Sarah Madison's Blog, page 29

The Boys of Summer is BOM at On Top Down Under Reviews!

So much going on right now!

First, I woke to the delightful news that The Boys of Summer is one of reviewer Kazza K’s Book of the Month Choices for August at On Top Down Under Reviews! The review for the story is here–do check it out! I can’t tell you how pleased I am.

Second, there is still time to enter Tempe O’Riley’s giveaway for an e-copy of her bestselling debut M/M romance novel, Designs of Desire! Contest ends August 31–the Rafflecopter is counting down the clock!

Next, I’ll be reviewi...

Taking Back My Life…

For the last couple of days, I have felt like utter crap. Vaguely queasy stomach upset, a chronic never-goes-away-entirely headache, neck muscles seized up like rebar (which leaves me alternating between hot and cold compresses, whichever feels better at the moment), and to add insult to injury, the plantar fasciitis I developed during my misguided efforts at completing a triathlon, has flared up again. For the past few mornings, I’ve crawled out of bed, ignoring the excited spinning and bark...

The Universe has its laugh, interviews, and A Summer Fling on Sale!

Well, just this morning, I was reflecting on the fact that I was finally starting to get a little bit ahead. The economy is improving. Work is picking up. My stories are selling well. Wonderful reviews are coming in for them, especially The Boys of Summer.

Note to self: don’t tempt the Universe into dealing you a smackdown.

On the way home from a routine doctor’s appointment this afternoon, something flew up off the interstate (or maybe off a passing vehicle) and landed in the middle of my rear...

Tempeste O’Riley Dishes on Designs of Desire!

I’m hosting new author Tempe O’Riley here today! Be sure to check out her unique and interesting series with Dreamspinner Press–as well as enter the Rafflecopter to be part of her month-long giveaway! Contest ends August 31st, 2013. Details at the end of the post.

Hello Tempeste! Welcome to my blog and thank you for answering my nosy discerning, questions! First, please tell us a little about yourself and the kinds of stories you like to write. Would you say there is an underlying theme behind...

On Top Down Under gives The Boys of Summer a 4.5 star review!

Aw, I was just poking around Goodreads when I found the link for this terrific review from On Top Down Under for The Boys of Summer!

Go check it out–you’ll see why I am doing the Snoopy Dance here in the privacy of my own home.

Reviewer Kazza K got what I was trying to do with the extended dream sequence–and why it was so important to me to have such a significant portion of the novel be a detailed dream sequence. I am tickled to death with this latest, wonderful review! After a story has bee...

Depression is a Dementor–And It Lies to You

I’ve been reading a lot about depression lately. Many of my friends suffer from it, and for months on end they struggle with simple tasks like getting out of bed and going to work each day. Others are not affected to the point of being so dysfunctional, but it does impact every waking moment. It prevents them from fully enjoying their lives, their achievements, and the company of their loved ones. Because of the lies depression whispers to them, they sabotage themselves both professionally an...

Anne Barwell: A Kiwi in New Zealand

Tasman Valley, New Zealand–wikipedia

As someone who doesn’t travel much, my idea of what other countries are like comes primarily from novels, movies, and television shows. New Zealand has made my list of one of the countries I’d most like to see some day: this island country in the southwestern portion of the Pacific Ocean has developed it own unique biodiversity and culture due to its remoteness.

I grew up reading New Zealand native Ngaio Marsh‘s Roderick Alleyn mysteries, several of which ta...

Lusting after a hot paranormal romance? Check out “I Heart Shifters”!

It’s been another long week in Lake Wobegone.

I spent a good bit of it working out of town, and had to give up my one day off too. Work has been slammed, which is a good thing after too many years of lackluster business, but that means it’s kicking my ass right now, too. When you’re in a different location every 48 hours, it’s hard to plan healthy meals or get enough sleep, which adds to the exhaustion. There’s a saying: failing to plan is planning to fail. I agree with that in principle, bu...

The Novel Approach Gives The Boys of Summer a 4.5 star review!

I was poking around Goodreads instead of going to bed on time (as I should be doing because I have an early start tomorrow) and discovered that The Novel Approach has given The Boys of Summer a 4.5 star review!

What a delightful surprise! I mean, I knew I’d submitted The Boys of Summer for review, but I never expected them to post something so quickly! And what better way to encourage me to get off my duff and finish the sequel to Unspeakable Words. It’s coming along slowly–I’m at what should...

The Novel Approach takes on Sarah Madison–and a Giveaway!

You know, I struggle sometimes to make the titles of these announcements interesting enough that people will click on the link. I’m sure there’s a class or something somewhere that teaches you how to boost your rankings with a clever link title–there’s a class for almost everything else, right?

I’ve got an interview and a contest up at The Novel Approach! Do drop by, see what I’m planning next, and read an excerpt of The Boys of Summer. Anyone leaving a comment there at The Novel Approach post...