Linda Joyce's Blog, page 14
April 24, 2013
What’s Write for Me blogtalkradio – TODAY at 3:00 pm Eastern
Today is THE day!
When I was in college, I worked in an office where almost daily I spoke on the phone with a man. His deep, sexy voice had my mind conjuring images of him. Then, I met him.
Seersucker suit
Bowtie
Not the image I had in my head!
At 3:00 pm Eastern, today, I’ll be live on the What’s Write for Me blogtalkradio with my host Dellani Oaks. I am one of three authors featured and the program is 90 minutes of fun!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2013/04/24/rrw-whats-write-for-me
I invite you to join me and learn more of the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets about Bayou Born.
Here’s where you can find the book:
Bayou Born (Fleur de Lis Series)
April 23, 2013
Fleur de Lis & What’s Write for Me
I apologize. I’ve been remiss. Not everyone knows what a Fleur de Lis is, and nor should they.
On Sunday, I visited an outlet jewelry store. I went straight for the charm section. I wanted to check prices for Fleur de Lis charms.
The sales woman gave me a brochure and said, “Those are all of our charms. We don’t carry the entire line in the store.”
I looked carefully through the small photos, but the one I sought wasn’t there. “A Fleur de Lis?” I asked. “Do you have them?”
The woman went to her manager and I overheard her ask, “What’s a Fleur de Lis?” He shrugged. I interrupted their chat and drew a rough sketch.
“Oh!” they said in unison, clearly recognizing the symbol. But, they don’t carry them.
Fleur de Lis is a French term. ‘Fleur’ means flower and ‘Lis’ is lily. It is the iconic symbol of Louisiana. Even the New Orleans’ Saints adopted the symbol. A Fleur de Lis is a stylized lily brought to America via the French.
My novel, Bayou Born is the first book of the Fleur de Lis series and it’s the name of the antebellum home belonging to Branna Lind’s family. Fleur de Lis is the connection that links the characters in the series. In book two, Bayou Bound, the story is set at Fleur de Lis in fictional Bayou Petite on the banks of the Pearl River. The river is part of the dividing line between Mississippi and Louisiana.
Bayou Petite is estimated to be about fifty miles northeast from New Orleans, and about sixty miles northwest from Biloxi, Mississippi. The closest city to Bayou Petite is Picayune.
How about that for a geography lesson?
Now you may be asking, what’s all that got to do with What’s Write for Me?
I’ve been invited to discuss Bayou Born on Wednesday (tomorrow), April 24th at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. I will be live on the What’s Write for Me blogtalkradio with my host Dellani Oaks. I am one of three authors featured and the program is 90 minutes of fun!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2013/04/24/rrw-whats-write-for-me
I invite you to join me and learn more of the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets about Bayou Born.
April 15, 2013
A Taxing Monday. Will a Kiss make it better?
I’m over at RomCom today. The topic is Kiss: Show and FEEL ~ No Tell.
Tell me about your first Kiss.
http://www.romcon.com/_blog/Contemporary/post/Bayou_Born_By_Linda_Joyce/#comments
There’s a giveaway if you leave a message.
Kisses,
Linda Joyce
ROMCOM
April 12, 2013
Romance Dish shares the secrets of Bayou Born
I am very excited to be a guest at Romance Dish today. Please join me there.
I’m giving away a Kindle ebook of Bayou Born! Leave a message and you’ll be entered to win – it’s that easy!
And! You’re invited to join me tonight at the virtual book launch party. Books AND Bling are the giveaways. The information is below.
Do you want some inside scoop on how Bayou Born came to life? Do you know the answers to these questions? If not, would you like to?
W hat or who inspired the Fleur de Lis “keeper” position?
What inspired James Newbern as a university professor?
Some authors put their pets in their stories. Are any of your dogs in Bayou Born?
If you were a travel agent sending someone to your hometown, what would be the top three sights you’d want them to see?
What conferences will you attend this year?
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Do you have a fear of thunderstorms like Branna?
The answers are available at http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/04/todays-special-linda-joyce.html?showComment=1365773392154#c5437609015968742522
Happy Reading!
See you at 8:00 pm Eastern tonight!
April 10, 2013
Bayou Born official Book Launch Party!
WriterMason Productions presents Bayou Born official Book Launch Party!
You’re invited! FRIDAY APRIL 12 at 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET ON FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/513615902006941/
MEET LINDA JOYCE AUTHOR OF BAYOU BORN
BOOK 1 of the FLEUR DE LIS SERIES ~ PUBLISHED BY THE WILD ROSE PRESS
In case this is your first party event on Facebook, here are your instructions:
1. Dress up in your comfiest clothes (nobody can see you!)
2. Pour yourself a yummy drink – cocktail or mocktail, your choice
3. Make sure the dog’s been out and the cat’s food bowl is full
4. Children must be safely occupied : a loooong Disney dvd, video games, or Mom-free projects. Make sure popcorn for the microwave is ready to go! …
5. Settle in, click on the party link, and enjoy! You can post comments, make virtual drink requests, post mancandy pictures (no full nudity please), or trade recipes.
6. If your name is pulled out of the hat to receive swag or an ebook of Bayou Born, be sure to contact Linda here by Private Message with your appropriate shipping information.
In other words…. HAVE FUN! IT’S A GIRL PARTY!! And no, you don’t have to read the book or even buy it … but you’ll probably want to after all the fun!
VIRTUAL COCKTAILS:
SAZERACS, BLOODY MARYs, AND ULTIMATE COSMOs
GIVEAWAYS:
FLEUR DE LIS BLING FROM FLEURTYGIRL http://www.fleurtygirl.net/
AND
KINDLE EBOOKS OF BAYOU BORN !
With a SPECIAL Guest Appearance by Beau.
April 5, 2013
Lagniappe at Hot Curries and Cold Beers!
Hey there!
I’m over at Hot Curries and Cold Beers today : http://hotcurriesandcoldbeer.blogspot.com/2013/04/flavors-of-bayou-crab-stuffed-okra.html#comment-form
There’s a giveaway if you leave a comment. It includes a cotton kitchen towel, beads with a Fleur de Lis charm, recipe cards, and a Fleur de Lis cookie cutter.
AND…I’m throwing in some Lagniappe with the already chosen prize. What’s that you ask? It’s defined as : a small gift by way of compliment. My lagniappe is a paperback copy of my book, Bayou Born!
Leave a comment at Hot Curries and Cold Beers and you have a chance to WIN!!!
Happy Friday!
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
April 3, 2013
Marketing Miles to go before sleep
Today we’re lucky to have Lisa Dawn joining us from the Wild Rose Press. After author contracts are signed, after manuscript edits are submitted, and the book cover creation is gazed upon, Lisa becomes the most visible person in the company. She’s a lifeline for many authors. Her role at The Wild Rose Press is one that every author counts on–Marketing.
She’s going to fill us in on the behind-the-scenes things that happen at The Wild Rose Press.
Linda: When did you start with TWRP?
Lisa Dawn: I started in 2006 shortly after the company opened. I started here as an author. I may have subbed my manuscript before they were technically opened. I had met Rhonda and several of the editors online through an RWA chapter contest.
Linda: How did you submit even before there was a Wild Rose Press?
Lisa Dawn: Rhonda and several editors judged an RWA chapter contest. I was the coordinator for the contest and was immediately impressed with all Rhonda and The Wild Rose Press represented.
Linda: How did you find/get the job?
Lisa Dawn: It was a natural development over time. Initially there was a need. As an author newly contracted with a new company, I had lots of questions and even more ideas. I did have experience in marketing but not with a publishing company. Within a short period of time, I realized the garden was different and that I wanted to be a part of this journey with Rhonda and RJ. I think everyone at TWRP feels as I do. It’s a wonderful place to work and to publish.
Linda: What is your formal job description? Would you outline your major duties?
Lisa Dawn: I’m the Marketing Director and author liaison, but my job duties go beyond that. I’m also what I call Rhonda’s ‘go to girl.’ I do whatever needs done. I help take care of the authors, and I research new tools for marketing the books and the company as a whole.
I’ve been with the company almost from the beginning. I’ve seen TWRP grow as a publisher. I should be able to tackle just about anything you want to ask.
Linda: As the Author Liaison, how do you support the authors?
Lisa Dawn: As author liaison, I’m always an email away for any question an author may have from the time they are contracted to well after their books have released.
As for helping authors with marketing and publishing in general, The Wild Rose Press hosts a Tuesday night chat at 8pm ET. Each week a new topic is discussed. We are active on social media, blogging, conferences, conventions, a bi-weekly newsletter, television campaigns, print ads and more. In general, The Wild Rose Press makes continued efforts to see every author reach sales success with their books.
There are regular posts on our editor’s blog. http://behindthegardengate.blogspot.com
Linda: The Wild Rose Press has been voted #1 Publisher for five years running by Editors and Preditors. What’s different now than when the company first opened its doors in 2006?
Lisa Dawn: Rhonda and RJ are always adapting to the changes in the publishing industry. Recently The Wild Rose Press has opened to submissions outside the romance genres. We now take mainstream suspense, women’s fiction, erotica and will consider mainstream stories in paranormal and historical.
They have also started a self-publishing division at http://www.wildflowersbooks.com
But something that will never change, and what I believe is key in our success is that The Wild Rose Press has open communication with their authors. They are a publishing company built by authors for authors. Rhonda and RJ are always there for their staff and most importantly for the authors.
Linda: About how many active authors are with the company now?
Lisa Dawn: The Wild Rose Press is always looking for fresh voices and old favorites. There is plenty of room in the garden for new and established authors.
Linda: The Wild Rose Press serves its readers with a variety of genres, and most in varying lengths. Please tell us more about this.
Lisa Dawn: Our lines are names after Roses in the garden. http://www.thewildrosepress.com Black Rose for paranormal romances, Yellow Rose for western contemporary romances and Cactus rose for western historical romances to name a few. We publish manuscripts from 7500 words and up. However, our erotic romance and erotica titles, Scarlet Rose, are on an adult site. http://www.thewilderroses.com In Scarlet Rose, manuscripts over 5000 words are accepted.
Linda: Does the Wild Rose Press have special calls for submissions?
Lisa Dawn: There are always several active calls for submissions. These can be found on our submissions page. Currently Scarlet Rose is looking for Subs in Training, Champagne Rose has the Millionaire’s Club, Sweetheart Rose has the Flower Basket Series, Last Rose of Summer has the Dearly Beloved Series, American Rose and Vintage Rose have the American Heroes Series, all the historical lines are involved in the Love Letters Series and Crimson Rose has the Summer Heat Series.
Please stop by and visit us on our yahoo groups.
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thewildrosepress
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thewilderroses
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWildRosePress
And Twitter
https://twitter.com/wildrosepress
And download our App for Iphone
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-wild-rose-press/id539572348?mt=8
and Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.softwaysolutions.wildrosepress
If you have questions for Lisa Dawn, she’ll be stopping by to answer them.
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
March 29, 2013
Let ME Take YOU There
Good Morning! Happy Friday!
I’m over at MuseTracks today and I hope you’ll Let ME Take YOU There. It’s only a click away and THERE’S a GIVEAWAY!
I am so appreciative of the opportunity to share a favorite poem I wrote about my home. The poem was published in the literary magazine, The Coal City Review.
Please pop in and visit with me and if you leave a note, you have an opportunity to win!
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
March 27, 2013
The Djinn’s Dilemma
The joy of reading is heightened when I stumble upon a new writer. The “find” along with the prospect of a unique reading adventure is a high as wonderful as those that daredevil-adrenaline junkies seek.
I am pleased to introduce Mina Khan.
Mina: To me a really good story is like a gift. Opening the book is like pulling one end of the ribbon so the bow collapses and the more I read, the more layers are unwrapped, the more surprises revealed.
My favorite authors include Isabelle Allende and her complex stories like The House of the Spirits and Lois McMaster Bujold and her wonderful Vorkosigan saga. When I write, my goal is to write the best, many-layered story that I can. Easier said than done, but that’s what I strive for.
So my debut novella, The Djinn’s Dilemma, is about a genie assassin falling for his human target, but it’s also about acceptance. Accepting others for who they are and accepting yourself for who you are.
A Tale of Two Djinns, which is celebrating its book birthday this month, is a sexy paranormal Romeo & Juliet story with genies, feminists, kickass action & adult fun. It started out as a novella with a simple premise – a one-night stand with complications and a HEA ending. Then things got complicated.
The hero (Akshay) and the heroine (Maya) are from feuding djinn kingdoms. They happen to be fighting over water, which is a precious resource in West Texas where I live. Married to a cotton farmer, I’m always aware of all the worries about water and these poured out into my story.
Growing up in Bangladesh, a Third World country, marginalization of women was a fact I encountered daily. Not just the overt in-your-face marginalization, but also the more dangerous insidious marginalization that comes cloaked in “for her own good.” Women’s issues have always been important to me and they spilled into A Tale of Two Djinns. As I built the two different djinn societies, I explored the role of women in both.
These layers built on each other, and the heart of the story spread like roots through them, binding it all together. In the end, A Tale of Two Djinns is a story that was exhausting to write, but one I’m so very proud to have written.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sales of A Tale of Two Djinns are being donated to UNICEF.
A Tale of Two Djinns Blurb:
Akshay (Shay for short), warrior prince of the earth djinns, earns the title of Crown Prince at a high cost when he loses his best friend in a battle against ancient enemies, the water djinns. Heartsick, he escapes to Earth to mourn.
Nothing gets the biological clock ticking (and elders lecturing) like almost dying in battle, so Maya, princess of the water djinns, travels to Earth for some no-strings-attached sex to fulfill her duty and produce an heir. But the beautiful and tough warrior gets more than she bargained for when she meets Shay.
Their not-so-simple one-night stand is interrupted by assassins and the world, as they know it, is changed forever. As Maya and Shay pull together to survive, both are determined to have their happily-ever-after and bring peace to their worlds — warring families, shadow assassins, and nosy busybodies be damned.
Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords Kobo iTunes ARe
Author Bio:
Mina Khan is a Texas-based writer and food enthusiast. She grew up in Bangladesh on stories of djinns (pronounced “gins”), ghosts and monsters. These childhood fancies now color her fiction. She daydreams of hunky paranormal heroes, magic, mayhem and mischief and writes them down as tales of romance and adventure.
Her first published work, The Djinn’s Dilemma, won the novella category of the 2012 Romance Through The Ages (published) contest.
For more information check out her:
Blog: Stories by Mina Khan
Twitter: @SpiceBites
To sign up for Mina’s quarterly newsletter with release updates and inside information on the stories, please check out:
March 22, 2013
Describe where you’re sitting, right Now! in 10 words or less
I’m inviting you to come chat with me over at Riverina Romantics today. The topic is settings. What’s your favorite location to live? Vacation? What about that setting speaks to you? Hope you’ll share.
If you leave a comment, you could win a copy of Bayou Born.
Come on over!
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
