I have been going through a huge Christmas panic attack this week. When "G" gave me her list this year, it had exactly two items on it, books and a Pocahontas doll. She was very specific. Her doll needed to be Native American. So like a dutiful aunt, I went to Toys R Us to find her. Well, there was every type of Disney doll there but...you got it. Pocahontas! The next step was ordering it off Amazon, easy, easy! Well, of course with me not so easy. For weeks there has been no word on the doll. Finally, on Wednesday, I really started to panic. This kid asked for two things!!!! What was I going to do? My mother's solution was to buy her an American Girl doll. I don't know about you but there is no way I'm contributing to that cult. Not that I don't like them, as a child, I was a huge doll girl but each doll is close to ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS. I'm sorry, there's no way I'm paying that amount of money for a doll. The good thing is I didn't have to, when I came home from work yesterday, she was waiting on the stairs. The "bitch" has been traveling all over the country having a grand time. Of course the hubby found it hysterical, "Don't you find it ironic that Pocahontas is lost?" I can't tell you how much mileage he got from that one joke for weeks. On Wednesday, I threatened him with physical violence if I ever heard the joke again.
Yesterday, something great writing-wise happened. I thought of such an idea for a book that I had to stop what I was doing and sit down and write. Of course the bad thing was that I was at work but nevertheless, I sat down and wrote a few hundred words. I haven't been this excited about a story since Fated Mates came to me in a dream. This story is practically fully formed in my head. I can't wait to write some more. I love that I have this excitement back about writing. So I think I'm putting aside the sequel to Fated Mates for now and working on this new piece.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas because this will probably be my last post before Christmas. There is still so much to do!
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
We have a winner!!!!
The winner of my Secret Cravings Publishing Anniversary Blog Hop is Kathryn Merkel. Yay Kathryn!!!! Could you please e-mail me your address, so I can send you the snowman earrings? Later on today I will also send you your copy of Fated Mates.
Thanks to all who participated and left a comment!
Peace out,
MRD
Thanks to all who participated and left a comment!
Peace out,
MRD
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
My publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing is turning one! I owe them so much. They took a story which rattled around in my brain for years and turned me into a published author. My one piece of advice to people is never truly give up on your dreams. Sometimes they actually do come true with a whole lot of work involved, but they come true. Let's face it, would you appreciate it as much if it were so easy? I don't think I would!
Here is the contest info. My contribution to the contest is a copy of my book Fated Mates and a pair of snowman earrings. Aren't they pretty?
I'm sorry I don't have the links attached to the other author's name but just click the icon on the side of the blog to find out where to go and comment tomorrow!
From Secret Cravings
First prize - Kindle Fire
Second prize - Amazon GC $50
Third prize - SCP GC $25
Every participating author is having their own give-way, so make sure to stop by every blog and comment for more chances to win.
YOU MUST comment on EVERY blog over the next month to be eligible for the main prizes listed above- no purchase is necessary and please leave your email address.
SPECIAL during the SCP Blog Hop Anniversary
For those who leave comments on the blogs, they'll receive a 25% off coupon for the SCP website. All purchases during the contest time will receive 10% off purchases on the website.
From December 16, 2011 through January 19, 2012 visit the below listed author's blogs and websites for your chances to win great prizes.
Secret Cravings Publishing December 16
AvrilAshton December 17
Tabby December 18
DaisyDunn December 19
MarieDuFour December 20
JenniferLaBelle December 21
Carol Preflatish December 22
SableHunter December 23
Mindi Ferrari December 24
Topaz Jordyn December 25
Brandi Quick December 26
BarbaraWestbrook December 27
CynthiaArsuaga December 28
MikeArsuaga December 29
LacieNation December 30
Skye Savoy December 31
MahaliaLevey January 1
SamCrescent January 2
DreaBecraft January 3
TamaraMonteau January 4
.Imogene Nix January 5
RaineDelight January 6
MollyDaniels January 7
ShannonWest January 8
SandySullivan January 9
DawneProchilo January 10
DarleneFredette January 11
CindyChristiansen January 12
JanGraham January 13
KellieKamryn January 14
Natalie Bates January 15
Giselle Renard January 16
Cathy Greenfeder January 17
Jean Joachim January 18
LaylaHunter January 19
Liz woke up with the sounds of waves crashing in her ears. Confident of the lack of beachfront property within her condo, she wondered what destiny had in mind for her now. She sat up looking around at her surroundings. Lying under a beautiful canopy tent draped with yards and yards of gauzy royal blue material swaying gently in the breeze, and keeping the rays of the sun from beating down on her body. Liz ran her hands over the bedding beneath her. It felt softer and smoother than the highest count Egyptian cotton sheets bought in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
The beautiful beach reminded her of pictures of exquisite Caribbean beaches with turquoise waves and miles and miles of powdery white sand. The gentle breezes lightly ruffled her hair as she walked down the beach to the edge of the water which rose up to meet her feet, tickling her toes.
“Well, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore,” she said looking up at a foreign sky with two moons in the distance.
“I must be dreaming. I read so much information about Serralia I’m dreaming about it in Technicolor. Damn! This is one realistic mother of a dream.”
Suddenly, her senses went on high alert. She didn’t know if the air around her had changed or if her body sensed another person behind her, but she knew she was no longer alone and somehow her mate stood behind her.
Two strong bronze hands slowly encircled her waist, pulling her gently back to into a lean, hard body. Liz sighed. This felt right. She snuggled deeper into the embrace. Nothing ever felt this right before. She could stand here in the safety of his arms forever.
“I’ve been waiting for you. I thought you would never get here,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry it took so long. I never let myself believe you existed.”
“I read your file.” The hands moving on her stomach stilled. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through alone. I would have been there for you if I had known.”
“I wouldn’t have been there if I had faith I would find you someday.” Dragon’s chest expanded letting her love and comfort wash over him. “So you know?”
“About everything that happened to you when you were taken prisoner? Yes, I know. I know you lost an eye and still wear an eye patch. I bet it makes you look rakishly handsome.”
She felt the chuckle in his chest before she heard it. The heat of his body warmed her back and aroused her body.
“I have never been told such a thing.”
“Well, I’m sure it does.”
She stroked the muscular forearms at her waist with light caresses. His body trembled behind her.
“We’ve never met in person, but I already feel connected to you. Is it normal?”
“The bonding happens when we are connected as mates. Normal. I don’t know. Right, yes.”
“Do you know about me?” she whispered.
“I know you are perfect.” He leaned down and sweetly kissed the top of her head.
Liz stilled, she might as well tell him about her marriage. She didn’t want any secrets between them.
“I was married before,” she blurted out nervously. “He was not a nice man. He hurt me, not only physically, but verbally too. It took a long time, but I left him.”
Dragon fully stilled behind her. All the wonderful stroking stopped. Her stomach dropped down to her feet. Shit! I’ve ruined this already. She knew her mistake of a marriage would follow her around for the rest of her life. She knew it.
“You don’t know how much pain it causes me to know how much pain you had to endure. I would gladly be tortured again if it meant taking it away from you. You never have to be afraid with me. I would sooner cut off my own arm than hurt a hair on this beautiful head.”
Liz nodded, the lump in her throat making any physical speech impossible.
“I realize it might be a while before you believe this, but it is true.”
“I do believe you. I don’t know why, but I do.”
“Good. Now, we can continue what we started here.”
Callused thumbs again stroked her stomach making it quiver and her pulse quicken. If this was what he could do to her body with only his thumbs, she might actually die from pleasure. She smiled thinking about what her obituary would say. Woman dies from having the most intense sexual experience of her life, then her brain stopped working; her body took over and went into overload.
http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Mates-ebook/dp/B005PNPLZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324204827&sr=8-1
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=30&products_id=131
Happy playing. Remember you can't be eligible for the Kindle or any other prize if you don't comment! So comment away!
Peace out,
MRD
http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Mates-ebook/dp/B005PNPLZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324204827&sr=8-1
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=30&products_id=131
Happy playing. Remember you can't be eligible for the Kindle or any other prize if you don't comment! So comment away!
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wow! The turnout was amazing!
Wow! The turnout for the Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop was amazing. I "met" so many new friends. "Mr. Marie" did pull a name out of his Red Sox cap early this morning. So the winner of Fated Mates and choice of gift certificate is Jennifer Sheets. (Jennifer, I tried to e-mail you and it bounced back to me. E-mail me privately.) If for some reason Jennifer does not get back to me, I will have the hubby pick another name.
On to the next blog hop! Tomorrow I am the featured author on the Secret Cravings Publishing Anniversary Blog Hop. That's right, my publisher is turning one and having the most amazing contest. Not only is every featured author giving away something great but if you comment each day on the blogs, you have a chance to win a Kindle Fire! I'm so jealous, I would love, love, love to win it myself!
So tomorrow, I have to come up with a very witty blog. I hope I'm up for the task. I am giving away a copy of Fated Mates and a spectacular pair of snowman earrings. I will have a picture of them up tomorrow for the blog. Please come and join me!!
Peace out,
MRD
On to the next blog hop! Tomorrow I am the featured author on the Secret Cravings Publishing Anniversary Blog Hop. That's right, my publisher is turning one and having the most amazing contest. Not only is every featured author giving away something great but if you comment each day on the blogs, you have a chance to win a Kindle Fire! I'm so jealous, I would love, love, love to win it myself!
So tomorrow, I have to come up with a very witty blog. I hope I'm up for the task. I am giving away a copy of Fated Mates and a spectacular pair of snowman earrings. I will have a picture of them up tomorrow for the blog. Please come and join me!!
Peace out,
MRD
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop- Last chance to leave a comment to win a prize
Liz woke up with the sounds of waves crashing in her ears. Confident of the lack of beachfront property within her condo, she wondered what destiny had in mind for her now. She sat up looking around at her surroundings. Lying under a beautiful canopy tent draped with yards and yards of gauzy royal blue material swaying gently in the breeze, and keeping the rays of the sun from beating down on her body. Liz ran her hands over the bedding beneath her. It felt softer and smoother than the highest count Egyptian cotton sheets bought in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
The beautiful beach reminded her of pictures of exquisite Caribbean beaches with turquoise waves and miles and miles of powdery white sand. The gentle breezes lightly ruffled her hair as she walked down the beach to the edge of the water which rose up to meet her feet, tickling her toes.
“Well, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore,” she said looking up at a foreign sky with two moons in the distance.
“I must be dreaming. I read so much information about Serralia I’m dreaming about it in Technicolor. Damn! This is one realistic mother of a dream.”
Suddenly, her senses went on high alert. She didn’t know if the air around her had changed or if her body sensed another person behind her, but she knew she was no longer alone and somehow her mate stood behind her.
Two strong bronze hands slowly encircled her waist, pulling her gently back to into a lean, hard body. Liz sighed. This felt right. She snuggled deeper into the embrace. Nothing ever felt this right before. She could stand here in the safety of his arms forever.
“I’ve been waiting for you. I thought you would never get here,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry it took so long. I never let myself believe you existed.”
“I read your file.” The hands moving on her stomach stilled. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through alone. I would have been there for you if I had known.”
“I wouldn’t have been there if I had faith I would find you someday.” Dragon’s chest expanded letting her love and comfort wash over him. “So you know?”
“About everything that happened to you when you were taken prisoner? Yes, I know. I know you lost an eye and still wear an eye patch. I bet it makes you look rakishly handsome.”
She felt the chuckle in his chest before she heard it. The heat of his body warmed her back and aroused her body.
“I have never been told such a thing.”
“Well, I’m sure it does.”
She stroked the muscular forearms at her waist with light caresses. His body trembled behind her.
“We’ve never met in person, but I already feel connected to you. Is it normal?”
“The bonding happens when we are connected as mates. Normal. I don’t know. Right, yes.”
“Do you know about me?” she whispered.
“I know you are perfect.” He leaned down and sweetly kissed the top of her head.
Liz stilled, she might as well tell him about her marriage. She didn’t want any secrets between them.
“I was married before,” she blurted out nervously. “He was not a nice man. He hurt me, not only physically, but verbally too. It took a long time, but I left him.”
Dragon fully stilled behind her. All the wonderful stroking stopped. Her stomach dropped down to her feet. Shit! I’ve ruined this already. She knew her mistake of a marriage would follow her around for the rest of her life. She knew it.
“You don’t know how much pain it causes me to know how much pain you had to endure. I would gladly be tortured again if it meant taking it away from you. You never have to be afraid with me. I would sooner cut off my own arm than hurt a hair on this beautiful head.”
Liz nodded, the lump in her throat making any physical speech impossible.
“I realize it might be a while before you believe this, but it is true.”
“I do believe you. I don’t know why, but I do.”
“Good. Now, we can continue what we started here.”
Callused thumbs again stroked her stomach making it quiver and her pulse quicken. If this was what he could do to her body with only his thumbs, she might actually die from pleasure. She smiled thinking about what her obituary would say. Woman dies from having the most intense sexual experience of her life, then her brain stopped working; her body took over and went into overload.
http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Mates-ebook/dp/B005PNPLZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324204827&sr=8-1
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=30&products_id=131
http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Mates-ebook/dp/B005PNPLZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324204827&sr=8-1
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=30&products_id=131
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Cravings eBook Club
Here is a wonderful opportunity from my publisher. Check it out.
MRD
Good morning Lover of Reading and Romance,
We invite you to become a Charter Member of the Cravings eBook Club and receive Taming The Cougar* by Sandy Sullivan and Hunting Jaguar** by D. McEntire absolutely FREE! As a club member, you’ll receive 4 BRAND-NEW EBOOKS, specially selected by our Editorial Director, every month for a total price of only $9.99 for all 4. This comes out to barely $2.50 per book, much less than the retail price and you’ll be able to enjoy your books even before they hit Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
*Taming the Cougar, a western, erotic romance:
Marla isn't looking for love or anything else from a man. Can Marla put aside her distrust of men for a younger man? Can Chris convince her he's not like other guys?
**Hunting Jaguar, paranormal erotic romance:
Rachel Hayes' Father set out to prove the existence of the Miloni temple and the Jaguar people. Tumi is a descendant of the Miloni race and is sworn to protect their secret with his life. Will he be forced to uphold his vow at the cost of his heart and Rachel's life?
As a club member, you will also receive:
· our monthly newsletter
· sneak previews of new books
· exclusive interviews with your favorite authors
· special offers not available to the general public
To tell us which genres and heat levels you like best and which format you want to receive your books in, please check below and paste this information into the comments section of your transaction. You will be charged, automatically, through Paypal, only $9.99 every month. Your books will be shipped within one day after PayPal payment has cleared. You may cancel at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe button located on the Cravings Club tab at the bottom of our website and keep the FREE BOOKS as our gift.
2 Easy Steps to Join
1. Go to the Cravings Club tab at the bottom of our website, www.secretcravingspublishing.
2. Please fill out the form below and paste this into the PayPal comment section and then complete your transaction.
We hope our Secret Cravings books will delight you each and every month.
PLEASE FILL THIS OUT AND SEND BY RETURN EMAIL TO ACTIVATE YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP:
_________ YES! Sign me up for membership in the Cravings Club. I understand I will receive four ebooks per month and be charged $9.99 automatically through my Paypal account.
The format I would like to receive my books in is:
____ pdf
____ epub (Most e-readers, including Nook, use this format)
____ mobi (Kindle)
____ Lit (MS e-reader)
The genres I prefer are: (please check up to 4)
_______No preference. Let your editor choose for me.
_______Mainstream romance- Sweet contemporary romance with main characters and sexual relations being between man and woman.- heat level 1-2
_______Contemporary/Erotic- romance with a high level of heat, relationship between man and woman heat level 3-5
_______GLBT- M/M, F/F, Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and/or transgender - heat level 3-5
_______Western - any heat level
_______Fantasy/Paranormal- any heat level
_______Regency historical –any heat level
_______Hot Flash/Cougar/Summer Hot Romance Heat level 3-5
The heat levels I prefer are: (Please check all that apply)
_______Five Flames
_______Four Flames
_______Three Flames
_______Two Flames
_______No preference
Friday, December 16, 2011
Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop
As you have noticed from my side-board, there are two blog hops going on. The first is the Stuff Your STockings Blog Hop. There are so many authors and prizes to win between today and Sunday when it closes. Every author is giving away some great prizes. For this contest I'm giving away a copy of Fated Mates and a $10 gift certificate to either ARe or Bookstrand.
The second is that my Publisher is turning one!!! So we are having an anniversary blog hop. If you click on the link on the side of my blog it will bring you to the first stop. Not only is every author on the blog giving away something but if you comment on every blog, you are entered in a contest to win a Kindle Fire. For this contest I'm giving away a copy of Fated Mates and a pair of snowman earrings!
A lot to do, a lot to do! I want to give a great big shout out to my hubby. Today is his birthday!!!!! I took a personal day to be with him and also finish my Christmas shopping (shhhh). We are having people over tonight so I also have to get the house "company ready".
Some other news, tomorrow I am having lunch with some awesome erotic romance writers. I am so excited. I'll blog about it on Sunday!!!
Remember to leave a comment to be eligible to win!!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, December 12, 2011
Short and Sweet, Just Like Me
Cough, cough, choke, choke! Today's blog is short.
As you can see by the two promo buttons on the side, I am participating in two blog hops soon. The first is a holiday blog hop from the 16th to the 18th. There are over one hundred authors participating, it should be really fun. The second blog hop is for my publisher, to celebrate their one year anniversary! The grand prize for that blog is a Kindle Fire. Check it out! I'm the premier author on the 20th!
I'm a little rushed this morning because I watched last night's Once Upon A Time. If you haven't checked out this new show, I highly recommend it. It's from the creative team who did Lost. Last night's episode was so good and so heartbreaking! Of course, like in Lost, the writers/creators leave Easter eggs into the story. I have a theory about the main story line. I actually think I figured something out!!!
Unfortunately, it's time to get ready for the dreaded day job.
Peace out,
MRD
As you can see by the two promo buttons on the side, I am participating in two blog hops soon. The first is a holiday blog hop from the 16th to the 18th. There are over one hundred authors participating, it should be really fun. The second blog hop is for my publisher, to celebrate their one year anniversary! The grand prize for that blog is a Kindle Fire. Check it out! I'm the premier author on the 20th!
I'm a little rushed this morning because I watched last night's Once Upon A Time. If you haven't checked out this new show, I highly recommend it. It's from the creative team who did Lost. Last night's episode was so good and so heartbreaking! Of course, like in Lost, the writers/creators leave Easter eggs into the story. I have a theory about the main story line. I actually think I figured something out!!!
Unfortunately, it's time to get ready for the dreaded day job.
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, December 9, 2011
So far behind
It's getting to that time of year when I feel like I am so far behind on everything. To some extent, I really am. My house is not decorated yet, not even a candle in the window. Not one present has been bought yet. The good thing about buying presents for the family is that the only "real" presents bought are for the kids. The rest, all couples, received a combined $50 in gift certificates. The bad thing about this month, is that it's also the hubby's birthday. In exactly, seven days to be exact, so I also have to buy birthday presents. It must have been tough as a kid to have a birthday so close to Christmas. My birthday is right after New Year's and I know that really sucks! We always seem to go back to school on that exact day. Happy Birthday to me huh?
I am trying to take Amber's advice and write at least 100 words a day, which is working and getting me back into the swing of things. I just wish the second book in the Fated Mates series was flowing like the first one. Oh well, I guess they can't be all easy.
So my goal for this weekend is to decorate the house, and finish at least one chapter in my WIP. I'll let you know on Monday how I made out.
Peace out,
MRD
I am trying to take Amber's advice and write at least 100 words a day, which is working and getting me back into the swing of things. I just wish the second book in the Fated Mates series was flowing like the first one. Oh well, I guess they can't be all easy.
So my goal for this weekend is to decorate the house, and finish at least one chapter in my WIP. I'll let you know on Monday how I made out.
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, December 5, 2011
Novella writing needs respect
I have a book which is published. There is another book waiting to be published "in the wings". The crazy thing is, in some circles I'm not considered published at all. There are some "groups" out there that don't consider anything under a full print novel "published".
Sometimes this makes me angry. Do these people know how difficult it is to write "short". I have to incorporate all of the elements of a "full novel" within a few thousand words. Not everyone can do it, I'm not saying I'm the poster child for novella writers. I have a lot to learn and fully acknowledge this. The fact is, I like writing novellas.
One reason is I like reading them. My life is crazy, so a novella fits just right for my reading time. It's short enough if I have a few hours, I can get through it in one sitting. Yet, it's long enough for me to put down in a good place, knowing, lovingly that I will come back to it when I can. I guess it's the same why I enjoy movies more than episodic television. With a movie, I know I will get some satisfaction at the end of the two or so hours but with tv, I have to wait week after week and then sometimes I still don't get a pay off. I'm not into getting tortured. I obsess!
So hopefully someday, even though some of us don't physically have a book to hold, we will get the respect that our "print" author peers do!!
Peace out,
MRD
Sometimes this makes me angry. Do these people know how difficult it is to write "short". I have to incorporate all of the elements of a "full novel" within a few thousand words. Not everyone can do it, I'm not saying I'm the poster child for novella writers. I have a lot to learn and fully acknowledge this. The fact is, I like writing novellas.
One reason is I like reading them. My life is crazy, so a novella fits just right for my reading time. It's short enough if I have a few hours, I can get through it in one sitting. Yet, it's long enough for me to put down in a good place, knowing, lovingly that I will come back to it when I can. I guess it's the same why I enjoy movies more than episodic television. With a movie, I know I will get some satisfaction at the end of the two or so hours but with tv, I have to wait week after week and then sometimes I still don't get a pay off. I'm not into getting tortured. I obsess!
So hopefully someday, even though some of us don't physically have a book to hold, we will get the respect that our "print" author peers do!!
Peace out,
MRD
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Just because I write romance...
Everyone who knows me or follows the blog knows that my youngest brother is getting married. It has been a rocky road, one thankfully I can sit back and just watch. Over the Thanksgiving day holiday, we had another "incident". My family, as a whole, is very shy and private. We don't advertise things. If we do people favors, we simply want just one "thank you". Anything done is because we want to do it. We don't need a parade, or balloons, or a thank you card. It makes us uncomfortable. Boy, was my brother in the uncomfortable seat with what happened.
Despite saying no to an engagement announcement in the local papers (one in our town and one in her town), an announcement magically appeared. Not only did it appear but it was one of the worst saccharine, sugar-coated, corny thing anyone had ever read. It literally made people want to stick their fingers down their throat. These are actual words of someone who called my sister about the announcement. The opening line read: "Their love story begin in (insert church name) where it will come around full circle when then cement their love in a wedding ceremony in the exact church where it all began..." Just because I write romance, doesn't mean that I enjoy reading corny cheese! OMG! It was so horrible. I actually think my brother wanted to dig a hole and hide in it for a while.
Planning a wedding now a days is crazy, if I had to do it again, who knows what would happen!
Peace out,
MRD
Despite saying no to an engagement announcement in the local papers (one in our town and one in her town), an announcement magically appeared. Not only did it appear but it was one of the worst saccharine, sugar-coated, corny thing anyone had ever read. It literally made people want to stick their fingers down their throat. These are actual words of someone who called my sister about the announcement. The opening line read: "Their love story begin in (insert church name) where it will come around full circle when then cement their love in a wedding ceremony in the exact church where it all began..." Just because I write romance, doesn't mean that I enjoy reading corny cheese! OMG! It was so horrible. I actually think my brother wanted to dig a hole and hide in it for a while.
Planning a wedding now a days is crazy, if I had to do it again, who knows what would happen!
Peace out,
MRD
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy all of the good food and most of all remember all of the things you have to be thankful about. I know I will. As a writer, I am thankful that this year I received two contracts for my writing. I wrote a bit the other day and it felt good. I'm taking Amber's advice and making sure I write a little bit each day. I hope to get some good writing in these next few days off between the THREE Thanksgiving dinners I have to attend. I really hope I don't OD on turkey.
Peace out,
MRD
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, November 21, 2011
Do you ever write characters who you're not attracted to?
As a reader, I pick out books where I'm attracted to the hero and a story that I find intriguing. We all have a particular type. My mother says, she can pick out my "type" from a mile a way. Give me a man with black, shaggy hair, deep brown eyes, and a devil may care attitude, I'm a puddle on the floor. Not saying there haven't been exceptions to the rule, I would not kick the guy who played Thor out of my bed because of his blond hair and light eyes. Yummy!
So the question today is, do you have a type and does that type creep into your writing? Does writing in "my type" into my stories alienate readers who like blonds or red heads? Or can other readers do what I do, if the hero doesn't match my type, I change him in my head.
Do you ever write a male character who you wouldn't like to take into your bed?
Peace out,
MRD
So the question today is, do you have a type and does that type creep into your writing? Does writing in "my type" into my stories alienate readers who like blonds or red heads? Or can other readers do what I do, if the hero doesn't match my type, I change him in my head.
Do you ever write a male character who you wouldn't like to take into your bed?
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, November 18, 2011
Authors After Dark Conference
So I've been thinking about conferences lately. I think they are a great idea but was wondering how beneficial they are. Do they really increase your readership? Do you sell more books because you go to conferences? Or is it just an excuse for authors to get together and learn about their craft? All very good questions.
My publisher is having a big party at the Authors After Dark conference in New Orleans in August. I'm playing with the idea of going. It's right around the time of my 17th anniversary, so I figure it could work for a present/vacation with the hubby (who right now I'm mad, so I dream of going by myself but it will pass).
Anyone want to come along? There are going to be a lot of publishers there!
Peace out,
MRD
My publisher is having a big party at the Authors After Dark conference in New Orleans in August. I'm playing with the idea of going. It's right around the time of my 17th anniversary, so I figure it could work for a present/vacation with the hubby (who right now I'm mad, so I dream of going by myself but it will pass).
Anyone want to come along? There are going to be a lot of publishers there!
Peace out,
MRD
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Super bad
I will say it. I have been a super bad writer lately. It's not the quality but it's definitely been the quantity. My muse, it seems, has gone on vacation and hasn't come back. The thing is, that may not be the truth. I have a lot of ideas rolling around in the my. The next book in the Fated Mates series is totally worked out in my head. I just have no ambition lately to write the ideas down. Hopefully the "I can't wait to write" feeling will return soon. I am really starting to get worried. Maybe it's because I have something hanging over my head. When I received the contract for Irish Rising, my editor asked that I make my hero's dialogue sound more Irish. He sounded American to her. So I've been struggling on how to do this. I'm stumped!
Also I've been pondering my health lately. I went to have a routine physical last week during my time off and the doctor found I have a Vitamin D deficiency. As I've been googling, I've come across many articles about 93% of women who have my type of "issues" have these deficiencies. Once they clear up the deficiencies, the "issues" go away. Could it have been this simple all of these years? After all of these years, I don't believe it, yet. We will see what the upcoming months will bring.
So basically, there has been a lot going on in my head.
Peace out,
MRD
Also I've been pondering my health lately. I went to have a routine physical last week during my time off and the doctor found I have a Vitamin D deficiency. As I've been googling, I've come across many articles about 93% of women who have my type of "issues" have these deficiencies. Once they clear up the deficiencies, the "issues" go away. Could it have been this simple all of these years? After all of these years, I don't believe it, yet. We will see what the upcoming months will bring.
So basically, there has been a lot going on in my head.
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, November 11, 2011
My husband thinks we live next door to the Klopecs
If you missed the reference in the title of this blog, you have not seen one of the funniest Tom Hanks movies of his career. It comes from a movie released in 1989 called The Burbs. The movie was more Bosom Buddies human than anything else he's ever done. Not great cinema but good for a great laugh. In the movie, he's an overstressed family guy who stays home for a vacation and realized that his new creepy neighbors are a cannibalistic cult.
The other day this is what my husband witnessed in my neighbor's yard. During the spring and summer, we don't notice a lot because the trees and shrubbery between our two yards are lush and full but fall and winter is a different story. When hubby was in the bathroom (the best viewing point) the other day, he noticed a pick up truck deep in the neighbor's yard. They had driven up to their basement. There were a lot of chains rattling and engines running. As the spectacle unfolded, he noticed a chain was attached to the back of the truck and running down to the basement. Slowly, ever so slowly, the truck started moving in the yard pulling up something from the basement. What emerged was wrapped in canvas and duct tape and about 5 feet long. Makes you really wonder, what's wrapped up?
Trust me, I'm not one of those neighbors that worries about how someone else's yard looks but they are too much even for me. If I wanted to live next door to Sanford and Sons, I really wouldn't be paying the taxes that I have to pay on my "shoebox" of a house.
So the hubby is convinced that they are the Klopecs. I know every time he's in the bathroom, he's scoping out what's going on over there. It wouldn't surprise me if I found him sitting with binoculars next. I just wish they would clean up all of their SHIT!
On a writing note, I'm very excited. Fated Mates received a 4 star review in the JERR newsletter. Thanks Amber and Nina for pointing it out for me and sending me the newsletter. It also almost sold 200 copies last month. I know that number is not great but for me I'm thrilled. It's my first book and people are actually buying it.
Peace out,
MRD
The other day this is what my husband witnessed in my neighbor's yard. During the spring and summer, we don't notice a lot because the trees and shrubbery between our two yards are lush and full but fall and winter is a different story. When hubby was in the bathroom (the best viewing point) the other day, he noticed a pick up truck deep in the neighbor's yard. They had driven up to their basement. There were a lot of chains rattling and engines running. As the spectacle unfolded, he noticed a chain was attached to the back of the truck and running down to the basement. Slowly, ever so slowly, the truck started moving in the yard pulling up something from the basement. What emerged was wrapped in canvas and duct tape and about 5 feet long. Makes you really wonder, what's wrapped up?
Trust me, I'm not one of those neighbors that worries about how someone else's yard looks but they are too much even for me. If I wanted to live next door to Sanford and Sons, I really wouldn't be paying the taxes that I have to pay on my "shoebox" of a house.
So the hubby is convinced that they are the Klopecs. I know every time he's in the bathroom, he's scoping out what's going on over there. It wouldn't surprise me if I found him sitting with binoculars next. I just wish they would clean up all of their SHIT!
On a writing note, I'm very excited. Fated Mates received a 4 star review in the JERR newsletter. Thanks Amber and Nina for pointing it out for me and sending me the newsletter. It also almost sold 200 copies last month. I know that number is not great but for me I'm thrilled. It's my first book and people are actually buying it.
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, November 7, 2011
Happy Short Work Week
Happy short work week for me, I just have today and tomorrow and then I'm off until next week! Hoping the creative juices will be flowing. My muse has taken a vacation.
So today I'm writing about how there is a show on my DVR which keeps on piling up but I have no desire to watch it lately but don't know if I want to delete the recording of it yet. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever watched a show for years and years and all of a sudden-Poof- you lose interest? I'm that way right now with the show Supernatural. I've seen it since the beginning but all of a sudden, I'm just not enjoying anymore. It really makes me sad. But I'm not ready to delete it yet. So I guess, I'll keep the five episodes I'm behind for a day when I want to veg out and catch up.
Speaking of TV, I am really liking Once Upon a Time. The husband likes Grimm better but I look forward to seeing it every week.
Has any new show totally captured your attention this season?
Peace out,
MRD
So today I'm writing about how there is a show on my DVR which keeps on piling up but I have no desire to watch it lately but don't know if I want to delete the recording of it yet. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever watched a show for years and years and all of a sudden-Poof- you lose interest? I'm that way right now with the show Supernatural. I've seen it since the beginning but all of a sudden, I'm just not enjoying anymore. It really makes me sad. But I'm not ready to delete it yet. So I guess, I'll keep the five episodes I'm behind for a day when I want to veg out and catch up.
Speaking of TV, I am really liking Once Upon a Time. The husband likes Grimm better but I look forward to seeing it every week.
Has any new show totally captured your attention this season?
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, November 4, 2011
Flying Body Parts
As a new published writer, I'm totally obsessed with how my book is doing. Are people liking it and reviewing it? Where is it in the standings on particular websites? Maybe it will ease with my second book, or maybe I'll be just as obsessed with the rest. Like I said, I am a bit of a freak.
As I have been deep in my new obsession, I've been noticing the different types of genres out there and how they are doing. All I can say is that gay erotic romances are super hot right now! Being a reader first, I have to say I do love a good menage story. There's something about being sandwich in between two hot guys trying to pleasure which gives the reader a thrill. Some writers do it very well, if you haven't, please check out Amber Skyze's story Adrift and Miranda Stowe's Best Friends Share Everything as great examples. I enjoyed both books immensely!
I really don't think right now I am a proficient enough writer to be able to write a menage, maybe in the future. What is too much though, that's the question? While being my freak self, I notice quite a few books with multiple partners. One that totally blew my mind (and it wasn't alone) was MFMMM. All I can say is, "Holy, flying body parts Batman." (The husband is playing the new Batman video game, so the phrase is constantly running in my head this morning.) The writer of this book must know exactly what they are doing because to me I just see a whole lot of penises flying around!!! I wonder how they keep track of who is where? Who is doing what to who? Is it like a human pretzel? It makes my mind spin with the possibilities. Are you getting a headache trying to figure it out? All I can say is Wow!
Today is finally the end of a crazy week at work, so I am looking forward to some rest, relaxation, cleaning, and much needed writing over the weekend.
I would like to give a special birthday shout out to my friend Amber Skyze who is celebrating her birthday weekend this weekend. If you have to cry this weekend, may they be tears of joy. If you are shocked, may it be from presents from family and friends. If you are full, may it be from all of the blessings that are in your life right now. Enjoy your weekend, my friend, you deserve it!!!
Peace out,
MRD
As I have been deep in my new obsession, I've been noticing the different types of genres out there and how they are doing. All I can say is that gay erotic romances are super hot right now! Being a reader first, I have to say I do love a good menage story. There's something about being sandwich in between two hot guys trying to pleasure which gives the reader a thrill. Some writers do it very well, if you haven't, please check out Amber Skyze's story Adrift and Miranda Stowe's Best Friends Share Everything as great examples. I enjoyed both books immensely!
I really don't think right now I am a proficient enough writer to be able to write a menage, maybe in the future. What is too much though, that's the question? While being my freak self, I notice quite a few books with multiple partners. One that totally blew my mind (and it wasn't alone) was MFMMM. All I can say is, "Holy, flying body parts Batman." (The husband is playing the new Batman video game, so the phrase is constantly running in my head this morning.) The writer of this book must know exactly what they are doing because to me I just see a whole lot of penises flying around!!! I wonder how they keep track of who is where? Who is doing what to who? Is it like a human pretzel? It makes my mind spin with the possibilities. Are you getting a headache trying to figure it out? All I can say is Wow!
Today is finally the end of a crazy week at work, so I am looking forward to some rest, relaxation, cleaning, and much needed writing over the weekend.
I would like to give a special birthday shout out to my friend Amber Skyze who is celebrating her birthday weekend this weekend. If you have to cry this weekend, may they be tears of joy. If you are shocked, may it be from presents from family and friends. If you are full, may it be from all of the blessings that are in your life right now. Enjoy your weekend, my friend, you deserve it!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Drumroll, please...We have a winner
This year I participated in the Halloween Trick or Treat Blog Hop, I met a bunch of new friends and doubled the followers of my blog. It really was a great experience. I'm going to be doing it again in December, so watch out for that promo. So can I have a drumroll please...the winner of a copy of Fated Mates and an Amazon Gift Certificate is...Julianne! Yeah. I will send you a copy of the book via your e-mail and then send me your snail mail address. Congrats! I hope you enjoy Fated Mates!
Come back on Friday when I blog about swinging body parts!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Come back on Friday when I blog about swinging body parts!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween
Hi all,
Today is the last day to enter the contest. All you have to do is become a follower of the blog and make a comment. I will post the winner on Wednesday's blog.
Being in the festive mood today, tell me about any spooky encounters you have had in your life. My own story has to do with the best apartment hubbie and I ever had. (It was the best because it was the only one with a dishwasher. If you are a follower of the blog, you know my dream is to own a dishwasher.) The apartment was in a house built in 1812 and was supposed to be haunted. The hubs told me this after we signed the lease, of course. Everything seemed fine but every time I was alone in the apartment the stove alarm would beep and it only happened when I was alone. It didn't particularly scare me. One night, though, as it was beeping the foot of the recliner on which I was sitting on also flipped up causing me to spill my wine all over myself. I think I was more angry than scared, because what a waste of good Pinot Noir. So I screamed, "We can both live here. Don't bother me and I won't bother you." It must have done the trick because the beeping stopped. I didn't hear it again until the landlord sold the house and we were moving out. The oven started beeping when we started packing. Maybe "the ghost" was telling us goodbye.
What's your scary story?
Peace out,
MRD
Today is the last day to enter the contest. All you have to do is become a follower of the blog and make a comment. I will post the winner on Wednesday's blog.
Being in the festive mood today, tell me about any spooky encounters you have had in your life. My own story has to do with the best apartment hubbie and I ever had. (It was the best because it was the only one with a dishwasher. If you are a follower of the blog, you know my dream is to own a dishwasher.) The apartment was in a house built in 1812 and was supposed to be haunted. The hubs told me this after we signed the lease, of course. Everything seemed fine but every time I was alone in the apartment the stove alarm would beep and it only happened when I was alone. It didn't particularly scare me. One night, though, as it was beeping the foot of the recliner on which I was sitting on also flipped up causing me to spill my wine all over myself. I think I was more angry than scared, because what a waste of good Pinot Noir. So I screamed, "We can both live here. Don't bother me and I won't bother you." It must have done the trick because the beeping stopped. I didn't hear it again until the landlord sold the house and we were moving out. The oven started beeping when we started packing. Maybe "the ghost" was telling us goodbye.
What's your scary story?
Peace out,
MRD
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Fated Mates Excerpt
Liz woke up with the sounds of waves crashing in her ears. Confident of the lack of beachfront property within her condo, she wondered what destiny had in mind for her now. She sat up looking around at her surroundings. Lying under a beautiful canopy tent draped with yards and yards of gauzy royal blue material swaying gently in the breeze, and keeping the rays of the sun from beating down on her body. Liz ran her hands over the bedding beneath her. It felt softer and smoother than the highest count Egyptian cotton sheets bought in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
The beautiful beach reminded her of pictures of exquisite Caribbean beaches with turquoise waves and miles and miles of powdery white sand. The gentle breezes lightly ruffled her hair as she walked down the beach to the edge of the water which rose up to meet her feet, tickling her toes.
“Well, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore,” she said looking up at a foreign sky with two moons in the distance.
“I must be dreaming. I read so much information about Serralia I’m dreaming about it in Technicolor. Damn! This is one realistic mother of a dream.”
Suddenly, her senses went on high alert. She didn’t know if the air around her had changed or if her body sensed another person behind her, but she knew she was no longer alone and somehow her mate stood behind her.
Two strong bronze hands slowly encircled her waist, pulling her gently back to into a lean, hard body. Liz sighed. This felt right. She snuggled deeper into the embrace. Nothing ever felt this right before. She could stand here in the safety of his arms forever.
“I’ve been waiting for you. I thought you would never get here,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry it took so long. I never let myself believe you existed.”
“I read your file.” The hands moving on her stomach stilled. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through alone. I would have been there for you if I had known.”
“I wouldn’t have been there if I had faith I would find you someday.” Dragon’s chest expanded letting her love and comfort wash over him. “So you know?”
“About everything that happened to you when you were taken prisoner? Yes, I know. I know you lost an eye and still wear an eye patch. I bet it makes you look rakishly handsome.”
She felt the chuckle in his chest before she heard it. The heat of his body warmed her back and aroused her body.
“I have never been told such a thing.”
“Well, I’m sure it does.”
She stroked the muscular forearms at her waist with light caresses. His body trembled behind her.
“We’ve never met in person, but I already feel connected to you. Is it normal?”
“The bonding happens when we are connected as mates. Normal. I don’t know. Right, yes.”
“Do you know about me?” she whispered.
“I know you are perfect.” He leaned down and sweetly kissed the top of her head.
Liz stilled, she might as well tell him about her marriage. She didn’t want any secrets between them.
“I was married before,” she blurted out nervously. “He was not a nice man. He hurt me, not only physically, but verbally too. It took a long time, but I left him.”
Dragon fully stilled behind her. All the wonderful stroking stopped. Her stomach dropped down to her feet. Shit! I’ve ruined this already. She knew her mistake of a marriage would follow her around for the rest of her life. She knew it.
“You don’t know how much pain it causes me to know how much pain you had to endure. I would gladly be tortured again if it meant taking it away from you. You never have to be afraid with me. I would sooner cut off my own arm than hurt a hair on this beautiful head.”
Liz nodded, the lump in her throat making any physical speech impossible.
“I realize it might be a while before you believe this, but it is true.”
“I do believe you. I don’t know why, but I do.”
“Good. Now, we can continue what we started here.”
Callused thumbs again stroked her stomach making it quiver and her pulse quicken. If this was what he could do to her body with only his thumbs, she might actually die from pleasure. She smiled thinking about what her obituary would say. Woman dies from having the most intense sexual experience of her life, then her brain stopped working; her body took over and went into overload.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Five Reasons to Love Dragon
I hope all of you are enjoying the Halloween Blog Hop. Remember, you can't win if you don't play. For my contest to win a free copy of Fated Mates and a $15 Amazon Gift Certificate, all you have to do is become a follower of my blog and make a comment. The winner will be announce in the Wednesday, November 2nd blog post.
Dragon is the hero in my book Fated Mates. Here are five reasons to love him. I know I do and hopefully you will to.
1. He is a scarred war hero. Let's face everyone loves a hero, especially one who puts themselves in danger for their country, or in Dragon's tale his planet.
2. He is dark and hard. He would sooner growl at you instead of smile but when he is around in Mate Liz, he is all gooey inside. His tough exterior melts for her.
3. Dragon is devoted. Liz doesn't have to worry if he'll ever stray. There is room for only one woman in his life and it's her. It's been fated by the Goddess.
4. He is sexy as hell!!!! He is a big sexy man with muscles upon muscles. His abs are the type you want to lick chocolate sauce off of. Yummy...
5. Dragon has a lot of sexy friends who want their stories told. So watch out for a lot more sexy Serralian men!!!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Dragon is the hero in my book Fated Mates. Here are five reasons to love him. I know I do and hopefully you will to.
1. He is a scarred war hero. Let's face everyone loves a hero, especially one who puts themselves in danger for their country, or in Dragon's tale his planet.
2. He is dark and hard. He would sooner growl at you instead of smile but when he is around in Mate Liz, he is all gooey inside. His tough exterior melts for her.
3. Dragon is devoted. Liz doesn't have to worry if he'll ever stray. There is room for only one woman in his life and it's her. It's been fated by the Goddess.
4. He is sexy as hell!!!! He is a big sexy man with muscles upon muscles. His abs are the type you want to lick chocolate sauce off of. Yummy...
5. Dragon has a lot of sexy friends who want their stories told. So watch out for a lot more sexy Serralian men!!!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, October 28, 2011
Halloween Blog Hop
Today kicks off a multi-author blog hop for Halloween. You have the opportunity to win prizes on every bloggers site.
To win with mine, please become a follower of my blog and leave a comment between today and Halloween. I will be posting each day, so the more you comment, the better chances are for you to win. I will be giving away a free copy of my book Fated Mates and a $15 dollar gift certificate to Amazon!
I will announce the winner on the Wednesday, November 1 blog.
Check our the other author's and see what goodies they are giving away!
Happy Trick or Treating!!
MRD
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Again!
Hi all,
Ever wonder about an author's secret cravings? Join me and other Secret Cravings Publishing authors and find out.
http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com/
In typical "Marie" fashion (so much going on and head not screwed on straight), I think I am being interviewed over at Linda Kage's Blog. (Linda, if I got the date wrong I am truly sorry.) http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
I would have posted later but apparently the school district has blocked all sites deemed as "entertainment" with all of our computers. What can I say? That dreaded day job has got to go!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Ever wonder about an author's secret cravings? Join me and other Secret Cravings Publishing authors and find out.
http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com/
In typical "Marie" fashion (so much going on and head not screwed on straight), I think I am being interviewed over at Linda Kage's Blog. (Linda, if I got the date wrong I am truly sorry.) http://lindakage.blogspot.com/
I would have posted later but apparently the school district has blocked all sites deemed as "entertainment" with all of our computers. What can I say? That dreaded day job has got to go!!!
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, October 24, 2011
Guest Blogging
Hi all,
I am guest blogging. Come and play with me.
http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/2011/10/writing-book-isnt-hardest-part.html
I am guest blogging. Come and play with me.
http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/2011/10/writing-book-isnt-hardest-part.html
Friday, October 21, 2011
Guest Blogging
Hi all,
Come over and visit me. The wonderful Nina Pierce invited me to do a guest blog over at her place today.
http://www.ninapierce.com/blog/
Have a great weekend,
MRD
Come over and visit me. The wonderful Nina Pierce invited me to do a guest blog over at her place today.
http://www.ninapierce.com/blog/
Have a great weekend,
MRD
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
New Contract
I received my second contract yesterday! Can I tell you it came at a time when I really needed it? It was a hell day at school, there was a consultant from our new reading program touring the school and watching instruction. So I played tour guide. The things these teachers pulled in front of this woman was actually astounding. One asked, as we sat down to watch her teach a reading group, "Do you want to see the program or what I normally do?" WTF!!! Seriously! Another teacher, who teaches from her chair constantly, I wonder if I removed all the chair, if she could still teach? Talked about how she didn't have a whiteboard to write on for her reading groups, while sitting in front of a wall, covered entirely with a whiteboard!!!!!! But, of course, she would have to get up off her ass to write on it! Sometimes I don't understand people!
Back to the contract, Irish Rising will be release in March because it's set in Ireland. It is a contemporary/fantasy novella about a mermaid's gift, a sexy pub owner, and an American romance writer. My publisher thought it was a really cute premise and loved it. The only thing she wanted me to work on was making Aiden sound more Irish with his dialogue. So this weekend, I'm going to be doing some investigating. Maybe reading some books or watching some movies where the main character is Irish. It was just a suggestion from her, it wasn't a deal breaker.
When I fill out the cover questionnaire, I'm going to have to be very specific. I don't like "cheese" unless it's paired with wine. I am super critical about covers. As a reader, if I don't like the cover, I won't read the blurb. So, in fact, there could be a huge number of books out there that I might love but because it doesn't have a good cover...
Peace out,
MRD
Back to the contract, Irish Rising will be release in March because it's set in Ireland. It is a contemporary/fantasy novella about a mermaid's gift, a sexy pub owner, and an American romance writer. My publisher thought it was a really cute premise and loved it. The only thing she wanted me to work on was making Aiden sound more Irish with his dialogue. So this weekend, I'm going to be doing some investigating. Maybe reading some books or watching some movies where the main character is Irish. It was just a suggestion from her, it wasn't a deal breaker.
When I fill out the cover questionnaire, I'm going to have to be very specific. I don't like "cheese" unless it's paired with wine. I am super critical about covers. As a reader, if I don't like the cover, I won't read the blurb. So, in fact, there could be a huge number of books out there that I might love but because it doesn't have a good cover...
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reading again
Irish Rising is done for now and in the hands of my publisher. Let's have all things crossed that they'll like it and give me another contract!! If not, I hope at least they'll give me ideas on how to fix it and resubmit. Here's to hope!
Since I'm done with that book, I spent the weekend in one of the best ways possible. I spent it reading. In fact, I read four books this weekend and highly recommend all of them to you. They were:
Slade by Laurann Dohner
Valiant by Laurann Dohner
Mercury's War by Lora Leigh
Sweet Inspiration by Penny Watson
Sweet Inspiration is a new take on a Christmas story where not typical Santa has five sexy sons. This was the story about the oldest son Nicholas. He's torn between his love of baking (He runs the bakery.) and his duty to be the next Santa. Throw in a lovely baker who makes the best sugar cookies around and you have one heck of a story. Sweet Inspirations was a sweet convection that had you wishing you still believed in Santa, if only to meet one of his sexy sons! It was a great way to get lost in a book for a few hours. I also wanted to read this one before the next one in the series comes out next month. Can't wait!
Laurann Dohner is a favorite author of mine. I have many of her books. She tends to write them in series and for me as a reader, it has me jumping up and down. If I like the first book in the series than I'll bet you my Dunkin Donuts money that I'll buy the rest without even reading a blurb or excerpt. Her new series, New Species series, is about genetically altered humans. In a series of government experiments, human DNA has been spliced with animal DNA. These stories are all about how this new species is trying to find their own way after being liberated from the labs. She's taken a lot of heat because the story idea resembles Lora Leigh's Breed series (which I also read one this weekend. Hmmm... I might see a trend in my reading here!) For as many similarities it has to that series, it is also it's own identity. Let's face it, there really are only a few original stories in the romance genre. The rest of us are putting our own spin on them and it doesn't make them any less enjoyable to read. Heck, before meeting Penny Watson, I started a story about one of Santa's sons looking for love. It was immediately scrapped!
I must say I'm excited about started the next book in the Fated Mates series. The universe is going explode wide open! I hinted at the end of Liz and Dragon's story that something was happening, not all of the inhabitants of Earth are happy the sexy aliens are here to stay and taking human mates!
Have a good day all!!
Peace out,
MRD
Since I'm done with that book, I spent the weekend in one of the best ways possible. I spent it reading. In fact, I read four books this weekend and highly recommend all of them to you. They were:
Slade by Laurann Dohner
Valiant by Laurann Dohner
Mercury's War by Lora Leigh
Sweet Inspiration by Penny Watson
Sweet Inspiration is a new take on a Christmas story where not typical Santa has five sexy sons. This was the story about the oldest son Nicholas. He's torn between his love of baking (He runs the bakery.) and his duty to be the next Santa. Throw in a lovely baker who makes the best sugar cookies around and you have one heck of a story. Sweet Inspirations was a sweet convection that had you wishing you still believed in Santa, if only to meet one of his sexy sons! It was a great way to get lost in a book for a few hours. I also wanted to read this one before the next one in the series comes out next month. Can't wait!
Laurann Dohner is a favorite author of mine. I have many of her books. She tends to write them in series and for me as a reader, it has me jumping up and down. If I like the first book in the series than I'll bet you my Dunkin Donuts money that I'll buy the rest without even reading a blurb or excerpt. Her new series, New Species series, is about genetically altered humans. In a series of government experiments, human DNA has been spliced with animal DNA. These stories are all about how this new species is trying to find their own way after being liberated from the labs. She's taken a lot of heat because the story idea resembles Lora Leigh's Breed series (which I also read one this weekend. Hmmm... I might see a trend in my reading here!) For as many similarities it has to that series, it is also it's own identity. Let's face it, there really are only a few original stories in the romance genre. The rest of us are putting our own spin on them and it doesn't make them any less enjoyable to read. Heck, before meeting Penny Watson, I started a story about one of Santa's sons looking for love. It was immediately scrapped!
I must say I'm excited about started the next book in the Fated Mates series. The universe is going explode wide open! I hinted at the end of Liz and Dragon's story that something was happening, not all of the inhabitants of Earth are happy the sexy aliens are here to stay and taking human mates!
Have a good day all!!
Peace out,
MRD
Friday, October 14, 2011
Expectations. Are they good or bad?
I normally view expectations as a good thing. It's something to strive for, a type of goal. Also though, expectations can be a bad thing. We can put expectations on ourselves that are unrealistic and the pressure we put on ourselves can be brutal.
Think about this, close your eyes and picture yourself as a child. What did you expect your life to be like? If you have actually found the life you pictured, I am standing up in my living room applauding you right now. In many cases though, your life isn't totally what you expected. We live it, we adapt, we adjust.
Last night, I was extremely happy. I finally finished Irish Rising which should be a good accomplishment. My second novella is ready to be subbed to my publisher. This weekend I will be writing the synopsis and sending it off. Now back to the phrase, "should be a good accomplishment". First of all it is a good accomplishment but... I originally hoped to have two books subbed by the time Fated Mates came out. What I expected of myself didn't happen. I could make excuses by saying, the book came out two months before the original release date or work has been crazy or the world was revolving on its axis too fast for me. But when it comes right down to it, I am a super slow writer. There, I've said it. One of the contributing factors is that I need to at this point still write out everything in a legal notepad. Then I have to type it into the computer, which takes time because usually I have hours of typing to do at one time. So again, we live, we adjust, we adapt.
Don't even get me started about expectations in my real life. Those are hard. Life is messy and never what we expect. We say things to ourselves like, "If I only had (fill in the bland), my life would be perfect." It's really not true. Sometimes we actually get what we want and it doesn't make us truly happy. We always want more or it's not how we really expected it to turn out. I'm going to give a very bland example from my real life. I always say, "My little house would be perfect, if I only had a dining room." A dining room would mean I could have people over for dinner because I love to cook. My mother, sister, or brother always hold holiday dinners at their house. If I did it, there would be nowhere to sit and we would be crashing into each other because we'd be crammed into the kitchen. So my dream fix, is a dining room. But that would really bring up a whole new set of problem because it wouldn't make my house perfect. I really could never hold a holiday dinner. My sister and one brother do not talk. So I would have to choose who I would want to invite. I really think that's ridiculous, so I would end up inviting both and no one would come. The amount of work would be massive and between the dreaded day job and my writing, I don't have the time to cook and entertain for hours on end. My husband would also hate it! So there we go...
Have a wonderful weekend!
Peace out,
MRD
Think about this, close your eyes and picture yourself as a child. What did you expect your life to be like? If you have actually found the life you pictured, I am standing up in my living room applauding you right now. In many cases though, your life isn't totally what you expected. We live it, we adapt, we adjust.
Last night, I was extremely happy. I finally finished Irish Rising which should be a good accomplishment. My second novella is ready to be subbed to my publisher. This weekend I will be writing the synopsis and sending it off. Now back to the phrase, "should be a good accomplishment". First of all it is a good accomplishment but... I originally hoped to have two books subbed by the time Fated Mates came out. What I expected of myself didn't happen. I could make excuses by saying, the book came out two months before the original release date or work has been crazy or the world was revolving on its axis too fast for me. But when it comes right down to it, I am a super slow writer. There, I've said it. One of the contributing factors is that I need to at this point still write out everything in a legal notepad. Then I have to type it into the computer, which takes time because usually I have hours of typing to do at one time. So again, we live, we adjust, we adapt.
Don't even get me started about expectations in my real life. Those are hard. Life is messy and never what we expect. We say things to ourselves like, "If I only had (fill in the bland), my life would be perfect." It's really not true. Sometimes we actually get what we want and it doesn't make us truly happy. We always want more or it's not how we really expected it to turn out. I'm going to give a very bland example from my real life. I always say, "My little house would be perfect, if I only had a dining room." A dining room would mean I could have people over for dinner because I love to cook. My mother, sister, or brother always hold holiday dinners at their house. If I did it, there would be nowhere to sit and we would be crashing into each other because we'd be crammed into the kitchen. So my dream fix, is a dining room. But that would really bring up a whole new set of problem because it wouldn't make my house perfect. I really could never hold a holiday dinner. My sister and one brother do not talk. So I would have to choose who I would want to invite. I really think that's ridiculous, so I would end up inviting both and no one would come. The amount of work would be massive and between the dreaded day job and my writing, I don't have the time to cook and entertain for hours on end. My husband would also hate it! So there we go...
Have a wonderful weekend!
Peace out,
MRD
Monday, October 10, 2011
Congrats Miranda Stowe!!!!!
Miranda was reviewed by Happily Ever After Reviews. Come help me celebrate a great author with a great book!!!!!
Review: Taken by a Killer by Miranda Stowe
Taken by a Killer by Miranda Stowe
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Rating: 2
Blurb
With seven women missing, six of them dead, Miners Bend has issued a protective curfew for women between the ages of twenty and thirty, which plays havoc on Reece Daggert’s sex life. Only one woman, strapped with a gun, knife, and pepper spray is brave enough to risk her safety and seek an active nightlife-- Emily Hayden-- the one woman seemingly immune to Reece’s charm.
Determined not to fall under his seduction, Emily fights her own attraction for Reece until his sister becomes the eighth victim of the Miners Bend Woman Snatcher. When he turns to her in his biggest time of need, Emily can’t deny him. But her comfort soon becomes too explosive to handle as Reece demands more and more of not just her body, but her heart and soul as well.
Monica's Review
The fist book of The Snatcher Series will leave you in tears. All I could think about was the what if’s, what if it was my sister, cousin or even my daughter that was kidnapped and it was just a matter of time before they found her body tortured and raped. How would it feel to live day in day out with the agonizing feeling if today is the day that she is found? Hoping and praying that she is found alive.
Well the book started with a sexual tension that radiated off of Reece like there was no tomorrow. From the moment that he laid eyes on Emily he feels the arousal in full force. The only problem is that he loves to make Emily mad and the madder he gets her the more turned on he gets. He has liked her since he was in kindergarten but from the moment he tried speaking with her she insulted him and the torturing began.
Emily fights her feelings for Reece but from the moment that he called 911 and she answered she became weak and all she wanted to do was comfort him when learning that his sister was kidnapped. When she volunteered to take him home she never thought that she would fall into his arms and have the most passionate, explosive sex with Reece. She felt as if he needed her body, sex in order to deal with the disappearance of his sister. Emily has to guard her heart and soul but too late she has fallen in love with him.
It seems that every time they come in contact with each other they are practically pouncing on each other, it seems that they both cannot get enough of each other. Fear settles in Reece and he finds himself needing Emily more and more and fears that she will leave him. Most importantly fears that she will be next the next victim of the snatcher. Then you have Emily that will give him what ever he asks for even if it means that she stays broken hearted when his sister is found.
This book will have you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It will actually have you thinking who is the snatcher and could he be someone from the community and if so who. Can there wild escapades be more than just sex. Will they realize that they truly love each other and it’s not just sex between them they actually have true feelings for each other? I can not wait to read the 2 book to this series Saved from a Killer. Pick up this book you will not regret it.
5 Tea Cups!
Review: Taken by a Killer by Miranda Stowe
Taken by a Killer by Miranda Stowe
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Rating: 2
Blurb
With seven women missing, six of them dead, Miners Bend has issued a protective curfew for women between the ages of twenty and thirty, which plays havoc on Reece Daggert’s sex life. Only one woman, strapped with a gun, knife, and pepper spray is brave enough to risk her safety and seek an active nightlife-- Emily Hayden-- the one woman seemingly immune to Reece’s charm.
Determined not to fall under his seduction, Emily fights her own attraction for Reece until his sister becomes the eighth victim of the Miners Bend Woman Snatcher. When he turns to her in his biggest time of need, Emily can’t deny him. But her comfort soon becomes too explosive to handle as Reece demands more and more of not just her body, but her heart and soul as well.
Monica's Review
The fist book of The Snatcher Series will leave you in tears. All I could think about was the what if’s, what if it was my sister, cousin or even my daughter that was kidnapped and it was just a matter of time before they found her body tortured and raped. How would it feel to live day in day out with the agonizing feeling if today is the day that she is found? Hoping and praying that she is found alive.
Well the book started with a sexual tension that radiated off of Reece like there was no tomorrow. From the moment that he laid eyes on Emily he feels the arousal in full force. The only problem is that he loves to make Emily mad and the madder he gets her the more turned on he gets. He has liked her since he was in kindergarten but from the moment he tried speaking with her she insulted him and the torturing began.
Emily fights her feelings for Reece but from the moment that he called 911 and she answered she became weak and all she wanted to do was comfort him when learning that his sister was kidnapped. When she volunteered to take him home she never thought that she would fall into his arms and have the most passionate, explosive sex with Reece. She felt as if he needed her body, sex in order to deal with the disappearance of his sister. Emily has to guard her heart and soul but too late she has fallen in love with him.
It seems that every time they come in contact with each other they are practically pouncing on each other, it seems that they both cannot get enough of each other. Fear settles in Reece and he finds himself needing Emily more and more and fears that she will leave him. Most importantly fears that she will be next the next victim of the snatcher. Then you have Emily that will give him what ever he asks for even if it means that she stays broken hearted when his sister is found.
This book will have you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It will actually have you thinking who is the snatcher and could he be someone from the community and if so who. Can there wild escapades be more than just sex. Will they realize that they truly love each other and it’s not just sex between them they actually have true feelings for each other? I can not wait to read the 2 book to this series Saved from a Killer. Pick up this book you will not regret it.
5 Tea Cups!
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