Nancy Gideon's Blog, page 43

IWSG: Trash to Cash - Reviving Rejected Projects

I’m a word hoarder. I never throw away anything. This is easier now that discarded projects and WIPs are kept on discs instead of in boxes filled with yellowing sheets. I finished my first manuscript in the early ‘80s and since then, it hasn’t been alone in its exile to the “Does Not Meet Our Current Needs” pile. But I believe in Karma – What goes around Comes Around, and yes, some of those rejected gems have found a new purpose and new homes and have gone on to embrace success.

I pounced on the IWSG monthly question of “Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? How did it work out?” My lengthy career is filled with such occasions. I’ve had proposals rejected or ‘passed over’ by my publishers only to be tweaked and find a home with a different editor, a different line, or a new house. My favorite tale (or tail, hehehe) is about a werewolf proposal I shopped around both on my own and through an agent that got interest but no takers. Into the drawer for a decade then revived, refreshed and off to a new publisher for a new line where it got an editor all excited . . . about the prologue . . . but could I change everything else, i.e. the entire plot and all the characters? In other words, write an entire new book off those first six-pages. Yes, I could, and did. It became the first book in a series of three manuscripts that I completed before getting that “Call” to purchase . . . but they only wanted to buy the first book and only if I’d change my hero from a bad @ss to a kinder, gentler shapeshifter. That wasn’t something I was willing to rework, so after much angsting, I turned down the contract, reached out to another former editor and found a home at Pocket Books for not just the three manuscripts, but for a total of eight books that have since branched out through self-pubbing to my new “House of Terriot” series with Book Two of four, PRINCE OF POWER , just released on Monday!



Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Kobo Books

Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~Times change, tastes change, and hope springs eternal for those woeful forgotten words seeking a forever home. Take them out, dust them off, slap on a new coat of paint and take them out for a spin in these new markets. You just might have that first book of ten . . . What are you waiting for?


The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG 

IWSG awesome co-hosts for the March 1st posting will be Tamara Narayan, Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!

IWSG: Trash to Cash: Reviving Rejected Projects

I’m a word hoarder. I never throw away anything. This is easier now that discarded projects and WIPs are kept on discs instead of in boxes filled with yellowing sheets. I finished my first manuscript in the early ‘80s and since then, it hasn’t been alone in its exile to the “Does Not Meet Our Current Needs” pile. But I believe in Karma – What goes around Comes Around, and yes, some of those rejected gems have found a new purpose and new homes and have gone on to embrace success.

I pounced on the IWSG monthly question of “Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? How did it work out?” My lengthy career is filled with such occasions. I’ve had proposals rejected or ‘passed over’ by my publishers only to be tweaked and find a home with a different editor, a different line, or a new house. My favorite tale (or tail, hehehe) is about a werewolf proposal I shopped around both on my own and through an agent that got interest but no takers. Into the drawer for a decade then revived, refreshed and off to a new publisher for a new line where it got an editor all excited . . . about the prologue . . . but could I change everything else, i.e. the entire plot and all the characters? In other words, write an entire new book off those first six-pages. Yes, I could, and did. It became the first book in a series of three manuscripts that I completed before getting that “Call” to purchase . . . but they only wanted to buy the first book and only if I’d change my hero from a bad @ss to a kinder, gentler shapeshifter. That wasn’t something I was willing to rework, so after much angsting, I turned down the contract, reached out to another former editor and found a home at Pocket Books for not just the three manuscripts, but for a total of eight books that have since branched out through self-pubbing to my new “House of Terriot” series with Book Two of four, PRINCE OF POWER , just released on Monday!



Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Kobo Books
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~Times change, tastes change, and hope springs eternal for those woeful forgotten words seeking a forever home. Take them out, dust them off, slap on a new coat of paint and take them out for a spin in these new markets. You just might have that first book of ten . . . What are you waiting for?


The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG 

IWSG awesome co-hosts for the March 1st posting will be Tamara Narayan, Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!

WeWriWa: A New Hope for a New Release (Day, Tomorrow!!)

Sometimes strength is discovered in realizing you can’t do things alone. A larger threat can bring even the most determined enemies together to fight for the survival of all . . . if that tricky thing called trust has its way. PRINCE OF POWER , my new release (as of 02-27-17!) finds the opposing factions in my shape-shifter world forced to set aside old animosities if they want to save their freedom and way of life. Not an easy task as these three negotiators from the Lake Tahoe, Memphis and New Orleans clans met to agree not to disagree.

“Since we don’t trust each other worth a damn, let’s start with the threat to all of us,” Colin began, pouring another cup of the strong chicory brew. “My clan is tempted to hunker down on our mountain and say to hell with you, let them destroy you all then we’ll pick through the pieces.” 

“Like scavengers,” Mia sneered, “the coyotes of our kind.” 

“Survivors,” he corrected, “that don’t need you since we aren’t vulnerable to outside attack or influence.” 

“We’re all vulnerable,” Silas cut in, “because we think we’re our greatest enemy, which is a mistake, and if we continue to glare and squabble among ourselves, they’re going to sweep in like a plague and infect us all with their stronger will. What’s more important, our petty differences or the survival of our people?” 

“I kinda like being petty,” Colin muttered, but his expression grew thoughtful as he added, “We’re not much for politics outside our own, but I’m here to learn what they want from us and to stop them.”

“We’re a resource,” Silas laid out simply, “and they’re not going to leave us alone unless we show them we’re not to be toyed with, by getting over our differences and joining together, to make them fear us instead of the other way around. That’s why we have no time for pettiness and politics, even though I enjoy both as much as the next guy.” He quirked a smile at Colin before concluding, “I know we’re talking generations of bad blood and ugly deeds here, but we’ve got to learn to trust each other before we find our families on the bottom of their sensible shoes.”

Starting Book Two off on uneasy ground, the terms of the new allegiance are strained by deception and an unexpected attraction that threatens to burn down their best laid plans . . . as well as burn up the pages. And that’s just in the first few chapters. Welcome to the “House of Terriot” and Colin, PRINCE OF POWER.


Amazon / Kobo Books
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~Hope to see you on the e-shelves tomorrow when PRINCE OF POWER roars to life in print and e-formats.

Happy Reading!!



Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

WeWriWa: A Hop, A Steal and A Chance with PRINCE OF HONOR

Before PRINCE OF POWER , Book #2 in my “House of Terriot” dark paranormal shape-shifter series, is released next week, I’m inviting readers to enjoy Book #1 PRINCE OF HONOR with a one week price drop to $0.99 AND a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card with my “Get It While It’s H.O.T.!” Blog Hop.

What’s better than one Terriot prince? TWO! So, I’m sharing a scene with the heroes from Book #1 and Book #2 in it. To set the stage (in an earlier excerpt some time ago) Turow has returned the traitor (the bad girl he’s always loved) to his clan to face their justice – as his mate! When she runs from him at the end of the best night of their lives, after his first assumption that she’s fled with his brother Colin proves false, he must consider that she’s returned to her villainous path with their family’s enemy. Here’s a peak . . .

“It’s my fault.” 
“You think every damned thing from global warming to that crappy dub-step music is your fault, so let me do this, brother, because it shouldn’t be you, can’t be you!” Studying him a moment longer, Colin sighed heavily, “Row, it’ll destroy you.” 
“There’s no getting over this for me because I’m the fool who never saw it coming.” 
Colin hauled him in hard then let him go, saying gruffly, “If you decide to run off with her, I sure wouldn’t blame you, but don’t throw in with James or I’ll get the job of coming after the both of you. Maybe it’s all a mistake. She’s head over heels about you, so it has to be something else, has to be!” 
Turow heaved a cleansing breath, straightening, hardening for what he needed to do with his grim claim of, “It doesn’t matter why.” 
“You watch yourself around Jamie . . . get in and out before he knows you’re on your way.” 
“He already knows,” Row said with absolute certainty.

Gotta love those stoic heroes who burn hot beneath their outer cool. Enjoy the heat at a terrific price and grab at a chance for that gift certificate by following along with my Spotlight Hop:TOUR SCHEDULESunday, February 19, 2017
M.J. Schiller, Romance AuthorThe Cheshire Cat's Looking GlassBooks, Dreams, LifeDiane's Book Blog

Monday, February 20, 2017
HBS Author's SpotlightThe Reading Addict

Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Cross My Heart Writings & ReviewsRealms of Fantasy & FictionParanormal Dimensions

Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Deal Sharing AuntDiane Burton - Adventure & RomanceWhat Readers Want

Thursday, February 23, 2017
Authors’ CafeRomance Me

Friday, February 24, 2017
Angels With Attitude Book ReviewsLoren E. Pryce

Saturday, February 25, 2017
Paranormal RealmsMy TBR Addiction
Visit each stop and enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!
And if you’re still feeling lucky, jump on board my Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of PRINCE OF POWER before its debut on February 27!

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Prince of Power by Nancy Gideon Giveaway ends February 25, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway

Pre-OrderAmazon | Kobo Books
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.

“Get ready for fifty shades of tall, dark and deliciously dangerous with Colin Terriot, the hottest shifter yet! Five Stars!” – Book Bling

“Hold onto your heart (& your panties, ladies!) . . . the Terriot princes are back! Things are heating up in New Orleans in this powerful story of obsession, betrayal and revenge. Intricately woven plot lines and complex characters carry PRINCE OF POWER to a block buster revelation in another Page Burning Must Read! Five Hearts!” – Cross My Heart Reviews
~ ~ ~ ~ ~Happy Reading!!


Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

TAKE FIVE on a New Release Magic Carpet Ride with Elizabeth Alsobrooks and STOLEN SECRETS!

I'm thrilled to have one of my critique partners (and good buddy!) Elizabeth Alsobrooks stop in today to Take Five regarding her brand new release STOLEN SECRETS . A novella spinoff with secondary characters from her ILLUMINATI Urban Fantasy series, it's filled with adventure, fantasy and some pretty hot sexy times. I LOVED it! Welcome Elizabeth, who brought along some seriously cool promotional teasers, and Take Five . . .
"Take Five" with Elizabeth Alsobrooks and STOLEN SECRETS 
1. Secret Societies! Treasure hunters! Egyptian Gods and Goddess! You've got it all going on, girl. How fun was researching this book, and how much was fact vs. imagination?

I love research, especially location research. Our trip to New Orleans where you were researching your By Moonlight series and I was researching a setting from my second Illuminati book was a blast! Believe it or not, the foundation of my world-building is based upon hard research I morph in my imagination, from locations, mythology, history, conspiracy theories, and even legends from ancient to modern times.

2. STOLEN SECRETS is a novella. Why did you decide to follow the first novel, THE BOOK OF LIFE with a shorter tease rather than the second book of the series, THE TREE OF LIFE (both of which are great, BTW!)

Thanks! My Illuminati series is Urban Fantasy, so really long, as in the first one was 600 pages plus. It takes a long time to do that much research and writing and my readers were growing impatient, wanting their Illuminati fix. Also, I try to create complex characters, people I myself could admire or would want to know personally—even the secondary characters. So I thought it would be fun to do some sexy, quick-read romantic spinoffs showcasing some of the secondary characters. I was hoping it would make seeing them in the larger works more fun, too!

3. You wear two pretty big hats, those of author and publisher. How do you balance your time between your books and client books (though I'm sure living in sunny Arizona makes it easier!)?

If only I knew how to juggle. If not for the publishing hat I would probably have 20 novels completed and already published since retiring from my day jobs. My own work takes second place, almost always. Recently, however, I have decided to spend at least one day a week (as in there are 7 days in the week) for my own work, and I have tried to stop replying to most emails on the weekends, unless they’re deadline related.

4. What's in the future for your mythological characters? More books? More crossovers like the short story in THE KEEPER'S SECRET from Tell-Tale Publishing's Annual Horror Anthology? We want to see more of them!

I am in love with Egyptian mythology and superstitions, mythology in general, actually. I collect world-wide fairy tales and legends and love chasing after some unheard of superstition or legend’s source, which is why everything I write has some paranormal or supernatural element and always mythological elements. I have a third book already planned for my Illuminati series, The Sea of Life, and a 4th is begging for a completed synopsis, The Origin of Life. I see a lot of spin-off series in there too. They’re fun to write and the length is inviting to someone as busy as me. That includes the horror stories too. I really enjoyed writing The Opal Ring. Who doesn’t find Jinn interesting? I’m also toying with the idea of a dark paranormal that has entered my imagination. So many ideas, so little time. Like I said, if not for the many hats, I would have a ton of publications already out there.

5. You've got some pretty cool promo, from website to book trailers and more! First, do you do most of your own or farm it out, and second, how important do you feel self-promotion is for an author and where can a writer get the most bang for the buck? (You'll notice how sneakily I tucked in some extra questions!)

I do my own website, but I farm out the main ingredients, like the trailers, covers, promo posters, etc. I also hire out the formal PR, though I do my own social media and 2 blogs, Book Bling and the 18th on an author group blog called Paranormal Romantics. The company farms out most everything.

Due to many hats, I have a lot of contacts and resources in the field that individual authors may not, so can always get recommendations for the best and most affordable in all areas of media. My inbox is a steady stream of “offers” for just about anything you can think of.

I would recommend that anyone who writes fiction should join their local Romance Writers of America chapter and you will instantly access plenty of veteran know-how and expertise. Also, for free online help, join Marketing for Romance Writers. Their yahoo group is a running stream of PR and publication questions and answers, with a ton of self-promotion opportunities and service provider evaluations.

Authors who do little or no promotion will have a hard time broadening their fan base. Period. The best way to gain “real fans” is to build relationships with readers. No one can do that for you. Even the big name authors do meet-and-greets and a fair amount of their own social media. Being an author is a business and that means learning to use social media and attending live events, and guest appearances on blogs, like this one—and not just when you have a new release. Consistency is key if you want to constantly grow your fan base. More fans equal more sales. That said, I’m happy to be here! Thanks for having me, Nancy.


Amazon | GoodreadsOffered an enormous sum by an anonymous benefactor for the acquisition of an ancient ceremonial relic, a sum that would keep the antiquities shop in Cairo her father left her afloat while she continued her own archaeological pursuits, Lady Isabella Valentine was distracted rather than tempted, then suspicious, when the dashing young Bedouin slipped in just before closing and promised her a deal she couldn’t refuse--for the very same relic. Despite his sensual appeal, she did refuse him, sending him away. But neither of them know of the evil power they are up against, or what hidden dangers await them in the tomb of the high priest.

Prince Mukhtar, son of Sheikh Abdul Kummel al-Rahman, leader of the Hassana, is on a sacred Illuminati mission for Isis to retrieve something stolen from one of her temples over a thousand years ago. This mortal disbeliever though an enchanting English rose, however beautiful she might be, is clearly in the power of the Usurper and must be persuaded to help him, one way or another.




About Elizabeth AlsobrooksWebsite | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads
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Now that her children have flown from the nest, Elizabeth lives with her personal editor, Hudson (AKA Maltese), and husband, Kenton, (AKA Irish-Scotsman) at the foot of the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountain Range in Oro Valley, AZ.

She loves to sit on her patio sipping coffee and reading or brainstorming plots and enjoying the grandeur of her breathtaking mountain views.

Elizabeth calls herself a pantser on steroids. The first book of her Illuminati series flowed like a psychic muse channeled it from her fingertips to the keyboard. She wrote 120,000 words in 45 days. "After the first couple of chapters, the characters took over. They knew what they wanted and what they were willing to do to get it." She is more reluctant to discuss how long it took to edit and revise her manuscript.

Her love of mythology and ancient literature and history were the backbone for her series, and the Sigma Force series by James Rollins inspired the fast-paced adventures (He recently told her at a literacy fundraiser that he found that flattering, as no one had ever told him he was inspiring before!).

A friend compared Elizabeth's series to what it would be like if Ford and Jolie stepped through the Stargate, tried to kill each other, and ended up falling into a love as seemingly hopeless as Romeo and Juliet. Elizabeth claims she pictured a blond "The Rock" as the hero when she was writing, but that Jolie, with lavender eyes, would fit her heroine just fine.

Currently, she is dividing her writing time between book II in her Illuminati series and a New Adult spinoff series. Book 1 in the Immortal Sins series is titled Daughter of Ancients.~ ~ ~ ~ ~You're only One Click away from the excitement. You don't even need a magic carpet (or to get sand in your shoes!) to enjoy the adventure, but feel free to take one if you've got one. This is one treasure worth pursuing! Happy reading!

WeWriWa: With This Ring . . .

I’m celebrating the second book in my “House of Terriot” shapeshifter series with a 02-11 to 02-25-17 Goodreads Giveaway of four signed trade paperback copies of PRINCE OF POWER .

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Prince of Power by Nancy Gideon Giveaway ends February 25, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
With the e-book now up for preorder and release day on 02-27-17, it seems only fitting that I share the opening lines from Colin’s story for today’s sneak peek:

A ring. 

Colin Terriot studied the scorched circle placed in his palm, brow furrowing. The wide band of polished steel never left his step-father’s finger. A gift from their king, it was Abel Conroy’s most prized possession, a symbol of prestige and loyalty. 

Her sudden slap nearly knocked him to his knees, not from the strength of the blow, but because he’d never in his fourteen years felt the brunt of a hand raised in anger by someone he loved; as the son of a king, reared in the shadow their clan’s fiercest warrior, no one would dare, and surprise left him defenseless.

Fury throbbed in his mother’s voice as she demanded, “Where were you when they were dying?”

They’d died? His step-father, his half-brothers? The shock too huge to absorb all at once, he looked up, eyes tearing, throat too tight for speech as he put his other palm to the fiery mark on his face. Meeting his mother’s glare, a crystal-clear understanding settled deep and cold inside him: His protector was dead, and his king indifferent, and in that moment, Colin knew everything in his world had changed.

Here’s another look at my brawny prince . . .


Amazon | Kobo Books
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.

“Get ready for fifty shades of tall, dark and deliciously dangerous with Colin Terriot, the hottest shifter yet! Five Stars!” – Book Bling

“Hold onto your heart (& your panties, ladies!) . . . the Terriot princes are back! Things are heating up in New Orleans in this powerful story of obsession, betrayal and revenge. Intricately woven plot lines and complex characters carry PRINCE OF POWER to a block buster revelation in another Page Burning Must Read! Five Hearts!” – Cross My Heart Reviews~ ~ ~ ~ ~Okay, enough excitement. Back to doing my taxes . . . as soon as I see what my fellow writers have been up to. Happy weekend and Happy Valentine’s Day!



Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

WeWriWa: Bromance is in the Air!

Since it’s February, I’m letting my thoughts turn to Bromance with my latest snip from PRINCE OF POWER , Book 2 in my “House of Terriot” shape-shifter series NOW up for pre-order. One of the best thing about writing these books with their manly men (or beasts, if you prefer) is crafting the interactions between them be they brawling fight scenes, testy testosterone confrontations or just the quiet power of moments like this one between my snarlingly macho hero and his very human brother-in-law:

Colin glanced over, catching something in the detective’s expression that usually he’d let it go as none of his concern, but Babineau was under his family umbrella now. 

Defensiveness made a wall between them as the detective hedged, “What do you mean?” 

“You tell me . . . or don’t,” Colin amended with a shrug as he put the car in gear and eased carefully out of the crowded lot, then added softly, “You know we can read minds.” He heard Babineau’s quick intake of breath and held to his smile. 

“You’re lying.” 

He slid a glance over and teased, “Maybe.” 

Alain let his tension go on a quiet laugh directed at himself and admitted, “When I started the job, I told you I had this Save the World ideal that lasted long enough for me to think I could save someone who worked there from that life,” he put up a hand and quickly vowed, “but that was long before I met your sister.” 

“If you’re thinking along those lines again, I’d have to kill you just for thinking it.” 

“Nothing like that . . . just been thinking about that girl lately and don’t know why, but the past has a funny way of playing tricks, making you remember mistakes when it’s too late to do anything about them.” 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Ahhh, the start of something bromancy! And, since I’m too lazy to let my words just factor into the scene of the moment, it’s planting seeds that will bloom in the next book, PRINCE OF FOOLS , now taking shape on my laptop. Here’s another look at Colin, prince in the House of Terriot . . .


Amazon
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~To set that preorder mood, I’m hosting a “Get It While It’s H.O.T.!” (heeheehee!) blog hop to promote PRINCE OF HONOR. Book 1 in the series will be ON SALE for ONLY $.99! during the course of the tour from Feb. 19th to 25th. A great chance to grab it and eat it up before PRINCE OF POWER bursts on the scene on Feb. 27th! The Tour is shaping up and taking hosts to feature PRINCE OF HONOR as a spotlight only post and chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Sign up to give it a home and the series a boost!


Happy Weekend, fellow Warriors!!


Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

IWSG: Reading Through a Writer's Eyes

Our February topic asked if we read differently now that we're writers. No question about it. YES! In a way, being on the other side of the book cover tarnished my innocent enjoyment of plunging into a story. As a writer, I'm a hard market to crack. I can narrow this down to two big challenges: Time and Technique.

Now that I'm busy writing during my non-8-to-5 hours, I have precious little opportunity to escape read. Things that cross my path are manuscripts I'm critiquing for others, genres I'm investigating, and my increasingly shrinking MUST READ list of authors. My Kindle runneth over with intriguing adventures I may never have the chance to take. Because time is so valued, the quality of the book has to be top notch. To keep me from dozing off during my allotted reading hour before bedtime, that book has to grab me and hold me hostage. If it doesn't move, I snooze. If I spend more than a couple of nights trying to get involved in it, I put it aside. If the prose is choppy, if the POV uneven, the editing poor, there is no second chance. There are just too many good books out there to labor over the pages. This is sad because in my pre-published days, I would push ahead, and sometimes would find a diamond hidden in that early rough.

The lessons I learned from the above are: 1) Make those first pages COUNT! They have to reach out to that finicky or weary reader to spark interest and excitement right away. Begin with the body, not the backstory. 2) Don't discount word of mouth. If a writer/reader friend is raving about something they read, yes, I will investigate. If you've read a book you love, leave a REVIEW! Clue in the time-deficit reader that this one is worth the investment. Even if it's just to say "LOVED IT!", your voice doesn't go unheard.

What are you reading, fellow writers? Are you loving it? Share the love, save an author.

Here's what's up with me: A preorder and sale book tour! PRINCE OF POWER , Book 2 in my new "House of Terriot" dark paranormal shapeshifter series will be available February 27 and is up for preorder now!
Amazon
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.~ ~ ~ ~ ~For those who haven't started the series, here's a fab opportunity with my "Get It While It's Hot" book tour. Sign up to host a spotlight only or just come along for the ride and a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card. PRINCE OF HONOR , Book 1 in the "H.O.T." series will be on sale for just $.99 during the tour, from Feb. 19 to 25!
Tour Sign-Up
It's a month made for romance. Get it while it's H.O.T.!

Happy Reading!

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG 

IWSG awesome co-hosts for the January 4th posting will be Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Buter!

WeWriWa: You Got the Power! PRINCE OF POWER up for PreOrder!

Finally! The book I started over a year ago, and had to put on the shelf to let another go first. The book I couldn’t WAIT to get back to and now hate to leave. Finally finished and up for pre-order. Part of me wants to hang on, crying, NO! Just one more read through, one more chance to enjoy and add scenes. But snippets of dialogue are starting to whisper from Book 3, and I know it’s time to let go and move to something new. A feeling hero, Colin Terriot shares in this peek at PRINCE OF POWER , “House of Terriot” Book 2.

She doesn’t love you . . . she’s using you. 

Colin knew she didn’t, knew she was, and that truth ate through him viciously. Maybe he was pushing too hard, too fast, in everything, with Mia, with this situation between their clans, with his fierce denial that everything was fine, that he was fine, because he knew it wasn’t, that he wasn’t. 

Maybe he should just go home, get stronger, get well, get over it! 

Going back to their mountain wasn't going to improve his miserable existence, where he'd be reminded on a daily basis with the respectful murmurs of "my prince" hiding who the hell knew what: Mockery, deception, treason? To drink and debauch his days and nights into nothingness, waking up alone. Tahoe offered less than the nothing he already had with its reminders of his hollow title, his shallow soul, his grief and regrets. Here, at least there was a challenge, a task, a chance to rise, not only above his clan's doubts but above his own. 

He'd been given a second chance. Would he squander it the way he had all that had come before it?

Amazon
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .

Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot

Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.

Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .

Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir

Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~Sigh. Okay, time to get over it and on with it. Release day is February 27, so promo stuff will allow me to savor this story juuuuuust a bit longer as PRINCE OF FOOLS moves to the front burner.

Happy Weekend and Happy Writing!



Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

WeWriWa: In This Corner . . . the Release Date for PRINCE OF POWER!

I needed something to perk me up and get me going this cold, dreary January morning, and coffee wasn’t cutting it. So how ‘bout this excerpt from PRINCE OF POWER as I enter the final round of line edits toward a February 27, 2017 RELEASE DATE! That’s just five weeks away and I’ve got to get this second book in my “House of Terriot” shape-shifter paranormal series into lean, mean, fighting weight. Cue the Rocky theme . . .

Dull, early-morning light filtered down through a slant of dingy windows overhead, sending swirls of dust motes drifting about the lone figure punishing the heavy bag, lending a grainy, old-film quality of stark relief to fiercely defined muscles, bunching, flexing, gliding in a shadow play of near-poetic movement. 

She’d wanted to make sure he was all right, that’s all, and obviously, he was . . . so, she should leave before he noticed her, but Colin Terriot, gorgeous, cut, the perfect solid, sexy male, held Mia entranced. 

The rhythmic thud of the gloves drew her appreciation to caress glistening flesh stretched taut and tempting over a purposefully honed physique, not that of a sleek, dark Porsche like most Guedry males, but a Land Rover, built to conquer with force, to withstand harsh elements and still provide an enviable ride over the roughest terrain in a journey not about comfort and speed, but rather the dangerous thrill. Drawstring shorts rode his hips, hugging nicely-rounded butt and sturdy thighs. She’d never thought of thighs as particularly erotic, but his had her imaging herself trapped between their compression. 

The handsome Terriot unbalanced her. Today, Mia needed to recover it. 
She hadn’t made a sound but suddenly he tensed, aware of her, turning, gloved fists raised as if expecting a fight that she’d happily provide. 

“What’d that bag ever do to you?” 

He drawled low and gruff, “It got in my way.”

Whew, I’m all warmed up and out of breath and ready to face my next challenger – back cover copy and pre-order status. Those should be ready for the next round on the 29th! Ding-ding. In this corner, the champion, weighing in at . . . seriously, that’s TMI. But here’s another look at Colin, PRINCE OF POWER to provide the necessary workout.

Happy Sunday and Happy Writing my WeWriWa and reader pals!!


Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.