Missy Sue Hanson

Official Announcement for Hallows Hex Design

2007-07-31T10:49:00.000-06:00

Announcing Hallows Hex Design and Promotion Grand Opening! Hallows Hex offers dozens of affordable designs for any business or individual. Just click on either of the images at the top or bottom to visit us today!

Magical....Uncommon...Otherworldly Designs.

Leave a Spellbound Impression.

Hallows Hex Design presents a lasting and captivating image for you, your company or your products with numerous web and print originations.

Our focus at Hallows Hex Design is to leave a mark, to go above and beyond expectations within affordable boundaries. Check out our Author Services line for branding and promotion specialties that will help get your name out there and remembered!

Hallows Hex Design

2007-07-29T20:08:00.000-06:00

My design site is now up and running!

HALLOWS HEX DESIGN

I am so excited! I still have alot of work to do on it, but it's good to see it live!

4 Ribbon Review

2007-07-18T07:57:00.000-06:00

Wow....I just got a 4 Ribbon Review from Romance Junkies!!! I can't believe it! Here's some of what Anita had to say.......

"Missy Sue Hanson has created a fascinating magical adventure in which a necromancer falls in love with a warlock in her newest paranormal romance, BAYOU SUMMONS. Sweaty images of the steamy bayou and a sense of mystique set the stage for this erotic romance. Colorful and compelling characters tell their story as they come together to fight an evil that threatens the world." ~ Anita, Romance Junkies

I am SO flying high right now.....I keep wondering if my book got confused with another one, lol.

Walls......

2007-07-11T22:22:00.001-06:00

I just saw this icon that really got me to thinking......this is what it said.......

"Sometimes people put up walls not to keep others out but to see who cares enough to tear them down."

Wow. Don't know why those words hit me so hard??....Maybe it's becaue I do it in my own life. Though it can be a bad thing, as I sit here and think about it, that simple sentence really defines something for me. And it has made me come to a startling conclusion. I have been waiting for someone to tear down my walls, lol.

Someone who cares enough to take the time. Someone who would defend me to his last breath.

And really, we don't have to be talking about relationship kind of love, we could talk about friendship, family. Who is it in my life that has cared enough to break out the jack hammer and start deconstructing the concrete? Hmmm.....

This might be the beginning of a great idea........lol

Christopher Howell Interview

2007-07-11T21:17:00.000-06:00

What a man. Christopher is warm, sincere and an absolute pleasure to know. I had the honor of interviewing this cover model and 2007 RT Convention pageant hopeful........here's what he had to say.......

First things first........tell us about your family! Any brothers or sisters?

I have three brothers. Two older and one younger. Paul is the oldest, followed by Matthew, me, and the youngest Aaron.

How close are you to your family?

I am very close to my family. From time to time we might argue, but deep down inside, it’s family. You only have one family, so make the best of it.

How long have you wanted to be a model? Why? What pulls you to a modeling career?

I have wanted to be a model for a very long time. Since I was just a boy. Wanting to be famous is what pulls me to modeling. I enjoy being in front of people and keeping a smile on their face. Besides that, It’s always nice to get paid to stand around and look good.

On your page at MySpace, it states that you have lots of different interests and talents, including acting and performing stunts. Out of all of these talents, do you have one that is your favorite? Why?

I don’t really have just one favorite. Everything that I learn to do takes me on some type of adventure leaving me with a wonderful story to tell in the end. If you can have a never ending amount of stories to tell in your old age, than you most likely had a life that you truly lived to its fullest.

On your page you say that anyone can be beautiful nowadays with the availability of photo enhancements form computer programs. How do you think that affects men and women in today's society? Do you feel that it sets good standards or bad ones?

I think that it affects them a lot. Here’s an example :D….I once went on a blind date/met up with a girl based only on one of her pictures that she had showed me. I stopped by her work after doing a photo shoot….(yeah, I was prettied up and ready to go) and received my first glance of what she looked like. It was nothing like the photo or the photo had been enhanced BIG TIME! I think that it sets both good standards and bad ones. It sets bad ones because anyone can do it and it sets good ones because they can make you look really good!

If you had to pick one city in the USA, which would it be? Why?

I would have to visit a few more before I could make that decision. If I had to just name one off the top of my head, it would be New York.(I’m going there at the end of July, so I can give you a definite answer afterwards). I am a people person. I like to be around lots of people and I heard that there is a lot of people there and always something to do no matter what time it is…which is perfect because I have a hard time trying to sleep.

When you're not using those bulging muscles to haul boxes at UPS or posing for photo shoots, what do you do?

Haha Funny question….I actually like to just do anything and everything. From lounging around the house watching movies and doing absolutely nothing, to doing whatever pops into my head first!

Ladies.......hang on to your britches for his answer to this question.........LOL

If you could define the perfect moment, what would you describe?

Standing face to face with your lover with her soft lips about to meet yours. There are clouds out, but they are scattered…just enough to keep the sun from being too bright. It’s about seventy five degrees out with a nice breeze sweeping through the air. After the two of you finish caressing one and other, you realize that it’s morning. This brings a smile to your face, because you still have the whole day to spend with each other.

While at the RT Convention this year, did you buy any books? If so, which ones?

No, I can’t stand to spend money when I’m doing events and things such as that. I admit, I’m a little spoiled. I love free things and will take what you give me, but will always focus my time on something else once I find out that I have to spend my money on something. I think it’s because I have a brick wall built up to keep me from getting scammed in the whole industry. When your younger and don’t’ know any better, many people will try and scam you for thousands of dollars in the modeling/acting industry.

What was your favorite thing about this year's convention?

How we were treated like celebrities. I enjoyed always having someone coming up to me and wanting to talk or get their picture with me.

I heard the opinion of an editor recently that the rise of romantica and erotica books has set unattainable standards for the real men in the women's lives who read these books, making women's expectations too high. What is your opinion of that?

I think that there is no such thing as the word unattainable. I always romance my girl friend and I probably do it more than a romance novel does. Yes, it’s a never ending amount :D….I’m a bit of a hopeless….no longer hopeless…romantic.

When asked what was your favorite part of your body, you stated your eyes because "you don't have to worry about perfecting them in any way to make anybody happy"......do you feel that you have to be perfect?

My goal to be perfect leaves me on a never ending journey. Yes, I would like to be perfect or almost perfect in everyone’s eyes. I want people to be able to look at me and be able to say, “ I like something about him.”

Some people think that the life of a model is easy, that looking good just comes naturally to some people, do think that's true?

Haha that’s funny. If you only knew what I have to do to stay like this. I have to constantly work out, scan my body for any flaws, and remind myself that even though I ‘m a guy and what I want to do at this very moment (of what ever I might be doing) will possibly hurt me or even scar me, I shouldn’t do it because I have to keep looking pretty.

Can you give us a little insight into your daily routine?

Wake up at 2:50a.m. for work(UPS). Get off work around 6:30a.m. and come home, take a shower fallowed by bed. Wake up, get onto the computer and look for modeling jobs or call to see if I can get more work from a friend. Hopefully get some type of shoot or something set up or a job installing the super expensive shower doors, windows, mirrors. Go to the gym, come home and relax, then go to bed and wake up early for work again.

How hard is it to constantly keep an image?

Very, because there are so many factors that will throw you off in every day life. It’s hard to do stuff that you don’t want to do and on top of it keep fit.

What is your idea of the perfect woman?

My girl friend hahah :D A flawless personality that makes her my best friend and looks to keep me always wanting more. She is very unique and one of a kind.

Have you ever been drawn to a woman from across a room? What was it about her that drew you in?

Yes, she would have given me a look showing she’s interested in meeting me or I was bored and had nothing else to do….haha yeah, not many women want to hear the second answer coming from a guy.

Do you have any plans to attend the 2008 RT Convention? Any other events/plans where we can expect to see you?

I do indeed have plans on attending the 2008 RT convention. Hopefully someone will sponsor me like several of the other guys there were and I do intend to go to other events coming up here in the future.

Here are some places you can see more of Christopher......

MYSPACE

MODEL MAYHEM
YIPPYKYA

Christopher's got a bright future ahead of him and I'm quite certain we'll be seeing more of him!

*picture by Styx Photography

Red Roses Interview

2007-07-10T16:09:00.000-06:00

Hi, Everyone! I have an interview up at Red Roses For Authors, a review blog! Pop on over and take a look at me, lol!

http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com/2007/07/interview-with-missy-sue-hanson.html

Java @ The Hut and new contest!

2007-07-03T09:24:00.000-06:00

Announcing JAVA @ The Hut.....a group for everyone's promos, contests and chats! Java @ The Hut will be open to promos everyday of the week! There are only a few rules which are posted on the home page. Eventually I hope to host author's chats and special events, so I hope you'll come join me for a cup of java at the hut!

CONTEST! Everyone who joins Jave @ The Hut this week will be automatically entered to win a free banner! You can use the banner for promo purposes!

Hope to see you at JAVA @ THE HUT!!!!

LORI DEVOTI ~ Interview

2007-07-01T09:24:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing Lori Devoti, author of UNBOUND, a novel from Silhouette's hot paranormal line, NOCTURNE. Here's what Lori had to say;

What inspired you to become a writer?
I don’t know. I wrote a lot of poetry as a child/teen—who didn’t? Started a couple of novels in my twenties, but never went far with them. Then after I had my daughter my husband suggested I write a book—so I did. My first manuscript was actually a mystery.

Do you feel that UNBOUND is any different from others of the same genre?
Well, people keep telling me it is. I guess it is. I didn’t try to write something incredibly different. It is just what came out. I read a lot of fantasy and mystery—not just romance. I guess that is why.

What advice can you give an inspiring writer?
This is tough because it depends on what stage the writer is at. No agent is better than a bad agent is always a good piece of advice. A rejection doesn’t mean you are a bad writer, just that that particular person at that particular time isn’t looking for what you wrote. Everything in this business is basically one person’s opinion—reviews, agent rejections/acceptances, editor rejections/acceptances. Don’t let them get you down and keep going. Pick the pearls out of critiques and toss everything else. See, I have TONS of advice.

Did you feel you would go as far as you did?
I don’t think I am that far yet. So I hope to go much further. To be honest, I don’t think I thought about how far I would get.

Can you tell us a bit about your contemporary novels, LOVE IS ALL AROUND and LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED?
They are both set in Southern Missouri. They are very different from Unbound. Light contemporary romantic comedies. I have had people say they can’t believe they were written by the same person who wrote Unbound—but they were. J Love is All Around is about a small town girl who wants to get out and move to the city—St. Louis in this case. Love is All You Need is about a small town girl who has left and been working in Chicago at a high brow auction house. Her boss sends her to Southern Missouri to find a piece of legendary art pottery. The hero is after the same piece of art pottery. I think both books are fun and they both have characters similar to people I knew in my childhood—which made them fun to write. There are excerpts from both on my site.

What is your favorite thing about writing Contemporary? Paranormal?
Romantic comedy is easy for me. It just pours out. Writing dark is harder. I have to get into dark mode—and stay there. But I love the paranormal aspects and being able to just go with my imagination. Hellhounds can get away with a lot more than a small town girl from Missouri.

In which areas are the two genres the most different?
If asking about my particular books, it’s my voice. It is totally different between the two.

Where did the idea for UNBOUND come from?
I wanted to write about shape-shifters, but didn’t want to do werewolves. I came across a picture of the Black Dog of Ireland in a book and the idea for hellhounds were born. This is also where the seed for Lusse came from. This same book said some people believed a witch named Lusse ran the Wild Hunt (usually it is Odin). I just ran with it.

Was there a specific event or person who spurred the creation of Lusse's character in your UNBOUND novel?
Just the book I mentioned above. The rest just kind of happened. I am not a writer who does character sheets or anything. My characters are fairly organic.

Can you tell us a bit about GUARDIAN'S KEEP, your next book for the Unbound series?
It’s Kelly and Kol’s story. Lots of action in this one and lots of new beings. Kelly is harboring bad feelings against Kol for the death of her friend in Unbound. On Kol’s part—someone has been attacking his bar trying to take over his portal—he suspects Kelly. So each is watching the other when the book opens. There is a lot more about garm in this book and a new place that I love—Lyngvi and a new character, Fenrir. Plus dwarves, dark elves, trolls, mud type monsters and the corporeal undead. Lots and lots of action—and it’s hotter than Unbound. I really like Kol. He’s an alpha, but a protector. That is part of a garm’s nature—to protect.

How about the third book in the series?
This is Venge’s story and I am writing it now. I can’t say a lot about it because the proposal is still out with my editor, but I plan to introduce some more new beings: Valkyries and Norns. And the Wild Hunt is a focal point. And some characters from the first two books will make appearances.

On your website's hompage you feature Hellhound Bookplates. Can you tell us about those?
They are printed on Avery labels, but I think they look pretty nice. If anyone would like one, they can send me a self-addressed stamped envelope and a note letting me know if you want one or two. I’ll sign them and ship them back off. My mailing address to send the SASE is Lori Devoti, PO Box 46251, Madison, WI 53744-6251

Thanks for the interview!!

Lori

Thank you, Lori! I'm delighted and honored!

You can visit LORI DEVOTI to learn more about her books and the lady herself!

2007-06-28T19:58:00.000-06:00

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.

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THE UNFORTUNATE MISS FORTUNES

2007-06-28T14:09:00.000-06:00

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!

BELONGING by Nancy Henderson

2007-06-27T22:40:00.000-06:00

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!

Visit NANCY HENDERSON!

GHOST OF A CHANCE by Nancy Henderson

2007-06-27T22:31:00.000-06:00

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!

Why Authors Should Look to EBooks

2007-06-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

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

Submission Call!

2007-06-25T21:24:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-25T07:13:00.000-06:00

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

SECOND SIGHT w/ reviews by Debbie Mumford

2007-06-23T21:00:00.001-06:00

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

Read Excerpt

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

2007-06-23T20:57:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

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.

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

UNWRITTEN ROMANCE by Jenna Bayley-Burke

2007-06-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-23T20:41:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-23T20:39:00.000-06:00

Beneath and Beyond

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.

Publisher: Lavender Isis Press

Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy

Format: eStory (23 pages)

Buy Beneath and Beyond here!

DARK THIRST ~ Sara Reinke

2007-06-23T15:54:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-23T15:32:00.000-06:00

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......

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

2007-06-22T21:21:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

It's Here!!!!

2007-06-22T13:18:00.000-06:00

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!!!!

2007-06-22T09:38:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-06-21T14:40:00.000-06:00

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!

http://www.coffeeti meromance. com/Chat. html

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

2007-06-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

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.

Blogging Meanie-ness

2007-06-20T16:35:00.001-06:00

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....

2007-06-20T14:19:00.001-06:00

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!

2007-06-20T09:11:00.000-06:00

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~
Temporary Site
MySpace

The Messengers

2007-06-14T10:01:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-14T09:50:00.000-06:00

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.

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

2007-06-10T20:05:00.000-06:00

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.

SINLESS ROGUE by Missy Sue Hanson

2007-06-08T09:08:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-08T09:05:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-08T09:02:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-08T08:58:00.000-06:00

DRAGON DANCE now available!

Click to purchase!

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

RIDE A COWBOY by Capri Montgomery

2007-06-03T10:19:00.000-06:00

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

SAVING SOPHIE by Roxanne Wells

2007-06-03T10:18:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-31T20:52:00.001-06:00

I changed Whisper Moon's cover a tad, too! *wink, wink*

2007-05-31T20:50:00.000-06:00

I decided to give Bayou Summons a new look....this one is almost the same, though...rofl.

J IN PARIS by Dominique le Selles

2007-05-31T20:48:00.000-06:00

CITY LIFE by Dominique le Selles

2007-05-31T20:45:00.000-06:00

SUMMER WINE by Helen Ravell

2007-05-31T20:43:00.000-06:00

This is one of the covers i just recently finished for DARK EDEN PRESS. I will be posting more here in a minute.....let me know what you think!

TAWNY TAYLOR

2007-05-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

Tawny Taylor is pleased to announce the release of two new paperback books!

Master of Secret Desires is a multi-author anthology with Scott Carpenter and Elizabeth Jewell. Tawny's story in the anthology is Dragons and Dungeons, an erotic dragon shapeshifter story.

Review Quotes:

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tales of sexy alpha men and the women who love them. 5 cups! (Susan, Coffeetime Romance)

I want more, more, more! More bondage, more hot dragon sex, I want more!
(Annabelle Andrews, Joyfully Reviewed)

And the second book is all Tawny. Animal Urges is a two-in-one containing two shapeshifter stories. Both are set in Alaska, and the two are tied tightly together with a plot that continues from one story into the other. The individual titles of the ebooks are Mark of the Beast and Touch of the Beast.

Review Quotes:

"Tawny Taylor has done a marvelous job of penning a tale of excitement and passion that readers won’t soon forget." (Angel, Romance Junkies)

"I hope this is only the beginning of a concept that has so many possibilities it would be almost criminal not to explore them further." 5 Angels! (Rachelle, FAR)

The Mark of the Beast is a HOT romance filled with lots of sizzling sex and witty repertoire. The action is fast-paced; I couldn't put it down! Thumbs up to Ms. Taylor. I loved this book. 5 Kisses (Nonny, Romance Divas)

SPINNING WILDLY by Elle Fredrix

2007-05-24T15:32:00.000-06:00

Spinning Wildly
by Elle Fredrix

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Purchase Here

Although Megan Dempsey hates amusement parks, she hates disappointing her 12-year old son even more. So when his plans with a friend fall through, he ropes her into going along. Things go downhill from there. First, an incident with a mustard-oozing hotdog paints her breast golden. Then running into-literally-Mitchell Carter, a man who has stirred her emotions for more than year, mortifies her even more. When their paths repeatedly cross, she recognizes interest in Mitch's gaze. Megan's day is about to get a whole lot better!

2007-05-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

This was a poem I wrote with my baby sister. When I asked her what she thought I should write, she calmly looked me in the face and said..."You should write about Leah, a blue horse with wings." So, she and I sat down and came up with this together. It was lots of fun having her input and whenever I need some imagination, I go to her.

"Leah Blue"

written by Summer Hake and Missy Sue Hanson

In a valley, not so far and not too near,
I met a horse from whom I had nothing to fear.

Her name was Leah and she was blue,
and I'm almost certain that of her kind there are seldom few.

Her coat was a blue so bright
it sparkled and shimmered in the morning light.

I thought for sure I was seeing things when at that very moment,
sparkly blue Leah went and sprouted wings.

White wings that glimmered like glitter
and as I took a step back I observed that they really did fit her.

For magical and mystical she seemed to be
when she turned that beautiful blue head and looked at me.

The air seemed to sizzle and actually quite tickled.
Despite myself, I let out a giggle.

Things changed fast as I saw a shadow glowing over Leah's long nose
for that shadow had a unicorn horn to show.

And for all the magic I had just witnessed
I stood on my tip-toes and gave her a big kiss.

I stroked her glistening blue mane
and together in that valley,
we played where lilies had lain.

I know what you want to ask....... how do I know a blue horse with a unicorn horn and eagle wings?
Well, she exists in only my dreams.

So, I make sure to brush my teeth,
kiss my mommy and daddy and fall asleep fast
to make sure my Leah doesn't skip past.

Because, you see
it is only in my dreams
that I can make that special trip to
a valley not so far and not too near
where there waits my Leah Blue,
the horse that takes me on journeys I can't make
when I'm awake.

Awaken to the Magic

2007-05-20T23:21:00.000-06:00

*~Make Room for Mystery, Awaken to the Magic~*

"........Magic flows through us, mystery infuses every encounter of every day. We conjure up the shoe that cannot be found, transform leftovers into a feast, coax bounty from barren earth, banish fear, heal hurts, make money stretch til the end of the month. We carry, cradle, nurture and sustain life. We do all this and much more. But most women are not aware of their tremendous power for good. We are asleep to our Divinity. We're not consciously awakened to the realization that we are descendants of an ancient, sacred lineage; the She.

Isn't magic what you're performing when you create an authentic lifestyle for yourself and those you love? Aren't you shaping unseen forces with your creativity and soul-crafts, bringing into the physical world through passion what has only existed in the spiritual realm? If you can do this unconciously, how much more could you accomplish if you were fully aware of your powers?"

**Excerpt taken from Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

Coping Craftiness

2007-05-20T23:19:00.000-06:00

How many times in the past year have you felt unable to cope?....Unable to deal with the mundane details of everyday life? If you're anything like me, it's been plenty. Sometimes I feel so harried and distressed by thinking of all those seemingly useless details that I just want to close the door to my bedroom, put my face in the pillow and scream until my lungs burn, lol.

Could I ever look at it in a different way? Well, sure I could, but how realistic is that? While I'm writing out bills or coaxing my son to sleep it's super hard to remember that what I'm doing is essential to my life. And yet, just as essential to my life are the mundane details, so is the realization that what I'm doing is "rising to the occasion". If I look at it in that way, I have a better understanding and I am a little more willing to proceed with my tasks with a smile rather than a scowl.

Realizing you are superb in "rising to the occasion" is much like finding a gem, you want to savor it, keep it in a safe and easily accessible place so that you can always be reminded you have it. Longfellow believed that situations that call forth our coping abilities are "celestial benedictions" in evil disguises, sent not to deflate our souls, but to fulfill them.

"Most women are geniuses at rising to the occasion. But we've never realized how extraordinary this talent really is, because it's second nature by now. We've never given credit where credit is due, because we've never given coping much thought. But if women who cope wellran everything, Nirvana wouldn't only be the name of a grunge band.

We become more adept at rising to the occasion each time we see ourselves doing it. Every time we cope well with whatever life throws our way, it's another deposit of confidence, creativity, and courage in our self esteem account. So congratulate yourself each night for handling the unexpected with finesse. Well done.

Today, when you need to rise to the occasion, do it with style. Do it with a knowing smile. Confound them. Astound yourself. Make it look easy, and it will become so."

**Excerpt taken from Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach**

Acknowledge the goddess within that rises up and accomplishes everything that she does. Every time you load and unload the washer and dryer, have confidence that it takes an exceptional woman to do everything you do and still take the time to make sure her family has clean clothes. Every time you tuck your children in at night, be comforted in the fact that even though you're hanging on by your fingernails, you're there, ensuring their security and letting them know how very much they are treasured.

Pat yourself on the back, reward the lovely lady you are. Only then can you truly be there for everyone else, only then can you truly put into the world what you are meant to. With a satisfied soul, the happiness spreads, becomes contagious. Honor yourself, your heart, spirit and everything you are, every day. Trust that you create Everyday Magic just by being who you are and "rising to the occasion".

*Previously published in Primitive Times Magazine

The Monday Melee

2007-05-20T20:45:00.000-06:00

This was really interesting....I thought it would be great to try!

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

Mean-ness or bullying. I hate that people feel it necessary to pick on others. I was suspended from high school for two weeks for fighting half the football team after happening upon them teasing a mentally retarded boy that attended my art class.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

My best friend of 12 or more years. She met someone over the internet and now has changed her email addy's and won't return my phone calls.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

oh, boy, lol. Just one??...J/K. At this very moment I'm unhappy with my inability to stand up for myself. I have "sucker" written across my forehead and I just let anyone take advantage.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

I give my son credit....it's name is laughter.

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

My eyes. They're weird, lol. They're very green but I have flecks of a gold color in one eye and not the other.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

I wish for an intuitive sense when it comes to my son. To be able to detect what is wrong, what I can do to help.

If you'd like to check it out.......http://fracas.wordpress.com/

Funny Blog.....

2007-05-20T20:31:00.000-06:00

So, I've been spending alot of time over at THE ROMANCE DIVAS....and I've loved the site and everything it has to offer, not to mention the forum.

Well, while at the forum today, i ran across Seely Deborn's blog.....DELUSIONS OF ELOQUENCE. It was the funniest shit I've read in weeks. Check it out if you have time!

THE SPIRIT WITHIN by Shonna Brannon

2007-05-19T12:26:00.000-06:00

The Spirit Within

by Shonna Brannon

ISBN: 978-1-60088-130-5

Alyssa Carrington's spirit must search out the man who tried to kill her before her body’s taken off life support and she moves on to the other side.

Sam Carson’s a detective whose sister was murdered the night Alyssa was attacked. When he hears a voice claiming to be the spirit of Alyssa, he thinks he’s going crazy. Can he go against the rules and track down his sister’s killer and get Alyssa back in her body or will his feelings for her spirit get in the way and send her to the other side, making him lose his chance with her forever.

To buy visit Cobblestone Press!

OASIS OF MY HEART by Tara S. Nichols

2007-05-19T12:25:00.000-06:00

Oasis of My Heart

by Tara S Nichols

Release Date May 25th 2007

Sadie Davies is running away for the second time in her life. The first time she wanted stardom. This time she is running from it. Intending to keep a low profile she sets up for a solitary life, but with sexy, know-it-all, neighbour Dustin Reed she finds it rather difficult. Moving in next door to playboy Dustin Reed wasn’t Sadie Davies idea of keeping a low profile. With ex-manager Horace Bigelow hunting her down the last thing Sadie wants is a distraction.

Now she has to decide whether to let this lady-killer into her life for fear of attracting a real killer.

Available May 25th from Cobblestone Press!

GOTHIC BLUE by Portia Da Costa

2007-05-19T12:22:00.000-06:00

GOTHIC BLUE - Portia Da Costa

'What are you going to do to me?' Belinda asked defiantly. 'Beat me or something?

Smack my bottom? I'm sure that's what you decadent aristocrats live for - a chance to humiliate the lower orders.' Even as she was speaking, this idea - which should have seemed horrendous - was becoming highly exciting.

At an archduke's reception, a handsome young nobleman falls under the spell of a malevolent but irresistible sorceress.

Two hundred years later, Belinda Seward also falls prey to sensual forces she can neither understand nor control. Stranded by a thunderstorm at a remote Gothic priory, Belinda and her boyfriend are drawn into an enclosed world of luxurious decadence and sexual alchemy.

Their host is the courteous but melancholic Andre Von Kastel; a beautiful aristocrat who mourns his lost love. He has plans for Belinda - plans which take her into the realms of obsessive love and the erotic paranormal.

"Above all else, Gothic Blue is a romance. There are plenty of supernatural elements, and more than plenty erotic interludes. Portia Da Costa does many things very well: plot, characterisation and (in the case of this title) she injects a credible suggestion of the supernatural in a realistic world. She's renowned for writing sex scenes that are so hot they sizzle and, in Gothic Blue, she does not disappoint." ~ Ashley Lister, Erotica Readers and Writers Association

"Packed with sex and kink, this is a novel that still retains a mysterious and powerful air. A hint of the supernatural is mixed with a fun gothic setting as a tale of intertwining romances is told by Da Costa with aplomb. A highly recommended novel" ~ E.T.O – Issue 44 March 07"the sex is relentlessly intense!" ~ Forum

ISBN 0352330759

Originally published by Black Lace in 1996 - new reprint April 2007 [US]

Read an excerpt at Portia's Prose [NB. excerpt is NC 17 and suitable for adults only]

Gothic Blue is available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

PORTIA DA COSTA
intense.passionate.erotic.romance
http://wendyportia.blogspot.com
http://www.portiadacosta.com

ONE WICKED WINTER by Cassidy Kent

2007-05-19T12:17:00.000-06:00

ONE WICKED WINTER is now available!

It's a three novella anthology...

Published By: Amber Quill Press
Release Date: April 2007
Written as: Cassidy Kent

A sexy first date, an unexpected encounter, and a torrid reunion. Three smoldering stories of reckless passion stoke the fires of one very wicked winter…

Dear John

In her last year of high school, Dane Harley, a foster kid with no direction, met John Stratton, a Pittsburgh rich kid with a penchant for trouble. She visits him a decade after disappearing from his life, only to discover he’s moved on. Their subsequent affair speaks of the torrent of passion and love that still binds them.

Santa’s Helper

CEO Noel grants a boy’s Christmas wish by escorting sexy single mother Maura around Manhattan on Christmas Eve. The spark between them is immediate, but the distance between Park Avenue and the Jersey suburbs is immense. Are their worlds too dissimilar to merge or can they bridge the distance with love?

What Lies in Winter

Workaholic Hayley vacations in the mountains and meets author, Nicholas. He might be a solitary beast but Hayley is hell-bent on disrupting his peaceful balance. A blizzard makes them share quarters and their fiery personalities melt the ice caps off the mountains.

SNAP! by Shelley Munro

2007-05-19T12:15:00.001-06:00

The Time to SNAP! is now

Snap! by Shelley Munro

An inheritance should be something pleasant, like money or jewelry or a personal memento. That's exactly what accountant Alice Beasley is expecting the lawyer to announce at the reading of her aunt's will--a nice surprise to ensure her future security.

Instead Alice inherits a condom company called Fancy Free along with numerous associated problems: elderly board members who are more preoccupied with cake, coffee, knitting and frank discussions of sex; worrying troubles with production and design; the attentions of a stalker with a costume fetish, and then there's the manager--James AKA Mr. Dashing. He makes her very nervous indeed.

It's clear to Alice she has fallen down a rabbit hole into a chaotic Wonderland, and she's waiting for someone to pinch her awake. Alice wants normal, she wants security and love, but what she gets is fun and passion and physical pleasure while bad boy James teaches her about managing a condom company...

Read an excerpt here

Purchase in print from Amazon or from your favorite bookstore. Also available in e-format

Adventure into Romance with Shelley Munro

WHISPER MOON Cover

2007-05-19T12:12:00.000-06:00

I have already began to make a mock-up of my cover for WHSIPER MOON. This is what I've come up with so far......what do you think?

FROM THE ASHES by Aurelia Abbott

2007-05-19T12:08:00.000-06:00

From the Ashes is now available at Twilight Fantasies Publications.

FROM THE ASHES is the story of Hannah Reed, a mortal in love with Will Caldwell, a pyreweld demon. Hannah and Will make a sexual commitment to one another only to have Will leave when another pyreweld—a female—passes through town.

Two years pass and Hannah is haunted by her unresolved feelings for Will. Just when she believes she is capable of entering into a new relationship with Michael Parker, Will returns to Jasper—alone. The pressure of Will’s return and his eagerness to pick things up where they left off, as well as her confusion about her feelings toward Michael, causes Hannah to leave Jasper in the hopes of achieving some much needed mental clarity.

Read an excerpt here.

WHISPER MOON has found a home!

2007-05-17T22:44:00.000-06:00

My publisher, DARK EDEN PRESS, just accepted WHISPER MOON!!! This is a big deal for me, it was the first full length manuscript I had ever written!!! WhoooooHoooooo! I'm so excited! As soon as I have a blurb and an excerpt ready, I will post them for everyone!

What is Passion?

2007-05-17T22:17:00.000-06:00

Romance has always eluded me, at least in the stero-typical sense of the word. I never had dates pick me up with a flaming torch of blood red roses in their hands and whisk me off for some fantastic evening I'll never forget.

But, I have felt passion. Undeniable, throbbing passion.

When I was 14, I met my first love. We lived in townhouses, his being across the way from mine. He came out one day as I idly kicked a soccer ball against the wall at the end of the courtyard. One stray kick and the ball went whizzing past my head. He kicked it back from me, and from that moment on, we were inseperable. I lost my virginity to him that year and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I cried through the whole thing and to this day I have no idea why.

That first year was absolute and complete head over heels. I was addicted to him as he was to me. We talked and planned of our future together, night after night, day after day. But, after that first year, my love quickly became a nightmare. Prone to fits of rage, my teenage boyfriend would lash out, throwing things at me, eventually resorting to slapping and kicking. He was, by far, the biggest boy in school. As a sophomore in our high school he stood six foot two and was easily over 200 pounds. Naturally, nobody messed with him and nobody messed with me either, for fear of having their heart ripped out by my gorilla of a boyfriend.

Fast forward to almost four years later, and it ended. Just as quickly as it began, the fire he had set off in my heart that day singed out. I loved him irrevocably one minute, the next, I couldn't stand the sight of him. I was tired of being abused (though I didn't know that I was at the time) and I was tired of hiding. Hiding bruises form everyone else and hiding who I really was from him.

In between, I had a few relationships, but nothing worth mentioning. Then, I met my ex-husband. A man that could move on the dance floor and make my heart skip a beat when he spoke to me in spanish. He was Puerto Rican and came from a huge family. Again, I loved him unconditionally, thruthfully. And as with my first "love" there was no romance, no soft wooing in the moonlight, just a burning below the surface that didn't seem to need any help fanning to life. And, as with my first "love", he became nasty. This vicious pattern kept repeating itself in my life, one over the other, rolling into thick masses of black clouds that I couldn't seem to find my way out of.

With both, I knew some sort of passion. Passion that had us tearing and ripping into each other's clothes like the apocalypse was drawing near. But, was it passion or lust? And what was the difference? Was this "passion" I was feeling a sign of my love for them, or a silly superficial lust that came as fast and as hard as it would surely die?

Maybe so. One thing I do know is that since, I have felt real passion. Not the kind you feel when there's a hot guy across the room eyeing you down. I'm talking about the kind where you listen to someone talk and fight the urge to bring them in close. Not just because of their physical presence, but because of who they are, the very air around them whirring in a hurricane, sucking you in and up.

Here's my question, have you ever felt that way about someone and can honestly say it's not just a physical reaction??......That there has been something more beneath the surface?....Not only setting your nerve endings on fire, but intoxicating your mind as well? Have you ever felt drunk while speaking with someone and not had a lick to drink?? Why do you think you reacted this way? Do you think there could've been something in the air? Something making you react that way besides appearance?

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!!!!

2007-05-15T13:51:00.000-06:00

I have an image entered in a $10,000 scholarship contest at The Art Institute, where I study web design......if you can take a few moments and vote for me, I will love you forever!....well, I already love you forever, but, you know......

The link will take you to my image and you can vote for me at the top right...thank you!!

http://scholarship.aionline.edu/entry.aspx?id=246

BAYOU SUMMONS Cover

2007-05-13T20:02:00.000-06:00

I just got finished with the cover for BAYOU SUMMONS! I had a blast! It was awesome getting to do the cover for my very first book! So, what do you think?

My Scholarship Image

2007-04-30T19:01:00.000-06:00

I will be starting web design classes here in about a week and was introduced for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship to The Art Institute. I'm excited about htis becasue the program I'm going for is $16,000.

The entries will be posted at The Art Insitute on May 14 and all the contestants are supposed to invite their friends and families to vote for their image. I will be making the rounds for that, let me tell you! I used my Bayou Summons image and added some stuff. I thought it turned out fairly nice.

My New Site......

2007-04-30T18:57:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry it's been awhile since I last posted, but I was sweating bullets trying to get my MS doen in time for my Bayou Summons May 1 deadline. I did it, sent in today, got it in just in the nick of time.

Okay, this is a preview of the site that Dawn at DAGIAN DESIGNS is building for me. She's incorporating flash also, so it should be killer by the ime it's done!!! I can't wait! I will be sure and let everyone know when it's up and running!

OMG!!!!!

2007-04-13T20:54:00.000-06:00

I'm going to faint. *taking deep breaths* It's too bad nobody is here to pick me up off the floor......because..... (drumroll, please)

I JUST GOT OFFERED MY VERY FIRST CONTRACT FOR MY BOOK "BAYOU SUMMONS"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry I'm yelling, but I really, seriously can not help it!!!!

Here's how it went, I sent the query along with the synopsis and first three chapters. ONE day later, they emailed me requesting the full MS. I wasn't expecting that and am loath to admit that I didn't have it finished, so I said I would send it in by the end of the weekend.

She emailed me back, then asked about my cover art. AT this point, I had three more chapters done, so I sent that along with my reply.

Less than an hour later, she emailed me saying she wanted it, was impressed with how polished it was and that she was sure it would sell fast!!!!! HOLY SMOKES!!! Then she told me she would be sending me the contract TOMORROW and not to rush, take my time with the rest of the MS......

Is anyone else feeling my excitement?????????

A dream come true!!! I never ever really htought I would be published, I have to be honest, not to mention with not even half a MS!!

I'm flying super duper high! Need some high fives, ya'll......rofl...not only have I been offered my very first contract, but I've also gotten another cover artist position!!

The publisher is DARK EDEN PRESS and if you're writer, check them out! They're seeking submissions!!!

"Sinless Rogue" Manuscript Request

2007-04-12T19:31:00.000-06:00

Twilight Fantasies has requested my manuscript for "Sinless Rogue"! I'm ecstatic!! I still have some tweaking to do before I can send it off, so I better get to work!

COS Productions Film Night

2007-04-12T19:27:00.000-06:00

I am co-hosting the COS Productions film night at THE ROMANCE GALLERIA this Friday, April 13 at 9 pm eastern/ 8 pm central time. Join us for a night filled with interactive chat and book trailer previews!

If you haven't yet been to the Galleria, here's what you need to do......

Visit the link above and download the software, only takes a minute and has caused no problems with my computer.......sign in...then, Voila! Enter the most exciting 3D environment for romance authors and readers alike!

I hope I see you there!

Dagian Designs

2007-04-10T07:53:00.000-06:00

Last week I visited REBECCA GOINGSsite and was very impressed, so I followed the link at the bottom to her designer's website, DAGIAN DESIGNS. For those who aren't new to author websites, you might already know of them. DAGIAN DESIGNS does flash video trailers, websites and book covers. I have been in an exhausting search to find a flash website designer, so imagine my thrill when I happened upon them!

I jumped the gun a little bit with my new site, thinking that the flash idea I had just wasn't working, and now, I'm talking to DAGIAN DESIGNS about the possiblity of designing a site for me. She says that dark romance is her specialty, so I'm thrilled to have found them. What I'll do is eliminate my original site, keep the new site for my art and use the site the site that DAGIAN DESIGNS creates for me as my official site.

Confusing, huh? rofl.....if you have time, check this awesome designer out. Supremely talented and so cool, the trailers left me breathless!

2007-04-08T09:43:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter, everyone! I have a Spring contest going on at my new site! All you have to do is email me a comment about the new site and I'll enter you into a drawing to win, yes, you guessed it, a FREE animated banner! LOL

What are your plans for the day? Mine include starting on the next cover from Lavender Isis Press and trying to finish the revisions on Whisper Moon. We celebrated yesterday, went to an easter egg hunt and devoured candy all day long. Today my son is with his dad, so I'm using the holiday to try and catch up on stuff!

I hope you and yours have a beautiful Easter, filled with warmth, candy and lots of pretty colored eggs!

MissySueHanson.com

2007-04-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

Okay, everyone.....my new site is up and live, though it still needs work. I'm in the process of installing a flash desing, so I'll probably be back in a few days to tell you that, yet again, something's changed, rofl.

If you want, hop on over and take a peek.....

MISSY SUE HANSON

THE DREAM KING Cover is done!

2007-04-07T20:23:00.000-06:00

Say hello to The Dream King cover! This is my first official cover! So, what do you think? I had so much fun making it. The Dream King will be available May 2007 at LAVENDER ISIS PRESS.

Blurb~

At the beginning of each night during the witching hour, Amanda Carson travels to a place veiled with illusion and lives for the touch of a forgotten love. A man unlike any other calls to her across a shadowy midnight world.

She relives magical battles and the heated caresses of a man who seems more alive than any dream. But, little does she realize that the man of her dreams is indeed real and seeking her with the greatest of intensity.

New Site Coming Soon!

2007-04-05T06:59:00.000-06:00

So, I have finally purchased my domain and have set up a new site host. I did this because my current site is set up for more of a products business, and I'm quite limited as to what I can do with it. With this new site I should be able to add flash as well as create the template from the ground up.

I'm probably also going to host a new blog there as well. I will keep this one as active as I can, but for the most part, my main blog will be hosted on my new site once I get it set up. I might do duplicate postings so that each one is current, but I haven't made up my mind as of yet.

Not sure this was such a good idea with everything I have going, but.....it needed to be done!

RIDING THE STORM by Sydney Croft

2007-04-04T17:50:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to catch a sneak peek at this upcoming release. Thanks, Larissa! (wink) I haven't read it all the way through yet, but it's one of those where you can't wait to get to the end. My fingers have been itching with wanting to finish it.

I'm almost thinking about shirking my revision duties for my latest MS so that I can dive into it again. I got lost when I began reading and when I came up for air, a half hour had gone by. It drowned out the noise of the kids yelling and sucked me right in!

If you have a chance, check it out! RIDING THE STORM will be available soon from Bantam Dell. You can also Preorder from Amazon at Sydney's site!

Visit SYDNEY CROFT

CHANGES ARE BEING MADE!!

2007-04-04T11:52:00.000-06:00

I am changing the blog and it's template,please excuse the mess!!!!

A Really Scary Ghost Story by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke

2007-04-01T22:07:00.000-06:00

Recently Llewellyn published a book with the intriguing title, Don’t Call Them Ghosts. That made me remember some of the various “ghosts” I have encountered in my life. And the many stories I’ve heard over the years.Perhaps we shouldn’t call true “spiritual survivors” ghosts – but it is still a good enough term for many paranormal encounters until the nature of the experience is better understood.

Many years ago I had a really scary experience that taught me a few lessons about the personal nature of paranormal encounters and the problem of pre-judgement. I knew a lady and knew that she “played around” even though she was married to a nice and successful guy, had two fine children and a good professional career. In those days, I drove a convertible and on a warm autumn evening I had the top down. I had been working late and as a I drove through downtown on the way home I heard a newsboy shout (that’s how long ago this happened) “St. Paul woman shot in motel room.”

To read the rest of this article visit LLEWELLYN JOURNAL.

Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. grants permission to use a portion of this article as originally posted at:
The Llewellyn Journal -- www.llewellynjournal.com
2143 Wooddale Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125-2989

2007-03-29T12:40:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things I have to do while Writing

1.)I buy airheads (ya know, those taffy-like things?) and suck on them.

2.)I cannot write while music is playing, if it has lyrics. Cause I'm the idiot who has to sing along, and before you know it, the lyrics have somehow ended up on my page.

3.)I have a tendency to stop the flow and try to analyze. I forget that I can always come back and fix it, that to have the skeleton of the story will allow me to go back and perform literary surgery.

4.)Faith in myself....this is a hard one, took me a while to get there.

5.)I have to have my slipper shoes on.

6.)Then I have to take them off, leaving them lay below the chair.

7.)I have to sit indian-style in the chair. I'm very short, although my legs touch the ground, it's still very uncomfortable for the backs of my legs.

8.)I have to have Hershey's for when my airhead supply runs out.

9.)Something to drink, used to be Pepsi, but lately I've been getting sick whenever I drink it, so now it's Sprite or Kool-aid or those Capri-Sun's that I buy (supposedly) for my son...hehehehehe

10.)Everyone is going to hate this one, but I have to take a smoke break....hey, let's not discriminate here, ok?? LOL, I only smoke a few a day and it's always when I'm writing. (excuses, excuses, is what you're thinking, huh??) I take a pen and notebook outside with me when I've hit a dead end and I fuel back up.

11.)I have to have comfy pants on, I just simply can't write in jeans. Tried it, hated it.

12.)Inspiration in my head. A particular image or picture there of what I'm trying to write about.

13.)Lastly, I have to pinch myself. There's no way I have the chance to actually pursue writing...is there?? I know I'm dreaming.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. YOLANDA SFETSOS
2.) LARISSA IONE
3.) MIDNIGHT MOON CAFE
4.) LD FERRIS

Terrified of The Zoo

2007-03-27T11:39:00.000-06:00

Zoos depress me. The cages, the small enclosures, all of it. I realize that if it weren't for the zoos these creatures probably wouldn't have anywhere to go or not be here at all, but still. Seeing a tiger pace back and forth gets to me. Broken spirits is what it is.

On the good side of things, I went to Lone Elk Park this weekend with my family. Lone Elk is over 500 acres of free roaming land for elk, bison and other animals. The best thing, is just before you get to the park opening, there is a spread of buildings, surrounded by waterfalls, picnic areas that don't encroach on the nature around them and BIRDS, birds of prey, specifically. My favorite are the owls. This place is the THE WORLD BIRD SANCTUARY.

It was a great day. Filled with wonderful sightings and the inevitable tick findings on our persons, lol. To me, this signaled Spring, the birth of great things, the beginning of a cycle that never ends. The thing I like about this place is that they only put the birds in cages when they have to and none of them look unhappy. They all look content as can be. Not trying to fly off, running into the mesh of the cages. The pic above is of an eagle, a shame he was in a cage, but he was the only one, the others were on super-long tethers in fenced in areas. They were able to lift off and fly, it was beautiful.

Some pics...

2007-03-23T23:12:00.000-06:00

Hell-Hounds

2007-03-23T22:57:00.000-06:00

These are the hell hounds I share my daily life with. Kane is the big white one, the medium sized fluffy thing sleeping on the legos table is Gus and the itty bitty one is Trixie - a.k.a Trix the Mix. Kane saved me once, but I'll save that story for later, gotta get back to my Innocent Evil MS.

What I'm listening to today.....

2007-03-23T12:38:00.000-06:00

Evanesence is all I'm listening to today. I'm getting a new book ready for subs and this song especially fits the mood. Not to mention the I just love this group, lol...go ahead, jam a little!!

Launch of Twilight Muse!

2007-03-23T10:21:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to announce the launch of my new blog, Twilight Muse. At Twilight muse I will be featuring authors and their excerpts, new release, contest information, interviews and more! It's just another little way to get all the great author's a little more publicity!

Since I began my own writing journey, I have been floored by how much talent is out there. It's really given me the drive to pursue my writing. It's inspired me. So I wanted a place where I could honor that, this inexplicable bond between writers, especially romance writers, lol.

So, if you've got a minute, head on over and check it out. I have video trailer and excerpts up that are just too awesome!

And, quick note...if you want your info posted on Twilight Muse, please feel free to contact me!

Too Cute!

2007-03-20T23:33:00.001-06:00

Courtesy of MsTags.com

Innocent Evil Excerpt

2007-03-20T22:25:00.000-06:00

This is an excerpt from one of my works in progress. Feel free to post your comments and critique!

Prologue

There are a lot of ways a soul can be stained. Abuse, neglect, and mistreatment are a few. Any one of these can turn good into evil, twisting and bending it into an unrecognizable feature. After all, everything is good in the beginning. Nobody and nothing starts out that way, climbing out of the womb with malice on their minds. Out of all things dangerous, nothing is more so when the righteous are driven down the path to insanity, barely clinging to the side of them that once spoke to angels. Screaming at the injustice, they flee, with a tail of fleet-footed retribution wagging steadily behind them. Indeed, there is a thin line between good and evil. For only when two wrongs make a right, can a tormented soul live with themselves.

Being innocent can only take someone so far. Once that point of no return has been reached, they must step freely over it, giving their pure and golden hearts to the dank and putrid darkness. Yes, good can overcome evil, it most often does. But, what happens when the good that is triumphing is also, concerning some elements, evil itself?

Chapter 1

Alessa McFee stepped from the void, licking her lips as she did so. The darkness that fell from her body revealed a slender, petite frame adorned with a soldier’s muscles. Curls that mirrored the ebony she had slipped from fell to rest against the small of her back. Flexing her right fist, she brought it to her mouth, uncurling her fingers. She would test the wind to find her prey. Slowly, she licked the tip of her slim index finger, displaying it in front of her pale features to gauge the breeze. East. Turning towards the current, she sniffed the air with her head tilted to one side. The scent of moss, from the lake nearby and freshly bailed hay filled her nostrils. Picking the scents apart, she honed in on her target. The stench of evil, the fragrance she had been tracking for three hours now through the woods.

Aggravated that a mere human could avoid her reckoning for so long, she clenched her teeth, causing her lips to curl and reveal two sharp teeth. Following, she cursed the human. Thinking of the others she had taken out, she quickly followed, her boots crunching on the worn path that led to the farm she had found him on. It was so familiar, this scene. It made her eyes sting and her throat constrict.

The panic she had kept at bay by hunting evil for so long was threatening to consume her. Images dashed in and out of her mind, making her shake her head to clear them. Arrogant demons clothed in a human’s body, feeding on the pain inflicted on an innocent. Every scream they tore from the throats of women and children echoing their pleas, forever there, forever embedded in Alessa’s own rage.

This disease, this human capability, pitiless and quick to condemn, was becoming an epidemic. She would be the cure. She would be there when the last one fell, writhing in agony as every nasty thing they had ever done came back upon them tenfold.

My Meez

2007-03-19T20:57:00.000-06:00

I found "Meez" while browsing an author's MySpace page....I had so much fun with it! I have a witch heralding a big sword under a full moon on my MySpace page now =)

Some Family Pics

2007-03-19T14:11:00.000-06:00

Blog Changes

2007-03-19T08:17:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I'm changing the blog around....so if it looks a little off kilter, that's why ;)

My Love

2007-03-18T22:49:00.000-06:00

Before I start this post I do want to say that it is personal. But, I'm a writer and if I don't get personal every once in a while, I lose touch, lol. I'm not going to pay attention to my writing skills right now either, nor the spelling. I'm just here to let it spill out, I'll come back later and edit, rofl. And for some reason I can't sleep, been tossing and turning, thinking of my love. Yes, that's him up there with my son. Isn't he the hunkiest, most rugged mountain man you've ever seen??...hehehehe...he's going to kill me if he ever reads this!

Well, our story is a great one, but has dealt us a few hardships along the way. We met in a bar, yes, I know.....not the best place to meet guys, lol. That night I hadn't gone out to meet guys, though, because you see, it was maybe my third time going out after my son was born. Keep in mind, by this time my son was already one. I had a newborn baby, a $645 mortgage, a car payment and being a waitress really didn't put me in the mood to be on my feet for not just the whole day, but night too. I didn't feel like dancing, which was one of my fav things to do. Somehow, my best friend in all the world, pulled me out that night.

I have to explain something first. I'm a country girl, through and through. I grew up on the rocky banks of the Meramec and the muddy ones of the Mississipi (sp?). I have been around horses and every critter imaginable since I can remember. I like my men rough, preferably with a cowboy hat, lol. This particular establishment was littered with rude twenty year old boys who thought it was funny to grab my ass. Seriously, this generation of men need a swift kick in the arse. Anyhoo, I'm not having a good time at all, fuming a bit, when I turn and see a cowboy hat floating above the crowd, about a head taller than everyone else.

Did I mention that I was blind-stinkin drunk? Oh, yes, well, I must have forgot.....I went up to him, tapped him on what I thought was his shoulder, but ended up being his side. I struck up a conversation. For the first time in my life I was bold, but not too forthright, secretive but very clear. I felt very powerful talking to this man. We exchanged numbers and began to talk for five hours at a time on the phone. He took me to dinner for our first date, was the first time I was ever really "picked up" in my entire life, it was all very surreal. He didn't kiss me that night.

This was the clencher. This was how I knew I'd never get over him. When he called to ask me out for a second time he asked, "Where would you guys like to go?". I said "you guys"??...what do you mean? He said, "You and your son." Yes, I almost fainted. For a single mother, this was great, but also very frightening. I had been alone since I was 3 months pregnant, I wasn't sure I wanted something to enter our lives that could just as easily walk right back out. But, I went for it.

Long story short, a year after that second date, we moved in together. It was beautiful. I had a man that loved me, we had animals galore on the most beautiful 62 acres I had ever seen. My son breathed in the fresh, clean air that whipped through the valley. He explored and drove his little John Deere Tractor all over the place.

Humans and their darn capacity to screw stuff up! That's exactly what we did, we screwed up. Neither one of us knows when or how, but we both know it was surely a team effort. We're working it out, dating exclusively with plans in the future to move back in together. But, I still wiggle my fingers, expecting that symbol of his love for me to be there, the ring he picked himself, the ring that was exactly what I would've picked had I been there.

I still lay there at night, my head swimming with love and desire for him, hoping that the awful ugliness of resentment stays at bay. I know this is what is best, and truth be told, I'm happy with where we are right now. That doesn't stop me from grieving the past. That doesn't stop me from wondering "Am I doing the right thing?". That doesn't stop my son from asking, "Can we see him soon?". It doesn't stop me from feeling like I let my son down, that I welcomed tragedy into his life.

I love this man, but it took leaving to understand our relationship better. It took leaving to understand myself. In my heart, I know that he is the man that I will forever be tangled up in. The only man that after 4 years can still make me want more with just one touch. I know it wouldn't change in 20 years, this man's hold on me, or vice versa. I'm learning the ultimate life lesson here. If it's meant to be, it will be. So, I'm living my life, pursuing my dreams and glad that even if I don't have a warm body in bed next to me at night, I have a best friend whom I know will always be there, if not in the flesh, over the phone.

Thank you for listening to me ramble, sorry about the length of this post!!! I might try and get some sleep. Beautiful Dreams to you!

VAMPIRE OF VENICE BEACH ~ Review

2007-03-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

My review for Vampire of Venice Beach, by Jennifer Colt is now up at ROMANCE JUNKIES! It was my pleasure reviewing this book. It was hilarious and exciting! This is my first offical review for Romance Junkies and I'm so excited! Stop on by and check it out!

Flu Bug...uh oh...

2007-03-18T18:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was completely bummed when I had to ditch on the celebration over at Lavender Isis. I was having a blast in the chat, winning some prizes, then all of a sudden I hear crying and my son calling for me from the other room. He had puked all over the place. Curdled milk and digested Lucky Charms, it was a perfect way to start the day. He had felt fine earlier in the morning at his Tae Kwon Do Tournament, so it kinda blind-sided us a bit. The worst is now I'm not feeling too hot.....

Throat hurts, nose is running and I've had a killer headache ALL day. My body aches, you know that feeling you get, where your skin hurts?? Well, it hurts just to have my clothes rubbing on my skin right now. This is a big huge bummer. I was going to start on another manuscript today and I just can't do it. I hate these nasty little bugs that just creep in from nowhere. I think I might write something about little flubugs who attack a city and have all the citizens cowering in fear....lol.

Grand Opening!

2007-03-17T11:47:00.001-06:00

Today is the grand opening of LAVENDER ISIS PRESS! We're having an all day chat, complete with prizes and lots of cool stuff! Come on over and get in on the action in the forum, check out the bookstore! Hope to see you there! =)

Winner of the St. Patrick's Day Contest!

2007-03-17T11:44:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to LARISSA IONE, the winner of the free banner! I might have a really cool participatory prize for all you other contestants! Give me a few days and I'm gonna see what I can come up with! Happy St. Patty's Day, Everyone!

Promo ~ FREE Button!

2007-03-16T09:48:00.000-06:00

In honor of Promotional Free For All Day at LIP, I've got a special deal going on, only for members of the Lavender Isis forum and the Oasis Group! What can I say? This bunch is special! All week long from March 16, 2007 until March 23, 2007........if you buy an animated banner from my site, you will receive a matching 125x125 animated button absolutely FREE!!!! Stop on by and have a look see!

**Reminders ~ You have to be a member of the forum or the Oasis, promo ends March 23, 2007, Free button with purchase of animated banner**

So, head on over to LAVENDER ISIS PRESS! If you're not already a member, sign up! See ya there ;)

Thursday Thirteen

2007-03-15T23:22:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things that My Dream Man Would Never Do

1.) He would never wear loafers.
2.) He would never forget to say "bless you".
3.) He would never wear those gay looking shirts that are really tight.
4.) He would never abuse an animal.
5.) He would never call me "Melissa".
6.) He would never ask me to turn out the light.
7.) He would never call me crazy, he'd be crazy with me.
8.) He would never put down my dreams.
9.) He would never downplay the struggles of single mother-hood.
10.) He would never put his wants in front of mine.
11.) He would never tell me I'm "silly", he'd sing along with me in the grocery store.
12.) He would never turn down the radio whilst I'm in the middle of a serious boogie session.
13.) He would never laugh at my stories.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Manuscript Sent!

2007-03-15T23:07:00.000-06:00

I just finished a manuscript that was requested by SAMHAIN PUBLISHING! I can't believe it! I've been working my butt into the ground to get it done and to be completely honest, it's the first novella-length work I've ever finished!! Yippee for me! (crossing every appendage) It was hard, though. Especially when it turned into something completely different than what I had planned.

Promotional Free For All!

2007-03-15T23:02:00.000-06:00

Listen up, everybody! Tomorrow LAVENDER ISIS PRESS is having a Promotional Free For All! Go on over and post your promotions for your books, new releases, contests and blogs at the forum and at their group, The Oasis! This is a big event they're holding to get ready for their grand opening on Saturday, March 17, 2007! I hope you all can make it, this is a great way to reach more people!

Manuscript Requests!!!

2007-03-14T08:47:00.000-06:00

OMG!!! Two publishing houses have just requested manuscripts for the work I've sent them! This is amazing! I didn't think that it could get any better, boy was I wrong! Wow....I just had to stop by and gush for a minute! I guess now would be the time to get my brain creating and my fingers to the keyboard for some major work! Okay, I have to get moving, if I'm going to send the manuscripts in, I shouldn't be wasting any time! Have a beautiful day, everyone!

Ok...so it's not thursday, lol

2007-03-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME

1. People used to call me "Messy" or "Sissy Missy".
2. I loathed the name in elementary school.
3. I was the ONLY Missy or Melissa in elementary school.
4. When I got to High School, there were about 200 other Melissa's.
5. My middle name, Sue, comes from my mom's memories of feeding the pigs on the farm she was raised on..."Sueeeee, Sueeeeee, piggy piggies." ROFL, she said that was her favorite time of the day, go figure!
6. My name is Greek
7. Melissa means "Honey Bee"
8 Growing up, all of my family and friends called me Missy Sue, especially my mom (unless I was in trouble).
9. If I heard Melissa Sue, I knew I was in BIG trouble.
10. To this day if someone calls me Melissa, I cringe, expecting to be reprimanded, lol.
11. Hanson (my last name) is really my apopted father's name.
12. I was born as Melissa Sue Lehman.
13. My favorite thing to be called isn't Missy Sue or Melissa, it's Mommy. =)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Makeover Complete

2007-03-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

Pop on over to MY SITE to see my new look! I'm really happy with the results! The webset just kind of fell in place and it's given my site the atmosphere that I wanted! Sassy, magical and beautiful all at the same time!

Aphrodite's Apples

2007-03-09T19:55:00.000-06:00

If I were to win the lottery tomorrow, it still wouldn't make my week any better. I have just received official news that I am accepted as a cover artist for APHRODITE'S APPLES, a wonderful publishing house! I'm ecstatic beyond belief. I feel like running out and howling at the moon (I already jumped up and down, screamed and danced a jig). Thank you, powers that be! First I was accepted as a reviewer for Romance Junkies, then I was accepted as a designer for LAVENDER ISIS PRESS, now this! Thank you to everyone at these wonderful establishments, you've finally given me a place and niche! If you'll excuse me, I think I might go faint.