I Finalled! Twice!

I’m happy to report that both Lords of Ch’i and Love’s Alchemy finaled in the Fantasm Awards! Go vote if you have the inclination! I’m in the postapocalyptic category. Try saying that three times. Vote HERE.

Blondes Don’t Have More Fun in Romances

Okay, so maybe none of you think any of these past and present not-quite-hunks are worth looking at. I’ve had crushes on them all–I was just knee-high to a grasshopper when the Man from U.N.C.L.E. was a hit. Of course, I’ve loved many Dr. Who guys. And the wee fellow from House, M.D.

Brits, and blonde.

I write about dark men with long flowing locks, hunky builds, alpha personalities (sometimes), but that’s for the readers. I love cute little funny British blondes. Maybe it’s my heritage (I’m about half English, a hefty dose of Irish, and a blip of German), maybe it’s because I grew up during the Brit invasion.

Anyway, back to the boys. What is it you ladies long for in the dark-haired dudes? I’d really like to try a blonde on for size! A challenge–name your favorite blonde.

Thirteen Books I’ve Written

Thirteen Things about Ciar I think perhaps I’ve written thirteen books in three years. I’m not sure! Let’s see if I can get there… 1. The Princes of Anfall–Samhain 2. Mayan Nights–Samhain 3. Dark Prince of Anfall 4. Unholy Vows–Samhain (coming) 5. Ghosts of Key West–Samhain (coming) 6. Wizard of Time–Ellora’s Cave 7. Out of My League–Amber Quill (Therese MacFarland) 8. Three Nights in Greece–Amber Quill (Therese MacFarland) 9. The Biggest Kahuna–Loose ID 10. Love’s Alchemy–Loose ID 11. Knight of Swords–Ellora’s Cave (coming) 12. Mayan Secrets–Samhain (coming) 13. Relic Hunters (uncontracted)

Wordless Wednesday

My Husband’s new website. I helped!

Contest Monday–Post Yours!

I just like the egg. It has nothing to do with this post.

Do you have a contest? Post it here! Don’t forget a link. While you’re at it, do register for my newsletter for a chance to win one of three Amazon gift certificates by sending an email to ciar@ciarcullen.com The first issue is full of fun stuff–recipes, recommendations, tips and more from many of your fav authors!

I’m in a New York State of Mind

For something completely different… I’m outlining a “steampunkish” story set in Manhattan circa 1863. It’s a big project, and I’ve a number of other things to complete first. I wondered why I was so fascinated with this era, and then remembered two titles I read a loooong time ago. They are two of my favorite books, on my list of top 20 all time, and I guess they heavily influenced my tastes.

Most of you have read Time and Again, I’m sure (not the Nora Roberts one), but if you have not, please do yourself a favor. It’s romantic, intriguing, meaningful, and a time travel that teaches how time travel should be done. If this is your genre (either to write or read)–it’s Lit 101 time for you.

I am a huge Doctorow fan, and Waterworks is not his biggest hit, but I think it’s wonderful and became totally absorbed in it. You can probably find either of these at your local library. Branch out! There’s romance in mystery, and mystery in romance, and lots to love about these books. No, no throbbing members here. Simply incredible writing. Would you like to make any non-romance recommendations?

Thirteen Signs Something is Wrong

Thirteen Things To Think About from CIAR CULLEN I recently started training in a program at my school to bring better awareness of depression warning signs and symptoms and to help identify young people at risk. But of course, these things affect adults. Take a look and if you recognize yourself or a loved one, please don’t wait to get help. I know this isn’t amusing, but hopefully you’ll indulge me this one time. 1. Overeating, or poor appetite 2. Difficulty sleeping, or wanting to sleep all the time 3. Feeling of never having enough energy 4. Difficulty concentrating 5. Chronic low self-esteem, pessimism, or sadness 6. Using alcohol or other drugs to feel better 7. Loss of pleasure in activities 8. Significant weight loss or gain 9. Feeling worthless or guilty 10. Hopelessness, thinking things will never get better 11. Being overwhelmed by sadness or of “going crazy” 12. Hard-to-explain, sometimes frightening physical symptoms 13. Thoughts of death or suicide Depression is a disorder, not a character flaw. There’s help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wordless Wednesday

Mrs. Giggles Unmasked!

My sources have confirmed it–Mrs. Giggles pictured here, holding her beloved pet chicken. Or is that a rooster? Hey, I’m a city girl.

Mrs. Giggles has reviewed two of my books recently. Love’s Alchemy got a (I’m paraphrasing) “eh, creative, not bad, like the backstory more than the romance” and Wizard of Time got a “eh, junk food, not an unpleasant way to spend some time, liked the secondary characters better than the main ones. Humor a la Zelazny.” I really can live with those reviews, because it’s how I felt about the books myself. Love’s Alchemy is the second favorite book I’ve written (Ghosts of Key West, which will become available sometime soonish when I rewrite it is my first). But like Mrs. Giggles, I loved the backstory, writing the historical fanciful story of Isaac Newton more than the SoHo shenanigans.

Anyway, the Giggler mentioned she liked my voice and style and might review some more. It’s not striking terror into my heart–I know, I know. What’s to fear? So far, she’s been dead on with my books. Those are the reviews I would have written. The worst that can happen is that I get a confirmation of my personal self-critiques. Is she going to stop folks from buying my books?

My greatest fear is that she’s not going to like my lasagna, my primroses, or the tightness of the bedding corners in my guest suite. Okay, I don’t have a guest suite, I live in an apartment.

Come on Mrs. Giggles, reveal yourself!

My exciting day!

The Princes of Anfall is in print! And it’s gorgeous, if I do say so myself. I’m so proud. Take a peek at it here. It’s also available at Amazon and B&N online! Woot!