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
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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
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
Friday, August 7, 2009
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
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
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
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
Monday, August 3, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)