June 28, 2007


Thirteen Things about SUMMER....

1.) Thunderstorms. I love them, even though all I want to do is sit and listen to the rain instead of getting any work done.

2.) My sister's name is Summer, lol. She represents it perfectly....golden curls, full of sunshine and flair.

3.) Camping. I grew up camping, peeing in the woods and going to two days without a shower....yes, I know it's gross...but that's what camping is all about, lol.

4.) Rodeo. Ahhh....nothing better than the sights, sounds and smells of a summertime rodeo. Of course, if you're not used to dust clogging your nostrils and the smell of hot cow and horse shit, it might not be your thing, lol.

5.) Swimsuits. I hate them. Always have, even way back when I didn't really have anything to complain about, lol. I hate the way the fit. I hate the way they feel.

6.) Daylight. I love the fact that it can still be daylight at bedtime.

7.) BBQ's. I love the feel of all those people being in the same place and just having fun.

8.) Fireflies....or lightning bugs......what more can you say?

9.) Hay fields. I love to see a hay field that has just been plowed and baled.

10.) Watching my son swim.....or try to anyway, lol.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
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THE UNFORTUNATE MISS FORTUNES

The first thing I have to say about the book is that the cover is amazing! Absolutely beautiful, yet simple, it stood out to me in a row of endless other paperbacks. It was the only reason I picked it up.

I am only on page four as of yet and can honestly say it's a knock-out read. It hooked me right off the bat with the first paragraph and has had me laughing and interested since I opened it.

The THE UNFORTUNATE MISS FORTUNES website was also a worthwhile visit. it has downloads (which I am now displaying as my screensaver) and a blog where the three authors of the book post. I definitely recommend checking out this new release and it's website!

June 27, 2007

BELONGING by Nancy Henderson

BELONGING
Historical Romance
Published by
Champagne Books
ISBN: 18972


Butler Cross had a business to run. He has no patience for his new camp cook. She’s too young, too inexperienced, and too beautiful to be working around two hundred women-starved lumberjacks. Yet there’s something about her, and it’s too intriguing for him to ignore. She has a secret, a big one, and he intends to find out what it is.

Paige Anderson is determined to flee her pampered life and the man who rejected her. So what if she couldn’t cook? She could handle this job…even if she was just a little bit pregnant.

~*~EXCERPT~*~

Paige was picking an apple from the highest branch when he approached her. She had hiked up the front of her dress to act as a basket for the apples she’d already picked. Her dress was thin, and it outlined the shape of her thighs and rump. Heat curled in the pit of his stomach. It shot down his legs, slamming into his groin with the force of a sledgehammer.

He pulled his coat closed around himself and cleared his throat.

She whirled around and dropped her apples. “Oh, I didn’t—Look what I did.”

They both stooped down at the same time. She was too close. He inhaled the scent of her, sweet as spring apple blossoms. Or lilacs. He didn’t care which.

He looked up. She said something. He had no idea what. He didn’t care.

It had been too long since he’d been with a woman. Too long since he’d touched—

Her eyes were so big staring up at him. He couldn’t help it.

He bent toward her.

Buy BELONGING now at CHAMPAGNE BOOKS!

GHOST OF A CHANCE by Nancy Henderson

Ghost Of A Chance
Published by
Linden Bay Romance
ISBN #: 978-1-60202-005-4


4 Cups By Coffee Time Romance

What happens when ghost and mortal fall in love? Nothing short of upsetting the balance between heaven and hell...

Nathan McGraw thought death was bad. It's nothing to landing back on Earth or ticking off a demon. He intends to find out why Sarah Price is the only mortal who can see him, even if he has to break the laws of the hereafter.

Sarah Price isn't going to take it anymore. Not from her ex who is trying to financially destroy her. Not from her family who is making her business a circus. And certainly not from a ghost who claims she is the key to sending him back to heaven.

~*~EXCERPT~*~

“What’s wrong?”

Sarah jumped at the sound of the familiar voice. She turned to find Nathan standing only a few feet from her.

“How long have you been watching me?”

“Why are you crying?”

Sarah wiped her eyes. “It’s nothing.”

He closed the distance between them. “What are you running from?”

Life. Heartache. Chaos. Then it dawned on her that he was referring to her jogging. “Oh, this…this is just something I do sometimes. Used to do, anyway. It makes me feel better.”

He didn’t seem convinced.

Sarah wiped her eyes again. She spied a park bench in a secluded area next to a group of trees and sat down. Nathan followed her. He crouched on one knee in front of her.

“I don’t know why you cry, and it’s not my business to ask. I sought you out today to thank you…for helping me.”

Sarah looked at him. His eyes, now a brilliant shake of something—she still couldn’t put a name to the color—were focused on her. It was a look unlike anyone had ever given her. It made her feel…

Appreciated.

She hadn’t felt appreciated in she didn’t know how long.

“You didn’t have to go to my family’s grave,” he went on. “You didn’t have to read their epitaphs for me.”

“It wasn’t anything.”

“It was.” He touched her hand. “And I appreciate it.”

Sarah allowed his hand to remain over hers. His touch was ice cold, and any other time she would have pulled away, but today was different. Today it eased the loneliness.

Loneliness. The idea was foreign. She hadn’t even realized she was lonely, but she supposed it wasn’t out of the question, although she had no reason to be. She had her business, a bright future, good health, and now Mom and Uncle Stan.

But she still didn’t feel as though she had anyone to talk to. She’d had friends back home in Syracuse, and she’d talked to quite a few on the phone and via e-mail since she’d moved, but it wasn’t the same. Since getting divorced and moving, she had never felt more alone.

A new well of tears threatened again. For which exact reason, she wasn’t sure.

Nathan moved to sit on the bench beside her. Her never let go of her hand.

“I bought a bookstore in the middle of nowhere. I left my family, my friends, everything familiar to me.”

“Why?”

“Because it was my dream,” she answered matter-of-factly. “I’ve wanted to own a bookstore for…forever.”

“But why so far from your home? Didn’t you have family there?”

That set off a new brigade of tears. “Mom showed up yesterday.”

“Is that so terrible?”

“All she did was point out everything I’m doing wrong.”

“Likely because she cares about you.”

Sarah brushed away her tears with the back of her hand. She knew he was right, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

She squeezed his hand. For the first time since he’d come into her life, she was glad he was here. “Why is this all happening to me? You…I mean.”

“I could ask the same thing.”

Right again. In fact, more crazy things were happening in his life—or death—than hers.

Available in E-book or Print
Found in Borders, Waldenbooks, or any bookstore using ISBN #.
Buy E-book
Here
Buy Print Book Here
Want an autographed copy? Contact Nancy at: nancyhenderson2004@yahoo.com

Visit NANCY HENDERSON!


June 26, 2007

Why Authors Should Look to EBooks

This was shared By Bridget (the beautiful and talented webmistress at Dark Eden Press). With her permission, I've posted it here. It's a little choppy, but hopefully, you can see the point, lol.


1) Its tough to get published these days, why? Not because of talent but because Mainstream Publishing Houses are effected by ebooks, audio books, low sales with booksellers, and bookstore closing.

From American Publishing Association: The Adult Hardcover categorywas down by 11.8 percent in April with sales of $113.0 million; however sales were up by 19.4 percent year-to-date. Adult Paperback sales also declined by 3.2 percent for the month ($114.9 million); sales were down 2.0percent for the year.

The Adult Mass Market category declined by 15.2 percent for April with sales totaling $52.2 million; sales declined by 9.3 percent year-to-date.

Audio Book sales posted an increase of 8.1 percent for April compared to last year's figures with sales totaling $12.3 million; sales for the whole year were up by 14.2 percent. E-books sales rose by 13.8 percent for the month ($2.5 million); the category also posted an increase of14.2 percent for the year. (E-book figures were compiled in cooperation with the International Digital Publishing Forum).

2) Bookstores are closing across America. Borders has closed nearly half of its Waldenbooks stores thats 350 stores and is effecting our bottom line as authors,and Borders sold most of its 73 superstores overseas.Why? My humble opinion, who can afford $ 22-$ 29.00 for a book anymore. Even the trade and mass paperbacks are $ 14-$15.00. Also, with Sony E-Book Reader, Palm, Franklin, Mobi and on their home or laptop computers. Why because of the price, convience (most ebook readers hold 100-1000 books, ebook average around $ 5-$ 6.00).

They are reading books on computers. Its easier to travel with a light weightebook reader than several pounds of books. The small independent bookstores are closing around us. Will we se the end of print books in our lifetime, absolutely not!!!!!!!! I haveprint books and enjoy turning the pages but these are numbers do effect the bottom line.Bookstores closings effect agents, publishers, everyone.

Again, getting that first book accepted or published has nothingto do with talent, it all has to do with the bottom line. It costs a lot of money to launch a first time author and thats why the major houses are asking their current authors with a following to produce more. So where are the mainstream publishing houses looking to find new authors. From the ebook world-where they have a following and have demonstrated they can write financially successful books.

Here some more facts:

3) From Dan Poytner at www.parapublishing.com/sites/para/resources/statistics.cfm 6 large publishers (in New York) 3-400 medium-sized publishers 86,000 small/self-publishers

The six U.S. conglomerate publishers are
1.. Random House, Inc.
2.. Penguin Putnam Inc.
3.. HarperCollins
4.. Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings
5.. Time Warner
6.. Simon & Schuster, Inc.

78% of the titles published come from the small/self-publishers. eBook sales increased 1,442% in January 2003 over January 2002. --Publishers weekly, March 24, 2003. http://www.publishe/ <http://www.publishe/<http://www.publishersweekly.com/ rsWeekly.com rsWeekly.com 70% of book fair visitors are ready to buy electronic books ifthey can run them on any computer. 67% are ready to read the, 62% would borrow them from a library. --Open E-Book Forum as reported in Booktech the Magazine, January/February 2003

June 25, 2007

Submission Call!

Dark Eden Press Submission Call!

If you are an aspiring author, or even one who is already published, we want to give you the opportunity to show the world what you can bring to the table…or the bed…or even the kitchen floor if you so choose.

Dark Eden Press is where you will get that chance. We will offer up to the world what others are too afraid to, and in doing so hopefully open their eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.
We are open for business and in search of talented submissions for our new specialty lines! Read below for information regarding these lines. You can visit our website for submission guidelines and royalty fees at http://www.darkedenpress.com.

YAOI ~ This specialty line is focused on stories in which an m/m relationship is the focal point. There are no requirements for word count on submissions to this category.

DARK DALLIANCES ~ Submissions in this line will be erotic with a paranormal aspect or theme, such as vampires, werewolves or shifters. Word count for these submissions should be 25-45,000.

ESCAPADES ~ Submissions to this line will be erotic. Word count should be 12-25,000.

JUST SEX ~ These submissions will be short, erotic tales that rarely end in HEA. A good example of this would be two consenting adults engaging in a one night stand. No required word count.

OUTER LIMITS ~ This category will push the envelope. Submissions need to be focused on subjects that might seem “taboo”, such as twincest, BDSM, etc. Word count should at least around 10,000.

Thank you for your time and we hope to see your work soon! Happy writing!

What we will NOT accept:
Pedophilia: You can allude to it and you can talk about it happening in the past, but NO descriptive sexual situations with persons under the age of 18 years of age.
Rape: Outright rape for titillation is not acceptable.
Necrophilia: There is nothing erotic about sex with a dead body.
Bestiality: Sex with animals is not accepted. This refers to domesticated animals that are indigenous to Earth. This does NOT include shape shifters or mystical animals

Romance Galleria Press Release

What's new this week at The Romance Galleria? Plenty of fun-filled events for you to enjoy!

Our Mocha Mondays Chat Series continues on MONDAY, JUNE 25, from 9-10 p.m. (Eastern, US) with the authors of MARDI GRAS PUBLISHING! Join us for an ebook contest, doorprize and MORE in the Galleria Cafe, located on the first floor of The Romance Galleria.

In the mood to walk on the wild side? Join us on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, from 9-10 p.m. (Eastern, US) four our Wild Wednesday erotica Chat Series. This week features WHAT'S NEW AT PHAZE in the Galleria Cafe. Phaze authors will be on hand with a reader's choice ebook giveaway and more! Please note this chat is for erotic authors and does contain adult material and/or language. It is intended for adults only.

Then mark your calendars and join us in the Galleria Theater on FRIDAY, JUNE 29, beginning at 9 p.m. (Eastern, US) for our Friday Film Series! This week, check out the video for ISLAND HEAT by SUSAN KEARNEY, then join Susan for a fun-filled chat immediately following.

PLEASE REMEMBER: if you haven't been to the Galleria in awhile, allow an extra 10-15 minutes before an event's start-time for updates to download. (Actual time will vary according to your internet connection speed.) If it's your first time joining us, please allow up to 30 minutes (depending on connectivity) for the initial program download. The Galleria is a big download, because we just keep getting bigger and better all the time!

ATTENTION AUTHORS! How would YOU like to celebrate your next book release in the virtual, interactive world of The Romance Galleria? This is a brand new service we're delighted to offer. Now you and readers from around the world can get together in real-time, face-to-face in our dynamic, three-dimensional environment! Visit us online for more information today!

We also have terrific paid promotional opportunities, too, including our popular Author Alcoves and customized interactive Suites. Check out our website for more details, and be sure to take advantage of our "buy one, get one free" Spring Advertising Specials while they last! The Romance Galleria is a virtual venue offering chats, events, exhibits and storefront services to romance authors, publishers and related industry professionals. Like your local hotel or convention center, The Romance Galleria offers a variety of services and amenities for all of your promotional event needs. From public author chats to paid workshop events to private staff meetings, the Galleria has the flexibility to offer professionals a virtual environment available anytime, anywhere. It's the only truly interactive, real-time 3D world in the industry. Guests to the Galleria simply download a free, easy-to-use, completely safe software program that allows them to enter 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, or to download the safe, free Galleria program, visit THE ROMANCE GALLERIA

June 23, 2007

SECOND SIGHT w/ reviews by Debbie Mumford


Second Sight

by Debbie Mumford

ISBN: 1-934069-51-5

A mysterious grimoire of Celtic origins has been linked to two murders. To break the case, psychic investigator Zach Douglass seeks the assistance of a gifted translator, beautiful Jenny Murdoch. But Jenny has a dark secret. She's spent years repressing a potent psychic talent: her 'tiger', which she believes killed her parents. Jenny will crack the grimoire and learn to trust her tiger, but she'll fall under suspicion for the murders. And one of the victim's was Zach's fiancée.

Available from Freya's Bower


Reviewers have said:

This was an absorbing paranormal tale filled with suspense and passion ... The characters were strong and well developed ... Paranormal and erotica readers alike will not be able to put this one down.
~~ Inez Daylong, May, 2007 issue of Affaire de Coeur

A riveting read where the first sentence packs a punch and delivers the hook that had me gripped until the end. Some superb delivery lurks within the pages of Second Sight, along with excellent imagery ... My eyes tumbled over the sentences in a bid to read as quickly as I could ... Buy it and love it, readers. A solid and delightful read.
~~White Russian from Cocktail Reviews
~~ 5 Champagne Flutes
~~ Read the entire review here.

FREE READ from LK Campbell

Beginning Friday, June 1

Growing up on a farm in the 1960s before home computers, cell phones, satellite T.V., DVDs or any of those other things that we can't live without today is the subject of The Life & Times Of A Boomer Baby.
Boomer Baby is a series of FREE stories that will be available for download on the first day of each month from LKCampbell.com.


While I played under Mama's ironing board, I learned all about deceit, adultery and manipulation. So begins the first story, In the Beginning, There Was Mama, chronicling the ups and downs of life with my mother from her secret passion to how strict she was and adventures in sex education. It will be available for download Friday, June 1 at LKCampbell.com and best of all, IT'S FREE!.

CANDY KISSES by Kissa Starling

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


Candy Kisses is a twisted fairytale that mirrors the original "Little Red Riding Hood". Red is taking candy to grandma but she won't quit eating them! Her mother warned her. Now she is faced with the titillating consequences.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Visit http://www.twilightfantasies.com/Candy%20Kisses.htm to purchase this Twisted Fairytale by Kissa Starling.

UNWRITTEN ROMANCE by Jenna Bayley-Burke

Unwritten Romance
$1.50
UNWRITTEN ROMANCE by Jenna Bayley-Burke
Sweetheart Rosette
from The Wild Rose Press

Given a second chance at life, Mindy Thomas swallows her fear and decides to tell her boss how she feels about him. Except Jared Salazar misunderstands, thinking she's after a promotion. Mindy uses the interview to ensure Jared understands she wants him, not the position.



excerpt ::

Benign.

The single word echoed through the receiver, and her soul bubbled over with excitement. The last three days seemed to last a lifetime. Every hour stretched on in slow motion since she’d found a pebble-like growth underneath her arm, endured the biopsy, and waited.

Waited.

The clinical voice on the phone explained medical technicalities about the type of cyst they’d found, but Mindy Thomas barely paid attention. She’d spent every second of the past three days thinking about what she would do, how she would live, if only she received this reprieve.

The world buzzed around her tiny cubicle at Salazar Advertising. Monitors hummed, keyboards clicked, the coffeepot gurgled, and conversations went on in hushed tones. Couldn’t anyone feel her joy? How could an emotion that strong not be noticed?

After scheduling a follow-up appointment, Mindy set the phone on its base, her hand trembling slightly. Excited, relieved, and completely terrified. Now she had the chance to live the life she’d stayed awake at night planning. She swiveled in her office chair, turning to see the closed doors of the corner office. Could she dare to do all she’d dreamed?

Jared Salazar emerged from his office with easy self-confidence. So powerful and free, Jared belonged to no one. But then, he did own Salazar Advertising.

Mindy had been inexplicably drawn to the dark-haired man from the moment she saw him at the new employee orientation. She wasn’t the only one. Every woman in the company eyed him with thinly veiled interest, to which he always seemed oblivious. Or maybe he was just smart enough to ignore it.

Excitement thrummed through her veins, propelling her to stand and follow him into the elevator. He might think her crazy, but she’d risk it. This new Mindy, the one who would steer the boat and not just enjoy the ride, wanted to know if Jared Salazar could live up to her imagination.

"You don’t know me," Mindy began once the doors closed, leaving them alone in the elevator.

"Sure I do. Mindy from Client Relations, right?" Jared’s hazel eyes sparkled with a magic more potent than the fear running through her veins.

"Right." She smoothed sweaty palms against her skirt. "This may sound strange, but I can’t let another day go by without saying something. I’d love to get to know you better."

His eyes, a kaleidoscopic collection of browns and greens, narrowed, then softened. "The door to my office is always open to employees, Mindy. You know that."

Her stomach dipped and she prayed the flip-flopping had something to do with the descending elevator. She couldn’t lose her nerve now. Mindy took a deep breath and plunged in headfirst. "I know this is out of the blue, but I was hoping we could get together, outside of work."

A HINT OF SUMMER by MG Braden & Cindy K. Green

A Hint of Summer Large

A Hint of Summer
A Hint of Summer; A Moonlit Romance Beach Duet


by MG Braden and Cindy K. Green

Inheritance by MG Braden
When Chase Taylor's grandmother passes away she inherits the exclusive home their family calls 'the beach house.' Only there's a catch. She has to live in it for six months with Reece Weston, a man she'd never met until the reading of the will.

Is he a scam artist? Or will love turn out to be the best inheritance of all?

Summer's Return by Cindy K. Green

After a seven year absence, Parker Radcliffe returns to the alluring Outer Banks to sell his family’s beach house only to discover his realtor is spirited Arianna Morgan, the girl he could never have. While Arianna is determined to remind him of the life he left behind, Parker must decide whether he will follow his heart or family expectations.

Buy it here: http://www.moonlitromance.com/hintofsummer.html

BENEATH AND BEYOND by Debbie Mumford


Beneath and Beyond

by


Debbie Mumford


Archaeologist Erin Carstedter is a no-nonsense kind of gal. Her colleagues know, if she can’t examine it with a microscope or define it by scientific method, it doesn’t exist. Erin’s beliefs are about to be tested by the most exciting archaeological find of this (or any other) century. A ruin has been discovered beneath the polar ice cap some fifty miles north of Alert, Canada. What Erin and her colleague, Dr. Matt Davidson, discover in those icy depths will challenge her thinking…and change the world forever.


Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy

Format: eStory (23 pages)

Buy Beneath and Beyond here!

DARK THIRST ~ Sara Reinke


COMING JULY 3, 2007~
Paranormal Romance from Kensington Publishing/Zebra



Brandon Noble is one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Horrified by his birthright, Brandon shuns the ritual of the first kill, earning his family's lasting wrath. When he finds love with a human woman named Angelina -- forbidden among the Brethren -- his fate is sealed. Can Brandon protect Angelina from his enemies -- and his own dark thirsts?


"There's a new paranormal star in town. Dark Thirst is a great, keep-you-up-all-night read! Don't miss it!" -- New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Karen Robards.



"Enjoy this clever take on the genre!" -- Chris Marie Green, author of Night Rising, the first in the Vampire Babylon series.



"This new twist on the vampire legend, filled with cultural differences and the challenges facing a deaf-mute hero, is a fascinating and unique romance." -- Romantic Times Book Reviews



"Reinke’s talent outshines most of the top authors in the field of paranormal romance. Dark Thirst is a masterful read!" -- ParaNormal Romance (PNR) Reviews



AVAILABLE FOR PRE~ORDER NOW at AMAZON.COM!

Author Interview ~ SARA REINKE

I had the privilege of interviewing award-winning author Sara Reinke. Her debut fantasy, BOOK OF DAYS, from Double Dragon Publishing, which was named one of the Top 10 Science Fiction/Fantasy Novels of 2005 in the annual Preditors & Editors Readers poll and a Finalist in the 2005 Dream Realm Awards competition. Other available or upcoming titles include BOOK OF THIEVES, the sequel to the award-winning BOOK OF DAYS; TETHERS, a science-fiction thriller; the historical romance, AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT and the paranormal romance, DARK THIRST. She is a member of the Louisville Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America.


Have you always wanted to be a writer, has it always been a present passion in your life?

I've wanted to be a writer since I was very, very young. I remember writing stories and illustrating them myself when I was in pre-school and kindergarten. My mom tells me that before I even knew how to write, they'd give me a notebook and pen, and I could keep myself busy pretending to write on the pages. While I was growing up, as most kids my age were working their way through Barbies and bicycles, I worked my way through a series of typewriters and then, in high school and college, word processors and computers, always pecking out my stories. I can't remember -- or imagine -- wanting to do anything else with my life besides write.

Can you recall the very moment you decided to write a book?

As I said, I was very young when I began writing stories. I remember as a young girl, probably in second grade, my uncle gave me a set of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and when I read them, I understood that what I wanted to do was write novels, not just short stories. I wanted to invent fantastic worlds and creatures of my own. That was about the time I wrote my first "series" of "books," each one in its own notebook, a trilogy about three unicorns. As I grew older, I tried my hand again at novel writing, this time in junior high school, when I was inspired by Anne McCaffrey, so I wrote another fantasy novel. In high school, I wrote a lot of short stories and plays and didn't explore novel-writing again until out of college, when I completed the original draft for what's become my sci-fi thriller, "Tethers," available now in ebook and trade paperback from Samhain Publishing. After college, I decided to pursue a more "grown up" career in journalism and all but abandoned fiction for awhile. In 2001, my uncle died of cancer -- the same one who'd given me the "Lord of the Rings" books -- and it really made me rethink the direction in which my life was heading. I decided to write fiction again, and to really aim for publishing and building a solid career at it. Thus, I began writing novels again.

Do you have a "dayjob" that you go to when you're not writing?

Yes. I work for AAA locally, in their public affairs department. My primary responsibilities are the writing, editing and coordination of content for their member magazine. I only recently returned to the position after a two-and-a-half year hiatus. I'd worked there for almost seven years prior to the birth of my son, and had left in order to stay home and care for him.

Can you explain The Romance Galleria and what it is you do for their promotions?

The Romance Galleria is a virtual venue offering chats, events, exhibits and storefront services to romance authors, publishers and related industry professionals. Like your local hotel or convention center, The Romance Galleria offers a variety of services and amenities for all of your promotional event needs. From public author chats to paid workshop events to private staff meetings, the Galleria has the flexibility to offer professionals a virtual environment available anytime, anywhere. It's the only truly interactive, real-time 3D world in the industry. Guests to the Galleria simply download a free, easy-to-use, completely safe software program that allows them to enter 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I help coordinate their weekly marketing, including the preparation and distribution of press releases highlighting the week's events and promotional opportunities. It's a terrific position, because I'm really excited about the potential of the Galleria. It's already grown by so many leaps and bounds since its launch in February, it's amazing. And it's growing all the time. It's really rewarding and exciting to be a part of it.

Do you have a publisher? An agent?

At the moment, I have books available with several publishers. My fantasy series, The Chronicles of Tiralainn, are available in ebooks and trade paperback through Double Dragon Publishing. "Tethers," a sci-fi thriller is available in ebook and trade paperback from Samhain Publishing. My historical romance, "An Unexpected Engagement" is out in mass-market paperback through bookstores nationwide and leading online book retailers from Medallion Press. As of July 3, the first in a paranormal/vampire romance series, "Dark Thirst" hits bookstores shelves in mass market paperback from Kensington Publishing's Zebra imprint.

I've been very fortunate in that I've had the opportunity to work with such a wide variety of publishing companies, and have enjoyed positive experiences with all of them. Each one is different, but has been terrific for me in terms of my continued growth and development as an author, in their own way, and I'm grateful to each of them.

Any advice to aspiring romance writers?

Never give up. Make time in your life whenever you can to write. Don't let rejections discourage you, or keep you from submitting again. I think building a career as an author takes 10-20 percent talent, and 80-90 percent luck. It's all about presenting the best possible manuscript you can, and getting it in front of the right person at just the right moment. Putting together a top-notch manuscript is something you control completely. Getting your manuscript out there is something within your power, too. And while you can't control whether or not you get it in front of the right person at the right time, the only way that's ever going to happen is if you keep trying despite rejections.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us, Sara!

Visit Sara at her home on the web! http://www.sarareinke.com/




Stay Tuned for a look at Sara's novel, DARK THIRST......

June 22, 2007

Bayou Summons is #1 Best Seller........

..............at Dark Eden Press!

Check it out....it won't last long, LOL!!!!


http://www.darkedenpress.com/cart/

It's Here!!!!




I bet you're getting sick of seeing that cover, huh???...LOL

BAYOU SUMMONS is now available at DARK EDEN PRESS!!!! Pick up your copy of my very first release today!

OPENING DAY!!!!


Now that I have your attention.....LOL.....that's the DEP guy.....DEP guy, meet the readers, readers, meet the DEP guy. heheheheheehehe

Head on over to DARK EDEN PRESS to join in the Grand Opening fun......then join us later tonight at Coffee Time Romance for our celebration chat!.....You can find all the info in the post below!

June 21, 2007

You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening Party for Dark Eden Press!

When: Friday, June 22
Time: 9 PM EST - 8 PM Central - 7 PM PST
Where: Coffee Time Romance live chat room!

Authors scheduled to attend are:
Missy Sue Hanson
Riane Lasair
Capri Montgomery
Helen Ravell
Anthony Stevens
Roxanne Wells

More authors may pop in depending on their availability.

Prizes will be awarded and fun will be had. Come help us celebrate the opening of a new publisher... .

Dark Eden Press... Where Temptation is Only a Book Away.

St. Louis Lore

So, I've started research for my non-fiction regional ghost book. I've tentatively title it "St. Louis Lore" and I think I might stick with that one. The book will be a compilation of supernatural experiences in and around the St. Louis area. The curve to my book is that it won't all be famous stories, stories that have been included over and over again in every St. Louis Haunting book ever written. Take the Lemp Mansion, for instance, that one is so popular that it's mentioned in every regional ghost book of the St. Louis area that I've ever read. The publisher is giving me full freedom to pretty much use whatever information and stories I want. So, what I'm doing is this.......I'm asking around, interviewing real people and getting their take on what experiences they've had.

So, far I have interviews set up with Doug and Scott, the hosts of GHOSTLY TALK PARANORMAL RADIO, Tracy, founding investigator and videographer and Tanya "Ice Queen" Strief, paranormal photographer and investigator with MO PARANORMAL RESEARCH. I'm very excited about these interviews! I am possibly meeting with Tanya this coming Monday to conduct her interview.

When I was researching yesterday, I found this list : THE SHADOWLANDS. I was amazed at all the "paranormality" that isn't too far from me. The one that intrigued me the most is under St. Louis and is labeled Rose Hill. Apparently the ghost of a young girl who was murdered on the road while stranded helps strangers get over the hill. Very interesting stuff.....that will definitely go into the book.

June 20, 2007

Blogging Meanie-ness

Ok......I had planned on coming back after I had cooled off from the event that I wrote about in my previous post, but apparently, the powers that be just want to provoke me today. As mentioned in the post before this one, I have been browsing lots of sites and blogs. I want to do exactly what everyone has been telling me to do; research, make friends, network, get yourself out there, be aware of the industry.

Well, I've done just that and am appalled at what I've seen. I may be a newbie in the publishing world and I don't have much of a head for business either, but it seems to me that there are way too many meanies out there. I have seen on several (particularly one) blogs (writer's blogs) that people who can't write need to stop going around and having the nerve to say they're writers.

Now, who is to judge something like that? Are you a good writer? In my opinion it could be yes, in another opinion, maybe no. But what flippin right does one writer have to call everyone who doesn't spell "mischievous" right a no-good lump of wasted space? It's their blog, I know, so they can say whatever they want, but so can I, lol.

I understand that there are some out there who call themselves writers and really can't write a sentence to save their lives, but I certainly wouldn't publicly humiliate and group all "non-spelling" authors into a useless mass of goo. After all, isn't that what editors are for? Before you react to that......

I love and respect editors and if it wasn't for mine, my books wouldn't be to the level they are at now, but that's what they are there for. They have a tough and frustrating job, but they do it. If every author/writer were a serious stickler on grammar and punctuation, would there be enough "gusto" or imagination to back all that fancy grammar up? Nope, didn't think so.

So, here's to all of you editors (*waving* to Billi) who keep us authors from being a big stinking mass of goo....oh...and poo on those who use other's weaknesses to make them seem more than what they really are.

Simply Peeved....

Okay, I first must mention that I've had one hell of a horrible day.....so....on with my rant.

Today while perusing through various romance sites and links, I came across one I found really interesting. It's a critique and networking group from it's description. I was a little put off that the last blog entry hadn't been since March.....but I thought...what the hey?....this seems like a nice bunch of writers. My bad.

I "applied" with an email and a sample of writing per their request and was promptly gotten back to with a snide email that said something like this: ".....you seem like a nice enough person, however we are not turning your request down based upon that, rather your apparent lack of writing ability."

A tad too brass, if ya ask me.....a simple "...thank you, but we're all full..." or "thank you but we're declining your request" would've worked for me...instead they insult my writing while they're at it?? Talk about kicking a dog when it's down.

Naturally, this email upset me. It was rude and very unprofessional, so I had a look see around some of the "writers" sites that are listed under their members area. Low and Behold ~~~only two of their almost 20 writer members are actually published.

Please, someone tell me how I can have three....count 'em three (and I'm not bragging here, just trying to prove a point) contracts for my romances and another contract for a non-fiction if I can't write worth shit??? I know I'm not the best and I certainly know that I am bound to make mistakes....but here I am letting these know-it-alls make me feel like poo on their shoe. I seriously considered replying to the email and apologizing for wasting such a wonderful and well known author's time. But, I won't do that....I'm bigger than that and besides, who has the contracts instead of a stinky critique group?

BAYOU SUMMONS ~ Available Friday!


BAYOU SUMMONS will be available on DARK EDEN PRESS Opening Day, Friday, June 22, 2007!



A warlock whose powers are hidden by the misty bayou. A necromancer who will stop at nothing to control the underworld and the only other who harbors dark gifts similar to his own........a woman who speaks to the dead.

Summer Peters knows paranormal, her life's work is to find it, study it and disprove it. Though, in her heart she secretly hopes to one day find the answers to the puzzling dreams that constantly plague her. Her next assignment is deep in the heart of the steamy bayou, with much more danger to be weary of than the gators that stalk the swamp. Her answers might very well be hidden amidst the fog-ridden town and Cayden, a sexy man with everything to hide might not only show her the answers she longs for, but could also be much more than an annoyingly handsome Cajun.

Visit DARK EDEN PRESS!

~Missy Sue Hanson~
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June 14, 2007

The Messengers


This was a pretty good idea, though it wasn't nearly scary as I thought. And it contained my favorite element in movies such as these, but I can't share that because that would be spoiling it and I don't want to do that! If you like ghost stories and edgy stories with unexpected twists, this is one to see!

The Painted Veil


There's something about Edward Norton that has always captivated me. So, yesterday when I needed a big break form the computer and work, I took a trip to the video store and was in the mood for two types of movies.....vamp and romance, lol. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm weird.

When The Painted Veil initially came out, I wasn't very interested, it looked like one of those old fashioned "squishy" types of romances. I was half right, half wrong. It was squishy at the end, but other than that, it was eerily real and reminded me of how massively the human race screws up when it comes to love. I recognized all the emotions in the film, from both the man and woman and it made me ache to think that sometimes, before we know it, the very thing we keep ourselves from is the one thing that can save us, be our balm when all the rest of the world only lets us down.

This is a great story of "seize the day". A movie that will make you want to go make love to your husband and thank goodness for his existence in your world. I'm not sure if I would give it a glowing review, but I can say it moved me on several levels.

June 10, 2007

An adventure to say the least......


So, I went camping this weekend. This seemed like a very good idea with my mom having a seizure and me needing a break from the everyday. Yes, it seemed like a perfect way to relax and unwind, lol.

After packing up two vehicles with four kids, numerous camping junk and high hopes for a great getaway, we headed out. We had a late start, but I was positively beaming with endless optimism. We pulled up to pay for a spot and I fainted when they said...."All full....you can try Logan Wildlife down the highway, if you'd like."

I had never heard of this place, and yet, it wasn't even 50 miles from where we live. That should've told me something. A big fat SOMETHING should've clicked in my brain, saying..."hhhmmm....not sure about this." But, alas, nothing clicked. And after confering, the three adults concluded that we hadn't packed and hauled all thi shit for nothing, so we were going to find a place to camp and that was that.

Now, Logan Wildlife is a conservation area. Which, in Missouri, means any number of things. You got shooting ranges,2,000 acres of looming wilderness and LOTS of drunk people who go there to stay low on the radar, if ya know what I mean. Like I said, nothing like that clicked, though.

45 minutes later, we are still driving around the 2,000 acres of looming wilderness trying to find the "supposed" campground that was on the "map". In all this time, we hadn't passed anyone or anything. The sun was setting, and so naturally, my writer's imagination kicked into high gear. Getting panicky, I see a campfire on one of the lakes and what I thought were two old men sitting by it. So, I get out of the car, head halfway over to the duo when I have this creepy feeling come over me. So, I stop and figure being rude at this point will just have to suffice.
I cupped my hands around my mouth and yelled........"Sorry to bother you, but do you think you could tell me where the campground is?"

The two exchanged glances before answering. Imagine my utter surprise and shock when instead of a raspy old man's voice, I hear that of a young man, whom I can tell is very much in his prime. This is what he said....."Go back up here.....then make a right, you'll run right into it."
I'm thinking....good, we're making progress. We don't have to abandon the weekend after all. I'm two steps away when he hollers back....."Was that all you needed?" I heard his friend give a laugh.

"Yep, that was all, thank you kindly, " was my reply. I get to the van and begin reciting the directions to my mom when a blinding light pierces the near dusk murkiness. I shielded my eyes and looked and it was a truck. Obviously, the truck belonged to the men I had just spoken to. I could hear them laughing again and I took a step closer to the truck and saw that nobody was inside. They had started it with one of those remote starters. See, there's a reason I feel young men need a good whipping, lol.

Anyhoo.....we get back in, a little creeped out by the punks, but, none the worse for wear. We're headed in the blessed direction of camp when .....POP.......there goes my tire. In the middle of nowhere, on a conservation that is deserted with two weird young men down the road yonder.
The only thing left to do was get out, throw what I could in my mom's van and head for safety and at this point, we didn't know where in the hell that was, lol. We're transferring items when I see headlights rushing towards us, fast. My stomach sank and I yelled at everybody to get in....now. I jumped in the driver's seat, causing my mom to get in on the passenger side and hightailed it. They were seriously following us.

I've never drove so fast on a gravel road in my life, and that's saying summin, cause I practically live on 'em, lol. We got to the highway fine, but it was a little scary. We ended up getting a hotel room and the next day went to our first choice in camping sites and they actually had a spot open! So, we got to camp for one night and also got to hang out at the river.
This gave me the best story idea.............LMAO.

June 08, 2007

SINLESS ROGUE by Missy Sue Hanson


I made this cover for Sinless Rogue, which will be out in the upcoming months from Dark Eden Press!

ST. LOUIS LORE by Missy Sue Hanson



This is a mock cover I made up to promote my non-fiction regional ghost book which will be available June 2008. It will be a compilation of ghost stories and happeings from the St. Louis region.

DARK DESCENT by Riane Lasair


A new cover I just finished, look for Dark Descent on Dark Eden Press Opening Day, June 22, 2007!

DRAGON DANCE by Emily Ryan-Davis

 


DRAGON DANCE now available!


Click to purchase!


 


Dragon Dance




Self-preservation, not cowaradice, drove Cora Phillips to run from the supernatural intrigues surrounding Salim Aridi, Greg Cho, and their respective dragon aspects. She spent a year rebuilding a sense of normalcy, and she learned to cope with the residual nightmares that followed her brief collision with modern myth.




The moment Salim loses control, however, the dragons demonstrate just how meaningless human distance really is, and return to remind Cora that dragon ties are not so easily broken.





Now available for download!

If you haven't read MATING CALL, the first book in the Dragon Queen trilogy, you can read an excerpt and download here!

MATING CALL and DRAGON DANCE receive 5 Champagne Flutes from Cocktail Reviews




"I LOVE these two books." - Wilga Hill Boomerang of Cocktail Reviews

June 03, 2007

RIDE A COWBOY by Capri Montgomery



And another......loved doing this one as well!

SAVING SOPHIE by Roxanne Wells



Another cover I just got finished with for Dark Eden Press, this was one of my favorites!