The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

The Good:

This week I found out that my next Blazes will be released in Feb, March & April 2012. They are connected books all set at an adults only resort on a secluded Caribbean island. We're still hammering out individual titles, but the series is titled Island Nights. I can't wait to share these stories with y'all! I've turned in book 2, am almost finished with book 1 and just started writing book 3 today. I have to say that these characters rock! I'm definitely in the loving it stage with book 3.

Which brings me to the Bad:

I'm in the middle of revisions for book 1. It happens with every book. There's a moment where I hate it, no matter how much I loved it when I started. I'm definitely there. That strong emotion is usually accompanied by the thought that I suck and will never be able to get what I see in my head down onto the page with any amount of skill. I've come to realize that this too is part of my process. Don't worry, I'll love it again - definitely when I hold the finished product in my hands, but probably after my wonderful editor gives me notes and I get to work to make it the best it can possibly be.

And that leaves us with the Ugly:

My preparations for conference. I'm leaving in less than two weeks and I'm not ready. I started to pull together my schedule and realized that somehow I'm completely booked. This was supposed to be an easy conference. No pitch appointments. Only one workshop to give. Meetings with my agent and editors aren't work but something I look forward to. I only get to see them face-to-face once a year so I really enjoy catching up and just chatting over a cup of coffee. But I've discovered that leaves little time for anything else - like attending workshops, site-seeing or catching a show. So, today I came to the realization that I'm going to be running for six days straight. I should be used to it, but I'm always surprised when I can't get it all in.

So, do you have your own good, bad and/or ugly?

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Free Book Friday -- The Celebration Edition!

We're switching the schedule up a bit this week, and I'm hosting Free Book Friday today. In honor of Smarty Pants's recent sale to Harlequin Desire, we're having Free Book Friday -- The Celebration Edition.

And today's free books are... Desires! Two of them are from a while back, but absolute favorites of mine.

First we have THE SINS OF HIS PAST (an autographed copy) by Roxanne St. Claire.

HE HAD SOME ATONING TO DO
For one incredible night, Kendra Locke gave Deuce Monroe everything she had. Then he walked away without a backward glance to chase his big-league dreams as far as they would take him. Years later, after one daredevil stunt too many, Deuce was back in his hometown, ready to pick up where he left off.

Kendra had no intention of letting him. The consequences of that one night had shattered her dreams. Now what Deuce wanted threatened her future...especially when he tempted her with the sensual promise of more time in his bed. Could she be the one to walk away?

Next we have HIS STYLE OF SEDUCTION also by Roxanne St. Claire.

TAILOR MADE
When powerful businessman Jackson Locke found Lily Harper soaking wet on his doorstep, he couldn't believe his luck. Little did he know the dark-haired beauty had been hired to do a job and not the one Jack might have fantasized about. Now a storm had left them stranded, hot and bothered, and Jack was stuck between lust and pride. Lily's assignment was to change him into something he wasn't.

But Jack's destiny was to rock her world, and he intended to do it on his terms...

And finally, we have a brand new Desire from debut Desire author Cat Schield -- MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE, released just last week.

Emma Montgomery wouldn't be manipulated into marriage as part of Daddy's business deal — even if he cut off access to her trust fund until she complied. The talented jewelry designer would just make her own way. Or go down trying. Too bad her intended groom — maverick businessman and former crush Nathan Case — made her stubborn stance so difficult. The heat of his touch had her nearly betraying herself at every turn. Resisting Nathan and regaining her money were the name of the game — but meddling with this millionaire might land her right back in his arms!

To enter to win, comment with the phrase "Let's celebrate SP's sale!" One lucky commenter will win all three books.

And come back on June 22 when Cat Schield will be guest blogging with us.

Out on a Limb

I know my place. I'll admit it. I've been reading romance novels since I was thirteen...longer than that if you count the preteen/teenage angst of the Sweet Valley High series as romance (I'm not sure I do but that's another discussion for another time). I exclusively read romance novels. I enjoy my happy endings. I have enough disasters and stress in my daily life, I turn to books for an escape not to be beaten over the head with what else could go wrong. I suppose there might be value in that - my life suddenly looks pretty darn good in comparison - but I don't usually fixate on that angle of things. Apparently, I'm a book snob and just never realized it.

I recently stepped out of my comfort zone and read a genre I don't normally read. I won't tell you what genre or the author of the book (I will say it was published by a well respected publisher) because frankly, I wasn't impressed. And I have no desire to bad mouth another writer or publisher. I realize that some books just aren't designed for some people. As an author I know that when I send my work in not everyone will like it and I have to be okay with that. But I think this goes beyond just my preferences.

The writing was okay but it wasn't original or spectacular. The plot was fairly weak. And my major problem was that the motivation of the main character vaguely resembled swiss cheese. From basically the first chapter I knew I wasn't going to be happy with the book. So why did I finish? Idle curiosity. Research. And my ego probably needed a nice stroking.

But it made me think. From speaking with someone else who's reading in this genre, the problems with this book aren't unique. I can't claim they are genre wide because I haven't read widely within the genre, but I think I can safely say this wasn't a one off deal of a weak book. It made me appreciate the caliber of characterization, motivation and unusual plot that I've come to expect out of my beloved romance novels.

So my question is, do you read outside of romance? If so have you found that one measures up to the other (as much as an orange can be compared to an apple)? Do you find that romance novels are stronger in technique? I'm wondering if this is the case, if it's because we're so well connected within the genre. If it's because we support our unpublished and teach them the skills they need before they're published. If that we expect more and therefore deliver more. Or if maybe I'm just biased.

What do you think?

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P.S. I'm at RT today so I don't know when I'll be able to check in, but I'll try. Miss everyone!

What Might Have Been

I'm so excited! My newest Blaze, What Might Have Been, is on the shelves now. This book was a labor of love in many ways. I've been working on it for a very long time. And in fact, if you've been on the Playground for awhile you might be familiar with our term "the book has been peach farmed". This is the peach farm book.

For those that aren't familiar with the story, it was originally set at a nudist resort. My editor thought that might be an issue so I made an emergency phone call to the Playfriends and amazing author Rhonda Nelson for some help in fixing the problem (because moving it from the nudist resort kinda killed most of my plot and character arc). We were throwing out ideas. It was late. PC went outside for...three minutes at the most. She comes back and suddenly the book is set on a peach farm in the middle of Georgia. And there's a secret baby. And a past relationship. Needless to say, the book was completely different. In three minutes.

But it turned out absolutely fabulous. I know I'm not supposed to say that a book is my favorite. It's sort of like saying you love one of your kids more than the other. But...it totally is. The entire story just tugged at my heartstrings and writing it was a complete joy. Trust me, that doesn't always happen.

And, as if that wasn't enough, the wonderful, amazing and talented Linda Howard gave me the most awesome cover quote! I had a serious Sally Field moment when I saw the quote. She really did like it.

So, What Might Have Been should be on shelves at a store near you right now. If you pick it up (and I hope you do), let me know if you loved Ainsley and Luke's story as much as I did.

For the writers out there, have you ever had a story turn on a dime like that? Completely morph into something else? For readers, have you ever read a book and wished it was set somewhere else? Or you would have changed some specific thing about the book?

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P.S. Robertsonreads is the winner from PM's "Getting to Know You" blog. Email your info to playgroundmonitor@writingplayground.com to arrange for your prize.

Finished

I've been busting my butt the last couple months to write my next Blaze. It's the second book in a trilogy that will be out in 2012 (and, no, I haven't written the first book yet. It's complicated). I finally finished...at 9:56 last night. I've been trying to get it done for the last few days and things just kept getting in the way. I was determined that last night was the end.

Well, not really the end as I'm just finishing the first draft. I still need to do my own editing. And then I know my fabulous editor will have revisions for me. And copy editing. And AAs. And, so, really, the book isn't finished. But I feel like I've jumped a huge hurdle and can now breathe easy at least for a little while. I'm even ahead of deadline by several weeks. A nice feeling.

So, yeah, this means I've ignored quite a bit over the last few weeks trying to push through and get this first draft written. The minute I type The End the guilt starts rolling in. My kids think I've had my headphones surgically implanted into my ears. I have a workshop I'm giving on Saturday with our very own PC and honorary Playfriend Lynn Raye Harris. I'm certainly they'd like me to prepare so I have coherent sentences to contribute. I'm not sure I have any words left over though. I suppose I have a couple days still to find them.

I'm pretty drained. But I'm also excited about these books and can't wait to see them on the shelves.

Have you finished anything recently? Accomplished a goal you set for yourself? How are those New Year's resolutions coming (mine have been kicked to the curb)?

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P.S. Niki Bowers is the winner of Katherine Garbera's book. Please email Playground Monitor with your snail mail info. Congrats!

To Tempt a Sheikh

The first word that comes to mind when I think of Olivia Gates is classy. She's one of the most brilliant, friendly, generous women I've had the great fortune to meet. Because she lives in Egypt I don't often get the chance to see her, but whenever I do she's always treated me like a wonderful friend.

Which is one reason that I want to take today to give something back to her. I'm sure you're all aware of the unrest currently taking place in Egypt. Olivia has a Desire out this month - To Tempt a Sheikh - which she can't promote because she can't get access to the Internet.

So I'd like to do it for her. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the book yet, but I fully intend to read it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. I've read some of her other books and they're always wonderful!



To Tempt a Sheikh by Olivia Gates

He rescued hostage Talia Burke from his royal family's rival tribe and swept her into his strong embrace. But Prince Harres Aal Shalaan soon discovered there was more to the brave beauty than he knew. Talia held information vital to protecting his beloved kingdom…and she had every reason not to trust him.

Marooned together at a desert oasis, Talia couldn't resist Harres. Yet even as his sizzling seduction entranced her, his loyalty to his family and country would always make them enemies. Falling for the sheikh would be her heart's greatest mistake…but she feared it was already too late….

To read a first chapter and visit Olivia's webpage, click here

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Asking For Help

It has been brought to my attention that I suck at marketing. Repeatedly. And I can't lie, it's true. There are valid excuses but they don't counteract the fact that I suck at marketing. I'm just not very good at tooting my own horn.

I think part of my philosophy stems from my crazy busy life, but also from the reality that I can't quantify the success of anything I do. I'm a touchy feely kinda girl. I wanna know how something works, see the results, or I lose the enthusiasm for doing it. Unfortunately, there's just no way to quantify marketing. There are too many variables and no good way to interview every single person that purchases a book to find out what made them pick that one up off the shelf.

So, that's where y'all come in. I'd really like to know what influences you to pick up a book. Have you ever bought a book based on a blog that you read? A bookmark you received? Or do you only buy based on cover or blurb copy? If you have an ereader has it influenced how you purchase books? Do you instantly buy anything that a trusted friend recommends?

I know that for me, my Nook has really changed the way I shop for books. I'll always buy based on a recommendation from friends who read and enjoy the same kind of books that I do. But I've found myself purchasing authors that I've never heard of (in genres that I don't usually read) because of recommendations from B&N. And really enjoying them. I honestly don't think I've ever purchased a book based on a blog that I've read. A blog might remind me to pick up a book I was already interested in (as in, oh yeah, I forgot that was out this week). But, maybe that's just me?

I really find this subject fascinating because I've discovered that my buying habits aren't necessarily the norm. This was a possibility I'd never thought of. I'm not sure if that means I'm out of touch with reality or just really blinded by my own life. I'm not sure either of those things is good. I'm honestly wondering if I need to reevaluate my take on the whole book buying process. What do y'all think?

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Childhood Treasures

Over this past summer, Drama Queen’s reading abilities grew like one of those tiny toys you put in water, then watch them enlarge and take shape instantaneously. Not only did the amount she read expand, but the difficult of the books she chose rose as well. She’s now reading at a 9th grade level in 5th grade. With surprise, I realized she is reaching the same age I did when reading became my favorite activity.

Her favorites are the Warrior’s books (Erin Hunter) and she’s now reading a historical YA romance by fellow HOD member Melanie Dickerson. She doesn’t seem to be interested in Harry Potter, even though she enjoyed the movies. But watching her sit at the table and read after school brings back so many memories.

My mother began taking us to a local library on a regular basis when I was about eleven. I started in the youth section before moving on to tackle the adult books under my mother’s close supervision. The librarians came to know us very well over the years, until my sister and I started college, and they were always impressed that we each checked out the maximum books allowed: 13 per 2 week period. They were astounded when my mother told them we actually read all those books.



I remember one book in particular, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast titled Beauty. I remember the beautiful language, vivid imagery, and intriguing story of sacrifice and love in that book, as well I should since I read it repeatedly. A quick Amazon search revealed a YA book by the same name, by author Robin McKinley, that sounds like it might be the one. I’m hoping to purchase a copy for my daughter for Christmas. Maybe she’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Do you have a book that stands out from your childhood, one that had a special impact on you and your reading habits?

Angel

The Classics

As many of you might know, my girls changed schools this year. It was something that Sweet Pea was very worried about (and I'll be honest, Zilla and I were too) because she'd gone to school with the same kids since she was three. Baby Girl wasn't as concerned because, as we explained to her, everyone in her class would be new to the school and starting kindergarten together.

We could have saved ourselves some sleepless nights. Both of the girls have settled in really well and absolutely love their new school. But what I'm most happy with is how they are both blossoming. (Excuse me while I brag for a minute :-)) Baby Girl is working at a higher level than I ever expected her to...they're learning subtraction and her homework this week included some word problems. I was surprised and really impressed when she had no problems reading and solving them all by herself. I don't remember doing subtraction until second grade.

However, I think there's a more important change that has come out of the move. Sweet Pea, my child who was reading at the top of her class in first grade had stopped reading. It bothered me. I knew she could handle the advanced material - that wasn't my concern. What upset me more was that she seemed to lose her love of reading. She just couldn't seem to find books that interested her. I even broke down and bought her some Hannah Montana books thinking that if she liked the show then perhaps she'd like the books. I don't think she even opened them.

That has changed. She has begun spending hours each evening reading. It makes my little heart swell with pride and happiness. In fact, she's started reading some of my own personal favorites from my childhood. She just finished Anne of Green Gables, has already tackled Black Beauty and currently has the first Harry Potter for free time at school. She loved Anne as much as I did (although, I admit I was older when I read it...I think in middle school at least). She immediately asked for the second book and when I told her there was a movie she requested a girls day to watch it. I'm looking forward to it. It's something we can share together.

I started thinking about all the other books I was looking forward to sharing with her. Misty of Chincoteague, Circus Shoes, Ballet Shoes, Little House on the Prairie, Gone with the Wind (eventually). I'm really glad that she's finally rediscovered her love of reading. It was so much a part of my childhood and my way to escape into a wonderful world of fantasy and imagination. I wanted that for her too.

So what are your classics? What books do you remember most from your childhood? Do you have a special book or series that you've shared with your children?

Instigator

P.S. She's also discovered the Disney Fairy books. What can I say? I enjoyed a little Sweet Valley High mixed into the classics too.

What Ya Reading???

Of all the gifts I could receive on Valentine’s Day, one of my favorite would have to be a gift card to the bookstore. As a matter of fact, my lovely hubby gave me one for Christmas this year, and I had so much fun spending it! I found 2 new-to-me authors who luckily had out several books in their series each and I was able to purchase in bulk. Unfortunately, that also meant I wasn’t getting as much writing done, but I couldn’t resist. These books were like caffeine to an addict. I had to have my daily fix! Now, I’ve read everything they have out in those series and am eagerly awaiting the next releases. The next best thing would be sharing these authors with you!

So here are my newest reading obsessions:

Jami Alden: The Gemini Men series

What do you get when you combine a trio of hot brothers, women who know just which buttons to push, and rampant murderers on the loose? A darn good read, that’s what!

Jami Alden’s trilogy on the Gemini brothers, private investigators and security specialists, are wonderful romantic suspense with lots of spicy sex scenes and mysteries that can and do surprise you. The newest is UNLEASHED, the last Gemini brother in his quest to clear a woman he loved long ago from a murder wrap, while not getting himself swept back up into his attraction for her. (Like he’ll ever succeed at that!) These guys are strong, sometimes *ssholes, but always fall hard for the women that sweep into their lives. YummO!




Larissa Ione: Demonica Series

I’m not sure how I’ve missed seeing this author before, considering there are 4 books currently out in this hot paranormal series. Larissa sets up her own paranormal world pitting demonic forces against the Aegis (humans dedicated to protecting humankind from demons and others). She started the series off with Seminus demon brothers (BTW, those are SEX DEMONS! Yowza!) who blew the lid off the hottie charts! These are your typical bad boys in demon form. But the women who tame them are just as bad. ;) If you like paranormal (including demons, vampires, weres, ghosts, and fallen angels), you won’t want to miss out on this series. I gave the first 2 books to my sister after I finished reading them, and she got really upset with me… because she’s so busy devouring them like I did that she’s not getting any writing done either. What can I say? I must share the procrastination… uh, wealth. :)






The newest book in the series is ECSTASY UNVEILED, pitting a Seminus demon against an earthbound angel. Talk about power plays! My next indulgence will be to check out the series she writes with author Stephanie Tyler under the pseudonym Sydney Croft. Those sound good too. Maybe as a reward when I have actually gotten some work done…

So tell me, what are your newest reads? Found a new (or new-to-you) author lately? A great new release by one of your must-have authors? Tell us all about them and share the, um, wealth. :)

Angel

P.S. The winner of Tawny Weber’s book from last Thursday is Caroline Storer! Caroline, please send your snail mail address to Tawny at tawny@tawnyweber.com to claim your prize.

Guest Blogger Donna Alward (Returns!)

The Playfriends are tickled to welcome Donna Alward back to the blog today. (Note to self: ask Donna what she's blogging about before posting to be sure you won't be starving afterward...)

But back to the fabulous Donna... this award-winning author for Harlequin Romance is also a hoot to hang out with, and I'm so glad she's back today, because her topic is one that's a fave around here...

Cooking it up between the pages

If any of you have read any of my books, you’ll find that no matter what, there’s food in there. Even when the heroine can’t cook (Hired By The Cowboy, Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage) there’s food. Even when they eat in fancy restaurants (Hired: The Italian’s Bride) or leave it up to someone else (The Rancher’s Runaway Princess) you’ll find scrummy food. And sometimes it IS the heroine whipping up a gastronomical delight.

Cuz I love food. I love to eat it, I love to cook it. I hate to do dishes. That’s why you’ll hardly ever (don’t want to say never) see one of my heroines toiling away lamenting her dishpan hands. She probably won’t be seen cleaning toilets either. Not just because it’s not romantic. But because I hate cleaning the bathroom and I hate doing dishes.

Anyway *ahem* back to the food.

I’ve got another book out this month and the heroine is a secondary character from The Rancher’s Runaway Princess. Jen O’Keefe runs the local bakery. I know. Not just food but CHOCOLATE. Her signature item is chocolate brownies. Brownies based on my favourite brownie recipe ever. Brownies that have caused some people to raise their eyebrows at me and say “No, you can’t possibly mean that much butter, sugar and eggs!”. Not only that, but Jen is making a change. No more Snickerdoodles Bakery – she’s upgrading to a catering business too! And she’s catering Andrew Laramie’s party at the Lazy L Ranch.

That meant I could think of all kinds of things for her to make. For her business – things like Italian sausage penne. Spinach and pecan salad with poppyseed dressing. For Andrew’s party, the Alberta rodeo staple – Beef on a Bun. I get hungry just thinking about the shredded beef in a rich sauce on a chewy Kaiser roll…

You won’t find a lot of fancy foods in my book, because while I love to eat’ em, I usually keep to good ol’ comfort food. Then again, you never know when I’m going to throw in homemade Veal Parmigiana or a stir fry pan of spicy hot Kung Pao…

So…what’s for dinner at your house?


You can check out the recipes for foods found in my books on my Recipe Corner page of my site.

In the meantime, you can read about Jen and Snickerdoodles Bakery in One Dance With The Cowboy, out this month from Harlequin Romance and book 1 in my Cowboys and Confetti duet.


Visit Donna's page at www.donnaalward.com







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Win An Amazon Gift Card!!!

The Playfriends are celebrating the new look of our website for 2010 by giving out a big prize this week – a $50 gift card to Amazon.com . The catch? You must answer a question about the website from the blog to be entered to win. www.writingplayground.com

Check in each day of this week and answer the question found at the bottom of the blog post by sending the answer to webmaster@writingplayground.com . Each question you answer gives you 1 chance to win, up to 5 entries for the week. Additional entries may be earned by reporting any broken links you find on the website to the same email address. The more you play, the bigger your chance to win!

The winner will be announced on Saturday, so be sure to check in then too. If the prize is not claimed within 7 days, we’ll be awarding it to someone else. Okay? Let’s play!

Monday’s question: From “Roll Call”, who dubbed us “The Children”?

Email your answer to webmaster@writingplayground.com to enter!


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P.S. Winners from Free Book Friday’s very challenging post. :)

Becky J. Heath wins the 3 Presents book pack for her creative post.
Mariska wins last month's Holiday FBF prize featuring Linda Winstead Jones and Rhonda Nelson's Christmas Novellas.
Virginia wins the copy of An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James.
Please send your snail mail address to smartypants@writingplayground.com

Martha M is the winner of the Revenge contest against SP. Kimberly chose her because "she is sick and twisted and I love her." Martha, send your snail mail address to problemchild@writingplayground.com

Going Fan-grrl…

I’m a relatively new author – two books out and three more in the pipeline; I’m still considered wet behind the ears – but of all the things I’ve learned in the last year and a half, one lesson is really sticking with me: I’ve become a more appreciative reader.

Let me explain…

Not long ago, I went to a booksigning and a woman I’d never met before came up to me, introduced herself, shook my hand, and said the magic words: “I just love your books.” Before I could even say “thanks,” she made a face and shook her head. “I bet you get tired of hearing that,” she said.

Um, in a word, NO. Those five words made my day. My week. Heck, my whole month of staring at the keyboard hoping I could whip my hero and heroine into line was suddenly shining in a whole new light.

Let me tell you – I don’t think any author gets tired of hearing that.

As a reader, I expect an author to entertain me. I expect to like the book I’ve plunked down my hard-earned cash for. That’s her job. We have a business relationship: she writes the books; I devour them. But honestly, it rarely occurred to me to drop an author an email and let her know that I enjoyed it. After all, she’s probably drowning in email from folks gushing about how much they loved the book.

Maybe some authors are. I can think of several authors with forums full of rabid fans gushing about how much they loved the book. But I can’t imagine anyone ever getting tired of hearing someone loved something they created. That’s like getting tired of someone telling you how smart and beautiful your child is (just because you agree, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to hear it ~g~). Still, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d sent an email to an author letting her know how much I enjoyed her book.

The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. I thanked the server who refilled my drink at the restaurant. I thanked the toll-both operator when she handed me my change. I thanked the clerk at the grocery store who helped carry my bags to my car. Heck, I even thanked the police officer who wrote me a speeding ticket. These folks were all doing their jobs, and I thanked them for it. (Maybe I’m just too Southern…). But a book – the wonder and glory of a book that swept me away, made me laugh and cry, gave me hours of pleasure after a not-fun day – I’d let that go by without even thinking about the person who created it.

Now, before anyone thinks I’m simply fishing for compliments here or advocating the ego-stroking of authors, let me be straight about one thing: I’m a writer, yes, but I was a reader first. And I’m still a reader. I will always be a reader. But I’m a more appreciative reader now.

So I started sending emails. If I enjoyed the book, I sent the author a quick email letting her know it. Nothing long, nothing complicated, no in-depth analysis or critique. Sometimes, they were just a sentence or two long: “Dear Author, I just finished THE BOOK YOU SPENT MONTHS CREATING, and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Thank you.”

Sometimes, they wrote me back. Sometimes they didn’t. But I felt better for it, and maybe I made that author’s day with my email. Maybe my email was able to counteract that snotty email from the reader who despised the entire book because they’re vegetarian and the heroine ate a cheeseburger, and how could the author be so dense and cruel to ignore the plight of animals…

People are quick to criticize, but very slow to compliment. And since gratitude is good for the soul, I figure it’s a win-win all the way around.

So, tell us in the comment tail who you’re reading and loving. (Your comment will pop up on the author’s Google alert – if she has one – and she’ll get a little smile for knowing you were willing to tell others how much you enjoyed the book.)

To earn Karmic Extra Points, then go to the author’s website (or even her Facebook page) and tell her how much you enjoy her books.

I promise you – it will put a smile on her face.

PC

**And I'm blogging over at Tote Bags 'n Blogs today! Come visit!

Books, books, and more books

I had intended to write my blog earlier in the evening. Instead, I’ve finally turned my computer on for the first time all weekend and am writing my blog at 10:30 at night. :) You see, the Playfriends were gone to our annual chapter retreat this weekend, so I haven’t been home since 11 am Friday morning. Then, the first thing I noticed when I walked into my home again on Sunday afternoon was that my husband had put together my last 2 sets of shelves. Finally, after much waiting, I have a whole wall of bookshelves in my living room!!! I’ve wanted this for a long time and can’t tell you how excited I am.

But of course, having the shelves up isn’t the end of the road. Now I have to put the books on them. I still had boxes of books in the garage that we hadn’t opened since our move to this house 2 years ago, because we had no place to put them. So I trekked out to the garage and started moving boxes inside. I’d completely forgotten how many of them there were!!! And how heavy!!!
I got most of the boxes inside, except for a couple of REALLY heavy ones I’ll have to get my husband to manage and a few boxes of cookbooks. Then I started peeking inside. Now, I vividly remember taking several boxes of books to the library before, trying to whittle down our collection in the process of moving. But as I started going through these books, I realized I had a lot more to get rid of.

Sorting Time!

Way more books have landed in the giveaway boxes than are going on my new shelves. I looked at each one and asked myself, Do I remember this book? Why did I keep it? Is it one I will read again? (I reread my favorites when I’m in the process of first drafting.) Does this story hold a special place in my heart? (written and signed by a friend, come from a special time in my life, etc) I also have a box of books set aside that are sweet romances I enjoyed during my teen years that I want to save for when my daughter reaches that age.

Yes, I’m excited about my new shelves, but only because I now have a place to display one of the most important aspects of my life: my books. And I want the books on those shelves to be “keepers”. The hardback copy of Little Women that I reread a bazillion times as a young woman. My first Harlequins. Stories that I reach for time and again because the characters are like old friends and I want to relive the magic of their love. Stories by authors who are wonderful friends and mentors to me, inspirations on my own journey to publication. I can’t wait for these to be a true part of our home.

So tell me, how do you decide which books to let go and which to keep? What is your most precious “keeper” book? Have you found a place to display your books or are your shelves overflowing (as I have a feeling mine will one day)?

Angel

Coming Soon!
We have lots going on this week!

Problem Child is blogging today at the Pink Heart Society! Join her on her field trip.

Tomorrow author Kate Hewitt will be guest blogging with us.

P.S. LeaAnnS is Pamela Hearon's winner from last Monday. Please contact Problem Child to arrange for your prize.

Bad Manners (but Good News!)

Since I’m Southern and I was raised to believe it’s very bad manners to brag on yourself and blow your own horn, I should be ashamed of this post. (Look Away, Mom! Look Away!)

But I can’t help it. I’m just giddy and busting at the seams with news. I’ll try to get it out of my system in one post today.

My sailboat book, Magnate’s Mistress…Accidentally Pregnant! is out in the UK this month! I (heart) this book in so many ways… in no small reason because it was one of those books that just seemed to write itself as fast as I could make my fingers move across the keyboard. I’m totally in love with the hero (and we’ll all tell the Darling Geek that Chris is totally modeled on him), and I adore Ally. I got to mix sailboats and Greek mythology and Caribbean islands and steamy sex and I had a blast doing it. I even love the cover!

(Magnate’s Mistress…Accidentally Pregnant! will be out in the US in February.)

Of course, I’m counting down to the US release The Millionaire’s Misbehaving Mistress (which, if you’re just on the edge of your seat and can’t wait for it to hit the bookstore, is available on the eHarlequin site now). I love the alliteration of the title, and when you find out the heroine is an etiquette expert nicknamed "Miss Behavior," the title becomes that much better! And this cover captures Will and Gwen perfectly, I think.

If you look in the sidebar, you’ll see we’re planning a party in October to celebrate its arrival in the bookstores. If all goes well, I’ll have a special announcement to make that day too!

And if that's not enough...

The Secret Mistress Arrangement just keeps on going! I love the fact I get three English-language releases – US, UK, and Aus/NZ – on all the books, but there’s a whole different excitement in having a book translated and released to a different country.

First it was France:

Loosely translated, that’s The Perfume of Temptation. (And yes, I’m out with Day Leclaire!)

Now it’s in Italy in a 2-in-1 with Robyn Grady (who is just fab):

The title of the duet is Seductive Agreement, and TSMA is rechristened Seven Days of Desire.

See why I’m giddy?

Be giddy with me. Share some good news. We’ll all squee together!

PC

**Oh, and I'm guest blogging over at Lynn Raye Harris' blog today and tomorrow about writing for Modern Heat.

New-to-me authors!

Occasionally I love to pass along information I find out about new-to-me authors. I just love finding a new author, especially on the recommendation of someone who has read and enjoyed their work. I really like it if they have several books already published I can dive into. Besides, authors are always readers, and I enjoy reading more than the average person (though I feel guilty, because I think I should be writing).

Anyway, my sister recently told me about a writer for Loose Id, Cherise Sinclair, who has some hot and steamy books out (definitely not G-rated, if you get my drift… okay, not even PG-13). I read the Master of the Shadowlands series. Hot, hot, hot!!! And oh, so good. The characterization in them is wonderful and I can’t wait to try some of her other books.

I also picked up a new-to-me author at Nationals, paranormal author Pamela Palmer. I have to say that her Feral Warriors novels are the first books I’ve bought based on a bookmark/postcard. This author sent promotional materials to the HOD Readers Luncheon. The postcards were actually pictures of her covers and they were wonderful! After visiting her website, I realized the first in her paranormal series would come out right before Nationals (she is also published in historical). So I decided to wait and get a signed copy while there. Since then, I’ve devoured books 1 and 2, and 3 comes out this week. I can’t wait!!! If you like sexy paranormals, these are great.

And though she isn’t new to me, I also picked up Rita Herron’s new Demonborn book (book 2 of the series, I loved book 1). Talk about sexy paranormals! Seeing a trend here?!? But I’ve also read Maven Linda Howard’s Burn (really good! but now I’m even more afraid to take a cruise) and several Harlequin Presents, including Lynn Raye Harris’s Spanish Magnate, Red Hot Revenge (gotta love those sexy Spaniard’s!).

So let’s talk about what you’re reading today. Got any new authors to tell me about? Current favorite books or obsessions? I need something else to distract me from my own writing. :)

Angel

Up All Night

I gave myself an unusual Mother’s Day gift this year. Not that my husband hadn’t been more than generous. On Saturday, he kept kid #2 for Drama Queen and I to go get our nails done with my sister and her daughter. Then I did some clothes/shoes shopping (stocked up on some Yellow Box and Tevas flip flops on sale! An obsession he totally doesn’t understand.). Then joined the Playfriends for some birthday action and the new Wolverine movie (Hugh is HOT!).

But my gift to myself came later that night. I got home at 11:30, after even the hubby was in bed. I figured I’d just chill for a few minutes and then go on to bed. So I picked up my copy of J.R. Ward’s new Brotherhood of the Dagger book, Lover Avenged, and started a few chapters. And read. And read. And read.

Little Man woke up around 4 am. Got him back to bed. Well, it was already turning light outside, so I might as well just keep reading. I started the 500+ book at midnight and finished it at 8:30pm.

Now, I’ve been known to read until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, but never all night. Here’s the thing: there were no interruptions. There was a comforting silence. No one asked me for anything. No one talked to me while I was trying to read (a pet peeve of mine). No one asked questions or turned on the television. Just me and the characters on the page. It was SO peaceful.

I did continue to read on and off all day. We had a late lunch with the hubby’s family, and I fit in a 2.5 hour nap directly after. I didn't check email or even walk into the study. My total accomplishment for the day: handing out Mother’s Day gifts and putting 1 child to bed. Oh, and I did shower. :) I was asleep as soon as I finished the book and lay over on the couch to watch television.

I just don’t have lazy days like that. There’s too much to do around here, and too many other things I really want to do. But every so often, it pays to stay up all night.

So tell me, how did you spend your weekend? Any good Mother’s Day gifts (given or received)? Any book you've stayed up all night (or most of it) to read?

Angel

My last blog

I'm sorry to say this but, this will be my last blog post.


Things have been a bit tough for me lately and life is getting shorter and shorter. I want to take time and smell the roses. So I am going to quit blogging here at the Playground and travel full time with a biker gang to see the country and enjoy life while I still can.


Don't worry about me - they all seem like really nice people. It has been nice knowing all of you, but it's time to say good bye.


Here is a photo of the gang.

Happy April Fool's Day!

What's NOT fooling is the new Blaze Authors' Blog. Blaze senior editor Brenda Chin kicks things off with the first post and they are launching with a huge contest -- they are giving away the first quarter of 2009 Blazes. Six books a month times three months equals 18 fabulous books! Pop on over and join Instigator, the Playground's Blaze author, in the fun.

AND our very own Problem Child is guest blogging at the Pink Heart Society today. Hope over there and keep her company too.

Series or No?

This past year, I’ve found myself reading a lot of series, especially paranormal ones. J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, Jacqueline Frank, Twilight, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters. Most recently, I’m hooked on Lara Adrian’s Breed series, featuring a set of hard-ass vampire warriors at odds with the rest of the vampire race.

I’ve noticed that the series I’m drawn to are the type where each book could stand alone if it had to. Each installment features a different couple finding their happily ever after. Though one common theme or conflict might arc over the entire set, each one has a unique problem to be solved in the course of one book. I did avoid the Dark-Hunter books for a long time, because there were so many of them. But found that to be a good thing once I started, because then I didn't have to wait months for the next one to come out. :)

There is another type of series that features one couple over the course of several books, finding their happily ever after and facing whatever major conflict overrides the series, along with smaller conflicts during each installment. My sister is currently raving over the Karen Marie Moning Fever series, which is set up this way. But I find myself reluctant to read them. I have a hard enough time making it through one book. 1. Because I’m impatient. 2. Because I have little reading time. It is hard enough to get through a single title, much less 4 or 5 to find out what happens in the end. The Twilight series was set up this way, and I admit I postponed starting them because the books were long and I knew I wouldn’t want to stop until I reach the end of #4.

Do you have a preference for the kind of series books you prefer? What is the most memorable that you’ve read?

Angel

Our thoughts, our prayers, and now our books...

The Playfriends -- along with the rest of the world -- are sending our thoughts and prayers down under as Australia deals with the bushfires that have taken such a horrific toll on people, animals, and property.

Whenever tragedy strikes, we need stories of hope and survival to counteract the loss.

For many, the story was the koala named Sam:

But you know where else you can find stories of hope and survival?

Yep. In books. Me, I'm partial to romance to help escape bad news and find a little rest for my brain when it's about to overload. But any book will do.

So I'm very happy to announce that the *other* RWA -- Romance Writers of Australia -- is organizing a book drive to serve the communities destroyed by fire.


Now, granted, books aren't the first and foremost need right this very second. If you want to help feed and shelter people who have lost their homes, the Australian Red Cross will take your donation online and put your money to work. The Australian RSPCA will also take online donations to help care for the animals who were injured and displaced by the fires.

But we're all readers here, and we know there are plenty of people who could use an escape from the reality of the situation by losing themselves in a book. Plenty of people who want to curl up with their children and just read to them. But with libraries destroyed and purchasing books low on anyone's list of priorities, there's only one good way to get books back into the hands of the people.

And that's a book drive.

So hurrah to the RWA for stepping in. They're collecting new and like-new books -- romance (of course), children's, all genre fiction ... anything, basically. RWA will collect, sort and box up the books, and see that they're delivered to community/neighborhood centers and libraries where they're needed. (Feel free to include a note, or, if you wrote the book, sign it!)

Mail your books to:

RWA Bushfire Book Appeal
c/-89 Rennie St.
Thornbury, VIC 3071
AUSTRALIA


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here's a Valentine treat for everyone: Harlequin is celebrating its 60th birthday this year, and they're giving away ebooks to celebrate -- 16 ebooks! Just visit www.harlequincelebrates.com and click on the titles you want. They'll download immediately.

This and That

I have to admit, with everything going on in my life, I haven’t been accomplishing much in the writing arena. In fact, I’m pretty disappointed with my January showing. But I’ve been making up for all the reading I didn’t do last year, especially this past week with child duty and being sick myself.

FYI: For those interested, Drama Queen now has one pink cast and one black splint and is doing much better! Thanks for everyone’s well wishes.

I thought we could talk books today, so I could rave about some of my recent keepers additions. I stumbled across 2 new paranormal authors at the bookstore on one of those rare days when I actually got to browse. Both of the covers caught my eye and the back cover blurbs sealed the deal. Luckily for me, they both lived up to expectations.



This series is about a group of vampires called the “Breed.” I found it very emotionally stirring and different from the common vampire lore. BTW, I’m seeing a lot of the split color covers at the bookstore and love them! Can't wait to read more in this series, of which I believe there are 5 now.



Frank is a new-to-me author, and her writing reminds me a lot of historical authors, though these books are contemporaries. Lots of narrative, description and internal dialogue. She isn’t afraid to let her characters think, which I love. This is part of her first series, which I’m now working my way through, about Demons. But they aren’t what we consider demons, they are actually elementals. I’d never encountered this term until I read a friend’s paranormal story and enjoyed this dip into something different. After finishing NOAH, I’m now reading the first in this series, JACOB.



Anna Campbell is our featured interview on the Playground this month, and you might recall we had her on the blog not too long ago. This is her third book and just as emotionally satisfying as the first two. Her characters go way beyond the stereotypical, and I love watching her peel back the layers as we get to know them. Loved this one too!

So that’s what I’ve been reading lately. What books are you totally engrossed in at the moment? What are you loving about them? Found any new authors lately?

Angel

PS. Our own Problem Child is blogging over at the Pink Hearts Society today. If you have time, head over there and give her a shout out.

PPS. The Playfriends are participating in an online auction in aid of a homeless teen and her mother. It begins today. We’re offering a bag of books and some chick bath goodies. Check it out here.