November 20, 2013 · 7:50 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Jane Austen Heroes

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Jane Austen Heroes.

Some of my friends are sharing their Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list: (I’m sitting this one out since I’ve never seen any of these movies. I know…shame on me! I plan to rectify that soon. Promise!)

Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth), Captain Wentworth from “Persuasion” (Ciaran Hinds), and Mr. Tilney from “Northanger Abbey” (JJ Feild)

darcy jj_na_web Persuasion-1995-persuasion-5175710-1024-576

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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AMANDA MCCABE, author of RUNNING FROM SCANDAL, Harlequin Historicals December 2013 – Website:  http://ammandamccabe.com/

Want: Mr. Tilney!  He’s adorable and funny, and he knows all about muslins.  But he’s also a clergyman, which might get old pretty quick…

Waste: It pains me to do this, given that he’s so hunky (and patient!  And romantic!  Seriously that letter at the end of “Persuasion” is the most swoon-y thing ever…), but Captain Wentworth.  I get seasick.

Wed: Mr. Darcy, of course!  Pemberley–that is all.

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Callie Hutton, author of The Elusive Wife  – The Earl of Coventry wants to annul his forced marriage to pursue the lovely Lady Olivia. She has no intention of telling him she’s already his wife. Website: www.calliehutton.com 

Want: Firth Collin. Because nothing beats him coming upon Elizabeth after he swam in the pond. (She waves a fan)

Wed: J J Feild, because he looks like he would be a steady, dependable, ‘no mistress once I’m married’ type of man.

Waste: Ciaran Hinds because he looks way too stiff and disapproving.

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Juli D. Revezzo, Author of Passion’s Sacred Dance – He may be her savior in disguise, but can she trust him? Website: http://julidrevezzo.com

Want: J.J. Feild. he’s just cute, isn’t he?

Wed: Ciaran Hinds. Because he’s seems like he would be a good, stable provider.

Waste: Colin Firth I really hate to Waste the fan favorite–loved him in The King’s Speech–but I had to pick someone for this spot, didn’t I? 😉

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Jill Hughey, author of  Sass Meets Class     Website http://jillhughey.blogspot.com

Want:  Ciarin Hinds as Captain Wentworth. I struggled between Want and Wed, and am still second-guessing myself. If it had been Rupert Penry-Jones version, well, he is wed wed wed.

Wed: Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. I just think, for the long haul, Colin and I would rub along quite nicely.

Waste: J.J. Field as Mr. Tilney. Nothing against this actor but I dislike the hero and heroine of “Northanger Abbey.” No chemistry in the movie. None for me with him.

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M.J. Schiller, Author of UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR ~ When Christmas magic turns to murder.  Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com

WANT: Okay, I’m totally cheating and going off the reservation with this one. Matthew *sigh* MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy (the Keira Knightly “Pride and Prejudice”). He’s a total hottie!

WED:  Matthew MacFadyen. (tee-hee)

WASTE: Colin Firth, because he’s no Matthew MacFadyen!

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Charlotte Copper, author of Silver Blade  Website: http://www.charlottecopperauthor.com

WANT:  Captain Wentworth (sigh…..). Who can refuse a man in uniform? However, Mr. Darcy stole my heart long ago, and as such, you are but a want.

WED:  No doubt, Mr. Darcy!!  Doesn’t every woman want a Mr. Darcy? Admittedly, I’d rather have a Matthew Macfadyen version (him walking across the foggy field with his shirt slightly open…swoon) but if forced – go on, twist my arm – I’ll take Colin Firth and his curls falling over his forehead.

WASTE: I’ll have to confess to never seeing or reading Northanger Abbey, so nothing personal Mr.Tilney / JJ Field, but consider yourself wasted.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Jane Austen Loverboys would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

8 Comments

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November 13, 2013 · 2:00 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Wyatt Earps and Doc Holliday

The winner of the Amazon gift card is Stacey Greene….thank you for playing, Stacey and congratulations!

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing two Wyatt Earps and Doc Holliday.

Giveaway!!! I am actually trying to learn how to use Rafflecopter, so I am doing a demo test run giveaway. Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card! The prize is real, though, so be sure to enter. 🙂 There is more than one way to enter – One way is to answer the following question:

Which of these lines are from Tombstone and which from Wyatt Earp? (Answer T for Tombstone and W for Wyatt Earp – You should find a place to answer in the Raffletcopter box below) –

1) “All right, Clanton… you called down the thunder, well now you’ve got it! You see that?”

2) “I’m your huckleberry”

3) “I’m a woman, I like men. If that means I’m not “lady-like”, then I guess I’m just not a lady! At least I’m honest.”

4) “I know it’s not always easy being my friend, but I’ll be there when you need me.”

5) “Mister, I’ve been in a really bad mood for the last few years, so I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave me alone.”

6) “My mama always told me never put off till tomorrow people you can kill today.”

Please note: I could be doing this totally wrong, so bear with me. Whether or not the Rafflecopter/questions are done correctly, I will draw a name for the giveaway. 🙂

For further details on the giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Kevin Costner as Wyatt Earp, Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday

1 costner 2 russell 3 doc-holliday-val-kilmer-318x400

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~

WANT: Kilmer as Doc. I was mesmerized by the way he played this part. I love a bad boy, and he was sexy and funny and tough and amazing.

WED:  Russell as Wyatt. This is tough, because I like Costner better than Russell overall, but I didn’t see Wyatt Earp, and I did see Tombstone, and I LOVED this movie, loved Kurt Russell in is.

WASTE: Costner as Wyatt. Yikes…it’s like ripping out my own heart, vampire style, because I ADORE Costner. But, process of elimination, and I didn’t see him in the role, and someone’s gotta go…(rules are rules)…but I love you, Kevin!!! Please forgive me.

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SILVER JAMES, author of SEASON OF THE WITCH, Website: http://www.silverjames.com

Want: Doc Holliday/Val Kilmer because he’s all dark, dangerous, intense…and intent. When I’m looking for a booty call, that works for me! A bad boy with sex appeal and no strings. (Though I really wish you’d offered up Virgil Earp in this version because…SAM ELLIOTT!)

Wed: Wyatt Earp/Kurt Russell because…dude! Kurt Russell! Oh, sorry. Wyatt Earp! But definitely Kurt’s version. Why? Because again, intense and focused. And loyal. He’s all about the family. If I’m going to wed someone, I want to know I can depend on him now and tomorrow and the day after. Besides, he looks awesome in a duster and that mustache. Just sayin’…

Waste: Wyatt Earp/Kevin Costner because I never could take Costner’s version seriously and I have to waste someone.

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Author: Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger, authors of The Lawman’s Agreement  Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Want: Kevin Costner. I have loved this absolutely sexy man since the movie No Way Out! That seduction scene in the back of the limo was fantastic, and often used as inspiration for writing a lovescene … especially the humor of it. Plus, he gets professional acting chops points for holding his own against James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams! His Wyatt Earp was well done and sexy!

Wed: Kurt Russell, despite the fact the he and Goldie have never made it legally official, he’s definitely “home and hearth” material. Plus, in his prime he had an edgy way about him. Loved his somewhat scruffy Wyatt Earp.

Waste: Val Kilmer. I’ve not really got anything AGAINST Val, just nothing for him either. I do have to admit, I was shocked to learn he has a fantastic singing voice. Saw him in the off-Broadway production of The Ten Commandments a number of years ago and was blown away with his rich voice.

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, author of historical western, Dreams of Gold. Website: http://www.lindacarroll-bradd.com/

Want: Val Kilmer has a bad boy quality that shines through his portrayal of this fatally ill outlaw.

Wed: Since seeing his first kid roles in Disney movies, I’ve had a soft spot for Kurt Russell. In a western role, he makes my knees wobble.

Waste: If Kevin Costner would put in the time to learn the dialects of the roles he performs, he might be an actor I’d give more credibility.

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Christine Elaine Black, author of A Rose for Lancaster  !!!Special price for November: 99 cents!!! Website/Blog http://christineelaineblack.blogspot.ca/

Want: Val Kilmer is a bad boy and his mischievous grin makes a girl want to wipe the smile off his face…. at least for a few hours. Definitely want some time alone to horse around with him dressed as Doc Holliday. 

Wed: Kurt Russell is the sweetest guy and pretty hot as Wyatt Earp. A little bit of Wild West with him and I’d be satisfied!!! 

Waste: I’ll pass on Kevin Costner, though he’s cute and it’s a shame to turn him down but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when it comes to running a guy out of a saloon packed with hotties?

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Old West guys would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing and be sure to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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November 8, 2013 · 9:13 am

The Generation for Writers by Nikolas Baron

There has never been a better time than now to be an author. It is simply amazing how many doors are open, especially since the rise of eBooks. Big-name publishers are at their wits end, particularly if they stubbornly insist on the good old print-centric gatekeeping. Penguin Books publishing recently got burned in the self-publishing business due to their shady partnership with Author Solutions. However, even Penguin Books is realizing the importance of this new market. Evidently, the migration toward greener pastures was in the hope of keeping away from being on the top of the endangered species list.

Since the start of the year, I’ve been working at Grammarly, a natural linguistics start-up in San Francisco, understanding how writers write. Inevitably, this has given me countless opportunities to engage in rather fascinating conversations with authors from a myriad of backgrounds. Not surprisingly, much of their lament with writing had to do specifically with editing and publishing. The thing is, publishing a book has never been easier. With the current offerings, amateur writers have more say over what is sold on the market. This generation of eBooks has turned the tables on publishers. Let me share the major approaches some successful amateur authors have used to break into the scene.

Firstly, regular writing on public platforms is paramount to getting heard. More than 1.4 million blog posts are published every single day. This gargantuan amount of posts might leave you baffled; your ego must have died a little inside knowing what a pointless tease blogging might be. However, here’s the astonishing bit–every day, 57 million people in the US alone read blogs. Quite predictably, these platforms are the perfect place for gaining a fan base for your writing. What’s more, you cannot discount the need for serious practice before you jump full-swing into the realm of self-publishing. Test your ideas here; see how your audience responds, and go back to your workroom to create a unique voice for yourself. At this stage, consistency in posting on your blog every few days and responding to readers’ comments are vital for your success.

At the same time, you will want to be actively marketing your blog. The easiest and perhaps fastest way to do this is through social media. Post on Twitter and Facebook every time you write a new post. Keep your titles short, thought-provoking, or pleasantly witty to grab the attention of the social media community. Plonk in the link to your blog in your e-mail signature, and take the initiative to promote your blog; Google will not be doing the work for you just because your writing is in cyberspace. Social housekeeping takes hard work, but if you get it right, you will be elevating yourself to another level. Your readers will bring in other readers, and the exponential increase to your fan base will be worth it.

Another issue always discussed around the writer’s table is ideas. It’s amusing to see writers picking each other’s brains, hoping to get inspiration for their next big piece. Interesting topics don’t come by every day, yet it is essential to keep writing. One article I find very helpful to poke me into the right direction is ‘105 Author Blog Prompts’, an article presented by Duolit. Reading their list from marketing posts to creative writing prompts always gives me hints of inspiration.

However, perhaps the most daunting task for any writer is immaculate language. There is a reason why professional authors place so much emphasis on editors. To join the ranks of top writers, having anything less than perfect grammar is just unheard of. The secret weapon many authors have turned to in ensuring perfection isGrammarly, an online proofreading system. Not only isGrammarly a fraction of the cost of a professional editor, it is also more accurate and much faster than any humanly-possible rate.Grammarly has the ability to grammar-check the entire manuscript, picking out precise errors 10 times more consistently than any conventional word processor. Grammarly can also be functioned to suit every document type, ensuring appropriate language for academic essays, presentations, creative writing, reviews, and blogs. Trust me–once you try Grammarly, you will not understand how you ever survived without it.

From speaking to authors of the round table, I have definitely learned a whole lot more about writing, self-publishing, and marketing. Let us know some tips and tricks you use to get yourself heard.

By Nikolas Baron

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November 6, 2013 · 9:27 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Actresses

The winner of the drawing for any Alicia Dean title is Winona Cross. She chose Lady in the Mist as her prize. Thank you, Winona, and congratulations…hope you enjoy the book!

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing actresses.

Giveaway!!! In honor of my 50th blog post, I am giving away one of my titles. Next Tuesday, November 11th, I will draw one name from the commenters, and that person can choose the Kindle version of any Alicia Dean title (if the book is available on another format that you would prefer, let me know and I will see if I can accommodate your preference) – PLEASE be sure to leave your email address in your comment.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock (notice I provided a little male eye candy along with the female? You’re welcome!)

Cameron Diaz-20130508-32 angelina Sandra Bullock George Clooney-MSA-012911

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~

WANT: Cameron Diaz. She’s hotttt, those gorgeous blue eyes, that perfect body…sexy! Plus, she’s a great actress, and she has a fantastic sense of humor. She’s adorable! Besides, she used to do Justin Timberlake, so it would be like I was doing him too!

WED:  Sandra Bullock. In spite of her horrible choice with Jesse James, I think she’d make a good wife. She’s wholesome and sweet and extremely successful, so she’d take good care of me. And, she’s extremely attractive.

WASTE: Angelina Jolie. This woman just pisses me off. She’s gorgeous, no doubt about that, and I love some of her movies, but I am not over her breaking up Brad and Jennifer. Plus, she’s just freakin’ weird!

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M.J. Schiller, author of TAKEN BY STORM, website:  http://www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com/

Want: Cameron Diaz. At first I was going to say Angelina Jolie, ’cause she has that raw sex appeal, but I found another category that fit her better. Cameron Diaz is so cute. I wish I looked like her! Plus, I like her name. She seems upbeat and personable and she’d be someone fun to have a fling with, if I was a guy. But she’s been with a few too many partners to feel comfortable settling down with. Might be a red flag.

Wed: Sandra Bullock. She seems smart and doesn’t seem to be a drama queen like some movie stars. She’s pretty and seems to be fun. She actually has a lot of versatility as an actress. She plays the ditz well, (loved her in “While You Were Sleeping” with Bill Pullman), but can also play strong and sassy, (like in “The Blind Side”) or overbearing (“The Proposal”). With a promising acting career in front of her, she’d be a good provider.

Waste: Angelina Jolie.  She just seems to have a little too much crazy goin’ on!

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Kathryn Freeman, author of Too Charming,  website:   http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Excuse me while I put my man brain in…

Want:  Angelina.  Those lips – enough said.  She’s bat crazy and her desire to have a rainbow of children puts me off marrying her so instead I’ll put her in her Lara Croft costume and drool.  A lot.

Wed:  Cameron.  Beautiful and, yes, a bit crazy too, but she looks fun and game for anything.  I don’t think she’d have a problem throwing on her jeans and joining me for a pint with the lads.  But put her in a sexy dress and male eyeballs will roll out of their sockets.  A hot babe who likes to laugh – that’s a keeper.

Waste:  Sandra.  Through my male eyes she’s not quite got what the others have.  Not stunning enough to want.  Not warm and sexy enough to wed.  With my female brain back in, she’s been quoted as saying if she hadn’t been an actress, she would have been a romantic novelist.  Sorry, there’s enough competition out there.

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, author of contemporary western, Tie Down My Heart, website http://www.lindacarroll-bradd.com/

Want: Cameron Diaz, there’s a whole lot of attitude sizzling under that All-American exterior

Wed: Sandra Bullock, because she’s so much like the girl next door.

Waste: Angelina Jolie, although she might look sexy, her persona is too aloof, haughty

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Charlotte Copper, author of Silver Blade  website http://www.charlottecopperauthor.com

WANT:  Angelina Jolie. She’s super hot (admittedly sometimes on the skinny side, but think Tomb Raider), but I wouldn’t want to become co-parent to all those children.  Then again, I forgot to ask…will Brad be coming with her?

WED:  Sandra Bullock. My husband is fully aware that Sandra is the one female out there that I would change teams for! I have pretty much all her movies – even the not so good one. And I was totally devastated when she didn’t end up with Ryan Reynolds.

WASTE: Cameron Diaz. I have never thought much of her (acting or otherwise), and I would certainly not be willing to change teams for her.

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Jessica E. Subject, author of Never Gonna Desert You website http://jessicasubject.com

Want: Angelina Jolie – I’ve always thought she was pretty, but with all of her kids, I wouldn’t want something serious. Just a fling. And I know others don’t, but I do enjoy most of her films, especially the two Lara Croft movies.

Wed: Sandra Bullock – She seems so sweet and funny. An all aroud nice person. And I LOVE her movies.

Waste: Cameron Diaz – Sorry, but she does nothing for me. Some of her movies are funny, but I’m not lining up at the theatres for them, or anxious to rent them.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these sexy women would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

10 Comments

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October 30, 2013 · 7:35 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Movie Monsters

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Movie Monsters, more or less. It’s a list of villains, even if they aren’t ‘Monsters’.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Sheriff of Noddingham, Michael Myers, Hannibal Lecter, Jabba the Hut, Norman Bates, The Mummy

robinhoodrickman michaelmyers2 Silence-Lambs-mv04Jabba_the_Hutt norman_200-21683a9e8543394e42cb890696d60406473b89dc-s2-c85 patricia_velasquez_arnold_vosloo_the_mummy_returns_001

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~

WANT: Michael Myers. He’s brooding and sexy. Teenagers get on his nerves as much as they do mine. He’s good with his ‘weapon.’ He doesn’t talk, so there would be no yap, yap, yap afterward. 

WED:  Hannibal Lecter. He’s intelligent, clever, and charming. I think he’d make a great husband, because when he loves a woman, she is his entire focus. Look at how devoted he was to Clarise. Also, it seems like he’s a really good cook.

WASTE: Norman Bates. Skinny little wimp with Mommy issues. And I can’t stand it when a nice, hot shower is interrupted.

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L. A. Kelley, author of Book:  The Naughty List (ON SALE for $2.99 on Kindle until November 26), Website: http://lakelleythenaughtylist.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/l.a.kelley.author  

WANT:  Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Dark brooding good looks, a wicked sense of humor, and an authentic English accent (unlike Kevin Costner’s pathetically inept Robin Hood) makes Alan Rickman every woman’s medieval dream lover. My favorite scene in the movie is when he threatens to cut out Robin Hood’s heart with a spoon. I never wanted a man more.

WED: Arnold Vosloo in The Mummy

He’s smart, he’s passionate, he’s buff, and he’ll resurrect you from the dead if you happened to get caught cheating on the pharaoh. When he promises happily ever after, he means it. Of course, before regeneration the mummy resembles a festering pile of moldy hospital bandages, but a couple of shots of Febreze should take care of any lingering smell. Until he’s back to his human self I’d keep the lights off in the bedroom and enjoy the tender embrace of a man who would literally go to hell and back for me.  

WASTE: Jabba the Hut in Star Wars

Although a hideous intergalactic sexist slug, Jabba thinks he’s all that and a bag of Ewoks. He freezes his enemies to hang as wall art and forces scantily clad women to dance for his pleasure before feeding them to a monster. I’d love to drop-kick his slimy keister into a giant vat of table salt. I dare him to two-step out of that one before desiccation sets in and he’s turned into something resembling a giant shrunken booger.

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Kathy L Wheeler, author of  Lies That Bind, Website: http://kathylwheeler.com;

WANT: Alan Rickman is weird but I think I want him. You might end up dead, but you’d be laughing at least.

WED: Michael Myers, if you are going to end up dead, perhaps it would be quick.

WASTE: Norman Bates is just creepy…and skinny

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Lana Clary, non-author, daughter of Alicia Dean, and a lover of creepy, scary things:

WED– Can my Norman Bates be the Vince Vaughn Norman Bates? Yeah, that’s my Norman Bates. I would TOTALLY wed him. For obvious reasons. And yes, I’d wed him even if he actually WAS Norman Bates in real life. Murder doesn’t scare me.

WANT – If my Norman Bates is Vince Vaughn, and he is, then I would want Michael Myers – no brainer there. I’ve always wanted him. And the only reason I wouldn’t wed him, is because I think there is a larger chance he would snap and murder me with a butcher knife some day, than the chance of Norman snapping. Norman seems like the kind of guy that, as long as you did what he wanted, he’d keep you around. Michael…eh…not so much. He’d be a little quicker to….stab…..you in the back (pun intended). I can’t imagine hot meals on the table, folded laundry, and a clean house every night would make him not kill me, just not the marriage type. I’ve also always thought Michael was extremely sexy – and I bet he’s delightful in bed. Of course, we’d have to leave the mask on. Yum.

WASTE – Oooooh Hannibal Hannibal Hannibal – it pains me to have to waste you. Behind Michael Myers you’re my all time favorite serial killer and I love you so. And of course, Anthony Hopkins, even at his age…..delicious. Accent is yummy, the murderous glint in his eye is hot, and the way he can terrify you to the core with just one comment is a major turn on. There is ONE, simple, frightening reason why I would not be able to make myself marry, or do Hannibal Lecter – he eats people. And I’m not kissing someone who just had liver for dinner 🙂

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Hot Messes would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

12 Comments

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October 23, 2013 · 7:33 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Rock and Roll Singers

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Rock and Roll singers from a few years back.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi

Bruce-Springsteen-EventJohn_Cougar_Mellencamp-1983alg-resize-jon-bon-jovi-jpg

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~(Will be FREE on Kindle starting tomorrow, October 24 through October 26)

Want: It would have to be Jon Bon Jovi, he’s sexy and bad-boyish.

Wed:  Springsteen, because I love his music and he’s sexy and I love that he’s from New Jersey…I’ve always been fascinated with that region of the United States (GO RED SOX!!!)

Waste: John Cougar Mellencamp, I like a lot of his songs, but he’s never done anything for me, so he’d have to go.

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, author of Rekindled Dreams Website:  www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

WANT – Springsteen because he has always portrayed an image of being unattainable.

WED: Bon Jovi because of his sensitivity shown in 1995’s “Moonlight & Valentino”

WASTE: Mellancamp because he always looks wasted.

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M.J. Schiller, author of Trapped Under Ice. Website:  www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com
Want: Mr. Bon Jovi, because I think he would have just the right qualifications for a one night stand, if you catch my ~~~drift. 😉
Wed:  Springsteen, because I’m feeling gold diggery and I think he’d have the bigger bank account.
Waste:  I’m sorry Mr. Cougar, or Mr. Mellancamp, or Mr. Cougar Mellancamp, or whatever your name this week is, you have to go! I’m not a huge fan of his music, and…let’s just say, physically, he’s just not my cup of tea. No offense.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Rock and Roll guys would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

12 Comments

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October 16, 2013 · 7:34 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Historical Fictional Characters

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Historical Fictional Characters.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, Zorro

bestcrowe Venezuelan pole dancer Romina Dabbio per

(The Zorro franchise is pretty strict about copyright, so rather than post a pic, I inserted a link to a movie clip) Click here for a ZORRO Movie Clip (Of Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones)

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~

Want: Zorro, because of all that mystery and danger. And because, in the above-linked scene, he was soooo sexy, it made me wish I was Catherine Zeta Jones! (Or wish that I was Antonio Banderas, she’s pretty hot too ;)) I was going to say I also want him because of how fast he moves, but then I realized that might not be a plus.

Wed:  I guess Sir Lancelot so I could live in a castle. With Robin Hood I would have to live in the woods. And Richard Gere as Sir Lancelot, come on…who could resist that? Although since Lancelot was stealing King Arthur’s woman, he might not be faithful. But on the other hand, I would be ‘Wanting’ Zorro, so I guess I wouldn’t exactly be faithful either.

Waste: Robin Hood, although that probably makes me a bad person since he steals from the rich to give to the poor. But if I was married to Sir Lancelot, I would be rich, so he might steal from me. So yeah, I would have to waste him. But if he looked like Russell Crowe, I would definitely do him first.

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Jannine Gallant, Author of We’ll Never Tell (Book One in the Secrets of Ravenswood Series) FREE on Kindle!!! Oct. 16-18.  Website: http://www.janninegallant.com/

WANT – Robin Hood. Defender of the downtrodden—and too gorgeous for words. You can haul me off on your horse any day!

WED – Has to be Sir Lancelot. Let’s face it—Guinevere caused him nothing but misery. Lancelot is a tragic character, and he needs the love of a good woman to turn his life around. I’m volunteering!

WASTE – Sorry, Zorro, but you lose. I just can’t be sure what’s behind the mask and cape. The others are a sure thing.

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Kathy L Wheeler, Author of Quotable Website: http://kathylwheeler.com

Want: Zorro – Antonio Banderas. When he focus his attention on his heroine (me), I am living a character in one of my own books. YUM.

Wed: Robin Hood – I’ll take Russell Crowe as Robin Hood. He’s scary enough to keep the bad guys away.

Waste: Sir Lancelot – I hate to say that Richard Gere is a waste, but compared to the other two… there’s really no choice.

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Christine Elaine Black, Author of A Rose for Lancaster Blog/Website:  http://christineelaineblack.blogspot.ca/ ~

Want: Zorro, of course. I love a hero who can wear a cape with style and the Latin lover accent is a complete turn on. I don’t mind the mustache or the color black, so all in all he’s a ‘stallion’ in my book.

Wed: Robin Hood. He does the right thing, stands for something legit and is faithful to his lady. He’s used to outdoor living and probably knows how to throw a mean BBQ supper, and there’s always a ready supply of ale. He can steal my heart anytime!

Waste: Lancelot. He’s the least romantic one for me. Other than fall for King Arthur’s wife I don’t recall anything memorable about him except for having the guys over and sitting a ’round’ the table (haha). Sorry, but it’s good ‘knight’ and goodbye for him.

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Silver James, author of THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC Website: http://www.silverjames.com ~

Want: Robin Hood. He looks good in tights and he’s good with a bow. That means strong hands and arms. But he has that whole “merry men” thing going on and hanging out with his buds. If the Sheriff of Nottingham came knocking, ol’ Rob would take off to create mischief. But that’s cool. He has a sense of honor and looks out for the poor but I think he’d want to hang with the Merry Men instead of staying home at night.

Wed: Zorro. Oh be still my heart. Sexy, Latin lover who likes to play at being someone else? There’s just something about a man in a mask… His love life would definitely be filled with spicy heat. He has a well-honed sense of duty and honor (are you sensing a theme here? LOL) and I bet he dances a mean tango, which is the dance of love. He might dash off to save someone but he’ll come right home, a rose in his teeth and a look of “I want you” in his eyes.

Waste: Sir Lancelot. Yeah, yeah. Knight of the Round Table, chivalrous and all that, but dude! She was married. So not cool in my book. Especially since her husband was his best friend. I don’t care how gorgeous he looks sitting on a charger, sword in hand, armor all shiny and stuff, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And even though he sort of tried to redeem himself, it just doesn’t work for me.

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Darcy Flynn, author of  Keeper of My Heart Website: www.darcyflynnromances.com

Want: Robin Hood! He’s charming, romantic, and a thief with a roguish smile. A short-term adventure with him would be thrilling, but he certainly isn’t marriage material. Plus, I don’t want to live in a forest.

Waste: Sir Lancelot! At one time, I would have loved to marry him, but his affair with Guinevere ruined that dream. Any man, no matter how noble and honorable, if he commits adultery, he’s not the man for me.

Wed: Then there’s the engaging and mysterious Zorro! I want to marry this romantic, well-educated, wealthy and cultured nobleman! To be Mrs. Don Diego by day, all the while knowing his secret. Dressed in black, cape flowing behind him, wielding a sword…what can I say!  *Sigh* Did I mention he’s a superb athlete! 🙂

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Historical Fantasy Dudes would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

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October 9, 2013 · 5:00 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: The Vampire Diaries…Stefan, Damon, Klaus

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Vampire Diaries hotties…(the roles, not the actors)

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Stefan Salvatore, Damon Salvatore, Klaus Mikaelson

paul-vdg damon klaus

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of What the Heart Wants (Vampire Diaries Book 1) and Divine Enemy (Vampire Diaries Book 2) ~

(This week was not an easy choice, FYI)

Want: Klaus Mikaelson – I LOVE a sexy, hot, evil hybrid with just a smidgen of compassion. When he’s mean, he’s sexy, when he’s tender, he’s sexy. Great character and one of my favorite scenes in the history of the show is when he slaughtered the hybrids on the ‘Oh Holy Night’ episode in season four. LOVED it! Just the right touch to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Wed: Damon Salvatore – I like him better as a bad boy, his tame persona that pants after Elena like a lost puppy isn’t quite as attractive as his former heart-snatching, neck-snapping self, but I would not say no to marrying him. I’m not looking for a husband, but who could turn down Damon Salvatore? Seriously…who? (Yes, Nina dumped Ian, but we’re talking about the character here. I could write an entire post about her moment of insanity). If wer were married, I would make him constantly quote Damon-isms. (Yes, that would work as foreplay.)

Waste: Stefan Salvatore – Sorry, Stefan, I do love you, but you have to go–only because it definitely wouldn’t be the other two. The early Stefan wasn’t all that appealing to me, but since he’s had his bad boy moments, I’ve found him much more attractive (are you sensing a pattern here???).

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Lana Clary, OBSESSED Vampire Diaries Fan (And also my daughter who introduced me to Vampire Diaries, so she gets an honorary spot) ~

Waste: Stefan. For anyone who knows anything about me, or reads my screen name, this has NOTHING to do with his face, butt, body, sexy anger, adorable tears, hot hopelessness, even sexier vulnerability, deliciousness, and the list goes on. It’s simply because, well, I’m backed into a corner. (the only way I’d REALLY play this game involving these three is if I had a gun to my head…come on)

Want: Damon. For obvious reasons. He is THE hottest man on the planet. I’d do things to him I’m not at liberty to say on social media without getting flagged as “inappropriate”, “spam”, “porn”, or “suspicious activity”. So we’ll just have to leave those things to the imagination.

Wed: Klaus.  Not ONLY would I be entitled and able to do all of the things I mentioned above every day for the rest of my life, but he’d take me places and buy me things. We’d go to different countries, eat fine foods, he could feed me strawberries and champagne in bed, we could kill people who betrayed us with swords and stuff, he has tattoos, he has an accent, Lana Mikaelson has a nice ring to it, he’d call me love and darling, Rebekah would be my sister and we could shop and drink together, Elijah would be my brother (wait…on second thought…not so sure that’s a good idea. Oh well, we’ll work it out), etc. etc. etc. and allllll the while we’d be safe. Because he’s Klaus. Duh.

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Amanda McCabe/Amanda Carmack, Author of Murder at Hatfield House and The Runaway Countess Websites: http://ammandamccabe.com and http://amandacarmack.com–what

Want: Damon, natch!!  Who wouldn’t want him?  But he might get a little tiresome in the long run–better to have him on perma-booty call…

Wed: Stefan!  Aside from all the personality changes and such, he seems the most reliable in the long run.  For a vampire anyway…

Waste: Klaus.  I do like the accent, but I can’t see him sticking around for the long run–even if he IS the oldest of them all.  Can I put him in the Want category, too???

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MJ Schiller, author of Trapped Under Ice  Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com ~

Want: Damon. Hands down, hottest guy on the show. Those eyes! That crooked smile! Devilish…he’d be fun!

Wed: Stefan, because he would respect my wishes, like he does for Elena. He’s hot, too, so no problem there.

Waste: Sorry, Klaus, I would have to waste you, and not just because you’re the bad guy. I understand the hotness element of Klaus, but…I’m sorry, his lips bother me. They’re almost feminine. And their color is weird, too pink for his pale skin. Although, honestly, I could probably get over it. 

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Kacey Hammell, author of “A SUNDAY KIND OF LOVE” (Romancing the Stars Anthology) Website: www.kaceyhammell.com

Want: Klaus AND Damon

Wed: Stefan

Waste: NONE

Reasons: – Okay, this is probably the hardest trio for me to have to choose from. Bear with me, I’ll explain …

Want: Damon Salvatore grates on my last nerve. Sometimes he’s all over the place, creator of chaos and just an overall pain in the ass. However, those blue eyes, the looks and deep stares, running around shirtless… have to give it to him, he makes the blood stir. I’d tackle him regularly.

AND

Klaus — the growl in his throat, the purr of that gravelly voice…his bond to family make him irresistible. He’s borderline in the “Wed” category too because of that, but he’d be a bit too “high maintenance” I think for me to handle. But I’d be ready, willing and able to accept him for however long I could handle!

Wed: Stefan: *sigh* the object of my obsession/affection since the beginning. Kinder, gentler, an all-around sweetheart. I absolutely adore him — or adored I should say, his indecisiveness over Elena has finally grated on my last nerve, but I’d totally spend eternity with him. Even explore a bit of his bad boy side.

Waste: None. Just simply not an option. They’re all too “doable” teeehee and warrant the option to hang around for however long they’d like!! *g*

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Lisa DeVore, author of Beautiful Music (Available Soon from The Wild Rose Press) Follow Lisa on Twitter: @mrsldevore ~

Want:  Damon Salvatore…those eyes!! I love his sense of humor and what girl doesn’t like a little “bad” in her guy?? He’s the fun brother!
 
Wed: Stefan Salvatore. He’s my favorite…caring, kind, and steady (for the most part), and let’s not forget easy to look out. He would be the kind to pamper a girl. Yes, Stefan, would be in it for the long haul.
 
Waste: Klaus Mikaelson. I’m sorry Klaus fans…he just doesn’t do anything for me. He’s too high maintenance and not much fun—all drama.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Vampire/Hybrids would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

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October 2, 2013 · 8:12 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste…Musicals/Movies/Theater

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing theater roles for…

Gerard Butler in the 2004 movie version of Phantom of the Opera, Liam Neeson in the 1998 movie version of Les Miserables, and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked.

Myself and some of my author friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Gerard Butler, Liam Neeson, Norbert Leo Butz

phantom les miserables wicked2

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me, author of Liberty Divided, Isle of Fangs Book 2:

Want: Gerard Butler – He is is SEXY and hottttt!!!! Whether he’s a Phantom, bada$$, killer, or whatever, he’s a definite WANT.

Wed: Liam Neeson – He would probably be a good husband, and he’s kind of sexy too.

Waste: Norbert Leo Butz – He doesn’t do anything for me, although I’m only going by his pic, I’ve never seen him in Wicked. And…his name is NORBERT Leo BUTZ, come on…

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Diane Burton, author of ONE RED SHOE  Website: www.dianeburton.com ~

Want: Gerard Butler. He’s so hot and he can sing. Wow. He’s dangerous as the Phantom. My fav musical. (Have seen the play 4x)

Wed: I suppose Liam Neeson is all right to Wed, but I would rather have Hugh Jackman. Definitely husband material. Loyal and honest, like Jean Valjean. And what a voice! (Have seen the movie 3x)

Waste: Norbert Leo Butz. Indifferent. Don’t know him. (Never saw Wicked)

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Nancy Fraser, author of A Very Scandalous Holiday (up for pre-order, release date 10/14/13) Website: www.nancyfraser.ca ~

Want: Gerard Butler. Let’s face it, when this hunky Scot is in shape … who can resist that body! And, I find the fact that he gave up a career as a lawyer for acting to be especially reckless…and sexy!

Wed:  Liam Neeson. It must be the mixed Irish blood in me that makes me think he’d make a great husband. I always admired his love and devotion for his late wife, Natasha Richardson. He exudes protectiveness, mixed with just the right amount of steam!

Waste: Norbert Leo Butz. Besides not being able to get past the name, he’s too short. Fortunately, for the theatre going public, his talent is huge. I wish him well, but he’s just not the guy for me!

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RoseAnn DeFranco, Author of Return to Audubon Springs  Website: www.radefranco.com

Want: Gerard Butler/Phantom (Movie) – Gerard has a very sexy take on the Phantom.  When he suggests I let my darker side give in, I’m ready to make some music of the night! Phantom is rather mentally unbalanced, so I’d prefer to dabble on the wild side without a commitment.

Wed: Liam Neeson/Jean Valjean (Les Miserables, Movie) – Jaen Valjean is so intrinsically good. He is also known for his super human strength. Liam conveys this strength with authority, and at times a crooked smile which is sexy. What woman wouldn’t want a good strong man rubbing her shoulders, and um, er, other parts every night?

Waste: Norbert Leo Butz/Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway – While adorable, and his powerful tenor hits all my musical sweet spots, there is not a lot of substance to a man who can’t decide between two witches. I’ll pass.

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Kae Elle Wheeler, Author of The Wronged Princess – Book 1  Website:  http://kathylwheeler.com

Want: Norbert, because he’s young and probably could go for long periods of time.

Wed: Liam because he’s hot and I’d want him forever (and I had to put Norbert somewhere, and he IS cute)

Waste: Gerard Butler? can’t sing. As Phantom? enough said!

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, author of Capturing The Marshal’s Heart Website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Want: Phantom because even if he is a stalker, he truly cares

Wed: Jean Valjean because I’ve just love a man with a burning goal and determination

Waste: Fiyero because his loyalty is murky and I couldn’t connect

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these characters/actors would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

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September 29, 2013 · 5:00 am

How Diane Burton came up with the idea for One Red Shoe…

I am thrilled to introduce the latest release from Diane Burton, partly because she’s a friend, partly because it’s a FABULOUS book, and partly because I had the privilege of editing One Red Shoe through The Wild Rose Press.

Thanks, Alicia, for having me back on your blog. I chose a topic with a question I think every writer has been asked.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

Normally when asked where I get the ideas for my books, I freeze. I can’t really say this is the spark that started me on this or that book. Ideas are everywhere—newspaper or magazine articles, a tidbit overheard in a restaurant or doctor’s waiting room, television shows or entertainment news. Sometimes the idea will come to me as I’m trying to go to sleep or in the twilight just before waking.

With One Red Shoe, I know exactly what started this story. A writing exercise at my local RWA chapter meeting. We usually have a program with a speaker. This time it was writing on demand. One of our members set up this scenario: a train station, a person running toward you. Then we were given 10-15 minutes to write the scene. The first thing that popped in my head was a New York City subway station and a tourist. “The man limping toward her wore one red shoe.” Over many revisions of the story, that was the first line.

The story started to take off. Then I thought subways are busy places. Wouldn’t others see him? But what if they meet in the ladies’ restroom? That worked even better…or so I thought. I’m from the Motor City where we love our cars and public transportation is minimal. I’d used the Metro in Toronto and Washington, DC, but I’d never been in a NYC subway station. During a writers’ conference, I convinced some friends to take the subway with me. After much laughing confusion over one girl’s efforts to get through the turnstyle, we all got on the train. What did I discover on that memorable trip? New York subway stations do not have restrooms. Scratch that idea.

Like all writers, I’m always learning—whether it’s a conference workshop, a program at the Mid-Michigan RWA meeting, or a blog. The longer I wrote the more I learned, including that you have to begin your story in the right place. Not too early with a lot of backstory. But not so far into the action that the reader doesn’t know the characters well enough to care about them. So One Red Shoe begins before the hero and heroine meet. Just not in a subway station.

Thank you, Diane…it was so cool to hear how this story came to be. Those writing exercises can be very beneficial. And I love that you kept coming up with different scenarios and having to discard them because of logistics and other factors. 🙂

Now, for a little peek at Diane’s latest release: (Isn’t her cover AMAZING???)

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Blurb for One Red Shoe:

Wannabe writer rescues wounded spy while risking her heart.

Daria Mason’s life is too predictable. Nothing ever happens in her small Iowa town where everybody knows everybody else. But when she travels to New York City looking for a little excitement, she never expects to bring home a wounded spy.

From the moment agent Sam Jozwiak steals intel vital to US security from a Russian Mafia kingpin, Murphy’s Law takes over. No matter how he covers his tracks, the kingpin’s assassins find him. What’s worse than getting shot in the butt? Accepting help from an Iowa tourist.

Sam and Daria flee cross country with the assassins right behind them. Sharing danger and excitement—and a few kisses—with Sam soon has Daria convinced he’s the man for her. He thinks she’ll be better off once he’s out of her life for good. With their lives on the line, can she convince him they belong together?

Excerpt:

For the second time in her life, Daria Mason came face-to-face with a man pointing a weapon at her. A pervert, with unzipped jeans, wielded a green box knife. Because she’d raced into the restroom without checking out the situation, he now stood between her and the exit.

She was at the end of the proverbial rope. After walking in circles, she finally found a restroom and nobody was stopping her from using it. Especially not someone playing copycat with that guy in the movie who wore one red shoe.

“I am having a really bad day,” she declared in the don’t cross me voice she used on her brothers. As soon as her words echoed off the hideous pink and black tiled walls and floor, she lowered her voice. “You are in the wrong place, mister. Now zip up and get out.” She pointed straight-armed toward the door.

The man shook his head and set the flimsy knife on the counter. “Lady, you have more guts than sense. You are in the wrong place, at the wrong time.” His voice was even softer than hers. He eyed her with a look so dark and intense it paralyzed her like a hawk freezing its prey. She swallowed past the fear in her throat, certain it sounded like a gulp.

One Red Shoe is available at Amazon for Kindle : Click Here to Purchase

Thanks again, Alicia, for helping me celebrate the release of my brand new book.

About Diane…

DianeBurton

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing science fiction romance. Besides the Switched series, she is the author of The Pilot, a series about strong women on the frontier of space. One Red Shoe is her first romantic suspense. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane Burton online

Blog:  http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

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