Cynthia Eden's Blog, page 82

Twitter Can Make You A Better Writer

Twitter can make you a better author.

No, I'm not crazy. It really can. Sure, some people think that if you get on Twitter, you're trying to AVOID work, but hey, it can be a productivity tool, too.  Let me explain…

1.    Twitter is great for forcing motivation. Have you ever participated in a #1k1hr? (That's writing 1000 words in an hour.) If you log on to Twitter, you can usually find writers posting that they are about to start at #1k1hr.  (Jeez, I know I do them like 4 or 5 times a day, so you an always join me for a #1k1hr.)

If you need to get pages written, if you need to get those words churned out, then step up and participate in a #1k1hr.  By agreeing publicly (ok, on Twitter) that you're in to write—well, you are IN to write. When the hour is up, it's time for accountability. You share your word count. You prove that you didn't goof off during that time.

I do these #1k1hr events multiple times a day when I'm on a deadline. Simply put, I find them to be awesome.

2.    Networking. Once upon a time, if you wanted to network with other writers and readers, you had to attend a big conference event.  Thanks to Twitter, you can network 24/7. There are always other writers on Twitter. Always other readers. Find them. Search by your interest. Follow them. Get folks to follow you. Talk and communicate.  Follow editors. Follow agents.  You'll be amazed at the networking opportunities that develop.

3.    Industry Insight. Okay, this goes along with my last point…if you're following editors and agents on Twitter, do you know what they may do? Tweet about the books they want to acquire. Tweet about the books they love. Tweet about their working lives so they can give you insight into marketing and book buying and publishing meetings. If you get really lucky, you can catch an #AskEditor or #AskAgent event. These hashtags designate that an editor (#AskEditor) or an agent (#AskAgent) will be available to ask answer questions on Twitter for a specific period of time (say an hour). So if you have a specific question that you are dying to get answered, then this is your chance!

4.    Promotion. If you're a writer, then Twitter is great for fast promotion.  Now, don't get me wrong. You shouldn't be beating folks over the head with constant news about your latest release, but you can still effectively promote. You can announce contests, show off new covers, share book deals—and then other people may re-tweet your news, so the promo effect is compounded. How awesome is that?  But, again, don't be promo crazy. Have conversations on Twitter, don't just constantly blast about your books.

5. Interaction.  Writing is a solitary job.  Writers spend hours in front of computer screens, tapping out pages and pages.  During the day, it can get lonely. When you need a break to chat with others, you can find plenty of interaction when you log on to Twitter. Talk for a few moments. Rest your mind, then jump right back into your story (with a #1k1hr).

So that's it. My top 5 reasons for loving Twitter.  Got any points you'd like to share?

 

Guest Author Casey Crow (With Giveaway Fun!)

Hi, everyone! Today, guest author Casey Crow is answering interview questions and sharing an excerpt from her new release, DANCE WITH A MILLIONAIRE.  And one lucky commenter to this blog will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

Welcome, Casey!

 

Thanks you so much for having me today, Cynthia, and helping me celebrate the release of DANCE  WITH A MILLIONAIRE!

Will you please share a short bio with us?

Casey:  I'm a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Alabama with degrees in Business Management and Dance.  I received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mobile.  In addition to writing "Sexy, Sassy & Southern" spicy contemporary and erotic romance,  I also work as a dance choreographer, pageant coach, professional emcee and model, and certified Miss America preliminary judge.  I guess my claim to fame is being a former Miss University of Alabama and NASCAR spokesmodel.

My debut CAN'T FAKE THIS, a f/m erotic, was named 2011 Best Contemporary at Love Romances Café, a Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist, and recipient of a Gold Star from JERR.

Tell us about you newest release.

Casey:  My long-awaited DANCE WITH A MILLIONAIRE is now out with Siren Publishing. When I say "long-awaited," I'm not kidding. This was the first manuscript I ever wrote – meaning I started it in 2006. When I woke up, I immediately sat down at the computer and pounded out everything I could remember. I never picked up a "how to write" book or had this great vision to become a writer, although I'd been thinking for a while "I could that" every time I read a Harlequin.

I piddled around on the story for a few years, which was originally entitled PAS DE DEUX but my mom made me nix that since most people don't know what that means. When l I joined RWA in 2009 and got serious about getting published, I went back and rewrote it then let it sit as I got busy with other projects.  Finally, I submitted it to Siren and now here it is. Talk about a dream come true – literally!

Here's the blurb:  Southern belle Campbell Layne is the rising star of the Manhattan Ballet Theatre, providing she lands the upcoming principal role. The stage heats up, however, when Rod Carrington steps in and teaches her more than she ever expected.

Campbell is determined to stay focused on the audition that will push her into stardom, but the dazzling attorney she meets at a gala proves to be a major distraction especially when he ends up being her professor in a college class she's taking in her spare time. Campbell humiliates herself on their first date, but that doesn't stop Rod from whisking her off to Italy and turning her into quite the vixen. Too bad he also had to use his powerful influence to secure the lead for her. Now she'll never know if her talent was real or "bought" by the man she thought was the love of her life.

You've long been a fan of romance novels. What prompted you to cross over to the writing side of things?

Casey:  In high school and college, I only read text books so I didn't even get started on romance until I was twenty-five. Oddly enough, my mom, an avid reader of all romance genres first encouraged me to write. About the time I started thinking, "I could do this," she said, "You can." Thank goodness too, because I love it and turned the hobby turned into a serious career two years ago.

How do you approach your writing?  Do you plot or go with the flow?

Casey:  I'm a plotter for sure, but the outline is very vague so if my characters want to take a detour, I'm okay with that. Secondary characters, in particular, are little rascals.

Is there a genre you'd like to write? 

Casey:  I'd love to write YA. Over the years, I've worked with hundreds of teenagers either as a dance instructor or pageant coach, and it fascinates me how they flip flop between still being kids and being incredibly mature. In fact, I'm about to being a YA using my pageant experience as inspiration.

What are your three major addictions in life?

Casey: Awe, I have to pick just three? Okay, dancing (I used to own a dance studio) and working out are major passions and they compensate my sweets and Barq's root beer addiction. I also love pageants. Seriously – but not the Toddlers & Tiara glitz kind. I've been an emcee and pageant coach for over twenty years, and I still get such an adrenaline rush teaching modeling and interview to girls of all ages. It's incredibly rewarding to see one's self-confidence grow with each lesson. Finally, I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I'm addicted to Castle, Revenge, and recently GCB.

I'd love to hear more about your pageant life. What was that like?

Casey: As a dancer and gymnast, I was on stage my whole life, but I began competing in pageants at fifteen to prepare for Jr. Miss (now Distinguished Young Woman). I've done everything from glitz to natural. I prefer youth development programs where talent is the primary focus. I've competed in the Miss America and Miss Universe systems. I have to say it was pretty cool being Miss University of Alabama, but my most memorable reign was Miss Motorsports, where I got to be a NASCAR spokesmodel and hang out with all the famous drivers.

Pageants typically have a negative connotation, but the friendships, public speaking skills, and confidence I gained make me a firm believer in the many positive aspects they provide.

What is one thing you've always wanted to do, but haven't done?

Casey: Learn to play the violin, or as we say down South, the fiddle.

If you cook, do crafty stuff, or have a hobby, please share the details with readers.

Casey: I do cook and love crafts, but considering I'm about four years behind on scrapbooking, I don't think it counts if it stays in a box under the bed. I really enjoy playing pool, golf, and tennis, but never have the time to practice so I'm pitiful at all of them. The one thing I do make time to do is take a dance class each week. I'm in a class with a bunch of other teachers, former dance competitors, and even a couple of professionals so it's not easy by any means. The best part is that we rock the house during recital time. Old ladies, apparently, still have it.

What's next for you?

Casey: I have two other manuscripts on submission right now with various agents and editors. HUSTLER'S DREAM is about a southern socialite pool shark who hustles the wrong guy, or is he? FEELS SO RIGHT is about a country music agent and her ex-boyfriend songwriter. I'm also half way finished with FAST DREAM, the sequel to HUSTLER'S DREAM, about a female NASCAR tire changer in love with the driver.  And, as I mentioned, I'm about to start on my first YA!

I swear these are not autobiographical! But, I'm passionate about the things I enjoy, and they invariably make their way into my writing. My tagline is "Sexy, Sass & Southern" and all my heroines are just that.

 

DWAM BUY NOW

Visit Casey at http://www.caseycrow.com

Follow on Twitter @caseyecrow and Facebook Casey Crow

DANCE WITH A MILLIONAIRE EXCERPTS

DWAM coming March 20 from Siren Publishing

CAN'T FAKE THIS buy Kindle version on Amazon and all versions at Loose, Id.

CAN'T FAKE THIS Excerpt

See the CAN'T FAKE THIS book trailer

 

Thanks for checking out the interview, everyone! Feel free to leave questions or comments for Casey. One commenter will be randomly selected at noon (Central time) on 3/22 to win the $10 Amazon.com gift card. 

And, in case you'd like to read an except of Casey's latest story, just keep reading (below the fold!).  Thanks!

"Thank you for attending the performance and for your generous donation to MBT." His dark eyebrows shot up a notch, highlighting a definite mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Why did they have to be the exact shade of turquoise as the Caribbean Ocean at sunset? Stunning.

"That's well-rehearsed, Miss Layne. Tell me, though, do you turn on the Southern belle charm for all your fans or only the male ones?"

Her mouth fell open, but thank goodness she had the presence of mind to snap it shut. "How dare you? First of all, I'm from Alabama which makes the accent genuine, and secondly, that's…that's the rudest, most ungentlemanly thing to say."

"I never said I was a gentleman and readily admit to be undeserving of your sweet façade. I'd much prefer the real you."

She propped her hands on her hips. "And precisely what, may I ask, do you assume to be the real me, seeing as our acquaintance has a life span of what? Thirty seconds?"

Rod glanced at an expensive-looking gold watch. "Forty-five." He stepped closer.

She did not see that coming and stumbled back only to become trapped between the wall and his body. The hard, cold stone competed against his warm, harder presence. Damn it, the latter won out. She ground her traitorous fingertips into her palms in an effort to prevent them from brushing away the stray curl that fell across his forehead.

The hem of his jacket brushed her hip as he moved in to splay his hand over her waist. The pressure built as he gathered her an inch closer. She caught a faint whiff of his cologne. The clean, fresh scent permeated the air and reminded her of the Southern pines back home, but this was not the time to reminisce.

"In fact, I'd like to get to know every inch of you." Another sharp tug had her chest pressed against his rock solid form.

Her blood boiled in a delicious rhythm. Obviously, the vibrator thing was getting old if this jerk was turning her on. She made a mental note to ask her best friend, Heidi, to set her up on a date. Any man would do—as long as it was not Rod.

She flexed her fingers and pushed against his shoulders. "Let go of me, you arrogant pig." A lion, cougar, leopard—anything powerful—seemed a more apt description though.

Rod chuckled and loosened his hold. A fraction. Enough to insert his finger between them. It followed the line of fabric at her shoulder slowly, very slowly, across her chest. As he glided over her cleavage, he said, "But, my dear, you're mistaken. It's confidence I possess."

"More like cockiness." Even as she said it, Bella couldn't take her gaze off his finger or steer her attention from the intense hunger  sweeping through her. She instinctively arched her back, lifting her breasts to silently beg for more.

"Either way, but I always get what I want, and in case you need me to spell it out"—he slid his finger up her throat to tilt her chin, forcing her to look at him—"I. Want. You."

He uttered the words with such conviction, her breath hitched. No, stopped. She literally thought she might pass out. Swoon, like one of those Regency ladies she'd thought of a moment ago, only she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

Feigning haughty sophistication was not in her repertoire, but there was a first time for everything. She raised a brow and allowed her gaze to wander his body as he'd done to her. The black tux cut a dashing figure, making her mouth water for a taste of what lay beneath. She imagined herself undoing each of the black buttons on his starched, white shirt. His bowtie was a little askew. She reached to straighten it, brushing against his neck. She heard his breathing deepen, sensed, rather than saw, the quickening of his jaw. She inwardly smiled and wiggled her toes in a victory dance, but those stupid, treacherous fingers battled back, wanting to still the muscle with a gentle caress. She balled her fists in reprimand, uncaring that her short nails dug into her palms.

When she reintroduced her eyes to his, she shot him what she hoped was a contemptuous glare. "Take your hand off me," she said slowly and deliberately. She made a dramatic showing of enclosing her fingers, one at a time, around his wrist and tugged his finger away from her boobs.

Nothing happened. Well, almost nothing. He managed to do that trick when one eyebrow lifts higher than the other.

She sighed loudly and exceedingly unladylike. Then she pulled. Hard.

Finally, he broke contact by approximately six inches when twelve would have been much closer to the acceptable personal space limit. Too late to hide her puckered nipples, she still folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot in perfect tempo with her index finger. "An apology would be appropriate at this time."

"Ah, but then I'd have to, in fact, be sorry."

He said that? Seriously? She just stood there, gaping. It would've been so nice to find the words, any words to speak, but nope. A boa constrictor squeezed her throat.

"What? No response? I assume that negates the possibility of you actually wanting an apology."

Again, robbed of speech. She felt like a fool, but her mind remained as blank as the sky on a cloudy night. So much for feigning haughty sophistication.

"Um…" Jackpot! At last. Okay, it wasn't a three-point goal in the final seconds of the game, but her voice hit a few decibels nevertheless.

Rod's deep chuckle reverberated throughout the alcove as he captured both of her shoulders. He laughed at her. Worse, he was going to kiss her. She knew it. Right here, right now. In front of everyone. A complete stranger. Well, not completely, she knew his name at least. Knowing the first name made it all right, didn't it?

Lord, what am I thinking? She did not go around kissing strangers. Hell, she didn't go around kissing people she knew. What would her mama think? She'd die of shame, that's what.

But heaven knew she wanted to taste those beautiful, full lips. She purely ached to run her fingers through his wavy, chestnut hair and slide her hands inside his coat to see if his abs were as hard as she imagined they would be. She closed her eyes and barely swallowed the lump stuck in her throat before licking her lips, preparing for the inevitable.

 

Booksigning this Saturday

If you're in the Pensacola Beach (Florida) area this weekend, there is a big booksigning planned for Saturday, March 17th, from 3:30-5:00 PM. The booksigning will be held at the Hampton Inn.

Here's the full address for the hotel:

Hampton Inn

2 Via DeLuna

Pensacola Beach, Florida  32561

The signing is part of the Silken Sands Writers' Conference, but you do NOT have to attend the conference in order to come to the signing. The signing is open to the public–so everyone is welcome!

I'll be signing ANGEL OF DARKNESS, and there are tons of other great authors who will also be participating in the event. You can see a full list of participating authors here.

So, if you're in the area, I hope to see you at the beach!

A Chat and Some Cover Fun

Happy Friday!!!

Today, at 4 PM Central time, I'll be chatting at Books & Love (thanks for the invite Khelsey!).  It's your chance to come by and ask me anything. I'm also going to be giving away a few prizes to commenters, including an ARC of ANGEL BETRAYED.  The chat will last from 4 to 5 (again, Central time), so if you're available then, please come by.

And…I have cover fun to share.  My lovely editor have me the go-ahead to show the cover for my December 2012 release from Kensington Brava…(I love this cover!)

One final note…I'm updating my website and getting all of my book information reorganized. The update should be complete by Monday (fingers crossed!).

Enjoy your weekend!

Some News To Share

I've got some great news that I am so excited to share with you–I've been offered a two-book deal with Harlequin Intrigue!  Yay!!

And, before I get too far into this news, I think I need to share a little backstory with you…

When I first turned my attention to seriously pursuing a career in writing, I entered a contest sponsored by Harlequin Intrigue. You see, I loved Intrigues. I loved (and still love) the perfect balance of suspense and romance.  I love mystery. I love tension. I love action. So, yes, I totally fell for these books.

But back to the story I was rambling about…

I entered a contest sponsored by Harlequin Intrigue about, oh, ten years ago.  At that point, I wasn't sure how strong my writing was. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to follow my dream and pen novels. I just knew–I want to give this a shot.

Um, yes, I didn't win that contest.  But I did get a request from a full from an editor as a result of my entry.  That request mattered so much to me–it gave me the confidence to keep writing. I realized that my dream could be possible. I could create these characters and these worlds in my head. I could do it.

So, flash forward ten years. I am writing my paranormals, writing about my killers, and I'm so very happy to be able to spend my days telling stories. Doing the thing that I love!

And now–let's get back to this Harlequin Intrigue deal–a deal that I've been waiting to get for 10 years. (Hey, I can be a very patient girl! I'm also a girl doesn't forget where her dreams started.)

The books that I am writing for Harlequin Intrigue will be intense reads–romantic suspense with a definite military edge.  The first book has the tentative title of ALPHA ONE, and it's due to release in January of 2013.  Right now, my agent told me that the second book is scheduled to come out in February of 2013. (If anything changes, I'll be sure to let you know.)

My hero is a SEAL (sexy SEAL!), and he works for a special unit called the EOD (Elite Operations Division).  The men–and women–in the EOD are the best of the best. They specialize in hostage rescue and unconventional warfare. Composed of individuals from a variety of military backgrounds—SEALs, Rangers, Delta Force—this unit never backs away from a challenge (and I do plan to give them plenty of challenges!).

I'm nearly finished with the draft of the first book now, and I'm having such a great time with this story.  I sure hope readers will enjoy ALPHA ONE–hot hero, tough heroine, danger, passion–come on, doesn't that sound like fun?

Time for me to get back to work. Thanks for letting me share my news with you!

 

HOWL FOR IT

I love sharing covers. Especially when I find a cover to be particularly awesome–and this cover, well, I think it falls into the super awesome category.

I've got mad love for this cover.  I could just look at it all day (but I promise I'm not–I'm working, really!). I'm thrilled to be in a new anthology with Shelly Laurenston (I can't even tell you how addicted I am to her books).  HOWL FOR IT is a September 2012 release, and, yes, as the name implies, there are wolves in this story. Hot, sexy werewolves.  My contribution to the anthology is a 40,000-word tale called, "Wed or Dead" (I'll be sure to share the blurb soon!).

Have a great Thursday. I'm off to keep editing and revising a story that is due on March 1.  Happy reading!

It's a Valentine's Vampire Sale

During this lovely Valentine's week, I'LL BE SLAYING YOU (my vampire romance novel published by Kensington Brava) is on a special sale–it's $2.99 for the Kindle and the Nook! I'LL BE SLAYING YOU  is also listed for $2.99 at the Apple store.  Come on…vampires and Valentine's Day! That's a fun mix.

 

 

 

Cynthia Eden returns to the realm of the Other, where the supernatural bounty hunters of Night Watch work hard and play harder…

Sandra "Dee" Daniels is a vampire's worst nightmare. Sure, she couldn't get up to five-six in the highest heels money can buy—not that she ever wears heels. But the monsters in her past and the stake in her boot are enough to keep most bloodsuckers interested in staying undead out of Baton Rouge.

But there are changes afoot on her turf. Rumors of a Born Master in town—a vampire so powerful he can make the streets run with blood. And a new face in Dee's dive bars and alleyways—Simon Chase, a strong, sexy shadow with a haunted past of his own. Simon knows a lot about the dark side of Dee's work. He knows even more about how to make her body spark with desire. But the hot lust shimmering between them is only the beginning. Because Simon also knows a secret that will change Dee's life—if she can live long enough to uncover it.

Guest author Jillian Chantal offers a Giveaway!

I love it when friends come to visit. Today, my friend Jillian Chantal wanted to come over (Hi, Jillian!) because she's sharing the news of her release–her latest story, SEBASTIAN'S SALVATION, is out now (and she's giving away a copy of this book to one commenter). Welcome, Jillian!

Thanks, Cynthia, for letting me do a quick drive by and chat a moment about my new release. It's called Sebastian's Salvation and is a romantic suspense. The hero in this story is a wounded war veteran. I've wanted to write a story with a hero like Sebastian for quite a while and I'm super happy with the way he turned out. He was an interesting character to write. My editor said I handled his issues with sensitivity and realistically and that meant a lot to me. I hope the folks who read his story feel the same way.

 

I made the trailer with some photos I took on a recent trip to London. I love that city and love to base stories there. It's an awesome place.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-DIBWvGsoI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

I'm giving away an e-copy of Sebastian's Salvation to one commenter who tells me either their favorite city to visit or about a favorite military person they know.

 

Thanks again for letting me pop in, Cynthia. It's always a pleasure to hang out with you and your friends/readers.

 

Visit me on the web here: http://jillianchantal.com/news/

twitter: http://twitter.com/JillianChantal

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvzMd4ttvmU

Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/sebastians-salvation

Blurb:

Three lives intertwine—a former Green Beret, now a painter of nude portraits tormented by the death of his comrade, an earl's daughter, and a crazed stalker. Will the acts of the stalker force the soldier back into the life of violence which he sought to avoid?

Sebastian Hughes, wounded on a mission in Afghanistan, discovers a talent for painting nude portraits while in a rehabilitation center learning to walk again after losing part of his leg. He becomes the toast of London society and women clamor to be painted by him.

Lady Joanna Gresham, nursing a broken heart and used to getting what she wants, sets her sights on having her portrait painted by Sebastian. Once she meets him, she wants him for herself. She pursues him, intent on winning him. What she didn't count on was a stalker who wants to harm everyone Sebastian holds dear.

 

Excerpt:

 

Joanna Gresham passed Margaret in the hallway of Bast's building. Margaret carried a saddle under her arm.

Margaret stopped her and hitched the saddle to a more comfortable position. "You one of the many?"

"Many what?"

"Clients of Bast's?"

Joanna shook her head. "No. But I'm thinking about it. I was at his show last night and am very impressed."

"With the man or the artist?" The woman smiled coyly

"The artist of course." Joanna stood tall and looked down her nose at the impertinent woman. The nerve to ask me such a thing. As if I'd be interested in a hoodlum.

"Don't have to get huffy, Lady Joanna. All the women in town are swooning over the man. Some are even commissioning portraits just to tempt him with their bodies. No harm meant."

Joanna ran her hands through her hair. "Sorry. Just moody, I guess."

"No problem. Enjoy your session."

"I don't have a session. I'm just going to talk."

"Good luck then. I think you'll like Bast. I gotta go. Late for a practice run."

"Good luck with practice. Ta, Margaret." Joanna waved good-bye and approached the door to Bast's atelier. Why am I so nervous? He's just a man I want to hire. Why should I feel so skittish?

Joanna knocked lightly on the door.

The door burst open, and the man asked, "What did you for—"

He stopped short. "Uh. Sorry, I thought you were Margaret, come back for something she forgot. She always leaves something behind."

"Is that why you were already at the door?"

He smiled. "Yeah. I give her about three minutes after she leaves to come dashing back. I thought I timed it right." His smile got larger.

Why does his smile have to be so spectacular? He's gorgeous even with that scar across his face. "Sorry, it's just me. I'm not sure if you remember—"

"Of course, I do. You're the lady in the alley, the one that needed no help with her aching feet. Come on in." He opened the door wider to allow her access to the loft.

Once they were inside, he showed her over to a client chair. He took a seat behind the desk, leaned across the top, and asked, "What can I do for you?"

She put one hand on the desktop and scraped her nail across the surface. "I was at your show last night—"

"Yeah, I know. I saw you, remember?"

"I recall." She frowned. Was the man determined to make her feel stupid?

"Sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to interrupt you. Go on." Bast nodded his encouragement.

"I was thinking I might want a portrait of myself. Your work is impressive. Very tasteful. I know it seems like I'm just jumping on a trend, but I really am in awe of your abilities."

"Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate it. I'm a little full right now. The show last night garnered me a lot of commissions, and I'm afraid I don't have time to add one more person to my schedule. I'll be glad to put you on the waiting list." He pulled a pad out of his top drawer.

She stood, and the chair teetered and fell back against the wall. "I know what you're doing. You jerk."

He leaned back in his chair and looked at her. His face showed no emotion. "What's your problem, Lady?"

"Lady? You say it that way because you know who I am? You think you can be a sarcastic bastard to me?"

"Ma'am, you came in here, didn't introduce yourself to me, and now you're offended? I can't figure that out. All I said was I have to put you on my waiting list. How you think that's something offensive, I don't know." He sat forward in the chair.

She glared. "I'm Lady Joanna Gresham. I don't do waiting lists."

He stood up and walked around the desk to her. He got in her face and said, "I don't do snobby Ladies. So, I suggest you get out of my studio."

Joanna pushed his chest. "I just bet you don't do ladies." She looked around and took in the whole room and nodded toward the fainting couch under the window. "I bet you do the ladies right over there."

Enraged, he grabbed her arms and shoved her against the wall. He pressed against her. "If I wanted to do a lady, I'd do her right here against this wall." He lifted her off her feet as if she was no larger than a toy doll and pulled her over to the other client chair. He sat in it and pulled her on top of himself. "Or here in this chair."

She jerked off his lap and stumbled backward. "How dare you touch me, you arrogant—"

"What? Black bastard? Is that what you want to call me, your white holiness? Lady Joanna Gresham that doesn't do waiting lists? Huh? Huh? That what you want to say?" He stood up.

She continued to back up. "You're crazy. You know that? You're insane."

He stalked toward her. "And you're all alone here with me. A crazy, scar-faced, big black man who isn't intimidated by a title. Now, what are you gonna do?"

"I'm leaving." She flounced toward the door.

Just as she got to the door and opened it, he slammed his hand on it and shut it. His body leaned against hers. He pressed against her and whispered, "I bet you always leave. When the going gets tough and you don't get your way, you leave. Right?"

He let go of the door and stepped back. "Thank you for coming by, ma'am. I'll be sure to not add you to the waiting list."

She jerked the door open and left.

 

Workshops

It's conference time! There are lots of fun writing conferences scheduled for the coming months, and I'm excited to be presenting some workshops at a few upcoming events.

First up…the Silken Sands' Writing Conference (March 16-18th in beautiful Pensacola Beach).  At the Silken Sands Writer's Conference, I'll be presenting two workshops:

The Novella:  100 Pages Can Pack a Punch

Description: You can pack a lot of plot into 100 pages. Come learn tips and techniques for writing novellas. Shorter stories require different pacing, character crafting, and plot development. In addition to the novella writing process, find the best places to submit your novella and discuss novella marketing techniques. Writing "short" might just be great for you.

 

Crafting Killers: Making Villains to Thrill and Chill

Description: Learn to create multi-dimensional villains who can propel your story forward even as they stir fear in the hearts of your readers. Villains should be as powerful as your protagonists, and by learning crafting techniques, you can create bad guys (and girls) who are a perfect match for the heroes of your tale.

 

Then, in April of 2012, I will be presenting a workshop at the RT Booklovers Convention:

Holding Out For A Hero

Description: What's a good love story without an unforgettable hero? Four bestselling authors discuss ways to craft a strong and memorable hero. It's not just about the sex appeal — find out what characteristics make a hero great as you learn why readers truly fall in love with heroes. Discussion will also include the creation of antiheroes (Why do readers enjoy those bad boys?) and the comparison/contrast of heroes across subgenres.

Panelist: Cynthia Eden, Lisa Renee Jones, Elisabeth Naughton, and Caridad Piñeiro

***

Once I've presented my workshops, I'll be sure to upload all of my notes and handouts to the For Writers section of my site.  I'm working on some other materials that I hope to have added to the For Writers section soon, too. In the mean time, if there is any writing-related topic that you have questions about, please ask! Maybe I can work the answer into a post topic.

Enjoy your weekend!

Update

Hi, everyone!  I've been pretty quiet lately, but I promise I have a good excuse–I've been writing!  (Though I promise to post more this month–I'm hoping to start some writing craft posts soon.)

So I have some news to share. First up, I thought I'd talk about what I'm currently writing–it's a book with the tentative title of BURN FOR ME.  This is the first book in a new contract that I've signed with Kensington Brava (I'm doing three more full-length novels for Kensington–yay! I love writing my paranormals with my most awesome editor!).   The world in BURN FOR ME is a bit different from that of my other Kensington books. The paranormals are very much "out" in this book.  The humans all know of their existence, and this is not necessarily a good thing for those supernaturals…

The hero of BURN FOR ME is a phenix. Every time that he dies, he burns, and then he rises once more. Only…with each death, the hero comes back a bit darker.  Far more dangerous.   Each death puts him closer to madness.

Yes, I'm having fun with his story. I'm actually *almost* to the end of the draft, and that means that I pretty much just want to sit and write and my family has to wave their hands in front of my face in order to get my attention. I'll be turning in this story on March 1. I don't have a release date for it yet, but I'm thinking it will be in 2013.

For my next bit of update-y news…

I wanted to talk about my Bound novellas. Actually I wanted to send out a giant THANK YOU to readers regarding my Bound novellas. I am pretty overwhelmed by the success that these novellas have seen. Thank you! Thank you for reading the stories. For tweeting about them. For reviewing them. For spreading the word about them to readers. You're amazing. Can I say again…thank you?  I am so glad that readers are enjoying my werewolf/vampire novellas.

When I started the Bound series, I wanted to create stories that featured my two favorite paranormal characters–a werewolf and a vampire. So my heroines were the vampires who became "Bound" to the werewolf heroes. I have enjoyed writing these books so very much–and, yes, I do plan to release a 4th Bound novella.  The idea is all formed in my head and ready to go, and I'd like to release this book in March (maybe early April).  I'll have more details on that soon.

And…third piece of news…I often get emails from readers asking me if I will be writing any more romantic suspenses. The answer is…yes! Heck, yes!  I'm actually working on a new romantic suspense novel right now.  Again, more details will be coming soon.  But I just wanted to let you know–it's coming! I love romantic suspense, and I'm excited to write this story.

Now, it's back to writing time for me.  I hope that you have a great day!