Tonight, I'm hosting Tara Nina!

Tonight on Other Worlds of Romance, on Blog Talk Radio, I'm hosting Tara Nina.  So come join us!  Show time is 11 pm est.  Listen in the chat room and talk with other fans, or call in and chat with Tara.  The number is (646) 727-2932.

***

Tara Nina is a southern transplant living in a quiet corner of New Jersey. People think of NJ as the armpit of the nation. But, believe it or not… black bears, deer, gorgeous hawks and other fantastic wildlife manage to sneak by her three dogs at least once or twice a week.

If she's lucky, she actually takes a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature before tackling the task of mother to her two teenagers and wife to her husband (who she considers to be her third child.)

Occasionally,the family hikes the Appalachian Trail near their home. The outdoors can be a great inspiration for the illusive muse inside of everyone.

When asked what she does for a living… "I'm a romance novelist trapped in the body of an MRI technologist."

New! CODE 30 by Gail Smith (Linda Mooney w/a)

CODE 30
A novella of paranormal horror
by Gail Smith (Linda Mooney w/a)
Red Rose Publishing
Word Count: 33.3K

Hi. My name is Alexis Hembree, and I’m a cop. My partner and I are good at our jobs, except we don’t tend to work what others would call a “normal” beat. For some reason we draw evil to us like flies to sugar.

Sometimes there are things in this world we can’t explain or anticipate. But when they cross that line between their existence and ours, when they show up, we have to deal with them as best we can.

Some cops fight criminals. We fight something that never should have existed.

303 Lexington St.

It was a crack house. Except, in this case, drug dealers went in but they didn’t come out. Not alive, anyway, but in body bags. What’s more, if everyone who went inside ended up being shredded to death, who was doing the killing?

Georgie Porgie

The killer targeted women. Young, old, prostitutes, business women, it didn’t matter. One moment they would be walking down the sidewalk in the middle of town, and the next what was left of their bodies would be found in a nearby alleyway. Devoured. That’s why I had to be the next one to walk the streets. To draw out whoever was doing this. To be his next victim.

The Goodbye

He murdered young girls by crucifying them with ice picks. He was slick, elusive, and heading for our city. My partner and I were damned and determined this murderer would get no further. Unfortunately I couldn’t keep my head on the job. Neither could I ignore the weird-ass dreams I was having about this deviate. This case was becoming more personal, more foreboding, and more dangerous with each passing day. And there was no damn way I could avoid what I dreamed would be the final outcome.

Tonight, I'm hosting Caridad Pineiro!

Come listen to Caridad Pineiro read from her latest bestseller!  She'll be on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio, starting at 11 pm est.  Call in number is (646) 727-2932.

Caridad Pineiro is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is also the author of over 20 novels. Her latest release, SINS OF THE FLESH, is the first in an exciting new paranormal suspense series revolving around genetic engineering, and set on the Jersey shore.

So join us tonight!  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

Goodbye, NING

As of May 4th, the free sites NING offered on their social networking platform will no longer be available.  They're phasing them out, and instead they will begin charging for people to have their pages uploaded on them.

I have several NING sites, including one I created myself.  I'm sorry, but I'm not going to shell out money when there are other places where I can advertise for free.

Gee, can you imagine what would happen if MySpace and Facebook decided to go the pay-per-page route?

Tonight, I'm hosting Linnea Sinclair!

This week I'm hosting Romantic Times Convention authors, and tonight I'm delighted to have Linnea Sinclair reading an excerpt from one of her sci-fi romance novels on Other Worlds of Romance over at Blog Talk Radio.  Show time is at 11 pm est.  And the call-in number is (646) 727-2932.  After her reading, we'll open up the microphones to callers, and she'll also answer questions from the chat room.  So join us!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance 

A former news reporter and retired private detective, Linnea Sinclair writes award-winning, fast-paced science fiction romance for Bantam Dell, including Finders Keepers, Gabriel’s Ghost, Games of Command, Hope’s Folly and her latest bestseller, Rebels and Lovers. Her books have won or finaled in the RITA, Sapphire, PEARL, Prism, and other regional and national contests. Sinclair is also a John W. Campbell Award nominee. When not on duty with some intergalactic fleet—or playing human slave to her spoiled felines—you can visit her at www.linneasinclair.com

It's an Industry No-No, In My Honest Opinion

Sarah over at Fresh Fiction recently blogged about authors who take a book, re-edit or up the word count, or in some way re-write the book, then re-publish or re-issue the book as a new release, and with a different title.

To me, that's so wrong.

Honestly speaking, I admit I've taken a book I'd already released (ex:  LORD OF THUNDER, which was originally released in 2005), but I always add word count (for LOT, I added 10K more, not to mention making it book one of a trilogy), or in some way change it, and made it different from the book it originally was.  But it's still basically the same book.  Same story, same characters, same basic plot.  Just more of it.  Therefore it was re-published with the same title. Changing the title sounds like a devious ploy to me.  And a quick way to get readers pissed at you.  But to call it a "new release" is just... *sigh*

I often see books re-released with different covers, but the title is still the same.  That's to be expected.  I haven't gone so far as to check to see if the back cover blurb is also different, but if the author/publisher are going to try and put one over on the readers, I wouldn't be surprised if the blurb has been changed, too.

In short, it seems publishers will go to any length (or con) for the almighty buck.

Loss of Individualism

We're studying oceans in Kindergarten this week and next, and one of the recommended reads is The Rainbow Fish.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I do NOT like this book.  Neither will I read it to my students.

If you haven't read it, here's the gist of it.  Rainbow fish is envied by the other fish because he has glittery scales.  They go up to him and ask him to give them his scales.  When he refuses, they ostrasize him.  Shunned, the Rainbow fish goes to a wise octopus to find out how he can make friends.  The octopus tells him to give away his scales to everyone who wants one.  The Rainbow fish does, and the others finally allow him to play with them.

So, according to this story, if you have something someone else wants, and they tell you to give it to them, you're supposed to.  If you have a special "something" that makes you stand out, stop it.  Don't look special.  Don't be special.  Just become one of the crowd, or else no one will be friends with you.

Okay, maybe I'm making too much out of this book.  Regardless, I will continue to push each of my students to rejoice in their individuality.  To NOT become one of the crowd, or to do what "everyone else" does simply because someone tells them to, or because of peer pressure.

'Nuff said.  Rant over.  'Scuse me while I go put the soap box away.

Tonight, I'm hosting Keena Kincaid!

Come join us tonight on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio when I'll be hosting Kenna Kincaid.  She'll be reading an excerpt from her latest book TIES THAT BIND.

Show time is at 11 pm est.

Is There a Genre You Flat-Out Won't Write For?

As a romance writer, I've written in several genres, some of which I never thought I'd touch.  Contemporary?  Yes, SAND CASTLE.  Texas-based?  See above.  Historical?  I went as far back as 1940 in LORD OF THUNDER.

However, there are some teachers at my school who are trying to get me to write a children's book.  I've tried to explain that writers are like doctors.  And musicians.  Some doctors prefer oncology.  Others gynecology.  And musicians either lean toward voice, piano, or another particular instrument.  Even teachers are selective.  I've had fifth grade teachers tell me you couldn't pay them enough to teach Kindergarten. Me, I feel the same way about having to teach the upper levels.

I've thought about doing a non-fiction book based on my husband's experiences while waiting for a heart transplant, and the effects of that wait on the rest of the family.  But a children's book?

Of course, I've learned a long time ago never to say never.

Tonight, I'm hosting L. A. Banks!

These last two weeks, I'm hosting Romantic Times Convention authors of fantasy, sci-fi, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance.  Tonight, I'm hosting L. A. Banks!

L. A. Banks is the recipient of the 2008 Essence Storyteller of the Year award has written over 35 novels and contributed to 12 novellas, in multiple genres under various pseudonyms. She mysteriously shape-shifts between the genres of romance, women's fiction, crime/suspense thrillers, and of course, paranormal lore. She is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program with a Master's in Fine Arts from Temple University and she is a full-time writer living/working in Philadelphia.

Chatting begins at 11 pm. est

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

After the Review, Where Does the Book Go?

Irene over at Reader Views has an interesting blog entitled "Defacing Books:  Why don't Authors Have Respect for their Result?"

In it, she exclaims her dismay that the print books she gets for review have comments like NOT FOR SALE stamped all over the cover, inside cover sheet, or ends.  Or that the authors have marked the books in other ways to "prevent" the reviewers from selling their books on eBay, or elsewhere.

Check out the blog.  It's interesting reading.

Now... my take on it.  First off, 99% of my reviews are from the ebooks I send out, or that my publisher sends out.  I am assured by people who review that when they're done with the book, they simply delete it from their computer.  (A practice that is shared by EPPIE judges.)

However, there HAS been a case where I discovered the reviewer was sharing her books with friends and family members, and a major hue and cry went up.  But I know that that bad apple was only ONE in a whole bushel basket full of good apples.

Still, I have to confess, I can totally understand an author's trepidation.  And to be honest, I'd probably do the same thing.

Tonight, I'm hosting Leanna Renee Hieber!

Tonight on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio, my guest author will be Leanna Renee Hieber. 

Leanna Renee Hieber is the award winning, bestselling author of THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER. Come by listen to Ms. Hieber read an excerpt from her book.

Show time is 11 pm est. "See" you there!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

Thought Provoking Statements

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger, and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.  Or put on lipstick.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent an A-hole from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27.  Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

28. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

29. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

30. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my butt everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

(Thank you, Therese!)

New Poll!

Do you re-read the books you've bought?

If so, what made you go back and re-read it?

Thinking Outside of the Box

How does the saying go?

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

(Thanks, Therese!)

The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Kindergarten Teacher, Take 232

Ever try to teach a five-year-old to tie his shoes?
It's not much different than what you see below.

(Check out more hilarity at IHasaHotdog.com)

Hear Romantic Times Authors on Other Worlds of Romance! Tonight: Jeaniene Frost

Join me on Blog Talk Radio this month as several best selling and award winning authors of sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and urban fantasy romances read excerpts from their books!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

Call in number (646) 727-2932

 TONIGHT, I'm hosting Jeaniene Frost, who'll be reading from her lastest release, FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows—her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield—and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness—and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.


Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Night Huntress series and Night Huntress World novels. She lives with her husband and their very spoiled dog in Florida. Although not a vampire herself, Jeaniene confesses to having pale skin, wearing a lot of black, and sleeping in late whenever possible. For information on Jeaniene's books, including sample chapters, book trailers, deleted scenes, creature mythology, and more, please visit: http://www.jeanienefrost.com/


Upcoming Dates
Wed., April 21 - L.A. Banks
Fri., April 23 - Kenna Kincaid
Mon., April 26 - Linnea Sinclair

"GunTown Director Responds to Piracy Of His Film"

Warning!  This site is a horror site, but with all that's being said about piracy of ebooks, I found this blog from an independent film maker regarding piracy of movies very similar.  And, to me, indie directors are on the same level as epublishers.
Read all about it here.

Tonight, I'm hosting Adriana Kraft!

Come join us tonight as I host author Adriana Kraft. She'll be reading an excerpt from her erotic fantasy romance book COLORS OF THE NIGHT.

The dazzling and timeless love goddess Aria pays a visit to struggling thirty-something Jamie and Ryan Hazleton, who are on the brink of divorce. When the hot sex that results from her first lesson cools to icy glares, Aria decides to move in with them and provide more experiential learning. Can Ryan overcome his jealousy of Jamie’s uninhibited response to the delectable goddess? What if he succumbs to his own desires? Only time will tell whether this love triangle with an immortal will ignite or extinguish the dying embers of Jamie and Ryan’s love.

Don't miss it! 11 pm est, 10 pm cst, 8 pm pst

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

RUNNER'S MOON: CHALLA Scores 5 Cups from Coffee Time!

Challa Doon is a Ruinos, an alien who crash landed on Earth with several other of her kind. She does not know if the others survived or not as they all got separated. Now she works for a carnival as a sideshow attraction and she is called “Challa, the alien girl.” Challa’s people are shapeshifters, and Challa can appear as a human during the day.

Compton Scott is a veteran of the Iraq War. He has come home because he was severely injured causing him to lose his leg and a piece of another part of his anatomy. He is glad to be home, but relatively withdrawn.

When Compton’s best friend Max talks him into going to the carnival and checking out a side show called, “Challa, the alien girl,” he goes along for something to do. Of course the fact that his friend has brought a blind date along for him does not help, but he goes anyway since it is Max. He is very surprised at how authentic Challa looks, how she does not look as though she is wearing a costume. He does not believe in aliens, but he finds himself more than a little intrigued by her. He hides in the tent when everyone leaves and then comes out to try and talk to her. Challa takes one whiff of the man who has the temerity to approach her and nearly freezes; his scent has proclaimed him her blood mate. However, before Compton can really talk to her or she to him, a co-worker chases him from the tent. Fortunately each take matters into their own hands and they are able to find each other later in the evening. Plans are made for the next day and they are able to hook up again, this time with Challa in her human form. It becomes apparent very quickly that they each have feelings for the other that they have never had for anyone else of the opposite sex before. However, Lawson, the man who owns the carnival will not let Challa go easily since she is the reason the carnival is solvent. On top of that, Challa and her people escaped from a slave ship and the Arra, their enslavers are looking for their lost cargo. Will Challa and Compton be able to stay together? Will their budding love survive all the obstacles?

Wow! Runner’s Moon: Challa Book 4 has to be one of the best science fiction romances I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year! I absolutely loved the fact that Challa and her people do not look even remotely human. So many sci-fi romances the alien looks and acts human with just some minor variations. However, this was not the case with this story. The fact that Compton was able to accept Challa in her alien form and had absolutely no problem loving her anyway makes this story outstanding. The lovemaking scenes are sexy and emotion-filled with just the right touch of eroticism. While I have not read the first three books in this series, after reading this one I plan to. Still this book can easily stand on its own. If you want to read a really fabulous science fiction romance, then I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of Runner’s Moon: Challa Book 4 because it is so worth it!

Regina
Coffee Time Romance and More
http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/

A PRE-Published Author?

I recently got a Facebook invite from a name I didn't recognize.  Since I'm always on the lookout for spammers, I popped over to her  FB profile to check it out.  She says she's a "pre-published author".  It's a new term that's been getting a lot of air play these past few months.  I've always assumed it meant she'd gotten a book contracted (usually her first), and she was in that no man's land waiting period that preceeds its release.  At least, that's what I always thought it meant.  Well, not in this case.  She's WORKING on a novel, but she intends to become published.

Whatever happened to "one day I hope to become a published author"?

Cute!

As a teacher, I often use Scholastic Book Clubs for my students.  Recently I got this neat little flash drive as a thank you gift from them.  The quarter gives you a sense of size.  (Yeah, that's my chicken scratch in the background.)

Now, This is Different

Nothing like making the rubble look like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle!

Some More April Fooling

New Cover and New Video: FROM OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Coming June 15th!

Tonight, I'm reading from my WIP, X-TROLLER!

Come join me tonight on Other Worlds of Romance when I read a chapter from my current work-in-progress, X-TROLLER.  Airing at 11 pm est, 10 pm cst, 8 pm pst.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance

Happy Easter!

It's a Book Signing! Come by and say, "Hi!"

Missy Jane and I will be there at the Menil from 10-5 pm.
Come and check out all the festival has to offer!

It's My Birthday!

Happy April Fools Day!