I know, I know! It's too early!

But shhh... Christmas is coming.

I know it's too early to think about that, but I'm excited. The book releases on Oct 27th and I've been waiting so patiently. It's a particular favourite of mine, partly because I was able to go back and visit Marietta, but also because the hero completely stole my heart.

You see, Quincy didn't know he had a son until the boy's mother passed away. Then he got a call from a lawyer that he had custody. He's kind of freaking out. So he hires Nicki and she's cute and funny and I just adore her. In fact, I loved the story so much, I had a book trailer made.

Watch Book Trailer Here

And, since the story revolves around an Advent calendar of activities, I even had a designer create a calendar you can print out and put together with your own little elves.

The one on the right is what I took to the designer and the one on the left is the almost-finalized mock-up. The kit includes the pages you print and colour, some recipes and some ideas for other activities and crafts. You'll find the link in the back of the book. 

So you see, Christmas is coming. And it's going to be a good one. Want to be sure you get this craft? Pre-order the book or join Dani's newsletter. (You'll also get a free download of my short ebook romance, Cruel Summer as a welcome gift.)

His Christmas Miracle, Montana Born Books, Oct 27, 2016

Amazon

US | CA | UK | Aus 

Nook | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay 

And if you are thinking it's too early for Christmas, His Christmas Miracle will put you in the spirit. I promise.

Jumping the gun, Harlequin's mega sale and paradors in Andalucia

This morning, my twitter feed brought the lovely news that BookScream  had featured AN IDEAL HUSBAND as one of their bargains of the day for 14 October  at $1.99. In fact all my novels are for a limited time $1.99 as part of the Harlequin mega digital  backlist sale. The sale was supposed to start on 18 October but some e-book retailers have jumped the gun and discounted early. Harlequin wanted to keep things quiet until the 18^th but…I couldn’t resist sharing after my book was highlighted. The sales officially runs until 25 October but who knows if it will last longer with e-book retailers.

Malaga parador's view

Caduz

On to paradors and Andalucía. At this point last month Spanish sunshine and soft sea breezes filled my days, instead of typical British autumn weather . My husband and I discovered paradors some years ago – these are state run hotels which feature comfort, good regional food in stunning locations (often former government buildings that have been put to good use).  They are quite good value.

This year, it was southern Andalucia with Cadiz and Mazagon being the outstanding highlights. Some legends claim that Hercules founded Cadiz and that it served inspiration for tales of Atlantis.

El Rocio near Mazagon -- a town with unpaved streets 

It is certainly old and the region has had earthquakes in the past. The buildings actually hum with insect life.  The Phoenicians  were there and people have lived there ever since. The market still uses the Roman market with its colonnades, for example.  The entire coast was very wealthy during the Roman period because of the fish. It used to produce most of the fish sauce (garum) that the Romans used to season their food. More recently  Nelson bottled up the Spanish fleet in the harbour. However, now it is a bit of a forgotten backwater which slumbers in the sunshine.

The Caduz parador was recently rebuilt and with its infinity pools, electronic blinds and glass cube rooms reminded me of a James Bond movie.  At the restaurant I made two discovered — first sea urchins taste great if someone else has prepared them and that ice cold Pedro Ximinenez served with rich black coffee is a perfect dessert. Pedro Ximenez is a very sweet sherry which tastes like you are drinking  raisins but it is best served ice cold. It should be more popular other places as it is excellent. If you ever get a chance, try it.

View from Ronda parador's balcony

One of my husband’s great joys is bird watching. We tend to take holidays in places which are good  for it. When we arrived in Mazagon which is further along the coast towards Portugal and has golden beaches, my husband set up his telescope so he could do a bit of birdwatching. A man ambled up and said in a tone of great delight –oh you have my book.  By chance we had run into the man who wrote a series of books on where to watch birds in Spain.  In some ways it was a James Bond moment because of  course Ian Fleming got the inspiration for the name from a birdwatching guide. I had him sign the book because it is always pleasant to encounter authors in the wild.  

We also went to Ronda and had a spectacular view from the bedroom balcony. There was a music festival so we were serenaded by a harpist and singer. They mostly played  1960’s folk tunes. SO it was very much figure out the song while watching various birds glide past.

Michelle Styles writes warm, witty and intimate historical romance in a wide range of time periods. Her next book SOLD TO THE VIKING WARRIOR will be published in February 2017. You can learn more about Michelle and her books on www.michellestyles.co.uk. 

Christina Hollis—You Can Do It If You Really Try...

Whenever I’m asked to talk about my work, someone in the audience always says: ‘I wish I could write a book…’

There’s only one answer to that. You can—so get started!  Writing a book is no picnic, but I've found it’s a lot easier than trying to lose the weight you’d put on from taking part in a picnic. 

Writing is a great pastime. It's helped me in lots of ways. I’ve met loads of good friends through local, national and international writing groups. Pouring out your thoughts onto paper or a screen is a wonderfully freeing experience. Many years ago, I had problems beyond the dreams of analysts—or so I thought.  I piled them onto one of my troubled heroines. Reading through and refining her life story a hundred times gave me new insight into my own, real world. From that moment, things looked up for me.  They got even better when that heroine’s troubles won me a short story prize. I was on the road to recovery, thanks to the healing power of words.

In my third novel, One Night In His Bed, the hero Garett tells Sienna:

‘You can have everything you want.  Just reach out.  There are no limits…’

myBook.to/ONENIGHTINHISBED

Writing fiction is a great illustration of this. You know the kind of book you like to read.  That’s the story you’re best placed to tell, so why not give it a go? Write from your heart, and you’ll engage with your audience. It’s always easier to work with themes and characters that inspire and interest you.  That’s why I write about complex men and independent women. Some days the rain never stops, and all I want to do is hibernate. That’s when I add exotic settings to the mix. Putting all these things together, and devising plot twists to stop my hero and heroine reaching their happy-ever-after ending too soon is the perfect distraction from everyday life.   

If you need any more encouragement to start a writing project, investigate the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. It’s the chance to have your manuscript, or its first few chapters, reviewed by professional writers. You can find out all about it here.  

Find out more at http://bit.ly/2e2KG15

Start now, and if you only write a hundred words a day between now and the New Year, you’ll have produced around eight thousand words. Polish and perfect them, and you’ve got a submission. 

I'll be posting my collection of hints and tips for Writing Your Book on my blog over the next few months. You can find the first one here, and for more writing news, tips and extracts, join me on my Facebook author page at on.fb.me/1Ee1urM

When she isn't cooking, gardening or beekeeping, Christina Hollis writes contemporary fiction starring complex men and independent women.  Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and she’s sold nearly three million books worldwide. Catch up with her at http://www.christinahollis.blogspot.com, on Twitter, Facebook, and see a full list of her published books at christinahollis.com

Her current release, Heart Of A Hostage, is published by The Wild Rose Press and available at myBook.to/HeartOfAHostage  worldwide, and from http://bit.ly/2e2KG15 in the US.

Grownup Clothes

So, I'm heading to New Jersey Romance Writers conference this weekend and realized yesterday, I have to pack.  Yes, I realized that fact as I sat in holey jeans, a t-shirt and a buffalo plaid flannel shirt.  Let's just say it...I don't do grownup clothes very often.  Hardly ever, truth be told.

I walked to my grownup clothes closet and stared at it.  And then I hit on a plan...
You see, I'm going to New Jersey because I've getting a Hall of Fame Award (you can read about it here).  And two of my books are finalists in the Golden Leaf Awards.

And all the books that are part of that Hall of Fame Award and in the Golden Leaf Award are set here in Erie, PA.  (What, you mean Erie isn't your first thought when you think of romantic cities?? Maybe it should be! LOL) So, if I wore some of my very cool Erie t-shirts (thanks Erie Apparel) I wouldn't be avoiding grownup clothes, I'd be marketing my books.  Yes, that's right, those t-shirts are branding.  And branding is smart and business savvy.  

So, if you see me in New Jersey wearing my t-shirts (and non-holey jeans and a nice cardie) don't think, boy that writer seems less than grownup dressed.  Think, wow, that writer is very market savvy.  She's a branding dynamo.

Uh, did you buy that??

New Jersey here I come!!  And if you're looking for a romantic city...maybe you should be thinking Erie??  You can visit Visit Erie to find out a bit of what we have to offer...or you can pick up a Holly Jacobs' book. (Oh, I think that was more marketing savviness right there!)

Holly

Visit Erie

A Sky Blue Anniversary! with Kate Walker (and giveaway)

I  have a song that keeps going round in my head  this month – it’s that Beatles'  classic

‘Will you still need me,

Will you still feed me

When I’m  64’.

But in my case, I have a personal version which goes:

Will you still need me,
Will you still READ me

When I’m 65!

That’s because my latest novel – which is out on the shelves right now, Indebted to Moreno is my 65^th published title!   

No I can ‘t quite believe it either. People keep asking me how I got to this  milestone and the only answer I can come up with is ‘one word at a time.’ Oh – and to say that – obviously – I started writing very young.  

The 65^th anniversary is a bit of a strange one – almost a non event, in wedding anniversary terms. It doesn’t really have a real symbolic name – apparently it’s called the ‘sky-blue anniversary.’ That could cause problems when trying to choose a gift! And when it comes to marking publishing milestones, it’s  not really noted either.  I got a silver pin for my 25 th book, (Wife For a Day) a gold one for my 50 ^th (The Sicilian’s Red-Hot Revenge)  and now I need to wait – and write – until I hit the magical #75 before the next official award.  I’ve already started on that – I sent in what I hope will be my 66^th title last week and I’m started on the potential 67^th.

But 75 does seem a long way away! So I’m going to celebrate this 65^th title   anyway – and  when(if) I get to that 75^th  we’ll have a really big celebration!

So I’ve been looking at the stocks of my backlist books I still have available and I’m going to share these with my readers to mark the publication of Indebted to Moreno. Some of them have already been given out – but I’m also offering a small giveaway here to mark this important book. Well, it’s important to me!

So here’s a little puzzle for you – if the 65th is the ‘sky-blue anniversary’  - what would you think would be a suitable gift for someone who was celebrating that big event?  I have  a choice of these books to giveaway  for the best suggestions  - well, the ones that Charlie the Maine Coon and Ruby his little black and white sister cat  - pick out from the names in the comments. So put your suggestion in the comments  - and add the title of the book you’d choose if you win – and see if Charlie and Ruby can help you celebrate along with me.

You can choose from:

The Devil and Miss Jones

Destined for the Desert King

Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride

Konstantos Marriage Demand

A Question of Honour

Olivero’s Outrageous Proposal

The Greek Tycoon’s Unwilling Bride

Cordero’s Forced Bride

Bedded By The Greek Billionaire

Spanish Billionaire, Innocent Wife

Kept for Her  Baby

A  Throne for the Taking

You can find further details on all of these books over on my web site.

Meanwhile the 65^th title Indebted to Moreno is in the shops now. Sorry, but this one is not included in the special giveaway – not this time. But perhaps when I reach that magical 75^th!!

In the meantime, any other celebrations will be posted on my blog or my Facebook page. 


EDITED TO ADD WINNERS:


I'm in a happy mood with celebrating  - and I just had a bit more good news this morning too  so Charlie and Ruby are happy  to pick winner(s)  - and they've picked -   ALL 4  OF YOU  who commented!!  

So  Debby -  A copy of The Devil and Miss Jones
Laney - The Konstantos Marriage Demand
Denise . . .????  Can you let me know your choice of book.

and Mary  - I'll replace that copy of Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride!

Pleae email me katewalker @ ntlworld.com with your postal address 

Carole Mortimer: Autumn has arrived in England

Hi Everyone,

Wow, autumn really feels as if it’s arrived here in England. The weather has turned to rain, and it’s very blustery, blowing all the leaves off the trees. I’m one of those people who love the Seasons, so for me this is a welcome change after a very hot summer.

Our youngest son has now returned to university, after taking a year’s break away from academia. We wish him well on his new course. Most of all, we hope he’ll be happy. And that he doesn’t bring too much washing home for Mum on a weekend!    

Challenging Gabriel (Knight Security 2), the third story in my contemporary romance series, was published on September 23rd. Gabriel is a particular favourite character of mine, and his story takes place in London and on the island of Mallorca. Mallorca is somewhere my husband and I visit regularly, and it proved to be the perfect location for the hideaway villa necessary to Gabriel’s story.   

I have now finished writing Pleasured by a Duke (Regency Unlaced 7). If you read book 6 in this Regency series, Captured by a Gentleman, then you will have already met Sebastian Falkner. I think you are going to love his story, and this 7^th book also introduces the hero of book 8 in the series, which will be available for pre-order soon and released in December. Pleasured by a Duke is available for pre-order, and will be released October 28th. 

As always, the stories in my Regency Unlaced, Knight Security, and Alpha series are all romances with added suspense and/or danger. They are also more explicit in their language and sexual content than my other books. In other words, they’re hot, so you have been warned!

Love Carole x

Buy links for Challenging Gabriel (Knight Security 2)

https://www.amazon.com/Challenging-Gabriel-Knight-Security-2-ebook/dp/B01HLNEBM6/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DNV9ZMN9C1NXK2AF66F9

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/challenging-gabriel-carole-mortimer/1124020819?ean=2940153099569

Also available ibooks, Kobo, and Smashwords

Buy links for Pleasured by a Duke (Regency Unlaced 7)

https://www.amazon.com/Challenging-Gabriel-Knight-Security-2-ebook/dp/B01HLNEBM6/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1473502236&sr=1-10&keywords=carole+mortimer

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pleasured-by-a-duke-carole-mortimer/1124480939?ean=2940153701196

Also available ibooks, Kobo, and Smashwords

Website: www.carolemortimer.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaroleMortimerAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carole_mortimer

Newsletter: www.eepurl.com/2rfzz

Moving, moving, moving

This is my moving crew, ready to roll. Two more trips...

Does the moving process ever end? As near as I can tell, no.  I'm about to embark on yet another long drive from Montana back to Nevada to pick up yet another load. This is almost...but not quite...enough to make me a minimalist. Almost.

Rumor has it that in only two more trips, we will have transferred everything from one place to the other. Call me a skeptic, but I'll believe it when I see an empty house on one end of the trip and a full house on the other.





I've written quite a few books this year, despitethe never-ending move in addition to my son's wedding this summer. I'm not sure how I got all the books done, to tell you the truth, although the other day I glanced over at my husband and murmured, "I'm so looking forward to not writing in the car."

If all goes according to plan, I will be living in only one house, instead of two, by the end of this month and I will be writing at a desk instead of on a lapboard.

I'm very excited about the Tule books I have in the works. Catch Me, Cowboy released last month, and now I'm working on an International Bull Rider book that will release next spring and have contracted to write a book for a fun series set in a Victorian hotel next fall. In addition to this, I have more bull rider books coming from Harlequin Western and more Brody's of Lightning Creek coming from Harlequin Superromance.

It's been a productive year, despite the chaos and I'm looking forward to doing a lot of Montana research for my future books--just as soon as the dust settles.

Have a great day!
Jeannie

Seeking hero inspiration - Kandy Shepherd

Hello from Greece! I'm on the last day of a fabulous ten days in Crete. What a wonderful place - history (in spades!), hospitable people, great food and the most beautiful waters I've swum in.

The water is important as I've just completed a guided swim trip of six days swimming in glorious waters off the south coast of Crete - clean, clear and in hues ranging from palest aqua through cerulean blue. Swimmers' heaven!

But for romance readers the water might not be what they most admire about Greece. Yes, there is good reason for the enduring popularity of the Greek hero - Greek men really are handsome and charming and very manly! What inspiration for a romance writer. I was actually on deadline while away and had the delicious experience of writing in Greece surrounded by hero material wherever I looked.

Egged on by some fellow (female!) swimmers, I actually asked a perfect hero could I take his photo as we all thought he was so handsome. He smilingly obliged. I'd love to share the photo but it would possibly be an invasion of privacy for me to publish. But watch out for a particularly attractive Greek hero coming in a romance novel from me soon!

I have two novels featuring Greek heroes from Harlequin Romance coming up: Greek Tycoon's Mistletoe Proposal in November and Conveniently Wed to the Greek sometime next year. Now I have inspiration for many more!

Do you have a favorite romance hero? I'd love to read your comments. I'll be in transit on the long flight home but will reply as soon as I can get online!

PS. I can't seem to load new photos on intermittent Internet for travelers !



Kandy Shepherd
http://www.kandyshepherd.com

The unexpected consequences of research...

I'm writing a book - nothing new about that, it will be my 66th for Harlequin Romance. There was a time when if I wanted to know anything I went to the library and either spent a few hours in the reference section or brought a pile of books home.

Barbara Cartland once said that she read twenty books for background research for every one she wrote. I've certainly come close, not only writing about somewhere I haven't actually been, but even when I'm writing about somewhere I've been more than once.

These days it's all so much easier.

My hero owns a fleet of commercial aircraft (not that big but it was the only picture of an aircraft I have a licence for).

I needed to get a feel for them, what they carry and so I Google aircraft of all shapes and sizes. I have to create a fictional range of aircraft so I need to check out my ideas against what models are already in production. Cats of all sizes are very popular, I discovered. I need to know how fast they fly and some information on how many hours you have to fly to maintain your licence. Actually I didn't need that last one in the end but a lovely man from a flying school took the time to explain it all to me.

I needed a Mediterranean island to inspire the creation of a brand new kingdom and spent several delightful hours surfing through Pinterest and the 'net.

I needed a villa by the sea, a very special beach, a hot spring and it's all but a click away.

I'm writing a paragraph and I need to work out when my heroine's baby is due. I Google a "due date calculator", check the size of the embryo and Bob, as they say, is your uncle. Not mine, actually. I had a James, a Charlie, a Harold, a Victor and an Albert. No Robert.

So these days, when I pop over to Facebook, because that's what you do when the word flow stops and the brain needs time to download the ideas as that have lurking in the back of the brain, the 'bots have been knocking themselves out. Along with the usual ads offering me courses on how to sell my books and grow my email lists, I have advertisements offering me pregnancy "counselling", nursery furniture, Italian holidays, villa rentals and light aircraft.

Life, as they say, is never dull!

Addison Fox: Ending & Beginnings

I’m fascinated by change. As humans we resist it more often than not, but change is the catalyst that moves us forward. Change is what brings new things into our lives. Change, whether we like it or not, is a guarantee.

I was thinking about this relative to a colleague who is moving on. He’s been at my company for 9 years and is off to a new opportunity that will be exciting and challenging. We gave him a going away party last night and over and over – even with the sadness he had saying good-bye to everyone – there was a smile on his face.

It was that smile that got me. He’s excited about what comes next.

As a writer, life changes are the core focus of my work. Stories, at their very essence, are about change. In order to have a story that captures attention (and lasts for 300+ pages!) you need something to happen to your characters. Something that takes them out of their comfort zone and pushes them forward.

So as I sit here typing this, I know I will miss my colleague. He’s someone whose opinion I value and someone who I’ve always appreciated having in my corner at work. But I’m also excited for him. There are new things to learn and new challenges to rise up to.

Endings and beginnings. They’re intricately linked. And they are the things that move us forward.

Thanks for joining me today!
XO,
Addison



Despite early ambitions of being a diver, a drummer or a doctor, Addison Fox happily discovered she was more suited to life as a writer. She lives in New York and - thankfully - doesn't have to operate on anyone. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com. Her next two releases, AT LAST from St. Martin’s Swerve and A HUNTER UNDER THE MISTLETOE from Harlequin Nocturne will both be out in November. You can visit her at her website at www.addisonfox.com 

Roxanne Snopek: The Season of Anticipation

I love autumn. Always have. Maybe it’s because I was one of those kids who liked school, (even though simultaneously riddled with anxiety on that first day.) I also love, love, love the colors and crunch of leaves as they begin to drift from the trees, the fresh smell cool rain on thirsty earth and how great hot oatmeal tastes on a chilly morning.

Fall also begins the countdown to Christmas, Hallowe’en and in our house, several birthdays, so there’s much to look forward to as the season changes.

This year, there’s another thing to look forward to: the launch of a new book series. If you read yesterday’s post by C.J. Carmichael, you’ll be familiar with Love At The Chocolate Shop. If not, and you enjoy heartwarming romances and, ahem, chocolate, then you’ll want to pay attention. The first, Melt My Heart, Cowboy, by C.J. releases tomorrow, October 6. I’ve already read this story and readers, it’s wonderful.

There are six talented authors writing a total of 12 books, to be released one per month for an entire year. A year of chocolate and love, people! How great is that? Along with C.J. you’ll be treated to stories by Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Marin Thomas, Steena Holmes and me, Roxanne Snopek. The cover art for my first book was just released so I’m thrilled to share it with you. Isn’t it beautiful?

Sign up here to make sure you don’t miss the announcements: http://tulechocolateshop.wixsite.com/coppermountainchoc/sign-up-for-updates

And please stop by our Facebook page to join in the fun and get an invitation to our launch party next Wednesday, October 12. www.facebook.com/LoveAtTheChocolateShop.

Happy Fall!

Roxanne Snopek

CJ Carmichael: Writers Can Play Nice With One Another. It Happened Once.

Writing can be a solitary pursuit, until you agree to be the front man for a twelve-book series, working with five other authors, and then suddenly, it’s not solitary at all!

The idea for a series focused on a chocolate shop in small town Montana originated in February, when my publisher, Jane Porter, suggested that readers had loved my Sage Carrigan and her Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop (from my book, Promise Me Cowboy). I agreed there was potential to build a series around Sage and her shop, but I was leery of signing on to write too many books. I was also leery of working with a group of authors on the project because I’d been involved in other multi-author series and ended up pulling out great clumps of my hair on a daily basis.

It did occur to me, though, that the right group of authors might make all the difference. What we needed was talented authors—but no divas. We needed to work together in building our world and our stories, plus we also needed team players willing to do their share when it came time to promote and spread the word about our books.

Tentatively I sent out a few emails, and to my surprise and delight managed to snag some pretty amazing talent. Before I knew it we had set up a Facebook Group. Contracts were signed and story planning commenced. Suddenly, via Facebook and email, I was in daily contact with five creative authors, and I’m happy to say not a temper was frayed. Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Roxanne Snopek, Marin Thomas and Steena Holmes...all are such a treat to work with.

Melissa is incredibly organized and business-minded. She keeps us focused. Debra is wonderfully fun and enthusiastic... she’s positivity personified. Roxanne is incredibly creative. She came up with this wonderful caption for our series: “What Love Tastes Like.” We use it in all our promo because we think it captures the spirit of our books so well. Marin Thomas is a Facebook guru—she and her wonderful assistant Denise have a million excellent ideas for promoting our books. And Steena Holmes is our self-professed chocolate expert. She’s so committed to the cause she actually volunteered to visit Paris on our behalf and report back on all the best chocolatiers she discovers. Now that’s sacrifice.

So here you have it. A documented, real life example, of six authors managing to work on one series and not drive each other crazy. On top of that, I believe we’re coming up with some excellent stories for our readers. Happily, our very first book, my own Melt My Heart Cowboy is being released this month on October 6. Finally we’re going to be able to share some of the fruits of our hard work with our readers. Of course, Melt My Heart Cowboy is just the beginning. There are eleven books to come, one a month, until the series wraps up in September 2017.

If you want to join in the fun, please do like our Facebook Page and request our notifications. There are going to be so many parties, giveaways, laughs and stories in the year to come, and the more along for the ride the better.

Also, I’m hosting a special Love at the Chocolate Shop giveaway on my website this month and I invite you to enter that contest as well.

Hope to see you on Facebook soon!

C.J.Carmichael, author

Website, Newsletter

Facebook, Twitter

Susan Sands: Beautiful Book Covers

I'm working on my third book in the Alabama series for the Tule Publishing Group. Tule took a big chance on me by publishing my debut novel, and I'm forever grateful! I have to say that of all the things there are to obsess about when releasing one's first novel, one of my most anxiety-producing moments was laying eyes on the mock-ups of my very first cover. I was so worried I would hate every single one. I'd been sent a cover art fact sheet by the publisher to fill out, of course. There were questions about the hero and heroins' hair color, eye color, skin tone, and body type, etc. Also, they asked for specifics about the setting and tone of the story.

But I had ideas for my cover. Lots of fantastic ideas that would convey my story perfectly in a snapshot. It was my first book, and the beginning of my brand. A brand that would define me in a very specific way to readers. Was I a commercial romance author? Was I Southern lit? Was I women's fiction? Well, I was all three. I hoped and prayed my covers would set that tone. It was a tall order, I assure you. And I wanted to be welcomed in all the circles. To literary festivals in my area, to romance panels at conferences, and taken seriously as I move at times toward women's fiction issues. Book covers define your work to everyone.

I love and own all my genres, even though they are inside one book. I know we can't be all things to all people, and I was asking a lot of a cover designer: No faces, no embracing couples, nothing too contemporary, nothing too country. But Tule listened to me, and they had a secret weapon. They had Lee Hyatt.

She pulled it off, not once, but twice!! And let me tell you--it was perfection. I've had readers and other authors go on and on about how they love my covers. Have a look!

Again, Alabama

Love, Alabama

Small town, Southern, romantic women's fiction never had a prettier and more appropriate cover!! Thanks so much Lee for finding the right balance and setting the tone for my brand. I'm in your debt.

Susan Sands

Turning the Page

by Joanne Rock

My September release!

I started a new book this week and it’s one of the most creatively exciting times for a writer.  It’s always, always something to be jazzed about, and even fifteen years after my first sale, I do not take it for granted that I’m fortunate to write books that already have a home on a publisher’s list, books that readers will be looking for.

There was a time, of course, when that was not the case. And while writing a new book as a pre-published author is exciting, it’s also nerve-wracking wondering “will this be The One? My first sale book?” I can remember so well how much I angsted over each new story set-up, hoping this time I would iron out the problems with the previous story and write a great “can’t put it down” story.

It’s so much harder than it looks. Or at least, I underestimated how difficult it would be when I sat down to write the first story. Good authors make a story unfold so seamlessly. It sounds like they lived the story themselves, gaining access to interesting characters’ minds to retell the tale of how they fell in love against all odds. There is a smooth pace, engaging dialogue and tense moments where you wonder if all is lost. But then, through personal growth and sacrifice, there is a moment of hope. Love triumphs. Often, there are tears and smiles all around.

Today's giveaway

But it’s not easy! And it truly never *becomes* easy. Even after writing seventy-plus romances for Harlequin and a handful for Tule and some Young Adult books, I am positive that writing a book will never happen as fluidly as I once naively imagined it might. Sometimes, a story happens with a bit less gnashing of teeth, but there are always days where I feel like I’ve gone astray with the storytelling and I’ll need to go back and rewrite.

So it’s almost a surprise that—even knowing how many obstacles lie ahead for both myself and my characters—I still get so excited and fluttery-nervous over typing the simple words “Chapter One” at the top of a new page. There is still magic in the process. Still an incredible alchemy that a small idea can snowball into a story that turns complex, difficult, and ultimately satisfying.

I know the process will be hard. But I’m confident at the end, there will be tears and smiles all around.

**

Celebrate my 71st release from Harlequin with me! Pick up Whispers Under a Southern Sky, plus win today's giveaway of Seducing the Matchmaker, a 3-in1 with stories from me, Meg Maguire and Lori Borrill, plus some cute notepads to help you get organized. To enter, just post a note below and let me know what you're reading this month. I just finished A Place We Knew Well by Susan McCarthy and now I'm hoping the postman brings Jill Shalvis' The Trouble With Mistletoe so I can dig into her latest!

Eve Gaddy: Love Me, Cowgirl

I'm lucky enough to be part of the 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo Series, coming to you this fall from Tule Publishing. My book, Love Me, Cowgirl, will be out September 29, 2016.

Disillusioned with love, Dr. Sean Gallagher returns to Marietta to join its expanding medical facility. Marietta’s newest, most eligible bachelor isn’t looking for long-term involvement – especially not with his brother’s much-younger former girlfriend, Honey Jordan. But short term? That’s another matter.

Escaping a toxic relationship with her father, barrel racer Honey spends as little time as possible in Marietta. Home for the 78th Annual Copper Mountain Rodeo, a brief fling with the town’s hottest new doc might be just the thing to distract her until she can leave again.

But when a riding accident strands Honey in Marietta, an affair meant to last a few nights turns into something much deeper, leaving both Sean and Honey torn between the safety of saying goodbye and the heartache of losing what they dare not admit they’ve found — one true and lasting love.

I had so much fun writing Love Me, Cowgirl. I'm from Fort Worth, Texas, home of the Fort Worth, Texas, Stock Show and Rodeo--it was the Fat Stock Show and Rodeo when I was younger and I can't help but think of it that way. I went to the rodeo every year when I was growing up. Barrel racing was one of my favorite events.

I've been married to a doctor for a long time, and I always enjoy writing about people in the medical profession. I always have a soft spot for my heroes and Sean Gallagher definitely rates a giant soft spot.

Honey Jordan is a heroine who knows what she wants and goes after it. Only problem is, she doesn't believe she can have a long-term relationship, since she can't stick around Marietta for more than a couple of weeks at a time.

But that's fine with Dr. Sean Gallagher, ER doc, recently returning to Marietta to practice. Sean and Honey have a few surprises coming their way once Honey is sidelined by injury and stuck in Marietta.

I've written about cowboys, cowgirls and rodeos in the past. Cowboy Come Home is one of my favorite books. The hero, Jake Rollins is a retired saddle bronc champion and his heroine, Anna Leigh Connor, teaches barrel racing.

But it's been a while since I wrote that one, so researching about rodeos, and especially barrel racing, was definitely important. Not to mention, fun.

I can't wait until September 29 when Love Me, Cowgirl is released!

Here's a link to all the 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo books!

http://tulepublishing.com/booklists/?displaytype=series_cover#the-78th-copper-mountain-rodeo

Catch Me, Cowboy Jeannie Watt

Protect Me, Cowboy Shelli Stevens

Want Me, Cowboy Sinclair Jayne

Love Me, Cowgirl Eve Gaddy

Here are some links you might want to check out. You can even pre-order Love Me, Cowgirl!

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/evegaddyauthor

@evegaddy on Twitter

pre-order links for Love Me, Cowgirl here: http://bit.ly/TuleCowgirl

Cowboy Come Home links http://bit.ly/cchlinks

www.evegaddy.net

Kellie Coates Gilbert; The Wonder of Story

I experienced pure joy recently.

My little grandson (I call him“Peanut”) spent the night and I introduced him to Walt Disney’s BAMBI for the first time. The birth of the “little Prince” held Peanut’s eyes riveted to the screen. Together, we laughed at Thumper’s antics on the frozen lake, or at the mommy rabbit’s scoldings. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” We smiled when springtime brought forth a lot of “twitterpating” and when Bambi mistook the little black and white skunk for a flower.

When the scenes turned grave in nature, my concerned grandson glanced over my way. “What’s going to happen, Dammy?” He leaned forward during the meadow scene and worried when “man entered the forest.” His little dimpled hand gripped my arm at the bleakest moment of the story, when shots rang out and Bambi no longer had his mother, his little face sober with concern until the regal buck with the massive antlers showed up on screen and restored safety.

There was a moment or two my good judgment was in question. Was he too young for this taut emotion?

The doubt quickly settled when at the closing credits my little Peanut nodded in satisfaction. “Play it again, Dammy?”

We ended up watching the movie six more times before he finally tired and moved on to playing trains with Papa. (Even then, he gripped the Bambi book I’d bought him in his hand.)

Whether three years of age, thirty-three or eighty-three, stories captivate our souls. It’s why, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com, movie revenues in 2013 totaled $10,870,181,084 (yes, that’s nearly $11 BILLION) and why it’s reported that Stephanie Myers’ popular Twilight novels sold over 42 million copies and was translated into 22 languages.

People love stories. Especially those of us who hang here on the Author Sound Relations blog.

Tell us . . . what story is captivating you this week?


(Released in 1942, Bambi is the fifth movie in the Disney Animated Canon. It's based on Bambi, a Life in the Woods, a 1923 novel by Austrian author Felix Salten.)

Kellie Coates Gilbert is the acclaimed author of the Texas Gold contemporary novels, which garnered designations as Barnes and Noble Top Picks and landed on Library Journal Best Book list. Influenced by her former career as a legal investigator where she spent nearly twenty-five years working in courtrooms and behind the scenes of some of the largest and most well-known cases in America, her fast-paced emotional stories have thrilled readers across America. Kellie’s highly anticipated Sun Valley Series, featuring three sisters living in a ski resort in Idaho, is scheduled to release in early 2017. 

Connect with Kellie on:


Facebook: Kellie Coates Gilbert, Author

Website: kelliecoatesgilbert.com 

Twitter: @KCoatesGilbert 

Tips for Getting Noticed in the Slush Pile by Tessa Shapcott

I was asked by my local writer’s group to make a list of tips which might help with getting noticed.  I don’t claim it’s comprehensive.  But it’s based on my experience as an editor, who has spent many years combing slush piles for talent (and spotted a few good ones)!

• Don’t just write what you want to write; write what readers want to read.  This is the insight which successful authors have, and which makes them stand out from the crowd.

• Do your research.  Once you have established what a publisher or agent’s interest is, drill down and find out more about the specifics of what they handle; for instance, do they do general historical fiction, or just sagas or romances?

• Accompany your submission with a professional query letter. Look at it like a job application.  Tell them a little about yourself, and if you’ve had any previous writing successes like winning an award.  Don’t be desperate!


• Include a word count (a fiction novel should be between 45,000 and 100,000 words).  Identify the genre you are aiming at.


• Make sure your story sparkles from the very first page.  The reader must be compelled from the start, and if your book only really gets going around page 100, you are in trouble!

• Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar.  Maybe enlist the help of a literate friend or critique partner to proof-read before you submit.


Tessa Shapcott is a freelance editor and writer.  She can be contacted via www.tessashapcottbookeditor.com

Barbara Ankrum: Christmas is Coming!

I just finished a new book, a Christmas story for Tule Publishing Group called, THE COWGIRL’S CHRISTMAS WISH and I’m so excited for you to read it. It’s the first Christmas book I’ve ever done in my long career and, frankly, I’m not sure why it took me so long to write one. The majority was done in the middle of summer heat waves and ninety percent humidity days when the thought of conjuring Montana in snowy December required extra imagination. But with a little help from holiday music, copious Pinterest photos and wishful thinking, I’m happy to say I love the final product.

It’s no secret that Christmas stories are wildly popular. I love them myself. As I wrote this story about polar opposites, (pardon the pun!)  I began to understand why they’re so in demand. When I asked myself what I wanted to read at that time of year, the answer was “something a little magical, something a little sweeter and more romantic.” So that’s what I wrote. It’s the story of a pair of good friends who just need a little push to realize they could be so much more. This is the third book in my Canadays of Montana series.  Eve Canaday’s cup is always half-full, and Dr. Ben Tyler, who’s not a fan of Christmas, is already halfway out of town as this story begins. Together, they are enlisted to fulfill the last wish of the mother of a little four-year old girl named Lily for a magical Christmas in oh, so merry Marietta, Montana.

Anyone who knows me well, knows I’m fascinated by the unexplained, the things we take on faith. But I wanted something a little more concrete in this story, something that made my characters question the Universe’s messages to them in a way they couldn’t readily deny. I won’t spoil the fun and reveal it to you now, but suffice it to say, this little messenger from the universe does his ‘jingly’ part to turn my hero and heroine toward each other.  And wishes, made at Christmas, always stand a better chance of coming true!

THE COWGIRL’S CHRSTMAS WISH comes out October 24th, from Tule Publishing Group and is up for preorder. And can I just mention here, LEE HYAT, the owner of this very blog, designed this awesome cover for me. I could not love it more! I hope you enjoy the book and that it gets you in the mood for the holidays! Let me know how you like it!

Here’s a little taste of THE COWGIRL’S CHRISTMAS WISH:

“You were saying?” Eve said, studying her fingernail. “Something about me being absolutely right?”
Leaning against the door jamb, arms uneasily folded, Ben’s mouth curved up into a grin. “That’s right. You were.”
The grin was throwing her off. “Anything else?”
“You look real pretty without makeup.”
“Don’t you try to butter me up, Doctor Tyler.”
“Truth.”
She yawned broadly. 
“I’m serious.”
“I’m not leaving if that’s what you’re worried about. If that’s why you’re still standing at my door, flicking compliments my way.”
His gaze narrowed. 
“A deal’s a deal’s a deal,” she said. “I promised to help with Lily and I will. Besides, if you’ve decided the best thing for you to do with your life is run off to the jungles of Borneo or the Amazon or—”
“—Honduras.”
“—or Honduras, instead of staying in Marietta and facing whatever it is that’s scaring you away, a place where people actually need and care about you, then who am I to try and stop you?”
He stiffened. “Scaring me? Nothing’s scaring me away. I’m choosing to go. Of my own free will.”
A beat passed before she decided not to say what she wanted to say. “Okay. Whatever. Fine. I’m tired, Ben. I’m going to bed now. See you in the morning.”
She started to shut the door, but he stopped it with his hand, incidentally covering hers. His touch, as it always did, sent want curling through her. She stared at his fingers for a long, gathering moment before meeting his blue, blue eyes.
And without any warning, he kissed her. On the mouth. A quick, buss of his lips that happened before she could evade it.  Not that she would have. His lips were softer than she’d imagined and his kiss tasted of wine and desperation. Just a glimpse, yet she was sure she wasn’t mistaken about the desperation.  
And just when she thought he was done, he deepened the kiss, pulling her practically naked self against him. She felt her nipples grate against the fabric of her tee-shirt, pressed up against the solid wall of his chest.  She grabbed the door for balance, and then his shoulders, her breath catching in her throat. His tongue breeched the seam of her mouth and she opened to him, hungry for this taste of him.
His desire jutted against her hipbone, raw and hungry as her own. Her heart pounded and stars flickered behind her eyes. 
Kissing her. Ben was kissing her.