Tory Richards's Blog, page 179

The nicest thing happened to me today. I ran down to the ...

The nicest thing happened to me today. I ran down to the grocery store to do a little shopping. When I was done I had to leave the cart on the sidewalk because I parked my car in an area where I couldn't bring it up close to my trunk. In the old days, before the cane, I could have grabbed all the bags and made one trip. But with my cane and purse I was only able to get half the bags. I made the trip to my car and when I turned to go back to the cart to get the rest a man and his young daughter were standing there with the rest of my bags. It made me feel so good! 

I make a habit of paying attention to the people around me. When I see someone needs help I usually offer. It's a small thing to open the door for someone. And the little things can often brighten up the day for someone. 

AUTHOR Bio:Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time wh...

AUTHOR Bio:

Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her professional career. Public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning all elevated her passion for writing.
An avid reader of histories, biographies, and romance, it's only natural that part of the products of her pen are historical romances featuring characters so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader's hand. Many of her teen years were spent in Chile, but she and her family were forced out of the country when the political climate demanded it.

Taking the plunge to take her writing professional came as a result of a series of foot surgeries that left her with a lot of time on her hands. Unable to walk great distances at the time, she started writing as a way to pass the time. Her experiences of how dramatically her life had changed at first. Then the new world of e-publishing inspired her to digitally publish her first novel, Perpetual Love, rather than relegate it to the dreaded drawer. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.

Two more novels have followed: Blood Lust and Tudor Rose, with more to follow soon.
Jamie now lives outside of Atlanta, but the love for travel has never abandoned her. Adventure, exploration, and intrigue permeate her prose to the core.

In those few moments of the day when she's not writing or thinking about writing, she finds knitting a way to relax and unwind. Other interests include photography, equestrianism, reading, and of course traveling.

Jamie hopes her writing will entertain, enlighten, and inspire others to pick up the pen and pursue their own dreams. She loves to be contacted by readers, writers, and history buffs.

Website: http://www.jamiesalisbury.webs.com
Blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogs...
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/JamieRSalisbu...
PROMOTION

One of the biggest, most daunting tasks of being a self published author is promotion. You don’t have the resources of a publishing house. Or for that matter, much of the time, the financial means of a publishing house. You have to be smart of your dollars and where you spend them.

In the past year I have struggled like most newbie authors. Fortunately for me, I do have a background in public relations, making the task a little less intimidating. The Internet can be like the wild west. There is so much information out there. Which is correct, where do you go, who can help you do a good job? These are all questions that run through a self-promoting author’s mind.

I have done fairly well, I think. I have a very limited budget to work with and every dollar I spend has to bring a result. I have had my books featured on various blogs, which is an effective, cheap way to get exposure. I have kept up a vigil of making the rounds of all the social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. I have a blog and a web site, both of which are evolving as I learn.

The other thing I have learned to do is to pay attention to my book covers, making them as intriguing and well done as possible. I had the cover for Timeless Sojourn designed early on that epitomizes everything within the covers of the book. This has been my biggest expense to date, but one that has paid off. The compliments and interest have no doubt increased book sales.

When I wrote Timeless Sojourn I wanted to go “all out”. This book comes out in a milestone year for me and I wanted everything to be the best. The book is that important to me, and I want to have the book noticed.

For the first time, I decided to do a virtual blog tour. I could do one myself, with my background. But I wanted to have some fun and not all work with the release of Timeless Sojourn. So I researched and finally found one that was a perfect match. I can’t wait to get started.

My “advice”? Keep at it, be persistent. Good things will happen.




BLURB:

Recently divorced at a time when most women are enjoying their children being grown, Anne Harrison finds her life in chaos. At the urging of her forever-friend Kat, Anne moves back to Seattle, her childhood home, to get back her former confidence and make a fresh start.

Confident, creative, and a successful businessman, Geoffrey Quinn has depths not immediately apparent to those who come into contact with that cocky, devilishly handsome exterior.

The last thing either is looking for is a relationship. Anne finds Geoff highly irritating (and young!) at best, while Geoffrey finds her magnetic and wise. To his amusement, she futilely attempts to dismiss him each time they cross paths, and sparks fly.

Watch as this seemingly unsuitable, disparate duo lights a fiery, compelling attraction neither sees coming. But who will get burned?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:

Geoff was right--once we returned to Seattle it was almost a week before I heard from him. When he did call it was merely to check in and see what I was up to. His new project he said would consume him for the next couple of weeks until he was ready to begin his mock up. I took that as a hint to drop by his studio/gallery. Geoff’s studio/gallery was in the same building as Tom’s PR firm so Friday afternoon I decided to pay Geoff a visit.

I walked inside his gallery and found him walking through the space. He looked like a deer in the headlights. He looked up, saw me and walked toward me shaking his head.

“I hope you don’t mind,” I started, seeing he was shaking his head and had somewhat of a scowl on his face. “I wasn’t busy and thought I’d pop in and check on you.”

“No, please Anne, feel free to stop in anytime,” he replied was he walked up to me and placed his hands on my shoulders as he kissed me. “I just realized that my gallery party is scheduled for tomorrow evening and I haven’t done a thing to prepare for it. I’ve been so busy with this new piece I completely lost track of time.”

“Come on, let’s go sit down. You can tell me what you needs done and I’ll help you.”

“I can’t possibly ask you to do that.”

“You can and you will. Now let’s make a list of what needs to be done.”

He led me by the hand towards a desk in a corner of his gallery. I sat in the chair placed next to the desk as he sat behind it looking for paper and a pen. We went over a list of guests who would definitely be coming and then on to what he wanted to serve. I got my phone out and began to call Kat.

“Whom are you calling?” He asked not looking up from his list.

“Kat. She can at least help us estimate how much wine you’ll need.”

I was actually surprised that he had not been more organized for this event. This wasn’t like him. I smiled to myself as I realized I might be a slight distraction to his usually orderly life.

Kat was surprised too, but didn’t flinch when I started asking her questions. Then she came up with an idea and had me give Geoff the phone. All I heard was his grunting to her questions or short answers.

“Seems I’m coming over to Kat’s for dinner this evening so we can all discuss my lack of preparation for this event.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get you through this.” I replied taking his hand.

“I have no doubt you will. Come,” He said getting up and leading me toward the back, “I want to show you how I do what I do.”

We walked to the back. I saw a ton of drawings taped to the walls and on a large flat surface. There was also a large hunk of clay covered by plastic. It amazed my senses at the detail involved in a project such as this.


Jamie will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow her tour for more chances to win! The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/05/virtual-book-tour-timeless-sojourn-by.html


Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Sojour...

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timel...


Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

MONDAY MAN CANDY! so ni...

MONDAY MAN CANDY!
          so nice to look at

Today I want to observe what would have been Earl's birth...

Today I want to observe what would have been Earl's birthday. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. He was truly my soul mate and there will never be another to take his place in my heart. I will love you always, stud muffin!
        

Jezzie is the curious one of my 4 cats. She's usually the...

Jezzie is the curious one of my 4 cats. She's usually the first one to check out a new toy and claim it as her own. This time though, Bear Cat let her know they were going to share! They were funny to watch. The first picture Jezzie is inside swiping at Bear Cat, who's swiping at her. The second picture Bear Cat got his turn inside. Kids! Woofy and Gin Gin could care less about new toys unless there's cat nip inside.

OMG! I came to the conclusion that my sweet, little grand...

OMG! I came to the conclusion that my sweet, little grandchildren don't care if you're sleeping or sick! LOL Their poor dad works nights so he sleeps, or tries to sleep until at least 12:00 most days. Mason, who won't be two until December, communicates with these ear-piercing, high pitched screams that literally give me goose bumps. There's no place in the house we can go that you can't hear them. When his sister is home they play good together, but he's communicating a lot more, if you get my drift. He's screaming, Alivia is screaming, and I'm screaming trying to get them to be quiet.

I watch them in the mornings until their dad gets up. I was feeling sick all day today and just wanted to lay on the sofa under a warm blanket. Do you know those little darlings still wanted breakfast? And drinks? What nerve! And I had to feed them lunch, too! LOL

I just texted my daughter and told her we're going to order sandwiches for dinner because I sure don't feel like cooking tonight!

In just a few weeks folks, Passionate Encounters will be ...

In just a few weeks folks, Passionate Encounters will be released. Thought you might like a hot excerpt:) Not for readers under 18!



“Mike.” She gasped for air, unsure of the wisdom of what they were doing.
“Don’t say anything,” he rasped, gently pulling her blouse down until her shoulders were revealed. “Just feel.” He planted fiery kisses along the smooth flesh he slowly exposed.

She was feeling! Way too much, too fast. She’d been dreaming of this moment, yearning for it. Her clit was actually throbbing between her thighs, and moist heat dampened her panties. Her limbs were trembling wildly and she clutched Mike’s shoulders to remain on her feet.

Suddenly his hands were moving beneath her blouse and before she could murmur a protest, they were gliding slowly upward, bringing the material with them. Emma felt a cool draft against her midriff and then against her breasts. Their eyes clashed, and then Mike lowered his gaze to take in the bounty he’d just bared.

His low groan echoed through the small room as he bent his head, putting his open mouth on Emma. He took her naked breast in his mouth in an exquisite kiss that finished with a slow glide to the tip of her nipple. Once there, his tongue lazily circled the nub, lapping at it as if it was a tasty treat.

Emma shivered deliciously, burying her hands in his hair and holding him to her. As his tongue stabbed at her flesh, she was painfully aware of his fully aroused cock where it pushed against her. The strength and fullness of him made her hungry, and bold.

Uncontrollable desire forced her hand down his powerful torso until she reached the top of his slacks. She hesitated only briefly, until passion overruled common sense. With a muffled cry of surrender she let her hand continue down the front of Mike’s zipper. She teasingly trailed her fingertips over his impressive hard on until her actions drove him wild.

In a movement that bordered on savagery, he grabbed her probing hand and held it tightly against him, controlling the pressure while moving her palm up and down his rock hard shaft. An unbearable ache filled Emma. A need so intense it frightened her. She wanted Mike’s cock inside her.

A gush of silken heat exploded through her body, soaking her panties. “Oh god! Her soft cry seemed over loud in the quiet of the room.

He shuddered in a moment of weakness. The metallic taste of blood filled Emma’s mouth as she bit down hard on her bottom lip. Her eyes misted over with deep emotion. Please don’t stop! She uttered the words to herself. Then repeated them out loud.

“Please don’t stop.”

Mike’s head jerked back so he could meet her eyes, and then he was cursing sharply beneath his breath. His mouth returned to hers. And when his hands went back to her breasts Emma’s made quick work at unbuckling and unzipping his slacks. She reached inside, pulled his cock out and moved her hand up and down.

“Sweet Jesus!” Mike shuddered beneath her administrations. His breathing turned ragged and his hands slapped the door on either side of Emma as if he needed the support to remain on his feet.

Emma used his moment of weakness to drop to her knees. 

Would you date a man who wears makeup? The recent poll I ...

Would you date a man who wears makeup? The recent poll I took 80% of you said no! I'm with you. Although I make an exception with Johnny Depp. The little bit of eye liner he uses just emphasizes his smoky eyes and makes him look sexier:)

MONDAY MAN CANDYEven fully dressed you have to admit they...

MONDAY MAN CANDY


Even fully dressed you have to admit they're hunks! You see that thigh? That's what gets me. He doesn't have some skinny chicken legs! He can use his hose to put out  my fire anytime! Ok, I'm thinking stripper here. The white gloves kind of give it away.

Congratulations to desitheblonde, my 4th of July blo...

Congratulations to desitheblonde, my 4th of July blog hop winner! You get to choose one of my published ebooks as your prize. Please contact me and let me know which one you'd like.