Who’s got the button? Not me. I completely forgot what I was going to blog about, though it had something to do with buttons. And pushing them. *headdesk* I should have written the idea down when it occurred to me but I got distracted…*ooh, shiny!*…and by the time I sat down to write today’s blog, I got as far as the title. *sigh* Writer’s block? Me? Oh, yeah! My brain is scattered to the four winds as I try to get everything wrapped up for my trip Thursday. Am I leaving at the butt crack of dawn? Uhm…yeah. LSU is playing in the Superdome Thursday night. Which means TRAFFIC! I wish there was another way into the Quarter but without going surface streets, which might take just as long, I’m stuck on the interstate and football traffic.

Oh, look! If you happen to be into digital books, you can go to Digibooks Cafe. Enter the code to get 20% off. This coupon will be good for any digital downloads of FAERIE FIRE or FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE. (And even FAERIE FATE if you don’t have it yet!)

Iffy is all excited about tomorrow. She has a bit of news to share, plus Prof. Shannahan to visit with. She keeps asking me what the difference is between Irish Whiskey and Scotch. I told her to Google it.

As for today, I give up. I’ve wrung my brains out dry and I can’t for my life remember what I was going to say about the topic. Instead, I leave you with this question. What pushes your buttons?

…why do you ask? Here’s the 4-1-1, to use one of Iffy’s favorite terms!

Well, it wasn’t quite a landslide, but the Cowboy and his horse won last week’s Mr. Summer preliminary round. This coming Saturday, he goes up against George Eads, aka “Deke” from FAIRY TALES, and Gilles Marini to see who goes into the finals!

As most of you know, I’m leaving Thursday for New Orleans. *happy dances* Heidi, my CP is going with me. I love roadtripping with her! We get so much plotting done. There will be posts here while I’m gone and I’ll check in to reply, though it’ll be in the odd spare moments during the weekend. Don’t forget, any of you in the NOLA area, there’s a book signing at the Hotel Monteleone featuring all the authors at the conference, including yours truly. Stop by and say hi! I’ll have goodies to give away.

Iffy will be here Wednesday visiting with Professor Michael Shannahan from FAERIE FIRE. At some point this week, I’ll try to post some pictures from the Ranch Rodeo I attended Saturday night…speaking of cowboys!

FYI, both FIRE and FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE are up on the front page of The Wild Rose Press as upcoming releases! Anybody want a guest blogger around the middle of the month so I can shill the books? AND FAERIE FIRE IS LIVE AT B&N.COM and AMAZON!

I’m guest blogging at MURDER SHE WRITES today. Drop by and say hi. Swag is going in the mail today. I hope. LOL I suppose I should get off my arse and run errands, huh? But before I go, I guess I should give away something this week, too. What do you think? And what should I give away? I still have books. OH! And I have swag from the WFNO conference. How about a messenger bag from that with…two books?!? You can have your choice of romantic suspense or contemporary romance. You know the drill. Comment to enter all this week with a winner picked next week when I get back (completely randomly, of course!).

I think it is WAY past time for margaritas! I’m mixing and pouring. I didn’t think Friday could get here soon enough! Tomorrow is OKRWA meeting and I am looking forward to that, even though it means I don’t get to sleep in. We’re planning a brainstorming session before we all grab lunch at the museum cafe before our afternoon program by a courtroom sketch artist. I’m looking forward to it.

Loved the ideas y’all came up with for the scene in FOOL yesterday! Maybe I should write it by committee.

The winner of the Samhain National Swag Contest is…EV Yay for random.org. Ev, you get the large canvas tote, Samhain tee shirt, water bottle, and luggage tag plus a book from this list:
CRAZY FOR LOVE – Victoria Dahl
DANGEROUS DESIRES – Dee Davis
WICKED BECOMES YOU – Meredith Duran
KILLING ME SOFTLY – Maggie Shayne
INSATIABLE – Meg Cabot (hardback)
SUGAR CREEK – Toni Blake
ENEMY LOVER – Karin Harlow
(warning – some of them may have been *gently* read LOL!)

Email me with your choice of book. ev, and I’ll get the package in the mail next week.

Since I’m suffering through a bout of rejection, let’s start a new contest. This time, more books, an RWA canvas tote, plus some other goodies like Rizzoli and Isles stuff (a jigsaw puzzle and DVD of the pilot!). If you haven’t caught the show on TNT, why not!?! Just leave a comment on today’s or the posts on followomg days between now and then and I’ll announce the random winner next Friday.

So, who’s drinkin’ with me?!? (And remember, there will be men tomorrow. Just sayin’…)

I’ve received my release date for FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE! Get your ereaders, Kindle/Nook/Kobo apps on your phones ready, or simply your computer! You can buy and download a .pdf file to read on the computer. It’s a fun story, short and sweet, and you KNOW you want to find out more about Alex and Deke! Just to whet your appetite, here’s a little teaser.

Blurb:

Going home for her 25th class reunion isn’t on Alex London’s radar until her assistant pulls out the fairy godmother card. News correspondent, Deke Carpenter would rather cover the nearest war than attend the reunion–yet deep down he hopes to encounter the girl who got away, Dorothy Reagan, now well-known fashion photographer, Alex London. Alex, on the other hand, has hopes of seeing the boy she carried a torch for all these years–basketball player, Marty Keegan. In one whirlwind weekend, surrounded by the ghosts of high school past, Alex and Deke discover each other and the unwritten rule of fairy godmothers everywhere: Fairy Tales Can Come True.

Iffy promises to post pictures of the characters soon. Y’all need to fuss at her if she forgets!

Wait…you ACTUALLY want to know the date? LOL. Silly peeps. September 15th! Two days before FAERIE FIRE comes out! (Though I suspect FIRE will be available in print a bit before the ebook release date! ) Oh, and the cost for FAIRY TALES? $3.50

Okay, whatever crud was going around the RWA Nationals kicked my butt. Big time. By the time I got home Thursday night, it had progressed from what I thought was sinuses and hay fever to upper respiratory infection and fever. I missed Leslie Parrish’s live blog talk on Saturday afternoon. That makes me very sad but I was flat in bed all day Friday and Saturday. The good news is that I’m on the mend. I actually made it to the grocery store today. Go me. LOL

So, who hasn’t read Leslie’s latest book, COLD SIGHT? I figure by now, if you’re a regular here and if you haven’t read it, you probably won’t. I know a few of you have trouble with the subject matter. The book is dark. REALLY dark. But I love Leslie’s dark side and this book rocks like damn and whoah! If I have any stragglers dropping by looking for the Nook from Long and Short of It’s Third Anniversary Party, and if you happen to like dark romantic suspense with a twist of paranormal, check out this book! And how about a prequel to the series? Check out the FREE READ HERE!

Ready for some fun? FAERIE FIRE comes out in just over a month. I think it’s time to start giving stuff away. (Not to mention that I have a bunch of swag and books from RWA Nationals!) So…Let’s have a contest this week. One lucky commenter between now and Friday will win a Samhain canvas tote bag, tee shirt (size 2X), water bottle, and a book. They’ll have their choice from a title list I’ll post later.

Oh, and Joe won the Mr. Summer semi-finals Saturday. He’ll be moving on to our final round. And he now has a recurring and regular role in TRUE BLOOD. w00t!

Iffy has a question…good guys or bad guys for FAERIE FIRE interviews this week?

Happy Friday, shadow dwellers! Today we have a special guest, one of my sister Wild Rose authors, Sky Purington. Like me, Sky loves her Celtic heroes and settings. Her latest book, SYLVAN MIST, just released. Pour your drink of choice, pull up a comfy chair, and join me as we get to know Sky, and something about her book! One lucky commenter will win a “e-copy” of the book!

Thank you for dropping by today, Sky. Celebrating the release of a new book is always a fun time. If you’re ready, here are your questions:

If Oprah invited you on her show to talk about your book, what would the theme of that show be?

Great question! I’d have to say something along the lines of Highland Heroes.

What was the most fun scene in your book to write? The most difficult?

Hmm, the most fun scene? As I love to pull forth the humorous nature of the Scots probably this particular scene when, Laird William was provoking heroine, Coira. Adoring all things English, she’d made it clear she had no use for Scottish Barbarians. When she tries to get on this huge horse, he does nothing to help─only watches from his mount teasing her mirthlessly. I had fun creating banter with underlying attraction.

As to the most difficult? Probably the scene when Coira first meets characters from the first and second novel of this trilogy. As some were from colonial period New Hampshire, some from present day NH and others from medieval Scotland, I had to make sure that not only the dialogue remained historically accurate but had to be sure I stayed true to the characters personalities. Doing so from a story I wrote three years ago was not as easy as you might imagine!

Do you have a muse, good luck charm, writing vice? Tell us about it.

I’ve always been more the type who enjoys a little silent company while writing. Up until a few months ago, it was my 100 lb. Akita. Regrettably, she’s no longer with me. I keep trying to get my Calico cat to fill the position and lounge around while I write but…let’s just say she has a mind of her own.

What do you write on (type of computer, or notebook, etc.) and where do you write?

Always on my laptop. I enjoy the freedom of a snappy ‘delete.’ Not gonna lie, kind of like the ‘spell check’ option as well. Where do I write? Anywhere in my house that’s quiet! Usually, it’s my office or dining room.

Have you had a “rock star” moment regarding your writing career? If so, what was it?

What a unique question! Honestly? It wasn’t what you would imagine. Though great reviews are always super, my moment came from participating in the blog event, Blogmania (http://blogmaniaevent.blogspot.com/) that swept the internet a few months ago. To win my prize, you had to become a follower. I picked up about 130 new followers at the time. The best part of it? All the great connections and interest in my stories I found within those followers. To me, meeting so many fabulous people in such a short time certainly felt like a “rock star” moment.

How do you celebrate your writing successes?

Always with my family. They’ve been my wall of support from the get-go.

Describe your hero’s personality with five adjectives that would make your 5th grade English teacher proud.

Arrogant, Brave, Sexy, Intelligent, Funny

And five for your heroine.

Driven, Witty, Self-assured, Passionate, Open-minded

Do you have a favorite food or drink that gets your creative juices flowing?

Depends really. As to the drink, usually a French Vanilla Iced Coffee. The food? Does Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ice cream count? (I know, I know…just imagine the ‘sticky keyboard potential’!)

Thanks, Sky. It was fun getting to know you better. Now we’re ready to read your book!

About the book:

Coira O’Donnell refuses to acknowledge the Scotsman haunting her. Why should she? She carries no magic and she’s newly engaged. Well aware of the mysterious tie between the medieval Mac’Lomains and her mother’s clan, the Brouns, Coira will have no part of it. She much prefers a proper English gentleman to a barbarian living six hundred years in the past. However, as one whirlwind day will prove, she has little choice in the matter.

Chieftain William Mac’Lomain did not call her back, yet she arrives. Coira is not the woman meant for him. Or is she? Her arrival marks the start of a highland war unlike any Scotland has witnessed before–one born of magic. Soon, he finds himself in a tangled web of duty, loyalty and unexpected love. A love so unattainable and powerful it may cost him the war; and his heart.

Excerpt:
The fast-fading moonlight poured over her small form. Coira dropped the fur cloak to her feet, leaving only the pale gray of her wool gown and plaid wrap. She removed the wrap. It fell, a dull shadow against the pool of fur at her ankles.

He spoke within her mind. “Coira, what are you doing?”

Coira didn’t respond but turned to face him, the fabric shuffling and twisting in the snow. She stood a distance away, but he could see the steel and determination in her gaze. He could also see the flagon of whisky clutched loosely in her hand.

He went to step forward but she shook her head. “I needed time alone. Is that too much to ask?”

William watched her newfound magic ignite, glow around her─a silver haze the color of mist and moonlight. He didn’t move but waited. “’Tis not so much to ask for, if we were not at war.”

“We are not at war, William! Are we?” Her gaze shifted, covered the sky, the land, and his face in one sweep.

Damn Ferchar for giving her that whisky. What had he hoped to accomplish? William held his ground. His words were as wrought with double meaning as hers. “We are not at war, lass. Not quite yet.”

She sipped again from the whisky. “Go to hell. Leave me be.”

But she didn’t turn away.

William decided upon logic. “You’re nearly bluttered, Coira.”

“And what of it?” She took another sip and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, making a wide swipe with her arm. “Do I not deserve to be after all of this? After you!”

He moved with a lightning speed born of magic until he stood in front her. “You deserve a hundred flagons of whisky, if ’tis your desire after all of this, but not now.”

Head tilted back, she narrowed her eyes at him. “But now is now, is it not, William? Now is a mere day before we might die. Before war. Why do you push me away? No. Don’t answer that; you’ve your reasons, I’m sure. Perhaps you don’t want to become more attached to me before I die. Or you die!”

No more. William stopped the endless stream of words with his mouth. He pushed hard against her lips, hoping she would fight him so that he could let her know she had no choice. That he had no choice. But she didn’t. Her hands came up, encased his face, and sweetly deepened the exchange.

He’d been strong until this point. Well in control of his emotions. The urgency of her soft lips snapped his determination in half, made a mockery of his good intentions. He’d endured the horrible need and want night after night as she had, but knew Adlin was right. His final decision─if it came to it─must be for his clan, not her.

Her small hands found their way beneath his cloak, up under his tunic and stroked each muscle. She whispered, urged, pleaded. Her body quivered against his. Sharply reminded him of how she shook upon release, completion. What if she died? What if he did? William needed to feel her sleek heat once more. Groaning, he pulled Coira closer, lifted her, and walked forward until her back pressed against the flat surface of the boulder.

Review for SYLVAN MIST from Long And Short Reviews:

Sylvan Mist (Book III)
“If you’re looking for that great summer beach read that will take your mind off all your worries this one is for you. If you love the time travel romances of Lynn Kurland, this one equals any of hers. This is a must read for fans of great romance. Even though this is book three of the trilogy it stands well on it’s own, but I have to admit that now I have to read the other two.”

~Best Book─Voted Book of the Week by readers─LASR

About Sky:

BIO: Though born in Massachusetts, Sky Purington grew up in New Hampshire and currently resides in Derry. The daughter of an airline employee, she was able to travel young and developed a love for different cultures and history. With a passion for writing that started at the age of the seven, the world and its many facets fueled her imagination. Happily married with a four year old boy, she finds time to write when her sons allow it!

For more info visit her at HER WEBSITE.
You can find Sky on Twitter
At her BLOG
And on Facebook

You can buy SYLVAN MIST from The Wild Rose Press

Thanks for dropping by today, Sky. I can’t wait to read SYLVAN MIST. Readers, do you have any questions or comments for Sky? Don’t forget, a random commenter will win an ebook.

Julie Leto is doing a really cool thing one day this month over on Plotmonkeys–a book club discussion of her latest release, 3 SEDUCTIONS AND A WEDDING. I bumped this book to the top of my pile so I can take part. (It may be today…I’ll check back with an update if today IS the day.) While contemporaries aren’t my favorite genre, I always get Julie’s. Hers are quick, sassy, and fun–and very, very sexy! Here’s what Julie has to say about the book (from the eHarlequin site):

Dear Reader,

My family is in the manufacturing business and has been for over fifty years, but honestly, we should be party planners. Need a sit-down dinner for forty? No problem. I don’t know if it’s because we’re Italian or just because we love to have fun, but throwing together bridal showers, surprise birthday parties and even weddings is something we relish.

I’m not sure that Leo Sharpe, one of the heroes of this collection, thought it would be so easy—especially with the ulterior motive behind his decision to throw a surprise wedding for his best friends, Coop and Bianca. Yeah, Leo’s a die-hard romantic, but he’s also a man with an agenda. He’s wants his ex-girlfriend back in his bed and since she’s Bianca’s best friend, she can’t avoid him while they’re planning sexy, romantic nuptials!

Little does Leo know that the rest of the bridal party has also decided to take sensual advantage of this whirlwind wedding.

And to find out precisely why Bianca and Coop can’t seem to make it down the aisle—and how they overcome their obstacles—check out my free short story online at eHarlequin! Links and details are up at my Web site, www.julieleto.com.

Happy reading,

Julie Leto

Hopefully, this link will take you to Harlequin: browse the book 3 Seductions and a Wedding

From the back of the book:

Why wait for the wedding night?

Tying the Knot
Jessie might not forgive Leo for his long-ago betrayal, but after one scorching kiss, she can’t fight the chemistry anymore. But a girl can’t base her future on great sex. Or can she?

Take This Man
Can hunky Drew convince his long-time crush Annie that he’s the man for her? All he has to do is sweep her off her feet…then make her forget that he’s a much younger man….

Bedded Bliss
When playboy billionaire Ajay is ready for real commitment, he thinks sexy, sensible Mallory is his woman. Too bad her only desire is to experience his reputed prowess in bed!

If not, there’s always the Amazon link. Bottom line, even if I didn’t adore Julie’s writing style, this one would be a keeper! On Kindle AND in paperback. It’s going on the shelf. Also, I’m finally over at Carolyn Clemmons’ blog today! Come see what I’m up to. If you leave a comment, you are entered in Carolyn’s weekly contest. Happy Hump Day!

See larger image 3 Seductions and a Wedding (Harlequin Blaze) (Mass Market Paperback) By (author) Julie Leto List Price: $4.99 USD New From: $2.10 In Stock Used from: $0.26 In Stock

Happy Tuesday, y’all. Today, I’m trading places with my guest, Carolyn Clemmons. Meet Carolyn and say hello! Let’s start with some questions:

If Oprah invited you on her show to talk about your book, what would the theme of that show be? After I regained consciousness from the shock, the theme would be how reading helps readers cope with life.

What was the most fun scene in your book to write? The most difficult? The most difficult was buying the bra scene. I didn’t want it to be trite, wanted it to be humorous. That’s the one scene I kept rewriting, tweaking, and asking friends to read. The most fun was the scene in the health food store parking lot with jars of salsa. It’s a scary scene at first—at least I hope it is for readers—but the salsa relieves the tension and it was such fun to write.

Do you have a muse, good luck charm, or writing vice? Tell us about it. My good luck charm is my husband. He is very supportive and always ready to deal with a computer malfunction, the dishes, cooking, whatever he can do to help me. He usually takes care of all the errands, and you know how yukky and time consuming they are!

My writing vices are chocolate and Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper. Heavenly!

My youngest daughter gave me a magic wand for good luck. I have waved that thing at the computer monitor repeatedly and still haven’t made the NYTimes list. Maybe the wand is defective. Yeah, that has to be it. Couldn’t be my writing, could it?

What do you write on (type of computer, or longhand in a notebook, etc.) and where do you write? I write in what used to be my youngest daughter’s room at a lovely desk and computer station my husband bought me for some gift-giving occasion or other and use a Dell computer. My daughter redecorated her room for me. It was already pink, so she brought in romantic prints that look Victorian—Monet water lilies print, Cherub surrounded by flowers, heart, and pink roses to inspire me. It’s a lovely room and I call it my “pink cave” because I tend to hibernate in it. It’s not all mine, though. My three cats share it and one insists on sitting beside my keyboard most of the time I’m there.

Have you had a “rock star” moment regarding your writing career? If so, what was it? My first full-length novel for Kensington (as opposed to a short one for their Precious Gems line) was THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE. I was featured with a big write-up in the local edition of the Fort Worth newspaper. Our minister announced the release from the pulpit. Of course, he’s something of a wise guy and asked if it was autobiographical. That was my fifteen minutes.

How do you celebrate your writing successes? I frame a blown up shot of the book cover. We go out to dinner to celebrate a contract or release. When I received advances, I purchased one small thing from each release—a small statue, a set of luggage, a vase of silk flowers, and I don’t remember what else. The only thing I dislike about The Wild Rose Press is that they don’t pay advances. They’re wonderful to work with, though, which sort of makes up for no advance.
.
Describe your hero’s personality with five adjectives that would make your 5th grade English teacher proud. Honorable, compassionate, loyal, moral, reserved.

And five for your heroine. Eccentric, whimsical, loyal, compassionate, open-minded

Do you have a favorite food or drink that gets your creative juices flowing? As I mentioned, chocolate and Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper are both my vices and my muses.

Thanks, Caroline. It was fun getting to know you better. Now we’re ready to read your book!
OUT OF THE BLUE is available from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

About the book:

Deirdre Dougherty never cursed at anyone, much less put a curse on the potato crop of her remote Irish village. She’d rather take her chances with the Atlantic lapping at the bottom of the cliff than the mob intent on burning her as they have her cottage. Deirdre leaps . . . and plops down over 160 years later in a Texas lake. She doesn’t understand how she’s ended up with the man from her recent visions or why he has the same name as the saint to whom she prayed. She’s in danger of falling for the handsome policeman who rescued her, in spite of the fact that he thinks she’s lying to him. How can she convince him her story is true when she’s finding it difficult to believe the tale herself?

Police Detective Brendan Hunter wants answers. Who shot him and killed his partner? Why? And why does Deirdre know details of the event? Her story has to be a colossal fabrication or else she’s a beautiful psycho. Either way, he wants her gone before he becomes even more fascinated with her. But he can’t let her out of his sight until she confesses to how she learned details no one but he and his late partner knew.

R Excerpt:
She pulled his shirt loose from his slacks. “I know you’re an honorable man who doesn’t dally with women like me, but I must insist on this.”

“There are no other women like you.” He took a step back. “Deirdre, stop and think what you’re asking. It’s not a small thing.”

She took his hand and pulled him toward his room. “I’ve thought of nothing else since you saved me.” She offered him a slow smile, throwing her untried powers of seduction into it, feeble as her wiles might be. “In fact, I’ve thought of it since the day I came here.” They were in his room and she locked the door behind them.

He chuckled. “You mean after you learned I’m not really a demon?”

She stopped when they reached his bed. “Mmm, I’m not so sure you aren’t. You must be a wizard at least, else how did you enchant me with your spell?” She unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands against his skin.

He caught her wrists. “Deirdre, you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no going back from this once we’ve been together. Some things can’t be undone.”

“I may not know exactly how this works, but sure and I’m a quick learner. Everyone says so.” She shoved him hard and he fell backward on the bed. While the surprise was still on her side, she pounced beside him. “Is this the way?” She leaned down and kissed him.

His lips were sweet as honey cakes. His arms slid around her and he returned her kiss. When she parted her mouth for him, he rolled so he was over her, never taking his lips from hers.
She realized he knew a lot about lovemaking. At first it annoyed her to think of him like this with other women. But she decided it best that one of them knew how to proceed. Understanding how coupling worked was not the same as experience.

His hands caressed her and before she knew it, she was out of her blouse and the confining bra. He kissed along her jaw, then to her neck and then—Blessed Saints!—he kissed her breast. She moaned with pleasure as he pulled the peak into his mouth and suckled. Heat built in her private place and she felt moisture gather there.

Heaven could be no more glorious than this moment. Or so she thought. Then he slid his hand between her legs and slowly up to where her thighs met. When his finger dipped inside her, she gasped.

His finger moved in and out with the same timing as his tongue against her peaked nipple. Heat inside her flamed hotter and hotter until she feared she’d melt. As if by their own free will, her hips moved to meet his delving finger. Great power gathered in her, threatening to burst free. She feared she might expire from the passion. Instead, the ecstasy inside her exploded and showered her with a million stars.

She cried, “Sweet mercy, Brendan, I never knew.” Then she melted against the pillow and sheets.

He raised his head to meet her gaze. His eyes were dark with passion, his face flushed with desire. “Are you ready for more?”

“More. Yes, more.” Deirdre said.

Brendan gathered his willpower and made one more try. “Honey, we haven’t…gone too far to stop now. Any more and I won’t be able to—”

She placed her fingers on his mouth. “Please, Brendan. Even if you don’t care for me as a lover and never want me again, let me have this now.”

How could he resist that plea? Especially when she asked what he desperately needed. “You know I care for you.” He tugged his belt loose and kicked off his jeans and shoes. His cock was rock hard and tented his briefs.

She gasped. “Oh, my.”

He figured she’d be scared off and braced himself for her change of mind. Lord, he didn’t think he could bear it if she did halt their lovemaking.

Praise for Caroline Clemmons:

For the MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND
Clemmons is an exceptional storyteller who creates wonderful character arcs. . . . Put this on your must read list!
TOP PICK 4 1/2 Stars
Romantic Times

For THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE
. . . Kudos . . . to author Caroline Clemmons for one of the most entertaining books this reviewer has ever read . . . absolutely outstanding job with strong, distinctive characters, impressive imagery and syntax. 　The story line is intelligent, sensuous and full of humor and emotion.
　ReaderToReader.com

About Caroline Clemmons:
As long as I can remember, I’ve made up adventures. Okay, I admit the early creative stories featured me riding the range with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and saving the West. What a disappointment to learn that Roy was exclusively committed to Dale! Eventually, my best friend from across the street and I decided to become better detectives than Nancy Drew. We drove our parents and neighbors crazy sticking our pert little noses where they didn’t belong. About that time I started writing down my adventures, but mostly I was a reader. Not until I read Nora Roberts’ early novels did I decide to create my own romance manuscripts. My road to publishing was a lot slower than Nora’s. No surprise there! I still read Nora’s books—as well as those of countless other authors—but now I write full time. Unless life interferes, that is.

My Hero and I live on a small acreage in the ranching and horse country of North Central Texas. Darling Daughter 1 and Darling Daughter 2 are grown, but supportive of my writing. Living with Hero and me now are Webster, our sweet black Shih Tzu, and our three shorthaired cats: Delilah Sue, an elderly gray tabby; Sebastian, a black and white tuxedo who thinks he’s our watchcat; and Bailey Erin, a shy apricot tabby. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with family, reading, traveling with Hero, browsing antique malls, and digging into family history and genealogy. I also love garage and estate sales, but have to ration myself—we only have so much room and I think we’ve filled our home until the walls are bulging. Writing about strong heroes and heroines who overcome amazing obstacles to forge a meaningful life together is my passion. I hope you’ll share my stories with me.

For more info visit Caroline’s website: www.carolineclemmons.com
You can find Caroline at her blog.
On Twitter: @CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)
On Facebook: Caroline Clemmons
You can buy OUT OF THE BLUE in paperback or ebook HERE!

And now readers, do you have any questions for Caroline?

Yes, I’m a bit late in posting. Sorry. I’d hoped to have more pictures from the book signing yesterday but The Only hasn’t downloaded and emailed them to me yet. These will have to suffice. First up is Charles Griemsman, Harlequin editor extraordinaire, and Lucienne Diver, dream agent, on the Q&A panel Saturday morning.

A brief rundown of some of their answers. In discussing trends: Charles believes that what’s “in” is what is in a writer’s heart. Tell *your* story. Don’t chase trends. A good story will always find a place.

The economy: The downturns means everyone, publishers AND readers, are tightening their belts. There is a new philosophy evolving. The product is the writing, not the book. A book can take many forms. The important thing is the writing IN the book.

What they both look for in new authors: In the book, hooks, voice, passion for the story. In the author, passion, ability to roll with the punches, innovative solutions to problems (plot tangles in rewrites, etc.), flexibility, willingness to engage in dialogue with editor and agent. Lucienne returned time and again to VOICE! Steer away from the tried and true, push yourself.

Other advice to writers: Be willing to work hard and hit your deadlines. Be professional. Productivity and prolific writing can help. Three books a year is not uncommon. If you write one book a year, you may be behind the curve but it still happens. A new author is better off sticking to one genre rather than dividing time and audience across multiple genres. Editors are looking for “mini-series” possibilities when they read a book. Can more books come from this story? Lucienne is a firm believer in Critique Partners and groups. USE THEM! But find the right ones. You need to have someone who will be honest and push you to write the best book you have in you. Attend conferences and classes. LEARN the craft! And Charles added that writers MUST be READERS!

On looking for editors and agents: RESEARCH! Make sure your work fits with a particular editor and/or agent. And make sure YOU fit with them. Don’t waste their time or yours if the fit will be a bad one. Submitting a polished manuscript shows you know your craft and that you can revise and edit.

Here are a few more pics from Saturday. That’s Charles and I in the first pic and Lucienne and I clowning around in the second. The third picture is Charles and the Harlequin authors who attended.

And a picture from yesterday, at the start of the booksigning. That’s Alicia Dean, author of THE HEART OF THE WITCH, Lucienne Diver, author of VAMPED, and yours truly, author of FAERIE FATE.

I’ll have lots of book signing pictures to share later this week. OMG! Barnes and Noble staff and management was so completely awesome. I SOLD OUT OF BOOKS! I was shocked. I was down to my last two as we were wrapping up and the manager offered to put them on the Oklahoma Author’s table rather than me buying them back. Before she could do so, they sold! Yeah. I was just a little stoked!!! I even sold some to strangers. LOLOL

Anyway, Happy Monday! I’m off to start polishing my first three chapters and synopsis for SEASON OF THE WITCH.

Okay. I have to admit it. I’m not a big fan of demons. Not even Julian McMahon as Cole on Charmed could twist me to the dark side. He came close, but….you know…demon!

I’m slowly working my way through my TBR pile. I was looking for something light, funny and entertaining. I pulled out Maureen Child’s A FIEND IN NEED. I loved her book, BEDEVILED and have its sequel BEGUILED on the Kindle. (I have this thing about reading a paper book in-between Kindle books so I can whittle down the pile.) If any of you have read Maureen’s paranormals, you know how clever she is! If you haven’t, you are missing a real treat.

From Amazon:

It’s only been a month since single mom Cassie Burke unexpectedly became the hottest demon killer in town-and already there’s a price on her head and a website calling for her murder.

Then a sizzling hunk of a faery shows up on her porch in need of protection. Cassie’s happy to help because, after all, he is an expert love slave. Plus, he gets along great with her teenage daughter-a heroic feat in itself.

After a few not-quite-chaste nights, Cassie knows why Queen Vanessa wants him back so badly-and why she’s planning an all-out attack on her. Suddenly Cassie’s wondering if she can fend off an entire city of demons-and if a little faery tail is even worth it…

Brady, the fae, is also a gourmet cook. And there’s Devlin Cole, the demon owner of Magic Nights, the local sex club, and Cassie’s lover from the previous book MORE THAN FIENDS. Who knew there were so many demons and half demons in Cassie’s home town, La Sombra (which translates as The Shadow, fyi!). And we shouldn’t forget the hunky human cop, Logan–Cassie’s ex and father of her daughter. Oh, yeah. It’s complicated. And funny. Written in first person POV (not a favorite for me), I nonetheless zipped through this book, giggling along the way. You can’t help but identify with Cassie.

Yes, this one stays on the keeper shelf. And I’ll need to grab the first book one of these days, too!

About the Author
Maureen Child is the author of more than 75 books. She lives in Southern California with her family. Author website: www.maureenchild.com.

See larger image A Fiend In Need (Paperback) By (author) Maureen Child List Price: $14.00 USD New From: $2.72 In Stock Used from: $0.01 In Stock