HEARTFAST is Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's NUMBER ONE BEST SELLER!

Linda,

Congratulations! Your book HEARTFAST is the Number One Bestseller at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for the month of January 2009, certainly a great way to start the new year!

HEARTFAST will again be carried on the WCPT Home Page all month as the Bestseller, and be permanently “red lettered” with our other, past Bestsellers at the site. HEARTFAST will also be featured in the WCPT newsletter as the Bestseller and at other third party places.

HEARTFAST is your fifth book with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, and all five books have been Number One Bestsellers, an amazing achievement unmatched by any other Whiskey Creek Press author to date. You have developed a growing fan base with your writing efforts, never an easy accomplishment but always very valuable and rewarding. Well done!

Again, congratulations from all of us at Whiskey Creek Press!

Debra Womack, Executive Editor and Publisher
Jan Janssen, WCPT Executive Editor
Steven Womack

10 Reasons NOT to Buy an E-book

10. I have lots of room to store my print books.

9. I don't care for all the variety. It's too confusing.

8. It'll put used book stores out of business.

7. I paid good money for these reading glasses.

6. What would the authors sign if I went to their book signings?

5. Who wants to sit in front of a computer all day?

4. E-reader? Good grief! MORE technology?

3. I don't need it right now. I can wait for it to come in the mail.

2. What would I do with all my neat little bookmarks?

And the Number One reason NOT to buy an e-book?

1. Bargain? Feh!

Santa Liked Me This Year! :D

Okay. After the prerequisite Bath and Body Works (mango mandarin, in case you're curious), the funky socks I love to wear when teaching, and a bag of expen$$ive Kona coffee, my Best Gift From Santa this year is my Seagate Free Agent Desktop 500 GB (that's right, people! FIVE HUNDRED GIGS!) External USB Hard Drive. And it's very reasonable in price! Also, it attaches direct to your computer tower (or laptop) and runs direct from there. No electrical outlet needed!

So if you're needing a place to backup, more room to store your books, or just more room period, check them out!

A Mooney Marketing Tip - Free Excerpts

It costs pennies per disk. All you need is time.

Buy CDs by the bulk, and use those white paper envelopes to put them in.

Hand them out at all book signings, in each book order you mail out, or send them to friends and fellow authors who are seeking freebies for giveaways!

Here's what you do:

Prepare an ad for each book.

Include a picture of the cover,

a direct BUY link (from your publisher's website, Fictionwise, ARe, wherever!),

ISBN number,

genre,

link to your website, MySpace, and YouTube (if you have a book trailer video),

BLURB,

EXCERPT (be sure to give a rating for the excerpt!).

Save as a MS Word file, or better yet, convert into a PDF file (you can find free PDF converting software on the internet.)

If you save every ad in one folder (mine is labeled PROMO DISK), then all you have to do is "drag and drop" the folder to burn on each disk.

I also found out that you can even drag and drop those .mpv files on the disk, too!

Where did all the trailers go?

Some of you have noticed and contacted me on the assumption my book video trailers over on YouTube had been removed by some sinister force. I assure you that's not quite the truth. But I did have one removed because of the music played in it.

My bad.

So I've taken down the majority of my trailers and I'm in the process of completely revamping them. Not exactly starting from scratch, but re-editing them without any music whatsoever.

What? NO music in my trailers? How does that work?

Just wait. :D You'll see. ;)

Come Join the Red Rose Publishing Yahoo Loop, and You Just Might Be a Winner!

Click on the invitation for a larger version that's easier to read.

Merry Christmas!!

And God Bless Us, Everyone!

On Christmas Day...

Candace Estes won a book of her choice!

Congratulations!

And thank you to everyone who entered!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas...

Gina Pettitt won from me...


Congratulations!

A Mom's Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases.

Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - -

*** Here are my Christmas wishes ***

* I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes,Mommy ' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room!" and "Take your hands off your brother!" because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

* If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back.

Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours always with love and appreciation,

a Mom

P.S. One more thing... You can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children "young" enough to believe in Santa.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

Lindsey Ekland won from me...


Congratulations!

This SHOULD be under "dubious gifts", but...

I'm ashamed (not!) to say that I still know the words and tune to this little holiday ditty. If nothing else makes you fall out of your chair with laughter, go hunt this song up on iTunes!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

Julie Robinson won from me...


Congratulations!

Holiday Eating Tips

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO!! What a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

Linda LaRoque won from me...


Congratulations!

Please Vote!!

Runner's Moon: Simolif is up for Best Book! I would feel very honored if you voted for my novel, but hurry! Votes will only be taken Saturday and Sunday!

Click on this link, and thank you so much for your support! :D

On the Eighth Day of Christmas...

Catslady5 won from me...

Congratulations!

Long and Short Whipped Cream Reviews has reviewed RUNNER'S MOON: SIMOLIF

This is the third book in a series, but the story is fully readable as a stand-alone book. Simolif or Simon as he is known here on earth is a very hot construction foreman at a job site. He has been searching to meet his life mate, because his race only bonds with one person for life. Little did he realize that Professor Sarah Drumman would turn out to be that person. Sarah is an astronomer who works at the local college, next to his job site, and catches her first sight of him, out of her office window.

The sparks that fly between these two characters are very hot and very romantic. This reader immediately became enmeshed in the story and did not want it to end. This story has it all, great sex and romance, and the suspense qualities of a good thriller. When the enemy of these alien shape shifters comes after them, and tries to capture them, it is Sarah who through her love and connection to Simon that is able to save them from being recaptured.

I recommend this story to anyone who likes his or her erotica with a sci-fi twist. I definitely want to go back and read the previous parts of this series.

~ Reviewed by: Anthurium
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2008/12/runners-moon-simolif.html

On the Seventh Day of Christmas...

Anne Sorgeson won from me...


Congratulations!



It's not to late to enter! Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and say "Please put me on your Christmas list!"

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

Kimmy Lane won from me...


Congratulations!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

JFWisherd won from me...

Congratulations!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...

Afshan522 won from me...

Congratulations!

NEW! HEARTCRYSTAL, the sequel to HEARTFAST

NEW!
HeartCrystal
(Sequel to HeartFast)
A Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance Novel
by Linda Mooney
From Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=369

Blurb:

They were the Guardians. Sixteen special men and women with incredible powers, who had sworn their lives to the protection of their galaxy, while upholding the laws of their world.

For Dark Hunter and StarLight, it seemed the worst was over. With StarLight still recovering from her near-death experience with the Ombitra, they were ready to resume their lives as the first-ever married Guardian couple in history. Ready for a new life filled with love and extraordinary passion.

But there are unknown perils when working in outer space. There are dangers beyond description—unforeseeable events and catastrophes that can bring nightmares to any sane person.

They had sworn they would share a lifetime together.

The universe had other plans.

And right now you can get the first book, HEARTFAST, at Fictionwise at 25% Off! http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook76063.htm?cache

On the Third Day of Christmas...

Daun Ann Korty won from me...

Congratulations!

It's not too late to enter! Do it now! Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and ask to be included!

My 2 Cents on the EPPIES

Mima on EREC just posted this blog.

http://www.erecsite.com/2008/12/guest-post-taking-ourselves-seriously.html

I'm going to take a dangerous turn and put my 2 cents in here, rather than respond on EREC.

For the past 2 years I have entered 3 of my books in the EPPIES. Of my 6 books, 4 have been designated #1 BEST SELLERS for my publisher, and ALL of them have received 5 stars/flags/blue ribbons/coffee cups/roses, what-have-you. They have excellent reviews on Fictionwise. Even RT gave me 4 stars. That's not to mention the Recommended Reads and Top Picks.

I have never finaled. And I will never find out why not.

Am I frustrated? Of course. Why? Because I wonder why none of my books were good enough. Because I wonder why they have done so well (and are still selling strongly), yet they're not worth any recognition.

Why do I think they failed to final? I cannot say because I will never see any scores (unlike other contests where you're given SOME kind of feedback). But I have some faint ideas why not.

Will I ever enter my books again? No.

Is this just sour grapes? Maybe. But remember I'm a teacher, and any time I have to grade down a child's performance, I must give a reason that will teach that child the correct answer AND boost that child's morale to where he'll WANT to try harder next time.

I'll stop now before I say too much.

On the Second Day of Christmas...

Tinab won from me...

Congratulations!

It's not too late to enter! Do it now! Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and ask to be included!

On the First Day of Christmas...

Dorlana won from me...

Congratulations!




It's not too late to enter! Do it now! Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and ask to be included!

The Romance Bistro Christmas Party
December 12th, 13th and 14th

Participating authors include:

A.J. Wilde, Eve Summers, Linda Mooney,
Carolyn Gregg, Jaxx Steele,
Jane Beckenham, Sheniqua Waters, Desiree Lee,
Dana Littlejohn, Sloane Taylor, Tabitha Shay,
Jessica Barksdale Inclan, Beth Wylde,
Adrianne Brennan.
And the authors of Eternal Press.

Your hostesses are: Stacy Dawn, Cindy Green,
Sophia Danu and Megan Rose.

Plus: Joe, Our Gorgeous Waiter

Join us for festive fun and great prizes.

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

In Tribute To Our Heroes Overseas

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Questionable Christmas Gifts - Take Three

I think the picture says it all.

LOL!

Tidbits and Trivia

I thought I'd start a little something new on my blog, and title it Tidbits and Trivia. When I do, I'll tell you a little bit about what's going on with my books, how a story came about, what I included "for fun" in a story, and...well, tidbits and trivia! :D

This time around I want to tell you about my blue kiss picture, which I use as my avatar and icon on all my web places.

You know how the old adage says "one picture is worth a thousand words"? In this case, this picture was the inspiration for an entire book -- HEARTFAST. I couldn't get the expression of love and anticipation on their faces out of my head, so slowly the idea for HF came about. And you can "find" that picture in my story (if you've read the book, you know exactly where it is!)

A thousand words? More like 103,000.

WHOOHOOO!!!! My Megabook Was Selected To Launch The Series!

Part of an email from my publisher:

Linda,
Congratulations! Your RUNNER’S MOON TRILOGY Megabook has been selected to launch the Torrid Megabook Series, releasing January 1, 2009.

One new Megabooks title will be released at both Torrid and General each month throughout 2009, and also be released simultaneously (as much as possible) at Fictionwise, Mobipocket, and Kindle. This book will have its own ISBN and of course be ebook only. The retail price will be $9.99.

Briefly explanation -- authors from both the general line and torrid line were asked if they wanted to participate. Of course, we had to have at least 3 books out of a single series to make up the megabook. The novels are full length, and still available as single titles.

But of all the authors participating, I was selected to launch the series!

WOOOOOT!

Mooney Does Movies: "SAW V"

The tag line says "You won't believe how it ends." Trust me, you won't.

Bad points: A lot of time is spent showing you how one of the "victims" in the past is actually working with Jigsaw. (Other than Amanda.) Nothing really convoluted, but I was more interested in seeing how the latest batch of victims solves their dilemma and survives the traps. I would guess two-thirds of the movie concentrates on one police detective still investigating Jigsaw's past.

Good points: A neat salute to E.A. Poe. Every movie begins with a victim, and this one will not disappoint because it doesn't conclude the way you expect it to. The victims and traps are pretty decent. Special grisly effects are superb. But the ending...whoa!

Is this version as good as the others? Not really, but it still has its moments. Will you want it? Sure, especially if you're collecting the series. Will there be a SAW VI? Count on it.

I give this movie a three-quarter moon.

Jigsaw may be gone, but not forgotten.

Think "apprentice".

Questionable Christmas Gifts - Take Two

On the other hand, I think they're kinda cute!

Presents Under the ETree

Mina Carter is having a e-book give away for Christmas, and I placed HEARTCRYSTAL in the pot. Click on the banner to go check out what all she has to offer, and sign up! You just might win! :D

SAND CASTLE - A Heart Warming Contemporary Christmas Story is Now Available!

New! From Red Rose Publishing!

Sand Castle

A sweet contemporary romance for the Christmas holidays

by Linda Mooney

Terrie Myers never believed life would give her a second chance at anything. Little did she understand the draw of a little girl with dreams of a knight in shining armor. Or the magic of hope that would turn those dreams into reality.

Now On Sale Here

Gimme! Gimme!

If I wasn't such a zombie fanatic -- (check it out, folks! My zombie horror novella JOURNAL, written under the pseudonym of Gail Smith, can be found on Fictionwise!) -- I would put this in my "dubious gifts" category. But it's so wonderfully kitzch, I'd love one for myself! I wear XL!! :D

(Psst! Click on the shirt to get a slightly larger picture.)

Questionable Christmas Gifts - Take One

Yes, I write erotic romances

...but I have my pride. LOL!

Would YOU use it?

Get Ready for The 12 Days BEFORE Christmas!

Beginning December 13th, I will be giving away A Book Every Day until Christmas!

Want in on it? Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and say "Please put me on your Christmas list!" Then, beginning Saturday the 13th, I will draw one name out of my Santa cap every day AND THE WINNER WILL GET THE BOOK OF THE DAY!

This is my way of saying "Thank you" to all who have read and enjoyed my work in the past.

(Psst! I have at least 5 more coming out in 2009!)