Quickie series.


Blurb:

Gift Wrap Optional By TJ Michaels

Melaniece is looking forward to spending a nice quiet holiday at her vacation home up in the mountains. Expecting to enjoy ripping open gifts with her family, she's surprised when they spring the ultimate present on her — Michael Bannon. Could his unexpected appearance have anything to do with the strange vampire dreams she's been having lately?

Michael is determined not to blow a second chance with the woman he should have loved years ago, even if it means revealing his true nature. Is a good guy willing to be very bad to get what he wants? Hell, yes…including drive Melaniece out of her mind. Over and over again.



Blurb:

Polar Heat By Mary Winter

Studying polar bears is Norwegian scientist Aud Myhre's passion. The leader of an Arctic research team, she stays in the frozen north over the holidays to obtain necessary data, with help from her sexy colleague Svein. She didn't count on a storm trapping them in a cave with no means of warmth — except each other.

Aud struggles to keep their relationship professional, but there's no fighting their combustible sexual chemistry. Svein Eide has more insight into the lives of polar bears than anyone knows. To keep Aud safe from the storm, he has two choices. Reveal his shapeshifting abilities and lead her back to camp, or find another way to keep her warm. He knows which he'd prefer. Polar bears don't mate for life…but one taste of Aud's passion could disprove that scientific fact.

Both of these books are quick, sexy reads.

TJ Michaels' Quickie is a mixture of contemporary/paranormal that will certainly heat up a cold winter's night. Michael Bannon certainly makes Melaniece's Christmas wishes come true!

Mary Winter's offering is an original shapeshifter story that packs a wallop. Svein is certainly a hero to cuddle up next to if you're caught in a storm. I really enjoyed both of these books.


Blurb:

Bacchus By Jordan Summers

Book 1 in the Phantom Warriors series.

Bacchus is a desperate warrior. Saddled with the quest to find a sexually compatible female race for his Phantom people, he journeys to Planet Earth. There he discovers a world teeming with women, but there's only one way to determine if any of them are a biological match. He must pick one and mate with her. Sex sounds easy enough and it would be, if Bacchus wasn't from the Blood Clan. Where on Earth can he find a woman who doesn't freak out at the sight of three-inch fangs?

Jill has had a rough year. She's lost her brother and has been dumped by her fiancé. When Bacchus shows up at her door, he changes her whole world.It'll take more than Bacchus' chemically charged pheromones, dominant nature and forked tongue to get the job done. He will have to release all his animal instincts to convince Jill to let him give her the ultimate love bite.

What more could a woman want than to have a man who treats her as if she is indeed a treasure worth protecting and cherishing. The fact that he is sexy as all get out and has a forked tongue that he knows how to use only makes it all the more interesting. This is one sexy, passionate tale that you won't want to miss. One can only hope that there will be more Phantom Warrior books!


Blurb:

Witches Knot - Thrice United By Lauren Dane

Book four of the Witches Knot series.It all started with a deck of tarot cards. Holly knew she had some kind of magical gift but she had always been forbidden to even speak of it by her now-deceased mother. Alone and suddenly free to explore her curiosity, Holly spreads the cards and has a vision and the first piece of the puzzle falls into place.But suddenly she's a target of an attack and two hotter-than-hot vampires burst in to protect her and claim she's their mate.

Even as she finds it hard to believe these two alpha vampires want her in their bed as well as their lives, she falls under their spell and begins to believe that she just might be worthy of love after all.But there's no forgetting that she's got a past and a lot of unanswered questions, and her ignorance is putting her at risk. It's a journey that takes her from Seattle to New Orleans, where she confronts her past and embraces her future.

You all know by now that I am definitely a Lauren Dane fan, and her latest installment of her popular Witches Knot series just reinforces that. Emotional, poignant and downright HOT, this paranormal story delivers the kind of complex tale that you expect from this writer. Fans of this series will love Thrice United. It can be read alone, but I'd encourage you to read the other three first. You won't be disappointed.



Blurb:

Becky Blake is through with vibrators. Well, to be honest, her vibrator's through with her. The damn thing actually conked out, mid-fantasy. Time for desperate measures. Armed with thirty pounds of candles and a spell created by her best friend and strip mall witch, seh heads into the desert to conjure a man.

It's freezing, dark and more than a little creepy. On top of that there's a coyote hanging around howling loud enough to scare her to bits. Please, let this spell work.

Rick Frazier's done with manipulative women. His ex-wife is bleeding him dry. His wallet is almost as hungry as he is. It's time to get a second job, as a bartender at 'The Buckin' Brocno All Male Review'. At least it will pay the bills until he sells his software program.

Back in the real world of work and lonely routine, Becky has nothing to show for her desert efforts except an erotic dream that leaves her more frustrated than fulfilled. That is until her new employee shows up. It doesn't take long to put two and two together. Rick, her new bartender, is the man she conjured in the desert.

Their chemistry is magnetic, drawing them together in a lightning blast of hot passion and incredible sex. Is this true love or the result of a magic spell cast on a cold dark night?

Newcomer, Nancy Lindquist has penned a tale for Samhain Publishing that is orginal, funny, poignant, incredibly sensual and downright sexy. Both Becky and Rick are very real characters with faults and hangups. The Buckin' Bronco makes a fantastic backdrop as Becky and Rick's relationship unfolds. Filled with memorable secondary characters and a touch of magic, this is a book well worth checking out. Can't wait to see what Nancy Lindquist does next!

If you're looking for some reading to heat up those cold winter's nights, you can't go wrong with any of these great books!

Christmas Reading!

Okay, so I've always known that Jaci Burton was an amazing writer, but she's taken it to a whole other level for this book.

I just finished Suriving Demon Island and I can't wait until the next one hits the bookshelves!

It was an action-packed, paranormal rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Kick-ass heroine and a hero who is more than her match.

Original, emotional, sensual and downright sexy. I absolutely loved it!

This book is going to fly off the shelves as word of mouth starts tospread on this book. And everyone who reads it is going to line up forthe next one in this incredible new series!

Do yourself a favor and buy this one...you won't be disappointed!

Craving Candy

Are you craving candy...the kind that won't add any more weight to your hips and thighs? If so, then I have a treat for you. *g*

Craving Candy, book 4 in the Awakening Desires series, is releasing today from Ellora's Cave Publishing. This book features Lucas Squires, who some of you might remember from book 1 in the series, Katie's Art of Seduction.

So, if you're looking for a red hot read, check out my new release today at http://www.ellorascave.com .

The Return of Patrick O'Rourke

It's finally here! Woohoo!

The Return of Patrick O'Rourke, the third book in the Jamesville saga releases today from Samhain Publishing. This book is different from the first two in the series, yet it retains that small town, family feeling as well.

Jamesville just got HOTTER!

If you want to check it out, you can pop over to http://www.samhainpublishing.com .

If you've enjoyed my Ellora's Cave books, then this one just might be for you!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you all had as wonderful a day as I did.

As promised, here's a picture of the Christmas tree. We had to chop about twelve inches off every single branch to get it into the apartment and even then there is only about ten inches to squeeze into the place. LOL But it's worth it! It's a fantastic tree!

Merry Christmas

I just want to wish one and all a very Merry Christmas!

My Three Books for Christmas contest was a huge success! Thank you to all of you who entered! Congratulations to the three winners: Debbie Ellison, Carolyn Espinosa and Sandra Van Coevering.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I'll talk to you all again in a few days!

Happy Yule!

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year!

That means that DREAMS OF THE OASIS IV is out at Ellora's Cave! I'm absolutely thrilled to be in this anthology with Anya Bast, Charolette Boyett-Compo, Lena Matthews, Kris Starr and Ravyn Wilde. Check it out over at Elloras Cave at http://www.ellorascave.com .

For all of you who mark the Winter Solstice, may you have a wonderful day filled with the light and laughter.

Christmas Brooch

This is my favorite Christmas Gift from when I was a kid. I got this in my Christmas Stocking when I was about 5-6 years old and have worn it every Christmas ever since.

It's especially important to me because I know that my father bought one each for me and my sister. He passed away when I was still a teenager, so I treasure this particular brooch.

The picture is not really great, but it has rhinestones in the tassle of the hat and along the edge. His eyes are also blue rhinestones.

Blogs and Sales and Chats, Oh My!

Samhain Publishing has just launched its new blog at http://samhainpublishing.com/blog !

Over the next few months, you'll find all your favorite Samahain authors blogging daily. Tuesdays will be a day where the authors with new releases will be able to post excerpts or tease you with blurbs and tidbits about their latest books! I'm not scheduled to post until the end of February (Yes, that many authors have signed up to blog). If that changes I'll let you know, but in the meantime, check it out because there will be a new Samhain author blogging daily!

Sale--Samhain has a sale on their books at the moment. If you're looking for a gift idea (for yourself, if not for a friend), then check it out!

Because of the Christmas holiday, the regular Ellora's Cave chat over at Writerspace has been moved to tonight, Tuesday, December 19th at 8 PM EST! A bunch of us EC authors will be there, so if you have a free hour, why don't you stop by and join in the Christmas fun at http://writerspace.com/chat/ !

The Night Before Christmas

Okay, so it's not the night before Christmas. Not yet. But that's the title of the latest book I just finished reading.

To help get me in the Christmas spirit, I picked up this anthology at my local bookstore, mostly I admit, because of the Lori Foster story. I'll read anything that woman writes!

Some of the authors I've read before like Jill Shalvis and Kathy Love, but a few others were new for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The storylines are all different, but the result is the same--great reading! The wonderful thing about this book is that where the stories are short, you can easily read one before bed or whenever you can spare an hour from your hectic pre-holiday madness.

You'll laugh, you'll cry and, before you know it, it will be The Night Before Christmas!

Newsletter and Contest Winners!

My December Newsletter released yesterday and the winner of the random newsletter draw is Jennifer Ray. Jennifer has won a free download from my backlist. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Next months winner of the newsletter draw will win a limited edition, 2006 Ellora's Cave RT playing cards. You can join my newsletter group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ .

A random name was also chosen from all the correct entries received to date to be the first winner in the THREE BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS CONTEST. The first winner is Debbie Ellison. Debbie has won a download of Dreams of the Oasis IV which won't be releasing until December 21st. Congratulations, Debbie.

There are still two more prizes to be given away in this contest. The final day to enter is December 21st and then next two drawings will take place on December 22nd and December 23rd! For more details check out the contests page on my website at http://www.njwalters.com .

Good luck to everyone who has entered!

The Family Christmas Tree

Today was the big day! Hubby and I sallied forth into the world to get our Christmas tree. Luckily, my brother borrowed his father-in-law's truck, so tranporting it home was easy. Getting it up three flights of stairs to our apartment, however, wasn't so easy.

It all began when we went to the same lot where we got our tree last year. The guy there has fantastic trees--very fresh and very reasonably priced. The first tree we looked at was absolutely perfect. I knew it was THE tree. But still, I had to look at the rest of his trees. One can never be too sure when it comes to picking out a tree.

The problem began when my brother drove away and hubby and I tried to shove the tree in through the back door of the apartment building. I was reminded of the quote from the movie National Lampoon's Christmas vacation where Chevy Chase says to his son, "It's not going in our yard, Russ, it's going in our living room."

We finally get the tree up the stairs and jam it in through the apartment door where I declare to my husband, "It's not going back out the same way. When it comes down, we're tossing it out over the balcony." Still, much trimming later, we have about a twelve inch opening so that people can actually get into the living room. LOL Somehow, our living room seemed much larger when we were looking at the tree on the lot.

I spent most of the afternoon stringing popcorn and cranberries while hubby dealt with the lights. The tree is now all decorated and absolutely gorgeous and still incredibly huge for the space. But, I love it!

Somehow every year we manage to find the perfect Christmas tree and this year is no different. I hope to have some pictures to post in a few days.

Until then, happy tree hunting to one and all, and to all a good night!

Tri Mates by Lauren Dane

Blurb:

Werewolves mate for life. For every wolf, there's a mate out there. So Tracy Warden is thrilled when she discovers Nick Lawrence, the sexy Enforcer for another Pack, is her mate.But sometimes lucky wolves get to double dip in the form of the extremely rare Tri-Mate-Bond.

And so it is when Tracy discovers that her Anchor bond with National Pack Mediator Gabe Murphy is far more. Suddenly Tracy finds herself with two alpha males whose hunger for her never seems to wane. But their bliss is marred by the heavy hand of the werewolf mafia whose reach goes very high up indeed.

Money laundering, kidnapping, assault and other general mayhem can't mar the intensity of their bond, but it sure can threaten their lives.

This is the latest installment in Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves series and it is every bit as great as Enforcer! I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't seem to stop.

This book has it all--hunky heroes, a smart, feisty heroine, and nasty villains. Add in the fact that these are not normal people, but werewolves and you have another winning combination by this fantastic author. The emotional connections between all the characters is very real and that's what really makes this book work.

If you love paranormals with plenty of action and hot, steamy sex, then pick up Tri Mates. You won't be disappointed!

Celebrate The Alphas Day

Just a reminder that this Sunday, December 11th, authors Gail Faulker, Sarah McCarty and myself will be over at the Ellora's Cave Chat group and we'll be Celebrating The Alphas!

We'll have lots of steamy excerpts for you to read and tons of prizes to give away. It's going to be a fun time. If you've got a few minutes this Sunday, why don't you pop by and say hi. We'd love to see you there. We'll be starting around 9 AM EST and will continue until at least 5 PM EST or beyond.

If you're not a member of the group, you can sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat/. Remember--You must be 18 years of age or older to join this group.

Christmas Quiz

I've seen this quiz on Christmas on several other author blogs and chat groups (Lauren Dane and Jaci Burton for sure), so I thought I'd fill it out and post it. It was actually fun to do and made me think about some of the reasons I enjoy the Christmas holiday.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Defintitely hot chocolate...the more chocolate the better!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped of course. :-)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Gotta have colored. White lights are for any time of year.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not since my plastic one died many years ago.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Decorations go up the first of December. The tree anytime after the 10th!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I can't pick just one. LOL Cranberry sauce, bananna-apple salad, fudge, cherry cake...

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Waking up one Christmas Eve when I was around 6 or 7 years old and sneaking a peek in the living room. I remember scurrying back to bed, almost afraid I'd catch Santa at his work.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I have no idea what you're talking about. Santa is very real.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I have homemade ornaments and others that have been gifts over the years. The oldest one I have is one I made when I was about 10 years old. I haven't made any new ones in the past few years...no room. LOL

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Don't mind a sprinkle of Christmas snow, but I'm not a winter person.

12. Can you ice skate? No!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? That's a hard one. My most favorite gift from my childhood would have to be a santa brooch that santa put in my Christmas stocking when I was about seven. I still have it and still wear it every year.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family and friends.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Toss up between fudge and cherry cake.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree, baking, singing Christmas songs, wrapping presents...I enjoy it all.

17. What tops your tree? Two gigantic red bows with streamers. (One for the front and the other for the back of the tree)

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night and Old Christmas Card.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I enjoy the occasional candy cane. :-)

Yule Be Mine

Blurb:

Bah! Humbug! Jordan Christian has had it with holiday hoopla. The unwanted sympathy for her single status leads to unwanted would-be suitors as her relatives can't seem to stop fixing her up with Mr. Never In A Million Years.
But this year, the wily bachelorette has a plan to outwit her family. With the aid of a singles' ad, Jordan plans to snare a stand-in fiance. In return, she'll stand by her man to fend off his relatives. For once the holiday season will be a time of peace on earth and goodwill towards man. Especially the man who will save her sanity! Jordan knows he's got to be out there, and he needs her help as badly as she needs his.

Luke Foster dreads Christmas. The annual clan gathering always overflows with bothersome questions like "when are you going to settle down?" Jordan's ad is like a Christmas miracle. She'll fend off his family, and he'll shield her from hers. It's the perfect solution ... until Jordan and Luke meet and find more than they bargained for.

Yule Be Mine is a wonderful Christmas offering from author Charlene Teglia going on sale this Thursday, December 7th, from Cerridwen Press at http://www.cerridwenpress.com.

If the holiday rush has got you feeling frazzled, then put your feet up, relax and treat yourself to this delightful book. Witty, smart and laugh-out-loud funny, this is one book you won't put down once your start.

The situations between Jordan and Luke are hilarious as she both frustrates and charms him. If you've ever had well-meaning friends and family set you up on a blind date you'll understand what drives Jordan and Luke to such lengths. This is a feel-good holiday story that will make you smile and laugh, even as the heat between the two characters positively sizzles.

So put on your pajamas and curl up with this not-to-be-missed holiday treat.

December 1st!

It's now acceptable to play Christmas songs! Woohoo!

I'll admit it. I'm just a big kid at heart. I really enjoy this time of year and not for the presents. For me, it's all about the special TV shows and Christmas movies, the music, the decorations, the baking, wrapping that special gift (okay, I like to buy presents--but not expensive ones) and about looking forward to a few quiet days with family and friends.

I like that the world shuts down for a few days, admitedly it's not for as long as it used to be when I was a kid. Why stores have to open on December 26th, I'll never understand. It's a time out of time when the clock seems to slow down and there is time to do the things that we rarely take time for.

It's only a few weeks away now and I plan to ignore the rampant commercialism that seems to permeate our culture. I intend to enjoy every moment leading up to the big day and the days beyond. I hope you and your family do too.

Sparkles, sparkles, everywhere

Right now I don't know what has more sparkles on it--me or my kitchen table.

I wanted really pretty Christmas cards this year and bought some that have a picture of a snowcovered path with a large, sparkling tree next to a gate in the fence. Very lovely and serene.

I've been addressing the cards and getting them ready to go. Yes, I am one of THOSE people who mail their cards on the last of November. LOL I had no idea just how sparkly those cards were until I starting writing them.

The groves in the wood of the tabletop now have sparkles embedded in them. After breakfast this morning, I had several sparkles on my face. I imagine this will go on for a few days until I finally get the last of those sparkly suckers.

Not that I really mind.

After all, this is the season to sparkle!

Website Review from JERR

Well, I got my JERR (Just Erotic Romance Reviews) Newsletter today and there was a review of my website in it. I'd seen a mention of the fact that they were doing one a few weeks ago, but other than that, it was quite a pleasant surprise.

If you want to check out the entire review just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/ and you can read the whole thing.The funny thing was the reviewer mentioned that there was no link to JERR, but in fact, my husband added one about three weeks ago. Guess, they reviewed me just a little too soon. LOL

My thanks to JERR and to reviewer, LT Blue. Here's a snippet of what was said:

The Website Review Author: N.J. Walters, URL: www.njwalters.com Website designer: Immortal Designs.

Rating 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: LT Blue

"N.J. Walters is an author that captures my attention within the first paragraph of her stories; the characters she creates are so realistic. Ms. Walters' website did the same. The website is simple in design and allows the viewer to get snippets of Books, News, Contests, and other information without leaving the home page.

Overall I was very pleased with Ms. Walters' website and I have added her site to my favorites."

Blog Test

This is just a test to see if my blog is publishing properly. The last post didn't seem to want to fit properly on the page.

Let's see if this one works!

Website update and New Contest!

Okay, so I decided to take yesterday off...so what did I do? Well, hubby and I updated my website. (Okay, hubby did the actual work and I sat next to him and told him what I wanted. *g*)

My website is all decked out for the holiday season, including a CHRISTMAS PAGE and a brand NEW CONTEST!

Once again, I have three books releasing in the month of December. I have no idea how this happened, but I'm sure as heck not complaining.Therefore, I'm holding my second annual THREE BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS CONTEST!

Go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com and click on my contests page. Email me the correct answer to the question and your name is entered in ALL THREE drawings. That's right, over the month ofDecember I'll be giving away three downloads--one each of my new releases.

Be sure and put Three Books for Christmas Contest in the subject line of your email.

If you haven't done so already, be sure and sign up for my newsletter while you're there or click on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/. The next issue is due out on December 15th and will have all kinds of wonderful things, including an interview with EC author Anya Bast and an exclusive excerpt. You also qualify for a chance to win a free download from mybacklist just be being a member of my newsletter group. What could be easier?

Last months newsletter winner, Karen Gray, won a print copy of the White Hot Holidays, Volume 3. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone in the U.S.!

Even if you're not celebrating the holiday tomorrow, it's always good to stop and reflect on the many blessings that are in your life. I try and do it daily. I have a roof over my head, food on my table, a wonderful husband, a fabulous family and great friends. My health is good and I'm doing something I love for a living. Life doesn't get any better!

Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy your family and friends, eat great food and find some time to reflect on all the good things in your life.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

As promised, here is a picture from my vacation. It's not far from my sister's place and this shot was taken just as the sun was setting.

We didn't take many pictures as all the days were cold, rainy and damp. We still enjoyed ourselves though.




As well, I finally manged to get the pictures of the halloween pumpkins to load. Better late than never. My pumpkin is the one with the tree, campfire, bats and moon. Hubby's is the one with the raven sitting on the skull.

What Am I Working On Now?

Since several folks have asked me this question recently, I figured I should bring you all up to speed on what I've been up to.

December is shaping up to be a very busy month. For the second year in a row, I have three books releasing during the holiday season. Yeah, I figured lightning couldn't strike twice, but it did. Craving Candy, Dreams of the Oasis IV and The Return of Patrick O'Rourke will all be releasing within the span of a week! I'll be gearing up for my second annual Three Books For Christmas contest in the next couple of weeks, so watch my website for your chance to win three great prizes during the month of December.

In February, I have a quickie in Ellora's Cave Valentine Vixens series. It's hot and quick and perfect for the Valentine holiday.

I also have two more books under contract with Ellora's Cave and they will be released sometime next year. Right now I have no release dates, but will post them to my website as soon as I have them.

The first book is part of the Torrid Tarot series that Ellora's Cave will launch next year. It's a series where each book is based on a card from the Tarot deck. My book entitled, Three Swords, One Heart is based on the three of swords card. It is a fantasy menage a trois that I think you'll all enjoy.

The other book under contract is Woven Dreams, Book 3 in the Tapestries series. The Bakra brothers are back with another exciting tale.

Other than that, I am working away. I don't like to talk about my work-in-progress until I'm finished, but rest assured, I am hard at work.

Thanks to everyone who has asked!

NEW COVER!

All I can say is WOW!

Cover artist, Anne Cain, has done a spectacular job with the cover for THE RETURN OF PATRICK O'ROURKE. This is book 3 in the Jamesville saga, but is different from the first two in the series and the cover certainly reflects that.

There is more intrigue and suspensein this book and it is so hot it sizzles! I can't wait for it to be released from Samhain Publishing on December 26th!

Leaving you for a Week!

I'm off to my sisters tomorrow morning for a short holiday. I was supposed to go and visit her this past summer, but it never quite happened. I'm really looking forward to a few days away.

I'll be back next week, hopefully with pictures that I can share with all of you.

See you when I get back!

Giving Chase by Lauren Dane

Now, I'm a big fan of Lauren Dane's writing. I'm especially enjoying her Cascadia Werewolf series from Ellora's Cave. But this week, I checked out her first book from Samhain Publishing, Giving Chase and, boy oh boy, am I glad I did.

This is Lauren Dane at her absolute best! The characters are vivid and very real. You can see the bonds between the characters, especially between the four brothers and the entire Chase family. You find yourself immersed in the lives of the people of the small town of Petal.

Tension, action and romance abound in this book. The heat between Kyle and Maggie is complemented by the depth of emotions that develops as well.

If you're looking for romance at it's best, check out Giving Chase by Lauren Dane. You won't be sorry. Best of all...there are three more Chase brothers. :-)

SCAVENGER HUNT FUN!

Want to have some fun this month?

Author, Michelle Pillow, has invited me and sixty of her other author friends to participate in a Scavenger Hunt over at Romance Junkies.


There are tons of prizes to be won, including a download from my backlist!

So, if you want to join in the fun just go to... http://www.romancejunkies.com/RJNovScavengerHunt.html and start the Scavenger Hunt today.

National Novel Writing Month

It's that time of year again. Time for National Novel Writing Month.

What is it, you ask?

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30. You can check out more information by going to http://www.nanowrimon.org for details.

If you've ever wondered if you could write a book in a month, why don't you take the challenge. It's only November 3rd, you've still got plenty of time to work on your manuscript.

Am I, you ask?

Unfortunately, no. I'll be gone for a week later this month. But cut me some slack, I wrote almost 60K last month. :-) Now it's your turn.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN and SAMHAIN PUBLISHING PARTY!

I've been trying for several days to upload pictures of my carved pumpkins, but blogger just isn't making it possible right now. I will try again tomorrow.

In the meantime, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and a Happy Samhain! Hope everyone has a fun, safe day. I plan to watch scary movies with hubby and give out candy to the kids who come knocking on the door.

Speaking of Samhain...it's Samhain Publishings first anniversary tomorrow, November 1st, and there will be an all-day party over at the Samhain Cafe (readers chat group). There will be excerpts, fun and prizes. Authors will be dropping in all day to play, so if you have some time, drop by and have some fun.

Pumpkin Carving

It was a rainy Sunday so I spent part of the afternoon carving my pumpkin for Tuesday's celebrations. As always, I was in charge of cleaning out the pumkin guts. LOL It's a messy job but someone's got to do it.

I was hoping to post pictures, but blogger is acting up this evening. You'll just have to take my word for it that both pumpkins are done and look pretty good. Hubby's design is more elaborate than mine. I keep it simple.

If everything is back to working okay tomorrow, I'll post pictures then.

Have a great evening!

NIGHT MUSIC by Charlene Teglia

Halloween is only a few days away and Samhain Publishing is certainly pulling out all the stops by releasing six different stories that all revolve around the Samhain/Halloween holiday.

Even though it won't be released until October 31st, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at NIGHT MUSIC by author, Charlene Teglia.

I am a big fan of Ms. Teglia, who seems to get better with each book she writes. This latest book is a vampire tale that offers everything you'd want--a hot, sexy vampire, rock music and a night that Meghan Davies will never forget.

Blurb:

Meghan Davies has been living a dream as the bass player for the all-female hit rock band, The Sirens. But the dream becomes a nightmare with the discovery that cancer, undetected and now too far gone, heralds the end of everything.

Romney Kearns has been watching the sharp-tongued, flame haired woman from afar, wanting, but never approaching because he can offer her nothing but death.

When he discovers that death already has her marked, he sets out on All Hallow’s Eve to seduce her, claim her, and make her willing to accept his dark offer. An alternative. Not life as she’s known it, but a kind of rebirth. Eternity with him and immortality for her to make night music.

Samhain Publishing will be releasing NIGHT MUSIC and five other e-books on Halloween that will also be released as a print anthology entitled, BEGINNINGS. With all the fabulous authors involved in this project, it makes the perfect read for this time of year.

Enjoy!

Sale...Sale...Sale

If you're like me, you love a sale. :-) Especially when it's on books.

Right now over at My Bookstore and More (the official online bookstore of Samhain Publishing) you can buy this weeks new e-books for 10% off. Also, many of the new print books are discounted as well.

Check it out at http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/.

I confess, I bought three books this week. *g*

Latest Read--Seeing Eye Mate by Annmaire McKenna

In keeping with the season, I've been reading paranormal books and I just finished Seeing Eye Mate by Annmarie McKenna. This is the first book I've read by Ms. McKenna, but it definitely won't be the last.

The book starts out with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end. The plot moves along swiftly, combining murder, intrigue, paranormal abilities, not to mention the heat between Tieran and Caelan, into one tight package. Tieran has unique paranormal abilities of her own, but they're nothing campared to Caelan's secret--he's a werewolf.

I laughed out loud at times as Tieran and Caelen's relationship unfolded. Tieran is a very real character that you can relate to. The suspense will keep you turning pages until you reach the end. I can't wait for the next book in this paranormal series.

Blurb:

He's a shape-shifting wolf, she's a psychic and his other half. In order to catch a killer he has ato rely on his Seeing Eye Mate.

Caelan Graham is on the hunt for a shape-shifter bent on killing femal mates. As Prime, it's Caelan's duty to protect his entire pack, so it's a good thing he doesn't have a mate of his own to look after right now. Too bad the most alluring female has just walked past his nose.

As a clairvoyant, Tieran Jones has given up on men and their lack of understanding her gift--until Caelan. The man ignites her passion, sets off a vision of a gruesome wolf attack, then shows up in her bed. In wolf form. To top it all off, he keeps insisting she's his mate.

When the attacks continue, Tieran's visions evolve and point in one direction. Caelan's twin brother. With a lack of physical evidence, Caelan must depend on Tieran's sight for clues. An act making her a prime target.

This is one HOT read that can be picked up over at Samhain Publishing. If you enjoy werewolves, then you'll enjoy Seeing Eye Mate by Annmarie McKenna.

Christmas Craft Fair

There was a Christmas Craft Fair this past weekend and I managed to get away for a few hours to enjoy it.

Now, I'm a sucker for these things. I love looking at everything, especially the craftwork of local artisans. It's amazing how many talented people live around you but you never notice until you go to something like this. There's woodwork, jewelry, knitted goods, stained glass, handsewn garments, painted glass ornaments and oh, so much more.

But, that's not what I spent my money on.

No, what stopped me in my tracks was the homemade fudge. LOL It's the same every year. Now, I'm purist and have to have some of the vanilla. Hubby tried several kinds but opted for the chocolate/maple. That was fine until we got to another part of the exhibition and there was another fudge stand. SHE HAD COOKIE DOUGH FUDGE! What's a girl to do?

Buy more. LOL That's what I did. Poor hubby ended up carrying a bag filled with fugde and some local honey.

It's all about the food.

Can't wait for the next Christmas craft fair. I think there's another one next month. :-)

Pumpkins!

I love this time of year. The crisp air, the colorful leaves and, of course, the pumpkins.


I'm just a big kid when it comes to Halloween and I have to have my very own pumpkin to carve. It's partly because it wasn't something that was done in my home when I was a kid. I didn't carve my first pumpkin until I moved away from home. Since then, I've had one every year. (And that's a lot of years.)

The one on the right is mine and the one on the left is for my hubby. There was no farm close by for us to go to, so we did the next best thing...we went to the grocery store and picked through every single pumpkin they had until we found the perfect ones.

I'll be sure and post another picture on October 31 or November 1st and show you what we did with them.

Happy pumpkin shopping!

STEFAN'S SALVATION Available Today!

STEFAN'S SALVATION is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing!

This is the third book in the Dalakis Passion vampire series and I'm thrilled that it is being released in October. What a perfect month for a vampire book. :-)

BLURB: Book 3 Dalakis Passion

Stefan Dalakis has been wandering the countryside for months. Since both his brothers have found their mates, loneliness is his constant companion. He’s been searching for five centuries but has been unable to find the one woman who he can love. When his travels lead him to a small roadside bar in North Carolina, he overhears a conversation that will change his life forever.

Laurel Rose McCaffey always knew she was different. Some say she has the Sight. Others say she’s a witch. Most are afraid of her, but they’ve left her alone. That’s always been fine by her. But now strange things are happening, and the peaceful life she’s built for herself is being threatened. Her chickens have been killed and some of her belongings have been stolen. Developers want her land and a lot of the townsfolk are pressuring her to sell.

A dark stranger enters her world, a man who both fascinates and frightens her. As her world spirals out of control and the threats escalate into outright violence, Laurel Rose turns to the one man she’s come to trust—a vampire!

You can check it out at http://www.ellorascave.com.

NEWSLETTER IS OUT TODAY!

The very first issue of my newsletter, Awakening Desire Volume #1, is out today!

I'm very excited about it and hope those of you who have subscribed enjoy it. I've got an interview with author, Charlene Teglia, an exclusive excerpt, the latest news, a column from a very special guest and much, much more. The winner of my newsletter contest is (geetacc) ank368@... I've already emailed you about how to claim your free download from my backlist. Congratulations!

For those of you who haven't already signed up, you can do so by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/. Just by subscribing you'll be eligable to win next months prize. A new issue will be released on the 15th of each month. (You must be 18 or older to subscribe)

This day has been a long time coming for me and I'm thrilled that my newsletter has finally been released.

New Book Cover!

I just got my new cover for my next Ellora's Cave book, Craving Candy, and I just love it!

Once again the Art Department has outdone themselves. This is book 4 in the Awakening Desires series and follows Lucas Squires, who you met in book 1, Katie's Art of Seduction.

I can't wait until this one gets a release date. Hopefully, I'll have one to share with you soon. Until then, enjoy the cover. I know I will. :-)

Contests, Newsletter and Release Date!

Where to begin...

The Stefan's Salvation Sneak Peek contest is still up and running. If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of the book before it's released, just go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com and click on the Contests page. Follow the instructions and you can be eligable for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries received on Monday, October 16th!

The first issue of my Newsletter, Awakening Desires, will be out on October 15th! There's still plenty of time to join my yahoo newsletter group. Just go to my website and click on the button on the top left of the News page. To celebrate the first issue, I'll be giving away a prize of a free download from my backlist (including Stefan's Salvation) to some lucky newsletter memeber!

Last, but certainly not least, I have a release date for my next Samhain Publishing project. THE RETURN OF PATRICK O'ROURKE will arrive on December 26th! Talk about an extra Christmas present for me. LOL It's the next book in the Jamesville series and I can hardly wait for it to finally be available to readers. Personally, I think it's the best book in the series to date--emotional, action-packed and hot!

Latest Read--LAST RESORT by Sally Painter

I decided that since it was October, that I should do some "seasonal" reading. With that in mind, I purchased Sally Painter's latest Ellora's Cave release, Last Resort.

I have to say that it was a sulty and seductive vampire tale with one of the most original plots I've read in quite a while. Sally Painter is a superb writer and many times throughout the book her prose reads more like poetry. The heat between the two main characters, Emma Trent and Alex Masters, is enough to steam up your screen. But ultimately, the book is about relationships and what love truly is.


Blurb:
Unemployed Emma Trent can't believe her dream job as masseuse of a luxury island resort just fell into her lap. There's one thing the agency didn't mention—the resort caters to vampires! She meets resort owner Alex Masters and reels. Alex is the mystery lover she's been spending all her nights with — in her dreams.Alex built the resort as a way for his kind to experience a "day at the beach".

But even the grand opening of his greatest achievement is overshadowed by the ache in his soul for one woman — the sensual woman who's been tormenting his dreams with a taste of the love that has so far eluded him. When he meets the new masseuse, his libido kicks in with a vengeance. His dream woman has dropped out of his dreams and into his life. For a vampire this encounter means one thing—she's his eternal mate. He didn't count on Emma being mortal though—a deadly quality on an island of hungry vampires!Unable to deny it's more than overwhelming passion drawing them together, Emma's faced with an impossible decision — choose between her fear of death or her love for Alex.

If you're looking for a seductive vampire story in honor of Halloween, give this one a try!

October--The Harvest Month!

I can hardly believe that it is the fifth day of October already. This month is already flying by, which is a shame, because it is my favorite month of the year.

I'm a few days late, but WELCOME TO OCTOBER!

The grocery store always looks so inviting this time of year with all the orange pumpkins, yellow squash and various other colorful gourds. Which reminds me...it will soon be time for that most important of October tasks--choosing the Halloween Pumpkin!

I'm a kid at heart and still carve my own pumpkin every year. We buy two so my husband and I each have one of our own. LOL I tend to favor small, perfectly shaped ones, while he likes the larger ones. Of course, I'm the one who scoops the pumpkin guts out of both of them, but I don't really mind. It's all part of the experience.

I'll probably buy mine this weekend so I can admire it for a few weeks. Then I'll have to decide what pattern I'm going to carve into it. I've done bats and a graveyard scene the past two years. Who knows what I'll do this year. But, whatever it is, I'll take pictures. :-)

Good luck on your own pumpkin hunts!

New Book Cover!

Hey, everyone! Look what I just got. LOL

This is the cover for the next installement of Ellora's Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis. Book IV, which features my story, "Shadows Stir" will be released on December 21st.

I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the Ellora's Cavemen series for the second year in a row. I was lucky enough to be in last December's volume as well.

Did I mention purple is my favorite color? LOL

Blog Contest Winner!

Thanks to everyone who posted to my blog during September. You made my first full month of blogging a wonderful experience.

As promised, I am giving away a prize pack that consists of a white tote bag (featuring the names and book titles of various Ellora's Cave authors), a limited edition pack of Ellora's Cave playing cards, and a selection of bookmarks.

Each time someone posted, their name went into the prize bowl. As always, I had my husband draw the winning name from the bowl. (That way no one can get mad at me. LOL)

And the winner is...

JenniferL (jslindzy) Congratulations Jennifer! I'll be mailing your prize pack out to you tomorrow.

For all of you who didn't win, don't despair. There is still the Stefan's Salvation Sneak Peek contest that runs until October 16th. Check out my website for details on how to enter for a chance to win.

Plus, just before my brand new newsletter is released on October 15th, I'll be drawing a random name from everyone who signs up to my yahoo newsletter group. The winner will receive a free download from my backlist (including Stefan's Salvation even though it won't be released for three days after the newsletter comes out).

Fall Daisies

I was at the grocery store this morning. We haven't done a big grocery shop in a while now and have been basically living out of the cupboards. It's amazing how much stuff that you poke away in the dark recesses of the cupboards. Needless to say we've had some interesting meals. But I digress.

Finally the cupboards are bare (unless you count spices, honey and powdered milk) and we had no other choice but to venture forth to the grocery store. Early morning is a great time to shop. It's so more relaxing because there are fewer people around.

As we entered the store, the florist shop was on the left. I usually don't pay it much attention, but the flash of color caught my eye. They had bunches of daisies in an array of fall colors--yellow, orange, pink and purple. It made me think about how often I pass the flower shop but never stop to pick up any.

So, I picked out the brightest bunch and bought them for no other reason than because I wanted them. And isn't that the best reason of all?

This weekend, treat yourself to something special...just becauase! It doesn't have to be expensive. My daisies were on sale for only $4.99, but the pleasure they'll give me is beyond price.

Banned Books Week

Today is one of those days where I really don't have anything specific to blog about, but I did want to mention that this is banned books week.

It's strange to think that in this day and age that people still want to ban books. That is the point of freedom. The freedom to choose what we read, what we watch and what we say. Do I like all books? No, not particularly, but I do respect other people's rights to read whatever they want.

Parents do have the responsibility to know what their children are reading and to limit it accordingly, but that does not give them the right to choose literature for someone else's child. Belief systems, culture and lifestyles play a large roll in the choice of books.

Whatever your opinion, if you want to know more, just check out their website at
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm .

Newsletter!

I just got back from mailing my two new contracts and thought it was time to let you know about my "other" news. I'm starting a NEWSLETTER!

As of next month, I've been publishing for two years so I thought it was finally time that I started one. So many readers have been asking that this weekend I created a yahoo newsletter group. To sign up just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ .

You be able to find out all the latest news, read blurbs and reviews, check out exclusive excerpts from upcoming books that you won't find anywhere else, and get all the latest contest information. I've got more planned for the newsletter and it will grow and evolve as I get into it.

Over the past month I've overhauled my website and started a blog, so I figured that it was time for me to take the plunge and start a newsletter! The first issue of Awakening Desires will be released on October 15th and every 15th of the month thereafter.

I'm inviting you to drop by my new yahoo newsletter group and sign up. Then watch for the first issue of Awakening Desires on October 15th!

NJ

Two New Contracts and Welcome to Fall!

It's been an exciting weekend for me! On Friday, my EC editor informed me that Ellora's Cave was contracting two more of my books. YAY!

All you Tapestries fans will be happy to hear that one of them is the third book in the Tapestries series. The other book is for another Quickie series that EC is launching early next year.

I have more news to tell, but that will wait until tomorrow. LOL I want to enjoy one thing at a time.

Well, autumn has finally arrived in all her splendor this weekend. It's a beautiful, sunny fall day. There is the faintest hint of coolness on the breeze and the trees are beginning to turn color. I love this time of year. There is something about looking out the window and seeing a blaze of color on the hillside that soothes the soul. I'm actually hoping to get out of the city for a few days and enjoy some time in nature. I'm crossing my fingers that it will actually happen.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are just around the corner but, for now, I plan to enjoy the crisp, cool days of fall to the fullest. Hope you do too.

NJ

Series come and series go

I'm absolutely thrilled that my cover for STEFAN'S SALVATION is up on the Ellora's Cave Coming Soon page! YAY!

But that leads me to my thought for the day...series.

I love it when readers enjoy one of my books, but what is equally as wonderful is when they write and ask for the book of a secondary character. So many of you have asked for other books...Jackson and Lucas's books from the Awakening Desires series, The Bakra brothers and Marc's books from the Tapestries series, the individual books for the Dalakis brothers...the list goes on and on. LOL You get where I'm going with this.

What I try and do to satisfy readers, and myself because I'm also dying to write these books, is to keep rotating series. That way I'm hopefully keeping a large portion of my readers happy. Ocassionally, I'll have to leave the series for a bit and write a totally unrelated book. Hey, sometimes those characters just won't shut up and leave me alone until I do. *g*

At the moment, I have my next Awakening Desires book contracted (Craving Candy) and I expect to be contracting the next book in the Tapestries series any day now. Beyond that I have a book contracted for the EC 2007 Torrid Tarot series which is loosely related to Drakon's Treasure. (They take place in the same world, but there are no dragons in this new book--but don't yell at me, I am planning more dragon tales) I also have several other things submitted, non-series related, but I won't know about them for a while yet. With my other publisher, Samhain, I have recently contracted the next Jamesville book.

So now it's time to circle around again. For me that means it's time to do another series book. I plan on trying to concentrate on finishing some series before getting involved in new ones. Not that any series is ever truly finished. *bg* After all, there is always another character begging for a book.

NJ

The Time In Between

I'm at that in-between time where I just sent off a submission to my editor and now I have to decide which book to start working on next.

I'm not like some authors who can be writing two, three or more books at the same time. I'm a start it and finish it kinda writer. I don't mind editing other books, but I only have one work-in-progress going at any time.

So now I'll take a couple of days and see which characters demand the most attention. LOL I have it narrowed down to two possibilities, but I'm not 100% sure yet. How do I decide?

Well, for me the characters come first. If I'm working on a continuing series, I may already know at least one of the main characters, but I'm always surprised by what happens when they get a book of their own.

For example, in my upcoming Ellora's Cave release, STEFAN'S SALVATION, Stefan first appeared in book one of the Dalakis Passsion series, HARKER'S JOURNEY. Stefan was going to be my light-hearted brother, my comic relief. NOT!!! Stefan had a mind of his own and ended up being the darkest of the three brothers.

Once I know my characters, I usually have an idea of their story. But again, that changes as I start to write. I'm not a huge plotter. I generally have a handful of plot points that I want to have happen and the rest gets filled in as I go. As a rule, when I'm about half way through the book, I'll sit and scribble out the rest of the outline of file cards because at that point I'll really know where I'm going with the storyline.

I know I'm ready to sit at the keyboard when I get the opening scene clear in my head. To me that's the character's signal to me that they're impatient for me to get going. LOL

So for the next few days I plan to listen to the chatter in my head and see who talks the loudest. Should be interesting.

NJ

Monday morning...

It was actually a very productive weekend for me, so I'm taking it easy today. I sent a submission to my editor late yesterday. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Took in a movie on the weekend--Black Dahlia. Very stylish, well-acted, but it left me feeling cold when I left the theatre. I can't say I disliked it, but I can't say I enjoyed it either. But that's just my opinion.

It's a dull, rainy day, so I plan to curl up with a book later. :-)

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

NJ

Friday's Reading--I'm the Vampire, That's Why

Okay, so a book with a title I'm the Vampire, That's Why was just too tempting to pass up. But it wasn't until I got home from the bookstore that I realized the book was written in first person. Now, I'm not a fan of the first person narrative as a rule, but there are always exceptions--Janet Evananovich's Stephanie Plum books spring to mind.

So, I opened the cover and delved into the story of Jessica Matthews who becomes a vampire after being attacked while taking out the garbage one evening. The single mother of two awakes after her ordeal to find herself sucking on the thigh of a sexy Irish vampire named Patrick O'Halloran.

Michele Bardsley has penned one of the funniest and most original vampire novels I've read in quite some time. Jessica is a wise-cracking, subarban housewife and mother just trying to raise her kids the best way she knows how in a town that is slowly dying around them. Now she is one of the undead. What's a mom to do? Her life becomes more and more complicated as the tale unravels and she gets caught smack dab in the middle of a war between vampires.

Funny, quirky and sexy are the three best words to describe this book. The second book in the series Don't Talk Back To Your Vampire is currently scheduled to release in July of 2007. (I read the teaser at the back of the book) I'll be picking that one up to read when it hits the shelves.

NJ

EC Authors over at CataNetwork TOMORROW!

Good afternoon everyone! Yesterdays rain is but a memory in today's sun-drenched sky. It's a beautiful day and fairly warm too.

Just wanted to let everyone know that the EC authors will be chatting all day over at the CataNetwork tomorrow. There will be tons of excerpts to read and authors to chat with. Prizes will be given away...tempt...tempt.

If you'd like to join in the fun, just click on the address below to sign up if you're not a member.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CataNetwork-Readers/

I'll be there sharp at 8:00 am EST, sharing the first hour with Nathalie Gray. Stop by with your coffee tomorrow morning and spend some time with us. :-)

NJ

Rainy Days and Wednesdays

Woke up early this morning to rain and wind blowing in through the bedroom window. Summer is definitely over. The wind had a distinct chill to it.

Decided to have a full day writing, but you know what they say about the best laid plans. Got in about an hour when the lights started to flicker because of thunder storms in the area. Like any self-respecting author, I panicked and frantically saved everything. LOL Then I shut down my computer.

What to do?

Well, I hauled out a puzzle that's been sitting on the living room shelf for about three years, and hubby and I dumped it out on the kitchen table. It reminded me of those rainy days at the cabin when I was a kid. There was always a puzzle set up on a rickety old card table to help pass the hours on those days.

After an hour or so at that it was nap time. LOL I kid you not! Curled up and slept like a baby until lunch. Once lunch was over, hubby and I finished the puzzle (it was only 500 pieces). Hubby went to his office to work and I settled in at the computer for the rest of the afternoon.

All in all, I like rainy Wednesdays. :-)

NJ

Monday, September 11th.

It's been five years since that infamous day and it's strange to look around and realize how much the world has changed. For our generation it is one of the defining moments. People will always remember where they were when they first heard the news.

I was actually at the mall (being in a later time zone), and the stores had just opened. It was my day off and I was just passing a clothing store when a man came out talking to someone on his cell phone about a plane crash. My first thought was that my stepfather would be watching all the news reports about it. He worked in the airline industry his entire life and still has an avid interest in anything that happens there.

I didn't think much of it, but mentioned it when my hubby joined me. We continued down the mall and saw a large group of people gathered around a television screen just at the entrance of an electronics store. We went over to see what they were all watching. That was where I watched the second plane slam into the twin towers live as it happened.

Shock it too mild a word to express what I felt. Then we heard about the attack on the Pentagon as well. We went home immediately and I, like most of the world, spent the next few days glued to the television screen when I wasn't at work.

It changed the world. It changed all the people whose lives were touched by the tragedy. It changed me.

I think it set me on a new road in life even though it took me a few years to get there. All those people who lost their lives woke up that morning all believing that they would be going home that evening. It made me think.

It took me two years to get the courage to even admit that I wanted to quit my job, but when I did, I started planning immediately. Took me almost another year to get there, but I did leave my job and took a step toward the career and life I wanted. I'm still not all the way there, but at least I'm working toward it.

I think about all those people who never had the chance to change their minds or to maybe do some things they'd always wanted. They never had a chance, but the rest of us do. Don't waste a moment of your life with regrets of what might have been. Try. What's the worst you can do? Fail! At least you'd have tried.

Anyway, on this Monday as we all pause and remember that tragic day and the people whose lives were taken, hug your spouse or your child or your friend or yourself. There is still much good to be found in the world. Embrace it.

NJ

Website Renovations, Blogs and Contests!

Sorry I haven't posted since the release of my latest Ellora's Cave book this past Wednesday, but I've been face and eyes in renovations. Not home renovations, but website renovations.

My site was originally launched about a year and a half ago and had one cover and excerpt. It grew...very quickly. Thank heavens my hubby, who has never taken a computer course, taught himself how to upload covers and excerpts to my website. But over the past while as I've had more books releasing it's grown crowded and dated.

Hubby to the rescue once more. He loves playing around with technology, which is a very good thing, otherwise I'd still have a website with one cover and one excerpt. LOL He's spent the past few days working and tinkering with me sitting in the chair beside him saying, "How about this?" and "Can we do that?" and still, "Can I have a button for this?" And not once did he ever lose his temper with me.

We tried options, he made me buttons and extra pages. My website is now exactly how I want it. I'm absolutely thrilled with the changes. Check it out at http://www.njwalters.com . I've got a new contest up and running there as well.

Speaking of contests! I've decided to have a special blog only contest that will run from today, September 10th until September 30th. To be eligable to win all you have to do is post a comment any time between today and the end of the month. What will you win?

This: A prize pack containing a tote bag (My name and a book title are on it), a limited edition pack of playing cards featuring covers from Ellora's Cave books (unfortunately I missed out on getting in that deck, maybe next year) and a set of seven bookmarks that feature my books.

The cards are absolutely gorgeous! That's my pack that's spead across the tote bag. Don't worry, you'll receive an unopened pack if your name is drawn. :-)

The tote bag is handy and the bookmarks are pretty spiffy if I do say so myself.

So remember, all you have to do to qualify to win this prize package is comment on any post between now and September 30th. Winning name will be announced October 1st!

And if you want a chance to win a download copy of my uncoming Ellora's Cave release, STEFAN'S SALVATION, check out my new and inproved website and click on the contest page to see how to enter.

Thank God tomorrow is Monday. I could use a break. :-)

NJ

Dragons and Werewolves and Shapeshifters, oh my!

As many of you probably already know, Ellora's Cave launched it's Autumn Animalia series on September 2nd. It's a series of Quickie's that all feature shapeshifters. I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of that series with so many fantastic EC authors.

Speaking of which...

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Charlene Teglia's contribution to this series. Wolf In Shining Armor will be available on September 20th. It is a historical book, set in the Medieval period and focuses on the life of Rorik of Wolf Keep.

Blurb:

Rorik was bitten by a demon wolf, but the curse has been a blessing in disguise. The rumors that surround the dark Celtic knight unnerve his opponesnts in the tourneys and aid him in winning the funds he needs to return home, roust the usurping baron who took his lands, and marry the lady Elissa Montreade, his betrothed.


But in spite of his victories, Rorik is thwarted in his plans to live happily ever after with Elissa. Mostly because the baron, Alain Devere, helped himself to her along with Rorik's home and property.


Bent on vengeance, Rorik steals Alain's betrothed, Ailiss, on the eve before their wedding. But his plans for revenge are overthrown when he sees Ailiss and the wolf within recognizes his mate. Once he gets his paws on her, he isn't letting go! Rorik's battle with Devere is nothing compared to the sensual war he wages to claim his captive bride.

I've loved Charlene Teglia's writing ever since I first read Dangerous Games and she just keeps getting better. Rorik may have captured Ailiss, but that in no way means that he's tamed her. She is more than a match for the dominant Rorik. In the best tradition of "captive bride" stories, Charlene Teglia delivers another winner.

I just can't wait for her next werewolf book. :-)

NJ

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Tomorrow, September 6th, my very first dragon story is releasing from Ellora's Cave Publishing. It's part of the Autumn Animalia series and I'm very excited about it.


Drakon’s Treasure: Blurb

Captured when the armies of Gradoc swept through her village at the base of the Varkas Mountains, Eartha has spent the last five years as a slave. By day, she labors in the fields and by night she is forced to share Hameon of Gradoc’s bed. But Eartha has learned patience, biding her time until an opportunity comes for her to escape.

Seizing her chance, she flees. With Hameon’s guards in pursuit, she ducks into a dark, dingy tavern. The only hope has of saving herself from being recaptured is to join the company of a man. Bravely, she approaches a solitary stranger in the corner of the bar.

Arrik Varkas Drakon is more than just a man. He is a Drakon lord. Half-dragon, half-man, his kind usually ignores the affairs of men. But from the moment Eartha steps into the bar, she intrigues him. Once he sees her face, he knows he must have her.

Arrik sweeps her away from the danger, but it follows them into the mountains. And when Hameon and his forces come to take her back, they quickly discover that, above all, a dragon always guards and keeps his treasure.


It's already gotten it's first review. TwoLips Reviews have given it a Recommended Read! I'm absoutely thrilled. Here's a bit of what reviewer, Kerin, had to say:

"I truly hope that this is the beginning of a new series. Drakon’s Treasure is a beautiful story about love, acceptance and deep abiding commitment. N.J. Walters has been on my must-read list for a long time but has truly outdone herself with Drakon’s Treasure. If you don’t read Drakon’s Treasure, you’ll be doing a disservice to yourself."

Thanks Kerin and TwoLips Reviews!

NJ