Hope, Love, and Treats for You!

Hope, Love and Treats by Emma Sanders was my choice for a Halloween read! Thanks to everyone who recommended their own holiday work–I’ll pick another for the Christmas season. I picked Emma’s book partly because the description sounded a little sweeter than my normal taste, and I like to branch out once in a while.

This incredibly short work (a short story really), is as cute as a button (what does that mean, anyway?). Our heroine, Mandy, doesn’t much like Halloween, and we learn it’s with good reason. She’s a good mom to her cute (and believable) son Wiley, and she can’t deny the kid a chance to join in the trick-or-treat fun dressed as Capt. Jack Sparrow. Mandy is rewarded for trying to overcome her fears of things that go bump in the night…but you’ll have to read the book to learn how (yes, it involves a hunky guy).

Let me get a few little notes out of the way–I think some of Ms. Sander’s writing could be smoothed out a hair, and some of the backstory seemed a little thrown-in at the end. That said, this is an adorable tale that rings true to life. Mandy is a very likeable character, and the descriptions of trick-or-treating are dead-on, no pun intended. This story is as advertised–you could read it aloud in front of your children and not blush. And something about that was really, really refreshing–after all, it’s romance! Moms who are busy today trying to get those wings to attach properly or scouring the stores for a last minute rubber sword will get a kick (and a romantic sigh) from this book.

I look forward to more from Emma Sanders, and wish her a spooktacular Halloween! Here’s four out of five pumpkins for you!

5 Angels for Love’s Alchemy!

Just got an awesome review for Love’s Alchemy! Since angels do figure into this book, I’m happy to see five of them from Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews. You can buy the book here.

Ms. Cullen has created a phenomenal book loosely using the famous historical character, Sir Isaac Newton, and using some of his known studies, formed the basis for an awesome book. I loved the use of the mythical Philosopher’s Stone to create a new form of life. Sidra is a very strong woman who is at a crossroads in her life where she needs help in coping with the curves that life is sending her. Van has been looking for someone for longer than most people remember and he thinks he has found it in Sidra. The closeness seen between Sidra and Van from the very beginning is almost mythical and very poignant. Love’s Alchemy is funny, fast paced, erotic and full of plot twists that keep the reader guessing what will happen next. If any book screamed SEQUEL, it is Love’s Alchemy. You can read the whole review.

I Have to Say it Was a Good Day! Ellora’s Cave

I’m so happy to announce that Ellora’s Cave has offered to publish my sexy quirky satiric fantasy The Wizard of Time. I’m going to be reworking it a bit, but needless to say, I’m thrilled to have found a home for this novella. Inspiration to continue the sexy adventures in Castle Borough!

What Haunts You?

I’ve been thinking a lot about those who have gone before us, especially those I knew (my Aunt, my dad, my Nanna, etc.). Sometimes I almost sense them near me. Wishful thinking, I’m sure. I’ve also been thinking about the things that haunt me–the broken promises, bad relationships, stupid mistakes. I think this is a wonderful time of year to work on letting go of that baggage. What haunts you? The unfinished degree? The man who got away. That manuscript in the drawer you didn’t have the courage to finish? The past is the past–or is it? Which of your regrets do you need to let go of, which can you repair?
My list is short: I have two old friends to reconnect with, a lie to come clean about with a family member, and a promise to God to fulfill. Not so bad for a half century. I’m sure there’s more, but I’m old enough to have forgotten them. )

There’s Always Something There to Remind Us

Some of you have heard the terrible news that Samhain editor and debut author Teri Smith died yesterday of a heart attack. My heartfelt sympathy to her family and her writing partner, Jean Marie Ward, a lovely person herself. I didn’t know Teri, but at some point in the last several months, she must have been thrilled to have her book accepted, to see her new cover, to anticipate one of her dreams coming true.

I simply want to take a moment to acknowledge my editors, my writing friends, those folks I’ve never met in person who enrich my life and help me fulfill my dreams. And in Teri’s honor, to try to live today fully.

Passionate about a publisher? Question for readers and writers!

I just got a request for a full manuscript from a publisher, which is always a good thing. That is, if the publisher is a good one. Hmmnn… Got me thinking–how do you define a good publisher? Of course, they publish good books. Consistently good books. But I’m not so sure. Speaking mostly of epublishing, and I suppose this is relevant for print as well–there are always some clunkers, right? Or maybe ones that are just not to one’s taste. Are good publishers those that sell well? If you start to look at it from a writer’s point of view, then all sorts of other issues arise. Editing, contracts, treatment, communication, publicity, reputation, collegiality, timeliness…the list is endless. With your reader’s cap on, what things do you look for in a publisher? Or do you just go for the writers you like? Which are your favorite publishing houses, the ones you feel you can count on. As a writer–what do you look for?

Who You Gonna Call? These Guys?

I wonder if anyone else out there is as puzzled as I am about the show Ghost Hunters. What’s the appeal? Why did I look forward to the season premiere (in which basically nothing happened), and anxiously came back for more a week later (when nothing happened). The extremely serious and too-self-deprecating-to-hate members of the Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), pull out all the stops to debunk stories of hauntings, from creepy hotels to lighthouses to battleships. They do a great job debunking these hauntings. They simply never (okay, almost never) find anything. Once in a while there’s a suspicious blob or glimmer or whisper, and that gets very, very exciting. Still, most are explained away. STILL, I’d love to work (is it work?) side by side with these guys. They seem to have a lot of fun. Maybe that’s what’s so endearing. I wouldn’t mind actually seeing a ghost, though.

Calm

Thought I’d post one of my husband’s photographs (see him at Bruce Kerr to wish you a peaceful day.

Holiday Reads, Anyone? Post Yours Here!

Who has a holiday release? A spooktacular Halloween offering? A snowy winter mystery? A steamy love tale with the man in the red suit? Post your buy link and a wee description here and I’ll pick one to buy and review (no worries, I only post reviews of books as recommendations!).

Sunday’s Tip: Take a Hike

Blocked? Sunday “blues”? Can’t get into that project, that WIP? Characterization got you down? Or like me, are you completely lacking a plot LOL? Try getting up and taking a walk (unless you live in Buffalo). I just did and Bam, blood started flowing to the brain and plot came pouring out. Suddenly knew what was wrong. Unfortunately for this work, it means I have to go back to the beginning again (again, again) and rework things, but it’s better than staring at 20K and not knowing what the hell to do. So if you’re at your wits’ end, my tip for today is shake a tail feather!