I’m always happy to turn the blog over to someone else for a day but TODAY I’m particularly pleased to hand it over to a good friend and talented writer who also happens to be my critique partner. WOO! She’s going to tell us all about her debut release, Blood Hero, which is AWESOME and you must buy it right away. You think you know vampires? HA. You haven’t see nothing yet. I should also mention I have ONE very awesome copy Blood Hero to a lucky commenter (in the format of their choice) today in a random drawing. So comment away and get entered!

Madeleine has agreed to an interview here. So without further ado… here we go!

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Hi, Michelle! Thanks for inviting me to visit with you today.

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? And how did you get your start?

When I was seven, I told my parents that I wanted to be a writer, an astronaut, and President. (I might be a little bit behind schedule on those last two goals.) After I graduated from college, I started working as a technical writer, and in my spare time, I wrote poetry. I didn’t even consider trying my hand at fiction until 2001, when I got the itch to write a novel.

I did write that novel. But I also discovered, to my dismay, that being a good technical writer didn’t make me a good novelist. So it was back to the drawing board for me… I had a four hour round-trip commute every day by bus, and I used that time to read craft books and do writing exercises.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Research. I’m an ancient history buff and a pagan-cum-Buddhist who’s fascinated with polytheistic cultures. When I’m not reading speculative fiction, I’m usually reading about history, anthropology, or mythology.

3. What is the one writer’s tool you can’t live without?

Dark chocolate. And my library card. (Wait, that’s two, isn’t it?)

I’ve discovered that I can write on my laptop, I can write on paper, I can even write on my cell phone with its teeny weeny two-thumb keyboard. I once wrote an entire scene on post-it notes, because I was stuck waiting in a doctor’s office and that was the only paper I had in my purse.

4. How many words/pages do you do in a day/week/month? And how do you keep yourself motivated to do them?

It depends on what stage I’m in. Some days I don’t write any words at all, but I might turn out 10-20 pages of scribbled notes while brainstorming. If I’m at the drafting stage, my output ranges anywhere from 250-3000 words. At the editing stage, I average about 10 pages a day.

Yoga and acupressure help me focus when I’m having a hard time concentrating. So does an email from my critique partners, asking how many words I’ve written. (I love you guys!)

5. Whose work has influenced you the most?

C.J. Cherryh is one of my favorite authors, and I’m continually amazed with her ability to write emotionally compelling stories featuring characters that suck me in. Jim Butcher is addictive—he gets better with every new Dresden novel. Lilith Saintcrow blows me away with the intensity of her stories and her wonderfully-detailed worldbuilding. I read a lot of Asimov and Heinlein when I was in high school. Many of my influences are the classics, though. I majored in English in college, and my favorites there were Chaucer, Shakespeare, Homer, and a lot of poets.

6. This month is the release of your debut story, BLOOD HERO. Where did you get the idea for that?

I’d been doing research about ancient Mesopotamia for a novel, so when one of my crit partners, Gavin Atlas, offered to help me brainstorm a short story, there were a lot of historical elements I’d wanted to put in the novel but that didn’t fit. Blood Hero gave me the opportunity to use some of those other cool ideas, and to explore one of the most fascinating cities in the Near East—Babylon.

Once I’d chosen the setting, I started reading about Babylonian demons, trying to find one that I wanted to focus a story on. I came up with the ardat-lili, the “night maiden,” a sexy spirit who was probably the precursor of the succubus. With some nudging from Gavin, I decided that a vampire would be a perfect match for her.

7. Tell us a little about the book.

A vampire and a succubus walk into a ziggurat…oh, have you heard this one?

Blood Hero opens with a young soldier named Rihat, praying to the war god Marduk for assistance. Rihat’s village is being terrorized by an akhazu demon, a monster much too powerful for one warrior to defeat.

Iltani, an ardat-lili, overhears Rihat’s prayer and offers him the power to defeat the akhazu, if he’ll serve her without question. Can he trust the mysterious night maiden?

8. What are you working on now?

I recently finished Faery’s Bargain, an erotic paranormal about a Fae warrior and a witch who each desperately need what the other has.

I’ve just started a futuristic romance about an undercover vice cop and black ops soldier who cross paths while trying to take down a ring of sex slavers.

9. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

A counselor or therapist, probably. Although there was that one summer about twelve years ago where my life had sort of fallen apart, and I was fantasizing about becoming a professional bellydancer…

10. What’s your favorite genre to read? What’s your favorite genre to write?

Science fiction and fantasy are my favorites to read, but hot paranormal romance is my favorite to write. I love putting two characters in trouble together and letting them have at one another.

11. If you could have a harem made up of your favorite fictional characters, who would be in it?

• Sherlock Holmes
• Hajime Saitou (Rurouni Kenshin)
• Han Solo
• Indiana Jones
• John Crichton (Farscape)
• Trent the Uncatchable (The Long Run)
• Harry Dresden
• Mr. Spock
• Autolycus (Xena)
• Rick O’Connell (The Mummy)
• Spiderman
• Finn Delany (the Time Wars series)
• Banichi (Cherryh’s atevi series)
• …and Zorro!

Madeleine Drake writes feisty, fast-paced paranormal romance and erotica that spans the space-time continuum.

Raised by a pride of cats, a friendly mutt, and the Sonoma County library system, she loves to read about ancient history and mythology, anthropology, gender roles, and sexual archetypes.

Her homeworld is located out past the constellation Orion, but she currently resides in Texas. You can find her online at http://www.madeleinedrake.com.

Blood Hero, is available from Excessica by clicking HERE.

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Excerpt from Blood Hero:

Rihat knelt before the limestone statue of Marduk, more out of despair than reverence for the stern-faced war god. Tomorrow, Rihat would seek out the monster that was ravaging his village, and tomorrow, he would die.

Once he was dead, who would protect his sister from the beast?

Anger tightened its hold on his throat, and he growled, trying to clear the ache that threatened to choke him. He’d wasted too much time already, first begging his fellow soldiers to fight with him, then trying to bribe palace staff to give him an audience with the king of Babylon, and finally spending his last few shekels on a scrawny pig for Marduk’s priests to sacrifice on his behalf, hoping they could tell him how to defeat the monstrous akhazu by himself. All for nothing.

What could he do now but face the beast himself and die with his honor intact?

If he died well, perhaps Marduk would protect his sister.

As he opened his mouth to repeat his prayer, a fierce prickling crawled over his skin. Invisible, fiery needles pierced every inch of him, stinging his arms and legs, burning his belly, inflaming his cock. The air turned thick and heavy, and he gasped, blood pounding in his temples, a sudden, involuntary erection straining against his loincloth, lifting his kilt. His strength ebbed; the muscles in his thighs trembled.

Had Marduk noticed the frustration behind his plea, and chosen to punish him for it?

Behind him, a scuffing sound. Rihat jumped to his feet and whirled, lightheaded with the effort, grunting with the pain of stiff knees forced to move too quickly.

A woman.

Not just a woman. A beautiful woman. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

She wore a robe of white linen so sheer he could see the red-brown circles of her nipples and the dark, furry triangle between her legs. Her skin shimmered gold, like the desert sand at midday. Her hair, black as pitch, was unbound, flowing down her back to brush against the back of her thighs like a veil. A huge carnelian, like blood turned to stone, hung from the intricate chain around her neck.

His cock throbbed harder, as if trying to tear through his clothes to get to her. If he were naked, it would be pointing straight at her.

Why hadn’t he heard her enter the room?

She examined him deliberately, head to toe. When her kohl-lined eyes paused at his groin, she smiled and licked her lips with a delicate pink tongue.

“Who are you?” he rasped.

“Rejoice, Rihat,” the woman answered. “Your prayer has been answered.”

* * * *

She could smell his arousal with every breath, a musky, salty scent far more pleasing than the smoky-sweet myrrh permeating the temple. He was clearly a soldier, dressed in the standard leather tunic reinforced with bronze scales, a fringed wool kilt and battered sandals. Alert brown eyes over his straight nose, broad cheeks tapering down to his strong chin, wavy black hair pulled back with a cord–she would have found him attractive even if she hadn’t been half-mad with the need to feed.

Iltani reined in her hunger, ignoring the deep ache in her core, the dampness between her legs. She’d finally found a warrior who might suit her purposes. She couldn’t risk frightening him off before she’d had a chance to talk to him.

Even if he doesn’t accept your offer, he might let you feed anyway. Few men had the willpower to resist an ardat-lili. As much as she hated what she’d become, Iltani could only restrain her hunger for so long.

He looked like he was about to speak. “It won’t help to call out,” she said. “No one will hear anything until I’m finished with you.”

“Who are you?” the tall, well-muscled warrior demanded again. His fingers twitched, clenched into fists. “How do you know my name?”

“I heard you praying. You may call me Iltani.”

The warrior took a sharp breath. Sweat beaded on his brows, highlighting the rapid pulse at his temples. “What are you?”

“My father is Ea.”

“A goddess,” he breathed, fear flickering over his face. He banished it with a scowl that in no way distracted Iltani from the prodigious lump beneath his kilt.

She was so hungry. “Half-goddess. My mother was human.”

“What do you want with me?”

The prayer Iltani had overheard was for his sister, and Rihat was clearly prepared to die in order to protect her. A man who could love that deeply deserved the truth. But was he brave enough to look that truth squarely in the eye? Or would he recoil with disgust as soon as he learned what she really was?

“I served as one of Ishtar’s handmaidens, until the goddess caught her consort Tammuz ogling me.” Even the anger roused by the memory of her exile wasn’t enough to eclipse her swelling hunger for Rihat. She wanted to push him down, to kiss him, to drink in the vitality he radiated. The delicate linen of her robe, soft as it was, seemed to scour her swollen nipples with every breath she drew. The tingling between her legs grew stronger. “Ishtar cursed me to be an ardat-lili and banished me to live in your realm.”

Rihat didn’t back away, or start praying, or make that silly gesture humans believed would protect them against evil spirits. Was he that brave? Or did he simply love his sister that much? He asked, “Why me?”

Hope welled in Iltani’s heart. Had she finally found a man who would help her? She’d already released three others from their vows of service–two because she caught them abusing their newfound abilities, and a third because he’d proven too squeamish about her curse to be reliable.

“I require a warrior to help me break the curse. In return, I can give you the strength to defeat your akhazu.”

Rihat regarded her in silence.

“Once the curse is broken,” Iltani added, “You’d be free again. But until then, you must serve me without question.”

“Free,” he repeated dubiously. “Why would you release me once I’ve agreed to serve you?”

She shrugged, tried to hide the trembling thrill she felt as his eyes followed the movement. “That is not your concern.”

* * * *

“How?” Rihat asked, barely able to think for the thunder of lust through his veins.

“How what?”

“How would you help me kill the akhazu?” It was a mistake to bargain with her. How many men had she killed, seducing them and feeding on their souls? Sucking them to husks and abandoning them, the poor bastards still crying for her touch with their dying breath. No matter that her father was the God of Wisdom, this woman was a demon, and any sane man would run from her.

But if she could save his sister, he’d give up his sanity as willingly as he’d give up his life.

Iltani licked her lips again and the muscles in his thighs shivered, his aching cock shifting beneath the fabric that restrained it. He was certain all the blood in his body was gathering in his groin. Even knowing what she was, he wanted her more than he’d wanted anything in his life.

“The blood of the gods still flows through my veins,” Iltani answered. “Drink from me, and you’ll have the strength of fifty men. For a while.”

He could barely talk, he was working so hard at restraining himself. He wanted to seize her, to back her up against the wall and take her. Right now. “How long is a while?”

“Long enough to save your sister.”

“While I serve you, you’ll…feed from me?” he asked.

“I won’t take enough to weaken you. I need you to be strong.”

Did he believe her? Did it matter? She was the only hope he had of defeating the akhazu. A deal with a demon. It was foolish, but he was desperate.

No doubt, he would enjoy serving her as much as he would regret it. “I’m ready.”

The ardat-lili smiled. “Take off your tunic.”

This month, fellow romance author, Teri Thackston, is stopping by to say hi and answer a few questions about her latest book, THE SALVATION OF CAPTAIN BEN CHANDLER published through Cerridwen Press.

Here’s a quick blurb about the book: Rumors of her death have cost Clarity Breckenridge her home and her precious Arabian stallion Sir Robin. Civil War weary Captain Ben Chandler just wants to deliver the stallion he purchased for his cousin in Texas. Thrown together by fate, held together by mutual attraction, they struggle together to outwit a killer who threatens both their plans.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today, Teri!

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? And how did you get your start?

I’ve been writing since I was about eleven years old, inspired by Nancy Drew stories initially and then later by Ian Fleming and Alistair MacLean.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere! People I meet, stories I hear or read—both fictional and real—even the whisper of the wind through high grasses on a mysterious hillside…yikes, I’m getting ideas right now!

3. What is the one writer’s tool you can’t live without?

My initial answer would be my laptop, but I really could write with the ancient tools of pen and paper. It’s my God-given imagination, I guess, that is most important to me.

4. How many words/pages do you do in a day/week/month? And how do you keep yourself motivated to do them?

I’m not very disciplined, so I don’t count words or pages. I write until my brain shuts down—sometimes that’s after a couple of hours, other days it’s only after my stomach or my bladder remind me that it’s time to get out of the chair for a break.

5. Whose work has influenced you the most?

Alistair MacLean—no doubt. He didn’t have a lot of romance in his stories, but he knew how to meld action and plot in a way that simply stunned me. I learned how to tell a story by reading his works. I learned to add romance from writers like Christie Craig, Colleen Thompson, Kim Lenox—there are just too many inspiring writers to name.

6. This month is the release of your western historical, THE SALVATION OF CAPTAIN BEN CHANDLER. Where did you get the idea for that?

I was working on my first western romance for Cerridwen Press THE ABDUCTION OF MISS JENNY CHANDLER, and one of the secondary characters—Jenny’s cousin Ben—kept popping into my mind. I actually wrote a few scenes from his point of view and I liked them so much that I left them in that book. That’s unusual for me. I generally stick to the hero’s or heroine’s POV (okay, not always, but usually). I just liked Ben so much that I had to come up with a story for him.

7. Tell us a little about the book.

It takes place shortly after the Confederacy surrendered to the Union—a highly emotional time for our country. Heading home to Texas, Confederate Captain Ben Chandler catches Clarity Breckenridge stealing the Arabian stallion he bought in Kentucky. Clarity claims to own the horse and is determined to get it back. But everyone she knows claims that she died at the end of the war. When a killer tries to permanently end her attempts to prove her identity, Ben whisks her—and her horse—to Texas.

Ben is emotionally and physically weary. His parents are dead, the woman he loved has left him and he suffered so many near-misses during the war that he just wants to hide himself back home. When Clarity’s joyful outlook threatens to bring him painfully back to life, he resists his growing attraction to her.

Meanwhile Clarity’s vow to return home and prove her identity is strained by her growing attraction to the handsome captain who saved her life. But a near rape years earlier makes her afraid that she could not be a whole woman for him, so she pulls back, too. Fleeing a killer and their own pasts, can they reclaim Clarity’s identity and find love and new lives together?

8. This book is a sequel to THE ABDUCTION OF MISS JENNY CHANDLER. Tell us a little about that. Will there be more books in the series?

Jenny’s story takes place in Texas and Mexico a few years before the Civil War. Jenny is a young lady from Louisiana visiting family in Texas. She enjoys a life with no more pressing problem than what to wear to the next cotillion, and she’s content to remain “Daddy’s little girl”. Then she meets Texas Ranger John Grayling and realizes that growing up might not be so bad. Unfortunately Gray’s latest love has just announced she’s marrying someone else. Deeply hurt, Gray swears off women and vows to devote himself to his job. But when Jenny is kidnapped by bandits and Gray is captured trying to rescue her, the young woman’s spirit and sensuality test his vow.

Renegade Comanche and Army gold figure in the couple’s escape, adding to the action and emotion. Gray falls for Jenny, but can he trust her when every other woman in his life has failed him? Jenny loves Gray, but can she break through the barrier around his heart? Can passion’s fire ignite lasting love before evil plays its smoldering hand?

I do have ideas for a couple of more books featuring the Chandlers, but those ideas are still percolating in my imagination.

9. What are you working on now?

I’m working on another romantic suspense, set along the Texas Gulf Coast.

10. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

When I was young, I wanted to be a world-famous novelist and a spy but I realized that those two occupations wouldn’t go together very well. Today, I think I’d be a sculptor. I find writing is similar to sculpting in that the story is revealed by removing unnecessary layers. I’m not sure I’d be very good at it—my Playdough sculptures seemed limited to snakes and balls!

11. What’s your favorite genre to read? What’s your favorite genre to write?

Oh, that depends on what day of the week it is. I’ve written western, suspense and paranormal and I love all three. If I could write only one…well today I would say westerns. But a few weeks ago, my answer was paranormal. I guess I’ll just keep writing all three.

You can find out more about me and my books on my author page at Cerridwen Press: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-225-teri-thackston.aspx?skinid=13

Or my website: http://www.terithackston.com or my blog http://www.terithackston.blogspot.com. I also hang out on Facebook and MySpace and a lot of reader/writer loops and I love to hear from readers and other writers.

Hi, gang. Today, I’m pleased to host Shelley Bradley writing as Shayla Black! She has a new release out this week, so check it out. Following is information about the book – where to get it – and a link to read the first chapter. If you’re looking for today’s regular post, it’s below this one. Enjoy!

Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 2 — Caden’s Story
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1416578447
ISBN-13: 9781416578444
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: September 29, 2009

Buy links:
Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders
Books-A-Million | Simon & Schuster | Indie Bound
Overstock | Target
Download eBook: Kindle | Barnes & Noble
Fictionwise | Sony | Simon & Schuster

Read the first chapter here!

 

 

Reviews:

Rated HOT “Dramatic… A page turner!” ~ RT Bookclub

“Another dark and steamy addition to this fabulous paranormal series.” ~ Fresh Fiction

Recommended Read! “Emotionally charged conflict and sizzling sexual tension add to the page-turning quality of this paranormal suspense. Once again, Black delivers!” ~ Fallen Angel Reviews

5 out of 5! “SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW is highly addicting and emotionally gripping. The plot sizzles with twists and turns that kept me engrossed long after I finished reading. Highly recommend…” ~ Romance Junkies

“…full of the same excitement, sensuality, and suspense as its predecessor…Seduce Me in Shadow is engrossing. The Doomsday Brethren is an intriguing series and I look forward to the next installment.” ~ Joyfully Reviewed

“Ms. Black blends magic, mystery and romance into a suspenseful tale. Her masterful storytelling comes through on every page.” ~ Paranormal Romance Writers

“I really enjoyed this book. Seduce Me in Shadow hints at the next book, teasing the reader into wanting more. I cannot wait!” ~ ParaNormal Romance Reviews

“This book is chock full of action…and twists and turns that leave you craving more. How many days do I have to wait until “Posses Me At Midnight” comes out?” ~ Naughty Editions Books

“Captivating… SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW should not be missed.” ~ Romance Reviews Today

“I’m completely in love with Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren. If you like dark paranormals with a lot of action then you have to pick up Shayla Black’s Doomsday books. Trust me, these are books you don’t want to miss.” ~ Heather Marie, Bookseller

“Innovative storylines and a marvelous cast of characters make paranormal romances by Shayla Black exceptionally noteworthy. With fascinating circumstances, appealing characters and a delightful brand of humor, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW is a rewarding paranormal romantic adventure.” ~ SingleTitles.com

“…a very satisfying read.” ~ Realms on Your Bookshelves 

This month, I’m happy to have my fellow chapter-mate and friend, Jennifer August, talk to us about her writing and her latest book. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up HER DARK MASTER, get your copy today! You can get it by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today, Jennifer!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer? And how did you get your start?
Thanks for having me, Michelle, I’m excited to be here! I think on some level I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but it really hit me hard in the 10th grade. I’m not sure why, but I always equate my Marine Biology Teacher Mrs. Hill with that overwhelming desire to write a book. I got my start by diligently crafting an entire 32 page (front and back!), hand-written debacle of friends-into-lovers. Even though I had no real clue about what I was doing, I had a marketing hook! My real start came when my brother purchased a ticket for me to a writer’s seminar. That ticket included a year’s membership to the writing group and I was hooked. I learned so much from them, it’s just unreal.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! Trite, but true. I’ll hear a phrase or see a word and it’ll spark an idea. Pictures also play a huge part in my creative process. I love to look at painting and whatnot, but sometimes if I know the type f book I want to write, I’ll Google a word and click on images. It’s sort of like sensory immersion. I’ve had two books come to me in dreams, too. My first book – a medieval with paranormal elements; and Her Dark Master.

One of my favorite places for inspiration, though, is the characters themselves. I find the more I learn about the people running around in my head, the more their story begins to evolve.

What is the one writer’s tool you can’t live without?
That’s a hard question but I’d say two words: What If. Pen and paper to write the answers down would also be helpful, but What if can create worlds and worlds of ideas.

How many words/pages do you do in a day/week/month? And how do you keep yourself motivated to do them?
I aim for about 20 pages a week, not that I always achieve that. A lot of time I go over and sometimes I go under. I keep myself motivated in several ways. Most notably by remembering my overall goal of continuing to publish. Next would be my CPs and my family, all of whom are constantly asking me “Did you write today?” They are intertwined closely with a yahoogroup I belong to called the Write_Now_Game. Those ladies are so motivating and inspirational that it’s impossible not to write. Plus, I have a feeling that if I didn’t get the words out of my head and onto paper, my brain might explode and that would just be sad. Not to mention messy.

Whose work has influenced you the most?
Amanda Quick, Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn and a fabulous author I just discovered Sabrina Jeffries.

This month is the release of your novel, HER DARK MASTER. Where did you get the idea for that?
That one came to me in a dream. One might say a fantasy, considering the subject matter. I have always been a very sensual kind of person and I remember going to sleep that night thinking about how far I would go to make love with the man I adored, even if I had to marry someone else. I’ve always been able to sort of direct my dreams and this was no different. The actual book really differs from my dream but the general idea is the same.

Tell us a little about the book.
Her Dark Master is a Regency erotica featuring an unusual (to me) heroine. Tori Ashford is a virgin, but she writes for an underground sex paper – anonymously, of course. When she learns she’s to be married off to an old man, she undertakes a very risky charade to ensure she spends one night of passion with the man she really loves – the hero Matthew Corwin. Matthew is a strong, alpha male with definite Dom tendencies coupled with a mistrust of women. When he learns Tori has deceived him, he plots an erotic revenge that has repercussions neither expected.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to Her Dark Master – the story of Tori’s brother Ryder and his own quest for love.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A baseball analyst. In my dreams, of course, but dreaming is what life is all about, isn’t it?

What’s your favorite genre to read? What’s your favorite genre to write?
I love historicals! I’m not all that choosy on time periods, though. Vikings, Medievals, Regency, Victorian, Civil War, Scotland… you write it, I’ll read it!

My favorite genre to write is actually medieval, though I’ve written a ton of Regencies and I’m itching to dive into the Victorian realm as well. I have so many stories in my head that my fingers really can’t keep up. Which, in this business, is a good thing!

My favorite non-romance genre is fantasy. I love sword and sorcery books, which is why so many of mine have paranormal elements. I have a huge fantasy epic I work on when I get frustrated, stumped or boggled by my current romance work in progress. It helps clear the air because I consider it free writing. It’s just for me, but I HAVE to know what’s going to happen to those characters. I’ve gotten them this far, I can’t just abandon them now. Right?

I love to hear from readers, especially what they are reading, what they like and dislike in the romance arena today, and what they’re just itching to read. I always reply to emails, so send me a note at jenniferaugust08@yahoo.com.

Links of interest:

• My website: www.jenniferaugust.com
• Where to buy my book: www.eredsage.com
• My infrequently updated blog: www.jenniferaugust.blogspot.com

Hi all! My good friend and fellow writing colleague, Colin, is here to talk to us about his brand new release, Stella. Be sure and check out the official page for Stella, by click here.

Here’s a quick blurb about his upcoming book from Eternal Press, available in print and ebook now. Click here to read an excerpt and purchase your copy today!

RANDOLPH LOWE is a distinguished British Secret Agent in the twilight of his career. When he is handed a mission to kill one of the world’s least accessible, yet most wanted assassins, he never expected a beautiful young woman with the alias, STELLA.

Stella leads him around the world as she picks off her marks with ease, during which time Randolph grows infatuated and falls in love. But Stella has her own dark secret. Forced into making a terrible sacrifice, she is destined to live her life as a lone killer.

The love of one man may be enough to free her, and only that man can save her now… but only if he can find her…

And now I’m pleased to have a Q&A with Colin.

What was the inspiration for Stella?

The idea for STELLA first came to me in 1988. I was listening to an album of the same name by Yello, and I developed a series of images to certain songs in my mind as I listened to the album. I always promised myself I would one day write these images down into a cohesive text, but it wasn’t until 2007 that I felt my writing had developed enough that I could give it a bash.

I began by writing down these images, and from that I used the music to further inspire the gaps in between. Slowly, a story began to unfold until I had a first draft. It took a lot more work to make it into what it is today and I’m delighted with how it turned out.

Why write a paranormal mystery; you’ve never written in this genre before?

It wasn’t meant to be a paranormal book. My original idea was for the book to be a spy novella, something with its roots in the mysteries of underground eastern Europe. As the ideas began to develop on paper, though, the book began to take on its own form and it made sense for a paranormal aspect to come into it. I can’t honestly see it working without it now.

Did you enjoy writing in the paranormal mystery genre?

Very much. Looking back, my writing has diversified naturally over the past couple of years. My favoured “genre” is crime, but I have found the two other most enjoyable types of writing I have indulged in has been paranormal (through STELLA), and children’s poetry, through my e-chapbook, Silly Poems for Wee People Vol.1.

At the start of 2009 I vowed I would write more about the things that made me happy, and since making that decision and sticking to it, I’ve had more success and fun with my writing than any other year.

What research went into writing Stella?

Not as much as you might think. Most research concerned the locations in the book that I hadn’t been to, but which I wanted to appear in the book. It’s fast moving story and takes the reader all around the world, so while I could write vividly about Prague, Amsterdam and London, I knew little of San Francisco, Brooklyn NY and Fes, Morocco.

There was also a bit of research into demons and black roses, but mostly it’s all made up – the kind of writing I enjoy most.

Will we see more of Stella and Randolph?

STELLA was originally meant as a personal writing experiment and I never meant, or expected it, to ever be published. However, now it has been, and having enjoyed working with Stella and Randolph so much, I want to do more with them.

Both Stella and Randolph are such strong characters and there are so many questions I have now STELLA is behind me, that I want to find out more about them. And where the author has questions, so too I expect will the readers.

I’ve already begun work on the sequel and am planning on making their story into a trilogy. The book I am writing just now – the sequel to STELLA – is called BACCARA BURNING.

Baccara Burning sounds interesting – what’s it about?

I’m not going to give a lot away – obviously – but it will take Randolph and Stella’s relationship to the extreme. It will be a real test of their love and trust, and through this we will get to know the real them. Both have lived dark and hidden lives, but in Baccara Burning the cloaks are gone and there is no hiding any longer.

The book starts in Sorrento, but ultimately I want to bring them to my home town of Edinburgh, throw in a local ghost legend or two and see what happens.

What else are you working on?

Other than the sequel to STELLA, I have various projects on the go. I have one novel and a novella both in the editing stage, and I’m working on a new chapbook of poetry to be released later in the year. I also have plans to complete writing a crime novel I began near the end of last year. What with all that and writing gig reviews for News of the World, it’s a busy time!

COLIN GALBRAITH’S popularity as a contemporary Scottish writer has grown rapidly over the past few years. He is a prolific published writer of fiction, poetry, non-fiction articles and reviews, and has been earmarked by the Scottish local Press as one to watch.

Today I’m pleased to host fellow writing colleague, Jenny Storm. She’s celebrating her new release, a YA mystery called Dixie Dust Rumors, and took time out to do a little interview with me.

Here’s a quick blurb about the book:

Who could be luckier than a young girl whose father trains racehorses? That is, until false accusations could cause the loss of not only their livelihood and the horses they love, but their dreams. Due to the belief that horse racing is a crooked sport, even unsubstantiated rumors can be fatal to a trainer’s career. Twelve-year-old Rose Olen is determined to find out why a journalist printed innuendos that make her father’s business practices sound unethical without checking facts. Aided by her friends Maya Sanchez and Libby Kim, and her younger brother Simon, they investigate the charges and come up with a scheme to foil the reporter. They juggle responsibilities at school, the contempt and ridicule from other students, and responsibilities at the track as they search for the truth behind the Dixie Dust Rumors.

And, now, meet Jenny Storm!

Hi, Jenny! Thanks for taking time to answer a few questions about writing YA and mysteries.

1. My sister-in-law is an avid horse racing fan, so I’m no stranger to the sport. When did you first get interested in horses and horse racing?

JS: I watched and won my first Kentucky Derby in 1969, when I was seven years old. Majestic Prince was the winner – I fell in love with him. Gorgeous, gorgeous horse. I now have photos of him I will frame for the study in my new house. Along with photos of horses like Point Given, John Henry, and Holy Bull. My mom, dad, and I watched that first race on TV – in black and white – they thought it would be fun, and my grandfather worked part-time as a parimutuel clerk (the guy who takes your bet at the window) in MA on a harness track (He was a lawyer by day). I just fell in love with the sport. I grew up watching the races and took riding lessons at summer camp in New Mexico the summer I was 15. Because I was a girl, they only let me learn English-style riding, but I learned to jump and saddle and take care of horses, and just loved them. Being a city girl, working in theatre on both coasts, I didn’t really have much chance to follow that joy. When I worked on Broadway on MISS SAIGON, I started getting into it again, and some friends and I used to go the New York tracks, which expanded to Florida, Kentucky, and California tracks, and I started focusing my volunteer work on horse-related charities.

At the time I researched this book, I went to the track once a week. Now, I only get to go every few months, although this is my tenth year covering the Triple Crown. I hope to get back into more regular race-going over the next year or so.

2. How different is writing YA from adult fiction?

JS: You still have to tell a really good story and let the characters remain true to themselves. I found myself second-guessing parental response more than changing anything because of the kids. DIXIE DUST is on the younger, more innocent end of the middle grade spectrum by choice. You can’t have dark and intense ALL the time!

3. Any pointers you can give people who want to write cross-genres?

JS: Know each genre that interests you inside out. Read constantly. Pick elements you like best, or that you want to read and can’t find, and use them in your work.

4. I’m sure you get this question(s) all the time, but I’m going to ask it anyway. What are the benefits of having a pen name? The disadvantages? Why would someone choose a pen name over their own?

JS: It’s more for marketing ease than anything else. Different names in different genres. You can choose where to cross-market and where to keep names separate. There are people on the marketing side of it who have trouble wrapping their minds around anyone who’s good at more than one thing. One of the few positives about the bulk of marketing now dumped on the writer is that the writer can shape the individual campaigns better, and choose where to cross-market.

Pen names give you a huge amount of freedom. Each name has a personality and a voice, and yet you still can keep your life separate. It’s a luxury a performer doesn’t have. And, as you evolve, you can retire pen names that no longer suit your work or your life. Much easier than changing your real name over and over! It keeps you from being locked in other people’s boxes. You get to build and rebuild your own.

5. Will there be a sequel to DIXIE DUST RUMORS?

JS: It was originally conceived as a stand-alone, part of – hmm, I don’t want to call it a “series”, but an array of novels for this age range with protagonists in different sports. I’ve got one nearly done where the protagonist is a twelve-year-old female hockey player. And I’ve got notes on books featuring rowing and archery and fencing – all sports I’m interested in.

However, working on the proofs for DIXIE DUST made me realize that there’s more to say with these characters. I’ve outlined the next book with them, which takes place in Saratoga over the summer months, tentatively called DEAD MAN’S STALL. The title sort of gives you the gist of the mystery! The vibe in Saratoga in summer is fascinating, because you’ve got the flat race meet, where there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of quality horses, and the horse people are incredibly busy with that. Then you’ve got the rich, who flock to town to throw around money and their attitude around million dollar horses. Some of them are great, but there are plenty of people who show up who are really nasty individuals. And you’ve got the ballet, up for the summer, and all the other arts and charity events. Seriously, I take more clothes up for three days in Saratoga than I do for three weeks in Europe. It’s all the same people at a variety of events all day every day. I feel like I’m the wardrobe girl/quick change artist of my own life. I’m constantly changing clothes. And there’s polo. I love the sport and the horses; have very little use for the people and attitude around it. And harness racing. And slot machines. Then you’ve got the college students, both working summer terms and those just up from other places for summer term. And you’ve got the townies who couldn’t afford to flee or rent their houses for $3K/week and have to stay in the middle of all that chaos. It’s an interesting dynamic. The town’s much more mellow in the middle of winter. Mix that in with teen hormones, and well, it’s something I want to explore.

6. Since I know you write an adult fiction series (or two!) as well, tell us a bit about that. What is the best thing about writing a series? What’s the hardest?

JS: What’s great about a series is learning and growing with the characters, for both the writer and the reader. If you haven’t outlined the whole series in advance, you really have to make sure you don’t contradict too much in the earlier books, and make sure changes are rooted in past experiences and either compliment or contrast to them. If you’ve outlined the whole series, you have to give yourself enough freedom to let the characters surprise you.

The hardest is not to get caught up in the fear that the series will be dropped and you won’t get to finish it. If something happens and you leave or lose one publisher, just keep going and find another.

And, the longer the series runs, the more carefully you have to track details. I keep notebooks and, once the final proofs go up, I update details, like what backstory was revealed, any new character details, things like how a character takes his coffee, etc. That way, when I write the next book, I just flip to the page and make sure I keep details consistent. Or, if I deviate, there’s a choice and a reason, and I make sure it’s clear to the reader and not just a mistake.

7. Tell us a little about Dixie Dust Rumors. What inspired you to write it?

JS: Several things came together at once. I wanted to write a middle-grade novel, on the younger end of that age range. I love the series fiction from the early twentieth century: Trixie Belden, Ruth Fielding, Judy Bolton, Beverly Gray, all of those. I wanted to write fiction about horse racing. If you hang around a racetrack, you can find dozens of fascinating stories on any given day. I’d love to see a scripted cable show set at a race track. It’s fascinating, and the dynamics and the insular aspect of the world are complex. And yet, you still have to function in the outside world – especially the kids of trainers and owners and jockeys. I wanted to explore it, but also pick particular elements and explore it more simply than I could in adult fiction. I would have approached the same bones of plot very differently in an adult fiction piece, but I wanted to explore it living in Rose’s psyche as she lived it, not as an adult remembering it.

8. What appeals to you most about mysteries?

JS: As a reader, I like to try to figure it out, but also be surprised. I don’t want to get too far ahead of the protagonist, but I don’t want the protagonist to have and act on information I don’t have. I also don’t want the protagonist to be an idiot and keep making the same stupid mistakes. There are definitely mysteries I’ve picked up where I wished the protagonist would get killed off! I like the logic, the puzzle, figuring things out, the why, especially the psychological why. Also, for me personally, I like the sense that there will be some form of justice at the end, and the good guys win. I know that doesn’t always happen, and I respect writers who can pull off something more existential and complex and depressing, but for me, personally, I want the death to have meaning, even if I don’t agree with it, and to feel, by the end, that things have been set right with the world. Watch – having said that, I’ll go in a totally different direction with something like, next week!

Visit the Jenny Storm webpage: http://www.devonellingtonwork.com.jennystorm.html and friend her at: http://www.myspace.com/jennystormya

Hey gang. Today I’m pleased to have Siddharth Dalal here to talk about a very cool thing. Check it out, won’t you?

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Hi All and thanks Michelle for inviting me to guest blog for The Internet Book Database (iBookDB) and The Internet Adult Book Database (iBookDb Adult). I’m Siddharth and I run both these sites.

I am very excited to introduce yuall (that’s how it is said here in Virginia) to our sites which are one of the Internet’s largest sources of book information according to Wikipedia.

iBookDB is happy to bring together authors and readers via our forums. Michelle was one of iBookDB Adult’s first few featured authors and I will take this opportunity to thank her for that and her contributions to our giveaway. Did I say giveaway? Yes! iBookDB has a monthly giveaway at so does iBookDB Adult where we giveaway books to users of our site. And the best part is you can pick which book you would like to win so you won’t get some random book you don’t want.

You can also manage your book collection online and we do have a nice widget that you can use on your blog. If you do blog about books, contact us to get book information embedded onto your website with almost no effort! If you really like our site and want to link to us, we can provide you with special links that will generate commissions for you from Amazon!

Authors of all genres, we would like to invite you to contact us for being featured or having your book listed and featured and contributing to our giveaway and reaching out to your fans. We also offer the cheapest form of advertising directly to readers and our “Ads by iBookDB” on our site cannot be blocked by Ad Blockers!

I am happy to answer any questions you all have about iBookDB. Come join our community and let us know what you think.

Today, I’m please to welcome fellow Samhain author, Maria Zannini. If you check out Maria’s website, be sure to read her bio for a giggle or two. She’s a seriously funny lady.

Here’s a really timely post about pinching pennies and, well, taxes! And now, without further adieu, I give you Maria!

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If you live in the US, you know today is the day we bare our souls to Uncle Sam and hope he doesn’t squeeze us dry.

Since we seem to have little say on where our tax dollars go, the least I can do is tell you how to make the money that’s left go farther. As we all know, we writers are generally penniless rascals.

So let’s rub the few pennies we have and see what we can come up with.

• Whenever possible, query by email. Thankfully, many agents and editors are beginning to see the light and welcome emails. But sometimes you have to dig for that address.
• Always use both sides of your printer paper. Let’s face it, a lot of what we print is for our own benefit and not for others to see, so save a tree and use both sides of the page.
• Get your business cards for free (or nearly free) with Vista.
• Whether you are just starting out or have been in this business for years, you NEED an internet presence. Even if you don’t feel comfortable building a website yet, there’s no reason not to create a blog and write about your writer’s journey. It’s good practice. It puts your name out in public and best of all–it’s FREE.
• Find yourself an honest critique group. This is probably one of the best money-saving tips I can give you. Good crit partners SAVE you money. They help you polish your book before you go and spend a ton of dough mailing your manuscript out in hopeful ignorance.
• Don’t die. I know–that’s a no-brainer. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t write that best selling novel.
• Buy books! Books are some of the best values around. I buy them all year long and give them away as gifts for Christmas and birthdays.

As a matter of fact, it would not hurt my feelings a bit if you went out and bought my book TOUCH OF FIRE. Be a good person and buy Michelle’s latest book, too, A BREAK IN TIME. (Aw Shucks, Maria!)

And if you’d like a chance to win a serious prize package, go to my blog and check out my new contest. I’m offering a very cool prize package worth $100 to the person who blogs, tweets or reviews TOUCH OF FIRE the most using these words: The Apocalypse Is Closer Than You Think. Buy TOUCH OF FIRE by Maria Zannini by May 28, 2009.

Help me spread the word. Together, we’ll put recession back in its box.

TOUCH OF FIRE comes out in print on April 28.

Find it at:
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles
My Bookstore and More

Read an excerpt at Samhain Publishing.

Visit me at http://www.mariazannini.blogspot.com or http://www.mariazannini.com.

Thanks for letting me visit, Michelle! We’ll have to do this in person too! I just realized you’re only a couple of hours from where I live.

In a random drawing (my 7 year old pulled the winner) – the winner of FIRE AT MIDNIGHT is… J. Hali! Congrats! I’ve sent you an email notification. Enjoy your read!

Thank you to EVERYONE who stopped by the blog today and yesterday. I know Lisa Marie appreciates all the outpuring of support and she deserves it. It’s a great book.

Today, I’m pleased to host historical writer and friend, Lisa Marie Wilkison. She’s just debuted her first book, Fire At Midnight, which has received some serious accolades. Anyone who comments today will be entered in a random drawing to win a signed copy of her book! So get to commenting.  Here’s the blurb:

It is 1703, and Rachael Penrose is confined to Bedlam Insane Asylum in London after discovering her uncle Victor plans to kill her brother in order to inherit the family fortune. Victor leads a gang of criminals and uses French privateer/smuggler Sébastien Falconer as the scapegoat for his crimes. When Victor spreads the lie that Rachael informed the authorities of Falconer’s smuggling activities, Falconer vows revenge on the girl.

A dangerously ill Rachael finally escapes from Bedlam, only to find shelter in Sébastien’s carriage, and ends up in his care. It is a twist of fate that will alter both their lives forever.

Believing she is in danger from Sébastien, Rachael meets up with his estranged twin brother, Jacques, a customs officer intent on bringing his brother, the famous privateer, to justice. But the real criminal is still at large, and she and her brother are still in danger. Will she discover the truth and save both their lives . . . and her heart?

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Have you noticed that one thing many avid readers have in common is a love of music? Authors will often cite favorite musical influences during interviews, even to the point of referencing the type of music they listen to when writing a certain type of scene.

My writing background includes a stint as a lyricist. Having had the experience of tailoring a song lyric to fit a melody, it occurred to me that there are some similarities between a well crafted song and a well written novel.

Take, for example, “the hook.” In a novel, the hook refers to those critical beginning pages designed to engage your reader and keep him or her turning pages. In a song, “the hook” can refer to any element that grabs the listener’s attention and makes the song memorable. Some songs hook the listener immediately with their opening bars. Remember the first time you heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen or “Stairway to Heaven?” In some cases the hook is a repetitive instrumental figure or lyrical phrase, but it’s what you remember long after the song has ended.

There are “light” content songs just like there are “light” content novels. Think of any novelty song that made you laugh, such as the Elmer Fudd version of “Blue Christmas” that gets dusted off and played every Christmas. Compare the novelty song to a classic like “Unchained Melody” and a difference in depth and tone will emerge. Both types of songs have value because most listeners like to vary what they listen to based to their mood, just as readers don’t necessarily want to stick to reading in one genre all the time.

Trends affect both the music and book publishing industries. Careers rise and fall on the whim of “what’s hot and what’s not” although it could be argued that it’s easier for a novelist to switch genres than it is for musical artists to reinvent themselves. Author Mary may switch from writing chick lit to paranormals while Pop Artist Mary might try pumping new life into a stale pop music career by switching to country.

Another similarity between books and music is imitation, (or outright plagiarism in some cases). Most writers find a formula and stick to it. There are classic themes in literature, and it’s generally agreed that little new territory is being carved out these days. The challenge is in finding fresh ways to explore universal themes. In music, artists “sample” each other’s work or acknowledge borrowing from each other, such as the bass line from “Ice, Ice, Baby” that sounds eerily similar to Queen’s “Under Pressure.”

Whether you’ve written a novel or a song lyric, success is measured by whether or not your work has resonated with your intended audience. In the case of a song, you’ll want to have left your listener humming the tune or remembering a bit of the lyric. As a novelist, you’ll want your reader to re-read favorite bits of dialogue or narrative.

And novelists take heart: a song has only minutes to make an impression. You have a few hundred pages. Make the most of them.

Fire At Midnight is a March 1st release from Medallion Press. For more information about Lisa, visit her website or her blog. She’s also a regular contributor to the Unusual Historicals blog owned by Carrie Lofty and can be found at http://www.unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com.

Today we continue with part two of Devon Ellington’s article on freelancing.

Thanks, Devon, for sharing all your insight with us!

Can You Cut It As a Freelance Writer? Part 2

Management
Set up your systems first. Keep track of your pitches, your submissions, the status of every project with every client. Excel is useful for this, Quickbooks is useful. Play around, see what works. Keep a large calendar to track deadlines, payments, and follow-ups. Set up regular contact with clients and potential clients to let them know you’re still out there. Spend time each week marketing yourself, looking for prospects, and adding to your portfolio. Use the blocks of time outside your current job to prepare for the transition to your new job.

If you’ve already lost your job, build in all of the above to your daily routine of sending out resumes and looking for work.

Decide on your fees. Stay on top of your invoices. Decide on your policy for late fees, rush fees, etc. Do NOT miss a deadline. As a freelancer, there will be plenty of times you don’t get to knock off at 5 PM on Friday or any other day. When you’re on deadline or on multiple deadlines, you work until it’s done. It doesn’t matter if you’re tired, it doesn’t matter if you have dirty dishes in the sink or laundry piled up, and there will be times it doesn’t matter if your kid wants you to stop and play. If you’re going to keep a roof over your heads, you get the work done and you don’t miss a deadline. And, even when you’re busy, put aside a few hours per week to keep marketing. If you wait until you’re not busy to market, you will have large pockets of time without income.

Once you’re established, you keep up the work ethic, but you have more freedom to say no. You have the freedom to clear deadlines off your desk early and fly to the Bahamas for the weekend, or take your kid to the aquarium for an impromptu afternoon. Once you’ve established yourself, you’ve got the freedom you crave. But you have to earn it.

If you’re someone who needs another person cracking the whip at you in order to get anything done, this is not the life for you. If you lose your job, sign up with a temp agency to get through until you can get another job in a structured environment. If structure makes you feel safe, then go for structure. Freelancing will add too much stress to your life, and some people just aren’t cut out for it. But if you are willing to put in the initial work and lay the foundation to earn your way into setting your own schedule, then approach it in a professional manner, and earn your way to freedom.

Resources
THE WELL-FED WRITER by Peter Bowerman, and his website: http://www.wellfedwriter.com. The best book and website for freelancers, in my opinion.

About Freelance Writing – http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com - Anne Wayman’s site. She has some of the better job listings, and always lots of practical advice.

Words on the Page – http://loriwidmer.blogspot.com - Lori Widmer is one of the smartest freelance writers out there. Her site is filled with tips, treats, and ideas to grow your business while avoiding scams.

Media Bistro – www.mediabistro.com - They have both free and paid memberships. Their job listings are usually filled with full-time jobs, but they have media listings from all over the country, they’re legitimate, and the pay rates are good. Their networking parties are fun, too!

 

Devon Ellington publishes under a half a dozen names in both fiction and non-fiction. She writes the Jain Lazarus Adventures, and her plays are produced in New York, London, Edinburgh, and Australia. A freelancer her entire career (over twenty-five years), her work appears in publications as diverse as FEMMEFAN, NEW MYTHS, ESPRESSO FICTION, THE SCRUFFY DOG REVIEW, THE CRAFTY TRAVELER, THE SAVVY GAL, BLESSED GARDENS, TOASTED-CHEESE, HAMPTON FAMILY LIFE, THE ARMCHAIR DETECTIVE, and ELLE. Visit her blog on the ups and downs of the writing life, Ink in My Coffee, http://devonellington.wordpress.com.

Today, my good friend, Devon, is here with her insightful article on freelance writing. Come back tomorrow for Part 2!

Can You Cut It As A Freelance Writer? Part 1

by Devon Ellington

Myth Vs. Reality
In this stumbling economy, plenty of people look at us and think freelancers have it easy – we work in our pajamas, we hang out in coffee shops or wine bars, and the cash keeps rolling in. Of course, these people are delusional. It would be lovely if that represented our actual life.

The reality is that we work in our pajamas when we’re battling with the flu and still have a deadline looming. Yeah, it’s really great not to have to get dressed, go out in the cold, drive to someone else’s office and spend most of our day praying to the porcelain god in a public restroom. But we’d still rather be in bed, getting well, than working through an illness in order to make sure the electricity stays on.

The reality is that we sometimes work in coffee shops because our own four walls are closing in on us, and switching where we work keeps us going. And we head for that wine bar when the client keeps changing his mind about what he wants, brings in a dozen other eyes because he’s so insecure about what he wants, and hasn’t paid us in six months.

The reality is that we often spend months chasing down deadbeat clients in order to get paid, in spite of strong contracts, because we’re not on a payroll other than our own and far too many clients think that means they can pay us if and when they get around to it.

Freelancing is a wonderful way of life, because you get to work on many projects you love, and, once you’re earning enough money so you don’t have to say yes to everything, you can turn down the ones that don’t interest you or don’t pay enough. But it takes commitment, motivation, and self-discipline.

The bluntest truths I can give you are these: If you are the type of person who writes in a spurt for a few days and then doesn’t write for weeks because you’re tired or you’re busy or you just don’t feel like it, you won’t make it as a freelancer. If you can’t get anything done without a deadline only hours away (even though you’ve known about it for weeks), you won’t make it as a freelancer. If you can’t come up with inventive ways to introduce your services to clients, you won’t make it as a freelancer. If you think you can support yourself only from the job boards, you won’t make it as a freelancer.

Preparation
A transition is always less stressful than a jump (although I prefer jumping). If you have the option to transition, start cutting back on expenses now, even beyond what you have to cut back on in this economy. You want to sock away six months to one year of living expenses aside, preferably with a little extra in case of an illness or some other emergency. I have never lived this way, I have never had that much money put aside, but that is the ideal.

If you’re still working, set up a block of time two to three times per week outside of work where you start setting up your freelance life. What does that mean?

Do you have any materials for a portfolio? Work you’ve done for your current or past jobs can count, provided it’s not confidential and you weren’t under a confidentiality agreement at the time. Gather up copies of that work. Scan it and put it in a portfolio file that you can either send or, if you decide to create an online portfolio, which you can upload. Go through your clip file. (If you don’t have one, set one up). Decide what pieces you want or need in your portfolio for the type of freelancing you want to do. Start your resume, mixing your experience with your full-time job along with your other work.

What if you don’t have anything for your portfolio? You can use several approaches. You can create pieces in the tone, style, and area in which you want to freelance, to be used as samples. You can research markets in the area and try to break in.

Most important: Stay away from sites that charge for listings, or pay something like $2/article for 20 articles in a week. They won’t build your portfolio or help you get higher paying jobs. You’re better off doing pro bono work for a non-profit, charitable organization about which you are passionate, which has a solid reputation.

Design a website, stationery, a business card, and an invoice. Set up an email account specific to your freelance work (preferably attached to your website), and check it daily. Spend time every day on blogs, websites, and forums of other freelances in your field and network. If you can afford it, join your local Chamber of Commerce and, most importantly, ATTEND MEETINGS. If you pay your money and never show up, people don’t get to know you. You want to get to know them so that, when they’ve got an assignment for you, they think of you.

Should you set up a blog? Only when you’re at the point where you’ve got something relevant to say and add to the freelance community. There are thousands of freelance blogs out there – if you have something unique to add, jump in. Otherwise, learn from other blogs and THEN add your own when you’re got something to say.

This will continue tomorrow with Part 2: Management and Resources.

A few weeks ago, I blogged over at fellow Cobblestone author’s blog, Selena Blake. Today, I’m pleased to welcome her here, talking about her addiction to romance.  Check out her books at the Cobblestone Press website, won’t you?

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My friend Leila Brown recently blogged about Addiction over on the BlindBet blog and it got me thinking about why I keep coming back to erotic romance. What is it that has me addicted to both the books and writing?

I mean, let’s face it. If writing wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. And if publishing wasn’t hard, everyone would be published. It’s tough to sit down every day, stare at a blank screen and make something from nothing. To write a story that readers will want to read. There is so much to consider when writing a book, from characterization to plot to theme to setting. There’s agonizing over the first line, which we’re discussing over on Double the Pleasure, to writing a blurb that concisely describes an entire book.

No, this is not an easy job.

So why am I addicted?

#1 Completion

There’s an incredible feeling once I’ve finished a book. I’ve put time, thought, dedication into it. And once a book is complete, once two lovers (or three lovers ) have “come home at last,” it’s great to feel like “I did that. I got them together. They’re together forever.”

Likewise, when I read a story, there’s a feeling that things are lined up in the universe. And I like that.

#2 Enjoyment

I enjoy telling and reading a good story.

#3 Lust, desire, passion

Who doesn’t want to enjoy those things? I certainly do. I want to feel something. I want to experience the desires that the characters experience. I want to take that sensual journey myself…and perhaps even learn something knew.

#4 Reader enjoyment

I love reader mail. I love comments on myspace, feedback on my blog. I sincerely hope readers like my books. I write for me first and my readers second. That’s a pretty close race. So yes, I want readers to enjoy the books, the love, the lust. And I definitely like hearing from them.

So what about you? What feeds your addiction? Why are you in love with romance?

Selena Blake is the bestselling author of the Stormy Weather series. She writes paranormal romance and contemporary erotic suspense. Learn more about her, her books, and her latest contests at http://selena-blake.com.

A huge thanks to everyone who came  over to the blog yesterday for Misty’s Fashionista post. It was great fun. Winner of the ebook will be announced later today.

My good friend across the pond, Colin Galbraith, has a new release coming! And to celebrate, he has this awesomey awesome book trailer for his book, Stella, from Eternal Press. Check it:

I don’t know about you… but that ROCKS. Congrats, Col, in your coming release!

In other news… work, work, work on chapter business. The contest is looming, the luncheon is nearly here and I am one busy bee with everything. I have my hands full. Got the agenda done for the luncheon and the agenda done for the meeting on Saturday. There are updates to the website that need to be done, web copy to write, announcements to send out. I make lots and lots of lists. I use OneNote like crazy to keep my email from overflowing.

And yes, I’m still editing Phoenix. But sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day! That superhero book is still in my head so I caved and wrote the first pargraph. I had to, you see, becuase it was nagging me. And I didn’t want to loose it so I jotted it down really fast. But, of course, it’s still nagging me. I’m telling those characters to SHUT.UP. becuase I have a book to polish and prepare for submission so GO AWAY you pesky characters, you! Back, I say! Back! To help with the nagging, I found an entire Glenn Miller album with Big Band music that will be the soundtrack of the beginning of that book. In The Mood will be on it as well as Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing Sing and Wang Wang Blues. I just love Big Band music.

Man says I don’t need to fill every second of every day and I need to learn to relax (I’m a Gemini; I can’t help it). You know what? I think he might be right… that’s why I’m looking forward to Spring Break next week. I’m taking three days off from work, picking up my nephew from East Texas and taking the boys out and about for some fun. Good times. Actually, a spa weekend was more what I had in mind for relaxing, but this will do. And it’s cheaper.

Time for school/work. Busy weekend ahead. And I still need more hours in the day.

Today, I’m pleased to have my friend and fellow Fashionista, Misty Evans, guest blogging. She and I share a love of beautiful clothes and, well, writing! Misty has some fabulously fabulous books. Her latest, Witches Anonymous, recently hit Samhain’s Top 10 list!  So, won’t you take a moment to check out her books? You won’t regret it.

Oh, and, if you post a comment today you’ll be entered in a drawing to win your choice of one of Misty’s books. Comments must by posted by midnight CST. And to double your chances of winning, sign up for her newsletter by sending her an email (click the link)! Winner will be notified by email and posted on tomorrow’s blog. Enjoy!

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I fell in love with Confessions Of A Shopaholic by Sophia Kinsella years ago, before everyone knew how to speak Prada or the term ‘shopaholic’ became a sought after title. When I began writing fiction myself, I discovered how fun it was to live out my fashion addiction vicariously through my characters. My real-life budget was slim; my characters, however, were living la vida fashionista.

Amy, in Witches Anonymous, sums up my alter ego perfectly with this statement, “I have only one vice in life-lust. I lust for sinful men, dark chocolate and designer shoes.” In Amy’s closet, you’ll find D&G as well Louboutin. She actually went to Paris for a special pair of Louboutins. You can read why and what kind of trouble they got her into here. Trust me, they were worth every penny and then some.

Zara, in I’d Rather Be In Paris, is tagged by fellow CIA employees as a pampered rich girl. While she hates being lumped into the Paris Hilton category, she isn’t about to give up her Prada lifestyle. A pivotal point between Zara and her partner, Lawson, comes when he helps her take off a very expensive Valentino dress before they enjoy a night together…

Zara thought about it for a moment, looking down at the folds of white silk covering her legs. It would be a shame to wreck such a wonderful dress, but…

“Forget the dress. I can replace it if necessary.”

A sensual smile danced on Lawson’s mouth, and he stepped toward her. “You had to think about it.”

She took a step back. “It is a Valentino.”

The next morning, she wakes to find the Valentino hanging on a nearby wardrobe. At that moment, Zara realizes that Lawson gets her, all because he hung up her dress.

In the story I’m writing now, my heroine Brigit isn’t into fashion. She shuns suits and designer labels and is most comfortable wearing Gap. I share her down-to-earth love of clean lines and colorful layers. Gap also fits my budget and my lifestyle with twin boys and a dog who needs lots of exercise. What I gave Brigit was a love of lipstick.

“Wicked Woman?” Truman walked back into the bedroom and held up several tubes of lipstick. “Drama Diva? Professional Pink? Brickhouse? Where on Earth do you find these crazy colors?”

“The Rimmel beauty counter.”

“Have you ever worn any of them?”

Not often. Mostly she bought them for their names. They made her believe that if she did wear them, they’d provide whatever their name promised.

Ah, yes, fashion labels can often provide whatever their name promises…shopaholic, pampered rich girl, or maybe, smart investor like Rebecca Bloomwood. Until my fashion budget grows, however, I’ll have to keep living la vida Fashionista through my fictional characters, but oh what fun I have with them!

 

Misty Evans is an award-winning, multi-published author of CIA thrillers and paranormal comedy. If you like your heroines well-dressed and your action fast-paced, check out her books at http://www.readmistyevans.com. You can also catch Misty living la vida fashionista at http://www.solestruckfashions.com where she writes a monthly fashion column.