Author Interview with Max Overton

Good morning, blog studio friends! I am hopeful that spring is soon to "spring" itself on this part of the country. It seems so long since we've had a nice long spell of warm weather and sunshine. Sunshine always makes me feel happy and alive!



Despite the rainstorms of last night, I'm still hopeful. Today I have a very special person who is going to tell you all about one of his books and allow us to "interrogate" him. **audience laughs**



**Max peeks through the curtains and feigns fear**



**more laughter**



Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the one and only, and very talented, Max Overton!!!



CAROL ANN: Welcome, Max. I'm delighted to have you in the studio this morning. And this is a very eye catching book cover. Is it available now, or when will it be available?

MAX: A Cry of Shadows is available from Mundania Press (http://www.mundania.com/books-acryofshadows.html). An excerpt can also be read on my website (http://www.maxoverton.com/). It is the story of two serial killers from very different backgrounds, Australia and Illinois, USA. One of them is a scientist, obsessed with the death process. Where does he get subjects to experiment on? Dr. Ian Delaney finds a way and as he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding violent death he gets more and more caught up in a world where reality is not always what it seems to be. The other killer, Wayne Richardson, has decided to kill his ex-girlfriend and discovers that he enjoys killing. He seeks out young women who resemble his dead ex-girlfriend. A policeman, John Barnes, is tracking the killers down but as the death toll rises, knows he must resort to extraordinary means to bring the killers to justice.

CAROL ANN: I'm intrigued. I love to read thrillers about serial killers. This is one I will definitely be purchasing. I like the premise of the two killers from different parts of the world. I know that you've lived in many areas of the world. In your travels, which place stands out in your memories, and why?

MAX: I have memories from all over the world and many that stand out – Belgium, where we lived in a former Gestapo house; Germany in the 1950s with parts of the cities still in ruins; my years growing up in New Zealand; my fascinating few years in Illinois and Michigan; the pleasures of tropical Queensland – but I think my favorite must be Jamaica. I was there for about two and a half years just before Independence and the effect of such a romantic tropical island on a young boy who loved butterflies was quite incredible. I have some extraordinarily vivid memories of my time there and one day I will write it up as a series of short stories. I have one written and several more in the planning stages.

CAROL ANN: Wonderful! Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

MAX: All over, literally.

My “Lion of Scythia” trilogy on Alexander the Great stemmed from reading Mary Renault’s classic books on the subject. I decided I could not hope to write anything as good on the man himself, so I took a junior officer in his Companion Corps, threw him to the Scythian wolves and watched what happened. I must have succeeded as I won two Eppies with that trilogy.

The “Glass House” trilogy I wrote with my late wife Ariana. She was American and when she flew over to Australia to meet me, I told her all about Aboriginal Dreamtime and the fabulous semi-myths of this land Down Under. These stories inspired a paranormal adventure that spanned continents and millennia.

My serial killer thriller, “A Cry of Shadows” started from a short story about a boy and a dog and wondering what makes a man kill. Knowing two locales very well – Townsville, Australia and Collinsville, Illinois – I decided to explore these ideas more fully, making my killers walk real streets, talk to real people (disguised), and even work in the unloading bay at Wal-Mart, where I have worked myself.

A love of Egypt and a fascination with the heretic king, Akhenaten, led to my pentology (is that the word for a series of five books?) on the largely unknown kings at the end of the 18th dynasty – Akhenaten, Smenkhkare, Tutankhamen, Ay, and Horemheb. I decided to use a central character that appears only twice in history – Beketaten, sister of Akhenaten – as it would put the reader at the center of events, privy to the thoughts and actions of kings and commoners alike. The first two books have been written, and the first, “Scarab – Akhenaten: Book 1 of the Amarnan Kings” is due out from Mundania Press in September 2007.

“Rakshasa” stems from a TV program on a tribe in remote Southeast Asia. They are animists and live cut off from modern civilization. I sat there and wondered what it would feel like to be one of the gods of the tribe confronted by a Christian missionary. That led to a story about one of the Rakshasa, the demons of India. It follows his existence down through the ages and examines the impact he had on people and the effect they had on him. What becomes of a demon when he encounters the gods? Can a demon change his fate?

CAROL ANN: You are living proof that writers can get an idea from most anything, and experience, a thought, a place...the possibilities are truly endless. You might be surprised to learn that I lived in Belleville, Illinois, from 1950 until 1961. We still visit every year.

**Carol Ann faces studio audience**

Belleville is only a few miles away from Collinsville. When visiting my grandparents, we used to drive through Collinsville. So I kind of feel a kinship here with Max.

**Carol Ann turns back to Max**

Sorry, Max. Sometimes I get sidetracked. Let's get back to the interrogation...um, I mean interview. **Max laughs. **

MAX: Don't worry about it. I'd be interesting to talking more to you about Illinois sometime.

CAROL ANN: Great. So, getting back to the interview, what is your writing process? Do you outline, research, or just write?

MAX: Outline comes first and then research. Deep and accurate research is essential for Historicals. When I know where I am, when I have the facts at my fingertips and my characters are rarin’ to go, then I sit down and write. I set myself a target of 1,000 words a day but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t reach it. My weekly target is 7,000 and I usually reach that; my monthly is 30,000 and I always reach that. Every day when I sit down to write, I go over what I wrote the day before and edit it before continuing the story. My daily goal pushes the story forward so I never have writer’s block. My books are about 150,000 + words now, but shorter when I first started. I write the whole book, then I take a break before I start editing – I want to see it with fresher eyes.

CAROL ANN: Which come first--characters or plot?

MAX: I think a situation comes first. I have to find that ‘what if?’ before there can be a story. I like to write a prologue or a short chapter (it doesn’t have to be chapter one) and then put it away to ferment for a few months or a year. When I start thinking about it again, I rough out the plot, which may be no more than a start and finish point and a couple of highlights, before I pick characters. Then I point them in the right direction and see where they lead me.

CAROL ANN: It's always fun to see what happens, isn't it? And so many surprises crop up along the way for me. I'll never forget when one of my characters set off a bomb. I was sitting at a campground feverishly pounding the keyboard while the character took me on a path I hadn't expected. I knew what was going to happen, but when it actually exploded...I was blown away (pun intended). I had to stop right there for the day. To get that scene out of my mind, I had to pick up a book and read. As an author, I assume you also like to read. What is the last book you read?

MAX: Man-eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett. An incredible account of man-eating tigers and leopards in the Himalayan foothills at the beginning of the last century. Highly recommended.

CAROL ANN: I'll bet the descriptions are breathtaking. **Carol Ann leans forward** I like to learn a little more about my guests than just what they write. I promise not to embarrass you though. For the first personal question, if you could be any age at all, what age would you choose and why?

MAX: My present age – with good health. Seriously, I could wish to have the body of a twenty-five year old again, but I’d hate to have such an immature mind. I’ll accept the limitations of a nearly 60 year old providing I can have good health. I have a vast range of experience, as much maturity as a man ever has, and a weird sense of humour. Now I can write about things I know, drawing on my experiences from all over the world.

CAROL ANN: Great answer! Here's another one. Your life is about to become a movie. What will the title be?

MAX: **Max crosses his legs and leans back in the chair. A big grin lights his face.**

“It Ain’t Over Yet!”

I have never had a career, always willing to try something new. I have been a high school teacher, university lecturer, government research scientist, manager, sales adviser, door-to-door encyclopaedia salesman, commercial cleaner, scrubcutter, insurance clerk, gas station attendant, bumble-bee catcher and writer. I have lived in nine countries and been to twenty-five. I’ve been married three times; have two boys of my own and a boy and girl as step-children. I’ve known success and failure, joy and intense grief; and I love to laugh.

My life is not over yet – I want to be here to see Halley’s comet come round again in 2069. I intend to pack a lot more into the rest of my life.

CAROL ANN: Good for you! There's a question I ask all my authors. What is your definition of the word "romance"?

MAX: I’m the last person you should ask. My wife says I don’t have a romantic bone in my body. I think to me, romance and love is the willingness to put your partner’s feelings and well-being before your own. To do the little things that bring pleasure. Remembering anniversaries and other occasions is all well and good, but I think the unlooked-for gift of a flower or breakfast in bed, or just a cuddle, is just as important.

CAROL ANN: That answer tells me you are a romantic man. **laugh** And now for the last question. Another one I ask every author who comes to the studio. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

MAX: Yes. The sword makes short-term changes but the pen (computer, typewriter, ball-point, pencil, quill, reed, copper chisel) effects changes down the ages. The great empires of the earth have come and gone, armies marched back and forth to destruction, but the written word is all that remains of these civilizations.

I don’t pretend that my words will last as long, but for me; it is more satisfying to create than to destroy.

CAROL ANN: Thank you so much, Max, for joining me today. It's been a real pleasure.

Blog Studio audience, here is where you can find more information about Max and his published works.

Novels by Max and/or Ariana Overton:
Writers of Historicals, Horror, Paranormal Thrillers & Murder Mysteries. (www.maxoverton.com)
The Lion of Scythia Trilogy - EPPIE winners 2005 and 2006
The Glass House Trilogy, A Cry of Shadows, The Devil is in the Details
Coming Soon: Scarab - Akhenaten (Book 1 of the Amarnan Kings), Scarab - Smenkhkare (Book 2 of the Amarnan Kings), Trapdoor, Tapestry
Works in Progress: Scarab - Tutankhamen, Scarab - Ay, and Scarab - Horemheb (Books 3, 4 & 5 of the Amarnan Kings), Rakshasa

The Power is Within

My Horoscope for today: Whether you realize it or not, you just passed a major milestone. Are you surprised that it was much easier than you thought? Your long-cherished goal is clearly in sight thanks to all of these recent experiences.

When reading that, I thought hurray! Then I began to think about it. How easy it would be if our fate truly lie in someone's interpretation of the stars. But in reality, it doesn't. The responsibility lies within us--within the decisions we make along the way. So if I have made the decision to change a few things in my life regarding exercise and writing goals, and I've taken the first step, then the first sentence makes perfect sense. I have just passed a major milestone. It was my decision to make the changes that will result in positive change.

Was that easier than I thought? Well, sure. Procrastination can hold one back. Putting things off just one more day leads into another, and never making a change. So telling myself that I can do it, that I will do it, then doing something about it--no matter how small--is easy. And makes the next step easier, and suddenly I'm making strides in positive change.

My long cherished goal is in sight thanks to the recent experiences. Well, sure! And looking at that last sentence as I plod along one day at a time is motivation to continue on.

Inside each of us is a little voice that whispers "you can't", and when we listen, we procrastinate. But if we tell ourselves we can, then within us lies the power to succeed. Setting realistic goals is the first step to success. Don't expect it all to happen overnight. That's not realistic. Keep grounded and looking forward, stuff a sock in the naysayer's mouth, and believe in yourself.

If there's one thing I learned from being in an abusive relationship, it's that I am worth it. I'm not a piece of dirt. I'm a human being, I'm God's creation, and if I believe in Him, all things are possible.

Over the past six weeks, I've been taking the first steps toward living a more healthy life. Now I'm adding a new layer. And I'm moving forward. I'm like the little train that wouldn't quit, but I don't just think I can...I know I can!

In My Father's House

In one of my writing groups, we used to throw out prompts and then we had to post something within five minutes, less than 250 words, just letting our minds go and writing what came to mind regardless of whether it made much sense or not.

I'd love to hear what you come up. Come on, give me your five minute version.

The prompt is "in my father's house". Here's what I came up with.

In my father's house resides a mystical aura, one which enshrouds each visitor, changing forever, that which they believe. Those who would enter are enchanted with the sunset seen through the tower window. Prisms of light shine through its gleaming glass, making the crystal statues come alive. The eyes of the unicorn gleam brightly, as if knowing the secret -- the secret of the house. The wizard speaks, but there is no dialogue. His mouth sparks in the glowing sunset, and the stranger who partakes of this phenomenon hears his words. As the sun descends, a darkness falls, bringing a silence that is louder than the death blow of a hammer. And with great difficulty, the visitor descends the stairs, changed forever.

Changing and Rearranging

What fun with the new blogger to be able to change the look with the click of a template. So now I'm into blues, which kind of mirrors the color of my website. I know there is a way to make this look just like my website, but, alas, I'm not adept at that kind of remodeling.

I was thinking about how I used to change furniture around in my house. I used to love to rearrange the bedroom furniture and the living room furniture. The rooms just felt cleaner and it was like getting a new face lift! Then, I learned that my husband detests change! One night he came home and made the comment, "It's a good thing I don't drink or I'd think I got into the wrong house." And he was serious. It must be something in his childhood. **shrug**

So, I resigned to never moving the furniture in our house. In fact, I rarely ever change the drapes or curtains. It's boring, boring, boring.

Therefore, I change what I can. The things that are mine alone...my website, my blog.

The King's Burden

Whenever life may get you down,

And you want to smile, but wear a frown,

And burdens heavy on you lay,

Your headache just won’t go away,

Just fall upon your knees and pray.



Beaten with a lead-tipped whip,
Skin laid bare in criss-crossed strips,
Fists of iron struck His face,
They mocked to put Him in His place,
A crown of thorns to add disgrace.



A wooden cross He bore alone,
Stumbling through the streets of stone,
They nailed Him to the cross that day,
He, who was born in a bed of hay,
“Forgive them Father,” he was heard to say.



They laid Him in a tomb so dark,
And rolled a stone upon its mark,
To seal His tomb would be in vain,
On Easter morn He rose again,
Leaving behind the earthly pain.



So when your life you start to dread,
Remember the whip with tips of lead,
The crown of thorns upon His head.



And when your heart is full of pain,
And you feel your life has been in vain,
Remember how He rose again.



And when your burdens heavy lay,
Remember the cross He bore that day,
Then fall down on your knees and pray.



©Carol Ann Erhardt, 2000

Happy Easter Everyone!

Here in overcast central Ohio it has been snowing and blowing for the past two days with no letup in sight. It isn't accumulating though, thank goodness. But it sure makes it hard to believe it is Easter...the time for sunshine and easter baskets, bunnies, and colored eggs.

We attended a drama last night at our church on the life of Christ to his death. It was awesome! Tomorrow we're looking forward to the finale which is the celebration of the resurrection. I'm so excited and looking forward to this joyous occasion.

Tomorrow we'll have a quiet dinner, just the two of us. All the kids are scattered in different directions and having celebrations of their own. Sometimes I feel sad when I think of how things change as you get older and become empty nesters. It is bound to happen to all of us, but sometimes it makes me melancholy.


So, enough about me and my maudlin thoughts. I just want to wish you all a blessed and glorious Easter.

What wonderful plans do you have? Care to share?

Author Interview with Devyn Quinn

Good morning, blog studio audience! Can you believe how cold it is? I had to wear my fur lined underwear to keep my tush from freezing this morning! **audience laughs**



Well let's get started. Why don't we warm up the studio by putting your hands together to welcome my guest author for the day...Devyn Quinn!!



**applause, applause**







CAROL ANN: Devyn, that's a striking book cover. Tell me about your most current release.

DQ: Flesh and the Devil (Kensington Aphrodisia) was just released March 27. I'm so excited, as it's my first New York book and mixes my two favorite genres - vampires and witchcraft.

The blurb: Vice cop Brenden Wallace has walked on the dark side for too many years. Now, newly divorced, he’s smoking too much and sleeping too little, and the empty darkness in his soul is the blackest part of any night—until he’s assigned to investigate an escort service called Exotic Jewels and meets Líadán Niamh. Lushly beautiful, she is the embodiment of seduction and thrilling control. She arouses Brenden’s most feral desires—fierce, bone-deep needs they explore together, mouth to mouth and skin to skin. But Líadán’s hungry kiss is more dangerous than Brenden could have imagined. Women are turning up dead, and every clue leads Brenden back to Líadán—and a raw, brutal passion that could cost him his life…

CAROL ANN: How long does it take you to write a book?

DQ: That really depends on a lot of factors, like job, family and general daily stress. Sometimes it takes me a year to write a book, sometimes I can whip one out in a couple of months. Since being locked into NY deadlines, I've learned to write a lot faster. the usual 5-10 drafts have been cut to 2, max!

CAROL ANN: Writing fast is key to cranking out the books. That's something the bestsellers are really good at doing. What is the first step in your writing process?

DQ: The first step is sitting, LOL. I take a lot of time to think and makes notes about a story before the first word is written. I watch movies, listen to music and just let it percolate in the back of my mind. When I am ready to write, I sit down and do the dirty deed.

CAROL ANN: In talking to you backstage, you told me you are also an avid reader. What are you currently reading?

DQ: Red Carpets and other Banana Peels by Rupert Evertt. A charming biography and thoroughly enjoyable.

CAROL ANN: I alwasy like to learn more about my guests by asking some personal questions. Here's your first. You are on a sunny warm beach. Do you stretch out in the sun or run into the water?

DQ: Eek! Neither. I am severely allergic to sunlight (seriously) and I have to stay in shade as much as possible or my skin turns beet red. My skin is so baby fine that prolonged exposure does months of damage.

CAROL ANN: Oh, that's terrible. Guess I should ask a different question then. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go first and why?

DQ: Having been to England, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium, my next stop is Ireland. I love everything about the Irish/ Celts and their culture. I secretly think I was born Irish and switched at birth, LOL.

CAROL ANN: Lots of people think that, you know. You aren't alone. Okay. You walk into a room where you expect to be alone, but a man is standing in the light of the window. What do you first notice about him?

DQ: Hair! I am a nut for men with terrific hair. If it's black, shaggy and messy looking, count me in!

CAROL ANN: **laugh** If you could be any age at all, what age would you choose and why?

DQ: I would love to go back and be 21, but only if I knew at that age what I know now. I pretty much p***ed off my twenties and thirties with two bad marriages, so I'd avoid those and concentrate more on my education and writing .

CAROL ANN: What does the word romance mean to you?

DQ: Restraints.

CAROL ANN: Uh-oh. Remnants of those bad marriages, maybe? So, tell me is the author's life anything like you envisioned before you began the journey?

DQ: Heck no. It's still hard work. Harder now that I am publishing in New York. I still have to work, clean house and keep up with family commitments--and produce publishable writing. If nothing else, it's become ten times more difficult. I no longer have years to potter around with a book. It has to be ready to go at deadline time.

CAROL ANN: And a final question I ask all my authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

DQ: Those who wield the sword are usually the ones who get to write their version of history.

If you are interested in learning more about Devyn Quinn, check out her website.

An Interesting Evening

Last night I posted about "the silver lining". Well, things kept getting worse.

First, while watching the OSU-Florida basketball playoff, our cable went out! We could get a snowy black and white picture on the small tv upstairs...but also my internet connection was gone and...our telephone. That's the problem with bundled products.

Went into the bedroom to set my alarm and the clock radio was flashing 7:34 am. Weird, none of the other electric clocks had a problem, plus my computer hadn't rebooted during the day either. So I set the clock for the correct time (but forgot to go ALL the way around so it thought the time was am). Need I tell you what happened next? You guessed it, my alarm didn't go off this morning. I awoke at 7am, which gave me one-half hour to shower and get my butt ready for work.

It was after 4pm before the cable connection was fixed. Nope, not a fiber cut. Someone had broken into the cable box, removed our cable and plugged in theirs (which wasn't even with our carrier!). The technician ordered a new locked cover, so hopefully, our connections won't go out again when it gets dark. Wish I had a big bad dog to let loose in the back yard.

Writing progress was nil today. Was very busy at work. Usually when I have nothing to do, I work on my manuscript. I carry it on one of those USB removable keyring drives. I just can't stand to sit with nothing to do. I have some major projects to accomplish over the next few weeks, so I'll only have my lunch hour to write on my AlphaSmart. I'm humming along with Joshua's Hope. Hoping to have it completed before Mother's Day. That'll be my present to me!

So what is happening in your life? Have you found any silver linings?

Look for a Silver Lining

I remember that old song that my mother used to sing...

"Look for the silver lining

When e'er a cloud appears in the blue.

Remember some where the sun is shining,

And so the right thing to do,

Is make it shine for you.

A heart, full of joy and gladness,

Will always banish sadness and strife.

So always look for the silver lining,

And try to find the sunny side of life."

So, tonight when we came home to the ceiling in our family room being drenched and leaking water, and the carpet in the living room bordering the kitchen being drenched through, we were really upset.

Shut off the water...which to me was an issue...and then (eek) punched a hole in the ceiling. The water poured out.

After it finally stopped, we knocked a larger hole to find the leak.

The silver lining? We didn't have to tear out the entire ceiling. The leak was coming from the plastic line leading to the refrigerator. The ice maker hasn't worked in years and we'd shut off the water to that line, but evidently the shut off valve was broken...and somehow the line developed a leak.

We put on a new shut off valve and turned on the water. Tomorrow poor hubby has a day off and will have to spend it working on installing a new line. Then once the ceiling is completely dry, we'll have to put up new dry wall and fix the ceiling.

Could have been much worse. So we're grateful for the "silver lining" in the middle of the mess.

Hope your day went better!

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. I was moved to tears at church this morning. Our choir has been putting on a musical drama in parts since the first Sunday of Lent. Today was the Palm Sunday celebration. The man who has been portraying Jesus (and really looks the part), stood in front of the congregation while the other members came in waving palm fronds and singing Hosanna. Then Jesus walked around the pews to the back of the room and came up the aisle touching people and holding hands. It was so moving that even writing this has brought tears to my eyes.
I'm so looking forward to Good Friday when we will have the entire thing put together in one presentation, then on Easter Sunday, the final act will also be included.

Just had to share this with you today. May your lives and hearts be blessed this Easter season.

Announcing....

A brand new My Space that I'm part of...Ohio Romance Writers. We'll be taking turns posting on the blog about anything and everything. You'll see things on the business side of publishing, bits of our personal lives, bragging, and even complaining.

So, if you get a chance, check us out, and if you have a My Space, add us as a friend!

www.myspace.com/romanceauthors

6:00 am - Roll over and shut off alarm. Wake up hubby. Kiss him and roll over, close eyes, and go back to sleep.

9:00 am - Yawn, stretch, sit on side of bed and slip feet into pretty pink fluffy slippers. Tie on silk robe over filmy negligee.

9:15 am - Ring bell for maid service. Maid arrives with a tray filled with: a glass of orange juice, a cream cheese filled danish, a cup of Earl Grey breakfast tea, and the morning newspaper.

10:00 am - Ring bell for maid. Maid removes tray.

10:15 am - Take bubble bath.

11:00 am - Dress in designer jeans and silk blouse. Keep cute pink slipper on feet. Sit at computer and begin working on Chapter Ten of current manuscript. Crank out ten pages.

1:00 pm - Ring bell for maid. Maid arrives with lunch. A large salad with grilled chicken, fresh seedless green grapes, a glass of iced tea with lemon wedges.

1:05 pm - Pick up telephone and call crit partner while eating lunch. Learn she loved every single word of the last chapter.

1:30 pm - Ring for maid to clear lunch paraphenalia.

1:45 pm - Go back to manuscript. Crank out fifty pages.

4:30 pm - Shut down computer and take another bubble bath.5:15 pm - Dress in slinky black cocktail dress.

6:00 pm - Hubby arrives. Kisses me goodbye while I leave with Ryan Seacrest to watch the American Idol competition.

midnight - Slip into bed and make sure alarm is set for hubby. Good night.

YEAH RIGHT!!!

In reality:

5:00 am - Wake hubby and roll over for another 45 minutes of sleep.

5:45 am - Hubby kisses me goodby. Get up and stagger to shower.

6:00 am - Wrap hair in towel and head to the kitchen. Fix a bowl of cold mini wheats.6:15 am - Search refrigerator for lunch makings. Pack lunch.

6:30 am - Scrounge through closet for outfit to wear to work. Hmm, is it going to be warm or cold today. Never know whether the furnace or air conditioning will be running at the office.

6:45 am - Brush teeth. Slather on beauty creams. They don't work.

7:00 am - Dry and style hair.

7:15 am - Add makeup. Still no help.

7:30 am - Set security alarm, lock door and drive to work.

8:03 am - Clock in.

8:05 am - Put up with stupid people and boss's demands.

5:00 pm - Clock out and begin to worry whether I thawed any meat for dinner.

5:30 pm - Arrive home to find I didn't thaw anything out for dinner. Go to bedroom to change clothes and find hubby snoring on bed.

5:40 pm - Check emails. Answer pertinent ones.

6:00 pm - Listen to hubby tell me about his day. Head to kitchen to thaw meat in microwave.

6:15 pm - Head back to computer while ground chuck patties are cooking on the stove.

6:25 pm - Listen to shrill alarm and woman's voice saying "Fire, Fire." Rush to the kitchen and take the burning meat to the deck. Turn on the exhaust fan. Ask hubby how to shut off the alarm. Hubby too busy playing hand held solitaire while sitting on the bathroom throne to help. Cats look at me with hatred in their eyes. I turn on the ceiling fans and eventually the noise stops.

6:30 pm - Try to salvage some of the meat for dinner.

6:45 pm - Eat and converse with hubby about what we'll watch on television.

7:00 pm - Pick up the paper and become engaged in one of the articles while hubby cleans the table and loads the dishwasher (see, there was a reason I was pretending to be engrossed in the daily news). No dummy here!

7:15 pm - Go back to computer. Check emails which have been duplicating, triplicating, in all loops! Delete, delete, delete.

7:30 pm - Turn on Millionaire. Watch stupid guy lose $250,000. Watch girl who wants to look like Julia Roberts but doesn't quite make the grade.

8:00 pm - Watch Donnie Osmond and some dumb Great American Dream thing.

9:00 pm - Go downstairs and jump on elliptical exerciser and watch American Idol results with hubby.

9:30 pm - Come upstairs and go back to computer. Realize I have to post a blog interview on my personal blog. Get busy on that.

10:15 pm - Begin working on blog for Sweeter Romantic Notions on The Author's Life.

10:45 pm - Finish and realize...no writing accomplished today.

Author Interview with Gracie McKeever

The curtain raises and Carol Ann walks onto the stage. The audience breaks out in applause and “woo” “woo”s.

CAROL ANN: Hi! **waving at audience** It’s Thursday and another wonderful audience to welcome my guest interviewee for the day. I have to tell you how much fun it’s been to interview all these authors since the first of the year. There are a lot more to come over the rest of the year. I’ll be taking a few weeks off for vacation here and there, but I have a different author lined up for most Thursdays through August and part of September.

**applause**

CAROL ANN: Okay, first an announce of my own. Tomorrow my short story THE FADED PHOTOGRAPH will be launching at The Wild Rose Press. I’m very excited about this one. It’s not your typical romance. This one is written in the male point of view. It’s about a forty-nine year old widower who has been living a secluded life for several years after the death of his beloved wife. His only child, a daughter, has moved to California and she keeps prodding her father to sell the old homestead and move west. Then he receives a phone call that “rocks” him out of his sedentary life. He’s going to be a grandfather. Life has just thrown him a lemon, for now his daughter is more convinced that he needs to move to California. James Carter has other plans though. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens when he decides to try and find a woman in a faded photograph—his first love.



**applause, applause** **Carol Ann bows** Thank you so much!!!

I have another big announcement which I’ll be making this weekend. So be sure to stop by.

Okay, now it’s time to welcome my guest for today. She’s a multi-published author with many books, short stories, and poems to her credit. Please put your hands together and give a blog studio welcome to…Gracie McKeever!!

**Audience gives a standing ovation**

**Gracie joins Carol Ann in the chairs on the stage**

CAROL ANN: Gracie, thank you so much for joining me in the studio today. I’ve been looking forward to interviewing you. And what’s even more exciting is you have a new release coming April 1st. Tell us about that, won’t you?

GRACIE: I’d love to. MANIFEST DESTINY is the third book in my The Matchmaker series. All books in the series are stand alone. Manifest Destiny involves a May/December, east meets west romance between a city-bred, through-and-through city slicker in hard-on-the-outside business woman, Evelyn Vega and dyed-in-the-wool cowboy and country boy, Jason Makepeace. This is the story of Angela Calminetti, mother of five, New Age practitioner and gifted psychic and telepath, who is proud of her family ties and does everything she can to make sure that all of her younger siblings are as happy in love and marriage as she is…whether they want her to or not.

Just-turned forty-three Evelyn Vega is beginning to wonder if her time for love and romance has past. No one who knows her would believe the heart of an idealist beats beneath the tough-as-nails, Wall Street broker exterior. No one, that is, except her oldest matchmaking sister Angela Calminetti who negotiates a deal with Freeborn ranch owner Montana Phoenix to get Evelyn and Freeborn's cow boss, Jason Makepeace together.
Orphan at eleven, divorced at twenty-one and lovelorn after Montana falls for Seth Phoenix, Jason has been as unlucky in love as he has in every other facet of his existence. The two things he wants most in life but that have eluded him for the last twelve years are a spread of his own and a woman to love and share the rest of his life with. This is all about to change when sexy city slicker Evelyn struts into his life.

CAROL ANN: Sounds like a wonderful book. Full of fun and lots of romance. Tell me what the word romance means to you.

GRACIE: Romance to me means dedication and hard-work. It's not all roses and romantic dinners and horse-drawn carriage rides. It's work; wanting to be around for the long haul with the person you love and care about; willing to sacrifice for that person and build a life together.

CAROL ANN: I’ve been to your site and you have lots of books to your credit. What was your first published work?

GRACIE: New Life Incognita, a New Age paranormal urban romance that's still available. It was my first cross-genre work involving a wiccan, psychic, reincarnation, sex-swtich and an interracial relationship. At the time, I didn't know about the term "cross-genre" or that there was even a market for this kind of work. I just knew what I liked to read and write and wrote the book of my heart.

CAROL ANN: Awesome. So many times we never get the chance to publish the book of the heart that all writers complete at some point in their career. Do you write full time or do you hold another job as well?

GRACIE: I have a full time job.

CAROL ANN: Sounds like you are very busy. What do you do for fun when you aren't writing?

GRACIE: **laughs** Read. Okay, okay, I do other things. I spend time with my family. I love going to movies for fun and inspiration. I love sports, both playing and watching on television, but deep-down I'm a couch potato and love television period. If I don't make myself work out everyday, I won't.

CAROL ANN: Wow, you work out, too? I get tired just thinking about your routine. All right. Another question. If you could meet anyone at all, living or dead, who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?

GRACIE: Oh, let me think. ** Gracie taps her pursed lips** I guess it would be Octavia E. Butler because her work has inspired me and my own work so much. We would, of course, talk about books, specifically world-building and character delineation. I would just basically like to pick her brain, hear about her life's experiences and see where her creativity comes from.

CAROL ANN: So when you are just sitting on the couch being a potato **winks at the audience** and you are feeling kind of down, who can make you laugh?

GRACIE: Well, maybe not on my couch, but when I’m feeling low, my younger brother, Jerome and my mom can make me smile.

CAROL ANN: I have another question that gets some fun answsers. Do you collect anything?

GRACIE: Besides books? That's not an "official" collection, I know, and unless you count being a pack-rat as a "collector" then I don't really collect anything, except dust maybe. **laugh**

CAROL ANN: Hey, I’m with you. I seem to collect a lot of dust as well. I interviewed Christine Columbus and she collects dust bunnies.

Okay, time is running out. Where does the time go? I have to ask you this. It’s a question I ask every author who comes to the studio. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

GRACIE: Yes I believe the pen is mightier then the sword because when all is said and done, after men have died and blood has been spilled, words live on to incite and inspire future generations and "fight" another day.

CAROL ANN: **claps** Excellent answer. Gracie, once again, thank you so much for joining us today. Audience, here is where you can learn more about Gracie and her great books. Carol Ann leans over and whispers to Gracie…by the way I sent an invitation to be my friend on My Space last night.
http://www.graciecmckeever.com/
http://www.myspace.com/graciecmckeever

How Much Promotion??

To promote or not to promote--that is the question.

Of course, you must promote. How else will you be able to let the world know that you have created a page-turning masterpiece? So the answer to the question is "Promote!"

However, the bigger question is when is promotion too much promotion? Where do you draw the line between promoting and writing? When I signed my first contract and held my first book in my hands, all I could think about was promotion. I joined every single yahoo group I heard about and signed up for every single chat on any of the loops that I could participate in.

I created this blog. I created a My Space. I created a new website.

But soon, the glow wears off. What do you write about on your blog day after day after day? How often do you "update" your website to create interest? How many dang chats can you participate in...especially when you see the same names over and over and over. And then you go to the chats and find yourself chatting with other authors. The same ones who are also promoting in this time slot.

You give away items. In order to give away, you have to...you guessed it...buy!

What is your return? What is the best way to promote?

In getting caught up in the promotion angle, I lost writing time. Since I work full time, after dinner I sit at the computer. Then I've got to check all the stats, answer millions of emails (well, maybe I'm exaggerating) a little. I put my groups on digest. That made it hard to keep up with what was happening, plus even harder to respond. All my time was sucked up in activities that had nothing to do with writing.

I'm taking a good hard look at what it is I want to accomplish. In doing so, I will have to make some hard decisions about promotion. I think I've just about reached the point of giving up on the email loops. I will keep those few that are important to me but not the other ones where the same things keep being posted over and over--other writers trying to keep the word out about their novels.

In order to build a fan base, one must continue to produce novels. So, I'm trusting in my local writing chapter to help me with booksignings and events where I can promote myself as a local author. And I'm going to write more. If I don't, I'll never keep up with my goals for this year.

So how about you? How do you balance promotion with your writing, your real life, and family? What have you found to be effective in promotions?

Reflections on Internal Fears

What makes us uniquely "us?" When I was a young child, it seemed so incredible to me that other people were having experiences that I was unaware of. My parents used to look at me like something might be wrong with me! It truly troubled me trying to understand how God could create so many people and that everyone would be speaking and moving and doing something uniquely different from each other. It still seems weirdly strange to me.

So what does make us unique? Every experience we have from the day we are born creates a handprint on our life that begins to shape us into the individual we will one day become. Some people are so secure in themselves that they aren't afraid to go after what they want. These people are successful and charismatic. Then there are others who have different handprints in their lives. These people grow up insecure and with low self-esteem. Pursuing dreams is something frightening. Fear of rejection holds them back.

Have you ever thought of which you are? Have you ever given a thought to those who do have low self-esteem? Have you ever reached out to help someone who needs a boost in morale? Or are you one of those who make yourself feel more powerful by making seemingly innocent comments meant to put down others?

When creating characters in your books, do you look into the things that happened in their lives to make them "unique?"

Brain Dump

First--okay, so you all didn't really want to participate in writing a story through to completion, so I'll scratch that as an ongoing project. True to my word, I've drawn a name from those who participated and the winner will receive a nice surprise from me.

DENYSE, please email me by using the contact author form on my website www.carolannerhardt.com with your snail mail address and I'll get it in the mail to you!

Second--I had an experience today that really scared me to death. I went to a funeral visitation. The deceased was a nineteen year old boy, the son of one of my coworkers. The circumstances surrounding the death were scary. It was a shootout between two cars in the early hours of the morning. This boy and his 21 year old brother were in one car--unknown as to who was in the second (at least to the media). The 21 year old was shot in the arm, not seriously. I guess he drove himself and his brother to the hospital. He was released, but his younger brother died. Today at the showing there were a lot of people wearing t-shirts with words like "we have our ear on the street" "your death will be avenged". I felt as if I was surrounded by a gang that would erupt at any moment. My poor coworker was devastated, wearing a nice suit, and tears instead of his perpetual smile. I felt so sorry for him. Anyway suddenly the best friend of the deceased ran to the casket and started asking him to wake up and get out. He tried to pull the body out of the casket. Someone tackled (yes literally tackled him) and knocked one of the planters to the floor. Finally they got him calmed down, but then he punched a hole through the wall! The funeral director then announced that any further violence and the cops would be called and the service would end. The boy ran out followed by the brother who had been shot, followed by the sister who was freaking out. I was never so glad to get out of a funeral home in my life.

It's stayed on mind so heavily ever since. I'm thinking this will one day have to appear in one of my novels.

Author Interview with Delia Carnell

Good morning, Blog Studio audience! It’s now spring and I’m ready to see some trees and flowers budding and preparing for the kiss of the summer sun. I’m really sick of my winter clothes.

Today, I’m very happy to be interviewing author Delia Carnell. Please put your hands together and make her feel a very warm welcome.

**applause, applause**

**Delia comes through the curtains and holds out a book, then passes it to Carol Ann**

CAROL ANN: Delia welcome to the blog studio. Wow, what a gorgeous cover. Tell me about BRIANNA’S MAGIC.

DELIA: BRIANNA’S MAGIC is a St. Patrick’s Day story complete with a rollicking time in an Irish pub, magic, and of course - hot steamy love! Brianna O’Shea is an Irish witch living on the coast of Ireland in the shadow of the castle ruins that have been in her family for many, many generations. She loves to wander these sacred grounds where the magic feels the strongest to her. Along comes well-meaning but clueless American businessman, Michael Gallagher. His vision includes a fancy tourist resort on those same grounds, and he buys the land. What would a good Irish story be without a fight for the land? Well, it also wouldn’t be Irish if these two didn’t fall in love along the way. But what are these strange feelings Michael is having? Could the magic be in him as well? BRIANNA’S MAGIC is available now at Loose-Id.com


CAROL ANN: You also have a release coming in August, don’t you?

DELIA: I do! BLAME IT ON THE GHOST is an August release at Cerridwen Press. When I was a little girl, my family often vacationed on Indian Rocks Beach, just west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. The area was dotted with tall Australian pines, swaying palms, and rustic tin-roofed cottages. Those quaint homes have all but disappeared these days, but the charm is still fresh in my memory. In this book, I have two authors housesitting for their old college professor in just such a home on Indian Rocks Beach. Neither expects the other to be there, and both want to be alone to work on books. Unfortunately, they are both stubborn. Neither will give in. Can they last through the summer without getting on each other’s last nerve? Oh, by the way, the house is haunted. So if they should just happen to fall in love this summer, they can always BLAME IT ON THE GHOST.

CAROL ANN: Do you write full time or do you hold another job as well?

DELIA: Writing is my main occupation, but I have a few writing-related supplements. I edit and proofread for three different publishers. Also, I teach a writing class at my local university.

CAROL ANN: You definitely keep yourself busy! And everything is writing related. Sometimes we all have someone we wish we could meet face to face. If you could meet anyone at all, living or dead, who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?

DELIA: Gosh, there are so many possible answers to this that I could never choose only one. Dozens of writers leap to mind. So, I’ll sneak out of that trap by saying Walt Disney. Here was a man who championed imagination and never took no for an answer. If you can imagine it, it can happen. Look what he did for an entire generation of baby boomers? We’re still under his spell, aren’t we?

CAROL ANN: Absolutely! Look at all the releases that keep coming out and each new generation that is enamored. Okay, so tell me what do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

DELIA: First of all, writing IS fun! But I have a diverse collection of other things to occupy me. My Prince and I have season tickets to the Florida Orchestra, so that’s where you’ll find us most Friday nights. I also love movies, especially old black and white film noir. Come football season, don’t try to call me on Sunday afternoons! I don’t answer during the game. And I’ve been to Walt Disney World fifty-seven times. (Yeah, it’s a little odd that I know exactly how many times. I realize this.)

CAROL ANN: I’m sure that is some kind of record. You seem to be a very upbeat person, but I’m sure you have times when you feel down. When that happens, who can make you laugh?

DELIA: My best friend Jeanette has a way of putting everything into perspective for me. She’s the best one to call when I’m down. She can have me laughing in no time. BRIANNA’S MAGIC is dedicated to her and her wonderful husband John. They are the greatest!

CAROL ANN: She sounds like the kind of friend all of us should have. Here’s a fun question I like to ask. Do you collect anything? If so, tell me about your collection and how you got started with it.

DELIA: Oh, my gosh. Are you sure you want to hear all of my weird idiosyncrasies? Okay, first the normal things. I collect perfume bottles. They’re pretty, and I like the way the light shines through the glass. I collect Barbie dolls, but I don’t have any that are valuable. This is just something I started doing recently to justify buying them at my age. Here’s the weird one: when I go to a city, I have to buy a book by a local author. So I have A TALE OF TWO CITIES from London, CANNERY ROW from Monterey, California, ULYSSES from Dublin...you get the picture. I’m double-dipping on Hemingway. I bought TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT in Key West, but a friend who went skiing near Ketchum, Idaho brought me back a copy of MOVEABLE FEAST.

CAROL ANN: How fun, an eclectic collection! **laugh** It’s always a hoot to hear what things people collect and how they got started. My youngest daughter collected cows for the longest time. We were on vacation and she kept “mooing” at the cows to get them to moo back (which they didn’t) and my friend got her one of those little boxes that you turn over and it moos just like a cow. That started it. She had everything to do with cows. And then, when she got married she even got some “cow” kitchen items. **laugh** She hates that stuff now though. Okay, back to writing. Many new authors wonder how to "get the word" out about their books. Do you have a marketing strategy that you'd like to share?

DELIA: I wouldn’t say that I have a “strategy,” but I definitely work at putting my name out whenever I can. I have a website, a blog, a myspace...all the usual things. I post on loops when I can, and I carry bookmarks in my purse at all times because every time a new person finds out I’m a writer, they always want to know more. The bookmark has my name and some titles, but it also lists my publishers’ sites and my own sites. I’m a fanatic about looking at my tracking stats on my web and my blog. I’m always studying where my hits are coming from so I can build on that link.

CAROL ANN: I carry bookmarks with me, also. It’s always great fun to hand them out to strangers who are “impressed” that I’m an author. **smile** One thing I ask all my authors is to tell me what romance means to them. So, Delia, what does the word romance mean to you?

DELIA: Romance is that exciting and mysterious element that surrounds the attraction between two people. The sexual pull is easily enough gratified in a physical way. Romance is the piece that makes you fall in love. Whatever that is!

CAROL ANN: It’s amazing to me that I always get a new and refreshing answer to that question. Now for the last question of the day. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

DELIA: Absolutely. The pen has always been mightier than the sword, but never more so than in this age of instant communication. The sword may be able to force a man to conform, but the pen can make him want to.

CAROL ANN: Thank you, Delia, for being my guest today. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. Audience here is where you can learn more about Delia and her books.

http://www.deliacarnell.com/
http://deliacarnell.blogspot.com/

Author Interview with Carol Ann Erhardt

Well, hello blog studio audience! My name is Wilbur. I'm very happy to be here with you today, even though it's late. I had to have my daily allotment of cat naps and I also had to wait until I could kick Carol Ann off her keyboard. Meow!

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the usual "hostess" of the blog studio...Carol Ann Erhardt! Put your paws together now and make some noise.

**Carol Ann walks out with a huge smile on her face and takes the chair reserved for guests.**

WILBUR: Will you please stop petting me? You're embarrassing me in front of the audience. Remember, today I'm the one in charge. **purr, purr**

CAROL ANN: **Leans back and removes her hand from under Wilbur's neck.** Wilbur, I'm so glad to be here today. It feels very strange sitting in this chair.

WILBUR: Meow! I can't say too much for this one either. It's not soft enough. Now for the first question...what in the world was that horrid food you put in my dish this morning?

CAROL ANN: That was Purina and you know you love it. Isn't this supposed to be an interview so I can promote my books?

WILBUR: If you insist. So tell the audience about your upcoming release, The Faded Photograph.

CAROL ANN: Gladly. The Faded Photograph is about life, growing older, and those lingering memories of first love.

WILBUR: Oh, it's an old foggie's book.

CAROL ANN: Not at all! Romance isn't just for the very young. Mature individuals also long for romance. This is the story of James Carter, a widower, who just learned he is going to become a grandfather at the young age of forty nine. His daughter thinks of him as aging and feeble, but he knows his life isn't over...even though he's been living the last few years that way. He pulls out a faded photograph hidden in his wallet for years. It's the smiling face of his first love, and he wonders if she remembers him. You'll have to read the book to learn what happens, but it's a very fulfilling romance.

WILBUR: Romance. Ick. I'd rather chase a mouse. Speaking of which, you haven't brought home any new furry toys to play with lately. And you know that all my little furry mice are under the sofa. I can't move it to get them out, you know.

CAROL ANN: Yes, of course I know. But this is supposed to be about my writing. Not your toys.

WILBUR: Well, it is. If you weren't so busy writing all the time, maybe you'd have time for me once in a while.

CAROL ANN: Oh, poor baby. **Carol Ann picks up Wilbur and nuzzles him**

WILBUR: **purr, purr**

CAROL ANN: You like that, huh?

WILBUR: **pur, purr*

CAROL ANN: Okay, what other questions do you have for me?

WILBUR: Don't be silly. You know cats can't talk.

CAROL ANN: Audience, I'm so sorry that this interview didn't go as planned. My newest story, THE FADED PHOTOGRAPH will be available on March 30 at The Wild Rose Press. I hope you'll check it out.

Better than Sex???

Not too long ago, I received the nicest email from a woman, whom I've never met, who read my first novel, HIT AND RUN.

"WOW!!! It was great. Just as good as Mary Higgins Clark..Maybe even better."

This woman goes to church with Ruth, a lady I work with. She wanted an autographed copy of FOXFIRE. Sunday Ruth gave her the book and she hugged it to her chest and said "Better than sex."

Well, I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I do appreciate the great feedback! LOL!

The Story Continues...

Come on! I need some people to help me finish this story! Give it a surprise twist ending or something. We can't leave Kendra standing in the crowd forever. I've decided to keep this story going for another week. The contest is still open...and remember each time you post puts your name in the drawing one more time!

And be sure to tune in on Tuesday, when I'll have a special guest...interviewing me! Guaranteed to be a fun time.

Author Interview with Kassie Burns

Good morning, blog studio audience! I'm so glad you came out on the rainy day. Do you like my new curly do? Well, it's a combination of the new perm and the raindrops I couldn't manage to dodge running in from my car this morning.

I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Kassie Burns this morning. Please help me to welcome her into the studio.

**applause, applause**

**Kassie enters and hands Carol Ann a book**

CAROL ANN: Tell me about this book you brought with you.

KASSIE: When I signed on to the Internet this morning, there were stories everywhere about the impact of global warming and the harmful effects the actions (or inactions) of the human race are having on planet Earth, where we all make our home.

What if Mother Earth got mad at us and decided to strike back? As wacky as it may sound to some, there are those who believe that the planet has a consciousness of its own. And strangely enough, the concept is supported by recent discoveries in physics.

Still, I'll readily admit I write fiction. And in my fictional erotic SF novel Disaster Earth, that's just what happens. When terrorists release a plague in New York City, Mother Earth loses her patience with the human race. As the disease spreads west toward Chicago, the Earth begins to strike back. First there's a series of devastating earthquakes and then the supervolcano in Yellowstone threatens to erupt.

Caught up in the disasters, Mercy Johnson and Noah McKnight decide to flee the city and head south toward a cabin on a lake where they will hole up and hope to survive. But on the way, they run into others struggling to stay alive--people who need their aid. Mercy can't fight her nature. She has to help. Little does she know that her good example may be the key to humanity's salvation.

For Noah has a secret. Abducted by aliens as a child, he's been trained to communicate with the planet, and now he's on Earth to observe and decide whether humanity is worthy of a second chance. His growing love for Mercy may just decide the question.

With life in the balance, desire runs hot. Love grows quickly, but will it withstand the tests of Disaster Earth and Noah’s stunning revelation?

CAROL ANN: Fantastic. Sounds like it has a little of everything in it, including romance. **wink** Romance is a word that has many meanings to people. Tell me what romance means to you.

KASSIE: To me, romance is all about the characters. It's the people in the book who make the romance matter. I like my characters strong and yet with a vulnerable side and something about themselves that they've never really understood or been able to cope with -- something that they will see in a new way through the eyes of the other person. I'm a great believer that two are stronger than one if they are open and honest with each other and help each other to grow. In my books, I generally throw a problem at them that forces them to grow. **laugh** But life has a way of doing that as well.

CAROL ANN: That is so true! **laugh** I like to ask personal questions of my guests, so don't be surprised. For the first personal question, are you a blue jeans or a skirt kind of woman?

KASSIE: Blue jeans strictly for me. The only time I ever wear a skirt is when it is required at some business function.

CAROL ANN: That would explain the skirt today, then. But this isn't really business, it's fun! I should have told you to come casual. **Carol Ann looks at her scrungy jeans and grimaces** Besides you are showing me up here. **laugh** Many of the authors I interview have a dedicated room just for their writing. Do you have a special place where you write?

KASSIE: Not really. I use my computer. I am just too impatient to write things out longhand and besides, I have trouble reading my own writing!

CAROL ANN: **laugh** I like to think it's because my brain is going faster than my hand can write. At least that's what I tell myself when I can't read my grocery list. Sometimes interruptions will make it difficult to remember what I've written too. How do you handle interruptions? Let's say you are "deep in the zone" with your latest manuscript when you are interrupted with the telephone ringing. What do you do?

KASSIE: I answer the phone. I know it's going to interrupt the flow, but on the other hand, if I don't answer it, I'll spend the rest of the night wondering who the heck it was. Besides, I'm a born dreamer and live mostly in my head so I have very little trouble getting back in the flow. I'm one of those people who can walk from one end of town to another and never see a thing because I'm somewhere else in my mind, building a fantasy world. Aliens dropping by Earth for a visit are a frequent theme of my novels, maybe because I sort of feel that way myself.

CAROL ANN: When you are building that fantasy world, are you a pantster or a plotter?

KASSIE: I'm a little of both and still trying to find the best way.

My first book was a pantster book. It took me years to write and I revised it totally several times. Then I decided to write a sequel and use an outline. To my unending amazement I wrote that book in about nine months. Wow! I decided outlines were definitely the way to go.

Unfortunately, they never worked so well for me after that. I think after living for years with the first book, the sequel was just in my head. After the second book, I tried working with outlines but invariably, I end up revising them somewhere along the way, sometimes quite a bit. It seems I just have to feel my way into the story and get to know the characters before the plot will really unfold for me.


CAROL ANN: Of all your published novels, which is your favorite and why?

KASSIE: Oh, gosh, that's like asking a mother who's her favorite child. I love them all, of course, for different reasons. But my latest is usually my favorite just because the characters and their struggles and growth are so fresh in my mind. I fall in love with my characters because I go through those struggles with them, cheering them on every step of the way. My latest novel is Sexual Rx from Loose Id. I love the tag line that someone at Loose Id thought up for me: "Who says laughter is the best medicine?"

CAROL ANN: Another personal question. You walk into a McDonald's for lunch. What do you order?

KASSIE: That depends on if I'm being good or bad. Lately I've been mostly good, so I'd have the oriental chicken salad, which actually is quite excellent. But when I'm bad, I'm very bad, as they say, and I have a double Big Mac with a milk shake and fries.

CAROL ANN: Who can make you laugh when you are down?

KASSIE: The man in my life. He's a big, bold Leo and I have to say he brings the sunshine to my days. He's always optimistic and upbeat, not to mention funloving. His motto is: "If I can't have fun, I'm leaving."


CAROL ANN: Hmmm. **Carol Ann winks at the audience** So maybe laughter really IS the best medicine after all. **laugh**

KASSIE: **laugh** You got me.

CAROL ANN: 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?

KASSIE: Are you kidding? I'm on the next plane out of here. Since this is a fantasy, I'll uplink to the World Wide Web via satellite and continue writing my erotic romances while sitting in the warm sun on a beach, digging my toes in the sand and enjoying a frosty beverage.


CAROL ANN: Sounds great. Mind if I come along. **grin** And finally, a question I ask all authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

KASSIE: I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword as the thoughts and ideas of people put on paper are powerful indeed. Unfortunately, what is written by the pen sometimes leads to the use of the sword. I could point to example after example throughout history, from people turning the writings of the Bible and the Koran and other religious books into war after war, to the writings of Marx and Lenin that resulted in generations of people suffering oppression and violence. The fact that what you write could be misinterpreted or misused makes writing an awesome responsibility, but when you write something truly worthwhile you can feel the same joy Keats felt when he completed one of his immortal poems: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

CAROL ANN: Kassie, thanks for being a guest in the studio today. I've enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you and your books and I'm sure the audience feels the same. How about it?

**audience claps loudly**

Here's where you can learn more about Kassie and her books:

Kassie's website

Publisher's website

And, blog studio, if you'd like to learn more about me, your blog studio hostess, be sure to stop back on Tuesday, when a very special guest will be interviewing yours truly!

Let's Write a Story!!

Okay, it's time for the "round robin" story! We'll do it a little different than usual. I'll start the story, then it's up to YOU to finish it. Let's see how far we can go by next Monday. All you have to do is read what the people before you have written and then CONTINUE the story! It'll be fun to see what twists and turns come about.

Anyone can participate. And everyone who participates will be entered in a drawing for a fun prize. I'll keep the story open through next Sunday, March 18th.

If you do not have a blogger account, you might not be able to post. I'm not sure. You can try to post a comment by choosing anonymous. Just be sure to add your name at the bottom of your comment, so I'll know who to add into the drawing!

You can participate as many times as you'd like during the week.

Okay, here's the story beginning. Have fun!

***************************
Kendra Jackson took a deep breath before walking into the hotel ballroom to face her high school classmates from twenty years ago. She scanned the room looking for one person─Jim Chandler. Gazes turned her way, but she ignored them, as she floated across the room in her full-skirted black dress and Saks Fifth Avenue heels. Not a single person would know the truth─that she'd made her own dress and "borrowed" the shoes. She had a mission to accomplish, and she wanted to do it in style. In high school, she'd been the poor girl from the wrong side of town, the one most everyone shunned. Except Jim.

A few moments later, she spotted him sitting at a table with the other football jocks, cheerleaders, and spouses. Lifting her chin a bit higher, she steeled herself before taking the last few steps to invade their party. The conversation stilled. Ten pairs of eyes looked questioningly at her. Of course they didn’t recognize her. That was her intent. She forced a smile, hoping it looked sincere.

"Hello, Jim." She saw the moment he recognized her. The puzzled look gave way to a frown, then a huge grin.

Author Interview with Tarah Scott

Good morning, Blog Studio Audience. Can you believe our luck in getting an interview with author Tarah Scott on a Saturday? I’m so delighted that she agreed to join us and share information about the exciting new series, The Legend of the Celtic Brooch, which is being released by The Wild Rose Press! Now if you put your hands together to give her a nice round of applause, I’m sure we can entice her onto the stage.

**applause, applause**

**Carol Ann and Tarah hug.**

CAROL ANN: Tarah, I’m so very pleased to have you join me here today. The audience has been eagerly awaiting this opportunity.

TARAH: Thank you, everyone for the warm welcome. It’s my pleasure to be here with you.

**Both ladies sit in the chairs on stage**

CAROL ANN: I’m so excited about this new series. For those who don’t know, both Tarah and I are published authors with The Wild Rose Press. There has been some publicity for the series, but many of us know very little. Will you please tell us more?

TARAH: I’d love to. The Legacy of the Celtic Brooch series is a collection of thirteen novellas written by one author from each of The Wild Rose Press’ different lines. The one constant is an ancient Celtic brooch that we first pick up in medieval Scotland and which comes full circle in the Faery Rose paranormal line.

CAROL ANN: Sounds very intriguing, and how appropriate to end the series with the Faery Rose line! I can’t wait to read the series. Tarah, your book is the first in the series and is available now. Will you share a bit about it and what inspired you to write the story?

TARAH: When The Wild Rose Press asked me to write Book One in the Legacy of the Brooch series, I took a cue from Lord of the Rings where a small gold ring bound together a group of very different characters and inspired them to attempt the impossible. In The Pendulum, the appearance of a mysterious Celtic brooch forces Lady Airin Keith down a path where denial is not an option. She is bound to a man who challenges her fears and insecurities, and they are brought full circle by her past. In the end, the brooch takes on a meaning far more personal than she could have imagined.

**Tarah holds up the book for all to see**

CAROL ANN: Oh, how cool! I’m in awe of anyone who can write historicals. And I know from reading other publications by you, that it’s got to be wonderful. **Carol Ann crosses her legs and leans forward** Please tell the audience a bit about the publisher of the series, The Wild Rose Press.

TARAH: The Wild Rose Press is both a print and e-publisher. They publish everything from sweet romance to hot erotica, in all lengths.

CAROL ANN: And they are a very fast growing publisher! When I received my first contract in May of 2006, I believe there were only around 30 authors and only two books in the store! Now there are well over 130 authors and books galore in all the lines. Tell me again how many other books will be in the series?

TARAH: There will be 12 other books in the series. The next release is Freedom’s Touch by Sarita Leone from the American Rose line. Check out the blog to learn more about the brooch finding its way into the Civil War.

CAROL ANN: That’s right! You have a blog just for this series. Who is participating and what can we expect to see there?

TARAH: The authors of the Legacy of the Brooch series are participating—along with many readers, we hope! You can expect to see anything that relates to the series. Blurbs, excerpts, covers, book trailers, events where the authors will be appearing. We hope for reader questions and comments. All this and more! Feel free to come by and get to know more about us and the Legacy of the Celtic Brooch series. Link

CAROL ANN: Thanks for sharing that! Everything The Wild Rose Press publishes is romance. Tell me, what is your definition of the word romance?

TARAH: **laughs** That is a good question. There is nothing like that first spark of attraction. Once we feel those butterflies in our stomachs, even the more hardened skeptic begins to crumble. That’s where the fun begins, but the dance is far from over. Romance is the journey of two people in love. Whether you are old or young, in the beginnings of a relationship or rekindling a long standing love, romance is looking at that other person and thanking God you didn’t miss meeting them.

CAROL ANN: Great answer. Now to put you on the spot—if you were commissioned to write a book about your life, what would it be titled?

TARAH: Now this is too funny. I think it would be Ripley’s Believe It Or Not True Life Stories. Either that or There Go the Clowns.

CAROL ANN: **laughs** I won’t even ask you to tell me why! Another off the wall question: if you could live in any time period, whether in the future or in the past, what would you choose and why?

TARAH: **purses her lips** Hmmm, tough question. Who wouldn’t love to visit the past? But I must admit I’d have trouble with being a second class citizen because of my gender. Of course, I’d likely make a big stink about it, and set the Women’s Rights Movement in motion years before its time! I would love to visit a hundred years into the future, on the contingency that, if things aren’t what they should be, my memory would be wiped clean. **hearty laugh** Chances are, my request would be denied, but it never hurts to ask.

CAROL ANN: **laugh** So true! Oh, drat, it looks like our time is running short. One more quick question before we go off the air…do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

TARAH: Yes, I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. One man, with one sword can kill a few men, an army can kill perhaps thousands, but one person with a single pen can bring down an empire. A few wield swords, but everyone reads.

CAROL ANN: Tarah, once again, thank you for stopping by. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you. I wish you much success with your novella, and with the entire series. Before you leave, please share your website link and the link where we can purchase THE PENDULUM.

TARAH: Thank you, Carol Ann. It’s been fun. My website link. And The Wild Rose Press link.

**applause, applause. Carol Ann and Tarah leave the stage and the curtain come down.**

Booksigning Event to Benefit Battered Women

I will be at the Readers and Writers Get Together on June 2. The event is being coordinated by Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, and Linda Keller. A portion of the Book Fair proceeds will benefit the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter.

Since I was in an abusive marriage, this is a cause very dear to my heart. The booksigning will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The event will be in the Cincinnati Marriott North in West Chester, Ohio.

If you live in or near the area, I'd sure appreciate you stopping by and purchasing a book or two from the many wonderful published authors who will participate. And, I'd sure love to meet you at my table! I'll have some free goodies for everyone who stops by to say hello.

Author Interview with Kelley Heckart

Good morning, Blog Studio!! Happy Thursday everyone! Before I introduce today’s author guest, I have a brief news flash. Be sure to stop back on Monday, when I’ll be starting a round robin story. I’m looking for you to add to it! Just read what has been posted by others before you and continue the story. It doesn’t have to be a lot…just a few lines, a paragraph or however much you’d like to add. It will be fun to see the twists and turn the story takes. When it’s all completed, I’ll post it on my website giving credit to all the contributors! You don’t have to be an author to participate. Tell your friends about it, too.


**applause** Carol Ann takes a brief bow and walks toward the two chairs in the blog studio.**
And now, without further ado, I’d like to bring out a very special person! She’s an author and previously played bass in a hard rock band. Please put your hands together to welcome…KELLY HECKART!


**applause, applause** Kelley enters the room carrying a copy of her novel, OF WATER AND DRAGONS.



CAROL ANN: Good morning, Kelley. Thank you for coming by today. **Carol Ann takes the book that Kelley hands her and looks at the cover.** Awesome cover. I’d buy the book just for the cover. Tell me, what was your inspiration for OF WATER AND DRAGONS?

KELLEY: This story was originally a short story. At the encouragement of my Creative Writing teacher, I turned it into a novel. I have always been fascinated with ancient history and mythology, especially Celtic mythology so I incorporated that into this story.

CAROL ANN: I was perusing your website and read your autobiography. Very interesting. You’ve had some struggles, but channeled them into positive change. Please share a little of your autobiography, your struggles with arthritis, and how you've come to reach the path your are now on.

KELLEY: It has been a strange trip for me because my original love was music. I played bass in a hard rock band for years and I thought that music would be my calling. Music did and still does play a huge part in my writing. Writing songs and lyrics gave me my first experience in writing and now music inspires me to write. Having a chronic condition changed the way I viewed my life. The reality was I had to slow down a bit. Playing in a rock band and staying out all night at gigs did not help my condition. Writing still gives me a chance to be creative without being too hard on my body.

CAROL ANN: If you were commissioned to write a book about your life, what would the title be? Why?

KELLEY: Strange Trip or Crazy Train. For some of the reasons I mentioned above and I have done a lot of cool and crazy things in my life. I have met some famous people (rock stars) and also some strangely cool people. At book signings, I still get to meet all kinds of people. My life has not been boring, that’s for sure.

CAROL ANN: You also design crosses out of driftwood and sell them on E-Bay. How did you come up with the idea?

KELLEY: This came about because I have always collected shells, driftwood and rocks. I also love the symbol of the cross, which is an ancient symbol. My mother was seriously ill and in the hospital and I made her a cross out of these things to keep by her bed. She recovered and I continued to make them. My designs have evolved over the years.

CAROL ANN: I love them. Here’s a question I ask all authors. What is your definition of the word romance?

KELLEY: Love, adventure, longing and sexual tension. I think all of these elements make up romance.

CAROL ANN: What is your all time favorite movie? What about the movie makes it so special?

KELLEY: This is a difficult question to answer because I have so many favorites. I think I am going to pick Braveheart because this movie combined a lot of elements I like—love, adventure, ancient warfare and fiercely proud warriors and a brave queen.

CAROL ANN: What writing project are you currently working on? Can we expect to see it soon?

KELLEY: I have two books coming out this year in September and November. RavenWolf is the sequel to Of Water and Dragons and White Rose of Avalon is a re-telling of the Arthurian romances set during the fall of Avalon. I also finished book one of a trilogy set in early medieval Scotland. In between all of this, I am working on a prequel to Of Water and Dragons and RavenWolf set in ancient Greece, Britain and Ireland. I am still doing research for this one.

CAROL ANN: When you are feeling down, who can change your mood and make your smile?

KELLEY: My husband. He is my rock and is very supportive. I also have to say my dogs make me smile with their antics.

CAROL ANN: If you could live in any time period, whether in the future or in the past, what would you choose and why?

KELLEY: I write about and am fascinated with the past, but the truth is I don’t think I could have survived living in those harsh conditions. However, I think people adapt to their environment. I think the time period I would have liked would be the Neolithic period before northern invaders arrived. According to archaeology, this was actually a peaceful and superior society.

CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

KELLEY: In some ways, I do believe that words have more effect. More people will see the written words. Look at how the media has control over what people think.

CAROL ANN: Kelley, it has been a pleasure having you in the Blog Studio today. Thank you so much for letting us get to know you. You truly are an inspiration.

**Carol Ann turns to the audience** To learn more about Kelley and her books, please visit her website.

Thanks everyone and be sure to stop back on Monday for the round robin story!

Blogging Fun!!!

So, instead of having this "silent" blog where I talk to a vast entity, staring at my drapes and wondering who is "listening", I've decided to have a fun story round robin. Here's how it will work.

On Monday, I'll post the beginning to a "story". Everyone is welcome to then add their part on the blog in the comments. Just make sure you read the blogs ahead of you so you can "continue" the storyline. It will be fun to see what twists and turns will develop!

Hope you'll stop by and join in the fun!!

Chat with the Doctor

Wednesday night the doctor called with the results of my blood tests. So, he says my blood sugar is high--meaning I'm prediabetic on the charts. Well, diggity dog. I've been reading the results of my lab tests for three years and wondering why he didn't say one word about the blood sugar being in the "danger" zone. At that same time I went to him and told him how terrible I felt. I was tired all the time, had no energy at all, and I was gaining weight and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't lose it. He put me through a bunch of expensive tests, heart, gall bladder, colonoscopy and then told me everything was normal. But, I still felt the same. Now he wants me to go have a 2 hour blood test. Not going to do that.

Instead, I purchased a book called THE SUGAR SOLUTION. In reading it, I find that all my symptoms are clearly described as a result of having high blood sugar. So, I'm following that diet and exercising more. I feel better already. Maybe because I decided to take control of my own health issue. I'm sure if I go have the 2 hour test, the next thing will be for him to medicate me.

I hate taking medicine, so I'm going to get this under control with diet and exercise. Then in six months we'll see how the blood test turns out. Sometimes you just have to diagnose yourself.

Author Interview with Teel James Glenn

The curtain opens and a male voice announces "And now, please welcome to the Blogging Studio, our one and only...Carol Ann Erhardt!"

****Applause, applause****

Carol Ann enters, bows, and smile at the audience.

"Good morning! Thank you for coming today. Behind me on the screen you can see a bookcover from the multi-talented author I'm going to interview today. He is not only an author, but also an actor, artist, swordsman, stuntman, and fight choreographer! It's going to be a fun day in the studio.


So please put your hands together and welcome my guest, Teel James Glenn!"

**applause, applause**

Teel enters wearing black pants, well...take a peek! Sorry, his face will have to remain a mystery...well after all that's what his novel, KNIGHT ERRANT, is all about.




CAROL ANN: How do you prefer that I address you?Teel, Teel James, T.J.?

TEEL: I answer to anything but late for dinner(Iknow--ugh!) but seriously folks, I have been using the long version of my name(it is not even my full name--I am a very name heavy Celt) because there are a number of TJ Glenns out there in acting and writing and I have never met another Teel. In person I'm always TJ to my friends...

CAROL ANN: Great, then you won't mind me addressing you as TJ today, I hope. I was browsing your home page which is titled The Urban Swashbuckler. Will you share the story behind this?

TJ: I did a series of vidoes about sword fighting and someone called me that and it stuck as a sort of professional nickname..I have to title something USB some day I suppose to protect copyright(lol)

CAROL ANN: As I've told the audience already, you have a varied background of being an actor,artist, author, poet, swordsman, stuntman and fight choreographer. Which is your favorite and why?

TJ: **chuckle** Whatever I'm doing at that moment--sorry it sounds trite but it is true. I love all aspects of storytelling and to me all of those activities come under that umbrella--though as I get older it is a hell of a lot less stressful to recite a poem than leap over a railing with a sword in hand and snatch a maiden from the hero....

CAROL ANN: Oh, but what a romantic picture that paints! **Carol Ann fans herself** I'm interested in hearing more about your book "Them's Fightin' Words" which as I understand it is a book for writers on how to write fight scenes. Will you share more about this book?

TJ: I have some short posts on my website but basically, I took all I knew about all that I did and synthesized it. Even when my work was being rejected, for years, the rejection note always said something like "loved the fight" or "great action scene" in it. Eventually my publisher at ePress-online and my editor Joan said "write a book about it" and--well magically a year and a half later (and much sweating, cursing and cajoling from Joan) the book was done.

CAROL ANN: Sounds like something everyone needs to add to their writing craft books. I understand that you've been involved in many Renaissance Faires. From my experience in visiting these, the actors must be authentic in both costume and voice. Does this come natural to you? Do you ever find yourself carrying this personage into your personal life?

TJ: There is so little difference between my ren persona and my real life and wardrobe that I wonder if they are coming to make me away soon. I am shy in real life so I have often 'put on' my ren persona as armor in dealing with people or when I am teaching...

CAROL ANN: **looks over the ren costume TJ is wearing** So, I can assume that's why you've chosen to come in full costume today.

TJ: **grins**

CAROL ANN: Where do you like to hang out when you are looking for some R&R?

TJ: I watch a lot of old tv shows(westerns and detective mostly) and have a large collection of swashbuckler. I won't say I have all sound era swashbuckler films--but I am damn close and trying all the time!

CAROL ANN: Describe your interpretation of the word romance.

TJ: Love. Poetry. A smile that makes the day bright. From the right person.

CAROL ANN: What do you like to read? Do you have any favorite authors?

TJ: Like most writers I don't read enough--I have the Sophie's choice of read today or write some more. I like biographies of authors and lots of martial arts and history books. But for fiction-Lester Dent. Robert E. Howard, Dashiell Hammet, Robert Parker, E.R. Burroughs are all old favorites that I 'run' to for comfort reading.

CAROL ANN: If you inherited an uninhabited island in the Caribbean, what would you do with it--sell it or live on it? Why?

TJ: Wow--what a great variation on the old question. Probably sell it so I could buy a place in Scotland. Paradise is so boring, I much prefer the heather and the mist....

CAROL ANN: What is your favorite comfort food?

TJ: Breyer's Vanilla Fudge Twirl ice cream. So much so that when my detective hero Eric Knight does the usual detective monologue about the booze he drinks I substituted a monologue on Breyer's....

CAROL ANN: Oh, how unique! Tell us a little about your mystery novel, KNIGHT ERRANT.

TJ: I'd love to.

Knight Errant :Death and life at the Faire
Author Teel James Glenn
Published by ePress-Online
Edited by Joan McNulty-Pulver
Genre:Mystery/thriller
Isbn#: 097722454144
Pages$5.oo e book
$14.99 trade paperback

Medieval murder, renaissance mystery and chivalrous romance in the twenty first century! A very personal story of Love, friendship, betrayal and death. And most of it really happened to me (more or less). The very first mystery novel set at a modern day renaissance faire. The story follows Eric Knight, professional fight choreographer and jouster as he tries to solve the cold blooded murder of his best friend while trying to create and perform a season of make believe medieval mayhem. For the first time in print the behind the scenes of the renaissance faire world is revealed, the humor, the camaraderie, the jealousy and the lustful, adventurous lives of the 'rennies' are laid bare.

CAROL ANN: Wow! Sounds like a great book. I will have to check it out. Please share your website links where readers can learn more about you and your books.

TJ: My primitive website is at www.theurbanswashbuckler.com. I update it regularly but confess I have little comptuer skills. My books are on fictionwise.com and at virtualtales.com.
Also, you can find all my works at ePress-Online.com.

CAROL ANN: And finally, a question I ask all authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

TJ: The pen. Not in the short term, violence is always theshort term winner, but ideas and even stories survive all the conquerers and killers and are the thread that holds mankind's head above the bloodbath.


CAROL ANN: TJ, thank you for joining me in the studio today. It has been a real blast sitting here talking to you. I wish you well in your endeavors, and I encourage all my readers to check out your websites.

TJ: I want to thank you again for the opportunity to promote my stuff--I'm sure you know it is the hardest part of this business--I think it is harder to write promos than novels and harder still to find a place to get the word out without brick and morter budgets.


CAROL ANN: You're very welcome, TJ. Now, how about we head over to the store and buy some Breyer's Vanilla Fudge Twirl?

Passionate Pampering

Marketing, marketing, marketing. Selling books is all about marketing oneself.

So...question for all my readers. If you heard about the following would you be intrigued/interested enough to attend the function? (I've left the date and location off purposely)

PASSIONATE PAMPERING

JUST FOR WOMEN

Join Carol Ann Erhardt, Romance Novelist

and

Traci Jordan & Julie Strickland,

Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants

For a free day of indulgence just for you!!

Surround yourself in our relaxing ambience

and get away from daily pressures and stress.

Enter your name in a drawing to win the grand prize of:

a free fresh bouquet,

a free autographed romance novel,

and a free Mary Kay basic starter kit!

Experience a foot spa experience

Enjoy a warm romance reading

Pamper your skin with a free facial

Chat with local author, Carol Ann Erhardt

All for free!!

Door Prizes!!!

Autographed bookmarks

Jeweled bookmarks

Food and Drinks

Fun and Laughter

Brand New Book Cover!!

I'm excited. I just received my new book cover for THE FADED PHOTOGRAPH!!! No release date yet, but should be soon. I'm waiting on galleys to proof. This is a sweet romance and one I loved to write.

Here's the blurb:

Widower James Carter is about to become a grandfather at the young age of forty-nine. And he’s not ready. A faded photograph, kept hidden in his wallet over the years, brings memories of his first love. What has happened to her? Does she ever think of him? Does she remember the dreams they once shared?

With a determination to move out of his lonely existence, he embarks on a journey to fulfill lost dreams and find the woman in the faded photograph.

And an Excerpt:

The ringing telephone awoke James from his dream. Clutching a faded photograph, he made his way to the kitchen. His heart lifted when he recognized the caller ID.

“Margie! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Their only child, now twenty-two, lived with her husband, John, in California. Lately she had been urging him to sell the house and move to California. He couldn’t imagine moving anywhere. He enjoyed Chicago with its distinct changes in weather, from brilliant sun in the summer that kissed Lake Michigan to the brutal winds and snows of January.

“Dad, I have wonderful news!”

Lord, she sounded so much like her mother. “I could use some, hon.”

“Are you ready? Are you sitting down?”

He laughed. “Tell me.”

“I’m pregnant!”

His baby was going to have a baby? It seemed like only yesterday he’d changed her diapers. Wait. That meant he was going to be...a grandfather?

“Did you hear me, Dad? Isn’t it wonderful?”

He sank onto the kitchen chair. Margie was too young to be having a child. He was too young to be called Papaw. Maybe he had a few streaks of silver beside his temples, but that didn’t make him old. Only old men became grandpas.

Monday - A Day in My Life

I dislike Mondays! It's the first day back to work after a two day weekend. The weather today--cloudy, cold, and depressing.

You think a writer's life might be exciting? Here's my day in review.

5am - alarm rings. Wake up hubby. Cover head and go back to sleep.
5:30am - hubby kisses me goodbye. I get out of bed.
6:00am - dripping from shower.
6:20am - huffing and puffing on the elliptical machine.
6:45am - eat a bowl of mini shredded wheat - no sweener added.
7:00am - blow dry hair upside down.
7:15am - dress with hair looking like a lion with static electricity.
7:30am - slap on makeup
8:00am - clock in at work.
10:00am - take break and watch coworkers eat mandarin orange cake while I drool because I gave up sweets for lent.
12:30pm - clock out for lunch. Take car through car wash to remove salt from the latest snow and muddy footprints from the 14 feral cats.
1:30pm clock in to work.
3:00pm - watch co-workers read paper on break.
5:00pm - clock out and head for home! Woo hoo!
5:30pm - tell hubby about two hour author chat I must attend while he heats up chili for our dinner.
6:00pm - post first email to reader loop and listen to hubby snoring.
8:00pm - hubby rises from bed and asks if I'm ready to eat.
8:01pm - answer telephone and talk to my mother.
8:15pm - eat chili and wathc the rest of Deal or No Deal
9:00pm - watch The Nanny while monitoring the email group and responding.
10:00pm - rub stinky muscle rub on hubby's back and kiss him goodnight.
10:15pm - delete deluge of emails from all my loops
10:30pm - get code for stat tracker and install on website and blog
10:45pm - write stupid nonsensical blog about my nonproductive day.

Total writing completed - the heading "Chapter Three" of Beautiful Deception

Good night!!

Everyone is Invited to a Grand Opening!!!

You are invited to join The Wild Rose Press Authors on Monday February 26, 2007 for the Grand Opening of our Readers Loop!

Come join in the fun!!

Wild Rose Press authors will be posting blurbs, excerpts, covers, and talking about their characters.

The Wild Rose Press will be donating prizes. Book thongs, rose soaps, gift certificates and percentage off coupons. Everyone who participates is eligible to win.

I'll be popping in from 6pm to 8pm EST with a very special contest. I promise we'll have fun and you'll get to meet and chat with some characters of my novels.

Hope to see you there! You'll have to join the yahoo group to participate.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWildRosePress/

Okay, I'm Officially Senile

I'm officially declaring myself senile. I can't even remember what day of the week it is! Maybe it was having that day off last week because of the weather that threw me off...or maybe I'm just getting senile. Forgetful. Or maybe I'm trying to juggle too many balls at once!

Maybe I shouldn't even be telling on myself, but if I didn't then my mistaken mixed up days wouldn't be half as funny!

You did notice, didn't you? Yep, today is Thursday and I'm posting this ridiculous blog because...

I POSTED THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW ON WEDNESDAY INSTEAD OF TODAY!!!

Go ahead, laugh. I have been. If you haven't yet read the interview with author Kim Baccellia, please do so. She's a very interesting woman and a talented Young Adult fiction writer.

Til tomorrow...unless I forget. LOL!!!