Thursday, March 15, 2012

Mark Your Calendars - It's the BLE!

That would be the BookLover's Event, put on each year by my RWA Chapter... Deets:


It's that time of year again. Maumee Valley Romance Writer's of America is hosting our Spring Book Lover's Event:
MVRWA invites you to attend the second annual
Spring Book Lover’s Event
Saturday, March 24, 2012
10 am – 2 pm at the Sanger Branch of the Toledo Library
Public is Welcome—Bring a Friend!
  • Meet Local Authors
  • Listen to Book Readings
  • Sign Up to Win Door Prizes
  • Book Signings
  • Author Q&A
FREE BOOKS! FREE FOOD! FREE BOOKS!
Whether you stop in for fifteen minutes or stay for the duration—we’d love to see you!

Want to hear a little more about the event? Listen to the podcast, hosted by me and featuring the fantabulous Patrice Kavanaugh and Constance Phillips...just click over to my website and click the player.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Call Story

So, I've been sitting on this news for a little over a week now, waiting for the official word...but I now have the official word - in the form of signed & counter-signed contracts and a art request form (for a COVER, I'm going to have a cover!!) - and so I'm officially sharing.


Floopy, that's how I felt immediately following what I'll call the ca-mail. Because I technically got an email, but this is a call story...and if you were a 'Friends' fan, you'll already be picturing Phoebe waving her arms in a circle with her head bobbing side-to-side. If you're not, well, floopy basically means...slightly freaked out, a little bit nervous and happy.

And yet throwing up wouldn't be out of the question.

So, I'm on the phone with two fab ladies from my RWA chapter, finishing up a podcast for an upcoming event - different times, but within about a 5 minute window. We finished up and my iPad bleeped at me to remind me that I had corn ready to harvest in Smurfs Village - because, yanno, Smurfs work trumps real work. I mean, they could starve if I don't feed them - and I noticed that my email icon had a little number 2 on it. So I harvested my corn and put the iPad down to go finish real world work. And then picked it up again, as I do, because I can't not read email.

And inside was a note from MY EDITOR. She loved my book, she thought it was perfect for a new line of romance from Adams Media and would like to offer me a contract. I sold my first book!

Cue hysterical crying jag and a husband who thought someone had died - after the year we've had it wouldn't have been all that surprising. And then a loud cowboy whoop - from him, I was still crying - and a giant bear hug because that's the only kind of hugging he does. And a little more crying from me. And I kept hearing Sally Field in my head saying, 'they like me, they really like me'

As soon as I accepted the offer, my editor - I can say that. I have an editor. Oh my god, I might throw up - emailed the contracts, which I signed with shaky hands and a few more tears. They were fed-exed to her the next morning  and...

I sold my first book. 

That was just over a week ago now. I'm currently waiting on copy-edits, filling out my art sheet for my cover and my first book comes out from the Crimson Romance line at Adams Media - the people who bring us the 'Everything..' series, the 'Cup of Comfort' series and others - in June. JUNE! When things move fast, they really, really move fast.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Are Cowboys on Your Keeper List?

Photo courtesy Cor23

I'll readily admit that I used to worship at the Louis L'Amour altar a couple times a month (thanks in part to my older brother). I loved those alpha guys, standing up for the little guy...and their strong women backing them up and sometimes leading the way. In college I got hooked on Diana Palmer's Long Tall Texans (Calhoun, Justin and Tyler to be specific). Ahhhhhh...


Oh! Sorry, I was blogging wasn't I? Okay, refocusing. Those books were a nice comtemporary alternative to true Westerns, which I still love but don't read often. It's been fun to see the resurgence of historical romances set in the West. I love a good Regency Rake, but cowboys are just so... Ahhhh...


Like the image above - isn't is beautiful? And a little romantic...like you could reach out and touch the past. I love that.


Okay, refocused. Again. As I was avoiding research for the new wip cleaning the house, I saw my dog-eared copy of Long, Tall Texans, which made me think of those great L'Amour books and the new Westerns I've seen on bookshelves lately. I think I might pick one up.


What's on your keeper list? Are all of the books there sure to bring a smile to your face just by looking at the cover? There to take you to a simpler time, maybe when you were curled up in bed, too sick for school and too bored to stare at the ceiling for another minute?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie!

Hey, Gang! So I'm starting a new lunch counter special. It won't be an every week thing, but every couple of weeks I'll share a new recipe or tasty treat with y'all. And to start it off, I'm talking chocolate strawberries because...who doesn't like chocolate and strawberries together? Okay, on with the recipe!

1 Cup Fresh strawberries - if you can freeze them overnight, even better, they'll act as ice!
1 Cup 2% milk - or whatever style of milk you prefer
1/2 packet Carnation Instant Breakfast, either the milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Your preference!
2 Scoops protein shake powder - I use Visalus, which is a protein/diet shake mix. Yummy!

Toss all that in a blender, pulse it for a few seconds to chop up the strawberries and then change to pulse for about 30 seconds. Pour into your favorite glass, grab a large straw and enjoy! It's a meal that tastes like a treat.

What I love about this smoothie: It's good for you, especially those of us who need a little more protein. It tastes delish - I'm talking better than Mr. Smoothie smoothies. If you're trying to lose a little weight for swimsuit season, try it as a breakfast substitute or an afternoon snack, you'll be surprised how filling it really is.

My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor or a nurse. I'm not suggesting you go on a smoothie diet or anything. But if you're looking for a filling, not-candy-bar-calorie treat, try this.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

5 Questions with Author Sandra Sookoo!

Hey there, readers! Time for another 5 Question with... Today on the blog author Sandra Sookoo. I first became acquainted with Sandra through her blog, and then on Twitter, where she can be found posting about writing and cooking and. . .well, whatever strikes her fancy. When she mentioned she had a few promo openings I thought it would be fun to have her visit here to talk about her latest release A Wolfish Scandal (isn't that cover fab? scroll down, we'll wait).. So, welcome, Sandra!! And on with the interview.


Kristina: Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?
 
Sandra: I definitely have a writing process.  I try and write every day except for the weekends.  Those are usually reserved for spending time with my husband.  In the mornings I clear emails and most of the admin stuff that needs to be done. After lunch I get to work on the writing, and depending on how well it goes, I’ll write until late at night. Every Wednesday is reserved for promo stuff.  Of course, everything always goes much smoother because I outline my books/chapters ahead of time to give me a clue of where I’m going for that writing session.

Kristina: When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?
 
Sandra: To the kitchen!  Sometimes when I’m stuck on a plot issue or on a difficult scene, I hit the kitchen and start baking or cooking.  It frees up my brain and I usually find the answer to the problem by the end of creating in the kitchen.  Barring that, I also like to drive around with no destination in mind. Something about driving gets the creative juices flowing too.

Kristina: What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

Sandra: During my writing session today, I listened to Disney World music from the parks.  I like the instrumental tracks for each “land” or waiting area. It’s relaxing LOL  At times I will create playlists for my works in progress.

Kristina: Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows  – what's your beverage of choice?
 
Sandra: Most of the time it’s ice tea (unsweetened). If not that, then just water.
   
 Kristina: Tell us one interesting thing about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?
 
Sandra: Ooh, good question! I had to rummage around my notes for an answer to this one.  Originally, A WOLFISH SCANDAL was slated to be a Regency-era book, and the heroine was going to be part of the Reformist party in England.  However, prior to writing the story, I became fascinated with the Civil War era and after doing some research, I decided to switch time periods as well as adding in the paranormal element.
 
Book Blurb 

A WOLFISH SCANDAL:  He has nothing to live for.  She has nothing to lose.  Together, they have everything to gain.

Lyndal Carson's life is at a premium.  Afflicted with a heart ailment wherein she can drop dead at any time, she makes a pact with herself to create one scandal and to really live before she dies.  Tired of being a handmaiden to her family, she writes the letter that will change her destiny.

Grey Rutledge, a werewolf who is hounded by a reporter and haunted by memories, endeavors to provide a diversion large enough that the paper will forget its interest.  He invites twelve women to his estate on the premise of choosing one of them for his mate.  After the loss of his family, the only thing he wants is heirs and a woman by his side. 

As the days go on, both Lyndal and Grey find that elusive piece missing from their lives.  When their respective secrets are revealed, they both run the risk of losing everything.  Danger catches them unaware during an innocent afternoon but it's what is decided as life hangs in the balance that will change their lives forever