Hi Everyone!
I'm celebrating the one year anniversary of my blog and giving away a gift package that includes a copy of each of my 3 M/M releases!
Tight end is about a football player and his . . . well . . . tight end. The Outlaw is a western steampunk about a bringer and an outlander. One Way Trip is about an astronaut and and a Martian!
If you have time, swing by http://blog.rebeccaleighromance.com/ and leave a comment for a chance to win all 3 of these fun and sexy stories!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I'm featured at Ramsey's Reviews Halloween Bash
The Halloween fun at Ramsey's Reviews continues, with me in the spotlight! I'll be there through Thursday. I hope you'll pop over for some spooky fun. Leave a comment on my post to be eligible for the giveaway, a copy of One Soul for Sale.
Reviewers have described this novella as "unpredictable," "well orchestrated," "a touch of whimsy," and "outstanding." Find out for yourself! Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. It's a month of fun, so be sure to check back there often.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Upcoming events I just had to share
Here's an excerpt:
MacKay swung the pack over her shoulder and brushed past him. Following, he grabbed her arm and stopped her. She eyed his hand. He let go.
“I can help.”
“You could also get me killed.”
But he did have two hearts, and if he could keep the wasps off her while she defused that bomb... She had insulating bracelets that should ground most of what the creatures hit her with, but it wouldn’t stop the zap from hurting like hell. The fewer stings she received, the better. She would already be freezing her ass off in the tank. A little help could go a long way. Maybe he could help.
“I thought you placed the ad for this reason. These sea wasp things sound like trouble—more trouble than you can handle. Let me take care of them while you defuse the bomb.”
Do it MacKay. Nothing says you have to keep him as an employee after. She sighed. “You’re not going to leave, are you?”
“No.”
MacKay shoved the pack into his hands. “Carry this.”
“Does that mean I got the job?”
“It means—carry it. I’ll decide if you get the job when I’m done with the freighter.”
Boomer grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Call me MacKay.”
“MacKay.”
If ever there had been a sexy voice, it had to be his. MacKay’s heart jumped. And that smile reminded her of her husband when he’d been alive. When Glenn had smiled like that, she’d never been able to say no. She knew little about Boomer and what she did know generated a fluttering in her stomach and sent red flags up all over the place. He knew how to put her off balance and emotionally disarm her, a lot like Glenn used to do. She hadn’t intended to bring him along but now found herself with an assistant.
Her hands shook, and her heart raced. She’d given him shit for being jittery, but here she was, shaking like she was about to go out on her first date. For the first time in five years, she’d noticed a man sexually. Not any man, but one that reminded her of a happier time in her life, something she’d never get back. Nothing good could come of this.
“Do what I say and stay the hell out of my way.”
“Are you always this personable, MacKay?”
“I’m looking for an employee, Mr. Boomer, not a date. Don’t get it in your head that my letting you come along is encouragement for you to try to get me into your bed.”
“Not a problem. You’re not my type.”
MacKay paused. What he’d said stung. She might not have a super-model’s beauty, but she didn’t resemble a mud gat either. What was his problem and what the hell did he mean she wasn’t his type? She knew better than to ask, but the words just leapt from her mouth. “And what exactly is your type, Mr. Boomer?”
“Less antichrist. Softer, feminine. More, you know…nice.”
“I’m not the antichrist, Mr. Boomer.”
“It’s your story. Tell it the way you want to. I’m looking for a job, Alice, not a date. So why does it matter?”
He’d thrown her words right back in her face and for once, she’d wished she hadn’t said them.
“It doesn’t.” MacKay stalked away.
But it did. Why? She shouldn’t care if he found her attractive or nice or soft and female. But damn it all to hell, she did care. And it bugged her more than the fact he’d found a way to worm himself into her employment.
Here's an upcoming blog-a-thon at Parnormal Romatics, with lots of trick-or treat goodies to give away.
And, I've got an upcoming interview with author, Krista Ball, on October 7th at Para-Fanatics.
http://para-fanatics.blogspot.com/.
Come on by and help her celebrate the December 1st release of her new novel, Harvest Moon that will be available for pre-order on October 1st.
Barbara Elsborg has a new release out Friday, October 1st.
Matty suddenly finds herself back in her childhood home, naked and alone, with no clue how she came to be there. When her greedy uncle sells Milford Hall from under her, Matty hides in the attic.
The woman is trouble.
Vampire historian, Turner, has long had his eye on Milford Hall and there is no price he won’t pay to own it. He doesn’t expect to find an aggravating female living in his attic insisting she has a right to be there. The small print in the contract backs her up but Turner is determined to maintain his privacy. Doesn’t matter she’s the hottest thing he’s seen for years— in order to protect her from his mistakes, Matty has to go.
I eat trouble for dinner
After a self-imposed twenty year absence from Turner, werewolf Catch arrives to put the past right and save his former lover from circling enemies. But one kiss from Matty and Catch has more than Turner to worry about. Neither boy wants to share their new toy.
You feeling the love???
Not yet?
Here's the link: http://www.jasminejade.com/
It's Banned Books Week - how will you celebrate?
From Sept. 25 through Oct 2, Banned Books Week highlights the importance of our freedoms. As an author, I’m grateful for the intellectual freedom we’re afforded in America. Across the nation, cities have joined in the fight against censorship by holding events.Unfortunately, the practice of banning books follows a longstanding tradition of censorship. Read Mark Twain’s letter, written after the Omaha Public Library banned Huckleberry Finn
It’s surprising that even today, books are still being banned. One of my favorite authors, T.C. Boyle, made the list with The Tortilla Curtain. The Santa Rosa High School review committee limited its reading to juniors and seniors because they considered certain parts “provocative.” This, when America ranks lower each year in global literacy? Seriously, how can students learn to think for themselves if others decide what they should and should not read?
Here are some accounts of attempts to ban books.
Four members of the Christian Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit seeking $30,000 each, claming emotional distress simply because the West Bend, Wis. Community Memorial Library displayed a copy of Francesca Lia Block’s Baby Be-Bop. They called for the YA book to actually be burned in public. Thank goodness for the library board’s decision, 9-0, not to restrict access in any manner.
After a parent claimed the book promited “economic fallacies” and socialist ideas, a Pennsylvania school district banned even such a benign title as Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America. A CYA move, disgraceful to say the least.Here’s the complete list of books banned this past year.
These complaints makes me want to run out and read it for myself. Judge for myself. How about you?
How to combat this ongoing nonsense? The American Library Association advises us to be proactive. Stay informed. Several groups include activities designed to protect our First Amendment rights, including The Freedom to Read Foundation, The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, The National Coalition Against Censorship, The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Find them online, including Facebook, to keep yourself informed.
What should you do if you find an act of censorship? Report it to ALA’s Offi ce for Intellectual Freedom. All identifying information is kept strictly confidential. You can fi le reports online by going to www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm.
Most importantly, participate in Banned Books Week by joining in a local event, or simply by reading a banned book. The New York Times suggests a list of ten activities, if you can’t think of one yourself.
Anna Quindlen also provided a few suggestions in her op ed piece.
What have I done, you ask? Why, I bought a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird. I look forward to reading this classic, and to continue reading any book I choose.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Author of "Speculative Sky"- Clare Dargin
Clare Dargin is an author of science fiction and science fiction romance books. Her newest work “Speculative Sky” is available from Red Rose Publishing.
What inspired you to write this book?
Well, ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a writer. It was a dream of mine to be published and to write stories that everyone could enjoy. Speculative Sky was created because I’ve always had a fascination with stories about Extra-Terrestrial Life and S.E.T.I. and I wanted to integrate such a story with a female character as a strong and intelligent lead.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes I do but I am not sure what to call it. When people read my work I want them to feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all. I want them to be able to hear, taste, smell and see the action as if it is happening all around them. I also tend to write tight stories with quick pacing. It's what I like to read and consequently how I write.
What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?
To be honest I’ve always been attracted and fascinated by the abstract and the symbolic. I wanted the title to be symbolic of what April Mullen, the main character, has to deal with as an Astronomer and all that came with her assignment.
What is Speculative Sky about?
It is about a woman who takes a chance and leaves for an assignment on a science colony far away from Earth. As an astronomer it is her job to monitor the stars at night and to record her findings. Nothing more than that. But when she arrives, she notices that her new home is a bit odd, and that though there is evidence of life out there… they don’t want her to either acknowledge it or do anything about it. She of course finds this troubling.
What books have most influenced your life most?
To be honest, in fiction category, it would have to be the old star wars books that came out in the eighties after Return of the Jedi. The expanded universe books taught me more about atmospheric and expanded universe development then any book I know! I read them over and over again and learned about non-human creature development, planetary science fiction and description of space travel and not to mention how to write a cool leading man. I still read them!
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Douglas Preston and/or Lincoln Child. They write incredibly compelling books of which I generally can't put down.
What books are you reading now?
To be honest and I am almost finished with “Book of the Dead” with Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I'll be going through their back list very soon in order to get caught up.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Last night I was thinking about the Friday House about D. K. Gaston and how it's a compelling story about assassins who have no memory of their being programmed and stuff. I think it's cool. And several books on the military scifi romance front that I have recently heard about. I write in a tiny subgenre so it's nice to see what other authors are doing in it. That way I don't get lonely!
What are your current projects?
Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Ice and Peace” the sequel to Cold Warriors. As well as having another expanded universe book in the works. Not to mention, two futuristic romances that are completely different from my military fiction.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Motown Creative Writers Group-- they helped get on the road to being published. And not to mention the many groups in the Romance community. They really pointed me in the right direction. I'm grateful for that.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes! One day I hope to do it full time.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Yeah that's why I have to hurry up and get it out of my hands cause I keep changing it!
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
As a child my father use to encourage it. I use to write stories for my family and give it to them and they would say “Maybe one day you could get this published!” I was like five.... and then when I was in middle school I found out that S. E. Hinton had been published at sixteen-- I became truly determined then.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yea, getting through the first draft!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Just get the first draft down on paper and don't be afraid to make stupid mistakes and have dumb lines on paper cause it's the first draft and you are allowing the characters to come alive. Later on you can fix and micro manage but don't try to do it the first time through cause it will stifle your creativity.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't give up on being published! Try every avenue! There is away for you!
Where can we find you on the web?
Just about everywhere! You can google Clare Dargin and find me! But to make life simple which I'm all for here are some places to start! My personal web site-- The Haven http://www.claredargin.host22.com
My Blogs: Clare's Blog- The Haven http://www.claredargin.bravejournal.com and The Embraced: Scribal Love http://theembraced.blogspot.com
Social Networks: Myspace-- www.myspace.com/nuncius
Facebook-- search for Clare Dargin-- can't remember the link now!
Bebo and whole bunch more!
You can buy the book at Red Rose Publishing
Thank you! And I look forward to seeing more of you all!
Well, ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a writer. It was a dream of mine to be published and to write stories that everyone could enjoy. Speculative Sky was created because I’ve always had a fascination with stories about Extra-Terrestrial Life and S.E.T.I. and I wanted to integrate such a story with a female character as a strong and intelligent lead.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes I do but I am not sure what to call it. When people read my work I want them to feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all. I want them to be able to hear, taste, smell and see the action as if it is happening all around them. I also tend to write tight stories with quick pacing. It's what I like to read and consequently how I write.
What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?
To be honest I’ve always been attracted and fascinated by the abstract and the symbolic. I wanted the title to be symbolic of what April Mullen, the main character, has to deal with as an Astronomer and all that came with her assignment.
What is Speculative Sky about?
It is about a woman who takes a chance and leaves for an assignment on a science colony far away from Earth. As an astronomer it is her job to monitor the stars at night and to record her findings. Nothing more than that. But when she arrives, she notices that her new home is a bit odd, and that though there is evidence of life out there… they don’t want her to either acknowledge it or do anything about it. She of course finds this troubling.
What books have most influenced your life most?
To be honest, in fiction category, it would have to be the old star wars books that came out in the eighties after Return of the Jedi. The expanded universe books taught me more about atmospheric and expanded universe development then any book I know! I read them over and over again and learned about non-human creature development, planetary science fiction and description of space travel and not to mention how to write a cool leading man. I still read them!
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Douglas Preston and/or Lincoln Child. They write incredibly compelling books of which I generally can't put down.
What books are you reading now?
To be honest and I am almost finished with “Book of the Dead” with Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I'll be going through their back list very soon in order to get caught up.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Last night I was thinking about the Friday House about D. K. Gaston and how it's a compelling story about assassins who have no memory of their being programmed and stuff. I think it's cool. And several books on the military scifi romance front that I have recently heard about. I write in a tiny subgenre so it's nice to see what other authors are doing in it. That way I don't get lonely!
What are your current projects?
Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Ice and Peace” the sequel to Cold Warriors. As well as having another expanded universe book in the works. Not to mention, two futuristic romances that are completely different from my military fiction.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Motown Creative Writers Group-- they helped get on the road to being published. And not to mention the many groups in the Romance community. They really pointed me in the right direction. I'm grateful for that.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes! One day I hope to do it full time.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Yeah that's why I have to hurry up and get it out of my hands cause I keep changing it!
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
As a child my father use to encourage it. I use to write stories for my family and give it to them and they would say “Maybe one day you could get this published!” I was like five.... and then when I was in middle school I found out that S. E. Hinton had been published at sixteen-- I became truly determined then.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yea, getting through the first draft!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Just get the first draft down on paper and don't be afraid to make stupid mistakes and have dumb lines on paper cause it's the first draft and you are allowing the characters to come alive. Later on you can fix and micro manage but don't try to do it the first time through cause it will stifle your creativity.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't give up on being published! Try every avenue! There is away for you!
Where can we find you on the web?
Just about everywhere! You can google Clare Dargin and find me! But to make life simple which I'm all for here are some places to start! My personal web site-- The Haven http://www.claredargin.host22.com
My Blogs: Clare's Blog- The Haven http://www.claredargin.bravejournal.com and The Embraced: Scribal Love http://theembraced.blogspot.com
Social Networks: Myspace-- www.myspace.com/nuncius
Facebook-- search for Clare Dargin-- can't remember the link now!
Bebo and whole bunch more!
You can buy the book at Red Rose Publishing
Thank you! And I look forward to seeing more of you all!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Writer's Wednesdays
I have Grace Meadows at Delusions talking about her new release Untouched Places. Hope you stop by.
Also remember that I'm still running the contest for the $100 Amazon GC.
http://www.vividumas.wordpress.com/
Vivi
Also remember that I'm still running the contest for the $100 Amazon GC.
http://www.vividumas.wordpress.com/
Vivi
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Do you love vampires?
Today I am guest blogging over at the Paranormal Romantics blog. Author Rebecca Royce invited me and I am so happy to be sharing something very dear to my heart -- vampires in paradise!
Please stop by and read more about my novel "Have Stake, Will Travel" -- about a vamp slayer who falls for a vamp from a vamp girl!!
Help!
I’m guest blogging at Ginger Simpson’s. For some reason she’s blocked me commenting and allowed an ungrateful, impious brat to be heard. The unedited version is on my blog, which I’m also unable to access.
Monday, September 20, 2010
New ebook review site!
I wanted to give everyone a heads up that I've just started a new ebook-only review site called Sleepless eReader. I plan to review ebooks only. I'm still working out the format, but generally what you see is what you get :)
I'm not publically taking any requests right now, though the occasional bribe might help me change my mind :)
I'll be reviewing all genres equally. I've just found someone to give me a hand with horror, but I could use another person, too. If you're interested, drop me a link - kristadball at gmail dot com.
Feel free to drop over. I only have 2 reviews up, but I am planning to add more as I read. Thanks!
Krista
I'm not publically taking any requests right now, though the occasional bribe might help me change my mind :)
I'll be reviewing all genres equally. I've just found someone to give me a hand with horror, but I could use another person, too. If you're interested, drop me a link - kristadball at gmail dot com.
Feel free to drop over. I only have 2 reviews up, but I am planning to add more as I read. Thanks!
Krista
Friday, September 17, 2010
Win $100 Amazon GC
As some of you know, my debut novel Soul Catcher is soon to be released, hopefully in October. I also have a shifter short story, “Red in the Hood”, that will be a part of an anthology. And my vampire short story, “Salvation”, has just been accepted by Decadent.
With all these pending releases, I thought I’d drum up some worshipers for the Paranormal Queen. So what better way to do this than to have a contest.
Show me the money you say… Well, this is what you have to do to win. The contest will run until October 15th. You can gain points in the following ways:
Subscribe to this blog (1 point)
Subscribe to website – www.vividumas.com/wordpress (1 point)
Follow me on Twitter (1 point)
Friend me on Facebook (1 point)
Refer a friend who subscribe to blog, website, Twitter, and FB (4 points) – friends gets their own points for sign up according to the above schedule. (You get the points every time you refer a friend who sign up so tell the world!)
When you subscribe you MUST leave a comment on the contest post on http://www.vividumas.wordpress.com/ with your email addy and if you followed on Twitter or FB please let me know so I can verify and get you your points. If you refer a friend, PLEASE make sure they know to leave their email addy and your name or email.
The person with the most points by October 15th will be the winner of the $100 GC.
With all these pending releases, I thought I’d drum up some worshipers for the Paranormal Queen. So what better way to do this than to have a contest.
Show me the money you say… Well, this is what you have to do to win. The contest will run until October 15th. You can gain points in the following ways:
Subscribe to this blog (1 point)
Subscribe to website – www.vividumas.com/wordpress (1 point)
Follow me on Twitter (1 point)
Friend me on Facebook (1 point)
Refer a friend who subscribe to blog, website, Twitter, and FB (4 points) – friends gets their own points for sign up according to the above schedule. (You get the points every time you refer a friend who sign up so tell the world!)
When you subscribe you MUST leave a comment on the contest post on http://www.vividumas.wordpress.com/ with your email addy and if you followed on Twitter or FB please let me know so I can verify and get you your points. If you refer a friend, PLEASE make sure they know to leave their email addy and your name or email.
The person with the most points by October 15th will be the winner of the $100 GC.
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