Caturday!

Bereft at finding he did not sparkle in the sun, Vampire Jack collapsed, unable to go on.

Big News!

I'm announcing some big news over at the Fictionistas today! You don't want to miss it!

Are you feeling cold?

Or was that a Shiver Of Fear? (See what I did there?) Roxanne St. Claire's latest romantic suspense hits the shelves today!

Blurb:

The legacy that haunts her . . .

The mystery she must solve . . .

A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . .

and break her heart.

Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix. The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can't . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won't live to try.

Get your copy today!

WANT!

I know Petite Lap Giraffes are not real. That does not stop me from wanting one. Or watching their live cam.

Addiction, I has it. Seriously, what's the legal limit for cuteness? Because I think the PLG's have crossed it.

I really need one of these. Really. I'm sure it would not only entertain me, but somehow make me a better writer.

Caturday!

If my editor is reading this, my book is going to be a little late...

I'm rooting for you!

For all those of you sitting by your phone today, waiting on the edge of your seat for the call that will tell you you've finaled in either the Golden Heart or the RITA, I'm rooting for you.

I've been there (2 x GH finalist) and I know how you feel! Now, good luck and let the games begin!

You can keep track of the finalists as the notifications come in here.

Dark Kiss Of The Reaper

I have a new book out today! Dark Kiss of the Reaper is a dark paranormal romance. Here's the 411:

Blurb:

The Angel of Death has a name: Azrael. He also has a purpose - to soothe the souls of the suffering into the peaceful passage of the afterlife. But in his twilight existence, Azrael himself has never known peace or pleasure...

Until he meets Sara, the first mortal who can somehow see him in his Reaper form. Charming and spirited despite bearing her own burdens, she intoxicates him with the pleasures of life, even taming his brutal dark side with her fearlessness. But Azrael’s new happiness is short-lived when he realizes Sara’s health is fading. The bright flame of her life is about to be blown out.

And he’s to blame.

Where to buy:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Smashwords

I hope y'all like it! Isn't the cover gorgeous? (Mad thanks to Kim Killion for that!) If you check it out, let me know what you think!

Looking for a fun read?

I just finished Kristan Higgins latest, My One and Only. I've been a fan of her work since I started reading her a few years ago - the quirky characters, the ever-present pet, the bumbling ex, the family members in need, the small town that becomes a character itself - I know what I'm getting when I pick up one of her books, but she always manages to reinvent her standards in a new and interesting way.

My One and Only is no exception and probably the freshest of her books that I've read (and I've read them all.) Without fail, she writes a book that will entertain. I could see where this one might even make you cry. (It didn't me, but then I have a heart made of titanium.)

If I were the ratings type, I'd give this a five out of five. If you're looking for a fun contemporary read or have a thing for reunion stories, give this one a try.

Next up: Maria Geraci's The Boyfriend of the Month Club - already started it and loving it!

The Coolness!

Some days in your life are just officially cooler than others. Today is one of those days. Why, you ask? (And I'm so glad you did.) Because I discovered something over the weekend.

My gothic urban fantasy series? The one that's coming out from Orbit this fall? It's now officially available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. B&N only has the first book listed, but I'm sure the others will be along shortly.

Here they are, if you want to, you know, pre-order them. *winkwink*

Amazon:
Blood Rights
Flesh And Blood
Bad Blood

Barnes&Noble:
Blood Rights

No, the covers aren't available yet. I really, really wish I could share the first cover with you, but I can't yet. I promise, it's like nothing you've seen before. As soon as I can, I'll show it to you. Until then, trust me when I say it's worth the wait.

Caturday!

Today's caturday will be spent working.
And by working, we mean laying around the house, basking in the sun and napping.
It's in our contract.

I'm chicken

I'm over at Fictionistas today, asking for help making a decision. Come give your input!

Win an Ereader!

Camryn Rhys and Rebecca Lynn are running a contest in keeping with all the March Madness going on - it's an author bracket! And guess who has two books in the running? If you said me, you'd be right. You did say me, didn't you?

Check it out here , read the details and get yourself entered! By entered, I mean you've picked Miss Bramble And The Leviathan and The Perfect Dish to win.

AND if either of my books wins the whole shooting match, I'll give a ecopy of BOTH books to the contest winner!

Great Giveaway

We've got an awesome giveaway going on over the Romance Divas blog today - if you love books and flowers, head over HERE and leave a comment to enter yourself in the giveaway. You could win a copy of Faking It by Elisa Lorello AND a dozen roses! Isn't that cool? I love having fresh flowers in the house and I love free books. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. ;o)

Check it out!

You better THINK!

Too many people believe that the internet is a place where you can say whatever you want, regardless of how cruel or untrue it might be. Flame wars break out on a daily basis. Rumors get scooped up and spread like gospel. Individuals are vilified before facts are verified. As an author, we're public figures. Sure, not to the extent of actors or politicians maybe, but we're still out there.

The next time I start to post something that's more than just a daily observation on life or an update on the mad behaviors of my feline staff, I'm going to run the content through this checklist:

T - Truthful
H - Helpful
I - Inspiring
N - Necessary
K - Kind

Can you imagine how much nicer the world in general would be if everyone decided to THINK before they spoke?

Caturday!

Scary bedtime stories. Not always as fun as they sound.

Yep, That's My Book

I recently found out that The Perfect Dish was nominated for Best in Paranormal Romance for 2010 at The Romance Reviews which is pretty cool considering this is one of my self-published books.

Here's the thing - I could use some votes now. I hate to ask, but not as much as I'd hate not getting any votes, know what I mean?

So if you're inclined to help me out, go HERE, then scroll down to the Paranormal Romance category and vote for The Perfect Dish. Yes, you have to register which is a pain in the butt, but it's a simple process AND I'd do it for you. And probably have. Just saying.

Go vote. Please?

Also, if you've never read The Perfect Dish, you can get your own copy via the sidelinks there --->

Learning to Bounce

The late cowboy star, Gene Autry, said life isn't about how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

For the business of writing, truer words could not be spoken. A writer's life is often a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. You final in a contest, then get your results back to find the one judge who kept you from winning hated your heroine. You get a call from an editor who asks you to do revisions, only to have them ultimately pass on the work. You sell your first book, but can't get a contract on a second no matter what you propose. Readers love your new series, then your publisher cancels it.

This is the writing life. We rise and fall every day, probably more so now with the uncertainty of the industry and the ever-changing publishing landscape than ever before. Many authors I know are having to re-invent themselves or seek new ways of publishing their work.

They're learning to bounce. Because the writer who falls and doesn't get back up is the writer who will get left behind, who will disappear, whose career will be over.

So no matter where you are in your path, learn to be resilient. Don't let one person's opinion keep you down.

Get out there and bounce.

Caturday!

It's all about the cute.

I want your input!

I'm over at the Fictionistas today asking what makes you a reader. Come on over and chime in! I'd love to see if there's a common thread.

Caturday!

Some days, you just shouldn't get outa bed.

Swamped!

I have so much going on right now - family visting, I'm getting over a wicked cold, tons of writing work...there seems to be no end. Not that I'm complaining about the family and work. I love both of those. The cold I could do without.

What I would really like? A long, lazy afternoon poolside. Warm sun, the soft shush of water, a sweet summer breeze. Right now that seems like it would be as good as a week's vacation.

How would you spend an afternoon of down time?

Caturday!

Practicing for Idol.

The Perfect Dish is a Top Pick!

The Romance Reviews has listed THE PERFECT DISH as a Top Pick this month, giving it a lovely five star review! How cool is that?

In other news, I'm hard at work. On something new. You'll see soon enough.

What are you working on?

Valentine's Day, Schmalentine's Day

IT'S HOTROD'S BIRTHDAY!

Happy birthday to the wonderful man I married.
You are THE best husband a girl could ask for. I love you!

Caturday!

Dood. Playing dead is no excuse for hogging the loveseat.

Pancakes

Pancakes, flapjacks, griddlecakes, whatever you call them, they're yummy. And when it comes to breakfast, I think about pancakes a lot, but they're not my "go to" breakfast food. They're delicious and yet somehow wrong. As in, the deliciousness is tempered by how not healthy they are. Does that make sense? If pancakes were full of vitamins and minerals and cancer fighting properties, I'd eat them every day. But alas, they're not.

So I thought, maybe somebody out there in blog land has a healthy pancake recipe. It could happen, right? Hence this post. If you have a delicious, healthy pancake recipe, lay it on me.

The syrup is waiting.

I blame Louisa

All of a sudden, I have a craving for cowboy boots. These cowboy boots. Here's a little secret about me - I don't just love sparkly things, I also love embroidery like this. These boots speak to me for some reason. It's not like they make me want to run out and buy a horse, but they're just so pretty.

I want them. How cute would they be with just jeans and a t-shirt? Or a sundress? I've been looking at them for days. I know they're not that practical for Florida, but then, practical isn't usually a factor I consider. Also, if I ever get out to Durango again...perfection!

Should I?

PS. Louisa Edwards is to blame for me wanting these boots. She knows why.

Caturday!

Some of us work in my office. Some of us don't.

Places I'm going to be

Because the first three books in my gothic urban fantasy series are releasing from Orbit this year (Sept, Oct and Nov), I'm going to be doing a lot of traveling to various author/reader/writer events.

So far this year I'll be at the Romantic Times Convention, RWA Nationals, and the Authors After Dark Convention. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but there are a few more things in the works.

Are you headed to any of those? Which ones?

I woke up hungry

I woke up hungry and thinking about food, a sure sign that while my head knows it's time to get back on the diet, my body is rebelling.

I'll be honest and tell you that my appetite is frighteningly large. My capacity for food outdoes some men. I fight it, but it's always there.

But I've eaten like a death row prisoner having their last meal for long enough. Today I must return to eating healthy and getting some exercise. (Not to rub it in for those of you in other parts of the country, but the weather here is gorgeous and I plan to head out for a spin on my new bike later.)

With that in mind, I'm off to the store to fill my fridge with fruits and veggies. Conference season is fast approaching and besides being healthy, I'd like to fit into my clothes.

Are you dieting? Exercising? What approach are you using?

Oops, I did it again

I missed Caturday. In my defense, I was at a writer's conference giving a workshop on worldbuilding, so I kind of have a good excuse. As an apology, I offer this picture of quiet reflection to start your Monday:
If it's anything like my Monday's going to be, this is the only quiet reflection you're going to get...

Doh! I missed Caturday! This should make up...

Our youngest, Finnegan, thinks that tumbling will open closed doors. Not sure why. This goes on repeatedly without working, but he still keeps at it...

Happy Monday!

I've been quoted

For real. Check it out here. Read the whole thing. You won't be sorry.

Sometimes I'm surprised people even listen to me. Maybe I should talk more.

Monday To Do's

I have a lot to do this week, so this week isn't that much different than any other week, but it feels more oppressive.

Some of my To Do's include:

1. Laundry (this is a permanent fixture on my to do list.)
2. Getting my hair done (if roots were a crime, I'd be calling you for bail.)
3. Copy edits
4. Putting the final touches on my Worldbuilding Workshop (I'll be giving this twice in the next two weeks, so it better be good. I hope.)
5. Getting my Etsy jewelry shop stocked and reopened for business. (My itch to make jewelry is strong and I have some FABULOUS raw materials to work with, so this is more like a reward than a to do.)

What's on your list this week?

Caturday!

Dinner will be a little late this evening.

It's been a year since I blogged

Not counting Caturday, of course. Mostly it's been because I've been working, but there have been a host of other things going on in my life these past few months. Stuff that has made my time precious.

Now that we've begun a new year and life has calmed somewhat, I really want to get back to blogging. I enjoy it. I really do. So, this is a start of sorts.

What's new with me? I got a bike for Christmas. No, I'm not 12, but I didn't have one and now I do. Hotrod got one too, so now we go out for rides together. Of course his bike is black and yellow and looks like a transformer. Mine is purple and has a basket large enough to hold several kittens. Not that I've put kittens in there. (Thinking about something and doing it are two very different things.)

In other book-related news, I should have covers for my Orbit books to share soon. I hope. I want to see them desperately.

My plate is still full writing-wise. There is always something to work on, isn't there? Anyway, what's new with you? Fill me in on all I've missed.

Caturday!

Jack wonders if real vampires have this much trouble keeping their coffins closed.

A New Year's Caturday!

Here's wishing all your dreams come true in 2011. Happy New Year! Now, let's nap.

Christmas Eve Traditions

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about Christmas Eve traditions. Come share yours!

Hungry for romance?

Guess what's now on sale? That's right, The Perfect Dish, my latest contemporary paranormal romance!

Texas-born Kelly Spicer is not just one of Manhattan's hottest young chefs, he's also one of the city's most eligible bachelors. Desperate to help his grieving sister, Kelly uses the magic cookbook passed down through his family's generations to conjure up a recipe of chocolate-laced persuasion to enlist the aid of the only woman he thinks can reach his sister.

Psychologist Meredith Black has buried two husbands, an experience which has made her an expert in grief and pushed her to pen two books that landed her on the Oprah show and the best seller list. A cynic in matters of the heart, her success does nothing to ease her belief that she's a jinx. She vows never to love again and when she makes that sentiment public, dating Kelly becomes her best damage control.

For $2.99, you can grab a copy for your Kindle or Nook or find any other format at Smashwords. Or give it as a gift to anyone who might enjoy a sexy chef hero...

I hope you enjoy it!

A Christmas Caturday warning!

WARNING!

This year's batch of Christmas trees may be infected with a particularly silly species of gremlin - Caticus climbicus. Signs to watch for include the tree shaking when no one is touching it, strange branch rustling and ornaments being mysteriously dislodged. If you think you have a gremlin, try placing a handful of treats a few feet from the tree, then sit back and watch.

Should a gremlin appear, approach with caution. Sap in their fur can make them cranky!

Sugarcat

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about a new development in my life.

Happy Anniversary, Hotrod!

Eight years ago today (yes, on Pearl Harbor Day) Hotrod and I said our vows. It was a lovely day filled with friends and family and promises.

I love you, Hotrod. You're the best husband a girl could hope for.

Caturday!

My parent's cat, Callie. As you can see, tails do not, apparently, get cold.

Caturday!

Go away. Sleepin' off da turkeys.

Do you or don't you?

I'm over at the Fictionistas today talking Black Friday. Come on over and share your opinion!

Caturday!

An ottoman built for two.

Caturday!

Cheeseburger delivery truck look out. Day 1191. Still no sign.

Now where did I put that...

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about organization. Or my lack thereof. Stop by and tell me how you do it!

Toot! Toot!

Yes, that's me, tooting my own horn. Miss Bramble And The Leviathan got a great review yesterday so of course, I'm sharing! You can check out the review here. Fab, huh? Have you read it yet? You really, really should. Even my cats think you should, and they're never wrong.

Monday Update

Ever have that feeling like you have so much to do you don't know where to start? That's me. So instead of telling you the multitude of things on my To Do list, I'd rather hear what you've been up to. Have a book out? Participating in Nanowrimo (or whatever that's called)? Under deadline? Got an agent? Fill me in on what's happening in your world.