Just Write! with Anne Marie Novark Romance Author

More New Covers

2012-02-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

Here is the last batch of my new and revamped covers. I particularly like the way they all visually hook together. Now, there's an Anne Marie Novark book brand.

Adam's Temptation is the only contemporary book of mine not set in Texas. The Florida location and the lighthouse was fun to write. Of course, the characters are fun, too.

The two revamped covers for my Return to Stone Creek series are eye-catching. Her Reluctant Rancher got a complete face-lift. Much sexier than the windmill on the original edition, IMO.

I used the same photo image for Tall Dark and Texan. The fonts were changed and rearranged to make the cover more consistent with the rest of my books.

Last but certainly not least, Texan Undercover kept the same gorgeous Jimmy Thomas photo. The fonts were changed and also rearranged to give it an Anne Marie Novark kind of look.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the results. From here on in, my book covers will have the same look.

Happy Reading!!!

AM :)

How to Make a Clickable Image Link

2012-01-31T13:23:00.000-06:00

Techno-Tips for the Techno-Challenged

If you've ever wondered how to make a picture or image clickable as in making it a hyperlink, look no more. I'm going to show you how to do it in the simplest way even the most techno-challenged person can understand. I know, because I'm pretty much a techno-klutz (as you know).

First your image must be somewhere online, whether on your website, blog or a photo-site like Flikr or Photobucket. To find the web address of the image, right-click on your image and choose View Image. The image's URL will appear in the "address window."

Basic html code for an image hyperlink:

<a href="web address you're linking to"><img src="web address of image you're linking from"></a>

1. Copy and paste the URL/web address of the site you're linking to in the code above. Replace the first green string of words with your URL of the destination site.

Example: <a href="http://annemarienovark.com/?p=885"

2. Copy and paste the Image's URL/web address that you located the very first thing into the code above. Replace the second green string of words with the URL of your image.

Example: ><img src="http://annemarienovark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ToHisLadysRescueLg-683x1024.jpg"></a>

To control the image size, you can add parameters to the code like this:

<a href="web address you're linking to"><img alt="width"164"=" border="0" height="308" src="web address of image you're linking from"></a>

This line of code makes the picture this size:

If you want a smaller image, you change the width and height like this:

<a href="web address you're linking to"><img alt="width"64"=" border="0" height="208" src="web address of image you're linking from"></a>

To center the position of your image, you add this parameter:

<center><a href="web address you're linking to">img alt="width"64"=" border="0" height="208" src="web address of image you're linking from"></a></center>

So there you have it. Several simple lines of code to help you make hyperlinks for images on your website or blog.

Cheers!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Monday

2012-01-23T14:59:00.000-06:00

I've been busy the past couple of weeks updating/revamping my bookcovers, and I believe I'm finally caught up for now.

Time to jump back on the writing bandwagon and get some serious writing done on this Regency Novella. I would like to get it up and live by Valentine's Day, but it's going to take some doing. I already have the title and the cover is made (yay!).

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Write 4000 words on novella.

* Write blurb.

* Write techno-article for blog and newsletter.

* Check on status of the online class I'm supposed to teach in February.

* Maybe write a little on a short story (just to see if I can work on two projects at once).

* Dig out project notebook on Tyler's story.

Busy week ahead!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

New Regency Covers

2012-01-17T10:06:00.000-06:00

As you can see, I'm also revamping/upgrading my Regency covers. The other ones were okay, but whenever they were on those bestseller lists, they seemed to stick out like a sore thumb.

Now, my new and improved Regency covers can stand proudly with all the rest. It's pretty difficult to find good photos for historical books. I searched through literally hundreds of pictures before I found the perfect ones.

I really like the new covers. I think they're sexier and more romantic. Don't you?

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

BICHOK Monday

2012-01-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

We're having a very rainy day and Monday, but I'm not letting it get me down. (cue The Carpenters). We still need lots of rain to make up for the horrible drought we've been having.

Anyway, I jumped back onto the writing wagon this morning and read and edited the rest of my Regency Novella that I want to finish before Valentine's Day. I also searched for new art work for my revamped Regency bookcovers.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Write the next chapter in Portrait and get back in the writing groove.

* Redesign book covers.

* Reload The Viscount book with deleted links.

* Write a techno-challenge blog post.

* Write and write some more.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

New Year, New Covers

2012-01-04T11:19:00.000-06:00

I'm in the process of upgrading my covers. The ones I made were okay for my first year of publishing, but now it's time to revamp and start new. I think my nephew has done a fabulous job!!!

Readers do judge books by their covers, and an awesome cover is one of your most vital marketing tools, so it pays to make it attractive and eye-catching.

I'm very please with my first batch of new covers. I started with my Contemporary Westerns in The Diamondback Ranch Series. Readers love these books. And yes, I am going to write Tyler and Tori's stories soon.

Happy Reading!!!

AM :)

Happy New Year!!! 2012!!!

2012-01-01T19:13:00.000-06:00

Wow!!! 2012!!! Can you believe? If 2011 is anything to judge the publishing and writing industry by, 2012 promises to be that much and more. We're in the midst of a revolution and evolution, and change for some is hard to comprehend and hard to swallow. But for others, change is something to hitch a ride on and embrace whole-heartedly. And what a ride it's been!!!

Looking back at my 2011 goals, it seems I missed a couple, but surpassed the others:

1. Get back into the daily writing habit.
This is something that still needs work.
2. Tweak and publish three novels.
Actually, I tweaked and published five novels and one novella.
3. Write and finish two novellas and publish.
I wrote one novella and four short stories.
4. Blog more.
Still need to work on this one.

In addition, I hosted my two annual writathons (April Madness and October Obsession) and gave two workshops, plus helped several writers to self-publish their stuff.

It's been a busy year. All together, I published twelve products ranging from short stories, novels, novellas and an anthology. So all together, I now have fifteen products for sale on many different sites.

And as incredible as it sounds, I sold over 60,000 books this past year. Considering I was hoping to reach the 100 total sales mark last December (2010), the amount of books I've sold is mind-boggling.

Here are my 2012 Writing Goals:

1. Work on my output and daily writing pages.

2. Finish my Regency novella and publish by February 14th.

3. Start and finish Tyler McCade's story in my Diamondback Ranch Series and publish.

4. Write four short stories and publish individually and in a bundle.

5. Upgrade all my novel and novella covers.

6. Upload all my novels and novellas on ARe.

7. Investigate other platforms and sites on which to sell my ebooks.

8. Blog more. *grin*

Here's wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Happy Writing and Reading!!!

AM :)

Tying Up Loose Ends

2011-12-28T10:42:00.000-06:00

I like the week between Christmas and New Year's because it gives me a chance to tie up loose ends. The chaos and rush, rush, rush of Christmas is over and I can breathe a sigh of relief because I've survived another holiday.

I take down the decorations and put them away for next year. I finish eating all the goodies without much guilt, because I know I'm going to start fresh on January 1st. I'll start that new diet and exercise regimen, but that's for next week. For now, I'm still eating, drinking and making merry.

During the week, I gather all the old receipts and bills that need paying, filing away the old stuff, organizing for the new. I take inventory of my freezer and pantry, making notes on what to buy and stock up on.

I also gather my thoughts. I think back over the year and see what I've accomplished and what still needs work in my life. My regular life and my writer's life. I make lists and goals and resolve to get back on track for a healthy productive lifestyle.

Looking back over this past year, all I can say is WOW!!! What a wild roller-coaster of a ride. My writing life changed drastically and all in a good way.

The eBook Revolution is truly underway and I'm proud that I got in on the ground floor. Or pretty close to the ground floor. With Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and B&N's PubIt! program, not to mention Smashwords and All Romance eBooks, a writer can reach readers and start making money with the push of a button.

And that's what it's all about: Writing stories and reaching readers. Now, authors don't have to rely on anyone other than themselves. Yes, it's scary, but it's awesome, too.

I've sold close to 60,000 books this year. When I see that number, it's hard to believe. That's a whole lot of ebooks and a whole lot of readers.

Yes, my writing life has changed drastically. I'm living my dream of writing stories, sharing them with readers and making a little dab of money.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Monday

2011-12-12T09:47:00.002-06:00

I put up my Christmas decorations yesterday. For me less is more, and I have a few treasures I've collected over the years that I put out to express my holiday spirit. Last year, I bought a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I've been collecting ornaments for the past thirty years, and since I don't put up a large tree any longer, I wanted something to display some of my favorites. The little tree is perfect and it gives me a warm fuzzy every time I look at it. I like warm fuzzies . . .

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Finish edits on Texas Two Step short story.

* Make cover and write blurb.

* Figure out if I'm going to participate in KDP Select.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Monday

2011-11-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I mostly chilled, but I did get my Mom's short story up and it's now live. If you're in the mood for a short historical romance, check out THE DOCTOR'S WIFE.

Here are my goals for the week:

* Finish current current Texas Two Steps short story.

* Send it to beta readers.

* Make cover.

* Make timeline and deadline for new Regency novella.

* Post on my new readers' blog.

Happy Writing All!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Monday

2011-11-21T08:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday!!! I thought I'd post a picture of a deer out in the yard at the family farm up in the Texas Panhandle. My brother took this picture. Pretty cool, huh?

We won't be going to the farm this Thanksgiving. First time in years. But we're still getting together at my mom's house and I'm sure fun will be had by all. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Work on another Texas Two Steps Short Story.

* Work on Regency Novella

* Format and publish one of Mother's stories.

* Eat lots of turkey!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Lucky Thirteen!!!

2011-11-19T10:04:00.000-06:00

Today's my birthday. Ack!!! Don't ask me which one. I don't even want to go there. I thought about ignoring this birthday, but that's no fun. So I published a new short story instead to help celebrate the occasion.

Texas Two Steps: Melanie and Blake is my third short story and my THIRTEENTH published eBook. Wowser!!! What a difference a year makes. Last November, I only had two Indie eBooks out. I was still a newbie and wondering if I'd ever sell enough to make it worthwhile.

I'm happy to say that YES, it has been extremely worthwhile. As of this past week, I've sold over 55k eBooks (which is apropos to the birthday I'm celebrating; but shhh, don't spread that around). Finding readers for my cute little stories has been an awesome experience. The fan letters warm my heart.

Melanie and Blake is special to me besides being my thirteenth Indie-pubbed eBook. It's also my first Christmas story. I had fun with this story; it was a joy to write. I set it in Stone Creek, Texas, and Trev and Beth from HER RELUCTANT RANCHER make a cameo appearance. It's always fun to revisit characters from other books. I hope the readers enjoy it, too.

Thirteen has always been my lucky number. I love Friday-the-Thirteenths and if I can choose a number for a raffle, guess which one I prefer?

Happy Birthday to Me and Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

BICHOK Monday

2011-11-14T11:46:00.000-06:00

Another new week. I'm feeling kind of puny today, so I'm taking it easy. I did get a lot of my list done last week and I'll continue with it this week.

I'm determined to publish my new Texas Two Steps: Melanie and Blake short story by my birthday which is Saturday. I like to choose memorable dates to publish some of my stuff. Makes it doubly special.

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Format manuscript for Kindle, PubIt! and Smashwords.

* Finish cover and blurb.

* Choose excerpt.

* Publish by Saturday!!!

It's always exciting for a book to go live; to release it into the wild to find readers. Exciting and scary!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Monday

2011-11-07T07:20:00.000-06:00

With the time change over the weekend, I'm up bright and early this Monday morning, raring to go. During October Obsession, I promised I would reinstate BICHOK Mondays for those BIAMers who wanted to keep in touch and keep track of writing goals. I also find that when I post every Monday, I have a diary of my writing endeavors. And it's fun to look back to see what I was working on at any given date.

So what did I do with my extra hour yesterday? I cleaned house. Not only because it needed it, but because it's something I can control. Between sales dropping or maybe just leveling off (I hope) and receiving bad reviews (ugh!), this self-publishing venture sometimes gets overwhelming and I just want to toss it and walk away.

But of course, I can't. I'm a writer. That's who I am. I can't quit. The voices won't let me. And if I step back and regroup, I realize I'm living my dream. I can write my cute little stories and share them with readers and make a little dab of money on the side. I'm truly grateful for the success I've achieved. I just hope it continues.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Finish Christmas story and tweak it

* Send story to beta readers

* Finish the cover

* Write the blurb

* Finish guest blog article and send it in

* Work on getting Mother's Orphan Train story up

Let's have a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Fifty Thousand Ebooks Sold and Counting!!!

2011-10-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

My Adventures in Self-Publishing

Well, it's happened at last!!! I hit the 50k mark last week and let me tell you, it feels great!!! Fifty thousand people actually bought my books. My books!!! My cute little stories!!! OMG!!! It's hard to imagine, hard to comprehend.

I read a couple of blog posts I'd written when I hit the one-thousand mark and the ten-thousand mark. I remember being so happy, so thrilled. And now I've sold over fifty-thousand ebooks. Who would have thought? Not me, certainly. It's beyond thrilling.

And the writerly moments just keep on happening. One of my finest writerly moments came when I received my first fan letter. Talk about thrilling!!! It came last April. The letter was from someone who'd actually been raised in the little town in the Texas Panhandle where I based my small town of Salt Fork in The Diamondback Ranch Series. Now what are the odds of that happening? Of all the readers out there, she had recognized some of the landmarks and wanted to know if Salt Fork was her hometown. Isn't that wild?

So many readers are wanting the next installment of that series of books. It's very gratifying and I'm busy writing them. Doesn't get much better than that.

I'm also having fun writing short stories. I'm writing my first Christmas story and it should be out soon. The Texas Two Steps are sexy little short stories of passion and romance. That's the tagline of the series. They're fun to write and I hope they're fun to read.

My October Obsession 2011 BIAM Writathon is coming to a close. This has been one of the most enthusiastic bunch of writers participating in a long time. Lots of writing and editing getting done.

Okay, I just wanted to share my good news. Fifty-thousand eBooks sold. Wow!!! And that doesn't count the 1500 books I've given away for free or the ones given to our military personnel in Operation Ebook Drop.

I've said it once and I'll say it again: It's a great time to be a writer!!!

AM :)

The eBook Revolution: Signs of the Changing Times

2011-10-20T11:56:00.002-05:00

Anyone notice something different in the RWR (Romance Writers Report) this month? How about that full-page ad on the coveted inside cover spot? Maybe I've missed it previously, but this is the first full-page color ad I've seen for an Indie eBook in that magazine. I'm pretty sure it's Indie/Self-Published. And can I just say: WooHoo!!!

Yes, I know the author is traditionally published, but still. It's an advertisement for a .99 eBook. And it's not just the cover of the book in the ad, the picture is of the book cover on a digital device, probably a tablet. Can I say: Wow!!! And also note, the author uses one of those cool QR codes, too. Snap that little code with your smart phone and you go instantly to her website. Is that awesome or what?

Oh yeah. The times they are a changing.

The RWR ad is the latest example of signs of the changing times. Back in May for Mother's Day, almost every Sunday ad in the newspaper featured an eReader on the front page. I'm talking about Target, Walmart, Office Depot and Best Buy, to name just a few.

And here's a promotional feature in last summer's Parade Magazine for Summer Reading. Notice that it's not a child sitting under a tree reading a book. Oh no. This little boy is sitting under a tree reading a book on an eReader.

Love it, love it, love it!!!

Recently in the comics section of the local newspaper, (yes, I still subscribe, but not for long), Funky Winkerbean featured a series of strips lamenting the closing of a bookstore. That in itself is sad, but it's just another example of the changing times and the eBook Revolution.

Of course, there have been numerous articles and blog-posts about eBooks and publishing all over the web in writers' circles, but the examples above are reflective of the changes in the "real" world. It's very telling, don't you think?

Yes, it's exciting times we're living in.

Vive la Revolution!!!

Anne Marie :)

Donkey Basketball: Not Just Another Fundraiser

2011-10-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

While I was writing Her Reluctant Rancher, I needed to find an unusual fundraiser for my heroine Beth, who was trying to raise money to build a library in her small West Texas town. I wanted something different, and I remembered seeing a late-night sitcom where people were playing basketball on donkeys. It’s similar to wheelchair basketball, except the players ride real live donkeys. I googled donkey basketball and discovered that donkey basketball was actually a real fundraising business and voile! I had a great fundraiser for Beth’s pet project.

As I wrote and incorporated donkey basketball into the story, pieces started falling into place. Character traits for my hero and heroine were revealed. Organizing the event showed to what lengths Beth would go to raise money for the library. By playing in the game, Trevor’s dislike of participating in team sports was highlighted. And the donkey basketball game became a very important turning point in the story when Trev was injured and Beth discovered she was in love with him.

Writing is always an adventure. I had a lot of fun with this story. By choosing donkey basketball as Beth’s major fundraiser, key story points and character traits emerged just like magic. If I had picked some other fundraiser, my story would probably have been very different.

Here’s an excerpt from Her Reluctant Rancher:

Trev followed Dave onto the court. He couldn’t
believe he was on the back of a donkey. He concentrated
on keeping his balance, because he sure didn’t want to fall
on his butt like the police chief.

He reminded himself he was doing this for Beth.
Maybe he could make a couple of baskets and score some
points. Would she cheer for him? Would she be proud?
Why did he care?

The announcer finished his pre-game spiel and the
mayor won the toss. He passed the ball to one of his team
mates. The councilman took it down court, passed it to
another player. Trev watched the guy twist, catch the
ball, then slide right off the donkey’s back. Ouch.

The ball was loose and Dave dismounted and grabbed
it. He dropped it twice before finally remounting.
Trev sidled up beside him.

Dave grinned. “You and me, buddy. Go deep. I’ll pass
it. Try for three points.”
“Not greedy, are we?”

“Hey, might as well go for it.”
“Right.”

Urging his donkey toward the goal, Trev successfully
stopped the animal on the three-point line. Then Dave
dropped the damn ball. Trev groaned. The priest retrieved
it and rode for the opposite goal. A nice toss and the padre scored. The band played a victory song and the crowd went wild.

Damn.

Trev trotted over to Dave. “What was that?”

Dave shrugged. “I messed up. So sue me.”

“Strategy isn’t going to work in this game,” Trev said. “Next time, go for the points.”

“This is supposed to be a team effort, Callahan.”

“We’re on donkeys, for crying out loud.”

“It’s just a game, buddy.”

“Yeah, right.” Trev hated to lose.

On the next play, Trev saw a chance to score. He
stole the ball from the mayor and took it down the court.
Dave was up ahead. “Pass, Callahan. I’m wide open.
Pass the ball.”

Trev didn’t want to pass the ball. He wanted to score
the points. This was why he hated team sports. You had
to share the glory. Share the win. But there was no way
in hell he could take a shot. His way was blocked. Damn.

He passed the ball to Dave. His friend neatly avoided
two oncoming opponents and lobbed the ball. It swooshed
through the net and the crowd cheered.

Yes! Their team was winning. Trev was determined
to make the next goal. He jerked on the reins, trying to
get his donkey to turn around. The animal tossed its head
and stood still.

Trev tried again with no success. Was he going to
have to get off the damn animal and push him? This had
to be the craziest thing he’d ever done in his life. Who the hell had invented donkey basketball anyway? Whoever it was, he ought to be—

Before he could finish the thought, Trev felt himself
flying over the donkey’s head. He hit the floor with a
painful thud and suddenly everything went black . . .

***

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

BICHOK Forever!!!

2011-09-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

It's Monday again. Haven't posted a BICHOK blog in a while. Now, that doesn't mean I haven't been writing. I have. I finished the Regency novella and published it. Now I'm working on another Texas Two Steps short story. My goal is to get several of these up and then bundle them. So far, the stories have been contemporary, but I'm thinking about doing a few Texas Two Steps Historicals. Might be interesting, right?

So here are my writing goals for this week:

* Write to the 2/3rds mark in my short story (or more).

* Send out BIAM announcements for October Obsession 2011.

* Print out Saturday's workshop talk and handouts.

* Practice for Saturday's workshop at Boomerang Books (12-2pm).

That should keep me busy for the week.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

New Release: The Viscount's Surprise

2011-09-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

The Viscount's Surprise is the second installment in my Damsels in Breeches series. I really enjoyed writing this book. It made me laugh out loud at some places and cry at others. This little novella is a fun Regency Romp, and although I didn't set out to write it sweet, somehow the story called for more of a Traditional Regency style. There's delicious sexual tension and sometimes less is more. I hope the story provides a satisfying and enjoyable read for Regency Romance fans.

Here's the blurb:

Philomena Wheeler has been living a lie for the past twelve years. After her mother dies, she pretends to be a boy so she can work in Lady Hembrough's stables alongside her beloved papa. When she's promoted to the position of groom, her father thinks it's time to call a halt to the dangerous masquerade and wants to send Phil to his sister in York to learn to be a girl again.

Viscount Hembrough pays a rare visit to his mother in London. He's looking for a new groom and hires Phil for a one-month trial period before he returns to his horse-breeding estate in the wilds of Ireland. Under the mistaken belief that she's a he, the viscount takes Phil on a trip to inspect a promising stallion for his stables.

Will Phil be able to guard her secret while traveling with the handsome viscount? And more importantly, will she be able to guard her heart against a forbidden love?

And here's the excerpt:

Anthony held the door open for Phil to pass through. She kept her eyes downcast and her cheeks were pale. Her clothes had almost dried from the drenching she'd received in the rain, but she still had the look of a drowned kitten with her short auburn hair curling wildly about her head. Thank God, the innkeeper accepted her as the urchin she appeared to be.

Anthony placed his hat and gloves on the table in the middle of the room and waited.

Phil stood near the fire, and after the door closed behind the innkeeper, she turned to face Anthony. "Well, my lord? You wished to speak to me?"

He had to admire the girl's courage. She'd successfully hidden her true identity for years, and she must suspect that he'd discovered her secret, yet seemed determined to play it through to the end. "The game's up, my dear Phil. But your name is obviously not Phillip as I had supposed. What is it?"

Her green eyes widened and that damned chin lifted a notch. "Philomena, my lord."

Slowly, Anthony walked toward the fireplace. "Well then, Philomena--"

###

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

Texas Two Steps: Darcy and Gabe (Contemporary Romance Short Story)

2011-08-28T17:52:00.002-05:00

TEXAS TWO STEPS are short, short stories of 6500 words or so. They're quick sexy reads, just the right length to enjoy during lunch breaks, soaks in the tub or while waiting in the doctor's office.

Here's the blurb:

Ever since her divorce, Darcy Miller spends many a Saturday morning attending home repair workshops at the local Builders' Depot. When the sexy new instructor offers one-on-one lessons, Darcy discovers do-it-yourself is much more fun with the help of a handsome handyman.

And here's the excerpt:

Darcy watched as Gabe rose from his chair and stood. His blue eyes lasered in on her as he made his way around the table to where she sat. He offered his hand and silently helped her to her feet.

"Thanks for dinner," he said in that sexy voice that was beginning to drive her wild. His hand held hers in a strong grip, and his thumb rubbed circles on her suddenly sensitized skin.

"I want to kiss you, Darcy. I know we've just met, but I need to kiss you." He pulled her against his big hard-muscled body, wrapped his strong arms around her and lowered his mouth to hers.

###

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

Operation eBook Drop

2011-08-20T08:51:00.001-05:00

From the first moment I heard about Operation eBook Drop, I wanted to be a part of it. For more than a year, life got in the way, but I finally joined the program this past month.

Operation eBook Drop allows authors to give away free books to service men and women all over the world. It was the brainchild of Edward Patterson, and then Mark Coker and Smashwords got in on the deal. Almost one thousand authors have donated over three million free ebooks to our troops. Is that awesome, or what? For more information go here and here.

I put all of my books for free in the program. I've emailed my Smashwords coupons to all the troops on my lists. I'm honored to participate and can't tell you the thrill I experience whenever I see some of those coupons redeemed. To think that I'm possibly giving a little bit of joy and entertainment to the men and women serving our country makes me very happy.

But the best thing to come of it so far was when I received a thank you note from a certain major in Afghanistan expressing her appreciation . . . well, it brought tears to my eyes, let me tell you. She's putting her life on the line for our country; I just wrote a few little romance stories. No comparison, really.

Operation eBook Drop is a wonderful program. I feel like I'm doing my little part (very little part) in helping the troops. Check it out!!!

Happy Reading Troops!!!

Anne Marie :)

Celebrating My One Year Anniversary of Indie Publishing: A Retrospective/Looking Back

2011-08-08T10:20:00.002-05:00

Saturday marked my one year anniversary as an Indie Author. I jumped into this self-publishing adventure on August 6, 2010. I chose that date because it also happens to be my wedding anniversary. Easy to remember and it makes the day doubly special.

It's been a roller coaster of a ride; the emotional ups and downs literally taking my breath away. People say self-publishing is easy, but they're wrong. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work and perseverance and courage. You must be brave to release your books and stories into the wild. Getting your babies out there makes you feel exhilarated, as well as vulnerable. No, it's not for the faint of heart.

That said, let's take a look back at the past year. (And since I don't want to reinvent the wheel, I'll be cutting and pasting a bit from a couple of previous posts to save time.)

First off, I need to say I had a "backlist" of nine books that I wanted to publish. I've been writing a long time. I had been submitting to agents and editors, entering RWA contests and placing in a few. I even received a phone call from a Harlequin editor in New York. Not THE CALL, but A CALL. Thrilling, I must say. Unfortunately, nothing came of it. I got close, but no cigar.

Then along came digital publishing and the small ePresses. I was lucky enough to sell to The Wild Rose Press and I liked being an eBook author. I didn't sell much and thought there had to be a better way.

And then came Kindle and Direct Publishing. Bingo!!!

I started out with one book, my Traditional Regency MIDNIGHT MY LOVE on August 6, 2010. I priced it at $2.99 so I would get the 70% royalty from Amazon. It was extremely gratifying to get my first sale on Smashwords literally minutes after uploading it. I sold about 6 on Smashwords and 9 on Amazon during the month of August.

I uploaded my second book, THE DOCTOR WEARS A STETSON, the third week in September. The price was still at $2.99 and for the whole month I only sold 4 on Amazon (total for both books) and 3 on Smashwords. A little disheartening, but not totally disillusioning.

In October, I dropped the price of MIDNIGHT MY LOVE to 99 cents as an experiment and left the other book at $2.99. Sales picked up and I sold 17 copies of the Regency and 7 copies of the Western. Smashwords sales were few and far between. I probably sold about 5 copies that month.

Not really wanting to sell my book so cheaply, I raised the price back up for November. As a result, I only sold 9 books (total for both books) on Amazon; maybe 3 or so on Smashwords.

Everyone in the Indie Author Community was excited about December 2010 with the explosion of holiday sales of Kindles and Nooks. I remember I was eagerly waiting to hit that 100 ebook sales mark.

On December 12, I released my third book, THE COWBOY'S SURRENDER. Biting the bullet, I dropped the prices on all three books to 99 cents to see what would happen. BOOM!!! Sales rose dramatically. At this time, I also uploaded all three books directly onto B&N's Pubit! instead of going through Smashwords. Immediately, I began selling more books for the Nook than Kindle.

I sold over 200 books in December. Could it get any better? Oh yeah.

In January, I released a fourth book, ADAM'S TEMPTATION. Price? Well, I started out at $2.99. After a week of no sales, I dropped it to $1.99 then to 99 cents. That book was slow finding its way in the ranks, but the other three books went through the roof!!! I sold 643 books in the month of January, twice as many at B&N than on Amazon. (Alas, this did not continue. Sales dropped off at B&N for some unaccountable reason.)

On February 6, I hit my first big milestone: One thousand ebooks sold!!! I was pretty much in shock. And SO happy!!! Sales at Amazon started to catch up to my sales at B&N.

The last week in February, I released my fifth book, A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS. This is the third book in my Diamondback Ranch series. I decided to charge $2.99 since the other two were selling so well. And it worked!!! Readers were buying all three books in the series. AND LOVING THEM!!! An author's dream come true.

On St. Patrick's Day, I released my first Regency novella, TO HIS LADY'S RESCUE. This is when things started taking off. I sold over 4000 books in March and gave 500 away for free on Smashwords. By the end of March, I had sold over 6000 ebooks total.

One month later on April 16th, I hit another milestone: TEN THOUSAND EBOOKS SOLD!!! Sales exploded on Amazon. I had two books on the Top Ten Regency Bestseller List. My westerns were also making the lists. I sold 8200 ebooks in the month of April. My little novella was selling through the roof.

It was a funny thing though. Readers either loved or hated it. It was around this time that I received my first one-star review and it was for the little novella. I was devastated. I wanted to pull it. I posted on the Kindle Boards asking how other authors coped with bad reviews and received awesome support and hand-holding. I also received my first Random Act of Kindleness. Another Regency author had read my book and wrote a great five-star review. Life was good.

Earlier in the year, I had asked for and received my rights back to the two books I had published with TWRP. On May 3, I published/rereleased HER RELUCTANT RANCHER. I decided to charge $2.99 since it had already been "vetted" and published. It sold more books in that one month than the 2 1/2 years at the small ePress.

May was my best month ever!!! I sold almost 10,000 eBooks that month. Awesome!!! I finally felt like a successful author.

On May 31, I published TEXAN UNDERCOVER. I started it out at $2.99, but quickly dropped the price to 99 cents. (More about my pricing strategy later.)

I published/rereleased the last book in my backlist, TALL DARK AND TEXAN, on June 2. I put it up for $2.99. In the month of June, I sold over 9000 eBooks.

What goes up, must come down. This is where the not for the faint of heart comes into play.

The third week of June, I gave a workshop at my local RWA Chapter on SELF-PUBLISHING: THE NEW PARADIGM/Living My Dream. (You can read excerpts Part One and Part Two here.) I'm glad I gave it when I did, because it wasn't long after that the summer slump settled in and my sales started decreasing.

Not fun. You know, it's great when your books are selling like hotcakes and all's right with the world. It's a whole nuther thing when sales start to tank. Interestingly, as my sales declined on Amazon, they started picking up on B&N. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it. Not for the faint of heart.

I shouldn't complain too much. In July, I sold over 5000 eBooks. I gave 1000 away for free on Smashwords. I've sold close to 40,000 eBooks total. But watching my sales decrease by 50% and more is not a good feeling, let me tell you.

I try to put it all in perspective. I started out this venture with the goal of making around 300-400 dollars a month. I'm doing that and more. Readers are reading my books. I'm writing what I enjoy writing and finding like-minded people who enjoy reading what I write.

It is truly an awesome time to be a writer. To celebrate my one year anniversary, I published my tenth eBook and first short story--TEXAS TWO STEPS: DARCY AND GABE.

I'm looking forward to the next year. My goal is to release ten more stories of various lengths. I plan to charge $2.99 for my novels and 99 cents for my shorter works. I'm positioning myself for this next holiday season and beyond.

The eBook sensation is revolutionary. More and more people are going to switch over to digital reading devices, and that will hopefully be more readers for all of us. Writers need to write and publish and be ready for them. That's exactly what I plan to do.

Happy Writing and Reading and Publishing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Forever!!! Comparing 2006 Writing Goals to My Present Day Goals

2011-08-01T09:03:00.003-05:00

I'm getting ready to treat my house to a deep cleaning. I'm going to spend a little of my hard-earned book money on a professional maid service. Since I'm now seriously writing again and spending hours at the computer, my house is not getting cleaned by me. And a dirty house weighs me and my muse down.

That said, naturally I have to "clean" before the cleaning ladies come. No, I'm not going crazy. But they can't sort through piles of papers and junk. And they can't clean with those piles everywhere, so I enlisted hubby's help and we're sorting through some of the mess.

Which leads me to the gist of this post. I came across a list I'd made back in 2006. I'm a great list maker. The list is on the back of an envelope and it's entitled Writing Goals.

Wow! How different that list reads compared to my Monday BICHOK lists.

Here's a sample of what I was working on five years ago when I was pursuing traditional publishing:

* Finish tweaking CHASING THE MOONLIGHT
* Send it to Harlequin
* Enter the Emily Contest
* Enter the Golden Heart.
* Enter the Harlequin American Contest
* Submit to Samhain
* Take online class
* Plan website

I was just starting to enter contests back then and didn't really enter that many. I never could justify the expense. Although, I did get a couple of requests from editors and finaled in a few, nothing ever came of it.

What a difference a few years makes!!! Now I'm writing and publishing my stories and finding readers. I LOVE it!!!

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Finish writing short story (see, I didn't even write short stories or novellas back then. Not much of a market in 2006.)
* Tweak it and send to beta readers
* Get ready to publish it
* Add blurbs and clickable links to published books
* Finish article for newsletter
* Practice making book covers on PowerPoint
* Tweak Regency novella
* Start new story

You can see right off there are fundamental differences between the two lists. I had no control over most of the items on the first list; success was left up to chance. The second list emphasizes the empowerment Independent/Self-publishing gives me. I'm in control. I have the power and success depends completely on me. Kind of scary. And exciting.

Oh yes. It's a great time to be an author!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Self-Publishing: The New Paradigm--Part Two

2011-07-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Living My Dream

The publishing industry is in a great state of change. There is truly a revolution going on. Not since the invention of the printing press has such vast changes occurred with such far-reaching consequences. When Gutenberg introduced his moveable-type machine, it made books economically available to the masses. Now, I'm sure there were many die-hards lamenting the demise of hand-inscribed tomes. I can hear them grumbling and moaning about how the quality of the machine-printed books were horrible compared to those beautiful expensive books meticulously copied out by the monks in the abbeys. And God forbid, now the great-unwashed hordes would have access to knowledge heretofore available only to the aristocracy. Social order was threatened. The world as they knew it was at an end.

See any similarities to what is happening in the publishing industry today? I say that with tongue in cheek, but in a way, the same thing is happening now.

Self-publishing used to be a BIG NO-NO. There was a stigma attached and still is to some degree. Writers were convinced it could end their careers. Some still do. Recently, in an article in Publisher's Weekly or New York Times, I can't remember, they referred to self-publishing as "previously scorned". Earlier this year, RWA sent out a survey on self-publishing. That was certainly interesting. And even my own HBA RWA Chapter newsletter reports on the progress of the members who have taken the plunge into independent publishing.

In some circles, it's cool to self-publish. OMG! I'm finally one of the cool kids. I've never been one of the cool kids in my entire life. I like it. You might like it, too.

There really is no reason NOT to self-publish. If you've been previously published and have a backlist or books that didn't sell, you could be sitting on a gold mine. If you are seeking a traditional publishing contract, you should go ahead and self-publish and earn money while you wait. It's the new slush pile. Agents and editors search through the Amazon Bestseller Lists looking for new talent. Many Indies have been offered, and some have even accepted, signing deals with big publishing houses.

You need to decide what traditional publishing can do for you. How long will bookstores, as we know them, be in business? Borders is history and the repercussions of its closing will soon be felt.

If you sign a book deal today, your book won't be published for 12-18 months. You could be making money during that time equal to or more than some advances. Besides, most traditional authors are expected to do their own promotion now. Many editors aren't really editing anymore. And I hear midlist authors, right and left, are getting royally screwed.

The readers are the new gatekeepers. NY isn't the only one deciding what gets published any longer or what is worthy to be made available to the masses. The readers decide. And that's how it should be. It's all about the readers.

I'm selling more books each month than I ever dreamed possible. When I was published with a small ePress, I didn't feel like I was a successful author. Sure, they were RWA approved, but I wasn't selling books and I wasn't connecting with readers. I'm doing that now, on my own, and I finally feel successful.

Self-publishing doesn't have to be expensive. I do my own covers, format my manuscripts, write my own blurbs, upload to Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords. Smashwords distributes to Apple, Sony, Kobo and Diesel. They now distribute through Scrollmotion, and all of my books are actual apps that can be read on smartphones and tablets reaching readers who haven't been won over yet, who might just want to try out one ebook they've heard about.

If you feel you don't have the computer savvy or skill to do it yourself, you can hire out cover art, editing, formatting and uploading. It's not that expensive. But be sure to pay a one-time fee. Do not pay someone a percentage of your sales for eternity for doing something that only takes a couple of hours or at most a couple of days or a week. That is just crazy.

What about validation?

Perhaps you think you will somehow be validated when you land that traditional contract. I don't know; that isn't my dream anymore. For me, selling thousands of books is validation. Knowing thousands of people are reading and enjoying my stories is validation. Fan letters are validation. Four and five star reviews are validation. (On the other hand, one star reviews just plain suck.) Seeing my books on the Bestseller lists on Amazon is validation. The money deposited into my checking account? Priceless.

I've never been a team player. I don't like to write to committee. The freedom to write and publish what I like to read and write is liberating. And I've found readers who actually like what I like. I don't have to bow down and submit to editors and agents, practically begging to be noticed. I don't have to write something dictated by NY. I write for myself first, then share my stories with the readers, with no middle man involved.

What about quality?

Yes, there is a lot of crap out there. But there's a lot of crap put out the traditional way, too.

***

Secrets to Success:

1. You must write a good book. These same rules do apply as they do in traditional publishing. You want to grab the reader, suspend their disbelief, pull them into your story and make them care about your characters. Your writing needs to shine. Your text needs to be clean with no typos. You don't want to stop your reader with awkward sentences, plot holes, or weak GMC. You also don't want to stop your reader with sloppy text and formatting.

2. An eye-catching cover is a must. I believe a picture is worth a thousand words and it needs to pop on the screen. Make sure the font is large and clear in thumbnail view.

3. Write a blurb that catches the reader's interest. You want to snag their attention and make them want to read your story.

4. Low price. For an unknown author, this is the best and easiest promotion, IMO.

Only you can decide whether self-publishing is right for you. You might want to ask yourself a few questions:

1. Is your writing costing you money? IMO, money should always flow to the writer. Entering contests and going to conferences is expensive. Instead of gambling with the money you spend on your writing, invest in yourself.

2. Is your writing giving you joy or causing you frustration?

3. Are you content to write for an editor or agent? Or do you want to write for the readers?

4. Do you want to wait years and years before catching an editor's attention? Then wait for more years to pass before you actually see your book in print? And will there even be any bookstores left when your book finally comes out?

***

I've spent the past year building my "business." I've laid the foundation and put out nine books. From now on, I will be writing new product and releasing it into the wild. I'm having fun and keeping a light-hearted attitude. I'm trying not to take it so seriously. I hope this shows through to my readers. If I'm having fun, so will they.

I love being self-published. I am living my writer's dream. I'm writing what I want to write. I have readers anxiously awaiting my next book. And I'm making a little dab of money . . . and then some.

In conclusion, all I can say is: It's a wonderful time to be a writer!!!

Happy Publishing!!!

Anne Marie :)

BICHOK Forever!!!

2011-07-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

I'm having a difficult time getting started this Monday morning. I really need to buckle down and get some writing done on The Viscount's Surprise. I'm heading into the final act and transitions are always hard for me. I know how I want the book to end, it's just the getting there that can freeze me in my tracks.

Here are my weekly writing goals:

* Get to page 85 on Regency novella.

* Start Yahoo email loop.

* Start formatting Mother's sci-fi.

* Add links and blurbs to my Regencies and resubmit to Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.

* Look into joining Operation Ebook Drop.

That should keep me busy. *grin*

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Self-Publishing: The New Paradigm--Part One

2011-07-13T08:46:00.002-05:00

Living My Dream

Every author has a dream. Whether it's getting published by a big NY publisher, landing an agent, seeing your book in Barnes and Noble, holding your book in your hot little hands, writing a NY Times Bestseller or just writing that Great American Novel, all authors have high hopes for their literary masterpieces.

For me, it's basically always boiled down to this: Write books, publish them, share them with readers and make a little dab of money.

Let me give you a little backstory about my Author's Journey:

My dreams have changed over the years. At first, I wanted my books to look like the Regency novels of the time (which was like 20 years ago or more) and I wanted to see them on bookstore shelves. Then I started targeting Silhouette Desire/Special Edition and in my mind, my books would look like those books. I dreamed of seeing them in Walmart and Kroger and of course, Barnes and Noble.

But after receiving rejection after rejection, I nearly gave up hope and almost quit writing altogether.

Then I noticed some of my HBA chapter mates publishing with small ePresses and they were having SO much fun. When I heard of a gentler, kinder publisher, I decided to send one of my rejected books to The Wild Rose Press. The editor loved the book and bought it. I was finally published and soon became accustomed to being an ebook author. Yes, I had print copies of my books, but they looked kind of funny and didn't sell very well. I'll always be grateful to The Wild Rose Press for giving me the experience of receiving THE CALL or THE EMAIL in my case. They were very good to me and really are a first-rate company.

But when I submitted my little Regency novella to a different editor over there, she wanted to make all kinds of changes. She had a different vision for the book than I had envisioned.

Now, I'm not opposed to changing what doesn't work in a story. And the novella did have a couple of fatal flaws that needed correcting.

It was about this time that I wished I could just write and publish ebooks in PDF format and sell them on my website. It was also about this time an online friend told me how she was self-publishing an anthology with Lulu so she would have another book to sell at book signings. I thought that was a great idea and began looking into that possibility. It was also about this time that I discovered the blogs of JA Konrath and Dean Wesley Smith. I found out about Karen McQuestion and how she was publishing rejected manuscripts on Kindle and making a little money.

Hmm, I thought. I had six manuscripts languishing on my hard drive plus my new Regency novella. I believed they were cute little stories and it would be fun to release them into the wild, share them with readers, and maybe make a little bit of money on the side.

When I started this venture over a year ago, I was half-ashamed to tell anyone what I was planning to do. I thought maybe I'd make some egg and butter money; you know, like farmer's wives used to do. I thought maybe I'd make enough to eat out at a nice restaurant every once in a while. And if I had good luck, I thought maybe I could make 300-400 dollars a month. But secretly in my heart of hearts, I didn't really believe I would do that well.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!! I'm making a little dab of money plus some. With the advent of the Kindle and Direct Publishing, I am living my dream. And now I love being a Kindle author. Independently published. I hope the day comes when I'll be selling 1000 books a day. Will that happen? I don't know, but I can certainly dream.

Happy Writing and Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

Keep up the Serious BICHOK!!!

2011-06-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mondays roll around with predictable regularity, don't they? *grin*

I survived my workshop presentation last Tuesday night. It went over amazingly well; much better than I had anticipated. I'll be posting that workshop in installments here on the blog very soon. Wednesday, I crashed and burned (more like chilled) all day long. Wrote every day and I feel good about getting in the writing groove again. I'm finding the joy again. Finally!!!

So, here's my list for the week:

* Write new pages on Regency Novella. I would like to get to page 50 which would be the half-way mark.

* Post to a few Amazon forums.

* Start work on rights reversion letters for my mom.

* Start formatting a manuscript for Lulu.

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

Serious BICHOK!!!

2011-06-20T07:34:00.000-05:00

Monday morning again. Time to gear up for the writing week. I did pretty well last week writing every day, but I missed Friday because we went to the farm and made pickles. Yes, I could have taken my laptop, but I knew I wouldn't write, so I left it home. The good news is: the "cowboys" came to separate the calves from their mothers, which was sad in a way, but very helpful for my writer's brain to see and record. So you never know when an opportune writerly moment will occur. *grin*

My writing goals for the week:

* Write two pages every day on the Regency novella.

* Finish tweaking the keywords and titles of my books.

* Survive Tuesday's presentation of my Self-publishing workshop. *grin*

* Tweak one cover and upload.

* Post on Meet the Authors Forum at Amazon.

Hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

Tall Dark and Texan

2011-06-13T11:16:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to announce the re-release of the last book in my back list. TALL DARK AND TEXAN was previously published as Chasing the Moonlight by The Wild Rose Press. I originally wanted to title it Tall Dark and Texan, but at the last minute changed my mind. This is my bad boy book. It also has the girl next door and a secret baby plot with a twist. The story is set in the small town of Stone Creek, Texas. Beth, Trevor and Maggie from Her Reluctant Rancher make a cameo appearance.

Here's the blurb:

Former bad boy Mitch Defalco roars into Stone Creek, Texas, on the back of a Harley with his newly discovered daughter riding behind him. Single mom Sarah Cooper cannot believe he's moved in next door. She had a secret crush on him years ago when he dated her older sister back in high school.

As Mitch tackles the responsibilities of fatherhood, Sarah admires the way he's turned his life around. She asks him to help her with a personal problem: Her fear of men. Mitch knows he's bad news for sexy Sarah, but how can he refuse her dangerous request, when she's determined to move forward with or without his help?

And here's the excerpt:

Mitch didn't wait for permission. He moved in closer, touching his lips to hers, pressing gently, letting them both get a feel for the other. He'd sworn he wasn't going to kiss Sarah Cooper, but sitting next to her on the swing like this, she was a temptation he had no power to resist.

For a minute, she didn't respond and he worried that he'd overstepped his welcome. Then her lips trembled beneath his, and she exhaled a soft sigh. When he heard the little moan in the back of her throat, he put his arms around her and pulled her forward.

Mitch deepened the kiss, taking it to the next level, swiping his tongue against her lips. She opened for him, tilting her head for better access and he slid inside her mouth. She tasted of chocolate and vanilla and the sweet essence of Sarah . . .
###

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

Serious BICHOK!!!

2011-06-06T07:46:00.001-05:00

I'm on a MISSION!!! I must write new material, because as of last Thursday, I've published my entire backlist!!! For ten months, I've been busy tweaking, editing, formatting and making covers for all nine of my novels and novella, and they are up and live on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.

Now it's time to get back to the writing. I finally have the hard-earned confidence and motivation to get new books out to my readers. Because believe it or not, I HAVE readers!!! I love saying that. I love knowing people are buying and reading and ENJOYING my stories!!! It is truly a writer's nirvana.

Here are this week's writing goals:

* Write two pages each and every day of new Regency novella.

* Finish character sketches for new WIP.

* Make Kindleboards and blog pages for TALL DARK AND TEXAN.

* Start tweaking categories and keywords for all live books on all platforms.

My main objective is to get back in the habit of daily writing and producing new pages. I plan to make post-it notes that say: MUST WRITE DAILY PAGES. I'm going to stick them all over the house to reinforce the subliminal message.

I've been in a slump for the past six years. Time to haul myself up and out.

I CAN DO IT!!! AND SO CAN YOU!!!

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

New Release: Texan Undercover

2011-06-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

Texan Undercover is a fun Retro Read. It certainly was fun to write. I call it Retro because the story is set in 1998. You know, back in the day before WiFi, Bluetooth, blueray, and flat screen TVs became widespread. There were no smartphones, netbooks, iPods, Kindles or Wii. MP3s were relatively new and people still watched movies on VHS. Not everyone owned a computer; laptops were mainly used in the corporate world. Tablets were taken for headaches, texting pretty much didn't exist, and internet cafes were becoming popular here and abroad.

This book is my one and only attempt at writing a romantic suspense. (So far.) I had my heroine open up a chain of cyber cafes in several Texas college towns. I added a sexy private eye who goes undercover to catch a computer hacker. What you get is a fast-paced story filled with laughter, love and delicious sexually-charged tension. The coffee and lattes aren't half-bad either . . .

Here's the blurb:

Sparks fly and computers crash when Claire Maxwell's cybercafe is used for nefarious purposes. She's thrown into the midst of an undercover operation and doesn't like it one bit. She really doesn't like being thrown in the company of the hot private eye handling the case. Claire doesn't believe in love or happily ever after anymore. Can the handsome P.I. change her mind?

Dillon Anderson needs Claire's help to stop a dangerous corporate hacker. What he doesn't need is the sucker punch of desire whenever she's near. Dillon has always avoided beautiful "upper-class" women, but avoiding Claire proves to be an impossible mission. Can he get the job done without getting done in himself?

And here's the excerpt:

Claire never would have believed she could react this way to a strange man. His spicy aftershave turned her insides to mush. "I have the paperwork filled out," she said, scooting a neatly typed sheet of paper across the desk. "All I need is some ID and your signature."

Dillon reached in his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed over his driver's license, then skimmed the paper.

Claire stared at the plastic card in her hand. "This says your name is Dillon Andrews."

He looked up from the paper, leaned forward and motioned for her to do the same. His gaze locked on her. Mesmerized her. She leaned closer.

"Ms. Maxwell," he said, his soft tone just this side of a whisper, "I'm working under an assumed name. The ID is fake. This is an undercover investigation. You need to remember that at all times. Got it?"

He carefully enunciated each word, almost in exaggeration, like he was explaining something to an inept child. Claire felt her hackles rise. His eyes held her frozen. He wasn't looking at her like she was a child . . .
###

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie   :)

How to Change Underlined Text to Italics

2011-05-24T13:15:00.000-05:00

Techno Tips for the Techno-Challenged

Many of us are tweaking and editing old manuscripts; breathing new life into old stories that have been languishing unread and unloved on our hard drives. We're self-publishing our "backlists" in the hopes of sharing our stories with readers.

With that comes the sometimes tedious and daunting task of formatting or reformatting the manuscripts to upload onto Smashwords, Kindle and Nook. One problem I've had with several manuscripts is underlined text. Back in the day, when I submitted manuscripts to editors, writers underlined text to indicate italics. Talk about a daunting task!!! It's not easy trying to change every place in a 60K-120K word manuscript where there are "italics"! Ack!!!

The good news is you don't have to go through the whole manuscript page by page searching for the underlined text. Find and Replace is your friend in MS Word.

Here's how to do it:

Be sure to save a copy of your document before doing this, just in case.

1. Go to Find and Replace.
2. Hit little blue square in bottom left-hand corner of drop-down box.
3. Place cursor in the Find text box and click the Format button.
4. Click on Font.
5. Click on Underline Style and select the type of underline (usually the first example under words only).
6. Click on Font Style, then choose Not Italic. Click OK.
7. Place cursor in the Replace text box and click the Format button.
8. Click on Font.
9. Click on Underline Style and choose (none).
10. Click on Font Style, then choose Italic. Click OK.
11. Replace All.

And that's all there is to it!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Forever!!!

2011-05-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

Monday again!!! Time to set my weekly writing goals. I feel good about last week. Got a lot on my list either done or well begun.

Sales are brisk, and I just hope they continue. I cannot believe how well this self-publishing venture is going. Books are finding readers, great reviews, bestseller lists, fan mail!!! OMG!!! It's a writer's dream come true!!!

Gotta get on that next project, and I will, but I want to finish building my foundation and putting all my blacklist up.

Here's my list for this week:

* Start formatting cybercafe manuscript for publication.

* Work on Mother's sci-fi book.

* Critique/edit another manuscript.

* Help/consult a writer colleague.

* Write two pages of Regency novella.

* Attend the HBA Chapter meeting.

Want a peek at my cybercafe cover?

Yummy!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK Forever!!!

2011-05-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!! For me, Mondays start my writing week. Weekends I pretty much take off and enjoy family time. Monday-Friday is when I do the most writing and writing-related tasks. Although, I do sometimes sneak in "busy work" tasks on the weekends. Like last night, I finally uploaded HER RELUCTANT RANCHER to Scribd.

I didn't get everything done on my list last week, so some of it will carry over.

Here are my goals for this week:

* Finish tweaking cybercafe story.

* Find cover art for it.

* Format my mother's sci-fi and start uploading/publishing.

* Write five pages of new novella.

* Start learning about Twitter and promoting.

* Start working on HBA RWA workshop.

When I finish polishing the cybercafe story and get it formatted and the cover designed and work out the blurb and excerpt, in other words, make it ready to publish, I will be finished building the foundation of my self-publishing sales catalog. I've been working fast and furiously for a year getting my "backlist" up and live. After July, I will be starting a new adventure and writing new material, creating new product/frontlist. Then I will be living my dream of writing stories, publishing them, and sharing them with readers.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Her Reluctant Rancher

2011-05-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce the re-release of HER RELUCTANT RANCHER!!! This book is very dear to my heart, because it was the book that made me a published author and I got to experience receiving THE CALL or in my case, THE EMAIL.

Now that I've gone totally Indie, I'm giving the book a new life and hope it finds many new readers. Check it out!!!

Here's the blurb:

Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on.

Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.

And here's the Excerpt:

He leaned across the desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed the kiss the other night.”

She scooted the chair back. “There’s nothing to discuss.”

He stood and slowly came around the desk, reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I want to kiss you again.”

“That’s probably not a good idea.” Oh, lord. She was playing with fire and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to get burned. Bad.

“Probably not. I know you said we’d never kiss again. But don’t you want to kiss me? Can’t you feel the pull between us?”

“Yes . . . No!” She jerked her hand free and started backing away.

He followed, closing in on her until she bumped against the library table. “Just one kiss, Beth. One kiss can’t hurt.”

Before she could react, before she could reply, Trevor wrapped his arms around her, covered her mouth with his and God help her, she was a goner.

###

Remember: Life's too short, NOT to love a Texan!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

BICHOK!!!

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!! After a terrific April Madness 2011, I've decided to reinstate my BICHOK Mondays so we can all keep in touch and continue with our writing objectives. It's always nice to have company along the way on the writing journey to help keep us honest and provide accountability.

Already this morning, I have uploaded HER RELUCTANT RANCHER to Kindle and Nook. I will be uploading to Smashwords and Scribd later today. HER RELUCTANT RANCHER was previously published with The Wild Rose Press. I have nothing but good things to say about TWRP. They were very very good to me. But I wasn't selling many books with them and I believe I can do better on my own. We shall see.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

*   Publish HER RELUCTANT RANCHER.

*   Update website and blog announcing the rerelease.

*   Announce the book on various forums.

*   Edit and tweak cybercafe book.

*   Start hunting for cover art for cybercafe book.

*   Prepare for book signing on Saturday at Boomerang Books.

I hope everyone has a great productive week.

Happy Writing!!!

AM     :)

Ten Thousand Ebooks Sold and Counting!!!

2011-04-19T10:57:00.000-05:00

My Adventures in Self-Publishing

On Saturday, I hit another milestone in my self-publishing career. I pushed past the 10k units sold since I went "live" last August.

Can I just say: Wow!!!

As I've sold more books, I've had many more writerly moments; some bad, but mostly good. It seems like every day, I experience a new writerly moment. It's a great time to be a writer!!!

Here are a few examples of some of my more memorable writerly moments:

* It seems for every 1000 books sold, I get one review, maybe two. I don't know if this is normal, but it is normal for me. I'm very lucky to receive mostly four and five-star reviews. But two weeks ago, I received my first one-star review and I can tell you truthfully, it SUCKED!!!

I was pretty devastated. I know I'm supposed to have a thick skin, but it still hurt. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and you can't please everyone, but it still was not a pleasant experience especially since she said she hated it. Ugh!!!

And it happened the same night when both my Regencies hit the Top Ten Regency Bestseller List. Talk about flying on an emotional high one minute and crashing the next!!!

Luckily, a fellow writer (whom I did not know) noticed it. She bought my book and read it and liked it and offered to write a good review. Thank God!!! This was my first experience with a Random Act of Kindness (or a Random Act of Kindleness as we Indies like to say). One of my finer writerly moments rising out of one of my worst. As Calvin's dad says: It builds character.

* I've also been fortunate to have my books making the Top 100 Bestseller Lists in various genres on Amazon. My two Regencies are hovering around the Top Ten and two of my Westerns are in the Top Twenty and Fifty. This has helped sales immensely. A few times, all six of my books have been on the lists at the same time!!! I'm sorry to say I don't know the secret formula or handshake to get on the lists. It's really up to the readers. They are the gatekeepers in this new paradigm.

* During Read an Ebook Week in March, I gave away almost 500 free ebooks. I also sold over 4000 ebooks that same month. Great writerly moment.

* As I've sold more books, I've also experienced more returns. Not a good writerly moment, but it's part of the business. I just don't look at that column in the sales reports. *grin*

* My sales are slowly growing across the pond. I sold 50 books last month on AmazonUK. This month so far, it's 100. Good growth. I can only hope it continues.

* I haven't received any fan mail yet, but I do have my very own Customer Discussion Forum on Amazon where I can talk directly to readers.

* And speaking of readers. My sister was right. There are readers out there anxiously waiting for the last two books in my Diamondback Ranch Series!!! Is that great or what?

Every day, it just keeps getting better and better. Writerly moments abound. I am living my dream: Write books and publish. The readers are what count in this business. The money's nice, too.

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

How to Format Ebooks

2011-04-14T07:30:00.027-05:00

Techno-Tips for the Techno-Challenged

I don't believe in reinventing the wheel. I'll tell you right now, if you're serious about self-publishing in ebook format, go to Smashwords and read Mark Coker's Style Guide. It's free and it explains the steps to format Word documents in detail. Read it, study it, then read my easy step-by-step instructions. I've simplified the steps required to un-format and reformat a Word document so it will be streamlined and acceptable on the Smashwords', Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and B&N's PubIt! Direct Publishing programs.

Now remember, I'm basically a techno-klutz. I do not mess with HTML coding and when I say simplified and streamlined, I mean simplified and streamlined. We're moving from a print medium to digital. Your formatted document is not going to look like a manuscript document or a printed book. The sooner you accept this, the better.

Today's readers are used to reading on computers and smartphones, netbooks, iPods and iPads. They are used to reading digital. Digital is different from print. It looks different, feels different, but it delivers stories to readers just the same. Readers want good stories that grab their attention and keep it. They are eager to be entertained. One of the most important jobs a writer must do is NEVER stop the reader. You never want to pull him out of the story world you've created. You don't want to interrupt or disrupt his suspension of disbelief--not only in the structure of the story, but the formatting of the story as well.

Formatting doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to be pretty. The text needs to flow, just as a story flows. Most readers don't care whether you use smart quotes or curly, block paragraphs or indented. All they want is to be able to read your story with ease, comfort and pleasure.

I format as efficiently as possible. I use block paragraphs, straight quotation marks and two hyphens instead of em dashes. These three simplified elements help make uploading Word documents to the various ePub platforms seamless and trouble-free.

When preparing to upload your properly formatted Word document to Smashwords, Kindle and PubIt!, there are a few things you need to do in order to make the process run smoothly. You'll need a catchy title, an attractive cover, a well-written blurb (like back cover copy) and a description, both short and long. I always include an excerpt in the long description as a matter of preference.

So now, without further ado, here are my twenty-five steps showing how to format ebooks. Please note that these instructions are written for MS Word: Mac 2008. If you are using other MS Word editions, you will have to modify and adjust accordingly.

How to Format Ebooks for the Techno-Challenged:

Before you begin, remove headers, footers and page numbers from manuscript. Adjust Margins: Top 1 in; Bottom 1 in; Left 1.25 in; Right 1.25 in; Gutter 0; Header .5 in; Footer .5 in.

***

1.   Save original document.
2.   Select All. Copy and paste into NotePad or Text Edit and save.
3.   Quit Word. Reopen Word.
4.   Copy and paste document from NotePad/Text Edit into new Word document.
5.   Save new document as a .doc file under new name. Ex: CowboySurrenderEpub.doc.
6.   Activate Show/Hide. (The little paragraph icon on Toolbar.)
7.   Go to Tools: Auto Correct: Check the little box: Automatically Correct Spelling and formatting as you Type. Click on Auto Format as You Type. Uncheck all boxes. Do NOT hit Okay!!! UNCHECK the Automatically Correct Spelling and Formatting as you Type BOX. Hit Okay. Box closes.
8.   Go to Format: Auto Format: Options. Uncheck all boxes under Apply and Replace. Hit okay. Box closes. Hit Cancel. Box closes.
9.   Select All. Go to Format: Style: Click Normal. Make sure it reads: Times New Roman, 12 point, flush left, single space. Hit Apply.
10. Select All. Go to Format: Paragraph: Alignment: Left, Outline Level: Body Text. Indentations: Left 0; Right 0. Line Spacing: Single.
FOR BLOCK PARAGRAPHS: First line: 0, Spacing: Before 0, After 8pt, At: LEAVE BLANK. Hit okay.
FOR INDENTED PARAGRAPHS: Left: 0, Right: 0, Special: First Line, By: .33, Spacing: Before: 0, After: 0, At: LEAVE BLANK. Hit okay.
11. Delete tabs. Find and Replace: Find: ^t, Replace: blank, Replace All. Save.
12. Paragraph returns should only be at the end of paragraphs. No more than 3 returns in a row.
13. Replace curly quotes with straight quotes. Find: ", Replace: ", Replace All. Save.
14. Replace curly apostrophes with straight ones. Find: ', Replace: ', Replace All. Save.
15. Replace em dashes with hyphens. Find: ^+, Replace: --, Replace All. Save.
16. Replace two spaces after sentences with one space: Find: 2 spaces (hit space bar twice), Replace: 1 space (hit space bar once). Replace All. Repeat. Save. Repeat. Save. (Remember to clear spaces from Find box and Replace box to avoid later misery).
17. Remove all section breaks from document.
18. Remove all page breaks.
19. Make Chapter Headings 14 point, bold, centered, two paragraph returns from last sentence (enter enter ), one paragraph return (enter) to first sentence.
20. Make ***: one enter above and one enter below, then center.

For the last five steps, after you type the information on the pages, highlight the text and center it.

21. At the top of first page: TITLE (Font 14pt), enter, by, enter, author, enter, ***, enter, SMASHWORDS EDITION or KINDLE EDITION, or PUBIT! EDITION enter ***, enter. See examples below.
22. Copyright page: (copy and paste from samples) center it:
23. Dedication (Font 14pt), enter, (who you're dedicating it to), enter, ***, enter enter , Prologue/Chapter One. See examples below.
24. At the end of the story: ### About the Author (Font 14pt). See examples.
25. Other Books by Your Name (Font 14pt). See examples.

###

After you've reformatted the document, save it. I always skim over the text for "hanging chads:" formatting errors like dangling elipses, sentences with no space between them, no more than three paragraph returns in a row, etc. You need to make sure the text runs smoothly with no glitches. You want it to look as good as you can possibly make it.

Then I save the document under three different names/versions: Smashwords, Kindle and PubIt!. For example: Adam'sTemptationSmashwords.doc; Adam'sTemptationKindle.doc; Adam'sTemptationPubIt!.doc.

No doubt about it, the first time you do this, the learning curve is very steep. Hang tough! Believe me, it gets easier with every book you format.

Below, I've shown examples of title pages (front matter) and last pages (back matter) to include in your documents.

***
EXAMPLE OF TITLE PAGE: (SMASHWORDS)

You must include the Smashwords Licensing Agreement in order to be considered for inclusion in their Premium Catalog.

Adam's Temptation
by
Anne Marie Novark

***
SMASHWORDS EDITION
***

Millionaire professor, Adam Brant is hiding from life. When his broken engagement is plastered all over the papers and tabloids, he retreats to the only place he's ever felt he belonged—his late grandmother's lighthouse in Briny Cove, Florida. He vows to live in seclusion away from nosy reporters, money-hungry women and people who can't accept him for who he is.

Ambitious wanna-be journalist, Megan O'Conner is stuck in Briny Cove, living with her family, struggling to finish her degree and working odd jobs. When she finds out the new tenant in the old lighthouse is Adam Brant, Megan believes she's found her ticket out. But as she becomes better acquainted with the sexy professor, everything changes. Will she choose the exclusive story or the man who has stolen her heart?

***

Adam's Temptation
Copyright © 2011 by Anne Marie Novark
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.
***
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.
***
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
***
Dedication
To my brother John.
Thanks for the crash course in scuba diving.
***

CHAPTER ONE
(Start the story.)

***
EXAMPLE OF TITLE PAGE: (KINDLE)

Adam's Temptation
by
Anne Marie Novark
***
KINDLE EDITION
***

***

***
EXAMPLE OF TITLE PAGE: (PUBIT!)

Adam's Temptation
by
Anne Marie Novark
***
PUBIT! EDITION
***

***

***
EXAMPLE OF INFORMATION AT THE END:

###
(You must use these three marks after the final story sentence in the Smashwords edition. I use it in every edition.)

***
About the Author . . .

Anne Marie is a Texas girl, born and raised. Romance is her passion. She loves to read and write about men and women falling in love, overcoming life's obstacles, and living happily ever after. She writes spicy contemporary novels, usually involving a cowboy or two, as well as Regency historicals.

Anne Marie lives just outside of Houston with her husband who is her best friend and her own special hero. They have two grown children, two mischievous cats and one sweet puppy dog. Besides reading and writing, Anne Marie enjoys puttering around in her flowerbeds, going to garage sales, collecting antiques and watching old movies. Visit her at www.annemarienovark.com.

***
Other books by Anne Marie Novark:
Her Reluctant Rancher
Chasing the Moonlight
Midnight My Love
The Doctor Wears A Stetson
The Cowboy's Surrender
A Match Made in Texas
To His Lady's Rescue
Adam's Temptation

***

Marketing Tip: Include links to your other works in the back matter of each book. Naturally, make sure the links are consistent to each edition. I don't use links in the Smashwords edition because it gets distributed to Sony, Apple, Kobo and Diesel. This makes extra work, but it's one of the easiest and most profitable forms of advertising/promotion you can utilize.

***

The publishing world is changing as we speak. New opportunities abound for writers. You can now put your work directly before the readers. Take control of your writing career. Come on over to the Dark Side!!!

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

To His Lady's Rescue

2011-03-21T08:32:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to announce the release of my Regency novella TO HIS LADY'S RESCUE!!! It's the first in my series Damsels in Britches. I wanted to try my hand at the shorter stories and I believe Bella and Gilbert's story is a fun fast-paced read. Warning: This is not a sweet Traditional Regency. Oh no. It's a sexy little Regency Romp. Enjoy!!!

Here's the blurb:

As children, Arabella Trent and Gilbert St. John were best of friends. Wherever he led, she happily followed. Their friendship held fast until Gilbert went off to fight Napoleon and Bella stayed home. Years passed and their youthful camaraderie faded to pleasant memory.

Now Gilbert is home from the wars and Bella needs his help. From the moment she climbs in his bedroom window, he knows he's in trouble. Can this beautiful desirable young lady be the same hoydenish friend from his childhood? Can Gilbert rescue Bella from her desperate circumstances even if it means . . . marriage?

And here's the excerpt:

With both hands on the broad shoulders, Arabella shook with all her might. "Gilbert St. John! Wake up this instant!"

Strong arms clasped around her middle and pulled her down on top of the hard body under the sheet. "I'm awake, love. How about a kiss?"

She tried to push away. "Let go of me, you big oaf! You don't want to kiss me. I'm not one of your bits of muslin." She wiggled and pushed, and wiggled again.

Gilbert grabbed hold of her wrists, and rolled over, reversing their positions. "Just one kiss. One kiss, love. That's all I want."

Before she could protest, Arabella found herself being passionately kissed like she'd never been kissed in her whole life. Of course, she'd never actually been kissed at all. It was a sad reflection, really. She was twenty-two years old and practically on the shelf.

She surrendered to the onslaught of Gilbert's kiss. Just a few seconds more, then she would call a halt. Maybe another second . . . the sensation was pleasurable. No, that didn't describe what she was feeling. She shouldn't be feeling anything, because this was Gilbert for goodness sakes. The pressure of his mouth on hers was making her melt inside. And a warmth in her stomach began to flame into something bigger, stronger . . .

###

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

How to Take a Screen Shot

2011-03-15T14:03:00.003-05:00

Techno Tips for the Techno-Challenged

Ha! I bet you thought I was going to show a screen shot of my book rankings, didn't you? Well, maybe later in the post. *grin*

Taking screen shots is a really cool way to capture the moment on your computer screen. Kind of like one of those old Kodak moments, only now it's a Cyber moment.

And since I work on a Mac and I'm still a Techno-Klutz, I'll give detailed instructions for Mac (since this is what I learned to do) and I'll provide links at the end for PC users.

Here's how to take screen shots on a Mac:

Entire Screen Shot:

1. Press the Command and Shift keys down at the same time. Hold.

2. Press the Number 3 key.

3. Release.

For example:

Partial Screen Shot:

1. Press the Command and Shift keys down at the same time. Hold.

2. Press the Number 4 key. Release.

3. Using your mouse, draw a rectangle around the desired portion of the screen.

4. Release.

On your desktop, you will see the screen shot saved as a Picture1.png file. If you want to rename it, go to file and save as and name it accordingly. You can also save it as a JPG file at this time.

For example:

Here are two links showing how to take screen shots on a PC:

Capturing a Screen Shot

Take-a-ScreenShot

So, there you have it. How to take screen shots in a nutshell. Have fun capturing those important Cyber Moments.

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

Spring is in the Air!!!

2011-03-08T08:07:00.001-06:00

Here's a picture of the pear tree in our back yard. A few days ago it was white with blossoms, then we had brisk winds and they fell to the ground. It looked like snow under the tree.

I've been working in the yard with my dh, pulling weeds and mowing a little. We have an acre here in the middle of the city and it takes a lot of mowing and weeding to keep it in shape. Can't mow it all right now, because we have a "crop" of clover growing for the bees. Hubby's a beekeeper, you know. I'll be glad when I can mow the whole yard. *grin*

I'm trying to motivate myself to get in the mood for spring cleaning. The house sure needs it. But all I want to do is get my writing life "organized."

This indie publishing takes quite a bit of work, but I think when I get things in place, it will take off on its own. I'm signing up for a few forums to post about my book releases and learning to navigate them is a learning curve all in itself. I'm weeding out things that I don't use like MySpace. I'm rethinking Facebook, too.

I hit two big milestones yesterday:

* I've now sold over 2000 ebooks since August!!!

* I sold 1000 ebooks between Feb. 6 - March 6!!!

And I've sold 365 books the first week in March!!! So you see why I'm more motivated to get my writing life situated than I am to clean house. I want to get all my ducks in a row so I can get to writing more books and get them out there.

On another note: I asked for and received my reversion of rights from my small publisher for HER RELUCTANT RANCHER and CHASING THE MOONLIGHT. I have to wait sixty days before I can re-release them. I have to tweak them a little, reformat them, make new covers and upload them to Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.

Life is good . . .

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

A Match Made In Texas

2011-02-28T08:28:00.000-06:00

Here's my newest release!!! A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS is a contemporary western, third in my ongoing Diamondback Ranch Series. I haven't listed the books as a series yet, but will soon be adding that information all over the web. This is a heartwarming romance that will make you smile, as well as cry. Austin McCade is my most tortured hero yet.

Here's the blurb:

When Austin McCade’s wife dies, a vital part of him dies, too. The sexy single dad devotes himself to his motherless daughter and his work on the Diamondback Ranch. For twelve years, he ignores life and women . . . until a sassy schoolteacher moves to town.

From the moment Theresa Rogers arrives in Salt Fork, Texas, people warn her about the lonely widower. He’s a hopeless case, a lost cause. But Theresa sees beneath the crusty exterior of the man to the deep emotions and his enduring loyalty. Can she pierce the impenetrable wall surrounding his broken heart? Will she be able to vanquish the ghost who keeps him from loving again?

And here's the excerpt:

Theresa cleared her throat. "Um, would you like to come in? There's coffee. It's fresh."

He shouldn't stay. He should get the hell out of Dodge. "Sure, why not."

Removing his Stetson, Austin stepped across the threshold, brushing against her as he passed. The heat from her body nearly scorched him.

She closed the door and stood with her hand on the knob, facing him. She bit her bottom lip, worrying it with her teeth.

Austin wondered if she regretted inviting him in. Had it been on impulse? Did she realize how attractive and appealing he found her? Did she know she was playing with fire?

He was fast losing the battle raging inside of himself. He wanted this woman. He didn't want to think of the reasons he should keep his hands off her. He was a man. She was a desirable woman. Very desirable.

Moving closer, he stared down at her and tipped her chin up. "I don't think either of us really wants coffee."

"What do you want?" Her voice sounded husky. Reminding him of darkened rooms, fluffy pillows.

Austin pulled her into his arms. "Only this." He took her mouth in a searing kiss...
###

A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

A Writerly Moment

2011-02-25T09:10:00.007-06:00

Being a writer has great rewards. You live life as a regular person on the outside, but inside there's a whole lot going on, a completely different life being lived. Voices talk to you, you're thinking about plot points, POV, the climax of the story, character arcs, etc. Then there are the writerly moments that don't happen to ordinary people.

Today, one of those moments happened to me. One of my books, one of my babies, the book most dear to my heart--MIDNIGHT MY LOVE--made it onto two of Amazon's Top 100 Genre Lists.

And something I never dreamed would happen--here it is right next to one of my very favorite Georgette Heyer books!!!

And actually on a Regency Bestseller List:

This is truly a momentous day for me, and I just had to share!!!

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

How to Make a HyperLink in Blogger Comments

2011-02-13T13:27:00.042-06:00

Techno Tips for the Techno-Challenged

Have you ever wondered how to make a clickable link to an article in the comments section of a blog? Or how to leave a hyperlink to your website in your signature after your comment? It's not really that difficult.

Here's how to do it:

<a href="web address you're linking to">text you're linking from</a>

Just copy and paste the line of code and substitute your URL (web address) and text for the green URL and text, and you'll have your very own hyperlink.

For example:

<a href="http://www.annemarienovrk.com">Anne Marie</a>

Click here to see an example in the comments section.

So there you have it. Good luck and Happy Blogging!!!

Cheers,

Anne Marie :)

One Thousand Ebooks Sold and Counting!!!

2011-02-07T13:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I hit a milestone in my indie publishing career. I have now sold over 1000 ebooks since I went "live" last August. Only in my wildest dreams did I ever really believe I would sell so many. Snort. So many. My numbers are minuscule compared to Amanda Hocking, JA Konrath, Zoe Winters, Karen McQuestion and many more who hang out on the blogs where I lurk. But for me, it's quite an accomplishment and I'm very pleased. Especially considering I only hit the 100 mark total in December.

Here's how it all began:

I started out with one book, my Traditional Regency MIDNIGHT MY LOVE on August 6, 2010. I priced it at $2.99 so I would get the 70% royalty from Amazon. It was extremely gratifying to get my first sale on Smashwords literally minutes after uploading it. I sold about 6 on Smashwords and 9 on Amazon during the month of August.

I uploaded my second book, THE DOCTOR WEARS A STETSON, the third week in September. The price was still at $2.99 and for the whole month I only sold 4 on Amazon (total for both books) and 3 on Smashwords. A little disheartening, but not totally disillusioning.

I was determined to get my entire "backlist" up and running. I figured the books would find more readers and make more money than just sitting on my hard-drive. I was learning so much about formatting and unformatting, ebook publishing and POD. I invested $99 on Adobe Photoshop Elements and learned the basics of cover making. What a learning curve!!! My middle-aged brain's been chugging along at a brisk pace these past six months, let me tell you!!!

In October, I dropped the price of MIDNIGHT MY LOVE to 99 cents as an experiment and left the other book at $2.99. Sales picked up and I sold 17 copies of the Regency and 7 copies of the Western. Smashwords sales were few and far between. I probably sold about 5 copies that month.

Not really wanting to sell my book so cheaply, I raised the price back up for November. As a result, I only sold 9 books (total for both books) on Amazon; maybe 3 or so on Smashwords.

Everyone in the Indie Author Community was excited about December with the explosion of holiday sales of Kindles and Nooks. I remember I was eagerly waiting to hit that 100 ebook sales mark.

On December 12, I released my third book, THE COWBOY'S SURRENDER. Biting the bullet, I dropped the prices on all three books to 99 cents to see what would happen. BOOM!!! Sales rose dramatically. At this time, I also uploaded all three books directly onto B&N's Pubit! instead of going through Smashwords. Immediately, I began selling more books for the Nook than Kindle.

I sold over 200 books in December. Could it get any better? Oh yeah.

In January, I released a fourth book, ADAM'S TEMPTATION. Price? Well, I started out at $2.99. After a week of no sales, I dropped it to $1.99 then to 99 cents. That book is still finding its way in the ranks, but the other three books went through the roof!!! I sold 643 books in the month of January, twice as many at B&N than on Amazon. I'm still reeling!!!

I feel like I'm in a dream. A very pleasant dream. And now it's February and I've sold 120 books the first week. And I hit the 1000 mark last night. OMG!!!

Many people scoff at the 99 cent price tag, saying it cheapens your work. I have to admit, I'm not too crazy about it either. But it's much more fun and gratifying to see 10-20 sales a day (or more) rather than one lonely sale every couple of days. Will I keep my prices this low forever? No, that's not my plan. But for now, I'm gaining readers and my books are working themselves up in the ranks of Amazon's and B&N's algorithms. They are getting onto the "Customers who bought this item, also bought this" lists. Great advertising and promo, right? The 99 cent price is a strategy. I'm hoping to get deeply entrenched in those all-sacred algorithms. Then I'm going to start writing like crazy, add more titles and hopefully start selling books at the $2.99 price tag.

Self-publishing still holds a stigma of sorts. That's changing quickly for some/slowly for others, but changing all the same. The publishing industry is in a great state of flux right now. Dean Wesley Smith calls this the Dawn of the Second Golden Age of Fiction comparing it to the Golden Age of Pulp Fiction.

All I know is that it's a great time to be a writer. I can write what I want, how I want and share it with readers immediately. It doesn't get much better than this.

Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

Adam's Temptation

2011-01-13T08:41:00.000-06:00

Here's my newest release!!! I really enjoyed writing this book. It's Beauty and the Geek set in a lighthouse. Adam is a brainiac professor and Megan is smart and ambitious and matches her wits against his. And for the first time in my writing career, the setting took on a personality of its own and actually became a character and played an important part in the climax of the story. How cool is that?

Here's the blurb:

Millionaire professor, Adam Brant is hiding from life. When his broken engagement is plastered all over the papers and tabloids, he retreats to the only place he's ever felt he belonged--his late grandmother's lighthouse in Briny Cove, Florida. He vows to live in seclusion away from nosy reporters, money-hungry women and people who can't accept him for who he is.

Ambitious wanna-be journalist, Megan O'Conner is stuck in Briny Cove, living with her family, struggling to finish her degree and working odd jobs. When she finds out the new tenant in the old lighthouse is Adam Brant, Megan believes she's found her ticket out. But as she becomes better acquainted with the sexy professor, everything changes. Will she choose the exclusive story or the man who has stolen her heart?

And here's the excerpt:

Megan stayed where she was and gazed out at the water. "The view is awesome. You can see for miles. It's so beautiful up here."

Adam joined her, keeping his distance as he stood near the windows. Whatever had just happened between them had left him shaken and trembling with need. He had to get Megan O'Conner out of the lighthouse and back to the mainland as quickly as possible.

"Are you ready to go now?" he asked her quietly.

She turned toward him and smiled. "You trying to get rid of me?"

"Yes." If he didn't, he might do something foolish. Like kiss her. And then what?

Megan's smile faded. She looked at him out of solemn eyes and nodded. "Then I guess it's time I left." She headed toward the door.

Adam caught her arm and twirled her around to face him. "Don't come back to the lighthouse, Megan. I don't want you here."

She lifted that damnable chin of hers. "I don't believe you mean that, Adam Brant." She grinned and disappeared down the stairwell.

Her words and smile ignited a powerful exhilaration inside Adam's chest, and at that precise moment, he knew he was in trouble. Very deep trouble.
###

Adam's Temptation
by Anne Marie Novark

Available:
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords

Happy Reading!!!
Anne Marie :)

Happy New Year!!! 2011!!!

2011-01-01T11:45:00.001-06:00

A New Year dawns and we get the chance to clear out the muck and start over with important areas of our lives. I just reread my resolutions from last January and I hate to confess that I didn't do so well. But in my defense, I got side-tracked into self-publishing and although I didn't write many new pages, I did publish three novels on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords. I learned to use PhotoShop to make my covers, and I learned to format (or UNformat) Word documents so they could go into epub. I had many learning curves and hills to tackle and looking back, I'm pretty proud of what I accomplished.

I also taught five online writing classes and hosted two BIAM Writathons. But writing the new pages and producing new product flew by the wayside. And that's what being a writer is all about: Producing new stories and product.

So now we're into a New Year and here are my writing goals:

1. Get back into the daily writing habit.
2. Tweak and publish three novels.
3. Write and finish two novellas and publish.
4. Blog more.

Here's to a great and productive 2011!!!

Happy New Year!!!

And Happy Writing!!!

Anne Marie :)

My Perfect Tree

2010-12-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

I've finally found the perfect Christmas tree!!! It's a Charlie Brown tree and it's holding the most sentimental and best of the best of my ornament collection from the last thirty-five years. Oh Christmas Tree . . .

Happy Holidays!!!

Anne Marie :)

The Cowboy's Surrender

2010-12-12T13:05:00.001-06:00

I'm happy to announce the release of my newest Contemporary Western romance, The Cowboy's Surrender!!! It's now live on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords and Scribd. Coming soon in paperback on Lulu.

Here's the blurb:

Copper River Oil Company is drilling for oil on the Diamondback Ranch. Dallas McCade can't do a thing to stop them, because he doesn't own the mineral rights. To add insult to injury, they've sent a woman to oversee the operation. Dallas has good reason to distrust women. As soon as he sets eyes on Gillian Bankston, he loses his temper . . . and his heart. That makes him spitting mad and frustrated as hell.

Gillian has never met a man quite like Dallas. He's as prickly as a cactus, but his kisses are hot enough to ignite a West Texas wildfire. Gillian's been burned before and wants nothing to do with love . . . or lust. Battle lines are drawn and it's war between the sexes. Will they surrender to the powerful attraction neither can deny? And who will be the first to wave the white flag?

And here's the excerpt:

"I know this is only a job to you," Dallas said softly, trying to control his temper. "But to me, it's much more. I would do anything in my power to get Copper River Oil off my land. Anything."

Something flared in the brown eyes. Dallas saw the glimmer of outrage in the velvety depths. He wished he could see Gillian's eyes darken with passion. His body tensed when she leaned her fists on the opposite side of the desk and faced him almost nose to nose. The lady wasn't a coward. Didn't back down, he had to give her that.

"I understand perfectly. And if you're trying to intimidate or threaten me--I'd think better of it, if I were you."
Dallas suddenly became aware of just how close Gillian was to him. Creamy white skin stretched across delicate cheekbones, dusted with the barest hint of pink. Dark, lush lashes framed her chocolate-colored eyes. Her lips were full and inviting, even if her words were not.

For weeks, he had been tormented by this woman. Now he wanted to taste her. He needed to taste her.
"I don't want to intimidate or threaten you," Dallas said, glancing from her eyes to her mouth. He almost came unglued when her breath caught and she quickly moistened her lips with the tip of her pink tongue. "And I've just thought of something much better." He moved forward and captured her mouth in a kiss.
###

THE COWBOY'S SURRENDER
by Anne Marie Novark
To order a digital copy:
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords
Scribd

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie :)

Save the Were-Penguins!!!

2010-11-30T15:12:00.000-06:00

In honor of the winter season and the craziness and magic of writing!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

Anne Marie :)

How to Tag A Book on Amazon

2010-10-23T10:20:00.002-05:00

Book rankings are vitally important on Amazon. The higher your ranking, the more often people will see it listed in different searches. Of course, buying books is the best way to boost rankings, but there is another way to help boost your favorite authors' rankings. It's called "tagging" books, and it only takes a few seconds of your time.

Tags are descriptive words or phrases that describe the book. They are keywords that people type into search engines to find what they are looking for.

The more people adding tags to a book, the more often that book will appear close to the top of a keyword search. It's search engine optimization at its best. And Amazon utilizes this system to the advantage of authors and their books, making them more visible to potential readers. When increasing numbers of people hit a book with a particular tag, that book's visibility increases exponentially. Repeating tags raises the book's chances of showing high in those searches for those particular keywords. More is very much better in this case.

It is important to note that "Agree with these Tags?" does NOT tag a book. Each tag must be individually selected as outlined below.

Here's how to tag a book on Amazon:

1.   Log in to your Amazon account.
2.   Go to each book's Amazon page.
3.   Scroll down to the orange title:
TAGS CUSTOMERS ASSOCIATE WITH THIS PRODUCT
4.   Left click on the boxes next to each tag or the tags you prefer and an orange check mark will appear showing them to be tagged.
5. If you want to add different/additional tags, type them in the box under "Your Tags," separate each tag by a comma, then click "Add".
6. Ten tags are visible for each book. Click on "See all tags" and select and click on more for a total of 15 tags.
7. The orange check marks show that each keyword/tag is registered.

Another way to tag books on Amazon:

1. On the Amazon book page, double click the letter "t" on your keyboard.
2. A quick-tag box will pop up called "Tag This Product."
3. Click on the tags below the large box to highlight.
4. You can also click on the large box and add your own tags, separated by commas, for a total of 15 tags.
5. Be sure to click "Save Tags" to register your tags.

So, there you have it. Help support your favorite authors by tagging their books on Amazon. It helps to tag both the Kindle version and the Print version of each book. It only takes a few seconds, but the results can be tremendous!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Anne Marie   :)

The Doctor Wears A Stetson

2010-10-02T15:12:00.004-05:00

Another release day!!! Another new book!!! The Doctor Wears A Stetson is live on Kindle and Smashwords and coming soon in paperback from Lulu!!! The Doctor Wears A Stetson is a Contemporary Western Romance set in the Texas Panhandle.

Here's the blurb:

Jessie Devine can rebuild an engine blindfolded, but when it comes to men, she's all thumbs. When it comes to Cameron McCade, it's even worse. He stole her heart in high school, then left town for good. Now he's back and sparks are flying. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again? Repairing cars is no problem, but taming Cameron's restless spirit is something else entirely.

And here's the excerpt:

The atmosphere sizzled in the small office. Jessie stood like a statue, her eyes opened wide. "Why did you come back?" Her raspy voice held a note of accusation.

Cameron also heard anguish in her words. Was he causing Jessie pain? When all he wanted was to hold her in his arms, take her to bed and make love to her until the passion between them was spent?
In two long strides, he was beside her. She backed against the file cabinet. He stepped closer.

"You know why I'm back. We need to finish what we started seventeen years ago." He touched a finger to her cheek, traced the smooth line of her jaw, eased his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. Her trembling intensified and she put her hands on his chest as if to ward him off.

He caught her hands and moved them over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat, Jess. It's beating for you." He pressed his body against hers. "Feel how much I want you. I tried to stay away, but God help me, I couldn't."

His mouth claimed hers in fierce desire. Jessie moaned, holding back only for a second, knowing deep down resistance was hopeless.

She couldn't help it . . . she kissed him back.

###

Remember: Life's too short not to love a Texan!!!

Happy Reading!!!

AM :)

Lucky Day

2010-09-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

As a writer, sometimes I need to step back and regroup and stop being a hermit. Live life. Make memories. Refill the well. Many of the stories I write are set in small Texas towns. What better way to live life AND do research than to go to an old-fashioned Church Bazaar?

A couple of Sundays ago, this is exactly what I did. Hubby and I went to visit his dad up at the farm and we all decided to go to the bazaar, walk around a bit, then buy lunch and take it home. When we got there, I immediately knew I didn't just want to walk around. I wanted to play the games of chance and indulge in some tasty sweets.

First thing I did was buy a cupcake. I felt like a kid, eating it and getting the icing all over me. Then I played the games. You know the kind I'm talking about where you plop down your quarter on a numbered squared and they spin the wheel and you hope you win a prize.

Well, it was my lucky day! I won not once, but twice!!! I won a pound of homemade peppered bacon and a delicious lemon sheet cake. I tried and tried to win a plant, but alas . . . my luck ran out.

I had fun at the bazaar. And the new memory and experience is now tucked away inside my writer's brain for future reference.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-08-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

Monday morning's here again!!! What a week!!! I published MIDNIGHT MY LOVE last Tuesday, and although sales are modest, it's gratifying to know people are reading this story dear to my heart. And I published it all by myself!!!

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Format Mother's book for Smashwords and Kindle.

* Read print proof of MIDNIGHT and make it live on Lulu.

* Introduce myself on the Kindle boards and other forums.

* Send out notices of publication.

* Write blurb for Hero's Journey Workshop.

* Keep up with online class I'm teaching.

Hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

I Did It!!!

2010-08-13T19:59:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce that my new Regency Romance, Midnight My Love, has gone live on Kindle and Smashwords!!! And after careful and laborious formatting, I'm proud to say it passed inspection and was accepted into Smashwords' Premium Catalogue. This means it will be distributed through Sony, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple and Diesel. The more distribution, the more exposure. In a couple of weeks, Midnight My Love will be available in print from Lulu. WooHoo!!!

This book is very dear to my heart. Regency is my first love. Writing and publishing this book was a great adventure. I'm glad to be able to share this wonderful love story, actually two love stories, with readers everywhere. I hope they enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Here's a blurb and excerpt:

The rakish Viscount Rochdale, Damien Avenall, loved Alexandra Turlington like a little sister; or so he thought until Alex grew into a lovely and desirable young lady. In a moment of madness, he kissed her and everything changed between them. Harboring a lifelong distrust of beautiful women, he believed they could no longer be friends.

Ten years pass and Damien finds himself escorting Alexandra’s critically-wounded brother home to Willowmede, where he must face the only woman he’s ever truly wanted; the one woman he can never have. He is determined to exorcise Alex from his heart once and for all, even if it means he must kiss her again . . . one last time.

Alex often wonders why Damien betrayed their special friendship. The kiss they shared awakened her to passion, but she knows better than to give her heart to a libertine. Or does she? When the viscount offers to stay and help nurse her brother back to health, Alexandra discovers her heart has always belonged to Damien. But this time, she wants more than his friendship. This time, she wants it all.

EXCERPT:

“Damn you, Alexandra Turlington. Why did you have to grow up to be so beautiful?” Damien covered her mouth with his and kissed her, tasting her as he’d been dying to do since the first day he’d arrived at Willowmede. He didn’t know whether he hated or loved her. The thought made him try to push her away, but Alex clasped her arms around his neck and pulled him back.

He stared at her a moment, then, laughing harshly, he kissed her forehead, her eyes, her nose. He felt her come up on tiptoe; she clung to him, pressing her lips to his. A bolt of white heat coursed through his body. God, she was sweet! So responsive. So delicious. He gathered her closer, kissed her deeply and lost himself to all rational thought.

Alex was unprepared for Damien’s sensual onslaught. The dim recollection of that first kiss they shared so long ago paled in comparison to reality. Her stomach fluttered and an expectant pressure built in her chest. Desire raged in her veins, strengthened by Damien’s hard body pressed against her.
She knew she was playing with fire, yet she couldn’t help herself. The unleashed passion in Damien’s powerful frame and the sexual hunger gleaming in his golden eyes tantalized her body to respond. Alex wanted more–she had waited so long.

***
Midnight My Love is available on Amazon and Smashwords.
***

Happy Reading!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-08-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

A new Monday, a new month and a chance for a new start!!! August is brutally hot down here on the Texas Gulf Coast; nevertheless, I decided to walk this morning and begin a new regimen in my goal for a healthy lifestyle.

I'm also about to start a new phase in my writing life. I'm very close to publishing my Regency on the Kindle. I hope to go live by the end of this week.

I'm excited, nervous and scared. Excited, because of the great opportunity authors now have of publishing their own work; nervous, because I hope I've done all the formatting correctly and the uploading processing will go smoothly; and scared, because I'm putting myself and my work out there and success or failure depends solely on me.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Resize cover image and insert it into Word document.

* Make hyperlinks in Word document.

* Upload document to Kindle and tweak.

* Publish MIDNIGHT MY LOVE!!!

I hope everyone has a great week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-07-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

This past week, I've been frantically searching the Internet for verification of a fact in the book I'm about to self-publish. I wrote this book almost twenty years ago and did research the old-fashioned way: I went to the library and spent hours poring through old books and encyclopedias, jotting down notes, etc. Except I've found that looking back over my project notebook (oh yes, I still have the original project notebook with ideas, scribblings, character sketches and such), I didn't verify a lot of the resource books or annotate or keep track of what books I used for certain little known facts. My bad!!!

Let this be a lesson for everyone: Make a bibliography of resource/research material for each and every book you write. It will save you time and trouble in the long run.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Finish the last tweaks of Regency manuscript.

* Begin formatting for Kindle.

* Tweak cover.

* Prepare to publish!!!

I know these sound a lot like last week's goals, but I promise I worked many hours on the manuscript. I'm very close to starting the process of actually putting it up on Kindle!!!

I certainly can't be accused of slapping something together and publishing it. I've been working on this since March. Can you say SLOW!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Writerly Moments

2010-07-21T08:16:00.003-05:00

I define a writerly moment as something that happens to me because I'm a writer. My writerly moments used to be few and far between and were precious and very special. They still are precious and special, but for some reason (happily) they are occurring with a bit more frequency. Which is great!!! Writerly moments are little validations that remind and reassure me that Yes, I AM a writer. Because like most writers, I sometimes get insecure and lose confidence in my abilities.

So here's this Wednesday's Writerly Moment:

Last May, I went to my Aunt Louise's 80th birthday bash. My cousins threw a big party and we had a reunion of sorts--cousins and cousins-in-law, aunts and uncles and new little cousins running all around.

A little backstory: Sadly, I don't see my extended family very often anymore, but Aunt Louise just happened to be in town visiting her daughter earlier in the year and came to one of my book signings and bought both of my books. She and my cousin were going on a cruise with another set of my cousins and their mother. At the book signing, they bought copies of my books for another one of my other cousins. WooHoo!!!

At the birthday bash, it was great to see everyone. When I greeted Aunt Louise to wish her a happy birthday, she told me she had read my first book one day and really enjoyed it. In fact, she enjoyed it so much, she immediately began the other book and STAYED UP ALL NIGHT READING IT!!! She loved both of them!!! Words to gladden an author's heart, right?

As I greeted my other cousins and aunts, they all told me how much they had enjoyed my books, too. Angele told me I had to write a sequel about one of the hero's brothers in CHASING THE MOONLIGHT. Donna said I had handled the love scenes quite well. My Aunt Jean said I wrote just like Kathleen Woodiwiss and my love scenes were beautiful.

Kathleen Woodiwiss??? What a compliment!!!

I have to say that was one of the best writerly moments of my entire life. I felt like a celebrity!!! And I truly felt like a successful author who had touched a few readers' hearts.

Have you had a writerly moment you'd like to share?

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-07-20T08:59:00.000-05:00

Ack!!! Monday whipped past and now it's already Tuesday!!! A day late and all that . . .

Had a book signing on Saturday. Four authors and a very nice coffee shop. Did not sale one book!!! None of us sold a single solitary book. Can you believe??? Have to laugh about it. Here's a funny video about book signings that is so true it hurts. But we had a great time anyway. It's always fun to get together with other writers and talk shop.

Amazingly, I accomplished most of the goals last week or made a good dent in them, anyway.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* For the fourth time, redo Mother's cover. Sigh. Received last week's copy of the book, and it's ALMOST perfect. Hopefully, one more tweak and we'll be good. It's been a learning experience, to say the least.

* Tweak the Author's Note for the Regency.

* Tweak my cover for the Regency.

* Reformat the Regency manuscript for Kindle and Smashwords.

* Start writing blurb for the new class I'll be teaching next year on The Hero's Journey.

I hope everyone has a great week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-07-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

Man, oh man!!! Talk about the lazy days of summer . . .

I completely missed last week, but I have a good excuse!!! I was up at the family farm in the Panhandle utterly isolated without Internet or TV. It was heavenly. I did take a couple of manuscripts to work on. As you may know, my mom is a writer, too. We had a "working" vacation, each reading the other's stuff, talking shop, watching movies, reading, discussing. Again . . . heavenly.

Even though we were stranded in the house due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding, we kept busy and had fun.

Now, I'm home and I need to get back on the wagon.

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Redo the cover for Mother's book (again!).

* Start implementing changes into the Regency manuscript.

* Work on afterword for Regency story.

* Work on Amazon Author Page.

* Update blog sidebar (again!)

* Start formatting for Kindle.

Lots to do!!!

I hope everyone is staying cool and getting some work done!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-06-28T08:28:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I've been MIA. Time has been running away. Can you believe June is almost over? The hot days of summer are upon us. Here on the Texas Gulf Coast, the heat is brutal. But it's a great excuse to stay inside and write!!!

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Start formatting Mother's manuscript for Smashwords and Kindle. (This will be a real learning experience--another learning curve. *g*)

* Write Author's Note for the end of MIDNIGHT MY LOVE explaining the history of the Georgium Sidus.

* Read through MIDNIGHT MY LOVE one more time and implement changes suggested by beta readers.

* Update website and blog sidebars.

Hope everyone has a productive week!!! Stay cool!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-06-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

Another Monday. Seems like they're here before you know it!!! I had a good week last week. Got most of my list done, which was great.

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Tweak blurb for the Regency book.

* Design cover.

* Choose excerpt.

* Make final changes to Mother's book.

* Begin formatting for Smashwords and Kindle.

* Post a blog article.

* Keep up with online class I'm teaching.

I hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-06-08T12:06:00.002-05:00

Whew! What a week!!! Last Monday, I forgot to post because of the Memorial Day holiday and then the week got away from me. I had a book signing at a Senior Citizen Apartment Complex on Saturday which turned out nice. We had fun and they fed us lunch. I always sign with several other authors. I think it's more fun that way. We had gift baskets and door prizes. The seniors had a great time and so did we.

Yesterday, Blogger was out of commission, so I didn't get to post. But the week is still young!!!

My writing goals for this week:

* Make changes in Regency manuscript and print out and send to beta reader.

* Start formatting for Smashwords and Kindle.

* Redo cover of Mother's book. (It didn't turn out right. This is for Lulu.)

* Write blurb for Regency book.

* Find picture for Regency cover.

* Keep up with online class I'm teaching.

Okay, if I get half of that done, I'll be a happy camper!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Brenda Gayle

2010-06-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Brenda Gayle visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Brenda a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?

I write contemporary romances. I love reading historicals but I just don’t think I have the voice for it. Whenever I’ve tried in the past, my heroines end up sounding too smart-mouthed for the times.

I really like stories about women who have done well for themselves but are plagued by self-doubt. The hero doesn’t necessarily “come to her rescue” but he helps her realize she really is as strong as she pretends to be.

~ How long have you been writing?

I can’t remember when I didn’t write. I was one of those geeky kids in school who was thrilled when the teacher gave us creative writing assignments. And as if that wasn’t enough, my best friend, Sandi, and I would write stories for recreation when we were in high school (I told you I was geeky!). We would take the same opening sentence and write our own short story, comparing results when we were done. Surprisingly, back then, my stories were very dark and depressing, and usually ended up with everyone dying at the end (all that teenage angst!). Suffices to say that is no longer the case. There’s enough bleakness in the world; a little more romance and happily-ever-after are always welcome.

~ How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

I have a Master’s Degree in Journalism and have spent over 20 years in corporate communications, writing and editing anything that was required--articles, newsletters, press releases, annual reports, websites, etc. From the time I was in university until about five years ago, all my writing was for business; I had essentially given up writing for pleasure.

I returned to creative writing as a way to rediscover my muse. I was feeling stifled in my job and needed to find some creative outlet. However, like many of us who juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, I rarely made the time for myself to write creatively. When I complained about this to a friend of mine, she suggested I approach creative writing the way I did my business writing--set deadlines and aim for publication, including going through the process of actually submitting to editors. Once I did that everything changed.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

SOLDIER FOR LOVE was my first completed manuscript. It took me about two years to write the first 30 pages. When the “First Meet” scene placed second in the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association’s annual contest, I was given the opportunity to have a published author read and critique the first three chapters. I hustled to get those chapters done and Brenda Harlen, a Harlequin author, gave me a fantastic critique. I never looked back. The book was completed six months later.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

I pitched SOLDIER FOR LOVE to Kathy Cottrell, a Senior Editor for The Wild Rose Press, at the New Jersey Romance Writers’ conference. She liked it so much she asked if the heroine, Major Julie Collins, could be older so she could have it for the line she was responsible for, The Last Rose of Summer. I told her I’d see if it was possible.

When I started looking at what would be required to make Julie older, I realized that adding some years to her age actually made the story stronger. I rewrote the necessary sections and sent three chapters and a synopsis on to Kathy.

Kathy sent my submission to one of her editors, Maggie Johnson, and Maggie got back to me a short time later and requested the full! A month later I got “the e-mail” offering me a contract to publish the book.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?

I think I just stared at the computer screen dumbfounded for a long time. It felt surreal. No one gets their first manuscript published, or so I thought.

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

Receiving the offer of publication was a huge thrill but what really pleased me was how Maggie started the email:
As the old TV commercial says: It's not nice to fool Mother Nature. In the same vein: It's not nice to make your editor cry. But you did, and that's what makes me feel we've got a success on our hands with Soldier for Love. It is truly a beautiful and well-written story. It not only involved me emotionally, but I felt I was learning something about another culture.

To have an editor feel this strongly about your work is an author’s dream.

~ Who was the first person you told?

I called my husband at work and told him. He had been wonderfully supportive through the entire writing process, even taking the kids away for entire weekends so I could have large uninterrupted blocks of time to write. He was really happy for me and sent flowers to my office in congratulations. That, of course, got my office talking and soon everyone knew.

~ How did you celebrate?

We went out for dinner as a family. My kids, 9 and 7 at the time, were so proud it was almost embarrassing. I shed more than a few tears over the next few days. It really was a dream come true.

SOLDIER FOR LOVE, is now available in print and as an eBook, and was named a Recommended Read by Joyfully Reviewed. (ISBN-10: 1601544014; ISBN-13: 978-1601544018)

She’s his Commanding Officer. So why does he seem to be in charge?

Major Julie Collins should be on top of the world. Her long-sought promotion has finally come through and she has just been given her first overseas command. But when one of her troops turns out to be the handsome Native American who has just left her bed, everything starts to unravel.

Lieutenant Matt Wolf’s exploits with the opposite sex are legend—if only they were true. His larger-than-life persona masks deep loneliness and isolation. He has every intention of obeying Julie’s order to stay away, but what’s he to do when she follows him and then gets herself kidnapped by a deranged voodoo priest?

Suddenly, all orders are belayed as Matt mounts a one-man rescue, risking both of their careers, and the only home he has ever known.

Click here to read an excerpt

Please visit my website at www.BrendaGayle.com or contact me at Brenda@BrendaGayle.com. I’d love to hear from you.

###

Great interiew, Brenda!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-05-24T08:55:00.001-05:00

Today, tomorrow and onward!!!

Mondays come with alarming frequency, don't they? Where do the days go? Where does the time fly? So much to do, so little time . . .

I had a pretty good writing week last week. I edited almost 100 pages of my Regency ms. I designed my mom's cover and I kept up with my online class.

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Edit 100 more pages of Regency.

* Decide on title.

* Work on blurb.

* Search for cover image.

* Publish my mom's book. (Like "Oh yeah. Publish my mom's book.) *g*

Hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Marie Tuhart

2010-05-19T07:54:00.000-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Marie Tuhart visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Marie a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?

I write contemporary and paranormal erotic romances, and I also write series contemporary romance novels.

~ How long have you been writing?

Longer than I care to think about, I started writing when I was a teenager, took some time off while in college and working.

~   How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

For the last twelve years

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

Ten

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

It was a Friday morning, and because I start my day job at 5:30 in the morning, I sat down to read my email before work. I saw an email from The Wild Rose Press editor I had sent my full manuscript to. I opened every email but that one, and then finally I opened it. I was very excited to see she wanted to go to contract on my book.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?
My first reaction was disbelief, then excitement. I didn't scream or faint it was too early in the morning, I hadn't even had my coffee yet. And everyone in my house was sleeping.

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

Excited and a bit nervous.

~ Who was the first person you told?

My critique partners, I sent them an email, after that my mother and then my sister.

~   How did you celebrate?

I went out to lunch with my critique partners.

In Plain Sight
by Marie Tuhart
The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

Bad boy businessman Joe Bradshaw has achieved almost everything he’s wanted in life, but his strait-laced colleague Victoria Collins is proving an elusive challenge. A steamy encounter in the elevator begins a wild journey of sensual discovery. Joe’s determined to break through Vicki’s barriers to reveal the red-hot woman hiding inside. But Vicki is stalked by her past—her ex-fiancé will stop at nothing to get her back. Falling in love and keeping Vicki safe could be the biggest challenges of Joe’s life.

Excerpt:

     "You’re too dangerous.” The words slipped out before she was even aware of voicing them.

     His eyes widened, and another of those sexy devilish grins spread across his lips. “I’m not dangerous. I’m a teddy bear.”

     Victoria gave a snort of laughter. He took another step into the room and suddenly her bedroom felt too small. Now the man was invading her territory. “Grizzly bear is more like it,” she muttered.

     “A man,” he said, taking two more steps. “A man who wants to get to know you better.”

     “If we get to know each other any better, we’ll be arrested.” Her gaze locked with his. He stood less than a foot length from her.

     “I got things a little backwards last night.”

     “Backwards?” That was an odd word to use. She tilted her head to one side and stared at him.

     “Yep, backwards.” His arm rose, and he caressed her cheek. “Making love to you in the elevator was impulsive.”

     She opened her mouth.

     “But,” he continued before she could get a word out. “I don’t regret one second of it.”

###

Please visit Marie's website at: www.marietuhart.com and join her newsletter/goodie list.

Marie also posts to her blog every Monday at: www.escapetoaneroticfantasy.blogspot.com, please stop by.

###

Great interview, Marie!!!

AM   :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-05-17T08:06:00.001-05:00

Forever!!!

Once again, it's Monday!!! Time to JUST WRITE!!! Seems like time gets away from me and before I know it, the week's gone and I haven't much progress to show even though I've been busy all week with writing related activities. But that doesn't get the books written and it's a constant struggle to juggle promotion, blogging, online classes with actual writing time. Setting goals helps, so here goes . . .

My writing goals for this week:

* Rewrite/revamp four chapters of Regency manuscript

* Keep up with online class I'm teaching

* Open account with Lulu and publish Mother's book

* Design cover for Regency book

I hope everyone has a great productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Linda Rettstatt

2010-05-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

Today, we have Contemporary Women's Fiction Author Linda Rettstatt visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Linda a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?
   I write women's fiction with a romantic sub-plot. I've also completed a contemporary romance novel and am working on a paranormal romantic suspense manuscript.

~ How long have you been writing?
   I've been writing, in some form, since high school, but seriously began to write in 2003.

~   How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

   I completed my first novel in 2004. I submitted that novel, And the Truth Will Set You Free, to Wings ePress in 2005. To my surprise and delight, I was offered a contract. That book was published in 2007 and finaled for an EPIC e-Book Award in 2008. Four other novels followed in 2009 and 2010. I have two more books published with Champagne Books, and a third coming out in November. In addition, Class Act Books will publish my novel, Renting to Own, in the coming year.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

   I sold my first manuscript, rather quickly, I might add.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

   From the time I was in high school, I've written poetry, short stories, short plays, and song lyrics. I dreamed of becoming a writer, but at the time didn't have the courage or the self-confidence to pursue the dream. Now that I'm…er…more mature, I've reclaimed that passion to write. In 2003, while working as a psychotherapist for a non-profit organization, I found myself with an entire day of canceled appointments. I sat and whined about this to the receptionist who said (I think just to get me out of her office), "Why don't you go to your computer and write that book you keep saying you're going to write?"
   Well, I did. At least, I started my first novel. And once I'd started, I couldn't stop. It was like shaking a bottle of soda and twisting off the cap. The story exploded and flowed.

   I finished that novel and, with complete naiveté, sent off queries to major agents whom I was certain were just waiting for my manuscript. When I received one, then two, then five rejections, I decided to pursue a more direct route and queried publishers. Wings ePress responded immediately and contracted my book.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?

   I distinctly remember the day. A friend had just flown into town for a visit and we stopped at my townhouse before meeting another friend for dinner. I checked my email and discovered the offer of a contract for my book. I'm not a screamer and I doubt I've ever fainted, but I did do a happy dance. (It probably wasn't pretty. I'm not much of a dancer, either.)

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

   I was ecstatic. I had finally taken hold of the passion for writing that I had possessed for so long, and literally, felt like a door had opened, a bright light shone through, and angelic voices welcomed me to the other side. And I hadn't even started drinking yet to celebrate!

~ Who was the first person you told?

   My friend, Sue Ann, who had just come from Pittsburgh to visit. She has been a constant support and encouragement, and is one of my beta readers.

~   How did you celebrate?

   Now that's a funny story. Most people would pop open a bottle of champagne, have a party, or go out for fancy dinner. We met up with my roommate and the three of us went to CeCe's Pizza Buffet—$3.99 a person for all you can eat. What can I say? I'm a cheap date. What was important, though, was the spirit of the evening and sharing my excitement with friends.

###

My newest novel, Shooting into the Sun, was released on May 1st in ebook format and will be released in a few months in trade paperback by Champagne Books. It's women's fiction with a strong romance subplot. Here is a blurb and short excerpt:

Blurb:

Nature photographer Rylee Morgan has created an orderly, settled life for herself. When she finds an advertisement that might lead to her estranged father, she takes a photo assignment to the West Coast to investigate. With her younger sister, Lexie, in tow following the breakup with her fiancé, Rylee is focused on two things: finding the man who may be her father and doing her job. Lexie lives life by her own set of rules, or lack of rules, and Rylee's plans are further unsettled when Lexie invites a hitchhiker to join them on their journey. Rylee learns that sometimes the boundaries we construct to keep ourselves secure also keep us lonely.

Shooting into the Sun
by Linda Rettstatt
Champagne Books

When people know they’re about to do the wrong thing, they don’t look you in the eye. Parents were no different.

~ * ~

“Never shoot into the sun.” Her father repositioned
himself to pose for the photograph.

“Why not?” Rylee Morgan lowered the camera and
squinted at him.

“Because it’s a rule. If you follow the rules, you’ll avoid trouble, and you’ll create beautiful pictures.” He stood in the back yard, the white aluminum siding of their house providing a backdrop.

She wanted to believe him. Rylee snapped the
photograph, capturing his image.

He motioned to the camera bag he’d set on the ground
beside her. “You remember how to switch the lenses?”

She nodded.

“How about one more picture of us?” He pulled the
camera from her hand and drew her close to his side. At
twelve years of age, she was nearly his height. Extending his arm, the camera lens reflecting their images, he pressed the shutter release.

He handed her the camera, then hugged her against
him. “I love you, angel. Don’t ever forget that."

She choked on her words. “You don’t have to leave,
Daddy.”

“Yes, honey, I do. I’ll talk to you soon, though.”

“Take me with you.” She knotted her fingers in his
sleeve.

A muscle twitched along his jaw. “I can’t.” He held her for another moment, and then pried her hands free. Bolting to the car without a backward glance, he pulled from the drive.

“Daddy!” Rylee chased after him. At the curb, she
raised the camera and clicked the shutter frantically until she heard the whirr of rewinding film. Tears blurred her last glimpse. His car turned and disappeared from her view.

She hugged the Nikon against her chest and cried.

~ * ~

Never shoot into the sun—the voice played in her
head. The rules she had learned early in her career never
failed to produce flawless photographs. The rules she had
developed for life had not served her as well. In the sixteen years since her father’s departure, Rylee had kept herself busy, focused on her career, and safe inside her well-constructed boundaries.

Rylee resituated the tripod and checked the sun’s
position. She stepped behind the camera, looked once again
through the lens and waited, watching the slight movement
of the leaves. Water bubbled over rocks. Slowing the shutter speed, she could create a smooth cascade effect. Blue sky and white clouds reflected on the stream’s surface. This stretch of the rapids where the Youghiogheny River ran through Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania was her favorite spot for shooting.

Her thumb rested on the shutter release, prepared for
just the right moment. The breeze subsided and the shadows
shifted. Then, just as she pressed the button, some jerk
decided to walk on water.

Rylee lifted her head and stared. A hiker made his way
across the exposed rocks and into the middle of the narrow
river—directly into the center of her view. She walked to the water’s edge and, with hands on hips, shouted, “Excuse me! You’re ruining my shot.”

He raised his arms and stretched, his face turned
toward the sun. His shirt pulled up to expose a narrow waist and flat stomach.

Rylee dragged her eyes away from his body, cupped
her hands around her mouth and shouted again, “Hey!
You’re in the way.”

The hiker turned and shielded his eyes with his hand.

“What?”

“You…are…ruining…my…shot.”
# # #

Please visit my website at www.lindarettstatt.com and my blog, One Woman's Write, at www.lindarettstatt-author.blogspot.com. Please be sure to sign the guestbook so I know you've stopped by and, if you'd like to receive my quarterly newsletter, there is a place there to email me and I'll add you to the mailing list.

Thanks so much, Anne Marie, for having me here today. It was truly a pleasure.

###

Thanks for visiting, Linda!!! Great interview!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-05-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

It's that time again!!! Monday morning . . . the beginning of a new week. A clean slate. Time to start fresh. Time to make new goals.

My writing goals for this week:

* Keep up with the online class I'm teaching.

* Finish updating blog.

* Read through hard copy of galleys and make necessary changes.

* Write new blurb.

* Design cover.

* Begin formatting ms for Smashwords.

Here's to a great week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Writer's Journey:

2010-05-07T08:05:00.003-05:00

Backing Up is Hard to Do!!!

Well, I had a bit of a misadventure this week in my writing life. Luckily, it turned out all right. Here's what happened . . .

First, let me say that I'm a fanatic when it comes to backing up my work. As I'm writing, I'm constantly hitting the save button, EVEN though I have Word automatically set up to save every five minutes. When I finish my writing for the day, I save it to the desk top and to Documents. I also save to a flash drive . . . or two ( one for home, one for the purse). I now save everything in email, too.

Obsessive? Yes, but I'd much rather be safe than sorry. Writing is hard work. I don't want to try to recreate a piece of work that I've sweated blood and tears over.

So now, I'm working on this Grand Experiment, you know . . . self-publishing. I have five or six manuscripts languishing on the hard drive. Or so I thought. I've been writing a LONG time.   I've been through numerous computers. I've always carefully moved my stuff from computer to computer. I moved documents from Word Perfect to Word. My manuscripts have lived in more new places than I have. But like I said, I've been writing a LONG time.

Imagine my surprise and dismay when I went into my document folder to pull up one of my favorite stories, only to find that I couldn't. All that came up was a bunch of gibberish and strange symbols. Okay, don't panic, Anne Marie. Thank God, I had hard copies. But the thought of retyping all of those manuscripts made me queasy.

Then I remembered I still had an old laptop of my husband's that I had used before my present laptop. Digging it out of the closet, I sent up a silent prayer of thanks that I had not gotten rid of it yet. I set it up, turned it on, then promptly forgot the password that opened the blamed thing. I tried all afternoon to open that sucker. Sigh. I won't go into the details about why I hadn't written down the password. It was hubby's and I had never changed it. HE couldn't remember it either.   Lesson: Make a note of passwords.

I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to retype the manuscripts. I tried to be thankful that at least I had hard copies. I WAS thankful I had hard copies. But still . . .

As I washed the dinner dishes, I thought about all those years I had written on that old laptop. How I would sit down, turn it on, then type in the password. I focused my thoughts on my hands and how they looked on the keyboard. How the clicking of my fingers sounded as I typed in the sequence of letters and numbers.

Suddenly, I remembered!!! I hoped . . .

Quickly, I dried my hands and ran to my office and sat down in front of the old laptop. Another silent prayer . . . and YES!!! I was in!!! Oh, the joy. The sweet taste of victory!!! I felt like a secret agent breaking a code. I had unlocked a treasure.

As I pulled up my documents, I greeted each manuscript like a long lost friend.   I pulled up the books, and the words on the screen were lovely to behold. Carefully, I saved each manuscript onto a flash drive and transferred them to my newest computer, crossing my fingers in the hopes that the transfer would work. Something had happened back when I had changed computers and the documents had not been saved correctly.   Would it work this time?

I'm happy to say: Yes, it did. I now have all of my manuscripts safely installed on this computer and in working order. They also reside on the flash drive and in my email. Two email accounts, in fact. You can never be too careful.

Happy Writing!!!

AM   :)

Spotlight: Debra St. John

2010-05-05T08:15:00.002-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Debra St. John visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Debra a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?

   I write contemporary romance for The Wild Rose Press.

~ How long have you been writing?

   I’ve been writing since high school, but I’ve only been writing having some semblance of knowing what I’m doing for the past fifteen years or so. (LOL)

~   How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

   I’d have to say I’ve been seriously pursuing publication for about six years.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

   I had completed two manuscripts and was working on a third before I sold. (Of course those manuscripts had gone through so many rewrites and revisions, they might each count as more than one!)

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

   “The Call” was really an e-mail from my editor. She was checking back in to follow up on another e-mail she’d sent, asking if I’d received the one offering me a contract for “This Time for Always”. (I hadn’t received the first one, so this second e-mail took my breath away.)

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?

   I gasped, half rose out of my chair, reread the e-mail to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating, sat back down again, and finally ran into the kitchen to find my hubby.
   “I think I just sold a book,” I exclaimed.
   “You think? Well, did you or didn’t you?”
   We headed back into the den and reread the e-mail together. After that we danced around for a while!

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

   Excited. Thrilled. Breathless. Overwhelmed.

~ Who was the first person you told?

   My wonderful hubby.

~   How did you celebrate?

   We were just about to sit down to dinner, so we ate! When we finished I called my mom and my mother-in-law. About a week later I got to celebrate with my local RWA chapter. We have this fabulous tradition of bringing chocolate to a meeting when we sell a book. We don’t say, “I sold a book.” Instead we reveal the box of candy with a flourish and announce, “I brought chocolate!” My first chocolate moment was everything I dreamed it would be.
###

WILD WEDDING WEEKEND, my second release from TWRP, came out last month. Here’s a little sneak peek!

Wild Wedding Weekend
Debra St. John
The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:
All Abby Walker ever wanted was to live a normal life in her small suburban-Chicago house.
After traveling around the world in her youth, staying put in one spot is a dream come true. But when she winds up on a game show as a favor to a friend, her life takes an adventurous turn she isn’t at all prepared for.

Noah Grant has put his small-town Indiana roots behind him. He travels all over the world, enjoying the freedom and adventure. He has no intention of settling down anytime soon, if ever. But then he finds himself married to Abby in a bizarre quirk of fate, and he realizes his life will never be the same.
Their passion flares as hot as the sultry Caribbean air. But is passion enough to turn their Wild Wedding Weekend into a lifetime of love?

Excerpt:

“Have you talked to Claire?”

Noah shook his head.

“Has she called you?”

“No. Why did you think she would?”

“I figured you and Claire would pick up where you left off. Before we...well, before all of this happened. I know that’s what Claire would want.”

“I can’t see that happening. You really think that’s what she wants?”

Abby set the fragile glass down with a sharp thud on the table. “No, I don’t. I used to know her. But I don’t anymore. We don’t talk.”

“Whoa, easy, Abby, sweetheart.”

The false endearment grated on her nerves.

She took a deep breath, then expelled it. “Sorry. I just thought we were done with all of this pretending, and now we had to do this tonight, and I just can’t deal with-”

Noah cut her off. “Shhhhh.” He twined his fingers with hers. “I’m sorry. I know all of this has been really hard on you. I didn’t mean to sound like a jerk. But I want you to know,” he paused, then continued when she lifted her eyes to his. “I’m not going to date Claire again. And I really am sorry that things got so messed up with the two of you.”

“I know, I just wish…” She wanted to say she wished none of this had happened. But it would be a lie. For all the pain that was sure to come, she couldn’t wish her time as Noah’s wife away. The memories were already too precious.

She glanced at the matching wedding bands on their fingers. She hadn’t taken hers off. Noah had probably put his back on for the night.

It had been far too easy tonight to slip back into their married routine. Far too easy to forget it was only part of the game.

###

Readers are invited to visit me at www.debrastjohnromance.com or at the Acme Authors Link on Sundays, or Heroines with Hearts on Thursdays.

###

Great interview, Debra!!!

AM   :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-05-03T11:16:00.001-05:00

Whew! Monday morning's almost gone and here I am just posting BICHOK!!! I wish I could say I've been busy typing away, but alas . . . no. Not yet.

I bought a new program for my Grand Experiment: PhotoShop Elements 8. Now, most of you know how techno-challenged I am. But I try not to let this stop me from pursuing my goals in my writing life. I push forward and learn the bare minimum to get by and move on. So, I'm busy learning where to find free or cheap photos and how to manipulate them in PhotoShop to add titles and author names. I'm making book covers!!! It's all part of thesecretproject. *grins*

Only it's not really a secret. Okay, I'll let the cat out of the bag . . .

I'm trying my hand at *gasp* self-publishing or going independent. I feel like it's closer to going renegade. I won't go into my reasons and such. And I'm not making any excuses. It's something I want to do and now, it's become a personal challenge to see if I can do it. Anyway, it's a whole new ballgame and I'm having a blast!!!

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Finish formatting manuscript.

* Start unformatting a copy for epub. (You wouldn't believe the difference in print and epub formatting.)

* Backup hard drive.

* Continue learning PhotoShop and hunting for cover photos.

* Update blog.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Heather Kuehl

2010-04-28T07:09:00.000-05:00

Today we have Romance Author Heather Kuehl visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Heather a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?

I write paranormal/fantasy/romance. I love anything with fantastic characters and a happy ending.

~ How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since 1996. I started writing after my teacher had us write short stories about how the holidays were created. She’d laminate and bound them for us to give to our parents. I loved the idea of seeing my name in print, and decided that was my goal in life; to become a published author.

~ How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

I started taking it seriously in 2007. It’s like I woke up one day, realized that I wasn’t going to reach my goal just dabbling in the world I created, and got to work.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

I had written quite a bit of short fiction that had gotten published, but I think I had only two longer works finished when Fade to Black was sold.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

Well, “The Call” for Fade to Black took the form of an email from Eternal Press. I was excited, but I didn’t start screaming and doing my happy dance until after I read through the contract.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?

Well once I read through the contract and realized that this was the real deal, I started jumping around and squealing. I mean this was it-the goal-and I had finally made it.

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

Both ecstatic and afraid. I was ecstatic because Fade to Black sold and someone other than me thought it was good. I was afraid because I didn’t know if other people would like it. I was also overwhelmed because I knew I was going to have to do a lot of the promotion myself, a task I had never done before.

~ Who was the first person you told?

My husband. He thought something was wrong when I came tearing through the house screaming. *laughs*

~ How did you celebrate?

My husband and I went out to a Japanese restaurant for delicious sushi. Then it was back to work on edits, promotions, and writing my next book.

Now here’s a little bit about Promises to Keep, my latest release from Eternal Press.

SUMMARY:

Starlette DeFore knows that her father is alive, even though her family buried him ten years ago. And when a faerie confirms this she travels to Charleston, South Carolina to hunt down Sivad Night, the only person to have ever escaped from the hands of a powerful sorceress, The Dark Lady Dreashae. With help from a witch they travel into Verella, a fantasy realm filled with centaurs, dragons, and magic. Starlette is very close to finding her father, but first she must defeat Dreashae. Will Starlette, a mere mortal, have the strength needed to finish her quest and save her father?

EXCERPT:

I looked up to the sky, at the rainbow-colored dragons trying to kill one another.

“Wow, talk about your bad divorce,” I said to no one in particular.

“This isn’t funny, Star.”

“I don’t think it is.” A green dragon was scorched, wings ruined. It fell down, spiraling until it hit the ground with a sickening crunch. “We have to do something.” I said my thoughts aloud. I knew the dragons were not our friends. They wouldn’t help us in our time of need. But there was no reason we couldn’t help them.

“Sivad, get on Zarzia. We have to get to the highest point on this island.”

“Starlette, that would be suicide!”

“I don’t care. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if they died and I didn’t try to help.”

Sivad looked up once again, his jaw clenching when another dragon fell from the sky. His eyes met mine as he nodded curtly. We mounted Zarzia, her wings lifting us up into the air. It was no surprise to me that the highest point was the top of Lady Cleoante’s throne room. I reached into my bag of hairpins and pulled them out. A large red dragon flew past us, whipping my hair about my face.

“Which one is Kalin?” I shouted above the din of the battle. Sivad pointed at the large red dragon that had just flown over us.

So that was Kalin. He spiraled around and flew toward us again. As he passed, I threw one of the hairpins. I hadn’t had much practice with throwing a knife. My hit rate was only one out of ten. It never hurt to try, though. The hairpin flew up with deadly accuracy, finding its home in the red dragon’s eye. He screamed, flapping around and pin-wheeling through the sky. I knew it wasn’t a mortal wound as the dragon regained his balance, turned around and headed straight toward us. Zarzia landed and I ran to the gap that led into Lady Cleoante’s throne room. I was just praying that the drop wasn’t too far. I jumped, my heart going up in my throat as I fell through the hole and onto the large stone slab that was Lady Cleoante’s throne. My legs went numb and I collapsed, gasping for breath. I needed to move. I heard a dragon scream, a sound that would forever haunt me in my nightmares.

I rolled off the slab onto the stone floor. My legs still didn’t want to cooperate and I had to force myself to crawl toward the exit. I needed to get out of here before Kalin came after me. The earth started to tremble again and I wondered if the island would survive this battle. I heard the echoing of footsteps walking toward me.

“Sivad!” I cried out. I wondered how he had gotten down here so quickly.

A man with thick black hair stood in front of me. He would have had iridescent red and brown eyes, except one of them was nothing but a bloody mass. I tried to stand to run, but nothing happened. I must have jarred my legs pretty good. Kalin didn’t miss a step as he walked over and kicked me, sending me flying into the wall behind Lady Cleoante’s throne. My head hit the wall, causing spots to burst across my vision. I lay on the floor, trying to reorient myself, but Kalin grabbed a handful of my hair and dragged me to my feet. His face was only inches from mine. I shifted around and found my feet were now agreeing to work. I lashed out, kicking him in the knee as hard as I could. He fell to the ground, releasing my hair as he went. I turned and ran, trying to get some distance between the angry dragon-man and me. I reached in my bag, pulling out another hairpin but cried out in pain as I was once again grabbed by the hair and forced back.

Kalin, with his hands on my shoulders, roughly turned me around to face him. Without thinking, I struck, imbedding the hairpin in his chest. It went in all the way to the decorative jewel. Kalin howled in pain, shoving me back so he could rip out the hairpin. His hand swung out, backhanding me across the face and causing me to land in a heap on the floor, once again seeing stars. I reached out, trying to crawl away. Kalin shimmered and transformed back into his red dragon form. I screamed as he opened his fang-filled jaws with a roar and struck out at me.
###

You can visit Heather at http://www.heatherkuehl.com.

Great interview, Heather!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-04-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Monday is here once again. Spring is in the air--a time of rebirth and renewal. The perfect time to renew our goals for our writing; to rededicate and redirect our energies toward making progress.

Just Write! is in the midst of redirection and modification. Obviously, the blog's not working as I had envisioned. For the dedicated few, hang in there. We're still going to have Monday's BICHOK!!!. But instead of TGIF Check In, we'll just check in on the Monday post. We can keep tabs of our progress throughout the week on the Monday post, too.

Wednesday will remain the same for a while.

Friday is going to be focused on The Writer's Journey. Mine in particular. I'm hoping to post short snippets about the new path I'm taking. I'll be detailing the steps along the way in this Grand Experiment of mine. Stay tuned . . .

My writing goals for this week:

* Write short bio

* Finish tweaking ms

* Print out ms

* Send ms to beta reader

* Update blog and website

Here's to a successful week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Barbara Edwards

2010-04-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Barbara Edwards visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Barbara a few questions . . .

What kind of stories/books do you write?
I’ve been exploring what I enjoy the most. I have two Historical Romances: Another Love and Annie’s Heart; a romantic suspense: Rachel’s Rescue; and my newest is a paranormal romance: Ancient Awakening. I think I’ve found my niche since I truly enjoy writing the dark side and creating characters who confront evil and win.

How long have you been writing?
As long as I can remember. My father always wanted to be a published writer, a large dream for a person who didn’t finish high school because of the Depression. He didn’t succeed, but he instilled in me a love of the written word. I like to think he’d be proud.

How long have you been seriously pursuing publication?
Since two years before I was published. Before that writing was a pleasure, a hobby and I had to actively decide I wanted to be published. It was a career that took time and dedication. I had to give up other things to concentrate on finishing my books and at times it hurt.

How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?
I finished four that are still hidden under my bed. I take them out every once in awhile, but they never get better. I don’t have time to ‘fix’ them since I have other commitments.

Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”
My book was being looked at by an editor at a NY publisher for several months. She finally called me and said it had been rejected by the final committee since they didn’t like the villain being a mother. If I could change it, well maybe. Only I knew it wouldn’t work. The entire plot revolved around this dark secret.
I mentioned the rejection on a writing loop and an editor asked for me to send it to her. I thank Lorraine from WingsEpress for her encouragement. A week later I got the contract.

To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?
Neither. I was numb for the rest of the day.

How did you feel when you found out you sold?
I should be able to find the right words. The feeling is literally indescribable. Over the moon? Overjoyed? Ecstatic? I actually cried.

Who was the first person you told?
My critique partner Joyce. She had encouraged me for years and I didn’t need to think twice about letting her know.

How did you celebrate?
Maybe it sounds clichéd, but my husband and I shared a bottle of expensive champagne.

Ancient Awakening by Barbara Edwards

Paranormal, strong romantic elements, sensuous
The Wild Rose Press

Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.

Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.

In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.

Excerpt:

“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.

“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”

He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.
Danger! Danger! Danger!

Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.

Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.

Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor.

As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.

Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.

His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.

He wanted, wanted, wanted…

Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.

Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.

He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

###

You can visit Barbara at www.barbaraedwards.net
or leave a comment at her blog Barb'Ed Comments.

Thanks for the interview, Barbara!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-04-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

It's Monday!!! I fell behind on my blog this past week. Didn't even post Friday Check In. Sorry about that. Oh well . . . hopefully, I'll do better this week.

My writing goals for this week:

* Work on thesecretproject.

* Install Snow Leopard on iMac.

* Prep for guest blogger on Wednesday.

* Get bio and blurb ready for thesecretproject.

* Post on BIAM loop; try to keep up.

* Write one page on WIP.

* Try to schedule a book signing at library.

Hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

BICHOKTAM!!!

2010-04-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

On the April Madness writers' loop, someone posted the addendum TAM to BICHOK, and I really like it. BUTT IN CHAIR, HANDS ON KEYBOARD, TYPE AWAY MADLY!!!

Yes!!! We are writers, therefore we should write. No more excuses. Let's get some wordage down this week. Are you with me?

My writing goals for the week:

* Put the last tweak on Jessie's story.

* Find blurb and excerpt.

* Write one page on new novella.

* Install Snow Leopard on iMac.

* Update blog and website (a never-ending chore).

* Promo for Blogmania.

Have a good week and Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF: Checking In!!!

2010-04-09T11:34:00.000-05:00

Friday's here!!! WooHoo!!!

The first week of April Madness has passed and many BIAMers have gotten a lot of wordage written. WooHoo!!!

Here's what I accomplished:

* Edited 214 pages.
* Ordered Snow Leopard for my iMac.
* Worked on "TheExperiment."
* Met with some fellow writers for lunch and to talk shop. That's always fun.
* Decided to try Twitter again since some of the BIAMers are on there. Follow #biam for updates.

A good writing week, all in all.

Have a great weekend and keep writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Tory Richards

2010-04-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Tory Richards visiting us at Just Write!

Let's ask Tory a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?

I write contemporary suspense and erotic romance.

~ How long have you been writing?

I’ve been a writer most of my life, since my early teens. For years it was therapy for me. Something I didn’t share with anyone else. I was basically a closet writer.

~   How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?

A few years ago I shared my dreams with my daughter and niece, and let them read one of my stories. Of course they both loved the story and encouraged me to submit it to a publisher. Two months later I received a contract for “Cupid’s Arrow”, which was on the publisher’s best sellers list for two consecutive months.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?

A few, most of them needed major updating, though.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”

LOL…the call came in the way of an email. I’d just returned from a two-week cruise to Alaska and it was waiting for me in my inbox.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?

I wasn’t sure how to react. Of course I was thrilled. But I had no idea what epublishing was or what to expect so I was cautious. I think I was kind of numb, too. I wasn’t expecting a contract offer so soon after submitting. Once it sank in and I learned more of what was to come I shouted it to the world. Well, to anyone who would listen☺

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?

Accomplished.

~ Who was the first person you told?

My daughter and niece because they were the one’s who hounded, pushed and encouraged me.

~   How did you celebrate?

I can’t tell you but I will say that I went to bed with a smile on my face that night. Woke up with the same smile☺

The Cowboy Way is my latest release but right now I’d like to talk about my up-coming release with The Wild Rose Press, All the Right Moves. It will be re-released soon, and this time the sexy romance will be offered in print! I’m very excited about that. Sizzling new scenes have been added, including a new last chapter. Here’s a blurb and brief excerpt.

Blurb
Annie McCall finds a patient dead in her office, and now she's on the run for her life. Detective Marshall Thomas is willing to break the rules to protect the beautiful doctor, but who will protect her from him? It isn't long before the only danger Annie's facing is the sizzling heat between the sheets.

Excerpt
"That was good, Detective." Annie's compliment broke the silence. She pushed her empty plate aside and dropped her napkin over it before reaching for her glass of wine. "Either you've never been married, or you've been divorced a long time."
She narrowed her eyes at him over her glass.

"Fishing, Doc?" Marshall grinned, pouring more wine into his glass. A tiny smile played upon her lips, making him wonder what she was thinking.

"What now, Detective?" She ran her pinky along the edge of her glass, dipping it slightly into the liquid before bringing it to her mouth.

In spite of the sophistication that cloaked Annie, she looked extremely vulnerable at that moment. Her action under normal circumstances would have been a natural prelude to an intimate moment between them-like a kiss. But he knew she wasn't aware of the alluring quality of her movements. She didn't seem the type to purposely tease a man using seductive coyness. In fact, she seemed a thousand miles away.

For more information about my books please visit my website at: www.toryrichards.com

Thanks for a great interview, Tory!!!

AM   :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-04-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

Monday!!! Monday!!! Monday!!!

Time again to set our writing goals for the week. With April Madness 2010 well underway, I'm on the writing wagon again. Why do I feel more accountable with the BIAM writathon going on? This is what my blog is supposed to do for me and other writers, too. Good intentions and all...

My writing goals for this week:

* Finish editing the Jessie manuscript.

* Find the blurb for the story.

* Upgrade my iMac to Snow Leopard.

* Work on Project R.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF!!! Check In!!!

2010-04-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

Friday is here!!! And April Madness 2010 BIAM Writathon is well underway!!! Check the sidebar for more information. It's not too late to join the fun!!!

I've edited over forty pages this week. WooHoo!!! Didn't do too much else, but that's okay. I had to organize the writathon, which I left to the last minute. I used to be so good, but as I've gotten older, I tend to let things slide to the last minute. Oh well . . .

I hope everyone had a great week!!!

Happy Easter and Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Lynne Roberts

2010-03-31T08:13:00.000-05:00

Today, we have Erotic Romance Author Lynne Roberts visiting us at Just Write! Let's ask Lynne a few questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?
I write paranormal, fantasy, and romance, but, so far, only my erotic romance has sold.

~ How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for six years now.

~ How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?
I submitted my first query about five years ago—I didn’t know what I was doing, but I learned. After that I took some time off to edit another writer’s work. I started writing, again, about 2 years ago.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?
I’d completed three full length manuscripts and three shorts when I contracted two shorts to The Wilder Rose Press.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”
It was actually an email. : ) The Acquisitions editor had sent me an email stating that she liked the story but wasn’t offering a contract. She suggested some changes and asked me to resubmit. I did. A few weeks after that, I received an email stating I’d nailed the changes and a contract was on its way.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?
I actually grew very quiet. Speechless. After so many years, I was going to see my name on a published book. It was a bit surreal.

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?
Almost relieved. I’d worked so hard, for so long, it was like a weight off my shoulders that a publisher would want my work.

~ Who was the first person you told?
My oldest daughter. At the time, my significant other lived overseas and it was in the middle of the night there.

~ How did you celebrate?
Oh, I’d always thought I’d open a bottle of champagne when I sold my first story, but I didn’t. I sat down and buried myself in edits.

###

AFTER HOURS
by Lynne Roberts
The Wild Rose Press

Here’s a blurb:
Elle Simpson doesn’t deny that the new intern is sexy as hell but he’s also ten years her junior--and she doesn’t date men from the office. Of course, dating isn’t what comes to mind when David Nelson enters a room. When Elle’s boss assigns her to work an important account, she’s thrilled—until David volunteers to help. Working one on one with her desirable new assistant is bound to test the limits of her restraint.

Everything about Elle, from her professional savvy to her hot body, turns David on, but first he has to unravel her mixed signals. After a few late nights alone with Elle in the office, David is at the end of his tether. It was hard enough during the day; keeping his hands off her after hours is proving impossible.

###

You can reach Lynne at www.lynneroberts.net.

Thanks for a great interview, Lynne!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-03-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday morning!!! Hope everyone survived the weekend!!! Hubby and I helped our daughter move. Whew!!! What a job!!! But we had good weather and good luck and now she's getting settled in the cutest little house.

My writing goals for the week:

* Get through one half of final polish/tweak of manuscript.

* Write synopsis. (ugh!)

* Post reviews on Amazon and B&N and TWRP. (I was supposed to do this last week)

* Order toner cartridge for printer.

Here's to a productive week for all of us!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF: Check In!!!

2010-03-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

Friday again!!! How did everyone's week go?

I had a pretty good one. Got a lot of editing done on the older manuscript. Starting to get it in shape to submit.

I updated my website and blog, sort of. Still needs updating. It's a never ending project, isn't it?

Still need to post reviews on Amazon and B&N.

I worked on a little side project this week, too. Made a bound booklet on writing lessons to have on hand when I start presenting programs to libraries and book clubs. I reminded myself of when I was a little kid. I have always liked "making" books. I guess some people never grow up. *smiles*

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Tiffany Green

2010-03-24T07:43:00.004-05:00

Today, we have Romance Author Tiffany Green visiting us at Just Write!   Let's ask Tiffany some questions . . .

~ What kind of stories/books do you write?
I write historical romantic-suspense. My favorite era is Regency and I am focused on that time period right now. In fact, I am working on a seven-book series based in Regency England, so I’ll be there for a while. Innocence Lost is book one.

~ How long have you been writing?
I have been writing about ten years now. However, I have been making up stories since I could remember (much to my parents’ consternation when I was young.)

~   How long have you been writing and seriously pursuing publication?
The same. About ten years.

~ How many manuscripts did you complete before you sold?
I started out writing a contemporary, but it was terrible. When I read Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught, I knew the Regency historical was what I really wanted to write. So I wrote Innocence Lost and it sold. I learned that you must write where your heart is.

~ Please tell us about receiving “The Call.”
It was more like “The Email.” I was at a Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference and heard that The Wild Rose Press was meeting in a certain location in the hotel. Well my friend and I decided to crash the party. We went and met some of the editors who were there. They asked what we wrote and we told them. After buying us a glass of wine, they asked us to submit our manuscripts. Of course, as soon as I got home, I did just that. I got “the email” less than two weeks later.

~ To expand on your "Call Story"— What did you do when you got the call or read the email? Scream? Faint?
I actually raced through the house yelling, “I did it! I did it!” Then my husband took me out for a three pound prime rib steak and lots of champagne.

~ How did you feel when you found out you sold?
Sort of tingly all over and light as air. It was kind of like how you would feel if you won the lottery.

~ Who was the first person you told?
My husband, John. Then my dear friend, Fleeta Cunningham. Then the whole world.

~   How did you celebrate?
Afore mentioned steak dinner. Huge steak. Lots of champagne.

~ Where can readers reach you?
My website is www.tiffanygreen.net.
I am also on Facebook.

INNOCENCE LOST
by Tiffany Green
Available NOW
The Wild Rose Press

ABOUT INNOCENCE LOST…

From her first glimpse of his portrait, Lady Megan is smitten. Unfortunately, the handsome face belongs to her brother’s enemy—the Duke of Claremont, Nicholas Bradshaw. Nicholas learns a little too late that the beautiful girl he met at the stream is not at all who he thinks. And now, he must keep her safe from the enemy lurking close to home. When the kidnapper does strike, it takes the assistance of Nicholas, his former foe, and a pirate captain to save Megan. But will it be enough?

A GLIMPSE INTO INNOCENCE LOST…

“My lady, come quick.”

Megan frowned at the closed door. She set aside her volume of Catullus’s poetry and rose from the chair in her sitting room. Calmly, she opened the door. If it was another man threatening suicide because she hadn’t agreed to marry him…

Julian’s furious voice rang through the house. She gasped and ran down the stairs.

Wentworth bowed and opened the drawing room door, as if he’d been expecting her.

Her heart took a crazy leap at the sight of him standing there. Nicholas. She glanced at her brother and grew worried. The two stood face to face with their fists balled and ready to strike.

As Julian moved forward, she flew between them. Her blood pounded hard in her ears. She stood so close to Nicholas, she could feel the heat of his body. She yearned to step into his arms. Had he come to see her? “What are you doing?” she demanded, looking from one wrathful face to the other.

“Leave, Claremont, now,” her brother said.

“Not until I have some answers concerning this.” Nicholas threw a crumpled newspaper down. “Damn you, Julian, you had no right.” Then his gaze shifted to her. Her heart surged up in her throat. He looked flushed with anguish. “How could you do this, Meg? Why didn’t you choose me?” His voice grew hoarse, full of pain. Then he went still. “Or did you choose me and your brother did not honor our agreement?” He jerked his head up and nailed Julian with a glare.

Confusion boiled within her. “What agreement?”

A muscle ticked in Nicholas’s cheek as he kept his eyes on her brother. “Tell her,” he demanded.

She turned to her brother and caught the unease in his eyes. “Julian?”

He heaved a sigh. “Moppet—”

“Don’t you dare call me that, Julian!” She poked a finger into his chest. “Tell me everything. Now!”

With a sigh, he nodded at Nicholas. “He was not to see or speak to you until you selected a husband. And I would not oppose your decision.”

She kept her eyes locked on her brother. “Even if I had named Nicholas?”

“Yes,” he said.

She wanted to kill Julian.

“Your brother also insisted that you were to know nothing of this agreement,” Nicholas added.

A sick knot of despair rose up from the depths of her stomach. She started to tremble. Her hands fell limply to her sides. “Are you telling me,” She turned to Nicholas, “that the only reason you’ve been ignoring me is because of a pact you made with Julian?”

His brows were drawn and his eyes filled with pain. He lifted his hand to touch her but halted and lowered his arm.

“Yes, love.”

Her eyes prickled as she turned to her brother. “I cannot believe you did this.”

“Megan, I did it for you—”

“No, Julian. You did it for you.” Oh, God, she had been so wrong about everything. Nicholas. Her brother. Everything. She trembled in earnest now.

Nicholas moved closer. He reached out as if to steady her, but didn’t touch her. “Are you all right, Megan?”

She glanced up, her vision swimming. “You were trying to find a way for us to marry?”

“Yes, my little nymph.”

A tear skidded down her cheek. “I-I can’t. I’m betrothed to another.”

###

Thanks for a great interview, Tiffany!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!! NOW!!!

2010-03-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday Morning!!! Time once again to sit down and get some writing done!!!

Here are my writing goals for this week:

* Finish editing the manuscript I started in on last week. Polish it up and get ready to submit.

* Start writing synopsis.

* Update website and blog.

* Post reviews on Amazon and B&N.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF: Checking In!!!

2010-03-19T16:03:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot to check in today!!!

This week I worked on an older manuscript that is dear to my heart. I edited over thirty pages and I'm getting it ready to submit to my editor.

Other than that, I mostly prepared for my book signing tomorrow at Read It Again & Again with some of my fellow Roses of Houston. It's from 1-4 pm and if you are in the Houston area, please drop by!!!

I hope everyone had a lovely writing week!!!

AM :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2010-03-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

Even though my family is so NOT Irish, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day each year by eating corned beef and cabbage. We love it and it's become a family tradition.

Way back when I was a teenager, my dad decided we would eat corned beef on St. Patrick's Day. He told my mother to cook some. Well . . . my mother is a pretty good cook, but she didn't really like it; she did it because she had to. Anyway, she bought the meat and prepared it and it turned out like a small hard brick. My dad ate it anyway.

The next year, she called Mrs. Shannon (a friend from church and school) and our corned beef tradition came into being. I've continued the tradition for the last thirty years, and my kids wouldn't know what to do if we didn't have corned beef on St. Patty's Day.

This year, I waited for the grocery store ads to advertise sale prices for corned beef. I don't know if I missed them or what (cabbage didn't go down very much either), but yesterday I went to Kroger and OMG! they were out. The butcher didn't even realize that Wednesday was St. Patrick's Day!!! Luckily, there was a shipment due this morning.

I called bright and early and the butcher was unloading the truck and sure enough, the corned beef shipment had arrived. He promised to set aside three packages for me. When I got to Kroger, they were just putting on the labels and price tags.

My quest for corned beef was a success. Now, all I have to do is get it on to cooking by noon, so it can simmer all afternoon. I've invited my mother and daughter over for the feast.

Needless to say, we will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in style and taste!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!!

2010-03-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

Butt in chair; hands on keyboard!!! You would think I could follow my own advice, wouldn't you? But NOOOOOOO!!! I must do better!!! I WILL do better!!!

This week's writing goals:

* Write 3 pages on WIP.

* Attend RWA Chapter meeting.

* Update profiles/author accounts on Amazon, B&N, and TWRP. I need to put reviews and add meta tags to help facilitate sales.

* Begin "advertising" for the April Madness 2010 BIAM Writathon!!!

Let's hope this week is a successful writing week for us all.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF: Check In!!!

2010-03-12T10:36:00.000-06:00

Where does the week go? Time is just flying, isn't it???

I didn't get all of my goals met, but I've had some family crises to deal with and I've been lucky to just keep up with my online class.

I started rereading one of my books on craft: Writing the Novel from Plot to Print by Lawrence Block. It's about first novels, but it has some good stuff in there. I was actually reaching for another book, when my hands found this one. I said to myself: "What the heck?"

The first line of Chapter One cracked me up: "If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for the feeling to pass."

It still makes me chuckle.

I've decided to reread my writing books. Now that I've written several novels, I think I'm in a better position to understand more and perhaps, there will be a few "aha" moments for me. I sure need something to light a fire under me.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Spotlight: Christine Columbus

2010-03-10T07:15:00.003-06:00

Today, we have Romance Writer Christine Columbus here at Just Write! She's promoting her latest release, The Perfect Country and Western Story.

Let's ask Christine some questions . . .

Did you always want to become a writer?

Yes, I always wanted to be a writer, although there were times when I would lose track of my vision and goals, but someone would always remind me. Thirty-three years ago, I was seventeen and didn’t even know who I was let alone what I wanted to be.

When the guy I was dating in high school said, “You’re so lucky because you know what you want to be?”

I eagerly asked, “What?”

Tom replied, “A writer.”

“Oh yeah, I do want to be a writer.”

“Promise me you’ll always write under your name,” he said.

I gazed into Tom’s eyes. He had deep set eyes with giant bushy eyebrows and he looked like the Wiley Coyote. “Sure, I’ll always write under Christine Columbus, but why?”

“Because someday when I am at the grocery store waiting in line to check out, I’ll glance up and see a novel. If you’re married and using a different last name, I’ll never know that it is your novel.”

Of course my first thought was What? If he’s not in the grocery store with me, who is he with? I thought we were going to be together. Thoughts of who was standing next to his cart were soon displaced with the vision of my novel on display in the racks by the checkout counter at the super market.

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

There are twenty-six letters in the English alphabet and whenever anyone writes a story they only have the same twenty-six letters – yet by stringing the letters in different combinations you can create non-fiction, romance, adventure or horror – which I find intriguing. What I find less interesting is misplaced modifiers, dangling participles.

How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore/internet? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

When my children were small I had a children’s story included in Half Price Books Bedtime Stories series. My mom and I were in the car driving out to the book stores, I had no idea what the book was going to look like, would it be a hard cover book that was four inches thick, or a bunch of pages ran off and stapled together… I remember being on highway 100 head towards Half Price Book store, when she turned to me and said, “I’m so excited my hands are shaking.”

My mother is no longer alive, but when The Perfect Country and Western Story was delivered to my house and I opened the box, I vividly remember that day in the car, when my mother was just as excited as I was. And as I held my book, I could hear her voice: "Look my hands are shaking."

Do you prefer stand-alone books or series?

I like series books because when the next book comes out it is like meeting old friends for dinner or a cup of coffee. It’s exciting to see what they’ve been up to.

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.ChristineColumbus.net

Of course my short stories and novel is available at www.TheWildRosePress.com. Just type in author name Christine Columbus.

The Perfect Country and Western Story
by Christine Columbus
The Wild Rose Press

(232pages) Sensual

Alexandra has the Stetson hat, now all she needs is the cowboy. But with three days and over 50,000 faces to search, will she be able to find the man who stole her heart?

Ben still can’t believe he was foolish enough to let the beautiful thief walk away with his autographed cowboy hat. If the heart breaker dares to show up at Country Time again this year, he’ll not only be looking to get his hat back, but aiming for a little payback as well.

How The Perfect Country and Western Story came to be…

I like the idea of a backwards Cinderella story where the woman had a cowboy hat and was looking for the cowboy that could wear it. So, sitting around the campfire at WE Fest I began to plot. When I left the concert all I knew was I had a woman with a Toby Keith autographed hat and she needed to find her cowboy at an outdoor concert.

I also wanted to tie the story to …“You Don’t Have To Call me Darlin’,Darlinnnnnn…” by David Allan Cole. The song is perfect because it has trucks, momma, gettin’ drunk, prison, and trains.

So I decided that The Perfect Country and Western Story has romance, country music, and Alexandra trying find the cowboy whose head fit an autographed Toby Keith hat.

Excerpt

Ben descended down the trailer steps. His stone-cold brown eyes were clouded in anger and focused directly on her.

The hairs on Alexandra’s arms bristled; her lip drew up into a snarl. What right did he have to be mad? He got his damn hat.

His gaze traveled slowly over her body. Alex’s heart beat faster. Her body might be weak, but her mind was strong. Her lazy gaze moved from the frown in his brow, down to the tips of his toes and back to a spot beside his right eye. The words he said last night played in her head. It doesn’t matter. I have the hat now. It’s all over.

Anger narrowed her eyes, flared her nostrils and burned the back of her throat. With valiant effort, she shook her head and rolled her eyes, dismissing him like yesterday’s news.

“Thanks for the shampoo, Laurie.” His voice was too cheery and exuberant.

From under her lashes Alex watched him hand a bottle to the curly-haired woman.
Her heart pounded harder and her mind screamed louder. If he was any type of man, he’d at least say, ‘Thanks for returning the hat.’ Or apologize for his obnoxious behavior the night before.

She hadn’t meant to glance up into his brown eyes. He blinked, and for half-a-second, she wondered if he could read her mind. Her heart paused along with her breath. Maybe...

Then his eyelids narrowed and his lip curled up. “What? Stealing my hat wasn’t enough? Now, you have to stalk me?"

###

Thanks for a great interview, Christine!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!! This week!!!

2010-03-08T11:46:00.001-06:00

Monday, Monday . . . hmmm, there's a song there, me thinks. *grins*

Another writing week starts today. I've already spent the morning doing writerly pursuits, but not any "real" writing. YET!!!

My writing goals for the week:

* Write ONE page on the WIP. Surely, I can manage that.

* Read the novella that needs revising.

* Keep up with online class.

* Keep up with blog.

* Update website.

Here's to a productive week for everyone.

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

TGIF!!! Checking In!!!

2010-03-05T13:14:00.000-06:00

Gosh! I almost forgot about checking in.

I've had a challenging week. I didn't get any writing or revising done. Bad Anne Marie.

In my defense, I had a migraine at the beginning of the week. Then I've had technical difficulties with Yahoo! and with my online class for the past couple of days. On top of all that, I thought my computer crashed yesterday. Talk about panic mode!!!

All's well with the computer, thank goodness. And the class is coming along. It's very small, but people are finally asking questions.

Monday, I plan to start on a writing project. I can feel the DWB (deadly word buildup) growing. If I don't write something, no telling what will happen. KABOOM!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)

Tea Time in Texas

2010-03-03T08:48:00.001-06:00

I'm a tea drinker. Iced tea, pure and simple. Plain old Lipton or Luzianne is my favorite. I don't much care for flavored teas. I don't even drink sweet tea anymore. Strong, yes. Very strong. A tall glass of strong iced tea on a hot summer day is pure heaven to me.

Because of health reasons, I drink decaffeinated tea most of the time. And decaf tea is very expensive; almost twice as much as regular tea. Many years ago, I found a tip on how to decaf your own tea. It's very simple. You pour boiling water over regular teabags, then pour it off and about 95% of the caffeine is washed away.

Here's my recipe for making a 2 1/4 quart pitcher of delicious iced tea:

3 family sized teabags
2 cups boiling water/ divided

Place the 3 teabags in a Pyrex measuring cup and pour 1 cup boiling water over them. Let them sit for 45 seconds, then pour off water. Add 1 cup boiling water and let the tea steep for 20 minutes or longer.

Pour tea into a 2 1/4 qt pitcher, fill measuring cup with cold water and press teabags, then pour into pitcher. Repeat until pitcher is filled. Refrigerate.

Enjoy!!!

AM :)

BICHOK!!! Monday!!!

2010-03-01T10:38:00.000-06:00

Wow!!! Can you believe it's already March??? Where does the time go? How are you doing on your writing resolutions? I'm not sure how I'm doing. Not very well, I think. I need to buckle down and get some serious writing done. How about you?

Here are my writing goals for the week:

* Start to work on expanding the novella as recommended by editor. I need to add three or four chapters, maybe more.

* Keep up with the online class I'm teaching.

* Work on new proposal to submit.

* Update blog and website.

Hope everyone has a productive week!!!

Happy Writing!!!

AM :)