January 2010 Contests

Anna Campbell has just received the gorgeous Australian edition of CAPTIVE OF SIN. Like all her other Australian editions, it’s a lovely trade paperback that isn’t available overseas. So she thought she might share one of her local trade paperbacks – TWO people will get the choice of which of the four books they’d like to receive in the bigger version. So the prize for this contest is a signed copy of either CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, UNTOUCHED, TEMPT THE DEVIL or CAPTIVE OF SIN. All you have to do is give Anna the title of her June 2010 release. Just a hint, but you might find the answer in January’s Latest News. http://www.annacampbell.info/latest.html Email Anna at anna@annacampbell.info with your answers to go into the draw. Good luck! The contest closes 28th February, 2010. For more information, please visit Anna’s contest page: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html

To celebrate the release of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, Toni Blake is giving away a prize pack that includes
-An autographed copy of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER
-An autographed cover flat
-A tote bag and a coffee mug featuring the book’s gorgeous cover

To enter, just visit her website at http://www.ToniBlake.com and visit the Contests page! Contest ends January 31st, 2010.

Terri Garey is giving away a signed copy of SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT!

Visit her website at http://www.tgarey.com/contest.html for details!

Sophia Nash has just posted an excerpt from her Feb. 23 release SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE. Head on over to http://sophianash.com/contest2.php to answer a contest question to win a copy of her current release LOVE WITH THE PERFECT SCOUNDREL! Happy New Year!

Pamela Palmer will be awarding a signed set of rare hardback editions of the first three books in her Feral Warriors series in celebration of the January 12th release of the anthology, BITTEN BY CUPID, which includes a new and exciting Feral Warriors story. To enter the contest and read an excerpt of the novella, HEARTS UNTAMED, visit www.pamelapalmer.net. Contest runs through February 28, 2010.

My family has made this recipe for as long as I can remember. I’ve made it for friends who rave… It’s really, really good, and a great item to bring to pot luck parties! One caution — it does contain nuts, and I don’t think it would be very good without them. And I use raspberry jello instead of strawberry because I like the flavor better, but that’s just me. Anyway, it’s easier to make than it sounds, and it’s even better after a day of refrigeration. Try it, especially if you need something different to take to Aunt Martha’s this holiday season!
*************************************
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY SALAD

(approx. 20 generous servings – can make 1/2 size with 0.3 oz. Jello pkg. and half all ingredients)

1 box sugar free JELL-O (0.6 oz) – red, may be strawberry or raspberry
1 bag fresh cranberries
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (in its own juice)
2 medium oranges (peeled)
2 medium red apples (may be peeled or not)
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Directions
1. Grind/chop the cranberries, oranges, and apples in a food processor and set aside
2. Pour 1-1/2 cups boiling water into a medium to large bowl, gradually add and dissolve the JELL-O in the water
3. Add the whole can (including juice) pineapple, nuts, cranberries, apples, and oranges to the mixture, stir well,
4. Add 1 to 1-1/2 cup cold water (depending on desired consistency) and stir again
5. Put in refrigerator and stir once or twice until begins to set (about an hour); salad will be completely set and ready to serve in approximately 6 hours.

This recipe is easy to prepare a day ahead. Cover with wrap until needed.

Diana Wilson is our winner! Diana said:

“My number one rule when seducing a Duke is to remember that even the most subborn man can’t resist a determined seduction by a beautiful woman forever. Just keep at it.”

Rose, the heroine in When Seducing a Duke is exactly that kind of tenacious. Diana, please email me your snail mail address at katewriter @ gmail.com (no spaces of course!) and your copy of The Pearl will soon be on its way!

November 2009 Contests

For the next two months, Karen Ranney will be having a drawing for a free book – and other goodies – to celebrate the release of SOLD TO A LAIRD (December, 2009). Look for more details on her website at www.karenranney.com.

Christmas with a CAPTIVE OF SIN!

OK, that title is slightly misleading. Anna Campbell wants you to tell her your new year’s resolution. Extra points for saying ‘read CAPTIVE OF SIN’. OK, maybe not! Her two favorite answers receive signed copies of CAPTIVE OF SIN plus a couple of mystery books from her prize cupboard.

Just email her on anna@annacampbell.info with your answer.

The contest closes 31st December, 2009, and she’ll draw the winner soon after that. For more details, please visit her contest page: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html

To celebrate the release of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, Toni Blake is giving away a prize pack that includes
-An autographed copy of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER
-An autographed cover flat
-A tote bag and a coffee mug featuring the book’s gorgeous cover

To enter, just visit her website at http://www.ToniBlake.com and visit the Contests page! Contest ends January 31st, 2010.

Terri Garey is giving away a signed copy of SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT!

Visit her website at http://www.tgarey.com/contest.html for details! Contest begins Nov. 1st.

It seems like forever until THE WILD MARQUIS hits the bookstores, March 9th to be precise – a “special” release date from Avon (don’t ask). Since Miranda Neville has a cover she figured it was time to have a contest.

Win a selection of yummy books from Avon authors, some of them signed – I’ll give the winner a choice so she won’t get any duplicates. PLUS something edible that may or may not (guess which) contain chocolate.

All you have to do it go to http://www.mirandaneville.com/contest.php and answer a simple question. A randomly selected entry received by midnight, December 1, will win.

The walk down memory lane continues! We’re revisiting my medievals now. Enter my new contest for a chance to win a signed copy of A PROMISE GIVEN. Visit www.samanthajames.com to enter.

A hero-turned-spy, a woman with a problem, and a FREE short story! To celebrate the December release of FOR YOUR ARMS ONLY, Caroline Linden
is giving away five copies of a very special, companion story to the
book. Check out the details at http://www.carolinelinden.com/contest.shtml
and enter to win your copy today!

NEW RELEASES!

They’re on the ‘Books’ page as well, but here for your viewing pleasure — October releases!

October 2009 Contests

Terri Garey is celebrating Halloween with some “spooktacular” prizes this month!

To while away the dark hours between now and the Oct. 27th release SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT she’s giving away two incredible “Paranormal Party” baskets filled with books and music, and a special Limited Edition “Coffin Case” set from The End Records and her favorite goth-n-roll band,
The 69 Eyes! Their new CD features the debut of their brand new hard-rockin’ anthem, Dead Girls Are Easy!

Visit her website at http://www.tgarey.com/contest.html for pictures and details!

Join Pamela Palmer in celebrating the launch of her Feral Warriors series with an exciting contest on her new Bulletin Board that will run from now until Friday, November 13th. Just post a comment anywhere on her Board at www.pamelapalmer.net/board to enter! Weekly winners will receive a packet of signed coverflats and other promo materials from some of your favorite authors. The grand prize winner(s) will receive a bag of signed books. Authors offering prizes include Kerrelyn Sparks, Anna Campbell, Miranda Neville, Julia Quinn, Margo Maguire, Shayla Black, and more!

Have you played Scottish Trivia on Karen Ranney’s blog at www.karenranney.wordpress.com ? The monthly contest features ten questions about Scotland, its culture and people, with great prizes – such as books, travel mugs, and book totes. Karen Ranney is also featuring drawings on her website to celebrate the release of SOLD TO A LAIRD – a November 24, 2009 release. More details on her website at www.karenranney.com.

Anna Campbell is offering readers a chance to win CAPTIVE OF SIN!

By the time this contest comes to a close, CAPTIVE OF SIN will be available from a bookseller near you. To celebrate this portentous moment in the history of the world (or at least in the history of Anna Campbell), she’s giving away not one, not two, not three, but FOUR signed copies of the book to people who enter this contest.

This question is really easy. All you have to do is tell her the name of Gideon’s house and where in England it is situated. Just a hint – you might find the answer in the excerpt from CAPTIVE OF SIN on her Books page: http://www.annacampbell.info/captivesin.html

Just email Anna on anna@annacampbell.info and she’ll draw at random from the correct responses. The contest closes 31st October, 2009. For more information, please check out Anna’s contest page: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html

To celebrate the release of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, Toni Blake is giving away a prize pack that includes
-An autographed copy of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER
-An autographed cover flat
-A tote bag and a coffee mug featuring the book’s gorgeous cover

To enter, just visit her website at http://www.ToniBlake.com and visit the Contests page! Contest ends July 31.

Visit Eloisa James’s contest page to Design-A-Duchess! Download the gorgeous custom designed Desperate Duchesses paper doll to decorate. If your doll is the winning design your doll will be featured in Eloisa’s Christmas mailing AND you’ll win a fabulous prezzie! Visit www.eloisajames.com to enter!

Put the sexy in Halloween with two books from Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels! Contest runs from September 28, 2009 through October 26, 2009! Check out jennapetersen.com for details, as well as excerpts and news.

Lorraine Heath is celebrating the release of her 25th novel (not counting her YA’s or anthologies)—MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL. During the month of October, she will draw a winner each Saturday and the lucky winner will receive 5 randomly selected autographed copies of her backlist releases. That’s 5 winners x 5 books = 25 books. Then on November 1, she will draw the grand prize winner from among all the entries submitted (including those who won books). The prize will be a $25 gift card to amazon, B&N, or Borders, winner’s choice. For more details or to enter, visit www.lorraineheath.com.

Sara Bennett is giving away two of her latest book, LED ASTRAY BY A RAKE, in a contest ending 31st October. Just go to her website and answer one simple question. Good Luck!
www.sara-bennett.com

Visit Margo Maguire’s website, http://www.margomaguire.com/ for an excerpt of her new release, TAKEN BY THE LAIRD, and a chance to win a copy. A winner will be drawn from all entries on October 6th – Margo’s birthday! (Valid only in the USA, and void where prohibited).

In honor of Halloween, Elizabeth Boyle will send 10 lucky winners a treat bag of assorted author cover flats, bookmarks and other goodies. Just drop by her contest page at www.elizabethboyle.com/contest.html before October 31st to enter. Happy reading and hauntings this month!

BE IN A BOOK! YOUR NAME, NO CONTEST, NO KIDDING!

Urban fantasy romance author Jaime Rush is giving you the chance to have your name in a nationally-published book as a way of thanking you for your support, being a friend, or just being you. There is no contest, no “lucky” winner. You’re all winners! Tell your friends, too. Go to her website (www.jaimerush.com) or MySpace page (www.myspace.com/jaimerush) and sign up by October 30th!

A Cool Contest for Readers and Writers –A little fame & a little fortune!

Jaime Rush (aka Tina Wainscott) is celebrating the second book in her urban fantasy romance series, OUT OF THE DARKNESS (Avon), with her Kick Butt First Line contest. Shocking, suspenseful, funny…make us want more! Cash prizes! Contest runs from through November 1, 2009. For aspiring authors, it’s a chance to get your name out there and add a “win” to your bio. For readers, it’s a chance to play at being a writer. For details, and to check out the entries, go to www.JaimeRush.com and click on the Contest link.

  I started writing when I was thirteen years old, but didn’t pursue publishing seriously until I was in my 20s. It took me thirteen years to become published. NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is my 20^th book, and I have two manuscripts sitting under my bed that will never see the light of day. My writing schedule has fluctuated a lot in that time, due mostly to my children.

When they were little, I used to sneak time to write (this is before I was published). They went to bed early, and so did my husband (he used to work an early shift). After 9:00, I would closet myself in my office and write for a couple hours. Writing was so new and marvelous that I would look up and find it was 1:00 a.m.! I was just so amazed that I could write a book. And I was lucky in that my husband has never been the kind of man to begrudge my need to write. He knew how important it was to me. He’s still my biggest support.

Sniff, okay, enough of the mushy stuff.  The good thing was, writing like that kept me in the story, because I tried to use whatever free time I had. But the bad side of this was that sometimes I was just exhausted, especially after I began to work part-time, programming computer-controlled machines. Hard to find the brainpower to write when even reading the newspaper at night seemed too demanding. Sometimes months would go by before I’d write again, especially when I got stuck in the plot. Thank goodness for my critique group. We meet once a month, and that forced me to write. But I never gave up on my goal. The rejections were getting better and better. I came up with a new proposal, Avon read it—and asked if I had a completed book. And I did!  The Darkest Knight was published in January, 1999.

After all the joy and amazement and pride settled down, I realized that no longer could I put something aside for months. I had my first deadline—nine months later. I’d never written a book in under two years. Heck, one took five! Way too much research and procrastination. I’m better at both now. I was still working part-time, so I only had evenings and weekends. My logical brain kicked in, and I started making daily page goals, allowing myself a month to revise at the end. Much tougher, especially now that my kids were playing soccer and lacrosse, swimming year round, or singing in the school musical. But I was determined to be a professional writer.

Within a year I was able to quit my other job and write full-time. It was definitely easier, but I discovered a whole new set of challenges. The weakness of procrastination still gnawed at me. And trust me, I’m not big on cleaning. It was the paperwork, the carpooling, the college admissions, the sports tournaments. And as an author, there are websites and contracts and page proofs and bookmarks. I slowly learned that I could get the most actual writing done in the morning, so I taught myself to be a lark instead of an owl. No more staying up late. In bed by 11:30, up by 6:30.

And it’s still the same way now that my last child is in college. My evenings are no longer filled with their events (and I miss that so much!). But I find that I have no wish to write at night anymore. I try for five days a week, 6-8 hours a day. That lets me write 2-3 books a year (since I write under Julia Latham, as well).

As I look back, I realize that writing was very different at the many stages in my life. I guess the message is to persevere and change as you need to.  Or are you resistant to change?

September 2009 Contests

Visit Eloisa James’s contest page to Design-A-Duchess! Download the gorgeous custom designed Desperate Duchesses paper doll to decorate. If your doll is the winning design your doll will be featured in Eloisa’s Christmas mailing AND you’ll win a fabulous prezzie! Visit www.eloisajames.com to enter!

I just love this gorgeous new cover of mine. When Seducing a Duke comes out on September 29th, so I figured this was the perfect time to do a little flaunting.

Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton and Rose Danvers have known each other for years. They’re not quite friends, not at all family and neither of them has admitted their longing for one another. Rose has come to London to find a husband, but before she weds there’s one thing she has to do. She has to seduce the duke. However, Grey thinks he’s the one doing the seducing when he spies the masked beauty at Saint’s Row. He has no idea who she is, but he know who he wants her to be. Imagine his surprise when he finally discovers that his newest lover is also his most enduring obsession.

Enchant. Tempt. Entice. Beguile. Just a few things a woman must do when seducing a duke . . .

*** In this scene, Grey has just been attacked in the upstairs hallway of the club at Saint’s Row whilst on his way to meet a mysterious masked lady***

I had a lot of fun writing A Duke of Her Own, not in the least because I fell in love with Oyster, my heroine’s dog. Oyster is a pug – a rather naughty, sweet, bumbling pug. In the past, I’ve avoided putting animals in my novels: they seem to me to pose big problems for writers, akin to those surrounding children.

After all, a romance focuses on an intense period of lives of two lovers. Babies and animals can seem to be thrown in for the heck of it, something akin to the cheap thrill of a Hallmark card with a puppy on the front. Mind you, I love puppies – here’s my picture of Oyster, which I found on-line somewhere while trolling for puppies.

So I made up a rule for myself when I thought up Oyster, Eleanor’s little pug.

Oyster could be in the novel, but he had to have a crucial place in the plot. He couldn’t simply be a live accessory, a dog who appeared only for the sake of generating cute images in the reader’s mind. My model? Jennifer Crusie’s use of dogs, especially in my favorite Crusie novel, Crazy for You. The dog in that novel instigates the break-up of the heroine and her stalker boyfriend. In fact, the stalker’s craziness is accelerated by the presence of the dog – and as his mental state continues to break down, the dog is the tool Crusie uses to reveal the stalker’s innate cruelty and instability.

Well, I had an unstable character too, though in a very different way, and I thought that a dog might be just the way to reveal her inner self. But how to do it? Obviously, sweet little Oyster was going to have to be put in harm’s way. Enter the wonderful Connie Brockway, who knows everything about dogs!

I called her up and she told me exactly what physical symptoms a dog would show after being knocked unconscious. It allowed me to make that scene so intensely visual that though it’s only been ten days since the book was published, I’ve already received over a hundred emails, mostly talking of that one scene.

My newest project is a fractured version of Cinderella. It’s proving quite tough. A short list of my problems: Cinders herself is a bit pathetic, the prince is a black hole in the story, and then there are all those animals! If you go with the original story, you have rats and mice. If you go with Disney, you get a few other animals thrown in… either way, I’m obviously stuck with some more four-legged characters.

So what’s your favorite romance with a dog – or another pet? How does the animal work within the plot? Just what would YOU do with the rats in Cinderella?