SHADOWS OF SUSPENSE, SHADES OF ROMANCE

Southern Cross Novel Challenge 2009

2009-05-22T18:57:00.000-04:00

Southern Cross Novel Challenge 2009

The Southern Cross Novel Challenge (SoCNoC, pronounced "sock-nock") held in June, with a long weekend and wintry weather, is NaNoWriMo for the Southern Hemisphere.

http://kiwiwriters.org/my/challenge/site/socnoc-2009.html?

Details

Start: 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00
End: 30 Jun 2009 23:59:59
Type: Writing
Goal: 50000 words
Participants: 35

The Rules

The goal is to write 50,000 words of fiction.

Generally the rules of NaNoWriMo apply but we're a bit more flexible:
- the 50,000 words does not have to be on one novel
- you can work on an existing novel or multiple novels
- you can work on a compilation of short stories or even poems

However, for the best SoCNoC experience possible we recommend:
- you start a new novel on June 1st
- you aim to finish your novel at 50,000 words
- you aim to finish your novel by midnight on June 30th

Last, but not least, we ask that you log your word count no matter how close or how far you are from the 50,000 word goal. Every word counts towards our collective total!

Join this Challenge

Please sign in first if you wish to join this challenge.

Upcoming Online Classes

2009-04-13T23:47:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd post a couple of online classes that will be offered...

***OKAY TO FORWARD***

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

May 1-30, 2009
"Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices and More"
by Margie Lawson
www.WriterUniv.com

Margie Lawson, counseling psychologist, has developed innovative, psychologically-anchored editing systems and techniques that will show you how to write a page-turner. Deep Editing is not basic editing. It's post-graduate level editing. It's editing to hook the reader viscerally. In DEEP EDITING, participants will:

* Learn the EDITS System and take it deeper
* Learn the 25 rhetorical devices and practice using them
* Develop skills by using worksheets provided in each lecture
* Learn back story management, power lines, throw-away works
* Learn cliché twists, back loading, tautologies, and Emotional Hits
* Receive deep editing critiques from Margie on class assignments
* Develop a personal editing checklist from the Master Editing Checklist
* Learn to make FINAL EDITING PASS be your last pass

Margie Lawson, psychotherapist, writer, and international presenter-applied her psychological expertise to dissect over a thousand novels and analyze how authors write page-turners. A former university professor, Margie focuses her analytical skills on writing craft, developing innovative editing systems and deep editing techniques. Her deep editing tools are used by all writers, from newbie to multi-award winners. For more information, visit her web site at www.MargieLawson.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

May 4-29, 2009
"Grammar For the Faint Of Heart"
by Cheryl Norman
www.WriterUniv.com

Have you received critiques or returned contest entries that mention a need to improve grammar or writing mechanics? Do you struggle with punctuating the plural possessive of nouns and pronouns? Is the term “dependent clause” a vague memory from high school English class? Don't let poor grammar or weak writing hold back your riveting story from publication. You can be your own grammar cop when editing your manuscript by recognizing and correcting the top ten writing mistakes:

* Misuse of apostrophes and hyphens
* Noun-verb agreement errors
* Using the wrong word or spelling
* Lack of pronouns and antecedents agreement
* Excessive use of quotation marks
* Faulty comparisons and convoluted, wordy sentences
* Vague word usage and other weak writing
* Misplaced and misleading modifiers

Cheryl Norman graduated with a BA in English from Georgia State University, had a 25-year career with a major telecommunications company, then quit to pursue writing. She authored numerous articles and two cookbooks while building her romance fiction career. Her first mass-market paperback release earned her a mention in Publisher's Weekly as one of ten romance authors to watch, and her latest release is RUNNING SCARED. Visit her Grammar Cop blog at www.cherylnorman.com/blog.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

***OKAY TO FORWARD***

OPENINGS THAT PACK A PUNCH!!"

2009-04-11T17:16:00.003-04:00

I took Mary Buckham's Pacing Class and it has taken my writing to the next level.

I wanted to share the information on her next class!



OKAY TO FORWARD

********************************************************************

Online class:  May 10 - 23, 2009

OPENINGS THAT PACK A PUNCH!!"

by Mary Buckham

Registration $35
at www.MaryBuckham.com/  click on ONLINE CLASSES

Most writers understand the importance of a

compelling and powerful opening, but not all grasp

how to turn a ho-hum opening into a strong hook that

engages a reader, including an editor and agent, into

turning that first page.  In this very interactive

workshop, you’ll not only learn the power of hooks but how

to apply them to your first line, your first paragraph

and other key areas of your manuscript.


Mary will be working one-on-one with all class participants to power

up YOUR openings—first page, chapters and more!

In OPENINGS THAT PACK A PUNCH! you'll learn:

* The ingredients of a page-turner

* What hooks are and how to maximize them

* Great beginnings & endings that have your readers wanting more!

* How to rework YOUR openings

Mary Buckham

Bio: Mary Buckham is an award-winning romantic-suspense author who, before becoming published in book-length fiction was a freelance article writer, selling hundreds of articles to local, regional, and national publications as well as editing a regional magazine. Mary is a sought-after speaker and writing craft teacher for both online and in live presentations throughout the United States and Canada . Her non-fiction plotting book BREAK INTO FICTION® with author Dianna Love is currently available for pre-order and will hit the shelves June 18, 2009. For more on Mary go to www.MaryBuckham.com or www.BreakIntoFiction.com

Reviewed By The Long and Short of It

2009-04-03T11:33:00.005-04:00

The Victory of Lugh was reviewed by The Long And Short of It!
and received 4 out of 5 books...I'm doing the happy dance!

Dacien’s forced restraint and Hymnia’s eager approval set the reader up for intense emotions and passionate moments, only to be thwarted over and over... A definite must-read for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned love story with a bit of a twist.

The Victory of Lugh can be purchased from The Wild Rose Press here!

Thank you LASR!

How-to Author Interview! Margie Lawson’s High Energy Interview Series

2009-03-24T18:15:00.000-04:00

How-to Author Interview! Margie Lawson’s High Energy Interview Series

Wednesday, March 25th -- Features Lee Lofland, author of:

POLICE PROCEDURE & INVESTIGATION: A Guide for Writers, 2007

n Writers Digest Bestseller

n Macavity Award Nominee for Best Mystery Non-fiction

Drop by Five Scribes Blogspot on March 25th, read the in-depth interview, and ask your police and crime related questions: http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/

Lee Lofland's fact sheet includes:

n Former police detective

n Nationally acclaimed expert on police procedure and crime-scene investigation

n Consultant for bestselling authors, television, and film writers

n The Graveyard Shift, Lee’s uber-popular, informative and entertaining blog -- www.leelofland.com/wordpress

Beware – Lee’s blog is addictive!

Post a comment on the Five Scribes Blog for a chance to win:

-- A signed copy of POLICE PROCEDURE & INVESTIGATION: A Guide for Writers
-- A Lecture Packet from Margie Lawson.

Questions? Want to recommend a how-to author to be interviewed?
E-mail: Margie@...

See you Wednesday, March 25th, on the Five Scribes blog: http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/

All smiles...............Margie
www.MargieLawson.com

Online Workshop

2009-02-28T20:05:00.003-05:00

There are two great workshops being held the month of March.

Mary Buckham's Pacing: How to Create a Page-Turning Manuscript. Click here for details!
http://www.writeruniv.com/march_09_Buckham.htm March 1- 31st

and..

Margie Lawson's Empowering Characters' Emotions. Click here for details!
http://www.margielawson.com/ March 2- 27th

Good bye, Daniel

2009-01-19T22:42:00.002-05:00

Your family, your friends and classmates all will miss you. But you are with God.
And while you are missed, we all know we will be with you again.

Peace be with you.

A dragon of My Own

2008-12-27T18:36:00.002-05:00

My Secret Santa from my crit group, Passionate Critters sent me my very own dragon.
Thanks Silke!

Bitten by Books Review of The Victory of Lugh

2008-12-10T22:15:00.001-05:00

The Victory of Lugh has been reviewed by Bitten by Books

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1298

Review by Sarai

I enjoyed Hymnia’s personality, her interaction with the deities was priceless and I loved that she can be quite the spitfire. Of course, that trait makes her all the better a match for a dragon....this story and series has brought Greek mythology to life in a wonderful way and I highly enjoyed the addition of Celt and Irish myth to this tale.

4 RIP Gravestones out of 5!

WRDF Review of The Victory of Lugh [Song of the Muses] by Valerie Everhart

2008-11-26T01:41:00.003-05:00

WRDF Review of The Victory of Lugh [Song of the Muses] by Valerie Everhart

Review by Breia Brickey

I enjoyed that the story was based around a Muse instead of many other much used Gods and Goddesses. Hymnia is so unlike any other inhabitant of Mount Olympus...

Valerie Everhart captured my interest and held it for the entire story. Hopefully there will be more stories of the Muses from her.

I rate this Fantastic- Stays on the shelf.
Click here to read entire review.

Valerie Everhart's Fantastic Paranormal Romantic Suspense Now In Print!

2008-11-25T18:51:00.003-05:00

Valerie Everhart's Fantastic Paranormal Romantic Suspense Now In Print!

Song of the Muses Book III

The Victory Of Lugh

[Song of the Muses]

Song of the Muses, Book #3 available on Amazon

2008-11-13T23:05:00.005-05:00

Finally!

It's Here!!

Book #3 Song Of The Muses
Check it out here on Amazon.

Order your paperback copy of it today!
ISBN: 1601544421

This is the print version of the the three anthologies of:

A Love Beyond Time by Alisha Paige

No Funny Stuff! by Michele Hart

The Victory of Lugh by Valerie Everhart

2008-11-10T09:34:00.001-05:00

It's November, So You Know What That Means....

2008-11-04T04:47:00.002-05:00

It's NaNoWriMo!

Another year has crept upon us, and it's frenzied novel writing time. When across the world writers are busy cranking out massive chunks of their manuscript to reach 50,000 words in 30 days. Yes, it can be done, is done, and I've done it.

In fact, I've done it five times, that I've completed the 5ok words, but this will be my 8th year of doing NaNo. You can add me as your buddy at vmeverhart.

So join us in the fun, the camaraderie and the crazy madness that is National Novel Writing Month!

Happy Release Day

2008-09-13T23:42:00.003-04:00

The Victory Of Lugh [Song of the Muses]

Hymnia, the muse of glorious praise, in an unusual display of arrogance is thrust through time to the dark ages of Ireland. She encounters Dacien, the Laird of Castle Lugh, a rogue dragon who seems anything but god-like. She uncovers the mystery of the disappearing women of his castle but looses her heart to the very person she suspects of doing the killing, in THE VICTORY OF LUGH.

You can catch the interview I did for The Chicks of Characterization here.
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing the last "Song of the Muses," author, Valerie Everhart. Her story "The Victory of Lugh," is the final story in the anthology ..... click here to read the rest!

Contests are Sooooo Fun. Especially when you Win!

2008-08-15T10:16:00.004-04:00

Tiffany James of Armchair Heroines, hosted a contest and interviewed the talented writer, Skhye Moncrief.

Skhye gave an awesome, interesting interview.
You've got to read it...even if the contest is over.

She writes with a distinct style and the research she puts into her writing is tremendous!

I am soooo thrilled to have won her book, HE OF THE FIERY SWORD.

Thanks Tiffany and Skhye for doing this contest. I can't wait to start reading it!

The Latest... I'm Away From My E-mail

2008-08-13T05:07:00.003-04:00

You too, can create a sticky note online for your blog at Wigflip.com's sticky note generator, Superstickies (link swiped from Lynn over at Paperback Writer.)

Erato's Tears by Reece Herring

2008-07-29T04:38:00.003-04:00

Erato's Tears from Book II of Song of the Muses is Now Available!

Erato's Tears by Reece Herring

Erato's Story

A powerful love is cut tragically short. Beyond Hades domain their destiny burns eternally bright. Two lost souls search through time to discover their hidden passion. In Delphi, Mathias, an outcast Spartan finds a reason at last to abandon his wanderlust in the vulnerable Ambrosia. With the unseen aid of Erato, he tries desperately to conquer her hatred of warriors and bring peace to his unsettled soul. A tenuous hold on love develops, but will their untried bond endure? Can the Muse of Love overcome the destructive power of one god's revenge, and right the wrongs of history? Only ERATOS TEARS will determine.

Each story in Song Of The Muses has a different author and of course, a different muse. Each day, for nine days, going in the order in which they fall in the series, Sky Purington will post the story’s cover, author, who their muse is and a link to that muses Myspace page. Yes, every single muse has their own site! If the story is available she'll also provide a buy link. Oh, and as she says, if you have a My Space, please feel free to visit the muses and send them a friend request. After all, everyone should have a muse for a friend!

SKY'S BLOG

To Order Erato's Tears

Sticky Note to Self....LB & LI

2008-07-26T03:28:00.008-04:00

July 28 thru Aug 4th...

And I could not remember what it meant!

I racked my brain for days, trying to think what I'd made the note for, to remind me of. I even sent the info to several of the writer groups I belong to, and bugged my crit partners, lol-- to see if they might now what the dates represent. It had to be important , since I don't leave many notes to myself.

I felt sure it was a workshop.

Well...just now, I finally remembered (yes, at 3am in the morning!). That is such a good feeling when I do that...remember, that is!

Yup...it is a workshop.

Lynn Viehl, at Paperback Writer (PW) is holding her annual Writers Virtual Workshop--
Left Behind and Loving It.
And I definitely didn't want to miss it!

LB&LI Schedule

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2008/07/lb-schedule.html
(I hope it's ok to post her schedule here)

Monday, July 28th: Power Plotting -- plotting techniques; how to use my novel wiring diagram to organize your plot quickly and logically

Tuesday, July 29th: Eff the Editing -- my take on editing, and how to keep it efficient and effective

Wednesday, July 30th: World-Building I -- the first part of my workshop on world-building within reason

Thursday, July 31st: World-Building II -- second part of my workshop on world-building within reason

Friday August 1st: Styling -- ways to use your personal style to market your work

Saturday, August 2nd: Brand Me -- creating a memorable brand for your work, your blog, or yourself

Sunday, August 3rd: Write the Life -- avoiding burnout, coping with the biz and living the writer's life that you want

Monday, August 4th: Ask PBW Anything -- Open Q&A where you can grill me on anything writing- or biz-related.

And each day she is offering a giveaway of a goodybag, plus other things!!...that you don't want to miss out on either, lol!

You can read this post, for all the details.

Destiny's Light by Robyn Wren

2008-07-23T23:59:00.004-04:00

Destiny's Light by Robyn Wren...Available Now! Book I of Song of the Muses Coming to Print October 2008!

Euterpe's Story

They’d always been sent to help mortals. Euterpe had longed to return, to provide her gifts to another human. Her chance to go back had come. If she’d known what would happen next she might have had second thoughts. Ceris was a loner, never one to surround himself with others, music was his only source of company. He could feel the words hidden deep inside but could not unlock them from his soul. Could the woman he saves help? By saving her could he save himself? Hounded by the shadows of Hades, will Ceris be able to save Euterpe from the pursuits of the Dark God or will he lose his soul as he fights for her past? As the bond between them grows from a spark to a white hot flame, will their newfound love be enough to save them both from the darkness and bring them into Destiny’s Light.

To Order Destiny's Light

Highland Muse by Sky Purington

2008-07-22T08:30:00.002-04:00

Highland Muse by Sky Purington...Available Now! Book I of Song of the Muses Coming to Print October 2008!

Melpomene's Story

Melpomene, muse of Tragedy, has loved before, but not like this. Not so thoroughly it blinds her, tears her from her path and her obligation to mankind. A warrior of Scotland, one she watched grow from a boy to a man, claims her heart with his self-sacrifice and courage. She’ll not let him perish, die defending another. Stepping in, defying fate and her father, Zeus, Melpomene risks all.
Rowan Stewart, of the royal house, is immersed within a whirlwind of disbelief, struggling to understand the woman responsible for his odd outcome, his misplaced life. But promises were made, destiny yet sealed, and Ares, God of War, seeks him. Caught within a vortex of Scottish politics, Greek Gods, and newfound desire, Rowan and Melpomene are doomed to separate, wallow in eternal despair. Will love surpass? Give them each other? Or will tragedy reign without its muse and rip them apart forever?

To Order Highland Muse

Check out Sky's Blog for the current contest...

Christmas in July!!!

Have a moment? The muses have a main Myspace page. Swing over and check it out!
http://www.myspace.com/songofthemuses

Don’t forget to stop by the other bloggers sites for more chances to win prizes.

Ancient Musings by Skhye Moncrief

2008-07-21T15:22:00.002-04:00

Ancient Musings by Skhye Moncrief....Available Now! Book I of Song of the Muses Coming to Print October 2008!

Calliope's Story

Disgusted with her lack of purpose, Calliope is learning all too well the warning in be careful what you wish for. She challenged Zeus and landed in Hades. Now she needs to reach Gaia’s pool to save herself from the Land of the Dead’s darkness. Little did she expect a psyche to reveal the path to tomorrow.
The soul of archaeologist, Jake Genoese, is bored to tears until he finds the beautiful Calliope, intriguing and bearing the token he needs to jumpstart his day-excursion on the afterlife’s cruise to nowhere.

One’s light brightens the other’s future as Olympians vie for power by toying with psyches in the Kingdom of Hades, for nothing more than the simple whims of ANCIENT MUSINGS.

To Order Ancient Musings

Hang with the Greeks All Summer Long and Win Olympian Sized Prizes!

Step into a world of ancient inspiration with Calliope, Melpomene,
Euterpe, Erato, Urania, Terpsichore, Thalia, Polyhymnia, Clio and
come hang out with the Greeks because we're hosting a summer-long
series of contests of Olympian proportions! Subscribe to Skhye's Blog
to keep up with the latest SONG OF THE MUSES contest, to learn how
to enter each drawing to win Songs of the Muses ebooks and other
fantastic prizes, and to learn who wins my contests. We're also
giving away a sterling silver ring with scrollwork cutouts to one
entrant from the entire summer's slew of contests. So don't forget to
enter each muse contest!

Series information can be found at:

Calliope's Myspace
The Muses on Myspace

Calliope is giving away a small abalone pendant (rectangular set in
sterling silver with chain) to ONE LUCKY PERSON who can tell her the
order in which the muses stories in the series occur.

In other words, email
the list of the muses' names (the heroines) in the order in which
they occur in the series to
skhye@hotmail.com... by midnight CST
August 2nd to enter the drawing to win the bit-of-ocean necklace.

How to Build Believable Charcters...

2008-06-30T20:10:00.003-04:00

Now that my story is written. Not the one I'm in the process of finishing with the JulNoWriMo (WIP) but the previous one, called DRAGON HENGE.

I wrote it a while back, but recently applied Holly Lisle's Create a Plot Clinic to it, and found several weak points, that I hadn't noticed before.

But, now that DRAGON HENGE is written, I've picked up two books to help me take it to the next level. That is, making sure I have likable, believable characters.

I started reading Holly Lisle's Create a Character Clinic, and Writing Erotic Romance, by Alison Kent. I've spent about a week going back and forth between the two. Both are such extraordinary in the amount of information they have.

I look forward to applying to my story. Having this kind of knowledge makes the editing and revision process not such a drudgery, LOL.

Things like do's and don'ts of traits the hero and heroine should have. And while you may think it's common sense, both authors offer some insights, that I think most of us have never thought of to add to our story.

I'll let you know how its' going, and keep posting about my progress with the July challenge.

Come join me for a few Endurance Sprints. The Frantic Friday sprints are a blast!

June is Done

2008-06-29T22:38:00.005-04:00

SoCNoc has almost come to an end. And I did finish my 50k words. I was short of my goal of trying to reach 60K words, however.

Sigh.

But hey, guess what?

I found another challenge that starts July 1st.

What is it about me that I need that competitive edge to keep me writing more than 100 words a day? Not really sure, lol.

So, this next challenge is called JulNoWriMo and it goes through the end to July 31st.
Registration is now being accepted, if you'd care to join me!

A very Special Auction...

2008-06-17T12:16:00.005-04:00

I wanted to share this. A Manuscript Critique

Barbara Samuel is offering this very special auction to raise money for AVON WALK.
Check it out...she is offering 3 different critiques that you can bid on. This is something she has never offered before. You don't want to miss this opportunity!

And just to let you know...I bid. I want one of those crits.
and if you're going to RWA...she can have it back to you in time to take if you get the first 3 chapters, and a synopsis, to her before July 3rd.

Sony eReader Giveaway!

2008-06-13T03:50:00.006-04:00

Sony eReader Giveaway!

The Wild Rose Press wants you to have a SONY eReader!

All this summer (June 11 – August 31), every time you purchase a title by any of these sponsoring authors (see list below), you will be eligible to enter our drawing to win a SONY eReader. The drawing will be held on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2008 at our weekly chat (9:00 p.m. eastern). (You do not need to be present in the chat room to win).

When you purchase any title from these authors simply email your order number to: SONYREADER@thewildrosepress.com . Make sure you have a current email address and/or include your contact information so we can find you if you win.

You may enter as many times this summer as you wish. If you purchase more than one title in the same order, feel free to send two emails and include the order twice. We will verify that you did indeed purchase more than one title.

The following are the sponsoring authors for this wonderful contest. Please look for their author information on our web site and enjoy some fabulous reads this summer from these participating authors:

Jules Bennett
Donna L. Bolk
Laurel Bradley
Rachel Brimble
Pam Champagne
Lynda Coker
Christine Columbus
Sandra Cormier
Amy Corwin
Sharon Cullen
Donna Dalton
K.M. Daughters
Debbie Doggett
CarolAnn Erhardt
Valerie Everhart
Cindy Green
Kathleen Grieve
Larry Hammersley
Stacy Dawn
Sharon Horton
Tara Haff
Anna Kathryn Lanier
Marly Mathews
Nicole McCaffrey
Devin McKee
Sandy Wichersham McWhorter
Donna Michaels
Stacey Joy Netzel
AnneMarie Novark
Cindy Spencer Pape
PL Parker
Katie Reus
Jane Richardson
Jennifer Robins
Donna Marie Rogers
Emma Sanders
Kathleen Scott
Robin Shope
Misty Simon
Carol A. Spradling
Debra St. John
Lily Stone
Browyn Storm
Beth Trissel
Leanne Tyler
Brenda Weaver
Nita Wick
Teri Wilson

For information about the Sony eReader click here

For questions on this contest, please contact LisaDawn MacDonald at lisadawn@thewildrosepress.com , or Martha K at Martha@thewildrosepress.com , or Rhonda Penders at rpenders@thewildrosepress.com . Please put the words SONY eReader contest question in your subject line.

Good luck!

*No purchase necessary to win the SONY eReader. If you do not purchase a title, you may enter the contest by mailing a post card to The Wild Rose Press, Sony eReader Contest, P.O. Box 708, Adams Basin, NY 14410. Please include your name, email and contact information. In addition, you must write down three titles from any of the participating authors. Postcard entrants will be added to the names of email entrants and a winning entry will be drawn on September 2, 2008.

Southern Cross Novel Challenge - Update

2008-06-11T22:45:00.011-04:00

Day 11 of the SoCNoc....
Southern Cross Novel Challenge
My progress so far... drum roll ...
I'm sure this suspense is killing you.
LOL

27,020 words so far.

I feel good about getting that much, but still think I could've
done better. I'm still on track for finishing 60K words for this
romantic suspense.

The title is "Sacred Fire" and of course it's a time travel...but hey, no dragons have shown up yet!

As far as my progress using the Holly Lisle Create A Plot Clinic that I used exclusively for outlining and plotting...well, it has made the process so much smoother and easier.

When I get done with one scene, I look over at my white board and find my next scene. There isn't a lot of indecision and wondering what to write about next.

Sure, I swapped 2 scenes around and another scene ended up in a different point of view, but it sure beats writing the whole scene and then seeing it didn't work and either throwing it out or rewriting it.

Her Plot Clinic has changed the way I write, I have to say...for the better. Now let's hope an agent thinks that also. (wink)

Southern Cross Novel Challenge

2008-06-02T15:19:00.007-04:00

I thought I'd blog about my Progress for the SoCNoc (pronounced SockNock!)
And just come back and edit as I progress toward the end of the month.

It will help keep me accountable!
June 2008

Day 1 - 3051 words Off to a good start!!
Day 2 - 2080 words
Day 3 - 2052 words
Day 4 - 3504 words

And yes, this little guy here is in the story... a little later into it he gets the heroine into trouble. He's being impatient, as dragons are known to be! LOL.

And while I'm at it I think I'll let it out what I'm working on!
SACRED FIRE is a romantic suspense. Oh and a paranormal romance, too. I guess that would make it a paranormal romantic suspense. lol

It is heavy on the plot and the suspense, but the romance is turning out to be HOT!

I am really enjoying writing about Bain and Reena in what they think are different quests, when in fact they come back around to each other.

Southern Cross Novel Challenge

2008-05-25T21:28:00.010-04:00

Who's up for NaNo in July?

Southern Cross Novel Challenge 2008

The Southern Cross Novel Challenge (SoCNoC, pronounced "sock-nock") held in June, with a long weekend and wintry weather, is NaNoWriMo for the Southern Hemisphere.

Details

Start: 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00
End: 30 Jun 2008 23:59:59
Type: Writing
http://kiwiwriters.org/my/challenge/site/socnoc-2008.html

I've already signed up...what about you?
Chicken???????

What I'm Working on Now....

2008-05-19T18:58:00.008-04:00

A new work in progress (WIP)

Once again, I'm into a time travel. I've had the idea for this for several months, and it's been laying there simmering. Now its screeching. But this time, I'm doing something different than just listening to the voices and writing down where they take me. Hard stuff, that.

This time will be different because I've downloaded several courses from Holly Lisle for this story.

The first one is Create A Plot Clinic, by Holly Lisle

It is soooo awesome. It's really taken my writing to the next level.

The main thing is Plotting before you Write. I always thought I was a panster. But, I love the freedom that this planning has done for my writing inspiration. Things that would never have occurred to me have surfaced that don't have to be added in later during revision is the main thing. And the depth that I'm able to add is going to be so, well...deep! lol

Basically, it allows you to plot the whole way through, and doesn't interfere with the muse's inspiration,or slow down your writing.

I've taken several online workshops lately, and while I came away with having learned something...I really have to say, that this Plot Clinic is excellent and very doable! I would recommend it very highly!

MUSE ANTHOLOGY

2008-05-15T21:21:00.007-04:00

SONG OF THE MUSES CONTEST

(This contest begins June 6th, 2008.)

Step into a world of ancient inspiration with Calliope, Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Urania, Terpsichore, Thalia, Polyhymnia, Clio and come hang out with the Greeks! Blog with the Muse Sisters and you will be entered into a drawing for Songs of the Muses ebooks and other fantastic prizes. Visit all 9 muses on their My Space page throughout the summer for a chance to win! On June 6th, the contest begins at Calliope's myspace...

Calliope's Myspace
The Muses on Myspace

Calliope will be giving away a prize a week. The first prize will be awarded on June 13th. To enter, read her blog for details. All entrants at each contest throughout the summer will be in the running to win the grand prize. To learn of all the winners, subscribe to Skhye's Blog where I post them all!

Know true peace! ~Skhye

CREATING PSYCHIC CHARACTERS Workshop

2008-05-13T15:06:00.003-04:00

This is one workshop you don't want to miss...

(please feel free to forward--thanks!)

CREATING PSYCHIC CHARACTERS
INSTRUCTOR: Mary O'Gara

WHEN: June 2 to June 29, 2008 (12 lessons posted over 4 weeks)

WORKSHOP
How do you create psychic characters for your stories—paranormal or not—and what do you do with them once you’ve created them? In this workshop, Mary discusses creating characters—and the worlds they live in—who have psychic gifts and live in your stories as heroes, heroines, villains, minor characters, or even backstory characters. Mary analyzes types of psychic gifts and the abilities that come with them, discusses the tools, methods and probable knowledge for varying kinds of gifts. She also discusses different levels of giftedness and the role of practice and discipline.

As always, Mary’s workshops are full of written and internet references to allow you to pursue the information long after the workshop ends.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Mary O’Gara was born with psychic gifts and grew up learning to use them. Her father was a small-town lawyer who used his own gifts as part of his practice and taught her to do the same.

Mary developed her skills on the job and within her family. In 1976 Mary moved to Santa Fe and began an apprenticeship in astrology that led to three decades of work as a professional psychic.

She developed her financial and business astrology specialty through special training and through her own real estate interests. As part of that ongoing training, Mary studied, practiced and taught astrology, numerology, tarot, I Ching, tarot, and pendulum work. She is a Silva graduate and a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. Mary is a Reiki master and also does both crystal and color healing.

Visit her on the web at http://www.iowapoet.com/

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Cost for each workshop is $15 for NEORWA members, $20 for all others. You do not have to be an RWA member to take our workshops!

Please email rhonda.stapleton@sbcglobal.net or rhonda@rhondastapleton.com with any questions and list the title of the workshop in the subject line.

Visit http://www.neorwa.com/workshops.htm for more information.

Thanks,

Rhonda Stapleton
NEORWA online workshop coordinator

I can't wait for it to start!

Getting the Word Out!

2008-05-07T12:12:00.000-04:00

Everything Old Is New Again – Using Mythology in Romance

May 16, 17, and 18 at Romance Divas

Featuring:

P.C. Cast

Robin D. Owens

Gena Showalter

Lori Handeland

Alyssa Day

Review for Dragon of Croatia

2008-04-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

Monday, April 14, 2008

Review for DRAGON OF CROATIA

Just had to share the wonderful review for DRAGON OF CROATIA with you from Clover Autry!

"The Dragon of Croatia is a smart, tactilely pleasing adventure. Calie is spunky and fully capable of taking care of herself, a good match for a man, taming his inner dragon.

This story has it all. Wit, mystery, an exotic locale, a worthy cause, a hero to die for and a heroine feisty enough to take it all on . . . and then some. "

Check out the rest of her review here.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Got Edits??

I'm working on the edits for the Muse Anthology- a romantic suspense- that will be out in October. And I have to say they are going much better than planned. That's unusual for me, since I am sooooo slow doing revision on a rough draft. The thing I've found is with this revision, I'm totally sunk back into the story. Which is good. It had been a while since I wrote the story, and I worried that it would be stale after a time of being away.

And this story, I'm able to see where I'm doing some layering of suspense and tension along with developing the characters deeper. It feels good to see my writing ability grow, lol!

So, anyway...here is the cover for my part of the anthology....

THE VICTORY OF LUGH

Will post an excerpt a bit later, once I get closer to the end of revision.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

I've Been Tagged!! Again!

I've been tagged again. Thanks to Jennifer Shirk - you all are subjected to more information about me. Lucky you!

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your blog entry.
5. Let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.

SIX UNIMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT MYSELF:

1. I hate to workout..I'd rather starve on a diet than exercise.

2. I love to watch sports...mostly football.

3. I enjoy road trips with my family and finding a hotel with a swimming pool and hot tub where we do nothing but enjoy being together. (unimportant stuff, remember! lol)

4. I love dragons and romantic suspense..you probably already knew that though!

5. My mother is my best critic when it comes to my writing (She's a writer, also!).

6. I love winter and living in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
(Aacckk..I'm not very interesting, lol!)

So, Here's to spreading the misery...

I tag... Debora Dennis, Masha Holl, Sky Purington, Michele Hart,

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

FREEFALL by JoAnn Ross...I Got It, I Got It! LOL

FREEFALL

by

JoAnn Ross

Just released today...and I already have my copy. Oh yeah!

The only problem, I have to work tomorrow..and I am so worried if I start reading it tonight, I'll end up staying up all night to finish it and never make it in to work, LOL. I'm thinking of holding it until tomorrow and reading it at work...and then finishing it up at home. Aaacccckkk!

JoAnn is such a terrific writer...and ever since I read OUT OF THE MIST by her, I was hooked!

She gives romantic suspense a whole nother level of heat! And this novel is calling me...I tell ya.

See, on the cover, under her name it says.... "A High Risk Novel" Man, I am dying to open this book!

Check it out.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

New Release: THE DRAGON OF CROATIA

Click to buy
THE DRAGON OF CROATIA

Gavriel Dimitrios, the dragon of Croatia, is loose and with vengeance on his mind. Stubborn Callie Stewart, the woman responsible for his release from the ancient stone tablet may be too cozy with the smugglers Gavriel has vowed to capture. She becomes entangled in a web of supernatural intrigue when she stumbles over an ancient stone tablet and unleashes the dragon of Croatia, who appears every 100 years to aid the island’s inhabitants in their fight against smugglers to protect their heritage. He came to her in a dark cave, a dragon within a man-strength and power define his features.

Their shared passion and deceit has the Adriatic Sea at a boiling point as they delve into caves and race across islands, into the very heart of danger.

You can read an excerpt here.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

Hey. . . Want to win a copy of this story?
Just join up over at the The Wild Rose Press discussion group and starting Sunday, January 6th, I’ll be the Guest Moderator--hosting that week. All you have to do is respond to any of the posts at anytime during that week to enter. I'll do a drawing next Monday, January 14th, from everyone who joins the discussion during that week.

And just like Marianne Arkins did for her exciting contest for
DON"T FENCE ME IN . . . which is released this week also!!! If you already have my story, ‘cause you didn’t want to wait 'til my moderating week to happen, LOL --
I'll buy you your choice of miniature rose or rosette from
The Wild Rose Press instead!

Good luck and look forward to 'seeing' you next week!

BTW. . . Thanks goes to Rae Monet for the great cover art . . . and she designed my new website--check it out when you get a chance! I can't help but feel so proud, LOL!

Valerie Everhart
http://www.valerieeverhart.com/
http://valerie-everhart.blogspot.com/
Don't tickle the dragon if you can't take the heat

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

* * Better Than A Birthday * *

What's better than a birthday to celebrate??

The release of THE DRAGON OF CROATIA.

It makes me want to take the day off and celebrate...a milestone, and a goal reached.

On the other hand..it's also a jolt of excitement that makes me want to get this next one finished. I love the giddy feeling of having my story out there for others to read. And now, I want to share another, and another. LOL

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

NEW WEBSITE!!!!

Yes, I am shouting..and laughing with total bliss.

My new website is LIVE!

ValerieEverhart

All credit goes to Rae Monet

She is the most talented web designer I have seen. I absolutely love my new design. And it's up just in time for my new release of THE DRAGON OF CROATIA, which will be released January 2, 2008. She also happens to be the one that designed the cover for this book. Isn't she the greatest???!!!!!

Blurb for DRAGON OF CROATIA

Gavriel Dimitrios, the dragon of Croatia is loose and with vengeance on his mind.
Stubborn Callie Stewart, the woman responsible for his
release from the ancient stone tablet, may be too cozy with the
smugglers Gavriel has vowed to capture.
Their shared passion and deceit has the Adriatic Sea at a boiling
point as they delve into caves and race across islands,
into the very heart of danger.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

I Should be Writing

The month of November is about finished. As for my writing, this was the slowest month for me words wise.

I'm working on getting a new website..it should be up and running in the next week. I've got the fabulous Rae Monet designing it for me, and it is incredible...like nothing I've ever seen before. She is also the same that designed the cover for my new book, THE DRAGON OF CROATIA, that will be released January 2, 2008.

In the meantime...I need to get my butt glued to this chair and spew out some new scenes for either TUNNELS OF TIME or SHADOWS OF DARKNESS. I'm off....................

Monday, November 05, 2007

and now for some EXITING NEWS

Here is the cover of my new release....

THE DRAGON OF CROATIA
a romantic suspense

filled with love, romance and adventure. To keep things hot since the days (and nights) have turned down right COLD.

For romantic suspense, this cover is everything and more than I wanted or hoped for in my first release.

I want to give complete credit to Rae Monet...a wonderful cover artist with THE WILD ROSE PRESS. She will be redesigning my website in the next few weeks...look for an exciting new change to valerieeverhart.com coming soon.

And...all of this was possible due to a diligent and wonderful editor Ami Russell.

Thank you, both.

And....

I can't wait to share my next book...

THE DRAKKAN STONE.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

NaNoWriMo Is Coming.....

Are you ready?

There is less than 4 days until it starts.

Sign up Here.

And you will begin the journey of writing a 50,000 word novel in one month. Yup..you heard me. One month...but you're not alone.

So, again I ask...Are you ready? Do you have your plot decided? Do you outline, or write by the seat of your pants?

Has panic set in? I know for me doubt has. Sure, this is my 6th year of doing NaNo...but I get like this every year. The excitement and trepidation that what if I don't make it settles in. But, gosh...it is sooooooo much fun. Join an online group that is near you and you get the opportunity to meet for brainstorms or even just for motivation and fun. But there are forums that will help with the whole process.

It can be done, and in fact is done by writers all over the world. So, join us crazy, desperate, fun NaNoers and realize a book is written at the end of the month.

2007-11-05T23:50:00.000-05:00

The dragon is loose...

Romantic Suspense writer, Valerie Everhart has released her first novella, THE DRAGON OF CROATIA.