Morning

I love the early morning before the rest of the world is awake. The quiet before the traffic starts to rumble down the busy street outside my window.

I'm one of those people who loves to get up in the morning. There is always a sense of optimism in the air. The whole day is ahead of me. Anything can happen.

It's even better in the summer. Our bedroom window faces to the east and we get the sun shining in as soon as it rises. It energizes me for the day to come.

My hubby, on the other hand, has a harder time with the morning, but has made adjustments for me. It takes him a while longer, as he is naturally more of a nightowl, but he does eventually roll out of bed so we can have breakfast together.

I, in turn, struggle to stay awake at night so I can spend more time with him.

Are you a morning person or a nightowl?

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What could you spend an eternity doing?

What is your passion? Your hunger? Your deepest desire? Each day beginning February 5 and running through February 14 one of the ten authors will complete the line, "My darling I could spend eternity…" on either their blog or website.

Collect all ten answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with Eternally Yours in the subject line to win some hot, romantic books. There will be three lucky Valentine winners.

The prizes –1st prize--5 books2nd prize--3 books3rd prize--2 booksEntries must be in by February 16 at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Sandra Cox Silverhills
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute For the Goddess
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone
Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Anny Cook Honeysuckle

Reminders!

CONTEST REMINDER:

Just a reminder for you all to check out my "Feel the Love" Contest! To celebrate the January 8th release of Overtime, Under Him in print and my upcoming Ellora's Cave release Amethyst Moon, I'm holding a contest!

I'm giving away a PRINT copy of Overtime, Under Him, and a download copy of Amethyst Moon. Enter once, and you're eligible to win both prizes.

Just go to my Website and click on the contests page for details!



NEWSLETTER REMINDER:

If you're not already receiving Awakening Desires--the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters, then you're missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts, and tons more! You're also missing out on a chance to win every month!

2008 is the Year of the Print Book!

This year I'm giving away print books to lucky newsletter subscribers! Each month, a winner will be drawn at random, and that person will be able to choose a print book from my backlist. (Whichever titles I have available)

The January 2008 issue of the newsletter is now available!

All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Chat Reminder!

I'll be chatting over at Writerspace Chat tonight, along with a group of other Ellora's Cave authors, from 8 PM EST until 9 PM EST. So stop by and say hi as we all chat about our latest books!

Quote of the Week!

The writer E. L. Doctorow once said, "writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."

I thought this quote made perfect sense, and not just for writing, but for life.

I got this quote from Anne Lamott's book on writing, Bird by Bird.

Serious about Series

My name is N.J. and I am a series junkie.

No, really. I love reading series books. I think it's the familiarity of the characters and the place. Plus, I really enjoy getting a peek at the lives of characters who have come before. Series have so much more depth, building on what has come before and allow an author to spend time with a certain group of characters.

Harlequin, Silhouette, Loveswept and many of the other "category" romance companies produced many beloved series over the years. Who can forget the Mackenzie's by Linda Howard or the Conard County series by Rachel Lee or Beverly Barton, who continues to give us the Protectors series.

Many authors who have switched genres and gone on to write mysteries produced amazing series early in their careers. Iris Johansen gave us the Sedikhan series, while Kay Hooper gave us a series surrounding the mysterious Hagan.

That's not even mentioning the many fabulous series out there today. I am continually waiting for the next J. R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood book, the next Janet Chapman Highlanders book and the next Stephanie Plum story from Janet Evanovich. And don't even get me started on books by my fellow writers at Ellora's Cave and Samhain. There are not enough hours in the day to read them all!

As an author, I have fallen into the habit of writing series. Even books that began as stand-alone stories somehow find themselves as part of series. Christina's Tapestry was meant to be one book. But the moment I wrote the Bakra brothers, I knew I'd have to write their books as well. And judging by the amount of email I received, you weren't ready to let this series go either. Then there is the Dalakis Passion vampire series, Summerville Secrets, Jamesville, Awakening Desires...you get my drift.

It can get very confusing at times. LOL But I wouldn't have it any other way. I find it hard to let go of a series. With each new book there are more characters and I find myself wondering about their story. That always gets the creative juices flowing. I have enough work for the next three years if I do nothing but write books for charcters who have already appeared in my published works. *g* Not that I'm complaining.

What are some of your favorite series?

Mid-Winter Blogging Blues

I think I have the Mid-Winter Blogging Blues. And doesn't that sound like a country song? LOL

It's been one snow storm after another since January began. Monday, we had snow. Tuesday was sunny, but cold enough to freeze your nose hair. *g* I kid you not. Wednesday we had six inches of snow and then an inch of rain, which all froze when the temperature dropped. Today there were some flurries, but mainly nice, so I ran out to do some errands. Tonight, another system is moving in to bring another six inches of the white stuff.

Now, I'm not a winter person. Never had been. Never will be. I am a summer person. I like the heat. The long, hot days that never seem to end. Although, I do appreciate the fact that the days are getting longer. I still have a set of christmas lights strung around my entertainment system in my living room. It cheers me up to plug them in.

Maybe winter wouldn't be so bad if I didn't live in the city, which I do. Everything is dirty and dreary, drivers forget to slow down for those of us who walk or take public transit, and sidewalks are nothing but a memory.

I try and take care of myself during this long, dreary season. I eat right, but try to treat myself occassionally. Long hot baths and good books also help.

What do you do to get through the long winter? Or do you enjoy all the snow?

The Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology has received the honor of Winner of the Love Romances and More Cafe 2007 Award for Best Anthology.

My vampire book, Eternal Brothers, Book 4 of the Dalakis Passion series has received honorable mention in the Best Vampire Book of 2007 Award. J. R. Ward won, so how can I complain when I love her books! It's an honor to be in the same category with her.

Eternally Yours Contest!

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What could you spend an eternity doing? What is your passion? Your hunger? Your deepest desire?

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Each day beginning February 5 and running through February 14 one of the ten authors will complete the line, "My darling I could spend eternity…" on either their blog or website.

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Collect all ten answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with Eternally Yours in the subject line to win some hot, romantic books. There will be three lucky Valentine winners.

The prizes –1st prize--5 books

2nd prize--3 books

3rd prize--2 books
Entries must be in by February 16 at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute for the Goddess
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke (E-book)
Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Sandra Cox Silverhills
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
Anny Cook Honeysuckle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love

Adventures in Groceryland

The grocery story is a very interesting place to visit--and not just because it has all that yummy food. LOL

As a writer, I'm a people watcher, and you can tell a lot about people by the groceries they plunk down on the checkout in front of you. For instance, anyone checking out my groceries can easily tell I'm a vegetarian. No meat is the first giveaway. Plus, there is the vegemeat. *g* Tastes just like chicken. No...really it does!

There was a well-dressed, very professional woman in front of me in the line-up. I couldn't look that put together if I spent a month at it. LOL But she pulled it off beautifully. Anyway, she had two cartons of low-fat milk, two frozen pizzas and about a dozen frozen dinners, along with two tubes of toothpaste. Maybe she's just picking up a few things that are on special. Who's to say? But my writer's mind immediately thinks that she's going home alone--no cat, because there was no cat food, and cats always need more treats--to her empty condo or house. The pizza is a treat, which she'll heat a portion of it, and eat it along with a good glass of red wine. Is she lonely? Is she happy? Is she seeing anyone or does work take up all of her time?

Doesn't matter if I'm right or if I'm 100% wrong. The thing is that it gets me thinking. Once that starts, characters start appearing in my brain, demanding I write their stories.

So, if you're a writer who ever gets stuck and needs a new character. Just visit the grocery store. Even if you don't get any ideas, you can always pick up something great for supper. It's a win/win situation.

Have a great weekend!

CataNetwork Reviewers' Choice Award

I'm thrilled and honored to announce that my Ellora's Cave book, THREE SWORDS, ONE HEART has been awarded a CataNetwork's Reviewers' Choice Award!

I want to thank the CataNetwork staff and reviewers for the honor, and for the hard work they do to promote the romance industry!

Guest Blogging at Simply Ali

I'm guest blogging over at Simply Ali this week, so stop by and say hello!

Feel the Love Contest!

To celebrate the print release of OVERTIME, UNDER HIM earlier this month, and to celebrate the upcoming release of AMETHYST MOON, a menage a trois/fantasy novella that is part of the EC Birthstone series, I'm holding a contest!

If you'd like a chance to win a print copy of OVERTIME, UNDER HIM or a download copy of AMETHYST MOON, then go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com/ and click on the "contests" page for details.

The first prize--the print copy of OVERTIME, UNDER HIM--will be given away on January 31st.

The second prize--the download copy of AMETHYST MOON--will be given away on February 18th! (Amethyst Moon releases from Ellora's Cave on February 20th)

You only have to enteronce to be eligible for both prizes!

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Cassandra Curtis. The topic is Seven Things You Might Not Know About My Characters. These are seven things I could think of off the top of my head. Enjoy!

1. Stefan, one of the Dalakis vampires from Stefan's Salvation, is a fan of old rock and roll, as well as the older country music.

2. Seth, from "A Love Eternal" in Ellora's Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV, loves to ride his motorcycle. It gives him a sense of freedom. He loves defying death. *g*

3. Jackson, who you met in Erin's Fancy and Capturing Carly, is more than just an apple farmer. The man has hidden talents, which you will discover in the upcoming book Jackson's Jewel.

4. Mike Sloan now gets turned on by the very sight of stacks of books. Blame his librarian lady, Annabelle Lee, for seducing him among the stacks. :-)

5. Carly, from Capturing Carly, will never look at oranges the same way again. Not after what happened between her and Nathan at the cabin.

6. Liam Brannigan, from Unmasking Kelly, likes Kelly to get dressed up in her saloon girl costume from time to time. Just for old times sake.

7. Cain Benjamin has a passion for painting, especially since he and Katie did one together in Katie's Art of Seduction.

Over Time, Under Him Now Available!

Woohoo! Over Time, Under Him is now available on-line and in bookstores!

This is one of the new anthologies put out by Pocket books and Ellora's Cave. I'm thrilled that my story, UNMASKING KELLY is part of this wonderful anthology!

BLURB:

It’s Halloween night and a masquerade party is in full swing at Brannigan’s Pub where Kelly Allen works as a waitress. But Kelly is not working tonight. Instead, she has donned a saloon girl’s costume and has set out to seduce the man of her dreams, Liam Brannigan. She’s been in love with her boss almost from the first, and tonight, hiding behind her costume and mask, she can keep her identity a secret as she attempts to seduce him into one long, hot night of pleasure.

Liam Brannigan is enthralled with the lady behind the mask. Sensual and mysterious, she is every man’s fantasy and he wants her from the moment she saunters up to the bar. But she is much more than just a one night stand. Liam is determined to remove her mask and claim the lady as his very own. Can he convince her to reveal her identity or will she walk out of the bar and his life forever?

New Review for Eternal Brothers

I've been thrilled with the reviews so far for Eternal Brothers! This latest one is a 5 Cup review from Cherokee at Coffee Times Romance.

Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

" Not only is this story thrilling, and full of intrigue and hot passion, but the absorbing characters keeps the reader biting their nails. NJ Walters once again creates a spellbinding read, with in-depth emotions that grabs hold and does not let go in this extraordinary tale."

To read the entire review, go to Coffee Time Romance .

Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!

I'm guest blogging over at The Romance Studio Blog today.

Stop by and check it out. :-)

Lazy Winter Days

The holidays have come and gone, and now we are deep in the heart of winter. Sidewalks are a thing of memory and snowbanks are piled high.

What can we do to make the days pass quicker until spring arrives?

Movies!

Hubby and I really enjoy going to the movies. I know it's expensive, but I love the theatre experience. Luckily, we got gift cards from some friends and family for Christmas, so I don't have to feel guilty about spending money to go.

Since the holidays began we've seen a few movies. National Treasure was a fun ride. Exactly what you'd expect from this kind of action/adventure flick.

Sweeny Todd is an experience in and of itself. Gory, bloody, and surprisingly good. Johnny Depp is amazing. Need I say more?

P.S. I Love You was even better than I thought it would be. I laughed out loud and I cried my eyes out. Both Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler gave wonderful performances.

Then we saw a quirkly little film called Juno. It's about a teenage girl who gets pregnant. It was funny and real and the young woman playing the lead deserves an Oscar nomination.

Unfortunately Atonement and Bucket List haven't found their way to our local theatre yet, but I'm still hopeful. After all, I still have enough left in my gift cards for two more movies. :-)

Did you see any movies over the holidays that you'd recommend?

Eternal Brothers--Cover of the Month?

I just love this cover! The EC Art Department outdid themselves with this one!

Apparently some other folks like it as much as I do because it was nominated for the Erin Aislinn’s Book Cover of the Month for December. The voting is open now until January 31st.

Love Romances and More Best of 2007--Voting Open

Good morning! It's Wednesday, but because of the holiday yesterday, it feels more like a Monday. I've been out and braved the grocery stores as more snow is expected later today.

As I mentioned in an early blog post, I was lucky enough to be nominated for two Love Romances and More Best of 2007 Awards. The first is for Eternal Brothers, which is nominated in the best vampire novel category. The second one is for the Seasons of Seduction III anthology, which is nominated in the best anthology category.

This is voted on by readers! So if you want to vote, stop by the Love Romances and More Polls and cast your ballot. There are a lot of other categories with stories and authors you may love, so show your support and vote!

The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke Available Today!

Happy New Year!

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The day dawned snowy and windy, but I don't mind at all. I'm so excited that The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, book 4 of the Jamesville series, is releasing today from Samhain Publishing .

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Like all the books in this series, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

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I'm thrilled to announce that Book 3, The Return of Patrick O'Rourke was just nominated for a CAPA award in the Contemporary Romance category.

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BLURB:

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After her father's death, Cyndi Marks returns to Jamesville, determined to settle here and lay the ghosts of years ago to rest once and for all. But the past has a way of catching up—and hanging on.

When her car breaks down outside of town, a handsome stranger stops to help. He intrigues and attracts her, but then she discovers who he is.

Shamus enjoys his job, his family and small town living. What he’s missing is someone with whom to share it. Immediately drawn to Cyndi, he is determined to get closer to her, even as he senses her pulling away.

But not everyone in Jamesville is happy to see Cyndi. People are hiding secrets. Secrets they would kill to protect. When violence erupts in her home, Cyndi turns to the only person in town she can trust—Shamus.

In a situation where family loyalties are strained, Cyndi's life is threatened and everyone is a suspect, will their emerging love survive?

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, and violence.

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To check out this book, or any of my books, just go to my website .