Festive Charms Romance and Fantasy Sale

 

Start your Christmas shopping early and fill every e-reader with these marvelous festive tales!

Paranormal Candy is happy to be hosting this awesome BookFunnel event!

CLICK HERE!

Attention Authors: Festive Charms BookFunnel Event signup!

 

Fantasy Book Giveaways Blog is happy to host the Festive Charms romance and fantasy sale event! Authors with books $2.99 or less are welcome to add up to two. Click HERE to signup.

These BookFunnel events are great ways to grow your audience. With so many authors participating, there is a lot of promotion going on. And you can pick up some books for yourself!

Happy Holidays! #Freebies

The happiest of holidays to all of you!

Wishing you love, laughter, and joy!

And books. Lots and lots of books.

I'll help with that. It's my Christmas First In Series Gifts!

For the next 5 days, these four books are FREE!

As a bonus gift, Of Blood and Sorrow is 99c!

Friday Five for July 17, 2015

1. I've managed to catch up on my sleep and some online things. I think I have to realize that I'm not going to catch up on it all and just let it go. Sometimes that's difficult for me. I'm still learning to be easier on myself.

2. I wrote a flash horror piece for my local critique group tomorrow. A Christmas story with a monster in the closet. Perfect for July! And no, it's not a Fearless story. I wanted to write another Christmas tale because right now is the time of year to submit them to magazines and other venues. I still have six stories out there under consideration, and hopefully after this weekend, I can send out a seventh.

3. I've been sending out my Dice & Debauchery series to reviewers. It's hard to find people that review erotica. I sent out a batch of queries in December and didn't receive one reply. I've only received one reply from the dozen I sent out this week. One of my dream reviewers would be Felicia Day. She and three other geeky women have a book club called Vaginal Fantasy. It's absolutely hilarious and fun.

4. Only two weeks until Gen Con! Will any of you be attending this year? I'll be going on Sunday for Family Day. Their writer guest of honor this year is Terry Brooks.

5. A reminder for two fantastic giveaways: Win 5 awesome ebooks and an Amazon gift card from T.B. Markinson, and celebrate Tara Tyler's book birthday with an incredible giveaway that includes prizes of a signed print copy of her book, an ecopy of my book, Of Blood and Sorrow, and an Amazon gift card.

Don't forget about the Smashwords Summer Sale!

Friday Five for December 19, 2014

1. My Loose Corset blog tour with Goddess Fish Promotions is all set to go. They are super efficient and really nice. This is my first time not creating my own tour, and it's been an excellent experience so far working with a virtual book tour company. Check out my snazzy banner!

2. Now on to doing my posts for my Geeky Dice & Debauchery Tour! Hosts, I'll be contacting you soon with updated information. Oh boy, it's going to be a busy new year, but so much fun!

3. All my writing this week was for tour posts. I've also been critiquing. I'm always amazed at the talent of my critique partners and betas.

4. Today is my son's school concert and lunch. They'll sing some Christmas songs and do some dancing. It's so cute watching the wee ones perform. I spent two hours last night making sandwich pinwheels for the lunch. A chef I am not. Next time, I'll buy them already made! But they're full of color and very healthy. If the kids just don't go right for the desserts!

5. I'll be taking a blogging break until the new year. We stay home for Christmas, and I love it. Two weeks of rest and relaxation, and doing things together as a family. See you in 2015! Have a very happy Christmas and an awesome new year!

Because we haven't seen enough Christmas memes...

What are your favorite Christmas memes?

Link to them in the comments!

Friday Five for December 12, 2014

1. A good week for writing. I finished off my Christmas short story for my local critique group. Now I'm working on a few other shorts to submit in the new year. Just silly and fun stuff before the hard work of promoting and revising starts again.

2. Less than a month until the first book of my hilarious and geeky series, Dice & Debauchery is released! You can add Loose Corset to your wish list at Ellora's Cave now. I worked last week with a cover artist, so hopefully I can share with you the cover soon. For everyone on the D&D tour, I'll get you all the information and images when I have them. Also, for anyone who would like to review the book, you can email Service@ellorascave.com and request a review copy.

3. My urban fantasy novel, Of Blood and Sorrow is currently with my CPs and betas. I hope to have it ready to release in February or March. You can add it to read on Goodreads right now!

4. Have you gotten all your holiday preparations done? We have our tree and all the cards have been sent out. Next week will be a lot of cooking and baking for my husband's work and our son's school. Christmas lunches and concerts. Then two weeks of sleeping in!

5. A quiet weekend awaits me. Maybe we'll take the little guy to see Big Hero 6. I think I want to see it more than he does! He's been really into watching Odd Squad, a new show on PBS. It's like a mix between Men in Black and Harry Potter. It teaches math skills and throws in a lot of subtle adult jokes. Or not so subtle ones like the 1980s episode! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Wicked Wednesday - holiday reads

It's that wonderful time of year...

     where we all hope to grab some quiet reading time amongst the holiday chaos!

I love snuggling under a blanket with a good book when it's cold and dark outside. With so much going on during December, I don't like to delve into any deep reads. I crave omething light and fun with a happily ever after.

I don't usually go searching for holiday themed books, but when I find a good one, it makes me extra happy. Recently I read Mistletoe & Memories by Matilda Maxwell. This is a perfect example of a festive and fun read.

My little guy is really into The Night Before Christmas and The Great Reindeer Rebellion this year. Children's books really get me in the festive mood too.

What are your favorite holiday reads?

* * * * *

Here's another holiday read for you.

Fantasy Uprising from Untethered Realms is now available!

A collection of nine fantastic, spine-tingling stories. Magic. Mystery. Murder. Heartbreak and Hope. Defeat and Victory. The incredible and Horrific. Fantasy Uprising delivers a heaping serving of the best in fantasy.

It's now on Smashwords, Amazon, and Google Play.

And you can get this awesome collection for a mere 99 cents!

Friday Five for December 5, 2014

1. Did you see the awesome cover for my urban fantasy novel, Of Blood and Sorrow? It's absolutely gorgeous. I've put it up on Goodreads too. You can mark it to read on there now.

2. Speaking of the novel, I finally finished a major POV change in it. It was tedious to the point of excruciating at times, but I've done it and it feels amazing! It'll be sent off to my CPs and beta readers today.

3. I also finished my revisions for the final book of my Dice & Debauchery series. All manuscripts are now with my editor at Ellora's Cave. I even heard from the cover artist who will be designing the covers for my books. I'm not sure what we're doing yet, but she's very nice and patient with me, the newbie at working within a publisher.

4. I can't believe it's December already. I've been going over my goals for this year. I think I've done pretty good. I will have to give myself a push to reach 100 books read, though. I'm at 94. (It says I already reached it on Goodreads, but I review children's books that I read with my son. So I don't include them on my count here.)

5. Less than three weeks until Christmas! My little guy is super excited. We've decorated the house and we're going to find a tree this weekend. He visited with Santa earlier this week. Afterward, he told me that wasn't the real Santa. When I asked why he thought that, he told me that it was "Second Santa" because he had glasses on and had a gray beard rather than a white beard. Yet he was still a nice Santa! If the weather stays reasonable, we might go to the Krampus night parade tomorrow. Has anyone else ever seen a Krampus?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful new year!

I'll be back in January with my regular blogging schedule.

Don't forget there's still one more 'Tis More Blessed event this coming Friday.

Click on over to the Untethered Realms blog to see our group holiday greetings with adorable pets dressed up and my adorable boy with Santa.

Lurking about

Marking our Christmas tree with a flag!

Good morning, friends. Yes, I'm still lurking about the blogosphere. I've been taking it easy, though. I haven't been online that much. I'm trying to relax this month when it comes to net stuff since October and November were so incredibly busy. So don't think I've forgotten about you if I haven't visited your blog in a little while. I want to set up a regular schedule for myself starting in the new year for blog posts and blog visiting.

I finished a supernatural western Christmas short story for my local critique group meeting this Saturday. Now I'm working on my first round of revisions for one of my WIPs. I hope to get it out to my CPs at the latest by the end of January.

Don't forget to enter to win a copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection! You can also find more freebies and raffles this month with 'Tis More Blessed. Treat yourself.

Happy Christmas 2012!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

 There's my gorgeous son sitting with Santa.

He was happy to sit on his lap this year.

I just wish the photographer centered the photo properly!

Have a wonderful holiday season.

 

Friday Five for November 30, 2012

1. I'm a NaNoWriMo winner! I didn't finish before Thanksgiving, but a virus attacked me. Knocked me out for two days. I still made the goal with time to spare. I haven't managed to find time to get back to the story and finish it yet, though. It's been such a busy week.

2. Most of my Christmas shopping for the family is done. We're on a tight budget this year. I'm doing a photo theme. We had a family portrait done. It's... um, department store quality. Every family needs at least one cheesy department store photo, right? Everyone's going to be looking at my son anyway. That's what I tell myself. I also made up calendars with pictures of my son on Shutterfly. I love their site. It's easy to use and such prices for products people really love.

3. This past month I've been dealing with a health issue that secretly weighed heavy on me. I have no idea why I was quiet about it and brushed it off even with friends and family. During my recent mammogram, they found a lump. I went in for an ultrasound to confirm it and then had a biopsy done. I told myself and everyone else I wasn't worried. Yet when the results came back that it was benign and truly nothing to be concerned about, I felt so light and relieved. I guess I was more worried than I let on even to myself. I believe it's so important for women to do regular self exams and have mammograms starting at the age of 40. If there's history of breast cancer in the family, they should start younger than that. I also learned that finding a lump is more common than I realized. So many of my friends came out and told me the same thing happened with them. I had no idea. Why do women never talk about this amongst ourselves? There's no shame in it and no woman is alone in it. There may be a month dedicated to breast cancer, but talk still isn't happening as it should.

4. My mom is coming for an early Christmas visit next week. We'll be picking her up at the airport on Sunday afternoon and then going to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Mmmm. There will shopping. A lot of shopping. I'm exhausted already!

5. I've been working on posts for my 1301 blog tour. I'm so excited. I have the schedule locked in and I have fantastic hosts. If you'd still like to be part of any of my blog tours for the 13th Floor series, you can click on the tab above to find the dates for each book.

Here is my 1301 blog tour lineup:

Dec. 13 - Cherie Reich and Livia Peterson
Dec. 14 - Nick Wilford
Dec. 15 - Tania Walsh
Dec. 16 - M. Pepper Langlinais
Dec. 17 - Aubrie Dionne
Dec. 18 - Clare Dugmore
Dec. 19 - Kyra Lennon   and Jackie Felger
Dec. 20 - Shannon Lawrence

Have a great weekend! 

Blindsided Christmas Photo Bloghop

Kyra Lennon wants to see our Christmas photos. All dressed-up or acting silly. It must be a new photo or taken over the last few years. No childhood pictures. Just post your picture between November 26th and December 7th. There's prizes! Click on the badge for details and the linky list to visit other participants. It's going to be so much fun!

Okay, you're not going to see me in these pictures. I don't remember the last time I wore anything festive. Sorry. My son is much, much more photogenic anyway!

Christmas 2010 in Santa pajamas

  Christmas 2011 in a Christmas sweater

and sharing a treat with a friend 

 December 2011 wearing jingle bells

Blindsided Blog Tour - Guest Post on Romance by Kyra Lennon

I'm thrilled to have the lovely Kyra Lennon here with me today.

She's celebrating the release of her new contemporary romance novel,

Blindsided.

Take it away, Kyra!

Blindsided is all about a holiday romance. Those words usually bring to mind sun, sand, cocktails, and making out on the beach with an oiled up hunk. But in Blindsided, the holiday isn’t on an exotic island, it’s in dreary old London in December. And it’s Christmas! Even so, there is no shortage of romance, and it is, I think, enhanced by the season.

So what is it about Christmas that brings out the romance in people? Is it the overall message of love that seems to resonate in the air at this time of year? Is it just that everyone seems to be happier once the snow begins to fall, and Christmas music is being blasted from every speaker?

For me, it’s all about the cold. There is something magical when the air turns crisp, and all you really want to do is drink hot chocolate and snuggle up with your special someone. Of course, there are other ways to keep warm when the weather turns cold *wink wink* but it’s not ALL about that. It’s just knowing there is someone beside you to share that special time of year.

For Jesse and Isabelle, well, there are a few things happening there. For Isabelle, it’s the first stirrings of young love, for Jesse, it’s the realization that not all girls want to date him because he’s got money. But the beauty of London in winter, and the excitement of doing festive things like ice skating in Hyde Park add to the magic of their romance.

What do you think makes Christmas so romantic?

Author Bio: Kyra Lennon was born on the South coast of England, and to this day, still lives by the sea. After years spent working in retail, where she met enough versatile characters to write hundreds of books, she finally took the plunge and quit her day job. Kyra's debut novel, Game On, was released in July 2012. While fiction writing has always been her passion, she also has numerous articles on a variety of topics published on prolific websites. 

Blindsided blurb: After a successful first soccer season in L.A, Jesse Shaw heads to London with his best buddy, Hunter, but his world is turned upside down when a dangerous prank threatens his career and his blossoming relationship with Hunter’s cousin, Isabelle.

Isabelle Mills lives in Notting Hill with her parents and her twin sister, Georgia. When she finds out her cousin is coming to stay, along with his famous soccer player friend, her first instinct is to hibernate until they’ve gone. However, once she meets Jesse, everything changes. He’s everything she ever wanted, but with so many obstacles in their path, can she really risk putting her heart on the line?

Buy Links:  
Amazon.com
Amazon.uk

Find Kyra online
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads 

Holiday Snapshots - week five

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments about my Holiday Snapshots series.

It's been a lot of fun.

Here's a few from Christmas this year.

My son loved decorating his gingerbread train.

And yes, he licked the whole thing.

A new and upcoming photographer.

The camera actually takes digital photos.

Enjoying Christmas morning breakfast and talking to Granny on the phone.

Our little living room after all the present opening was done.

Happy Holidays!

Bring on 2012!

A nice quiet Christmas

It was a quiet Christmas for us this year, but very nice. Our son opened two presents, grew bored, and demanded we clean up. He loves the easel we bought him and the LeapPad from his Gramma. He's such a gadget freak like his father!

It was such a mild day, we spent the afternoon at one of the local parks. We had so much fun, we didn't leave until the sun had set. Surprisingly, the park was pretty busy. Lots of people enjoying the day out with their families.

Today we ran a bunch of errands and picked out glasses for our son. He looks adorable!

We have some snow now. Maybe we can take the sled out to the backyard and go down the little hill.

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow when I interview short story writer and poet, James Dorr.

Happy Christmas

Whatever you're celebrating, I hope you have a fantastic holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Happy Christmas!

(Side note: when searching for a photo to put up for Christmas on your blog with a paranormal romance or vintage theme, make sure to have the safe search on.

Oh, what holiday "gifts" I have seen!)

A little Christmas story

This is my entry for Heather's holiday story contest. Here's the details:

It's very simple.  I want to read your most original, scary or uplifting holiday story (I like both, so since this is my contest - I figure I'll make you write what I like to read!).  Now, notice I didn't say "Christmas"; it can be ANY holiday you celebrate!  It does NOT have to be a holiday that occurs in winter months.  The entry can be no more than 500 words.

I do not know how to do the wonderful "Linky Lists" like Rachel Harrie over at Rach Writes did during the Campaigner Challenge, so here are the requirements:

1. Post your story on your blog
2. Mention my blog and this contest within that post
3. Comment here that you have posted and link back to the SPECIFIC post
4. "Follow" my blog! :)

That's it!  What you can win is some pretty cool stuff.

First place: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Second place: A beautiful E-Reader cozy (that I will purchase from the fantabulous ZiziRho Designs, your choice!)
Third place: A leather writing journal

All entries MUST be posted by Saturday, December 31, 2011.  I will have the three winners posted on my blog by Thursday, January 5, 2011.

I decided to go with something sweet. I hope you enjoy it!

THE OFFICE PARTY SANTA

“I think I'm going to cry.”

“What?” Barb shot me a glance. “Shush and stop being so melodramatic.” She returned her attention to the CEO as he finished his Christmas toast. Everyone raised their glasses and shouted, “Cheers!”

I didn't pick up my glass. There was nothing for me to toast. Victor didn't show for our first date. My stomach was hard and heavy, and there wasn't a sympathetic shoulder to lean on.

Barb downed her drink and let out a whoop.

“Bring in Santa!” Her exclamation was met with several hoots and cheers.

“I can't believe they're still doing this stupid Santa thing.” I grumped, flopping into the nearest empty chair.

A chant of “Santa, Santa, Santa” pounded into my head. Bells jingled and someone flipped on Christmas music. A man in a red suit and horribly fake beard strode into the room, playing up to the crowd. He danced with the girls and gave high fives to the guys.

I couldn't take any more of this ridiculous merriment. I thought Victor was different. I thought he could have been the one.

“I'm going home.” I stood up and was nabbed by Barb before I could walk two feet.

“Oh come on, hon. So what? Some jerk stood you up. I'm single and you don't see me getting all depressed.” She hooked her arm through mine and yanked me forward. “It's two days until Christmas. It's an open bar. And have you seen how good you look tonight? Santa's going to drool into your cleavage.”

“That's exactly what I want for Christmas.” I rolled my eyes, but I let her drag me into the line. I knew Barb was right, but it was still hard to feel festive when all I could imagine was Victor's gorgeous smile and the sparkle in his eyes.

Lost to my own dreary thoughts, I hadn't realized we were at the front of the line until Barb shoved me forward. I stumbled, half-sitting on Santa's leg and using the arm of the chair to balance myself. I felt silly sitting on his lap, but it was a company tradition.

“And what do you want for Christmas, pretty girl?”

I didn't look up at him. I could feel his eyes on me. I bet the perverts lined up for this gig.

“Nothing.”

“There has to be something you want.” His voice softened and he patted my knee.

That was it. I wasn't going to pretend to put up with this crap any more.

I raised my head, looking into his eyes, ready to sock him in his padded gut. His dreamy eyes.

He smiled. The same smile that always made my knees weak.

“I think Santa brought me exactly what I need.” I kissed him on the cheek.

“Later.” Victor winked at me.

“Later.” I agreed and rose from his lap with my Christmas spirit renewed.

Holiday Snapshots - week three

This is the continuation of my Holiday Snapshots series. Every Saturday this month, I'm posting holiday themed photos. My cards are out and my shopping's done. Up with the tree today and a holiday party later this evening!

That's me in the middle on the top row.

These are the kids I grew up with: The Kingham Kids.

We loved Christmas Eve because we'd get to stay up late playing while all our folks sat around drinking.

My son wasn't interested in opening presents last year.

Eating the tissue paper, well, that's a whole other matter!