Diva of The Night

Song of the Sea, by Cassandra Curtis

2008-09-11T22:08:00.001-04:00

Song of The Sea
by Cassandra Curtis
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-379-5 (Electronic)
Available September 14, 2008

Sequel to Amber Heat best-seller Shifting Tides: Beneath A Midnight Sea…

When a mafia don’s bride-to-be goes missing, Peter Varien is hired to find her. Varien, an ex-cop turned private eye, takes the job despite the warning bells going off in his head.

He manages to track down the missing woman to a nightclub in Memphis, where she’s belting out jazzy torch songs with the boys in the band. She’s every man’s desire, with a body born of sin and a voice that enthralls, putting men under a sexual spell.

But it’s a spell under which Peter is determined not to fall.

Vivilyn Ondine is having the time of her life, given the power over human men through the control she wields as a sea siren. She’s never fallen in love, never truly surrendered–until she meets the handsome private investigator.

Soon, Peter and Vivilyn are in a race against time, and must join forces to defeat a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing, even murder, to capture Viv and force her to reveal the location of the magical pearl known as the Soul of The Sea.

Genres: Shapeshifter / Fantasy / Witchcraft / Magic / BDSM (Light) / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Romantic Comedy

Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (26k words)

To purchase go here: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/SongSea.html

Off into the wild blue younder...

2008-08-10T12:04:00.003-04:00

haha! I have no idea why that song popped into my head ;)
Could be we're going to be driving through the Blue Ridge State Park. :D
I suspect it will be very beautiful today, and yet, I don't have the charger for my camera. *cry* I wish I could find it.
But anyway.

I'm getting ready (don't ya love internet? You can sit at home in your towel after a shower and blog and no one will know-- well oops until you tell them. blunder. :P )

So anyway I'm going to pick up a printer, swing by my mom's house, and I have my dishes nice and clean while I took a shower.

Killer.
:D

I had a dishwasher once. A long long long long long time ago.
DH broke it.

So know I have another one! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
I'm loving it!
No more handwashing unless I just well want to. :D

Awesome!

So please please please dear Lord, help me keep this one from being broken.
Many thanks.

Y'all have a good day, now ya hear?

So I can't type fast.....

2008-08-06T23:15:00.001-04:00

51 words

Speedtest

Ahh I dream of typing 100 words a minute effortlessly without mistakes.
I don't think that's going to happen any time soon LOL. I've backspaced a zillion times already in this short post! Backspace is as natural for me as the space bar lol.

So how fast can you type? I'm sure it's faster than I can!! :D

Not Going to RWA Conference??

2008-07-15T15:57:00.003-04:00

The Romance Divas annual Not Going to Conference Conference will make you feel a bit less deprived! Amazing workshops, a star-studded guest list and awesome giveaways, all on the Diva forum! Don't miss it!

Coordinated by Seeley deBorn!

Here's a bit of a schedule update for the Q&As and Workshops...

Wednesday, July 30

Paula Guran, Editor, Juno Books
Q&A on Creating Kick a** Heroines

Laurie Rauch, Editor, Samhain Publishing
Workshop on What Happens After the Contract (aka Editors are People Too!)*

Thursday July 31

Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary
Q&A on Inspirational Romance Stories and the Inspy Market

Sandra Schwab, Historical Romance Author
Workshop on Historical Accuracy and Anachronisms

Friday, August 1

Yolanda Sfetsos, Author of Guarded by Stone
Q&A on Paranormal and Urban Fantasy World Building

Katie MacIver, KatieDidDesign
Workshop on Website Design and Color Selection

Saturday, August 2

Joey W. Hill, Erotica Author
Workshop on Plotting Erotica and Erotic Romance

Rhonda Stapleton, Editor and Author
Workshop on Style and Voice

Excited yet?

How about if I list some door prizes?

What Gwen said" mug donated by Gwen Hayes
3-chapter critique of a YA by Simon Pulse author Rhonda Stapleton
3-chapter critique of a YA, chick lit, or rom com by Golden Heart Finalist Amanda Brice
An ebook of your choice from Nell Dixon's backlist
An ebook of either Second Sight (paranormal romance) or Dragons' Choice (fantasy romance - dragon-shifters) from Debbie Mumford
Ten dollar Amazon gift certificate from Jodi Henley
Lush stuff from Seeley deBorne
e-book copy of Chasing Shadows from Erin Richards
Paperback copy of Iron Horse Rider OR Smiling Eyes from Adelle Laudan
Book thongs from Angeleque Ford
3 chapter critique from Sela Carsen
winner's choice of ebook copy of "Not Quite Dead" or "Heart of the Sea" by Sela Carson
e-book copy of HEATWAVE by Eden Bradley
e-book copy of BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley
a box of goodies, trade and paperbacks, bath products candles, etc... All for a fun and relaxing home spa day treat. courtesy of The Midnight Moon Cafe
1 download each of Natasha Moore's Samhain books, The Ride of Her LIfe and The Passion-Minded Professor
a copy of "Painted Soul" by Mary Quast
e-book copy of HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
e-book copy of PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
e-book copy of FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Wild Rose Press
e-book copy of NIGHT OF INSPIRATION by Jenna Allen - Phaze
e-book copy of ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen - Phaze
$10 gc to Amazon from Kendal Corbitt
ebook Vampire Oracle: Harmony by MG Braden

Plus a lovely bar of wonderful Chagrin Valley hand made soap, Caramel Pralines jar candle, handmade jewelry, Tarot readings, a Lush box for European Divas/Dudes, a $10 fictionwise gc and much more!

Romance Divas Ebook Challenge

2008-02-17T00:18:00.002-05:00

Oh So sorry I didn't get mine up!
I've been severely swamped with life and just didn't get to finish it.

If you'd like to return to Romance Divas Ebook Challenge Page to read the exciting and wonderful stories click here.

If you like to know how to renovate a bathroom, ask someone else LOL!
I've been trying to even get started, and only succeeded as far as to buy the materials. I haven't ripped out so much as a toothbrush from the bathroom yet. Wish me luck! Demolition should begin Monday- I hope.

Check this out!

2008-02-11T02:58:00.001-05:00

Sometimes mending a broken heart can lead to love...

Take Me As I Am by Angeleque Ford
Cover art © 2007 Debi Lewis
Edited by Stacia Seaman
Genre(s): Contemporary, Male/Male, African American
ISBN: 978-1-59426-850-2
Price: $3.00

Jay Black is one of 90.5's WKBL Detroit's most popular late night radio jockey's. And he's used to taking some interesting and bizarre calls. So it's not surprising when Jay's personal life becomes the topic after seeing his ex-boyfriend, Darrius Stone is back in town. When a caller suggests Jay get over his broken heart by starting on a new one, Darrius sees it as the perfect opportunity and phones in with a proposition… a one night stand.

But when he finds out who the caller was, he's furious and informs Darrius sex wasn't the problem between them acceptance was. And while he won't give him another chance to break his heart, he will agree to one last f**k. Can Jay accept Darrius' new life? And will Darrius' be able to accept Jay's choices? Or will the past get in the way of their future together?

Read an EXCERPT
Read a STEAMY EXCERPT

Click to BUY

Are you ready for some Writing??

2008-01-31T23:09:00.001-05:00

So November has passed, holidays are over and you're missing that thrill that rush from writing
a whole book in a month!!

Romance Divas has the cure!!

We're hosting our own writing month in February!!
So come join us in the first official Romance Divas Writing Month (RoDiWriMo).
Write 50,000 words with us, while you learn industry news, writing technicques and more valuable information.

Join Romance Divas http://www.romancedivas.com today! It's free and so is RoDIWriMo!!

Valentine's Day Bachelor Auction!!

2008-01-15T13:38:00.000-05:00

OH MY!

What does Gemma Halliday have in store? HOT HOT MEN That's what!!
And what's better than hot men? Helping victims of domestic violence!

All proceeds go to a charity for these victims.
So what are you waiting for? You KNOW you want to click the link for hot men!!
SO make a bid while your there!

Go drool then bid! And Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Bachelor Auction

Muy Caliente!!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-12-27T01:10:00.000-05:00

Ok So let's see, I've not done these in a while.
It's that time of year when PUblisher's Clearing House drives you
crazy with "It could be YOU!" Nonsense. Granted I enter all the email stuff :P
Hey Maybe one day LOL But Come on! Does anyone REALLY ever win?? I doubt it.
So here's my Thursday thirteen with pie in the sky dreams in mind :D

so thirteen things I'd do with Ole Ed McMann's Money ;)

1. Pay off every bill I have (that should eliminate a mighty chunk)
2. Pay off my mom's bills
3. (this is because I hit the millions ;) ) buy Mom a house
4. Remodel this house (I just like it)
5. put a fence all the way around this house
6. buy myself a second house
7. Oh this should be #1-- Buy all the books I can! :D
8. buy enough computers for everyone in the house so we don't have to share!
9. ehh throw a car in there somewhere
10. restore old cars and trucks- I hate to see the older ones crushed- So I'd be on a no-crush campaigne.
11 Absolutely Support Romance Divas. Hey with that much money I could buy our own server ;)
12 take care of homeless animals - spay and neuter pets for people that couldn't
13. set aside money of course for kids education. Not the least thing I'd do, but I coudln't decide where to list it, so last, but definately not least :D

So what would you do if Ed came calling at your house? (Not that I'd worry he will at mine ;) )

Romance Divas Information!!

2007-12-11T16:31:00.000-05:00

Hey Divas!!
The forum is down, as you can clearly see.
So while we wait on the server host to get us put back to rights again,
join us at the yahoo group!! Here it is!!

alt="Click here to join romancedivas2007">
Click to join romancedivas2007

Romance Divas Update

2007-11-25T23:10:00.001-05:00

Romance Divas is experiencing a bit of technical issues.
It's not crashing :D so don't worry. The Admins are on it, and we're working to keep divas up and running. So please, be patient, and just try back later when you get an error.

Use this time to get that Nano finished!! We only have 5 more days!!! WRITE PEOPLE!! LOL

Yes, I'm bad.

2007-08-29T18:29:00.000-04:00

Ok so I'm bad.
I haven't blogged in a few ages. I've been unhappily busy, sorry to say.
It's been a crazy year. Times are hard, my imagination is gone, my writing is in the tubes (ok one day I can pick it back up again, but right now I have no clue when) and I'm just down and out. Sorry but that's life, and this unfortunately is my turn for working things out I guess.

So on to more exciting (tongue in cheek here) things.
I got my first ever ticket! And boy did I do it- three at once! Oi Vey!
So I'm taking my mom to the dr. and take a side road to avoid traffic- oh yeah smart move- let me tell you something- Don't let anyone tell you I'm smart- I'm an idiot!
So I'm trying to get around some construction. One withOUT a flagman I might add. So I had to jump around it and take my chances with oncoming traffic. So right when I check the speed limit sign good it 's forty, I'm doing good under 40. But a cop turns his lights on me.
I was speeding. HUH? 35 is under 40 right? Yeah but dang it it was a school zone hidden by the construction. Great. Blah.

so Yeah I'm bad. I even speed poorly. :P

Not Going to Conference??? Go to Romance Divas!!!

2007-07-05T14:27:00.000-04:00

Not going to Nationals? Don't worry...Romance Divas is doing the next best thing!

Romance Divas announces the first annual "Not Going to Nationals Cyber Conference" from July 11-15, righton the forum. Best of all, it's FREE!

Just register for Romance Divas--membership is free, you just need to sign up! www.romancedivas.com
if you have trouble registering email night.diva.maria (at) gmail (dot) com

There will be workshops, Q&As, and giveaways each day. All you have to do is participate!!!!

Schedule:

July 11:
Workshop: PC Cast and Kristin Cast (topic TBA)PCCast.net
Q&A: Erotic romance with Portia da Costa and Madelynne Ellis PortiaDaCosta.com
MadelynneEllis.com

July 12:
Workshop: Book Signing 101: Tips to Help Make your Signing a Success by Jackie Kessler JackieKessler.com
Q&A: Legal Issues for Writers by Amanda Brice AmandaBrice.com

July 13:
Workshop: What to Expect After You Sign the Contract by Marley Gibson MarleyGibson.com
Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)

July 14:
Workshop: Sasha White (topic TBA) http://www.sashawhite.net/
Q&A: How To Write Both YA and Adult Romance by Berta Platas BertaPlatas.com

July 15:
Workshop: Trim That Fatty Writing! by Rhonda Stapleton RhondaStapleton.net>
Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)

We also have loads of great giveaways, including books, critiques, coaching, and more!

2007-03-26T22:20:00.000-04:00

Got the blah blah blahs.

Anyone have those? I have them tonight.
I've been more than a little witchy. I've been more than a little bit aggravated.
I've been more than a little bit sad. I've been more than a little bit depressed.

This has been one of the uh, let's say more interesting days.
Of which I'm quite tired lol.
The husband was wild, the kids were wild, even the dogs went wild. The cats had the good sense to take cover as far away as possible LOL. Why didn't they take me I'll never know! :P

I want to rant, cry, sleep, cry some more, possibly eat comfort foods til I'm four more sizes.
However, I don't have that luxury. So I'll rant, sleep, and eat when I have time to grab a bite.

Anyone going to the Bahamas interested in trading for a bit? You can live my life and I'll live yours while your on vacation ;) Yeah didn't think so LOL

ok so this is a hump in the road. So gotta give the car more gas to get over it. So here we go, let's make tomorrow a positive day. Think it'll work? LOL

Today's Guest blogger Diva Jenna!

2007-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

Hi there everyone! I wanted to breeze by and annouce my double debut at The Wild Rose Press! I write romance for Mills & Boon, but love the challenge of a short story. I am so thankful WRP celebrates the medium, giving those of us pressed for time a smile and a bounce to our step.

The love after loss story, How About Tomorrow, is the first Rosette I contracted with WRP. My writing friends at Romance Divas helped me tweak it until it was just right...and then Leeane fixed that to perfection.

Jack hasn’t been out on a date since his wife’s death five years ago. Even his teenage daughter thinks it’s time he finally go on a blind date brokered by his sister-in-law. Jack’s unsure, until he meets Maria. She’s as timid as he is at first, but the more they talk the more they realize they should see each other again, and again.

My English Tea Rose, In Silhouette, was so exciting to write. I work mainly in contemporary romance, so stretching into Regency was difficult, but rewarding! I dedicated this story to my critique partner, American Title II finalist Suzan Hyssen. She writes intelligent, comedic Regency romances, when she is not busy with law school.

James Darby is bored by the ennui of country life, fervidly anticipating his return to London. When he spies Miss Hughes entertaining herself by cutting silhouettes at a party he’s captivated by her talent, and charm. How can someone so fascinating survive in a place so tedious?

In February, another of my stories will appear in the Dreams & Desires charity anthology. Keep a look out for my Last Rose of Summer Rosettes...they are coming soon!

Jenna

The Cursed One by Ronda Thompson

2006-12-15T08:06:00.000-05:00

Wed and widowed in one day, stunning socialite Amelia Sinclair's honeymoon is anything but typical. Then again, neither is Amelia--rebellious and impulsive, marrying Robert Collingsworth was the one sensible thing she ever did. Now he's dead and she must escape the vicious creatures stalking her--even if it means relying on a stranger. Well, maybe not a complete stranger. Amelia first glimpsed Gabriel Wulf years ago on the busy streets of London; since then he has haunted her dreams. But in the flesh, Gabriel is much more tantalizing than she ever dreamt, and much more complicated…

Gabriel Wulf, the strong one, the sensible one--the, and the curse that plagued them, were his only priorities; there was little time for women and none for love. Now, he must protect an enticing beauty--and not just from the dangers that prowl the woods around them. Gabriel has secrets, dark ones he's sure Amelia must never know and could never understand. But she has already awakened his heart...and the beast within. Will Amelia be the key to his salvation, or the architect of her own demise?

What reviewers are saying...

"Newest Wild Wulf of London book is intense, sexy and poignant."
Lory Martin, Fresh Fiction on The Cursed One

“Vivid description, wonderful characters, and a story line that holds you tight destine The Cursed One for the keeper shelf. Bravo, Ms. Thompson, bravo.”
5 Kisses, Romance Divas, Kristen Painter

“Though I know I sound like a broken record, I make no excuse for it because the Wild Wulfs Of London are Hot! Hot! Hot!”
Shannon Johnson, Romance Reader At Heart on The Cursed One

“Chills will run up your spine as danger and passion rise, and Thompson works her magic. Succumb to the lure of the Wulf.”
Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Book Reviews
4 ½ stars Top Pick and K.I.S.S. award recipient from Romantic Times

“Ronda Thompson has written a story that will stay with me for a long time. She has put feelings and love into it and came out with a winner.”
Fallen Angels Reviews, Recommended Read

“The latest Wild Wulfs of London (see THE UNTAMED ONE and THE DARK ONE) is a superb werewolf Regency romantic suspense thriller that starts off as a five star howl and never slows down until the final confrontation between beauty and the beast.”
Five stars from Harriet Klausner on The Cursed One

"Author Ronda Thompson has given us a fantastic series about The Wild Wulfs of London and their legendary curse."
A Romance Review (The Cursed One)

Divas are BACK!!

2006-12-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

Whooooohooooooo!

Anyone else having withdrawals as much as I am??

I'm sooooo glad we're back!
Now stop reading this post and get on over to divas!!

ROMANCE DIVAS!!!

Romance Divas Forum

2006-12-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

At least we could read it right?
Well the repair ticket had been sent out, so they are working on the forum.
However we can't read divas now. Hopefully this will all be fixed and working soon.
I know, I along with over 1,000 other divas ;D will be biting our nails til it's back up!
Hang in there divas! the forum will be up soon! We just have to spend our valuable time polishing, finishing, editing our manuscripts while we await our virtual diva fix!

Yeah I'm so having withdrawal too! :D We can do it! We're Romance Divas!!

Divas Forum

2006-12-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

Well it's been awhile since I blogged. I'm getting slower in my old age.
So I'm spreading the Diva word today.
Yes, there are forum problems. Our diva goddesses have sent a ticket out for it's repair, so you can read the forum not post.

Think of it this way :-D You can catch up reading all the things you don't normally have time for!

Hope your holidays are great and the forum should be post-able soon!!

Look what Divas are doing!

2006-11-09T06:59:00.000-05:00

Well it's not writing exactly, but hey it's a great way to reward yourself in your writing! So you play a little and you write while you can't play. Works wonderfully!

Click to see what divas are doing!

What Lies In Winter!!

2006-11-07T02:11:00.000-05:00

Did you ever see such a beautiful cover?? I'm in love with this cover!
I hope my designs are someday half that pretty!!
And Jax made it!! how wonderful is that to be soo talented!! WHOOP WHOOP You Go GIRL!

What Lies In Winter
by Cassidy Kent
ISBN-10: 1-59279-628-1 (Electronic)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59279-628-1 (Electronic)

When workaholic Hayley goes on a much-needed holiday to her favorite cabin hideaway tucked deep in the mountains of the Mammoth ski resort, she doesn’t expect to meet the beast of a man occupying her rental.

Bestselling mystery author, Nicholas Rhiordan, happens to have the same plan in mind, vacationing in his luxury cabin. He wants nothing better than to be left alone to finish his next novel, but when Hayley makes a surprise appearance, he discovers she’s hell-bent on disrupting his peaceful balance. Like any feral beast, his only recourse is to throw her out on her ass in a heap of snow and hope that she gets the hint.

When a relentless blizzard forces them to share the same quarters, their fiery personalities and equally combustible attraction could melt the ice caps off the snowy mountains. Once the storm blows over, will their connection fizzle like a snow flurry or will they pen a perfect ending?

Genres: Contemporary / Voyeurism / Interracial
Heat Level: 2 Length: Novella (22k words)

In Ice by Crystal Jordan!

2006-10-12T23:24:00.000-04:00

http://www.cobblestone-press.com/bgcovers/InIce300X454.jpg

WEREPLANETS: IN ICE

Available October 13, 2006 from Cobblestone Press (http://cobblestone-press.com)

Jain Roberts' spaceship was supposed to dock at the new colony on the water world of Aquitilis. Instead, she crash lands after 500 years in cryongenic freeze on an icy mountainous planet. A planet populated by monstrous predators and shape-shifting bears. Kesuk, the Arctic Bear leader, rescues her from the snow, but the laws of his people say she is now his slave until she repays him for the favor. He intends to give her over to the first trading vessel bound for Aquitilis, if he can convince himself to keep his hands off of her.

About Crystal:

Crystal Jordan only began writing about a year ago after she finished graduate school and needed something to fill the hours that used to be eaten away by homework. What started as a hobby has quickly become a new career. She now writes paranormal, futuristic, contemporary, and erotic romance. Additionally, she is a member of RWA and its erotic romance chapter, Passionate Ink. She also belongs to the award winning author's resource website and forum RomanceDivas.com, where she serves as a moderator and Paranormal Co-liaison.

Raleigh in Rio by Cassidy Kent!!!

2006-10-09T01:34:00.000-04:00

Alright folks!! You have been WAITING for this! :D
I know everyone that read Sunset Key is dying to get their hands on this a copy of this new book!!!
So YAY! It's here!! Get Raleigh in Rio!! You'll not be sorry!

Raleigh in Rio
eBook ISBN: 1-59426-498-8
Published By: Phaze
Release Date: October 2, 2006
Written by: Cassidy Kent

Raleigh Campbell just learned that her five year marriage was a sham. Not only did she find her husband in their bed with a co-worker, but he has been carrying on the affair for four years! To cheer her up, Raleigh’s friends take her to Rio during Carnivale to celebrate her 30th birthday and pending divorce.

Little does she know that her soon-to-be ex has cheated his company more than her. Private investigator Cristo Santiago has been assigned to watch Raleigh’s every move in search of twelve million dollars of embezzled corporate money and that’s landed him in the hot waters of obsession. His love for Raleigh is sealed under the starry Rio sky, but can he find the missing money without losing Raleigh’s trust?

Isle Of Desire

2006-09-27T23:12:00.000-04:00

Isle of Desire
by Eden Bradley

Is it really possible to fulfill the fantasy of a promise made in the passion of youth? On a beach on the small Venezuelan island of Isla de Margarita, Isabel Asher meets once more the love of her life, Rafael Cruz, the man she left behind twelve years earlier. Desire ignites, but can the sultry tropical nights spent in his bed lead them back to love? She’s about to find out, and maybe to have her heart broken in the process.

Available September 29th from www.Cobblestone-Press.com

Watch this wonderful trailer from Eden Bradley!!

R.I.Peace

2006-09-11T18:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks Shandalear for the image.

Complete Idiots Guide to Writing Erotic Romance

2006-09-01T19:31:00.000-04:00

Alison Kent’s

Complete Idiots Guide To Writing Erotic Romance

Chapter 8 Putting It All Together.

I received my chapter on Alison Kent’s CIG and I must say I was very excited! I opened it and read it quickly. I had to stop and say WOW!

I must admit some of this I Struggle with. I mean OH! The things you learn when writing! It’s not like you can just pick up a keyboard and dash off a bestseller.

I’ve been writing with publication as my goal a few years now. I’ve learned a great many things, yet a writer can never seem to know enough. I loved that chapter 8 shows you how to put your book in a cohesive manner. Sounds logical you say? I agree, but it can be a difficult task.

Say you have a story, you’re either a panster or a plotter and you’ve written the whole thing. But something just doesn’t work. It could be the way it’s put together. Alison shows us some areas to troubleshoot and has so many wonderful definitions for the beginning writer as well as the experienced.

She explains theme, scenes and what comes after a scene. Best of all for many writers, she talks about the different points of view and how they are different!

Easy to understand examples and exercises throughout the chapter were wonderful. I saw things in a new light, which of course is a great thing! The dreaded “show, don’t tell” is one of those fundamental examples, but Alison makes it so clear and comprehensible.

Active and Passive? Cause and Effect? What is that and how does it apply to writing? Sometimes it’s hard to step away from your own work, but Alison’s examples again show us all we need to know about these great writing tools.

Verisimilitude. What the heck is that? I must admit this is the first time I’d seen or heard it. But Ah-ha! Another interesting tool! You’ll just have to get her book and find out just what it is! ;)
Is repetition ever a good thing? Find out how and why to use repetition in your MS!! I was so excited after reading this chapter 8 Putting It Together, that I preordered the book!! And lucky me!! Bookland called me and told me – it’s in!!
Don’t forget to pick yours up too! You’ll be glad you did. This isn’t just for erotic writers, this has the fundamental basics of writing I wish I’d had years ago!

Alison Kent’s
Complete Idiot’s Guide
To Writing Erotic Romance
Buy it today!!

Can You Keep A Secret?

2006-08-04T05:27:00.000-04:00

Can You Keep A Secret
Rose Middleton
ISBN 1-59578-225-7

Link

Can you keep a secret?
I don’t suppose you can.
I’m your secret Santa.
Resist my wicked plan!

It’s winter in Melbourne, Australia and investigative journalist Jesse Fox doesn’t want to participate in the Christmas in July gimmick his boss has instigated. He’s about to turn in hisI really don’t want to play this game note to the coordinator when he receives a mysterious package, which holds the most enticing dare he can imagine. Can he uncover the identity of his secret Santa before her titillating gifts drive him insane?

As an administrative assistant in the biggest television network in town, Penny Lane should have better things to do than run the secret Santa gift exchange and coordinate a weekend retreat in the snow. Yet the game allows her to indulge in her secret fantasy with hotshot Jesse, and as her inner vixen emerges, Penny needs to keep him from realising plain Jane is behind the salacious gifts.

Penny must decide if the friendship they share is more important than the possibility of spending the weekend retreat in Jesse’s bed. Exactly what will Jesse do once he uncovers the woman behind the red lace garter and the fur-lined handcuffs?

Again, I really appreciate anyone who joins in.

Diva Happenings

2006-08-01T04:50:00.000-04:00

Romance Divas
Author of the Month : Gemma Halliday – Contests workshop from the Golden Heart winner
Aug 5-7: Paranormal Event with Carrie Vaughn, LA Banks, CT Adams/Cathy Clamp, Gena Showalter, and Kelley Armstrong.
Aug 11 Jessica Faust: Bookends-inc agent in the Chatroom. 9 Eastern
August 8-18 :: Getting To Know The Voices in Your Head Workshop with Jo Ann Ferguson/Jocelyn Kelley
Aug 18 :: Theresa Meyers: PR/Promo in the Chatroom.
August 25 :: Ann Christopher, Patricia Sargeant, Maureen Smith and Sophia Shaw Multi-cultural Authors Chat

Reading List

2006-07-19T01:57:00.000-04:00

I'm finally getting back into my groove of being online. Well minus the children's relentless interruptions! :P Where is the moon phase in right now anyway?? Constantly full for the last month?? I don't know about anyone else, but my kids are more wild and reckless than usual! Whatever phase this is I certainly hope the next one is better! ;)

So I'm dying to tell you about my reading list!! Since my offline vacation I caught up on reading. I've read most of my backlist of Harlequin Blazes. They were all pretty good. I read something unusual out of my TBR pile, but can't think right now what it was. :P So why mention it? I hear you. :D Well because this is how my warped brain works that's why LOL So I'm trying to finish this Blaze book I started reading the other day, but interruptions make me put it back down again. It's called Her Body of Work. Very intriguing book!! So sexy. I like the premise. An artist hires a man to sculpt for a job that will make her career and make her richer in the sum of six digets. However the man she hires isn't a model (although she doesn't know it) He's got a secret and modeling is his cover. Not sure the ending since I'm only half-way through it, but it's a hot one!

The other on my list is Nora Roberts. Blue Smoke. Love Nora. Love her books. She stumped me with the opening line on this one, I've read it and typed it and pondered it. At first it absolutely made no sense to me. Then I was on the phone with a friend and read it out loud. HAHA makes sense now. So remember that when your writing something. I keep hearing people say they read their writing out loud for flow and such. I can't stand to hear myself talk (one more thing I love about writing I can think outloud without hearing myself!- which is of course yet another warning!! LOL) So yep I'm convinced!! You should read your writing outloud, no matter how ridiculus you feel you sound.

Okay I probably have a zillion words spelled wrong, so please forgive me. I seem to have forgotten how to spell and I'm getting to lazy to look up the words! :P Discouraging since I used to do well spelling.

Ok so excitement time and soon as I get time Blue Smoke is pushed a book back in my TBR pile :D I got a secret book today!! :D I don't want to give it away so sorry hush hush. But it's one of my favorite authors!! She sent it to me today and I'm so excited to read it!! I can't wait for the time! So once the book is released, I'll have to tell you all about it!

Sorry I'm teasing! :D Anticipation makes it better though, don't you think? ;)

Have a great upcoming weekend!!

Cassidy Kent!!! AWESOME NEW AUTHOR!!

2006-06-24T01:02:00.000-04:00

SUNSET KEY
Publisher: PHAZE

Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart.

He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

SANTA'S HELPER
Publisher: AMBER QUILL PRESS

When Manhattanite CEO Noel Ford decides to adopt a letter addressed to Santa Claus, he never expects to end up escorting sexy single mother Maura Kelly around the city on Christmas Eve. Because of her son Kyle’s selfless wish for her to find love again after her husband’s death, Maura agrees to spend the day with the handsome stranger, against her better judgment.

The spark between Noel and Maura is immediate, but the distance between Park Avenue and the New Jersey suburbs is immense. Are their two worlds too dissimilar to merge or will they be able to bridge the distance with love?

Losing It

2006-06-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

Losing It
by Kate Willoughby
ISBN 1-59578-224-9

For months, biochemist Charlotte Gibson has secretly lusted over Ben Hayden while he’s been refurbishing her house. But there’s no way the sexy-as-sin carpenter would ever look twice at a Shrinking Charlotte like her.

Not one to mix business with pleasure, Ben has been trying to hide the fact that, when it comes to Charlotte, he’s got more than just a hammer in his pocket. But now that he’s found out her deepest, darkest secret, Ben’s going to show Charlotte just how happy he is to see her…

Link to buy: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Losing+It&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Link for excerpt: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/losingitexcerpt.htm

Visit her website: http://www.kate-willoughby.com/
Visit her blog: http://www.katewilloughby.blogspot.com/

Enslave Me Sweetly by Gena Showalter

2006-05-30T14:14:00.000-04:00

Enslave Me Sweetly by Gena Showalter

She has the heart of a killer, and the body of an angel. . . Eden Black walks among humans, protecting them from the murderous evil of other-worlders who abduct and enslave. And though she appears to be human herself, Eden is an alien, a Raka, distinguished by her golden hair and skin, and gifted with the ominous ability to kill without remorse – and with total accuracy. That is, until the fateful night she has one shot to eliminate her target, a human slaver – and misses.

“Failure” is not in Eden’s vocabulary. Neither is “partner” – but that’s what she is forcibly assigned after recovering from her disastrous mission. A sexy, steely-nerved human agent, Lucius Adaire enjoys nothing more than sparking the fury – and rousing the desire – of the fiery female assassin to proud to admit defeat. Locked in an assignment they cannot afford to lose, Lucius and Eden find themselves bound in two high-stakes, heart-pounding games: the dangerous web of kill or be killed, and the erotic dance of seduction. . .

Showalter first demonstrated her skill at blending sizzling romance and nail-biting suspense set in a convincing futuristic society in Awaken Me Darkly (2005). She now continues the roller-coaster-like adventure in an equally entertaining tale that will please a wide cross section of readers. *Starred Review* Booklist.
Order your copy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or BooksAMillion.
For more information, visit Gena’s website at http://www.genashowalter.com/ and her blog at http://www.genashowalter.blogspot.com/

Memorial day weekend

2006-05-28T05:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I've managed another night of not getting anything done.
Then I started to get tired, and I thought gee, I shouldn't be.
So I kept on working- then found out I was working on the wrong thing- oops!
So I didn't get very far with the right stuff and my birds start singing in the cages!
I'm thinking what's wrong with him (it's mostly the male singing)? I'm thinking it's the middle of the night (the birds should be sleeping!) and it's dark out.
Then I glance at the taskbar for the clock-
OH! Dang! It's 5am!! hmm I guess he's telling me to go to bed and singing me a song ;)

Alll riiiiiigh-ty. Good night Fred, Daphne, (cockatiels) and Scooby Doo (Macaw).
Can you tell the kids favorite show? Yeah thought so. :D

Have a great weekend everyone!! Stay safe and enjoy!!

Sunset Keys By Cassidy Kent

2006-04-28T11:16:00.000-04:00

This is a must have!!

Sunset Key
Cassidy Kent
ISBN 1-59426-563-1

Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

Size: HeatSheet
Rating: Pulsar
Excerpt: http://www.phaze.com/Excerpts/SunsetKeyExcerpt.htm
Product: http://www.phazebooks.com/catalog/product_...?products_id=87

Romance Divas Chat w/Beth Orsoff

2006-04-27T00:28:00.000-04:00

Entertainment attorney Beth Orsoff (http://www.bethorsoff.com) will be chatting with Romance Divas in our Chat Room on Friday, April 28th at 6:00PM PST about movie deals.

Check out her book ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED, available now.
Don't miss this chat!!

Ellora's Cave Author Chat!

2006-03-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

Romance Divas will be hosting a chat with several Ellora’s Cave authors on March 10th, from 9-10 pm est in our chat room. (click this link to go directly to the correct chat room.)

Come with your questions and meet some of your favorite erotic romance authors. Denise A. Agnew, Jaci Burton, Kate Douglas, Kate Hill, and Jory Strong will all be ready to heat up your weekend. Read on for a bit more about these incredible authors.

Denise A. Agnew’s award-winning novels have been described as suspenseful, erotic, edgy, thrilling, romantic, and adventurous. One thing they share is that they are all exciting reads. Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine called her romantic suspense novels “top-notch” and her erotic romance PRIMORDIAL received a TOP PICK from Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine.

Denise has lived in Colorado, Hawaii, and the United Kingdom, giving her a lifetime of ideas. Her experiences with archaeology have crept into her work, as well as her numerous travels through England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. She now lives in Arizona with her real life hero, her husband. You can find out more about her extensive booklist, and Denise herself, at her website - www.deniseagnew.com.

Jaci Burton is a multi published author, with over twenty-five books published by erotic romance publisher Ellora’s Cave. Jaci writes in multiple genres, including paranormal, contemporary, futuristic, fantasy and BDSM. Among her many awards to date are the Cupid and Psyche Award for Best Contemporary Erotic Romance, the Road to Romance Reviewer’s Choice Award and two Reviewers Choice nominations by Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Writer’s Ink, Passionate Ink and EPIC. Jaci has recently contracted with Bantam Dell for mainstream paranormal romance, and with Berkley HEAT for erotic romance. These books will release sometime in 2007.

Jaci lives in Oklahoma with her husband Charlie who inspires her to create stories about sexy, stubborn alpha males who don’t always do what the heroine wants them to. She has three children-two grown sons and one teenage daughter. She loves animals, has five dogs and one fish who keep her company while she writes. Her favorite activities are travel, reading and long afternoon naps. Find out more about Jaci, and check out her bookshelf, at www.jaciburton.com

Kate Douglas has been privileged to call writing her profession for almost thirty-five years, producing everything from radio copy to news stories to contemporary romances and erotica. With thirteen titles currently in print, numerous ebooks with various publishers, and eight more books in her erotic paranormal Wolf Tales series scheduled through 2008, at least she knows what she’ll be doing for the next couple years!

Kate and her husband are currently dividing time between two homes while they remodel the house in the mountains where they hope to settle when her husband retires. When she’s not loading or unloading the car, Kate’s either writing or playing with the grandkids…and trying to figure out when she can go to Hawaii to see her newest granddaughter, Ella, born Feb. 6. Visit her web site at www.katedouglas.com

Kate Hill is a thirty-something vegetarian New Englander who likes heroes with a touch of something wicked and wild. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in publications both on and off the Internet, and she has over twenty books available at Ellora’s Cave. When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and researching vampires and Viking history. Visit Kate’s website at www.kate-hill.com

Jory Strong has been writing since childhood and has never outgrown being a daydreamer. She’s written several series for Ellora’s Cave, ranging from romantic suspense, to paranormal, to futuristic. When she’s not hunched over her computer, lost in the muse and conjuring up new heroes and heroines, she can usually be found reading, riding her horses, or hiking with her dogs. Learn more about Jory and see her full book list at www.jorystrong.com.

Our chat on Feb 24th was great fun – you can read the transcript in our forum archives if you missed it. But make sure to mark your calendar, you don’t want to miss this one!

New Weight Loss System

2006-03-02T15:27:00.000-05:00

Have some dental work done! :P

Sorry you thought I was going to say some miraculous drug or food that makes you loose weight didn't you?
Nope I'm starving to death! And it's cause I had two wisdom teeth pulled. One side is not giving me any trouble, but the right side is not allowing me to fully open my mouth. It hurts.

That and I'm starved to death! Liquid diet my ass!! I'm weak and feel sick. I'm drinking jello- yep drinking it. It also just made me hot/sick :P

Well this is a boring topic so I think I'll shut up now. I'm just so frustrated at being sick. I hate to be less than energetic and I've not been energetic in years but it's getting worse. I hope if I go to the doctor for my sinuses I'll suddenly 'feel' fabulous. Man I hope so!

Ouch!

2006-02-26T23:36:00.000-05:00

So I'm nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Ok tomorrow I'm getting my teeth pulled. well two and two have to be done something with them - either filled or capped. I don't know why they hurt really. I don't have any visiable cavities, but there you go. They hurt anyway.

So wish me luck, but I'd rather you send me prayers ;)
I hope there aren't any complications and I hope I don't remember a thing. Geez I'm so nervous my chest is doing flip flops like your stomach should when you read a great I'm in love story. Man if I could write like that I'd be in heaven ;)

So I'm off until when I don't know. Hopefully I shall return a healthier person from these crazy teeth.

Romance today

2006-02-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

Ok I'll admit it.
I love the old timey clinch covers. The wind blown hair, the woman held captivated by the handsome man starring into her eyes. Sigh. If only.

Real life, true love doesn't work that way. But that's what I like about it- that realm of fantasy (not the 'fantasy genre' ). That belief that true love conquers all and life is happy without further trouble after all is conquered.

Ah well.
I like the new covers too. There is an article about covers and romance today Click here.
To Read about it.
Isn't it sort of funny how far romance has evolved in the last 20 years? I find that amazing to begin with. No more hiding the books for fear of ridicule. Leave those pretty covers out for the world to see!

Back to real life. :D It's messy. And the Mom is always the one to clean it up. ;)

Currently...

2006-02-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

alrightly I've been tagged :D

Currently...

current clothing: pale blue sweatpants- deep red t-shirt with Kentucky map (nope I don't match)
current hair: dark almost black brown-- with lots of gray recently cut so it has shape- but I don't know what kind lol
current mood: dealing with fighting kids- so tired annoyance?
current refreshment: Coke is it! but that's because I'm out of Royal Crown, best drink in town (RC)
current annoyance: kids fighting/mad/whiney
current avoidance: walking lol
current smell: Hyacinth (sp?) Just bought a plant and it's smellling up the house mmmmmmm
current thing you ought to be doing: tallying scores!
current thing or things on your wall: hmm candle sconces on walls I'm trying to collect all the wall candles :D
current IM/person you're talking to: Jenn! sometimes Pam but we're usually on the phone
current jewelry: hmm I bought a brouche I'm waiting on from ebay- does that count? Other than my wedding band
current book: Reading-Nora Roberts Black Rose; Writing- Mist Mountain
current worry: bills - always
current favorite celebrity: Orlando Bloom
current obsession: Romance Divas of course!
current love: family
current longing: Million acre farm without neighbors- What if I want to run outside naked? :P
current disappointment: Income Tax checks never stretch far enough :(
current lyric in your head: Swan Lake (daughter just put it in the tv lol)
current music: Always Alabama, but a few days of The Song Remembers When lately
current favorite book: hmm Blue Dahlia was better than Black Rose so far
current favorite movie: Elizabethtown and Just LIke Heaven
current wish: too many to list
current happy thing: Hubby's working third shift after 15 years of first shift YAY!! I love it!
current undergarments: yuck! granny bloomers :P
current desktop picture: wait?! there's a surface under all these papers?!
current plans for tonight/weekend: mmmm, pleasantly nothing

So what are you currently doing? Who will I tag next?

Thanks Barb these were fun!

Bad Boys Ahoy!!

2006-02-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

(I don't know about you, but I love this cover!! Can't wait to pick up my copy!!)

Bad Boys Ahoy!
Kensington

Oh, those naughty rakes. With their wicked winks, sensual smiles, and bad boy habits, you just can’t take them out in polite society. But who wants to go out when you can stay in...?

STOLEN PLEASURES Sebastian Blake, Earl of Merrick, long ago fled the responsibilities of his title to become the infamous pirate, Captain Phoenix. But the booty he’s just captured on a merchant ship is a fierce tempered minx who claims to be a bride...his bride, married to him by proxy on behest of their fathers. He could shame his hated family and return his beautiful wife untouched, but no treasure has ever proved more tempting to Sebastian, and making their marriage a true one-in every sense-is his one urgent desire ...

LUCIEN’S GAMBLE Lucien Remington’s reputation as a debauched libertine who plays by no one’s rules-in business or the bedroom-is well deserved. He gets what he wants, social repudiation be damned. But society can keep from him the one thing he truly desires, the untouchable Lady Julienne La Coeur. Until she sneaks into his club dressed as a man and searching for her irresponsible brother. Suddenly she’s in Lucien’s grasp, his to take, and his mind is filled with the most wickedly sinful thoughts. A gentleman would walk away from the temptation she presents. But then, Lucien has never claimed to be a gentleman...

HER MAD GRACE Hugh La Coeur never wanted to be the Earl of Montrose. Wine, women, and a hefty wager are preferable to responsibility of any kind. It’s certainly preferable to spending the night in an eerie, neglected mansion owned by a legendary madwoman. The duchess’s companion, the fiercely independent Charlotte, is another matter altogether. Hugh would be happy to spend as many nights in her bed as possible. He knows she’s hiding terrible secrets, but for once in his life, Hugh has the desire to take on someone else’s burden as his own, no matter what the danger...

They’re mad, bad, and totally irresistible...

From Sylvia Day herself....

» February 4, 2006

The Book Ladies
1-4pm
511 N. Main St, #103
Corona, CA 92880
951-808-4587

If you live in So. California, join me and authors Madeline Baker/Amanda Ashley, Lauren Royal, Beverly Havlir, Mary Byrne, Ashleigh Raine, Mary Wine, and Cathy Yardley!!

I'll be signing BAD BOYS AHOY!

Fun stuff!!

Jewels Of Atlantis by Gena Showalter

2006-01-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis, which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent of the ultra-secret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation has orders to keep it from the wrong hands -- or destroy it. What he doesn't know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone! But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind....

Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, is a pawn in Atlantis's constant power struggles. She needs Gray's help to win freedom and uncover the secrets of her mysterious origins. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they fight demons, dragons, vampires -- and a prophecy that says the bond between them could destroy them both.

If you haven't ordered this yet, all I can say is...why not?

The days after deadline!

2006-01-17T02:56:00.000-05:00

OH My!!
I subjected myself to the brutalness called deadline! WOW I really wanted to enter the Amber Quill Press Heat Wave contest cause dat dat dat da da da daaaaa! I finished it! Despite everyone's attempts at home to ruin my chances of entering!! I STILL did it!! I won't win or place or anything, but I'm so happy that I told them to "stuff it" that I was doing it against their whiny butt interruptions and demands that they come first and not help me. FINE! I DID IT ANYWAY! And I'm sooooo very glad I did!!

Super thanks to Trace Edward Zaber for being such a great guy! He's been answering questions at the Romance Divas forum offering great advice! I certainly would be honored to be published under Amber Quill Press! I don't expect to place if no other reason than the rushed way I had to write my entry, BUT I plan on working All year to enter next year's contest, and have my entries spit and polished til they are gleaming!!

Good Luck to all Amber Quill entrants!!

D! Day!

2006-01-13T01:17:00.000-05:00

and I don't mean Doom!

ok so today I went to the D as in Dentist!!
First time in like gee more than 15 years. Yeah I hear you people out there cringing at the thought that my teeth are grossly rotttened out! They most certainly are not, Thank you! :D I am a total nerve case with doctors and dentist though so believe me I've been in pain to even go.

I have two bad wisdom teeth and one other molar that isn't that bad, but needs a bit of attention. :D But anyone with a medical license of any kind-- well I'd prefer to meet only in passing at the grocery store for idle chit chat-- but thanks anyway :D

I've been fighting a fever for a week now. hmm pain in the wisdom tooth, fever, not felt good, very hard time getting any writing done (I'm trying this for a warm up Amber entry you know!) I assumed my only trouble was my tooth causing problems.

We recently bought one of those things (I'm sick so bear with me I can't remember what you call them) that you can shine a light in ears, nose, & throat for a better idea of what's going on. So I'm checking kids ears-- just cause they are there and I want to make sure everyone is in top form. SO the middle child has a place in his ear-- OH NO he has an ear infection :( So I'll keep an eye out on his ear :-D

We homeschool and I'm thinking hey this is great for health and have my oldest son looking in everybody's ears for hands on learning. So we're talking about balance and extra stuff the ears do so I let him look in my ears.
!!!! Warning Warning !!!!!!!!!
My oldest son (I'm preening cause he's the type that will probably be a doctor :D ) says "Mother, you have the same thing as my brother, except a whole lot more."

HMmm really? So I have two ears full of infection. Great.
That would explain alot of my overall sick from head to toe feelings now wouldn't it? So I have some medicine from the dentist. I'm hoping that the medicine will take care of the ears too. :D Cheating I know, but hey I've been to SOMEONE this year! Can't I stay away til next year at least?

Okay so I have to go back to the dentist ---soon. And have those teeth removed and one filled. I forgot to mention that I'm not having the metal fillings. NOPE NOT GOING TO DO IT!! I'm sorry but I'd rather pull the whole tooth out (back molar) than to be unable to drink something ICE ICE ICE cold. OR SUPER HOT like HOT Chocolate. So I'll have to see about that tomorrow.

In Further news, hubby was told today that he may start 3rd shift at his job this coming Sunday. I know you day people are probably thinking Oh no, so sorry to hear that HA! You didn't notice my blog title did you? LOL Diva of the Night! I'm estatic!!! YAY!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been hoping for a long time that he'd get third and after 11 years of being with him and his job was 1st shift we're finally seeing each other!!!! :D I have it all planned out--oops shouldn't do that!!, but Lord willing it will work out great!
OK I think it's time to shut up and get to writing. I have medicine to take very soon and hubby will be home.
Night everyone!

Calling all Divas!!

2005-12-31T07:18:00.000-05:00

I just had a thought! (Scared you, didn't I?)
ok for New Year's let's have a look back on our blogs!!
When you visit a Diva (or any other blog) pick something archived and read and maybe comment on it! I just realized I've been blogging for more than a year!! Unbelievable!! About the same time of Divas Hmmm interesting.
So how has the writing changed of the person whose blog you are reading? I read a bit of my other blog (UGH! Are you kidding me?) and it is really an eye opener!

So go ahead look back over the year's blogs!! What interesting things to you see?

Happy Birthday!! No wait That's Frosty the Snowman! LOL! j/k!

Happy New Year's!!!!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2005-12-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Brrr! We HAD snow. LOL but it has melted away already! :P
so as per usual, when it's cold we work on cars! I guess I should turn my writing attention to writing a book about working on cars! If I'd journaled all our repair on cars these last 7 years I guess I'd have a best seller for the mechanic world by now! Oh well, I didn't so after replacing the steering column on my mom's car today (well LOL hubby did not me :D ) I'll do something really nice to do on a cold wintery evening--
Go to bed!!
Night folks I'll see ya when the moon rises!

It's Christmas again!

2005-12-19T15:57:00.000-05:00

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...
So how is your Christmas season?
Are you enjoying a white Christmas season, hoping for some warm sunny days?
Or are you way down south dreaming of a white Christmas, which probably won't come?
We always wish for something different from what we have, don't we?
And how about New Year's? Are the list type? Figuring out every detail of your new year's resolutions?
Or do you just swing it? Whatever strikes your fancy on that day. You decide it will be different the coming year.
How about your so tired of the hipe you forget about it all together?

Whatever your holidays are like, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and best New Year ahead!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Twas the night before nano ends

2005-11-30T04:58:00.000-05:00

And I'm blogging :D

hee hee okay I've done squat with my nano this year, but admittedly more than last year. Everyone keeps talking about those darned Alphasmarts. Aptly named too. Those alphas smarts when you dont' have one! :P
I saw so many opportunities to write AWAY from the computer. Hopefully Santa will put one under my tree this year. :D

So I'm going to update my website soon and have it lovely with Christmas. I won't be putting up a Cristmas Tree until the 19th though. It's tradition for us to put it up on my Birthday!!! So until then I'll try to write a winter short story and fix my printer-- it's on the blink right now, but hopefully it's just a setting and I can tinker with it.

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

American Title II

2005-11-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

American Title II Contest at Romantic Times.

The contest runs for 5 months with 2 finalists getting booted out of competition at the end of each round.

The first round runs November 14-27 and the entries are the first lines.

Take a look at all 11 finalists and their entries at Romantic Times (you have to click through the pages to get to the contest) or email Romantic Times at webmaster@romantictimes.com with the title of the entry you like best in the subject line.

The Diva's very own Suzan Hyssen is in the running with Altar Ego!! Please be sure to go and vote!!

Attention Romance Writers!

2005-11-11T06:08:00.000-05:00

Would you like to get a free shirt? :D

Then be the 800th person to become a member of Romance Divas!! We are celebrating a new forum coming up! If you sign up on Friday November 11, 2005, you can use this URL Please tell them that I sent you along! I'd love a hat! :D Tell 'em Night Diva Maria sent you! :D

Now if you wait until Saturday November 12, 2005 then you'll have to use the main website for Romance Divas because I don't know what the URL will be to the NEW Forum. Either way, and any number, please come join Romance Divas! We have a new We All Win contest coming up AND this weekend is the High Noon Challenge!! you don't want to miss it!!

Letter From Divas

2005-11-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

Don't worry if the forums at Romance Divas are acting up a little-- It should be back in working order in no time! Here is a letter from our Divas Goddesses! Don't forget the chat this Saturday! You don't want to miss it!

Dear Divas-

As some of you probably already know,we are experiencing technical difficulties on the forum-as of this morning we can read the forum but cannot post. Meanwhile, please visit the Diva blog at: http://romancedivas.com/divablog/

for messages and to keep in touch. You are also welcome to e-mail me here.

The steamy contemporary chat this Saturday, November 5th with Bronwyn Jameson, Nancy Warren and Lucy Monroe is still on! It's at 9PM EST and should last about an hour and a half. Please come by and chat with these fabulous authors!

Following is the message Jax posted today on the Diva blog:

Romance Divas is 1 year old this month!

Thank you for your support as a member of our award winning website and forum. Without your membership and participation Romance Divas would not be where it is today.

With this new year we plan on implementing more changes that may benefit our members. One of the major steps is to improve our forum software. We are happy to announce that we’re upgrading to a new forum which will be implemented this weekend. This new board should alleviate the issues that we face with our current board. As a way to have a stable forum for our increased membership we decided to do what is best for the site and we apologize for any inconveniences. I know some of you divas may go through withdrawal, but be strong. We’ll be up and running in no time at all.

Please be aware our forum will be down this weekend, November 5th, and may not be up and running until the end of the next week since we will need to ge acquainted and troubleshoot the implementation. We want to make sure the forum starts off on an excellent footing.

Again, we value your membership and thank you for your continued support as we enter into our second year. Please utilize our website by reading the book reviews, articles, etc. There is more to Romane Divas than just the forums. We also have our blog at www.romancedivas.com/divablog.

We will be posting updates on our main website, www.romancedivas.com, and will announce our new official forum launch from there.

Please feel free to contact us if you should have any questions. admin@romancedivas.com

Thank you!

Jax, Kristen & Lisa
The Romance Divas

Rain rain...

2005-10-21T18:55:00.000-04:00

Dont' go away,

I love the rain. It's thundering now. I love that part of fall to winter when it just rains and rains. Course I don't like that it makes my dogs bark. Ahh and the downpour hits as I'm typing this. Just Whoosh and it's pouring the rain. I'd love to dance out in the rain like this. I would have where I grew up- I'd gone outside and held my arms out and danced like the goofball I am. :-D oh well, I'm old now, this year I hit the big 3-0 I don't think I'll be depressed. I dont' think I'll mind like some people do either. I think I'll just wish I had more time to be young. Something we all take away from ourselves, I think. You never can tell I may hit a new lease on life and enjoy it beyond compare! :-D Well, I'm off! Hope everyday is just what you want it to be!

2005-10-11T05:02:00.000-04:00

.:Neptune:.

"You are a very passionate person, however,
this passion often remains hidden below the
surface. You have a great deal of compassion
for others and are always willing to help those
in need. You have a great generosity, sometimes
so great that you neglect yourself while giving
to others. You also have a stubborn side,
though, which serves to protect you from being
taken advantage of by those you help."

. : : Which Astrological Planet are You? : : . [10 Gorgeous Pics!]
brought to you by Quizilla

New Book Reviews

2005-09-20T20:52:00.000-04:00

Alright people! My words are golden! NOT. (grin) Okay so my words are not golden, but hey I can tell you about some books I've read recently! Go to Romance Divas Book Reviews to read all the Diva reviews. Here's the hightlight on mine :-D Click the Title for my reviews and click the author names for their websites!

Check this one out. This book is already at Walmart so I suggest you run out and grab a copy! :-D
To The Limit By Cindy Gerard

Have you been to Phaze.com lately? Check out these ebooks I enjoyed.
MacDougal's Rule by Adriana Dane
Diet Another Day by Pamela Downs

Have a great reading day!!

What are you doing the week of Sept.18?

2005-09-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

Lovely World what are you doing this coming week?
Are you sitting outside with a glass of lemonade reading a book?
Are you preparing for winter like the furry little creatures are? (yep they are already at it!)
Are you taking a vacation from life's turmoil?
Are you writing like your fingers are on fire?
Publishing a book or just dreaming of it?
Well let me tell you how to stop dreaming and start doing!
Yep I'm at it again. Go to Romance Divas Forum and register (for free of course!) to take advantage of FREE workshops!!
This month is Candace Havens!!! Oh did I hear a few shouts? huh-uh. :-D She's doing a Fast Draft workshop! I can't wait for this can you? We're all quite excited! It'll be fun and informative!! Don't ya just love when you learn things while having fun? Dont' realize how much you do learn that way do ya? LOL.

How about you agent seekers? what agent? Yep got your attention too right? What if I say....Deidre Knight?
ok ok don't knock me down. :-D She's doing a Q&A in the Class in Session section of the forum so don't miss it!! Yep both this coming week!! So get you keyboard ready, clear off your deskspace and get ready for a wonderful week at Romance Divas!!!

And if you want to check out what else I've been doing check out my other blog. :-D

Help a fellow writer and RD happenings!

2005-08-13T04:47:00.000-04:00

I apologise for using this same post but this time, I'm swamped!! I wanted to be sure and spread the word on the Fire fund so be sure to go and bid on everything you can!

What an exciting month!! The divas (and others) have returned from Reno, Nevada after attending the RWA Conference there. I hate to report the sad news of Marianne Mancusi arriving back to her home to find it had burned. Writers are such wonderful people!! A lot of them have pulled together and there is an auction going on for Marianne at Ebay so here is the link be sure you go and bid on something!! Marianne Fire Fund Lots of Critiques for sale and lots of books to- something for readers and writers alike!!

Romance Divas has a new SPOTLIGHT ON this month with Candace Havens. So be sure you click her name to read the wonderful interview with her!!

Don't forget the AUTHOR OF THE MONTH!! Denise Jefferies is going to teach us how to manage our STRESS!
Well I don't know about you, but I have to be there for this one!!! So mark your calendars for August 22-26, 2005!

Attention Writers and Reader

2005-08-07T12:55:00.000-04:00

Marianne Mancusi came back from Reno to find everything gone. Lightening struck her house and it burned down.
Here's a letter to pass along. Let's help all we can!!

From Lani Diane Rich:

As many of you know, author Marianne Mancusi (A CONNECTICUT FASHIONISTA IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT) returned home from the RWA national conference to discover that she had no home - it and all her belongings had burned to the ground while she was in Reno. While we're grateful that neither Marianne nor her dog were hurt, the loss of everything she owned - including childhood photos and mementos, things she can never replace - was simply devastating. Now there's a single girl in Boston who needs absolutely everything, so the girls here at Literary Chicks (http://www.literarychicks.com) are circling the wagons, and the writing community has come out like gangbusters to show their support by helping us set up this AMAZING auction to benefit Marianne.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmariannefirefund

Items include signed books from...

Jennifer Crusie
Mary Jo Putney
Alesia Holliday
Michelle Cunnah
Lani Diane Rich
Dierdre Martin
Melissa Senate
Toni Blake
Gena Showalter
Lori Avocato
Joshilyn Jackson
And many, many more...

Also, critiques (NOT submissions, but who doesn't want to get their name in front of these people?) from...

Chris Keeslar, Sr. Editor, Dorchester
The Knight Agency
Stephanie Kip Rostan, agent, Levine-Greenberg
Beth de Guzman, Editorial Director - Mass Market, Warner Books
Kelly Harms, former Avon editor, now an agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency
Brianna St. James, editor for Ellora's Cave and Cerridwen Press
Steve Axelrod - agent representing authors Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Alesia Holliday and more top hitters
And many more...

Not to mention critiques from authors...

Jenny Crusie
Alesia Holliday
Michelle Cunnah
Lani Diane Rich
Karen Rose
Lori Avocato
Joshilyn Jackson
Natalie Collins
And more...

Anyone who would like to donate to Marianne independently of the auction can find out how to do so at http://www.literarychicks.com.

This could quite easily be among the best opportunity this year for aspiring writers to get their name in front of big hitters, and it's definitely a great opportunity for readers to get signed books from their faves. So if you can promote, we'll really appreciate it, and if you can't but would like to forward this e-mail to people you think might be interested, that would be fantastic.

Thanks so much for your time. We appreciate you beyond the telling of it.

J Lani

Divas make me smile!

2005-07-31T17:58:00.000-04:00

I'm not too sappy a person, but I swear I get sappy about the Romance Divas!!! They make me smile! Just look at the comments on this first Blog Post and you'll see why. They are so friendly and warm. It touches my heart that they would leave such wonderful comments on my blog. Thanks gals!! You're the best!!

Just a little update on my Blaze entry. I am fighting a format issue (tabs are not doing what tabs ought to do for some reason!) and it's one more going over and off in the mail it goes!! I'm sure I won't win or get offers, but that's okay because it's the experience I'm after. Plus it's a free contest!! Can't beat that with a stick! LOL

I do have a new game plan!
I'm using the HIGH NOON CHALLENGE. What? You havent' heard of the High Noon Challenge? Oh, my dear friends its the new going rage! LOL Come join us at Romance Divas this very weekend for a great writing challenge. Starting Friday at 6pm start writing your heart out!! It has to be newly added words, but you can use something you're already working on. Write all weekend!! But you have to be done (and turn in) your new word count by HIGH NOON Sunday!! Kind of a short Nanowrimo for the weekend. Winner gets to pick the next Challenge! So come join us! It will be a write off you won't forget!!

Oh, what's that got to do with my new game plan? Well a short FINISHED story of course!! What ever I write on the high noon challenge I'm going to send in (after many edits) for publication at either Phaze or Linden Bay Romance. So that's my plan.

See you in Divas!!
Maria

Had to do it

2005-07-19T22:50:00.000-04:00

Yep I had to do it and add a blog in for Diva stuff. Yep I don't know why. I do that at times.
I also set up Spoiled Diva Mom's blog (cause she wasn't about too for another year LOL).
So I'm off again I have questions to work up and send for an interview. My very first so I need to try hard. :D