I'm a very laid back person. I don't like confrontation, so if I can avoid it, I will. BUT that's not to say that I won't stand my ground on something I feel strongly about - especially my children.
Recently an editor for a magazine I write for assigned me an article. I was about to start writing said article, when I received an email that basically said - "did you start the article, because I just received one on the subject from someone else I'd like to use. I'd like to give you a different assignment."
Luckily for me I hadn't. I did do all the research and I literally WAS about to start writing it. I just went with the flow and agreed to the new assignment. Now this article is higher paying and a feature - but it's longer. I'm having some difficulties finding enough information to sustain a teens attention. UGH!
I know I'll prevail and write the article. I'll find some tidbit of information to make it more interesting, but I'll have to dig deep.
The bottom line here, was the editor thanked me for being flexible. She appreciated that I didn't fight her, because she did give me the option to submit my original article. I had no clue what she was offering when I agreed to take the new assignment, but I knew I wanted to continue writing for this magazine.
Of course not every situation will be as simple as that one, but in this business you need to be flexible.
So off to request some expert resource advice...I have a long day ahead of me. :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Journaling
I was cleaning out my desk this week and found an array of journals. I journaled a lot through the years, but only when life is rough and has me down. When life is good I don't bother. It got me wondering...
Some day when I'm gone my children are going to read these. They're going to think - wow she didn't like life or she had it bad. The truth of the matter is - I'm blessed on so many levels. I have three wonderful, healthy children. A beautiful grand daughter and a husband who cherishes the ground I walk on. I wouldn't change my life - except parts of the last month.
Yes, I've left behind an evil ex husband. Yes, I suffered a horrible loss recently. I've had a few major flare-ups with my Crohns and have been on death's door, but I've survived. I'm a survivor and if anything I want my children to see that no matter how hard things seem, you can get through it.
The counselor from the hospital suggested I journal my way through my grief and I am. It will make me stronger in the end, this I know. I also realized how short life can be. I want my children to read about the positive things too, so I'm going to try to incorporate those too. I want to leave behind good memories.
That's my food for thought for the day! :) Hope you have a wonderful Thursday.
Some day when I'm gone my children are going to read these. They're going to think - wow she didn't like life or she had it bad. The truth of the matter is - I'm blessed on so many levels. I have three wonderful, healthy children. A beautiful grand daughter and a husband who cherishes the ground I walk on. I wouldn't change my life - except parts of the last month.
Yes, I've left behind an evil ex husband. Yes, I suffered a horrible loss recently. I've had a few major flare-ups with my Crohns and have been on death's door, but I've survived. I'm a survivor and if anything I want my children to see that no matter how hard things seem, you can get through it.
The counselor from the hospital suggested I journal my way through my grief and I am. It will make me stronger in the end, this I know. I also realized how short life can be. I want my children to read about the positive things too, so I'm going to try to incorporate those too. I want to leave behind good memories.
That's my food for thought for the day! :) Hope you have a wonderful Thursday.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Release Day!
Today I'm celebrating the release of Ignited! I Love this story. I'm also featured at two blogs. I'm giving away a copy of Ignited to one lucky commenter at each site so stop by for your chance to win! :o)
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-amber-skyzes-guest-blog.html
and
http://mjdaniels.blogspot.com/2010/01/terrific-tuesday-with-amber-skyze.html
Blurb:
Got Fantasies? Nikaya does. She longs to be loved by two men.
Nikaya is celebrating her birthday with a new Mustang. As she’s climbing the mountain in her shiny new car, a police officer comes out of nowhere. He pulls her over and treats her to a birthday spanking. With a sore butt and a burning need to orgasm, she’s whisked away to a cabin.
Braden and his best friend Hank have a few surprises up their sleeve for the birthday girl. They include whips, floggers, chains, blindfolds and more. They hope to make all her fantasies reality.
Three hot bodies, sex toys and a spanking machine are only the beginning for Nikaya.
Excerpt:
Nikaya floored the gas pedal as she climbed the windy mountain road in her new black Mustang. The beige plush leather seats caressed her legs. The Mustang, a gift to herself for her thirtieth birthday, roared up the hill with ease. Some might look at thirty as the end of having fun, a time to grow up and figure out where they were going in life, but not her. No, she knew exactly where she was going and the car was not some midlife crisis purchase. She looked at thirty like an awakening to a new decade—one that would allow her more freedom to explore who she really was.
With the top down she felt alive. Warm air blew her long sandy blonde hair away from her face. As she drove higher and higher into the mountain, blood pumped through her veins. She was free.
The sun dipped behind the mountain caps. Nikaya didn’t worry as dusk settled upon the town of Desmond Point. She knew the lay of the land like the back of her hand. She pressed the pedal slightly harder with her high-heeled sandal, gunning the engine on the desolate road. Her fire-engine red fingertips gripped the steering wheel. One wrong move and she could find herself flying over the side of the mountain, crashing on the rocky bottom. Adrenaline soared, her heart pumped wildly. She loved living on the edge, the thrill of adventure.
A quick glance in her rearview mirror alerted her to trouble.
“Shit,” she cursed, noticing the glare of the flashing red light. “Where did he come from?” The road had been virtually empty for the last two miles.
She slowed down and found a safe spot to pull over. Was this the right thing to do? The flashing lights weren’t on top of the car, they were inside. She’d read articles about crazies who liked to pretend they were police officers. They’d pull over unsuspecting women and then rape them. Could this guy be one of them?
She tapped her fingertips on the wheel, contemplating what she should do. Should she call and verify he was for real? Her cell phone probably wouldn’t get reception this high up the mountain. She couldn’t take off and leave him standing there, just in case he was a true officer.
Another thought popped in her mind. Would he give her a speeding ticket? A ticket was not something she wanted for her birthday. Maybe he would cut her some slack.
“Evening, ma’am,” the man said, approaching the car.
“Sir.” His sun-streaked brown hair fell haphazardly around his face. He wasn’t in uniform. He was dressed in black slacks and a short-sleeved white button-down shirt. The top three buttons were undone, exposing a small patch of dark brown hair. He looked more like someone who spent most of his days on the beach, rather than driving around in a police car. Another glance in the rearview mirror warned her he wasn’t driving a police cruiser. A shiver of fear passed through her as she gazed into the most astonishing blue eyes.
“Do you realize how fast you were going?” he asked.
She shrugged, indifferently.
“I’m gonna need your license and registration.” He leaned two muscular hands on the door.
He smelled of sun and sand.
Nikaya obediently dug through her purse, looking for the documents. Once she retrieved her license she handed it to him. “Look, officer, I didn’t mean any harm. I—”
“Step out of the car, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
“I said, step out of the car.”
“What is this all about?” Surely this could be handled from the safety of her car.
“Now.”
His stern voice prompted her out of the car.
“Hands against the car. Legs spread.”
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-amber-skyzes-guest-blog.html
and
http://mjdaniels.blogspot.com/2010/01/terrific-tuesday-with-amber-skyze.html
Blurb:
Got Fantasies? Nikaya does. She longs to be loved by two men.
Nikaya is celebrating her birthday with a new Mustang. As she’s climbing the mountain in her shiny new car, a police officer comes out of nowhere. He pulls her over and treats her to a birthday spanking. With a sore butt and a burning need to orgasm, she’s whisked away to a cabin.
Braden and his best friend Hank have a few surprises up their sleeve for the birthday girl. They include whips, floggers, chains, blindfolds and more. They hope to make all her fantasies reality.
Three hot bodies, sex toys and a spanking machine are only the beginning for Nikaya.
Excerpt:
Nikaya floored the gas pedal as she climbed the windy mountain road in her new black Mustang. The beige plush leather seats caressed her legs. The Mustang, a gift to herself for her thirtieth birthday, roared up the hill with ease. Some might look at thirty as the end of having fun, a time to grow up and figure out where they were going in life, but not her. No, she knew exactly where she was going and the car was not some midlife crisis purchase. She looked at thirty like an awakening to a new decade—one that would allow her more freedom to explore who she really was.
With the top down she felt alive. Warm air blew her long sandy blonde hair away from her face. As she drove higher and higher into the mountain, blood pumped through her veins. She was free.
The sun dipped behind the mountain caps. Nikaya didn’t worry as dusk settled upon the town of Desmond Point. She knew the lay of the land like the back of her hand. She pressed the pedal slightly harder with her high-heeled sandal, gunning the engine on the desolate road. Her fire-engine red fingertips gripped the steering wheel. One wrong move and she could find herself flying over the side of the mountain, crashing on the rocky bottom. Adrenaline soared, her heart pumped wildly. She loved living on the edge, the thrill of adventure.
A quick glance in her rearview mirror alerted her to trouble.
“Shit,” she cursed, noticing the glare of the flashing red light. “Where did he come from?” The road had been virtually empty for the last two miles.
She slowed down and found a safe spot to pull over. Was this the right thing to do? The flashing lights weren’t on top of the car, they were inside. She’d read articles about crazies who liked to pretend they were police officers. They’d pull over unsuspecting women and then rape them. Could this guy be one of them?
She tapped her fingertips on the wheel, contemplating what she should do. Should she call and verify he was for real? Her cell phone probably wouldn’t get reception this high up the mountain. She couldn’t take off and leave him standing there, just in case he was a true officer.
Another thought popped in her mind. Would he give her a speeding ticket? A ticket was not something she wanted for her birthday. Maybe he would cut her some slack.
“Evening, ma’am,” the man said, approaching the car.
“Sir.” His sun-streaked brown hair fell haphazardly around his face. He wasn’t in uniform. He was dressed in black slacks and a short-sleeved white button-down shirt. The top three buttons were undone, exposing a small patch of dark brown hair. He looked more like someone who spent most of his days on the beach, rather than driving around in a police car. Another glance in the rearview mirror warned her he wasn’t driving a police cruiser. A shiver of fear passed through her as she gazed into the most astonishing blue eyes.
“Do you realize how fast you were going?” he asked.
She shrugged, indifferently.
“I’m gonna need your license and registration.” He leaned two muscular hands on the door.
He smelled of sun and sand.
Nikaya obediently dug through her purse, looking for the documents. Once she retrieved her license she handed it to him. “Look, officer, I didn’t mean any harm. I—”
“Step out of the car, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
“I said, step out of the car.”
“What is this all about?” Surely this could be handled from the safety of her car.
“Now.”
His stern voice prompted her out of the car.
“Hands against the car. Legs spread.”
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Crabby Monday
Dante's Desire is finished and will be off to my editor shortly. It's been awhile since a story just poured out of me like DD did.
Today I need to write a synopsis for the cougar challenge. This story came to me too! I rarely write a synopsis first or have an outline, but I know where this story will go from start to finish. I'm scaring myself! LOL
Tomorrow I'm celebrating my next release from Ellora's Cave. I'll be having a contest here and I'll be a guest on a few other blogs, where I'll be giving away a copy of Ignited. So be sure to come back and find out where you could win a copy of Ignited.
So why am I crabby? I didn't sleep last night. Plus I've been at a lack of things to write about on my blog. The interview and guest blog requests are flying in and I'm VERY happy to promote my work, but I'm blog blocked. LOL
I guess I should be happy it's not writer's block and the stories are flowing.
Happy Monday Everyone!
Today I need to write a synopsis for the cougar challenge. This story came to me too! I rarely write a synopsis first or have an outline, but I know where this story will go from start to finish. I'm scaring myself! LOL
Tomorrow I'm celebrating my next release from Ellora's Cave. I'll be having a contest here and I'll be a guest on a few other blogs, where I'll be giving away a copy of Ignited. So be sure to come back and find out where you could win a copy of Ignited.
So why am I crabby? I didn't sleep last night. Plus I've been at a lack of things to write about on my blog. The interview and guest blog requests are flying in and I'm VERY happy to promote my work, but I'm blog blocked. LOL
I guess I should be happy it's not writer's block and the stories are flowing.
Happy Monday Everyone!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tired!
I’ve been working so hard to accomplish so many deadlines, some self-imposed, that I’m wiped out. I woke up late, but not too late to get my daughter off to school on time. Today I’m taking a mental health day! :o)
I have more good news to share though. First is my new cover for Wild Lickins coming out from Aspen Mountain Press on February 19th.
The other good news is I’ve been invited to join the Cougar Challenge. I hope I live up to these awesome writers. I have an idea for a story so I’m going to write up the synopsis and present it to the group.
I do want to get my word count in for Dante’s Desire today, but right now I’m too exhausted to think, let alone write.
Happy Thursday everyone!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Terrific Tuesday
I woke up REALLY early this morning. I’m working on a story called Dante’s Desire for a themed series for EC. The deadline is the 31st and I just started the story a few days ago. It’s going to be a quickie, probably around 12K. I’m at 5k as of this morning. I should be working on book two of my Shea Manor series, (seeing as book one and three are written), but this story was calling to me – BIG TIME. So I put aside the other story to work on this. I wanted to spend more time writing today, but I promised to baby sit for my grand daughter while my daughter goes to work. I’m happy that I added over 2k today. If I keep this up I can submit it before the 31st.
The BIG news that has me doing the snoopy dance is the contract in my inbox this morning for Research Required. I resubmitted it to my editor Saturday and received the contract today. It needed a little tweaking which I did and much to my editor’s satisfaction, obviously. :o)
So while this New Year started off on a low note, the last week has been a huge turnaround for me.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
The BIG news that has me doing the snoopy dance is the contract in my inbox this morning for Research Required. I resubmitted it to my editor Saturday and received the contract today. It needed a little tweaking which I did and much to my editor’s satisfaction, obviously. :o)
So while this New Year started off on a low note, the last week has been a huge turnaround for me.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday Again
The beginning of a new week. The DH and I went out for dinner and drinks with my brother in law and his wife this weekend. It was nice to be out of the house. I needed a night out more than I realized.
I have another busy week ahead of me. I’m editing a romantic comedy I want to submit to a contest, along with getting it ready for an agent appointment in March. Also on my lists of to-do’s this week is editing the Shea Manor series. I haven’t finished writing book two, but one and three are done.
I’m also hard at work on a new wip that needs to be finished and submitted by Jan 31st. It’s for a themed series so there is a deadline. The idea came to me last week and I had to put aside Brooke and Liam’s story for Shea Manor to work on this. Once I’m done I’ll return to the other story.
I’ve been planning out my week on Sunday’s, it seems having a schedule makes me more productive. I'm the queen of procrastination so this way I feel accountable for getting the work done. On top of my writing schedule I have little tasks around the house I want to tackle. Things I couldn't do if I were working the day job.
Our daughter just strolled in from a four day trip to Washington DC with the father in law. She went straight to bed after being on a train for seven hours. I'm looking forward to her waking up to hear all the details. My FIL surprised them with a trip to the White House, along with a tour of the Oval Office. He didn't think he'd be able to pull it off, but he did. She missed a few days of school for this trip, but hey, it was educational right? :)
Just waiting for the final approval on my new cover for Wild Lickins so I can share. I’m really digging this cover.
Eight more days until the release of Ignited, my newest ménage from Ellora’s Cave Exotika line.
Well time to get busy on my chapter’s newsletter and do some editing. Until tomorrow…
I have another busy week ahead of me. I’m editing a romantic comedy I want to submit to a contest, along with getting it ready for an agent appointment in March. Also on my lists of to-do’s this week is editing the Shea Manor series. I haven’t finished writing book two, but one and three are done.
I’m also hard at work on a new wip that needs to be finished and submitted by Jan 31st. It’s for a themed series so there is a deadline. The idea came to me last week and I had to put aside Brooke and Liam’s story for Shea Manor to work on this. Once I’m done I’ll return to the other story.
I’ve been planning out my week on Sunday’s, it seems having a schedule makes me more productive. I'm the queen of procrastination so this way I feel accountable for getting the work done. On top of my writing schedule I have little tasks around the house I want to tackle. Things I couldn't do if I were working the day job.
Our daughter just strolled in from a four day trip to Washington DC with the father in law. She went straight to bed after being on a train for seven hours. I'm looking forward to her waking up to hear all the details. My FIL surprised them with a trip to the White House, along with a tour of the Oval Office. He didn't think he'd be able to pull it off, but he did. She missed a few days of school for this trip, but hey, it was educational right? :)
Just waiting for the final approval on my new cover for Wild Lickins so I can share. I’m really digging this cover.
Eight more days until the release of Ignited, my newest ménage from Ellora’s Cave Exotika line.
Well time to get busy on my chapter’s newsletter and do some editing. Until tomorrow…
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cleaning
Since I've let the house go I decided to clean today. I couldn't look at the mess anymore. We haven't cleaned in a few weeks so the dust bunnies are taking over. The cleaning has been very therapeutic I must say, but it's very exhausting. The DH is behind me reminding me I had surgery two weeks ago. I need to take it easy. Hmm, maybe he should call a maid service then?? LOL Nah, I need the distraction. So time for me to nap before I start the vacuuming.
I was surprised with my cover art for Wild Lickins this afternoon. I'll be able to share it in a few days. I'm impressed with how they nailed what I asked for. It's rare, though their vision is usually better than mine! :o)
Happy Friday and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
I was surprised with my cover art for Wild Lickins this afternoon. I'll be able to share it in a few days. I'm impressed with how they nailed what I asked for. It's rare, though their vision is usually better than mine! :o)
Happy Friday and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Swamped!
Wow someone is looking down on me lately. I’ve been swamped. Between edits for Wild Lickins, FLE’s for Ignited due out the 26th and the cover art for Wild Lickins (which is an Ice Cream Shoppe for those wondering J) things have been non-stop.
I must be getting popular because people are requesting my books on Astatalk. It frustrates the hell out of me that people would steal from writers who bust their butts to put books out for loyal FANS. I liked it better when I wasn’t so popular. I liked the first year when my sales weren’t thru the roof, but I was SELLING books, not being ripped off.
Okay enough of my rant on that subject.
Today it’s time to work on that article and finish revising Research Required, unless something else pops up.
Oh and I’m excited I started a new story, currently titled Dante’s Desire. I’m only 5 pages in, but it feels good to be writing again. A new year and a fresh start.
I must be getting popular because people are requesting my books on Astatalk. It frustrates the hell out of me that people would steal from writers who bust their butts to put books out for loyal FANS. I liked it better when I wasn’t so popular. I liked the first year when my sales weren’t thru the roof, but I was SELLING books, not being ripped off.
Okay enough of my rant on that subject.
Today it’s time to work on that article and finish revising Research Required, unless something else pops up.
Oh and I’m excited I started a new story, currently titled Dante’s Desire. I’m only 5 pages in, but it feels good to be writing again. A new year and a fresh start.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Lots of News to Share
I’m back! Sorry for not posting much, but frankly the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010 was a whirlwind. I’m still trying to piece together all the things that happened in a ten day span.
BUT, through all the unhappiness there has been some good news in my life that I want to share with all my friends, fans and readers of my blog.
1. My editor at Noble Romance gave me an extension on the January 1st deadline for the Valentine’s Day submission. I’m happy to say that I finally submitted it yesterday. It’s an M/M short called Naughty Cupid.
2. I received my first contract of the New Year from Aspen Mountain Press, along with the edits!!! Wild Lickins is the first M/M I wrote about a year ago. It’s tentatively scheduled for a February 19th release.
3. I also received my first non-fiction assignment for 2010. An article on Car Surfing for a teen magazine I write for. She also hinted that a few of my other ideas might be assigned in the coming weeks.
4. Today I’m hoping to finish revising Research Required for my editor at Ellora’s Cave.
So, needless to say I’m keeping busy and thankful for the distractions. I have enough work to get me thru the month of January. Now if only I could do some actual writing! I have a ton of story ideas brewing, but can’t seem to get them on paper. I guess that’s for another day.
BUT, through all the unhappiness there has been some good news in my life that I want to share with all my friends, fans and readers of my blog.
1. My editor at Noble Romance gave me an extension on the January 1st deadline for the Valentine’s Day submission. I’m happy to say that I finally submitted it yesterday. It’s an M/M short called Naughty Cupid.
2. I received my first contract of the New Year from Aspen Mountain Press, along with the edits!!! Wild Lickins is the first M/M I wrote about a year ago. It’s tentatively scheduled for a February 19th release.
3. I also received my first non-fiction assignment for 2010. An article on Car Surfing for a teen magazine I write for. She also hinted that a few of my other ideas might be assigned in the coming weeks.
4. Today I’m hoping to finish revising Research Required for my editor at Ellora’s Cave.
So, needless to say I’m keeping busy and thankful for the distractions. I have enough work to get me thru the month of January. Now if only I could do some actual writing! I have a ton of story ideas brewing, but can’t seem to get them on paper. I guess that’s for another day.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Review - Body Shots
Body Shots has it's first review! YAY!
Title: Body Shots
Author: Amber Skyze
Genre: Spicy, Contemporary
Available: Dec 22, 2009
Score: 4.25 / 5
Ms. Skyze has written an interesting page-turner that has intelligent, believable characters and a plot that holds your attention from beginning to end. To read this review in full visit this link! http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5468
Title: Body Shots
Author: Amber Skyze
Genre: Spicy, Contemporary
Available: Dec 22, 2009
Score: 4.25 / 5
Ms. Skyze has written an interesting page-turner that has intelligent, believable characters and a plot that holds your attention from beginning to end. To read this review in full visit this link! http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5468
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Missing In Action
To my friends and readers of my blog if you haven’t heard the news you’re probably wondering where I’ve been. Well sadly enough my husband and I recently suffered a loss and I’ve been grieving. I hope to return to my writing and blogging in the coming weeks.
Until then may your New Year be everything you hoped!
Amber Skyze
Until then may your New Year be everything you hoped!
Amber Skyze
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