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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.
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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?
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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.
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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!

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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.

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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.

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

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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. :)

Two New Contracts!

I've just signed two new contracts--one with Ellora's Cave Publishing and the other with Samhain Publishing!

Tracking Talia is a Quickie that is part of the Courage brothers of Texas series I'm writing for Ellora's Cave. The first two are Tempting Tori and Lassoing Lara. No release date yet.

Legacy Found is the third book in the Legacy werewolf series I'm writing for Samhain Publishing. This is James' book. His story was originally part of book one, Alexandra's Legacy, but I pulled it out as I felt it needed much more space than including it in the original book would allow. The ongoing war between werewolves, purists and paranormal bounty hunters continues in this one. It will be released sometime in 2011. I will let you know as soon as I get a release date.

Recommended Read for Out of Shadows!

Dark Diva Reviews has given Out of Shadows a 5 Diva and A Recommended Read!

Here is a snippet of what reviewer, Deb, had to say:

"Out of the Shadows drew me in like a moth to a flame. NJ Walters has made this series both intriguing and exciting...If you enjoy dark, sitting on the edge of your seat stories with passions that rob you of breathing, then pick up Out of the Shadows by NJ Walters. Get drawn into the shadows. NJ Walters is a delicious, intense author that every reader should enjoy slowly – taking in each and every heart melting scene of her stories."

Read Entire Review

Raven Scavenger Hunt!

Want a chance to win some fabulous prizes?

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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.

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Be sure to check it out!

Newsletter and Contest News!

The October 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 Rhian Cahill, 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.

CONTESTS!

It's October, my favorite time of year. To celebrate, I'm giving away TWO Print Books and ONE download . If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, go to my website and click on my "Contests" page for details.

I'm also a part of The Raven Scavenger Hunt again this year. As always, there are tons of prizes to be won.

Be sure to check out Kate Hill's Halloween Bash! There's a download of OUT OF SHADOWS is part of one of the prize packages being given away.

You can find links and details on the "Contests" page of my website.