Old Yearbooks...

make for fun reading! When I went to high school we had limited funds and a yearbook expense was usually out of the question. Thanks to babysitting money, I was able to purchase my Freshman and Senior high school yearbooks. A couple of days ago, I brought them out of storage to look for pictures of a couple friends (story on that follows). Oh, the wealth of reading material I found inside. Like this one:

Remember the boy in the country,

Remember the boy in the town,

Remember the boy who spoiled your book

By writing upside down.

And this one from one of the friends whose picture I had looked up:

A very sweet, generous, cute, loveable, adorable,

kind, considerate, ambitious, studious,

smart, understanding, wise,

small little girl.

Those were signatures in my Freshman book. These are gems from my senior book:

Lots of luck to a nice girl who doesn't drink,

but goes out with too many boys.

(And this one wasn't signed!)

How about:

Remember our Government class, and lots

of luck in the future.

(Now I don't know about you, but I don't

remember one thing about that government class!)

And this one:

To the smartest girl in our Calculus class!

Oh, I have had so much fun! Why did I look up pictures? Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, we drove to southern Illinois to visit my mother. When I heard that one of my old friends was the pastor at the church I attended way back when...and that he was married to another of my friends, I had to look up their pictures to see what they looked like back then. If I had looked at them before the trip, I still wouldn't have recognized the bearded man who greeted us as we entered the church, nor his wife, my friend also. She and her cousin and I were baptized at the same time on Mother's Day, May 12 (a long time ago). LOL

It was fun meeting them again, and we now have email addresses so we can get caught up and keep in touch.

Now I'll go pack the yearbooks up for a few more years. This has inspired a story that is spinning in my head

Oh, and I'm still on goal with Joshua's Hope. Only 76 pages to go! I've been averaging 10 or more pages a day.

Reviews and More

Today, The Romance Studio posted a review for Hit and Run giving it four and a half hearts!! I had decided they weren't going to review my book since I'd sent it to them last September. One never knows when a review might pop up.

Read the Review

If you are a writer and spend lots of time googling your name to see if there are any new reviews, have you checked out the new alert function? All you need to do is put in your search words and give them your email and you'll receive email alerts whenever new stuff is posted.

Link is Here

Tomorrow morning we're heading off to southern Illinois to visit with my mother. It's a very long and boring drive. I'm hoping hubby will drive at least to Indianapolis so I can get some writing done. The only thing is, he loves to talk and that distracts me. Or, when he isn't talking, he's playing CD's very LOUDLY that grate on my nerves. I'm on the home stretch for Joshua's Hope and have a very good feeling that I should be finished before June17th. That's my personal goal date.

See you all next week! For those in the U.S., have a very safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Television Inspires This Writer

I'm depressed because Survivor has ended. It's one of the shows I love to watch. If you've never seen it, I suggest you tune in next time. Why do I love it?

It's a wonderful source of writing material. The characters I've watched have given me inspiration for characters in my novels. It's fun to see how these survivors personalities evolve and sometimes clash. Greed, depression, homesickness, hunger, and survival take their toll. The scenery is breathtaking. All previous series have taken place somewhere in tropical island settings like Fiji. The next suvivor series will take place in China. I can't wait! Maybe my next novel will take place in China.

Do you have a television show that inspires your writing in some way? I'd love to hear about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thought I'd share an excerpt from romantic suspense novel HIT AND RUN.

Setup: Beth and Ryan return from dinner unaware that Keith has broken into the house and is hiding in Beth's closet.

Keith heard them walking through the rooms downstairs, talking and laughing. He wished the cop would leave. He really needed to get out of the closet. The dark brought too many unpleasant memories. His hands sweated inside the gloves.

He wiped the perspiration dripping into his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. He began to shake. Monsters lived in here, deep in the corners, waiting to grab him.

He took a deep breath. The key to dispelling the nightmare was to keep breathing. In. Out. There were no monsters. They had no power over him. Not any longer.

He leaned forward and slid the dooropen a crack and took a breath of fresh air. He wasn't trapped. He could get out of the closet whenever he wanted. It wasn't like before.

****
Beth said goodbye to Ryan at the front door.

He pulled her close and kissed her, then stepped back and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Good night, Beth."

"Good night," she whispered.

"Set the alarm after I leave."

"Yes, sir."

He ran his finger across her bottom lip, smiled into her eyes, and left.

Beth locked the door and set the alarm.

She called, but Charlie wouldn't follow her upstairs. She'd hoped the cat would sleep with her, but Charlie seemed to have her own agenda.

Beth went into the bathroom and left the door ajar. Reaching into the tub, she turned on the water and adjusted the settings to a comfortable temperature. Steam rose around her as she soaped her body and massaged her scalp with the lightly scented shampoo.

****
Keith slid the closet door open. Light poured into the room from the hallway. He grinned when he heard the shower running. He stepped out and peered throughthe bathroom door, which she'd left ajar. Her body moved behind the shower curtain, and he grew hard thinking how he would soon be touching her soft, scented warmth.

He stepped into her bedroom and looked around. He picked up her bra and ran the silk and lace through his fingers, feeling his body respond.

The water shut off.

He dropped the bra back on the bed and eased down to the floor. He slithered under the bed, adjusting the dust ruffle to hide his presence.

He throbbed with anticipation. She'd be frightened, she might try to scream, but he'd close off her mouth with his. He'd plunge his tongue deep into her throat, and then bury himself in her womanly folds. When he was through with her, he'd make her beg for mercy. Make her apologize for taking Jilly from him. She'd pay. This was the night he'd been waiting for.

Hurry, Bethie, I'm waiting for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HIT AND RUN: ISBN 1-60154-010-8
Available at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.
Read the first chapters of Hit and Run and Foxfire on my website.

Prescription for Writers

Prescription for Writers
© Carol Ann Erhardt, 5-16-2007

Doctor, I have a problem
With words I have a way,
But more and more I find myself
Not writing every day.

Can you prescribe a magic pill
To cure this writer's pain?
Something that will free my mind
And help me write again?

The doctor scribbled on a pad
Then handed this to me,
"If you choose to be a writer
Then that is what you'll be."

"Sit your butt upon a chair
And grab a writing pad,
Place the pen upon its page
Write something, good or bad."

"Follow an ageless author's rule
Write one word at a time."
And soon my words were flowing
In this silly little rhyme.

I've always loved writing silly poems. Here's one I wrote a few years ago in response to a challenge to write an "uplifting" poem...

Betty Baker's Bra
© Carol Ann Erhardt

Betty Baker at eighty-one,
Bought a Wonder Bra, just for fun.

She pushed and pulled to stuff them in,
Mounds of cleavage, oh joyous sin!

She pranced and posed in nervous glee,
Alone in her room at half past three.

To show her stuff at dinner time,
A low cut blouse would let her shine.

She scissored and sewed a sensuous top,
Had a shot of Tequila, then combed her mop.

She weaved her way through the dining hall,
Of the old folks home. Oh, what a ball!

Freddie Foster fell out of his chair,
Benjamin Johnson lost his hair.

Harriet Jones turned an envious green,
Bobby Tucker choked on a bean.

Then lo and behold that bra let go,
And poor Betty's cleavage dropped so low.

She toppled over in a dish of stew,
Where she lay until her face turned blue.

Adam Cook lost his feeding tube,
When Homer Trout ran over her boob.

Now they say that place hasn't been the same
Since Betty Baker had her moment of fame.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My mind seems to run in strange directions sometimes. Like tonight when I didn't receive the responses from the author who was supposed to be interviewed on my blog tomorrow. **sigh** Sometimes I wonder if my email address is falling into everyone's spam folder.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Teapot or Peepot

I just had to share this hilarious "Mom" story with you all. Some time ago I bought my granddaughter a Disney Princess Tea Set. The teapot plays music when you tip it to pour.

My daughter has four children, two boys and two girls. Ciara, six, was playing with Haleigh, 2. They were playing tea party, and Shea the 3-year old kept taking the teapot away from them. After repeated warnings, Shea didn't stop. Amid little girl screams, he snatched the teapot and ran upstairs. Traci, daughter, yelled at him to bring it back, but he ignored her. Finally, she went after him and found him in the bathroom, with his pants down, and pouring some liquid into the toilet. Yep, he'd peed in the teapot!

Now Shea is this rotten and way too cute kid with white blond hair and big blue eyes, and the most incredible dimples you ever saw. Ciara is skinny as a rail and tall with long blonde hair.

Picture this:

Ciara ran upstairs, saw what happened and raised both arms in the air exclaiming, "Yuck! I am not playing with that anymore!" Her little slinky neck began to go back and forth as she spun on her heels and marched downstairs. "Nope. I am not touching it! She was so disgusted.

Traci, trying to suppress her laughter, looked at Shea and said, "You are rotten." With dimpled stinkerish grin, he agreed, "Yeah, sometimes."

I haven't stopped laughing yet. Here are pics of the kids. This was taken two years ago, when Haleigh was a baby and little Aidan (now ten months) wasn't born.

Do you have any Mom stories you'd like to share?

Eye of the Storm

Just sent off my short story in response to a request for the manuscript. Eye of the Storm is the story of Abigail Delaney Massey, a woman combatting the fear of cancer after undergoing a mastectomy. She's left her husband, her family, and her faith, and is hiding from her feelings in a house that's belonged to the Delaney women for generations. Deathly afraid of storms, she is about to face one of paramount force. But the storm is not only raging outside, but also within her. As the battle rages, she reaches out to God and receives an answer to her prayer.

Also had a productive writing day. It felt good to finish eight pages of my novel, Joshua's Hope. I'm really anxious to finish. If I can continue at this pace it should be complete in another four weeks or so.

Wish me luck for Eye of the Storm!

Goals

Last year I accomplished all my writing goals and it felt so great! This year I set my goals as:

Write two full length manuscripts, write four short stories. Read entire Bible. Exercise and get healthy.

Mid-year checkup:

Finished two short stories. One is published, the second has been requested by editor. (on track)
1/3 way through first full-length. (Need to step up work on this)
On track with Bible reading.
Exercise - no good. Every time I try to start a regime, I have a major health setback. Looks like this is the one goal that may not pan out this year.

So, do any of you set goals? Have you stopped to do a check-up?

Special Offer...Read a Good E-Book Lately?

In celebration of the warm weather here in Central Ohio, I have a great opportunity for you. Currently I have two full length novels and three short stories published, along with a short story in an anthology with The Wild Rose Press. All of this was accomplished in less than one year. I'm so happy and proud, and feeling chipper with the warmth of the sun, so I'm feeling generous.

I'd love to get new readers to try an e-book. I've been reading e-books for several years now and I love them. My house was becoming overcrowded with print books and I honestly couldn't find another spot to store another one when I decided to try the e-book route. What a wonderful treat! I could carry a book on a very small device in my pocket and read it whenever I wanted. At lunch, waiting in doctor and dentist offices, waiting for a long copy job to finish, in bed, and in all the same places I'd read a print book. The ereader takes up very little room and can store up to 80 books! I always have something new to choose from and can carry as many books as I want without loading down a suitcase when I travel. Yes, I love e-books.

I want you to love them, too. If you are reading this, you have a computer. If you have a computer, you can read an ebook. The most common download is in a .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format. The ebook looks like a standard book, with all the same copyright pages, etc. The difference is...you click a mouse to turn the page. You can bookmark your place at any time, too. And you don't have to purchase any device to read an ebook (unless you want the portability like I have).

Ebooks are less expensive than print books. For instance, you can purchase a full length novel from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, for $5.00. That is a considerable savings over the print version. Short stories can be downloaded from as low as $1.50.

Go now to http://www.thewildrosepress.com and look at all the choices. There are multiple lines to choose from, though all are romance. You can choose inspirational, contemporary, suspense, paranormal, western, vintage, historical...and much, much more.

Here's the deal. If you purchase one of my full length novels in the suspense line: Foxfire or Hit and Run and show me proof of purchase, I will send you free of charge any short story of your choice (any author) FREE!!!

How can you go wrong? It's my way of asking you to join in the wonderful evolution of books. E-books are the perfect choice of reading material and are going to continue sweeping the nation.

Don't delay. Head over the The Wild Rose Press now and make your choice. Send your proof to me via email. You will find a form to contact me here. Just click the Email Me link.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Apology: Was supposed to have two author interviews besides the one for Sarita Leone this week, but neither author responded to my emails, so I apologize to the blog audience who might have been looking for them.

Author Interview with Sarita Leone

Good morning, Blog Studio Friends! I believe that spring and warm weather is finally here to stay! Woo hoo!! I love the sunshine. It has perked me up sooooo much and I actually slept last night pain free. Today I walked much better as well. I'm definitely on the mend.



This is going to be a special week with extra interviews to compensate for my being out ill. Today we have a very special guest. She is a fellow author with my publisher, THE WILD ROSE PRESS. Several months ago, a new series was launched...the Celtic Brooch series. But I won't spoil the interview. Instead, if you'll put your hands together to welcome Sarita Leone, I'll let her tell you all about it!



**audience claps and hollers**



**Sarita steps out from between the maroon curtains wearing a beautiful navy blue dress with rhinestones around the plunging neckline. **



CAROL ANN: Sarita, welcome! You look stunning today as always.



SARITA: Thank you! I'm so happy to be here.



CAROL ANN: And I see you brought a copy of your book. Audience, isn't it beautiful?



**Camera pans in**





CAROL ANN: Please tell me about your book.

SARITA: Freedom's Touch is the second book in the Legacy of the Celtic Brooch series, the American Rose title. My book picks up a few hundred years after the first story, The Pendulum by Tarah Scott, leaves off.

By 1863, the brooch has made its way to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Kay Lane wears the treasured brooch pinned above her heart and uses it to exchange messages with others who are also involved in the Underground Railroad. Although Kay is determined to be strong during the war and to keep the homefires burning, she misses her beloved Marsh. Now that he's gone, Kay wishes she and Marsh had married before he'd left for the war. With soldiers marching through their town, all seemingly intent on reaching the tiny spot called Gettysburg, she wonders if she and Marsh will ever have a chance to experience the type of love that wedded bliss can bring.

Freedom's Touch is a tale of endurance, sacrifice and endless love. It is a story that is true to the period, highlighting many of the hardships that were endured during the Civil War. Still, it is a tale of love -- love that neither war nor sacrifice can ever diminish.

CAROL ANN: Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

SARITA: The idea for my part of the brooch series came about while I was researching the battles of the war. I love to read about history, love to learn how those who came before us lived, laughed and loved. So I wanted Freedom's Touch to have an actual connection to a battle in the war. Gettysburg is such a pivotal battle that it seemed perfect for the story. And once I had the setting, the story came easily.

CAROL ANN: I envy you having a love of history. I hated reading history when I was in school. It all seemed so boring, but now it really interests me. I know that sometimes stories come to me from a scene or setting. Putting that aside, for you which comes first: plot or characters?

SARITA: Ah, that's a hard one. Honestly, it varies. Sometimes I'll have a character in my head so completely that I'll wonder, What would so-and-so do? What happens to her? And that will start the whole thing off! Other times I'll get the idea for a story, a loose plot and "find" characters in my mind to come into the story and play. So really, for me either comes first. And I never know which it will be with each new story!

CAROL ANN: I believe that's true for all writers. We never know what might trigger a new story. I think the hardest thing for me has been selecting a title. How do you decide on titles?

SARITA: They just happen. A random thought, most often. And frequently the title comes before the story. Way before.

CAROL ANN: That's interesting! I guess a title could conjure up a certain picture which would spark a story. I may have to try brainstorming titles and see what happens. **laugh** Sarita, we both write for a romance publisher. What does the word romance mean to you?

SARITA: Hmm...I think romance is a feeling. That wonderful, shivery feeling of early love. The deep, satisfying warmth that comes with secure, solid, soul-shaking, committed love. Romance is the way your knees wobble when you think of that special someone. It's also the sigh that comes when the laundry is folded--and you haven't folded it. Romance is the feeling of being loved, and the warmth of loving. That's romance for me.

CAROL ANN: That paints a lovely warm picture for me. Let's say that your life is about to become a movie. What will the title be?

SARITA: I think the most accurate title for a movie about my life would be "Mission: Nothing's Impossible." A little action, some adventure, lots of kissing, and in the end nothing is impossible. I believe that if you want something enough and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal, nothing is impossible. Nothing. All opportunities are open, all mountains can be climbed.

CAROL ANN: I love your optimism! Sometimes I like to delve into a writer's more personal life to let the audience know that we are just ordinary people, too. Care to share what a normal day is in your life?

SARITA: Most days I get up while it's still dark and write for a few hours. Then, there is no normal. My husband is retired, which is great, so we spend our days together. Every day is different, every day is wonderful. We love the outdoors so we spend a great deal of time gardening or hiking. In the winter we hike and play in the snow. Once I've got my daily writing done, every day is open to whatever new experience comes our way.

CAROL ANN: Oh, that sounds so perfect. I envy you, truly I do. So, do you ever get to feeling a bit depressed, and if so, who can make you laugh?

SARITA: I'm never really down. I'm very content with my life, very happy and thankful to be who I am and where I am. I couldn't ask for anything more than what I've got. I'm truly blessed. An amazing husband, wonderful family and friends...what more could I ask for? And how could I possibly be unhappy when I've got such great people in my life? But I'll admit, my husband is a funny, funny man. He makes me laugh every day and I'm sure he could make the Sphinx giggle. If I ever were down, I'd look for him. He's the one.

CAROL ANN: You are a very lucky woman! **audience claps** Sarita, do you collect anything?

SARITA: I collect Fiestaware, the old, colorful china made by Homer Laughlin. They still make it, but I collect the old stuff, the stuff our grannies used. I have always loved the colorful pieces. When my husband and I were first married we were on vacation in Pennsylvania, poking around an old barn sale. I spotted a chipped red fruit bowl and we bought it. That was my first piece of Fiesta, and although it isn't the most valuable piece it is still my favorite one.

CAROL ANN: And, finally, I have one more question. This is one I pose to all my guests. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

SARITA: Ah, you've saved the truly challenging question for the end! The pen? The sword? Hmm... I think Bulwer-Lytton was right nearly two hundred years ago when he wrote that line. The pen can do what swords cannot. It can open minds, fill hearts and change opinions--and all without shedding a single drop of blood. So yes, I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. And I'm very glad to be part of the pen-wielding mob!

CAROL ANN: Sarita, thank you so much for stopping by today. It has been my pleasure, my friend to have you here.

SARITA: Thanks so much, Carol Ann, for interviewing me. I read your blog often and have enjoyed listening to these author interviews. I am so pleased that I've gotten the opportunity to be a guest! I've loved spending this time with you!

CAROL ANN: Audience, here is the link to purchase FREEDOM'S TOUCH.

Brainstorming...

Writing for me is always a very solitary occupation. The time I manage to grab for writing is very minimal with having a full time job, a home, a church, and family. All these things fulfill me, and nurture me, so I strive to keep a balance that allows me to feel "balanced."

So, when I get stuck 1/3 of the way through a novel, I struggle with what to do. Should I toss the whole thing? Other ideas come to mind, but that would mean starting over, and then when I reach the same spot will I once again come to a grinding halt?

With this current project, I felt very inspired. It's something I want to write. I just reached a point and I didn't know where to go from here. I needed more plot. Something out of the ordinary that would drive the book, make the reader want to continue reading, create a page-turner.

There is always one person who manages to offer suggestions that excite me and open new creativity...my daughter. Tonight we were speaking on the telephone when I told her I just didn't know whether I could write my story. I filled her in on what I was writing and where I stalled. Immediately she grasped a point that created a wonderful subplot! My head is filled with creative ideas now on how to move forward.

Sometimes life gets so busy that I tend to pull inward with my writing instead of reaching out for help. Bless you, my daughter, for your inspiration.

Do you have points where you turn to yourself looking for the answers? Do you doubt yourself and wonder if you should quit? If you should start over? I'd love to hear your stories and how you overcome the obstacles.

Winner of Necklace and Earrings is...

Congratulations to Alissa!

Alissa if you will contact me off the contact link on my website at www.carolannerhardt.com and send me your snail mail address, I'll send your prize! Congratulations!!

And the winner of Stacy's fun-filled envelope is Sonja!

Congratulations to you both, and thanks everyone who read and posted comments on Stacy's Author Interview.

Have You Ever Lost a Day of Your Life...

vaguely remembered events happening, but losing the clarity due to pain? That's what happened to me. Well, actually, I've lost a few days now due to an acute flare-up of bursitis in my left hip.

Woke up Sunday morning and couldn't bear the pain of walking more than one or two steps. Didn't have a clue what could be wrong. I popped four Ibuprofen and waited for the pain to ease, but it didn't. Over the next few hours it increased to the point of bringing me to tears. Tears of frustration and pain. Finally gave up and went to Urgent Care. Diagnosis-hip bursitis. No treatment. Pain shot, pain pills. At that point, good enough for me. I just wanted some relief from the pain so I could sleep. I had taken twelve Ibuprofen by that time.

Called off work on Monday. Pain didn't cease.

Called off work on Tuesday and hubby took me to see my regular doctor. X-rays. More pain. Diagnosis. Same. Doctor prescribed a treatment with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs plus the Naprosyn I already take. Took me off work for the week. (Another story with the new laws which means I won't get paid for several weeks).

Took my first dosage last night and two hits of pain pills during the night. This morning I was able to walk much better, but the pain pills are wearing off now. Don't want to take them because all they do is make me sleep.

Unfortunately, I've opted not to put together the author interviews scheduled for this week. I promise to squeeze them in during the next few weeks though. Just wanted everyone to know what was happening in my life so you wouldn't think I'd just disappeared.

Have any of you suffered with this condition? I hear it never goes away completely and there will continue to be flare-ups. Not looking forward to that.

On Promoting Internet Style...

It's been nearly one year since I received my first contract. I now have two full length novels out with a small press. Being new, I cringed at having to "promote" myself and my books. How would I--an unknown--be able to do that?

Then I discovered the world of Yahoo Groups. I didn't realize how many reader and writer loops there were. So I jumped on the bandwagon and joined in every single chat and promotion available. It was easy. Being shy, I didn't have to worry about seeing faces that might look at me as if I were crazy. I could let my hair down and use my creative energy. What a wonderful way to promote!

What I've learned since those early days of being so gung-ho is that the same people appear on all the loops. Oh, sure, there may be a few new ones here and there, but for the most part you will be talking to other authors. How disappointing to "talk to yourself" for an hour or two, and then hope someone actually reads the posts at a later time. Me? I don't. I can't take time to read all the promotional chats on each loop. If I did, I'd never get any writing done.

So what to do? For myself, I've made the decision to create some flyers, put together promo packages, and start hitting the local independent booksellers. Since my books are POD, it becomes a trial to get them into store, but I'll never know unless I try. I must now become a salesperson...something I've never wanted to do. But I'll paste on a smile, put on my protective shield and go beat the pavements.

Why? Because I'm an author.

Author Interview with Stacy Dawn

**Curtains raise**


**Audience applause**


**Carol Ann enters from the wings wearing a pair of black jeans, a red silk blouse, and a big smile**


"Thank you so much!!"



**Carol Ann bows and applaudes the audience**


"It's great to be here this morning. Thank you all for stopping by. Every person who came here today will receive an entry into a drawing to win a genuine 18" crystal necklace and earring set. All you need to do is leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced next Thursday morning. Good luck!"



**Applause, and woo hoos**


"In the studio this morning is a very special guest. She's a dear friend of mine and she's come all the way from Canada to be in Ohio with us. Please give a warm blog studio welcome to...Stacy Dawn!!"

**Applause, whistles, and woo hoos. Stacy enters from the wing wearing a designer gown in sapphire blue.**



CAROL ANN: Stacy, it's so great to see you! Come over and sit with me. What a stunning gown. You look beautiful this morning.


STACY: Thank you! And thanks so much Carol Ann for chatting with me today!



CAROL ANN: I see you have your latest book with you.



**Carol Ann holds it up for the audience to see. The camera zooms in...**

CAROL ANN: This is a beautiful cover. I had the pleasure of reading this book and I can honestly say I enjoyed it so much! It is such a heartwarming, sometimes humorous, story of romance. It played for me like a movie when I read it. Please tell the audience about THE APPLE OF HIS EYE.

STACY DAWN: The Apple of His Eye is about the age old problem of falling for your best friend's girl.

The Golden Rule of Friendship: Do not covet thy best friend’s fiancée.

An easy rule for Shane Gallagher to obey when he first meets Eden, as staid and business-minded as his friend she was about to marry. But when she starts blossoming before his eyes, can Shane stay away from the forbidden fruit?

CAROL ANN: Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

STACY DAWN: I was invited to contribute to this collection of stories by another author. The only stipulation was that the story revolve around the word Forbidden. Well, all sorts of things popped into mind but I left them to the erotic writers and decided to take my own sweet/sensual twist on the story. The first thing that popped into my head was the forbidden fruit. An old song came on the radio, Jesse's Girl by Rick Springfield, then a funny little image jumped into my head with a man berating himself for taking a bite of the forbidden fruit and, well, the rest of the story blossomed from there.

CAROL ANN: It's always fun to see what triggers an idea. With you, which comes first: plot or characters?

STACY DAWN: I'd have to say plot because more often than not, an opening sentence will pop into my head and I'll build things around there.

CAROL ANN: I pulled a book from my craft shelf the other day called Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. Just reading how other authors come up with ideas from books from first sentence, scene, or title is so fascinating. What I've never seen in a book is how to create a title. How do you decide on titles for your books?

STACY DAWN: I like fun titles. I like to make them short and catcy if I can. Most important, they have to 'feel' right. It's hard for me to start a new piece without the right title--quirky, I know but I feel the title can sometimes make the whole story come alive.

CAROL ANN: You write romance stories, but in real life what does the word romance mean to you?

STACY DAWN: Romance is so much more than a simple word. It's an atmosphere, a feeling, a journey. It's not just one night of wine and roses, it's learning to rely on someone else, to trust them--to trust yourself. Romance is a wonderful journey where two hearts learn how to beat in time together. Corny thoughts, maybe, but the fun of romance isn't the end result, it's the exciting and sometimes frustrating path--the first kiss, the first fight, the first moment you realize you can't live without that person. It's knowing someone else knows you so well that they can even make doing the dishes into a romantic encounter.

CAROL ANN: Even your description is romantic. Let's imagine that your life is about to become a movie. What will the title be?

STACY DAWN: **laugh** Um, how about "Catch-up: The Untold Story of a Woman Forever Behind"

CAROL ANN: **big grin** Love it. That could be my movie as well. **both laugh**



Many people think writers live such glamorous lives. Would you mind sharing what a normal day for you might be?

STACY DAWN: Not sure about the word 'normal' **laugh** I have two young sons so it depends on if it's a kindergarten day or not. Both are up by 6am and want to go downstairs to play livingroom hockey before I can even wake up. **audience laughter** After they're fed etc, I usually take an hour to check over my emails and organize what needs to be done for the day (which never actually stays organized--if I get through half the list, it's a good day **laugh**) From this point on it's a balance between playing with the kids and working/writing. I'm really lucky, they are great kids. We'll play together for a while then they let me work in piece for a bit. Lunch, similar routine, different games. I usually like to write in the mornings and then work on the sites for my clients through my author-helper company Jump Start Promotions (http://www.jumpstartpromotions.bravehost.com/) in the afternoon. In between, we'll throw in some laundry or a bit of--ugh--housecleaning. Nights are usually my time because my husband comes home from work and my now three sportsaholic boys will entertain each other or watch whichever their favorite team is play--currently it's the Toronto Blue Jays baseball.

CAROL ANN: Wow, I get tired just listening to you. Speaking of Jump Start Promotions, I've seen some of your work, and it's awesome. What a great service to any new writers who don't know how to begin setting up a presence for themselves on the web. With all the multi-tasking you do, there have to be times when you are tired, stressed, and feeling blah. When you are down, who can make you laugh?

STACY DAWN: My boys, all of them. They're too cute for their own good and have the funniest way of looking at things.

CAROL ANN: Children have a way of doing that. How great that you have such a great family. With everything else you do, do you collect anything?

STACY DAWN: Cows. It started way back when my sister and I were getting our first apartment. I loved this teatowel set with cows on it and from there everyone just started giving me cows. I've got tons. Some of my favorites are my Robin Hoof and Maid Mooian, my motorcycle salt and pepper shakers and my cowelers.







In fact, I brought a few...**Stacy leans behind her and removes items from the table. Camera pans in**

CAROL ANN: Oh, how cute! My daughter used to save cows, too. We bought her books and CDs which were so funny! Anyway, I love these. Especially the Cowelers.

**lights blink**

CAROL ANN: Oh, no. The time has just passed so quickly. I really hate to end our interview, but it looks like the curtains are about to close on us. I think we have time for just one more quick question. This is one I ask all my blog studio guests. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?

STACY DAWN: Yes. Word of mouth alone is a magnificent weapon. I'd say less bloody but, unfortunately, that's not always true either.

CAROL ANN: Thanks, Stacy. **hug** I've enjoyed having you here this morning.

STACY DAWN: This has been fun, thank you so much Carol Ann!

CAROL ANN: Audience, here are the links where you can learn more about Stacy and her wonderful stories. And don't forget to leave a comment and get your name entered in the drawing for the free necklace and earrings.

http://www.stacydawn.com/
www.stacydawn.blogspot.com

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE: www.forbiddenpublications.com

Other releases: www.thewildrosepress.com

"Old People"

I have a grandson who always manages to say something that cracks me up. Especially since he's always serious. He's always been way to smart. Some of his antics have been so hilarious that I encouraged my daughter to write a book titled, "Another Kody Story."

This past Saturday, I babysat with my two grandsons, CJ and Kody for a few hours. Unfortunately, I had to clean the family room before we could do anything fun. Hubby had finished repairing the ceiling, which included a lot of sanding, resulting in a layer of residue covering every square inch.

So they arrived before I finished. I told them I'd take them out to lunch when I finished with the cleaning. Like great troupers they went outside to keep PaPa company. That lasted less than five minutes. LOL!

"Grandma, we're hungry. When are we going to go eat?"

I told them I would get finished a lot faster if they would help. They both agreed. I showed them how to remove items from the bookshelf, clean off the bookshelf and items, and then put them back. I had window cleaner, furniture polish, paper towels...Kody then said,

"I didn't know old people had so many kinds of cleaning stuff."

CJ, his brother, then said, "Well, Kody, some of them want to have clean houses so people don't think they're dirty."

I'm still laughing. I took them to eat and then to the park. While they played, I sat on the bench enjoying being "old people."

Playing with Graphics...

So, several years ago, when I began my first website, I purchased a graphics program. What fun we had making signature tags and lots more. But, when I closed down my personal site and set up my writing site, I didn't have much use for my graphics program.

I made my website graphics using the program, but I don't use anything elaborate like I did on my personal site.

Last night, I decided to set up a shop on CafePress and add some gift items. That graphic program came in very handy, although I used only the basic stuff.

Check it out: My CafePress Store

Mammogram -- The Ultimate Legal Torture Device

Yesterday I had my annual mammogram. In the past, I've had some good experiences and one not so good, but yesterday was pure Torture. Yes, that's torture with a capital T!!!The technician was nice enough, not someone I expected to put me through excruciating pain. She looked and sounded sympathetic, but that's as far as it went.

Have you ever gone to a hairdresser who was angry about something. She'll smile while pulling your hair out by the roots? Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. Well, I think that's what happened to my technician. She either had a bad hair or got up on the wrong side of the bed.

Then she pasted on her "I'm so sorry to have to mangle your breasts smile" and took out all her frustration on my poor body.First picture, frontal. Plop breast on plastic shelf. Raise chin. Arms down straight. Hold it. Rrrrrrrrrr. Clamp makes contact. Continues to make a pancake out of my breast. Stop breathing. Click, whirr. Okay, you can breathe now. Yeah, no problem.

Turn sideways. Grab this handle waaaaaay up here. All right, now I need to tell you that I have very short arms. I can never find a jacket or long-sleeved shirt that doesn't cover the ends of my fingers. So I grab the handle. NO, she says. Put your arm along this metal shelf and then grab the handle. Okay, that's good. Now lift your chin. She plops my boob back on the shelf. Then she says, "Relax your shoulder." Uh, how? She presses it back and down. Now I'm standing at a very awkward angle and the corner of the metal shelf is trying to make an entrance into my body via my underarm. Hold your breath. No problem. I haven't been breathing since the tears started falling five minutes ago. Rrrrrrrrrr. Click, whirrr. Okay, you can breathe now.

Finally, she releases my boob and I feel such intense pounding pain that I can't imagine turning and letting her do it to the other boob. But somehow I manage.

I walk out to the waiting room, where I meet the eyes of the other victims. They smile in an understanding way. One by one the others are released to go home.

Then the technician calls to me. She needs to take another picture! One of the side pictures. Arrrrgh. I want to rip out her eyes.

Once again she puts me through the same torture. Finally I'm released to try and walk with my shoulders upright to the car...and then ??drive??

Today, it was pure agony to put on a bra and go to work. My breasts and underarms are throbbing as I type this blog.

My question...why can't they invent a softer way to do this xray? I wonder if all the mashing and mangling aren't one of the reasons the breast cancer rates are so high. What do you think?

EFT for Writing

On Saturday, my local RWA chapter had the pleasure of participating in a "mini" workshop with author, Cindy Carver, also a Life Coach.

Cindy presented EFT for Writers. EFT = Emotional Freedom Technique. What a great workshop!

EFT is a way of clearing the path of creative blocks. It can be used on any emotions, or chaotic events in your life. The technique uses two fingers, accupoints, set-up statements, and reminder phrases to remove "blocks."

Being a Scorpio, I'm naturally drawn to the various ways energy affects our lives, whether in psychic abilities, uses of gemstones, like turquoise and crystal, or other "powers" beyond our visual field. So I'm more than willing to believe it will work. Belief in something can actually create an energy that can make changes.

When I was in grade school, I had "warts" on my hands. Not just one or two, but lots of nasty and large warts. No one wanted to hold my hand when we played games. No magic wart removers had been invented back then. One night my mother read in one of her magazines about a cure which consisted of having someone circle each wart thirty times, and if the person with the warts believed they would go away in thirty days, they would. So she patiently circled each wart, while counting aloud, and I closed my eyes and...believed. They didn't go away in thirty days, but they continually get smaller and smaller until disappearing several months later.

So, I believe EFT can work for me. I am focusing on using it to make changes in my life. I'm removing the blocks to procrastination in exercise, diet, and writing.

The way it works is you focus on a particular area you want to correct. For instance my set-up statement to remove procrastination on my writing is:

"Even though I procrastinate on all my projects I forgive myself and accept myself."

I tap the accupoints with the tips of my index and middle fingers while saying this phrase aloud. There is a lot more to the technique. You have to add positive affirmations as well.

The statements change depending on which emotions I'm feeling, or which aspects I wish to concentrate on. So if you see me someplace, and I'm tapping my head, around my eye, under my nose, my chin...don't worry. I haven't gone over the edge, I'm just tapping away my procrastination.

You can learn more at Cindy's website.

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!