Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you have a great day with family and friends. Enjoy turkey and all the fixings! If you get bored - I can recommend some great books! Hey ladies, we need something to do while the men watch football and the kids clean the kitchen. So here are the books - I'm recommending ebooks - so there's no waiting just download and read!

Sarah's Story by Delilah K. Stephans - available at http://www.redrosepublishing.com
Black Velvet by Antonia Tiranth and Delilah K. Stephans available at http://www.lyricalpress.com

The Quickening by Antonia Tiranth available at http://www.lyricalpress.com
The Gathering by Antonia Tiranth available at http://www.lyricalpress.com

In Darkness Redeemed by Alexis Morgan available at http://www.fictionwise.com
Midnight Confessions 1 & 2 by Bonnie Edwards available at http://www.fictionwise.com
Holding on to Hope by Nancy O'Berry available at http://www.redrosepublishing.com
The Reluctant Dom by Tambra Dalton available at www.lyricalpress.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Early Christmas present


From the Authors at Red Rose Publishing - a collection of recipes - Kissin Don't Last Cookbook

New Contract Signed

Three years ago I started a vampire novella for a contest at an epublisher. I didn't finish it in time for the contest, but kept working on it. Then that publisher closed and when I started getting the real news on them, I was glad I hadn't finished it.

The file sat there for a couple years unfinished. I'd go back to it and add a chapter here and there. Finally finished it a few weeks ago. Did a tiny bit of editing and submitted it to one of my publishers.

Yesterday - I signed the contract to have The Envoy published!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Unexpected Hazards

Someone should have warned me when I started writing. Oh I knew it was a lonely business hours in front of a computer, alone typing out the movie in my head. But, nothing prepared me for the unique hazards of the job. Oh, I knew all about the possibility of tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. It was the other things no one mentioned that I should have been warned about.

1) Migraine headaches - They seem to be a common malady of writers. I've figured out why. All these characters are screaming for your attention. Wanting their story told. It can be quite annoying really. My only fear is that one day my husband will force me into psychiatric counseling for them.

2) The muse will send cravings for all types of food. I have had folks smile at me knowingly when I'm in the checkout line. Guess they think I'm pregnant. I guess in a way I am - writing a book, for me, takes about the same length of time.

3) The other night I wanted to scream = "I'm going to kill you, Character Name." I stopped myself in time - the neighbors might have called the police. That could have caused a serious delay in my writing.

4) The other day hubby was looking at the credit card bills and hit the roof! I had to try and explain it's just for the essentials. You know, research materials, promotional materials and music. That every writer needs at least three Thesauruses, a couple of dictionaries, the entire Howdunit series and the entire series of Writer's Guide to Everyday Life, right?

5) Course he does like most of one series of research books. Those for writing erotica. His favorite is Going Down. He's not too sure of The Mistress Manual, or The Loving Dominate.

6) Hubby and I almost had to go to Marriage Counseling. He just couldn't understand why I kept getting furious when he interrupted me while writing.

So if you are thinking about becoming a writer - consider yourself warned of the unexpected hazards.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thank you readers!

Black Velvet sales are much higher than I had hoped when I signed the contract!

#6 on Once Upon A Bookstore Fantasy Best Sellers
#8 on Once Upon A Bookstory Paranormal Best Sellers

AND

#6 on Fictionwise.com for Lyrical Press.

Thank you! Every one of you who have pulled out your credit card to purchase it.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veteran's Day

I know I’m supposed to blog about something concerning writing or my latest release, but today isn’t for me. No today is for the Veterans, the men and women who have sworn to protect and defend this country and by extension me and you.

The day after the public memorial for the Victims of the Fort Hood shooting, can any of us not look at a soldier, sailor, marine, or airman and not think of the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms. Yet feel pride that they still get up and put on the uniform ready to give their lives to protect us?

Can we not think of the military wives and husbands who keep the home fires burning while their soldier is deployed to faraway places. Those heroic men and women who kiss their spouse good bye and pray daily for their safe return.

And we should remember than unlike soldiers of the past – there is no draft now. All those wearing the uniform now, the veterans of the future volunteered to take on that burden. The veterans who were served in the past, deserve our respect and that we never forget what they’ve done for us.

So, today as you go about your life here in the U.S. remember that somewhere probably sitting next to you at the traffic light or waiting in a doctor’s office or at the office is a veteran who took the time to fight for the rights we all take for granted. If you happen to know a veteran – tell them thanks. I think they deserve it.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Release Day +6

Black Velvet released this past Monday the 2nd. Thanks to everyone who has bought it. Because of you it is currently at #7 on the Fantasy Best Sellers and #8 on the Paranormal Best Sellers lists at Once Upon A Bookstore It also has the distinction of being my first pirated book. Folks, I don't get the big advances and only make a few cents on the dollar for each book. So please, buy it don't steal it.

I'm doing NaNo. This years story is a murder mystery and a paranormal romance. It's coming along great and I'm hoping I don't lose interest in it because it's really a good story.

I've also applied for a Copy Editor position and I'm hoping that I get it. Waiting on that and word on my last submission.

Also working on a project that is driving me crazy organizing - but that's half the fun! That's the news for the week. Talk to you next week.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Day After Release

A pounding on the door awakened me. Followed by the commanding voice of Jett Houston.

Jett: Del! Get your lazy butt to your computer. You ain't going to believe this - crap.

Me: I'm up. I'm up. What has your boxers in a twist?

Jett: Pirates! Nasty little ebook pirates.

Me: Yeah, they are a pest but why do you care?

Jett: Because, they are pirating ME! And Blue Boy. And the Prick.

Me: WHAT?

Jett: Yeah. So what are you going to do about it.

After a google search I locate the site - ahh them.

Me: Well what I'm going to do is send the information to Tir and Lyrical since my name isn't listed.

Jett: (Huffing he leans against a wall in the office) It just pisses me off. You can't afford to have your work given away like that. You struggle every month and don't complain. Don't like someone thinking they can take the money out of your budget.

Me: Thanks Jett. And yeah it's tight living off disability and the little I get for the books. But these folks seem to be under the impression I make big bucks and them getting it free won't hurt because the economy is bad.

Jett: You know where that door to your reality is? I'll come kick their asses for you - bring the others with me even Eddie. That should scare the shit out of them.

Me: Jett what have I told you about cussing on my blog?

But he's gone obviously to find the doorway to this reality. Wonder if he'll find it?