Please Vote! HEARTFAST is up for Best Book!

Your story "­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­HeartFast" was reviewed by us this week and is up for Best Book honor this weekend (voting runs from Saturday, 2/28, through Sunday, 3/1). We thought you might like to know. You can find the information here on Saturday:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/recentrev.htm

Please vote for me! :D Thank you!

Book Signing Today! Come By and Say "Hi!"

5 Cherries for HEARTFAST!

HeartFast
by Linda Mooney
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Futuristic
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

With HeartFast, the author has created a world filled with fascinating characters and a premise that I found highly entertaining.

I was intrigued from the very first moment of this futuristic story as two of the elite sixteen Guardians, who are defenders of the planet who also have special powers, find themselves forced into a mating bond thanks to a law and lottery requiring a couple to procreate. Friends and coworkers, Star and Hunter find themselves in an interesting predicament as they must follow the law. It was interesting to watch them deal with the changes that came their way because of the circumstances beyond their control.

Star is a strong female character who is very much a survivor. An outcast due to her special abilities, she has finally found a place with the Guardians and fears losing that spot due to the changes that her situation with Hunter have caused. I really felt for this character and couldn’t help but be touched by all that she goes through during this emotional story…and there are definitely some emotional parts so have those hankies handy while reading.

Hunter, the hero of the story, is also a strong character who has a few secrets of his own that come to light as the story progresses. He fascinated me and I longed to know more about this strong and serious man who is very much a protector. Star definitely brings out the best in Hunter and it is interesting to watch his transformation as the bond between he and Star grows stronger.

And while the lottery might have brought this couple together, it was evident that they already had a strong connection and I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if not for the lottery. This is something that I loved about the story. The fact that the couple had a prior relationship made the transition from friends/coworkers to lovers go smoothly and make sense as things must progress rather quickly thanks to the Handfast Law. Star and Hunter share a bond with one another and it is wonderful to watch their relationship blossom as they grow closer with one another.

The story also contains a few secondary characters that enhance the story from the mysterious group of men who have a vested interest in Star and Hunter’s mating to Star and Hunter’s fellow Guardians. The Guardians truly fascinated me with their various special abilities and all of them practically scream for stories of their own. I would love to see more of them in the future.

As for the plot of the story, it progresses nicely and I enjoyed every minute of its fascinating premise and setting. I became lost in the story and didn’t want it to end. The stunning conclusion touched my heart and made me feel for all of the characters of the story. Everything from the characters to the setting to the plot comes together quite nicely making for one strong read.

From its action-packed beginning to it heart wrenching conclusion, HeartFast is an unforgettable story that I highly recommend.

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2009/02/heartfast-by-linda-mooney.html

For the Love of Writing - Making Certain Scenes... "Believable"

Every so often I see the inevitable question asked on a loop -- "What's the hardest part of writing a romance?" Inevitably, at least one author will answer, "The sex scenes."

There have been a few times I've been reading an erotic romance, and trying to get the visual imagery of what the couple are doing is, umm, difficult. Oh, yes, I KNOW what they're doing. It's trying to see them in my mind's eye that I have a problem with.

Do the scenes give me problems? Rarely. I know a couple of authors who read other authors' sex scenes for inspiration. Me, I would rather watch a movie. There. I admit it. I will watch a hard R rated flick, or soft porn, to get the imagery back in my head. So the next time I have to write a love scene... well... ;)

Simply. Beautiful. Music.

Il Divo singing "Amazing Grace"
Live
With bagpipes
Keep the tissues handy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtrnB4FZ-yc

For the Love of Writing - The Bug Has Bitten, BUT...

You're at the market, at the doctor's office, driving to your next appointment, sitting in line at the bank... you're SOMEWHERE, and you get this Really Fantastic Idea for a new story! Plot, characters, circumstances -- the whole works just start pouring out of your brain.

What do you do? Do you keep a pad and pen nearby for just those moments? Or maybe you have a laptop handily at your disposal.

What do you do about those bits and pieces you know you're going to forget if you don't get them somehow saved?

I have a friend who keeps a small purse-sized tape recorder with her at all times for just those moments. Another girl I know calls her home phone and leaves it all on her message machine. I personally keep a small 4.5x7 spiral notebook with me (I just measured it. :)

Want to share your tricks? I'd love to hear some of them!

Runner's Moon Trilogy Megabook is WCPT's #1 Best Seller!

Linda,

Congratulations! Your book RUNNER’S MOON TRILOGY MEGABOOK is the Number One Bestseller at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for the month of February, 2009!

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

RUNNER’S MOON TRILOGY MEGABOOK is your sixth book with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, and all six books have been Number One Bestsellers, an amazing achievement!

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

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

Dear Linda: Regarding RUNNER'S MOON

Dear Linda,

Are there going to be any Ruinos babies in your Runner's Moon books?

LOL! To be honest, I don't know. At this time, no, but who can tell what may come down the pike?

Thank you for an interesting question!

Update On My New Bathroom

In case you forgot, here it was in the beginning.


And a month later, most of the "dirty" work has been done.

On the right will be my linen closet. The vanity will go where the blue toolkit is. The shower bath combo has been replaced by a huge "soaker" tub (not a whirlpool or jacuzzi, as using bubble bath would clog up the pipes.)

Estimated date of completion: March 1st!

For the Love of Reading - Do Reviews Make a Difference?

I wish I'd remembered to add "Good Reviews" to my poll. But I just had an incident that reminded me of my oversight.

I was at Fictionwise, looking for a book I'd seen promo'd on one of my umpteen kajillion e-loops. The premise looked interesting, and the author had gotten some great reviews from notable review sites. However, over on FWise, that same book had one or two (maybe) Great ratings, a few more Good ratings, but the remainder were Fair and Poor. Most of her reader reviews were in the lower ranges. Needless to say, I'm holding off until I get word of mouth from some people I know and trust to let me know if I should fork over the money.

Not too long ago there was an uproar about authors and their fans manipulating the reviews over at Amazon, which led a lot of readers to reply that there were ways for the authors to have low ratings removed. As such, the reviews at Amazon are not as unbiased as they could be. That's not the case over at FWise. What authors get is what authors get.

So, my question is this... Do you trust reviews? Do they make a difference when you get ready to purchase a book? Are there certain sites you trust more than others?

For the Love of Writing - An Author's Dilemma

I guess you could say the blog today is directed mostly to other authors.

I have a book that was out with another publisher for nearly a year. It was sold on their website, and on Fictionwise for about 8 months. All in all, I was told I had sold a total of 46 copies of it (although on FW I had 36 reviews for it before it was pulled.)

It's a perfectly good novel. It's a fantasy romance that reads like a medieval, but takes place on an alternate world, and runs around 88,000 words. But, like I said, it's been "exposed" for a year already.

Should I try submitting it to another publisher? Or should I self-publish it and put it up on my website?

Any suggestions? I would dearly love some insight.

Thanks!

For the Love of Being Read - Thank You!

I'm walking on Cloud 9!

Like most authors, I have my name set up as a Google Alert so that I can be notified once a day of any places on the internet where I'm mentioned. Specifically, this is to let me know when a review for one of my books may go up without me being aware of it.

I got an alert today that I was mentioned on someone's blog. Curious, I went over to see.

My book is listed as being on someone's TBR (To Be Read) List! I'm in tears!

This is a FIRST!

Rarely do I hear from other people, much less from readers, although they're out there. You see, 99.9% of the time, when people discuss what they're reading, or make suggestions what to read, it's a NY book by a NY author.

Which is why I was stunned, then in tears to see my book listed with a dozen other books -- a dozen NY books.

To that person, many many thanks, and many more blessings on you!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulet!

I Would Love to Get Your Feedback!

Please do me a favor and answer my poll at the right.

For my benefit only, let me know what influences you the most to buy a book.

The poll will be up until Friday, February 28th, and will close at 6:00 p.m. CST.

Thank you!

For the Love of Reading - Why Use Books as Punishment?

Grrr. Time to let out some steam.

I have a very difficult time trying to make certain teachers understand one basic principle: If you use reading as a punishment, then don't complain when the child's reading scores are low!

Have you ever heard this?
"If you don't behave, I'm going to put you over in that corner with a book!"
"You just lost recess, buster! When we go outside, take a book with you so you'll have something to do."
"No, sir. You're going to In School Suspension. Take your library book with you."

There are other similar quotes, but you get the picture. I cringe every time I hear an adult threaten a child with reading a book if they don't do "such and such". Heck, I would LOVE it if I could get out of some of my more boring classes, and instead be sentenced to a day of reading!

Why do teachers AND PARENTS use reading as a form of punishment, when we're trying to RAISE our reading test scores? Does anyone else see the double standard in this?

Where is the Strangest Place You've Ever Read a Book?

Did you read it in a boat?
Did you read it with a goat?

Did you read it in a house?
Did you read it with a mouse?

Did you read it with a fox?
Did you read it in a box?

Did you read it here and there?
Would you read it anywhere?

5 Things Ebooks WON'T Give You

Five Things Ebooks Won't Give You:

* More stuff to dust

* More weight to carry onboard your flight

* Eyestrain, trying to read the small print

* Boxes of books to put in storage

and

* A lighter pocketbook

For the Love of Reading - Dealing With Overcrowded Bookshelves

What do you do?

Do you have a bookshelf that looks like mine -- books stacked and jammed in, and balanced any way you can?

What do you do when the shelves can hold no more? Do you pack up boxes of them and ship them off to resell? Or do you donate them to a local library?

What if they're books you just can't get rid of because you love them so much, you plan to go back and re-read them again later?

What books do you keep on your bookshelves? Are they on your TBR (to be read) list, or Keepers?

Any suggestions, insights, and tips will be appreciated!

For the Love of Reading - Book or Movie?

READ THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE MOVIE!

If I had a nickel for every time I've seen that promo splashed across a paperback...

I was in Hastings Sunday, and there it was again for a YA book whose title I don't recall off-hand (something with a big silver lower case "e" on it?).

Anyway, when was the last time you read the book THEN saw the movie, and hated the movie? Or you saw the movie THEN read the book, and hated the book?

If you read the book, do you usually find yourself disappointed with the way Hollywood "interpreted" it? Or do you avoid one if you've done the other?

I do know that the last time I read the book AND saw the movie, and was delighted by both, was Time After Time with Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, and Mary Steenburgen. Of course, the fact that Nicholas Meyer wrote the book AND directed the movie may have had something to do with that. :D

For the Love of Reading - A Sequel/Prequel Worth Mentioning

If you loved Somewhere in Time like I did, try to find a copy of this book.

Memoirs of Elise
by David Gurnee

"This sequel/prequel to Somewhere in Time was inspired by the movie's poignant opening scene. In this scene Elise McKenna sits alone in the darkness waiting for her opportunity to give a young playwright, Richard Collier, a watch, and to utter the enigmatic words, "Come back to me." The underlying emotion of the scene, and possibly of the entire film, comes from the fact that she had been waiting for this day for sixty years!"

"A book with uncommon and stunning beauty......that will carry on the rare and brilliant passion of SOMEWHERE IN TIME."

"What had Elise been through in those sixty years?
How did she discover where Richard Collier had come from?
How did she find him?
Memoirs of Elise answers these questions in a manner that is loyal to the original story.
Come back to me! "

From WindTime Publications

Somewhere in Time - the Quintessential Romance Movie

It was in the early 1980s. I was fresh out of college and working two jobs -- full time as a music teacher at a junior high school, and part time at a department store.

I had a crush on Chris Reeve ever since I first saw him in Superman. Jane Seymour's beauty was astounding. So when the movie came to town, the last showing of the evening was at 9:30. I got off work at my part-time job at 9:00, and rushed to catch the last show.

I cried copious tears. I went back 4 more times to see the movie, and every time I sobbed into my tissues.

Back then, VCRs were new, and ran anywhere from $600 and up. I got my first one at Sears (an RCA) for nearly $900. Blank tapes cost $24.95 for a 60 min. tape (the VCRs were not programmable back then to adjust to different times - you had to buy the tape to fit the time you needed.)

SiT was the first movie I ever bought in VHS format, for $89.95. It was a LOT of money to spend for someone earning less than $10K a year.

The movie endures. The movie is priceless, IMHO. This week, station WGN out of Chicago is holding a Somewhere in Time contest where the winner gets free lodging at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

If you are interested in entering, go here. (Contest ends Feb. 20th!)

To learn more about the movie, here is the official site, and here is the IMBD info.

Tidbits and Trivia

When I initially began writing Runner's Moon, I had originally entitled the series RUINOS MOON. But about midway through Jebaral, I realized people might have difficulty remembering or pronouncing "Ruinos", so I changed it to "Runner's".

Forget Flowers and Candy - Give Them a Romance Novel!

This Valentine's Day, don't go the old worn-out route of giving the person you love flowers or candy (In the past I would have a basket of flowers and candy delivered to my hunny. Men love that kind of stuff, too.)

This year, give them a romance novel, but with an added bonus. Use a highlighter to emphasize the juicy parts, then add little stick-it tabs to show him where to look. ;) You might also want to offer to read some of those scenes aloud to him.

What have you got to lose?

Happy Valentine's Day!

For the Love of Writing - Go Somewhere!

Stuck for an idea?

Stuck for a plot thread?

Stuck?

Get up, get out of the house, and go somewhere. Drive, walk, bike, skate -- it doesn't matter. Give your brain a break. Take in some fresh air.

However, don't use this time to pay bills, hit the market, or go shopping. You don't need to be thinking. You need to open yourself up to whatever you come across, even if it's just a walk around the block.

You might be surprised at the results. :)

I have a Winner!

Congratulations to Lindsey Ekland, winner of a copy of my newest release CASTLE'S KEEP.

My next new release will be March 15th, so keep an eye out here and on the loops for a chance to win again! :D

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Dear Linda: Pantser or Plotter?

Dear Linda,

I'm curious. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'm basically a plotter. I have an idea, I come up with possible problems and plot points I want to include, and I know how I want the book to end. In my journal, I make notes of characters (and their descriptions), and other names I need to keep track of. After that, I begin to write.

Of course, sometimes my story veers off, which means my outline needs revision. I don't force a story to stick to my outline because circumstances change. But I can't "pantser" -- I can't sit down with no idea what my story is going to be about, or where it's going to take me, or how it's going to end.

Now Available (For Real!) CASTLE'S KEEP

NEW! From Red Rose Publishing!

CASTLE'S KEEP
An erotic urban fantasy

He was a man angry at an accident which left him forever incapacitated.

She was a woman disfigured and empty.

Add one immense painting imbued with a magical ability, and the resulting enchantment changed more than just their lives.

It changed their world.

Attention All Authors! Tax Time Tips and Info

This is a sample 1099 that you should receive from your publisher if you made more than $10.00 (that TEN DOLLARS) in royalties last year.

Check out Diana Castilleja's blog here for more info.

Wanna win a free copy of CASTLE'S KEEP?

Wanna win a free copy of CASTLE'S KEEP?

I will award a PDF of my newest release from Red Rose Publishing on Thursday the 12th. All you have to do is send me an email at

Linda@LindaMooney.com

with CASTLE'S KEEP in the subject line. That's it!

Thanks, and good luck!

(Psst! To learn more about this release, check out the blurb and excerpt at http://www.lindamooney.com/ )

For the Love of Writing - Are You a Collector?

When I was writing AEQUANA, I started finding odd little mermaid-y things, and thus began my collection. Friends would find out what my WIP was, and they'd send me stuff related to it. Candles, figurines, stickers, calendars, earrings, t-shirts, plaques -- you name it, they sent it. Since I'm big into The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, I also get a lot of lighthouses and other nautical paraphernalia.

Plus there are my wombats, my Phantom of the Opera stuff, my faeries, and more Native American Indian stuff you could shake an arrow at.

Now my walls and bookshelves are filled with all sorts of collections. And you know what? All this eye candy helps. There are times I get stuck on a plot line, so I lean back in my chair and just stare around the room. Suddenly something pops out at me, and I find a way around my roadblock.

Collections are great! The only problem is finding a place to put everything!

WOOT! Firelight Won for Best Paranormal Romance!

THANK YOU to everyone who voted for my story!

Just For the Fun of It

Listen to your computer read your manuscript to you.

No, really! Open your Adobe PDF version, then go to VIEW, and scroll down to READ OUT LOUD.

Trust me. It'll give you a whole new perspective of your book!

This? Or This?

This?

Or this?

Lately I've noticed a lot of authors posting their flats. (A flat is the full cover a print book, which includes the spine and back.) In the ebook business, ebooks don't get flats because there's no need for a spine or back cover.

Personally, although I like to see what the whole book will look like, most of the time I prefer to show just my cover. It takes up less room, for one thing. And the front appears much more dramatic without the rest of it.

But curiosity prompts me to ask people if a flat makes any difference when they peruse a cover. Comments?

There's an excerpt up now for Challa.

Just FYI. :D

And you can only reach it through the link here on the blog.

For the Love of Writing - With Music

I can't write when it's quiet. But neither can I write when the TV's on. I watch very little television. After a full day of teaching, my evenings are for writing, so I can't afford too many distractions.

However, I have to have my music. Soft background music. Sometimes by a particular artist, but usually motion picture soundtracks.

I have my iPod sitting on a base with dual speakers. Once it's on, I'm able to concentrate. And now that I think back on it, when I was in school and college, that's how I used to study -- with the stereo going constantly.

And if I'm very lucky, a song will inspire me for another story. :D

Why Write Fantasy?

I get asked a lot why I choose to write fantasy romances.
It started with these three books. I got my hands on them while I was in 9th grade (Tom Browne Jr. High in Corpus Christi, TX).

They're not quite romances, but they're not young adult fare, either. But I was hooked. And I wanted more.

Fantasy allows you to escape into worlds away from reality. When you're a teenager in an abusive family, books are the best way -- and still are, in my opinion.

These books helped cultivate my fertile imagination. I started writing, and I haven't stopped.

Oh, and I still have my copies.

Thank you, Mr. Meyers.

An Ebook Plus From an Author's Viewpoint

I've seen a lot of arguments in favor of ebooks. I mean A LOT --price, content, storage, etc. But one I haven't seen (or if I have, I've forgotten. You know how old age sucks.) is any mention of Story Size.

I just had a short story accepted at Red Rose, and I mean a SHORT story. A mere 2.9K words. That's about 6-7 pages single spaced Times font. But it's a horror short, and it packs quite a punch.

The point is, if I had been trying to get this bloody little gem published elsewhere -- say, by a traditional house -- I would be severely restricted. Unless it was submitted for an anthology, my chances of acceptance would be less than nil.

But ebook publishers aren't restricted by word count, and for that we authors are blessed. Of course, it means I'll need to sell a BUNCH of these $.99 gems to bulk up a decent royalty check. But the fact that it will be published is already something to cheer about. :)

Quick Update

Eenie Meenie is now on my website with the blurb and excerpt. Just FYI. :D

http://www.lindamooney.com/myhorror.htm

A New Contract!

I am proud to announce that Red Rose Publishing has just contracted my horror short Eenie Meenie for publication.

It's written under my pseudonym Gail Smith, and I'll have my website updated soon to include an excerpt.

Meanwhile, here's the blurb:

Something lives in the big black plastic garbage bag. Something that isn't human. Something that depends on the goodwill of others to provide it with food. Fortunately, it's not particular if its meal is dead, long dead... or alive.

For the Love of Books - Formats and Fonts

I buy my ebooks in PDF because I can boost the font. Period.

I once had a friend comment that it was very hard for her to read the tiny font of one of my books. The 8 pt. font made her eyes water, as well as gave her a headache.

"Why don't you boost the font so it's easier to read?" I suggested.

"You can do that?"

Yes, you can if you're using Adobe (or any 0ther PDF reader, I would imagine.) Another neat trick I learned -- when it's time to scroll down, DON'T use the mouse. Put your cursor on the empty space ABOVE the bottom arrow, in that little "gutter" your scroll bar runs down. Then click once to advance the page down. The last line you finished will automatically become the first line at the top of the next page. :D

Ain't technology wonderful?

HeartCrystal, the sequel to HeartFast, is Now Available at Fictionwise and 30% Off!

HeartCrystal
(Sequel to HeartFast)
A Sensuously Erotic Sci-Fi Romance Novel
From Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Is Now Available at Fictionwise, and 30% Off!
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook80576.htm?cache

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.

It's not one of my favorite places to read...

but I detest eating alone. Whenever I'm on the road taking one of my solo vacations, or going to a book signing, inevitably I'll need to stop somewhere to get a bite to eat. And, face it, dashboard dining has its pitfalls.

So I'll choose some place within my budget (I have a fancy for TGIFridays and Cracker Barrel) for a sit-down meal. But once you place your order, then what do you do?

Thank goodness for books! Not only does it quickly pass the time until my meal arrives, but I actually have the chance to relax and de-stress.

Believe It or Not, I've Been Nominated!

Holy Cow!

I just found out that my story FIRELIGHT has just been nominated over at Rites of Romance Reviews for Best Paranormal of 2008!

So here I am, begging for your vote.

If you haven't yet joined the RoRR email loop, the link is here. Join the loop, then go vote.

You'll have my utmost gratitude!