Zoe Dawson's Blog, page 22
December 30, 2012
Making the Old New Again
THE TIMECAPSULE MEME
year 2011
♡ make yourself a thread so your friends can leave you messages with their thoughts about you, their wishes for you for next year, etcetera.
♡ you can also leave yourself a message... anything that you can look back on next year and reminisce about.
♡ on january 1st, 2012, this post will be set to private and put away. in december of 2012, it will be re-opened and then you can look through your old comments from the year before and do with them what you will.
【THE TIME CAPSULE MEME】
Hello all –
This is a fun post suggested by Kate Evangelista and I thought I would do a post of my own. Please leave me a comment!
♡ Make yourself a post so your friends can leave you a message in the comments section with their thoughts about you, their wishes for you for next year, etcetera.
♡In the post itself, leave a message for yourself... anything you can look back on next year and reminisce about.
♡On January 8th, 2013, edit the post to Saved As Draft. In December of 2013, re-publish the post so you can look through your old comments from the year before and see the difference a year makes.
♡On the post, you must add the HTML of the original meme from Dreamwidth (must give credit where credit is due).
Here's my message:
Hey There Zoe! -
It's been an interesting year. You made a new pen name and finally took that great friend's advice to self-publish. Little did you know how much work it would be or how it would change you and your writing. When you started your first self-published series, you knew you were going to write about dogs. But you had no idea how much fun that would be or that self-publishing would make you feel so energized, free, and inspired. No editor to tell you what to do, your own imposed deadlines, total control of the words. Also, you stretched yourself! You wrote comedy! OMG! Who knew you could do that? Glorious! Now you have the first two books out. You worked so hard this fall and you're exhausted, but so giddy with the satisfaction of accomplishing your goals. This New Year's Day you will celebrate that. There are still so many opportunities to come in 2013, a series with Entangled Publishing, your alter ego's submission of a proposal to Harlequin for three more military books, and you have the next two books in your Going to the Dog series to complete. So much writing! So many more strong heroines, hot heroes. So many more happily ever afters! So keep up the energy and remember to be true to your writing and to yourself. But most importantly, worry less and enjoy more. 2013 will be great!
Sincerely,
♡Yourself of 2012
Please feel free to use the meme for your blog. It's a great way to end the year and start a new one. Please leave your well wishes in the comments section. ♡♡♡
Happy New Year everyone!
December 28, 2012
Guest Blogging with Lady Scribes
Hey guys - I'm over visiting with Lady Scribes on December 28th. Come on over and let me know some of your Holiday traditions!
December 26, 2012
This Puppy's on Sale!
With the imminent release of my second book in the Going to the Dogs Series, Leashed is now on sale at a bargain .99 cents. See how it all began.December 24, 2012
Tag! I'm It!
I'm it because I got tagged by M.S. Spencer as an author in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. I'd like to thank her for tagging me. That gives you, the reader, an opportunity to find out about M.S. and about me and six other authors. Who knows? You might find your favorite next big thing right here.
The trouble with some good books is that no one has heard of them. Plenty of publicity goes to the top selling books, but while everyone may be reading and enjoying those books, there are some that might be missed in the rush.
We're attempting to get some exposure for some great books. One author posts and tags other authors who link back to the blog the next week and tag new authors. I'm sure you'll find some great books along the way. So, yes, this blog is like a game of tag, but you don't have to count to ten.
I've been traditionally published since 1996, but I'm brand new to self-publishing. A good friend of mine encouraged me to jump in with both feet and that's what I've done. My plan is to have four books out by the anniversary of my foray into self-publishing. That's the full Going to the Dogs Series. So come back often to see what is going on with my gals, their heroes, and all the wonderful pets!
So this is the part about me. I've answered ten questions about my current WIP:
What is the working title of your current/next book?
My current work in progress is Groomed for Murder which is at the end stages and soon will be uploaded. I will then begin working on the next book in the series Hounded.
Where did you get the idea for that book?
This is the second book in the Going to the Dog Series. I got the idea from the tight friendships of the women in the show Sex and the City. New York City was a great place to set the stories, a nice cosmopolitan backdrop that is very dog friendly.
What's the genre of the book?
Contemporary romance with comedy and a little mystery.
If you could pick actors to play the lead characters in your story, who would you pick?
For my hero, Drew Hudson, it would be Alex Pettyfer. He's got those great green eyes and that to die for curly blond hair. And in this picture he looks like my corporate shark lawyer.
For my heroine, Brooke Palmer, I think Emma Roberts would be perfect. she's fresh, innocent looking, and beautiful with just a gleam of spunky in her eye. She's the perfect foil for my hero.
How would you describe your book in one sentence?
Brooke Palmer gets sued by a client for a bad poodle cut, requiring dog therapy, but the lawyer they send wants to settle out of court and savvy entrepreneur Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
How will your book be published, submitted through the traditional route to a traditional publisher or will you be handling it yourself through Indie Publishing methods?
This series is self-published.
If you are an Indie Author, will you be publishing through your own Indie Publishing company or in a collective with other Indie Authors?
My own company, Blue Moon Creative.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of this book?
I had a goal to get this book up quickly after I released the first book, Leashed. So, I buckled down and wrote this book in a month.
What other books within your genre are similar to yours?
I think my books would be similiar to Susan Donovan or Susan Elizabeth Phillips, although these two writers write mainstream books, my book is more category.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The tight bond of female friendship and the magic of falling in love with someone you thought might be an enemy. I liked that challenge.
What about your book will pique the reader's interest?
This book is about two people who are afraid of change and think they're enemies when, in fact, they're perfectly right for each other. They just don't know it. Wink. And, the dogs. They have personalities of their own.
Here are the authors who will be joining the hop for the week of December 31, 2012. Maybe one of them will become your new favorite author!
Athena Grayson
1/2: David Russell
1/1: Jen Talty
1/2: Sydney Jane Bailey
The trouble with some good books is that no one has heard of them. Plenty of publicity goes to the top selling books, but while everyone may be reading and enjoying those books, there are some that might be missed in the rush.
We're attempting to get some exposure for some great books. One author posts and tags other authors who link back to the blog the next week and tag new authors. I'm sure you'll find some great books along the way. So, yes, this blog is like a game of tag, but you don't have to count to ten.
I've been traditionally published since 1996, but I'm brand new to self-publishing. A good friend of mine encouraged me to jump in with both feet and that's what I've done. My plan is to have four books out by the anniversary of my foray into self-publishing. That's the full Going to the Dogs Series. So come back often to see what is going on with my gals, their heroes, and all the wonderful pets!
So this is the part about me. I've answered ten questions about my current WIP:
What is the working title of your current/next book?
My current work in progress is Groomed for Murder which is at the end stages and soon will be uploaded. I will then begin working on the next book in the series Hounded.
Where did you get the idea for that book?
This is the second book in the Going to the Dog Series. I got the idea from the tight friendships of the women in the show Sex and the City. New York City was a great place to set the stories, a nice cosmopolitan backdrop that is very dog friendly.
What's the genre of the book?
Contemporary romance with comedy and a little mystery.
If you could pick actors to play the lead characters in your story, who would you pick?
For my hero, Drew Hudson, it would be Alex Pettyfer. He's got those great green eyes and that to die for curly blond hair. And in this picture he looks like my corporate shark lawyer.
For my heroine, Brooke Palmer, I think Emma Roberts would be perfect. she's fresh, innocent looking, and beautiful with just a gleam of spunky in her eye. She's the perfect foil for my hero.
How would you describe your book in one sentence?
Brooke Palmer gets sued by a client for a bad poodle cut, requiring dog therapy, but the lawyer they send wants to settle out of court and savvy entrepreneur Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
How will your book be published, submitted through the traditional route to a traditional publisher or will you be handling it yourself through Indie Publishing methods?
This series is self-published.
If you are an Indie Author, will you be publishing through your own Indie Publishing company or in a collective with other Indie Authors?
My own company, Blue Moon Creative.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of this book?
I had a goal to get this book up quickly after I released the first book, Leashed. So, I buckled down and wrote this book in a month.
What other books within your genre are similar to yours?
I think my books would be similiar to Susan Donovan or Susan Elizabeth Phillips, although these two writers write mainstream books, my book is more category.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The tight bond of female friendship and the magic of falling in love with someone you thought might be an enemy. I liked that challenge.
What about your book will pique the reader's interest?
This book is about two people who are afraid of change and think they're enemies when, in fact, they're perfectly right for each other. They just don't know it. Wink. And, the dogs. They have personalities of their own.
Here are the authors who will be joining the hop for the week of December 31, 2012. Maybe one of them will become your new favorite author!
Athena Grayson
1/2: David Russell
1/1: Jen Talty
1/2: Sydney Jane Bailey
December 23, 2012
Laptop Cat
So does having a cat lighten your mood or decrease your efficiency?! Enjoy!
December 22, 2012
Groomed for Murder Finished and Delayed
I just sent the book off to my editor for one last read. The formatter is in place and the time on December 29th reserved. But, there's a fly in the ointment. I just found out today that Amazon and the other retailers are closing down from December 21st to January 2nd. So, that puts a kink in my plan to release Groomed for Murder on December 29th. Don't despair, I intend to upload it on December 29th at the off-chance it'll get published. Otherwise, check for it after January 2nd.
Cover Reveal: Groomed for Murder!
Here it is! My new cover! Ta da!
Groomed for Murder, Book #2, Going to the DogsCan a dog have a bad hair day?
Brooke Palmer owns Pawlish, an exclusive doggie spa and grooming business in upper Manhattan, but when a client's champion poodle gets a bad poodle cut and has to undergo therapy, the client sues. The lawyer they send is drop dead gorgeous, but Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
Corporate lawyer Drew Hudson has better things to do then take on this ridiculous lawsuit, but since he works for the client's husband, he has no choice. After meeting the beautiful, sweet-tempered owner, he can't keep his mind on the silly case. But when the client turns up dog gone dead, Brooke may be a conflict of interest when she's charged with the murder. All Drew wants to do is prove that this sexy entrepreneur is not dangerous, except to his heart.
Can she take a chance on him?
RELEASE DAY, DECEMBER 29, 2012!
Groomed for Murder, Book #2, Going to the DogsCan a dog have a bad hair day?Brooke Palmer owns Pawlish, an exclusive doggie spa and grooming business in upper Manhattan, but when a client's champion poodle gets a bad poodle cut and has to undergo therapy, the client sues. The lawyer they send is drop dead gorgeous, but Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
Corporate lawyer Drew Hudson has better things to do then take on this ridiculous lawsuit, but since he works for the client's husband, he has no choice. After meeting the beautiful, sweet-tempered owner, he can't keep his mind on the silly case. But when the client turns up dog gone dead, Brooke may be a conflict of interest when she's charged with the murder. All Drew wants to do is prove that this sexy entrepreneur is not dangerous, except to his heart.
Can she take a chance on him?
RELEASE DAY, DECEMBER 29, 2012!
December 13, 2012
Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop
I have to admit to a December guilty pleasure and that's the romantic holiday movies. I love them all including the corny ones. Yup, the implausible rom-com aspects, the uptight hero or heroine that learn lessons, the angels, the Santa cameos, and the elves. I really like the elves. The themes revolve around family, or finding someone special, love lost and found. Some of my favorites are:
The Christmas List - It was everything she thought she wanted. Little did she know, Santa put love on the list.
The Holiday - Jude Law, 'nuff said.
Santa Claus 2 - "There isn't a woman alive who doesn't want a piece of this." Tim Allen as Santa Claus.
Loved all the facets of love in this movie.This hop will be active from December 14th - December 17th.
Leashed BlurbJack has some ‘splainin’ to do!
That's right! Callie Lassiter's normally well-behaved Great Dane Jack has run off and done the wild thing with the neighbor's dog. It must be puppy love! It's doubly embarrassing since she's a professional dog trainer. Of course, the neighbor would have to be hot, hot nightclub owner bad boy Owen McKay, just the kind of man Callie is determined to avoid.
Owen’s comfortable with his playboy status and the hype in the media. But the ground moves beneath his feet when he gets an eyeful of the girl next door. The Dog Whisperer never looked this good! How can he convince this wholesome honey that his player days are behind him? Maybe Jill, his Great Dane can help him with this dilemma now that she’s pregnant and Callie’s dog is to blame.
Is this bad boy a bad bet?Find it On:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
Also, I will be revealing the cover of my upcoming novel Groomed for Murder, Book #2 in the Going to the Dogs series on December 22. The book will be released in late December/early January. If you would like to help me spread the word on your blog or through any other social media, leave your name, site URL, and a contact email in your comment. It's not mandatory to participate in the cover reveal to win either my prizes for this hop or the grand prizes.
Here's a placeholder image for you. My hero: Drew HudsonGroomed for Murder Blurb
Can a dog have a bad hair day?
Brooke Palmer owns Pawlish, an exclusive doggie spa and grooming business in upper Manhattan. But when a client’s champion poodle gets a bad poodle cut and has to undergo therapy to recover, the client sues. The lawyer they send is drop dead gorgeous, but Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
Corporate lawyer Drew Hudson has better things to do then take on this ridiculous lawsuit, but since he works for the client’s husband, he has no choice. After meeting the beautiful, sweet-tempered owner, he can’t keep his mind on the silly case. But when the client turns up dog gone dead, Brooke may be a conflict of interest when she’s charged with the murder. All Drew wants to do is prove that this sexy entrepreneur is not dangerous, except to his heart.
Can she take a chance on him?
If you can take your eyes off my placeholder, I'll tell you about the prizes for this hop. We are EACH doing a giveaway. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.
So what do you have to do to enter? First, be sure to leave a comment with your email address. This one is mandatory. It doesn't have to be anything big, but to be entered to win the grand prizes and to be sure I have a way to contact the winner, there has to be at least an email address. But I love comments too! Then fill out as many of the Rafflecopter entries as you like (the more you do, the better the chances of winning!).
I'll choose the two winners by random and contact them by email after the giveaway is over. Have a wonderful day, and happy hopping.
My Prizes1 $10 GC to Amazon
1 print copy of At His Command (written by my alter ego)
But there's still more....
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those grand prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet2nd Grand Prize: A $200 Amazon or B&N Gift Card3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!
To find ALL the hoppers, go HERE!!
Happy Holiday Hopping!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
4.5 Stars Top Pick on NOR
Leashed received 4.5 stars Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews! Diana Coyle said: "This was a fun and enjoyable story that immediately drew me in and held my interest until the very last word." Check out Night Owls Reviews for the full review.
December 10, 2012
Cover Reveal for Groomed for Murder
On December 22, I will be revealing the cover of my upcoming novel Groomed for Murder, Book #2 in the Going to the Dogs series. The book will be released in late December/early January.
(c) All rights reserved by madgaythumb Here's a placeholder image for you. My hero: Drew Hudson
Groomed for Murder Blurb
Can a dog have a bad hair day?
Brooke Palmer owns Pawlish, an exclusive doggie spa and grooming business in upper Manhattan. But when a client’s champion poodle gets a bad poodle cut and has to undergo therapy to recover, the client sues. The lawyer they send is drop dead gorgeous, but Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
Corporate lawyer Drew Hudson has better things to do then take on this ridiculous lawsuit, but since he works for the client’s husband, he has no choice. After meeting the beautiful, sweet-tempered owner, he can’t keep his mind on the silly case. But when the client turns up dog gone dead, Brooke may be a conflict of interest when she’s charged with the murder. All Drew wants to do is prove that this sexy entrepreneur is not dangerous, except to his heart.
Can she take a chance on him?
If you can take your eyes off my placeholder, and if you would like to help me spread the word on your blog or through any other social media, please leave me your:
NameBlog site URLA contact email
I'll be in in touch with the pertinent information.
(c) All rights reserved by madgaythumb Here's a placeholder image for you. My hero: Drew HudsonGroomed for Murder Blurb
Can a dog have a bad hair day?
Brooke Palmer owns Pawlish, an exclusive doggie spa and grooming business in upper Manhattan. But when a client’s champion poodle gets a bad poodle cut and has to undergo therapy to recover, the client sues. The lawyer they send is drop dead gorgeous, but Brooke won't be wooed by a corporate shark in a sharp suit.
Corporate lawyer Drew Hudson has better things to do then take on this ridiculous lawsuit, but since he works for the client’s husband, he has no choice. After meeting the beautiful, sweet-tempered owner, he can’t keep his mind on the silly case. But when the client turns up dog gone dead, Brooke may be a conflict of interest when she’s charged with the murder. All Drew wants to do is prove that this sexy entrepreneur is not dangerous, except to his heart.
Can she take a chance on him?
If you can take your eyes off my placeholder, and if you would like to help me spread the word on your blog or through any other social media, please leave me your:
NameBlog site URLA contact email
I'll be in in touch with the pertinent information.
