Maddy Barone's Blog, page 50
August 11, 2012
Sheep To Shawl Competition
Arachne’s Handmaidens
Do you know what that is? That is when a group of fiber artists take nice fluffy wool that has been sheared from a sheep, and dye it, spin in into yarn, and then weave it into a shawl. Some teams are sponsored by local farms, or yarn shops, but the team that I am part of, Arachne’s Handmaidens, is independent. This is the third year I have taken part in this fiber event, and the past two years my team has won. Sadly, we were disqualified because we did not finish our shawl within the alloted time. Still, it was a fun day and I had a blast with the other gals. I’m exhausted after spinning and plying for six hours, but it was so much fun. The shawl that did win was absolutely gorgeous. I still need to remove the waste and add the fringe so the shawl can go on display for the second day of the Fargo Fiber Fest.
Our Rustic Country Shawl
A Close Up of the Twill Weave
August 6, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: A Tidbit From Sky & Rose’s Story
Right now, this is in Eddie’s Prize, but my editor may have me delete it since it really isn’t about Lisa or Eddie. So I thought you might like to read it. This takes place during the first night that Rose spends at the den after Sky has rescued her from Two Bears. I hope you enjoy it!
Lisa slept quite well in one of the double beds in the room Carla had ordered cleared out for Rose to live in. She was disoriented when she woken by soft sobs from the other bed. She lay in the dark, comfortably warm under the stack of quilts and blankets that Carla had heaped on the beds for she and Rose, debating whether Rose would welcome comfort or be embarrassed by it. The choice was taken out of her hands when the door opened quietly and someone came in on silent feet. Lisa strained to see who it was, wondering if whichever of the men who’d had this room before had forgotten something when he’d moved out. It was too dark to see, but a rustle came from Rose’s bed.
“Rose,” whispered Sky. “Are you alright? Don’t cry, please.”
Lisa froze, wondering if she should say something or pretend to be a sleep.
“Sky, you’re not supposed to be in here,” came Rose’s hiss.
“I heard you crying.”
“How could you hear me crying? I’m not being that loud!”
“Sh, Rose, don’t wake anybody up. I just wanted to be sure you were alright.”
Lisa quickly closed her eyes and tried to breathe slowly as if she were still asleep.
“I’m fine.”
That disagreeable tone didn’t put Sky off. “Could I hold you for a little while?” he pleaded. “Just two minutes and I’ll leave you alone, I promise.”
Rose muttered something that Lisa couldn’t catch, but she didn’t hear Sky leave. There was a faint creak from the bed and then silence. Lisa knew she shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but what else could she do? Of course, she probably didn’t need to strain so hard to try to hear what might be going on.
“I think it’s been more than two minutes,” Rose hissed.
“Okay.” There was soft sound of a kiss, and the meaty thud of a fist punching skin and muscle. “Ow, you didn’t need to do that.”
“Get out, Sky!”
A moment later Lisa heard the door open and close. Out of the dark, Rose’s voice was a hissed whisper. “Ms. Anton, are you awake?”
Lisa sighed and shifted on the feather mattress. “Mrs. Madison,” she corrected. “Oh, just call me Lisa. And yes, I did hear. Sorry for listening in.”
“That’s okay.” Humor touched the teenager’s voice. “I don’t think you had much choice. You don’t need to mention this to Mrs. Wolfe, do you? Sky did save me this morning. I don‘t want to get him in trouble.”
“I won’t say a word,” Lisa promised.
As she settled herself back down to sleep, she wondered what would come of Sky and Rose.
August 5, 2012
How To Choose a Pen Name
Many authors, especially those who write romance, elect to use a pseudonym or a nom de plume. How does one go about choosing a pen name? I’ve been in this writing game for a few years now, and I have a few suggestions. These are only my opinions, not written in some Author Handbook. You may disagree with me or have other suggestions. If so, feel free to leave a comment so others can benefit from your thoughts.
In no particular order:
1. Choose something that anybody could spell. If a reader wants to search you out on the internet or on the shelves of their local bookstore, they may have a hard time if they are looking for Jessica Diamond but you spell it Jezika Dymynd.
2. An easy-to-remember name is a plus. Maybe you really like Maria Maddalena da Monreale-Baroncelli, but will a reader remember that name? Besides that, how would it look on the cover of a book?
3. Do an internet search to see if the name you want is already being used. Sure, you probably know not to call yourself Nora Roberts, but there are a LOT of authors out there, especially with the advent of self publishing. Be sure you aren’t taking someone else’s name. And I’m not just talking about other writers’ names. Check for musicians, actresses, sports stars, etc.
4. Also, don’t choose a name that is too similar to other authors. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see a book by someone I thought was a long time favorite of mine. Imagine my disappointment (and irritation) to find out it wasn’t my favorite author, just someone with a very similar name.
5. Be sure you can spell it and write it easily. This is the name you will be signing when readers ask you to autograph their book. Practice writing it over and over. Is it comfortable for you? If not, look for something else.
6. Pick something you can answer to. How embarrassing to have a reader call, “Ms. Barone! Maddy!” while you stroll obliviously past her because you don’t realize she is talking to you. She thinks you’re rude and you missed an opportunity to chat with someone who (hopefully) enjoys your books.
7. Check to see if the domain for your pen name is available. Even if there is not another writer/public figure out there with the name you want, if you can’t use www (dot)yourname(dot)com it may be difficult for readers to find your website. And you want readers to be able to find you.
There, 7 suggestions to help you decide on a pen name. As I said, these are only suggestions. Your mileage may vary. 
July 31, 2012
U Need To Write!
July 30, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: Eddie’s Prize again
A teeny snippet from the work in progress. Lisa and Eddie in bed, near the end of their honeymoon.
Through teeth clenched with effort, Eddie said, “We’re done talking about this. Your past is in the past. Right now, from this point, we’re starting fresh. Okay? You don’t talk to men any more than you have to, and I’ll control the beast. The jealousy, I mean.”
“Yes, but—“
To shut her up before the beast tore away from his control, Eddie kissed her almost violently. At last, the beast stopped fighting him and Eddie let himself sink into the warmth of Lisa’s mouth. He’d thought he was too tired to make love again tonight, but he was wrong.
July 23, 2012
Tuesday Truth: I love Baen Books!
Do you ever feel like the big publishing houses care a lot more about dollars than their customers? It’s sort of frustrating when an ebook costs more than the paper copy! That is NOT to say that I think all ebooks should be $0.99. Publishers even self-publishing authors) still have to pay the art department, the editors and of course, the author. They deserve to make a profit. If they don’t, they’ll close shop and then where will we get our books?
One publisher that I think does it right is Baen books. If you enjoy fantasy and science fiction but don’t know about Baen’s ebooks, you’re missing out. What does Baen offer? Here are three reasons I love Baen:
They have a FREE library. Yep, hundreds of their bestselling authors are absolutely free in the format of your choice. I’m not talking about duds that no one has ever heard of. They have Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton, Lois Bujold McMasters, Jacqueline Carey, David Weber, etc. etc. I give them huge kudos for offering great books for free.
They offer eARC (advanced readers copies) months before the book is actually out. You pay for it. ARCs run about $15.00. But sometimes, when you’re jonesing for the next book in a series, $15 is a cheap price to pay.
They sell ebooks that are in hardcover in books stores for $6.00. That’s right, that great new book that costs $24.99 in hardcover in the store (and $12.99-$14.99 in e-format at digital sellers) cost only $6.00 when you buy it from Baen.
How can you go wrong? Head over to Baen. Whenever possible I give them my business as a way to say “Thank You” for remembering that their customers are readers who love stories, not just wallets to squeeze.
July 21, 2012
The Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Reads
All this month the Romance Reviews has been hosting a game where players can win prizes. Each day they post a few Q&As On Sunday July 22, one of the questions that players have to answer is:
How many men does Ray Madison say are fighting to win Carla as their wife in the Bride Fight?
After I thought about it I realized that is a hard question! It’s too late for me to change it now. The answer can be found in the excerpt from Sleeping With the Wolf under the Excerpts tab above. But I’ll be nice to you. Carla has a round dozen of the best and wealthiest men fighting for her.
If you haven’t been playing along, it’s not too late to start. Head over there to check it out!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
July 16, 2012
Tuesday Teaser-Eddie’s Prize
It’s time a for a teaser from my Work in Progress, Eddie’s Prize. Lisa, an international fashion model back home, is frightened, and wants Eddie to win her. Here are a couple paragraphs from just before the Bride Fights starts.
Lisa looked quickly at the sea of men on the theater floor and found Eddie by his dark gold hair and pale skin. He was almost directly below her, standing a yard away from the stage. For a one moment she forgot everything else while she ran slow, thorough eyes over him. Eddie was a god. A perfect idol fashioned of gold and ivory. He was shirtless and his lean chest and narrow waist were pale amid all the dark-skinned men. Lisa frowned. His pecs and abs were well-defined, but he looked so slender, almost skinny, compared to the other men he stood with. If those other men, so burly and thick, were who he would be fighting, he wouldn’t have a chance.
Ray seemed to read her concern. He patted her on the head like a child, although she was an inch taller than he was. “He might look a bit small, but he’s fast and a helluva lot stronger than he looks. He’ll mop the floor with the rest of them fighters. Just wait. I’ll be calling you daughter before night.”
Ugh, that was the bad part of Eddie winning. But still, Eddie was the best choice. Some of these other men eying her and puffing out their chests were handsome enough to be models – or they would be if they did something with their hair and teeth—but Eddie was the only one she wanted.
July 10, 2012
Tuesday Truth
The Truth of the Day is:
I need a nap. Yes, it is suppertime now, and I plan to write for at least 3 hours tonight, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a nap. *yawn* I think I slept well enough last night, so I don’t know why I’m yawning and drooping.
Maybe it’s the heat? It’s not in the 90s any more, not quite. But the high hasn’t been lower than 86 for about three weeks. The average high for this time of the year is 83, so it’s only five or six degrees hotter. I don’t like hot weather. How about a few weeks of five or six degrees cooler than average, huh?
July 7, 2012
Masuku, aka Little Bit
Like a mother, a cat owner shouldn’t have a favorite, right? But Little Bit might be my favorite. Like the other two she is a rescue cat. She was live trapped along with her 
mother and siblings in a state park when she was about 12 weeks old. I already had two, but a friend who volunteered at a local rescue shelter asked if I could foster her for a few weeks. She was so extremely skittish that she wasn’t eating at the shelter. So I took her, and never gave her back. I named her Masuku, which is Japanese for “mask”, but she was so small at that time that I ended up calling her my Little Bit of Nothing.
She’s not a little bit anymore. At her last vet check up she weighs a very respectable 10 pounds. She is still very skittish. Some of my friends have never seen her. While I was away for the Annual Author & Reader Get Together, the friend who works at the shelter came over every day to play with the kitties and feed and water them, and she texted me asking if I was sure I had three cats. She only saw two.
Like most cats, Little Bit will sleep anywhere. But she is particularly fond of snoozing in places I’d rather she not, like the middle of the Christmas Village. She is so adorable, though, that I can’t quite get angry at her.
I have decided that Rose Turner will have a cat. Some neighbor’s barn cat will have kittens and Rose will fall in love with the cute little runt of the litter. She’ll cajole Taye into letting her keep it. The adorable little kitten will grow into a huge cat who loves only her, and hates any man who comes too close to “his human.” He’ll especially detest Sky, who will be sporting angry scratches on his hands and face to mark his every attempt to seduce his mate. I imagine the other wolves will enjoy ragging on him about it.
