Chrissy Munder's Blog, page 68
December 9, 2011
Winter Warmer Giveaway at Romance Around the Corner!
Late-breaking giveaway news! To win a free copy of Winter Warmers, visit the Romance Around the Corner Blog and leave a comment telling them what's your favorite holiday story, it can be a book or a movie. That's it!
Contest ends on Sunday, December 11th 2011 at 5pm EST.
Contest ends on Sunday, December 11th 2011 at 5pm EST.
December 8, 2011
Ready to be Warmed this week? Reviews & Your Chances to Win!
Yes, I know. Some post titles just shouldn't be. Go have more coffee. What can I say, I need another cup or twelve myself.
Let me first congratulate everyone who won or received mention in The Rainbow Awards. Special appreciation for Elisa and everyone else behind the scenes for putting in all that work to make the event such a success.
Curious what others are saying about Winter Warmers? Click one, click them all. They have some very nice things to say.
Top2Bottom Reviews
Tam's Reads
Kassa
Romance around the Corner
Queer Magazine Online.
There's still time to win a free copy of the anthology or just participate in our release month festivities!
Find us at the following venues:
Today at Coffee and Porn in the Morning.
Tomorrow as part of Jingle Your Balls Month at Chicks & Dicks.
Tuesday, December 13th, from 2-5pm EST as part of Beth Wylde's Yahoo Group Month Long Celebration.
December 16th-18th as we participate (with over 180 other fine authors and publishers!)in the "Stuff Your Stockings" Blog Hop!
and December 23rd, from 2-4:30pm EST as we chat over at Coffee Time Romance's Yahoo Group.
There may even be a couple more chances to win. I'll keep you updated.
Let me first congratulate everyone who won or received mention in The Rainbow Awards. Special appreciation for Elisa and everyone else behind the scenes for putting in all that work to make the event such a success.
Curious what others are saying about Winter Warmers? Click one, click them all. They have some very nice things to say.
Top2Bottom Reviews
Tam's Reads
Kassa
Romance around the Corner
Queer Magazine Online.
There's still time to win a free copy of the anthology or just participate in our release month festivities!
Find us at the following venues:
Today at Coffee and Porn in the Morning.
Tomorrow as part of Jingle Your Balls Month at Chicks & Dicks.
Tuesday, December 13th, from 2-5pm EST as part of Beth Wylde's Yahoo Group Month Long Celebration.
December 16th-18th as we participate (with over 180 other fine authors and publishers!)in the "Stuff Your Stockings" Blog Hop!
and December 23rd, from 2-4:30pm EST as we chat over at Coffee Time Romance's Yahoo Group.
There may even be a couple more chances to win. I'll keep you updated.
December 7, 2011
Keeping the Spirit Bright in 2012
I recently received a request for a link I shared back in December of 2010. I'm so pleased by this I'm reposting the original post as well as all the links. Many thanks to the person who emailed.
Christmas is almost here and gone for those who celebrate. Following that will be the New Year's gaggle of resolutions. Then it's back to a frigid January and a routine, real life. But there are easy ways to keep your holiday spirit through the next year and beyond. Take advantage of this annual period of reflection and choose just one of the following ideas to keep your family's holiday spirit bright.
Start a charity box. Take one of those empty christmas gift boxes and instead of tossing it to the curb (or, hopefully, recycling) put it under your kitchen table. Now, what to do with it?
-- You're out at Walmart and see a sale on packaged underwear and socks? Buy a extra package or two and toss it into your box. Knit gloves/magic stretchy gloves are 0.50 cents? Grab a few pair and toss them in as well.
-- You're at the bulk store and buy a multipack of toiletries. Break the pack apart and toss one of the extras into the box.
-- Anytime you are shopping and the store has a row of sample/travel sizes buy small versions of toothpaste, antiperspirant, shampoo, powder, soap, etc. and toss them into the box.
-- Does your dentist still give out free toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste? Put them into the box.
-- Have travel plans for the new year? Instead of tossing out the sample size products from your hotel when you get home, toss them into the box.
Once a quarter donate the contents of your box to a local women's shelter, homeless shelter, or other charitable organization that suits your nature.
Start your holiday crafts. You've seen my posts before. Can you make one scarf a month starting in January and have 11 to donate by the time next Christmas rolls around? Here are some links to various knit/crochet organizations.
-- Lion Brand Yarns Charitable Connection. Just enter your city or state and let the charity registry doing the searching for you.
-- The Humble Stitch
-- Scarves with a Purpose
-- Knit Your Bit Campaign - scarves for veterans
After Christmas Sales are a great source of ridicuously discounted ornaments, toys, and many other items you can donate to local children's hospitals, next year's Toys for Tots programs, or service organizations geared toward families in your local area.
Like to bake? Contact nursing homes in your area. See who will accept home-baked goods and gather your friends and family together once a month in the new year. Bake your favorites and donate them to the elderly. Be sure to include sugar-free options for those with diabetes.
Support the troops Contact your local servicemen and women's organizations and see what drives are active in your area. Care packages, letters, and other items are sent out no matter what time of year.
Your time is truly one of the most precious commodities you have. Find an organization that suits your personality and commit to one day a month of charitable service.
Best of all, enjoy the feeling of connecting with those around you.
These are just some of the ways my friends and family keep the spirit throughout the year. What are some of your family's favorite ways?
Christmas is almost here and gone for those who celebrate. Following that will be the New Year's gaggle of resolutions. Then it's back to a frigid January and a routine, real life. But there are easy ways to keep your holiday spirit through the next year and beyond. Take advantage of this annual period of reflection and choose just one of the following ideas to keep your family's holiday spirit bright.
Start a charity box. Take one of those empty christmas gift boxes and instead of tossing it to the curb (or, hopefully, recycling) put it under your kitchen table. Now, what to do with it?
-- You're out at Walmart and see a sale on packaged underwear and socks? Buy a extra package or two and toss it into your box. Knit gloves/magic stretchy gloves are 0.50 cents? Grab a few pair and toss them in as well.
-- You're at the bulk store and buy a multipack of toiletries. Break the pack apart and toss one of the extras into the box.
-- Anytime you are shopping and the store has a row of sample/travel sizes buy small versions of toothpaste, antiperspirant, shampoo, powder, soap, etc. and toss them into the box.
-- Does your dentist still give out free toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste? Put them into the box.
-- Have travel plans for the new year? Instead of tossing out the sample size products from your hotel when you get home, toss them into the box.
Once a quarter donate the contents of your box to a local women's shelter, homeless shelter, or other charitable organization that suits your nature.
Start your holiday crafts. You've seen my posts before. Can you make one scarf a month starting in January and have 11 to donate by the time next Christmas rolls around? Here are some links to various knit/crochet organizations.
-- Lion Brand Yarns Charitable Connection. Just enter your city or state and let the charity registry doing the searching for you.
-- The Humble Stitch
-- Scarves with a Purpose
-- Knit Your Bit Campaign - scarves for veterans
After Christmas Sales are a great source of ridicuously discounted ornaments, toys, and many other items you can donate to local children's hospitals, next year's Toys for Tots programs, or service organizations geared toward families in your local area.
Like to bake? Contact nursing homes in your area. See who will accept home-baked goods and gather your friends and family together once a month in the new year. Bake your favorites and donate them to the elderly. Be sure to include sugar-free options for those with diabetes.
Support the troops Contact your local servicemen and women's organizations and see what drives are active in your area. Care packages, letters, and other items are sent out no matter what time of year.
Your time is truly one of the most precious commodities you have. Find an organization that suits your personality and commit to one day a month of charitable service.
Best of all, enjoy the feeling of connecting with those around you.
These are just some of the ways my friends and family keep the spirit throughout the year. What are some of your family's favorite ways?
December 1, 2011
Excerpt Thursday! Butterscotch Kisses in Winter Warmers - a seasonal anthology
How about an excerpt from my latest release?
Butterscotch Kisses in Winter Warmers - a seasonal anthology.
Matthew Morrison is determined to conquer his fear of heights and achieve a winning outcome. At least, that's what the best-selling, self-help book he's listening to promises. Being stuck on a three-story tower in the middle of a snowstorm wasn't part of the plan. With no St. Bernard in sight, it's Cute Ticket Guy Adam to the rescue, and an outcome Matthew never anticipated.
Excerpt:
Matthew picked Monday to head back to the county park and try again. Not a big date night, plus anyone younger should be home and thus unable to point mittens at him. He viewed the thin crowd and number of people carrying cross-country skis over their shoulders instead of toboggans as hopeful signs. This time a different employee took his money, and even through the plastic partition Matthew noticed his cheerful smile and the blond curls ruffling out from under his hat. Nice. Why couldn't Matthew hook a guy like this? He was much, much cuter than David the Tool.
Cute Ticket Guy wore the same dark green jacket with the park's logo on the chest as the old grump who had given Matthew a scowl last weekend, but Cute Ticket Guy was at least three decades younger. And the rich color did amazing things for his hazel eyes, thus making his nickname worthy of being forever thought of in all capital letters. He also appeared to have an interesting sense of humor. Matthew blinked at the evidence. It wasn't the dark brown earflaps or dangling ties that caught his attention; more the large tan horns sticking out on either side. Matthew had to admire the confidence needed to wear a moose head hat.
"Only one?" Cute Ticket Guy had a pleasant, slightly rumbly voice. The sound sparked little shivery sensations down Matthews's spine, and for an instant he contemplated ditching the whole overcoming-fear thing and asking Cute Ticket Guy out for coffee instead.
"Yeah," Matthew admitted. He stamped his boots in the churned up snow, and tried not to feel like a loser.
"Do you need to rent a toboggan?" Cute Ticket Guy gestured to the sign showing the prices behind him, the movement accentuating shoulders Matthew didn't think attributable solely to his bulky jacket. "We offer a special during the week."
"No, it's okay." The air seemed colder tonight, and Matthew coughed into his hand and hoped Cute Ticket Guy wouldn't ask him why he was buying entry to the run but didn't have a toboggan. He reached for his change, switching hands at the last minute and stuffing the offending appendage into his pocket when he realized sharing his germs probably wouldn't impress this guy. "Gross, sorry about that."
"No problem. Occupational hazard. Luckily, I'm a firm believer in proper protection at all times." The long ties to the moose head hat danced as he leaned forward to tap his finger on the glass between them with a wink. Matthew blinked again—was Cute Ticket Guy flirting? Before Matthew could muster up a witty and hopefully indicative of his interest reply, a couple stepped in line behind him. Cute Ticket Guy straightened from his slouch, his rumbly voice changing to a more professional tone. "Enjoy the run."
Now Available: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks
Butterscotch Kisses in Winter Warmers - a seasonal anthology.
Matthew Morrison is determined to conquer his fear of heights and achieve a winning outcome. At least, that's what the best-selling, self-help book he's listening to promises. Being stuck on a three-story tower in the middle of a snowstorm wasn't part of the plan. With no St. Bernard in sight, it's Cute Ticket Guy Adam to the rescue, and an outcome Matthew never anticipated.
Excerpt:
Matthew picked Monday to head back to the county park and try again. Not a big date night, plus anyone younger should be home and thus unable to point mittens at him. He viewed the thin crowd and number of people carrying cross-country skis over their shoulders instead of toboggans as hopeful signs. This time a different employee took his money, and even through the plastic partition Matthew noticed his cheerful smile and the blond curls ruffling out from under his hat. Nice. Why couldn't Matthew hook a guy like this? He was much, much cuter than David the Tool.
Cute Ticket Guy wore the same dark green jacket with the park's logo on the chest as the old grump who had given Matthew a scowl last weekend, but Cute Ticket Guy was at least three decades younger. And the rich color did amazing things for his hazel eyes, thus making his nickname worthy of being forever thought of in all capital letters. He also appeared to have an interesting sense of humor. Matthew blinked at the evidence. It wasn't the dark brown earflaps or dangling ties that caught his attention; more the large tan horns sticking out on either side. Matthew had to admire the confidence needed to wear a moose head hat.
"Only one?" Cute Ticket Guy had a pleasant, slightly rumbly voice. The sound sparked little shivery sensations down Matthews's spine, and for an instant he contemplated ditching the whole overcoming-fear thing and asking Cute Ticket Guy out for coffee instead.
"Yeah," Matthew admitted. He stamped his boots in the churned up snow, and tried not to feel like a loser.
"Do you need to rent a toboggan?" Cute Ticket Guy gestured to the sign showing the prices behind him, the movement accentuating shoulders Matthew didn't think attributable solely to his bulky jacket. "We offer a special during the week."
"No, it's okay." The air seemed colder tonight, and Matthew coughed into his hand and hoped Cute Ticket Guy wouldn't ask him why he was buying entry to the run but didn't have a toboggan. He reached for his change, switching hands at the last minute and stuffing the offending appendage into his pocket when he realized sharing his germs probably wouldn't impress this guy. "Gross, sorry about that."
"No problem. Occupational hazard. Luckily, I'm a firm believer in proper protection at all times." The long ties to the moose head hat danced as he leaned forward to tap his finger on the glass between them with a wink. Matthew blinked again—was Cute Ticket Guy flirting? Before Matthew could muster up a witty and hopefully indicative of his interest reply, a couple stepped in line behind him. Cute Ticket Guy straightened from his slouch, his rumbly voice changing to a more professional tone. "Enjoy the run."
Now Available: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks
Win a free copy of Winter Warmers!
Ready to win a copy of Winter Warmers?. Just visit Chris's amazing and informative blog, Stumbling Over Chaos (be sure to check out Chaos and Mayhem's pictures while you're there). Leave a comment on the post from now until December 9th and you'll be entered to win.
Be warned: Her blog is addictive! You'll spend hours investigating all the linking posts. Well, I do. :) Where else can you find a link with instructions to solar power your Kindle when you didn't know you wanted to?
Be warned: Her blog is addictive! You'll spend hours investigating all the linking posts. Well, I do. :) Where else can you find a link with instructions to solar power your Kindle when you didn't know you wanted to?
November 30, 2011
Giving Back - Soldiers' Angels/Volunteer Opportunities
Yes, it's that time of the year again! I'd like to think we support our favorite charitable causes more than just during the holidays, but sometimes a reminder helps. Today I'm offering up a list of the current volunteer opportunities with Soldiers' Angels. My goal isn't to push politics - but to offer examples of how we can assist the men and women of our armed forces, not just with financial donations, but with a little time and hands-on effort.
Volunteers with Soldiers' Angels participate in the following major teams and projects. To get involved, click a link and read more!
If you are a servicemember, veteran or military family member, click each project for more information or request support here.
Adopt a Soldier - Individualized support throughout deploymentAngel Bakers - Homemade treats for the deployedBlankets - Handmade support for deployed, veterans & woundedCards Plus Team - Extra TLC for soldiers & familiesChaplain Support Team - Help chaplains support the troopsCommunity Network Coordinators (CNCs) - Representing SA at homeEagle Cane Project - Handmade canes for the woundedFirst Response Backpacks - Supplies for wounded in-countryHero Packs - Care packagesHeroes and Horses - A week on a working horse ranch for returning veteransK-9 Support Team - Caring for military working dogs & their handlersLadies of Liberty - Extra TLC for deployed femalesLetter Writing Team - Personal letters for the deployedLiving Legends - Remembering the fallen and their families Memorial Portraits - Drawings for families of the fallenOperationBirthday Cake - Shipping gourmet birthday cakes to deployed troopsOperation Harmony - Using the special forces of music to help American soldiersOperation Outreach - Supporting families waiting at homeOperation Phone Home - Calling cardsOperation Top Knot - Handmade gifts & virtual baby showersPatriot Pillowcases - Handmade pillowcases for patients in combat hospitalsSA Germany - Supporting medevac'd wounded/ill and medical staff at LandstuhlS.A.V.E. - Supporting the employment of veterans through the Angel warehouseScarves - Handmade heat and sand protectionScouting - Projects with Girl and Boy Scouts, Brownies, Cubs & Eagle CandidatesTank Support - Helping veterans travel to medical appointmentsValour-IT - Adaptive laptops for the woundedVA Crochet and Craft - Handmade comfort & dignity for hospitalized VetsVeterans Support - Assisting veterans facilitiesWounded TLC - Letters and care packages for the wounded
November 28, 2011
Now Available! Winter Warmers @ an eRetailer near you
Baby, it's cold outside! Beat the chill with WINTER WARMERS - a seasonal anthology
Mulled wine. Butterscotch kisses. Hideous sweaters. Candy at the beach, or a trip to a sex shop in Amsterdam. And the man of your dreams, wrapped around you...
Winter warmers come in many shapes and sizes, from the tongue-in-cheek to the hot-as-hell. Enjoy a quintet of heart-warming tales of men loving men from Clare London, Chrissy Munder, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, and Lou Harper that are guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
One thing's for sure—it's going to be a red-hot Christmas!
Now Available: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks
Visit the Winter Warmers' Website for upcoming event listings, Live Chats, and your opportunity to win a free copy!
Including today's blog post at Well Read by Clare London.
Mulled wine. Butterscotch kisses. Hideous sweaters. Candy at the beach, or a trip to a sex shop in Amsterdam. And the man of your dreams, wrapped around you...
Winter warmers come in many shapes and sizes, from the tongue-in-cheek to the hot-as-hell. Enjoy a quintet of heart-warming tales of men loving men from Clare London, Chrissy Munder, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, and Lou Harper that are guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
One thing's for sure—it's going to be a red-hot Christmas!
Now Available: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks
Visit the Winter Warmers' Website for upcoming event listings, Live Chats, and your opportunity to win a free copy!
Including today's blog post at Well Read by Clare London.
November 26, 2011
Kick-Off the Holidays with Savings from Dreamspinner Press
In the spirit of Thanksgiving in the United States, Dreamspinner is thanking their customers with a 20% discount site-wide from Nov. 20-30! No code, no hassle, just a discount on all your favorite books and authors!
Not thankful enough for you? There's more. To celebrate reaching 1500 friends on their Facebook page, we're offering another discount, good any time in the next year. Check out their Facebook page to get the code.
Still not thankful enough for you? Every purchase you make during the sale will enter you automatically into a drawing for a Kindle Fire. The winner will be announced Dec. 1, with the Kindle Fire shipping in time for Christmas!
Enjoy!
Not thankful enough for you? There's more. To celebrate reaching 1500 friends on their Facebook page, we're offering another discount, good any time in the next year. Check out their Facebook page to get the code.
Still not thankful enough for you? Every purchase you make during the sale will enter you automatically into a drawing for a Kindle Fire. The winner will be announced Dec. 1, with the Kindle Fire shipping in time for Christmas!
Enjoy!
Stepping back and pondering...
...the joys of elastic waist/sweatpants. :) Recoving from all the fuss and fun of friends and family celebrations. I hope everyone (whether you celebrate the holiday or not) enjoyed the end of their week.
November 21, 2011
The Countdown Begins - Only 7 days until the release of Winter Warmers!
Baby, it's cold outside! Beat the chill with WINTER WARMERS - a seasonal anthology
Mulled wine. Butterscotch kisses. Hideous sweaters. Candy at the beach, or a trip to a sex shop in Amsterdam. And the man of your dreams, wrapped around you...
Winter warmers come in many shapes and sizes, from the tongue-in-cheek to the hot-as-hell. Enjoy a quintet of heart-warming tales of men loving men from Clare London, Chrissy Munder, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, and Lou Harper that are guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
One thing's for sure—it's going to be a red-hot Christmas!
Lucky Dip by Clare London
Andy Jackson always knew that class 2C's help in preparing for the annual Christmas Fair would be a mixed blessing. Then he's paired up on the Lucky Dip with Greg, the man who dumped him but now can't keep away, the pupils are either lecturing him on his lovelife or losing bladder control, and no one's fixed the broken handle on the storage room. It may all be one whoopee cushion too far for him.
Butterscotch Kisses by Chrissy Munder
Matthew Morrison is determined to conquer his fear of heights and achieve a winning outcome. At least, that's what the best-selling, self-help book he's listening to promises. Being stuck on a three-story tower in the middle of a snowstorm wasn't part of the plan. With no St. Bernard in sight, it's Cute Ticket Guy Adam to the rescue, and an outcome Matthew never anticipated.
Wintertide by Lou Harper
May meets December when Jem and Oscar chance on each other at the Santa Monica Pier, only weeks before Christmas. The two men are separated by age, social status, and their taste in candy, yet if they are both naughty and nice, they might just find holiday cheer together.
When in Amsterdam... by Josephine Myles
Brandon is on his first visit to new boyfriend Jos's home country, just in time for their Sinterklaas celebrations. But an unexpected detour into a sex shop leads Brandon to new discoveries about himself, and a whole new dynamic to their relationship. The weather may be cold and damp, but Brandon and Jos soon heat things up!
A Pint of Beer, a Bag of Chips, and Thou by JL Merrow
What's the best gift a young man could get for Christmas? Mohawked saxophonist Liam wouldn't have picked the hideous collection of knitwear he's presented with by his mum and his aunties. He'd rather have the gorgeous older man he sees every day while busking at King's Cross. But with a little Christmas magic in the air, maybe those garish garments are just the thing for attracting a silver fox...
Winter Warmers - Coming 28th November, 2011
