13 Great Time Wasters

I don't have 13...so...help me out! I'll update throughout the day

1. Free Tarot Readings
2. Google - it seems the best way to find out if your book has been reviewed
3. Kissing by the Signs - maybe this counts as research...if you put it on a character chart
4. What’s Your Theme Song? - or any of those quizes!
5. getting Tagged? - I never do these, and yet I am tagged constantly...ok, so I do them sometimes...maybe that is what feeds the tagging!
6. Dead Celebrity Soulmate Search - thanks Darla!

For Kicks Review...

Still no review for Cinderella (out in 19 days!) but I got this one on For Kicks from Long & Short ::

This story served as a helpful reminder to me to cherish the moments I have each day with family and friends, living with the knowledge that I might not have them with me in the next moment. The dialogue and writing are quick, short and snappy. It is a wonderful read especially when your belly is full and you have a roaring fire in the fire place!

Click This Way

Tuesday Temptation - Reading Outside Your Comfort Zone

The First Review...

We got the first review of For Kicks. Not bad for a book that isn't out until March 1!

I give it 4.5 stars.I found For Kicks by Jenna Bayley-Burke to be a charming, and lively read about two of the most interesting and engaging characters that I've read about in a very long time..........

I am good for a line or two...when set up properly

But these people are funny!

Boobs Injuries and Dr. Pepper

The Sneeze

And while we are being funny...get this!

Romance Divas :: Free Writing Workshops Online

JANUARY 20-24
POLISHING A MANUSCRIPT FOR SUBMISSION
Get your manuscript looking sparkly fab and ready for submission to agents and editors. Gemma will go over common writing issues, mistakes and how to fix them, format and submission polices, and ways to catch an editor or agent's eye and stand out from the slush piles. If you've got a manuscript finished (or even just started!) come learn simple ways to push it from good to polished and published!

http://www.gemmahalliday.com/

Sophia Shaw on Character Development--Jan 23 to 25
http://www.sophiashaw.com/

A Hard Man Is Good to Find…And Finding a Great Writer Is Even Better

Red Sage has a reputation for finding the next big stars in romance writing. Our author roster reads like a bestseller list. We’re also known for being a tough market to crack, but now we’re giving writers an opportunity to see their names added to the list of Red Sage stars!



To celebrate the growth of the Secrets line of anthologies and the launch of Red Sage Presents, our e-books line, we’re holding a writing contest. This is a great opportunity for two lucky winners to grow along with us!



Here at Red Sage, we admit to a certain fondness for the alpha male.He’s powerful. He takes what he wants. And he makes that one special woman want what he takes.



Whether he’s charming or ruthless, passionate or stoic, the alpha male makes a great romantic partner for today’s strong, modern woman. And we want to see erotic romance novellas that explore the complex relationship between the alpha male and the modern woman.


There will be two prizes awarded for the best stories.

First prize will be publication in the Secrets anthology!

Second prize will be publication as an e-book!



Here are the basic rules:

1. All entries must be original, unpublished erotic romance novellas of 25,000 to 35,000 words in English featuring an alpha male hero.



2. To enter, send a completed manuscript as an rtf file to Submissions@eredsage.com with “Alpha Male Contest” in the subject line. Only rtf formats will be accepted. All other formats will be automatically disqualified and deleted unopened. Include your full name, contact information, and credentials (if any) in your cover e-mail.



3. Entries must be received by March 31, 2008, at midnight eastern time. You may enter as many times as you wish. By entering, you are certifying that your entry is your original unplagiarized work, thatyou own all rights in this work, that this work has never been published, and that you are willing and able to publish it with RedSage. Any entry not meeting these requirements will be automatically disqualified.



4. In the event that none of the contest entries are deemed publishable, no winners will be declared. All entries will be reviewed by Red Sage editorial staff. All decisions are final. Non-winning manuscripts will be deleted at the conclusion of the contest.



5. For further tips on what Red Sage looks for in a manuscript, check our submissions guidelines at http://www.eredsage.com/Writers_Guidelines-sp8.html and our blog at http://redsagerevealed.blogspot.com/



6. There is no fee for entering. Winners will receive a standard RedSage publishing contract offer with standard Red Sage advance, royalties, and other terms.



7. This contest is void where prohibited by law.Thanks!



For the best erotic romance everybody loves Secrets, and now they also love eRedSage.com!

ENTITLED

Smart Bitches is talking book titles today, specifically category titles. They want to know why the Modern Extra books get a young and flirty title for the UK market and a classic Presents title in the US. Some of the authors have piped in with a 'we don't know'. Because we don't. But it does make me wonder. When my MX books hit the shelves here, what will they be called. The Firefighter's Reluctant Bride? The Mogul's Mistress? Egad, I hope not that one. Anyone who's read Cooking Up A Storm could just see my heroine cringing...and then dousing the naming fairies with avocado soup!

I just turned in two MX ideas to the new editor...with a UK and US title on the syno. Not sure which way they are going these days. Mr. Possibly is The Millionaire's Replacement Bride. Balancing Acts is His Perfect Valentine. You know, some category authors have given up on titles completely. They'll turn in January book, or Crete book, and let the naming fairies run with that.

Hmmm. Perhaps we ought to ask the M&B editors to come to the PHS and explain how titles happen. I just might ask...after my next sale :)

So what's up with this plagarism thing?

Since the ferrets v. Edwards case was introduced to the outside world thanks to the AP, people have been asking me what the cheese is. Since I am a cheddar girl and do not dip into Velveeta, I dunno. But Gennita Low sums it up nicely here.

Dreams & Desires 2

It is almost time for the release of the second volume of the Dreams & Desires anthology - where all proceeds go to a women's shelter. This year's line-up is fantastic!

C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp. Jenna Bayley-Burke. Amanda Brice.
Shannon Canard. Sela Carsen. Rachelle Chase.
M.E. Ellis. Jenny Gardiner. Gemma Halliday.
Candace Havens. Zinnia Hope. Babe King. Susan Lyons.
Sarah Salway. Rhonda Stapleton. Bebe Thomas.
Emily Veinglory. Lois Winston. Shaunna Wolf


In conjunction with the February release of the charity anthology Dreams & Desires Vol.2 , Gemma Halliday is running an online Valentine’s Day Bachelor Auction, auctioning off a virtual date with one of 5 drooling hot romance cover models. All the proceeds from the auction go to help victims of domestic violence, so you can win a hot hunk for yourself while also supporting a great cause. Bidding is now open, so please feel free to come take a look at the man candy up for grabs!! http://www.gemmahalliday.com/contests

Feel Like an American?

Check out my post on the PHS today!

The Rant

What kind of genius decided pregnant women should wear spandex?

Spandex. It is in EVERY maternity t-shirt I've found. I do not care to have clothes clinging to parts of me that should be concealed.

AND...why does every maternity blouse insist on having a band or bow above the belly. Not bad in theory...but when your belly expands so does your bustline...and it looks like your boobs are eating the bow. I am not interested in hungry cleavage.

Seriously...I am wearing maternity stuff from when I had the boys. With them, my issue was that things were ugly. Now, they have cute things...but they'd only look cute on you if you weren't actually with child.

13 things to look forward to in 2008

1. Baby girl!!


2. Baby girl clothes!!


3. HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX, Samhain, February 2008


4. THE PITA DIET & RECIPE BOOK, Linx, February 2008


5. THE BEST DAY in Dreams & Desires 2, February 2008


6. FOR KICKS, Black Lyon, March 2008


7. PAR FOR THE COURSE, Samhain, July 2008


8. Baby Boy starts kindergarten


9. Summer! It is rainy and icy here, I want some summer!


10. Fitting in jeans - I won't be pregnany forever


11. Big Boy getting a bike without training wheels


12. Being back on my writing game. The end of 2007 kicked me.


13. If you listen to the Bible Code...a great oceanic earthquake...if not...Deal or No Deal going the way of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire

What are you looking forward to?

You DO have a half hour

CataRomance used to do this...stop blogsurfing, open a document, and write for 30 minutes. Come back and tell me how you did...

As for me... 557

Why is there LANUDRY?

My friend asked this question, and it so resonated with me (as my washing machine runs right now). I mean...it never goes away. Even when you 'do laundry' and clear out all the hampers, you put on your pjs and look! Clothes in the hamper again!

The bigger I get, the harder it is to bend into the washer to move the clothes...so Hubba Bubba helps out more and more - as he had to when I busted the wrist. He is getting wicked good at laundry...but he'll never take it off my hands completely. Only and idiot would.

I don't mind running things through the machines, it is putting it away that bugs. I hang as much as I can just to get away from folding...

Character Development Workshop

Sophia Shaw is hosting a 3-day workshop on RD in the Class in Session forum from Jan 23 to 25. She's going to be discussing character development, so please bring all your questions!!

Here's her bio:Sophia Shaw released her debut novel, Shades and Shadows, in January 2005. It is a book that Sophia started as a hobby over ten years ago. As an avid reader, she was inspired by many of the great romantic writers, and was convinced she could write a story that was engrossing and enjoyable. Shades and Shadows is that story, and has received wide-spread positive reviews. The Romantic Times chose Shades and Shadows as a top pick for January 2005, and rated it with 4.5 stars (out of five).

Sophia was born in Morgan’s Pass, Clarendon, Jamaica and immigrated with her family to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1974. She attended Claude Watson School for the Arts and studied dance, art and drama. She then went to the University of Toronto where she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. She is married to "The Juiceman" Jonathan Shaw, a well known DJ with a career in Radio Broadcasting for over 15 years. They live in Brampton, Ontario with their young daughters, Sierra and Naima.In 2003, Sophia was accepted by Sha-Shana Crichton of Crichton and Associates Literary Agents.

In early 2004, she signed her first book deal with Kensington Publishing/Dafina. She is currently working on her fourth novel. Sophia is a member of the Toronto branch of the Canadian Association of Black Journalist. Visit her website at http://www.sophiashaw.com/ to learn more about her and her books!

Holiday Hangover

The holiday season is over. School is starting up again. There are parking spots at shopping malls all over the world. Now it's time to get back to real life.

It is hard to get back to reality after so much festivity. It's been a mad scramble the last month to get everything done, to be everywhere at once, and eat everything in sight. Wait, was that just me?

Post holidays I always want to lay in bed and just let my head recuperate from all the rushing about. As things slow down I remember the best holiday bits - like my mom's Thanksgiving dinner or how excited my big boy was when he saw his presants from Santa. I also recall things I'm llikely to never forget - like my wee small boy's holiday pageant where he was too shy to sing a word and how mom's Thanksgiving dinner didn't stay down thanks to the baby on board.

I wonder what sticks with you from your holiday season. Come on now, you can tell us about how your boss had too much to drink at the Christmas party and you set his face on the copier so you'd have evidence come raise time. We won't tell if you complain your husband got you power tools, or gush about the diamonds he hid in your stocking.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY THIS YEAR?

Preditors & Editors Poll Nominee--Best of 2007

Every January Preditors & Editors hosts an open poll to find the best websites, stories, novels, magazines, editors, poets and artists of the past year. It's fun to see what people thought enough of to put up for a vote. Double the fun if you see the name of your story or website!

Want to throw some support my way? Go and vote for ::

FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke in Romance Short Stories
ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen in All other Short Stories
DREAMS AND DESIRES with a story by moi in Anthologies
The Pink Heart Society in Writers' Resource/Information/News Source page
Romance Divas in Writers' Discussion Forum page

2008 TBR Challenge

** Pick 12 books - one for each month of 2008 - that you've been wanting to read (that have been on your "To Be Read" list) for 6 months or longer, but haven't gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 "Alternates" (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn't grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, 2008, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31, 2008. :o)

TBR 2008

Driving Him Wild - Julie Cohen

One Night Before Marriage - Anne Oliver

The Rancher's Rules - Lucy Monroe

Return of the Rebel (At The Billionaire's Bidding) - Trish Wylie

Getting Down To Business - Ally Blake

Behind the Scenes - Trish Jensen

The Ex-Girlfriends' Club - Rhonda Nelson

Call Me Wicked - Jamie Sobrato

One Night Standards - Cathy Yardley

Innuendo - Crystal Green

Risking It All - Stephanie Tyler

Closer... - Jo Leigh



Alternates

Dream Job, Hot Boss - Robyn Grady

Bedded by Arrangement - Natalie Anderson

The Mile-High Club - Heidi Rice

My Tall, Dark Greek Boss - Anna Cleary

One Night, One Baby - Kate Hardy

The Marriage Experiment - Catherine Spencer

The Married Mistress - Kate Walker

The Ruthless Marriage Bid - Elizabeth Power

The Millionaire's Marriage Claim - Lindsay Armstrong

The Unexpected Pregnancy - Catherine George

A Wedding In Paris - Bretton, Ferrarella, Myers

Getting Real - Thompson, Leto, LaBrecque

A ~ Z Reading Challenge

Align the first letter of an author's last name or the first letter in the title of a book to its corresponding alphabet letter. Books may only be used once.

I reserve the right to shuffle these about as I need to :D


"A"
"B"
"C"
"D"
"E"
"F"
"G"
"H"
"I"
"J"
"K"
"L"
"M"
"N"
"O"
"P"
"Q"
"R" Return of the Rebel, Trish Wylie
"S"
"T"
"U"
"V"
"W"
"X"
"Y"
"Z"

What is your New Years Resolution?

Yes, again. I know...