Dog Days of Summer

The phrase "the dog days of summer" refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer. They usually fall between July and early September but the actual dates may vary. The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of the Dog Days as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending
August 11, which coincides with the ancient heliacal rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. So now you know......

Well the dog days of summer are here in Phoenix and it’s time to break out those eggs. Fried or scrambled? Poached? Now you’re pushing it. The kids are home and going stir crazy. Is it possible to watch too much SpongeBob? (Not in my book.) Still, I can’t wait until August 7 when school’s back in session. I’ll be the one dancing in the hallways while the teachers all have that deer-in-the-headlights look.

The Wild Rose Press is offering free reads at www.thewildrosepress.com. These stories are between 750 - 2500 words and are listed on the main book store page under FREE READS.
Enjoy your dog days of summer even more by grabbing some stories
and discovering new authors.

Kim

Tina's Newsletter Contest Winner

We have a winner!!

Sahn65 won an autographed copy of Liquid Hypnosis and a $25 gift certificate to either Barnes and Noble or The Wild Rose Press (her choice).

Let's do this again. Same prize, different deadline. I love the holidays so the next drawing will be November 9th, just after Halloween and right before Thanksgiving.

To enter the contest, you need only be a member of my online newsletter group. Click on the Yahoo symbol on the right side of the blog. (Scroll down till you see SuspensebyTina and Yahoo.) As a member of my newsletter group, you will receive short notices on any posts I've added to my blogs and any news regarding my books.

Good luck!

Interview with Angie Fox

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Angie Fox. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called The Accidental Demon Slayer. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

The Accidental Demon Slayer is a funny paranormal romance about a straight-laced preschool teacher who runs smack dab into her fate when a demon shows up on her toilet bowl. Turns out, that’s just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. And just when she thinks she’s seen it all, Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer—and all hell is after her.

Of course, that’s not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And let’s just say he tries a little bit of seduction too.

The Accidental Demon Slayer is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

The book begins with the heroine gaining her powers, but there’s more to it than that. As the book progresses, the unlikely event that caused her change of fate is revealed.

What character did you like writing about the most, and why?

That’s tough. I think my first answer would have to be Pirate, the dog – just because he surprised me. When I sat down to write The Accidental Demon Slayer, I had no notes about a sidekick for my heroine. But in the second chapter, when Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer and there are some very scary, very angry creatures on her tail, she takes comfort in her dog. As I was writing, I thought, ‘This is a sweet moment. Now how do I throw her off?’

I made the dog say something to her. Nothing big. After all, he’s only after the fettuccine from last week. And he knows exactly where Lizzie can find it (back of the fridge, to the left of the lettuce crisper, behind the mustard). It amused me, so I did it. Thanks to her unholy powers, Lizzie can now understand her smart-mouthed Jack Russell Terrier. I ended up having a ball with it. Pirate can say and do things that my heroine can’t. He’s such a kick to write.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?

Loads, actually. First off, the biker witches ride Harleys, and I’d never been on a motorcycle before. Second, I had to figure out how to get Pirate the dog onto a bike.

I went online and learned about the Biker Dogs Motorcycle Club, made up exclusively of Harley riders and their dogs. I ended up meeting some of them, along with a few other bikers along the way. These bikers were so great to me. They hoisted me onto the back of their Harleys (with dogs in tow). They took me to biker rallies (note to self: don’t wear pink). And they laughed at me when I tried to put my helmet on backwards (I still say I was distracted by the Pomeranian wearing a tiny pair of motorcycle glasses).

After a few outings with my new biker friends, I was able to make my geriatric biker witch characters a lot more realistic. And I took home some great pictures, too.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Actually, I have authors that help me escape. After running around all day, I love to relax with books by authors like Charlaine Harris, Elizabeth Peters and MaryJanice Davidson.

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now, I’m finishing up edits on the second book in the Accidental Demon Slayer series, called The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers. In it, the straight-laced Lizzie decides she’s going to learn everything about her powers, and at the same time, write the proverbial book on demon slaying. And, as you might have guessed – things don’t quite go according to plan.

Truth be told, I’m dragging my feet a bit on this edit. I’m having a great time with The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers and it’s going to be hard to let it go. It’s like dishing up the last piece of double chocolate cake. I want to savor it, enjoy every bit, because it’ll be over before I know it.

Thanks, Angie!

To celebrate her book release, Angie Fox is offering an autographed copy of The Accidental Demon Slayer to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (Please make sure we have a way to contact you if you win.) She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.

Angie Fox is the author of The Accidental Demon Slayer, which hits stores this week. Critics call it, "fresh, unique and larger than life," Angie simply calls it fun. That's because she gets a kick out of surprising herself, and her readers, with plenty of plot twists, magical moments and sizzling romance.

Visit Angie at http://www.angiefox.com/ for freebies galore and answers to burning questions like, What’s Your Biker Witch Name?

Buy links:
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Demon-Slayer-Angie-Fox/dp/0505527693/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203568652&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?r=1&ean=9780505527691

Borders
http://www.borders.com/online/store/SearchResults?keyword=the+accidental+demon+slayer&type=0&simple=1

Books-A-Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=4033762332569&isbn=0505527693

The ABCs of Writing Fiction Section Y-Z

ABCs of Writing Fiction
Section Y-Z
Scroll Down to Read Previous Lessons

Y – Yesterday is in the past. Shake off any rejections, letdowns, setbacks, embarrassing moments, cruel criticisms, etc. If this is your dream, be persistent. Write the books you love and eventually you’ll find the right editor or agent for you. Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the journey-the days when everything is going right. I absolutely love it when I go over an old scene and a funny line makes me laugh. Think more about what you love about writing and less about what annoys you.

Z – Zoom to your computer! I hope you found at least one piece of information from these lessons that have helped you in your journey. Now, it’s time to get to work.

Good luck,
Tina

Interview with Rita Finalist Pamela Tracy

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Pamela Tracy. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.





I understand you have a book nominated for the RITA called Pursuit of Justice. Can you tell us a little bit about your book?

Sure, I love to talk about this book. It was my first for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense. Rosa’s story began almost a decade ago. She inserted herself in my life in bursts and stops. The beginning of her story spilled from me, but I kept selling novellas and prayer books and I’d stop writing Rosa’s story. Then, in between sales, I’d go back to it. Finally, my agent, Steve Laube, sold it before it was done and I had to finish it. Let me tell you, Rosa was relieved.



Here’s the blurb:

While helping the police bust a drug ring, Rosa Cagnalia witnessed a murder—one she was now being framed for. Officer Samuel Packard hauled her in, only to see another cop— his former partner—take her from the precinct without cause. So he followed. Betraying a friend went against Sam's beliefs, but he suspected that something was going on, and that Rosa just might be innocent. The dangerous predicament he discovered her in only cemented his desire to help. Now, if only he could get his beautiful suspect to cooperate....

Pursuit of Justice is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

I didn’t. From the beginning, I called the story The Good, the Bad, and the Romantic. When I realized it was going to be an inspirational suspense, I changed it to The Redemption of Rosa. Once it came time for the publishers input, I was asked to submit ten ideas. I don’t even remember if Pursuit of Justice was one of my ideas.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?

The research was fun. I researched how people get busted out of jail. I researched deserted mines in Arizona. I researched guns. Some research fell in my lap. When I started writing Rosa, a trailer burned down in my park. It went into my story. The cat, of course, is my cat Aquila. Sam’s dad’s cabin is my friend Marty’s cabin.

What character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I liked Rosa, of course, she came to me complete, larger than life, and she drove the story.

If your book was made into a movie, what actor would you like to fill your hero’s shoes?

Charlie Sheen is Sam. Julia Roberts is Rosa.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?


I’ve been a reader forever. I’d have to thank the early years: Beverly Cleary, L.M. Montgomery, Carolyn Keene. Then, to the teenager years: Lois Duncan. Early twenties took me to Barbara Michaels, Stephen King. Today, I couldn’t even begin to list them.

What do we have to look forward next?

In January of 2009, Daddy for Keeps, a straight romance from Love Inspired comes out. The hero is a bullrider/preacher; the heroine is a single mom who does web sites.

Thanks, Pamela!

To celebrate her RITA nomination, Pamela is offering a free copy of Pursuit of Justice to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at http://www.pamelakayetracy.com/ or her blog at


http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

Confessions of a Cover Artist

Confessions of a cover artist. How to make your book beautiful and increase your selling potential.
By Tamra Westberry

You've sold your first book, or maybe your tenth book – Congratulations! You've spent weeks, months, years crafting your baby and now a publisher is going to breathe life into it by putting it on the market for readers to enjoy.

Hopefully.

That is, as long as you have a marketable cover. Because yes, it's true, we writers know that sometimes bad covers happen to good books. If this happens to you, don't panic. There are some steps you can take to hopefully fix it before it hits the shelves. But first, let's look at a few things you can do to prevent disaster before your cover is even made.

As a cover artist and a writer, I am in the unique position of viewing the production process from two angles. I realize that each time I make a cover, it costs me time, and my publisher money, which is why I strive to get the cover right the first time. Sometimes, it's not always easy when the writer gives me limited information on the manuscript information sheet.

Example: My heroine has blonde hair, my hero has brown hair, and I want them kissing in the trees.

I can easily envision ten scenes from this. What length is the hair? Is it wavy or straight? What are they wearing? What kind of trees? Is there snow? Are they sitting in the trees or near them?

Then, of course, there's the writer who bogs down the cover artist with three pages of description and important details can easily be overlooked as we're shifting through the information. Keep it simple, but don't leave out important details.

Example: My heroine has long, wavy blonde hair and my hero's dark brown hair is in a crew-cut. It is summer, so they are wearing hiking shorts and t-shirts. I envision them in a tender embrace along a hiking trail in evergreen woods.

Keep in mind though, that many epublishers and now even some NY publishers are using stock photography for their covers. Sometimes, these stock photos don't have the exact models you want. I work for an epub and although we have a large supply of stock photography, I might find a similar couple in jeans, but not in shorts. That's why you should list three cover options on your manuscript information sheet. Just remember to keep all the pertinent information, without making the request too lengthy.

So what if you get your cover, and it's still not what you expected? What if you gave your cover artist three options, and she's got a woman with brown hair in a parka kissing a guy with blond hair beneath snowy pines?

First option – Panic. Second option – Bury your head in a hole. Third option – Try reasoning with your editor and the graphics department.

Third option is usually your best bet. Some publishers won't let you contact the cover artist. That's understandable. If you can't get a message directly to the cover artist, ask your editor to forward your concerns to your artist. Just follow these three guidelines when composing your message: Don't panic, be polite, and point out the positive.

'Is this some kind of joke? This is the ugliest cover I've ever seen!!!' probably won't get you your desired results.

Here's another approach: First of all, I think the font on the book is just beautiful. Even though I thought the snow capped trees were lovely, my story takes place in the summer, and that setting doesn't fit the book. Because it is so warm outside, my heroine and hero only wear shorts and t-shirts throughout the book. Also, although the hair length for the hero and heroine is correct, my heroine has blonde hair and my hero has brown hair. I would appreciate if you could make those changes to my cover, as I want my cover to reflect the story inside.
Thank you, _________ Author

As a graphic artist, I'm always the critic, and I've seen some pretty bad covers out there. I've also made some bad covers. We writers have written bad chapters that we've had to toss. Maybe we didn't even realize it until our critique groups pointed it out. Hopefully, your critique group let you down easy, pointed out the good as well as the bad. Cover artists should be treated the same way. I've had writers ask me to make changes and I made those changes, realizing that the original cover didn't reflect the book.

Later, if you are happy with your cover, send a thank you note to the artist. You never know if that person will design the cover for your next book. You can also request her as your artist on your next contract.

However, not all cover artists will be accommodating. Sometimes, the publisher is on a deadline or maybe can't spend the extra money to buy the art or pay the models. Or maybe the artist/publisher doesn't see a need to change your cover.

According to a recent poll at http://www.livejournal.com/HYPERLINK "http://www.livejournal.com/poll/?id=1007999teresareasor@msn.com" Poll 1007999, book promotion 101, sixty-three percent of readers have bought a book based on a cover. Ironically, Teresa Reasor was the author who posted this information on my readers' loop. The original cover I made for her historical romance, Highland Moonlight, didn't reflect her story at all. I was glad she asked me to change it, because her new cover is one of my personal favorites.

Update: After my last blog, authors wanted to know what sells on covers. I polled 30 authors from all genres at TWRP as well as my local RWA writers' group, asking them to list their five most important cover art aspects. The top rated element is cover matching the theme of the book (100 percent), followed by the composition of the cover (97 percent). Clean graphic artistry (You can't tell where the head of one guy was pasted onto the body of another, etc.) came in at 97 percent as well. Writers also want the cover to have vibrant colors (90 percent). A hot male body came in as the fifth most important element at 40 percent. If your art work has all five elements, you've got a smokin' cover! This validates my personal belief that bold colors and hot guys sell well.

***

Tamra Westberry is a cover artist for The Wild Rose Press. You may check out some of her covers and her YA paranormal series, Whispers, by visiting http://www.tarawest.com/ .

The ABCs of Writing Fiction - Sections W and X

ABCs of Writing Fiction
Section W-X
Scroll Down to Read Previous Lessons

W – Writer’s Block. Some say it is fictitious. Some swear it’s real. I believe it is our own fears or anxieties getting in our way. If you think you are suffering from it, I advise you to take a long walk and think about where you are in your writing, where you REALLY want to be and how that might change your life. Are you afraid of success? Are you afraid of failure? You can discuss this with a good friend to help sort out your feelings. There are times when I’m afraid to sit down and write because that long list of “rules” is paralyzing. That’s when I have to tell myself to write the book that I would want to read. I will instinctively know when I’m breaking a rule when I shouldn’t. Maybe you’re burned out. Most of us have day jobs to support our writing habits. Even though I’m a teacher, I usually work 10 hour days before I sit down to write. Sometimes we need to take a break and refill our buckets. By that I mean, get out and do things. Go to movies, meet with friends, visit museums, try a new restaurant, test drive a new car, go on a nature hike, etc. Whatever calls to you. These experiences will lighten your mood and give you new info to draw from while writing.

X – X-ray your writing and find your strengths. You want to continue to capitalize on whatever makes you a successful writer. Kathryne Kennedy’s stories have great romantic tension, and she finds ways to maintain it after the first love scene, which is not easy. I’m hoping she’ll want to capitalize on this strength and make it part of every book she writes. I would be disappointed if she didn’t. (BEWARE! Although, it is a good idea to capitalize on your strengths, don’t force yourself to keep writing the same type of book if you want to move on to something new. You need to be happy with what you write.) If you’re not sure what your strengths are, ask people you trust to read your material and give you their opinion. Knowing your strengths can also help you find your brand. Sassy, Sensual, Suspenseful is an example of a brand. I wouldn’t worry too much about branding if you’re a beginning writer. I’ve never heard of an agent or editor turning away a good book because the author didn’t have one.


Now, it's time to push aside that writer’s block and get back to work.