Welcome to Monday!
Last week was an exciting one. Getting a release date for Beyond Shadows means I have two e-books (Beyond Shadows from Ellora's Cave and By the Book by Samhain Publishing) and one print book (The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke) due out in November. It's going to be an exciting month.
I'm working on putting the finishing touches on my October newsletter, which is due out on Wednesday. Still no column from hubby, but he ususally waits until the last minute to write it.
I'm also still keeping up with my new exercise program. I'm managing to get in at least 5 forty-minute walks and I did my half-hour yoga tape five days last week. I'm just hoping I can keep it up.
I plan to weigh myself on October 1st. I promised myself I'd only check my weight once a month so I didn't drive myself crazy. No matter what the scales say, I figure all the walking and exercising has to be doing me some good.
Hope you all have a wonderful week!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Banned Book Week
September 27 to October 4, 2008 is Banned Book Week.
What is Banned Book Week?
Taken from the Banned Book Week Organization Website:
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read!
"Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore the latest problems to classic and beloved works of American literature."
Check out more information at http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/
Why is Banned Book Week important?
Intellectual freedom must be maintained as a basic human right. No one should have the right to tell someone else what they can and cannot read. That is a right every adult should have. Parents have the right to make those choices for their children without someone else telling them it is wrong. It is a personal choice.
Here's a small sampling of some of books that have been challenged and/or banned:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
And the list goes on and on and on.
While I may not want to read every book on the challenged or banned lists, I want the right to be able to do so. That means these books need to be available in libraries around the country and the world.
Show your support for Banned Book Week by picking up a book that has been challenged or banned and reading it. It's your right.
What is Banned Book Week?
Taken from the Banned Book Week Organization Website:
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read!
"Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore the latest problems to classic and beloved works of American literature."
Check out more information at http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/
Why is Banned Book Week important?
Intellectual freedom must be maintained as a basic human right. No one should have the right to tell someone else what they can and cannot read. That is a right every adult should have. Parents have the right to make those choices for their children without someone else telling them it is wrong. It is a personal choice.
Here's a small sampling of some of books that have been challenged and/or banned:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
And the list goes on and on and on.
While I may not want to read every book on the challenged or banned lists, I want the right to be able to do so. That means these books need to be available in libraries around the country and the world.
Show your support for Banned Book Week by picking up a book that has been challenged or banned and reading it. It's your right.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Book-A-Day Giveaway!
Saturday, September 27th, I'm participating in The Romance Studio's Book-a-Day Giveaway.
If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of Jackson’s Jewel check it out and enter!
If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of Jackson’s Jewel check it out and enter!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
New Release Date!
Woohoo!
I so excited. I just got a release date for my new Ellora's Cave release. BEYOND SHADOWS will be released on November 21st.
This paranormal book is a follow up to the short story "Shadows Stir" that is in the Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis IV Anthology.
No cover yet, but I'll let you know when I have one.
I so excited. I just got a release date for my new Ellora's Cave release. BEYOND SHADOWS will be released on November 21st.
This paranormal book is a follow up to the short story "Shadows Stir" that is in the Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis IV Anthology.
No cover yet, but I'll let you know when I have one.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Welcome To Autumn
Welcome to Autumn!Fall is actually my favorite time of year. I love the crisp, sunny days and the way the leaves turn color. Then there is Thanksgiving and Halloween--two wonderful holidays!
I'm not fond of the fact that it means winter is almost here, but I enjoy autumn for what it is--a time of change, endings and new beginnings.
On this first day of fall, I can say that I'm still on track with my program to get more exercise and try and find some balance in my life. It's not easy, but I'm hanging in there. I went for about five long walks last week and got in four days with my yoga workout tape. Not too bad. Now if I could only cut back on the junk food...
This week's challenge will be to keep it up. Weeks 1 & 2 were filled with excitement and hope, but by week three that is tapering off and it's harder to keep on exercising. But I'm determined.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Guest Blogging and Contest Winner!
I'm Guest blogging over at the new home of romance authors Ciana Stone and Sally Painter. Check out Bring the Fun Back over at Romance Vixens today!
Thanks to all of you who commented on my tag lines and made suggestions of your own. I really appreciate it. I'm not quite certain what I'm doing about my tag line yet, but you've given me plenty to think about!
I put all the names of those who commented in a prize bowl and drew out one lucky name at random.
The winner of the print copy of ENTICEMENTS, my latest Ellora's Cave print book, is Joy Roett. Congratulations, Joy. Please email me at with your snailmail addy and I'll send you your prize.
Thanks again to everyone who participated!
Thanks to all of you who commented on my tag lines and made suggestions of your own. I really appreciate it. I'm not quite certain what I'm doing about my tag line yet, but you've given me plenty to think about!
I put all the names of those who commented in a prize bowl and drew out one lucky name at random.
The winner of the print copy of ENTICEMENTS, my latest Ellora's Cave print book, is Joy Roett. Congratulations, Joy. Please email me at with your snailmail addy and I'll send you your prize.
Thanks again to everyone who participated!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tagline Contest!
Do you want a chance to win a copy of my newest print book, Enticements?
This two-book anthology contains Capturing Carly and Craving Candy, books 3 & 4 of the Awakening Desires series now available in e-book from Ellora's Cave.
All you have to do to have a chance to win is comment on this blog post.
What's it all about--taglines. Those little lines that writers have after their name to help readers identify with their work.
There are some wonderful ones out there like: Get into bed with Delilah Devlin...everyone else has. OR Where there's fire, there's Ash (Ashlyn Chase)
Some authors use their names in their tagline, while others are just downright creative.
I've used:
Awaken your desires with N.J. Walters
Awaken your desires...
and
Emotional, Sensual, Satisfying Reads!
Do you like any of these? Can you come up with something you think better describes my books?
Give it a try. No matter if I keep one of my old taglines or use one of the ones suggested, I'll be giving away that print copy of ENTICMENTS. I'll be leaving this contest open for a few days to give folks a chance to enter. I'll announce the winner something this weekend.
Good luck and thanks for the input.
*YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO ENTER*
This two-book anthology contains Capturing Carly and Craving Candy, books 3 & 4 of the Awakening Desires series now available in e-book from Ellora's Cave.
All you have to do to have a chance to win is comment on this blog post.
What's it all about--taglines. Those little lines that writers have after their name to help readers identify with their work.
There are some wonderful ones out there like: Get into bed with Delilah Devlin...everyone else has. OR Where there's fire, there's Ash (Ashlyn Chase)
Some authors use their names in their tagline, while others are just downright creative.
I've used:
Awaken your desires with N.J. Walters
Awaken your desires...
and
Emotional, Sensual, Satisfying Reads!
Do you like any of these? Can you come up with something you think better describes my books?
Give it a try. No matter if I keep one of my old taglines or use one of the ones suggested, I'll be giving away that print copy of ENTICMENTS. I'll be leaving this contest open for a few days to give folks a chance to enter. I'll announce the winner something this weekend.
Good luck and thanks for the input.
*YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO ENTER*
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Dreams of the Oasis IV--on sale this week!
Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis IV, which contains my short story, Shadows Stir, is on sale this week in print from Ellora's Cave. I actually just finished a round of edits on the follow-up book to Shadows Stir--Beyond Shadows. Hopefully I'll have a release date for Beyond Shadows in the near future.
*
If you haven't read this wonderful anthology, now is your chance.
*
Shadows Stir
N.J. Walters
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Warriors of the Shadow Realm are facing their own demise, so the Shadow Lord sends one of his Ryders into the world to protect a woman who might hold the key to their very survival. Gideon finds more than someone to protect. He finds a woman to love.
N.J. Walters
*
Warriors of the Shadow Realm are facing their own demise, so the Shadow Lord sends one of his Ryders into the world to protect a woman who might hold the key to their very survival. Gideon finds more than someone to protect. He finds a woman to love.
*
Jo Harris is a woman on a mission to find her missing sister and she’ll do whatever it takes. She encounters a mysterious stranger who becomes both protector and lover. But will their love be enough to save them both from the encroaching shadows?
Jo Harris is a woman on a mission to find her missing sister and she’ll do whatever it takes. She encounters a mysterious stranger who becomes both protector and lover. But will their love be enough to save them both from the encroaching shadows?
Monday, September 15, 2008
A New Beginning--Update
So last Monday I said I was making a new beginning to bring some much needed balance to my life. That, of course, also included exercise.
Can we say sore. LOL
Last Tuesday and Wednesday every part of me hurt. My poor body was screaming at me, asking what the heck I thought I was doing. Thursday and Friday weren't much better, but I am determined. Being healthy and balanced is the goal.
So far exercise is the main thing I've managed to change but there have been a few other smaller changes.
One of these smaller, but significant, changes is the fact that I'm in the midst of editing a manuscript and not working on it every waking hour. Usually I dive in and drive myself until the book is edited. Not this time. This time I actually did a bit of work on it on Sunday, but didn't really start it until this morning. Today, I paced myself, taking breaks and finally stopping work just before hubby got home.
And I'm not working on it tonight. I figure it will still be there tomorrow.
That's a huge change for me, but a much healthier attitude. I'm trying to take a new view of my writing career. But that's a subject for another day.
Hope you had a fabulous Monday!
Can we say sore. LOL
Last Tuesday and Wednesday every part of me hurt. My poor body was screaming at me, asking what the heck I thought I was doing. Thursday and Friday weren't much better, but I am determined. Being healthy and balanced is the goal.
So far exercise is the main thing I've managed to change but there have been a few other smaller changes.
One of these smaller, but significant, changes is the fact that I'm in the midst of editing a manuscript and not working on it every waking hour. Usually I dive in and drive myself until the book is edited. Not this time. This time I actually did a bit of work on it on Sunday, but didn't really start it until this morning. Today, I paced myself, taking breaks and finally stopping work just before hubby got home.
And I'm not working on it tonight. I figure it will still be there tomorrow.
That's a huge change for me, but a much healthier attitude. I'm trying to take a new view of my writing career. But that's a subject for another day.
Hope you had a fabulous Monday!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Jackson's Jewel gets an "A"
I'm thrilled that Simply Romance Reviews has given Jackson’s Jewel a Grade "A".
*
Here's a snippet of what the reviewer, Christine, had to say:
*
"Jackson's Jewel was a fabulous read....The story never faltered, the tension was always on the rise, and the romance and sexual relationship between Jackson and Emerald compelling. Definitely a series to read."
*
To read the rest of the review, go to Simply Romance Reviews
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hurricane Ike
To all of you in the path of Hurricane Ike, please stay safe.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A Day In The Life of a Writer
Want to know more about the life of a writer?
Check out my guest blog over at The Romance Studio Blog.
Check out my guest blog over at The Romance Studio Blog.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Second Anniversary
Hubby and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary back in August.
But there is a second anniversary that we celebrate. It marks the day we offically started dating, which was only a week after we met. This September 10th marks 25 years together. It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by so quickly.
Like all couples, we've had our ups and downs. We've laughed and cried. We've taken steps forward and back. But I wouldn't change any of it.
I'm looking forward to the next 25 years. :-)
But there is a second anniversary that we celebrate. It marks the day we offically started dating, which was only a week after we met. This September 10th marks 25 years together. It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by so quickly.
Like all couples, we've had our ups and downs. We've laughed and cried. We've taken steps forward and back. But I wouldn't change any of it.
I'm looking forward to the next 25 years. :-)
Monday, September 08, 2008
A New Beginning
I've talked from time to time about trying to find balance in my life. It's something that I think most of us struggle with in this busy world we live in. There are so many demands on our time from work to family to children and spouses to community involvement...it's neverending.
It's easy to let things like exercise, eating right and general happiness slip to the wayside in the business of living. We all do it. I know I have.
Since I started working from home as a full-time writer three years ago I've definitely let a lot of my good habits slide. When you work from home it's easy to always be working. Or when I'm not working, I feel guilty about it.
Sitting in a desk chair for so many hours a day has had a predictable result--an extra 10 pounds and a lot less flexability.
So, I've begun to change that.
The plan is to incorporate my yoga DVDs into my life once again, along with some light weights and your ususal ab exercises and push ups. Besides that, I'm hoping to get out walking more. I used to walk a lot, but haven't done much of that lately.
Then there's food. I love to eat. LOL And that won't change. I won't cut things out of my diet because that's just not sustainable. What I can do is downsize portions and cut back on how many times a week I have dessert. I'm lucky that fried foods are not my weakness. It's sweets and chocolate...especially chocolate.
I'm not so concerned about what the scale says as I am about feeling healthy again. I don't want to wait until I have a health crisis to make myself change.
So here's to new beginnings.
Wish me luck!
It's easy to let things like exercise, eating right and general happiness slip to the wayside in the business of living. We all do it. I know I have.
Since I started working from home as a full-time writer three years ago I've definitely let a lot of my good habits slide. When you work from home it's easy to always be working. Or when I'm not working, I feel guilty about it.
Sitting in a desk chair for so many hours a day has had a predictable result--an extra 10 pounds and a lot less flexability.
So, I've begun to change that.
The plan is to incorporate my yoga DVDs into my life once again, along with some light weights and your ususal ab exercises and push ups. Besides that, I'm hoping to get out walking more. I used to walk a lot, but haven't done much of that lately.
Then there's food. I love to eat. LOL And that won't change. I won't cut things out of my diet because that's just not sustainable. What I can do is downsize portions and cut back on how many times a week I have dessert. I'm lucky that fried foods are not my weakness. It's sweets and chocolate...especially chocolate.
I'm not so concerned about what the scale says as I am about feeling healthy again. I don't want to wait until I have a health crisis to make myself change.
So here's to new beginnings.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Week in Review
The thing about being a writer is that you never know what's going to happen in any given week. It's exciting, fun, and sometimes frustrating. But it's never boring.
In the past week, I put out my September newsletter, with a great interview with author Denise Agnew. I did some promo work, finalized details for an ad in the December issue of RT magazine, and started planning my promotional materials for next year's Romantic Times convention.
I also finished my latest WIP, a sequel to my novella Amethyst Moon. I'm crossing my fingers that my editor will like it.
Then there was the new cover for my upcoming Samhain Publishing release--By The Book. It's awesome!
Because it was the beginning of the month and I had a newsletter releasing and a new book cover, I had to do some major updates on my website. I'm not a very techno-savvy person, but I can cut and paste with the best of them. LOL That and fill in the blanks.
Besides that, there was normal living. Dust had to be beaten back, floors vaccumed, bathroom cleaned, dishes washed, and errands run. Hubby does the laundry and we share the groceries and cooking, so that's okay.
My sister was here for an overnight stay as well. My oven died the night before she arrived and it was gone for two days before the repair guy actually showed up. That meant I had to wait around the house all day Thursday and Friday. Thankfully, he showed up around 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and it was an easy repair. I have an oven for the weekend! Woohoo!
That's this week in a nutshell. I wonder what will happen this coming week?
What was your week like?
In the past week, I put out my September newsletter, with a great interview with author Denise Agnew. I did some promo work, finalized details for an ad in the December issue of RT magazine, and started planning my promotional materials for next year's Romantic Times convention.
I also finished my latest WIP, a sequel to my novella Amethyst Moon. I'm crossing my fingers that my editor will like it.
Then there was the new cover for my upcoming Samhain Publishing release--By The Book. It's awesome!
Because it was the beginning of the month and I had a newsletter releasing and a new book cover, I had to do some major updates on my website. I'm not a very techno-savvy person, but I can cut and paste with the best of them. LOL That and fill in the blanks.
Besides that, there was normal living. Dust had to be beaten back, floors vaccumed, bathroom cleaned, dishes washed, and errands run. Hubby does the laundry and we share the groceries and cooking, so that's okay.
My sister was here for an overnight stay as well. My oven died the night before she arrived and it was gone for two days before the repair guy actually showed up. That meant I had to wait around the house all day Thursday and Friday. Thankfully, he showed up around 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and it was an easy repair. I have an oven for the weekend! Woohoo!
That's this week in a nutshell. I wonder what will happen this coming week?
What was your week like?
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
New Cover!
It's up on the Samhain Coming Soon Page!
BY THE BOOK, the 6th book in the Jamesville series, has a cover! Isn't it gorgeous!
BY THE BOOK will be released from Samahain Publishing on November 25th.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Vote for A Legal Affair Today!
A Legal Affair is in the running for the favorite 5 Heart Sweetheart review for this past week. If you enjoyed A Legal Affair, please stop by The Romance Studio and vote for it today!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Awakening Desires Newsletter--September Issue Now Available
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!
The September 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented Denise Agnew.
As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. 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.
The September 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented Denise Agnew.
As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. 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.
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