Sandra Cox's Blog, page 295
February 17, 2012
Free Books and Situation Normal All Stranged Up
Good bud, Julia Barrett is giving away two of her books as Kindle downloads at Amazon.
Here's one of them and where you can get it: http://www.amazon.com/Is-It-Spicy-ebook/dp/B005NU62EA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1316356813&sr=1-1
Haven't read any Julia yet? Now's a good time to try one of her books out.
***
The hubby has the upper respiratory crud. I had to have outpatient surgery. He took me to get the surgery, then I went to pick up his prescription. Where's the butler when you need him?
February 16, 2012
Cornerstone Deep Echoes
I was asked by Charlene A. Wilson to present this blog post today. We'd like to thank Sandra Cox for this opportunity.
I was
asked to speak to you about… *looks around at the blog readers and flushes* quirks and odd traits of the characters of the Chronicles of Shilo Manor.
Ahe m. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jamesuranton Lorus Tru Shilomacj. I'm known as James in Cornerstone Deep, however. Although, of course we don't go by our full names in our own dimension either. *fidgets and mumbles under his breath* I must agree with Cole. This isn't as easy as Charlene said it would be.
Ahem. *squares his shoulders*
What's quickly becoming the most talked about quirk of the Shilo Manor characters is Cole's love of butter. It was introduced in book one, Cornerstone Deep, when Cole and I are talking in the breakfast nook. But this short clip cemented it to his personality. Cole was very worried about getting Anna away from Lord Dressen and time wasn't moving fast enough toward our planned attempt. He, uh, took it out on the mantel clock. Emanating Vincent's destructive behavior, he caused a miniature statue of Meridian's capitol tower to pierce the face
Cornerstone Deep blurb:
It's their nature - long lives and rebirth. They're from another dimension, one gifted with advance abilities, but they serve in Cornerstone Deep. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.
They outlive the mortals of this realm by thousands of years, and when it comes to love the cruel fact is reinforced. Reincarnation doesn't exist on this plane. They lose their wives to death with no hope of reuniting. Yet they continue to accept others for whatever time they have together. Save for Cole. His love for his last wife still burns in his soul four centuries after her death.
When the service they render to the noblemen of Cornerstone Deep brings him face to face with Anna, something unexpected happens. In a realm of silent souls, hers calls to him. He responds with a kiss—one that joined with the spell of servitude she inhaled, binds her soul. 
Breaking ancient covenants, angering the lords, and bringing the gods' wrath upon him, Cole tries desperately to undo his wrong and free his love—despite the determination of the nobleman to keep her.
~ * ~
My life is a mirage of endless time. But you in this moment engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul. (Cole Shilo)
Cornerstone Deep - excerpt
As Anna emerged from Cantrell Artisan, she shivered in the spring air. The industrial West Side's sulfuric odor rode the breeze from across town, and the fragrant fire flickered out. She cradled the holder between the large granite lion paws that sat beside the steps. It fit nicely. She sniggered at the sight. Kyle Dressen's artistic contribution to the sphinx.
She stepped onto the sidewalk and looked around. Humor faded. Vapor loomed over the empty streets like phantoms gathering warmth from the asphalt. She briskly rubbed her sleeves. The slight warming did nothing to ease her insecurity. Street lights blinked on but offered little comfort as the newscaster's announcement flooded her mind. "After much deliberation, the new curfew of 2024 has been set into place. Lord Kyle Dressen, Grand Marshal of the courts, announced the bill's passing, and urges all to adhere as strict measure will be taken to ensure vandalism of the East Side is eradicated."
What a ridiculous notion. The impoverished East Side getting aid from the lawmakers. Yet now, unease filled her. Her co-workers' gossip on the matter didn't help her anxiety. An apprehensive tone caught her voice as she repeated the warning. "Curfew breakers will never be seen again." Her whisper sent mist through the chill. She wished she hadn't spoken.
Anna hurried across the open court and down an adjacent street. Awnings rustled in the wind. Neon signs that once invited late-night commerce hung dead behind barred windows. Her rushed steps echoed through the air.
She looked to the sky. A blanket of stars covered the firmament. She'd worked too late. Again. "God, I'm not going to make it."
Her steps quickened, and she caught her breath as she approached the shortcut through the park. The wide corner entrance stood closed, the ancient stone griffin perched high on the gateway glaring down at her. She shook the bars with disbelief. "When do they ever lock Shilo Park?" Scanning the long gates that fortified the urban green, fear clutched her stomach.
"Anna."
She whipped around. The sound was like a whisper to her mind yet clear as if spoken. Her gaze intensified as she studied the shadowed pavement. Beneath the dim light of a street lamp, dense smoke billowed, taking the form of three men. Her throat clenched. "What…in…the…world?" She spun around and ran.
"There's no use in running."
Unwilling Bride Blog Barrage
One random commenter will win a copy of Reluctant Bride.
Title: The Unwilling Bride
Author: Candy Ann Little
Publisher: Kingdom Kastle Publishing, Inc.
Length: 107,000 Words
Sub-Genres: Historical, Inspirational/Christian
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwilling-Bride-ebook/dp/B004LLJ1RW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328732374&sr=8-1BLURB:
Set amid political unrest in 1789, Caitlin Gallagher finds herself in an arranged marriage. She hates the idea of marriage and loathes the man that is now her husband. With all the turmoil in her life, she starts to doubt her faith. Can Caitlin find faith in God and love in the arms of her enemy?
Dillon Cade's quiet life is turned upside-down when he agrees to marry a young maiden to protect her. As he uses his newspaper to fight President Adams' sedition acts and help Thomas Jefferson get elected, he must now also deal with an unwilling bride. Can Dillon tolerate her behavior long enough to win her trust?
EXCERPT :
The clip clopping of horses' hooves alerted Caitlin to someone coming up the drive. She dropped the leather bag over the balcony. It hit the ground with a dull thud. Hiking up her skirt to a length far too improper, she held it over one arm and straddled the railing. After both feet were firmly planted on the other side of the banister, she extended her arms trying to grasp the branch of the oak tree that tauntingly stretched before her.
Not quite able to reach the branch, she decided to make a jump for it. Mustering all of her determination she leapt into the air, grabbing hold of the large bough with both arms. She dangled precariously, trying to swing her feet up to the branch, however the long skirt wrapped around her ankles m
aking the task difficult. The rough bark cut through her thin overcoat, scratching the soft skin on her arms and making the process of holding on even harder. Looking down and realizing the height from which she dangled gave her the resolve to grip even tighter, no matter how much it hurt.
Finally swinging a leg up high enough to reach the branch, she twisted her small torso around until she sat perched upon the limb like a bird. Cautiously standing up, she lifted her skirt once again. "This foolish thing is in my way." She tucked the front hem into the sash around her waist. "There, that should hold it." She needed both hands free to descend the tree. Tentatively placing a foot on the limb below, she carefully progressed through the colored leaves on her path to freedom.
She'd just passed the middle of the tree when her slipper skidded, making her lose balance and topple. A scream pierced the air as she fell. The branches reached out, grabbing at her clothes and entangling her hair, but did nothing to stop her plunge downward. Squeezing her eyes shut, she prepared for the impact of the hard ground, but instead felt the softness of a body.
Someone grabbed her around the waist tumbling with her and easing the collision. Caitlin lay on the ground, breathless and unable to move. Her heart raced wildly while her entire body throbbed. I can't be dead, she thought. I hurt too much. Opening her eyes she found her older brother frowning at her. His short brown hair stood up in spikes, and grass clung to the side of his face.
"Brogan." She squealed with relief. "I'm so glad to see you."
"What do you think you're doing?" He scolded and stood up.
"I…was…umm…climbing a tree." Her legs still felt wobbly, she didn't dare try to get up.
"You could have been killed."
"I've watched you climb that tree lots of times." She didn't like him taking that parental tone.
"I do not have skirts and slippery shoes."
"I almost made it."
"Almost! You could have been seriously hurt, or even killed. Honestly, Caitlin do you have any sense in that head of yours?"
"I have all the sense I need." She rose from the ground, pulling her skirt down. "And do not lecture me."
"Then perhaps you will listen to Father."
"Brogan, no!" She pulled at his arm. "You cannot tell him or Mama."
"Then tell me what you were doing." He crossed his arms in front of his chest, staring.
Caitlin had no choice but to throw herself on his mercy, "Running away." She plucked some leaves out of her hair.
"Trying to throw a rub in the way?"
"So what if I'm spoiling everyone's plans. No one cares about spoiling my life." She pouted. "And what are you doing over here anyway?"
"Keeping an eye on you. I knew you would try something foolish."
"'Tis no more foolish than getting married."
"Caitlin, marriage is not that unfavorable. Why must you be so dramatic?"
"I'm dramatic?" She glared at him. "'Tis easy for you to say, you are still unattached. How would you feel if Mama and Papa made you get married?"
"I can assure you I would not be pulling dangerous stunts."
"'Twas my last resort." Her quivering lip informed Brogan of the forthcoming tears.
"Now, Caitlin, do not be upset."
"Will you help me?" She pleaded. "I can hide in the rattler and you can make an excuse to leave. Then you can drop me off outside of town." Her heart felt light once again as a new plan dawned. "If I do not get away now I will never be free again."
"Where will you go?"
"Anywhere away from here."
"How do you plan on supporting yourself?"
"I will find a job," she said irritably. "Why does everyone insist that I cannot care for myself?"
"Because you can't," he stated matter-of-factly. "And pulling a dangerous stunt without thinking about the consequences is proof of your immaturity."
"I'm immature! Why you scatter-witted nincompoop. I knew the risks and accepted them in order to gain my freedom. Just like Dwayne did."
"Our older brother willingly gave his life for the fight of Ireland. I have risked my own life several times in the pursuit of freedom, but you cannot pull dangerous stunts, just to get your own way. 'Tis not the same thing." He sighed, "You are too head strong for your own good. Take my advice and for once in your life just go along with the plans."
"Would you advise Ireland to stop fighting and go along with England?"
"Nay. Only you, my dear sister."
"Why do I get such counsel?"
"'Twill save all involved a lot of headaches." He plucked a twig from her tangled curls. "Now, go get your bags and I'll distract Mother and Father so you can sneak back into the house."
"And if I refuse?" She challenged, not ready to give up yet.
"Please, Caitlin, trust me on this."
"Why?" She crossed her arms. "Everyone keeps talking about trust, but no one will explain a thing."
"You will be apprised of all the factors in due time."
"You know more than you're telling me." She crossed her arms.
"I must abide by our parent's wishes, even if I don't agree with them."
"Will you promise to tell me what you can?"
"I'm sorry, Cate. It has to come from Father. Now, be quick and get in the house. Dillon is here for dinner and you need to dress."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Candy-Ann Little grew up in a small town in Ohio, but now resides in Michigan with her husband and two teenage kids. She is a substitute for paraprofessionals and 
teacher assistants in the public schools, mostly working with the autistic program and kids with learning disabilities.
She also enjoys helping with church activities. Her favorite things to do besides writing is reading, cooking and baking.
http://www.candyannlittle.net/index.html
https://www.twitter.com/#!/candyannlittle
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1372216486
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4672789.Candy_Ann_Little
February 14, 2012
Re-posting
February 13, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
The Graphics Fairy
All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt~*~Charles Schultz
Happy Valentine's Day
Courageous Dare by Lacie Nation
Tell us about your current project.
I have a WIP called The Weeping Willow Tree. It's about summer love and if it lasts when the main character deals with depression. I just started it about a week ago so it will be a little while.
How important do you think reviews are?
I think reviews are very important because they let people know the story is a good read.
How do you respond to a reviewer if its not favorable?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As a writer I won't be able to please everyone. A simple "I'm sorry you didn't care for the story and thank you for your time." is what I'd say.
How do you advertise your work?
Facebook, Twitter, and throughout some of the loops I'm in. Paying for small advertisement spots works pretty well.
Do you have daily writing goals you set for yourself?
I do. If I don't write at least one chapter a day then I'm not happy. I refuse to stop in the middle of a chapter because it just screws me up and I lose that flow.
Do you belong to any writing chapters and how do you feel they help you?
I don't, I haven't been able to find any writing chapters in my area. Maybe someday w
hen my schedule slows down I will try and find one. I know there are places online, but I would rather be face to face.What books of yours are currently for sale and where can a reader buy them?
So Beautifully Broken and Courageous Dare are both available in e-book as well as paperback. Both can be found on my website http://lacienation.weebly.com/
Blurb:
Baylee Crawford thought she had her whole life figured out, right up until she accepts a scandalous little dare involving a mysterious man that makes her throw caution to the wind. When she falls completely in love with her mystery man, how will she cope when she has to say goodbye to him as he leaves for war? When a tragedy threatens to tear her world apart, Baylee is left feeling lost and has no idea how to help her family in the midst of this loss. Follow Baylee and Nash through a tale of love, passion, longing, war, and tragedy.
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Length: 160 Pages, eBook Format
Sub-Genres: Contemporary, Military
February 11, 2012
A Nail Set of Problems
Well, thanks to the gel polish my nails have grown out. Am I happy? You bet. I'm ecstatic.
Having a few adjustment problems though. I guess its like going from regular glasses to bifocals...not that I would know, of course. Choke, choke, cough, cough, excuse me while I hack up that fur ball.
Typing, is the biggie. I file down the worst offenders to manageable proportions, but I'm still having issues. Do you flatten your fingers and type on the tips of them or arch them and type with your nails?
And all those things, I've always moaned about over the years and said I could open or pry off if I only had nails. No can do. Not only am I afraid of breaking them, but now when I go to grasp something, I can't figure out what to do with the extended protuberance on the tips of my fingers.
Bottom line...I need some vampire or cat DNA, to extend and retract my new found nails at will.
~*~
Blogs of interest:
Amarinda Jones
Anny Cook
Helen Woodall
Jennifer Shirk
Julia Barrett
Shelley Munro
Sherry Silver
To Chip or Not To Chip
I'm at NightWriters blogging on microchipping. If you have a pet and have been trying to decide whether to get it chipped or not, or if you have a pet that was chipped and lost, please stop by and share your story.
February 10, 2012
Helen Woodall Freelance Editor
Bio:
Helen Woodall has been editing professionally and full-time for over twenty years, first for an Australian company with newspapers, magazines and books in their stable; then for an Australia-wide newspaper; and finally for Ellora's Cave from 2006 until October 2011.
She is now a freelance editor of both fiction, and non-fiction, using US English or Australian English.
~*~
If you want to succeed in a writing career you have to treat it professionally, as a business. Your facts and choreography must be accurate, just as your spelling and grammar should be. Several years ago in Australia a fiction book won a bunch of awards. Until some readers realized that the two countries where the heroine supposedly walked across the border from one to the other do not share a border. Do your research and get it right. And yes, the awards were taken away from the book and the author and publishing house were castigated for their unprofessionalism.
A freelance editor can choose how much input she's prepared to give. I do not rewrite anything, nor do I go researching your book for you. I will indicate where your spelling, grammar, POV etc are wrong, telling you what CMOS/common practice would use, and/or with suggestions to fix your problems. I'll suggest you check historical and geographical facts if they seem inaccurate or messy to me. I'll point out where I think there are plot holes and loose threads. But it is the author's choice whether or not they accept my suggestions. This is very different from publishing houses which have strict rules to be followed and where the author is often bound by her contract to follow house style.
If your book is being written for a specific publisher, I'll check to make sure you're following their submission guidelines, formatting and style.
This is a business relationship, it's not personal. I will offer advice that is soundly grounded in what is expected by publishing houses and which will help you sell your book. You pay me. It's up to you whether you accept my advice or not.Fiction writing is a tough business world. Readers are picky and want a good book. That is, they want a clean manuscript, and a solid story without plot holes and inconsistencies. If it's an erotic romance they want hot sex and a genuine connection between the characters too. If you give them that they will be faithful and come back and buy all your books, and tell their friends about how wonderful your books are.
I update my blog with tips and hints for writers and aspiring writers several times each week: http://helenwoodallfreelanceediting.blogspot.com.au/
If you have any questions contact me at: helen.woodall@gmail.com
Helen Woodall
February 8, 2012
Deadly Deliverance Blog Barrage
BLURB :
Things get personal for Sam Brower, undercover task force detective for human traff
icking, when his niece, Autumn, goes missing. To make matters worse, he's forced to work with his ex-girlfriend, Lisa Conover, former DC cop, when she's assigned to a cold case involving his long lost brother.
After infiltrating the gang responsible for the multiple abductions, Sam and Lisa try to unravel the stories behind the kidnapping of Autumn and the disappearance of Luke before their cover is blown.
Undercover work doesn't lend well to trust. Even if they work together like a fine tuned instrument, will Lisa and Sam be able to salvage love after all they've been through?
EXCERPT :
"Ahh!! Oh!! Yes! Yes! It feels so good! Right there! Please, don't stop, please," Lisa Conover muttered. "Harder, harder! No! Don't leave now!" She groaned as she pounded her fists into the hardwood floor. "Damn it! Why did you stop?" she asked Godiva, her twenty-two-pound silver tabby cat, who had jumped off her back and now sauntered over to a sunny spot on the carpet, flopping down in a very unladylike manner. Just like Sam used to do years ago, gets me feeling comfortable and then he takes off.
Lisa's aching back muscles were so tight from hunching over her computer ten to twelve hours a day every day for the past weeks. She needed a massage. Better yet, she needed a vacation.
She rolled over onto her back and stared above at the open-beamed ceiling of her log cabin in the North Carolina mountains outside Hickoryville. She studied the accumulation of dust bunnies along the beams.
The setting sun cast shadows across the room as she gazed out the two-story floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall. The view of the tranquil scenic mountains in its resplendent fall glory replaced some of the angst she felt about her work. She relaxed and stretched her arms above her head. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't had any lunch today.
She stood, trying to stretch her still-aching muscles by turning side to side at the waist, touching her toes—or attempting to, anyway.
Then maybe she could get a few more hours of work done before bedtime.
After putting down fresh water and food for Godiva she opened the fridge, hoping to find something for dinner. She knew what she would find but she looked anyway. It was empty except for a couple of eggs, and an older-than-she-knew container of yogurt she couldn't trust anymore.
She glimpsed down at Godiva, who had already finished her dinner. "I think I'll run down to The Barn and get something to eat. You can hold down the fort here for a while, right?" she asked Godiva, who sauntered away licking her lips.
She walked the short distance from the kitchen to the corner of the large open room to her desk, which held her state-of-the-art computer system with three screens and a laptop. She sat down to start turning everything off when the phone on her desk rang.
"Conover Investigations, Lisa speaking."
"Hi, is Sam Brower there?"
"Sorry, but I haven't heard from Sam in years. How did you get my number?"
"This is the last number I had for him. I really need to talk to him ASAP."
"Maybe I can help you. What's the problem?"
"No, I need to talk to Sam."
"I'm sorry I can't help you. Give me your name and a number where he can reach you, and if I hear from him I'll let him know you're trying to get in touch with him, okay?"
"My name's Luke and he can reach me at…" Then the phone line went dead. He had hung up.
What is it about men? Th ey never say good-bye.
BUY LINK:
Bookstrand.com - http://www.bookstrand.com/DEADLY-DELIVERANCE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
:
I live on a peninsula in the mid west coast of Florida with my husband, 2 cats, and AJ, my long haired Chihuahua.
I wrote my first story in the fourth grade in the form of a play which actually was produced by my teacher for parents and students. I continued writing and majored in English in College. I practice everyday to improve my craft.
I love reading almost as much as writing and have filled my book shelves with my favorites, i.e. Harlan Colban, Eliza March, Johanna Lindsey, Kathy Carmichael, Terri Garey, Karen Rose, LuAnn Rice, and Bobbi Smith just to mention a few, as well as all the classics.
I am a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America), TARA (Tampa Area Romance Authors), PRO, CSI (Crime Scene Investigations), just to mention a few.
Website - http://www.loreleiconfer.com
cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-barrage-deadly-deliverance-deadly.html
