WORK METHOD

Someone asked me recently about my work method and how I’d increased my productivity. How is it that I used to spend six months writing an Intrigue? Then another month or six weeks editing the book. And now I’m writing three or four books a year-–both category and single title.

About ten years ago, I made the decision that I was going to write faster. I found that I could turn out a rough draft in two to four months. But I couldn’t shorten the editing process. I give myself permission to write a draft that needs work. Then I layer in all the qualities that elevate that draft from rough to polished.

I can’t get it all at once. When the whole draft is finished, I edit on the screen to improve the sentence structure, the character development, the action, and the emotional content of the book. Then I print out the book and start adding what I’ve left out. After I write in the changes, I print out the manuscript again-–then see more places that need improvement.

I usually repeat this process several times before I’m satisfied with the book.

When I’m writing, I start each day by editing what I wrote the day before. That's how I get into what I'm working on. When I read the previous day's work, I always find stuff I don’t like. I’ll want to improve a lot of the sentences. I may not have enough of the characters' emotions. Or I don't have the action quite right. Or the dialogue needs work. I have to add layers to get it right.

I basically set myself the task of writing ten pages a day. I might stop and read e-mail or talk on the phone. But I go back to the story and stay with the day's work until I get those ten pages. I might get that done by early afternoon. Or I might still be working at ten at night.

One thing I’ve found is that writing gets easier the more you do it. If you write consistently, you will be able to increase your output.

Also, I’ve written a lot of books. Because I have a lot of experience, it’s become easier for me to know if the story isn’t working. I can tell pretty quickly if a scene is off. If it’s too far off, I have to figure out what's wrong before I can go on.

On the other hand, sometimes I write a scene that I know isn't quite right--and leave it in the ms. I think of it as holding the place for the scene that will be right--when I figure it out. Those "wrong" scenes usually don't have the character motivation quite right. But I put them in anyway to hold the place for the correct scene, when I figure out what the character would really be thinking and doing.

I know there are some people who can't go ahead until they have each scene right. Giving myself permission to have it slightly wrong is one way I forge ahead.

Of course, if it's TOO screwed up, then it will throw the rest of the book off. So I have to be able to recognize that, too.

I also increase my productivity by having more than one book going at once. I mean, I might be writing one book, but I have another proposal sitting there, ready to go. Or I have to deliver an Intrigue one month and a Berkley the next month. If I'm having trouble with one book, I'll put it down and work on the other one--until I figure out the basic problem with the book that was giving me fits.

I just wrote 100 pages of a Berkley novel, a sequel to BEYOND CONTROL, called BEYOND FEARLESS. It’s about sexually linked telepaths whose powers increase when they link up with their soulmate. But I think those 100 pages are going to turn into 90 pages because the beginning needs tightening. When I edit, I often tighten what I’ve written. And I’m just as likely to expand the text. It all depends on what I think the book needs.

I had to put my Berkley book down because I'd planned a research trip to Boston, for the Intrigue that's due in a couple of months. I'd written the whole draft of that ms, guessing about the settings in some scenes. Once I saw the real locations, I changed some of the scenes to fit the actual settings-–and added missing details that I never would have known unless I’d been there. Now I'm editing the book once on the screen. When I finish that, I'll go on to the paper editing. When that book is finished, I'll go back to BEYOND FEARLESS..

One reason I try to write fast is so that I have time to put each book away for a while. When I pick it up after a few weeks of working on something else, it's easy to see any problems with the ms, because it's like someone else wrote it.

If you’d like to discuss productivity, let me know.

Galleys for "Bond of Silver"

Well, I committed myself to sending entries to my blog. And I’m slipping behind again. I’m in the middle of my least favorite thing–reading galleys. These are for a novella called “Bond of Silver” in a December Berkley anthology called UNLEASHED. The good news is that they’re not too long. The bad news is that I’m finding annoying word-repetitions, that I’m correcting, and hoping that the corrections get into the finished book.

I find that once I use a word, I tend to use it more than once. Does that happen to you?

I’m enjoying the story, though. It’s about a man from New Atlantis, which is in the Caribbean. The inhabitants left the Greek mainland eons ago because they were persecuted for their psychic powers. They now have a civilization on New Atlantis and hide the island with a force field. But they need more psychics to help them maintain the field. So they send their young men and women out into the world in dreams–to hook up with a partner who has psychic powers. If the meeting is successful, they go out to bring the person back.

Naturally, the couple I’m writing about are having considerable problems working out their relationship. It’s complicated. Her mother bonded with his stepfather. But she was afraid to go back to New Atlantis with him. Now she guards her daughter jealously. And she almost kills the young lovers as she tries to stop her daughter from leaving.

So that’s my story today.

Rebecca

Rebecca Continues Her Crazy Adventures

Move over Sue Grant. Here I am getting ready to take flight from the Santa Ynez (California) Airport. Of course, this glider is considerably smaller than the jumbo jets you fly.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I wasn't the pilot. An experienced glider pilot steered the craft.

First we were towed on a long wire in back of a small plane. Then the pilot had me release the lever holding the tow wire, and we glided over the countryside north of Santa Barbara--including over the edge of Reagan's former ranch.

It was an exciting experience. When we were being towed by the small plane, we wobbled a bit, which made me nervous. I felt better when we were floating free.

Ruth/Rebecca

YOUR PLANET OR MINE by Susan Grant

YOUR PLANET OR MINE by Susan Grant
(HQN Books, July 25, 2006)

This looks like a fun romp.



Think the grocery store is a great place to meet men?

Hunky interstellar fugitive, aisle 5.

With outrageously false accusations piling up against her famous political family and an ex-fiancé in hot water determined to take her down with him, the last thing Jana Jasper needs is more trouble--especially man trouble. But when she heads to the grocery store for an ice cream fix, not only does the muscled hunk in the frozen foods section ranting about spaceships and invasions look crazy, he looks... familiar.

Cavin of Far Star has never forgotten the girl he met during his weeks spent on that quaint little world, planet Earth, the girl who didn't believe he was real. And now he'll risk his future to save her. All she has to do is take him to her leader. Simple enough plan--although Jana isn't so easily convinced. Hell-bent on charming his way past her defenses, he's determined to stay one step ahead of the galaxy's most feared assassin--and may just capture his favorite Earthling's heart in the process.

Excerpt:
http://www.susangrant.com/books/planet.htm

Cover:

http://a1204.g.akamai.net/7/1204/1401/06050915011/
images.barnesandnoble.com/images/11120000/11126761.jpg


ABOUT SUSAN GRANT
One of the first women in history to attend the US Air Force Academy, a former Air Force instructor pilot, and currently a 747 jumbo jet pilot for United Airlines, New York Times best-seller and RITA winner Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows -- flying, adventure, and the delicious interaction between men and women.

REVIEWS
"...one of the best books of the year!" - Mary Janice Davidson, New York Times bestselling author
“...a cute, quirky otherworldly romance that’s totally delightful to read!” -- Tanzey Cutter
“Veers uncomfortably close to our actual plans to invade your pitiful little planet. Pull this book from the shelves immediately or I shall have it vaporized!” -- General Neppal, Supreme Commander of the Coalition fleet


Website: http://www.susangrant.com

Now Touring: ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE by Michelle Rowen

This story looks like a lot of fun. Angels and Demons--a hot combination.


ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE by Michelle Rowen
(Warner Forever, July 2006)

When you're hot for a demon, you might as well kiss your halo good-bye...

Falling naked into the killer whale tank at MarineLand is always bad news, but it's a real bummer when you've just been kicked out of Heaven. Former angel Valerie Grace is determined to reverse her banishment-Earth's just no fun.

Her best friend is a slightly perverted human-turned-rat, and she's being tailed by a sexy Tempter Demon named Nathaniel, who's trying to lure her to hell with kisses that are almost worth the trip. With the talking rodent sneaking peeks down her shirt and Nathaniel getting more irresistible every minute, this ex-angel has only one hope: find the stolen Key to Heaven and go home.

Then the oddest thing happens-Nathaniel starts to show signs of loyalty and love. And soon Val is asking herself if it is such a bad thing to have the hots for a demon.


Excerpt:
http://www.michellerowen.com/ex-angelwithattitude.shtml


ABOUT MICHELLE ROWEN
Michelle Rowen was born in Toronto, Ontario. As a child she decided that when she grew up she would become a flight attendant, a jewel thief, or a writer. One out of three ain't bad. She is a self-confessed bibliophile, the proud owner of an evil cat named Nikita, Reality TV junkie, and has an unhealthy relationship with all things Buffy the Vampire Slayer.


REVIEWS

Rowen does a delightful job mixing things up with her sassy and sexy characters. She has her own unique spin on life and the afterlife and good and evil, which makes for downright fun reading. 4 stars – Romantic Times

ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE is such a fun story...Michelle Rowen has proven herself to be an ace storyteller with a truly fresh and sharp sense of humor. I'm officially a fan! -- Lani Diane Rich, RITA Award-winning author

An amusing heavenly romance with a hell of a price to pay for not reading it. -- Harriet Klausner


Website: http://www.michellerowen.com

Thrillerfest

I'm back from THRILLERFEST. The first conference of INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS was held at the spectacular Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. It was exciting mingling with some of the big names in the thriller field including Sandra Brown, Brad Meltzer, John Lescroart, and Steve Berry. I was on a panel called Beyond Da Vinci with John Case, Robert Liparulo, Katherine Neville, and James Rollins. (see below). I understand why most of them were chosen. I felt like I was there for werewolf relief. But I hope I held my own.

M. J. Rose was on hand to give advice on promotion and publicity. R. L Stine, of Goosebumps fame, was the Friday luncheon speaker. And John Lescroart spoke at lunch on Sunday. One thing I learned is that the top writers in the field have the same insecurities as I do. The most interesting panels were presented by professionals in the Special Ops field. We had demonstrations on knife fighting, street fighting, weapons handling, and a discussion on the anatomy of medical thrillers.

Next year, the conference will be in New York, where I'm sure we'll get a lot more editors and agents.

The beautiful Arizona Biltmore, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

I stayed on for a few days after the conference to write in this gorgeous setting. Here I am on the patio, soaking up the atmosphere and working on a proposal.


My panel: Robert Liparulo, Katherine Neville, me, and John Case. James Rollins is at the podium, so you can't see him.


Here's one of the booksignings--which were held after each session.

Now Touring: WHAT NO ROSES? by Marianne Mancusi

I've always loved time travel stories. And this one looks like a doozie.


And you thought your Valentine's Day was bad?

AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Unless Dora Duncan can stop it, it's going to be another St. Valentine's Day Massacre. A year ago, her (now ex-) boyfriend Nick stood her up at the worst possible moment. That was when she gave up important TV reporting for stories like "Too Stressed for Sex." And though such clips have a certain relevance, things have been a whole lot quieter. Too quiet. Until now.

Now she's gotta go back in time (don't ask!) and stop that very same Nick from messing up the time-space continuum. She has to travel back to a place where everybody speaks easy and cuts a rug-and this Chicago ain't no musical. Here, there are tommy guns and torpedoes, guys and dolls, gin joints, flappers, stoolies, rats and a whole lot more; and prohibition means anything but no.

It's the 1920s. Time for Dora to roar.

Read an excerpt of WHAT, NO ROSES?

Excerpt:
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?Special_ID=2107


ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI

When not out exposing scams and righting wrongs, Emmy award–winning TV news producer Marianne Mancusi is probably writing. Her first chick lit novel, "A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court," was called "a sparkling debut" by Publisher's Weekly. And Romantic Times magazine awarded four Stars to her 1920s time travel "What, No Roses?", pronouncing it "fast, funny and as bubbly as bathtub champagne." In addition, Marianne has six other adult and teen books under contract, including a teen comedy vampire series from Berkley called "Boys that Bite." She lives in Boston's historic North End.


Website: http://www.mariannemancusi.com

Honk If You Love Paranormal!

The paranormal market is booming. Editors are buying it. Readers are gobbling it up. And I’m loving writing it–and crossing my fingers that the wave doesn’t crest.

I know there are readers and editors who just wandered into this magical land. But I spent years WAITING FOR this market.

As a young reader, my first love was fantasy and science fiction. It all started in fifth grade, when the D.C. Public Library delivered the monthly “book basket” to our classroom–and one of the selections was RED PLANET, by Robert Heinlein.

As soon as the teacher put the books on the chalk ledge below the blackboard, I knew I wanted to read that book–and I dashed up to get it before anybody else could.

RED PLANET hooked me on the genre. And in many of the Heinlein books I read as a young adult, there was a love story. I didn’t find out until years later that there was a whole genre where that romance subplot became the focus of the story.

Back when I started writing romances, any hint of the paranormal was rare. But I wanted to include those elements in my books, since I always loved reading books where people had psychic abilities. Or books about time travel. Or creatures that couldn’t exist in the real world.

I was lucky enough to have an editor at Harlequin Intrigue who would let me include the paranormal in my stories, but only if I was subtle about it.

For years I wrote what I called "stealth paranormal" for Harlequin Intrigue--where the reader didn't find out about the weird twists until she was way into the story and had gotten invested in the characters. (In PRINCE OF TIME, you don't know that the hero is a space alien who's been in suspended animation in Alaska until well into the book. In NOWHERE MAN, you don't learn the hero is a clone being groomed for an army suicide mission until you get to know and like him.)

I longed to make the paranormal the focus of my stories, so I wrote a proposal for a book about telepaths who don’t develop their talents until they link sexually with each other.

My agent sent it out, and nobody would buy it. So I put it away in a drawer, and pulled it out occasionally to fiddle with it. I wasn’t able to sell it until last year, when Berkley published it as BEYOND CONTROL.

Before that, I got into the market with KILLING MOON, my first werewolf book.

I’d been selling steadily to Harlequin Intrigue on a brief proposal. But I was sure nobody would buy a werewolf book from me unless I wrote the whole thing on speculation. It was hard for me to fit that into my schedule, but finally I decided I had to write the book.

While I was writing it, my agent retired. When I went looking for a new one, I wanted someone who would love my werewolf story. My new agent did but told me it might be a “hard sell.” Lucky for me, Berkley was starting a dark paranormal line. Then when they decided to close all their lines in favor of the Sensation imprint, they made KILLING MOON one of the launch books.

I’m still writing for Harlequin Intrigue as well as Berkley. About two-thirds of my Intrigues are paranormal–with the weird elements right up front.

My next one is CHAIN REACTION, in October. It’s about an explosion in a secret weapons lab. The men who are exposed all develop paranormal powers. CHAIN REACTION is the first book in the three-book SECURITY BREACH series. In the next two books, the reader discovers that it’s not just the good guys who have developed special powers.

My current Berkley release is SHADOW OF THE MOON, continuing my werewolf series. I’m thrilled to tell you that it’s made the Waldenbooks’ mass market paperback list, the B&N romance list and the USA Today list. It’s the story of a werewolf journalist and an artist who go underground to investigate the sinister aspects of a private Washington, D.C., club, where the rich and famous can indulge their sexual fantasies. Unfortunately for them, there’s a "mind vampire" lurking in the basement, feeding off their emotions.

I’m finding that the S&M theme of the book is somewhat controversial. Some readers have told me they love it. Others are turned off. How do you feel about the subject matter?

And how do you feel about paranormal in general? You love it? You can take it or leave it? You hope the current boom in this genre is here to stay?

I’d love to hear how other people feel.

Blog Tour: CALIFORNIA DEMON, by Julie Kenner

I'm going to buy this book just for the title. And if the story is half as clever as the title, then it's going to be fabulous.



CALIFORNIA DEMON: The Secret Life of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom
by Julie Kenner
(Berkley Trade, June 2006)

What's a mother to do, when there are only so many hours in the day, and the fate of the world is in her hands?

Kate Connor was a retired demon hunter. Now, after fourteen years busting her tail as a suburban housewife, raising two kids, and supporting her husband's political ambitions, she's rejoined the workforce-and except for a few minions of evil, no one has a clue. She tries hard to keep her home and work lives separate-a good idea when your job involves random slaughter.

Between fending off demon attacks, trying to figure out why the mysterious new teacher at the high school seems so strangely familiar, and keeping a watchful eye on her daughter's growing infatuation with a surfer dude, Kate is the busiest-and most dangerous-soccer mom on the block…

FROM THE DESK OF KATE CONNOR…

• Groceries
• Pay bills
• Gas up the minivan
• Pick Allie up from cheerleader practice
• Clean out nest of evil, blood-thirsty preternatural creatures with a few wooden stakes, some holy water, and a can of Diet Coke
• Self-defense class
• Volunteer at nursing home
• Battle determined demon while making meal
• Put Timmy to bed
• Clean up dishes
• Dispose of demon carcass
• Iron Stuart’s shirt
• Write tomorrow’s to-do list

Excerpt: http://www.juliekenner.com/CaliforniaDemon.htm

REVIEWS

"more witty, funny and poignant adventures from the marvelous Kenner." Combining PTA dangers with demons certainly keeps the characters on their toes and readers chuckling. 4 stars – Romantic Times

While there is a plethora of outstanding romance/dark fantasy sagas currently being released … Julie Kenner's Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom novels are noteworthy in large part because of the author's wit and incredibly intuitive sense of humor. Lines like "Infiltrating a nest of vampires at dusk might be a tad on the treacherous side, but it's nothing compared to telling a fourteen-year-old that she's not allowed to wear eye shadow" will have readers laughing out loud from the first page to the last. If you've changed a leaky diaper, picked up a spilled sippy cup, or purchased a McDonald's Happy Meal within the last 24 hours, this fast-paced, delightfully irreverent amalgam of romance and dark fantasy is for you. – Barnes & Noble


ABOUT JULIE KENNER
National bestselling author Julie Kenner's first book hit the stores in February of 2000, and she's been on the go ever since. Her books have hit lists as varied as USA Today, Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and Locus Magazine. Julie is also a former RITA finalist, the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, and the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004. She writes a range of stories from sexy and quirky romances to chick lit suspense to paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom, was selected as a Booksense Summer Paperback Pick for 2005, was a Target Breakout Book, was a Barnes & Noble Number One SFF/Fantasy bestseller for seven weeks, and is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.

Julie spent four years mainlining venti nonfat lattes in order to write, practice law full time, and take care of her kiddo. Then she wised up, quit the practice of law, and settled down to write full time. She now lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and a bunch of cats.

Website: http://www.juliekenner.com/

TRIP TO RUSSIA

Well, after ignoring my blog for months, I'm going to start posting again. I had some horrible deadlines that I had to meet. And also, we were doing a lot of traveling.

We've been back from Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg) for a couple of weeks. And here's a report on the trip:

On the way home we had a horrible connection to make in Frankfurt, since our plane from St. Petersburg was late. We had to RUN to catch the plane--not easy for me. And our luggage--with some of the stuff I bought and a lot of my good clothes--floated around Europe for a day and a half before we got it. We didn't have boarding passes, since they wouldn't give them to us in St. Petersburg. So, when we finally got to the counter, they could only get us on in Business Class. A nice way to come home. (I think we couldn't get the boarding passes because we came into Frankfurt on Lufthansa and left on United.)

I learned a lot on the trip. St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. And Moscow is definitely a world capital. But I think we can be glad that we didn't live through the upheavals in Russia over the past 100 years.

After WWI, for example, the country was having a lot of shortages. To cope with the economic situation, they allowed people to have private businesses like restaurants. The enterprises were successful, but after a couple of years the authorities made all the private enterprises close and often imprisoned or killed the owners. Nice, huh?

I got the sense that the people running the country tried various unfortunate experiments on their population. Like when Khrushchev decided that--the U.S. is really successful growing corn. Let's turn most of our wheat fields into corn fields. But corn wouldn't grow in the USSR, so there were horrible shortages of food and long lines for bread. So that must have been before the shortages you experienced.

Our guide told us some Soviet jokes. One I liked was--
Brezhnev is asked about his relationship with the peasants. He says that relations with them are excellent. "We pretend to pay them, and they pretend to work."

I think I've got a lot of good material for a future suspense novel. But as I was driven around cold and sometimes wet Moscow and St. Petersburg, I started plotting a book set on a Caribbean island.

Another funny thing--
There's a very wide avenue called Moscow Avenue that leads from downtown St. Petersburg to the airport. It's also got wide sidewalks, since they planned to switch it to be the main avenue of the city. (Never mind that the main development was in a different part of town. They also planned to arbitrarily make Leningrad--the previous name of the city--an "industrial city" which meant it wouldn't need any trees. But I digress.) As we drove to the airport, there was a tremendous traffic jam. They haven't had a lot of private cars for very long, so motorists often indulge in dangerous stunts. One guy pulled off the road and roared up the wide sidewalk for several blocks. (I assume the pedestrians were able to get out of his way.)

There's very little parking downtown, so there are tons of cars PARKED on the sidewalks. And double parked.

Our son, Ethan, who is a political officer at the US embassy in Moscow, took us to see some sights--and parked on the sidewalk like everyone else. He also took us by Metro to a folk art shopping village. (Where a guy also had a trained bear.) I was really tired, so he got us a gypsy cab home--by holding out his hand. Motorists stopped, and he negotiated a price for driving us to his apartment--which was at least 20 minutes away. It was a really wild ride. Like I was surprised we actually made it home in one piece.

So after cold and wet St. Petersburg, I stepped off the plane at Dulles into 90 degree D.C. heat.

I have attached some pictures from the trip.

Ruth


St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow


Lenin's Tomb, Red Square, Moscow


Ruth & Foreign Service Officer son Ethan dickering with rug dealer at Izmailovo Market, Moscow


Cathedral, Kremlin, Moscow


Norman with Hermitage Museum across the Neva River, St. Petersburg


Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood (site of assassination of Tsar Alexander II), St. Petersburg


Grounds of Catherine's Palace, Pushkin


Inside Catherine's Palace, Pushkin


Catherine's Palace, Pushkin


Boat Ride in St. Petersburg


Malachite table in Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg


Ruth in Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg


Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Theater, St. Petersburg


Peterhof fountains, St. Petersburg


Peterhof gardens, St. Petersburg


Statue of Lenin, St. Petersburg

GODDESS OF THE ROSE by PC Cast (Berkley, February 7, 2006)

This story sound fascinating. Really unique.





GODDESS OF THE ROSE is a magical, sensuous retelling of Beauty and the Beast – with a modern slant. Our Beauty, Micki (named after the Mikado Rose), and all the women in her family have a special affinity for roses – their blood, diluted in water and applied during the night of a new moon, makes roses grow spectacularly. What the women don’t know is that they have this ability because they are descendants of a High Priestess of the Goddess Hecate. Hecate is Goddess of Night, Magick, the Crossroads of Man, and of Beasts. She is also the proctrectess of The Realm of the Rose – the place wherein all dreams and magick originate. This realm is guarded diligently by The Guardian, a creature on which the myth of the Minotaur was based. The Guardian swore himself into Hecate’s service for eternity, and in return the Goddess gifted him with the heart and soul of a man, even though he has the body of a beast. But all is not well in The Realm of the Rose. The Guardian made a terrible mistake, arousing the Goddess’s wrath to such an extent that she bespelled him and the realm, and Hecate swore that they would sleep eternally unless the Beast was awakened by a woman who carried the magickal blood of Hecate’s priestess, and was wise enough to see the truth, and compassionate enough to act upon it.

Micki does awaken the Guardian and he abducts her to The Realm of the Rose, thinking that she would automatically break the curse placed on the realm and set things to right, but modern woman Micki is a very unexpected kind of High Priestess, and there are forces at work within the realm, both of love and of hatred that might change the shape of dreams and magick for all of eternity unless Micki is brave enough to make the ultimate sacrifice…


ABOUT PC CAST
Award-winning author PC Cast is a dynamic, entertaining orator and an extraordinary teacher. Currently, her realm is in Oklahoma, where she resides with her daughter and spoiled cat.


REVIEWS

Join Mikki on an adventure to outshine them all -- P.C. Cast’s own version of Beauty and the Beast. Fourth in the author’s Goddess Summoning series, it’s very easy to see Ms. Cast’s love and respect for mythology, and it’s even easier to fall in love with characters that I believe may be her best yet. Romance, fantasy, mystery, and adventure are all threads woven together in this beautiful account of a woman who is clearly fated for greater things. An enchanting tale from beginning to end, GODDESS OF THE ROSE truly deserves RRT’s Perfect 10, an award that is exemplified with each word and every page in P.C. Cast’s latest. -- Amy Cunningham, Romance Reviews Today


Website: http://www.pccast.net

New books from Robin D. Owens and Gena Showalter

I know I've been a bad girl. I haven't written anything in my blog in weeks. I promise to tell you about the cruise my husband and I and some friends took from Vienna to Budapest over the Christmas vacation. But first I'd like to tell you about two new books coming out from two of my favorite authors.

** HERE'S ROBIN'S BOOK **:

SORCERESS OF FAITH by Robin D. Owens
(Luna, February 1, 2006)

With the world of Llandrana threatened by encroaching evil, the Sorcerers must do the unthinkable—summon an outsider to stop the insidious Darkness slowly taking control of their land and poisoning the Sorcerers themselves.

Arriving in Lladrana, grad student Marian Harasta is stunned to find herself the center of a dispute among Sorcerers who want to augment their Power with her own. She must quickly learn her new magical Powers – and decide who she can trust in this strange land. She has prayed for a miracle to save her brother – could Lladrana offer that knowledge, and can she somehow return to Earth with it?

She knows she must offer the Sorcerers something in exchange, and ridding them of the Evil Sorcerer is what they want, but how will she fare in her first magical duel?

With unexpected help – and unexpected betrayal – Marian must determine where her true fate lies.


Excerpt:
http://www.robindowens.com/reads/sorceress_of_faith.htm


Cover:
http://www.robindowens.com/images/sorceress_of_faith_cover.jpg


ABOUT ROBIN D. OWENS

Robin D. Owens has been seriously writing longer than she cares to recall, but is very happy with how her writing career is proceeding. She was named the Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in 2004, and 2003 Writer of the Year by the Denver Area Science Fiction Association. Robin has been the librarian, contest co-chair, and President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She has given seminars at Pikes Peak Writers Conference, the Colorado Gold Writers Conference, and Romance Writers of America as well as other groups.


REVIEWS

Marian is a fantastic heroine, both fiercely intelligent and independent, as well as willing and able to stand up for herself and what she wants. This book will enchant readers who enjoy strong heroines. – Romantic Times

Website: http://www.robindowens.com



** AND HERE'S GENA'S BOOK **:

JEWEL OF ATLANTIS by Gena Showalter
(HQN Books, February 1, 2006)

Enter a mythical world populated with vampires, dragons, demons and Nymphs…enter a world of dark seduction and powerful magic…enter Atlantis…..

All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis, which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent for the ultra-secret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation, has orders to keep it from the wrong hands – or destroy it. What he doesn’t know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone! But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind…

Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, is a pawn in Atlantis’s constant power struggles. She needs Gray’s help to win freedom and uncover the secrets of her mysterious origins. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they fight demons, dragons, vampires – and a prophecy that says the bond between them could destroy them both.

Excerpt:
http://members.cox.net/genashowalter/excerpt.htm

Cover:
http://members.cox.net/genashowalter/covers/cover_jewel.gif


ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER
Gena Showalter holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics (lie), is an expert in Krav Maga (bigger lie), and once worked as a body guard for the stars (the biggest lie of all). Actually, Gena Showalter is just your everyday, average girl who enjoys creating sizzling paranormal tales of kick ass women and the men who can't resist them.

REVIEWS

Showalter has created a ripe mythological world populated with fascinating creatures and dark lore. . . , for extraordinary escapism, read this book. -- Romantic Times

Showalter's fans will enjoy her breezy tone, fast-paced plotting, and sexy humor, set against a backdrop of malevolent demons, vampires, and dragons. -- Ginger Curwen, Barnes and Noble review

JEWEL OF ATLANTIS is clever, witty, sexy, exciting and just plain fun to read. Full of lots of "other world" goodness, it's a paranormal romance lovers delight. With characters that are rich in personality, scenery that is lush and enchanting, and dialogue that is snappy, fresh, and fun, you just couldn't ask for a better story. – Susan at Singletitles.com


Website: http://www.genashowalter.com

“White Heat” featured in SECRETS, Volume 12 by Leigh Wyndfield (Red Sage, July 2005)

Here's one of my favorite combinations--science fiction and hot sex.

Raine has spent the last few years avenging her murdered team, but the cost has been high. She’s hiding in an icehouse in the middle of nowhere from one of the scariest men in the universes. Walker escapes from a burning prison, staggering to safety. Imagine their surprise when they find out they have the same man to blame for their miseries. Passion, revenge and love are in their future.

Excerpt:

http://www.redsagepub.com/w_heat.html


Cover:

http://www.leighwyndfield.com/vol12.jpg


ABOUT LEIGH WYNDFIELD

Leigh Wyndfield spends her free time reading anything she can get her hands on, watching movies, and skiing or hiking, depending on the season. Unable to find romances that take place on other worlds, she started writing her own. Her books have won awards and finaled in published author contests, including the PRISM, More Than Magic, the Holt Medallion and the Dream Realm Award. Her novel, IN ICE, was nominated by RT Magazine for Best Erotic Romance of 2004, won a PRISM Award and the Write Touch Readers Award! Romantic Times calls her work, “Engrossing, enthralling and entrancing.”


REVIEWS

"White Heat is stunning" -- Jane, Fallen Angels.

"WHITE HEAT is full of action and adventure and will keep readers turning the pages and waiting with baited breath to see what happens next." -- Angel, Romance Junkies

4 ½ Star Top Pick RT Bookclub Magazine


Website: http://www.leighwyndfield.com

HIS DARK DESIRES, by Jennifer St. Giles

This sounds like a book I'd like to read. It combines two of my favorite genres--paranormal and historical.

BTW, I had a very personal reason for smiling when I noticed that the heroine is told to "Trust no one." I was once slammed by an RT reviewer for using that sentence. She said I must be copying the X-Files. Apparently, her literary experience was limited to popular television shows and genre fiction, so in her estimation, the X-File writers were the only ones who could come up with that concept. This was also the reviewer who thought I was hinting that the heroine was a mermaid because the hero initially fished her out of a river where she almost drowned and then--hint hint--the action climax of the book was at a theme park modeled on Sea World.

I've been waiting for years to respond to that strange review in some kind of public way. Ah, the fun of having my own blog! Thanks for giving me the opportunity, Jenn.


HIS DARK DESIRES by Jennifer St. Giles
(Pocket Books, Nov. 2005)

Can any woman resist the fire in his eyes—and the danger in his kiss?

From award-winning author of The Mistress of Trevelyan (2004 National Readers Choice Award for Best Historical and Best First Book, and 2004 Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Fiction) comes the sensual tale of a woman haunted—and a man possessed—by an all-consuming love. . . .

You are in danger. Trust no one. The terrifying words from a mysterious letter echo in Juliet Bucheron's mind. Destitute ever since her husband disappeared in the Civil War, Juliet has turned her New Orleans ancestral home into a boarding house -- despite the rumors of ghosts, the whispers of scandal, and the stain of murder. But even more unsettling is Juliet's new tenant, a handsome stranger named Stephen Trevelyan. Wealthy, educated, and seductively compelling, Stephen fills Juliet's heart with uncontrollable longing -- and her head with suspicion. Something, she senses, is lurking beneath the surface. And someone is stalking the hallways after midnight. As the danger draws nearer, Juliet wonders if she can really trust Stephen. But as he pulls her closer, she knows she cannot resist him...no matter what the price.

Excerpt:
http://www.jenniferstgiles.com/hisdarkdesire.shtml

Cover:
http://www.jenniferstgiles.com/hddsmall.jpg


ABOUT JENNIFER ST. GILES
A former nurse and home educator, this award winning author loves to create unforgettable heroes and heroines, who against all odds, fight and win the battle for love—the human need that drives us all. She lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and three children.


REVIEWS
A wonderful Americana suspense thriller.. St. Giles provides a fabulous reconstruction era tale—Harriet Klausner.

Winner of Rendezvous Reviews Magazine’s Rosebud of the Month! Who cites His Dark Desires as Powerful and emotional, with complex characters…an excellent journey into the past you won’t forget.

A riveting sequel…a sexually charged romance that satisfies whether they’re seeking suspense or passion---Romantic Times Book Club.


WEBSITE: http://www.jenniferstgiles.com

“The Witches of Brokenoggin and the Dead Who Love Them” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED by Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter's got another great story in “The Witches of Brokenoggin and the Dead Who Love Them” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED (Triskelion Press)

Welcome to Brokenoggin Falls, where the housewives are not only desperate, they’re Witches! (And one of them might be a Harpy) The spells cast by moonlight frequently go awry. And there are times when toads and Chihuahuas seem abundant as black flies in the summer, the dragons are a little touchy, the Forest Trolls are in danger of extinction from teeny-boppers, the Gryphons need help conceiving and...the scientist are crunchy and good with ketchup...

All proceeds from the sales of this book will go to the International Red Cross.

In which the well-endowed Tawdry triplets accidentally raise the dead while dealing with an overzealous peeping John.

Be on the lookout for MYSTERIA, an anthology expanding on the episode and characters Gena created in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED. MYSTERIA (Berkley) hits shelves in August 2006!

Cover:
http://www.triskelionpublishing.com/images/Bewitchedthm.jpg

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER
Gena Showalter holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics (lie), is an expert in Krav Maga (bigger lie), and once worked as a body guard for the stars (the biggest lie of all). Actually, Gena Showalter is just your everyday, average girl who enjoys creating sizzling paranormal tales of kick ass women and the men who can't resist them.

WEBSITE: http://www.genashowalter.com

“A Dance Through the Garden of Good and Evil” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED by Susan Grant

Here’s another fun-sounding story from the anthology, BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED.

“A Dance Through the Garden of Good and Evil” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED by Susan Grant
(Triskelion Press)

Welcome to Brokenoggin Falls, where the housewives are not only desperate, they’re Witches! (And one of them might be a Harpy) The spells cast by moonlight frequently go awry. And there are times when toads and Chihuahuas seem abundant as black flies in the summer, the dragons are a little touchy, the Forest Trolls are in danger of extinction from teeny-boppers, the Gryphons need help conceiving and...the scientists are crunchy and good with ketchup...

All proceeds from the sales of this book will go to the International Red Cross.

When Pastor Harmony Faithfull unknowingly hires a tall, dark, and sexy demon to be the new church groundskeeper, all hell breaks loose.


Be on the lookout for MYSTERIA, an anthology expanding on the episode and characters Susan created in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED. MYSTERIA (Berkley) hits shelves in August 2006!


Cover:
http://www.triskelionpublishing.com/images/Bewitchedthm.jpg


ABOUT SUSAN GRANT
One of the first women to graduate from the US Air Force Academy, award-winning author Susan Grant piloted jets in the USAF before joining United Airlines. She currently flies 747s around the world.


WEBSITE: http://www.susangrant.com

“Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were) Wolf” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED by PC Cast

This sounds like a fun read. And it's for a good cause, too.

“Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were) Wolf” featured in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED by PC Cast
(Triskelion Press)

Welcome to Brokenoggin Falls, where the housewives are not only desperate, they’re Witches! (And one of them might be a Harpy.) The spells cast by moonlight frequently go awry. And there are times when toads and Chihuahuas seem abundant as black flies in the summer, the dragons are a little touchy, the Forest Trolls are in danger of extinction from teeny-boppers, the Gryphons need help conceiving and...the scientists are crunchy and good with ketchup...

All proceeds from the sales of this book will go to the International Red Cross.

Godiva Tawdry casts a spell, and shy, unassuming teacher Candy Cox finds the were-lover of her dreams; Janice’s cousin Romeo meets Joe, the veterinarian, for unscheduled surgery.

Be on the lookout for MYSTERIA, an anthology expanding on the episode and characters PC created in BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEVAMPYRED. MYSTERIA (Berkley) hits shelves in August 2006!

Cover:
http://www.triskelionpublishing.com/images/Bewitchedthm.jpg


ABOUT PC CAST
Award-winning author PC Cast is a dynamic, entertaining orator and an extraordinary teacher. Currently, her realm is in Oklahoma, where she resides with her daughter and spoiled cat.


WEBSITE
http://www.pccast.net

MERCENARIES by Angela Knight

Wow! This sounds like a really hot read from one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to get my hands on it.


MERCENARIES by Angela Knight
(Penguin, September 2005)

In an embattled, sexually-charged new world of the future, the adventure begins...

Beautiful Trinity Yeager's mission: join Nathan August's star-hopping team of mercenary soldiers. With one condition: Trinity must prove her resilience as a lover for him and his first officer, Sebastian Cole.

Trinity not only sees Nathan's bet. She raises it...

Now, from galactic dens of depravity to far-reaching planets of dominant females and strapping male slaves, Trinity, Sebastian, and Nathan join forces, risk flesh and blood, and push the boundaries of erotic adventure in order to protect, honor, and service.

Excerpt:
http://www.angelasknights.com/mercenaries.htm

Cover:
http://www.angelasknights.com/images/bmercenariescover.jpg



ABOUT ANGELA KNIGHT

Angela Knight's first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. But her mother was enthralled, and Angela was hooked.

In the years that followed, Angela managed to figure out a way to make a living -- more or less -- at what she loved best: writing. After a short career as a comic book writer, she became a newspaper reporter, covering everything from school board meetings to murders. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name. For more of Angela’s interesting bio, visit her website: http://angelasknights.com/bio.htm


REVIEWS

"Ms. Knight has combined the erotic with the romantic and made a classic tale of two lovers who awaken to each other needs. " -- Susan Holly, Just Erotic Romance Reviews, which gave Mercenaries II a Gold Star rating.

"Nathan and Trin make magic together.” Denise Powers, Sensual Romance


Website: http://www.angelasknights.com

"Warfem," by Angela Knight, in KICK ASS

Angela Knight is one of my favorite writers, and I'm really looking forward to this latest novella from her. It sounds like the perfect combination--sex and action!
Ruth

“Warfem” featured in KICK ASS by Angela Knight
(Berkeley Trade, September 2005)

They're sexy. They're smart. And they aren't afraid of a little danger-not even when it comes to matters of the heart...

Four of today's hottest authors present a quartet of stories about bold women who take no prisoners-either in a fight or in love. Whether it's in the bedroom, in the outer limits of the galaxy, or out on the mean streets, they kick heart-stopping action to the next level. These are women who can hold their own and aren't to be trifled with. The men in their lives know that-and they love it...

In “Warfem,” Alina Kasi reunites with her lover Baird Arvid after two decades apart. Passion instantly blazes between the two superhuman warriors, but old enemies and new lies may tear them apart. And Alina dreads what Baird will do when he finds out about the secret she’s been keeping for the past twenty years. But she soon discovers she’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Excerpt:
http://www.angelasknights.com/warfem.htm

Cover:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0425205649/ref=dp_image_0/002-3514918-5875253?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=283155&s=books


ABOUT ANGELA KNIGHT

Angela Knight's first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. But her mother was enthralled, and Angela was hooked.

In the years that followed, Angela managed to figure out a way to make a living -- more or less -- at what she loved best: writing. After a short career as a comic book writer, she became a newspaper reporter, covering everything from school board meetings to murders. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name. For more of Angela’s interesting bio, visit her website: http://angelasknights.com/bio.htm


REVIEWS

WARFEM got 4 ½ stars from Romantic Times, which said, “Passion and intrigue are plentiful in Knight’s ‘Warfem.”

Speaking of the whole anthology, Jill Smith wrote, “It would be hard to find a more exciting way to spend a few hours. Settle in for tons of fun and enjoyment.”

In Warfem, Angela Knight gives us a fantastic story of a love that never died and another look at those yummy Warlords! – Pam L at A Romance Review. Four and a half Roses http://www.aromancereview.com/reviews/index.php?app_state=show_event&bookid=6065

These four women live up to the title so anyone who enjoys strong women kicking butt and hog tying their beloved will enjoy this fun often amusing but always exciting anthology -- Harriet Klausner


Website: http://www.angelasknights.com

HEART OF THE DRAGON by Gena Showalter (HQN Books, September 2005)

Sounds neat Gena!! I love your concept of the hero. And I love the idea that the Gods dumped their mistakes in Atlantis. What a neat twist. I can't wait to read it.

He’ll make you burn…

He is a Dragon, a rare breed of warriors able to transform into the legendary creature at will. Though the mighty warlord breathes fear into the minds of his enemies and fire into the blood of his women, no one has ever stirred his heart -- until he encounters Grace Carlyle of modern day Earth. He burns to possess this proud, alluring beauty . . . but he has sworn to kill her.

Journey to the mythical world of Atlantis, where the gods hid their greatest mistakes – the vampires, demons, dragons, and other creatures of legend – and experience white-hot passion, exciting adventure, and a love that defies the boundaries of time and magic.

Excerpt:
http://members.cox.net/genashowalter/excerpt.htm

Cover:
http://members.cox.net/genashowalter/images/dragoncoversm.gif


ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER
Gena Showalter holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics (lie), is an expert in Krav Maga (bigger lie), and once worked as a body guard for the stars (the biggest lie of all). Actually, Gena Showalter is just your everyday, average girl who enjoys creating sizzling paranormal tales of kick ass women and the men who can't resist them.

REVIEWS

"Sexy, funny and downright magical!" -- USA Today bestselling author Katie McAllister

This romantic fantasy is a magical work where dragons take on human form and have different values than the surface dwellers. Atlantis is an exotic city populated by dragons, vampires, centaurs, and other beings of myth and legend. There is plenty of action as well as romance in the storyline as the book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Gena Showalter has the magic touch to make readers believe in what she writes. -- Harriet Klausner

(In Heart of the Dragon) Showalter pens a bold and exciting new vision of both Atlantis and dragons. Lots of danger and sexy passion give lucky readers a spicy taste of adventure and romance. – RT

Bold and witty, sexy and provocative, Gena Showalter's star is rising fast! -- Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author

Heart of the Dragon is a bang-up twist to the old fairy tail with its dragon hero. Grace's character brings a refreshing change to the damsel in distress with her full steam ahead attitude and persistence. Ms. Showalter leads the reader on a thrilling adventure that even the coldest heart will acknowledge and love. – The Romance Reader’s Connection


Website: http://www.genashowalter.com