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

Labor Day Monday!

Happy Labor Day!

I hope that most of you are enjoying the last weekend of summer. Fall is in the air and the kids will soon all be back to school.

I've spent a lot of today working actually. LOL There are actually no days off for writers. There is always something to be done. I find it easier to do so much work every day then to take days off when I am in the middle of working on a book. When I finish a book, I like to take a few days off before I start a new one. But even then there are a hundred and one little things that need doing.

Speaking of which...Thank you to everyone who entered my Drakon's Treasure Sneak Peek Contest. The winner was drawn from all correct entries received and the winner was Maithe. Congratulations, Maithe! DRAKON'S TREASURE will be releasing in just 2 more days and will be available from Ellora's Cave Publishing (http://www.ellorascave.com).

I'm also hoping to make some changes to my website over the next while. Notice I say "I" but what I really mean is my husband will be making some changes. LOL HTML code is beyond me. My husband has no computer training at all, but he loves to tinker. He's already made me some fabulous new buttons for my website. He's also the one who makes sure my website is updated on a constant basis. I just tell him what I want. How lucky am I! :-)

That's it for today. I hope you all enjoy your holiday Monday!

NJ

Last Weekend of Summer!

Well , the summer has finally come to an end and the page of the calendar has been turned. September is here and with it comes the cooler days of fall. But this is a long weekend. A kind of unofficial last weekend of summer. Hubby and I spent a wonderful, quiet Saturday.


We went to the mall and wandered the stores. Hubby bought a new pair of jeans and I treated myself to the new J.R. Ward book, Lover Awakened. I can't wait to start it. She's one of my favorite new writers. If you love vampire fiction check out her Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

After lunch in the food court, we took ourselves off to a Saturday afternoon movie. Crunching out M&M's, we saw a few good trailers and then settled back for the movie.

The Illusiionist with Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel was the perfect Saturday afternoon movie. I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Dark and moody, it is an intelligent script, acted by brilliant actors. The perfomances are subtle, the romance heart-breaking, the illusions sublime.

If the summer has to end, then this is a great way to say goodbye to the hot days and welcome in the crisp air of autumn. And the weekend is just beginning.

Hope you all enjoy it.

NJ