Votes - Yours Are Needed

Science Guys brother has his motorcycle in a contest and he needs your vote. His is the first one, as #1.

Here's the picture

and you can click here to go to the site and vote. Yep, it's in Buffalo, NY.

Cycle Dude (yeah, wasn't sure what to call him), built this bike himself. He's been on the cover of a motorcycle magazine and is now in this contest. Besides, he's cool and when SG and I where visiting a few years ago he took us to this bike shop where the owner had wolves as pets. For real. One was pure white. It was all snowy outside and there she was. Beautiful.

So show him some love and please go vote.

Hugs,
Vicki

Diana Peterfreund - A Must Read

Diana Peterfreund's book Rampant just release yesterday.

It's a story about killer unicorns. Whoa, hit the breaks, did she just say killer unicorns? No way. Unicorns are sweet gently creatures. Just ask Rainbow Bright. She'll tell you.

Yeah, think again. And not only are they killers, it takes a virgin to stop them. Okay people, you know there aren't tons of them around anymore.

This is the first in the new YA series from Diana and I can't wait to read it. But first I'd like to share a link to her blog for last Friday's blog post. It's amazing.

If you're an aspiring author or an author trying to sell that next book this post will be magic. If you're a reader (and we love our readers) her post will still be magic. You'll read, well...really go read it for yourself.

I'll wait for you. It's that cool.

Are you back?

So, does that help? No matter what your goals are?

I'm sure you'll see more about this book in the next several weeks here on the blog, but for now, go out a buy it. You won't be sorry.

And thank you Diana for sharing your journey and your heart.

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Two More Weeks...

Actually if you don’t count today it’s thirteen days before my white clothes and most importantly, white shoes must retire to the back of the closet.

Yes, I live in the south and yes, people will wear white year round. Me? Not so much. I grew up with the, you-never-wear-white until Easter Sunday morning. You then wore white through the summer until Labor Day.

What am I wearing today? White Capri’s, red and white top, and white sandals.

This doesn’t mean that I’ll never break down, because the white pants can happen once in a while, they’re usually more of an eggshell white though.

Does this make me weird or old? I’m not sure. People don’t feel the same way about those types of “rules” anymore. So should I say, screw it, I’m wearing my cute white sandals and any other white outfit I want to? Maybe even wearing it a week or two after Labor Day?

Hmmm…probably not. I’d hear my mother in the back of my mind reminding she raised me better than that. I don’t know about you, but I not so fond of the mother guilt of any sort running a muck in my brain.

So, what about you? Do you wear white anytime of the year? Or are you like me and put it away once Labor Day passes? And really, who decided it was Labor Day as the end of the season anyway?

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Karin Tabke - Winners

We have two winners for Karin Tabke books from last week. WhooHoo!!

Cathy M - won Master of Craving

Bonnie Jean - won Have Yourself a Naughty Little Santa

Please email me at vickilanewrites@yahoo.com with your snail mail addys by Friday of this week. In the subject line, please put, "Winner Karin Tabke". If I don't hear from you by Friday a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks, hugs, and tons of love goes to Karin for making this a fabulous fun week. :)

This coming week will be ramblings and so forth. Plus you never know when a little contest will be thrown in.

xoxoxo,
Vicki and Laurie

Last Day With Karin Tabke

I hope you've had as much with Karin being here as we have. Today's the last day to ask those questions and enter into the contest.

Tomorrow the randomizer.org will choose two lucky winners.

Have a great Friday everyone!

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Kiss Me…..

Have you ever thought about how many types of kisses there are? I have, and written my share of them. But there are so many out there and everyone does them their own way.

Think of your 1st kiss – If I remember correctly it was two lips slamming together, teeth clashing, it hurt, and wasn’t pleasant at all. Okay, who knows, I might have been 9 or 10 – I have no idea. Regardless, we didn’t know what the hell we were doing. We just did it…‘cause.

Now think of that 1st kiss with someone you loved –Tentative lips brush together, the exhale of a sigh is released as the air begins to crack around you. The kiss deepens and electricity trails along your skin, encompassing your entire body. Heat flairs as your breaths mingle, and tender kiss-swollen lips trace your jaw to the sensitive curve of your neck....

Not it either….

There are so many ways to kiss and most of them never get talked about. Our hero’s are the perfect male species. They do not slobber, use too much tongue, are not like wet fish, have bad breath or even kiss with their eyes open.

They are perfect, with full plush lips, perfect for the pillow soft kiss that our heroine desires. They can even be a contradiction: his soft lips met hers, hard and urgent.

Okay so the lines are corny and really bad I’ll admit, but think about it…we’ve all had bad kisses. And since I’d never ask you to do something I wouldn’t, here's mine:

He went in for the kill, trying to be all suave (as suave as a 16 year old can be), first his head hit mine, then our noses collided, worse was when he came at me, mouth already open – to think I really thought he was a catch – the boy couldn’t kiss worth crap. Although I still believe 25 years later he was a hunk...LOL

Come on Share – we’re all friends here……

And remember by commenting you are entered in to win the contest this week!!! YAY!!!


XOXO
LKap

Author Extraordinaire – Karin Tabke and Things You Want to Know

Have you been dying for today to get here? I know we have. Karin's in the house and she's answering our questions. So much fun!!!

Thank you, goils for having me as your guest this week!!

Vicki: How did you get started writing?

Karin: Weeeeellll, the ugly truth is, in high school I had a mad crush on rod stewart, and the only way I could have him to myself was to write our story. From that point on, the writing bug bit hard and has yet to let go.

Vicki: Okay, here’s where I’m going to ask a couple of writing as in craft related questions. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Karin: Panster. But before I begin a story I know the gmc’s of my protagonists and the bad guy.

Vicki: Do you write on a schedule as in everyday, morning or night, for a certain length of time, or when the muse is talking?

Karin: I’m a working writer, I can’t afford t wait for the muse to strike. When I sit down to write, I find that bitch, plop her ass on the keyboard and hold her at gunpoint until I say she can take a break. My best writing time is in the evening between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Vicki: During your first draft, are you more character driven or plot driven?

Karin: Character. My books are character driven to begin with so once I get them nailed the plot just comes.

Vicki: You’re not only an amazing writer, a wife, and mom (to 4), but also the CEO of your own company. How do you manage to do it all?

Karin: I have great support. I have a very competent office manger, my kids are grown (the youngest 19) and they leave me alone. Hubby gets it, and doesn’t bug me, unless he hasn’t seen me in a couple of days. :) the bottom line is, this is my job, and they get that.

Vicki: Can you tell us how you came up with the Blood Sword Legacy idea or was it originally a single book that turned into a series?

Karin: I had this guy named Rohan in my head. Finally, one day I just sat down and wrote about fifty pages. My voice just erupted on the page. It felt good. Right. I loved it. For shits and giggles I sent it to my agent. She loved it too. So did my editor. She bought two books. I knew the other knights needed their story told as well, and so the legend of the Blood Swords was born.

Vicki: What’s your favorite part of the job?

Karin: Getting to know my characters. I love my heroes. I love their passion, their bravery and their intelligence. They are the fuel to my flame. When I can’t wait to get back to them each day, I know I’m on the right track.

Vicki: With the release of Master of Craving, the third book in the Blood Sword Legacy, do have anything planned for the future of the series that you can share?

Karin: Book four, MASTER OF DECEPTION is Thorin’s story. The release date has been pushed back due to another series I have launching next year. Deets to come when I can talk about it. ;)

Vicki: Whose journey was harder to write, Stefan’s or Arian’s? Although with a hero like Stefan, he must have been hmmm…fun, interesting, and yep down right sexy to write. Heehee

Karin: Those two were pretty tricky. Stefan is the dark quiet one. He speaks only when he has something to say. He’s my still-waters-that-run-deep guy. He has a lot of feelings, a lot of bottled passion, and he is honorable, but not so honorable so as not to take what he wants by right of conquest and in the name of his king. It got a little hairy there straddling both sides of the fence. Especially since I have not, nor ever will, make excuses for my boys.

Vicki: Can you tell us a little about any upcoming releases?

Karin: I have a new romantic suspense series debuting next summer. The dirty dozen meets mission impossible. That’s about all I can say right now, except it is dark, edgy and there are no boundaries.

Vicki: Okay, now just a couple of silly fun questions. Strappy heels or flat sandals?

Karin: Heels!

Vicki: Hero’s you like to read? Sexy studs or Sexy and maybe a bit geeky?

Karin: Studs w/a razor sharp brain.

Vicki: What’s your favorite romance book of all time?

Karin: Wolf and the Dove

Vicki: Favorite word?

Karin: sonofabitch

Vicki: Least favorite word?

Karin: The girl c word

Vicki: Totally with you on that word. If you weren’t an author and could be anything you wanted to be, what would it be and why?

Karin: A rock star! Oh, if only I could sing!

Vicki: Any advice for those of us who are aspiring writers and parting words for our readers?

Karin: Screw the rules, and never lose sight of your dreams. Never.

Vicki: I love that answer! It has been such a blast having you here today.

Vicki, thank you for inviting me. You know I love you and Laurie!

We lurve you bunches too!!!

Okay everyone. It's your turn. Have a question we didn't ask? Now's the time. Make sure you questions responsibly and don't forget to let Karin know how much she ROCKS.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

More To Come...

So are you having a great time with Karin Tabke in the house? I know we are!!!

People are asking questions (one of them this week will win a surprise) and Karin's been here answering them. You can leave your questions anytime during the week for the surprise drawing and to just get to know Karin better. :)

Speaking of getting to know her better, tomorrow she'll be here for an interview. And can I just say this might be the best interview yet.

Okay everyone, keep those comments and questions coming. The party is just beginning.

Hugs,
Vicki

Karin Tabke - Master of Craving - She's here!!

This week we have none other than the fabulous Karin Tabke in the land. Karin is not only an amazing author, but she has to be one of the sweetest people I know.

I first meet her at RT this past year, which was so cool, then in DC at RWA nationals, we got to hang out quite a bit. Let me tell you Karin knows how to have a great time and still be such a gracious person to those of us fan girls. Yep, I might be a writer, but I’m still a fan girl.

Karin will be here off and on this week to say hello and answer questions. Yay!!! And on Wednesday’s she’ll be here with an interview. Fun Stuff!

Enough of that (for now), let’s get on with this week’s contest.





Master of Craving is Book three in the Blood Sword Legacy series. And here’s just one of her awesome reviews.

"Tabke's alpha heroes and strong-willed women captivate. Her third Blood Sword Legacy novel is a powerful battle-of-wills love story that resonates with the atmosphere of the era and simmering passion, betrayals and politics that add depth to a stirring tale."

-- Romantic Times

Sounds great, right? It is.

Here’s the backcover blurb:

The Blood Sword LegacyEight knights bound by a brotherhood forged in hell claim their legacies the only way they can: by right of arms, by right of victory, by right of conquest.
Most of England has submitted to King William, but Wales refuses to yield. The King's trusted Blood Swords are unable to prevail, and while Stefan de Valrey is left unconscious on the battlefield, his sworn brothers are captured. Despite terribile injuries, Stefan vows to liberate them. Even rescuing a delicately beautiful -- and naked -- maiden from peril cannot deter him, for the silver-eyed Arianrhod is a Welsh princess, a hostage Stefan can exchange for his brothers...so long as Arian remains as pure as when he met her. But that is a constraint Stefan finds harder to honor with every passing day.

When the scowling knight slings her across his saddle, Arian knows she should fix all her thoughts on escape. But Arian has never before experienced the deep, soul-changing desire that Stefan arouses with merely a glance. Breaking their vows could set two kingdoms ablaze -- can they control the sweet, terrible burning between them?

Now that you’re dying to know more, you can go here for an excerpt.

Are you back? Dying to read the book? Have you read the first two? If so, please no spoilers. :)
Well then, leave those comments and questions all week to be entered.

In fact, there may just be a surprise for one the people who ask Karin a question. So bring ‘em on. But remember to play responsibly. Heehee.

Hugs,
Vicki

Query your Day Winner.....

AMY M.....by a landslide

Amy let me know your favorite Genre as you are the winner of a brand new book!!!!

Send me your favorite genre, and address to: LaurieKap@Yahoo.com

Thanks for playing and having the guts to try ;-)

Query Your Day….

Disclosure: I am borrowing this idea from Karin Tabke (http://www.karintabke.com/) because I think it was an awesome idea and a lot of fun. And you get a free book out of the deal.

Write a Query about your day in 200 words or less – Come on this is fun so participate.

I made a few tweaks to what I put on Karin’s blog, but only because I thought of something better, hours after I hit submit – oh and some things had to be changed to protect the innocent. :-P

My Life As A Writer, is a 90,000 word, romantic comedy, where Laurie Kapkowski often finds herself waking up between a hot man and two other females. Oh, did I forget to mention: Trixie her Chihuahua, and Bella, her crazy cat, are allowed in bed.

By day she's a mild-mannered programming manager for a television shopping channel. Her world thrives on color and puzzles. Highlighting (color-coding) the hours that belong to her department and a 744 piece grid (actual hours in a 31 day month - puzzle) that must be changed multiple times, while people steal away pieces, and an over-abundance of arguments along the way. Yes-men have no place in Laurie’s life as she isn’t afraid to use no at any opportunity.

Her nights are filled with laugher and love as her adult daughter and husband keep her laughing, when she can hear them, that is, past the 5 barking dogs, or when she isn’t submerged in the fantasy world of her own making. If only she could figure out what her handsome husband, who is cooking dinner, and beautiful daughter, who is cleaning, mean when they say they want to be reincarnated as a writer?

This is 197 words so don’t tell me you can’t do better because I really suck at query’s. Come on let's see what ‘cha got. And we get to learn about each other - How cool, huh?!

Place your entry in the comments section - I can’t wait to read them!!! You will be disqualified if it goes over 200 words - sorry there has to be rules - we all hate them, but they are there to protect the innocent :-P

And remember one randomly selected winner will win a book of my choosing, just tell me your favorite genre and I'll try to see what I can find :-D

I mean hey, its FREE (nothing is better than free) If you're the winner you have until next Friday to contact me or a new winner will be chosen (I know more rules).

Ready...Set...GO!!!!

XOXO
LKap

My Paranormal World - XPosted

I’m a little late today, sorry about that. This week’s theme over on the group blog had me questioning what to write about. It’s not that I haven’t had any paranormal type incidents. I have, but writing about them makes me wonder if they’ll come back or happen again.

Okay, I could to you about the time the Quija board truly moved on its own. As in no fingers touched the board or the triangle and yet it raced across the board stopping for brief moments on letters. I think I asked it who I would marry. Hey, I was like 12 at the time.

Scared? Oh yeah, quite a bit. To the point I took it out of my bedroom and sat it outside on the back patio. When the sun came up I took a hammer and broke the thing and threw it away.

I could tell you about my sister who is three years younger than me and the time she had friend’s over and did a séance. She was eight and we were staying at a church parsonage, where our grandfather was preaching for the summer. Yeah, opened the door and right behind my sister was a ball of fire. Fun stuff.

Then there was the time I was a camp and my name kept being called.

To read the rest go here.

Come back afterwards and tell us about your paranormal fun.

Hugs,
Vicki

Shayla Black Winners And Another Surprise Winner

Last week was great. Having Shayla popping in when she had internet and having the surprise added was just plain ole fun.

It’s time to announce the winners and what they’ve won. Oh and just for added measure we’ve thrown in one more surprise winner. Heehee, L and I like surprises so we figure you probably do too.

Are you ready to find out?

The winner of Tempt Me With Darkness is – tetewa

The winner of an ARC (OMG, and ARC, I don’t even have this one) of Seduce Me In Shadow is – Bella

The winners of the sneak peek of Seduce Me In Shadow (as in three chapters) is – Greta and Sabrina Pugliese

And the surprise winner just announced today (see why you need to check back often) is for Bound and Determined by Shelly Bradley / Shayla Black is – CrystalGB

Please email me at vickilanewrites@yahoo.com with your snail mail addy’s for the books and the email addy you’d like the sneak peak sent too. Also, please put in the subject, "Winner - Shayla Black Contest". You have until next Sunday at midnight to email the information or a new winner will be chosen.

Wow, that’s a lot of winners and major congrats to each of you. We had a blast and hope you did too.

There’s a surprise coming for Laurie on Thursday, you don’t wanna miss it. And next week we’ve got a copy of Karin Tabke’s Master of Craving.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Winners Announced on Monday...

Really sorry that I didn't get the winners announced on Saturday, but after returning from the TARA meeting I had an extremely messy kitchen. As in parts of walls removed and had to visit the Home Depot.

Yep, Science Guy put in new lights (which I love), but this also meant new electrical wiring. Long story, maybe another blog post someday and by the time we we're finished with that part I totally forgot.

Today is his birthday and we spent it doing exactly what he wanted.

Tomorrow I'll announce the winners and then on Tuesday we have another surprise. Woot!

xoxoxo

Vicki

Shayla Black In The House

We’ve got Shayla Black in the house today. Woot!!! We are so excited to have her with us and to be giving away a copy of Tempt Me With Darkness.



In case you missed it on Monday, you can read an excerpt here. Just scroll down the page.

Before we start with the interview I must confess. I totally put the wrong information for the surprise. I was so excited (and at the day job) that I just typed and squeed (inside my head, remember day job) like a fan girl. Which I am.

Shayla is giving away one ARC of Seduce Me In Shadow (people, I don’t even have this) and one pdf of the first three chapters. OMG, does she ROCK or what!!!

Okay, now back to what you all came here to read.

Here’s Shayla (and me):

Vicki: How did you get started writing and have you always written paranormal?

Shayla: I actually started in 1999 writing historical romances as Shelley Bradley. From there, I morphed into contemporary romances. I very much enjoyed them, but then discovered erotic and paranormal romances, which I dearly love. So here I am today…

Vicki: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Shayla: Very much a plotter. In fact, I give storyboarding classes both online and in person from time to time, which allows writers to “see” the flow of their plot, sub-plots, character arc, etc. in a more visual manner than a synopsis. I wouldn’t write a book without a storyboard, particularly a suspense or one of my complex Doomsday Brethren books.

Vicki: You’re not only an amazing writer, a wife, and mom, but you also write for three lines. How do you manage to do it all?

Shayla: Thank you. I’m not sure I always manage to do it all. Currently, I’m about 6 weeks behind schedule, but everything comes down to priorities. I confess to being something of a workaholic, but I do find small pockets of time each day to take care of necessary stuff, be with family, and just relax. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the pool, playing Rock Band 2/Guitar Hero, and watching some favorite shows. I also try to read at least one book a week and am always mentoring a person or two.

My work schedule is fairly regimented: Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6pm, then 9pm-11pm (sometimes later). During those hours, I try to write at least 10-12 pages and answer emails. The rest of the time is devoted to family. Weekends are different. I try to get pages in, but I don’t always succeed. I think the key is managing is to have goals and figure out how long it takes you to achieve those goals. Then set aside the necessary time without excuses. That may require sacrifices, but if you’re really serious, it’s worth it.

Vicki: Can you tell us how you came up with the Brethren Series idea or was it originally a single book that turned into a series?

Shayla: Vicki, RT Bookclub recently asked me that same question. I’ve written my answer, along with and excerpt of my next Doomsday Brethren release, for some exclusive bonus web content here. Please check it out. I’ve also chatted just a bit about future installments in the series.

Vicki: What’s your favorite part of the job?

Shayla: I worked in Corporate America for 18 years, so I very much appreciate my flexible schedule, the very casual dress code, and the fact everything I do contributes to a my business, and not someone else’s. But the best part of my job is creating characters and worlds to provide enjoyment for readers who want to escape or be a part of something different or identify with someone else’s situation. I love giving readers an experience. It’s not always easy. I wish words just flowed every day, but working through a book and being satisfied with the product when you type “The End” is the best feeling ever.

Vicki: With the release of Fated coming up and the novella of Seduce Me In Shadow do you have anything planned for the future of the Brethren series that you can share?

Shayla: In Fated, you’ll meet a handful of new characters, including twin wizards, who have been magickind’s playboys for decades. All that changes when one of them embraces the human barmaid he’s been lusting after. But will a family curse and danger keep them apart? You’ll also meet a wizard grieving Auropha MacKinnett, the first casualty of evil Mathias’s return in TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS. He’ll join the Doomsday Brethren in SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW. Also in the book there’s more about Lucan and Anka. Shock continues to be…well, Shock. Bram encounters an unknown danger he can’t outrun that may do him in. But the core of the book is about Lucan’s brother, Caden, and human paranormal tabloid journalist, Sydney, who knows far more about the magical war and the Doomsday Brethren than she should. When she receives the Doomsday Diary as a birthday gift, Caden finds that getting it back and shutting her up aren’t as simple as it sounds.


Vicki: Whose journey was it harder to write, Marrok’s or Olivia’s? And can I just add I love Marrok.

Shayla: Thanks! I loved Marrok, too. Sometimes uber-alpha…and sometimes adorably clueless. His journey was harder for me to write, both because he had the most to overcome and because he was such a recluse. I’m a total people person, so that level of isolation boggled my mind. Getting him to not only tolerate magickind, but agree to help them, was a feat. But getting him to fall for his enemy’s great-granddaughter and admit to her and himself that he truly loved her was altogether more challenging.

Vicki: Can you tell us a little about your upcoming release?

Shayla: Actually, there are 3! Fated and SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, which you’ve already mentioned, plus Doomsday Brethren 3, POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT releases in November.

Here are the blurbs for both:

SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW
When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black’s seductive new paranormal series.

Ex-Marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book’s existence, she will jeopardize magickind’s most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard’s number one target. Caden has never trusted magic’s cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic—even if it means risking his heart.

POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT
An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black’s electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both.

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard’s intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible—and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother’s sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power. Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life—and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover’s fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can’t ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can’t resist?

I have to say that I’m totally thrilled to advance existing storylines, introduce new ones, and share three totally different relationships with everyone. I love them all, but Sabelle and Ice have an extra special place in my heart. Ice may be my favorite hero of all I’ve ever written…

Vicki: If you weren’t an author and could be anything you wanted to be, what would it be and why?

Shayla: If a life of indolence is out of the question (LOL), I’d love to be a book editor. I love reading, and I really enjoy shaping books into the best they can be. I’ve been writing and dissecting books for so long, that it’s second nature.

Vicki: Any advice for those of us who are aspiring writers and parting words for our readers?

Shayla: Do NOT quit. It’s not always the most talented who make it, but the most dedicated. I ran across a roster from one of my chapters, dated 1992. Of the 115 people on the register, only 3 are still chapter members. I can think of a handful of people who have simply chosen not to rejoin but are still writing, but even then…10 out of 115? Some published but quit, most never published and quit. Point is, they quit. I’m too damn stubborn for that. J

Vicki: Did I say we are super excited to have you here. Okay, so I did, but really, it’s been fabulous. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting with us.

~Vicki

Reading and Writing…….

We've all heard it. You must read to be a good writer. And it’s true, I get it, really I do. Vicki’s post last week got me thinking…where there is no time to write, when is there time to read?

For me, it’s only before bed. Yeah, not long enough to submerse myself into the escape that I love to read for. And it’s obvious by my TBR pile of at least 200+ books. I keep adding, and at 1 or 2 reads a month, I get further and further behind. Well, the plus there is: I’m supporting my favorite authors (as we all should do - and imagine that - one is here this week). :-D*

Now I’m saying this, and I am trying to read everyday (still only before I go to bed), but the writing is slowing down or rather, editing right now. I do have a day job and consider writing as my 2nd job (that I’m not getting paid for yet *pout*), but a job none the less. It is not a hobby. I eventually want to be paid for all of this hard work. But reading is a luxury that must sometimes fall by the wayside. It sucks and I don’t like it, but the job (s) come first in my opinion. Or I won't have a house or car - not a good thing because I need to have a job to continually fix my car and my home - but I digress....

Believe it or not, I’m very regimented in my time-management. I have a set number of hours that I write, read and spend with family during the week. I even shut off phone privileges at a certain time, unless it’s an emergency – really .… just ask Vicki. I’m a stickler. Everything has a time and place in my life. There are times I can devote more to one or the other, but generally it’s the same everyday. The weekend is all about writing – but boy do I miss the days of losing myself in a book until it’s completely read and I sigh when it’s over.

Reading helps the writer see a lot of different things: how a talented writer writes, ideas that might be spurred from a simple line or word, sometimes it’s even what not to do. Either way reading helps a writer, it fills the well, as they say.

So I’m off to fill my well…I have an A.R.C. of: Seduce me in Shadow by the fabulously talented Shayla Black, (maybe you've heard of her from somewhere...).

I’ve been dying to read it since I finished the 1st book (Tempt Me With Darkness). And by the sounds of all these surprises - I won't be so special anymore, because she's giving the first three chapters to a few winners this away this week - LUCKY DUCKS!!! And you won't miss out on anything if you get the 1st one too - which Miss V is generously giving away too. Wow, a lot going on ;-)

So again - I've gone off on a tangent, but I'm pretty sure this will be one of those books where I will stop writing long enough to immerse myself in (It happened with the 1st one - I don't expect this one to be different) ;-D

Leave a comment (or ramble) for more chances to win!!!!!

XOXO
LKap

Shayla's Not Here Today, So How About That Surprise

Shayla is currently on her way home from vacation with her family. Most of us know this means one thing. Spotty WiFi. OMG, it's like death without access to our computers. Emails go unread and you just know that Macy's or Hot Topics (see I cover all areas) will be having the biggest sale ever and you'll miss it.

Or worse. Our author won't have access to do the interview. Yeah, I know, really a sad moment. In fact we could take a small moment of silence here as we mourn the lose of today's interview. It was a good one, full of life and upcoming release information.

Ahem!

We'll have that interview either tomorrow or Friday so no worries, the things we want to know will be here. All in good time, my pretties (she rubs her hands together and shifts her eyes...wait, wrong story).

So, how about the surprise. You've come back to check and even left comments and now it's time.

Maybe you've heard about this book Shayla has written that's yet to release. Seduce Me In Shadow? Maybe you'd like to read a quick excerpt here

Well, how would you like to win your very own PDF copy?

Okay, you'll have to quit jumping up and down the screen is getting blurry. Whoo, that's better. Yep, several of you will be randomly chosen to win. How cool is that!!!

Keep leaving those comments and now you can even add a question or two for Shayla and we'll see if she can answer them when she has her lifeline back. Yes, our Internet is part of our lifeline. The wire aren't visible, but they're there nonetheless.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Books, Glorious Books

I have bookcases! My books are unpacked (finally), and sitting proud on the shelves. Every time I walk into the family room I smile. There’s something about seeing the vibrant colors on the spines of the books that just makes me feel good. Books to read for the sheer pleasure of reading them and books for studying the craft.

It’s sort of like what came first the reader or the writer. Truth be known that’s a hard question so I called the one woman who would know and remember perhaps accurately then I would. My mom. Her answer? “You did both.”

Okay, so that’s not what I was looking for, but as we continued to talk she reminded me of how many times a book (probably a little Golden Book) would be read to me and then I’d try to write my own story. Especially if I didn’t like the way the book ended. I mean really the chicken running around saying the sky is falling just bothered me. Even at an early age I wanted to tell the chicken to wise up, the sky couldn’t fall.

So I wrote my own. Well, I scribbled what I thought were words to make my own stories until I realized that one, I couldn’t read that well just yet, and two, I didn’t know how to spell the words in my stories. Again, mom or my best friend who was older than me and could already read and write chapter books.

We’d sit and I’d tell my story. It was great. I’d changed characters and plotlines and make the big bad wolf beg for forgiveness or my favorite was when I was older and wrote the continuing tales of the Wizard of Oz. Who knew back then there were already books out there with other story lines?

The cozy teenage mysteries of my youth were the best. I loved Trixie Bleden and wanted to so bad to be in the club with Honey and Jim. And I couldn’t wait for Trixie to get old enough for Jim to kiss her. :) Yep, many of you may have guessed it. I wrote my own scenes. Very sweet and tender scenes where their hands brushed each others and Jim stared deep into Trixie’s eyes as her legs became wobbly. He’d tuck the strands of hair that were free from her ponytail back behind her ear. And then ever so slow he’d lean forward while her eyes closed and…kiss her on the cheek. Hey, I was only ten years old. Kissing on the lips wasn’t allowed just yet.

What I remembered as I unpacked books and lovingly sat them in their new place of honor is I’ve always loved to read and I’ve always loved to write. I told Science Guy that now our new home felt like a home and not a house.

Oh yeah, in case you thought I forgot about the surprise, nope just not quite ready to reveal it. Heehee

So, what about you? Since we’re all readers and many are writers, I’m sure you’ve got books. But do you feel a sense of rightness when you see them? When everything else in the world is going crazy are they the things that can help you escape if only for a little while? And what about writing? Are you like me? Did you every want to change the ending of the stories of your youth?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Shayla Black and Tempt Me With Darkness

I’m so excited to be giving away Shayla Black’s book Tempt Me With Darkness.



This is the first book in the Brethren Series and if you haven’t read them, then you’re in for a treat. A sexy paranormal treat, that is. :)

On Wednesday I’ll have an interview with Shayla.

Here’s the backcover blurb:

He's an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction....
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray's dark windswept hair and burning violet eyes, he's sure they've met in eons past. He's felt her soft gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own hard powerful body...Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur's warriors, has endured a terrible curse cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

She's a modern woman about to discover ancient magic....
Olivia shares a mystical — and irresistible — connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful — and intimate — than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna's hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy all magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love — with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren — can save them.

Click here to read an excerpt.

I’ll wait go ahead and read it, then come back.

La, la, la, I’m going home to the place where I belong…Oh, you’re back. Don’t pay any attention to red glowing from my face. I always sing while I wait. Yep, singing Daughtry.

Okay, now that you’ve checked out Shayla’s site and read the excerpt I know you’re itching to get your hands on a copy. And really the cover art alone is enough to make you pick up the book.

So, leave your comments today and any other day this week to be entered in the contest. On Saturday I’ll use the trusty number randomizer and someone will win. Could be you.

Oh yeah, and if winning a copy of Tempt Me With Darkness isn't enough, Shayla has a surprise for a couple of people as well.

What? You want to know what it is??? Hmmm...check back this week to find out. I know, that's kinda mean, but really, it's a cool surprise.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki