The Character Depot

Origins Blogfest

2012-02-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks for dropping in. DL Hammons atCruising Altitude is hosting this blog fest, along with Alex Cavanaugh, Creepy Query Girl and MatthewMacNish. Today, we’re supposed to expose ourwriting roots, so here goes.

My earliest memories of books go backto when a neighbor used to bring home what I now recognize as the covers fromstripped books. My friends and I tradedthese covers and kept ourselves occupied with the pictures. If my memory servesme right, most of these books were bodice-rippers, and you know those carryrich and glossy pictures.

I started reading early and alwaysexcelled at English, so writing came naturally. By the time I was in secondform (eighth grade to Americans) I was writing love stories in exercise booksthat I’d tape together. These ‘novels’ made the rounds in the classroom andwere popular. I can’t say why my interest in writing fizzled, but it did.However, I made up for it by reading tons of books.

After not writing anything butMinutes for a twenty-year stretch, and thinking I could make some money, Idecided to write articles on the craft of writing. I sold the first one I wrote(never got paid the promised $10.00, but the article is still live on the net) andhaven’t looked back since. It’s a lot more fun writing novels though, sonowadays the only articles I’m writing are for my workshop, or for publicationin the local paper.

My view as to who a writer is haschanged along the way. Before I was published, I thought I couldn’t call myselfa writer until I had exchanged money for my writing. I know better now, andbelieve that as long as I’m enjoying the creative process and I’m still writing,then I can call myself a writer.

I hope you feel the same way aboutwhat you do.

Don't forget to stop by the list of participating bloggers here.

A Valentine Challenge by Kiru Taye

2012-02-05T21:03:00.003-05:00

Thanks for dropping in. I'm happy to be hosting Kiru Taye, a fabulous romance writer, as she launches a book promo and giveaway for her new release, A Valentine Challenge.

Hieveryone! Today I want to introduce you to my newly released contemporaryromance novella A Valentine Challenge. It’s set in Enugu, a city in Nigeria,which is where I grew up before coming to live in the UK. Enugu is a majorcity, the capital of Iboland, a major cultural group of people. It is named forits topography and translates to ‘Hilltop’ in English. Residents fondly referto it as the Coal city because of it coal mines.

Theidea for this story came when I’d thought about writing a story for a Valentineanthology. The question in my head was: what would happen if a powerfulmillionaire played at being a poor man to win a rich woman? And even betterstill, how would he cope with the challenge knowing that another woman hadrejected him in the past when he’d been poor?

Fromthat initial idea, Michael Ede the hero, made his appearance on page one and AValentine Challenge was born.

Book Blurb:

Book1 of the contemporary romance Challenge series set in Nigeria. Three friends.Three challenges. Are they willing to risk everything for love?

Ex-soldier Michael Ede’s spent his time buildinghis life exactly the way he wants it. Life is good. Or so he thinks. So whenhis friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from hispast, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men.Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things.How dare he? She’s told him to go take a dive into the River Niger. And not sopolitely too. So the next man who dares to cross her path is at risk of gettingshredded with her spa manicured nails.

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as theobject of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistrybetween them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love.Can either of them escape unscathed?

Bookexcerpt:

Chapter One

He knew trouble when he saw it.

A man accustomedto dealing with danger in all guises, he’d come across its varied forms fromthe killing fields of Sierra Leone to the marshy jungle of the Niger Delta.Danger came in the form of men with machetes or AK47s and explosives packedinto cars in crowded markets. Though scarred, he’d dealt with trouble andsurvived.

Yet, standingoutside the front entrance of Park Hotel Enugu that morning, a light breezefanning his face, Michael Ede knew he’d never seen trouble like this. Today,danger came at him as a woman. A stunningly beautiful woman. Like no woman he’dever seen previously. Sure, she had the poise and elegance of a well-bredwoman. Dressed in a white shirt and high-waist black trouser suit that enhancedas well as hid her curvy figure, feet encased in black peep-toe high-heeledpumps, jet-black hair pulled back in a chignon, blood-red lips that matched hertoe nails, she exuded sophistication and class.

Beneath all thatexterior elegance, there was something about her that connected with a part ofhim—the part of him buried under the rubble of a demolished heart. Stirringyearning he didn’t even want to contemplate. Danger signals resounded withinhim, his stomach churning with adrenaline, his senses focused on the objectcoming his way like a missile. His instincts told him to run, get out of there.Still he stood his ground. He was a born fighter. He never ran from danger.

Sashaying towardhim, her lips in a glorious pout, her eyes amber-brown and captivating, shecame to a halt a few feet from him. As if she knew that if she came any closerhe might not be able to keep his hands off her. He clenched and unclenched hishands at his sides, his heart rate rivalling the drumbeats that heralded Obiagu masquerades.Hot blood flooded his body. It had nothing to do with the heat of the earlymorning African sun beating down on his back.

And everythingto do with the woman standing before him. Trouble!

“Who are you?Where is Jonah?” she queried, her soft voice laced with annoyance, a frowncreasing her otherwise unblemished oval face. Her not-amused eyes squinted inthe sun as they moved from scanning him to surveying the hotel car park as ifexpecting the elusive Jonah to appear any minute.

Strange, in theshort time her gaze left his body, he missed its warming effect on his blood.How was that possible? Reminding himself he was here on a mission, he straightenedup leisurely. He moved away from the car toward her, rolling his shoulderswhile telling himself she didn’t have an adverse effect on him.

“You must beKasie Bosa,” he said it in a matter-of-fact way. In a power play, confidencewas key. Moreover, he wasn’t going to bow and scrape for her...for anyone. Heneeded to start their encounter the way he meant to proceed.

She reared back;possibly surprised he’d addressed her directly. Tough. She’d have to learn tolive with it. His stare caught her suspicious eyes and held them. He raised hiseyebrows in a challenge. Her eyes flashed with irritation.

“Yes, I’mKasie,” she said, her voice hardened.

“My name isMichael. I’m your replacement driver. Jonah is not available today.”

She appraisedhim from head to toe, her eyes widened with disbelief. “You are my new driver? What jokeis this? I’m calling the car service. I requested the same driver for the week.You—you stay right there.”

Bristling at hercommand, he took a step forward. No one spoke to him in that manner—like he wasat their beck and call. He came and went as he chose and didn’t dance toanyone’s tunes. Before he could reach her, he remembered the reason he wasthere in the first place.

His baby was at stake. He wasn’t going to lose Cessiefor any woman.

Author Bio:

KiruTaye writes steamy contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. Her debuthistorical romance novella His Treasureis a Love Romances Cafe Best Book of 2011 award-winner and an All Romance eBooksbestseller in Historical Ancient romance category.

Whenshe’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with family or travelling. Youcan reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

His Treasure is available now on Amazon US, Amazon UK, All Romance eBooks and other online retailers.

A Valentine Challenge is available now on Amazon US, Amazon UK and All Romance eBooks.

Cover Reveal - xoxoxo

2012-02-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

I’m happy to be part of a cover reveal for Bethany Lopez’ xoxoxo, which is the second book in her Contemporary Young Adult series, Stories about Melissa. The first book was Ta Ta for Now!

xoxoxo will be released on March 2nd.

Synopsis:

Melissa has learned a lot since her freshman year began, but it isn’t over yet! Her world is about to change again with the birth of her new sibling, and she has to figure out how she will adjust to being the eldest of five kids. She, Jess, and Jimmy are inseparable, and she is having a fantastic time although she can’t help but miss Brian as she tries to learn how to deal with his relationship with Layla. Everything seems to be happening at once and that is when she is introduced to Ben Campbell, a senior at Dearborn High, who becomes an interesting distraction as he helps her deal with the new developments in her life.

Places you can find Bethany’s work:

Independent Author Network

Releasing a Dud...What Were They Thinking?

2012-01-30T08:51:00.001-05:00

Ihave a confession to make; ~~In my past life, I was~~ I’m a romance junkie.

It’sno wonder I write in the same genre, but these days, I don’t read a lot of it. Acouple of reads by Monica Jackson fired me to up to go for a triple. Unfortunately,I made a bad choice and my current read left me more puzzled than I know how toexpress.

Ibought the book based on an intriguing blurb. What sold me was the fact thatthe heroine isn’t picture perfect and she has self-esteem issues. Anyway, frompage two (Kindle size) I figured that I’d bought a dud. Some head-hopping isallowed in romance novels, but there can be too much of a ~~good~~ forbiddenthing.

Thesexual chemistry angle was immediate and unconvincing. A murder was committed, andwhile time had passed, the investigative capers were so far-fetched as to beridiculous. The editing also left a lot to be desired.

BeforeI buy books on Amazon, I have a look at the reviews. Caught up in my romance fever, this time Iignored the few one and two-star reviews. I also didn’t bother to read thesample I downloaded because the writer is established, with over twenty books toher name.

Bigmistake.

Now,don’t think these books are with some small publisher. Most people who readromance novels would recognize the imprint if I named it. I find it very hardto believe that a book like this made it to print. Yes, some of us are talentedand lucky enough to produce pot-boilers under contract. However, I wonder wherepride comes in, especially when your name is on the front of the book. It’seven worse when a discerning reader buys the book and rates it a one-star readon Amazon. And I also wonder about the people who gave this book a five-starrating. Brain dead comes to mind as a description.

It’sout of some sense of misguided loyalty to the writer (whom I don’t know) thatI’m not going to rate this book. I prefer not to waste the time it’s going totake to write out my thoughts in review format. Hard as it is for me to admitdefeat, I don’t think I’m even going to continue reading it.

There’ssomething else I don’t get.

Ican’t say that the writer put this book out as part of her backlist as it isstill under the publisher’s imprint. Bearing that in mind, I wonder if the bookwas even edited by the publisher.

Withboth my publishers, I’ve had positive experiences. The one I was assigned atWild Child Publishing is excellent! The only niggle I had with the other housewas that they edited out my sex scene (as part of their policy). The problem Ihad was that it was spliced in such a way that it was disjointed, and done ontheir final edit, after I’d been though the book twice making changes for them.

Ifthis novel-in-disguise I bought was self-published, I’d be more forgiving, butI just don’t understand how a major publisher could put this story betweencovers for public consumption. All the self-published books I’ve read so far arelots better.

Afterthis experience, I’m now even more aware of all that needs to bedone on my own road to self-publishing. Not that I wasn’t before, ’cause I’m aperfectionist. I guess that’s why I’vebeen making little progress with Distraction. Unless I have a product I canstand behind and feel proud to call my own, you won’t see it on the market. I have lots to think about by way of productbranding and standards.

Thankgoodness I only spent $2.99 on this book I still can’t wrap my head around.

Readanything like that lately?

Ican’t help but wish you haven’t.

P.S. I signed up for the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Dunno if I'll get to the finish line, but I love a challenge. Go here to see what that's all about.

ORACLE COVER REVEAL MYSTERY TOUR

2012-01-23T05:53:00.000-05:00

Today marks J.C.Martin’s Cover Reveal Mystery Tour in which the cover art and blurb for the novel Oraclewill be revealed all day in different time zones. Pretty cool, huh?

Do visit J.C.’s blog, which ofcourse, is the Tour’s HQ.There you can find out how to participate in a fun mystery activity that J.C.has come up with. If you choose to accept this challenge, you stand the chanceof winning a $20.00 Amazon Gift Voucher.

I appreciate your visit, as always, but today I’mgonna insist that you hurry over to the Mystery Tour Headquartersto helpsolve the mystery.

OfficialBlurb

As thecountdown begins, the body count rises.

WithLondon gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn’t need a serial killerstalking the streets. They’ve got one anyway.

Leavinga trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police are no closer to findingtheir latest murderer than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solutionfor his daughter’s disability.

Thrustinto the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parentis wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety ofa growing population of potential next victims.

One ofwhom could be his own daughter.

Fingerspoint in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer’sonly answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.

Oracle will be available both in print and in e-book form on July 30th, 2012!

Congrats, J.C., and to everybody else, have fun over at Mystery Tour Headquarters!

Snapshots of Jamaica & Pleasure Reads

2012-01-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

I’m editingmy next novel and this is now the second print out I’m working with. Since I’mnever satisfied, I’m still marking it up with a red pen, which tells me I’m furtheraway from my target than I thought. After I’m done with this read through andedit, I’ll save it to my Kindle for a pleasure read, but I suspect I’m deludingmyself.

What’sa pleasure read, you ask? Well, I haven’t ever done it before, but I’m going totry to read the book as a reader would, without editing anything. So far, I’veread two print copies of my novels and while I did, I was still looking forerrors, just in case the editor or I had missed anything. I’m weird I know, butthen so are a lot of other writers.

Haveyou ever managed to read any of your published work without your internaleditor chipping in and messing up your enjoyment of the story?

Tellme about it.

Onanother note, I’ve been very lax in putting up pictures of Jamaica. I took theones below in November of 2011 while on the way to Montego Bay. If you evercome to Jamaica, make sure you have something to eat at Scotchie’s. You don’tget better Jamaican jerk anywhere! And don’t you just love the rustic feel?

Do Characters Float Your Boat?

2012-01-16T09:47:00.002-05:00

Someof you might know that I do book reviews over at The Readers’ Suite. Most ofthe books I’ve been reading are those I review for People with Voices or theones authors ask me to take on. LastFriday, I was on Goodreads and while looking through my page, I came across abook I wanted to read, but hadn’t got around to. I downloaded a sample fromAmazon and then bought the book.

It wasa Mills and Book Modern Romance. I haven’t read one of those is years becausethe storylines started feeling like the same tale with different people, plusthey’re written in the same way. However, this one was very strong oncharacterization. The plot wasn’t unique or complex, however, for the firsttime, I was reading about a female character with physical flaws – burn scars. Thewriter did a great job putting me into the heads of girl and guy. This is askill I respect. I’m posting the coverhere because it serves as a cool reminder of the escape I enjoyed this weekend andno, I don’t know the writer.

I’vemade it a point in my writing to pay special attention to my characters. Storiesfall flat if characterization isn’t done right. We know that. This particularelement of writing is why I started this blog and how it got its name, but boy,have I strayed off point with my posts.

I don’tthink it takes special talent to write compelling characters. My method is toalways be inside the skin or the person whose story I’m telling. It can beemotionally disturbing, but based on the reviews I’ve gotten on my books todate, I believe I’m doing something right. It’s all well and good to have arollicking plot, but if there isn’t a larger-than-life protagonist to make thestory rock, you lose me as a reader.

So, whatdo you think? Can you live without a unique character and deep point-of-view? D’youbelieve it takes talent to come up with compelling characters or d’you think it’ssomething every writer can learn to do over time?

Writing....Not So Solitary

2012-01-09T14:52:00.003-05:00

Source

We writers accept and understand that what we do is mostly a solitary endevour, but the time comes when we have to share our words with others. I’m grateful for my critique partners, who do so much to round out my stories and give me the energy to get to ‘The End’.

I’m working on a novel that I started in 2009 as my NaNo project. I’ve been increasing the word count over the last month or so, posting a chapter every few days. I’m also editing Distraction (see cover in the sidebar) and working on the syllabus for the workshop I’ll be doing shortly. However, I’m stealing moments to get my chapters finished because I know those reading it are invested in the characters and want to see this sequel end on a happy note. Their input helps me figure out if I’ve gone in the right direction or what I have to do to make a bigger impact.

Dunno how many of you go it alone, writing and editing, but I sure am grateful to have a wonderful group of writers who make useful suggestions and help me catch any awkward phrasing, etc. Of course, this method won’t work for everybody, but I’m at the stage where I am able to decide what to ditch and what to keep when it comes down to the final edit.

At what stage do you reveal your precious gem of a story to other people’s eyes? How much weight do you place on the advice you receive while you’re in the crafting stage of your novel?

Lessons From a Rain Lily

2012-01-06T11:18:00.003-05:00

Rain Lily

I own a rain lily that never ceases to amaze me. Sometimes it disappears, leaving just a few fronds and I think ‘okay, it’s really dead this time’, but you know what? It never gives up. Through neglect, too much sunshine and too little water, my little rain lily presses on and shows me a beautiful bloom ever so often. I wonder what that little beauty would look like if I really paid some attention to her, watering every day, feeding her with plant food and tilling the soil once in a while.

I’ve been thinking that neglect is responsible for a lot of the little things that escape us, not to mention how easy it is for us writers to put off getting things done today and then tomorrow. I’ve noticed for a while now just how much time I spend not writing when I sit down at my computer. I also find it ironic that before I had a single book contract, I was writing a lot more than I am now. I should be more motivated to write now, but that’s not the case. I do everything else but write and then there’s the guilt over not marketing any of my books either, and with Distraction coming out shortly, boy do I need to be on the ball.

Point is, I should be paying attention to the things that matter. I believe it’s called prioritizing. Nobody achieves success without deciding what’s important and sticking with a plan to meet specific goals. Lists work for me and I’ve started out the year keeping my Things to Do pad really close. In the same way, I’m leaving that lily on the step where I’ll pass it coming and going, hoping that it will be a reminder of what I need to do to keep it alive, along with my writing career.

How many of you have any sort of scheduled writing time each day and do you stick with it?

On Your Mark...

2012-01-02T11:23:00.001-05:00

Today, is a holiday in Jamaica. Yippee!!!

At the start of each year, I have a list of things I want to accomplish. Some of those I got done in 2011, some I didn’t.

The most significant thing I did was to self-publish a book. I did it without a lot of pre-planning, but it was a major achievement for me because it proved I can do exactly what I set out to do if I stay focused.

This year, there are several things on my 'to achieve' list. Planning is going to be very important, so too is execution. I’ll be launching a writing workshop and will be publishing my pet project Distraction.

I’m wishing all of my blogging and writing buddies, success in their endeavours. Feel free to share your personal vision.

The year 2012 is new and unfamiliar territory, but we can and will make our mark as the months roll by.

So, on your mark. Set. Go!

Many thanks to those of you who left a comment for Nina Jade Singer, who shared a wonderful Christmas message here. I’m pleased to announce that random.org chose Carol Kilgore as the winner of a copy of Secrets of the Knight.

Last, but not least,

Source

Special Holiday Offer From Nina Jade Singer

2011-12-25T19:26:00.003-05:00

Today, Nina Jade Singer is bringing holiday greetings to all my blogging buddies.

Nina Jade Singer

Hello everyone. I’m so honored to be guest blogging at the Character Depot. I recently celebrated the release of my first book, Secrets of the Knight from Crescent Moon Press.

There’s a lot to celebrate today. It’s Christmas day here in New England. By now the gifts have been opened, the pancakes have been devoured, and the stress of holiday shopping is finally a thing of the past. Well, until next year anyway.

So for today’s post, I’d like to extend holiday greetings to everyone reading, sort of a blog Christmas card. Here are my holiday wishes for all of you:

I hope you are all warm and safe and in the company of those you love most in this world. I wish you all good health and the fulfillment that comes from the pursuit of your dreams. And may those dreams come true.

May your friends be near and may your home be full of laughter. May your lives be abundant with peace and cheer.

I wish this upcoming year to be full of promise and joy for you all.

And if, like myself, you happen to be in a cold, blistery climate, may you find a way to escape soon to warmer, tropical lands full of sunshine...even if it’s only in the pages of a fantastic novel.

Please read on for an excerpt and summary of Secrets of the Knight. I look forward to your comments!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. And of course, happy reading!!

Nina Jade Singer

Secrets of the Knight

Blurb:

Several years ago life forced Thomas (Bo) Bowden to give up everything, including the woman he loves, and take refuge on a Caribbean island. Little did he know, he was taking the first step to fulfilling his mystical destiny.

Nicole Balian has come to the small island of Trenado to find a missing teenager. She's shocked to the core to find her former lover instead. And the attraction between her and Bo is as strong as ever.

Working together to solve the unexplained disappearances plaguing the island, they find themselves in a frightening world of voodoo and magic. Trenado's history is shrouded in supernatural mystery. The danger they face serves to reignite their love. But as Bo fights an ancient evil that haunts the island, will Nicole be able to save the man she loves? Or will she lose him once again, this time forever?

Buy Link:

Amazon

Nina jade Singer on the Web:

Website Facebook Twitter

One lucky commenter will receive a copy of Secrets of The Knight. Followers and commenter’s of the blog tour will go in the grand draw of an Amazon Gift Certificate of US$100.00!

Christmas a la Marley & Kamoze

2011-12-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

Poinsettia - one hint that Christmas has come!

Thanks to those of you who stopped by for Tracy Sumner’s visit with me this past week. Tracy was generous enough to give away a set of three books. See covers here. Random.org determined that the lucky bookworm is Sarah Pearson! Congratulations to Sarah.

I’m sending warm Jamaican Christmas time greetings to you compliments of Bob Marley & the Wailers and Ini Kamoze. My personal favourite is the one by Kamoze.

Enjoy this special time with friends and family. I know I’ve enjoyed your company during 2011 and look forward to great things this season and beyond.

Blessings to you and yours.

A Jamaican Christmas Under the Tiki Hut!

2011-12-21T09:11:00.003-05:00

I visited a few blogs this morning and only then did I realize how much I miss dropping in and chatting with other writers. Time has been in short supply around here, but I loooong to get back to reading, editing and writing.

Poinsettia

Today, one of my characters is visiting with Carol Kilgore, Under the Tiki Hut. If you have a moment, drop in and see what a Jamaican Christmas is like.

Also, Tracy Sumner is giving away a set of three books here on Friday. Make sure you enter for that here.

I'd also like to announce the winners of the Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop. The persons below won e-copies of
Don't Get Mad...Get Even.

Shadow
Desiree
Riya
Megan
Misha

I'll be sending out email!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tracy Sumner...And a Kindle!!!

2011-12-18T20:53:00.002-05:00

Compliments of the season! Today, I’m pleased to share a bit about Tracy Sumner and her work.

Tracy’s story telling career began when she picked up a copy of LaVyrle Spencer’s Vows on a college beach trip. A journalism degree and a thousand romance novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a southern version of the perfect love story. With a great deal of luck and more than a bit of perseverance, she sold her first novel to Kensington Publishing.

When not writing sensual stories featuring complex characters and lush settings, Tracy can be found reading romance, snowboarding, watching college football and figuring out how she can get to 100 countries before she kicks (which is a more difficult endeavor than it used to be with her four-year-old son in tow). She lives in Charlotte, NC, but after spending a few years in “the city”, considers herself a New Yorker at heart.

Tracy has been awarded the National Reader’s Choice, the Write Touch and the Beacon – with finalist nominations in the HOLT Medallion, Heart of Romance, Rising Stars and Reader’s Choice. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. She loves hearing from readers about why she tends to pit her hero and heroine against each other and that great novel she simply must order in five seconds on her Kindle.

TIDES OF LOVE

He left all he loved behind...

Will he be able to return and win her heart?

An earth-shattering secret revealed in his recently deceased mother's diary causes harsh words between Noah Garrett and his brother. Desolate and totally bewildered, Noah leaves Pilot Isle and has no contact with his family or even Elle Beaumont, the girl who has been his shadow all through childhood. Now, ten years later, Noah is a renowned biologist and returns to Pilot Isle to head up a research lab. Coming back home opens up old wounds and uncovers buried feelings. Hoping to have a few days to cope with all the old emotions welling up within him, Noah really isn't ready to face anyone yet. However, it's just his luck that the first person he literally bumps into is Elle. The only difference is, Elle is no longer a thin red headed mischievous imp who is constantly in trouble and always needing to be rescued. This Elle is a gorgeous, passionate young woman who sets Noah's blood on fire.

Marielle Claire Beaumont has loved Noah since she was a child. As a sad little girl who'd recently lost her mother and couldn't speak English, Elle met Noah when he saved her from taunts at school. Ever since then Elle has loved Noah unconditionally and followed him around like a little puppy. Her world was shattered when he left so suddenly. His silence all these years has been very difficult, and Elle is stunned when she slams into him so unexpectedly. It's not long before she's disrupting Noah's life again as sparks of passion fly in every direction between the two.

To read excerpts of both novels in the Seaswept Seduction Series: TIDES OF PASSION and the just-released, TIDES OF LOVE, please visit my website at http://www.tracysumner.com/ or visit me at Facebook.com/TracySumnerRomanceAuthor or @SumnerTracy.

Everyone who signs up for my newsletter or comments will be put into a drawing for a Kindle!

One lucky reader will get a prize pack of Tracy's three novels! All you have to do is leave a comment. Drawing takes place on Friday of this week!

My holiday novella – TO DESIRE A SCOUNDREL – was released a few days ago. Click Amazon link.

Happy reading!

Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-16T10:32:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Jamaican leg of the Stuff Your Stocking Christmas Blog Hop. I’m giving away five e-copies of a short story collection – Don’t Get Mad...Get Even. Of course, these are stories with a Jamaican theme. Complete the form below (don't forget to click submit) and you’ll be entered to win a copy.

There are tons of people participating in this bloghop, so do check out the list here. Enjoy! Wishing you lots of luck with winning some Christmas reads.

What choices do you have when you are abused, cheated on and left with a trail of broken promises? Take an inside look at Jamaican culture and lifestyle through a collection of award-winning stories. You will laugh, cry and commiserate with a compelling cast of characters, who conquer their challenges in unique ways.

Goal Setting...What Say You?

2011-12-12T08:58:00.002-05:00

Source

I’ve always found life interesting because of the unexpected side roads that have appeared on my journey. This year has been an interesting one for me. I’ve had two books released traditionally and I’ve self-published a short story and a collection of Jamaican themed stories. The self-publishing route is not something I was even thinking about a year ago, but things and times change. I have a lot more in the pipeline, but all in good time.

This last quarter is a hectic time to cover writing, editing and critiquing duties, not to mention all the things that a woman needs to do for the home and family with Christmas approaching. And because I am who I am, I’m also working on a workshop venture for 2012. Time is definitely in short supply – as always – but we all find a way to do the things that are most important, especially the stuff that will make a difference in our lives. December is also the month when many of us decide what we’re gonna do in the new year.

Have you given any thought to what you want to achieve in 2012? Have you made any plans and taken the first steps towards those goals?

There’s no time like the present, so what are you waiting for?

In the Thick of Things Again...

2011-12-06T10:09:00.002-05:00

View @ Half Moon

Having been out of circulation for a week, I’m daunted by the amount of things I need to catch up on. NaNo was a bust at some 26,000 words, but hey, that novel is well underway. I’m back to reviewing my writer buddies and there are the final touches for my next release that need urgent attention. I’m almost afraid to mention the tons of email I have to catch up on, but you know what? I’m gonna take some of my own advice – one thing at a time. I may never get as caught up as I’d like, but I’ll do what I can to get back to normal in the shortest time.

Garden View

That said, I have lot to tell you, but as is typical of me, it’s not coming together right now – leaking brain juices and all that. But for the moment, I’d be grateful if you’d check out my friend and blogging buddy, Wendy, who has launched her virtual bookstore, Fabulosity Galore. She talks about her venture here. You may want to list your books with her if you’re a writer. She’s good people, but apart from that, Wendy does some thorough and thought-provoking book reviews.

Have a great day! I’ve included a couple of photos showing the view outside the villa where we stayed at Half Moon.

MIA Blogger

2011-11-21T08:54:00.001-05:00

I don’t know what it is about November that makes it seem like such a crazy month. I suspect it’s a combination of NaNo, plus the fact that I’ve now worked two major tournaments this month. At the end of November, there’s another big one coming up, and it’s been this way for several years running.

As to NaNo, I don’t know why I bother. I suspect it’s because I’m too stubborn to quit. But quit I did last year at 12,000 words. I’d really like to finish this year as I have plans for this YA novel.

Limited access to the internet for two weekends has put a major spoke in my wheel, so look for me around your blogs this week. I’ve been a bad blogging buddy, but not to worry, I’ll catch up with you soon.

Backyard View @ Sandals Grande Riviera

Last week, my latest book, Hardware, was featured on Author Island. If you have a minute drop in and read an excerpt from Hardware.

I've included a view of the backyard of the villa that's been my home since Friday night. Of course, I didn't even venture out there the entire weekend. No time to spare.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful week and a healthy word count for those doing NaNo.

The Golden Sky Blogfest

2011-11-17T17:27:00.001-05:00

Elisa Hirsch is celebrating her book launch with the giveaway of an iPad2. The details of that giveaway is here.

As part of the launch, she’s also hosting a blogfest where participants write about the death of a loved one. Today wasn’t a great day for me, work pressure and all, plus I had to rewrite this post, but since I committed, I didn’t feel I could do anything other than honor the promise I made to participate.

That said, I’m grateful to Elisa for giving me the opportunity to reflect on my losses, as well as all the things for which I should be thankful. I don’t think I’m ever grateful enough for all that I enjoy, so this is a good time to look back at the journey I’ve taken over the last dozen or so years.

I decided to wait to have children, so when I got pregnant, I was ecstatic and looking forward to the young man that would be part of our family. That was not to be as I lost my son at four months. He would have been eleven this year. I told myself a lot of things during that time, but as I’m a believer, I still cling to the fact that a part of me lives in heaven. That, and all of Job’s struggles, helped me put things in perspective and get on the road to healing.

I lost my mother two months after my second son was born. That period was filled with grief, regrets, plus the stress of making arrangements for the care of my baby as I had to go back to work after three months.

Things worked out, as they always do.

Losses have a way of teaching us what’s important. When I’m under a lot of stress, I try to remember that what I’m angry about won’t be important in a day, month, week or year. I also remind myself that half the things I worry about never happen. I’ve also discovered that for every bad thing that happens in our lives, we’re rewarded with many other good things. We just need to get on with the business of living.

Again, many thanks to Elisa and I’ve wishing her every success with this celebration in honour of Zeke, the child she lost. I hope sales of the book outweigh her expectations.

Getting-to-Know-You Blogfest & Winners Announced

2011-11-14T10:06:00.002-05:00

Time really does fly when I’m having fun! This week the Romantic Suspense group (#43) in the recently concluded Rachael Harrie’s Platform Building Campaign is hosting a Getting-to-Know-You Blogfest. Since some of us are doing NaNo, we’re giving ourselves a week to drop by each others blogs and cement the connections we’ve made during this Campaign. Without any more chit-chatting, here are my answers as to why I write what I do.

Name two romantic suspense authors who inspire you.

I’ve been a fan of Nora Roberts for a long time and enjoy her stories and the way in which she writes. She isn't called the Queen of Suspense for nothing.

BeverlyJenkins is another writer I enjoy reading. It was only a few years ago that I discovered that ethnic romance is a big seller and since then I’ve been hooked on her characters and storytelling skills.

How did you start writing in your genre?

I started reading romances before I was twelve years old. Those were published by Harlequin and Mills & Boon. I also read many books written by Barbara Cartland. Then I discovered romantic suspense, which combined romance with the other stuff I like – action, dangerous situations, mystery, suspense. I was sold with the first romantic suspense novel I read. Some, I didn’t consider all that suspenseful and engrossing. I suspect this line of though encouraged me to see if I could do as good or better.

You’ve landed a meeting with your dream agent. Write a one paragraph pitch to sell your novel to him/her. (No more than four sentences)

Trying to outrun her failed relationships, Celeste flees Jamaica, determined to reinvent herself. But resolutions make poor companions and when Mark Weekes enters her life, Celeste forgets why she has sworn off men.

Mark is gun shy and leaves Cayman to avoid Celeste. Under the guise of a business trip, Celeste follows him, plunging them both into a world of commercial dealings fraught with piracy and intellectual property theft.

Sabotage or accident – which would you put your female lead through and why.

Without a doubt, sabotage works best for me. It gives my twisted mind wonderful possibilities to explore, and helps develop my characters. The after effects from accidents raise health challenges, demonstrate coping skills, but not a lot of exciting scenarios. At least, nothing that gets me excited to write.

Plotter or Pantser? Who are you?

I wrote my first and second novels without any sort of plan. That scatter-shot approach cost me dearly in terms of time and effort in editing. I don’t think I’ll ever be plotting down to the last details, but writing comes easier if I’ve worked out two to three major plot points in my mind before I start writing. I also do better if I have some kind of character chart. It’s kinda like having a compass to keep me on course.

See the participating list of bloggers here.

I’m pleased to announce the five winners of my book Hardware, which was released on November 1. Thanks so much for entering! I really appreciate your support.

Denise Covey (who also happens to be participating in the blogfest above)

I’ll be contacting you all by email later today.

NaNoing? Meeting Goals? Spinning Wheels?

2011-11-09T09:19:00.006-05:00

Hello to my blogging buddies, plus the ~~crazy~~ adventurous folks who are also doing NaNo.

NaNo has worked well for me as I’ve got three novels out of it so far that are among my best, with some addition and editing, of course. This year, I took a short story that was shortlisted in the 2009 Small Axe Literary Competition and decided to write a novel based on that. Not sure how to categorize it though, as the narrator is a thirty-odd year old woman looking back at her childhood, in which her father discards the family. I take the reader from the time Georgia is eight years old up to adulthood.

My first inclination is to tag it as YA, but who knows? Any thoughts on that? I even got a cover done by the talented and energetic, Tirzah, just for inspiration.

Otherwise, I want to remind you that Hardware was released on November 1. I’ll be giving away five copies of the novel. Conditions apply, of course. See related post here.

Last, but not least, my group from the recent Platform Building Campaign will be hosting a blogfest next week. We write romance / romantic suspense, so see if this interests you. Blogfest information is here.

So…are you NaNoing? Meeting writing goals or just spinning your wheels?

Jessica Bell's String Bridge Tour

2011-11-07T05:47:00.002-05:00

I’m pleased to have Jessica Bell, author of String Bridge as my guest today. String Bridge, which I’ll describe as thought-provoking women's fiction, was released on November 1. Here are Jessica’s answers to the questions posed about the book and her writing.

Who or what inspired String Bridge?

Even though music doesn’t define me as much as writing does, it is still a big part of my life. The inspiration for the book came about when I was thinking about a time in my life when music was all I ever wanted to breathe. Even though my priorities had changed then, I still wanted to write about the power music has over someone who is so passionate about it. But I think music could be replaced by any sort of passion in String Bridge, because basically the story is about needing something more than you need yourself.

You noted on your site that you wrote String Bridge because you wanted to do something different from the ‘stereotypically glorified woman’ portrayed in women’s fiction. How is your protagonist, Melody, unique?

Well, she’s realistic. Melody hides nothing. The raw and brutal truth of her situation is portrayed and she never holds back. She is not a Hollywood wonder woman. She makes choices and has thoughts that women have in real life, and the outcomes of those choices and thoughts are not what one would expect from a blockbuster for the big screen.

Having experienced Melody’s journey toward self-actualization, what’s the most valuable message you think readers will take away from String Bridge?

I’m hoping readers will realize that there aren’t ever really any wrong choices in life, there are just different roads to follow. The challenge is to take a step back and figure out what is the most important to us before taking that leap in a new direction.

In terms of writing what you know, music plays a huge role in the novel, do you expect that this particular art form will show up in most of what you write in the future?

I should hope so. I’d love for music to become a sort of signature of mine. It’s only mildly present in my second novel, but it is certainly more prominent in my third. Mind you, I’m definitely going to have to do some research re the music aspect in my third novel because I don’t know a thing about Italian opera!

Jessica Bell

How challenging has it been to strike a balance between all that you do in terms of helping others with their writing career and focusing on your own work?

Wow. This is a very good question. I’ve been finding it really difficult to say no when people ask for help. I’m not sure I have found balance, actually, because I absolutely love helping other writers. I will never forget what it felt like to be just starting out. You really need people who are willing to support you, otherwise you constantly feel like giving up. I don’t want any aspiring writer to feel like giving up. Writing takes work, effort, persistence, and self-belief. But sometimes you need others to believe in you to achieve that confidence in yourself. If I can help someone improve their craft, I will. They may have to wait a little while, depending on my workload, but chances are, I’m not going to say no.

Many thanks, Jessica, for this interview. Having just finished String Bridge last night (life having got in the way and all) I’ll be thinking about Melody and her family for a while yet. My review of String Bridge is here.

Purchase links:

eBook

Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/7243f3u

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/79r6hm8

Paperback:

Amazon.com: (Coming soon)

Amazon UK: (Coming soon)

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/czcmkgs

Soundtrack:

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/buatyjs

Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/ctz3qeq

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/c6lqbf5

You can find Jessica on the web at the links below.

String Bridge Website: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11502954-string-bridge

String Bridge Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv-hRMA0kqQ
String Bridge Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/janicephelps/8155170
website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
retreat & workshop site: http://hwrw.blogspot.com/

Bio:

Jessica Bell is a literary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successful independent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

Novel Release & Celebration Giveaway

2011-11-01T22:01:00.001-05:00

I don’t normally post on a Tuesday, except when something special’s happening. I feel like a bad writer person because I haven’t created a lot of fanfare over the release of my latest novel Hardware. Consider this as me blowing my own trumpet, broken fragments and all. Maybe a symbol of me breaking into the market in a big way?...Nothing is impossible, right?

Hardware is my fourth release and it’s very close to my heart because my tight-ass main female character resembles me a whole lot personality wise. This book also took me on some strange adventures, but to get back on point, Marci Baun of Wild Child Publishing has been a dream to work with, as well as James Kellogg, the superb editor who was assigned to me.

You can read an excerpt here and if you like Romantic Suspense and think Hardware is something you’d enjoy, stay with me. I’m going to be giving away five copies of the e-book. All you have to do right now is fill in the form below. I’ll also be posting this on my book review blog as well, and will draw the winners in combination. Authors know how precious reviews are, so if you win, help a sister out and leave a review on Amazon and as many other places as you post reviews online.***Don’t make me have to stalk you for you to follow through.***

Soooo, if you’ve got a yen to make an armchair visit to Jamaica, remember to complete the form. The drawing will be done on November 12, 2011. You can tweet for extra entries or give the book a plug on your blog. I appreciate anything you can do to help spread the word.

Camille Moyston has managed to put the nightmare of a violent attack behind her. Having forged a safe, predictable life, the last thing she needs is a cliché, oversexed Jamaican male expressing interest.

For Quinn Mayhew, life is too good to waste time chasing a haughty, irritable woman who is too cautious to accept him for the man he is, but somehow she symbolizes everything he desires in his future.

When Camille's inner fortress finally starts to crumble, Quinn is arrested for murder and everything changes...

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Book Length: Plus Novel
Word Count: 93,188
Pages: 340

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In the ~~unlikely~~ event that you missed the book trailer the first couple of times I posted it, I'm throwing it in the mix again.

Thanks for stopping in and for your help with Hardware!

A Calling...M. Pax on Semper Audacia

2011-10-31T05:56:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to welcome M. Pax, writer of Sci-Fi stories and someone who knows a thing or two (more than that actually) about Astronomy. Today, she's shares some interesting views on writing.

Let's jump right in!

Thanks to Joy for hosting me on her fine and lovely blog.

When I was young, I’d watch the world drift by the car windows like a movie, the radio was the soundtrack. Now it’s my creations running through my head in a constant stream, like a play. The worlds, the characters, the acts, they keep me in constant company.

The scenes that run through my mind have a soundtrack of emotion as well as action and drama. It was this subtler track that took a lot of practice and finesse to get down on the page. My first attempts were awkward and didn’t do what I wanted. I searched for ways to tap in – workshops, classes, talking with other writers. I kept writing and practicing and I found my voice. I think that was part of the indefinable track playing with the scenes and the music.

Yet there was more to it than that. When I first started writing, I envisioned creating some great literary work ala Hermann Hesse, Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy, Dickens, the Brontes or Jane Austen. But that sort of writing didn’t completely satisfy the calling. I wanted to explore the fantastic. I kept thinking of my favorite stories by Arthur C. Clarke, Kurt Vonnegut and Ray Bradbury, stories which hit me with an awe factor of wonder, making me curious and think, stretching me beyond the trappings of my own perspective.

So, I try in my own work to constantly reach beyond my own biases and perspectives. I doubt I ever succeed, but I like to think I do now and then.

Yet no matter how far out there I think I tread, the stories are always innately human. Peppered with human frailties and hopes. Strewn with what I believe is the essence that makes us human.

I love inventing worlds to explore. But they’re not really other worlds or aliens I’m inventing, so I find out as I write. I end up exploring loneliness, loyalty, faith, basic belief, courage, over coming overwhelming odds, dealing with betrayal and facts that don’t jive with what is believed as true. Humanity is complex. And I love to dabble in the gray zones, poking at all its nuances.

All the things I mentioned above, I explored in Semper Audacia. I find these explorations repeat themselves in different ways.

It calls to me. So, I keep writing and exploring, sometimes even daring to experiment. No matter what we write, common threads of humanity connect all the stories and all the genres.

What aspects of humanity do you find yourself exploring again and again?

Here are a few things you can do to help:

1. Promote on your blog / website, twitter, FB, etc ...

2. Hit the FB ‘LIKE’ button on Amazon and Smashwords. On B&N when it winds its way there.

3. Leave a review. Amazon is most important, but if you’re so inclined, you can also leave them on Smashwords, B&N, and Goodreads.

4. Invite the author to do a guest post some time.

Smashwords link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92160

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QB25H4

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005QB25H4

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005QB25H4

Links to iTunes and B&N are on my website and blog.

Description: Alone. Leda is the last living member of the brigade, the sole defender of her world. War took everyone she knew, leaving her in the company of memories and ghosts. Or is it madness?
The siren blares. The enemy is coming. Or is it? The approaching vessel isn't a friendly design, but it answers with the correct code. Leda must figure out whether the arrival is reinforcements or the final assault. In an aging flyer, she ventures out to meet her world's fate, the last stand.

Details: 99 cents. Space Opera. Novelette. 13,200 words.

About M. Pax: Inspiring the words I write, I spend my summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where I live with the husband unit and two loving cats. I write speculative fiction mostly and have a slight obsession with giant, man-eating reptiles and Jane Austen. I know, they don’t really go together, but it’d be interesting to insert Godzilla in the middle of Pride & Prejudice.

blog: http://mpaxauthor.blogspot.com

website: www.mpaxauthor.com