Danica Winters's Blog, page 4

News from Danica Winters: Savannah Sacrifice Available

Available Today!

Savannah Sacrifice is on sale today!

Answers that she must find… A truth that he can’t escape…And ghosts up to no good…

Being a demi-god has its privileges. For the young nymph, Starling Jackson, it means the gift of seduction and more than that—near immortality. Yet, when her life is filled with spirits, immortality may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

With the help of her bodyguard, Jasper Gray, and secret books left to her by her late-mother’s friend, she may have found the answer to all of her problems. First, they must find a way to locate the books in their enemy’s hotbed all while staying safe and most importantly—without falling in love.

In the battles between the head and the heart and enemies and friends, tough decisions must be faced—and sacrifices made.

Chat with Danica!

Danica is having a Twitter party tonight, June 9th, from 8p-9p ET. She’ll also be chatting at Writerspace June 22nd at 9p ET and giving away prizes. Join her there!

June Contest

Danica is celebrating this months’s release of SAVANNAH SACRIFICE by offering one lucky winner a $25 Amazon Gift card. Enter for your chance to win!

Nymph Books on Sale!

Books 1 and 2 in the Nymph Series are on sale for just 99¢ this week:

 

Bridget T. Little Changes Her Name

This month has been crazy. New adventures. New romance (novels, that is). New jobs (that’s right, I’m starting a company–more to come on that later)! But most importantly, my seven-year-old daughter and I have ganged up and published our first book together called Bridget T. Little (Changes Her Name)!!

We had so much fun plotting, writing, editing, and doing the graphic designs for this book. It was an incredible experience to share my passion for writing and publishing with my little “mini me.” This book has turned out to be a hilarious look not only into our lives, but the lives of any mother, daughter, or son out there!

It all started with a simple concept. What would a girl do to stop her brother? From there, Bridget T. Little was born. If you have a young reader in your family, you have to give this book a read… You will roar with laughter at what little Ms. Bridget does all in an attempt to take down her troll of a brother!

About Bridget T. Little:

Sometimes a girl can’t catch a break—

especially from her brother…

Bridget T. Little—or Bridget Too Little according to her troll of a brother—is on a quest to stop him from teasing her about her name, even if it means changing it.

From Chloe, to Katie, to Pink, Noodle, or Queen, no matter the name, Bridget soon learns a valuable lesson in keeping things simple and, even better, how to take down a troll.

About D. and L. Winters:

Danica and Little Winters are a mother and daughter team of authors who love to make kids laugh.

Little Winters is seven years old. She dreamed of becoming an author and this was her mom’s way of making it happen (because her mom, Danica, believes that all kid’s dreams should come true)! Her favorite food is peanut butter and jelly and her favorite animal is her cat, Tommy (who makes an appearance in the Bridget T. Little Series from time to time).

Danica Winters is an award-winning and bestselling romance author. She believes in the power of a good laugh and a great sense of humor.

Where you can find your copy:

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5 Rules of Being an Enduring Author

I have been writing professionally for several years now. I have seen writers come and go. I’ve seen fabulous talent fizzle under the pressure that comes with the business side of writing and it breaks my heart. So, in an effort to be honest to upcoming authors or those of you who dream of being a writer, I want to share five undeniable rules that can keep you moving down the long road of being an author.

Rule 1: Follow your heart. Don’t write what you think people want to read. Yes, it is important to be able to market to a certain group of readers (e.g. Vampire lovers), but it is even more critical that you are passionate about what you are writing. I’m a wee bit notorious for writing whatever strikes me, but I have found that my readers have followed. They read my books because each one is created with deep, unwavering passion for the topic and the characters.

Rule 2:Be involved. Writing can be a lone wolf career path. You can sit in an office each day, diligently writing away and working your fingers to bloody nubs, but unless you are out there in the ‘real’ world, people aren’t going to know you exist. No one owes you anything. No one has to be your friend. You need to go out, introduce yourself and find like-minded people. I’ve said it a thousand times, but it begs repeating, I have met some of my dearest friends at writers conferences and readers events. I LOVE talking books with people who are passionate about the world of romance and literature. These are great allies when you are feeling down. These are the people that remind you of why you love writing.

Rule 3:Study. Study. Study. This can mean in the craft of writing in addition to researching your book. It is critically important that you are constantly learning and changing with the times. In just five years, there has been a dramatic shift in publishing and what readers want. In another five years, I can guarantee that it will continue to change just as dramatically. If you are not learning and watching the world around you, you will be left behind.

Rule 4: Grow a thick skin. You are going to cry. You are going to scream. And then you are going to need to step away from your anger or pain and be ready to smile. The act of being an author isn’t easy. You are going to get negative critiques, even more nasty criticism, rejection, and fluctuations. We all get them. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been published or are a New York Times Bestseller. Someone out there is not going to like you or what you write. Elizabeth Lowell said it best, “Whenever you stick your head above the crowd, someone is going to take a shot.” I like to add, “But if you never stand up for what you are passionate about, you will be nothing more than a face in the crowd.”

When I have tough days, I force myself to think about what could come, or better yet, what will  come if I just keep going. I can’t stop to lick my wounds, instead I let them heal in the reassurance that there are better days ahead.

Rule 5:This is by far the most important rule. NEVER STOP WRITING. I have small children, a job, a husband, pets, family (that sometimes puts the fun in dysfunctional), friends, I get sick, sad, happy, crazy (though I try to keep that under wraps as much as possible), and I get bored. I’m human. You’re human. We all have things that require our time and attention; regardless, we have to make time for what we love.

There are many days in the job of writing where it would be easy to just quit. People are cruel. You can’t let them put you down and keep you from your dream, your passion. If you do, you are your worst enemy, not them. So ignore the fervor around you, the neigh sayers and critics, and put your blinders on and write!

You are in control of only one thing–yourself.

 

 

Gaining Perspective

“Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves is a change of perspective,” (Savannah Sacrifice, Winters, 2014).

Life has been crazy over the last year with writing, having small kids, and working for a publishing house, but things are a’changing (I can’t explain why I want to sing that line...).  I have decided to step down from my role in the publishing house to gain a new perspective. I miss spending time with my family, I miss writing for fun, and I miss talking to my fans.  I’m passionate about being an author, but the time has come to step back, refresh, and just write. I couldn’t be more excited.

Thanks to this gift, I have found that I’m more eager than ever to dive into new projects and to celebrate the projects that are coming up. This week, I have received the cover for my next novel, Savannah Sacrifice (Book 4, Nymph Series), which is to be released June 9th.

I would love to share it with you!!

What do you think?

One of my favorite cities in the U.S. is Savannah, Georgia and this book was a chance to delve into a culture and a lifestyle that I knew that you would love as well.  Savannah Sacrifice was written to be a gift to my readers, my attempt to help readers also gain a new perspective, and a chance to get a break from real life. It is a dark book, a book where ghosts and evil spirits roam free, but where humor will always come to the rescue.  Quirky characters will keep you turning the page while you wonder what will come out of their mouths next.

May you find your next favorite book in my gift to you: Savannah Sacrifice.

Now, I must get back to writing that next book. I want to keep you happy!

Oooh … I have a question for you … If you could set a book anywhere in the world, where would you pick?

Island Bride Has Been Released!

Get ready to update your TBR list!! Island Bride has hit Amazon shelves!

Blurb: Wedding planner to the rich and famous, Amy Oliver isn’t the kind of woman to take a break even on a vacation. No, business first and then comes pleasure—or maybe not— she’d have to check her schedule.

The only solace Amy ever finds comes from the pages of books and her friends within her book club, but when they lose one of their members they decide to check traveling off of their bucket lists. When Amy selects to take a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to New Zealand, she finds herself using the trip to put her career first. But when life gets in the way of her work, she is forced to decide whether to follow the path of least resistance or forge a new path–a path that may lead to heartache as easily as love. What is a driven woman to do?

Check Island Bride out on Amazon! Review on Goodreads!

Island Bride Excerpt:

“While she waited in the New Zealand hotel’s bar for her assistant, Amy Oliver’s thoughts wandered to Jason. After a long day like this, she used to slip her fingers into his as soon as she sank into their bed. His fingers would collapse around hers, as if they had waited all day for her presence. Yet, the longer she held his hand, no matter how hard or how light her grip, the less and less she had felt his touch. Before long, just as she had lost the feeling of his fingers night after night, she had lost his love—even though their skins had been pressed together.”

Plus*

I want to take this chance to let you know how much I appreciate your support in reading my books and leaving reviews! I write for the enjoyment of my readers. If you ever have questions/comments, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to connect with me via Twitter or Facebook or leave a comment. I LOVE my fans!

Thank you,

Danica Winters

** Coming Soon!

————————————————————

June 9, 2014:

Savannah Sacrifice (Nymph Series, Book 4)

Spring Fling Blog Hop

Welcome to my page! I’m so happy that you have decided to stop by. I have something extra special to share with readers! Today, I’m excited to reveal the cover for my next short story, Island Bride, to be released April 22, 2014.

This contemporary romance is a funny, heart-felt look into the life of Amy Oliver, a wedding planner to the rich and famous. Amy isn’t the kind of woman to take a break even on a vacation. No, business first and then comes pleasure—or maybe not—she’d have to check her schedule.

The only solace Amy ever finds comes from the pages of books and her friends within her book club, but when they lose one of their members they decide to check traveling off of their bucket lists. When Amy selects to take a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to New Zealand, she finds herself using the trip to put her career first. But when life gets in the way of her work, she is forced to decide whether to follow the path of least resistance or forge a new path–a path that may lead to heartache as easily as love. What is a driven woman to do?

What is the best vacation you have ever taken? Was it for business or pleasure? Are you a workaholic like Amy or a take-life-as-it-comes type of person?

For my giveaway, I’m going to be offering a special gift package filled with a paperback copy of Christmas Romance and tons of swag! If you’d like to take part in my giveaway please use the special widget below. Have fun and again, thank you for stopping by! I hope you get the chance to read Island Bride after it is released!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy reading,

Danica Winters  

**PS: Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway for a Paperwhite Kindle or a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

For the Love of Bookaholics

I have to admit I’ve been deep in my writer’s cave the last few months, so I apologize profusely for my absence from blogging. I have been busy working my fingers to little bloody nubs on not one, but two upcoming releases!!! (*Party *)

In addition to the books, I wanted to send a big fat thank you to all of my wonderful and supportive readers. Thanks to all of your support, I’m honored to let you know that Montana Mustangs won 2013 Reviewer’s Choice Book of the Year!!! Thank you, you bookaholics! I’m also excited to tell you that this Award-Winning book was just released in PAPERBACK! (That’s right, baby! Now you get to read in the tub! But please don’t drop it!)  On a side note, the fourth book in the Nymph Series, Savannah Sacrifice, will be published June 7, 2014–so mark those calendars!

Now back to you… I have put hours and hours of thought into what I could do to thank you for all of your voting, love and support. Let’s face it, since I can’t send everyone who voted champagne (I don’t think they have a big enough delivery truck), I am going to do the next best thing. I’m going to let all of my loyal readers have a sneak peek at my next book, Island Bride. Island Bride is set to be released in early April… So no tears, you will be able to get your hands on the full book soon!

 

Island Bride

Chapter One

 

While she waited in the New Zealand hotel’s bar for her assistant, Amy Oliver’s thoughts wandered to Jason. After a long day like this, she used to slip her fingers into his as soon as she sank into their bed. His fingers would collapse around hers, as if they had waited all day for her presence. Yet, the longer she held his hand, no matter how hard or how light her grip, the less and less she had felt his touch. Before long, just as she had lost the feeling of his fingers night after night, she had lost his love—even though their skins had been pressed together.

The bar around her was almost empty except for a couple who sat in the shadows. Amy took a long drink from the glass of Chardonnay and sat it back down on the bar. Droplets of condensation pooled where her fingers had pressed against the glass. Love in a touch. Love lost in that same touch. It all depended on the force. How right they had been.

Why hadn’t she listened?

The Chardonnay tasted harsh and dry, but it was nothing compared to the Arctic chill that had invaded her core.

“You ready, Amy?” Her assistant, Honeysuckle, called from the door of the hotel lounge. A large binder was stuffed against her blood-red business suit, like it was the only life preserver in a sea filled with sharks.

What parent in their right mind would name their daughter Honeysuckle?

The woman perched on the tips of her Choo’s like she was ready to pirouette across the bar. Her red hair was pulled back with one perfect little curl framing her face. No matter the amount of hairspray or thousand dollar suits, Honeysuckle still carried the shame of an overly sweet-scented name that must have been given to her by a tribe of left-over lovechildren.

“Come on!” Honeysuckle made her way across the bar, unaware of the interruption she caused in Amy’s pity party. “The wedding starts tomorrow and the florist says they’re running late with a shipment. The orchids won’t be arriving until tomorrow morning and now he’s saying that there’s no way he can get all forty-seven arrangements completed before six.”

Amy dipped her finger in the pool of condensation on her wine glass and licked it from her fingertip. Her chance at love may have come and gone, but that didn’t mean she could ignore the ignorant bliss of those who paid her to fantasize about theirs. Happy hour was officially over…

 

–Hope you loved the sneak peek!!

Happiest of Reading,

Danica Winters

Paranormal Romance Guild Nominee for Best Book!

Montana Mustangs has been nominated for PARANORMAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!  And I need your help!!





















Dear Friends-  I’m excited to announce that my novel, Montana Mustangs, has been nominated by the Paranormal Romance Guild for PARANORMAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE OF THE YEAR!

To win this highly coveted award, I am asking that my fans vote each day through January 13, 2014 (You can vote by clicking here)!

As always, I want to thank my wonderful, loyal fans. I love receiving your many notes and cards. Your kind words and support are truly amazing!

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Thank you, Danica Winters   *I know many of you have fallen in love with Montana Mustangs, but for those of you who have yet to check it out, you can find it on all retail sites including Amazon. It will also be available in paperback soon!



















                                                                                



Thank you for your help!!








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Dishwasher Salmon and an Unforgettable Story

My latest short story, Christmas Wishes, which is also included in the bestselling anthology Christmas Romance (The Best Short Romances of 2013), is not only a story about love, moving forward, and wishing, but there is also a side story about a fish.

A fish? Yes, a fish. And not just any fish, but a salmon to be exact.

I have received many lovely letters about that silly fish. Most ask: “Can you really cook a fish in the dishwasher?” The answer is simple. Yes, you can cook a fish in the dishwasher. Yet, if you are like Lee from Christmas Wishes, I strongly suggest that you do so at your own risk!

For those of us who can cook, here is the recipe for Dishwasher Salmon. Enjoy! (But remember to never use dish soap when cooking! LOL)

 

Dishwasher Salmon

 Ingredients

4 6-ounce salmon fillets

4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

heavy duty aluminum foil

Dill Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 leeks, white part only, finely chopped, then thoroughly washed

1 jalapeño chili, seeds and membranes removed, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup vegetable or chicken stock

1 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh dill, stems removed before measuring

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

Directions


Cut two 12-inch square sheets of aluminum foil.
Place two fillets side by side on each square and fold up the outer edges.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over each fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
Fold and pinch the aluminum foil extra tightly to create a watertight seal around each pair of fillets. Make sure the packet is airtight by pressing down on it gently with your hand. If air escapes easily, rewrap.
Place foil packets on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run dishwasher for the entire “normal” cycle.
When cycle is complete, take out salmon, discard foil, place one fillet on each plate, and spoon a generous serving of dill sauce overtop.

Don’t have a dishwasher? Bake foil-wrapped packets in a preheated 400°F oven for 12 minutes.

Sauce

Melt the butter over medium heat in a sauté pan.
Add the leek, jalapeño, and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the leeks are translucent—but not brown.
Reduce heat to medium and add the stock. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. (Adjust heat as required to maintain simmer.) The liquid should reduce by half.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Transfer to a blender or food processor and add the dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Puree until smooth. Reserve and reheat just before serving. Stir in the sour cream at the last minute.

From Bob Blumer, The Surreal Gourmet

About Danica Winters: Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing).  She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Website | Blog | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook |

 

Christmas Wishes

Published September 26, 2013

Available in Paperback November 1, 2013

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Books To Go Now

ASIN: B00FHBT8G4

Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads              

Pages: 30

Blurb: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.

In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?

Christmas Romance (The Best Christmas Romances of 2013)

Short Story Anthology

Authors: Danica Winters, Jennifer Conner, Sharon Kleve, Casey Dawes

Blurbs:

Christmas Wishes-Danica Winters: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.

In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?

Central Bark at Christmas-Jennifer Conner: When Tennyson’s boyfriend left her for her best friend from high-school, all Tennyson received in the break up was her dog. She’s sworn off men and now is rebuilding her life. The only thing Par does is work. He barely has time to do anything he wants for himself other than take his dog to the dog park. When Par and Tennyson find an abandoned dog at the park named Duke. Will they find room in their hearts to take him in?

And can this Christmas season weave some special magic for the two of them?

Halo’s Wish-Sharon Kleve: Halo Ann Carlyle wishes for a home, family, and a boat-load of pets. What she gets is a bruised hip, a lump on the head, a broken ankle, and her new yellow Honda Civic is demolished.

Rich McFarland, a sexy veterinarian, keeps showing up in the most unexpected places, promising everything she’s ever wanted.Halo believes she only has time to pursue her career as a pet detective and must ignore her growing attraction to achieve her dreams.

Will Halo trust her heart, and find a way to get both before Christmas?

Christmas Hope-Casey Dawes: Clara Misowski is convinced Sam Richards’ cheese making operation would be a perfect stop for her culinary tour group.

He’s adamantly opposed to anything to do with a group of women on his farm.

Can she convince him to open his heart to company, Christmas, and maybe even her?

Check it out on Amazon!

 

 

 

Christmas Wishes

Christmas Wishes and French Silk Pie

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays (closely followed by Halloween, but this could be thanks to my love of all things chocolate). I love the icy pine-scented air that reawakens your winter dulled senses the second you step outside. I love the spirit of thankfulness, good tidings, and joy.

But what if we weren’t so lucky? What if Christmas only reawakened the wounds of our past?  This is exactly the case for my newest character, Lee Llewellyn.

In Christmas Wishes, Lee has lost her son and is forced to face another holiday season with only her memories for comfort. In Lee, I tried to create a character in which every reader with a child, or who has ever dealt with a divorce, could relate.  Life can be hard when you must go through it alone, but what can help? For Lee, this was her love of French Silk Pie.

Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that sometimes dreams of French Silk Pie can blossom into unexpected Christmas Wishes.

I hope you get the chance to check out my newest short story–I’m sure you will finish this story with your cheeks aching from laughter and your heart filled with the joy of Christmas!!

Wishing you the happiest of reading,

Danica Winters

Christmas Wishes

Publisher: Books To Go Now

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

Pages: 30

Blurb: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.

In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?