Guest Blogger -- Blake Devereaux

Welcome guest blogger Blake Devereaux!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas is for most people a time of mixed emotions and mixed blessings. I personally reflect on the loved ones that are no longer with me to celebrate this year. Probably the most tragic of those however, is my 22 year old nephew that died this past January.

As the season has approached the realization that my daughter’s birthday and my nephew’s birthday (one day apart, falling on the day before and on Thanksgiving Day,) would cast a dark shadow on the holiday season for all involved. In the past I have been the sole arbiter for holiday celebrations in my family. It has been my practice in years past to host the usual holiday events for my family. This year, however my heart wasn’t in it. I felt the weight of all the sadness of the past year calling me to a glass of wine and a quiet day ignoring the holiday completely.

In addition, this year has been financially the most challenging year of my life. It is clear that my “gift-giving” is going to be limited at best this year. The realities that my future in our dream home, the future of my business, and frankly my future in general is at best tenuous. As I type this I realize that each and every person reading this has their own pressures, and concerns this holiday season. The temptation to allow financial concerns and personal issues and traumas to overshadow the happiness of the holiday season is not only understandable, but frankly it’s expected.

While preparing for Thanksgiving, it’s been my practice to decorate for Christmas, the week before. This year, however was different. I delegated the Thanksgiving festivities to my younger sister. Honestly, I had no intention at that point of putting up a single Christmas tree, much less the menagerie of décor that normally adorn my home during the holiday, and the nine Christmas trees that had been a regular fixture in my home.

As the holiday neared, however a simple truth seemed to nag at my heart. The one thing that even during my darkest moments, even during the most macabre horrific events of my life, had been the single point of comfort for me was my Grandmother’s unfailing stability.

Now, I know gentle reader you’re asking yourself about now, how in the heck does any of this have the slightest thing to do with my Christmas holiday? Indulge me for a bit, and I believe my “Momaw” might be able to help you too.

Until her death, it was a simple truth in my life, that there were a few things you could count on in my life. If you came into my Grandmother’s house any day of the year there were certain things that never changed. 1. There would be a pot of coffee brewing. 2. Even though she smoked two packs of cigarettes a day, you’d never find more than a single cigarette in any ash tray. 3. If you did something in my grandmother’s home that you weren’t allowed to do, you would be punished. 4. If you needed anything from my grandmother she would move heaven and earth to make it happen. In addition there were some simple facts that were accepted as part of my life. Christmas would be celebrated at my grandmother’s home at six-thirty on Christmas day, Christmas presents at her home were always carefully wrapped with love, even though they were modest, were always carefully chosen and generally sincerely needed.

Even though I never had the courage to tell my grandmother the horrors of my life, I know now, as I knew then that she would have never batted an eye, she would have believed me unconditionally, and that she would have waded through Hell to make things better for me. Even though I never remember her using the words “I love you”, I never for a single moment doubted it. Even though most people would have viewed my grandmother as a “cold” woman, she was as beautiful a soul as I ever encountered.

As I sit with tears in my eyes, typing this humble blog, I miss that. I miss my grandmother’s distant look at the tree as I knew she mourned her son, her husband, and her parents. Her pain however never interfered with making sure, as a boy, I knew there was a place that was safe, that there was a place where the rules never changed, and that on Christmas Day, at six thirty, there would be a tree for me to admire. The last year my grandmother was alive, I believe with all my heart she knew it was her last Christmas. She insisted that I host our family Christmas for that year. At the time I argued, and dismissed the idea, however, at my grandmother’s insistence, I did just that. That began a new “tradition”. Christmas was at my home, at six-thirty on Christmas Day. My siblings’ children became fond of Christmas with Uncle Blake. Every year I’ve tried to decorate, and create an environment that when I’m gone from this earth, there’ll be some continuity in the fabric with which my family is woven.

I don’t know if my daughter will be able to enjoy Christmas this year without my nephew, I don’t know if she’ll even choose to celebrate at all. For that matter I doubt I’ll be ready to break into Christmas carols, but one fact caused me to pull out those hundreds of totes containing the Christmas decorations that I’ve collected over many, many years. I sit now, looking at the twelve foot Victorian tree in my foyer through tear stained eyes. That simple fact is that when and if my daughter is able to celebrate, I want her to know that nothing… nothing, will change the fact that as long as Dad is around, Christmas dinner is at Blake’s house, six thirty, Christmas Day.

About Blake:

I am a writer. I think that statement sums up who I am, at the core. I also am an avid reader, mostly of the classics. I spend the bulk of my time working at the restaurant I own, and operate. It is both a joy, and an intense source of stress. I spend the remainder of my time divided between my family, church, community and many charitable, and other volunteer pursuits. I enjoy music, making it, and listening to it. I’ve have performed both vocally, and as a pianist, since the age of twelve.

Blake Devereaux

http://blakedeveraux.com/

What are you most thankful for this holiday season?

What are you most thankful for this holiday season? Is it a job, your family, your career? Any achievements you're particularly happy about?

Maybe you're just happy to be in good health. :)

I spent this Thanksgiving at my parents' after being ill for a week and a half, and contending with a very difficult and trying job that has gone from bad to worse. I'm personally thankful for the following:

1) That I got to even see my parents for Thanksgiving

2) For the good food and wine. :)

3) For my two delightful, cuddly kitties

4) For all of the good news in my writing career, including an excellent review of Dawn of the Seraphs and Blood of the Dark Moon going into print within the next month or so!

5) My health, now that I have it. :P

6) My ability to find a new job!

7) My friends. :)


So go on! Sound off on what you're grateful for. :D



Love & Magic,
Adrianne

Wrapping Up the Leftovers

Well, Thanksgiving is done. At least the holiday. Now the craziness begins with shopping and wrapping paper and mailing and so on.

I think of all the things about the holidays, it's the leftover food I have the most fun with. In my family it's varied over the years and based on the amount of leftovers just what gets done with the different food items. The turkey and cranberry sauce of course become sandwiches layered in thick slices on soft wheat bread or sourdough. Just a dollop of mayonnaise and a touch of mustard (but only after there is no cranberry sauce left.) The mashed potatoes become potato pancakes the next morning simply by mixing just a bit of milk into the lumps and forming flat patties with your hands. Fried up with some strips of left over turkey and reheated gravy drizzled over it all, makes for a yummy wake up call.

Then there are the desserts. Pumpkin pie was always my favorite. Warm or cold with a huge scoop of fresh whipped cream, it is still the best. My sister makes a yummy lemon meringue pie to go with her holiday dinners, and I've been known to toss some chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies into the oven for light treats.

Considering I hate to waste food, the turkey carcass has it's uses as well. Once the more succulent bits of meat are removed (I don't bake the turkey with stuffing inside) I dump it into a big soup pot with water and a bit of chicken bouillon, and boil it into stock. Whatever tasty bits remain are kept, the bones and other bits thrown away, then I chop up potatoes, carrots, and celery (sometimes onions are added) toss a bit of leftover white and dark meat into the mix, add a touch of salt, and pepper and let it simmer.

Yup, I do love the holidays and all the extra food left over. I never have to wonder what to eat for lunch. LOL

Hope you all had a great day. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Qwillia

Happy Sexy Books

By A.J. Llewellyn

I had an awesome Thanksgiving, meeting a bunch of wonderful people through my friend Ruth's family. I was astonished at the warmth and generosity of those around her, not to mention the incredible tasty food.
I made an Australian pavlova which I think everyone enjoyed but of course, I had to sample all the other desserts on the table, you know, just to be polite.
I was thrilled also to meet the fascinating women in Ruth's life. Her cousins are well traveled and had astonishing experiences in Italy this year that beg for space in a book or a movie.
I was also pleased to meet another published author at the table, mystery novelist Joseph Steven.
His wife Marisa, a wonderful woman, gave me an idea for a new book based on an experience they shared thirty years ago.
I told Joseph he was so kind to lend me his muse and he smiled. Marisa is supportive and encouraging of all his ideas and right now Joseph is working on his fourth novel which sounds amazing.
We talked for a long time and I came home all fired up to work on my new book. I am planning on an April 15 release for it.
I sat working on the idea all excited by the research I found online. I had the biggest smile on my face when I took my dog for a walk around midnight and ran into one of my old Russian neighbors in the courtyard.
It's funny how you can find yourself on a similar schedule as people you share space with. I see him early in the morning and if I walk my dog after midnight, I run into him again.
Last night, he was rugged up like he was heading for snow and he greeted me under the lamppost.
He's a fascinating man who always seems to be cooking meat and onions judging by the smells wafting from his condo.
Last night he told me, he'd cooked for sixteen people.
I saw the joy in his face when he talked of his whole family coming together for the first time in twelve years.
"I never thought it would happen," he said. "I am so happy."
"Were there any arguments?" I asked.
He laughed as we walked down the street.
"Of course. It would be a holiday without arguments." He always walks with a big stick and suddenly withdrew it from the inside of his coat and held it in his hand.
"I know you're a writer," he said. "My daughter is a writer. What kind of books you write?"
Everyone in my building asks me this and I am always afraid of shocking the older people. Especially ones carrying big sticks.
I took a deep breath. "Erotic romance," I said. "Gay erotic romance."
He rubbed his chin with his free hand and tilted his head. He seemed to be mulling it over.
"Mmm...I see now."
"You see...what?"
"You write happy, sexy books. That's why I always see you smiling."
He gave me a wave and crossed the road to take his own private like circuit. And I walked on with my dog and dreams of my own.
Of Happy, Sexy Books.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

A moment to give thanks.

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not it's still important to pause every now and then to reflect on times past, present and future and give a moment of thanks for what you have. A lot has happened to me in 2009. Some great things and some not so great things but life isn't always fair and we roll with the punches the best way we can. Instead of looking ahead and praying 2010 will be a better year I'm going to take a moment to reflect on current things in my life I'm thankful for.

First off, my family and my friends. I thank the heavens above everyday for the three most beautiful children on the earth and an occassional prayer for the sanity and patience to raise them right. For the support my friends, fellow authors and fans show for my writing and the fact that I have a creative outlet for my emotions. (Without it I would probably be locked up in a loony bin somewhere. LOL) I'm also thankful to have a job, food, clothes, transportation and a roof over my head(things that a lot of people don't have right now and that a lot of us take for granted daily)
I do wish for better health for my oldest child who is still suffering with the chronic abdominal pain but I am proud to see her fighting so hard and happy she's still here with me. Sure there are things I could have done better and decisions I made that weren't always the wisest but that's just part of being human. I miss the loved ones I lost this year and hope their souls have gone on to better, happier places. MAy we all get there one day, but not too soon. So to each of you a HAppy Thanksgiving or just a happy day and thank you for another great year.
Beth
For info on contests, new releases and upcoming signings join my yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/

Well It's Here!

The sequel to Meeting A Neighbor's Needs was released yesterday by Loose Id, LLC and I'm waiting to hear what readers have to say about it.
I like the story and the characters were fun to work with, but it was interesting to see the difference between the first and second book.

The first book introduced the characters and how they began to bond as a family. This time around the family connection is beginning to teeter due to something both men are denying themselves.

When I look at the other books I've written, I have to admit, there won't be any other books connected to these three characters. At least none that I can see in the near future. With my other books, or should I say series (Diablo Blanco Club) those characters won't shut up. And they keep bringing friends along for the ride.

After reading Rebecca Rose's post here as well as posts on other blogs from various authors, I have to admit writing is what keeps me sane. I want to please the readers, and I'd love to be hugely successful and be able to quit my day job so I can write full time, but I have to be realistic. If I didn't have a day job to go to, I would go crazy.

Writing is a solitary profession. We bury ourselves in bedrooms, offices, studies, or any little cubbyhole we can find in our homes and connect with imaginary people who live and thrive only in our minds. When we put them down on paper we share them with others, but we still produce in isolation. I like the isolation sometimes, but I need to touch base with humanity on a regular basis. It gives me fodder for my stories and reminds me why I prefer writing to real humans. LOL

Okay, I'm rambling, I guess I should go now since the thought process has been crushed and all I can think about is getting to the store before all the jellied cranberry sauce is gone. Have a great day, and a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it)!

If you're interested in purchasing a copy of A Neighbor's Ultimatum click here to check it out on the Loose Id, LLC website.

Qwillia

Guest blogger -- Rebecca Rose!

Please welcome guest blogger Rebecca Rose!

No More Writing Worries

“You want me to write about what?” I can’t tell you the times I’ve thought this while sitting in class; the blank sheet of paper before me beckoning for a story to be told. I look at the writing prompt again and strain with my eyes trying to see beyond the obvious and into my imagination. What will spark it this time? What word in that one sentence exercise will ignite me into a writing frenzy?

Some writers have good luck charms that they hold close and rub as if it’s a Genie bottle, waiting for their muse to appear. Others can just magically pull from the deep abyss of their imagination and write an All American Classic. But me? The mood hits like a freight train barreling down on me. I stand with my arms spread wide welcoming the energy it will infuse into my very core. I don’t write leisurely or for fun. It’s a necessity that has taken over me, one which was never a silly hobby.

I wrote my first novel before I told anyone, except the few close to me. I even had a writing job for a local magazine which came as a surprise to many because I never discussed my new found love, or should I say obsession with anyone. Then the cat was let out of the bag. It screeched and growled with anger at me. Why did I not tell anyone? Was I ashamed this is what I needed to do with my life? No. As a matter of fact, I was afraid of peoples’ responses. If they didn’t take me seriously how would that affect my writing? How would it affect my heart? Something which I put on a platter and serve to my readers each and ever time I sit to tell a tale. My angry feline friend said, “Who cares? You do it because you love it. Do it because it makes you happy!” She is right and now I try to teach this to other authors who are struggling to find their voices and be seen as a professional and not as a dreamer of the unobtainable.

November was a month of justification for me. With my debut novel Divine Turmoil’s release, I was able to prove I could do it. I was good enough and disciplined enough to put into this profession what it requires of me. Imagine my surprise when I realized the only true person I was worried about not taking me seriously was myself!

So to all you readers, who feel there is a story inside of you waiting to be told and are worried about what people are going to say, don’t be. In the end it is only you who determines the outcome of your journey. Remember with every word typed, with each page written, you are weaving a tale that could become the next Classic. So romance, scare, entice, mystify and find new worlds. There is no greater validation then saying ‘I told you, you could do it’ to yourself.

Rebecca Rose

You can find her at: https://sites.google.com/a/authorrebeccarose.com/divine-turmoil/

Once Rebecca Rose picked up her first romance novel she knew her destiny was typed on those pages. She lives to find romance in ordinary life doing everyday things, by believing you just need to be conscious enough to look for it. While being slightly dyslexic has created some challenges for her, she feels compelled to write about the characters living in her head.

Divine Turmoil was her first adventure in writing novel length stories. After finishing this work of love, inspired by the death of her Grandmother, she felt the need to find out what happened to the other characters in the novel. And a series was born.

This started a new and exciting life for Rebecca and her family who live in Western Massachusetts with their three tenacious children, deaf dog Max, and three cats Enzo, Snowball, (who’s all black), and a very lazy Maine Coon named Murphy’s Law. She’s also had numerous short tales published with her hometown magazine.

Reading was, and still is, an enjoyment that her whole family takes pleasure in. It is the only time the house is quiet, unless the family has gone hiking. Otherwise, Guitar Hero guarantees their home is never dull.

Rebecca is always delighted to hear from her readers.
You can e-mail her at authorrebeccarose@yahoo.com

Well howdy there you sexy cats and kittens!

As oppose to pups and dogs (hello to all the men...just messing)

Well I, Mila Ramos, your fellow author extradinaire, have been moved up to the 23rd. Nice day don't you think? Why do you ask? Hmmm...good question, so I'll just give you guys a little bit of fun while we're at it.

So what am I going to bring to your lovely little eyeballs today? Well...a little bit of this...a little bit of that. I'll start off with sabbaticals. Which is what I am currently on; a sabbatical from writing. Now normally breaks in writing is either the sign of the author not coming back or flat out they just ran out of material to write.

Why am I taking a sabbatical?
Because its close to thanksgiving.................and christmas..................and new years!

Did I mention its the holidays?

Seriously, its just time for a little bit of a break. There are times when an author is just stuck, and sometimes the best thing to do is just to leave it be. They say the great ones start out as that. Could this be the transition of something new? Is this a revamping of writing in the works? Could I just be scaring all my readers into thinking there is nothing left?

Nah.

I'm honestly just taking a well deserved break. So as we are approaching the holidays, I wish to give you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, and give you a great holiday poem to make you smile....and of course, a little "light reading" to make you swoon.

Happy Turkey Day to all out there!
~ Mila Ramos
http://jademystique.blogspot.com
_________________________________________

No Thanksgiving Dinner

Tis the night before Thanksgiving and all through our house
No turkey is baking; I feel like a louse,
For I am all nestled, so snug in my bed;
I’m not gettin’ up and I’m not bakin’ bread.

No pies in my oven, no cranberry sauce
Cuz I give the orders, and I am the boss.
When out in the kitchen, there arose such a clatter
I almost got up to see what was the matter.

As I drew in my head and was tossing around
To the bed came my husband, he grimaced, he frowned.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
He scared me to death and I thought, “Here he goes!”

He spoke not a word as he threw back my quilt
And the look that he gave was intended to wilt.
So up to the ceiling my pillows he threw
I knew I had had it, his face had turned blue.

“You prancer, you dodger, you’re lazy, you vixen
Out yonder in kitchen, Thanksgiving you’re fixin.”
But he heard me explain, with my face in a pout:
"I'm just plain too tired and we're eating out!"

Contributed by: Mariane Holbrook

Excerpt of Shadowed Heart

Sin –noun- any act regarded as such a willful or deliberate violation of some moral principle.

Boy did Webster get it right.

She was without a doubt, with absolute certainty, and irrefutably, sinning.

To Madelyn Wagner, that word said too much about her life. That word was a jack-in-the-box held tightly on the last note before it sprung with its surprise. It was unsuspecting. Sin stared at her with a soft purr and gentle demeanor; it revealed itself in a small package wrapped with a great, big, fluffy bow. It has no intention of wanting to be bothered nor discovered but it sat there looking endearing, and adorable.

Just that misrepresentation in and of itself made the unaware suspect come closer. Lower its guard. Curious, intrigued. How could such an adorable representation ever tempt?

Easy, it just did.

What it really did was stick its tongue out while dancing the jig then turned into a little leprechaun with horns when he, her sin, walked by. When sin walked, it demanded and never asked. It conjured up specific moments where her judgment was overridden by the pure adrenaline rush pumping through her veins. Everything in her brain shut down, and she existed just to feel. The more morally conscious side of her brain always managed to fire alerts as to just how her behavior would be deemed ‘un-lady-like’ in certain circles. But with every morally conscious alert, there came twice as many intense, riotous and erotic pleasures countering any possibility of her turning things around for the better. Sounded reckless but, that’s how you lived life; wild, free, and sucking the marrow out of every single second.

She had sins, loved her vices, and damn well enjoyed them. Her top two were simple: driving in her mint-conditioned 1970 Chevy Chevelle far past the speed limit and enjoying a delectable, rich Godiva chocolate, and letting its chocolate cream melt ever so slow. The where, when and if together, made it damn interesting. How can someone not feel free when those little deviances assaulted their senses? This was living, life wasn’t glamorous, but it was publicized. And her choice of activities without doubt brought attention to herself, her family, and perked up a rather book-enclosed, library-filled, exam-crammed lifestyle.

But this, this man, he was beyond a possible classification.

He was wicked, unadulterated, hedonistic sin.

I’m going straight to hell with front row tickets.

Definition of Personal Responsibility and Pride

Hello Midnight Seductions Readers,

I thought I'd ask about your definitions of Pride and Personal Responsibility? Have they changed in this economy? Or have they changed as you've grown older?

I ask because a friend of mine has a view point in his head that's rather outdated and nonsensical but it's a generation thing I'm convinced.

We're talking about finances and the subject of paying rent came up. Now i'm behind for various reasons and it's only a couple of hundred dollars. I'm not stressing over it even when the landlord and management company tries to intimidate me even though the cops have been at our building to remove dubious tenants and the building has vacancies.

My friend's thought on getting caught up involves me giving up vices and just knocking rent out ASAP with whatever cash I have to give them so I can get caught up and hold my head high on my shoulders.

Wait a moment. I don't look at money the same way everyone else does. I don't but into the Middle Class Lie. He's 48 and still has that personal pride and holding your head up idea that says if you're behind on bills and you don't just "suck it up" to get caught up then you're a slacker.

I however did a lot of research on human behavior as an investor and learned that people are habitual. Some with a lower class mentality will suck it up and suffer. And whine and bitch and HATE those who do well. Some will figure out a different way of thinking to justify their behavior, and some will justify that AND focus their energy on fixing the problem--which is sometimes NOT living beyond your means but not having enough income.

My GF took a 10% paycut at end of last year. I lost $60 a month from my SSI and only NOW are my royalties starting to make up for it but only after a TON of hard work.

It's not a responsibility issue when your spouse or significant other loses money due to working for a lazy company. It's NOT personal responsibility when the issue of money being lost is NOT your fault. My GF can't work two jobs and I won't turn my back on my writing career. Nor will I suffer in poverty just to quickly make up my past due on rent. THAT'S financially irresponsible.

I didn't adapt this thought process because of age or my generation. Hell, most of MY generation is sucking it up and suffering all while still repeating the bad habits that indebted them in the first place.

I decided (took personal responsibility) for my actions by learning what the wealthy do and how they think. And mentally I'm trying to emulate that.

I lied. This was longer than I planned. So I'll continue :P

Coming up in the months ahead there will be a very big announcement for writers old and new. With the help of my publicist...well you just focus on what I said above *g*

Sascha Illyvich
Sascha's Secrets...let me whisper them to you

Guest blogger--Margay Leah Justice

Welcome Guest Blogger Margay Leah Justice!

Waiting for Inspiration

Inspiration.

It’s a funny thing. It’s the one thing that can fill up a blank page, spark a new trend, produce a work of art. Without it, there is just a blank page, the same old thing, or an unformed lump of clay.

Inspiration is where everything begins. It is also one of the most prevalent questions out there regarding an author’s book. For every blog post that I read, there is at least one reader who voices the question that everyone wants answered: Where do you get your ideas? I know. I’m one of those people who are curious to know how other writers come up with the basis for their books.

As cliché as this question might seem to some, I personally enjoy tackling it because first and foremost, I am a reader and knowing my own desire for wanting the question answered, I am more than happy to impart the many ways that I am inspired to write. Today, however, I would like to tackle a variation of this question. Rather than talk about how I am inspired to write a certain story, I’d like to address the question of when the inspiration strikes – and should we wait until it does to write.

I have to admit that I have gone through periods in my life where I’ve had difficulty writing because I wasn’t in the mood to write. I was, quite frankly, feeling uninspired. I’ve tried the writing prompts and writing exercises that are prevalent on the internet and in such magazines as Writer’s Digest, but I’ve found that it doesn’t work for me. I am the type of writer who needs to be working on a story, not a prompt. I can’t get excited unless it is something with fully fleshed out characters and story arcs. I don’t work well with vague ideas. I like stories I can sink my teeth into, get lost in and excited by.

So I have gone the route of waiting for inspiration to strike. Do I recommend it? Not really. Because it drives me crazy when I can’t come up with anything meaningful to write about. I feel like a smoker who needs a hit of nicotine but can’t find her brand of cigarettes anywhere. The longer I go without it, the crankier I get. I have to write like some people have to smoke; my life is not the same without it. So how do I get out of this funk? I read about what inspires other people. I read books I wish I’d written and articles about writers I admire. And I listen to my daughters to discover what is important to them. Our children are a great resource for inspiration in many aspects of life, not just in writing.

So my question to you is: What would you do in my place? Would you wait for inspiration or continue to write until it comes?

Author’s Bio

Descended from the same bloodline that spawned the likes of James Russell, Amy and Robert Lowell, Margay Leah Justice was fated to be a writer herself from a young age. But even before she knew that there was a name for what she was doing, she knew one thing: She had a deep and unconditional love for the written word. A love that would challenge her in times of need, abandon her in times of distress, and rediscover her in times of hope. Through her writing, Margay has learned to cope with every curve ball life has thrown her, including the challenges of single parenting, the harsh realities of living in a shelter, coping with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, and the roller coaster ride of dealing with a child who suffers from bipolar disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. But along the way she has rediscovered the amazing power of words.

Margay currently lives in Massachusetts with her two daughters, two cats, and a myriad of characters who vie for her attention and demand that their own stories be told.

Margay Leah Justice is the author of Nora’s Soul, available on Amazon.com. More information can be found at http://margayleahjustice.com and http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/

Too Many Choices or not Enough

Ok so this year I had to take a plunge and get a new phone. Why you might ask? Well my current phone is busted, it won't stay on and shuts down after 10 min. the only way it stays on is when it is plugged into the wall jack. Yeah not possible to be plugged in at all times. By the end the phone just froze, shut down and died..Boohooo

I tried to get my phone company to help me out since I have been with them for about 10 years. You would think they would do something. Nope, not a darn thing. They told me to get myself a new phone...Urm...well the phones they had were bad and the only 2 good phones were between $400 to $800 dollars. Do I look like I have that much to shell out on a cell phone right now? No I do not. Plus phones now don't last more than 2 years and that is a proven fact for many.

since my company was not willing to help I decided to check out the other companies out there and the deals they had. Mind you I am on a contract that still has a year left so I can't even extend it to get a new phone for less. I need a phone and now.

I found out another company could buy out my current contract and give me a way better phone for a small price. You know how it is when you are with one place for so long and time comes to switch you are a bit iffy. It is like a divorce coming your way. I kept putting it off until my phone died for good. That was the last nail in the coffin. I went to the mall and got the store to hook me up with a new phone, a better plan and they saved me over $200 bucks.

I came to the conclusion there tons of different phones and companies that will offer you the moon to sign you up but when it comes down to it most of the current phones are not doing what I need them to do. so that meas I gotta go for the option and get a better phone. So now I am set up and I hope this phone will last me. I am feeling a bit better since the mall shop gave me four years warranty for the phone and when you get it from the cell company kiosk you only get 1 year.

The phone I ended up getting I made sure to check out what people said online and talk to friends who owned one. That helped me make my move a lot more smoother.

What do you look for when you are about to purchase something new like a cell phone?

Savannah
http://www.savannahchase.com/

Time to reintro the Adams Family library!

In honor of receiving the highest rating at Romantic Times (4.5 stars!!) for SEEK AND DESTROY, the 2nd book in my NASSD Counter Terrorist Agency series, it's a sign to reacquaint you with the entire Adams girl's library with Siren-Bookstrand.

Are you looking for romantic adventure/suspense? Danger and intrigue so intense your heart rate will spike? Romance so hot it sizzles? Then Allie K. Adams has the stories that will take you on a whirlwind adventure. National bestselling author Lucy Monroe had this to say about Allie K. Adams: "If you are looking for non-stop, heart-racing action and sizzling romance, look no further. Allie K. Adams will take you there--and more!" --Lucy Monroe, National Bestselling Author.

AT ANY COST: Can a rookie agent prove to her idol and super sexy Superspy she has what it takes to be one of the elite?
SEEK AND DESTROY: Rivaling agencies pair their best two agents to catch a madman before he strikes again.

If your tastes are more on the blistering erotica and romantic adventure/suspense w/multiple partners (ménage), then Allie's naughty alter ego, Eve Adams, has stories for you. The heat from these scorching romances are enough to set your senses on fire, so be warned--get yourself something cool to drink before picking up an Eve Adams book. Bestselling author Jami Davenport had this to say about Under the Covers: "I love this book. It is so much fun. If you love Lara Leigh, you'll love Under the Covers." --Jami Davenport, Bestselling Author.

UNDER THE COVERS: Desperation drives her into both their arms. Her pleasure will drive them all to the boiling point.
RIDING DOUBLE: Two cowboys, both in love with the same spoiled, stubborn woman, call her bluff and teach her there's no place like home!
RIDING LESSONS: When he brings home a sexy stranger for a night of passion, his brother joins in and together they show her exactly how a country boy survives.
RIDING COWBOYS: Her sexual appetite is too much for one man. Two sexy cowboys join forces to show her why love is best served in threes.


Take a walk on the wild side with a story from one of the Adams girls. You won't be disappointed.

~Allie K. Adams~
http://www.alliekadams.com
http://alliekadams.blogspot.com
alliekadams@blackfoot.net

~Eve Adams~
http://www.alliekadams.com/EVE.html
http://alliekadams.blogspot.com
alliekadams@blackfoot.net

Botox for Your G-Spot?! Eeeek!

I read in Cosmo that you can now get Botox for your G-Spot! Yes, you read that right, Botox for your G-Spot! It's supposed to give you more pleasure in that area, or so they say.

I don't know about you, but I'm not into needles or the pain that goes with them. I freak out every time I get a flu shot, so there's no way I'd go for Botox anywhere, much less the G-Spot! Plus, there are the horror stories that go along with Botox. You know, the ones where they inject too much Botox or inject it into the wrong area. I don't even want to think about that!

Since I decided to blog about it, though, I Googled it and discovered that G-Spot parties are all the rage now. They're like regular Botox parties, only they all get Botox for their G-Spot! Eeeeek!

*hugs*

Paige

"Stories so hot, they'll mkae your cheeks blush!"

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/

http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/

Why I write

Where do you get your inspiration? What keeps you going when it seems dreams are shattered? I keep a folder of quotations that have reached out and grabbed me. I started this practice so long ago it’s actually a physical folder with real sheets of paper – some scrawled in haste, some clipped from newspapers or magazines, some photocopied from books, and some actually typed on a standard 8½x11 page. Here are three of my favorites:

This one popped out at me in the ‘90s when I was reading Julia Cameron’s amazing book, The Artist’s Way. It’s from Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost.” Click HERE for the rest of the quotation.

The next one is typed on a tattered sheet from my college days, reflections on writing by the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke in his Letters to a Young Poet: “You ask whether your verses are any good…You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you - no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity.” Click HERE for the rest of the quotation.

The third is one I memorized the moment I heard it, but it’s also scrawled on a 3x5 page torn from one of the spiral bound note pads I always carry with me. I don’t remember the luncheon speaker’s name, and when I Googled phrase elements this morning I found similar quotations from many sources. Here are the words I heard and wrote down: “Decide what you want. Decide what you are willing to give up to get it. Take action now.”

Would I be a published romance author if I hadn’t run across those quotations? Possibly, but they have goaded me into action and kept me going through rejections and near misses and requests for revisions. I’d love to hear what has inspired you.

THE FIRST PAGE

The cover of a book is what catches my eye first. I love a colorful, artistic cover giving me a hint to what the book is about. I then read the back of the book to check out the blurb. This also has to peak my interest.

Next, I feel the first few paragraphs of a story are important. When I pick up a book and read the first page, I decide whether I want to read the rest or just skim through the book.

When writers are composing that first page, I believe we should put something into it that will pull in a reader. It can be dialogue or some descriptive scene with the characters involved. This is what I call hooking the reader. Once you have the hook in, the rest should be simple. If they like what they’ve found with the cover, the blurb and the first page, the only thing left is plotting out a good story so you have the reader coming back for more of your books.

That first page usually takes me a little longer to write. Once I find something I believe the reader will love, the plot seems to flow from there.

This is my question. Do you feel the first page is important to a reader? If so, does it take you long to decide what you want to put on that first page.

http://www.Mary-Suzanne.blogspot.com

http://www.webspawner.com/users/romancewriter/index.html



Title: Ride ‘Em Cowboy
Available @ www.romancedivine.com
Available @ http://www.allromanceebooks.com
Available @ Amazon.com Kindle Books
Available @ http://www.bookstrand.com
Blurb:
Beth and Wendy had a plan to pay off the ranch—enter the barrel riding competition at the rodeo and win the money. Capturing hunky bull rider Casey Sanders would also be a nice consolation prize, one the women were more than willing to share. Casey proves more than up for the challenge, ready to Ride ‘Em Cowboy, but the question is – who is going to live happily ever after?


Review of Ride ‘Em Cowboy
Ride 'Em Cowboy by Mary Suzanne
Publisher: Romance Divine
Genre: Erotic, Ménage, Western, F/F/M


Summary: Beth and Wendy had a plan to pay off the ranch—enter the barrel riding competition at the rodeo and win the money. Capturing hunky bull rider Casey Sanders would also be a nice consolation prize, one the women were more than willing to share. Casey proves more than up for the challenge, ready to Ride ‘Em Cowboy, but the question is – who is going to live happily ever after?

Deb’s Review: This is a short story filled with a lot of heat and passion. Beth and Wendy are the two main characters in this book. They are two very strong ladies. Beth and Wendy do everything they can to save their ranch. In the process they discover something along the way.

Casey is a secondary character but he has his spotlight time to shine in this book. Casey is one hot cowboy, from the tips of his cowboy boots to the top of his Stetson. He's every woman's fantasy come true.

I have to say this book is worth the read, even though I felt like I was missing out on getting to know Wendy and Beth better. Cowboy up partners, and let these girls show you how to ride.

Ride 'Em Cowboy is red hot fun!

Mary Suzanne is a blast to read! She pulls you into the story. As you turn the last page you know you will be satisfied!

Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Deb!

Candy Kisses Spotlighted at Rene Books

These Sizzler Editions are a great addition to your ebook library!



I love seeing videos on You Tube. Funny, heartwarming or sexy- they have it all! What is your favorite You Tube moment? I'd love some more links to watch while I'm supposed to be writing.... haha Um, while I am writing I meant to type!


Kissa

God Bless the USA and all those who serve(d)

Today I'm going to take a step back from what I had planned to blog about. I just looked at the calendar and realized it is Veteran's Day. So, in honor of all those who have served, is still serving, and plan to serve, I want to say thank you and God Bless You for our freedom.

God Bless The USA

by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

~Allie K. Adams

www.alliekadams.com

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!

PROSTITUTION

Whether they call themselves escorts, working girls, street walkers, hookers or call girls, prostitution is all around us. It’s also endemic with teen girls and was the subject of a recent CBS investigation. That’s something to think about, but that’s not the subject of my blog.

The idea of making a living selling their body is anathema to the vast majority of women. Though a surprising amount of women, estimated to be over 2%, have been a prostitute some time in their lives. To my surprise, even an author once I interviewed had been a prostitute in a Nevada brothel for six months. Their reasons are as varied as their backgrounds. Many are addicts and have lost control of their lives. Others were born into the life, daughters of prostitutes and raised and abused to be prostitutes. These two groups fall in the lower end of the pecking scale. Though, I have sympathy for their plight, it’s the other groups that interest me. Particularly those, that have a romantic view of prostitution.

No, not the Dick and Jane hea view of romance. The other, swashbuckling, free spirt, non-conformist, hedonistic view of romance. Women like Kate Ames in East of Eden, who rejected the love of two brothers to be a common bordello whore. Yes, I believe these women exist, yearning for the excitement of lying in various men’s arms, looking forward to the next john like a wrapped up Christmas present. Some are excitement junkies, wives working on the sly or with their husband’s permission. Some are kept women, who whore on the side and some are college students allegedly trying to make ends meet (estimated to be as high as 4% of college women) and hoping to start with a clean slate upon graduation. All these women interest me, but I find the college students intriguing. That is why I’m writing a series of very erotic novelettes called Consequences, based upon four stunning college women who spend an unsavory spring break one year as high priced call girls in Las Vegas and the consequences thereof. The first book, April Showers, will be out Jan 4^th.

Can it happen? Excluding Amsterdam, Las Vegas is the prostitution capital of the world. The question isn’t can it happen, but how often does it happen.

What do you think?