A New Year Dawns...

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. And while I've been enjoying the Christmas season I've been thinking back over the year that was 2010. It had its ups and its downs, but as I've made it to the end of the year healthy and happy, I'd have to say it was a good one.

Over the past year I've had seven new ebooks released and three print books. It all started in February with the print release of Jamesville Affairs, which contains A Legal Affair and Past Promises (Books 4 and 6 of the Jamesville series).

In March my newest Tapestries book--Embroidered Fantasies--was released. A new Tapestries books is always exciting for me. I adore this series. In April came Seeking Charlotte, a paranormal novella, which was a part of the Hearts of Fire series, though it can be read as a stand-alone book.

Onward to May with the release of my FIRST ever Audio Book. I was thrilled with Ellora's Cave told me that Tempting Tori, a Quickie about one of the Courage brothers of Texas, was going to become an audio book. Very exciting! In July, the next book in the Courage brothers saga, another Quickied entitled Lassoing Lara, was released.

Summer seemed as though it would never arrive this past year. In late June, hubby and I went to a cabin at the seashore for a couple of nights and spent a couple of more nights in a motel in my hometown. But it wasn't exactly warm. I had to go to the local Wal-Mart and buy a coat. It was freezing, but it was nice to get away for a few days.

We came home and the nicer weather finally arrived. We took walks and generally got outside as much as possible. At the same time, August was a big month for me. I had two new releases that month: Isaiah's Haven, the second book in my Legacy werewolf series from Samhain Publishing, and Out of Shadows, my latest Shadow Ryder book from Ellora's Cave. It was also the month where the print version of Alexandra's Legacy, the first book in the Legacy series, was released. Talk about a testosterone overload. LOL Hubby and I also celebrated our 23 wedding anniversary in August. It was a very good month!

September arrived and with it the release of Entwined Hearts, the final book in the Hearts of Fire series. This was a very special book in that it was written by four authors. It wasn't an anthology, but a true collaboration. Nicole Austin, TJ Michaels, Ciana Stone and I all worked on this book. I had a wonderful time working on this series with those very special ladies. It as an experience I'll always remember.

October saw the release of A Touch of Magick from Samhain Publishing. Since the book is about magick and takes place around the Halloween/Samhain holiday I thought it was a very fitting release date. There will be two more books in this trilogy. :)

Sometime in November I found out that Alexandra's Legacy was nominated for an EPIC award. As if that wasn't exciting enough, I discovered Embracing Silence was nominated for an RT Reviewer's Choice Award. That is a dream come true for me and I'm absolutely thrilled by the nomination!

The year wound down with the early December release of the print version of Three Swords, One Heart. This is a favorite book of mine. The heroine is totally kickass. She takes no prisoners, but finds her heart tamed by two brothers.

I've enjoyed taking time off this Christmas. I've haven't been doing anything more strenous than hanging out with family and friends. I'm looking forward to 2011 and all that it brings.

As you ring in the New Year, take a moment to reflect on the year past. Enjoy the pop of the champagne, the excitement of the fireworks and the mountains of good food. Stay safe and have fun!

Happy New Year to you all. May 2011 be the best year yet for us all!

Christmas Eve has Dawned...

*

*

*

*

*

*

Good morning and welcome to Christmas Eve! The house is cleaned, the presents are wrapped, the food is prepared.

*

I'm having an open house today and will have family and friends coming and going all day.

*

May you all have a wonderful holiday filled with great food, good friends, loving family and tons of fun. If you're travelling, stay safe.

*

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Countdown...

Only two more days until Christmas. I made cranberry sauce this morning and will make more fudge and shortbread cookies this afternoon. Bathroom is cleaned, but I still have to vacuum and dust the apartment. Most of the presents are wrapped. Will finish the rest later.

Bring on Christmas! I'm ready!

Are you?

Christmas Countdown...

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

There's only 3 days until Christmas!

*

I'm making a big pot of vegetarian chilli this afternoon. Tomorrow I will be making more fudge and shortbread cookies for our open house on Friday afternoon.

*

Hubby and I went out for breakfast this morning. Then we went to the bank, the bookstore, the post office and the grocery store. We were home by 10:30. That's the way I like it. :)

Happy Winter Solstice!

Good morning and welcome to the Winter Solstice!

*

If you had the opportunity, I hope you viewed the lunar eclipse last night. It was a very rare event. Almost four hundred years since the last one on the same day as the Winter Solstice. I got up in the middle of the night to view it but there was too much fog and cloud cover. Couldn't see anything.

*

Remember...only 4 days until Christmas!

Christmas Countdown

The Countdown to Christmas is On!

Only 5 Days Until Christmas!

If You're Looking for a Quick Holiday Read...

Looking for a quick, fun read this holiday? Be sure to check out Jessamyn's Christmas Gift my White Hot Holidays Christmas Quickie from Ellora's Cave.

BLURB:

It's Christmas Eve and Jessamyn Parker waits by the fireside in her boyfriend's house. She expects him home any minute after being away for three months on business. Clad only in a slinky teddy and sprawled beneath the Christmas tree, she plans to surprise him. But instead of her boyfriend, a complete stranger surprises her.

Caleb Morgan is the new sheriff, and unbeknownst to her, he is also the new owner of the house. Jessamyn flees back to her own home, determined to forget not only her boyfriend's betrayal, but also the heated desire that Caleb has sparked within her.

While Jessamyn is shocked by his appearance, Caleb is enthralled by her. But Jessamyn has had more than enough of men. Now, one year later, it's Christmas time again, and Jessamyn is still swearing off men. But Caleb has other ideas. The only thing he wants for Christmas is the same thing he wanted last year and didn't quite get — Jessamyn Parker under his tree.

Read an Excerpt

BUY THE BOOK

Final Weekend to Enter!

FINAL WEEKEND TO ENTER MY CHRISTMAS QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading.

But there's always time for a Quickie. No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies to two lucky readers. Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random on December 20th. That's my last official day of work before I start my holidays.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Ellora's Cave Sale!

Ellora's Cave has a big sale on right now. You can get selected paperbacks for $3-4 and 2011 Caveman Calendar only $5 while supplies last. Check it out at Ellora's Cave.

Christmas Traditions...

Christmas Traditions...we all have them and they're an important part of our holiday. That's what I'm talking about over at The Romance Studio Blue Blog today. Stop by and check it out!

In the Edits Cave and New Review

I'm in the edits cave today working on edits for my next EC Quickie, Tracking Talia. This is the third and final book about the Courage brothers of Texas. Below is a new review for Lassoing Lara, another book in that trilogy

Shayna over at Joyfully Reviewed loved Lassoing Lara. Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

"The sex sizzles in Lassoing Lara as two life-long friends find that love has been waiting for them, practically in their own backyard...The two of them together heat up the page and entertain with their swift slide from friends to lovers.

Lassoing Lara is the first story I’ve read by N.J. Walters and it stood on its own perfectly well. I did note, however, that one of Brody’s brothers was already married and it took me about ten seconds to discover that J.T. Courage’s story is already out. I’ll definitely be checking out Tempting Tori because Lassoing Lara was fast-moving fun."

Read the entire review at Joyfully Reviewed.

Week in Review

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X
X

X

X

X

X

I think a lot of folks are feeling like Miss Kitty these days...like they're sinking. The holidays are fast approaching and we're all trying to get a million things done as well as do those normal, everyday things that need doing--like laundry and housework.

*

I'm pushing hard to try to finish up my latest project before I break for the holidays. Will I get there? Who knows? Last week I made progress. I finished one version of the book, but am working on another version now, slightly different and for another market. Sneaky right? *g* I've done that before. I have one published book that has three different versions. (Two of which will never see the light of day.) lol

*

In between work I've been doing Christmas stuff. The house is decorated and I made shortbread cookies last week. They're delicious and almost gone. All the presents, except for hubby's, have been bought and wrapped.

*

Life is good. I'll keep pushing this week at my writing and I hope to do some more shopping. I may even sneak in a movie or two this week.

*

Hope you have a great week. Take a few moments to breathe. Don't get overwhelmed by everything you have to do. Drop something from your to-do list if you have to. Better for you to be happy and sane rather than to have you worn out and cranky.

Featured Author and Contest Reminder!

I'm one of the authors featured this month over at The Romance Studio Blue Pages. Stop by and check out my interview. I'm talking about my steaming hot novella Seeking Charlotte.

CHRISTMAS QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading.

But there's always time for a Quickie. No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies to two lucky readers. Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random on December 20th. That's my last official day of work before I start my holidays.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Tree Decorating Traditions

When I was decorating the tree this past weekend it got me to thinking about Christmases past and the kind of decorations we put on the tree when I was a kid.


I don't know about the rest of you, but I remember boxes of glass ornaments almost exactly like these. I found these pictures on eBay, but I think we had a box just like this one. I recognize the cover. Sadly, most of the pretty glass balls were broken over the years. Sometimes they'd fall off the tree or someone would accidentally sit on a box.

I remember putting my fingers through some of the ones that were indented in the center. I wish I still had some of the ones from my childhood. They were so colorful and special and the lights made them shine.

Anyone remember those big clunky light strands with metal reflectors?. lol Some of them were circular, some shaped like stars and they came in all different colors--red, green, blue and yellow.

It was always my job to check the lights. Back in those days the lights were unscrewed from the sockets and stored carefully, the reflectors were stacked and put safely in their own box and the strands were carefully bundled away at the end of the holiday.

I've tried to keep pieces of my past on my Christmas tree. When I left home I confiscated the metal icicles we used to hang on the tree. At that point no one else liked them but me. They'd fallen out of style. I found another pack of them a few years back at a thrift store so now I have more than enough of them for my tree.


Something else I found at a thrift store were several of those lovely vintage glass birds that clip on the tree. (The ones pictured aren't mine but are very similar. Once again I got the picture from eBay.) I'll try to get some pictures of my decorations and put them up in a few days.

I have the birds clipped to the garland surrounding the entertainment center. They look gorgeous when the christmas lights hit them.


The style of ornaments has certainly changed since I was a kid. Back then most people had the same type of ornaments, usually what the local department store carried. Anyone else remember satin balls and chunky gold garland from the 70's?

All my ornaments are either homemade or gifts from friends and family. Each one has a story, a memory. I like that. My sister seems to change the ornaments on her tree every few years, depending on her mood.

How do you decorate your tree? Do you have a theme? Have you kept any ornaments or traditions from your childhood?

Wanted by The James Gang!

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
In the past, Marcia James has interviewed authors and publishing insiders who have "James" in their names. This month she opened the interviews to include authors who have used the name "James" in their books. I'm thrilled to be the December James Gang interviewee. And it's all because I write a series set in the fictional small town of Jamesville, Maine.

Check out the interview over at The James Gang.

The Halls are Decked...Finally

The adventure in decorating began this past Wednesday when I decided I'd put the greenery up around the archways and shelves. That was fairly easy.

I then had the bright idea that I'd put the lights up on the archway between the living and dining area. I got out the big set of lights and checked them. They worked so everything was a go. I unplugged the lights and went to work. When I was half done I decided I'd plug in the lights to see how they worked. Nothing. No pretty red and green and blue lights at all. I checked bulbs and must have hit a loose one because the lights came on. Yay!

I celebrated too soon. I quickly discovered only half of the set of 100 was lit. I checked bulbs but to no avail. So off came the set of lights from the greenery.

The next day, Thursday, hubby and I went out and bought another set of lights. I worked on the same greenery while he put lights on the rest. It was beautiful when it was done.

On Friday morning while hubby was at work I decided to put together our sad little artificial tree we've used the past few years. We love real trees, always had one until a few years back when our apartment building changed owners and they disallowed it. But that's another story. Back to our little tree. I was putting it together when I broke the stand.

Not to be disheartened, I reached for the masking tape (no duct tape on hand) and taped that sucker. I thought it was pretty good. Hubby came home from work and put the lights on while I strung popcorn. We decided not to put the ornaments on as we were going out Friday night to a local production of Scrooge, which was quite wonderful.

Saturday afternoon came and the tree was listing slightly. So I added more tape and figured I'd give it another day to see if it would hold.

Sunday morning hubby called out to me and said he had some concerns. I could see the problem immediately. Our little tree resembled the leaning tower of Pisa. We laughed because, really, it did look funny. There was nothing else to be done but make a trek to Wal-Mart and buy a new tree. We found one a bit bigger, bought a few more sets of lights and came home. After lunch, I assembled the new tree while hubby disassembled the old one. I popped more popcorn and strung more lines of the white stuff while hubby tranfered light sets and added more.

Finally, after several days of waiting, I broke out the ornaments and we went to work. Finally, as the sun was fading, the tree was done.

It's been an adventure for sure. Hopefully over the next few days I'll have a photo or two to share.

Hope your holiday decorating is going well. :)

Three Swords, One Heart in PRINT

Three Swords, One Heart is now available in PRINT from Ellora's Cave. I'm so excited to finally see this book in print. It's a fantasy/ménage a trois featuring two cursed warriors and one kickass heroine.

The book has a rockin' new cover. Check it out!

BLURB:

Malik and Kalis are cursed to forever wander the world, searching for the one woman who can break the curse that has plagued their family for seven generations. In each generation of their family, the firstborn are always twin boys who bear the mark of the curse.

The woman destined to break the curse is a warrior woman, adept at hunting and battle — a woman who will give herself and her love freely to both men. Upon the death of her father, Zarina is cast out of her desert tribe. Raised more as a male than female, she is more at home wielding a blade than tending a home.

When their paths collide, both men know they have found the right woman, but Zarina is mistrustful. Do they want her simply because they believe she can break the curse or does their attraction go deeper than that? But fate will not be denied and the three wounded souls must face their destiny together.

Read an Excerpt

BUY THE BOOK

December Newsletter and Contest!

Welcome to December! I can't believe how fast time is flying by. There are only 24 days left until the big one. :)

Of course, that means the December issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters— is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, my husband’s popular column—Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband, exciting contest news and more. This month's interview is a very special one. My hubby has stopped by to answer questions. You won't want to miss it.

As well, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.


CHRISTMAS QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading.

But there's always time for a Quickie. No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies to two lucky readers. Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random on December 20th. That's my last official day of work before I start my holidays.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Two New Fabulous Reviews!

This must be the week for reviews. I just got two 4 1/2 reviews--one for Isaiah's Haven and the other for A Touch of Magick. Both these books are available from Samhain Publishing.

Here's a snippet from Maura Frankman's review of Isaiah's Haven.

"The plot is an engrossing one, with hot love scenes and suspenseful action packed moments also. This is one of the best werewolf romances I have read this year."

~4 1/2 Hearts

Read the entire review at The Romance Studio.


Cheryl McInnis at Romance Junkies gave A Touch of Magic 4 1/2 Blue Ribbons. Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

"A TOUCH OF MAGICK is a fun, steamy and enjoyable story, and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Walters has in store for us next."

Read the entire review at Romance Junkies.

Great Review for Entwined Hearts

Entwined Hearts has gotten a 4 out of 5 review from Judith at the Book Binge. Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

"Like the other novels in this series this book is alive with the abiding friendship that locked these women together, a fellowship of caring that their mates respected and cherished, and into which they were delighted to enter. This book is not an anthology in any way but a collaboration between the four authors that wrote the other four books. In bringing these couples together these authors have taken their individual vision and merged it with the other three--not easy to do among creative individuals. It is really quite encouraging to see how they put their indivual egos aside and allowed the end result--this book--to reflect the collective talents they brought to the writing task."

You can read the entire review at Book Binge.

Give a Little Thanks

This holiday weekend is all about giving thanks for what we have in our lives. I'm chatting about that very topic today at the Samhain Publishing Blog. Stop by and check out my post "Give a Little Thanks"!

Black Friday!

The day after Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year in the USA. It's the kick-off of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers will have crazy sales and people will line up all night long in order to be the first in the store to get them.

There are plenty of bargains to be had, but plenty of crazy people out there too. If you're venturing out to shop today, please remember to stay safe and have fun. In the end, it's all just stuff. Nothing is worth your peace of mind and your safety.

May you find plenty of sales and get what you're looking for out there today.

May the force be with you!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. We all have so much to be thankful for. I know I count my blesssings every day.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and good food. If you're travelling, stay safe.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

5 Siren Stone Review for Out of Shadows

Out of Shadows just received a 5 Siren Stone Review from Siren Stone Reviews. Here's a snippet of what reviewer, Nikki, had to say.


"Absolutely enchanting. Out of Shadows is haunting, chilling and erotic. The story has a little bit of everything: romance, mystery, intrigue, paranormal, and urban legend. N. J. Walters created a masterful tale that will surely please readers.

Between the scorching hot love scenes that stole my breath, and the intriguing story line, once I began reading I did not stop until the end."

~Nikki, Siren Book Reviews

Read the entire review at Siren Book Reviews

Knitting, Crocheting and Embroidery, Oh My!

It's the time of year when there are a ton of Christmas Craft Fairs and sales all over the place. I love them. I'm always amazed by how many truly talented people there are out there in the world. I love looking at all the knitted goods, the pottery, stained glass, dyed scarves, paintings, etc...

I knit a couple sweaters, fifteen years ago or more and even a pair of socks, but I really don't enjoy knitting. I can't just relax and enjoy it. I have to count every single stitch and no one can talk to me when I'm working. No fun at all.

I used to do a lot of crocheting when I was in my teens and early twenties. I made doilies, christmas decorations, snowmen and more. Heck, I even made a smurf. Hey, it was the eighties. lol Haven't done a project in about twenty years. It's one of those things...you get busy with life and hobbies take a backseat to a lot of things.

One of my goals for the new year is to take up one of my old hobbies. Maybe embroidery or rug hooking or crocheting or... I'm sure one of those will peak my interest. Or maybe I'll find something completely new to try.

What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy?

Technology

I love technology...except when I hate it. lol

Our main computer has been giving me problems the past few days. It will let me do some things, but shut down other operations. Did a complete virus scan but got nothing. Now this computer has been doing wonky things for a while now. Looks like we might have to break down and buy a new one, which is a drag just before Christmas.

Thankfully it's not the computer I write on (which is not hooked up to the internet). This is the computer hubby mostly works on and I use when I'm on the internet, answering mail, trolling my yahoo groups, etc.

Don't know how soon we'll buy one. For now, I'm using hubby's netbook to answer email.

Ah, the joys of technology.

Have a great weekend.

Looking for a New Series?

It seems most books I read these days are part of a series. And I really don't mind. I love series. I enjoy going back and spending time with the same characters or secondary characters. Here's five great series I've been reading lately.

1. Nahlini Singh's Guild Hunter Series. This is one fabulous series. It has a kick-ass heroine and an otherworldly hero who ends up being changed by her. I can't wait for the next book! Check out Book One: Angels' Blood.

2. Nancy Gideon's Moonlight Series is a paranormal trilogy with a difference. The hero has a tortured past and you're never really sure if he's one of the good guys. Be sure to check out Masked by Moonlight, Chased by Moonlight and Captured by Moonlight. I hope there will be more books about Max and Charlotte.

3. Eve Silver's Sins Series is one I definitely enjoyed. You have brothers--soul reapers, sons of the Underworld god of chaos and evil. They're trying to find out who killed their brother. They're not looking for love, but it finds them anyway. I'm praying Ms. Silver will have another book in this series! Check out Sins of the Heart, Sins of the Soul and Sins of the Flesh.

4. Okay, so I'm a J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood junkie. I love this series. I resisted reading the first book for a while because the blurb didn't do it for me. But I heard such good things about it I finally read it. I was hooked. Thankfully book two was already out at the time and book three was close on the way. Since then, I've awaited each book with anticipation. Ward does not flinch at changing things up and taking the hard road in this series. Try Dark Lover (book one) and you'll be hooked.

5. Water Bound, the first book in Christine Feehan's Sisters of the Heart Series is my favorite book of 2010. It has an incredible heroine in Rikki. She is a woman who has risen above tragedy and personal limitations to carve out a life for herself. Lev is a tortured soul looking to save himself and finally live. These two flawed characters come together and create something special.

I'm a huge fan of Feehan's Drake Sisters series. This new series is an off-shoot of that one. I can't wait for book two!

What series have you been reading lately?

Sparkles, Sparkles Everywhere

Even as I type this blog post I can see sparkles on the wrist pad just below the keyboard. Where did they come from? Nothing kinky I assure you. *g* It's that time of year again...Christmas cards!

That's right. I spent yesterday afternoon addressing envelopes and writing cards to friends and family. This years cards have wonderful old-fashioned scenes on them and lots and lots of sparkles. Hey, I didn't pick them out on my own. Hubby had a hand in them.

I tried to be careful, writing the cards in one area. I cleaned up afterwards, using a damp papertowel to wipe down furniture and such. But to no avail. I will be sparkling for weeks to come.

And you know what? I don't really mind. *g* The holidays are coming and I'm looking forward to them. The craziness aside, I love decorating, baking, watching holiday movies, listening to the music, and generally having fun with it.

So here's to the next few weeks. May they sparkle for you as much as they will for me.

It Has Begun...

Okay, so hubby and I usually get up early on Saturday morning and head out for breakfast before we hit WalMart and a few other stores and run errands. It's nice and quiet and there are no crowds.

That all changed this morning! It's as though the Remembrance Day/Veteran's Day holiday sent out a silent signal to people reminding them that there are only six weeks until Christmas. The parking lots were packed by a little past ten o'clock. I have to admit I wasn't really expecting it to hit until next weekend. I hate crowds so hubby and I were on our way home by eleven.

I figure most of my holiday shopping will be done on a weekday...early. lol

I've got a few things picked up already, but best of all I have my list. We don't buy a lot in my family. Keeps us all sane this time of year. I've already put the holiday CDs in the car. I find it relaxes me in traffic.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

November 11th marks Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day or Veterans Day. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. It began after the First World War (or the Great War as it was called).

It is observed on the 11th of November to honor the end of WW1 in 1918. All major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918.

So take a moment at eleven o'clock on November 11th to remember all those who have given their lives for their country. For those still embroiled in the coils of war in the name of freedom and honor.

LEST WE FORGET...

One Hour Makes Such a Difference

You wouldn't think that one simple hour would make a big difference in our lives one way or another. But apparently it does. Modern Daylight Savings Time was first adopted during the first world war as a way to conserve fuel.

The aim of DST was to save energy, reduce car accidents, allow for my retail shopping time and increase the amount of sunlight in the afternoons so people could enjoy their leisure time. Did it work? There are mixed views on that. Some say that accidents decrease (although not significantly) during DST. Others have shown that the first Monday after DST is a prime time for serious work related injuries. It seems that one hour does matter to our sleep cycles.

In the electronic age we live in it has the potential to really mess things up. It causes havoc with flights and other time-related activities. And then there are all those clocks to turn back. Most of us will have to break out a manuel or two to figure out how to change the clocks on some of our electronic gadgets.

Love it or hate it Daylight Savings Time seems to be here to stay. I hope you remembered to set your clock back this weekend.

Read more about DST on Wikipedia.

Embracing Silence Up for RT Award!

I just found out that my Ellora's Cave book Embracing Silence has been nominated for a 2010 RT Reviewer's Choice Award in the Small Press Erotic Romance/Fiction category. I'm absolutely thrilled.

Check out all the nominees at RT Book Reviews.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot....


Guy Fawkes Night is a commemoration of the failing of The Gunpowder Treason in England on November 5, 1605. At the time it had huge political and religious implications. Nowadays it's better known as Bonfire Night. Folks have huge community bonfires. Many people probably have no idea of the origin of the day. It's just an excuse to get together and have a great big bonfire and some fun.

Most countries don't celebrate the day, but there are pockets around the world, primarily in England, Australia and Canada where there will be community bonfires tonight. Stay safe and have fun!

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night

And so a new book begins...sort of. Anyone who knows the Peanut comics knows that Snoopy is trying to write the next Great American Novel. Now, I'm not trying to do that. I just want to write the best romance novel I can, one word at a time.

But you can learn a lot from Snoopy. Check out Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life. It's a wonderful book on writing. It's funny, informative and puts life in perspective. Thirty famous writers give advice and tips in this book--Ray Bradbury, Danielle Steel and Sue Grafton to name a few.

Wake me up on Friday...

You ever have one of those weeks where you can't seem to get much done. That's me this week. I seem to be spending most of my time doing office work rather than writing. Maybe I'll take a nap. :)

November Newsletter Now Available!

The November issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters— is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, my husband’s popular column—Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband, exciting contest news, this month’s Author Interview with Taylor Tryst, and more.

As well, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

Happy Hallowe'en and Happy Samhain

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN AND HAPPY SAMHAIN!

Tonight is the night that children around the world will dress up in costumes and go door to door trick or treating. Little ghosts and goblins, superheroes and witches will line the streets of most towns collecting as much candy as possible. I did it as a child and it was wonderful fun.

BUT...

It's also a holiday that is celebrated by pagans and wiccans around the world. It is also known as Samhain. Roughly translated it means summer's end and marks the end of the final harvest of the year. It signifies the end of the lighter days of the year and hearlds the darker ones to come.

The custom of wearing costumes was an attempt to copy or placate the gods. To pay tribute to them. And pumpkin carving...well, it was originally turnips that were carved with scary faces and lit with candles in an attempt to drive away evil spirits.

It is the day of the year when many believe the veil is thinnest between the world of the living and the land of the dead. Many pay homage to their relatives who have passed over. It is a day of introspection, divination and celebration.

No matter how you celebrate the day, I hope you have a fun and safe holiday.

Holiday Weekend

I hope you're all enjoying the holiday weekend. You're never too old or too young to dress up and have some fun. :)

Guest Blogging at LASR!

To cap off my mini blog tour this week, I'm over at LASR Whipped Cream Blog today talking about magick, Hallowe'en and my latest Samhain Publishing book--A Touch of Magick .

Drop by and check it out!

Featured at Midnight Moon Cafe today

My newest Samhain Pubishing release--A Touch of Magick--is being featured today over at the Midnight Moon Cafe. Drop by and leave a comment and you just might win a download copy.

A Very Special Day!

Today is a very special day for several reasons. First, and foremost, is the fact that this is my 6th anniversary as a published author. Annabelle Lee, my very first book, was released from Ellora's Cave on October 27, 2004. I was so excited and scared to death at the same time. Little did I know then that I'd have 38 books published by them six years later.

I've also expanded my career. If you include my latest book from Samhain Publishing--A Touch of Magick--which was released yesterday, I now have 48 books and stories published. (Number 50 has already been contracted, which completely boggles my mind considering only two of those books--Discovering Dani and The Way Home were written when I embarked on this career.)

Boy, has my life changed in those years. Six years ago, I'd never even heard of online chat groups, I'd never blogged, never had a website. Today, I have a blog, website, chat constantly, am on FaceBook and update my own website. Technology still baffles and bewilders me but I have learned enough to get by.

I love writing. There's no other way to put it. I can sit at my computer and lose myself in the words, characters and story. It's only when I stop that I realize several hours have gone by and I'm stiff from sitting for so long. Creating something from nothing is an incredible feeling. I wouldn't want to do anything else.

I want to thank all the readers out there for allowing this to become my reality. Your unwavering support has meant so much to me all these years. As I've grown as a writer, you've stayed with me. When I want to try a different genre, you give it a chance. That means the world to me.

So, here's to the next six years and beyond. I've got so much more I want to do. I'll never stop writing. I hope you never get tired of reading.

Oh, and the other reason today is special...I just found out that Alexandra's Legacy is a finalist in the 2011 EPIC Awards for best paranormal romance! Woohoo!

Samhellion Halloween Scavenger Hunt

I'm part of the second round of The Samhellion Blog Halloween Scavenger Hunt. There are tons of prizes to be won, including a download copy of my latest book--A Touch of Magick.

Be sure to check it out today...Time is short!

Guest Blogging--Among the Muses!

I'm thrilled to be celebrating my release day over at Among the Muses. I'm talking about magick and my new release--A Touch of Magick from Samhain Publishing.

Stop by and check it out. Leave a comment and you might win a copy of the book, compliments of Tanya and Among the Muses!

A Touch of Magick NOW Available!

A Touch of Magick is now available from Samhain Publishing! I'm so excited about this first book in the Spells, Secrets and Seductions trilogy.

BLURB: A TOUCH OF MAGICK

If you go casting love spells, be careful what you wish for.

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 1

Rhiannon Sparks admits she’s not a very good witch—she can’t even light a candle without a match—but she keeps trying. At least her talent for business has made her magick shop a huge success. Now if only there was even the faintest flicker in her nonexistent love life.

During a night of eating and drinking, she and her girlfriends cast a candle-magick spell for hot sex. All in good fun, of course. Except Rhiannon accidentally mixes up the words. Instead of a lover, she asks for true love.

Deputy Ryland Stone’s past keeps him firmly rooted in reality. Then he meets Rhiannon and sparks literally fly. One date leads to another, and then they’re practically setting the bedroom on fire…until she reveals the deal breaker.

Though love and magick have found Rhiannon at last, getting a handle on her newly unleashed power is the least of her problems. Unless Ryland accepts that magick exists, he will never accept her for who and what she is.

Product Warnings:
This book contains a simple candle-magick spell, which you use at your own risk, a disastrous date, phone sex, and enough sizzle to practically set the sheets on fire.

Buy the Book

Chill Me, Thrill Me

I'm part of author Denise Agnew's Chill Me, Thrill Me blog in celebration of the month of October and the upcoming Halloween holiday.

Today, I'm chatting about my Ellora's Cave release, Out of Shadows. Drop by Denise Agnew's Blog, leave a comment, and you just might win a download copy of the book!

Monday, Monday

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

For me it's not coffee, it's peppermint tea that starts my day off right. I have a mug of tea sitting next to me as I type this.

*

The mornings are so dark now, such a contrast from a couple of months ago when the sun would be shining at half past five. As I sat eating breakfast at the kitchen table this morning, I could see the moon shining bright in the sky. It's just past full and starting to wane, but beautiful to see.

*

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Saturday I didn't do much beyond the ordinary--chores, shopping, paperwork, some edits, reading, television...

*

Sunday I did a workshop on felting at a local arts college. It was fun to spend the afternoon playing with fabrics and hanging out with ten other women.

*

Now it's Monday and back to work. Have a cup of coffee, or tea if that is your preference, and have a great day!

Week in Review

It's been a busy, but productive week so far. I finished the rough draft of my WIP (work in progress). Now I have to start the first rewrite and turn it into an actual book. I know I have to throw out the first chapter and rewrite that. I was lying in bed the other night when I had an idea for a much better opening. I'm hoping to have this book off to my first reader (aka hubby) by the end of the month. Then it's on to the next!

Hubby and I went to a local Christmas Craft Fair yesterday. It's the first one of the season. I love it. There are always so many amazing local booksellers, craftspeople and artisans who display their work. Then there is the homemade fudge. lol We had to try some double chocolate, Amaretto, Bailey's and cookie dough. OMG It was all so good. We pulled out a Christmas CD and listened to it in the car on the drive over and back. I'm such a kid at heart.

I hope you all had a great week and are ready for the weekend!

Spirit Day--Wear Purple!

"The public is invited to wear anything purple today for "Spirit Day," in honor of the six gay people who committed suicide in recent months due to harassment about their sexual orientation."

Read More

I don't usually put my own political/spiritual views on this blog. But this is different. The recent events in the world have made it necessary to speak out to stop the senseless bullying that is causing children to commit suicide.

I've never understood the concept of bullying--puting someone else down so you can fell better. Because, in fact, the bully doesn't feel better. Their problems still exist and they still suffer from lack of self-esteem. People are afraid of what they fear. That's the whole idea behind prejudice of any kind and it needs to stop.

It's so sad in this day and age that people are still being bullied about their sexuality, weight, ethnicity, religion or just for being different. I've never understood why we all can't just get along. We have much more in common than we have different, but it's the differences that make life interesting.

I'll be wearing purple today. Will you?

Samhellion Spook-a-palooza

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Don't you just love this time of year. So many contests to enter and prizes to be won. The Samhellion is giving away a ton of ebooks and a Kindle reader as well.
*

I'll be involved in a mini scavenger hunt later in the month. But, right now, go to the Samhellion Spook-a-palooza and play for your chance to win!

Author Belva Plain has Passed

Author Belva Plain has passed away at the age of 95.

"Plain, known for epic novels of family and forgiveness, never owned a computer and wrote in longhand on a yellow pad. She had written short fiction for women's magazines but didn't start writing novels until after she became a grandmother."

Read More Here

What an inspiration. She never wrote her first book until she was a grandmother. Proving it's never to late to go after your dreams. I can't imagine writing all those book longhand on a yellow pad, but she did. We're so spoiled now with computers and how easy it is to write and edit.

Belva Plain will be missed by her legion of fans around the world.

Great Review for Out of Shadows!

Out of Shadows has received a fantastic 4.25/5 review from Book Binge.

Here's a snippet of what guest reviewer, Judith, has to say:

"Walters has created a story that is full of darkness battling with light, scarey mystical horses and riders, warriors that melt into the shadows and who fight to the death...It is well written and researched, full of action and suspense, dark and mysterious on the one hand and loving and light-filled on the other...So for readers who love legend and myth, who like mysterious ghostly apparitions and things that go "bump" in the night, this is a great novella for you. It is also filled with erotic romance and the possibilities that only love can grant. Lots to like here, my friends. Please don't miss it."

Read Entire Review

Contests Reminder!

There's still plenty of time for you to win in the Halloween Book Giveaway! I'm giving away two print books and a download. That means there will be three lucky winners. First drawing is later today. The next will be on October 28th.

Just go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.


Want a chance to win some fabulous prizes?
*

Once again this year, I'm part of the Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt. There are tons of prizes to be won, including a download from my backlist.
*

Be sure to check it out!

Holiday Pictures!

Hubby and I went out to the park on Thanksgiving Day Monday and took some great pictures. The second one shows the remains of one of the older trees that came down in the hurricane a few weeks ago.

Howl at the Moon--Guest Blog

Howl at the Moon!

I'm over at The Romance Studio Blog today talking about werewolves--romance novels that feature them--and why we love them. Stop by and check it out.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

*

*

*

*

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all the Canadians out there. Have a fabulous day filled with great food, wonderful friends and family, and tons of fun.

*

It's a day to be thankful for what you have. I know I'm incredibly thankful for my life, my husband and family and friends. I have a roof over my head, food on the table and my health. It doesn't get much better than that.

*

May you and your family be blessed today and during the coming year!

*

Love old antique postcards, especially those with pumpkins. I actually own the one below. I have a bunch of them framed and hanging on the wall in my hallways. Great, unique artwork. :)