The Secret and The Dreaded Hows

Don't Worry About the Hows!

Since watching the DVD The Secret, repeatedly, some miraculous things have happened in my life. It appears that if I stay in an attitude of gratitude, which I admit is not always easy, and I know there is something I truly want, without much doubt, it comes my way. I have started out small and have been working towards bigger items and events I want to bring into my life. I had to grow as a person and realize I do deserve a life full of abundance in all areas before I could ask for more than just a parking place beside the cart return section of the grocery store.

Knowing there was truth to The Secret, I decided to do further research. Mike Dooley is one of my favorite speakers on the topic. he gives to others without the big push to sell that you often see. He says you have to stop worrying about how the universe will manifest or you block the magic (paraphrased). I recently discovered how true this is.

I knew I wanted a Netbook for my writing. I kept looking at them at Staples and knew I could usually get one for about $300, but didn't want to put that kind of purchase on my credit card. Around Christmas, I was checking one out again and I somehow knew to wait that it would come to me. In January, I noticed my credit card statement included a notation at the top regarding the number of reward points I had accumulated. I had never signed up for them, but it dawned on me that this could be the way I would get my Netbook.

I singed up and went to the site. Once there, I discovered the Nebooks would cost ten thousand more points than what I had. A bit disappointed, I decided to check out the gift cards. I found one listed for Staples, the exact store where I kept checking out the Netbooks.

You guessed it!
I had the exact amount of points needed to buy a Netbook with a Staples gift card,

I felt like the universe (which to me includes God, the angels, etc.) had made the point of showing me that The Secret works. If i had the points for one of the laptops listed in the rewards site, then I could have concluded it was a coincidence. But because it came in the way of Staples gift cards and was the exact amount needed, it was much more than that to me.

If you have had any experiences using The Secret, especially when it comes to your writing, I would love to hear about them.

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Interview with Pam Jenoff

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Pam Jenoff. 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 Almost Home. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Almost Home is the story of Jordan, an intelligence officer with the U.S. government. For the past decade, she’s traveled the world on dangerous assignments, but has always managed to avoid England due to the painful memories of her boyfriend Jared who died tragically when they were students. Now, she finds herself compelled to take an assignment in London to be near a terminally ill friend. Once there, she is contacted by a classmate who tells her that he doesn’t believe Jared’s death was an accident and asks her to help find out what really happened. So she finds herself drawn into that mystery as well as an important government mission.

Almost Home is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Titles are such a fascinating topic to me. They almost always change. For example, my working title for this book was Forever England, which comes from a Rupert Brooke poem. But my editor wanted a title that was more universal, so she, my agent and I brainstormed and came up with Almost Home, which I like better. It works on so many levels, referring to Jordan’s quest for the truth, as well as her uneasy relationship with England. Interestingly, in the UK, where the book is being released in March, it has a totally different title: The Officer’s Lover.

Would you describe your book as a cozy, mystery, suspense, or thriller?

I call it romantic suspense.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I actually don’t choose particular genres in which to write. I write what interests me and the genre is secondary. For example, my first novel, The Kommandant’s Girl, was labeled romance, historical, and a number of other genres, depending on who was speaking about it and when, and I followed it up with a sequel, The Diplomat’s Wife. But when I wanted to do something different and write Almost Home, I didn’t let genre stop me. I do think it has many of the same elements (history, romance, suspense, international intrigue) that drew readers to my first two books.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I was traveling through Spain with two friends while living in Europe and one night as we lay awake in our pension (place to sleep pronounced pen-c-own KW) I began brainstorming the idea of this young American woman who had gone to Cambridge (as I had) and now worked for the government internationally (as I did at the time) but avoided England because her boyfriend died there (mine did not.) The story just kind of took off from there.

Do you have all the key suspense/mystery elements thought out before you begin writing?

It actually varies from project to project. Some I am just writing blind and others I have a very specific idea of where I am going. I would say Almost Home was a bit more of the latter; because I’d wanted to write it for more than a decade, I had a good idea of the major plot points. But there were a few twists, including some of the end, that came as a big surprise to me.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

Each book is different in the nature and variety of the research required. One day I might be researching ethnic conflict in Bosnia and the next it might be yachts and wine, so the books and sites are always different. Friends and acquaintances who are experts on subjects are also good resources. And some of the books, like Almost Home, draw a lot on my personal experiences, like Cambridge and the State Department and living abroad. For Almost Home, I needed to do a lot of what I call “walking research” – going to a place and answering questions: when you are on the banks of the Thames at a certain point, what do you see on the other side? When walking up Fleet Street, when does St. Paul’s Cathedral come into view? Fortunately, I had the chance to go to Britain a few times for the releases of The Kommandant’s Girl and The Diplomat’s Wife, which allowed me to research these things.

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

The obvious answer is Jordan, because she shares some similarities with me, but is much cooler and more enigmatic. But I also liked writing about her best friend, Sarah. She seems like she is weak and watching from the sidelines, but I think her quiet nature is misleading, and gives her the chance to observe things other people miss – and she knows Jordan like no one else.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

My characters really evolve through the writing of the book. I don’t do any character sheets or interviews ahead of time, because I really like to get to know them through the plot as it develops. Later, after I am well into the first draft, I might go back and do some interviews or exercises to learn more about them and their backstories.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

I read a lot of historical fiction growing up: John Jakes, Herman Wouk, Leon Uris to name a few. More recently I’ve enjoyed authors such as Tracy Chevalier, Kate Atkinson and Anita Shreve. There are also some books on writing I really like, such as Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

A few years ago, I did an hour long radio interview on public radio WHYY Radio Times and I still hear from people who heard that interview. And I’m hoping this blog tour will be very effective.

What do we have to look forward next?

The sequel to Almost Home is called Hidden Things and it will be out this July. And I’m working on something next about which I am super-excited. It brings together elements of all of my other books. It’s tentatively called The Anniversary Clock, but it’s really too early to say more beyond that☺

Thanks, Pam!

To celebrate her book release, Pam is offering a free book of Almost Home to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

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.pamjenoff.com/

Buy www.amazon.com, www.bn.com.

Writer U On-Line Classes for March

March 1-26, 2010

"Sex Between The Pages: Understanding and Crafting Sexual Tension"

by Mary Buckham

www.WriterUniv.com

How do you write great sexual tension? That’s the question Mary Buckham posed to Linda Howard, Stella Cameron, Susan Andersen, Nancy Warren and more romance writers who write great sexual tension from sweet to spicy hot. In her workshop, Mary combines these lessons from real-writers with practical understanding of the 12 Stages of Intimacy (based on Desmond Morris' works) and more recent findings by scientists on the amazing role biology plays in mate attraction and selection -- findings that can be directly incorporated in our creation of powerful sexual tension.

So if you want to learn how to increase the sexual tension in your work, don’t miss this opportunity. Topics include:

* Sex versus Intimacy

* Using conflict to increase sexual tension

* The importance of details

* How to portray body language

* Maximizing biological differences between the sexes

* Analyzing those who write sexual tension well

* Exercises for your work in progress

Mary Buckham is co-author of BREAK INTO FICTION: 11 Steps to Building a Story That Sells and an award-winning Romantic Suspense author. She has hundreds of free-lance articles to her credit, a non-fiction book and is a former Magazine Editor. Currently she is a national writing-workshop presenter both on-line and at Conferences and wherever writers meet around the country. Mary encourages you to visit her website at www.MaryBuckham.com for more information about her and her current writing projects.

Only a few days left to enter to win a genuine cameo!

I love doing contests. It’s a great way to spread the word about my books, and since I do jewelry as prizes, I get to shop for sparklies. It’s a win-win for me. :}



I can’t be sure how many readers I’ve actually garnered from doing my author contests, but I love that I can reward my readers for their loyalty to me and my books. I have readers that have been signed up for my newsletter for years, and I’m always excited when the random number generator picks their number.



I have a contest for a Victorian cameo running on my website now for my latest release, my Victorian romance, MY UNFAIR LADY. (It’s an easy one to enter…I’ve posted a copy of it below.) With my RELICS OF MERLIN series, it was easy to choose the prize, since each magical relic was spelled in a specific jewel. For my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, I wasn’t quite sure what to choose. There are no magical jewels in these books (although there are magical scepters), so I just kept thinking, what would be a perfect prize for romance readers?



Two words. Chocolate. And diamonds.



So how about chocolate diamond jewelry for prizes? Oh, yes, I had a great time shopping for those! I’m only sad that the first book in the series, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, isn’t scheduled for release until July 2010. But since I always do promotions months in advance, I’ll be able to start those contests after I award the winner of the cameo for MY UNFAIR LADY. Gotta love contests. :}



Warmly,

Kathryne



THIRD cameo contest for MY UNFAIR LADY Help me launch the December 2009 release of my Victorian romance novel, MY UNFAIR LADY! The prize for this THIRD contest is a large handcarved Italian genuine shell cameo pendant set in precious metal. Entering is easy! Just sign up for Kathryne Kennedy's newsletter at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KathryneKennedy/



A winner will be randomly chosen using RANDOM.ORG. Existing newsletter subscribers are automatically entered. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends February 28, 2010. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

And the winner is.........

Congratulations Cheryl. You're the winner of Patti's book. Please contact Kim at kwatters 21 (at) hotmail.com. (no spaces) to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

"The Same But Different"

A lesson from Year One on
"The same but different."

*
On the weekends I enjoy watching a movie or two.
Movies are not only entertaining,
but a quick way to visually see what
works in a story and what doesn't.
*
This morning I watched Year One.
Not exactly thetype of movie most romance
writers would think of when wanting to analyze a story,
but I do include humor in my writing.
Plus, I enjoy laughing to a silly movie
from time to time.
*
In this Jack Black, Michael Cera story our two
main characters are cavemen who can't hunt,
gather, or get the girl. At first, I thought the film
would be a spoof about cavemen learning to light
fire, invent the wheel, etc. Just more of
the same old thing. It did indeed include those elements.
*
I was more than a bit surprised when the two characters
walk a long distance and run into the Cain and Abel from
the Bible. Soon they run into Abraham about to sacrifice his
son. Not much later, they are running from Roman soliers.
*
I realized this is a great example of taking the same old story
and giving it an unexpected twist. When I first started writing,
I was targeting Harlequin. I heard repeatedly to read many
of thebooks in the line you want to write for to get a feel for
the type ofbooks in the line. But I also heard the editors want
"the same, but different."
*
Many editors, not just Harlequin editors, want stories
That are like the other books selling well, but they
want your story to also have an unexpected twist
to make it a bit different from the others.
*
Not only does your story need a twist, but you need to mention
this twist in your query letter so editors and agents know
why they should ask to read and later buy your story.
*
I hope you find this helpful.
Until next time,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Interview with Patti Shenberger

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Patti Shenberger. 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 Mistletoe Seductions.Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Mistletoe Seductions is the third novella in The Zodiac Club series, published by eXtasy Books. Evie Weston is a store decorator and finds herself having a very happy holiday season with the twin security officers at her new job. While it is a happy ending, it’s one you will not see coming. I love to take my books and turn the ending up on its head.

Mistletoe Seductions is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

I have been using Seductions in all the novellas as the last word and wanted something that sounded festive since it was a December release. Earlier releases were Midnight Seductions, Candid Seductions and now Mistletoe Seductions.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love writing romance. To me there is nothing more wonderful than the happily ever after. I read it and I write it! My past romance novels include historical time travel, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, and magazine length non fiction. You name it, I’ve probably written it.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I am a panster, but I do make notes longhand when I am writing if an idea for a later chapter comes to me. For me, plotting is like locking something in, and I want the freedom to be able to swing left if the mood strikes, rather than always having to maintain a straight and narrow course.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

For The Zodiac Club, I needed to research astrological signs. Each heroine’s characteristics are based on her zodiac sign and I wanted her actions and reactions to mirror that. I used Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs for this series. I love to type in whatever topic I am trying to learn more about into Google and see where it leads me. You never know what you might turn up. But that being said, you do have to careful to make sure what you are using is true. Readers will know and they will let you know. (G)

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I wanted to set the book around the holidays, but really didn’t have a game plan in mind. The idea came to me after we returned from vacation. I started thinking about having Evie come back from vacation to a new job. Add in hunky security men in uniforms and voila. The makings of a very good holiday, if I do say so myself.

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

I think my favorite character was Isabella, my heroine in the first book, Midnight Seductions. She is a late night love doctor dj, and has yet to practice what she preaches. In rides the hot doctor on a Harley and she has her hands full wanting to indulge in her own advice.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I really don’t do a lot of predevelopment on my characters. The most I put on paper before I start writing is their name, age, hair color, eye color and body description. Since the novella is so much shorter than a full book, I don’t have a lot of room to get into too much description of her, but I do want the reader to get a feel for her.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

There are so many authors that I read, but my favorites (at this moment in time) are anything by Jude Deveraux, Debbie Macomber, Maureen Child, Annie West, Trish Wylie, Susan Mallery, Starr Ambrose, Michelle Celmer. The list goes on and on. I also read a lot of biographies as well as pretty much any topic that catches my eye.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I think having a web page and talking with readers is the best thing you can do. Blogs, interviews, chats all give the reader an insight into you, what you write, and whether it’s something they would like to read. Word of mouth is also a great tool. The more people you tell, the more familiar they are with your work. And here where the chocolate is so yummy, and this chair is fabulous. I love the deep heat massage it has, where ever did you get it??? I'll never tell KW

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now I am plugging forward on a manuscript that Silhouette Desire has and would like to see revisions on. I am also working on another book, a paranormal that I hope to shop around by spring.

Thanks, Patti!

To celebrate her book release, Patti is offering a free book of Mistletoe Seductions to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

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.pattishenberger.com/

Buy . http://www.extasybooks.net/ebjmsite/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=ebook_flypage&product_id=6920&category_id=31&manufacturer_id=148&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=50

Joseph Gibson is My Hero

Joseph Gibson is my hero.

While out jogging, the 38 year old Phoenix doctor was hit by a car and killed. Dr. Gibson's wife, Jennifer, says "his passing served as a blessing to others". His organs were donated to four patients in need. Four beautiful pieces of Joseph live on through others. I should be so blessed to be able to do the same when it is my time to go.

My current release On Wings of Love also deals with the delicate subject of organ donation. My hope is that people reading this book will also come away with a new appreciation for organ donation, the many people involved to make sure everything takes place, and the wonderful gift that each and everyone of us has a chance to give to someone else.

Blessings,

Kim Watters

Kim's book on the shelves

How cool is this? I wandered into my local Fry's grocery store and found On Wings of Love on the shelves. Since this is my first Steeple Hill release I took pictures.

On the shelf

Tina, Emily, Kim & John

Blessings, Kim Watters

Love is...

In honor of Valentine's day, I'm sharing this upcoming post I wrote for my Casablanca Authors Blog:

I write about love nearly every day. That sweeping, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping love that happens when you’ve first met your soul mate. I write about heroes and heroines who are larger than life. Who even lay down their lives for love of each other. But in real life, it isn’t very often that we’re required to make such a sacrifice. But sometimes I think what love requires of us in everyday life can be even harder and just as beautiful. It’s all those little things that truly define what love is, and so I’ve compiled my own list of examples of love, and because it’s a broad scope, I included more than romantic love.

Love is…

An eighty-year-old man who looks at his eighty-two-year old wife and says “You’re even more beautiful now than the day I met you.”

When your son gives you a hug because you’ve had a horrible day.

When you call your sister at work and tell her that your father had a stroke while on vacation and her first response is “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. You pack, I’ll call the plane for reservations…for both of us.”

A man who follows a five-pound dog around the yard at midnight, waiting for the dog to go potty, because the little dog just had surgery and anesthesia, and might fall over and pull the stitches. (The same man who swore he’d never own a dog small enough to be carried off by a hawk.)

When your son tells you that he’s moving out, and you tell him that you’re so proud of him for being independent, and excited for the start of his new life--when all you really want to do is hold onto him, cry, and beg him not to leave.

When you ask your mother, “Isn’t he the most beautiful, smartest baby you’ve ever seen?” And your mother answers, “Yes.” And means it.

When your friend cries harder than you at your father’s funeral. For your loss.

When you stay up all night with your child because they have a fever.

When the touch of your hand makes a child feel better…no prescription required.

When you would make a deal with the devil himself to take away the pain and suffering of someone you cherish.

When you’d rather suffer the pain instead of someone you love.

That huge boulder sitting on your chest, robbing you of the ability to think or breathe, when you lose someone you love.

That contented, joyous feeling after making love to the same person for the thousandth time.

When your child says, “You look tired, Mom. Let me take care of that for you.”

A man who buys you chocolates…just to see the look of bliss on your face when you open them.

Someone you can call at any time to ask for help or advice. And always gives it.

A friend who listens to you…and never judges.

A man who says, “I don’t care what anybody else thinks. Your opinion is what matters to me.”

I’m going to stop now, only because I would like to hear what “Love is…” to you.

Warmly,
Kathryne

And the winner is....

Congratulations Estella. You're the winner of my book On Wings of Love. Please contact me at kwatters21 (at ) hotmail.com no spaces to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Interview with Kim Watters

Hi everyone, Kim Watters here. It’s a pleasure having my own interview up at Much Cheaper Than Therapy. Now if you’ll excuse me a second, I’m going to grab a mint truffle I received from Cerretas at the recent Chocolate Affaire here in Arizona. Finally, I get to sit in the lounge chair and have a much needed therapy session even if I ask myself the questions! Not really a stretch for me since I talk to myself and my characters a lot. LOL.

I understand you have a new release out called On Wings of Love. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Certainly. I think the blurb sums it up the best:

Ruth Fontaine's job is to deliver lifesaving organs to those urgently in need. But the gruff pilot of her charter plane has no kind words for her work. And then she discovers the heartbreaking reason why. Noah Barton lost his wife and young son. Grieving, he gave in to pressure to donate his child's organs--a decision he regrets. He's bitter against those who "take advantage" of people's anguish. Yet he still flies her on her missions, with his beloved dog, Houston, as his copilot. Now Ruth will have to show Noah he has two other copilots: the Lord and her love.

On Wings of Love is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My editor picked it out. The original title was “The Gift of Life” but I don’t do titles very well. I'm really pleased with the new title and think it really reflects the tone and the genre of my story.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I've been trying to become a Harlequin author for years. They've always been my dream publisher so I kept writing stories and submitted, each time getting closer. One night after my last rejection, I asked God for some direction. The next day I heard that the Love Inspired Line had gone from 4 to 6 books per month. It couldn't get any clearer than that. I brought my faith into the next story and finally sold to my dream publisher.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I’m a little bit of both. I have the basic idea and characters outlined, but things change as I write the story. Sure this is more work on the revisions, but I found if I tried to stick with the synopsis as written before the book is done, I’ve stifled my creativity. Being a borderline panster though I had to do four revisions on the book before I sent it to the editor, but with each pass through, the story got better.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

Yes. Lots. I spent several hours on the organ donation website and wept at some of the stories of both the donor families and the recipients themselves. I also contacted two donation coordinators and grilled them on their jobs. I didn’t volunteer to go along even though I was invited because I don’t do well in medical settings if you get my drift.

I also contacted a pilot who helped me through the airplane and crash scene and studied several aviation websites.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Several years ago my neighbor lost her eight-year-old nephew in a car accident and the family donated his organs. I couldn't even begin to imagine the grief for those parents yet they took comfort in knowing that though his death their son helped others live. This was the first time I'd ever really heard of organ donation and couldn't quite wrap my mind around it until my sister-in-law needed a new kidney and liver. I toyed with the idea for years, but I didn't quite have the characters until they just appeared in my mind when I started asking the right kind of what ifs? As a parent, the hardest thing to do would be to bury a child. What if the hero wasn't certain about his decision to donate his son's organs? What if the woman he falls for works for the same organization that he feels took advantage of him?

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

Noah. His struggle with his faith, how to deal with his son’s death and the decision he made to donate his organs really made me weep. My hope is that people reading this book will also come away with a new appreciation for organ donation, as Noah discovered at the end, the many people involved to make sure everything takes place, and the wonderful gift that each and everyone of us has a chance to give to someone else.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing?

I do all of the above. Character sheets help me keep track of such things as height, weight, eye color, siblings etc. Interviews help me discover what’s really happening inside them, what’s on their mind, and yes, sometimes what they ate for breakfast yesterday.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Wow. In today’s market there’s too many to list, and quite frankly, every author who sits down and finishes a book inspires me. But when I was a child, I cut my teeth on Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden and the likes from that era and still read some of their books today when I have the time.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

That’s a good question. When I figure it out, you'll be the first to know. I do have a pretty extensive on-line presence and I’m sure that is helping.

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now I'm working on another partial for Steeple Hill. This one revolves around a Victorian Mansion in need of series of renovations and a hero and heroine who are both up to the task. Of course if you can't wait for that one, there's always my back list at www.kimwatters.com

Thanks, Kim!

You’re welcome Kim!

To celebrate my book release, I’m offering a free book of On Wings of Love to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

I’ll be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for me, so please ask away...

Bio. At twelve years old, I fell in love with romance after I borrowed a romance novel from the book shelf of my older sister. An avid reader, I was soon hooked on the happily ever after endings. For years, I dreamt of writing my own romance novel, but I never seemed to have the time. After I graduated from college with a degree in Business Administration/Management, I moved into the city of Chicago to pursue another dream. I worked as an actress and a model. Tired after six years of the hustle and bustle of the city, I relocated to a small town in Arizona just north of Phoenix where there are no sidewalks or public transportation and the cowboys still ride their horses to the bars. There I was able to pursue my other dream. Four published novels and many short stories later, I still live in that not-so-small anymore town, with my own hero--my husband, Bill, my son, Shane, daughter, Emily, two Frisbee dogs and two hamsters. I’m a member of RWA, NINC, PASIC, ACFW, Desert Rose RW, and Valley of the Sun RW.

Check out my website at www.kimwatters.com

Buy. Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Love-Inspired/dp/0373875827/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263907670&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/On-Wings-of-Love/Kim-Watters/e/9780373875825/?itm=3&USRI=kim+watters

Borders http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0373875827

February Bootcamp for Novelists On-line Classes

WHAT'S UP AT BOOTCAMP FOR NOVELISTS IN 2010?

February Courses -- February 14 thru March 13

QUERY, SYNOPSIS, and MARKETING
with Linda Style

Nothing is more important than that first impression with an editor. That first query letter you send, the synopsis you write to represent your story... each is a first impression the editor gets before reading your story. Your query and synopsis represents you and your work, so you want them to be the best they can be. This is a "How To, Hands On" class in which you'll learn not only how to write the perfect query letter and synopsis, but also how to make itglitter and shine.
Then you'll learn how to sell yourself. Query, Synopsis and Marketing is the completion course of the 10-month Polish Track. Because it is so hands-on, it is the only course Linda will teach in February.

Beginning with March, she'll return to teaching two courses per month.

FEE: $25

Enroll at http://bootcampfornovelists.com/

Need more info?
Email Linda bootcamp4novelists2@yahoo.com

SATISFYING ENDINGS
with Connie Flynn

A classic truism is that readers decide to buy your book after reading the first page andthen decide whether to buy your next book after reading the last page. This course shows how the story's ending finds its foundation in the beginning and why no book can end with a bang that doesn't start off with a some fireworks. We'll explore what readers look for in endings and why different genres must satisfy different expectations, and what elements must be present at every ending, whether it's happy, tragic or bittersweet. Satisfying Endings is the completion course of the 10-month Basic Track, and takes students through the last chapter of their book.

FEE: $25
Enroll at http://bootcampfornovelists.com/

Need more info?
Email Connie mailto:Conniebootcamp4novelists@cox.net

MOOD and SETTING
with Connie Flynn

The balance of attention paid to mood and setting vs. action varies between and even within genres, but the techniques for developing atmosphere and setting remain the same. This courses will teach you how to build world rules and world views into your story without slowing the pace. You'll create plot devices and touchstones to keep readers oriented and learn how to keep track of details.

FEE: $25

ENROLL at http://bootcampfornovelists.com/

Need more info?

Email Connie bootcamp4novelists@cox.net

I finished the first three chapters of THE STORM LORD’S DAUGHTER, the second book in my new Georgian fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS!

I’ll admit, after I finished THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, I was having a difficult time with the second book. I’ve had a hell of a year, and my head and heart have been muddled with so many life-altering changes that I wasn’t sure if I could manage to write the next book…well, of course I could write it, but would it be any good? Would I fall in love with the characters and the story as strongly as I did with book one?

I struggled. I should have known better.

I made myself keep writing, and when I finished the first three chapters, I had my answer.

Oh, yes.

I decided to post this blog so that if it ever happens to me again, I can go back and read this to reassure myself. It takes those first three chapters to get to know my characters, to introduce complications that I couldn’t have thought of in the outline, because the magic of writing for me always happens when I’m in the story. When I’m living the lives of my characters, and describing the world around them.

If you’re a writer and reading this, and life is interfering with your creative process, don’t worry about it. Sit down in your chair and write. Let your talent for storytelling take over, and I promise that it will all work out. If you’re a reader, hang on to your seats, cause I’m writing you a story full of thrilling adventure, passion, and magic!

Wishing you all my best,
Kathryne

And the winner is......

Congratulations Connie. You're the winner of Devins' book. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by.

Super Bowl Writing

Super Bowl Writing

With Today’s Super Bowl about to begin
I considered the similarities between training
to be the best in any sport and making it to
the “big time” as a writer.

These are just a few that came to mind.
Feel free to add your own thoughts in the comment section.

*Both writers and athletes start out as beginners
who learn from those more experienced.

*Both need to practice to continue to improve.

*Those who are driven, tend to be
the ones who make it to the top.

*Writers and athletes both need to believe they
can be the best and dare to dream.


As Henry David Thoreau once said,
“Go confidently into the direction of your dreams.”

Interview with Devin McKee

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Devin McKee. 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 Dangerous Magic. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

I’m very excited about this new release from Wild Rose Press. The main characters, Riley O’Connor and Laura Marshall, come from two different worlds.

Travel agent Laura is a small town girl living in the big city of Houston, Texas, and she believes in that Mr. Right. Riley is uncertain love exists for him, especially after he cancels his wedding to one of Houston’s most high society catches. It doesn’t help that his ex’s parents happen to be old family friends to his parents. Nor does it help that he is embroiled in dislodging threats against his family’s legacy, RC Oil and Energy.

Then he bumps into Laura, literally, and he begins to believe his luck might have changed. Laura, on the other hand, thinks she has just met the most arrogant jerk in the entire world. She blows him off, but finds it difficult to stop thinking about him. When Riley turns up at the same Mexican resort where Laura and her friends are vacationing, sparks fly. All too soon those sparks turn into embers of passion, rocking their worlds for very different reasons.

But someone is bent on toppling the O’Connor Oil dynasty and this person will use any means possible, including Riley’s new found love, to achieve that goal.

Dangerous Magic is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Originally, it had another name, The Magic of Love, but as I got more into the suspense part of it, I decided I liked Dangerous Magic better. There is also a second book in the works with Riley’s misfit brother and Laura’s best friend, and titled Dangerous Waters, so I thought the two would compliment each other. As far as the magic part, it’s two fold really. The surprise for Laura and Riley finding themselves in love, and the fact that Riley’s grandmother is from the old country, Ireland, and she has passed a special gift to Riley, although he isn’t willing to believe it until the end.

Would you describe your book as a cozy, mystery, suspense, or thriller?

I would describe it as a cozy, romantic suspense.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

Oddly enough, I tend to read more historical romances than contemporary, but find myself drawn to contemporary writing. Maybe it’s because contemporary is what I know in real life. I’m a very observant people watcher and that helps.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Well, as a former travel agent who lived in Texas for nearly 30 years, I have always found myself interested in oil and ranching industry. I love those cowboys! And you can’t live in Texas without knowing someone in one or both of those fields. I also love Mexico, especially Cancun, so that brought in the resort part. I guess my idea and characters took off from there.

Do you have all the key suspense/mystery elements thought out before you begin writing?

Not really. This storyline sort of evolved. I do have an idea where the book will start and end, but sometimes I surprise myself as I type away at the pages in between. I like that flexibility to take my characters on different rides than expected.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

Yes, I spent a lot of time researching oil companies, the oil boom in Texas, talking to people who worked in the field. My niece used to work as a geologist on oil rigs in Wyoming and North Dakota. One time, she came to visit my husband and me when we lived in San Antonio. She took us to a drilling site somewhere near Corpus Christi, Texas. I thought it was one of the most fascination experiences of my life. We wore the hard hats, stood on the platform and watched data spit out of the computer. It might be boring to a lot of people, but not to me. I also got hooked up with my life saver who worked out on an off shore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Since quite a few scenes in the second book are on an off shore rig, his knowledge was invaluable to both this story and the one with Riley’s brother.

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

Hmm. That’s hard to say. Riley, of course, because he is incorrigible, but in a fun way. He has that part executive/part cowboy thing going for him. I have said from the beginning, this is the kind of guy I’d want to take home to mom. Laura was a little harder. I had to unpeel the layers to get to the final woman she becomes. It was weird, but Riley was just there. I knew him inside and out, but Laura made me work a little harder to get the right edge. And of course their friends and family were a lot of fun to work on because they are all so unique and fun.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

Yeah, I’m kind of one of those ‘seat of the pants’ writers. I have ideas where my characters are going, what I want them to do, but I don’t create sheets or charts or post-it notes on my computer screens. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I might wake up, think of something, and write it down before I fall back asleep. I know the charting thing works well for a lot of writers, but to me, I just get bogged down in all of that. I love to just sit and write. If I’m having a bad writing day, sometimes it’s best to walk away for a couple hours and refresh your mind.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Johanna Lindsey was one of the first authors I ever read. A co-worker gave me one of her books in 1990 after the sudden death of my husband. Believe it or not, I never considered myself a reader until then. I haven’t put down books since. After my first Lindsey or two, I was introduced to Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter and Amanda Quick. I love them all. Their books gave me sanity and comfort when I needed it the most. They all gave me the inspiration to write.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I’m still trying to figure out the ins and outs of my blogsite and Facebook. I haven’t Twittered yet, but know that’s coming. As my critique partner will tell you, I’m very technically challenged. My local library is very excited about this book. They already have me committed to a book signing sometime in the spring. Also, my RWA group had a Valentine’s tea last year at one of the Toledo, Ohio libraries. I love to do card crafting, so I made these little books with the cover of Dangerous Magic, and inside was my business card, a small blurb about the book, and a mini Hershey’s chocolate. It was fun to make and fun to give out.

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now, Wild Rose Press is considering Dangerous Waters. I’ve almost completed my third book, A Heart’s Second Chance, and I really like where it is going. This is a book I started, put away, dusted off, started again, put away, dusted off and started again. I’ve added some new characters and a bit more suspense, but it is really coming along nicely.

Thanks, Devin!

To celebrate her book release, Devin McKee is offering a free book of Dangerous Magic to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

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 devinmckee.wordpress.com

Buy at thewildrosepress.com, amazon.com or Barnes and Nobles.

Come meet the Much Cheaper Than Therapy Ladies

Meet the Ladies of Much Cheaper Than Therapy at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire February 5-7 at Murphy Park in Glendale Arizona

The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Feb. 5-7, is a delicious delight for the senses as the 15th Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire takes over downtown Glendale to create a chocolate-lover’s dream!

Chocolate purveyors from Arizona and around the nation gather in Glendale for this award-winning festival, which celebrates not only chocolate, but romance and the arts as well.

In addition, the festival has become the largest gathering of national romance novelists in the Southwest. This symposium of literary romantics offers fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with authors, as well as the chance to attend free writing workshops given by the experts.

AUTHOR NAME	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Carol Webb		10-5:00 PM	12-5:00 PM
Judi McCoy	5-10:00 PM	10-10:00PM	12-5:00 PM
Kathryne Kennedy	7-9:00 PM	7-9:00PM
Kim Watters		10-5:00 PM
Tina LaVon		10-5:00 PM

Hope to see you there.

A once-in-a-blue-moon event!

I don’t often write contemporary short stories, but I had an opportunity to appear in an anthology alongside my son, and could not pass up the opportunity. As usual, my short story, SILVER RIVER, is a fantasy…although it touches the realms of science fiction or a ghost story, depending on your point of view. My son’s debut short story, GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE, can be considered a ghost story as well, although it’s meaning will go deeper than that for many. And I think my son’s story has a much better twist than mine!

I’m proud to announce this anthology, and to be right alongside my son’s first published short story. I think you will agree that, based on this debut, he has an amazing career ahead of him as a writer.

My mother and son debut, NIGHTBIRD SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT, is now available on Amazon.com here: http://www.amazon.com/Nightbird-Singing-Dead-Night-Dennis/dp/098195720X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259957535&sr=1-1

Or at the publisher’s website here: http://nightbirdpubs.com/nightbird_anthology

I will have a few copies available for sale at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire this weekend, February 5th & 6th, where I'll be signing books from 7-9 p.m. Our booth is located at 58th Avenue and Glenn Drive, at the NE corner of Murphy Park, in front of the Civic Center Building, across from the shuttle pick up. I'll have all of my books available for sale and signing, including MY UNFAIR LADY and THE RELICS OF MERLIN series. Hope to see you there!

My Best Wishes,
Kathryne

And the winner is......

Congrats, ROBYNL - you are the winner of BLACKEST HEART! Please contact me at amber (at) amberleighwilliams (dot) com to claim your prize :) No spaces.

Amber

Thanks for stopping by.