An Open Letter Of Celebration

Hello. My name is Simolif Gitall Morr. Mrs. Mooney has been generous to allow me this chance to open my heart and tell of my great joy at finding my life mate on this world.

I am told it is not usual for a man to openly express his feelings to the world. But I am from a country where such emotions are celebrated. (However, the expressing of those emotions between life mates is still kept exclusively between couples, and not shown in public.)

After escaping years of suppression and enslavement, my life finally became mine again. Freedom to live the rest of my days without the threat of torture was all I ever hoped for. The thought of having one true love was only a dream, a reality I had given up long before now.

Then when Jebaral found his life mate, I allowed myself to hope that I would find my own. Patiently I waited. And prayed. And hoped.

And at last I can rejoice! I have found her! My heart weeps with joy, and my whole body thrums with anticipation for the time when we can join, body and soul. For when that happens, I know I will receive the ultimate happiness that all of my kind seek.

Her name is Sarah Drumman. She works as a professor in the sciences division at the university where the company I work for is currently building a new wing.

And tomorrow I will finally discover what she looks like.

I have been victimized by Amazon.

If you're not already aware of what Amazon is up to regarding publishers who use POD technology, read here.

http://writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/004597_03272008.html

Inasmuch, I have removed the Amazon buy link from my website and replaced it with one to Barnes & Noble. Not only do they also offer the free shipping with $25 purchase, but they also give their members an extra discount!

Email Reposted With Permission

From: JebGMorr@thzipmail.com
To: SimonGMorr@universalnet.com
Sent: 03/29 08:24 a.m.
Subject: Life Mate (!!)

You found her??? Ceo' m Filo! My heart is overjoyed to hear this news! Quick! Give me the details. Until they finish upgrading the new cellular tower over near Creasote Creek, my cell usage is severely limited. However, they assure us this will be over before the end of the week. Hannah is looking forward to no longer being forced to using a telephone booth or the pay phone over at the diner.

So you really found your life mate?? Tell me about her!! What is her name, or do you know yet? What does she look like? How do you hope to approach her?

Details, Simon! Details! Don’t keep me on pins and pencils! I want to know now! Hahaha!

Jebaral

READ THE HEADLINES!!!!

Click on picture for a larger version.

High Five for Runner's Moon: Jebaral!

One survivor of thirty one. A race unlike anything on earth, yet able to shapeshift to look human with the rise and fall of the moon and sun for protect themselves from detection.

They are Ruinos.

A race that has been enslaved and almost brought to extinction by the Arra. All the survivors of the escape pod prayed for was a chance to live in freedom. After the atrocities suffered for years at the hands of their jailers, freedom held an appeal that they gladly embraced. Except none expected to find a blood mate, the Ruinos' soul mate, among humans.

Jebaral has lived in secrecy, moving to hinder any hunt the Arra may have initiated to find their missing cargo. The last days at his current construction job means it's time for him to move on again. Telling the waitress he's seen every morning for five months leaves him feeling a deep hollowness. Her sadness is something he isn't expecting. He knows she is in trouble, but not used to human customs, doesn't know how to help, until he has no choice but to take her away from her current situation to save her life.

The story that comes is a full throttle exploration of the Ruinos life and history, their fears and triumphs. How can two different species find compatibility, much less love? I have to give Ms. Mooney kudos for bringing to life such an enigmatic people, similar yet so distinctly different. The overall detail of the background, to the distinct differences between the two races were gripping. Finding a commonality between the two races to make the emotional and physical aspect of the stories work was amazing. She has garnered a full time fan in me.

Rating: 5/5

Diana Castilleja
Best Selling Author
http://www.DianaCastilleja.com
Romance that thrives in dark places
http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com

Yee-haw!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGukLuXzH1E

A Couple of Questions To All Concerned

In light of all that's been going on with e-publishers closing their doors, either with or without their authors' knowledge, or e-pubs becoming suspected of stiffing their authors, I was wondering...

If an author has the right to have a publisher's books audited (as per their contract), how would an author go about having it done?

And if auditing rights are not stipulated in the contract, does that mean an author has no recourse?

And the Answers Are...

Answers to the Unofficial Fogey Quiz

1 d

2 g

3 b

4 a

5 g

6 d

7 c

8 f

9 c

10 e

11 d

12 c

13 g

14 g

15 b

16 g

17 d

18 b

19 a

20 f

The Unofficial Fogey Quiz

It's pretty sad when I can get the right answers. Sigh!

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?

A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Butt-master
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammad Ali, he was...

A. Sugar Ray Robinson
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry
D. Rudolph Valentino
E. Fabian
F. Mickey Mantle
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, "We have met the enemy and...

A. It's you
B. He is us
C. It's the Grinch
D. He wasn't home
E. He's really mean
F. We quit
G. He surrendered

4. Good night, David.

A. Good night, Chet
B. Sleep well
C. Good Night, Irene
D. Good Night,Gracie
E. See you later, alligator
F. Until tomorrow
G. Good night, Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went,

A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons
C. When you clean your tub
D. If you paint the room blue
E. If you buy a soft water tank
F. When you use Lady Clairol
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend,

A. Stuart Whitman
B. Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebbs
E. Corky B. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar...

A. You're a liar
B. Your nose is growing
C. Pants on fire
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher
F. On the wire
G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...

A. Wheaties
B. Lois Lane
C. TV ratings
D. World peace
E. Red tights
F. The American way
G. News headlines

9 . Hey, kids, what time is it?

A. It's time for Yogi Bear
B. It's time to do your homework
C. It's Howdy Doody Time
D. It's Time for Romper Room
E. It's bedtime
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
G. Scooby Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...

A. Yikes
B. Oh, no
C. Gee whiz
D. I'm scared
E. Oh, My
F. Help Help
H. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone

A. Over 40
B. Wearing a uniform
C. Carrying a briefcase
D. Over 30
E. You don't know
F. Who says, "Trust me"
G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings.

A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Staubach
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...

A. Smear it on
B. You'll smell great
C. Tame that cowlick
D. Greaseball heaven
E. It's a dream
F. We're your team
G. A little dab'll do ya

14. I found my thrill...

A. In Blueberry muffins
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill
D. Over by the windowsill
E. With thyme and dill
F. Too late to enjoy
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by

A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles

A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, wonder, who

A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish

A. Cause I eat my broccoli
B. Cause I eats me spinach
C. Cause I lift weights
D. Cause I'm the hero
E. And don't you forget it
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
G. To outlast Bluto

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today...

A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera
B. Smile, you're on Star Search
C. Smile, you won the lottery
D. Smile, we're watching you
E. Smile, the world sees you
F. Smile, you're a hit
G. Smile, you're on TV

20. What do M & M's do?

A. Make your tummy happy
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
C. Make you fat
D. Melt your heart
E. Make you popular
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
G. Come in colors

Tomorrow, the answers.

Holy Hannah! A Top Pick, Recommended Read for JEBARAL!

Wow! Nothing like googling your series to see if you have a new review in hiding. I discovered this one for Runner's Moon: Jebaral from Romance Reader at Heart. They gave it a Top Pick, Recommended Read!



Thirty one of them escaped slavery, to find themselves on a strange new world. Now by shape-shifting and taking on the appearance of the natives, they work among them without raising suspicion. At night, though, they must revert to their normal appearance. Jebaral has seen the near destruction of his race and now he hopes that the few survivors will have the chance to find peace on this world and remain free from their enemy, the Arra.

Jebaral meets Hannah Pitt while she is working as a waitress. He feels drawn to her, but as long as his people are being hunted by the Arra, he believes that there can be nothing between them. Something tragic happens and circumstances change. To keep Hannah safe, Jebaral must take her away with him when he leaves town. Because of the danger from the Arra, he hopes that he will not have to keep Hannah with him long. He believes that if Hannah ever truly sees him, she will believe he is a monster. The problem is that Jebaral fears that the way he feels for Hannah, he may not be able to set her free.

Explosive action and great passion are described in this newest book by Linda Mooney, RUNNER'S MOON: JEBARAL. Here, she tells the story of two extraordinary characters that have suffered from abuse. Jebaral is an escaped slave from another planet that finds himself on Earth and tries to blend in with the humans. When he first meets Hannah there is instant attraction, but he fears becoming attached to anyone. His fears keep him from acting on his attraction, but when a tragedy occurs, he finds that he has no choice.

The characters are truly amazing. Jebaral looks and abilities are truly imaginative, but they cause the character to fear how others will react if he is exposed. This, and his worry over being recaptured, seem to be his only vulnerabilities—until he meets Hannah. Jebaral's greatest fear then becomes that something will happen to prevent them from being together.

Hannah has many of the characteristics of an abuse victim. She is constantly afraid of being hurt and she fears that her situation is beyond hope. Jebaral becomes her hero and gives her back her hope and courage. Together, they are electrifying. Their desire builds until a time comes for it to explode into a situation of heated passion. Jebaral and Hannah's relationship will have to overcome many very big obstacles if they are to be together—Hannah's abuser, alien captors and Hannah's reaction to Jebaral's true appearance. Their story had me wanting them to succeed and find a way to survive all that may keep them apart.

Their many problems lead to some extreme breathtaking, non-stop action scenes. This is a story you can't put down. It quickly captures your attention and keeps it with its action and passion. New characters are introduced during times of great action that leaves you wanting to know them better, such as Jebaral's brother.

RUNNER'S MOON: JEBARAL by Linda Mooney, is an exciting and passionate romance that leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

Anita Hartsell

Blessed Easter

Click on photo for a readable copy.

Simolif Earns an A from Simply Romance Reviews!

Part three in the Runner’s Moon series, Simolif- or Simon meets the woman that’s his mate. His species is only allowed one mate for life, and he’s surprised to find his is a human. As he works on a construction site he can sense that she’s there, he just hasn’t seen her. Then one morning by sheer luck, he looks up and there she is.

Sarah had heard the women whooping and taunting the men that worked on the construction crew next door, and true enough there was one that would set any woman’s panties on fire, but she had no illusions that he would be interested in her. She was too studious, too overweight and a plain Jane. Nothing like what Mr. Studly would ever look twice at.

Little does she know, but she is exactly what Simon is looking for. He’s watched over her from the moment he realized who she was, determined to protect her and gently woo her to accepting him. His human side as well as his alien one. He knows that the only time he’s ever seen anything remotely close to what he looks like in his natural form is found in horror movies, but he’s hoping that Sarah has the heart to accept him as her mate.

When an emergency calls Simon out of town, the connection that is growing stronger between them pulls her to him. Accidentally caught in the cross fire of a corporate take over, Sarah is in danger. Some things are worse than death, and she’s learning this at the hands of paid assassins.

But when the Calvary shows up its one like she’s never seen in her life. Which ones are the monsters? The battle is over in moments, but can her mind survive what she’s seen? Can she love Simon as his true self or is Simon doomed to be without his mate forever? Add into this mix the slavers the Ruinos escaped from are closing in on the them, the breed that Simon and his clan are called, and are determined to either sell them back into slavery or as a delicacy to other species willing to pay the price. It doesn’t matter to them if they species of the Ruinos becomes extinct or not.

This isn’t my first book I’ve read of Linda Mooney’s. But I have to tell you, before I had even read through the first chapter I had to go back and purchase the first two books in the Runner’s Moon series. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. All three are now on my keeper shelf. It also makes me wonder if she’s going to add more to this series. All I can say is if she does, I’m getting it.

SRR GRADE: A

~Reviewed by Melisa
Simply Romance Reviews
http://www.simplyromancereviews.com

Coffee Time Romance loop, April 11th!

Mark your calendar! I will be chatting, answering questions, dodging bullets, and giving away a book or two at the Coffee Time Romance EROTIC LOOP on Friday, April 11th from 8-9 p.m. EST. If you need directions on how to join, go to

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karendevinkaren/?yguid=52268

Please come by, say "Hi!", and ask me about my latest TWO releases, Runner's Moon: Simolif with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, and "Castle's Keep", my short story on Wrath, premiering in the DCL Publications anthology Deadly Sins!

A "Screaming 4.5" for RUNNER'S MOON: SIMOLIF!

Sarah Drumman loves the stars. She loves the wonder of the unknown, of the possibility of what could be out there. The possibility that more than us exists is one of her driving passions. In fact, she's convinced alien life forms have landed on our planet and are somehow integrated with human life.

Over roughly seven years, she's tracked several anomalies that could be spaceships, which have landed and then left Earth. She's so sure of her research, that she's betting her tenure at her college, her position, and her future on it.

A near rape is the beginning of a fast paced and page turning read. When Simon interrupts the man's attack on Sarah, she's shaken and set off balance in more than one way. He wasn't just being a good Samaritan for her. She is his one and only life mate, and now that he's found her against all odds on a planet as far from his own as is possible, he'll do anything to prove his heart is hers.

Until she explains her theory of otherworld visitors. Fear of exposure is the only thing stronger than the fear of their past jailers finding the escaped Ruinos people scattered across Earth. One thing has to happen to make Simon and Sarah's bond complete and unbreakable. She must accept his Ruinos form. She doesn't realize how close she is to the truth her research has led her to until her own life is in danger and she must face Simon in his Ruinos shape.

Simon's story of Runner's Moon is a definite winner for me. The action was fast paced, the emotions came across in well written depth and as a reader, it was hard not to crush on Simon Morr. The only thing that caught at me was the sound of the characters' tones as they spoke. In the book, it says Simon learned to cook and to read mostly from cookbooks, since he obviously wasn't American or English speaking. It's a good thing that is mentioned because it explains several points where the tone is almost too exact, too educated. I will admit I haven't read the other books yet, so I can't tell you how Jeb is suppose to sound, but at least two dialogue scenes came across where to this readers inner ear, they sounded very similar, so I can't say if Jeb learned in the same manner or not.

Overall though, I have to give this book a screaming 4.5. rating. It was hard to put it down, easy to understand the Ruinos story background and even though it was the third book, I didn't feel at all out of sequence because I started in the wrong place. I'd been looking forward to reading this installment of the Ruinos stories, and I wasn't at all disappointed.

Diana Castilleja
Best Selling Author
http://www.DianaCastilleja.com
Romance that thrives in dark places
http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com

An Open Letter to FictionWise and ARe

Dear Sir or Madam,

In the last couple of years, the e-book industry has seen several e-publishers cease operations, taking all trace of profit with them, and stranding their unpaid authors (and in some cases, editors and graphic artists). Because they have no idea as to how much in royalties they’ve lost, these authors are unable to file a lawsuit against those e-pubs to recoup their losses.

Now, with the recent developments regarding more scrupulous dealings from e-pub owners, there is more reason to believe that the number of sales given to an author are being deliberately manipulated.

Therefore it is my sincere wish that your company enable a Log-In/Password system where an author, whose books are for sale in your system, can periodically check on the actual number of books sold. Or, if that option is not a possibility, that a report be generated that can be automatically emailed to the author, reporting sales over a specific period of time (e.g. quarterly or annually.)

Please seriously consider this suggestion so that authors can be paid what they are truly owed, and help keep e-publishers honest.

Thank you.

'Till I'm Blue in the Face

E-books or print?

I think I'm at the age called "Riding the Fence". It seems those older than me are less likely to try e-books (they still have difficulty figuring out email), while those younger have no problems downloading my books onto their palm pilots, or Sonys, or Kindles.

I've argued, explained, and provided enough facts until I'm blue in the face, that e-books are here to stay. E-publishers are rising amid the ashes of fallen e-pubs, e-book sales are growing, and now even regular publishing houses like Doubleday and Harlequin are investing in the e-book market.

Additionally, with the nation's economy starting to sink into recession, e-books are going to be an even better bargain -- they're cheaper (sometimes as much as 1/3 the cost of a paperback), and easier to store (you can burn as many as 25 books on one CD).

When the cost of a gallon of gas and a gallon of milk are almost the same price, people are going to cut back on "frivolous" expenses. Which means people will rent the DVD instead of going to the movie theaters. And they'll buy the e-book instead of opting for the bound version.

But I still cringe whenever people I know ask, "When will it be available as a real book?"

Get Your "Runner's Moon" Merchandise Now!

Get your cap, t-shirt, or bumper sticker!

All monies go toward the Anti-Arra Coalition!

Now's the time to order to show your support for our new alien friends and neighbors!







(Note: None of this stuff really exists, but RUNNER'S MOON: SIMOLIF will be available on April 1st! For more information, go to www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com! :D

A Writer After My Own Heart

The other day on one of my email loops, I saw Jan Alyce Avery's link to a blog she'd written over at Samhain. I read it through (because the title intrigued me), and instantly emailed her back asking if I could link my blog to it! She graciously gave me permission, so here it is.

http://samhainpublishing.com/blog/2008/03/08/could-we-please-retire-the-word-hot

This pretty much sums up what I've been having to face when writing my romance stories. At what point does my romantice love scenes (and I prefer to write them as a culmination of the growing feelings between my hero and heroine, rather than as a precursor) go from being "romantic" to just "sex for sex's sake"?

At what point does a writer forsake her natural "voice", and begin writing what she's told (or forced, or strongly suggested) to write because Sex Sells?

Fortunately, I'm still clinging to that hard-won niche I've carved out for myself. My stories are considered sensual by erotic standards, kind of like a 2 or 3 on the "hot" scale of 5. Yet I've also had people, who aren't that familiar with how much e-books have allowed writers to push that envelope, think my stuff is "borderline porn".

Anyway, I've said sort of the same thing over on my website (in the About Me section). It was rather nice to see there are others of my ilk Out There campagning under the same banner. :)

Ellen Ashe's Books For Sale!

THE MOUNTAIN MAN ~ NOVELLA ~HTML format~ $2.00~ Paypal
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"This is an emotionally powerful heart-wrenching story about two lovers trying to find their way back to one another." - The Romance Studio

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He sees her most erotic dreams, understands her darkest fantasies, shares her most carnal desires, and for a price Dorantes will make them all come true-- only at....the midnight hour.
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Best friends, Brandi Glass and Sara Lee Kake, quickly discover their lady outlaw personas are taken very seriously when a violent lightning storm hurtles them from a modern Western holiday resort into the authenticity of 1880s Texas. Life on the run with two desperate criminals in the nineteenth century teaches them both that fate is curiously at play and love is timeless. "Ms. Ashe uses wit, sassy dialog, tender love, and a realistic approach to life in the Old West from a twenty-first century view to draw the reader through a wonderful story full of engaging characters." - Romance Reviews Today

Paypal address: ellenashe@hotmail.com Questions? ellenashe@hotmail.com

Question In the Mail (#10)

Just answered another question from a reader. You can find all my answered questions in the Q&A area of my website. :D
****
You said you listen to music when you write. Any songs in particular?

If I listed all the songs I listened to for each book, it would make a novella of its own. But I will give you The One Song that inspired me the most when I was working on a certain book. And to this day, whenever I hear that song being played, my book comes right back to me.

The Battle Lord's Lady
"The Last Words You Said" by Sarah Brightman and Richard Marx

AEquana
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Michael McDonald

Runner's Moon: Jebaral
"Better Now" by Collective Soul

Runner's Moon: Tiron
"Stairway to Heaven" (Final Fantasy version) by The London Symphony Orchestra (instrumental)

Runner's Moon: Simolif
"The World" by Brad Paisley

Healer of the Heart
The soundtrack to the movie Timeline

The Gifted
"Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" by The Police (and remake by Ra)

Sandeflay
"Amas Veritas" from the soundtrack to the movie Practical Magic

HeartFast
"Tell Him" by Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand

HeartCrystal
"If You Ever Leave Me" by Barbra Streisand and Vince Gill

A Different Yesterday
"Until I Find You Again" by Richard Marx

First Review for RUNNER'S MOON: SIMOLIF!

Runner's Moon, Book 3: Simolif
by Linda Mooney
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Available: April 1, 2008
ISBN 978-1-60313-322-7
Format: e-boook
256 pages

Simolif "Simon Morr" is a good looking, soft-spoken, well-mannered construction worker? Well, not really he's actually one of 31 aliens who landed on Earth several years ago, fleeing their brutal captors. All the refugees wanted was to find a planet where they could blend in with the natives (they have shapeshifting abilities), and live quietly, free from the evil Arras who destroyed their home planet and enslaved them. Never could they have imagined that there might be true mates for them, existing in the human population. But as soon as Simon starts working on a new campus building he knows the love of his life is nearby. He can feel her presence, almost smell her special scent.

Astronomy professor Sarah Drumman is on a tight deadline to publish, if she wants tenure. She doesn't have time to ogle Mr. Gorgeous as he works on the building going up next to hers. But when he saves her from an assault as she's leaving campus one night, Sarah is definitely seeing stars. Little does she know that Simon's looks really are "out of this world". But will she be able to see the beauty of the inner man?

Simolif's story is the third installment in Linda Mooney's Runner's Moon series. The first two titles have gained #1 bestseller status at publisher Whiskey Creek Press's site, and I predict that Simolif's story won't be far behind in garnering WCP's bestseller status, as well. Like the first two books, the action is fast-paced and the characters are unique, each with a distinctive voice, and personality. The emotions are intense and believable, and Ms. Mooney gives us well-conceived, interesting races, with believable motivations and reactions. The level of detail is fascinating; she gives extensive information on her characters' origins, the society of their home planet, the climate and geography, customs, even some language, all delivered smoothly and naturally within the context of the story.

If you enjoy your romance hot, with a heaping side of science fiction, you won't want to miss this series. Runner's Moon, Book 3: Simolif is an engaging tale that sends the reader on a wild ride of fear, love, and humor, delivered with nearly nonstop action. Be aware that it is not a stand-alone title, if you haven't read the first two books; get them when you pre-order this title. You won't be disappointed!

AuthorFest 2008 is June 14th in Chicago!

I will be attending AuthorFest 2008 this year!

This one day event will include panel discussions and a book signing.

AuthorFest 2008 will be held on June 14th at the Schaumburg Twp. District Library, Schaumburg, IL
130 South Roselle Road
847-985-4000 (for directions only)

For more info, email Gotta Write Network
Netera@aol.com

More info and photos of AuthorFest 2007 can be seen at www.gottawritenetwork.com

More About NCP

http://ellenashe.blogspot.com/

http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2008/03/12/new-concepts-publishing-under-heat-by-authors/

Legal Defense Fund

On behalf of several fellow authors:

http://karenknowsbest.com/?p=1013#comments
http://karenknowsbest.com/?p=1018
http://mayareynoldswriter.blogspot.com/2008/03/whats-up-at-ncp.html
http://cumhitherglobal.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-concepts-publishing-following.html

Legal Defense Fund
Stand up for liberation, and fight the NCP Tyranny
Strike a blow for freedom, and help an author take on the publisher.
Donations can be made via paypal – ellenashe@hotmail.com

Pictureless Porn?

Ugh. I hate it when people refer to my books as Pictureless Porn. In a lot of cases, this comes from people whom I KNOW haven't read any of my books. They simply hear the word "romance" (or, in some cases, "erotic"), and automatically assume I write "really nasty books".

Well, maybe if you compared one of them to what romance novels used to be like 20 or so years ago, yeah. They would be right. But grab one of Lora Leigh's books to compare with, and...

You get the picture. :D

I will say this much, though. If you take out the "sex scenes", you'll still have a great story and plot.

Bustin’ the Writers Block

We’ve all been there, ready to start a story, but with no idea how. Ready to get within the heart of the plot, but totally blank on what to put on the screen.

Got a plot? Check.
Got characters? Check.
Got conflict? Or at least an idea about what the conflict would be about? Check.

Sooo...what’s the problem?

Alright. Got it. It’s getting started. Hey—been there, had that. Lots of times, in fact. Want to know what I did to resolve it? To be honest, I’ve tried several things, because the same solution didn’t always work every time. In fact, I’ve ended up with a nice handful of tricks I’m willing to share.

1. Start off with a BOOM!
Dialog (scream or exclamation), a scene, etc.
2. With a dilemma or mystery
A dead body, a stolen object–anything crucial to the plot
3. With a question
Intrigue the reader from the get-go by making them think
4. With ambiance
Set the mood. Is it spooky? Loving? Other-worldly?
And, finally,
5. Pretend your story is a movie. What will you see with the opening credits?

Hope you can get at least one idea going. :)

New Concepts Publishing

This was brought to my attention regarding New Concepts Publishing.

http://karenscott.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/new-concepts-publishing-behaving-very-badly/

Pre-Order Your Copy of SIMOLIF Now!

From now until March 31st, if you pre-order an autographed copy from me of RUNNER'S MOON: SIMOLIF (Book 3 of the best selling "Runner's Moon" series, available April 1st!) in paperback, shipping is FREE! Plus you'll also get an extra "Thank You" gift!"

Click here to order!

WATCH THIS SPACE!

To celebrate the release of Runner's Moon: Simolif, Book 3 of my best selling "Runner's Moon" series, WATCH THIS SPACE for upcoming announcements and contests, where winners can win free copies of the e-book!

Check out Manic Readers!

If you're an author, check out MANIC READERS!
Author accounts are free!

http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=authorPage&authorid=239,

Tom, Dick, or Harry?

Got my strong, virile male?

Check!

Lucious heroine?

Check!

And their names are...

Uhh...

A few months ago a review site asked me what kind of obstacles I faced due to the fact that I teach Kindergarten by day, then write romance at night. They also wanted to know if I ever took anything from my day job and put it into a book.

Well, yes. I do. My kids’ names have become a great source of inspiration for characters’ names. And, trust me, after thirty plus years of teaching, I’ve come across all manner of names—spelling and pronunciation aside. I figured if *I* couldn’t pronounce the name the way it looked, how could I expect my readers to?

I know several writers who use baby names books to find a name that “fits”. Some writers have even held contests (Name My Hero/Heroine!). Gee, I remember a time when a well-known author once admitted to searching through a phone book.

Where do you get the names for your characters? I would love to hear any other ideas, tips, or suggestions y’all would be willing to share!

URGENT! WRITERS HEALTH WARNING!

This is a warning to all genre writers!
IMVU is highly addictive!

IMVU has been known to cause the following problems:

* lack of adequate sleep
* loss of writing time
* non-attendance in any other chat room
* a preference for imaginary fashion and locales
* distorted images of body figures (such as addition of wings, large feet, or pixie ears)

At this time no known cure has been developed for this affliction. But a Twelve Step Program is currently in the works.

Stay tuned for more information as we receive it.

Regarding New Concepts Publishing

http://ellenashe.blogspot.com/

People Look At My Husband Funny. :/

I don't know if it's happened to any of you married gals, but I've come to realize that people who know I write sensuous romance tend to look at my husband in weird ways now. I don't know. Maybe it's me. Maybe it's my imagination. But the other day when I saw several of my teaching pals at a restaurant where Hubby and I had gone to eat, when I introduced them, they had this funny look on their face.

Makes me wonder what they were thinking. ;)

A Rose By Any Other Name

I was telling a colleague that I was going to have a horror novella out in May, but it would be published under the name of Gail Smith (my actual middle and maiden names). She asked me why I was using a pseudonym, so I explained that when people saw a book by Linda Mooney, they would know they were getting a “sensual romance”, whereas Gail writes pure horror.

“Why don’t you use a false name for your romances?” she asked. “Does your family know what kind of stories you write?”

I swear, that tone of voice was the exact same one I used to hear when teachers would ask, “Does your mother know what you're doing behind her back?”

But it got me to thinking, and soon I was asking other people I know who use a nom de plume for their fiction, “Why do you use a pseudonym?”

Believe it or not, I got the same 4 different responses, in some form or variety.

1. I don’t want my family/friends/small home town to know it’s really me.

2. I also write (insert genre here, such as mystery, chick lit, etc.), and I don’t want readers to be confused.

3. Because my real name is a PITA to say, much less spell out.

4. With the way the world is today, I’m afraid that if I use my real name, an over-enthusiastic fan might try to hunt me down.

I’d like to hear from other people. If you use a pseudonym, is it for any of the above reasons? Or is there a new category I need to add?

WCP is having a Big Birthday Blowout!

www.WhiskeyCreekPressTorrid.com