Welcome to Running With Quills, your online newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what your favorite authors (that would be us) are doing throughout the year. Here you will find the release dates of our new books and get information about our backlists. We'll preview our cover art here long before the books hit the stores and we'll keep you informed about works-in-progress and special projects. You'll also receive advance notice of signings and appearances. From time to time we'll give you a peek at our worlds, tell you what we're reading, and introduce you to some new authors.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Dog Days of Summer Contest - and Old Dogs Writing...
Hey everyone!
Happy Friday to all of you! I have some things to tell you about MY Friday, but first I want to say that today is a very SPECIAL Friday, because we're doing a...
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER CONTEST
We at Quills want to reward all you lovely folk for visiting with us each day, and being so fun and supportive and friendly. So we've gathered up some goodies and put them together to make a nice prize package. I hope you like it!
From now until August 29th, everyone who posts a comment to ANY of the blogs listed between those two dates will be eligible to win.
One of the Quills will randomly draw a name from all the posts, and the winner will be announced here on the blog - so be sure to check back on August 29th to see if you're the lucky person!
Once you respond (privately) with your address, we'll individually send out our prize donations to you.
So what are those donations, you ask?
So what do you think!? Lots of great goodies, right? Naturally the books will autographed!
If you're reading this, you're already here. Just drop in a post about the contest or my blog below, and you're entered!
Be sure to come back for each blog from each of the Quill authors to keep on entering. Good luck to everyone!
And now to the "Old Dog" part of this blog. I am an old dog, and I'm not sure I can be taught any new tricks. My first book was published back in December of 1996. Since then, I've set myself into a pattern of writing that's made me pretty productive.
I write at my desk. I face a window. I burn candles I play loud music. My doggies are close at hand. I feed my face with munchies.
Yeah, it works for me. Over the past 12 years, I've written somewhere over 80 stories, including single titles, novellas and category books.
So what's the deal, you ask?
Well, I've finished my ultra short novella for the June 09 release, TAILS OF LOVE anthology (where all author and agent proceeds go to the AAF, Animal Adoption Foundation) and now I need to start on my related, Dark-to-Light novellas.
So... I'm going to try something totally new. I want to see if I can write in my RV. This is HUGE for me, because I'm a total creature of habit. I LIKE sitting at my desk, with my dogs near me, a drink close at hand (non-alcoholic, as you know, cuz I'm a tee-totaler) and loud music playing. Writing in the RV - on my laptop - with traffic going by - while hubby drives - well, it's all going to be so different and strange.
But if I can do it, it'll be the perfect set up!
Since we finally got the RV out of the barn (where it got stowed while my sis was with us, recovering) we've been going somewhere nearly every weekend, and sometimes during the week. I had no idea that RVing was so much fun, but I love it and I don't want to miss out on all the wonderful places we can visit over the summer.
I'm thinking I can write while hubby drives, and maybe in the early mornings while he walks the dogs and stuff. This would be such a great balance in my life - IF I can work it out. Just think, we could practically travel year round if I can get my brain wrapped around writing in different places. But you know, I really am an old dog to start learning new tricks!
What about you? Are you a flexible, work anywhere person, or do you like a pattern? Have you ever had to majorly switch up your life? I know divorce, death, health can make us accept huge changes whether we want to or not. And I've heard a lot of women (and some men) say that when a spouse retires, it turns their life upside down. Some moms have had a hard adjustment to their kids starting school, or sometimes, returning home from school! LOL
Have you ever been forced through a change that later proved to work out better for you? What about a change that you're still adjusting to?
Let me know - and wish me luck on my new writing experiments! HUGS to all!
CYPRESS NIGHTS IS ON SALE and it's a good morning here. I hope it's a wonderful morning where you are. This book kept me up a lot of nights but in the best way; I couldn't leave the story alone! Now it's time for me to let go...
Let me know what you think, of the video but most of all, of the book:)
Stella: So, Susan, it’s almost time for Cutting Loose to hit the shelves.
Susan: I know! See this cheesy grin? I can’t stop smiling—I LOVE this time of year. Spotting my book on supermarket or bookstore shelves is a thrill that hasn’t changed for me since Shadow Dance first landed on one in September of ‘89. But, hey, I don’t need to tell you. I’m sure the Oh-my-gawd-that’s-MY-book-up-there! factor is the same for all the Quills.
Stella: Yes, it’s a lovely feeling.
Susan: And you all get to see your books on the shelves two or three times a year. Not to be a whiner or anything, but I’m a one-book-a-year woman.
Okay, so maybe I am whining a little. Still, I’m making the most of my day, or week, or month (she said hopefully) in the sun. Wait, let me demonstrate. Watch! This is my happy dance.
Stella :::wincing::: Don’t do that.
Susan: You’re probably right. :::realigns elbows and knees so they no longer stick out in so many awkward angles::: I’ll save the happy dance for the privacy of my own home. It’s not real pretty, but what the heck, it makes me feel good. And it’s not like I’m cutting the heads off chickens or anything.
Stella: Saving that for the getting-on-the-lists ritual?
Susan: Well, yeah. Can’t find a virgin these days.
Stella: O-kay--not going there. So, about the book. Aren’t you jumping the gun a little? Cutting Loose isn’t even out yet, is it?
Susan: Its actual street date is July 29th-- next Tuesday--but I’m getting ready to leave town and racing to finish up my next book, so we’re talkin’ it up early. And face it, the lay-down isn’t that strict anyway, so it probably is in some of the stores. But chances of scoring a copy go up after Monday.
Stella: This is the first of a brand new trilogy, right?
Susan: Yep--one I’m calling the Sisterhood Diaries, featuring three women, Jane Kaplinski, Poppy Calloway and Ava Spencer, who have been best friends since the fourth grade. They’ve inherited an infamously ugly Seattle mansion. I’m kicking the series off with Jane’s story.
Stella: And our hero is on the scene to renovate the ugly mansion.
Susan: Yes. Devlin Kavanagh is from a huge Irish-American clan. He has a problem with the inherent lack of privacy that goes hand-in-hand with large families and has been crewing yachts around Europe for the last umpteen years. But he’s home now to lend a hand in the family construction business while his brother Bren goes through chemotherapy.
Stella: And he and Jane hit it off right away?
Susan: Shyeah, right (as Jayne’s dust bunny Elvis says with such impeccable sarcasm). They are, of course, exact opposites. Jane grew up with second rate actor parents who lived for drama on and off the stage. She craves stability. Dev’s footloose.
Stella: Yet, their attraction is burning-down-the-house hot!
Susan: You gotta love chemistry, right? But Loose is about friends and family as well. Add to all that a bad guy with serious envy issues and a loan shark on his ass, setting his sights on the mansion full of priceless collections--
Stella: --And things are about to cut loose.
Susan :::doing the happy dance again::: Yes, ma’am! Things are about to cut loose big time.
Stella: And I've had way too much fun Cutting Loose with this story! Now it's everyone else's turn.
VEGGIE TALES or EG bites off more than she can chew.
ANYONE CAN COOK: That’s one of the messages of the delightful 2007 animated feature film from Disney/Pixar, “Ratatouille.”
Have I mentioned before here at RWQ that “Ratatouille” is one of my favorite movies of the past several years? If not, let me go on record right now: This is a clever, funny, poignant, even thoughtful movie, AND it’s set in Paris, a city I love. Plus, “Ratatouille” has the cutest little furry hero who is also a talented chef and a wonderful human being.
Well, not exactly a human being. More like a . . . rat.
I’ll admit at first the thought of a rat in the kitchen kind of put me off my “feed.” But before long I ceased to think of Remy as a rat and began to think of him as “Little Chef.”
At this point you may be asking yourself, where is this little rant of Elizabeth G's going? Patience, my friends, and all will be revealed.
I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but the movies lie. They're pure fiction. EVERYONE CANNOT COOK. For example, I can’t. Which makes it even more amazing (one could say mind-boggling) that I have finally learned how to “make” the perfect salmon filet.
Yes, me!
It’s the easiest recipe in the world, too. (How else could I manage it?) And I’m going to share it with you in exchange for the VEGGIE TALES mentioned in the title of this blog.
Here's the deal: I’ll tell you how I made the perfect salmon filets AND then you’re going to volunteer an easy vegetable dish to go with them. Emphasis on the “easy.” Remember, this is me, the cooking-challenged Quill. (But if I have to eat one more bag of frozen peas and corn . . . well, you get my drift.)
So here are the ingredients you’ll need for the Perfect Salmon:
~2 fresh salmon filets, 6-8 oz. each (fresh, wild Alaskan salmon, if you can get your mitts on it.) ~3 Tablespoons of good olive oil ~3 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice ~salt and pepper to taste
Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish. Sprinkle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Heat a nonstick electric fry pan (or any nonstick fry pan, I suppose) to medium high. Lift the filets out of the marinate and place them in the fry pan for 3-4 minutes, skin-side down. (Might be a good idea to have one of those splatter screens handy so you don't get hit by any flying hot oil.) Then put the lid on, turn the heat down to medium and wait. This was the tricky part. I didn’t want to overcook the salmon (as I’ve done numerous times before), but I also don’t like my salmon rare on the inside. So I waited another 4-5 minutes.
TRUTH TO TELL: At that point I tested my filet and it was still a tad rare for me, so I popped it into the microwave for one minute. (Sacrilege, some will say.) Anyway, then it was perfect . . . for my tastes.
I even concocted a little sauce on the side using several large dollops of mayonnaise blended with a dash of dill weed, lemon peel, and Beau Monde (again to taste.)
The salmon was delicious! And my husband is still raving about it.
Now it’s your turn to help me out. I need some simple veggie dishes to go with my triumphant salmon filets. So, spill the beans and please share them with me.
DARK LIGHT, The next book in my Jayne Castle Ghost Hunters series won't be out until August 26 but Cissy Hartley (my web mistress) and Paula Graves(who, in addition to writing great romantic suspense is also a graphic artist) have just completed the video. I thought you all might enjoy it.
By the way, in the video, the role of Elvis the Dust-Bunny is played by Donovan, a champion angora rabbit owned by Betty Chu. (Yes, the bunny is real! Check out Betty's website: http://home.pacbell.net/bettychu/) Those of you who saw last year's video for SILVER MASTER (still available at my website) may recall that we used another one of Betty's gorgeous rabbits for that production. I want to take this opportunity to thank Betty and the rabbits for giving us the perfect dust-bunnies!
Life has eased up some! My sis, who you all know was in a terrible car accident, is faring much better now and even moved back to her own home. We enjoyed having her here a lot, but I'm thrilled that she's able to get around on her own now.
Not long after that, I finished my last romantic single title, MY MAN, MICHAEL and got a most enthusiastic response from both my agent and editor. Whoo hoo! Apparently I work well under pressure.
This will be Michael aka Mallet's story from the other SBC fighter books. It's my first attempt at writing a time travel, and it's way fun. (I go into the future.) My editor said she felt the joy leaping off every page. A terrific compliment, huh? And look at that cover!? Is it stellar or what?
After that great news, I got two fabulous reviews for my "on stands August 27th" supernatural urban fantasy thriller, (that's how the publisher describes it) SERVANT: THE ACCEPTANCE.
RT gave me 4 stars and said, "Foster delivers another chilling installment in the Servant saga. Her latest villain is likely to give readers nightmares; but in this series offering there is a clear focus on Gaby and Luther's fight against the odds to build a relationship. This tale definitely reminds readers that trust is a two way street."
Romance Junkies gave me 5 blue ribbons and said, "This addition to Gaby's story is excellent in both plot and characterization. Foster's innate talent shines brightly in this dark paranormal tale. I fell in love iwth both Gaby and Luther in the first book, SERVANT: THE AWAKENING, and must say that my love affair with these two characters continues throughout this amazing second book."
Yes, I was plenty jazzed that my next romance hit a note with the editor, and that my next release is (so far) getting good reviews.
Naturally, all that good news meant that it was time to celebrate with a much-deserved vacation.
Off we went in our RV! Let me tell you, I had some early reservations because it took us a while to figure out how to work everything. I had pictured us stranded somewhere, unable to make the water run, to open the sides, to figure out the air conditioning... RVs are very confusing! Everything seems to have a switch and not everything is simple is operate. Like the TV. Luckily, we had plenty of dvds with us to watch - NOT that we managed much time just sitting around the telly. Nope. Allen and I are outdoor-type people. We love exploring new hills, trails, lakes, rock formations, caves... whatever! And I realized - I LOVE doing it from the RV! Can we say convenience!?
What about you? Would you rather be in a posh hotel with room service and nearby plays or shows, or do you (like me ) prefer to commune with nature?
Here's a photo of our West Virginia view from a very high tram. The tram took us down a steep mountain to a lake that runs under the sky-high Gauley Bridge. It pretty much sucked my breath away, but everyone at the site was so nice and friendly, that we enjoyed the chatting as much as the scenery.
Once there, we enjoyed a jet boat ride with a very funny tour guide. I sat up front with him, and laughed the entire time.
It was amazing to see small vacation huts built right on the lake's edge, sometimes on a boulder, sometimes with a tree jutting up out of the middle. The only way to get to the huts is by boat, so all the building supplies were floated in. Right behind the tiny houses are railroad tracks.
We also did a rather fascinating coal mining tour, and again, the tour guide was very amusing and engaging. We rode in mining cars and, according to the Beckley coal mining guide, we were around 150 feet underground. It was pretty cold, very dark, and incredibly enlightening about the difficult chore of mining, most especially "back in the day."
I used "night vision" on my camera to light up the passageway so you could see it. Trust me, it was pretty dang dark!
Oh, but the great part is that our RV was right there in the parking lot, air conditioned and secure, with my little doggies inside. Any time we didn't take them with us, we knew they were close at hand, and comfortable.
And when we parked the RV for the night, it was pretty wonderful. West Virginia had Rhododendrons in full bloom everywhere. They were as big as our oak trees here in Ohio, and the first park we chose was very private and quiet. We were literally in the woods - with all sorts of animals visiting and calling out, and a beautiful night sky.
The picture might be hard to see, but that's my hubby and little dogs at the picnic table in our own private little spot.
Later we went to Hocking Hills in Ohio, which is my favorite place to be. There we stayed in a more social park, but we had a fabulous pool, lots of games, and the playground was so impressive that we went home and got my son and grandson, and then went back!
Right next to where we parked, we were able to get a small log cabin with electricity so my son and grandson had their privacy for sleeping. (Allen and are early to bed and very early to rise, and my son and grandson like to sleep in.) Here are some photos from there. Funstuff, huh!?
That's Allen in the first, with all those impressive rock walls behind him. Then you see me (looking worse for wear in my sloppy clothes, and frazzled from the heat and humidity) in a narrow tunnel on our way to one of the waterfalls.
And here I am, as close to the waterfall as you can get. Sometimes it really pours, and sometimes, depending on the weather, it's almost dry. That day it had rained off and on, keeping me damp but cooling the hot afternoon, too. There's so much to see at Hocking Hills that I could go every weekend and be happy!
Even my grandson had a blast climbing the trails, wedging through narrow niches, and playing in the water.
I have to tell you how surprised I was to learn that Jennifer Schober, an agent from Spencerhill, likes to go camping.
And when Stella told me some of the stories of when she went camping with a lot of kids in tow... I was really impressed. I'd have bet money that I was the only Quill who didn't mind getting muddy, sweaty, and chewed up by the occasional weed and sharp rock. So what about you!? Do like the sun overhead and the smell of the woods - or do you prefer airconditioning? Do you like to be near water in lakes, creeks, waterfalls and rivers - or are you a heated indoor pool person? Are you a nature girl or boy - or a culture craver who prefers museums and find dining? Would you enjoy waking with the birds, having your coffee at a well-used picnic table while other RV campers woke and made their way around the park? Do you enjoy meeting new characters and visiting with "everyday" people from around our country? If you have or had an RV, do you know of any awesome parkgrounds that you can recommend?
Where would you like to go and what would you like to see?
Now that I'm finally getting my crazy schedule under control, I've already mapped out a good dozen places to visit, most of them fairly local (within a 5 hour drive) but some that take some serious travel. It's my sincere hope that I go somewhere at least once a month during warm weather.
I hope this email finds you all healthy, comfortable and happy!
Gloom and doom. Yuck, there's enough miserable moaning and negative talk to go around a number of times over. What has happened to the optimists?
Not a darn thing, folks. We're still here and this is our moment to shine through. Have you ever seen a bad situation get better because someone moaned about it? Nope? Neither have I.
The stock market has been rising and falling throughout its existence. True, some falls are worse than others, but some sort of law mandates it will rise again and meanwhile, make sure you've got a little cash!
Gas prices are horrible--crippling for those who must get to work despite fixed incomes. I won't be so bold as to suggest gas prices will go down anytime soon, but we will all come through this phase. Meanwhile, public transportation is a boon. Bus it, bike it, train it, hoof it. If you live too far away from a bus stop or station, try to drive just that far and park the car for the day. Most transit centers have free parking.
Do "The Loop!" That's the thought-out circle of errands that allows us to use a minimum of gas to do the things we just about can't do by bus, like carry a week's groceries.
I'm watching breathlessly while those who "know" wrangle over alternative energy. Bring it on, guys and gals because we need it. Put up those wind thingies and anything else that will allow us to heat, cool and move.
Food! When did the farmers' markets get so much more expensive than the grocery stores? This summer, naturally. That's sad because we all love fresh produce but (there's always a bright side) since we're a teensy bit rocky about fresh veg and fruit safety, we might be better off with the frozen varieties. I love my frozen blueberries. We always have choices and I'm making them daily. Perhaps this is a good way to cause more careful shopping. Good foods in smaller quantities won't do this family any harm.
Housing isn't something Jerry and I are changing or thinking of changing soon, but anyone who is caught in that crunch has my positive thoughts coming their way. Again, this can't go on for ever.
Health care? We've got it, folks. There is no one in this country who can't be cared for when and if needed. No hospital can turn a patient away for lack of funds--not unless they want to be in the middle of a giant investigation. The MDs take an oath and even if they weren't generally a very dedicated group, they deeply fear law suits.
I might be induced to grouch about health insurance premiums. Mine just took another major hike--an amazing one--but I don't have a choice but to pay.
I'm sure there are concerns I haven't hit on. But AMERICA NEEDS US and now. America needs us to be positive ambassadors for this country that gives us so much. A ghastly day here is legions better than the best of days in very many places.
That brings up something else--there is so much of this country I haven't seen. How about you? Have you talked about going to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades but never quite made it. Those trips to Cancun or Grand Cayman can seem so much more exotic, but often they're just hot and you can't drink the water:) I intend to see more of my own country. That way I spend needed money here and less of it in the end.
My town is famous for consignment shops. They are amazing and people come from far and wide to "do" them. I bet you have 'em where you live and that pair of of Prada loafers could be sitting in one of them, never before worn, for a tiny fraction of the normal retail price. Add a St. John suit, a snazzy silk scarf, a Gucci purse, and you're all togged up for a song. And best of all, afterward you get to tell those who drool over your fabulous outfit than it "really isn't anything!" which with luck will be fairly true.
I was going to hit recycling but I'll take pity on you and simply say, it gets to be challenging fun:) If our son buys coffee in a paper cup and doesn't finish in time to recycle at the shop, he dries it out with his napkin, squishes, and carries it home in his backpack (out west we backpack--even in suits) until he reaches his own recycle bins.
By now some of you will be groaning about "Miss Sunshine," but buck up and join me instead. I'll hope with you, pray with you, dream with you, be sad, angry or defiant with you, and just thinking about the power we have between us will give strength to our Body Optimistic. And hang the nay-sayers!
Please take off the virtual gloves and share thoughts and ideas--opinions are always welcome, even if they're wrong!
Once upon a time a friend and I went to visit another friend in the hospital. While we were there a young couple came to visit our sick friend as well. As we were occupying the only available chairs in the room, they stood to converse. After a bit, the husband moved behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist. Occasionally he would snuggle her close as he visited with our sick friend.
I like seeing people display affection so I didn't think anything of it. They just looked like kids in love to me and I'm always happy to bear witness to folks in love. But my friend made a comment later that made it clear she thought it was inappropriate, that a hospital room was no place for cuddling. I didn't quite get what she was objecting to. Since then, however, I've discovered public displays of affection are a hot button for a lot of people. Image by Free-StockPhotos.com
Now I've been known to indulge in the occasional PDA myself. I've been married nearly forty years and my husband and I still hold hands when we walk. We've kissed each other in, yep, public. I'm not talking hot and heavy tongue action, but still, a kiss. There's just so much crap in the world, so much violence and hate, that I'm not sure I understand why anyone would find that objectionable. If people aren't actually having sex in public or a too-close-for-comfort simulation, what's a kiss, a hug, a cuddle between those who bear another obvious affection?
But that's probably the point, isn't it? What's comfortable for one person can be very much not so for another. Clearly, my comfort level is high in this arena. But what about your own? C'mon, you can tell me. We don't have to agree. I'd just be interested in hearing your opinion.
Like many people I tend to think about the dreams, big and small, that still elude me. But every now and then something wonderful happens to remind me, to remind all of us, that dreams can and do come true. When that happens, it’s cause to celebrate.
This is one of those dreams and one of those celebrations.
I recently got an e-mail from a good friend of mine, a fellow writer, who lives right here in town. I could tell how excited Janet was even without the extra exclamation marks!!!!!!!
I won’t go into all the details with this blog since I intend to interview Janet in September right here at RWQ, but my friend has worked long and hard, sometimes wondering if her dream of becoming a published author would ever come true.
Well, it has!
And here’s the proof: the cover of Janet’s first published romance novel. (I’m also including the back cover copy just to give you a taste of the wonderful characters and story she’s created.)
The “orphan train” seemed like small-town spinster Adelaide Crum’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. So many lost children, every one of them dreaming only of a caring home—the home she longed to offer. And yet the narrow-minded town elders refused to entrust even the most desperate child to a woman alone….
Newspaperman Charles Graves believed his heart was closed forever, but he swore to stand by this lovely, lonely woman who was fighting for the right to take some motherless child into her heart. And her gentle soul and unwavering faith made him wonder if even he could overcome the bitter lessons of the past, and somehow find the courage to love….
I’m absolutely thrilled for Janet. But beyond her hard work, her success, her dream-come-true-at-last, she has inspired me to stop and recall the day I sold my first book, the day I first saw the cover (not nearly as lovely as Janet’s, I’ll tell you!), the day I walked into a book store and found my “masterpiece” on the shelf for the first time.
Truth to tell, I hadn’t thought about those moments in a very long time. I even had to look up the title of that first book: It was SUMMER STORM written as Suzanne Simmons.
So, even as I celebrate with my friend, I want to thank her for reminding me of my own dreams, those that have come true and those I’m still dreaming of. Thank you, Janet!
Inquiring Minds want to know, of course: What dream/dreams have come true for you that you’ve since taken a little or a lot for granted?
Jayne, here, to welcome Christina Dodd to RWQ. I just finished her new book, INTO THE SHADOW, and all I can say is "wow"! The book reminded me of why I started reading romance novels in the first place. Nobody delivers the exciting zing of the classic -- okay, occasionally politically incorrect -- romance the way Christina does. I loved INTO THE SHADOW and here's Christina to give you a taste of the story.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I love a little bondage.
No, not me, personally. I would freak out. But in the hands of an author I trust, I love to read about bondage, secure in the knowledge that it’s a romance and everything will end with happily ever after.
In INTO THE SHADOW, Karen Sonnet escaped her kidnapper. She has just been recaptured and he has handcuffed her … so she thinks.
Damn Warlord. She had told herself so many times that the soft emotions and strong passions no longer survived within her soul, and he made her feel them all.
Turning her by the shoulders, he marched her ahead of him. Marched her toward his tent.
Toward his domination.
The walk back went too quickly, and each moment, her tension increased.
He shoved her across the bridge without a single care for her fear and hesitation, lifted the material and rolled her inside.
Her bound hands were an insurmountable handicap, but Karen struggled to her knees, unwilling to loll on the floor like a helpless slave.
Yet when she would have stood, he pressed his hand to the top of her head and held her in place.
He pulled a long, shiny blade from his belt, stepped behind her …
She closed her eyes in the anticipation of pain … and suddenly her hands were free.
He dangled a cut rope before her eyes.
She pulled her hands to the front and stared. The cold metal on her wrists wasn’t steel, as she thought, but gold, not handcuffs, but wide and ornate gold bracelets. The gleaming metal had been worked, decorated with tiny beads that altogether formed a panther on the prowl. In front of the great cat was the crescent moon, also created by a series of tiny gold beads. It was stunning, unique, barbaric.
She tried to slip a finger between the metal and her wrist; the bracelets were tapered to fit close against her skin. She scratched at the seam, searching for a clasp; it was hidden by some clever device.
He watched, his mouth curled in a half-smile. “Beautiful, aren’t they?”
“How do I get them off?”
“You don’t. Once they’re locked, they can’t be removed by anyone but a jeweler with sheers strong enough to cut them loose.” He picked up one of her wrists and traced the panther. “See this? This is me. And see this?” He ran his finger over the moon. “That is you. This marks you as my possession, and if you run away again, everyone in this part of the world will bring you back to me.”
She stammered, “B…but that makes them slave bracelets.”
So what do you think? Does reading about bondage in a romance (specifically my romance, INTO THE SHADOW), secure in the knowledge that it’s going to end well, give you a thrill? Or does it make you run screaming for the hills?
Morning everyone! Today I'm introducing my good friend and fab writer, Kay Stockham. I hope you'll give her a warm Quill welcome!
Hello, Quills! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially today, one of America’s most celebrated holidays. Anyone else always find themselves singing Martina McBride’s song by the same name?
July 4th celebrations are so much fun. It’s my husband’s favorite holiday due to the fireworks displays, not to mention the food (Oh, my!), and we’ll be heading out later for some fun.
Until then I’d like to chat about my latest release, HIS SON’S TEACHER, which hits store shelves next week on July 8.
Have you ever wanted to declare independence of something? An ex-spouse, a friendship, a bad habit? My heroine does. Jennifer Rose is sick of spending her evenings alone, eating herself into oblivion. But how to get out of the rut and lose the weight she’s gained? Surrounded by her friends, she witnesses her ex-husband in a torrid kiss with his beach bunny mistress, the woman he left Jenn for—and Jenn takes that all-important step. She declares her summer vacation the Summer of Jenn. Not only is she determined to lose the weight she’s put on, she’s taking her life back and determined to go on her dream vacation to Paradise Island, even if it means going alone. Learning gym owner Nick Tulane needs a tutor for his son, she makes Nick an unusual proposition in trading tutoring for a private, personal trainer. She never dreams Nick would insist on training her himself, or that a pudgy bookworm would have anything in common with the hunky gym owner. But as time passes and they grow closer, Jenn learns Nick has issues of his own, including a secret Nick’s guarded for so long he’s alienated himself from the people he loves most.
I loved writing Jenn’s character, and as I worked through her character arc and changed her way of thinking about herself, her weight, food and life, I found my own attitude changing. So much so I joined a local Weight Watchers group and vowed to get the extra weight I carried off. I knew exactly what Jenn was experiencing and thinking throughout the story because I’ve been there and thought those things myself. And I give my fictional character full credit for inspiring me to get my rear to the WW meetings.
I hope you’ll take a moment out of your busy day to check out my website at http://www.kaystockham.com/ I host a weekly contest on my blog as well as Launch Party contests. Also posted there are book trailers (including one for HIS SON’S TEACHER and THE POWER OF LOVE), WW progress reports (losing weight is a bumpy road full of pot holes—and chocolate), updates on my latest hobby of beading and jewelry making (to keep my hands from snacking), and Getting To Know segments where your favorite authors answer some quirky questions.
Until then, I’m giving away a pair of beautiful earrings I made in honor of this wonderful day, and will choose a winner from those who post a response to the following question:
If you could declare independence from anything be it person, habit, vice or whatever, what would it be?
Thanks for hosting me, Quills (waving at Lori!). I hope you’ll make today a true independence day!
Kay
Kay Stockham - Double Finalist, Gayle Wilson AOE Another Man's Baby, Harlequin Superromance- Mar 08 The Power of Love Anthology, Berkley, Jun 08 - AVAILABLE NOW! His Son's Teacher, Harlequin Superromance, Jul 08 - RT TOP PICK! 4.5 Stars! Want to win fabulous prizes? Check out www.kaystockham.com! Friend me! www.myspace.com/kaystockham
This year's Scarlet Boa Contest gives you an opportunity to strut your characters' verbal stuff. Put that action into words and let us hear a gem from your story.
From ten finalists, one winner will be voted on by readers to receive the coveted Scarlet Boa and Award Certificate, and three more writers will each receive an Honorable Mention. One lucky reader/voter, chosen at random on August 17 during a live Writerspace chat, will also be the winner of a boa--color, a surprise!
RULES:
a. Write a scene in dialogue between two characters. b. You may use dialogue tags. c. Use 1,000 words or less. d. You may submit more than one entry. The Scarlet Boa contest is open to published and non-published authors alike. Submit your entry (500-1000 words).
Important dates:
July 10 thru August 1: Submissions accepted August 5: Submissions posted online August 5-12: Voting (first round) August 13: Finalists announced August 13 thru August 16: Voting (2nd round) August 17: Winner announced in a LIVE chat at Writerspace at 10p EST!
CYPRESS NIGHTS IS ON SALE and it's a good morning here. I hope it's a wonderful morning where you are. This book kept me up a lot of nights but in the best way; I couldn't leave the story alone! Now it's time for me to let go...
Have I mentioned before here at RWQ that “Ratatouille” is one of my favorite movies of the past several years? If not, let me go on record right now: This is a clever, funny, poignant, even thoughtful movie, AND it’s set in Paris, a city I love. Plus, “Ratatouille” has the cutest little furry hero who is also a talented chef and a wonderful human being.
It’s the easiest recipe in the world, too. (How else could I manage it?) And I’m going to share it with you in exchange for the VEGGIE TALES mentioned in the title of this blog.
Now it’s your turn to help me out. I need some simple veggie dishes to go with my triumphant salmon filets. So, spill the beans and please share them with me.
DARK LIGHT
After that great news, I got two fabulous reviews for my "on stands August 27th" supernatural urban fantasy thriller, (that's how the publisher describes it) SERVANT: THE ACCEPTANCE. 
Naturally, all that good news meant that it was time to celebrate with a much-deserved vacation. 
Here's a photo of our West Virginia view from a very high tram. The tram took us down a steep mountain to a lake that runs under the sky-high Gauley Bridge. It pretty much sucked my breath away, but everyone at the site was so nice and friendly, that we enjoyed the chatting as much as the scenery.
We also did a rather fascinating coal mining tour, and again, the tour guide was very amusing and engaging. We rode in mining cars and, according to the Beckley coal mining guide, we were around 150 feet underground. It was pretty cold, very dark, and incredibly enlightening about the difficult chore of mining, most especially "back in the day." 
And when we parked the RV for the night, it was pretty wonderful. West Virginia had Rhododendrons in full bloom everywhere. They were as big as our oak trees here in Ohio, and the first park we chose was very private and quiet. We were literally in the woods - with all sorts of animals visiting and calling out, and a beautiful night sky. 
And here I am, as close to the waterfall as you can get. Sometimes it really pours, and sometimes, depending on the weather, it's almost dry. That day it had rained off and on, keeping me damp but cooling the hot afternoon, too. There's so much to see at Hocking Hills that I could go every weekend and be happy! 
Gloom and doom. Yuck, there's enough miserable moaning and negative talk to go around a number of times over. What has happened to the optimists?
And here’s the proof: the cover of Janet’s first published romance novel. (I’m also including the back cover copy just to give you a taste of the wonderful characters and story she’s created.)
Karen's mouth went dry with fear … and desire.
She pulled her hands to the front and stared. The cold metal on her wrists wasn’t steel,
Hello, Quills! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially today, one of America’s most celebrated holidays. Anyone else always find themselves singing Martina McBride’s song by the same name?
Have you ever wanted to declare independence of something? An ex-spouse, a friendship, a bad habit? My heroine does. Jennifer Rose is sick of spending her evenings alone, eating herself into oblivion. But how to get out of the rut and lose the weight she’s gained? Surrounded by her friends, she witnesses her ex-husband in a torrid kiss with his beach bunny mistress, the woman he left Jenn for—and Jenn takes that all-important step. She declares her summer vacation the Summer of Jenn. Not only is she determined to lose the weight she’s put on, she’s taking her life back and determined to go on her dream vacation to Paradise Island, even if it means going alone. Learning gym owner Nick Tulane needs a tutor for his son, she makes Nick an unusual proposition in trading tutoring for a private, personal trainer. She never dreams Nick would insist on training her himself, or that a pudgy bookworm would have anything in common with the hunky gym owner. But as time passes and they grow closer, Jenn learns Nick has issues of his own, including a secret Nick’s guarded for so long he’s alienated himself from the people he loves most.
I loved writing Jenn’s character, and as I worked through her character arc and changed her way of thinking about herself, her weight, food and life, I found my own attitude changing. So much so I joined a local Weight Watchers group and vowed to get the extra weight I carried off. I knew exactly what Jenn was experiencing and thinking throughout the story because I’ve been there and thought those things myself. And I give my fictional character full credit for inspiring me to get my rear to the WW meetings.
(losing weight is a bumpy road full of pot holes—and chocolate), updates on my latest hobby of beading and jewelry making (to keep my hands from snacking), and Getting To Know segments where your favorite authors answer some quirky questions.
