Author Interview with KyAnn Waters

Good morning, readers! So happy to see you here in the blog studio with us. I'm so happy to introduce my good friend, and fellow author, KyAnn Waters. KyAnn, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to the studio and chat with me. I'm delighted to see you here.

(KyAnn and Carol Ann hug and whisper excitedly. Laugh!)

CAROL ANN: All right. Have a seat and let's get started. First of all, I'm sure my readers would love to hear all about how the name KyAnn Waters came to be. Readers, you won't believe this!

KYANN: **LAUGH** When I decided to take on a pen name for my erotic novels I had no idea what to call myself. I wanted something that reflected the flavor of my stories. Are you ready… the name came from… the spice rack. Cayenne Pepper morphed into KyAnn and then Waters just seemed to be a fun way to play with the spicy name. And then from there my girlfriends and I laughed at all the ways it fit into my writing persona. Like who needs KY Jelly when you have KYAnn Waters. I’ve always written hot, but never ventured into erotica until recently. Now that I’ve had a taste I’ve become gluttonous.
All of my completed erotic titles are sold to Triskelion Publishing. Releases are – The Cougar and the Best Man Feb. 15th! Delicious Darkness (Eternally, Yours Anthology) May 07, Johnny Loves Krissy May 07, Trick or Treat (Baby Haunt Me One More Time Anthology) Halloween 07

CAROL ANN: Okay, so now we know you have a pen name for erotic, which means that you also write on the "sweeter" side of romance as well. Um, well, as sweet as you can be. **grin** How much time is spent on each genre? Do you work on only one manuscript at a time?

KYANN: ? LOL I don’t think any of my stories are necessarily sweet. And anything by KyAnn is going to be kinky.
Yep, I only write one story at a time. But that doesn’t mean the others are put to bed. Currently I’m working on a complete rewrite of a historical. Just finished up edits on two projects, and expect edits on another any day from the editor. I enjoy writing short more than full length novels. But I do recognize the need for both. So I complete a few novellas between each full length book. In 2006, I completed 3 novellas (2 erotic) and 1 full length erotic story.

CAROL ANN: Busy lady! What do you do for fun when you aren't writing. I assume there are a few opportunities to stray from the keyboard, right?

KYANN: **wink** Play with my kids, go to coffee with my girlfriends, oh God, I’m going to out myself. I watch reruns of Little House on the Prairie.

CAROL ANN: No way! **laugh** (Carol Ann hands KyAnn a bottle of water). Here that calls for a drink. **wink** (Carol Ann takes a swig of water). Okay. Now. People want to know. You've got quite a few contracts under your belt...or should I say carved on your bedpost? **giggle** How many books did you write before receiving your first contract?

KYANN: It has been an incredible year. In January 2006 I had a heart to heart with my husband about what I wanted to do with my writing because up until that time I’d simply wrote for pleasure. 13 years ago I wrote my first book. It’s a monster with famine, flood, and fire— basically an apocalypse with a happily ever after. Think dramatic Danielle Steel. (I hope you see the humor in that.) Back to the story, so in January I decided I would put all my effort into getting published. I went to my first writer’s conference in February where I pitched for the first time. In March, I had requests for full reads from two agents and two editors. In April I signed an agent for a Mystery/suspense. And then in May I signed my first contract for a Historical to Champagne Books, Marion’s Train.

CAROL ANN: That's a wonderful year indeed. Kind of a fairytale come true. So what kind of a writer are you technically? A plotter or a pantster? **giggle no pun intended**

KYANN: **laughs hysterically, takes a deep breath** Seriously, I can’t write a word until I know the story from beginning to end. I need to feel like the characters are my friends. I have numerous conversations with them usually over several weeks. I carry around a notebook and jot down ideas. And that may sound like plotting…okay so it is, but I consider myself a panster because I don’t know how my characters are going to react to the obstacles I put in front of them. I love pithy dialog that vibrates with sexual innuendo and kinky humor. My characters have to be witty. I also love a fast-paced read so that’s what I write.

CAROL ANN: I like to ask all my authors, since most of them write romance, how do you describe romance?

KYANN: Romance is the journey of falling in love. Whether erotic or traditional, we all want to feel new love’s emergence.

CAROL ANN: Great answer. I love that..."feel new love's emergence". **sigh** Romance always has heroes. And in real life, we all have those people we look to as heroes. Who do you see as a hero in your life?

KYANN: Not a hero in the typical definition. I am grateful to my husband every minute of every day for providing a life that allows me to follow my dreams. I’ll give you an example of how incredibly considerate he is. My children go to school all day and yet if I’m in a scene I don’t want to break from, after school he’ll take them to the movies and out to eat to give those extra hours to wrap up.(He’s seen Arthur and the Invisibles twice this week.) He never complains about the house and as long as there is peanut butter and bread, he doesn’t complain if I haven’t made it to the grocery store.
There’s more. He does research for me and if it happens to be of a sexual nature and he happens to come across some unusual naughty pictures, he saves them in a folder for me. Most of the time he rolls his eyes when I tell him what I’m up to, but always with a smile. However, I can’t ask him to help me plot or I end up with dark, demented subplots better suited for Law and Order- Criminal Intent. (As he cocks his head to the side and asks, “Are you going to eat that?” in his best VINCENT D'ONOFRIO voice.)

CAROL ANN: **laugh** Sounds like you are one lucky woman. Not all of us have such supportive husbands or partners. Mine lots of times feels very neglected and pouts. Then I get down and feel guilty. If you get down, who can make your laugh and lift your spirits?

KYANN: Monty Python, Mr. Bean, Phil Hendry, Dave Chappell. I love to laugh. I usually see friends just about every day, so I seldom get depressed. I come from a large blended family. (The blending has happened a few times over) With 10 siblings, most of us married with children and living within a 20 mile radius. Needless to say there is always plenty of comfort around.

CAROL ANN: You do have a wonderful support system! But, how does your family feel about you writing erotic romance?

KYANN: Hmmm. That’s debatable. I know that they’re proud that I’m a writer. But truthfully Secret Surrender is probably the only book they can all read. My mom and a couple of my sisters could handle Marion’s Train and Crashed. As for the erotica, only one sister would publicly acknowledge her love of the naughty stuff. Thanks Krissy. Yep, I named a character after her. (Johnny Loves Krissy) My Mom would read my erotica if I asked her to, but I won’t. I don’t think she wants to know what goes on in her daughter’s head. And knowing my mom, she’d assume if I wrote I could do it. Which isn’t true, well mostly isn’t true. **big grin**

CAROL ANN: Now for some really serious questions. First, what is your favorite color?

KYANN: Color is an interesting concept for me. I believe in using the color energy of Chakras in my writing. When I need to write a sex scene, I’ll do a short meditation and open the root charka. The same way I’ll open the throat Chakra when I want to focus on dialog. There are 7 energy points, Chakras, in the human body. Each one with color and properties. If you want to find out more about Chakras go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra#The_Seven_basic_chakras
In Delicious Darkness, an erotic paranormal, I use the powers of the Chakras to combat dark forces.

CAROL ANN: Since I'm a Scorpio, I love to look at things like this. I recently read another book which dealt with Chakras. Interesting. Thanks for the link. Okay, another serious question. Which do you prefer? Broccoli and Cheese or a Big Juicy Cheeseburger?

KYANN: Oh Juicy Cheeseburger. Have you seen the commercial for the new one at Carl’s Jr.?They’ve combined my two favorite sandwiches. Philly Steak and a Cheeseburger. Hat’s off to Carl. He is a genius. **grin** Now I have to go get one. (I’m trying to be good and eat at home. So hard with Carl up the street.)

CAROL ANN: Hey, maybe we can go have lunch when the interview is done. I've never been to Carl's Jr. My treat.

KYANN: Cool!

CAROL ANN: Done! Okay, just a few more questions before I let you off the hot seat. Again, no pun intended. **laugh** What type of clothing do you wear when you write?

KYANN: Comfy pants I’d never wear in public and large, short sleeved, button down dress shirts. I have a slipper fetish. You can’t walk into a room in my house and not see at least one pair of my slippers. Today I’m wearing my furry lime green slip-ons, but glancing around my workstation I can see my soft pink ones, and my dark green, hard soled slippers I can wear if I go outside for something. I usually buy slippers to match my silky PJs. Yep, I’m a Victoria Secret girl. Love their silky jammies.

CAROL ANN: A slipper fettish! Somehow that one surprised me. But a Victoria's Secret girl. Yep, that one I would have guessed. **grin** Do you collect anything? If so, tell me about your collection...but remember, keep it clean!

KYANN: **LAUGH** I rarely talk about my collections because once people know, it’s all they ever give you and then the collection ceases to have meaning. But I’ll share one with you. I love lighthouses. And this is the collection that I don’t buy anything for myself. I have a beautiful framed print in my front room that looks fabulous against my purple walls. Now, the walls are very light lavender, but you can’t convince my husband. He wasn’t with me when I picked the paint. **big laugh**

CAROL ANN: That's interesting. My sister-in-law also collects lighthouses. I know what you mean about collections though. I collect music boxes, but now I have so many that I have to tell everyone, "Don't buy me any more!" It's kind of like bunnies, they just keep multiplying, you know? Okay, one more off the wall question. If you had the opportunity to address the world via satellite, what would you say?

KYANN: I wouldn’t address anything religious or political; I’d simply tell people to relax. Why stress over what you can’t change.

CAROL ANN: Great philosophy. Too many people stress over things that are out of their control and I never quite understood that. There are so many things to be positive about and to focus good energy elsewhere. Do you have a favorite quote?

KYANN: Oh yes! Several. These are my two favorites.

"The only way to write is well and how you do it is your own damn business." --A.J. Liebling
No truer words were ever spoken. And

"I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn't, I would die."Isaac Asimov

CAROL ANN: Love them! Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why or why not?
KYANN: I think wounds inflicted by words, whether by the pen or spoken take longer to heal. They can fester and eat at the soul. I have the beautiful words of the Desiderata by Max Ehmann hanging by my work station. Here is the link if you’d like to read it. http://www.desiderata.com/

CAROL ANN: Thanks for sharing so much with us today, KyAnn. I've had so much fun chatting with you and from the sound of the applause, it sounds as if the audience enjoyed it as well. Before we head out for lunch, tell us what you are currently working on.

KYANN: Something naughty. LOL. Meg Snow has booked herself on a singles cruise. Imagine her surprise to discover it is a geriatric clientele. What’s a girl to do but get off the ship and spend her vacation in Jamaica.

CAROL ANN: Now that sounds like a lot of fun. You come up with some great ideas for stories. I'm in awe. Readers here are the links where you can learn more about KyAnn and her writing.

http://www.LisaDawnMacdonald.com where there is a link to KyAnn Waters. You can also find her at My Space, Yahoo 360, and yahoo groups. Links are on the websites.

Tomorrow's Author - KyAnn Waters

Join me tomorrow for an interview with my friend and fellow author, KyAnn Waters.

I promise you won't be disappointed. She's a barrel of fun!

Tuesday Outlining

How do I progress through writing my manuscript since I'm a pantster? First I have a vague idea of my entire story. I know my characters, the main plot, and how it will end. But, how do I get there without outlining the entire thing?

My method is simple. I finish writing the chapter I'm on, and then before calling it a day, I outline what I want to happen in the next chapter. That gives me a starting point for the next day's work. My outline is not a step by step, blow by blow, but more what I see as moving the story forward. The characters seem to take control once I begin writing and the chapter develops with their interactions. It's kind of like watching a movie unfold. Sometimes it takes a strange twist that I didn't expect. That's when it's fun.

So how do you go about writing your manuscripts? Do you outline any parts of it?

Curious minds want to know.

Sunday Reflections - January 21, 2007

Ick. That's all I can say about this past week. I'm glad it's over. I can only look forward and hope I'm on the road to recovery. I'm sick of being sick.

It snowed here today. 3.2 inches actually and it's still on the ground. That promises for a mass destruction of the germs that have been invading our air space. Grrrrrr.

As for writing. I did exactly what I planned to do and put writing first and foremost today. And even though I'm still dragging around, I managed to accomplish my minimum goal. Yipppee.

I vegged all weekend. Watched Jodie Foster in Flight Plan DVD this afternoon. While I watched that I signed and added ribbons to 100 bookmarks. I managed to get out and buy groceries yesterday and now my freezer is stocked and clean. So...I guess it was a fairly productive non productive weekend.

And that's enough reflection for this day.

Getting Down to Business

The issue of the week for me is to grab myself by the neck and shove my face into my manuscript. In order to finish two full length manuscripts and get them sent out to publishers, I've got to do something productive. Well, I guess promoting is considered productive, as well as taking a tax class for writers, and a plotting class for writing...but

I kind of feel like that gal who wrote STOP THE INSANITY.

I'll never be able to bring in the extra money required to allow me to retire in a few years if I don't get some manuscripts written and published. That ain't gonna happen with me pushing my current manuscripts to the bottom of the to do list.

So...turning over a new leaf beginning today. First things first. Writing. No further promotion. No checking emails. No reading. No blogging. Nothing gets checked off the list BEFORE my writing goal for the day.

I'm number one. I deserve the time to write. I owe it to myself. I'm my own worst enemy. And I'm now taking control.

And I mean it!!

Meet the stars of FOXFIRE

Join me Saturday, tomorrow, January 20 at Ann Cory's Storyboard from 2pm - 3pm. Tyler and Grace will be making appearances to share a bit about their background and what is happening in their lives as FOXFIRE unfolds. I'll be giving away a $5.00 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press to one lucky winner. The certificate can be used to purchase any book of your choice, or to be used for Wild Rose Press items in the Cafe. Here's the link.

You can purchase FOXFIRE at The Wild Rose Press website under the Crimson Rose line. It will be available in print form soon from Amazon and from Borders On-line.

Update on my writing:
I've been busy working on Joshua's Hope which is panning out to be what I hope is one of my best books. It's a romantic suspense set in Tennessee (no surprise there). The story is Hope and Jared's. Hope, divorced from her abusive husband, has moved into the home she inherited from her grandmother. The only bad thing resulting from her divorce is leaving her three year old stepson behind, but she has no legal claim. Refusing to give up, she's been devoting her energy to finding an attorney willing to help. When her ex-husband discovers where she's living, he leaves a grisly gift--a dismembered anatomically correct male baby doll. With no other option, Hope decides to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't bargain on is someone murdering her ex-husband, leaving her as the suspect. She turns to Jared Stone, the sheriff for help.

Ever since rescuing Hope in a downpour, Jared has been interested in getting closer to Hope. She's like a small bird with a broken wing. He senses the heartbreak she hides along with the bruises after her encounters with her ex-husband. When she comes to him with her problem, he wants to help...but he's also the sheriff. He must turn her into the Chattanooga police. If her story is true, she has nothing to worry about...except losing Joshua to foster care. Only one person can verify that Hope left the house before her husband was killed--the nanny. But, the nanny was also shot and is in critical condition.

Then the unthinkable happens. Joshua disappears.

Personally:
I'm still battling a horrid virus that has kept me down for almost three weeks. It started with a sore throat that lasted 7 days along with a sinus infection. The antibiotic did little to help. Then I began to cough--long and hard and it felt as if my entire throat was turning inside out. After three days, I went back to the doctor. Now I have a tracheal infection. The doctor prescribed a codeine cough syrup to stifle the cough and a 10 day steriod medication for the inflammation of the throat. I sound like an old cigarette smoking broad with deep voice and hacking cough. Ugh! I keep hoping 2007 will get better...but so far not much good has happened.

Author Interview with Jennifer Mueller

Good morning, Jennifer! Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed on my blogspot today. I must apologize if you have trouble hearing me since I have this nasty tracheal infection. If you need me to clarify at any time, just holler!

CAROL ANN: You have written many books, mostly historical romances. Of all your
published novels, which is your favorite and why?

JENNIFER: "Can it be one coming soon??"

CAROL ANN: Of course!

JENNIFER: " A wolf in angel's clothing coming in November is the 13 year culmination of the first story I ever wrote. I started writing it in 1992 and would finish it, put it up and then go back and the next thing i knew i had a new story. Oregon trail story set in 1851 at 90,000 words plus its actually cut down from 120,000 plus. It's the one that got me started in the whole business in the first place."

CAROL ANN: Wow, that's a lot of words. I must confess that I've never written a book with that many before. My first, HIT AND RUN, originally had over 100,000, but was scaled way back. So A Wolf in Angel's Clothing sounds like a historical romance. Romance is a word that has many meanings to people. Tell me what romance means to you.

JENNIFER: "I'm going to sound odd, but when i hear a question like that I always think of when i was in the hosptial in Nairobi, kenya with severe food poisoning and my now husband sat there holding my hand while i shook uncontrollably. The nurses had to kick him out when it was time."

CAROL ANN: That, to me, is very romantic. It's very close to my own feelings about the word. Actually, Jennifer, you've led a very interesting life. I encourage the readers to go to your website and learn more about you. We'll post it for them later. But for now, I have a serious question to ask. Are you a blue jeans or a skirt kind of woman?

JENIFER: (laughs) "Dress clothes now what are those again??? LOL Oh yeah they take up space in the closet and that one drawer i can't get open."

CAROL ANN: A gal after my own heart! I've told my readers that I love to write when my hubby and I go camping. I've got an AlphaSmart that I take with me to do rough drafts. Otherwise, I'm lucky enough to have a nice room I call my writing space. Do you have a special place where you write?

JENNIFER: "i have my little office upstairs that over looks the lake a few blocks away at least for a while longer our house is on the market right now, want to move it minnesota anyone I can put you in touch with a nice house."

CAROL ANN: Okay, readers!Anyone want to move to Minnesota?? (Carol Ann reaches for her cup of hazelnut coffee and takes a sip.) Okay, Jennifer, now let's pretend that you are "deep in the zone" with your latest manuscript when you are interrupted with the telephone ringing. What do you do?

JENNIFER: " oh I just answer the phone."

CAROL ANN: I hate to be interrupted when I'm in the zone, but that darned ringing telephone always draws me, too. I usually check caller ID first and decide whether or not to answer it. You're much nicer than me! So I'm a panster writer. Are you a pantster or a plotter?

JENNIFER: "panster definitely. written murder mysteries where i don't even know who the killer is until 3/4's of the way though the story."

CAROL ANN: Oh, I've done that! It's always fun to see where you characters lead you. So, let's say you take a break and go for a walk. You pass a McDonald's fand decide to stop in for lunch. What do you order?

JENNIFER: "a big and tasty or chicken nuggets. But frankly i'm not much of a mcDonald's
person."

CAROL ANN: I like to find out more about my authors than just what they write. It helps to show the readers that we are just people too. We have our ups and downs, just like everyone else. Who can make you laugh when you are down?

JENNIFER: "my husband usually."

CAROL ANN: Okay, so let's delve a little deeper. You just received a letter from an attorney telling you a relative you barely remember died and lef you the sole heir of an island in the
South Seas. What will you do with it?

JENNIFER: (Laughs and throws up her arms) "What kind of question is that? Move to a south sea island of course and start researching books set in the south seas until i got tired of them and then maybe I'd rent it out to fund my traveling around to see the rest of the world."


CAROL ANN: What a great idea! So, on the writing scene, what's next? Are you working on something special right now?

JENNIFER: "I just finished a story about a treasure hunt in portugal. I'm toying with doing a non-fiction about the two years i lived in kenya while serving in the peace corps, but that might end up an on off project sort of thing. Other tha that though i'm in between projects right now."


CAROL ANN: Where can the readers find out more about you and your books?

JENNIFER: I have a website at http://www2.blogger.com/www.jennifermuellerbooks.com that has links to almost anything of mine. I say almost because i still have to google myself regularly to find new reviews, wish some places would let you know about those."

CAROL ANN: Yes, I've been surprised a time or two myself! Okay now for the final question. It's one I ask all authors. Do you believe the pen is
mightier than the sword? Why?

JENNIFER: "Well i'd like to say that it is, but most of the reason i can think of why can be applied to the swrod as well. Those would start getting into a far more philosphical discussion than i feel like right now."

CAROL ANN: (Stands and shakes Jennifer's hand.) Thank you so much. I've truly enjoyed getting to know more about you.

Readers, please take time to leave a comment for Jennifer. I encourage you to visit her site and see all the wonderful books she has available. Til later...

Dear Carol Ann - We Have a Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left questions this week! As promised, I drew a name from the entrants and one person will be receiving an autographed copy of HIT AND RUN. That lucky person is...JUDY!!! Please email me at cae@carolannerhardt with the subject HIT AND RUN winner. Provide me with your snail mail address and I'll get your book out to you.

For the others who didn't win, you can order an autographed copy of HIT AND RUN by contacting me off my website.

It's Dear Carol Ann day. Looking forward to seeing your questions on any topic, personal, reading, writing, or just in fun.

Also, be sure to check out the interview yesterday with author Erica DeQuaya, and leave her a comment.

Til tomorrow....

Author Interview with Erica DeQuaya

Good morning, Readers!!! It's rather cold here in Columbus, Ohio this morning, but the sun is supposed to come out soon and the temp will warm up to near 50. Today, in the blogging studio, I have with me multi-published award winning author, Erica DeQuaya. Erica, thank you for agreeing to let me interview you today. Help yourself to a cup of fresh macadamia nut coffee. **Erica hangs up her coat and places her coffee on the table between us.**

CAROL ANN: While perusing your website in preparation for this interview, I noticed that you write romantica. Your reason for choosing this genre is that you got tired of reading romances and having the bedroom door slammed in your face. **grin** So, can you tell me a little about what you do write, but keep in mind this is a PG-rated blog. **chuckle**
ERICA: **takes a sip of coffee and crosses her legs, leans back and grins** Glad to, Carol Ann! My claim to fame is erotic romance with a plot. I don't throw sex into a book just so two people can get their rocks off. That's fine for other writers, but it just isn't my style. There needs to be some kind of connection there, whether through a friendship (such as in my novel Mixed Media); a long-term marriage (from my novella Double Mitzvah) or even an antagonistic relationship (Rave Review, a short story).

Having said that, I start with a plot first, THEN work in the erotic scenes rather than the other way around.

CAROL ANN: Wonderful! I like to hear that. Romantica or erotic romance gets a bum rap sometimes because there are authors out there who do write nothing but sex without a plot. I've read a couple myself, and unfortunately, decided this wasn't for me. It's important for me to be entertained, and the book has to have a good plot to keep my interest. When I first started writing, I didn't realize there were so many different categories of romance, but I've always been a fan of the genre. That said, romance is a word which has many different meanings depending on the individual. Tell me what romance means to you.

ERICA: Romance is more than pretty flowers, sparkling jewelry or sultry words. Romance involves a deep connection between two individuals, which happens not only between the sheets, but in life. For example, I've spent romantic evenings with my husband where we don't end up in bed. Those times are romantic because of the sheer enjoyment we both get from being with one another, talking to one another and the physical things we do, such as holding hands, hugging and kissing. Sometimes those actions can be just as satisfying as bedroom gymnastics!.

CAROL ANN: So true. I see you are wearing a pair of jeans today. I'm glad you decided to come comfortable. As you can see, I'm wearing jeans myself. So tell me, are you a blue jeans or a skirt kind of woman?

ERICA: Oh, gosh. Blue jeans, definitely. I'll go one step further and say sweat pants!

CAROL ANN: Yes! I love sweat pants and sweat shirts. Although I work during the day, I can't wait to come home and change into my comfy clothes before I start writing. I'm lucky enough to have converted a bedroom into an office where I can get away from the other distractions of home life. Do you have a special place where you write?

ERICA: I'm a journalist with a "paying" job so I'm lucky enough to have a home office where most of my book writing and other stuff gets done. But last spring and summer, I spent a lot of time drafting my paranormal romance novel Soul Obsession at a couple of Starbucks. Soul Obsession is scheduled for a summer release under the name of my alter ego, Amy Wolff Sorter.

CAROL ANN: You also wrote Servant of the Gods under that alter ego. Servant of the Gods, readers, is a historical romance. **turns back to Erica** Since you're the journalist, maybe you should be interviewing me. **both laugh** Let's pretend you are in your home office working on your latest manuscript. You are "deep in the zone" with when you are interrupted with the telephone ringing. What do you do?

ERICA: I ignore the phone if I'm that deep into a manuscript. I figure that's what voice mail is for! Besides I have ADHD, and if I'm interrupted, it takes forever for me to re-find that "zone."

CAROL ANN: Oh, I wish I had your discipline. I just can't ignore a ringing telephone, especially if I know who is calling. I've been berated by many of my writing instructors because I just can't write an outline before I write my novel. I guess I'm a true seat of the pants writer. What are you-- a pantster or a plotter?

ERICA: I fly by the seat of my pants. When I sit down, I have a general idea of plot and characters and beginning and end, but then I let my stream of conscience go. It might take a little longer to get the story done, but I think it allows for some great creativity.

Soul Obsession is a case in point. In earlier drafts, I'd introduced a Chanukah menorah as an aside that the heroine had made in her childhood. In subsequent drafts, that menorah gained more importance, and it came out that both the hero AND heroine had created it when they were kids, which linked them further as adults. Had I followed an outline, that subplot likely never would have come to light.

CAROL ANN: I knew we had a lot in common! It's great to meet another panster. **Carol Ann and Erica drive a fist toward the sky** Woo hoo! Okay, enough of that. So tell me, Erica, of all your published novels, which is your favorite and why?

ERICA: **Cherie uncrosses her legs and leans forward for another drink of java** Mixed Media is my favorite because I like the characters so much. The hero, Stephen Lemont, made an appearance in my first novel, Backstage Affair. Unlike a lot of my other heroes, he isn't dark, tortured or tormented, but rather, has a great personality and terrific sense of humor. I also really liked Jennifer, the heroine. Those two forged a really terrific relationship, but I'm not biased or anything.**big grin**

CAROL ANN: I'm truly intrigued with your books. Stephen Lemont sounds like my kind of hero. Now for a very serious question. You walk into a McDonald's for lunch. What do you order?

ERICA: **laughs**OK, the secret's finally out. Alert the National Enquirer. McD's fries are my particular weakness. I could be happy with just two orders of those and a milkshake.

CAROL ANN: I can relate! Especially when I'm depressed. Gotta have a McD milkshake. I'm sure you have times when you are feeling a bit in the dumps, too. Who can make you laugh when you're down?

ERICA: My husband does a pretty good job of making me laugh. He knows the most godawful jokes and puns that can put me out of my misery more often than not. If he's not around, funny movies like Austin Powers or Monty Python'll do it. I'm a sucker for British comedy.

CAROL ANN: Laughing is a wonderful cure. It's healthy, and low in calories, too! **laugh** Here's another off the wall question. I want to make sure the readers get to know the real Erica. **wink** You just received a letter from an attorney telling you a relative you barely remember died and left you the sole heir of an island in the South Seas. What will you do with it?

ERICA: I'd probably visit it for a month, then sell it for obscene amounts of money. I'm not one who can languish on a South Seas island for too long without going stir crazy. Sun, fun and surf only go too far with me!

CAROL ANN: Yeah, sweat pants wouldn't be too good on that hot sunny island. And finally, a question I ask all authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

ERICA: Definitely. I believe words have a power and when used correctly, can educate, enlighten and entertain; and be unforgettable. When words are just tossed out, or used hurtfully, it can have a negative effect. That's why I'm ultra critical of my own stuff, and polish it again and again because I want to be sure the words I use convey the right moods and meaning for my characters and stories.

It's an awesome responsibility being a writer. As writers, it's our job to take care of our readers. Whether it's taking care of them by giving them a few hours of enjoyment or by opening them to a new world with fascinating characters, it's something we need to take seriously. Every time I sit down to write a book (or review one), I ask myself what the reader will take away from it.

CAROL ANN: Erica, thank you so much for taking time to visit the blog studio. I had a wonderful time getting to know you. In fact, I think I'll be purchasing one of your books soon. You've been a wonderful guest and I wish you much success in the future.

Readers, you can learn more about Erica and her books by visiting the following links: http://www.thepinkposse.net/index3.html
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/bio_DeQuaya.html
http://www.amberquill.com/ServantGods.html
If you'd like to contact Erica about her books, you can do so at ericadeq@yahoo.com

Books, Books, Books - Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

I finished reading DEAR JOHN by Nicholas Sparks last night. It left me in tears. Nicholas Sparks has a way of bringing his characters to life, of pulling you right into the story and grabbing hold of your emotions. It's the story of John, a rebel bound for trouble, who finally joins the Army where in the old cliche, he learns to become a man. But for John, it's more than that. It's his journey to learning the truth behind his father's "indifference" over the years. Once he learns the reason for his father's dull and routine life, he learns to forgive and to love unconditionally. One woman, Savannah, the love of his life helps him on this journey. They plan to marry when John gets out of the service, but September 11, 2001 is a day that changes everything, for John re-enlists. How long will Savannah wait for him? Can he expect her to put their lives on hold while he puts his own life in danger? I won't give away the ending, but I recommend this book to anyone who loves a heart-tugging story of love, forgiveness, and learning. It's a keeper on my shelf.

Woe is Me...and Flying Body Parts

What a horrible game. We Buckeyes got our royal **butts** kicked...and good. Actually, I turned the game off in the fourth quarter and went to bed. **sigh**

Since nobody responded to the Tuesday Challenge last week and I've really only had a couple of people who seem interested, I'm doing away with it altogether. Tuesdays will be a day to post a tidbit about writing...something that I've learned along this journey to publishing.

One fun thing I learned: Flying Body Parts

What are flying body parts? Let me give you a few examples.

Susie dropped her eyes to the floor.
Dustin's feet tap danced across the stage.
Susie's fingers ran up Dustin's leg.

Let's look at these "literally". First, can Susie really take her eyes out of her head? How else could they drop to the floor? Dustin's feet aren't attached to his body? How can his feet take off on their own? The same with Susie's fingers! Can you picture these? Eyeballs falling onto a floor? Eeeuw!!! Feet detaching and dancing away? Maybe in a cartoon! Same with Susie's fingers. Well, unless this is a weird horror book.

This was the hardest lesson for me to learn, I think. My coach kept sending back my papers with red marks on all these "flying body parts". Once I started looking at these literally, I found myself laughing aloud at other author's books. Especially romances, where the hero would caress the heroine with his eyes. It seemed so natural for me to write this way, too.

How should the above be written?

Susie glanced at the floor.
Dustin tap danced across the stage.
Susie ran her fingers up Dustin's leg.

Make sense? I'd love to see some examples you run across in your reading adventures. Feel free to share them for a good laugh!

Reflections - Sunday January 8

Looking back over the week, it's been a roller coaster of ups and downs. First a feeling of euphoria when I was accomplishing all my daily goals, then a sense of failure when sickness dropped me to accomplishing only one or two over the weekend. Also, I've found that I seem to procrastinate the most when it comes to writing my manuscript. I found myself going through the list and accomplishing all the easy goals first and leaving the writing until LAST!! Well, writing is the hardest because I have to "be in the mood" to write something good. But, if I just open that page where I left off and get started, I'm always in the mood and I'm usually please with what I manage to create. At least I've learned something about myself in setting these goals. Now, if I can just put that to use and make sure I do the writing first...

Of course, I know the reason I don't. Once I start writing, everything else gets shoved aside. I write and write and don't want to stop.

Hmmm, how to come up with a perfect solution? Guess I'll have to do some more reflecting to come up with the answer.

Daily Lists, Goals, and Feeling Out of Control

So, I began to keep a daily list of things that I wanted to accomplish each day. Each is achievable. By looking at the list and checking things off, at the end of the day I felt great! Then everything fell apart. Friday my hubby went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a sinus infection and acute bronchitis. He was a breath away from pneumonia. And at that same time my grandson (5 months) was admitted to Children's Hospital with RSV. Guess what happened to my lists? Yeah, I'm not feeling very good about accomplishments right now...

Release Day!!!

It's official!!! Today is the day FOXFIRE will be released at The Wild Rose Press! I'm so excited!! I'm celebrating by giving away something special!

Today is usually "Dear Carol Ann" day on my blog, and I'm going to continue with that today. So, go ahead and ask me any questions you'd like...either personal or about my books, or writing in general. I'll answer your question and I'll put your name into a drawing to win a free autographed copy of Hit and Run!

You will have through next Thursday to post your questions and be included in the drawing!

NOTE: If you aren't familiar with blogging, all you have to do is click on the comments link below. A window will pop up with the other comments and you will have a blank window to ask your question. Be sure to include your name to be eligible for the drawing. You will have to click as "anonymous" in order to post since you don't have a blogger account.

Author Interview with Catherine Stang

Good morning, readers. The full moon is descending and it's promising to be a rainy day today here in Columbus, Ohio. Today I'll be interviewing author Catherine Stang. She currently has a novel titled, RAVENSTHORPE LEGACY, published by New Concepts Publishing. RAVENSTHORPE HEIR is contracted with New Concepts Publishing, which is coming soon. Additionally she has three books contracted with Whiskey Creek Press: CROSSING THE LINE, SWEET SERENITY, and BLINK OF AN EYE, all due to release in 2007.

CAROL ANN: Welcome, Catherine. I'm so happy to start of the new year with you as my first author to be interviewed.

CATHERINE: How exciting that I get to be your first interview of the new year. Thanks for asking me.

CAROL ANN: You're welcome. It's my honor. Before asking you to be my guest, I perused your website. I have to tell you how much I enjoyed watching the words marquee behind the glasses! Very unique and "eye catching". Did you design your own website or did you contract someone?

CATHERINE: Thanks, I’ll tell my sister that you liked it. She does my website. A few years ago she got my domain name for me as a birthday gift. Then after I got published, she helped me put my website together. She has a graphic design business and mostly does business websites. This is her first author one.

CAROL ANN: She did a wonderful job! You have quite a few novels coming out this year. That's always exciting. I see that you write both historical romance and romantic suspense. If you were to write something totally different, and out of your sub-genre of choice, what would you choose and why?

CATHERINE: I have done some paranormal and I would to explore more of that. I would also like to write a time travel. It would be fun to blend the past and present.

CAROL ANN: I love time travel books, but I don't think I could write one. It does sound like fun, though. A lot of my readers are aspiring to become published. When you decided to start writing with a goal of becoming published, did you taken any writing classes, either classroom or on-line? Would you recommend classes to someone who is aspiring to be a published author?

CATHERINE: I went to the pre-conference workshops that Romantic Times offered. I also belonged to RWA and to a local chapter. That was where I learned the most about the craft of writing. RWA national conference has many great workshops for writers who are just starting out. They also offer online classes through some of their internet chapters. Those are helpful because you get to ask questions. Suzanne Brockmann taught a couple through the Kiss of Death Chapter. If you get a chance to take one of hers, I highly recommend it. Many of the online places I took classes from like Painted Rock are gone, but I’m sure others have taken their place. If you are looking to go the college route, the University of Iowa has a wonderful writing program. They have a great summer writing program with many famous authors who come to share their time and talent.

CAROL ANN: Local chapters are a great source of support. I would encourage everyone who is writing, or thinking about writing, to join one. RWA and their sub-chapters do offer a wealth of classes. In fact, I'm taking two this month. I'm taking Taxes for the Writer and Plotting Bootcamp. I don't usually take two at a time, and I don't recommend it, but it just happened coincidentally that both were offered at the same time. Anyway, back to you, Catherine. When you received word of your first contract, how did you react/celebrate?

CATHERINE: I got my contract from Whiskey Creek the same day I had critique group, so I got to celebrate with my critique partners. After so many rejections, I honestly was afraid to open the email from Debra. I think it took me a full minute of rereading it to realize that they bought the book. I was alone, of course, so I called everyone I knew, starting with my parents. I left the email on my computer for months and clicked on it all the time just to feel my pulse race. What was even more exciting was that a week to day I got my contract from Whiskey Creek, I got one from Andrea at New Concepts. That book, Ravensthorpe Legacy, is the first one I have out. The first one I sold is Crossing the Line which will be out May 07.

CAROL ANN: Awesome! You've done well for yourself. Everyone has a different writing process. I believe Stephen King doesn't name his characters until after the book is written. When do you name your characters?

CATHERINE: Most of the time that is first thing I do. They aren’t real to me until the have names. Once in while I have written my first chapter with he/she, because the name hasn’t come to me. That doesn’t happen very often.

CAROL ANN: We are both romance writers. Every person has their own idea of romance. So, I'm going to ask you to tell me what romance means to you.

CATHERINE: I think Romance is a mix of feelings ranging from the heart pounding rush of initial attraction to the small little moments that melt your heart.

CAROL ANN: In romances, there is always a building to that first kiss between the hero and heroine. I remember my first kiss. I was thirteen and had gone to a dance with a boy I liked. He walked me to my back door and gave me my first kiss. **sigh** I'll never forget it. Do you remember your first kiss?

CATHERINE: **laugh** I remember the rush of emotions, but most of all I remember being shy and not know knowing exactly what I was supposed to do.

CAROL ANN: I can relate to that! As an author, we spend a lot of time doing edits with our editor. There's always another read through to make sure everything is "just right." Have you ever cried when reading one of your scenes?

CATHERINE: I write emotional stories, so I have gotten a lump in my throat. I have to have put the book away for awhile for that to happen. When I’m too close to story all I see are the flaws.

CAROL ANN: I love the picture on your website with you and your dogs. How did you get into working with "therapy dogs?"

CATHERINE: I had an extended stay in the hospital after complications from surgery. There the therapy dogs visited me. Having them come cheered me up and I wanted to pass the feeling on, so I looked into it after I got home. When my older dogs passed away, I found a breeder. Once my dogs were old enough, I began the training process. You have figure out what type of therapy work your dog is most suited for. My dogs love to bond with people, so we hooked up with a local nursing home where they can see the same people week after week. My husband and I go together with each of us taking a dog.
If you want to know more about therapy dogs, I have link on my website to Therapy dog, Inc. which is the group we received our training under. There are number of organizations that do this, but this was the only one in our area.

CAROL ANN: Have you incorporated your experience with therapy dogs into any of your books? If not, do you plan to do that in the future?

CATHERINE: Not yet, but I do often have dogs in my books. Right now I don’t have story in the works that lends itself to that, but I never say never.

CAROL ANN: That's a good policy. One never knows what might appear in the next novel. So, tell us, what is a typical day for you?

CATHERINE: I’m a stay at home mom with a teenager. Most days I get up early to walk on the treadmill. I love listening to books on tape when I walk. I have to take turns with it, since my son like to run on it. Days when it’s nice, I start a bit slower and take my dogs to park by our house for a walk. Once I get my family off the school and work, I settle in to write. My husband comes home for lunch. Then I work until my son gets home from school.
Of course, that is an ideal day. Living in a house with three dogs and a teenager my days get crazy. I have the run to high school with whatever he forgot. Then there’s the days my dogs get into everything like the Christmas tree. Being at home means I get watch all my son’s cross country meets, tennis matches, ride the band bus on the spur the of the moment, and judge the two debate and speech tournaments. I feel blessed that I get to be there for him. I also, hope that by following my dream, that I taught him that it’s okay to dream big and go after what you want.

CAROL ANN: That's wonderful. I'm sure you have given him inspiration. What words would you offer to aspiring writers?

CATHERINE: Keep writing and don’t let the rejections get you down. It might take more than one book to break in, but remember that with each book you write your voice gets stronger. Find some writing friends. They’ll be the ones who keep you sane and grounded.

CAROL ANN: Before we close, I want to give authors a link to your website so they can learn more about you and your books.

CATHERINE: My website is http://www.catherinestang.com/

CAROL ANN: I encourage all the readers to check Catherine's site. I truly enjoyed perusing it.
Finally, I never let an author go before asking this last question. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why or why not?

CATHERINE: Yes, I think the pen has the power bring out problems that are difficult to speak about. I found books that deal with dark, emotional issues can sometimes be healing. I also believe that escaping for a moment can give your mind a much needed retreat.

CAROL ANN: Catherine it has been my pleasure to host you on my blog. Thank you for being so gracious with your time.

CATHERINE: Thanks, Carol. I have a cold, so my head is a thick today, so I hope everything I said makes sense.

CAROL ANN: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. You are a trooper for coming in when you aren't up to par. I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, readers, for stopping by. I hope you will leave Catherine a comment or two, or even ask a question. I'm sure she'll be checking and will answer anything you might have to ask. Next Thursday, I'll be interviewing Erick DeQuay, so be sure and stop back.

Cross, by James Patterson

I finished reading Cross this past week. In true Patterson form, he reeled me into the story and kept me captive until the very end. I love all the books in the Alex Cross series. Patterson doesn't just write a thriller, he writes a "romantic" thriller. No, not the fall in love and fall in bed kind of romance, but his characters are so vivid, so real, and so compassionate. Alex Cross is a family man, who has been disappointed in love several times since his wife died in his arms. But he deeply loves his grandmother, who has cared for him and the children since Maria's death. He loves his children, and the bonds of this family reach out and grab the reader by the heart. In this latest book, Alex is chasing a man known as "the butcher", for fairly obvious reasons. He's a hit man who "butchers" the people he kills. In fact, he killed his own father and cut him into little pieces and took him out on a boat and fed him to the fish. Alex has reason to believe this man is the one who murdered his wife. It's a riveting story, and has a surprise ending...although the book is open for another sequel. I'm glad, for I've really come to like Alex Cross and I would be disappointed if I couldn't read more of his adventures.

January 2007 - Tuesday Challenge

Beginning this month, the Tuesday challenge will only be offered the first Tuesday of each month.

Your assignment, should you decide to accept it will be to write a brief scene about a woman who sits down in a bus and finds a bag of money under her seat.

You may post your comments any time between today and this coming Sunday. The winner will be announced on Monday January 8, based on random drawing.

What is the prize? A free download of my brand new romantic suspense novel, FOXFIRE, due to release on 1/5/2007.

Happy New Year - Tuesday Writing Challenge Winner

As the New Year comes tumbling in, I'm sitting here feeling just like I'm caught in a snowball that is rolling downhill out of control.

First, yesterday I received an "emergency" call from my son-in-law. My daughter had "rolled" her Rodeo getting onto the freeway headed for church. (Thank goodness we go to an early service and were home.) His truck needed a new starter so he had no transportation to get to her and he was watching their two youngest boys. I sat with the boys, while he drove my car to the accident scene. Thank the Good Lord she was not injured. It was raining and she lost control on a curve. The vehicle skidded off the road onto the grassy area, which proved to be just as slippery. At some point it became airborne and rolled ending on its top. She thinks she blacked out during the roll, which might have saved her being injured more. She released the seat belt and fell, then climbed out the driver's window, which had busted out. That was the only window that actually broke completely. The windshield was shattered completely and bowed, but did not explode. She escaped with a small bruise beside her knee, and some pain in her neck from the fall. God was definitely with her.

Then last night we went to the youngest daughter's house for a family get-together, which we do from time to time. We all play Encore, a game that requires "singing" eight words of a song in a back and forth battle of teams. We had a fantastic time bringing in the New Year together.

Rising late this morning, my husband found someone had stolen the license plate from the back of his truck. We filed a report with the police, and now have to wait until tomorrow to get replacement tags. He'll have to miss work and drive me to work in order to have transportation to get his plates.

**Sigh** I hope this isn't a preview of what to expect during 2007. So far, it isn't looking too promising.

But I did accomplish one thing yesterday. I changed my entire website appearance. If you have a chance, I'd love to hear what you think!

I had two people enter the writing challenge from last week. Rather than drawing names, since both have been winners before, I'm going to send each of them a gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press. So, Betty and Lesa, please email me off my website so I have you email addresses to send the certificates!

Since the Tuesday Challenge hasn't been a big participation event, I'm going to offer it only once per month rather than weekly. Tomorrow will be the next challenge and you'll have one week to respond. The winner will be announced next Monday. Be sure to check in tomorrow for your chance to win a free download of my new book to be released on Friday!

On the other Tuesdays of the month, I'll be posting little tidbits to help new and aspiring writers.

How Will You Reinvent Yourself?

That was the message given by our Pastor this morning regarding the new year stretching before us.

Today is the day to reflect back over all that has occurred during the year, and look ahead to a brand new year, a new beginning, stretching before us with endless possibilities. I challenge each of you to step forth into the new year with hopes and aspirations, and a belief that you can accomplish anything you believe you can. Approach the new year with courage and confidence, not arrogance, and take the time to smile at your neighbor. When you see someone who has fallen, extend your hand to them. I guarantee your heart will sing and you will move onward with renewed faith and courage.

I'm excited as I look to the turning of another year. I feel blessed with all that has happened to me during the past year, the good and the bad. Yes, even the bad. For it is through the discouraging and disheartening events that I have learned so much. I've learned that I can overcome even the most frightening challenges, and I can also forgive. In forgiveness, I am renewed.

There are so many possibilities stretched before us in the new year. You only have to step forward and embark on a new journey. Will you learn something new? Take a writing class? Write that novel you've been afraid to tackle?

How will you reinvent yourself in 2007?

Too Little Time

I've got to take some time and truly get myself organized. I've taken on so much, which I have a tendency to do, and now I've got to find the time to fit it all into my schedule. **sigh** If only I didn't have to work full-time in order to eat, have a car, a roof over my head...

So, over the weekend, I've got to put together a schedule which will allow me the proper time to write so I can achieve my goal of completing two novels in 2007. That means cutting back somewhere else. Maybe a little less time spent in promoting through chat groups, or maybe cutting down on the blogging. I did set a pretty aggressive goal when I decided to have something different each day. Maybe I'll just stick to having an interview day on Thursday and another day for something to help writers. The other days I might blog or might not. **sigh** So many things to do...so little time...

Dear Carol Ann #2

It's Friday and time for Dear Carol Ann, my version of Dear Abby.

I'm looking forward to reading and answering your "letters"/comments. Don't be shy!

I've been toying with an idea of writing a book based around an advice to the lovelorn columnist. It's been niggling at me for quite a while. Maybe 2007 is the year that one will come to fruition.

Author Interview with Jena Galifany

Today, I'd like to welcome author, Jena Galifany, to my blog. Welcome Jena. Please make yourself comfortable. First, I'd like to thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. This is an informal interview, so please just let your hair down.

CAROL ANN: Jena, I see on your website that you wrote about the love of your life in 1982, seven years before you actually met. I'm so curious. Can you elaborate on this for the readers?

JENA: Sure! I was in an unhappy marriage with a man who had a fidelity problem. My siblings and I had discovered D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) and when I created my characters, I created a human man to be my character's mate. He was 6'4", dark brown eyes, dark hair, could fix anything, was creative and a complete gentleman in every sense of the word.
After things escalated and we separated, I lived alone for two years when into my life walked the man I had created so many years before. Only different was he was 6'3". The rest, as they say, is history. On December 29th, we will celebrate our 16th anniversary.

CAROL ANN: Wow! That's a great story. So many times we fantasize about the man we'll marry, but usually it's just that--fantasy. Your fantasy came true! So, besides Ty Synclair, whom we know is based on your true love, have you ever fallen in love with any of your other characters?

JENA: I have a certain amount of love for each of my heros. I go through the same feelings they experience and that makes me close to the character. I've laughed and cried with them all.

CAROL ANN: I can relate to that. Being a romance writer, tell me what romance means to you.

JENA: Romance is setting self aside to be pleasing to the person you love.

CAROL ANN: I love asking that question, because I always get a new perspective on romance. **smile** As well, as sweet romance, you also write dark romance. Tell me about dark romance and how you came to write the genre.

JENA: I don't think that just because it doesn't end with happily ever after that a relationship wasn't a romance. Romeo and Juliet is considered one of the greatest romances ever and look how it ended. Romance is a time, the moment between two people, one that will never be forgotten even if the relationship ends. I wrote Her Perfect Man drawing on my moments of romance with a someone who ended up being a best friend.

CAROL ANN: I never really thought about it that way. Hmmm, Love Story also had a sad ending, but it was also considered a classic romance. Thanks for sharing that. So, I see you are wearing blue jeans today. Are you a bluejeans or a skirt kind of woman.

JENA: Funny you should ask that. I'm a blue jeans woman that is trying hard to get back to being a skirt kind of woman. That's my new year's resolution.

CAROL ANN: **laugh** I think you'd look lovely in a skirt, too. So, tell me what would be your dream vacation?

JENA: My dream vacation would be to be alone with Steve for an extended time. It wouldn't matter where we were.

CAROL ANN: How wonderful to talk to someone who is truly married to their soul mate. You glow whenever you talk about him. He's a lucky guy, and you're a lucky woman. So many of us never meet that special person. You seem to be doing well as an author. How many books did you write before receiving your first contract?

JENA: I wrote four, but only submitted one before it was accepted. Whiskey Creek Press accepted my first book and the second two in the series within four months. I'm truly blessed.

CAROL ANN: Your success is well deserved. Besides books, do you collect anything?

JENA: **smiles** Yes. I collect teapots, but my daughter collects Zebras and those things are making their way into my life. I have several Zebs on my desk at home and at work.

CAROL ANN: Zebras? How fun! The last author I interviewed collects pigs. Seems we authors are animal lovers. You know, Jena, sometimes readers think authors have a wonderful life. But we have the same ups and downs as everyone else, maybe even more so. After all we deal with rejections as a part of life. So, when you get down, who can make you laugh?

JENA: Steve! Hands down. He knows how to make me smile and knows just what I need no matter what is going on.

CAROL ANN: Somehow I thought that's what you'd say! Okay, here's a question you might not have expected to answer. Broccoli and cheese, or cheeseburger? Which would you pick?

JENA: I'll take the veggies but I don't care for the cheese. I don't eat beef at all. I live on chicken.

CAROL ANN: My husband once posted a cartoon on my refrigerator of a man at the doctor's office. He had little wings on his back. The caption was: Chicken for dinner every night. What did you expect? **laugh** All right. Back to writing questions. Of your published works, which is your favorite and why?

JENA: My favorite so far would be ShadowsForge3: Retaking America. It won't be released until April, but it involves just about everyone in the band and several women. It is the most intricate book I've written and I think it shows the real personalities of the characters.

CAROL ANN: Can you offer any advice to those readers who have a dream of writing but are afraid they aren't good enough?

JENA: Trust me. I'm not good enough! I've thought that since 8th grade. What I would tell someone, Don't be afraid to try. So you get a rejection. So what? Move on to the next. Study the craft. You never know it all. Writing is a constant learning experience. Keep at it and as I say in my tag line, "Believe in Dreams!"

CAROL ANN: Wonderful advice! Tell me about the ShadowsForge series which is published by Whiskey Creek Press.

JENA: ShadowsForge didn't start out to be a series. I wrote one story, showed it to some friends who loved it and wanted more. It snowballed from there.

I love 80's bands and when I was a teenager I would have loved to spend my life hanging out with them. I watched how their relationships didn't survive too well most of the time and that inspired me to write about Ty Sinclair trying to find the One.

A thumbnail sketch of the ShadowsForge series:
ShadowsForge 1: Three Times a Hero follows Ty Synclair, bass player from the British rock band as he seeks to find "the One." He knows there is one woman in the world for each man and he is determined to change his lifestyle. He may have found her with the aid of an untimely blizzard. Released June 1, 2006 from Whiskey Creek Press.

ShadowsForge 2: Trials on Tour follows the band on a two-week tour throughout Great Britain as they attempt to stay ahead of a fan's jealous boyfriend who wants them all dead. Released October 23, 2006 from Whiskey Creek Press.

ShadowsForge 3: Retaking America finds the band back in America for another two months or so. They have some difficulty sorting out their women but it all works out in the end, mostly. Scheduled for release April 1, 2007 from Whiskey Creek Press.

ShadowsForge 4: The Long Way Home focuses on Brian Cummings, percussionist, his past and how it affects his current relationship with Diane Starling, seamstress to the band. Scheduled for release November 2007 from Whiskey Creek Press.

ShadowsForge 5: Jon's Way is still running around in my head going in several different directions. Somewhere in SF5, lead guitarist Jordan will meet his future wife, Sharon.

ShadowsForge 6: Sharon's Song follows the misunderstandings between lead guitarist Jordan Cantrell and his wife Sharon. This one is complete but short. I will be fleshing it out and adding to it.

CAROL ANN: This sounds like a fabulous series, Jena. I'm in awe. So, if you had the opportunity to address the world via satellite, what would you say about yourself?

JENA: I'd probably hide! **laugh** I know it's not what is good for selling books, but I don't like to draw attention to myself. But for the sake of success, I have to tell the world "believe in dreams." I didn't believe I'd ever be published. I didn't believe that I was good enough. After being pushed to submit my work by my friends, Joyce and Brandi, I sent in ShadowsForge 1: Three Times a Hero. Debi Womack was very pleased with it and gave me something priceless. Not only did she send me a contract, she gave me self confidence. What the world needs to know is that people around you are important, not just to use to get what you want, but to help you when you need help. I'd thank Joyce, Brandi and Debi.

CAROL ANN: Okay, one more question. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why or why not?

JENA: The things achieved with the pen will last longer. A world can be changed by what is written and shared. Fighting in any form may make changes but it will not satisfy both sides of the battle. The written word can bring about changes that will please both the writer and the reader, everyone wins.

CAROL ANN: Jena, thank you so much for taking the time to join me on my blog today. Readers, please check out Jena's website where you can view her covers and find out more about her books and where to purchase them. http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com/

Can One Have Too Many Books?

So here we are on another Wednesday, a "Books, Books, Books" day. It's a slow time of the year because everyone is busy with family and holiday preparations, so I decided to keep it short.

During the week I finished Out of the Depths, by Valerie Hansen, Christmas Bells by Emma Sanders (The Wild Rose Press), and Marshall in Petticoats by Paty Jager (The Wild Rose Press). I also started reading The Inn at Shadow Lake by Janet Edgar (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense) and Cross by James Patterson (Little Brown). This week I also plan to read Juliana by Adelle Laudan.

Good thing I'm a fast reader. Actually, I read on my lunch hour and just before bedtime. What are you all reading and when do you fit in time to read?

Carol Ann

Christmas Kitty Perched in the Tree

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No entries for last Tuesday's challenge, so....the same challenge will be up through next Sunday. Be sure to check it out and the cool prize you could win. It's titles Tuesday's Challenge - Use All the Words #1
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Okay, so I've been blaming Templeton for being the culprint of destroying the tree since he was caught in it one time. I should learn never to make assumptions.

Today I'm sitting on the sofa talking to my daughter on the telephone when the Christmas tree begins shaking violently. You guessed it--a cat in the tree. I jump up and see it's Wilbur, the Maine Coon cat, with a big furry body perched on the limbs. I yell and he turns to look at me and...well, he's just so cute that I run to get my camera. By the time I got back to the living room and turned on the camera, he jumped down and looked at me as if I couldn't prove a thing.

Figuring that's the end of that, I resume my conversation with my daughter. But, a few minutes later, the tree begins to move as if stirred by a heavy breeze. Nope, no fans in my living room. It's Wilbur under the tree, poised at the bottom of the center pole...and he jumps into the tree!

Then the rat, Templeton is at the back and jumps up to join him! Two cats in the tree!! At this point I'm too afraid to take a picture for I'm sure the tree will come toppling down at any moment. I yell at them and finally they both take off running into the other room. I breathe a sigh of relief, and resume my conversation once again.

Then a thundering noise like a herd of elephants vibrates the sofa. Two fourteen pound cats come bounding down the hall, around the coffee table, and...Wilbur launches himself back into the tree!"Oh, no! I wonder if she can see me. Maybe she'll think I'm just an ornament if I don't move."

Sunday Reflection - 2006 Goals and Achievements

Last January I wrote the following:

My New Year's resolution is to submit my second manuscript in January to Harlequin Intrigue and during the remainder of the year complete my third novel and revisit/rewrite my first one with a new angle and send both of them out to publishers.

Reflecting back over the year, I feel I did pretty good with achieving most. I did submit my second manuscript to Harlequin Intrigue in February and I received a rejection. The reason, I'm sure now, is that the query letter was written focusing more on suspense than on the romance which really is the driving force of FOXFIRE. I pulled my first novel off the shelf and revised it heavily utilizing some thoughts that had been knocking around in my brain. When finished, I submitted it to a new small press publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I received a contract for HIT AND RUN and it was released in September 2006. Subsequently, I submitted my second novel, and received a contract. FOXFIRE will be published by The Wild Rose Press on January 5, 2007. Additionally, I submitted two short holiday stories which were also contracted and published, and wrote a short story for the Premiere Bouquet Contest and was one of the winners. That story will be published along with other winners in a Spring Anthology.

Though I didn't finish the third novel, I feel I accomplished more than I'd planned in 2006, and I'm well on my way to finishing that third novel.

It's my firm belief that if you want to accomplish goals, personal or otherwise, you must write them down. Place them someplace where you will look at them each and every day. You'll become committed to your goals and find yourself striving to complete them. Then when you reflect back over the year, you'll be amazed at what you've accomplished.

Did you set writing goals for yourself this past year? How did you do? Will you set new goals for 2007?

Issue of the Week - Do You Believe in Santa?

Do you believe in Santa?

Every year I read heartwarming stories of small miracles occurring to families who need help during the holidays. Some benefactors remain anonymous, and some are friends or family members stepping up to share a gift because they care. Yes, I believe in Santa.

Santa is a spirit of love, a spirit of giving, a spirit of caring, and sharing.

Today, I took my grandchildren shopping for gifts for their families. While we were wrapping the gifts, my granddaughter asked her cousin if he believed in Santa. His response was a very hearty yes, followed by the reasons why. I piped in and said that I believe. She then asked everyone who didn't believe in Santa to raise their hands. She looked at all of us and no one raised their hands. Then she asked for everyone who did believe to raise their hands. I know she was bordering on whether to believe or not and when we all raised our hands, she then raised hers as well, and a big smile crossed her face. Yes, I believe in Santa.

I believe in the spirt of goodwill, the warmth in my heart, the helping hand reaching out to help others. I believe in Santa Claus. I believe in love. I believe in God.

Dear Carol Ann #1

It's Friday and the first day of my Dear Carol Ann column. Please leave your question as a comment on the blog.

Looking forward to "corresponding" with you.

Carol Ann

Interview with Author Adelle Laudan

Carol Ann: Good morning, Adelle. Thank you for agreeing to be the first author interviewed on my blog.

Adelle: I want to thank you for this opportunity, Carol Ann.

Carol Ann: Well, let's get started. I said you could "let down you hair" in this interview, and I'm serious about that. I was perusing your website where it says you write fabulous fiction with a twist. Can you share with the audience what that means?

Adelle: You are the first person to ask me that question! As you already know, I am fairly new to the wonderful world of publishing. I am still dabbling in many genres. The twist would be my roots in biker fiction. Some might see biker fiction and think about gang wars and hardened men and women in black leather. I write from the REAL biker's POV. You'd be surprised to know that Bikers have romance in their lives too. Most have loving families and would give the shirt off their backs to help someone in need. It is my vision to show the world this side of "Bikers" in general.

Carol Ann: I see. I remember watching the movie MASK with Cher. That movie depicted bikers in a light I'd never seen before. I loved it! Usually we see the bikers as bad guys who are terrorizing a town. That was a great movie, and even that had romance in it. So tell me, what do you feel is the definition of romance?

Adelle: Romance, to me, is an act of love that touches one's heart. It is not necessarily a candlelit dinner or a walk on the beach at sunset. It can be as simple as a handwritten note left in a place you are sure to find it saying, I love you. It's the simple things we can do for the ones we love to show them how much they mean to us. Nothing says romance faster than a spontaneous act that comes from the heart.

Carol Ann: Absolutely. I think you summed it up well. So, I see you are wearing jeans today. Are you a blue jeans or skirt kind of woman?

Adelle laughs: Definitely a blue jeans kind of gal. I've always been a bit of a tom boy. I've been told I "clean up nice." When I do have to wear "girl" clothing, I am counting the moments until I can get out of them. **laugh**

Carol Ann: I prefer comfort myself! I told you this wasn't going to be your average interview. My next questions is--If you learned a distant relative died leaving you the sole heir to an uninhabited South Seas island, what would you do?

Adelle: Good question. I guess I would first off want to visit this island. If it is a place where my family could live, I'd move us all there in a heart beat. Then I would extend an open invitation to some of my closest friends and family to come build on my island, making it a community filled with all those who are near and dear to my heart.

Carol Ann: I can tell from your answer that family and friends are very important in your life. You seem like a very caring person. So, let me ask you this. If you were at a writing convention, and you noticed an award winner, who wins year after year after year, heading to the stage with her long gown stuck in her waistband, what would you do?

Adelle: I'd tell her. This author is a human being first. The little green monster called envy would no doubt think about NOT telling her. **laugh** My conscience would take over and I'd have to tell her.

Carol Ann: Good for you! I like that about you. I know some people who would let her embarrass herself and then gloat about it. So, if you had the opportunity to address the world via satellite, what would you say about yourself?

Adelle: That's a tough one. I guess I would tell everyone that I am much the same as many of them. I'm a Mom, a friend, a lover, trying to leave my mark in the world--doing what I love most, writing. I'd invite them to read my work and hopefully it would touch their hearts in some way. Finally, challenge them all to do one random act of kindness to someone less fortunate. What a joyous place this world would be, if everyone took the time.

Carol Ann: You know, sometimes just a smile can make another's day. We should all think about doing something kind once a day. Thanks for that. So, Adelle, do you collect anything?

Adelle: We have an extensive collection of pigs. Ceramic, glass, metal, stuffed and even a real live pot belly pig named, Jenny.

Carol Ann: How fun! I'm an animal lover, too, but I never thought about having a pig for a pet. One of my cats is named for a pig though. His name is Wilbur. But that's getting off the subject. Everyone imagines writers as people who are on top of the world. But, in reality, writers can get depressed and down, doubting themselves. Who can make you laugh when you're feeling down?

Adelle: My girls. They are perceptive individuals at ages 11 and 12. When they sense someone is down, they come up with the strangest things. It might be a play they make up or a song and dance. One thing is for certain, after a few moments watching their antics, one can't help but laugh out loud.

Carol Ann: How sweet! Sounds like they might have inherited their mom's creative genes. When we are children we aren't afraid to share our creativity, but as we grow older we are less willing to do so. Can you offer any advice to the readers who have a dream of writing, but are afraid they aren't good enough?

Adelle: TRY! If writing is your passion, what do you have to lose? Once you put yourself out there, it is incredible the things you learn through the proces to teach you how to better yourself as a writer. Reach out to another writer you admire for a little coaching if you are feeling inadequate. Most writers are more than willing to help out the newcomer. The main advice is to DO IT!

Carol Ann: So true. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained. So, tell me what you are currently working on?

Adelle: I am currently working on a book called The Iron Horse Rider which will be coming in 2007 to Wild Child Publishing. It is a story about a Biker, a Ghost and a Legend. Of course, there is a touch of romance, as always.

Carol Ann: Awesome! I'm intrigued already. Do you have a website where we can learn about your books and how to purchase them?

Adelle: Sure do. Please sign my guestbook while you're there. http://adellelaudan.com

Carol Ann: Great. Now, I can't let you get out of here without telling me a little about the book you currently have out called Juliana, which was published by Forbidden Publications.

Adelle: Juliana is a story of a woman's healing journey after an abusive marriage. It is a contemporary with romantic elements. Juliana finds comfort in the healing ways of the Native Indian and the essences in her garden. Juliana eventually discovers, Love IS Good. I think Juliana borders on that of an inspirational, a book I am sure will touch your heart. In fact, as a way of saying thank you, here's a copy for you. I hope it touches your heart in some way.

Carol Ann: Oh, how wonderful. **hug, hug** You don't know how much this means to me. I, too, was a survivor of an abusive marriage, so I can certainly empathize with Juliana. I can't wait to read it. Thank you.

Okay, now one final question before we say goodbye. As an author, do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

Adelle: Yes, I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. With the written word comes change, or at least the possibility of change. When a sword is used, there is no room for discussion.

Carol Ann: Adelle, thank you so much for being here and answering my questions. I've truly enjoyed getting to know you better, and I encourage all my readers to hop over to your website. Adelle is one author you'll want to read. **hug, hug**

Adelle: I want to thank you for this opportunity, Carol Ann. I wish you much success in all your endeavors. Thanks for the great questions. Happy Holidays!

Out of the Depths, by Valerie Hansen

Currently I'm reading a Love Inspired Suspense by Steeple Hill in paperback. I've been thinking about writing an inspirational romantic suspense, so this line seemed to be the one to read if I wanted to make sure I'm on the right track. I wanted to write the novel as something that could happen to anyone, without trying to "preach." To be a good inspirational novelist, you need to weave a thread of faith throughout the book, but not to the point that the reader is distracted from the suspense and the romance.

Valerie Hansen has a great handle on inspirational romance. OUT OF THE DEPTHS heroine, Trudy Lynn Brown, is struggling to hold onto her piece of land in Serenity, Arkansas. She owns and operates a campground and canoe rental which recently has become the target of vandalism. Her best friend's brother, Cody Kerringhoven, comes to Serenity to stay while recovering from a white-water rafting accident. Trudy Lynn has always had a soft spot for Cody, so when she offers to let him stay in one of her cabins, she must try to keep her personal feelings hidden.

Cody is suffering from guilt. Another man was killed in the accident that has left Cody on crutches. Since Cody was the guide for the white water rafting trip, he feels responsible for the other man's death. In addition, the woman he thought loved him left him shortly after the accident. Disillusioned and harboring anger and resentment, he agrees to move into the cabin where he can be alone with his dog and stop his family from "pampering" him.

Trudy Lynn has a deep faith in God and she believes she can help Cody regain his broken faith and in turn lead him to forgive himself.

But someone wants Trudy Lynn's land and they will stop at nothing, not even killing, if it achieves that goal.

Valerie Hansen is a master at painting the Ozark landscape. I felt myself fighting off the pesky flying gnats and enjoying the quiet lapping of water as the canoe moved along the river. Though I haven't finished this book yet, I'm truly enjoying it and look forward to reading more of her work. If you are interested in a feel good book, I highly recommend it.

I just received my new ebook reader handheld, so now I can start reading some of the great e-books I've purchased. Keep looking because the next book I talk about may be yours!

So what are you reading? Tell me about it, please!

Tuesday's Challenge - Use All The Words #1

Hopefully, you've read my new blogging schedule and know what to expect. I hope you'll all find something of interest, and I hope you'll give this Tuesday challenge a try. The winner of this week's challenge will win a hand beaded book thong and a Godiva chocolate bar. Nothing goes better with a good romance book than a nice book thong to mark your place while you take a big bite out of a chocolate bar. So give me your best shot on this challenge:

Use all four words in a scene. It can be one paragraph or more...whatever works!!

paramedic, pencil, bathroom, cheese

Make sure you use all four words to qualify to have your name entered in the drawing! You'll have until Sunday night to post your answer to this blog entry. Good luck, and most of all...have fun!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow when I'll be sharing info on the latest romance I'm reading!

A Brand New Blogging Schedule

Since we will be entering a brand new year, I wanted to make some changes to my blogging schedule, too. I hope my readers will enjoy the new "look" to my blog and will invite their friends. I'd like to make this as interactive as possible, so be sure to share with me. The new schedule begins this week, so be sure to check back daily and tell your friends!

• Monday - Announcement of the winner of Tuesday's Writing Challenge - This is just what it sounds like! Since Monday is a "blah" day, the first day of a workweek, it'll be fun to announce a winner and I don't want to detract from that!
• Tuesday - New Writing Challenge - Every Tuesday, I'll post a new writing challenge. Give me your best and you might be the winner of a special prize. Winner will be chosen by random draw. It's all in fun, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
• Wednesday - Books, Books, Books - I'll be sharing bits and pieces of what I've been reading, and I invite you to share what you've been reading, good or bad!
• Thursday - Author Interview - I'll be interviewing authors, asking those questions that you always wanted to know. If you know an author who'd like to be featured here, please invite them to submit their request via my website.
• Friday - Dear Carol Ann - Ask me any question, and I'll give you my "best" answer. This can be about writing, or any subject. It's my version of Dear Abby! Of course, my answers might surprise you!
• Saturday - Issue of the Week - Here I'll speak out about issues I've run across in my writing endeavors during the week. I invite you to share your experiences as well.
• Sunday - Reflections - I'll be sharing release dates, excerpts, and more. It's my way of keeping my readers updated on my writing progress.

You are a Winner

Congratulations, Betty! You are the winner of the latest Tuesday's writing challenge and a free .pdf download of my latest release, LIGHTING THE TREE, a sweet Christmas romance. Please email me at cae@carolannerhardt.com so I can send it to you.

Thank you so much for playing!

MY NEW LOOK

Hope you like the new look of my blog. I think it's a bit easier to read and to navigate. Let me know what you think!

Today I finished reading the galleys for FOXFIRE and sent them back to my publisher. I'm so excited about how well everything is coming together for this release. The cover is awesome.

Would you like a little excerpt? The following scene is taking place on Tyler's deck above the animal clinic. Grace and Tyler have finished dinner and as the sun drops below the horizon they are viewing the scenery--

Grace mirrored Tyler's stance, leaning over the railing. "Did you know that sometimes you can see foxfire glowing along the ground?"
"I thought that was a legend. It's true then? Have you ever seen it?"
She nodded. "It's beautiful and haunting at the same time." His shoulder brushed hers. A shiver crawled up her spine.
He draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Are you cold? Do you want to go inside for a while?"
His hand caressed her arm. Goosebumps arose that had nothing at all to do with being chilled.
"I'm not cold. I love being outside. We have one thing in common. I moved here for the mountain scenery and serenity, too."
He turned her to face him. "And we both love animals. We seem to have a lot in common." His thumbs caressed her cheeks.
Her heart tripped faster. His nostrils did that little flare thing again, which she found totally sensuous. "That's true." Her voice came out an octave higher than usual. She cleared her throat.
He lifted her and sat her on the railing facing him. She placed her hands on his shoulders for balance. Her whole body felt as if it were melting. Like the witch in The Wizard of Oz, soon she'd be nothing but a puddle at his feet.
"So when do we see this foxfire?" he asked.
Small talk, she told herself. Focus on the small talk, not on his face. Not on the way the torches add highlights to his dark hair. Not on the fact that his arms surrounded her, resting on either side of her hips.
"Only when the moon is full and the night is bright."
"Ah, unlike tonight." He gazed up at the sky where clouds hid most of the stars.
She stared at the expanse of his neck and the dark hairs that had escaped the neckline of his shirt. "Too overcast," she said.
He lowered his head and stared at her. Not just stared but stared. The message in his eyes tapped on her heart.

Still Four Days to Play Tuesday's Challenge!

Write a short paragraph or two about a handsome rodeo bull rider who is tossed from the back of a bull and wakes up in...

Use your imagination and let me know where he ends up and tell me what happens! Have fun! I'll be drawing a winner next Monday for a free download of my Christmas story, LIGHTING THE TREE, and announcing the winner on my blog. You'll have to check back here to find out if you won or not.

You can give me one word, several words or paragraphs. It doesn't matter...just let your imagination flow and have fun!!

Waiting for a Cover is Like Waiting to Give Birth

After spending months and months working on your novel, you finally get it polished enough to send off with a query letter and synopsis. Waiting to hear back is nervewracking. You try not to think about how much time has passed, you chew your nails, and you constantly check the mail or email looking for an answer. Then it comes. You have a contract. You are ecstatic, jumping up and down, telling everyone you know, basking in the moment. Next comes the first round of edits. Now you have to read that manuscript again and perhaps make some major changes. After several passes back and forth with your editor you are told...your novel has been sent in for galleys. Woo hoo! Now comes the waiting period for the galley and the most exciting thing...your cover art.

You've lived with the characters, they are with you night and day. You know them intimately. You know their darkest secrets. How will a picture convey their story? How will it appeal to readers? Will it catch their attention? The anticipation is twisting you in knots. You want to see it. You can't wait. To me this part of the publishing process is like giving birth. You know the baby is coming...you are doing your breathing and pushing...and waiting. You are so close to laying eyes on that precious life that you've carried for nine long months. Then, wonder of wonders, the baby is born...

And so is my newest cover! I'm so excited. No release date yet, but I have a visual.

The Cat in the Christmas Tree

Who would ever think a fourteen pound cat could manage to find his way half-way up a six foot artifical Christmas tree? I didn't think it could be done, but hey, maybe I should enter my cat in the Guinness Book of World Records.

I spent Saturday decorating our Christmas tree. Wanted to do something different this year, so I bought all red satin balls, gold ribbon, red and gold glitter ornaments, gold glass beads, and red poinsettia flower piks. The tree turned out beautiful, including the red cardinals at the top. The cats were pretty good all weekend. They knocked a few of the balls off the tree, but since they aren't breakable, no damage done. I hated it when they found a way to dislodge the poinsettias though. Then I had to find the "right spot" to put them back on. Yesterday, we headed to work and I thought I'd come home to disaster...nope. They three cats were angels. Today DH was home from work and he called to let me know the cats were making up for yesterday. He said they knocked about five balls off the tree and had them downstairs. Then while he was eating lunch, he heard a ruckus and found Wilbur with one of the poinsettias between his paws looking all innocent. Then DH started to put it back and found Templeton staring back at him from the tree. Now, the tree is artificial and the cat has no claws! Still he managed to somehow get into that tree and sprawl across several branches. DH finally got the cat out, though it was a major battle. I can just imagine how the tree looked at this point. Figuring that was the worst of it...I came home tired and ready to just collapse. Nope. DH informed me that we had to put the tree into a new tree stand. Why? Because the cats toppled the tree into the corner curio cabinet, broke the old tree stand and I would find a bunch of ornaments on my desk in my now closed off office. **sigh**

Wilbur--The cat with the poinsettia

Took almost two hours to pull those beads out of the tangled branches, hang the ornaments, replace all six poinsettias, straighten the ribbon, then rewrap the glass beads around the tree. Both of us go to work tomorrow...I'm dreading coming home. Maybe I'll lock them up in different closets.

Templeton - the cat in the tree

Charlotte, the innocent one.

The Winner and a New Tuesday Challenge...

New Tuesday Challenge for this week is:

Write a short paragraph or two about a handsome rodeo bull rider who is tossed from the back of a bull and wakes up in...

Use your imagination and let me know where he ends up and tell me what happens! Have fun! I'll be drawing a winner next Monday for a free download of my Christmas story, LIGHTING THE TREE, and announcing the winner on my blog. You'll have to check back here to find out if you won or not.

And the winner of last week's Tuesday Challenge is...TA DA!!!!

Lesa Bennett

Lesa, please send me your snail mail address and I'll mail your free gifts! You can contact me at cae@carolannerhardt.

Today is Launch Day

Today is launch day for the SRN Author's Blog. This is going to be so cool! We are sharing a full week's sample of what you can expect in future posts. Each day of the week will have a different theme.

Monday: The Craft

Tuesday: Learning Curve

Wednesday: Getting over the Hump

Wednesdays are all about relaxing when life gets to be too much, and how we relax.

Thursday: Author’s life

Friday: Prompts

Hop on over and join in the fun.

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Yesterday I chatted with the members of Joyfully Reviewed with other WRP Authors. The winner of my Gift Bag was Shannon! Congratulations, Shannon

No Wonder There are Errors in Published Books...

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae an itnerseting mnid too!
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

*****
Egads, I could read that without stopping. What about you?

All I Want for Christmas...

It snowed this morning! Big beautiful flakes fell around me while I drove to work, so I had a smile on my face all day. I love the first really visible snow of the year. It didn't stick and the sun came out by mid morning, but it really put me in the Christmas spirit. Hubby brought out all the decorations and I'm going to put everything out this weekend. I decided to do something different with the tree this year. I bought wide gold ribbon to weave around it, and some red poinsettia bloom to add to the branches, some red cardinals, red spiky ornaments and gold snowflakes. Also bought several strands of gold beads. Now if it only turns out like I see it in my head...

Now that we have no little ones at home, Christmas morning is boring. Hubby and I usually buy what we want throughout the year, so for Christmas we agree to buy only things that will fit in our stockings. We have to get creative to find things that will go inside. I usually get my bar of chocolate, a watch, CD, stuff like that. This year I told hubby I wanted one of those hand held electronic Sudoku games. I even told him where to get it. He told me tonight that he was afraid he wouldn't get the right thing and I should just go buy myself one. I told him he'd have to come up with something else for my stocking then because I wouldn't buy my own presents. LOL! So we went out to eat and stopped at Target where I bought my Sudoku game. I promised my muse I would only play it at work on my lunch hour or after I'd finished my writing for the day. **grin**

So what do you want for Christmas this year?

How Do You Wake Your Muse?

For the last two weeks, I swear my muse went on vacation. Or maybe she was there and it was me having too many ideas swirling in my brain. Usually, if that happens she pulls me back out of the maelstrom of the tornado and plops me in the chair and has a good talk with me about sticking to business.

I had fifty pages completed on my manuscript. I thought it was going well, until I couldn't go forward. I struggled, and I mean really struggled with where to go. Then my muse told me the story sucked. She asked why I made my heroine such a wimp. So I went back and she was right. No wonder I couldn't move forward. So I began to play around with ideas to beef it up...and my muse went on vacation. I think she was disgusted with me.

Ideas began to take over my mind, a new one every time I blinked my eyes. What to write, what to write became my mantra. Finally I started the story over again, word by painful word. Where was my muse? Why wouldn't she come back? I became frightened thinking I'd reached the point where I'd never write another good story in my lifetime. Have you ever reached this point? Ever felt you couldn't write your way out of a paper box (pun intended)? What did I do?

I looked around my office at the shelves lined with unread Harlequin and Silhoette books I just haven't had time to read. Why not? I sifted through until I found something that looked really good. I read the first chapter, and...you guessed it, my muse returned.

So how do you wake up your muse?

Tuesday's Challenge 12-5-2006

Good morning, everyone! I just hopped out of the shower, so you can picture me sitting in front of the computer in my thick terry robe with a towel wrapped around my head. Or, on second thought, maybe not. It's been very cold her and I think we had a power outage last night because my computer was "off" when I came into my office. Either that or we had one huge power surge because of our neighbor's Christmas decorations. Their yard is very small, but they have an abundance of huge blow up decorations, and each day they add something else! Yesterday it was a lighted carousel of some sort. Now I'm talking really overkill. Their windows and the entire roof also have lights. I'll try and take a picture to show you what I mean.

Anyway, enough of the boring stuff. Let's get on to the Challenge for this Tuesday. Are you ready? Got your fingers poised over the keyboard, or your pencil poised over a sheet of paper? All rightee then, let's go.

Your challenge this Tuesday, should you decide to accept it, is to write me a paragraph or more if you so desire. The first sentence needs to be:

It was exhilarating the first time I...

Now remember, this is not an adult only blog, so be nice! LOL!

You have until Sunday night to post your best, and the winner will be drawn on Monday and posted here on the blog. Be sure to check back next Monday to see who wins! What will you win? A handmade beaded book thong AND an autographed bookmark.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Tuesday's Challenge #1 Winner

All the names were put in my Wild Rose Press mug and given the round and round, over and over, up and down maneuver...and the one I picked as the winner is...


Megan Rose!!!!


Congratulations! Email me your snail mail addy and I'll get your 2007 planner in the mail. There is a link to email me on my website.Be sure to stop in and play Teusday's Challenge #2!!

Sweeter Romantic Notions

*** Grand Opening ***
A Multi-genre, Multi-author resource for
Authors and Readers
of sweet to sensual romance.


When? December 9th ALL DAY

Where? Sweeter Romantic Notions Author Blog

Who?

OWNERS
Diana Castilleja
Dayna Hart

WEB & TECH SUPPORT

Crystal Jordan

REVIEW COORDINATOR

Jennifer Leeland

CONTRIBUTORS

Emily Brevard
Elaine Cantrell
Stacy Dawn
Sara Dennis
Debora Dennis-Mills
Nell Dixon
Karen Duvall
Carol Ann Erhardt
Susan Greene
Adelle Laudan
Dana Mentink
Brieanna Robertson
Katherine Warwick
Betty Womack

Stop by and join in the festivities. Meet our incredibly talented group of Authors. There will be lots of giveaways as well as a very special announcement from our co owners for our Authors. You don't want to miss out!!