Ms. Editor 1.0 send final edits back. The clock is ticking so I’m working like crazy to get them done. See ya’ll on the other side! Happy Hump Day. If I don’t get around to my blog buddies, I’ll catch up in the next day or so. Promise!

It’s been nine days since BLOOD MOON went live on Amazon I thought I’d give a brief update on my foray into the world of self-publishing. I promised that I’d share the journey with y’all. In the past week, I’ve sold more copies of BLOOD MOON than I thought I would. BLOOD stayed in the top 10K of paid Kindle books all week. I’ve sold seven books in England and one in Germany. Hey, I’m an international author! This is not to say that I’m getting rich. Not at all. I’m a LONG way from hitting USA or NYT lists.

Without giving the numbers, know that I’ve made as much on BLOOD MOON in this past week as I did on all four of my books currently available from Wild Rose in the first quarter. An interesting side note–my numbers on Amazon perked up on the other books after I released BLOOD MOON. People were buying my back list, evidently.

I have 10 likes and 3 reviews–all five star. I’d love more if anyone feels inclined–even if it’s a four-star or less. I’ve had feed back from various blogs and Twitter that people are looking forward to the next book in the series. So much so that I may release the next two books early.

I haven’t raised the price on BLOOD yet. I’m not sure I will, at least for now. We’ll see. I may leave it at 99 cents until the second one releases and then after a week, bump the price. I’m feeling my way along this seemingly treacherous path.

All in all, I’m thrilled with the way things are going. I’ll definitely consider this for other books and novellas. Iffy and I are already looking at continuing the Moonstruck series. Joshua Harjo and Sean Donaldson both have stories. And there are some mysterious Navy SEALs who just might have stories, too. All I need is time and inspiration.

Update on FAERIE FOOL: Ms. Editor 1.0 is working through the edits and then it goes to the copy editor. The cover will be coming soon, I hope. Of course, I’ll share it here as soon as I have it.

Not much else going on in my world. What’s up with y’all?

Did everyone have a wonderful and restful day yesterday? Do anything special to celebrate? I didn’t have to run the vacuum. Lawyer Guy ran it! And I didn’t have to cook, except for Boone and Cooper after we got home from eating at Bella Italia, our new favorite restaurant. I even splurged and had limoncello cake for dessert.

In honor of Moms with teens, I offer this bit of Monday silliness. When I first saw this, I cracked up. The Only didn’t think it was so funny but hey…just wait until she’s a mother. Though she can wait! I’m not ready to be a grandmother yet!

And just so everyone knows? The thing I am most proud of in my life is The Only. I tease about her imperfections. I grouse about her. But when it comes right down to the rub? She’s the one thing I did completely right. No edits. No revisions. Just the way she is, which is pretty damn awesome. It also means I get Italian for for Mother’s Day.

BLOOD MOON is up on Amazon and still on sale until tomorrow. You can still buy it for Kindle today for 99 cents. Tomrorow, the price goes up to $1.99. Amazon Prime folks can still read it free. Click on the cover down at the bottom to buy! It’s Mother’s Day. Treat yourself!

Now that the commercial break is over, let’s get back to our story. I thought we might look at things through Hannah’s eyes for a bit. She’s been without coffee, marched all over the backside of Bosnia by Mac, and is currently threatened by a really bad, if poorly armed, guerrilla fighter. Good thing she can take care of herself, right?

****
Hannah pushed up onto her knees and stared straight into the barrel of an old WWII German Luger. She’d miscounted—seven men in all, not six. In a vague, detached way, she was sorry her life didn’t flash before her eyes. Maybe that meant she wasn’t going to die; or maybe it meant there was nothing in her life worth remembering at the point of death. That thought really depressed her. Jeez but her life sucked.
****

Uh oh! Where’s a Wolf when you need him? Maybe you’ll find out in next week’s 6SS. Or….you could go buy the book and find out now! Just click on the cover down below If you are interested in reading more about Mac and Hannah, you can check previous 6SS posts I NEED COFFEE, IT’S MY LIFE, BUSTED and RED RIDING HOOD. You can find snippets from some of my other books by clicking on the Six Sentence Sunday tag up there by the subject line.

Thanks so much for dropping by. As always, comments are appreciated but not required. There is a whole passel of talented writers participating in SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY so be sure to click and go find other great snippets to read. You never know when you’ll find a new-to-you author to enjoy!

Blood Moon, Moonstruck Book One:
Secrets, lies and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Warning: Pursue an alpha Wolf at your own risk. Hot sex, bad words, and action of the blood and guts kind will ensue.

Question. Would y’all like me to continue Saturday Brunch? I watch my “Google Analytics” to see what kind of traffic the site gets. Saturdays get a big drop in visits. I’m not sure if this is because people are out and about, away from their computers, or if there are so many hot men featured on so many blogs and websites around the WWW that they’re sort of bored with the content. Y’all know I’m not “all about” the comments, but if you would drop a “yay” or “nay” in the comment box and vote, I’d appreciate it!

Now that business is out of the way, how about a hot dish? Welcome our new recipe today, fitness model Bryan Thomas!

I’m filling in at Cynthia D’Albo’s blog EVERYBODY NEEDS A LITTLE ROMANCE today while she’s off to a writer’s conference. My subject is LUNACY and the effects of the moon on people. I’m also giving away a copy of BLOOD MOON to a random commenter. Stop by and say hi! In the meantime, I finally caught up to Major Hannah Jackson from BLOOD MOON. She’s going to hang out here today and cover for me. Feel free to ask her any questions! [Edit] – I’m an idiot! I had the wrong link up. *headdesk* Go click now.

Are you sure you want to run off and leave me in charge, Silver? All I can say is you’d better have left a fresh pot of coffee! Though I do like the idea of your Coffee Fae. I need one of those. Of course, Mac would probably eat him for breakfast. So…what the hell are we going to talk about today? FYI? That’s not me. But that’s what I was wearing the first time Mac and I met. Gotta love a man who can see beyond the woodland camo, right? Even with the new changes we still look like flour packed into green sacks. You guys are probably curious what life is like with an Alpha Wolf. It’s a real pain in the ass, let me tell you! Here are some questions I get.

1. Is his bark worse than his bite? Abosfu…absolutely NOT! That man bites. And besides, he doesn’t bark. He howls. I’ve taken to wearing earplugs. *grrrrrroowwwlllll* At ease, Sergeant Major. You had your chance. This is mine. Besides. Don’t you have to blow up or kill something right now? Get lost.

2. Do you think he’s sexy? Definitely! Shut up, Mac! I told you. This is my post. Don’t make me hurt you.

As if.

Don’t push me, furface. I know where you live. *glances down* Trust me. You don’t want me to go there.

Yes, I do.

No, you don’t. I’m not feeling particularly romantic.

I can fix that.

Back. Off. Go find Sean and shoot something. Now, where was I? Oh, yeah. That whole sexy thing. That man has the biggest head I’ve ever seen. I’m amazed he can walk through a door it’s so huge! *drums fingers on keyboard* *whistles tunelessly* *checks hallway* Shhhh. He’s gone but Wolves are notorious for having excellent hearing. I’ll never admit this to his face but, yeah. He is. REALLY sexy!

I heard that!

See? I can’t win. Moving on. Next question…

3. What’s it really like living with an alpha Wolf? Maddening. Frustrating. Irritating. Unpredictable. Invigorating. Provoking. I did mention maddening, right? Life with Mac is just one adventure after another. And I don’t always mean that in a good way. *checks for wolf ears* But it’s also the most amazing thing. When these guys get moonstruck? Wow. Just…wow. I’ve never felt more beautiful, more special, more…everything. A Wolf’s mate becomes his focus and while they can go all fangface jealous, it’s sorta cute, too.

I am NOT cute. But you are beautiful, darlin’!

That’s MAJOR Darlin’ to you, fuzzybutt. So…do any of you have questions?

I seem to be stuck on the F words. The F word had to get edited–a LOT–from FOOL. (Ha! Another F word. ) I mentioned my Frustration yesterday when I guested on Janet’s blog, but I forgot to mention the other F words that comes from self-publishing: Freedom and Fear. Today, I’m going to look at Fear. While digging for quotes, I came across this one:

“Every man is afraid of something. That’s how you know he’s in love with you; when he is afraid of losing you.”

I have no idea who said it. ThinkExist didn’t list a source. But as I read it, I realized that THIS is what romance is all about–at least as I write it. This is what drives the Wolves when they mate. This is what drives my Irish warriors in the Faerie books. As I look at the pairs I’m creating for other series, this is an underlying theme. ‘Tis a curious thing indeed.

The heroes in romance novels usually have a lesson to learn. Sometimes, it’s the heroine who is afraid of love. Love hurts. But it also heals. And life would be so dismal without the joy it brings.

“Loving can cost a lot but not loving always costs more, and those who fear to love often find that want of love is an emptiness that robs the joy from life.” ~~Merle Shain (Canadian author and journalist, 1935-1989)

Do you remember that other F word I mentioned above? I leave y’all with one final thought. Conquering fear, being brave enough to risk love? Yeah. It’s worth it. For people and for the characters I write about. Why? Because:

“Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.” ~~Marilyn Ferguson (American author and editor, 1935-2008)

I wish you all freedom from fear today, and much love.

Plus an update: FAERIE FOOL edits have been returned to Ms. Editor 1.0. We’ll see what happens next.

Ack. I remembered at the last minute that I hadn’t written a post for today. Well, a least a post for here. I’d planned on interviewing Hannah to give her a chance to get back at Mac but…uhm…Oops. Sorry, Hannah. Another day. Promise. In the meantime, I’m over at JANET’S JOURNAL guesting on her Inspiration Wednesday blog.

Since I didn’t do Merry Monday this week, here. Have a little wacky for Wednesday…

This would be the way Adidas looks at me first thing in the morning.

Looking for blog topics this week, I thought I’d introduce you to some of the main characters. Rather than posting my “human” model for Mac, I’ll post his wolf. Afterall, that’s pretty much who he is deep inside.

Really? You talk about me going places? And you went there?

Jeez, Mac. Don’t get all growly. And you could at least wait until I ask you a question.

I have a better idea. I’ll ask the questions. Who is my human model?

Jason Statham. But B.E. likes to picture her own description so I’m not going to post any pics of him. Besides, The Only found a photo of your body for the cover and that’s all that matters.

You’re so shallow, James.

Me? What? You don’t like being a sex symbol? No wonder Hannah punches you like this.

Is this where I’m supposed to say, OW?

Shut up, Mac. I have questions for you.

Nope. Not gonna happen, James. Name, rank, and serial number. That’s all you’ll get from me.

Okay. If you won’t talk about yourself, then let’s talk about Hannah.

You really do want to get me in trouble.

What? You afraid of her?

Only if she hasn’t had her morning coffee.

Okay. So…describe Hannah in five adjectives that would make your fifth grade teacher proud.

I skipped the fifth grade.

*mumbles*That figures.*clears throat* This should be easy then. Name off five. You can count, right?

Shut up, James. *holds up fingers and counts* Obstinate. Recalcitrant. Cantankerous. Intractable. Tenacious.

So…You’d describe Hannah as stubborn. Dude, you really like to live dangerously. I wouldn’t want to be you when you get home. Just sayin’.

I can handle Hannah. I have a question for you. Sean wants a mate.

That’s not a question.

Nope. That’s an order. Stop fooling around here and get that damn FAERIE FOOL book edited so you can write Sean’s story. Do it. Now. I’ll answer any comments you get today.

Happy book birthday to me! It’s official. BLOOD MOON has been released into the wild. Sort of. I signed up with KDP Select so it’s exclusive to Kindle for 90 days. Its also on sale for 99 cents for this week. Next week it goes up to $1.99. In 90 days, it’ll go up on B&N for Nook and on Smashwords.

Y’all, I need your help to get some buzz going. Tweet about BLOOD MOON, FB about it, like it on Amazon, and leave reviews everywhere you can! If you know someone at one of the review sites, ask them if they’ll review it. I’ll send ‘em a .pdf copy. (Or will as soon as I figure out how to get it into a .pdf.) or I can send it in Word at the moment or I’ll send ‘em a copy for Kindle (at my expense). I’m open to guest blogging and I’ll drag my merry band of misfit wolves with me!

You guys are the reason I write. Well…not totally. I write because I can’t NOT write. I’d go insane if I didn’t free the stories in my head. But the fact that y’all read and enjoy my tales makes it all worthwhile. Please share your enthusiasm with the rest of world?

Word of mouth. Street Team. Whatever you want to call it. This is how the buzz gets going. And with buzz comes good things. Like contests. And free reads. And…more stories! I promise I have lots more stories to tell! I love you guys and I’m humbled by your faith and support. This one’s for y’all!

Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. BLOOD MOON. You can click on the title to go to the buy page, or here’s the link to share: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080UST5K

It’ll be listed on Goodreads as soon as I can figure out how! Next book, I’m going to plan better. No. Really. Stop laughing.