Add your own discussion threads in this folder to talk about your published books.

Hey Kim,

I like your book blurb...it brings out the investigative reporter in me...

Who is Shannon Wallace?
What has she been doing that her hair is a mess?
Where did the killer get those intimate DVDs?
When will she discover that someone is stalking her?
Why is she the killer's target?

It sounds like you had fun writing this story!

Dee Marie

Thanks for the invite, Shelagh!

My debut novel Celtic Sacrifice is the first secular novel under contract by Underdog Press. Celtic Sacrifice is due to release to the public in November, but is on pre-sale now at www.underdogpress.com.

So what exactly does this historical romance set in 16th century Ireland during the end of the English/Irish Nine Year War have to offer readers?

“Do you know how to make the gods laugh, Ceana? Tell them of your plans.”

When members of her dead mother’s clan of O’Connor come to claim Ceana O’Hagan on her eighteenth birthday, she believes her destiny is clear: to marry Cian O’Connor, become a druid priestess, and restore the mystic powers of a long-lost ancestor.

But the path becomes muddy when a mysterious stranger captures Ceana’s heart as well as her body, setting an alternate course of events into motion. Dangling within the chasms of religion, duty, and newly discovered emotions, will Ceana’s desire to fulfill her tribal obligations force her to give up the love of Cian, her country, and her culture, or will she refuse to become the Celtic Sacrifice the English crown craves?

Thanks for the opportunity to post. I hope to be able to count you among my first readers!

~Sheryl

www.sherylbrennan.com
www.underdogpress.com

My goal as an author is to give good value. I expect to provide my readers with six to eight hours of amusement, a couple of really good laughs, a romantic frisson or two from the sensual scenes, a thoroughly satisfying HEA, something to think –or talk-- about when the book is finished.


All my titles are chess puns.

My first book was FORCED MATE. It’s a chess title for a race between the two Kings to make a pawn his Queen, and was written as a loving spoof of the Historical Romance genre. I took every traditional situation in an abduction/obligatory-travel romance and made the hero an all-powerful, alpha-male alien, a god-Prince with a nasty reputation.

In INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL, the high-handed and tyrannical Prince Tarrant-Arragon shoots down and maroons his difficult sister with one of the antagonists from FORCED MATE. Princess Martia-Djulia is a fashionista and a royal rebel, and when finds herself trapped on a tropical island with a dangerous stranger, she can’t or won’t remove her own wet ballgown to save her life.

Now comes 'Rhett's story, Knight's Fork. The heroine's dilemma is, What is a Queen to do when the sperm donor of her dreams says No? The hero's problem is that he is caught between a powerfully connected queen who is determined to have his seed in her belly and his own father who has all the moral integrity of a Mafia don.


In FORCED MATE, I introduced 'Rhett as the ultimate altruist. He tried to stop one of his big brothers from having unwise sex. (He does that a lot, that's partly why his brothers get mad at him.) So, his big brother thumps him. As a result, Rhett is arrested, imprisoned and threatened with torture and death. He keeps quiet about who he really is, and risks his life to protect the bad-ass older brother who hit him.

In INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL, ’Rhett is still a guest aboard dangerous Tarrant-Arragon's Ark Imperial, and he continues to remonstrate over Tarrant-Arragon's high-handed matchmaking tactics, and also to protect his rash relatives.

In Knight's Fork, it's 'Rhett's love life that comes under Imperial scrutiny. Skulduggery and sabotage are the order of the day when war is threatened and all the worlds rejoice in a right royal scandal.





Knight's ForkKnight's Fork

Kim I look forward to posting further questions after I read your novel. Be sure to post a note to this group when your book hits the stores, I will be the first in line.

Sheryl I am eagerly awaiting the publication of your novel, "Celtic Sacrifice." The perfect November read. As a lover of Druids, magic, mystery and all things Celtic, your book is my perfect November read.

Rowena You have so many titles to choose from that I will have a hard time deciding which one to read first...what do you suggest is the best reading order?

Dee Marie

Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy

Set in 5th Century Britain, this retelling of the traditional legends of Merlin, King Arthur, and Avalon, blends a mixture of historical fact with Arthurian fantasy. The storyline spans the mysterious birth of Merlin, climaxing with the conception of Arthur—the legendary future king of Britain.

Written for an adult audience, the novel appeals to both male and female readers. An interest in the Arthurian Legends is not imperative to understanding the story...however, those who have also read the Mist of Avalon, and Mary Stewart's Arthurian series, have all enjoyed reading the first book in the "Sons of Avalon" series. Although the book is void of gratuitous sexual content, several violent scenes would make the novel inappropriate for a younger reader.

Although I stay-true to the original Arthurian Legends...what differentiates my story from previously published books on this subject, is that I write about Merlin and Sir Lot's rise to power.

The main storyline deals with the challenges Merlin goes through, both mental and physical, to become the infamous protector of Britain. Yet, what truly makes this version unique is that the story delves into the adolescence of Sir Lot; how he came to power and the back-story of his rivalry with Merlin. As well as Lot's first encounter with King Arthur's half-sister, Morgause...and Lot's unique relationship with Uther.

The book is not an "Arthurian Romance." Although it does introduce several traditional Arthurian romantic relationships: Merlin and Nimue, Lot and Morgause, Uther and Igraine. The story's undertone has a political-historical slant, a touch of Arthurian fantasy, with a murder-mystery subplot.

If you have any questions regarding my Sons of Avalon series, please stop by the GR Sons of Avalon group: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8256...

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce everyone to Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy. I love to hear from my readers, potential readers, or just chat about Arthurian Lore.
Dee Marie
http://www.sonsofavalon.com

Hi Dee! Thank you for the kind words. As a student of Celtic History yourself, I hope my story meets your expectations. :)

Your book Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy sounds awesome. I can't wait to get a copy. Will you be doing a signing in KY anytime?

Dee,
Thank you for asking about the order. This is it:

1. Forced Mate
2. Insufficient Mating Material
3. Knight's Fork (already in stock and selling on Amazon)

Mating Net is a 58-page ebook, costing $2.50 which might be a really economical way of finding out if my sense of humor and writing style appeals to you.

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/mat...

All books are available on amazon or from Dorchesterpub.com

Each book in the series has a different love story between a different hero and heroine, but the same cast of characters is around, making trouble, interfering,.

Just wanted to let everyone know my interview is online now:

http://www.allieboniface.blogspot.com/

I also have two trailers on YouTube.com:

Murder in Old Blood by Toni V. Sweeney and
Three Moon Station by Icy Snow Blackstone (the second trailer--the first one is a shorter version):

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_qu...

Sheryl: Your new book caught my imagination the first time I saw the title and cover. I know I will enjoy the read, and eagerly await its publication.

Thank you for your kind words in regards to the first book in my "Sons of Avalon" series. Thanks for asking about book signings. Until spring, I am staying close to home, concentrating on the Upstate New York area.

Currently, I am negotiating a 2009 book tour, which will take me to Ohio (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Ashland), Tennessee (Nashville), Florida (Orlando, Vero Beach), Texas (Houston, Austin), Oklahoma (Tulsa), Nevada (Las Vegas), California (San Diego, LA), Washington (Seattle). I will do my best to put Kentucky on my list, we can exchange signed books.

Rowena: Thank you for posting the order of your books. I explored the New Concepts Publishing pages, and was very impressed with the site, as well as with their castle and phoenix-rising logo.

I also liked the teaser for "Mating Net." Very intriguing! Congrats on the great reviews.

Toni: I enjoyed your interview, especially your opening line, I was born...some time after the War Between the States but before the Vietnam War.

Book Trailers are my most recent obsession. Your Book Trailers were fun and informative. Who was the creative source behind their creation?

Dee Marie

Dee,

Awesome. Cinci is just a hop skip and jump from Louisville. Keep me in the loop. Would love to exchange!

Sheryl

Hey Sheryl,

Best of luck on your pre-launch part for "Celtic Sacrifice" this Saturday. Although I cannot be there in person, please know that I will be there in spirit.

I have an intuitive feeling that your book is going to be a huge hit...and my intuition is never wrong. I am placing my pre-order this Friday!

Dee Marie

I might as well post, too. I have a blog tour coming up Oct 1-3rd for my book, "It's Not About Me", which is about a young adult who has a bright future until one night everything is ruined for her. Two brothers both claim to love her and she doesn't know which one to choose. She learns about the meaning of true love and real faith, and she finds joy and healing despite the hardships she faces.

It's Not About Me was published by Sheaf House and released Sept. 1st 2008

Hello Everyone,

Not sure if there are any horror writers/readers here, but my new novel, THE JIGSAW MAN, was just released last month from Leisure Books in NYC. It is a modern day Frankenstein tale about a homeless man who sells his right arm for 2 million dollars. So far the reviews have been fantastic and it is available just about everywhere right now or you can get it online anywhere too, like here:
http://www.amazon.com/Jigsaw-Man-Leisure...

All my best,

Gord
www.gordqrollo.com

Apropos of absolutely nothing, I thought this was interesting--

There was a story in the Orange County Register today about Henry Allingham, age 112. He had a book signing at the Royal Air Force Club in London, this week for his book Kitchener's Last Volunteer, which traces his enlistment in 1915 (at age 19) in what would later become the RAF. He describes the airplanes of that era as "little more than motorized kites."

Dee- thanks so much for your support!

I certainly hope your intuition isn't wrong. I have this fear that I will be a total failure, with one lone 90-year old woman standing in front of me saying, "Your grandma told me to come and get your book. Will you sign it for me honey?" LOL.

Can ya tell I'm a wee bit nervous? Only about 30 days until release date....

Michelle:. Outstanding! How exciting to have such a large following, especially as It's Not About Me is not even a month old. Congratulations on your new "baby."

Gord: Although I am not a huge fan of the horror genre, I have been known to read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Robin Cook (I only mention the last author, as he delves into the horrors of medical science). After reading your Amazon.com reviews, I might just have to give The Jigsaw Man a read. Very intriguing plot twists.

Toni: I find it hard to even imagine getting up in the morning when I am 112, let alone co-authoring a book. And to think, Henry Allingham was on an author tour, signing copies of, Kitchener’s Last Volunteer. Thanks for the inspiration.

Sheryl: I can understand your butterflies as time gets closer to your reading. What an exciting time for both you and your publisher.

I really like your publishing company by the way. Great website, and they appear to be very supportive.

As to who will showup for your reading...remember...one grandma today, the whole nursing home tomorrow, and all their grandchildren the day after that!

Oh, and there are certain constants in the universe...my intuition is one of them. I am certain that Celtic Sacrifice will bring your readers great enjoyment.

Dee Marie

BTW, did I mention that my vampire story "Love, Vampire Style" is online now at The Wild Rose Press? (There's also a trailer on YouTube.com; check it out!) It's one of two short stories I've written about the Andriescu family, vampire who were banished from Transylvania because the eldest brother kept stealing women from their Prince. This story is about Valerius, the youngest brother who's told to stop being a playboy and settle down and what he does about it. The other story "Sometimes Love Returns" is being considered by NIGHTS OF BLOOD 2, a vampire anthology. This follows big brother Marius' reunion with a woman he met and loved in the 1970's in Paris and his reaction; he still looks 30, she's now 62.

Thanks for the kind words about the interview. Being so terribly ancient, I've become sensitive about my age...looking in the mirror doesn't help, so I removed all of them!

I was the creative source behind the trailers, and it took a lot of blood, sweat, and curses in four languages--and Old English! My Windows Movie Maker has a few glitches: it has no "edit title" button and the only way to correct a mistake is to start over. I did that trailer 10 times before I got it right! I have one more to do and then I've going to be ve-e-e-ry selective in doing more because my temper (hair-trigger at its best) can't stand the strain.

Greetings fellow published authors! I am writing to let you all know about "The O Mission Repo."

This text, published by Fact-Simile Editions in Denver, uses the actual pages of "The 9/11 Commission Report" to tell a parallel story of opera, intrigue and poetic politics. Each page, and the work as a whole, is a reductive adaptation of this important historical text. You can check out the introduction at www.fact-simile.com and place your order there if you're interested. Thanks for this great forum...I hope to see some of you at Fact-Simile!

Hey cool thread! Hope it is ok for me to post my titles. My first book, "What Murphy Didn't Know," is a self-help motivational book. I hope keeping the writing simple would provide a source for hope and coping for everyone. I take simple truths and take things that come at all of us one by one. Some of my laws are quite humorous, some are heart breaking, and some are meant to bring out the best in everyone.
My second title will soon be available everywhere, "Secrets to Publishing And Marketing Your Book," is a guide for both novice and seasoned writers. I have gathered what people need to know from everything from creating a marketing plan, attaining copyrights and ISBNs, marketing strategies, query letters, and many other topics.
There are links to both on my website:) Everyone is welcomed to stop in and check them out, and hey sign my guest book:)

Kb

Toni: I loved the book trailer to "Love, Vampire Style," and purchased the short story as soon as I finished watching. The story was a fun read. I especially enjoyed the twisted ending.

Travis: The O Mission Repo: A Repo of the O Mission Error Attacks on Unit is a distinct concept for a book...very avant-garde in its creation. How did you come up with the unique format? What kind of feedback have you received from your readers?

Kristin: Welcome to the group. What Murphy Didn't Know is a perfectly quirky title. Looks like the perfect inspiration to get me through some of my "pity party" days...I look forward to the read. Also, Secrets To Publishing and Marketing Your Book, would be a must have for any author. Thanks for bringing your books to our attention.

Dee Marie

Thanks Dee!
I have to be honest,not only am I quite new to goodreads, I just found this group a few days ago. I enjoyed what i have seen. Truthfully, I think this site has become my new place to hang out. I enjoyed reading the other reviews, I love to read myself. It is quite difficult for me to find a book sometimes. Depending what I am writing, I stay away from reading similar titles. this place makes it easy! On my way to browse around some more! Have a great day everyone!

Kb

Hi -

I'm new to the groups and thought I would introduce myself. I'm published with Harlequin Blaze and just sold three more books to them. I'm evolving a bit as I move to more of a romantic suspense direction. I've sent a proposal to Intrigue and hope to hear good news about a few more contracted books there.

I've been writing for about 18 years and got published in 1995. Had some ups and downs, but then, who hasn't. I'm having a good time on Goodreads.

Best, Karen

Dee Marie-

Thanks for noticing! I had been studying alot of "erasure" and treated texts (Tom Phillips' "Humument," Ronald Johnson's "Radios", etc.) in pursuit of my MFA thesis at Naropa University in Boulder. One day, looking for something to read in the park, I picked up a copy of "The 9/11 Commission Report" that I found at a thrift store years before, and the title just jumped out at me...the rest followed naturally from there! Indeed, I found that with each chapter the title and form of erasure I chose to employ in that section, arose co-dependently, with the title informing the form and vice versa.

-Travis

Kristin: I am rather new to the Goodreads site as well, but I really enjoy the comradery between authors. It is also a wonderful venue to meet and interact with new readers.

I truly enjoy discovering new books by upcoming authors, many I would never have heard of if not for the Goodreads community. If you run across something that is a "must read" be sure to let us know.

Karen: Welcome to the group. I am impressed that you are such a prolific novelist. I am sure we would all love to "pick your brain" (yuck, that sounded awful, sorry), about some of your ups-and-downs. I am sure your experiences would help many of us.

Have you seen a big change in the Romance genre over the past thirteen years?

Dee Marie

Dee Marie:

Thanx so very much! Now I'm assured of TWO sales! My friend Linda Nightingale--who has a story "Black Swan" yet to be posted by Wild Rose and also has a trailer out--bought one, too. Did you check out her trailer? I had a lot of fun writing that story, as well as one about big Brother Marius which is being considered for the anthology NIGHTS OF BLOOD 2.

Hey so what do you all think about book trailers? I was debating on doing one for both of my books, but it is hard, one is written to help people, the other focuses on getting writers into print then into the hands of their readers. I was not sure if that was ok to do with a self help or reference.

Kb

This is a great group, and it's enjoyable reading what everyone has written and learning more about you all and your books!

My two children's books are near completion, just need the illustrations finished. They are fun educational books for preschool age children.

Connie

Hi, everyone! Thanks for the invitation. By way of introduction, I have a recently released book, ESCAPE, a Wyoming Historical Novel, a thoroughly researched story of the Wild Bunch plus the kidnapping of Andrea Bordeaux, a 17-year-old orphaned heiress, whose grandmother disguises as a 12-year-old boy before she's taken her to the infamous Hole in the Wall hideout. I also have a senior sleuth novel coming out in November titled A Village Shattered. Two widows solve the serial killings of their friends, knowing their names are on the list. Also contains plenty of humor. (My tenth and eleventh books. Seven of them are nonfiction). I just finished a mini blog tour with Marsha Ward and Velda Brotheron hosting.
Well, that's enough BSP for quite a while. :)
Escape: A Wyoming Historical Novel

Dee Marie -

There's been a lot of change in the romance genre since I started. I think the market is dynamic right now. There's so many different way to fit a story into the romance genre as is evidenced by the new paranormal and urban fantasy books that are being published along with the Shomi line by Dorcester. New avenues are always opening up. I say write what you love and it'll find a place in the readers' hearts.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Karen

Toni: You are too funny. I just viewed Linda's book trailer...oh my, it was...hmm...let me find the words..."sensual" is the first descriptive that comes to mind. I especially liked the rolling waves, a very nice touch. I look forward to reading more of your short stories. They are the perfect afternoon escape.

Kristin: I am infatuated with book trailers. They are my newest obsession. So much so that I recently created a GR group dedicated to book trailers (and author web sties) http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/9066...

I don't think that book trailers are just for novels, and I visualize What Murphy Didn't Know as an animated trailer. I know of a CG animator who might enjoy working with you on a book trailer project if you are interested.

Connie: Welcome to the group. What was the inspiration behind your children's books? I like the concept behind Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace. Everyone can use a little beauty, joy and peace in their lives.

Jean: Welcome to the group. I am always fascinated with historical fiction, and have been a huge fan of stories related to Butch Cassidy. You novel Escape: A Wyoming Historical Novel looks like the perfect "snuggle up on a cold winter's night" read.

Karen: Thanks for your input as to the changes that you have experienced in writing romance novels. Do you think that the genre is currently slanted more to erotica than romance? Or is there a dividing line? I know that in Arthurian Romances there is a trend toward explicit encounters rather than the implication of courtly love. How do you approach romance in your novels?

Dee Marie

Hello Everyone,

I am enjoying being a memberof your group. But you are all so accomplished and successful that I am a little bit intimidated.

I have just started my career as an author with the publication of my first book, The Bible Believer's Handbook. And I am very excited about it.

It is a book with a mission, to help fulfill the Great Commission. It contains more than 1100 Bible verses, that reveal what God has said on 180 topics. I have written a explain for each of them. It explains how to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. It makes a great gift for everyone who's interested in the Bible.

Larry

Hi Larry,
Welcome. Your book is quite an accomplishment. It must have taken you years of research before publication. I am impressed.

Larry,
You should never be intimadated by the accompishments of others. We are all here to help each other along.

Wow, what a book. I am also impressed.
Way to go!

Jill

My first book was published in June by Gallaudet University Press, "Day by Day, The Chronicles of a Hard of Hearing Reporter." It's a very exciting time. Check out my website at www.daybydaybook.com.

I'm glad to be a part of this site and group.

Liz

Hi Liz,

As a journalist specializing in interviews, I am extremely interested in your book Day by Day: The Chronicles of a Hard of Hearing Reporter. I can hardly wait to read your adventures; the challenges that you had to overcome in regards to your deafness, and just the normal challenges that face a reporter day to day. I can only imagine that your book is filled with both hilarious encounters as well as moving moments.

I love that you dog's name is Snert (mine is named Odiferous, because she is a stinky Labrador).

Thank you so much for letting us know about your newest publication.

Dee Marie

That's very exciting, Liz. I'm en route to your website. By the way, have you read the beautiful novel "In This Sign" or Fant's very practical "Say It With Hands"?

Malcolm

Thank you Dee and Malcolm. I loved doing profiles on people - my favorite thing as a reporter. When I could not do that, I wrote columns about them! I continue writing columns today.

I have not read "In This Sign" or "Say It With Hands" but I certainly will read them. Thanks for the recommendation.

Have you read, "What's that Pig Outdoors?" by Henry Kisor? It's not to be missed. He is retired from a Chicago newspaper.

Liz

I also love interviewing people and have done it for years. I have a number of books of interviews, including Maverick Writers. I would love to have you interview me about my two new books, Escape, a Wyoming Historical Novel and A Village Shattered, a senior sleuth novel. :)

Jean
JeanHenryMead.com

I'm still struggling with Blood Sin. The publisher has been so patient and helpful I feel I'm letting
her down because I seem to have run out of ideas of how to do what she wants. Perhaps I'm just a little tired, what with worrying about my upcoming surgery and finding a job and such, so I plan to let it rest a few days and then start up again. After the debacle with that other publisher, I don't want to lose this contract, too. It might get me a reputation as being "difficult" but goodness knows, I'm surely trying this time!

Writing for me started as a hobby, but after I finished my first novel, which I put in a drawer, my wife began editing my work. This has developed into a writer/editor relationship that we find gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience the world of writing together.
One way we have done that is to attend the Jackson Hole Writers Conference for the past eight years. My present work, Altar and Throne, is the result of encouragement we received from such authors as Tim Sandlin, Kyle Mills, and Cathy Pelletier. More than once it was suggested that I write more character and emotion. It all came together when, after reading women’s fiction by such writers as Elizabeth Bird, Debbie Macomber, and Maeve Binchy, I branched out to write about people and their lives. My work is only as good as it is because Marian edits it. Although her name isn’t on the book, she deserves to be mentioned here. She certainly is at www.EdZaruk.com

Toni: I wish you well with your publisher and with your upcoming life events. My good thoughts will be with you.

Ed: Welcome to the group. Oh what a wonderful experience to have your spouse not only encourage your writing, but to also share in the creative process.

Altar and Throne is an interesting title, can you tell us more about the book (plot and characters)?

Dee Marie

I'm new to this group. My 1st book Stir, Laugh, Repeat came out in June of this year. Yes, it's a cookbook. I'm looking for tips on marketing. I spend hours on this computer trying to come up with new ways to get my name and the name of my book out. I've been doing great with book signings, averaging 20 sales per signing but my local market is becoming saturated. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Also, I can cook but when it comes to computers and computer programs I'm lost so please talk to me in English instead of the computer language.

Hi Martha,
Welcome to the group. Your cookbook, Stir, Laugh, Repeat looks like tons of fun. What a wonderful holiday gift. Have you thought of running ads in newspapers outside of your area? And run the ads the week of "black Friday" also known as "the opening day of shopping season."

Do you have a web site?

Best of luck on your new venture.
Dee Marie

I self-published a Fantasy novel about a year ago. The title is FireDrakes, Chronicles of the Daemon Knights. You can read my first chapter at the link below.

http://www.davidkorinetz.com/dkchp1.htm

You can also check out my 'Be in my next novel contest'. It's an idea I had to help market my next book and have a little fun at the same time.

Hi David,

Welcome to the group. Your novel looks like a fun read, FireDrakes, as does your contest.

What are you working on next?

Dee Marie

I am currently working on book II of the Daemon Knight series, Sorceress. I plan on finishing it by the end of January.

Excellent!

Dee Marie

Why I really wrote "Stir, Laugh, Repeat."

My oldest daughter called me one day and said "Mom, if you don't do anything else before you die, would you please write down your recipe for Banana Pudding." I'm a Baby Boomer. I had NEVER used a recipe for banana pudding. I learned to make it by watching and helping my mother. She didn't use a recipe either. I just knew I needed some of this and some of that and like magic I had a banana pudding. But I would do most anything for my kids so I made my pudding, measuring everything as I went along and even wrote it all down. This was my first step to Stir, Laugh, Repeat.