Happy Halloween!

Have a safe one, folks!

A Walk Around the Neighborhood

I love the way people decorate their houses for the holidays!  Especially Halloween!
Check out the hands coming up from the ground!

Thank You, Victoria College!

I want to send out a HUGE Thank You! to Michelle Paulsen and the members of her Writers Club.  I was invited to speak at their bi-monthly meeting this past Wednesday afternoon.  I explained how I got into writing and being published, read an excerpt from one of my books (by request), and then answered questions from the group.  I had a wonderful time!

So blessings to you all!  You made my month!

I'm a Finalist!

I've just received word that LORD OF THUNDER is a 2011 Eppie Award Finalist in the Erotic Fantasy Romance division!

I'm not just stunned, I'm flabbergasted!

Walking With It

Recently, there was a news story on the ABC Evening News about the dangers of prolonged sitting behind a computer. It was the sitting, not the computer, that was causing the problems. And in the story one company had come up with a very unusual solution. It installed treadmills (referred to as a "workmill") which employees SLOWLY walked on throughout the day. A type of desk had been installed on top of the controls so that it would hold a computer monitor. As a result, the employees were seeing better health and a reduction in weight because of it.

Of course, if you're the type who can't walk and chew gum at the same time, you're screwed. But in light of the evidence, I'm thinking of sticking my laptop on top of my treadmill and seeing if I can't get some energizing out of it.

http://gizmodo.com/312920/treadmill-desk-promotes-hamster+itis

I'll keep you informed.

I'm Now on Skype

I'm LindaM54, if you wish to add me. 

Diana Castilleja is my Guest Author Tonight on Blog Talk Radio!

Diana Castilleja is my guest author tonight on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio!  She will be reading from her paranormal romance His Redeemer's Kiss.

Show begins at 11 pm et/10 pm central.

Don't miss it!
******
Seeking redemption from his inner demons, peace comes from the least likely of sources.


After existing for three hundred years, Joaquin Ramirez has fought the last nightly battle for his sanity. Rather than relinquish his tenuous hold on humanity, to not become the soulless monster that lives within him, he has decided suicide is a more honorable death. Until an unknown voice whispers from the darkness to literally shout at him—‘coward’.

Lily Jaspers is an enigma to Joaquin. A woman who has been abused, her internal pain shrouds her telepathic words. Yet she is living with, protected by, the very creatures Joaquin has no trust in—the Brethren. Maniacal and cruel, the Brethren are the vampire society as it is known, and feared, by humans. They are soulless beings who were once men of honor, like Joaquin. The one he faces who protects Lily is, in fact, the most adept and strongest he’s ever met. The whole situation intensifies when the home where he found the holder of the enchanting voice is attacked by a human force that leaves no doubt none were expected to survive.

Fleeing under the cover of night sets a path for both Joaquin and Lily that neither will be able to escape as danger from her past, alongside the secret of his reality, threaten not only them, but the freedom Lily and her friends have fought so hard to achieve. A freedom that can be destroyed in the blink of an eye.

How come...

I don't get it.

An author on Twitter had her book contracted by a major NY publisher.  Said contract was signed this past summer.  Her book is due to be released January, 2012?

When I questioned the 18-month-long wait, she said, "That's the norm."

Huh?

It USED to be "the norm" Way Back When because authors submitted typed manuscripts, and the publishing houses needed someone to re-type the entire thing by hand.  Not to mention the tedious task of formatting it for print, etcetera, etcetera.

This is the 21st century.  Computers do 90% of the publishing work.  Manuscripts are now submitted in e-format, making the the rest of the work oodles less time-consuming.

Yes, I've taken into account the actual time they may need to print and ship the thousands of print copies to the market.

Still, why is it taking NY pubs 2-3 times longer to produce a book?

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

On Twitter, a friend I follow was bemoaning the fact that a book just came out on Fictionwise with the same title as the WIP she was working on.  That same day, Irene Watson did an editorial about Naming Your Book: Is it Okay to Have the Same Title as Others?  http://www.readerviews.com/Newsletters/2010.10/18.html

I've also had that happen to me. In fact, I just saw the same title pop up on ARe that's the same as my upcoming book due for release in March.


As authors, we all know the problems than can occur if someone knows your title but can't remember your name, and goes looking to buy a copy but finds more than one book with that title.  Of course, I've had a couple of authors tell me that more and more readers are "author savvy", and one told me that a recommendation by another usually included an idea of what the book is about.  That way she has a title and some content to help her.


One of my newly contracted books has a "similar" sounding title as some other books, but it has a different slant to it.  Still my publisher is wanting to change the title, and I'm going out on a limb and assuming it's because of that "similarity".

But do similiar or identical titles matter?  Especially if the covers, authors, and content are all different?  I can understand how nearly identical covers can throw some people off (we've all seen that happen.)

Yes, I do a little research to see if there are any other books with the same title if I feel there might be a conflict.  But I don't really see anything majorly wrong with it. 

Aren't most books bought because of the author name or content, anyway?

New Contract!

Coming Sept. 15, 2011!

DEEP
An erotic sci-fi romance
From Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

As one of Earth’s Galactic Enforcers, Lawn Bascomb is assigned to Area R6Y6 for the duration of one year. Her only companion in this desolate section of space is Deep, her sentient Vogt ship.


The Vogt line is an experimental breed of unique vessels, each with its own artificially enhanced intelligence, created specifically for use at the deep space guard posts. Able to project a synthetic holographic form, Deep is not only Lawn’s sole fellow crew member, but he is also her confidant. It isn't long that he eventually becomes her lover.

But their tenuous arrangement is suddenly and fatally shattered when their post is threatened by an unknown and perhaps alien force. And Lawn and Deep are faced with the realization that, in order to save Earth, one—or both of them—must die.

Warning:  Contains ship sex, governmental cover-ups, an orgasmic indoctrination, temperamental buoys, self-sacrifice, alien invasion, and doing the 9-to-5 in the buff.

Coming in January, 2011 - Zorro with Duncan Regehr

I watched ZORRO, starring Duncan Regehr, on the Family Channel religiously.  Yes, it was a more homogenized version, but I love it.  I swooned over the romantic liaisons.  And I eventually became pen pals with one of the writers of the series.

I just found out the entire series will be released on DVD on January 11, 2011.  

http://www.amazon.com/Zorro-Complete-Duncan-Regehr/dp/B0041KKBFE

I'm there!

Found at My Local Hastings

Boy, that must have been SOME sale!

RHEA 41070 is Now Available on ARe and OmniLit!

Now Available on ARe

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-rhea41070-476193-143.html

And OmniLit!

http://www.omnilit.com/product-rhea41070-476193-143.html

LaVerne Thompson is my Guest Author Tonight!

LaVerne Thompson is my guest author tonight on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio.  She'll be reading an excerpt from her latest paranormal romance, Living on the Edge.

Show begins at 11 pm et/10 pm ct.  Don't miss it!
***
As one of the few female bounty hunters in the country and with a nickname like Edge, she enjoyed living on the edge and always got her man. One way or another. As an executioner for her shifter clan she was relentless, but finding a mate was not something on her radar, having to hunt him down and execute him even less so.


But could she trust her instincts?


Ethan Graves was a hunted man, not quite a man but a Leo of his kind. When he found out he was hunted by a sexy bounty hunter, he let himself be caught. He just had to convince her of his innocence before she killed him, then confess to wanting her as his mate.


But could he trust his instincts?
***
LaVerne Thompson is an award winning bestselling author, an avid reader and writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi sensual romances featuring interracial characters. Her books are available at Red Rose Publishing, Freya's Bower and under her pen name Ursula Sinclair at Decadent Publishing. Visit her website at lavernethompson.com to read excerpts of her books or sneak-a-peek at some of the stories she’s currently working on or visit her blog at isisindcblog.blogspot.com .

I Love This Time of Year!

Christmas decorations aside, I love Autumn!  Especially Halloween.  It's my favorite holiday, bar none.  And I love seeing all the "Halloweenie" stuff, like this table at Hastings.

Wonder what the most popular costume will be this year?

Atomic Tom - "Take Me Out"

Here's group of musicians who had their instruments stolen in October.

No problem.  They added the iPhone apps of their instruments to their phones, and one day hit the NYC subway for a live "performance".

The result is awesome to the max!  See if you don't agree!

Oh, Where, Oh, Where...

Do reviewers have fluxes when they prefer to read a certain genre and not others?

Is there a dearth of reviewers? 

Or an overabundance of books/review requests?

Is receiving reviews one of those "feast or famine" things?

*sigh*

I Haz a Dilemma

I have this great idea for a story.  It's an erotic sci-fi romance.  The only problem is, it's a menage.  As Linda Mooney, all my books thus far have been straight m/f romances.  This new idea (and it's a humdinger) doesn't have m/m or f/f, but let's just say there's more than "one partner".

So here's my question.  Do I write it under Linda Mooney, or do I assume another pseudonym?

CODE 30, my horror novella, is also at Fictionwise and Amazon!

CODE 30, my paranormal horror novella written under my pseudonym Gail Smith, also hit Fictionwise this week.  So for a limited time it's also 15% off!

Plus it's now available on Amazon for Kindle!

Check it out!

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b114492/?si=0

http://www.amazon.com/Code-30-ebook/dp/B003XKNGEG

Rhea 41070 is Now on Fictionwise and Amazon!

And for a short time, it's 15% Off on Fictionwise!

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b114619/Rhea-41070/Linda-Mooney/?si=0

You can also get it now for Amazon Kindle!

http://www.amazon.com/Rhea41070-ebook/dp/B0046LV922

Paranormal Romance Author Robin Badillo is my Guest Tonight on Blog Talk Radio

Paranormal romance author Robin Badillo is my guest tonight on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio.   She will be reading from her newest release RETRIBUTION.

The show begins at 11 pm et/10 central.

Don't miss it!
***
Robing says, "I am a native Texas, born and reared in Montgomery, County.


The mother of four great, talented and exceptional kids, I'm no stranger to sleepless nights, occasional bald spots and understanding the importance of a well planned bubble bath.

I began writing very young, but life got in the way and the need for a "real" job took priority in my life.

In the summer of 2006, my husband of fifteen years suddenly died in his sleep of a massive coronary at the age of forty-one, leaving me behind at thirty-six to finish the task we set out to accomplish together--raising a family.

With no real training or skills beyond managing a household and raising children, I decided life was too short not to enjoy whatever path I walked down, so I opened my laptop and started writing.

That was nearly two years ago and my first novel released this October 1st.

I'm still learning the craft. I read, research and ask questions of anyone who even looks like they might know something about anything.

Each day brings me one step closer to becoming the writer I aspire to be. I have a long way to go, but at least I'm doing something I love and growing with leaps and bounds.

Someday I hope to look back and be able to say... 'You did good', bad grammar and all."

10 - 10 - 10

Doing anything special today?

Remember, we have 11-11-11 and 12-12-12 to go before this kind of rotation ceases and doesn't reappear until January 1, 3001.

My 2011 Calendar - “A Song of Fire and Ice” by George RR Martin, with Artwork by Ted Nasmith

At my local Hastings I found this calendar, and immediately knew I had to have it.  I have never heard of the artist Ted Nasmith before, but a quick google search revealed the fact that he did some very instrumental pieces for Lord of the Rings.

If for no other reason than the incredible fantasy figures and castles, go get this, and let your imagination soar!

Calling All Local Writers!

Attention all writers!  If you live in Victoria or the local area (Edna, Goliad, Cuero, Gonzales, Telferner, Bloomington, Hallettsville, etc.), you are invited to come to the Writers Schmooze.  All “phases” and genres of writers are welcome – beginners to published, children’s books to poetry to romance.  We’d love for you to join us.  We discuss all forms and formats of the process and the business of being published.

We meet every Second Saturday at Hastings in Victoria (in far right rear of store) at 9:30 am.

Come join us!

Meat Loaf - "I Would Do Anything For Love"

When this video first premiered, it absolutely took me by the heart and imagination, and totally fired up my creative juices.  To this day I still LOVE it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Save a Life, Squish a Boob!

PubIt! - My Books and Barnes & Noble

After publishing my horror novella JOURNAL on Amazon for Kindle, I've been doing well with sales over there.  Not gangbusters, but at least it's selling a few copies every month.

Now Barnes & Noble has PubIt!  They're offering similar rates as Amazon (depending on the selling price).  So now I'm over at B&N.

Wish me luck!

My Guest Tonight is Michelle Marquis

Best-selling erotic romance author Michelle Marquis will join me on Other Worlds of Romance on Blog Talk Radio October 4th. She'll be reading from her latest sci-fi romance novel MANIC LULLABY from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.

The show begins at 11 pm et/10 pm central.  Don't miss it!

*****
Doctor Scarlet Jonson is in big trouble.

Because of her beauty, the poor human doctor has attracted the attention of the Emperor who wants her for his harem. In order to save her, Desmond and Gavin have embarked on a mission. If they can find a human slave to distract the Emperor, Desmond can marry Scarlet and take her off the market.


But when they buy the slave Lilly, not only does she not solve their problem, she threatens to drag the whole empire into a bloody civil war, with Gypsy right in the middle!

***
Michelle Marquis is the pen name for author Michelle O’Neill who uses a pen name so she doesn’t have to be responsible for herself. Michelle was born in Los Angeles but has lived all over including Canada. She is a lifetime fan of science fiction, erotic romance and horror, and most of her novels reflect those themes.


Michelle is constantly writing and thinking up new stories to delight her readers. Some of her most recent books are The Siren Warrior Chronicles, Hunters, and Machine Lust: Switchblade.

He said to me...

He said to me . ... . I don't know why you wear a bra; you've got nothing to put in it.
I said to him .... . . You wear pants don't you?

He said to me ... . .......... Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
I said . That's a good idea - you stand by the stove & sink while I sit on the sofa and do nothing but fart.

He said to me.. ... What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
I said to him . ...... Turn sideways and look in the mirror!

He said to me. ..... Why don't women blink during foreplay?
I said to him .. . They don't have time.

He said to me. . How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
I said to him .. .. I don't know; it has never happened.

He said to me. . Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and good- looking?
I said to him . . .. They already have boyfriends.

He said....What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
I said. . . A widow.

He said to me.... Why are married women heavier than single women?
I said to him .. . . Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed.
Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.

(Thanks, Candace!)

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

I'll be at The Book Basket, 913 Main, in Bastrop, TX, from 11:00 - 4:00! The BB is next to Baxter's on the Oyster Bar side of Main Street. (Towards Wells Fargo, but not past it.)

Come by and say, "Hi!"!

Post a Comment, and You Might Win!

I posted a blog about the state of NY authors and publishers over at The Book Boost.  I'm giving away a book of the winner's choice to the author of one lucky comment.

The winner will be selected in about a week and posted in the Recent Winners box on the right hand column of the blog. Check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!