Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Are You F'ing Kidding Me
A winter storm watch? Are you serious? Bright and early this morning I watched the news and they are talking about a winter storm that could drop significant amounts of snow. Hello, has anyone looked at the calendar? It’s only October. Though I must admit about ten years ago it was normal for snow to fall before or by my birthday which is the first week of November. I’ve grown used to snow falling in late November early December. In fact I’d prefer to move south for the next six months.
A friend of mine told me about a book called Every Move You Make, by M. William Phelps yesterday. I did some research and discovered Mr. Phelps is a man I’ve watched on the ID channel. He’s an investigative journalist and written many books on true crimes. I’m going to pick up the book. The interesting thing about this is it’s written about Gary C Evans, a killer from Troy NY, which was practically the next city over from where I lived for 30+ years.
In other news my wip is coming along nicely. I’ll be putting it aside in a few days to start the new project with Katalina Leon.
The day job has taken its toll on me lately and stressing me too much. They’re talking about off shoring us. I’m telling you this is one time I wish the government would step in and force the companies who are headquartered in the US to keep their jobs based in the US. There are too many people without jobs. Okay, off my soapbox for now.
Weekend plans? I have to work tomorrow and if the snow shows up I’ll be shoveling. How about you?
A friend of mine told me about a book called Every Move You Make, by M. William Phelps yesterday. I did some research and discovered Mr. Phelps is a man I’ve watched on the ID channel. He’s an investigative journalist and written many books on true crimes. I’m going to pick up the book. The interesting thing about this is it’s written about Gary C Evans, a killer from Troy NY, which was practically the next city over from where I lived for 30+ years.
In other news my wip is coming along nicely. I’ll be putting it aside in a few days to start the new project with Katalina Leon.
The day job has taken its toll on me lately and stressing me too much. They’re talking about off shoring us. I’m telling you this is one time I wish the government would step in and force the companies who are headquartered in the US to keep their jobs based in the US. There are too many people without jobs. Okay, off my soapbox for now.
Weekend plans? I have to work tomorrow and if the snow shows up I’ll be shoveling. How about you?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
New Favorite Weekday
Wednesday’s have become my most favorite weekday. The baby goes to her grandmothers so I can do my job without interruptions and its family night. Tonight we’ll all watch Survivor together. By the time it’s over both L and I will be ready for bed! LOL Ghost Hunters will have to be watched in the morning.
I managed to get 1200 words written this morning. Yay!
Today I plan to do a brief outline of my Nano project. I say brief because if I do a detailed one the book will fail. I don’t know why, but it’s just the way I work.
Oh and I believe there are three new releases at EC that I have to pick up. MA Ellis and Reese Gabriel are on my auto-buy list. Both their new books are looking HAWT.
Happy Hump Day!
I managed to get 1200 words written this morning. Yay!
Today I plan to do a brief outline of my Nano project. I say brief because if I do a detailed one the book will fail. I don’t know why, but it’s just the way I work.
Oh and I believe there are three new releases at EC that I have to pick up. MA Ellis and Reese Gabriel are on my auto-buy list. Both their new books are looking HAWT.
Happy Hump Day!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A New Week
It’s been awhile since I blogged. I’ve been busy with the dreaded day job. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy to have a job, because I know how many aren’t so lucky. The job is very stressful though. I had to work all weekend and this coming weekend.
Good news is I’ve been writing. Not every day, but I’ve gotten 5k into a new book in the last week. Soon I’ll be starting a new book with Katalina Leon. I love her. She’s such a great friend and inspiration.
Eight years ago today I had my first date with the DH. I drove three hours for that date. We talked for four months before I ever drove out here. We talked daily for hours at a time. We knew more about each other before getting together than I’d ever known about any man I ever dated. Let’s just say the drive was well worth it. Once we got married the DH said this wasn’t an anniversary any longer. Well if he hadn’t noticed I’m a romance writer. I’m all about romance and love. It’s important to me. :o)
That day we watched two awful movies at his house. Malibu’s Most Wanted was one. The second I can’t remember. We went to dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant, and then off to the movie theater. That should’ve been my first inclination that the man LOVES movies. Three in one day. I’m not that much a movie watcher. Anyway, we saw Gothica. I loved the movie. He yelled a few times – I laughed at him.
So I’m wishing the DH a very Happy Anniversary today! Here’s to many, many more!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Guest - Tina Donahue and a Contest
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Not in my book. This month has been absolutely fabulous for me. I’ve had two releases (within four days of each other) from two different publishers – a first for me.
It seems there’s a lot of firsts with these releases. For example, SiNN is my first ménage. Wow, it was a blast to write. Never thought I’d be able to wrap my mind around two guys and one lady, but it worked out just yummy.
Then Unending Desire (erotic paranormal) is Book One in my Outlawed Realm series, which is my first series ever! For years, I’d thought about writing a series, but all of my books turned out to be pretty much finished with the words The End. Looks like that’s changing. Hee-hee.
Here’s the cover art, blurb and a link to an excerpt for each book. Enjoy!
Oh, and one more thing – I’m hosting a contest today…more on that later.
SiNN – contemporary erotic romance (ménage) from Ellora’s cave
She’s every man’s carnal fantasy…and the target of one’s revenge
At a Phoenix gentleman’s club, Lea dances as SiNN, her body bared and vulnerable to her male partner, her features hidden behind a feathered mask. To the men watching, she’s a sensual enigma, submissive and seductive with no face, name or history. Not even Lea knows her real origins.
A man from the past does and wants her dead.
Not on the watch of U.S. Marshals Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. Commanding and decisive, Jake not only wants Lea’s safety but to have her naked and yielding beneath him. To Toby, she’s all he should resist but cannot.
Protected by them at a secluded estate, Lea’s drawn to their potent masculinity and the raw male lust in their eyes. Inviting desire and an emotional connection, she submits to both at once, surrendering to their most shameless hunger along with her own wanton needs.
All while a killer edges closer…
Buy link (with excerpt): http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9642-sinn.aspx
UNENDING DESIRE – erotic paranormal romance from Samhain
His hunger for one woman will make him a traitor to his world…
Outlawed Realm, Book 1
From a portal in his lab on E2, one of the five dimensions of Earth, quantum physicist Nikoli Zorr gazes on everything forbidden to him. Passion. Desire. The exquisite pleasure of running his hands over the lush curves of a young woman he should have stopped watching weeks ago.
His duty is to close the portals that keep the monsters out of E2—and never interfere with the inevitable fate of those on the other side. Yet he can’t bring himself to abandon the woman who has captured his soul.
Psychologist Regina Page is trying to keep her mind on her client, and off the mysterious, unbearable sexual cravings that consume her when she’s alone in her bedroom. The next moment she’s attacked by vampires, then swept into another realm by a stranger whose touch awakens that same raw desire. Whose eyes are already filled with farewell.
Yet beneath their undeniable carnal lust, something else stirs. The beginnings of illicit love. The unexpected need to protect him. Even if it means risking body, blood and soul to defeat the merciless horde…for a future that was never meant to be.
_______________________________________
Product Warnings
Contains a repressed scientist who likes to look, and the woman who delights in unleashing his inner caveman. And sex hot enough to burn a hole in all three dimensions…and maybe create a whole new one.
Buy Link (with excerpt): http://store.samhainpublishing.com/unending-desire-p-6491.html
Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work; she has reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA–sponsored contests. Three of her erotic novels were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic romance, was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights; and Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) recently received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011). She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.
Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097
*** CONTEST ***
To celebrate the release of SiNN and Unending Desire, I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter on this blog will have her choice of one of my following ebooks**:
1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT
2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit
3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award
4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT
5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT
6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller
7. Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books
** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen October 23.
Not in my book. This month has been absolutely fabulous for me. I’ve had two releases (within four days of each other) from two different publishers – a first for me.
It seems there’s a lot of firsts with these releases. For example, SiNN is my first ménage. Wow, it was a blast to write. Never thought I’d be able to wrap my mind around two guys and one lady, but it worked out just yummy.
Then Unending Desire (erotic paranormal) is Book One in my Outlawed Realm series, which is my first series ever! For years, I’d thought about writing a series, but all of my books turned out to be pretty much finished with the words The End. Looks like that’s changing. Hee-hee.
Here’s the cover art, blurb and a link to an excerpt for each book. Enjoy!
Oh, and one more thing – I’m hosting a contest today…more on that later.
SiNN – contemporary erotic romance (ménage) from Ellora’s cave
She’s every man’s carnal fantasy…and the target of one’s revenge
At a Phoenix gentleman’s club, Lea dances as SiNN, her body bared and vulnerable to her male partner, her features hidden behind a feathered mask. To the men watching, she’s a sensual enigma, submissive and seductive with no face, name or history. Not even Lea knows her real origins.
A man from the past does and wants her dead.
Not on the watch of U.S. Marshals Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. Commanding and decisive, Jake not only wants Lea’s safety but to have her naked and yielding beneath him. To Toby, she’s all he should resist but cannot.
Protected by them at a secluded estate, Lea’s drawn to their potent masculinity and the raw male lust in their eyes. Inviting desire and an emotional connection, she submits to both at once, surrendering to their most shameless hunger along with her own wanton needs.
All while a killer edges closer…
Buy link (with excerpt): http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9642-sinn.aspx
UNENDING DESIRE – erotic paranormal romance from Samhain
His hunger for one woman will make him a traitor to his world…
Outlawed Realm, Book 1
From a portal in his lab on E2, one of the five dimensions of Earth, quantum physicist Nikoli Zorr gazes on everything forbidden to him. Passion. Desire. The exquisite pleasure of running his hands over the lush curves of a young woman he should have stopped watching weeks ago.
His duty is to close the portals that keep the monsters out of E2—and never interfere with the inevitable fate of those on the other side. Yet he can’t bring himself to abandon the woman who has captured his soul.
Psychologist Regina Page is trying to keep her mind on her client, and off the mysterious, unbearable sexual cravings that consume her when she’s alone in her bedroom. The next moment she’s attacked by vampires, then swept into another realm by a stranger whose touch awakens that same raw desire. Whose eyes are already filled with farewell.
Yet beneath their undeniable carnal lust, something else stirs. The beginnings of illicit love. The unexpected need to protect him. Even if it means risking body, blood and soul to defeat the merciless horde…for a future that was never meant to be.
_______________________________________
Product Warnings
Contains a repressed scientist who likes to look, and the woman who delights in unleashing his inner caveman. And sex hot enough to burn a hole in all three dimensions…and maybe create a whole new one.
Buy Link (with excerpt): http://store.samhainpublishing.com/unending-desire-p-6491.html
Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work; she has reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA–sponsored contests. Three of her erotic novels were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic romance, was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights; and Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) recently received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011). She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.
Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097
*** CONTEST ***
To celebrate the release of SiNN and Unending Desire, I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter on this blog will have her choice of one of my following ebooks**:
1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT
2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit
3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award
4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT
5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT
6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller
7. Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books
** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen October 23.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
As Aspen Mountain Still Turns
The diabolical continues. As of this morning the website states that the owner is suspending operations temporarily due to illness. TEMPORARILY???? This should say permanently. As an author of this publisher I’m still in limbo. I have not gotten any responses to my emails, snail mail, etc. Ms. Hicks promises all authors who have contacted her will receive a response. I hope before Christmas.
Still no royalty statements and the checks certainly aren’t rolling in. Those are the least of my concerns I just want my rights back to all seven books.
Oh well…the battle will continue. It makes me wonder if I’m better off self-publishing all future books instead of offering them to a publisher.
Another day another new drama I’m sure.
Still no royalty statements and the checks certainly aren’t rolling in. Those are the least of my concerns I just want my rights back to all seven books.
Oh well…the battle will continue. It makes me wonder if I’m better off self-publishing all future books instead of offering them to a publisher.
Another day another new drama I’m sure.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Salem in October
Saturday the DH and I, along with two daughters and a friend went to Salem. The trip originally was going to be just the DH and me. I had lots of plans for browsing the shops, maybe a tarot or palm reading, and research for a new series my friend Katalina Leon and I plan to write.
Fast forward – the teens ruled. They did haunted houses, waxed hands and got a history lesson. Yes, I had to incorporate history. See Martha Carrier is one of the women who was hanged and accused of being a witch. One of Martha Carrier’s sons was our ninth generation grandfather. So we brought the girls to the stop where they were hung and a memorial now stands. I must say L was very impressed and sad for the people who were hung. She refused to visit the cemetery next door because she didn’t want to walk on dead people. They’ve been buried for over 400 years. I’m sure they’ve been walked on many, many times.
I did walk away with one idea, something from the girls. I’ve pitched it to Kat and hopefully she’ll like it and we’ll roll from there. Details to come later. :o)
I have to say Salem in October is the best. The costumes were plentiful and creative. There were tons of people, rides, and stuff to do. The shops are not baby stroller friendly so I spent most of my time window shopping.
Next year my mom wants to return so we plan on booking a room and spending the weekend. I’ve already started looking for rooms for next year.
Happy Monday!
Friday, October 14, 2011
AMP Troubles Grow Deeper
As an author of AMP (something I'm trying to change) this blog really opened my eyes to the deceptiveness of the owner. I can't believe someone can be so evil and obviously naive to the law. My former editor and friend, who I love dearly has broken her silence. If you are an author or thought you wanted to be one at Aspen Mountain Press, please read this blog. Very eye-opening.
http://kaantira.blogspot.com/2011/10/breaking-my-silence-on-aspen-mountain.html
http://kaantira.blogspot.com/2011/10/breaking-my-silence-on-aspen-mountain.html
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Ignorance is NOT Bliss
For the last year I’ve been dealing with well, a high risk pregnancy, a new baby and other stuff. During that time one of my publishers fell apart and I was oblivious. Now I’m not one to bad mouth a publisher, but enough is enough.
Aspen Mountain Press has failed to provide me with royalty statements for the last year. I’ve received exactly 2 checks since October 2010 and both were under $15 for seven books. I’m sorry, but even if my books weren’t selling on their site, they are on the third party vendor sites.
As of today most of the third party sites have taken down books from Aspen Mountain and their home site seems to be unavailable due to maintenance. Yeah right. I’m hoping this is the demise of them so I can finally get my rights back and self-publish my seven books.
I have made several attempts to contact the publisher via, email, phone, snail mail and certified letters. Said publisher has ignored all attempts.
So this blog today is to request that if any readers want to purchase my Aspen Mountain books – PLEASE DON’T. Wait until the end of the year and you’ll be able to get them for cheaper when I self-publish them!
The moral of this story is to stay current with your publishers and make sure you’re getting statements and the money owed. I wish I wasn’t so oblivious and discovered this far too late in the game. Maybe I wouldn’t be battling to get my rights back.
Aspen Mountain Press has failed to provide me with royalty statements for the last year. I’ve received exactly 2 checks since October 2010 and both were under $15 for seven books. I’m sorry, but even if my books weren’t selling on their site, they are on the third party vendor sites.
As of today most of the third party sites have taken down books from Aspen Mountain and their home site seems to be unavailable due to maintenance. Yeah right. I’m hoping this is the demise of them so I can finally get my rights back and self-publish my seven books.
I have made several attempts to contact the publisher via, email, phone, snail mail and certified letters. Said publisher has ignored all attempts.
So this blog today is to request that if any readers want to purchase my Aspen Mountain books – PLEASE DON’T. Wait until the end of the year and you’ll be able to get them for cheaper when I self-publish them!
The moral of this story is to stay current with your publishers and make sure you’re getting statements and the money owed. I wish I wasn’t so oblivious and discovered this far too late in the game. Maybe I wouldn’t be battling to get my rights back.
Friday, October 7, 2011
TGIF
It's a three day weekend for me and I have family coming in for a visit. Not much to talk about so here are some hotties to keep you warm over the weekend. ;)
I feel like a good workout right about now.
All I can say is YUM!
Have a great weekend!
I feel like a good workout right about now.
All I can say is YUM!
Do blonds have more fun?
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Still Making Changes
Yesterday was a much needed mental health day. I wrote about 100 words. Not much but it was something. Overall, I just vegged out. I turned off the television, left the personal computer behind and hung out in my sunroom. I had to pay attention to my work computer, but I can’t do any internet surfing or checking of personal email so I really did unwind.
When my daughter came home from school we sat and talked. It was a nice time. I’m glad I had the time to think. I’ve been making changes in my life over the last week and I’ve made two other big decisions yesterday. I can’t discuss either just yet. One because I want to tell a friend first. I’d hate for her to learn about it here and the other, well it’s too personal to share.
My family is coming in for a visit this weekend. Three days of my mom and aunt. They miss the baby and I can see they’ll be making monthly trips here until the snow begins to fall.
Time to start my day.
Happy Thursday!
When my daughter came home from school we sat and talked. It was a nice time. I’m glad I had the time to think. I’ve been making changes in my life over the last week and I’ve made two other big decisions yesterday. I can’t discuss either just yet. One because I want to tell a friend first. I’d hate for her to learn about it here and the other, well it’s too personal to share.
My family is coming in for a visit this weekend. Three days of my mom and aunt. They miss the baby and I can see they’ll be making monthly trips here until the snow begins to fall.
Time to start my day.
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Peace and Quiet and hopefully Sunshine
Baby T is going to grandma's for the day. DH is headed to the office. Second round edits are off to my editor. Only one meeting at work today. Need I say more. :) Nice relaxing day for Amber.
Happy Wednesday!
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Over at Seven Sexy Scribes
Todady I'm blogging over at Seven Sexy Scribes. I'm talking October and what I love about this month!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Cutting Ties
Life has become overwhelming for me lately. I’m having a difficult time juggling personal life, writer’s life and the dreaded day job. I’ve made some decisions to cut ties with a few blogs that guest on either a monthly or weekly basis. I belonged to six and have cut it down to one. Once a week might be manageable. If that becomes unmanageable I’ll have to say good-bye to them too.
It pains me to say good-bye but for my own sanity it had to be done. I’m not writing so trying to think up writing related topics is just impossible. I’m sure this won’t be the case forever, but for now.
I also missed my writer’s meeting on Saturday. This too caused me heartache because I really need this time away from the house. Instead I was in bed for almost 12 hours. It seems I’m suffering a case of post partem depression. Time for me to get some help. I don’t easily admit stuff like this, but I’ve come to the conclusion I can’t hide behind a false persona. This is all new to me. 5 kids and I never suffered from it. Though I'm a bit older so maybe that's why. Who knows.
I do have second round edits for I Wanna Sext U Up to work on. It isn’t easy but I so loved this story at one time and I want to see it published.
The day job is extremely busy today so this will be brief.
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
It pains me to say good-bye but for my own sanity it had to be done. I’m not writing so trying to think up writing related topics is just impossible. I’m sure this won’t be the case forever, but for now.
I also missed my writer’s meeting on Saturday. This too caused me heartache because I really need this time away from the house. Instead I was in bed for almost 12 hours. It seems I’m suffering a case of post partem depression. Time for me to get some help. I don’t easily admit stuff like this, but I’ve come to the conclusion I can’t hide behind a false persona. This is all new to me. 5 kids and I never suffered from it. Though I'm a bit older so maybe that's why. Who knows.
I do have second round edits for I Wanna Sext U Up to work on. It isn’t easy but I so loved this story at one time and I want to see it published.
The day job is extremely busy today so this will be brief.
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
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