Cassandra Dean's Blog: Blog of Bloggy Blogness, page 7

Rough Diamond giveaway – there’s still time!

Hi peeps,

Just a quick post to say the Rough Diamond giveaway is still running! Make sure you head to this post to enter.

Alrighty, back into the editing/writing hole I go…

Cassandra

xx

 

Happy 2nd Book Birthday, Rough Diamond! #giveaway

Happy 2nd Book Birthday
ROUGH DIAMOND !

 

My word, it’s been two years since ROUGH DIAMOND was published. Where has the time gone?

I’m super proud of this book, as it marks a bit of a departure for me. I never thought I’d write a Western romance, but when my editor suggested I give the Western Escape line a try, I thought, why not? ROUGH DIAMOND and the Diamond Series was the result!

At the moment, ROUGH DIAMOND is on sale at all the Amazons, including US ($2.99) and UK (£1.98). Click on the Amazon links in the side bar for other international sites.

To celebrate ROUGH DIAMOND’s book birthday, I’m holding a giveaway. Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win an ebook of ROUGH DIAMOND and a Prize of Mystery – the Prize will contain objects of Wonder and Enchantment and all things Delightful. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter. The giveaway ends on 25 October, so make sure you enter quick.

 

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Thanks for celebrating with me, peeps! 

 

 

Fall into Romance Blog Hop #HopswithHeart

 

The Fall Into Romance Giveaway Hop is hosted by

Romance Blog Hops.

Let the celebrations begin!

 

 

 

 

Hey peeps,

Welcome to the Fall Into Romance Giveaway Hop! Big thanks go to Romance Blog Hops for hosting.

While in the Northern Hemisphere autumn is fast approaching, here in Australia spring has sprung! After a particularly wet and cold winter, it’s so lovely to see the first signs of spring – longer, sunny days, bright flowers, footy finals. All of this points to warmer days and the beginning of summer. Lucky me, my sister has just bought a house by the beach, so I foresee many a lazy summer afternoon spent lazing on the sand in the sun, a drink in one hand and a book in the other.

However, let us talk of autumn! That’s what we call the season here in Oz, and I must admit I do love it just a tinsy little bit. The turning of the leaves, the cooling of the days, the way the air smells of rain…Fun times indeed! Nothing better than curling up with a good book… hey, isn’t that what I’m doing in summer too?? Crazy

Thanks for stopping by, peeps. I hope you enjoy the hop and there’s a giveaway below, so don’t forget to scroll right to the end!

Cassandra

xx

THE SILK SERIES, BOOK 2

No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him.

His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to.

Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?

Available NOW

Decadent Publishing

Amazon: AU | US | UK

ARe | iTunes | B&N

 

 

Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.

So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.

The love affair exists to this very day.

Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

 

You can find Cassandra at:

Facebook ~ Twitter

Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 

And now, the giveaway

Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win an ebook copy of SILK & SCANDAL, the first in the Silk Series, a signed SILK & SCORN postcard and a SILK & SCORN magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter.

 

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But wait, what is this Grand Prize of which you spoke? Why, only a $75 Amazon.com gift card! Sounds pretty nifty, am I right? Make sure you enter!

 

 

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Hop the blogs for more chances to win

 

 

 

Footy finals are here #dontgoquietly

It’s spring here in Oz and September means a multitude of things to many people, but to us AFL fans it means the beginning of the Finals. Eighteen teams are whittled down to eight and the fight is on for the two teams who will appear on stage that one day in September to battle for the holy grail – the AFL premiership cup.

My word. I used A LOT of footy cliches in that paragraph. Well done me! To be serious, peeps, I find myself loving myself sick over the footy this year. My team, Port Adelaide, has had an outstanding season and absolutely THUMPED their opponent, Richmond, in the Elimination Final at the weekend. We go on to play another week, a do or die match with Fremantle in Fremantle.

I do love my footy. I think my favourite representation of it was in a tourist guide I found in Melbourne years and years ago. An ad filled half the page of the booklet, a picture of the MCG. Emblazoned upon it was the legend ‘While in Melbourne, why not visit our place of worship?’ I thought that was just the bestest ad ever, tongue in cheek and fantastically awesome.

However, I never thought I’d be this in to footy. I have my dad to blame for that. A tried and true Port supporter, Dad was over the moon when Port finally entered the AFL in 1997. He’s been to most home games since, converted my mother and me, and made it very easy to shop for him come birthdays and Christmas

Anythehoo, I’ve found myself purchasing a Port membership at the beginning of the year, found myself cheering the boys on to awesome victories and crushing defeats, attended my first game at the newly redeveloped Adelaide Oval with rabid Essendon supporters only to see the boys lose to the visiting Bombers. I’ve enjoyed footy pies and pints of beer, yelled at the umpire that the opposition was ‘Holding the Ball!’, and sung the club song with gusto when Port won.

So on with the finals, on with this Saturday and hopefully on to next week for Port! I’ll be barracking for the boys, wearing my guernsey and screaming at the TV like a maniac. Fingers and toes for the boys, peeps. Fingers and toes.

RWAus Conference 2014 Wrap up

Off we go – RWAus Conference

In August, I attended Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference, held in Sydney’s Olympic Park. This year, I went in my capacity of editor with Decadent Publishing, which was a great experience. Previously, I’ve attended as an author, so it was really cool to see the differences in the two capacities. There was a lot more industry talk, for instance, and I was fortunate to meet some wonderful publishers, editors and agents. But on with the conference debrief!

It begins – RWAus Conference

This year, I attended the Personal Development Day on the Thursday before the core conference. This day was for published authors and focussed on topics to engender our development. This year, there was a lot of discussion surrounding self-publishing, which was extremely interesting. We had sessions by Jim Azevedo from Smashwords and Marie Force, a hugely successful self-published author. I also attended a fabulous workshop on how to handle the media in interviews, especially if the interview is a bit of a tricky one. To cap off the PD Day, we enjoyed a Literacy High Tea, sponsored by Decadent Publishing, with a wonderful and hilarious speech by conference key note speaker, Cherry Adair.

Blurry Cherry Adair – RWAus Conference

Friday was an all day workshop with James Scott Bell, but I decided not to attend. Instead, I made my way into Sydney and bought a ton of caramelised pickled onions. These things are the Best. Ever. and only available in Sydney. What? It’s completely normal I’m obsessed by pickled onions.

Friday night we enjoyed the Leather & Lace Cocktail Party. My very well-thought-out, totes-put-a-lot-of-effort-in fancy dress contribution was a lacy cocktail dress I wear to lots of events and a leather jacket. Some people went all out, though, with Maleficent, Cher, Village People and a host of others. Lots of fun was had, indeed!

Lucy’s R*by! – RWAus Conference

Saturday and Sunday was the core conference, with amazing workshops and interesting speakers. I met some fabulous people and gleaned some inspiring hints and tips. Saturday night saw the Gala Award Dinner, where my friend and critique partner, Lucy Clark, won a Ruby! The equivilant of RWAmerica’s Rita, Lucy has been nominated before but has not won. I was so pleased to be in attendence to accept the award on her behalf (Lucy was unable to attend the conference this year).

And that was the conference! Next year, the conference moves to Melbourne. Should be super fun times for all!

Cassandra

Next year! – RWAus Conference

xx

 

 

Fall into Romance Blog Hop

 

http://hopswithheart.blogspot.com.au/p/fallinto-romance-blog-hop-september-19.html

Hi Everyone!

 

Let’s celebrate LOVE and AUTUMN!! If you’re a romance author (any sub-genre/heat level) or a romance book blogger, join me in the Fall into Romance Blog Hop!

 

The Grand Prize will be a $75 Amazon Gift Card!

 

Here’s the basics:

During the hop, each blog will be expected to offer a small giveaway, display the Grand Prize Rafflecopter box (or the link to the box), display the blog button at the TOP of their post and, provide a link back to this site.

*Check out the Rules Page for a more detailed list of ALL the rules!

 

Mark your calendars!!

I’ll send out a reminder email to everyone signed up on September 15! This post will include a recap of the rules, the Rafflecopter code and the InLinkz code for those who wish to use it on their blog! If you don’t get the email on the 15—Please check your SPAM folders—email me and I’ll send the info to you ASAP!

 

Your post must be live by September 19 at 8AM, EASTERN!

 

Sound like fun? Great! Sign-up below!

Off to RWAustralia con!

Hi peeps,

It’s been a bit quiet here on the blog, but that’s about to change. Why, I hear you ask? Because I’m off to the Romance Writers of Austalia conference!

Tomorrow,  I’m jetting off to Homebush in Sydney to enjoy the fun and frivolity of the conference. In addition to all the writerly fun, I’m also attending in my capacity as editor. So super pumped to hang with all the peeps,  enjoy the workshops and, of course, the cocktail party and awards dinner.

I’ll be updating my instagram and twitter while there so make sure you check out the fun!

Guest author: Sara Daniel and the launch of Beyond Fairytales! #giveaway

Peeps, today we have Sara Daniel on the blog, chatting about her brand new release. Please make her feel welcome!

 

Once Upon a Marriage:

Retelling The Three Army Surgeons

 

My favorite school assignment was modernizing and retelling a fairy tale (sophomore English – Aced it AND got extra credit – Thanks Ms. Seckler!), so when Decadent Publishing put out the call for a retelling of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale, my hand immediately shot in the air. I was given The Three Army Surgeons, an obscure, somewhat gruesome story that was definitely not a romance. (Read it here.)

At the beginning of the initial brainstorming, I thought, “You have got to be kidding me. What I have I gotten myself into?” But then I plunged in. Before long, I was giggling as I typed because Once Upon a Marriage was SO MUCH FUN to write. Yep, favorite assignment ever!

 



 

Time is running out for Armina Keer to have the baby she’s always wanted. Before she can move on with her life, she needs her estranged husband to sign their divorce papers. When she can’t get him to respond, her meddling uncles arrange for a trip to his inn. Despite vowing to guard her broken heart, she has to settle the past before she can have a future.

Ian Keer might not deserve a second chance with his wife, but he’s not going to give up one either, not with the immediate flaming attraction still between them. While her uncles’ antics wreak havoc on life at The Inn, he offers her the ultimate gamble: Spend the night with him, and afterwards he’ll sign the papers if she still wants to leave.

With everything riding on one night together, Ian must convince her that their love is strong enough the second time around, and Armina must decide if love is worth sacrificing her dreams.

 

Available NOW

Decadent Publishing

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ All Romance ebooks

 

~ Excerpt ~

“You hate me,” Ian whispered, feeling more nauseous than if he’d ingested a prosthetic eyeball. How could she not hate him when she believed their personal relationship had meant less to him than an employment issue?

Armina gazed beyond his left shoulder. “I don’t hate you. I’ve never hated you. When we got married, I understood you had a strong work ethic combined with an unusual drive to succeed and a consuming passion for the Inn. I knew I’d come in second to this place.”

He opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but couldn’t. If she’d made him choose, he wouldn’t have picked her.

“I thought I was okay with it,” she continued. “After all, I loved the Inn, too, and wanted you to realize your vision for it. Turns out I wasn’t okay. I didn’t realize how distant second place actually was.” She shrugged her slim shoulders. “Live and learn, right?”

Not right. He wanted to take back the lesson and teach her about real love instead. “You never should have had to settle for second place. With me or with anyone else. No one has the right to ask that of you.”

“Agreed.” Her voice came out stronger, her shoulders squared, and she looked him directly in the eye. “Now you understand why I want a divorce.”

 

 

Sara Daniel writes what she loves—irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. She lives her own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband. Connect with her online at:

Sara’s website ~ Sara’s blog ~ Subscribe to Sara’s newsletter

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pintrest

 

 

 

 

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Guest author: Elizabeth Morgan

Peeps, today we have Elizabeth Morgan on the blog, chatting about her brand new release. Please make her feel welcome!

 

Are my characters based on real people?

 

I often get a little stuck on topics for guest posts. So, I usually ask my readers what they want me to talk about, because at the end of the day, I would rather talk about something you would be interested in reading. One reader asked – are my characters based on real people?

None of my characters have ever been based on real people. When I say real people – and I think I am correct in assuming this is what the reader meant – I mean people I know.

I will say that when I was planning my urban fantasy series, the Blood Series, I had such a large cast of characters I was really stuck for names, so I have used names of family members or friends, but the characters in that series are not in any way, shape, or form based on my family members or friends.

All my characters, no matter what story they are in, have been written from the way they present themselves. They talk, they react to what is being said or going on, and I write down their words and reactions.

My characters in Stepping Stones were no different. As each one made their entrance and presented themselves, their voices and mannerisms were clear. I didn’t need to flesh them out or create them to be someone else. They were all individual.

As a writer, a little part of yourself does sometimes slip into your stories. I would like to say that my humour is a regular occurrence along with shared beliefs, hopes, and fears – depending on the story and the topics involved – but even then, I haven’t placed myself into any of the characters; they aren’t me. For one, they are all braver, stronger, and funnier than I am. Ha.

What I will say in regards to Stepping Stones is that the story is very family orientated, but Maggie’s family is not based on my own.

Families are something we all have, or at least have at a certain point in our lives. No family is perfect. They disagree. They argue. They hurt one another. But they support one another, care, laugh, love, and overall want what is best for each other.

I come from a large family, and lord knows we have had problems and good times, but all families have those moments of tension, those times of laughter and love, fond or painful memories, of course we all have.

So it wasn’t difficult to write this family, and although I haven’t, nor has any member of my family, ever been through what the characters go through in this story, there are moments I can relate to. I have had those moments Maggie has. I have sometimes felt like an outsider, I have felt the distance, there have been disagreements and arguments, but families aren’t perfect.

And Maggie’s family are who they are and even though there are problems and issues between them, they still clicked as a family. And all families click even if you feel like there is tension, unsaid words, or distance between you all; there is always love there and that is the best foundation to build upon.

So, dear family – and friends – even though we have our difference and we are living in different area codes, I still love you and hope you are happy and well. And don’t worry; none of my characters are based on you, even if they have your name. ;-P

Thank you for having me over today, Cassandra, and thank you to all of you for stopping by. The reason I am over today is to celebrate the release of my sweet contemporary romance book, Stepping Stones. The story was released on June 17th and is about retracing steps, forgiveness, realization, second chances, family, friends, faith and love. The blurb and excerpt is below for you to peruse.

If you would be interested in winning a copy of my new release, Stepping Stones or maybe a swag pack, then please do leave an entry on the rafflecopter at the end of the post.

 

There’s nothing like a wedding to bring the family together…

If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Sweet Contemporary Romance

Bono Books ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK

 

~ Excerpt ~

“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.

“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”

My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”

“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”

Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”

“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”

“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.

“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”

“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.

“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”

Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”

Oh God, did my voice just go higher?

“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.

Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….

“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”

Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”

I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”

“Maggie?”

My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.

“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.

I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.

“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.

“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.

“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”

“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.

More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.

 

Elizabeth Morgan

is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Goodreads ~ Pintrest ~ Blog (shared wtih Dianna Hardy)

 

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Join the tour

 

 

Slow it Down Workshop: A Fair to Remember

Peeps, Lucy Clark and I will be presenting a workshop at A Fair to Remember in a few weeks on Slowing Down your writing so you catch an editor’s eye. In other lives, we both edit for online publishers and we have found most manuscripts could greatly benefit from slowing down, lingering on the characters, the emotion and the situation so the work packs a huge emotional punch. We’ll be offering hints and tips on how to do this, so come on by if you’re in Adelaide!

There are lots of other great authors and workshops, so it’s well worth the cover charge. Also, there’s a pretty nifty quiz night – I’ll be there! I love me a quiz night!

Hope you see you all there

Cassandra

xx