My Writing Family by Cherie Marks – VBT for Into the Fire with Contest!!
Some families you're born into, and some families you luck into along the journey. I've been blessed with both, and I couldn't be more thankful for the guidance, support, and humor my new extended, writing "families" provide.
About three years ago, I attended a local writing workshop given by the Kentucky Romance Writers of America. I loved the workshop, loved being around all those folks with that quirky writer bug like me, but most of all, I loved the feeling you get when you recognize that, "Hey, I am a writer!"
I didn't join then. It wasn't until the next year I was given a dose of perspective. Diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer, suddenly I had a sense of urgency I'd never had before. I attended the annual workshop again, but this time, I joined these writers on their journeys and could not be more thankful I did. These ladies have been generous with their time, patience, and laughter through my learning curve. They've read my rough stuff and still given me confidence to keep writing. They've also shared their own personal experiences with life's ups and downs and given me hope through a difficult time.
Now I'm one year cancer free and running unopposed for member-at-large (it's a small chapter). I look forward to our monthly get-togethers whether we are discussing board business, critiquing, building our craft, or just discussing the changes in publishing. We scandalize the local library on a regular basis with our topics of discussion.
However, I have another writing family that keeps me energized. One amazing experience I was literally lucky enough to fall into was attending the RWA National Conference 2010 in Orlando, FL. Not only did I learn a tremendous amount of information about the industry, but I also met a fantastic group of ladies that still brighten my days on a regular basis.
The final night of RWA National, an amazing lady and fellow breast cancer survivor invited me to an after-party in one of the hotel suites. How could I say no? Let me tell you, that was the hardest and the most I've laughed in a long while. We talked about everything from writing to men to making unmentionable shapes in the snow—the tongue-in-cheek origin of the name, Ass Cheek Angels. We have a loop where we stay in contact and a group blog where we discuss "writing by the seat of our pants."
As if I weren't fortunate enough to have two fabulous writing families, I count myself lucky to be a part of The Wild Rose Press family. No matter the questions, no matter the need, no matter the news, the roses are always there. Through loops and the connections made, I feel like there's nothing I can't accomplish with my new-found publishing family.
Families are blessings, and I couldn't have asked for three better writing families to walk with along this writing journey.
I love to hear from readers, writers, and in-betweeners, so please e-mail me at authorcheriemarks@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cheriemarks or catch me on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/qRl1lD. You're always welcome at my website http://www.cheriemarks.com or stop into the blog for a little fun at http://www.cheriemarks.blogspot.com
Author Bio
It all started with an old fashioned typewriter. When my family brought it home, all those stories and characters rolling around in my head could finally get out. The press and click of the keys satisfied in their own right, but when I pulled out a finished page, I knew this was for me. Since then, I've graduated to a laptop, but the stories still find a way out.
I'm a breast cancer survivor, a teacher, a wife, a mother, and from the very beginning—a storyteller. Always a hint humorous and honest to a fault, I love to make people laugh and smile. My goal in life is to achieve tact and stop procrastinating. The battle wages on.
Blurb:
Months after he stole her affections—then her executive chef position—Shyann and Luke meet again under sizzling circumstances, competing head-to-head on a televised cooking show called Kitchen Twist.
Each arrives with a motive: Luke intends to win back Shyann's heart, even as she wants closure on the not-so-tasty heartbreak he once served up.Luke knows culinary masterpieces require a delicate touch, but that knowledge is tossed out with the leftovers as he works to show Shyann he's not such a bad guy.
Now he pushes his skills to the limit to win the competition and satisfy a bet. Can two top chefs resist each other as they move out of the pan and into the fire?
Excerpt:
Silence reigned for half a minute before he reached out a hand and touched hers like a breezy whisper. Her head went a little fuzzy at the warm contact. He shouldn't still be able to affect her so strongly.
"I regret it went down the way it did, but why did you show me the exit before giving me a chance to explain, not to mention—dress? Enlighten me, sugar cheeks?"
With a jerk, she pulled her hand free. He was really asking for it. Sugar cheeks? Seriously? Now she knew he was only messing with her. She could give as well as she got.
"Tell you what. You win tonight, and I'll give you your chance. You lose, we go our separate ways, and you walk out all by yourself, big boy."
A crooked grin formed on his face as he reached a hand toward her hair. He fingered an escaping curl before she pulled away, leaving his hand hanging in midair."You can call me big boy all you want, but I'll do you one better. How about if I win, I take you to dinner, and you let me explain the whole situation?"
She felt her eyebrow rise and knew he'd read it as interest, but she didn't care at the moment. "I honestly don't want to hear any explanation from you now or ever, but if I win? Which I will, of course."
"Then I'll leave it up to you. If you want me to walk away, I will." He took a step closer, placed his hand on her shoulder, and leaned down, his mouth right next to her ear. "But if you want me to call you darling, sweetheart, and sugar cheeks all night long, I'll do that too."
Giveaway
During the book tour, Cherie Marks will be giving away two $10 GCs to The Wild Rose Press and one $10 GC to Amazon.com to randomly drawn commenters during the tour — Be sure to follow the tour, because the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/09/virtual-book-tour-into-fire-by-cherie.html
