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. :-)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Enticements Contest!
To celebrate the release of Enticements from Ellora’s Cave, I’m holding a contest.
I’ll be giving away a print copy of this two-book anthology, which contains Capturing Carly and Craving Candy, books 3 and 4 in the Awakening Desires Series.
To enter, just go to my website and click on the “contests” page for details. Winning name will be drawn on September 30th.
The first two books in the series, Katie’s Art of Seduction and Erin’s Fancy are also available in print!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Plots!
Over at one of the yahoo groups I belong to, some of the people were talking about plot. Specifically, the fact that some authors use the same plot over and over again.
Does this happen a lot?
Sure it does. But some readers actually like knowing what kind of book their going to get from an author. They've made their careers on a basic plot. It's the characters that keep the readers coming back.
Most authors try to mix up their plot lines to create something new every time. It's not always easy. And sometimes an author will set up "rules" (such as in my Tapestries series) and you have to work around them. That means that there are certain things you can and cannot do. Of course, as an author, you can always change some of the rules or find away around them. *g* That's part of the fun.
I think there are room for both kinds of books out there. There are several authors I could name that have been writing for several decades who have made their careers on one single plot. Does that stop readers from buying the books? No! Becuase readers are more concerned with the characters and how they get through their problem to reach their happily-ever-after.
What do you think?
Does this happen a lot?
Sure it does. But some readers actually like knowing what kind of book their going to get from an author. They've made their careers on a basic plot. It's the characters that keep the readers coming back.
Most authors try to mix up their plot lines to create something new every time. It's not always easy. And sometimes an author will set up "rules" (such as in my Tapestries series) and you have to work around them. That means that there are certain things you can and cannot do. Of course, as an author, you can always change some of the rules or find away around them. *g* That's part of the fun.
I think there are room for both kinds of books out there. There are several authors I could name that have been writing for several decades who have made their careers on one single plot. Does that stop readers from buying the books? No! Becuase readers are more concerned with the characters and how they get through their problem to reach their happily-ever-after.
What do you think?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Christian, the Lion
If you'd like something heartwarming to brighten your day, check out this video on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U
Monday, August 25, 2008
5 Stars for Jackson's Jewel
JERR (Just Erotic Romance Reviews) has given Jackson’s Jewel a 5 Star rating.
Here's a bit of what the reviewer, Mahaira Fatima, has to say:
"I love how Ms. Walters has interspersed suspenseful twists in the sensual tale. The meaty plot is emotion-packed,which is something I could easily sink my teeth into...It is lovely to sit down with a good book and simply the enjoy the characters but Ms. Walters has brought the story to life with her description of thescenery around Jackson’s farm and his passion about nature. I enjoyed this book so much that I went to find other books in the Awakening Desires series as soon as I finished the fifth installment. Awakening Desires 5: Jackson'sJewel is an excellent choice for an empty afternoon."
Here's a bit of what the reviewer, Mahaira Fatima, has to say:
"I love how Ms. Walters has interspersed suspenseful twists in the sensual tale. The meaty plot is emotion-packed,which is something I could easily sink my teeth into...It is lovely to sit down with a good book and simply the enjoy the characters but Ms. Walters has brought the story to life with her description of thescenery around Jackson’s farm and his passion about nature. I enjoyed this book so much that I went to find other books in the Awakening Desires series as soon as I finished the fifth installment. Awakening Desires 5: Jackson'sJewel is an excellent choice for an empty afternoon."
Friday, August 22, 2008
5 Hearts for A Legal Affair
The Romance Studio has just given A Legal Affair a 5 Heart Review.
“The love scenes are not for the tame of heart…If you enjoy a good modern romance that is full of sensuality and heat, you will not be disappointed with A Legal Affair.”
To read the entire review, go to The Romance Studio
Check out all my books on my website
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Something New!
Like most people, I tend to allow my life to get in a rut sometimes. We all do it. We go to the same stores and restaurants. Visit the same coffee shop at the same time each week. It's easy to do because we're all so busy and our lives so scheduled.
Part of my new pact with myself is to shake things up a bit.
Today hubby and I went to a new restaurant. The shameful thing is that we've had gift certificates for this place for almost a year. They were given to us by a friend for our anniversary last August, and have been languishing in my purse ever since.
The restaurant was small and privately owned...no big chain restaurant. Some of the walls were stone as the building is old. The atmosphere intimate, but fun and lively. The food--vegetarian fare--was delicious.
We had a wonderful time. And even better was the fact that it cost us the price of a tip. We'll probably go back again sometime in the future.
What have you done new lately?
Part of my new pact with myself is to shake things up a bit.
Today hubby and I went to a new restaurant. The shameful thing is that we've had gift certificates for this place for almost a year. They were given to us by a friend for our anniversary last August, and have been languishing in my purse ever since.
The restaurant was small and privately owned...no big chain restaurant. Some of the walls were stone as the building is old. The atmosphere intimate, but fun and lively. The food--vegetarian fare--was delicious.
We had a wonderful time. And even better was the fact that it cost us the price of a tip. We'll probably go back again sometime in the future.
What have you done new lately?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dalakis Embrace on Sale this week!
Dalakis Embrace is on sale this week at the Ellora's Cave/Jasmine Jade Print book website.
This book contains Harker’s Journey and Lucian’s Delight, books 1 and 2 of the Dalakis Passion Vampire series.
This week you can order this book for only $10.99. Be sure and check it out!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"There are some books that refuse to be written. They stand their ground year after year and will not be persuaded. It isn't because the book is not there and worth being written -- it is only because the right form of the story does not present itself. There is only one right form for a story and if you fail to find that form the story will not tell itself."
~Mark Twain
Every writer knows that sometimes you have to put an idea or a partial WIP aside and let it sit for a while. Even though you might want to write the book, the time just isn't right. When a book is meant to be written, the ideas flow. The actual writing may still be hard at times, but the author knows that they can get through that if it's time for the story to be told.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for a book is to step aside for a while and let it percolate a bit longer. :-)
~Mark Twain
Every writer knows that sometimes you have to put an idea or a partial WIP aside and let it sit for a while. Even though you might want to write the book, the time just isn't right. When a book is meant to be written, the ideas flow. The actual writing may still be hard at times, but the author knows that they can get through that if it's time for the story to be told.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for a book is to step aside for a while and let it percolate a bit longer. :-)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Value of Books
I was standing in the line-up at the local bookstore the other day waiting to pay for my purchase when I overheard a conversation.
Lady 1: Books are so expensive.
Lady 2: I know. Once you've read them what do you do with them? What good are they?
Needlesss to say, I was appalled. Why is it people hate paying approximately $8 to $12 for a regular sized paperback? They have no problem shelling out $2 to $3 for designer coffees and we all know what happens to them once you drink them.
They also have no problem shelling out $10 or more for a movie ticket. You do that for an hour and a half to two hours of entertainment in the movie theatre. When you add snacks and the fact that most people don't go to the movies alone, the cost sneaks even higher.
People will easily drop a $10 bill at a fast food restaurant. You'll be hungry again in a few hours. Yet most people don't complain about that. Maybe it's because food feeds the body.
Books feed more than the body, they feed the soul. They can entertain, inform, and take you places you've never been before. They can make you laugh, cry or sigh with pleasure. They can also take you away from your worrries and the stress of everyday living for a few hours.
Unlike a movie in a theate, a coffee, or a take-out order, when you're finished reading a book you still have it. It sits on the bookshelf, like an old friend, waiting to be read again. You can lend your favorite paperback to a friend. Even if you want to sell, donate or trash your paperback, (shudder) you've had an entertaining experience.
So in my humble opinion books are worth the cost. I've read thousands over the years, and although I haven't kept them all, I still have shelves jammed full of them. And you can be certain that some day this coming week, I'll be heading off the local bookstore to find a new one to add to the bookshelf.
Lady 1: Books are so expensive.
Lady 2: I know. Once you've read them what do you do with them? What good are they?
Needlesss to say, I was appalled. Why is it people hate paying approximately $8 to $12 for a regular sized paperback? They have no problem shelling out $2 to $3 for designer coffees and we all know what happens to them once you drink them.
They also have no problem shelling out $10 or more for a movie ticket. You do that for an hour and a half to two hours of entertainment in the movie theatre. When you add snacks and the fact that most people don't go to the movies alone, the cost sneaks even higher.
People will easily drop a $10 bill at a fast food restaurant. You'll be hungry again in a few hours. Yet most people don't complain about that. Maybe it's because food feeds the body.
Books feed more than the body, they feed the soul. They can entertain, inform, and take you places you've never been before. They can make you laugh, cry or sigh with pleasure. They can also take you away from your worrries and the stress of everyday living for a few hours.
Unlike a movie in a theate, a coffee, or a take-out order, when you're finished reading a book you still have it. It sits on the bookshelf, like an old friend, waiting to be read again. You can lend your favorite paperback to a friend. Even if you want to sell, donate or trash your paperback, (shudder) you've had an entertaining experience.
So in my humble opinion books are worth the cost. I've read thousands over the years, and although I haven't kept them all, I still have shelves jammed full of them. And you can be certain that some day this coming week, I'll be heading off the local bookstore to find a new one to add to the bookshelf.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lily Blossoms Available Today from Ellora's Cave
Lily Blossoms, Book 3 in the Summersville Secrets series is available today from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
Blurb:
“What do you say?” Carson, the man she’s lusted over for the past five years, is standing in her kitchen, offering himself up for research.
Lily isn’t convinced she hasn’t fallen asleep at her keyboard and is now having the most amazing dream. No one in the town of Summersville knows she writes erotic romance under a pseudonym. Everyone knows her as the quiet, conservative woman who owns and operates the local flower shop, Lily’s Blossoms. She’s rarely dated and certainly not a man eight years younger.
But Carson is resolute. He’s wanted Lily for years and when he stumbles onto her secret, he seizes the opportunity to get closer to her. Lily has a list of erotic fantasies she wants to research including sex in public, roses, whipped cream and a striptease. Carson has a few ideas of his own and he’s determined to be the man she experiences each and every item with. What she doesn’t know is that he has an agenda of his own—one that ends with them together forever.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Real Life of an Erotic Romance Writer
This was posted elsewhere, but I had to share.
Check out Helen E. H. Madden's interrpretation of the life of an erotic romance writer. It made me laugh. :-)
Check out Helen E. H. Madden's interrpretation of the life of an erotic romance writer. It made me laugh. :-)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Contest Reminder!
Just a reminder that you still have a few days to enter my Lily Blossoms August Sneak Peek contest.
If you'd like to win a copy of Lily Blossoms before it is released on August 13th, just go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com/ and click on the "contests" page for all the details on how to enter.
Contest closes at Noon EST on August 12th.
NJ
Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com/
JACKSON'S JEWEL--Now Available!
LILY BLOSSOMS--August 13th
ENTICEMENTS--Available in PRINT
If you'd like to win a copy of Lily Blossoms before it is released on August 13th, just go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com/ and click on the "contests" page for all the details on how to enter.
Contest closes at Noon EST on August 12th.
NJ
Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com/
JACKSON'S JEWEL--Now Available!
LILY BLOSSOMS--August 13th
ENTICEMENTS--Available in PRINT
Friday, August 08, 2008
08-08-08
Today is one of those very special days on the calendar. 08-08-08 is thought to be a very lucky day in many cultures and more than a few weddings have been planned for today.
This also marks the beginning of the Olympic Games. While there has been much controversy surrounding the host country of China, I am looking forward to the events themselves. The Olympic Games are filled with stories of inspiration and hope.
I'm off to watch the opening ceremonies.
Have a wonderful day.
This also marks the beginning of the Olympic Games. While there has been much controversy surrounding the host country of China, I am looking forward to the events themselves. The Olympic Games are filled with stories of inspiration and hope.
I'm off to watch the opening ceremonies.
Have a wonderful day.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Lord of the Rings
In a summer of blockbuster movies, some of which delivered and some of which did not, my hubby and I found ourselves reaching for an old favorite the other day.
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Starting on a rainy Sunday afternoon, we took out the LOTR--The Fellowship of the Ring. Monday, we watched The Two Towers. And on Tuesday, we finished off with The Return of the King.
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No matter how many times I see these movies I'm shocked by just how good they are. When you finish it, you're wondering just how soon you can find the time to watch it again. The story, the action, the depth of the characters, the unexpected humor, the horror, all combine to make these some of the best movies ever made.
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Do you have any movies that you like to take out and watch again and again?
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Hubby and I have seasonal movies we like to watch, but these are some of the few non-seasonal movies that we have to watch at least once a year.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
4 1/2 Stars for Amethyst Moon!
Amethyst Moon has been given a 4 ½ heart review from The Romance Studio! Here's a snippet of what reviewer Lisa Freeman had to say:
“Amethyst Moon gives the reader passion, adventure, and a love that spans worlds! This is one more book by this author I can heartily recommend.”
To read the entire review, check out The Romance Studio
Monday, August 04, 2008
4.5 Blue Ribbons for A Legal Affair
A Legal Affair just received a 4.5 Blue Ribbon Rating from Romance Junkies.
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Here's a bit of what the reviewer had to say:
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"N.J. Walters has another winner with A LEGAL AFFAIR, the fifth in her Jamesville series…The love scenes are passionate, and from the moment you start reading Alicia and Gill’s story, the sexual tension holds you and never lets you go.
A LEGAL AFFAIR is another view of small town life, with its lust for gossip, thirst for the worst, and unforgiving attitude. Readers will enjoy the twists and turns Ms. Walters takes with her story, and at the end of the book, I truly wished I could have stayed with Alicia and Gill a little longer.”
Check out the entire review at Romance Junkies.
A LEGAL AFFAIR is another view of small town life, with its lust for gossip, thirst for the worst, and unforgiving attitude. Readers will enjoy the twists and turns Ms. Walters takes with her story, and at the end of the book, I truly wished I could have stayed with Alicia and Gill a little longer.”
Check out the entire review at Romance Junkies.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Guest Blogging...
at the Oh Get A Grip Blog today.
I'm chatting about religion and the paranormal. It's a fascinating subject.
Drop by and check it out!
I'm chatting about religion and the paranormal. It's a fascinating subject.
Drop by and check it out!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Awakening Desires Newsletter--August Issue Now Available
If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires Newsletter—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 August 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented Anny Cook.
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 August 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented Anny Cook.
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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Holiday Pictures!
Me at the Beach!
Me, still at the Beach!
All these photos were taken near my sister's place.
This was a long trek up to a lookout, but the walk was well worth it.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Recommended Read for A Legal Affair
A Legal Affair just received 5 Angels and a Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews!
Here's a snippet of what reviewer Rachel C had to say:
"A Legal Affair is the fifth book in N.J. Walters Jamesville series, and as usual she brings to life her characters and the small town of Jamesville with skill and passion...Ms. Walters brings that passion to the forefront with scorching hot sex between these two...A Legal Affair is a great addition to the Jamesville series and Ms. Walters has again shown her skill as a storyteller."
To read the entire review, go to FAR Review of A Legal Affair.
Thank you to FAR and Rachel C!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Jackson's Jewel--Available Today!
Jackson’s Jewel is now available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. This is book 5 in the Awakening Desires series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
BLURB:
Awakening Desires - Jackson's Jewel By N.J. Walters
The last thing Jackson Connors wants is a housekeeper. He likes his life just as it is — solitary and uncomplicated.
Emerald Jewel is a New York designer with a stalker on her trail. She needs a place to hide out and Jackson's farm is the perfect solution to her problem. The last thing she wants is to be attracted to her sexy new boss.
Neither of them is prepared for the explosion of passion that flares between them. They try to resist, but the desire will not be denied. Jackson knows Emerald's life is in New York and his is on the farm. He'll eventually have to let her go, but he's not about to let her face this threat on her own.
But the stalker is getting closer to finding Emerald and will stop at nothing to possess her. As the threat around her escalates, she must face leaving Jackson to draw the danger away from the man she's coming to love.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"What time would it be
if all the clocks stopped?"
~ Zen question
This question struck a chord with me, especially since I just got back from a few days away...away from clocks and deadlines and computers. I didn't even think about them while I was gone. I didn't have to be anywhere at a specific time. I didn't even watch any television while I was away. I had almost five days without clocks, television, computers, or any other electronic devices.
It reminded me just how man-made the concept of time is. If all the clocks stopped tomorrow it wouldn't matter what time it was. All that would matter would be when the sun rose and set. It's amazing to realize that's how our great grandparents lived. Somehow or another I can't help but wonder if they didn't have a much better deal than we do.
Something to think about.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
if all the clocks stopped?"
~ Zen question
This question struck a chord with me, especially since I just got back from a few days away...away from clocks and deadlines and computers. I didn't even think about them while I was gone. I didn't have to be anywhere at a specific time. I didn't even watch any television while I was away. I had almost five days without clocks, television, computers, or any other electronic devices.
It reminded me just how man-made the concept of time is. If all the clocks stopped tomorrow it wouldn't matter what time it was. All that would matter would be when the sun rose and set. It's amazing to realize that's how our great grandparents lived. Somehow or another I can't help but wonder if they didn't have a much better deal than we do.
Something to think about.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Enticements Available Today!
Woohoo! Enticements is now available from Ellora's Cave! This PRINT book contains Craving Candy and Capturing Carly, books 3 and 4 of the Awakening Desires series.
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The first two books in the series Katie’s Art of Seduction and Erin’s Fancy are also available in print.
All of the books in the Awakening Desires series are also available in download from Ellora's Cave.
Awakening Desires - Capturing Carly By N.J. Walters
Third in the Awakening Desires series.
Carly Ames has yearned for Nathan Connors for more years than she cares to think about. One wild night of sex with him resulted in their quick engagement. But now that she has Nathan, she's not quite sure that she can handle him.
Big and tough, Nathan is very well suited to his job as a sheriff's deputy. Protective and forthright, he is definitely used to being in charge. Now he wants to be in control of her sexual pleasure, but fears his sexual preferences will scare a good girl like her.
As circumstances conspire to keep them apart, Nathan senses that Carly is having second thoughts. Now he must convince her that she's more than woman enough to meet his demands, in and out of the bedroom, because now that he's captured Carly, there is no way he is letting her go.
Awakening Desires - Craving Candy By N.J. Walters
Fourth in the Awakening Desires series.
Candy Logan loves her job as a publicist for TK Publishing, but her newest client is causing her problems. Determined to meet the elusive Lucas Squires and get him to agree to publicize his upcoming book, she crashes a party that he is giving in hopes of cornering him.
Lucas wishes he'd never let his friend talk him into writing a cookbook. He has his hands full opening a new location of his café, Coffee Breaks. He forgets all about his business problems, however, when a woman straight out of his dreams walks into his party. He knows he can't let her leave without finding out who she is.
Sparks fly between Candy and Lucas from the first moment they lay eyes on each other. The sexual attraction is immediate and consuming, but a case of mistaken identity gets their relationship off to a rocky start. Just when things start to smooth out between them, issues from each of their pasts threaten their budding relationship.
All of the books in the Awakening Desires series are also available in download from Ellora's Cave.
Awakening Desires - Capturing Carly By N.J. Walters
Third in the Awakening Desires series.
Carly Ames has yearned for Nathan Connors for more years than she cares to think about. One wild night of sex with him resulted in their quick engagement. But now that she has Nathan, she's not quite sure that she can handle him.
Big and tough, Nathan is very well suited to his job as a sheriff's deputy. Protective and forthright, he is definitely used to being in charge. Now he wants to be in control of her sexual pleasure, but fears his sexual preferences will scare a good girl like her.
As circumstances conspire to keep them apart, Nathan senses that Carly is having second thoughts. Now he must convince her that she's more than woman enough to meet his demands, in and out of the bedroom, because now that he's captured Carly, there is no way he is letting her go.
Awakening Desires - Craving Candy By N.J. Walters
Fourth in the Awakening Desires series.
Candy Logan loves her job as a publicist for TK Publishing, but her newest client is causing her problems. Determined to meet the elusive Lucas Squires and get him to agree to publicize his upcoming book, she crashes a party that he is giving in hopes of cornering him.
Lucas wishes he'd never let his friend talk him into writing a cookbook. He has his hands full opening a new location of his café, Coffee Breaks. He forgets all about his business problems, however, when a woman straight out of his dreams walks into his party. He knows he can't let her leave without finding out who she is.
Sparks fly between Candy and Lucas from the first moment they lay eyes on each other. The sexual attraction is immediate and consuming, but a case of mistaken identity gets their relationship off to a rocky start. Just when things start to smooth out between them, issues from each of their pasts threaten their budding relationship.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Weekend Treat!
I know it's early, but I'm heading out of town for the weekend for a mini-vacation.
This weekend, head out to a local farmer's market. There's always plenty to see and wonderful, fresh fruit and veggies to buy. Because it's local it's fresher and hasn't been shipped long distances so it's better for you and the environment.
See you when I get back.
This weekend, head out to a local farmer's market. There's always plenty to see and wonderful, fresh fruit and veggies to buy. Because it's local it's fresher and hasn't been shipped long distances so it's better for you and the environment.
See you when I get back.
Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!
Women Who Work From Home--A lot of women are working from home these days, including writers, and it's hard to find balance. To read more check out my guest blog over at The Romance Studio Blog.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Legal Affair--Available Today!
A LEGAL AFFAIR is available today from Samhain Publishing.
Buy it today from My Bookstore and More.
Blurb:
Book 5 of the Jamesville series.
Alicia Flint enjoys her community, her home, and her career as a lawyer. But since her livelihood depends on her spotless reputation, it’s not easy to even date in this small town, much less take a lover.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger at a friend’s wedding tempts her to do something she’s never done before—have a red-hot, one-night stand. The guy will be gone tomorrow; no one need ever know her delicious little secret.
Gill Baron has come to Jamesville to visit friends and figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. As a newly retired, burnt-out cop, he’s not looking for love, but he won’t say not to a night of no-strings sex with the seductive brunette. A night that leaves him wanting more.
When she meets the newest investigator on her latest case, Alicia is shocked to come face-to-face with Mr. One-Night-Stand. Jamesville doesn’t need another lawyer-related scandal to gossip about, but the truth is, she needs Gill’s top-notch investigative skills.
Their attraction is too deep to keep the town clueless of their affair forever. When Jamesville finds out, Alicia wonders if her reputation—and her relationship with Gill—will weather the storm.
Book 5 of the Jamesville series.
Alicia Flint enjoys her community, her home, and her career as a lawyer. But since her livelihood depends on her spotless reputation, it’s not easy to even date in this small town, much less take a lover.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger at a friend’s wedding tempts her to do something she’s never done before—have a red-hot, one-night stand. The guy will be gone tomorrow; no one need ever know her delicious little secret.
Gill Baron has come to Jamesville to visit friends and figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. As a newly retired, burnt-out cop, he’s not looking for love, but he won’t say not to a night of no-strings sex with the seductive brunette. A night that leaves him wanting more.
When she meets the newest investigator on her latest case, Alicia is shocked to come face-to-face with Mr. One-Night-Stand. Jamesville doesn’t need another lawyer-related scandal to gossip about, but the truth is, she needs Gill’s top-notch investigative skills.
Their attraction is too deep to keep the town clueless of their affair forever. When Jamesville finds out, Alicia wonders if her reputation—and her relationship with Gill—will weather the storm.
Guest Blogging...
I'm guest blogging over at Romance Readers at Heart--Novel Thoughts and Book Talk today, talking about series and why we love them so much.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Quote of the Week!
Here's a thought to start your week:
"Whether one believes in a religion or not,
and whether one believes in rebirth or not,
there isn't anyone who doesn't
appreciate kindness and compassion."
~Dalai Lama
No matter our differences, deep down we're all the same.
Have a great week!
"Whether one believes in a religion or not,
and whether one believes in rebirth or not,
there isn't anyone who doesn't
appreciate kindness and compassion."
~Dalai Lama
No matter our differences, deep down we're all the same.
Have a great week!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Weekend Treat!
It's the weekend, treat yourself to something special.
Pick out an ice cream treat that you haven't had since you were a kid (or at least in a while). Maybe a popsicle, a chocolate-dipped cone, a soft serve swirl. Anything that feels decadent.
You'll be glad you did.
Pick out an ice cream treat that you haven't had since you were a kid (or at least in a while). Maybe a popsicle, a chocolate-dipped cone, a soft serve swirl. Anything that feels decadent.
You'll be glad you did.
Friday, July 11, 2008
In the Mail!
I love to check out the mailbox every day. You just never know what's going to be inside.
Today I received my signed contract for my next Samhain release, By The Book! This is book six in the Jamesville series. It's sexy and full of suspense.
The heroine of By The Book, Amanda Barrington, was introduced in book 4, The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke. The reluctant hero, Jonah Sutter, you'll meet in the upcoming Jamesville book, A Legal Affair, releasing on July 15th from Samhain Publishing.
No release date yet for By The Book, but I'll let you all know as soon as I get word.
Today I received my signed contract for my next Samhain release, By The Book! This is book six in the Jamesville series. It's sexy and full of suspense.
The heroine of By The Book, Amanda Barrington, was introduced in book 4, The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke. The reluctant hero, Jonah Sutter, you'll meet in the upcoming Jamesville book, A Legal Affair, releasing on July 15th from Samhain Publishing.
No release date yet for By The Book, but I'll let you all know as soon as I get word.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Hiking!
Hubby and I went to the local Botanical Gardens yesterday. They have wonderful hiking trails as well. We went all the way to the Look Out and this is the view. The starting point is beyond the lake. That will give you an idea of how far we walked. It was all up hill, but the trip was more than worth it.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Featured Member at TRS for July!
I'm a featured author over at The Romance Studio for the month of July. I'm chatting about the Awakening Desires series and my upcoming Ellora’s Cave Publishing book, Jackson's Jewel, which will be released on July 25th.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day to everyone in the States.
Hope you all have a safe and fun holiday. Enjoy the parades, the food, the friends, and the fireworks!
Hope you all have a safe and fun holiday. Enjoy the parades, the food, the friends, and the fireworks!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Guest Blogging...
I'm guest blogging over at Mandy Roth’s Blog today for Working Women's Wednesday!Drop by and check it out!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Awakening Desires Newsletter--July Issue Now Available
If you're not already receiving Awakening Desires Newsletter--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 July 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s interview with award-winning author Nathalie Gray.
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.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Rejection!
Rejection! It's part of every writer's life.
I'm blogging over at the Ladies of the Club Blog today about this very subject. Check it out!
I'm blogging over at the Ladies of the Club Blog today about this very subject. Check it out!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Heat Up The Summer Contest!
I'm one of the many Ellora's Cave and Cerridwen Press authors participating in the HEAT UP THE SUMMER CONTEST being sponsored by The Hussies.
There area a ton of great prizes to be won. Just hop on over to The Hussies Website for details on how to enter.
I'm giving away a print copy of Summersville Heat as a prize!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
DamNATION and Celebration for the Dead
Like most folks, I have to be careful with my money. Therefore, I'm getting pickier about everything I spend my money on--including books.
These are the latest two I bought and read. Because they were both so great, I thought I'd share them with you.
DamNATION By Nathalie Gray
A species created by man to serve and obey. But we made a mistake…we gave it fangs.
We designed them for our use. To wage our greedy wars, toil in our poisonous lunar mines. We made them pleasing to the eye so our children would not have nightmares, tall and strong and smart so they would adapt to environments never meant to sustain life. We thought we had created the perfect sub-species. Obedient. Disposable. How wrong we were.
Helios stands alone. The first of a dying race. He has spent his life fighting to free his kind. To avenge them. His world is a cold, desolate one that has never been touched by grace or light until a hot-tempered woman, a human, marches into his life, his home and his guarded heart. Through Dawn's dry humor and passionate embrace, he learns to trust again and to love. But just as he starts to hope, she is stolen from him. With his light gone, all that is left is darkness and revenge.
They took the one thing he loved and Helios will stop at nothing to get Dawn back. Even damn his eternal, vampire soul.
This book won the 2007 RT Award for best Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance and it deserves it. What a fantastic read. You'll lose your heart to Helios. If you haven't already read it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. Nathalie Gray writes some of the best futuristic books on the market.
Next up, is Lauren Dane's Celebration for the Dead.
Witches Knot - Celebration for the Dead By Lauren Dane
Witches Knot 5
Vampire Hunter Minx Rodriguez decides to mix a little business with pleasure when she heads to Mexico to celebrate El Dia de los Muertos. She's hot on the trail of the vampire who not only took her hostage and tortured her but also killed her friends and family.
Connor Bell finds himself in love with a Vampire Hunter who's skipped town without notice — much like he did to her just two weeks before. He heads to Mexico to find her and make things right.
Even as they work through their problems and plan a feast to celebrate the lives of those they've lost to the Oathbreakers, the threat remains. A Hunter's job is never done and there's a job to do in Mexico. The question remains as to whether Minx and Connor can survive what'll be asked of them both.
This book continues the Witches Knot series. (Triad, A Touch of Fae, Vengeance Due, and Thrice United are the first four books in the series.) You'll catch up with characters from books past, as well as get a great story with Minx and Connor. I love the way the author weaves the plotline around the Mexican holiday--the Celebration of the Dead.
If you haven't already checked out this series, you should. Lauren Dane writes some of the best vamps and werewolf books I've ever read. Her Cascadia Wolf series is among my favorites.
These are the latest two I bought and read. Because they were both so great, I thought I'd share them with you.
DamNATION By Nathalie Gray
A species created by man to serve and obey. But we made a mistake…we gave it fangs.
We designed them for our use. To wage our greedy wars, toil in our poisonous lunar mines. We made them pleasing to the eye so our children would not have nightmares, tall and strong and smart so they would adapt to environments never meant to sustain life. We thought we had created the perfect sub-species. Obedient. Disposable. How wrong we were.
Helios stands alone. The first of a dying race. He has spent his life fighting to free his kind. To avenge them. His world is a cold, desolate one that has never been touched by grace or light until a hot-tempered woman, a human, marches into his life, his home and his guarded heart. Through Dawn's dry humor and passionate embrace, he learns to trust again and to love. But just as he starts to hope, she is stolen from him. With his light gone, all that is left is darkness and revenge.
They took the one thing he loved and Helios will stop at nothing to get Dawn back. Even damn his eternal, vampire soul.
This book won the 2007 RT Award for best Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance and it deserves it. What a fantastic read. You'll lose your heart to Helios. If you haven't already read it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. Nathalie Gray writes some of the best futuristic books on the market.
Next up, is Lauren Dane's Celebration for the Dead.
Witches Knot - Celebration for the Dead By Lauren Dane
Witches Knot 5
Vampire Hunter Minx Rodriguez decides to mix a little business with pleasure when she heads to Mexico to celebrate El Dia de los Muertos. She's hot on the trail of the vampire who not only took her hostage and tortured her but also killed her friends and family.
Connor Bell finds himself in love with a Vampire Hunter who's skipped town without notice — much like he did to her just two weeks before. He heads to Mexico to find her and make things right.
Even as they work through their problems and plan a feast to celebrate the lives of those they've lost to the Oathbreakers, the threat remains. A Hunter's job is never done and there's a job to do in Mexico. The question remains as to whether Minx and Connor can survive what'll be asked of them both.
This book continues the Witches Knot series. (Triad, A Touch of Fae, Vengeance Due, and Thrice United are the first four books in the series.) You'll catch up with characters from books past, as well as get a great story with Minx and Connor. I love the way the author weaves the plotline around the Mexican holiday--the Celebration of the Dead.
If you haven't already checked out this series, you should. Lauren Dane writes some of the best vamps and werewolf books I've ever read. Her Cascadia Wolf series is among my favorites.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
July Sneak Peek Contest!
I've got two books releasing in July and I'm celebrating with a big contest!
A Legal Affair is releasing from Samhain Publishing on July 15 and Jackson's Jewel is releasing from Ellora’s Cave Publishing on July 25th!
I'm giving readers a chance to win a download copy of each book. For details on how to enter to be eligible to win, go to my Website and click on the "contests" page for details!
The winner of the download of A Legal Affair will be drawn from all correct entries received on July 14th. The winner of the download of Jackson's Jewel will be drawn from all correct entries received on July 24th.
Enter once to have a chance to win twice!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Happy Monday!
Good morning and welcome to Monday! The sun is shining and it looks like a beautiful day.
Mondays sure are a lot different for me than they used to be. When I still worked the day-job, Monday was the day that I looked forward to the least. Back to work for another long five days before I got another day off.
Well, now every day is Monday. *g* The difference is that I love it! I work harder now than I ever have in my life. There is no time clock, no one telling me I have to work. Still, writing is a seven-day-a-week job. When you're not writing, there is editing, research, and promotion to do. In-between that, there is the regular stuff of living--family, friends, groceries, laundry...
Still, I wouldn't change it for anything! I love what I do. I love being able to fit my schedule around what I want to do. That's why hubby and I usually take off to the Friday afternoon movies. LOL
Have a great week, no matter where you work. And enjoy each and every day as it comes. :-)
Mondays sure are a lot different for me than they used to be. When I still worked the day-job, Monday was the day that I looked forward to the least. Back to work for another long five days before I got another day off.
Well, now every day is Monday. *g* The difference is that I love it! I work harder now than I ever have in my life. There is no time clock, no one telling me I have to work. Still, writing is a seven-day-a-week job. When you're not writing, there is editing, research, and promotion to do. In-between that, there is the regular stuff of living--family, friends, groceries, laundry...
Still, I wouldn't change it for anything! I love what I do. I love being able to fit my schedule around what I want to do. That's why hubby and I usually take off to the Friday afternoon movies. LOL
Have a great week, no matter where you work. And enjoy each and every day as it comes. :-)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Happy Solstice!
Happy Summer Solstice!
Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. I hope you all have plans to celebrate!
Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. I hope you all have plans to celebrate!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New Contract!
I've just signed a new contract with Samhain Publishing for BY THE BOOK, the next installment of the Jamesville series. I'm so excited. BY THE BOOK is book 6 in this series and I have at least one more I want to write before I'm done.
Book 5 in the Jamesville series--A LEGAL AFFAIR is due out on July 15th from Samhain Publishing!
If you want to check out the Jamesville series, just go to Samhain Publishing .
Book 5 in the Jamesville series--A LEGAL AFFAIR is due out on July 15th from Samhain Publishing!
If you want to check out the Jamesville series, just go to Samhain Publishing .
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely necessary."
~Jessamyn West
It takes guts to sit at a keyboard for days, weeks and months, not knowing if anyone else will ever read your book. There is no one telling you to do it. You have to do it yourself.
Then comes the rejection. Every writer has faced rejection. It takes guts to keep sending out a book and facing more rejection. It takes courage to sit back down and start the next book.
Being a writer is a fabulous profession, but it's not an easy one. :-)
~Jessamyn West
It takes guts to sit at a keyboard for days, weeks and months, not knowing if anyone else will ever read your book. There is no one telling you to do it. You have to do it yourself.
Then comes the rejection. Every writer has faced rejection. It takes guts to keep sending out a book and facing more rejection. It takes courage to sit back down and start the next book.
Being a writer is a fabulous profession, but it's not an easy one. :-)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday, Monday...
Good morning and welcome to Monday.
I hope you all enjoyed the weekend. It rained most of the weekend and is still raining this morning. I can't remember the last time the sun was shining. But I'm not complaining because there is no flooding here. It's just enough to dampen the spirits.
I'm currently in rewriting mode. I'm reworking a book that I wrote about a year ago. I've rewritten it several times, but I'm still not happy with it. I tried it as a futuristic, but I'm not happy with it. This time, I'm going to try urban paranormal.
Wish me luck. :-)
Have a great Monday!
I hope you all enjoyed the weekend. It rained most of the weekend and is still raining this morning. I can't remember the last time the sun was shining. But I'm not complaining because there is no flooding here. It's just enough to dampen the spirits.
I'm currently in rewriting mode. I'm reworking a book that I wrote about a year ago. I've rewritten it several times, but I'm still not happy with it. I tried it as a futuristic, but I'm not happy with it. This time, I'm going to try urban paranormal.
Wish me luck. :-)
Have a great Monday!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy Saturday!
Welcome to the Weekend!
It's rainy and foggy here this morning. Cold too. Not quite sure what I'm going to do today. I may do some research for a book I need to rewrite. I may go out to the bookstore later.
Whatever I do, I intend to make this a cozy day.
What are your plans for today?
It's rainy and foggy here this morning. Cold too. Not quite sure what I'm going to do today. I may do some research for a book I need to rewrite. I may go out to the bookstore later.
Whatever I do, I intend to make this a cozy day.
What are your plans for today?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Raven Radio with Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth
Raven Radio
by Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth
We couldn’t be more excited. When we started our free story for readers, Raven Happy Hour, those few years ago, we never expected it to be such an incredible journey. But, nearly 50 chapters later, a paranormal blog, website, yahoo group, cult following and Raven minions, we’ve embarked on our latest adventure—a live, weekly Raven Radio show.
Raven Radio was a natural progression for us. It offered another outlet to express ourselves, our creativity and to invite friends of ours to hang out and share in the gabbing. Fortunately for us, the listeners seem to enjoy hearing us talk about everything and nothing and just generally being our normal, comical selves. We started off prerecording the shows and splicing them together. We’re now up to weekly, live shows. All the more fun to screw up without a net while talking to New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors as well as those wonderfully talented authors soon to be there. *wink* We’ve had some really amazing authors join us on Raven. To name a few… Jacquelyn Frank, Gena Showalter, Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, Anya Bast and Caridid Pineiro. And Raven Radio was recently mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine.
All the shows are archived afterwards and uploaded onto our subscriber sites to be listened to at leisure. Our most recent guest was author, Gena Showalter, who talked about her new series, Lords of the Underworld. But, as the interview proves, we often lured her into our usually digressed topics and ended up discussing chocolate allergies, beauty products and interpretive dance. Other shows feature Mandy and Michelle switching roles while Mandy’s live at a coffee shop and Michelle’s left in charge of the controls with no clue on how to run them. Callers were welcomed with the pleasant sound effect of a toilet flushing whenever they called in. Needless to say, Michelle’s controls were taken away and the password changed. *laughing*
Listeners are welcome to join the live chat or call in to the show to talk to us and our guests. The show will move to its new evening schedule, May 28th where listeners can catch us every Wednesday at 11PM to 12AM EST. We have a lot of authors on the upcoming line up and you can see a full schedule of guests here: http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcast_schedule_of_guests.htm
Authors looking for more information about taking part in various Raven opportunities can visit http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_faq's.htm#Advertise%20With%20Us
About the Authors
Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth are published romance authors. Michelle’s newest release, Recipe for Disaster, will be on bookshelves June 10th. Mandy’s newest release, Daughter of Darkness 3: Bella Mia, comes out the end of June. Check their websites for more details.
Mandy
Website – www.mandyroth.com
Blog – www.mandyroth.com/blog
Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/Mandy_M_Roth
Michelle
Website – www.michellepillow.com
Blog – www.michellepillow.com/blog
Newsletter - http://www.michellepillow.com/newsletter/?p=subscribe
Raven Happy Hour
Website – www.ravenhappyhour.com
Blog – www.ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog
Radio Show – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio
by Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth
We couldn’t be more excited. When we started our free story for readers, Raven Happy Hour, those few years ago, we never expected it to be such an incredible journey. But, nearly 50 chapters later, a paranormal blog, website, yahoo group, cult following and Raven minions, we’ve embarked on our latest adventure—a live, weekly Raven Radio show.
Raven Radio was a natural progression for us. It offered another outlet to express ourselves, our creativity and to invite friends of ours to hang out and share in the gabbing. Fortunately for us, the listeners seem to enjoy hearing us talk about everything and nothing and just generally being our normal, comical selves. We started off prerecording the shows and splicing them together. We’re now up to weekly, live shows. All the more fun to screw up without a net while talking to New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors as well as those wonderfully talented authors soon to be there. *wink* We’ve had some really amazing authors join us on Raven. To name a few… Jacquelyn Frank, Gena Showalter, Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, Anya Bast and Caridid Pineiro. And Raven Radio was recently mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine.
All the shows are archived afterwards and uploaded onto our subscriber sites to be listened to at leisure. Our most recent guest was author, Gena Showalter, who talked about her new series, Lords of the Underworld. But, as the interview proves, we often lured her into our usually digressed topics and ended up discussing chocolate allergies, beauty products and interpretive dance. Other shows feature Mandy and Michelle switching roles while Mandy’s live at a coffee shop and Michelle’s left in charge of the controls with no clue on how to run them. Callers were welcomed with the pleasant sound effect of a toilet flushing whenever they called in. Needless to say, Michelle’s controls were taken away and the password changed. *laughing*
Listeners are welcome to join the live chat or call in to the show to talk to us and our guests. The show will move to its new evening schedule, May 28th where listeners can catch us every Wednesday at 11PM to 12AM EST. We have a lot of authors on the upcoming line up and you can see a full schedule of guests here: http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcast_schedule_of_guests.htm
Authors looking for more information about taking part in various Raven opportunities can visit http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_faq's.htm#Advertise%20With%20Us
About the Authors
Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth are published romance authors. Michelle’s newest release, Recipe for Disaster, will be on bookshelves June 10th. Mandy’s newest release, Daughter of Darkness 3: Bella Mia, comes out the end of June. Check their websites for more details.
Mandy
Website – www.mandyroth.com
Blog – www.mandyroth.com/blog
Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/Mandy_M_Roth
Michelle
Website – www.michellepillow.com
Blog – www.michellepillow.com/blog
Newsletter - http://www.michellepillow.com/newsletter/?p=subscribe
Raven Happy Hour
Website – www.ravenhappyhour.com
Blog – www.ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog
Radio Show – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Guest Bloggers!
Stop by my blog tomorrow, Friday the 13th, as guest bloggers Mandy Roth and Michelle Pillow stop by to talk about their Raven Radio Show!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Heat Wave
Much of North America is trapped in a bit of a heat wave at the moment. To celebrate the summer heat and to show you it's not all bad, I thought I'd share the blurb for my Ellora's Cave book, Heat Wave!Heat Wave , Book 2 in the Summersville Secrets Series.
BLURB:
Emma Howard has been sensible her entire life, focusing all her time and energy on her career. In fact, Emma doubts that there is much passion inside her, at least until Tucker Martin moves into her apartment building. Their immediate reaction to one another is explosive and she grabs the opportunity to explore her awakening sexuality. But after a heated encounter, Emma backs away from their growing relationship, unwilling to trust the passion flaring between them.
Tucker’s wanted Emma since the first moment he laid eyes on her. When a blackout traps them in an elevator, it’s not just the heat wave that makes Emma feel hot. Determined to convince her that they are made for each other, he’s more than willing to take advantage of the circumstances that have trapped them alone together.
But Emma’s fears go deeper than either of them realizes, and she will have to face her past before she can claim a future with Tucker.
Heat Wave is also available in print in the two-book anthology Summersville Heat . You can check out this book, or any of my books at Ellora’s Cave Publishing .
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Why are some books more popular than others?
What makes one book more popular than another? Is it the characters? The plot? Marketing?
Whenever an author has a new release they never know how it's going to be received by readers. You hold your breath and hope for the best, but you never know.
One upon a time, I had an idea that I wanted to write a ménage a trois. At the same time I had a female character in my head. She was a full-sized gal who lived alone in a large city, working Monday to Friday. She had no family. No real ties to where she lived.
The two things came together the day I stumbled across a book of Medieval Tapestries. As I flipped the pages, admiring the sheer artistry of the tapestries, a thought occured to me: What if one of the tapestries was magic? What if it had the ability to take a person to an alternate world?
It made me ponder what would happen if the female character, Christina, stumbled across this magical tapestry. What if it took her to a world where women were scarce and the men there would do everything in their power to keep here there? What if she only had three days to decide?
Well, that idea became the basis for Christina’s Tapestry. It was a little book that wrote itself in a little less than a month. It was going to be a stand-alone book. Just a little story.
Boy, was I wrong!
Readers loved it! And I couldn't stop thinking about the Bakra brothers, who I introduced in Christina's Tapestry.
For whatever reason, this book resonated with Readers. It won a Golden Rose Award for Time Travel books and is my best selling book to date. I've added two more books to the series since and book four is on the way. I can't seem to leave this world alone.
I've written other ménage a trois books, including Three Swords, One Heart. I absolutely love this book. It's action and adventure and a kick-ass heroine. While it's sold well, it hasn't come anywhere near the popularity of Christina's Tapestry and I have no idea why.
I guess some books just resonate better with readers.
If you like ménage a trois books, check out Amethyst Moon, my latest Ellora's Cave release, Three Swords, One Heart, or any of the books in the Tapestries series.
Whenever an author has a new release they never know how it's going to be received by readers. You hold your breath and hope for the best, but you never know.
One upon a time, I had an idea that I wanted to write a ménage a trois. At the same time I had a female character in my head. She was a full-sized gal who lived alone in a large city, working Monday to Friday. She had no family. No real ties to where she lived.
The two things came together the day I stumbled across a book of Medieval Tapestries. As I flipped the pages, admiring the sheer artistry of the tapestries, a thought occured to me: What if one of the tapestries was magic? What if it had the ability to take a person to an alternate world?
It made me ponder what would happen if the female character, Christina, stumbled across this magical tapestry. What if it took her to a world where women were scarce and the men there would do everything in their power to keep here there? What if she only had three days to decide?
Well, that idea became the basis for Christina’s Tapestry. It was a little book that wrote itself in a little less than a month. It was going to be a stand-alone book. Just a little story.
Boy, was I wrong!
Readers loved it! And I couldn't stop thinking about the Bakra brothers, who I introduced in Christina's Tapestry.
For whatever reason, this book resonated with Readers. It won a Golden Rose Award for Time Travel books and is my best selling book to date. I've added two more books to the series since and book four is on the way. I can't seem to leave this world alone.
I've written other ménage a trois books, including Three Swords, One Heart. I absolutely love this book. It's action and adventure and a kick-ass heroine. While it's sold well, it hasn't come anywhere near the popularity of Christina's Tapestry and I have no idea why.
I guess some books just resonate better with readers.
If you like ménage a trois books, check out Amethyst Moon, my latest Ellora's Cave release, Three Swords, One Heart, or any of the books in the Tapestries series.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
4 Stars for SOS III
RT Magazine gives Seasons of Seduction III 4 Stars!"These imaginative stories by this group of top-notch writers take readers on adventures from the past to way into the future. While each writer had her own unique style, all their tales have one thing in common: They are all hot and intense."
~Sandra Garcia-Myers
Thank you, Sandra, and thank you to RT Book Reviews Magazine! You can check out the entire review in the June 2008 issue.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Poetry Monday!
Leonard Cohen is an amazing poet and songwriter, who has been sharing his talent with the world since the 60's. He has this incredible deep voice and when he speaks the lyrics or sings it, the effect is enthralling.
This is one of just many of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it!
If it be your will
That I speak no more
And my voice be still
As it was before
I will speak no more
I shall abide until I am spoken for
If it be your will
If it be your will
That a voice be true
From this broken hill I will sing to you
From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing
From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing
If it be your will
If there is a choice
Let the rivers fill
Let the hills rejoice
Let your mercy spill
On all these burning hearts in hell
If it be your will
To make us well
And draw us near And bind us tight
All your children here
In their rags of light
In our rags of light
All dressed to kill
And end this night
If it be your will
If it be your will.
This is one of just many of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it!
If it be your will
That I speak no more
And my voice be still
As it was before
I will speak no more
I shall abide until I am spoken for
If it be your will
If it be your will
That a voice be true
From this broken hill I will sing to you
From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing
From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing
If it be your will
If there is a choice
Let the rivers fill
Let the hills rejoice
Let your mercy spill
On all these burning hearts in hell
If it be your will
To make us well
And draw us near And bind us tight
All your children here
In their rags of light
In our rags of light
All dressed to kill
And end this night
If it be your will
If it be your will.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Awakening Desires Newsletter--June 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 June 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s interview with Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth. These award winning authors drop by to chat about their Raven Radio Show, which was recently mentioned in RT Magazine.
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 June 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s interview with Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth. These award winning authors drop by to chat about their Raven Radio Show, which was recently mentioned in RT Magazine.
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.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
New Website Design
I've spent the past week working on my Website . There's a new banner, new buttons, larger font and an overall new look. I'm thrilled with the way it turned out and I think it's a huge improvement! Check it out!
I've still got some tinkering to do over the next few weeks, but it's about 90% done.
I've still got some tinkering to do over the next few weeks, but it's about 90% done.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Moose on the Loose!
I was putting the cereal bowl on the kitchen table around seven o'clock this morning when I happened to look out the window. A large moose was running down the grassy slope and into the parking lot.Not a big deal if you live in the country, but you have to rememeber, I live in the middle of a city on the third floor of an apartment building.
I called out to my hubby and we ran to the bedroom because the moose had hightailed it around to the front of the building. Hubby got a couple of shots, but they're didn't turn out that well. We need a zoom lense. LOL
Anyway, you can see the moose in the back yard on the first picture and closer to the house in the second.
I have no idea what happened to him. The police and wildlife officers were following him, but he jumped the fence and ran out of view. Guess I'll have to watch the evening news tonight to see if he made it back home.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. It's a day to stop and remember those who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom, and those who are still fighting.
I hope you spend the day with your loved ones. Stay safe and enjoy the day with family and friends.
I hope you spend the day with your loved ones. Stay safe and enjoy the day with family and friends.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Slip Into Summer Contest
Slip Into Summer Contest!
If you’d like a chance to win a print copy of Summersville Heat, which contains the first two books of the Summersville Secrets series, Annabelle Lee and Heat Wave just go to my Website and click on the “contest” page for details on how to enter.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Dalakis Embrace on Sale this week!
Check out the print book sale over at Ellora’s Cave Publishing this week. My book Dalakis Embrace is marked down to $10.99.
This print book contains books 1 & 2 in the Dalakis Passion Vampire Series. If you haven't read them yet, this is a great chance to own them in print. :-)
Of course, if you prefer them separately in e-book form, they are available at Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ice Cream and Summer
So I was over at the Samhain Cafe last week and one of the moderators put up this cute quiz--What Kind of Sundae Are You?
I did the quiz and, not suprisingly, found out that I am a chocolate sundae--Simple, classic and divine. :-)
After I did the quiz, I couldn't get ice cream sundaes out of my head. LOL So, this past weekend, Hubby and I went out the the DQ and treated ourselves to scrumptous hot fudge sundaes. He had nuts on his, but I'm a classic gal...just ice cream and hot fudge. YUM!
It marked the unofficial kickoff of the Summer Season for me.
Happy Summer!
I did the quiz and, not suprisingly, found out that I am a chocolate sundae--Simple, classic and divine. :-)
After I did the quiz, I couldn't get ice cream sundaes out of my head. LOL So, this past weekend, Hubby and I went out the the DQ and treated ourselves to scrumptous hot fudge sundaes. He had nuts on his, but I'm a classic gal...just ice cream and hot fudge. YUM!
It marked the unofficial kickoff of the Summer Season for me.
Happy Summer!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wounded Heroes!
The wounded hero in romance is usually a man who is rough, tough and hard to pin down. He plays by his own rules, but has a sense of honor.
And, as readers, we can't get enough of him.
I'm over at the Ladies of the Club Blog today talking about the wounded hero. Check it out and let me know your favorite wounded hero.
And, as readers, we can't get enough of him.
I'm over at the Ladies of the Club Blog today talking about the wounded hero. Check it out and let me know your favorite wounded hero.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday!
Good morning and welcome to Friday. Another week has disappeared into the ether and the weekend looms.
What are you doing this weekend?
Hubby and I are planning on going to see the new Narnia movie: Prince Caspian. I think it will be even better than the first one.
Other than that, I don't have huge plans for the weekend. I'll probably work on the WIP, watch some baseball and hope that we get a break in the rain and actually see some sunshine.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
What are you doing this weekend?
Hubby and I are planning on going to see the new Narnia movie: Prince Caspian. I think it will be even better than the first one.
Other than that, I don't have huge plans for the weekend. I'll probably work on the WIP, watch some baseball and hope that we get a break in the rain and actually see some sunshine.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Author Spotlight
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday.
I'll be over at the Samhain Cafe from 6 PM EST until 8 PM EST today. I'll be talking a little bit about myself and my books. If you have any questions you ever wanted to ask this is the time to do it. I'm not saying I'll answer them all. LOL But I'll do my best.
Stop by and see me tonight.
I'll be over at the Samhain Cafe from 6 PM EST until 8 PM EST today. I'll be talking a little bit about myself and my books. If you have any questions you ever wanted to ask this is the time to do it. I'm not saying I'll answer them all. LOL But I'll do my best.
Stop by and see me tonight.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!
Props! We all use them in life, whether we realize it or not.
As a writer, I use them all the time in my work. I'm guest blogging about Props! over at The Romance Studio Blog today. Check it out!
As a writer, I use them all the time in my work. I'm guest blogging about Props! over at The Romance Studio Blog today. Check it out!
Monday, May 12, 2008
In search of Jeans!
I was reading a column in the local paper and the writer was lamenting how hard it is to find a good pair of jeans. It certainly struck a chord with me.
Does anyone else have a hard time finding a decent pair of jeans?
I have no idea who they're making jeans for these days, but it doesn't seem to be regular women. The target market seems to be extra skinny girls with no hips or butt. I, on the other hand, have a high waist and long legs (34 inch inseam). I'm also in my forties so I don't want my butt hanging out of my jeans, which means no low rise jeans for me. If I can find jeans that fit my hips, they are way too big in the waist. I finally had to buy a pair like that because I was so desperate.
Doesn't anyone make stylish jeans for regular women with hips and a butt? And I'm talking about affordable jeans. Not jeans that are over $100 a pair.
Any suggestions?
Does anyone else have a hard time finding a decent pair of jeans?
I have no idea who they're making jeans for these days, but it doesn't seem to be regular women. The target market seems to be extra skinny girls with no hips or butt. I, on the other hand, have a high waist and long legs (34 inch inseam). I'm also in my forties so I don't want my butt hanging out of my jeans, which means no low rise jeans for me. If I can find jeans that fit my hips, they are way too big in the waist. I finally had to buy a pair like that because I was so desperate.
Doesn't anyone make stylish jeans for regular women with hips and a butt? And I'm talking about affordable jeans. Not jeans that are over $100 a pair.
Any suggestions?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sleepy Saturday
Welcome to Saturday!
I plan to go out for a walk with hubby and stop somewhere for breakfast. After that, we plan to check out a local thrift shop before heading to the bookstore. Later today I'll tinker with my latest WIP and probably watch the ballgame on TV.
What do you have planned for today?
If you're looking for some tips to save money, check out J. C. Wilder’s Blog and her Cheapskate Friday Post. I've got a few tips on there. :-)
I plan to go out for a walk with hubby and stop somewhere for breakfast. After that, we plan to check out a local thrift shop before heading to the bookstore. Later today I'll tinker with my latest WIP and probably watch the ballgame on TV.
What do you have planned for today?
If you're looking for some tips to save money, check out J. C. Wilder’s Blog and her Cheapskate Friday Post. I've got a few tips on there. :-)
Friday, May 09, 2008
Ellora's Cave Authors at Coffee Time
The Ellora's Cave Authors are chatting over at the Coffee Time Romance Latte Lounge today.
Drop by and check out all the excerpts and join in the fun!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
5 Stars for Amethyst Moon!
Happy Thursday everyone!
Amethyst Moon just received a 5 Star review from Amelia Richard over at Ecataromance Sensual Reviews.
Here's a snippet of what she had to say:
"N.J. Walters has an extradordinary talent for creating memorable characters, and her gift is evident all the way through this captivating story....The creative plot engages the reader from the first paragraph and never releases its grip until the last word is devoured...The appealing characters and imaginative world of AMETHYST MOON will stay with readers long after the book is finished."
Thank you so much, Amelia. To read the entire review, check out Ecataromance Sensual Reviews .
Amethyst Moon just received a 5 Star review from Amelia Richard over at Ecataromance Sensual Reviews.
Here's a snippet of what she had to say:
"N.J. Walters has an extradordinary talent for creating memorable characters, and her gift is evident all the way through this captivating story....The creative plot engages the reader from the first paragraph and never releases its grip until the last word is devoured...The appealing characters and imaginative world of AMETHYST MOON will stay with readers long after the book is finished."
Thank you so much, Amelia. To read the entire review, check out Ecataromance Sensual Reviews .
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
In the Edits Cave!
I'm in the edits cave working on edits for Lily Blossoms! This is the third book in my Ellora's Cave contemporary, erotic Summersville Secrets series.
Lily Blossoms will be releasing from Ellora's Cave on August 13th!
Lily Blossoms will be releasing from Ellora's Cave on August 13th!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer."
~Barbara Kingsolver
I think this is a quote that many new writers need to hear, and many published authors need to remember. Trying to write a book because you think the topic is hot right now or because you think it will sell will not serve you in the long run. Sure, you might sell a book or two, but you probably won't be enjoying the writing process very much.
You need to write what you need to write. If you love romance, write it. If you love science fiction, write it. If what you need to write is a conglomeration of three or four genres, write it. If you're in this business for the long haul you need to write what you have to say or you'll burn yourself out trying to please too many masters.
Remember, your style and what you want to write will evolve and change as you do. You're not stuck writing any particular genre or style. The only limits you have are the ones you put on yourself.
~Barbara Kingsolver
I think this is a quote that many new writers need to hear, and many published authors need to remember. Trying to write a book because you think the topic is hot right now or because you think it will sell will not serve you in the long run. Sure, you might sell a book or two, but you probably won't be enjoying the writing process very much.
You need to write what you need to write. If you love romance, write it. If you love science fiction, write it. If what you need to write is a conglomeration of three or four genres, write it. If you're in this business for the long haul you need to write what you have to say or you'll burn yourself out trying to please too many masters.
Remember, your style and what you want to write will evolve and change as you do. You're not stuck writing any particular genre or style. The only limits you have are the ones you put on yourself.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Guest Blogging at the Samhain Publishing Blog!
I'm talking about FEAR today over at the Samhain Blog.
Fear is the most basic of emotions. It shapes us and molds us—who we become and what we do on a daily basis is largely based on what fears drive us. It can motivate and inspire or it can hold us back. The decision is ours.
Drop by and check out my guest blog!
Fear is the most basic of emotions. It shapes us and molds us—who we become and what we do on a daily basis is largely based on what fears drive us. It can motivate and inspire or it can hold us back. The decision is ours.
Drop by and check out my guest blog!
Friday, May 02, 2008
New Release Dates!
A Legal Affair, book 5 in the Jamesville series, will be releasing from Samhain Publishing on July 15th. It's already up on the Samhain Coming Soon Pages.
To check out the details and to read the blurb, just click on A Legal Affair .
Jackson's Jewel, book 5 of the Awakening Desires series, will be releasing from Ellora's Cave on July 25th! I'm so excited about this book. Seems like I've been waiting forever for it to come out.
Just check out my Website to read the blurb and an excerpt.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Awakening Desires Newsletter--May 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 May 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s interview with Madison Hayes. As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. This month's winner is Ruth Morrel. Congratulations, Ruth.
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 May 2008 issue is now available!
Check out the this month’s interview with Madison Hayes. As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. This month's winner is Ruth Morrel. Congratulations, Ruth.
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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon."
~E.L. Doctorow
Good morning and welcome to Monday. I thought I'd start the week of with a quote from E.L. Doctorow. This quote says it all when it comes to writing. It's the old refrain all new writers here--show me, don't tell me.
You can say, "Emma went to her car. They were chasing her" That tells us what she is doing.
Or you can say, "Emma raced across the slick driveway, slipping once before catching herself against her car door. Her heart was pounding, but she dared not take the time to look behind. She could hear their footsteps on the pavement. They were right behind her."
Each sentence tells us the action, but the second way tells us so much more. :-)
~E.L. Doctorow
Good morning and welcome to Monday. I thought I'd start the week of with a quote from E.L. Doctorow. This quote says it all when it comes to writing. It's the old refrain all new writers here--show me, don't tell me.
You can say, "Emma went to her car. They were chasing her" That tells us what she is doing.
Or you can say, "Emma raced across the slick driveway, slipping once before catching herself against her car door. Her heart was pounding, but she dared not take the time to look behind. She could hear their footsteps on the pavement. They were right behind her."
Each sentence tells us the action, but the second way tells us so much more. :-)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Two New Reviews for Amethyst Moon!
Tina over at TwoLips Reviews has given Amethyst Moon 5 Kisses!Here's a snippet of what she has to say:
"N.J. Walters brings action, adventure and heart into Amethyst Moon. Tor and Dak are strong, intelligent, and totally YUMMY...I did not want Amethyst Moon to end."
Thanks so much Tina and TwoLips Reviews. To read the entire review go to TwoLips Reviews.
Sonya over at Fallen Angel Reviews has given Amethyst Moon 5 Angels!
Here's a snippet of what she has to say:
"N.J. Walters is a fantastic author that I cannot get enough of...Amethyst Moon is a very hot paranormal romance that will heat up every reader to the point of crying for relief."
Thank you so much Sonya and FAR. To read the entire review go to Fallen Angel Reviews .
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Quote of the Week!
"A single disturbed thought, creates ten thousand distractions?"
~Ryokan
Have you ever noticed how once you start thinking or worrying about something you can't seem to stop? That single thought can take your concentration away from work or keep you up half the night.
My plan for today--not allow myself to be distracted. LOL I'm off to work.
Have a great day.
~Ryokan
Have you ever noticed how once you start thinking or worrying about something you can't seem to stop? That single thought can take your concentration away from work or keep you up half the night.
My plan for today--not allow myself to be distracted. LOL I'm off to work.
Have a great day.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day 2008
Today is Earth Day 2008, a day to reflect on how much our planet gives us daily and what our repsonsibilities are in order to protect and care for it.
What can you do to help the environment:
1. Walk or take public transit when possible.
2. Turn off lights when not in use.
3. Use cloth bags for groceries instead of plastic.
4. Only do full loads of laundy and wash in cold water when possible.
5. Turn your heat back in the winter and put on a sweater.
6. Buy used items when possible. Not everything needs to be new.
7. Don't throw perfectly good items in the garbage, donate them to local charities and thrift stores.
8. Recycle.
9. Buy energy-saving appliances when possible.
10. Ask yourself if you truly need something before you purchase it. Chances are you might not. Cut your consumer consumption.
11. Buy organic when possible.
These are just a few things off the top of my head.
What are you doing to help the environment?
What can you do to help the environment:
1. Walk or take public transit when possible.
2. Turn off lights when not in use.
3. Use cloth bags for groceries instead of plastic.
4. Only do full loads of laundy and wash in cold water when possible.
5. Turn your heat back in the winter and put on a sweater.
6. Buy used items when possible. Not everything needs to be new.
7. Don't throw perfectly good items in the garbage, donate them to local charities and thrift stores.
8. Recycle.
9. Buy energy-saving appliances when possible.
10. Ask yourself if you truly need something before you purchase it. Chances are you might not. Cut your consumer consumption.
11. Buy organic when possible.
These are just a few things off the top of my head.
What are you doing to help the environment?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday, Monday!
Good morning and welcome to Monday!
The sun is shining, although it's still hovering around the freezing mark. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I went to see a local performer on Saturday night. It's always inspiring to get out and hear local musicians.
The plan for this week is to try and get going on my new project. I won't say what it is yet, because I'm superstitious. LOL I like to be at least half way through a book before I tell anyone what I'm working on. Even after writing all these books, there is still a part of me that is afraid I might not finish it.
What are your plans for this week?
The sun is shining, although it's still hovering around the freezing mark. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I went to see a local performer on Saturday night. It's always inspiring to get out and hear local musicians.
The plan for this week is to try and get going on my new project. I won't say what it is yet, because I'm superstitious. LOL I like to be at least half way through a book before I tell anyone what I'm working on. Even after writing all these books, there is still a part of me that is afraid I might not finish it.
What are your plans for this week?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Saturday Snippets!
I know I haven't blogged very faithfully this week, I'll try and do better.
This week was my big Home Alone Party at the Cave. As always, I want to thank the authors of Ellora's Cave for being so generous. They donated excerpts from their books and prizes for me to give away. Some also dropped by to party for a while. You all ROCK!
We partied all day and into the evening, and boy, did I have a stiff neck and a sore butt the next day. But it was a blast.
Thank you to everyone who dropped by to hang out with me on party day.
I also attended another Home Alone party at Samhain yesterday afternoon. This one was hosted by TJ Michaels and had the theme of Secrets or Lies. I found out a whole bunch of interesting stuff about some authors and also let a secret of my own out of the bag. *g*
Work wise I'm tinkering around with some new ideas in my head and hope to start a new project this week. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a fabulous Saturday. It's raining here, but that doesn't matter. It's the weekend!
This week was my big Home Alone Party at the Cave. As always, I want to thank the authors of Ellora's Cave for being so generous. They donated excerpts from their books and prizes for me to give away. Some also dropped by to party for a while. You all ROCK!
We partied all day and into the evening, and boy, did I have a stiff neck and a sore butt the next day. But it was a blast.
Thank you to everyone who dropped by to hang out with me on party day.
I also attended another Home Alone party at Samhain yesterday afternoon. This one was hosted by TJ Michaels and had the theme of Secrets or Lies. I found out a whole bunch of interesting stuff about some authors and also let a secret of my own out of the bag. *g*
Work wise I'm tinkering around with some new ideas in my head and hope to start a new project this week. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a fabulous Saturday. It's raining here, but that doesn't matter. It's the weekend!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Home Alone at the Cave!
Not going to the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburgh.
Then join me at the Ellora’s Cave Chat Group for the 4th Annual HOME ALONE AT THE CAVE PARTY on Thursday, April 17th, from 9 AM EST until 4 PM EST. (But probably later.)
The Ellora's Cave authors are always generous, but this year they've outdone themselves. This will be the biggest Home Alone party yet.
I have dozens of excerpts to share and 18 prizes to be won! So don't miss it!
Check out the participating authors:
Debra Glass
Kate Hill
Robie Madison/RE Matheson
Claire Thompson
BJ McCall
Sally Painter
Mardi Ballou
Nicole Austin
Taige Crenshaw
Cindy Spencer Pape
Lacey Thorne
KZ Snow
Ann Jacobs
TJ Michaels
Lise Fuller
Denise Rosetti
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Katherine Kingston
Marilu Mann
Rowan West
Madison Blake
Jory Strong
LA Day
Then join me at the Ellora’s Cave Chat Group for the 4th Annual HOME ALONE AT THE CAVE PARTY on Thursday, April 17th, from 9 AM EST until 4 PM EST. (But probably later.)
The Ellora's Cave authors are always generous, but this year they've outdone themselves. This will be the biggest Home Alone party yet.
I have dozens of excerpts to share and 18 prizes to be won! So don't miss it!
Check out the participating authors:
Debra Glass
Kate Hill
Robie Madison/RE Matheson
Claire Thompson
BJ McCall
Sally Painter
Mardi Ballou
Nicole Austin
Taige Crenshaw
Cindy Spencer Pape
Lacey Thorne
KZ Snow
Ann Jacobs
TJ Michaels
Lise Fuller
Denise Rosetti
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Katherine Kingston
Marilu Mann
Rowan West
Madison Blake
Jory Strong
LA Day
Monday, April 14, 2008
Eppie Pictures!
It's taken me a while, but I've finally got a picture of my Eppie Award.
I've also got a picture of me in my office with my Eppie. This is actually a corner of the living room. You can see my bookshelf behind me and my computer keyboard in front of me. There is just enough room for my desk chair.
This is where all the magic happens. *g*
And of course, my covers are on the wall behind me.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Party and Contest Reminders!
While many writers and readers will be off to Pittsburgh this coming week for the Romantic Times Convention, I'll be at home.
If you're not going to be at RT, why don't you join me for my 4th Annual Home Alone At The Cave Party on Thursday, April 17th from 9 AM EST until 4 PM EST at the Ellora’s Cave Chat Group . There will be tons of excerpts for you to enjoy and loads of prizes to be won.
I hope to see you there!
CONTEST REMINDER:
Spring is in the air and, to celebrate, I'm giving away a whole lot of PRINT books!
There are really TWO Grand Prizes! Two lucky winners will each receive 3 of the Ellora's Cavemen Anthologies, which feature stories by me--Legendary Tails IV, Dreams of the Nile IV, and Seasons of Seduction III.
If you're not going to be at RT, why don't you join me for my 4th Annual Home Alone At The Cave Party on Thursday, April 17th from 9 AM EST until 4 PM EST at the Ellora’s Cave Chat Group . There will be tons of excerpts for you to enjoy and loads of prizes to be won.
I hope to see you there!
CONTEST REMINDER:
Spring is in the air and, to celebrate, I'm giving away a whole lot of PRINT books!
There are really TWO Grand Prizes! Two lucky winners will each receive 3 of the Ellora's Cavemen Anthologies, which feature stories by me--Legendary Tails IV, Dreams of the Nile IV, and Seasons of Seduction III.
I also have Two Second Prizes! Two lucky winners will each receive a print copy of the Seasons of Seduction III anthology.
Just check out the SPRING FEVER CONTEST on my website for details on how to enter for your chance to win.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Win books at Night Owl Romance
Night Owl Romance is giving away 3 of my print books!
Check out the home page of Night Owl Romance and join their yahoo group for your chance to win.
Check out the home page of Night Owl Romance and join their yahoo group for your chance to win.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Samhain Authors are over at Coffee Time Romance until April 13th! There are tons of excerpts for you to enjoy and prizes for you to win.
*
Just drop on over and check it out.
*
You can check out all the excerpts at Coffee Time Romance Forms .
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A Legal Affair!
I just found out that A Legal Affair, Book 5 of the Jamesville series, will be released on July 15th!
I'm so excited, I just had to give you a sneak peek at my new cover. Shhh...don't tell. :-)
Blurb:
Book 5 of the Jamesville series.
Alicia Flint enjoys her community, her home, and her career as a lawyer. But since her livelihood depends on her spotless reputation, it’s not easy to even date in this small town, much less take a lover.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger at a friend’s wedding tempts her to do something she’s never done before—have a red-hot, one-night stand. The guy will be gone tomorrow; no one need ever know her delicious little secret.
Gill Baron has come to Jamesville to visit friends and figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. As a newly retired, burnt-out cop, he’s not looking for love, but he won’t say not to a night of no-strings sex with the seductive brunette. A night that leaves him wanting more.
When she meets the newest investigator on her latest case, Alicia is shocked to come face-to-face with Mr. One-Night-Stand. Jamesville doesn’t need another lawyer-related scandal to gossip about, but the truth is, she needs Gill’s top-notch investigative skills.
Their attraction is too deep to keep the town clueless of their affair forever. When Jamesville finds out, Alicia wonders if her reputation—and her relationship with Gill—will weather the storm.
Monday, April 07, 2008
World Health Day
Today is World Health Day. The purpose is to bring attention to the health of the entire world. There are many people dying of preventable and curable diseases around the globe.
To find out more, check out these links:
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/
http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/health/index.html
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/previous/2007/en/index.html
To find out more, check out these links:
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/
http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/health/index.html
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/previous/2007/en/index.html
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Summer Fun!
Although there is still snow on the ground, the promise of spring is in the air. That got me thinking about summer, and what I love most about the long, hot days.
Here are a few things I'm looking forward to this summer!
1. Sitting on the patio and soaking in the hot sun.
2. Taking a walk around the pond.
3. Eating an ice cream in the park.
4. Coming out of a summer blockbuster movie and it's still light outside.
5. Long, summer nights.
6. Cold, frosty drinks on steamy hot days.
7. Walking on the beach.
8. Seeing the flowers and trees in full bloom.
9. Listening to the birds when I wake up in the morning.
10. Being awoke at half past five by the rising sun.
Those are just a few things. What are you looking forward to this summer?
Here are a few things I'm looking forward to this summer!
1. Sitting on the patio and soaking in the hot sun.
2. Taking a walk around the pond.
3. Eating an ice cream in the park.
4. Coming out of a summer blockbuster movie and it's still light outside.
5. Long, summer nights.
6. Cold, frosty drinks on steamy hot days.
7. Walking on the beach.
8. Seeing the flowers and trees in full bloom.
9. Listening to the birds when I wake up in the morning.
10. Being awoke at half past five by the rising sun.
Those are just a few things. What are you looking forward to this summer?
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Book-A-Day Giveaway!
I'm participating in The Romance Studio Book-a-day Giveaway on Friday, April 4th!
If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of my latest Ellora's Cave release, Amethyst Moon, then go and check it out.
If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of my latest Ellora's Cave release, Amethyst Moon, then go and check it out.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Newsletter is Available!
Welcome to April!
The April 2008 issue of Awakening Desires--the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters--is now available! This month there is tons of news, an interview with the incredible Delilah Devlin, and a sneak peek at Jackson's Jewel, the next book in the Awakening Desires series, which has not been released yet.
2008 is the year of the print book! Each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a print book. This month's winner is bebe431@... Congratulations! I've contacted you about your 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 April 2008 issue of Awakening Desires--the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters--is now available! This month there is tons of news, an interview with the incredible Delilah Devlin, and a sneak peek at Jackson's Jewel, the next book in the Awakening Desires series, which has not been released yet.
2008 is the year of the print book! Each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a print book. This month's winner is bebe431@... Congratulations! I've contacted you about your 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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