Author Archives: Alicia Dean

About Alicia Dean

Author of paranormal and romantic suspense. Follow her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia-Dean/131939826889437) or twiiter (https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_)

April 3, 2016 · 3:48 am

Free Ebooks Galore!!

Check out our monthly list of FREE reads. All different genres, all free! Just click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon purchase/download page.

PLEASE CONFIRM BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if books are no longer free

From author/editor Alicia Dean. A simple guide to plotting that even pantsers will find beneficial.

*** FREE April 2 through April 6

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When a bleeding Highlander materializes out of the air into her kitchen, Charity Greves does what any rational free-thinking herbalist would do–she heals him.

Find Clover Autrey here. www.cloverautrey.com

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Someone is trying to poison Hope Montoya, but who? Only Micah Stone can protect her.

Find Caroline Clemmons here: www.carolineclemmons.com

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Texas rancher Dallas McClintock is trapped into marrying Cenora O’Neill, but he’s not a man who goes back on his word–even when her eccentric family drives him to distraction.

Find Caroline Clemmons here: www.carolineclemmons.com

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As the Romans threaten to overrun Britain and conquer her people, Sirona, a young Drui in training, seeks to use her visions to change the course of history.

Find Mary Gillgannon here: http://marygillgannon.com

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Redlynn wants vengeance, Adrian desires peace. Their love will change the fate of their entire world forever. Best selling, Award winning, Fairytale Retelling Fantasy Series.

Rebekah R. Ganiere – www.Facebook.com/VampiresWerewolvesZombies

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Sean sacrificed his future for his family. Now it’s his turn to find love and happiness.

Find Christina Tetreault here: http://www.christinatetreault.com

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Semi-conscious machines, aether-driven transformations, and Victorian Era social conflicts all wrapped up in an alternate history steampunk adventure as a young girl with unusual talents and a cabin boy try to find their place in the world.

Margaret McGaffey Fisk http://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com

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If only life had a refresh button… Kate Mitchell never planned to be a 31 year-old widowed single mom, but when her soon-to-be-EX husband up and dies, her dreams of finishing college and starting over are thrown in the air like a game of ’52 pick-up.’

Find Cheri Allan here: www.cheriallan.com

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Sparks fly when a headstrong wrangler and an alpha park ranger are thrown together during the search for a poacher in RMNP. They fight sizzling attraction, but when the killer sets his sights on Brittany, Joel discovers he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her—even give his own life.

Find Stacey Joy Netzel here: www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com

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USA Today bestselling hometown series by Donna Marie Rogers & Stacey Joy Netzel, full of sexy romance, humor, and heart…where everyone gets a second chance at love.

“I so fell in love with each and every book in this series. Both authors had a way of making you feel like you were right there in Redemption right along with the characters in the story.” ~ Karen, Amazon Reviewer

*****FREE April 1st through April 9th***

Find Stacey Joy Netzel here: http://staceyjoynetzel.com/all-books/

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1 Comment

Filed under Ebook Deal

Tagged as Amazon, Bargain ebooks, Cheap Ebooks, Cheap Kindle Deals FREE Ebooks, paranormal, Romance

March 29, 2016 · 12:32 pm

Tuesday Two-Minute Writing Tip – Don’t Think It, Say It

Got two minutes? Then check out this week’s quick tip ~ Giving your story more impact by giving your characters more dialogue

Hello and welcome…I am a freelance editor and an editor for The Wild Rose Press, as well as an author. I often struggle with my own writing, and I have found that sometimes, a little reminder of ways to improve the process can be helpful, so, I like to share these moments of brilliance with others :). But, in this busy world of ours, who has time for pages and pages of writing tips? That’s why I’ve condensed mine down to quick flashes you can read in (approximately) two minutes. Enjoy…

Disclaimer: All of my tips are suggestions, and are only my opinion. And, for the most part, there are exceptions when going against my advice will make your story read better. Take what works, leave the rest.

Everyone knows readers like to read dialogue, so be sure to capitalize on every opportunity to put more words in their mouths. Also, it can often bring a little more impact and depth to a scene. So, why have your characters think something when they can actually say it?

Here are a few examples from some of my stories, the first two being published works where it’s too late, but looking back, my characters should have said it, not thought it…

End of Lonely Street:

As it is:

“I’ll have none of this nonsense at a school function. Rock and roll? Are you out of your mind?”

No rock and roll? No Everly Brothers or Little Richard or Buddy Holly? No….Elvis?

“But, sir. The kids are really looking forward to it. We’ve sold more than three-hundred tickets so far, and we just know we’ll sell more. That’s over three-hundred dollars for Miss Murdock’s expenses—well, once we deduct the operational costs. Many of the kids will want their money back if we don’t have rock and roll music at the dance. Besides, Miss Murdock already gave her approval, before she had to retire.”

Mr. Rivers crossed his hands on the top of his desk. “It doesn’t matter how many tickets you’ve sold. I’m in charge now, and I’m not going to coddle students like Miss Murdock did. I won’t have my kids exposed to that devil music, especially that vulgar, immoral Elvis the Pelvis.”

“Vulgar? Devil music?” Toby clenched her fists. It made her so angry when older people spoke that way about rock and roll, especially about Elvis. He was a nice boy, respectful and polite. Kind to his fans, to his mother. And he was the dreamiest. “Rock and roll is not devil music. It’s just a way for kids to have fun, to have their own—”

As it could have been:

“Vulgar? Devil music?” Toby clenched her fists. It made her so angry when older people spoke that way about rock and roll, especially about Elvis. “He’s a nice boy, respectful and polite. He’s kind to his fans, to his mother.” And he was the dreamiest. “Rock and roll is not devil music. It’s just a way for kids to have fun, to have their own—”

There was really no point in only doing it in narrative. This gives her a little more backbone, I think.

From Death Notice:

As it is:

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

I nodded. “It wasn’t their fault. Katie’s parents knew my parents were going out. Knew we were spending the night in the back yard. It was a safe neighborhood. They weren’t worried. But after…” I shrugged. “I guess they just needed someone to blame.”

“I’m sure they did,” Lane said, but I was barely aware of him speaking. I was lost in that time. Now that I had started, it all kept pouring out.

“Although Mom and Dad felt guilty, they were defensive when Katie’s parents accused them. It caused a huge rift, and they never spoke again. Funny, but Katie’s parents didn’t hold it against me or Josie. As a matter of fact, I became even closer to them as the years went by. Katie was an only child, and I guess it helped to have me around. My parents didn’t mind. They felt terrible about what happened. Almost guilty about the fact that they had four children left when the Broussards had none. My brothers were devastated. Especially Gabe, since he was left in charge. Coburn, as usual, was a rock, but Mitch and Gabe went to pieces. It had the opposite effect on each of them. Gabe, who’d been wild and out of control, settled down, became quiet. Wound up becoming a priest. Mitch went a little crazy for a few years. Got really heavy into drugs. Josie did, too. Only, Mitch came back.”

“Must have been horrible.”

“It was.”

We started junior high that year. It was miserable. I already had a reputation for being a little morbid since my dad was a mortician. After Katie’s death, rumors circulated about my family being cultists. About how we’d put some kind of curse on her. Some even said we’d sacrificed her in a ritual and eaten her flesh. Josie became a stoner and I became an outcast. My brothers, oddly, went unscathed. They were just too good-looking and had too much personality to let a little thing like ritualistic murder affect their popularity.

As it could have been:

“It was. We started junior high that year. It was miserable. I already had a reputation for being a little morbid since my dad was a mortician. After Katie’s death, rumors circulated about my family being cultists. About how we’d put some kind of curse on her. Some even said we’d sacrificed her in a ritual and eaten her flesh. Josie became a stoner and I became an outcast. My brothers, oddly, went unscathed. They were just too good-looking and had too much personality to let a little thing like ritualistic murder affect their popularity.”

I think this is not only less boring, being in dialogue, but it opens her up a bit to Lane, the guy she’s falling in love with.

Lastly, and very briefly, in my latest WIP, Evil Eye, I am writing a rough draft and I have a scene where my protagonist’s dad has been roughed up by some bad guys to whom he owes money. (He’s an addicted gambler/alcoholic). He wants Scarlet (my protagonist) to ask her estranged, criminal sister for the money. I wrote it like this:

Scarlet twisted a strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear. “I can cash in my retirement, but I’ll only get half of what you need. I’ll take that to them, let them know I’m a cop. Maybe I can convince them to settle for that. At least for now.”

Her dad groaned out a sound that was something between a laugh and a cry. “These people don’t make deals and they aren’t afraid of cops.”

“Do you have a better idea?” Irritation sharpened her voice.

“Yeah, I do. You can ask Ivory. She’d as soon spit on my corpse as to look at me, but she’d do anything to connect with you again.”

Scarlet would rather take a beating from Hector’s goons than speak with her sister, but was she willing to let her dad be killed? She let out a weary sigh. “Fine, I’ll talk to her, on one condition.”

Then I realized that it might play better, have a little more impact and get across to her dad just how reluctant she is, if I turned it into dialogue:

Scarlet snorted. “I’d rather take a beating from Hector’s goons than see Ivory.” But, was she willing to let her dad be killed? She let out a weary sigh. “Fine, I’ll talk to her, on one condition.”

What do you think? Is dialogue often better? We can’t always apply this. After all, we don’t want a story with nothing but dialogue. Plus, our characters often think things that definitely shouldn’t be spoken aloud. But, perhaps keep this in mind as you’re polishing, even if you don’t do so in the first draft. Are there things your characters can think that they’d be better off saying?

Until next time…happy writing!

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NEW RELEASE – Available April 15, 2016 – Pre-Order for only 99¢!

(Click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon Buy Page)

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I am releasing an e-book with a collection of Two-Minute Tips I have shared on my blog. Now, you can have them in one convenient place for easy reference. Pre-Order price is 99¢ – Regular price will be $2.99.

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*** If you would like to send me a few sample pages (around 7500 words or so, even though I will not edit that many on the blog. It just gives me more to choose from) for me to edit and share on an upcoming blog post, please do so in the body of an email to AliciaMDean@aol.com. Please use the subject line: “Blog Submission” This is for published or unpublished authors. In the email, please include whether you would like me to use your name or keep it anonymous, and whether or not you would like me to include any contact info or buy info for your books. Also, you can let me know if you would like for me to run my edits by you before posting on the blog. Please keep in mind, this is for samples to use for blog posts. I will not edit or use samples from all the submissions I receive, but I will use as many as possible.

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* Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy *

How to write a novel? That is the question. There are probably as many answers to that question as there are people who ask it.

Wanting to write and actually doing it are two very different things. I am well acquainted with the sometimes grueling process of churning out a story. Over the years, I have tried many methods for creating and completing manuscripts, and have tweaked and honed it down to a workable (for me) process.

Using specific examples from one of my own novels, Without Mercy, I share my method in this mini how to book. The first eight steps actually deal with plotting while the last two are designed to help expand your outline into a well-developed draft. There is no one, perfect way to create a story, but there will be a method, or methods that work for you. I’m not sure if this is the one, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it also works for you. Fingers crossed that it does!

*** Warning – Please do not purchase without reading a sample. (This is solid advice for any book, fiction or non. If you are not intrigued in the sample, you will likely not enjoy the book)

Amazon: Click Here

12 Comments

Filed under For Writers, Promo Tips, Tips from an Editor

Tagged as Amazon, Death Notice, Dexter, Editing advice, End of Lonely Street, Evil Eye, Fiction Writing, Find the Magic, Free, Freelance editor, How to Plot, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Quickand easy writing tip, Two minute Tip, Without Mercy, Writing fiction, Writing tips

March 28, 2016 · 7:57 am

Deborah Blumenthal is Channeling Sage Parker – New Release: Someone Else’s Love Letters

Please help me welcome Deborah Blumenthal and her latest release, Someone Else’s Love Letters…

Sage Parker knows how to dress – I know, I created her. She can pair that perfect blanket pencil skirt with a classic white shirt, and then shake things up with a grass green Chanel jacket, or a handful of fun necklaces. She has a wardrobe of high-quality staples, but she takes them up a few notches with quirky finds, some designer quality, others from vintage shops or Uniglo and H&M. And then there are all the high-end shoes and handbags she owns that go the distance in terms of completing her chic outfits.

Not all Sage’s clients have the budgets to buy couture clothes, but no matter. Sage mixes investment pieces with cheap chic. She knows where to shop and when. Best of all, she has fun doing it and doesn’t take any of it too seriously.

Wear your old clothes like they’re new, and new clothes like they’re old, as the French say.

What am I leading up to?

As I said, I created Sage Parker. But I’m no Sage Parker. I’m a fraud.

While it’s easy and fun to talk about dressing well, doing it is something else.

I remember my six-year-old daughter turning to me one day and saying, “I know how to swim, I just can’t do it.”

That sort of sums it up. I know great fashion when I see it, but I can’t exactly shop for it or put it together. Especially on my own body.

So what do I do?

I work at channeling Sage Parker. What would she do? How would she dress me if she were standing here? If I told her I was going to a book signing, say, what would she tell me to wear? The safe black gabardine slacks and cashmere sweater I’d probably grab? Jeans and boots with the navy pinstripe Ralph Lauren jacket, my investment piece and go-to staple that works just about anywhere? Or would she come up with some far more interesting pieces?

The fun of writing is pretending. You’re the best-dressed woman in the room. You have that yellow diamond ring from Graff and a penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park in New York, not to mention a retreat on the Amalfi coast. You always know what to say, or what not to say. You have the perfect men in your life and the most giving, compassionate friends. Yes, it’s all fiction, but the more you write about that life, the more it becomes real to you. Sick as it may sound, you sometimes would rather spend time with your fictional friends in your made-up world than the real one.

The tired cliché is true. If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. That about sums up writing – when it’s going well. When you have a start and you’re past the stage of deleting all the garbage you’ve spent the past few weeks slaving over. And when you’ve created characters you enjoy spending time with, chances are your readers will feel the same way.

So I give you Sage Parker, wardrobe consultant extraordinaire. While you follow her on her journey of finding the writer of the love letter that captivated her from the moment she read it, may she inspire you to wear clothes that make you look and feel fabulous.

Or to quote Virginia Woolf: Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.

Blurb:

Fixing your wardrobe is a dream job. Fixing your life is a work of art.

Bio:

Deborah Blumenthal is an award-winning journalist and nutritionist who now divides her time between writing children’s books and adult novels. She has been a regular contributor to The New York Times (including four years as the Sunday New York Times Magazine beauty columnist), and a home design columnist for Long Island Newsday. Her health, fitness, beauty, travel, and feature stories have appeared widely in many other newspapers and national magazines including New York’s Daily News, The Washington Post, The Lost Angeles Times, Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Self, and Vogue.

Blumenthal lives in New York City. Visit her on the web at www.deborahblumenthal.com

Contact links for SOMEONE ELSE’S LOVE LETTER :

BUY THE BOOK:

Indiebound.org : http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781626819320

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Elses-Letter-Deborah-Blumenthal/dp/1626819327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445374010&sr=8-1&keywords=someone+else%27s+love+letter

B&N.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someone-elses-love-letter-deborah-blumenthal/1122582460?ean=9781626819320

8 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release

Tagged as closetmakeover, NYCRomance, Romance, romcom, wardrobemakover

March 26, 2016 · 9:10 am

COVER REVEAL!! – Linda Nightingale’s Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampire Rhapsody and Gylded Wings

Two gorgeous covers from The Wild Rose Press…

Blurb:

The greatest enemy of a vampire is boredom. Four centuries of existence have taught Lord Morgan Gabriel D’Arcy to fear nothing and no one. Humans and their weapons have little chance against his preternatural speed and arcane powers. Vampires are viral mutations of human DNA. Still, the Vampyre code requires secrecy, and he has learned to hide his nature from the world. The lure of mortality, of a life in the sun, puts Morgan again and again at the mercy of calculating human women though they fail to consider his charm and determination into the equation. However, even grooming a future bride from infancy proves to be fraught with heartbreak. And second chances are not always what they seem unless… you are Morgan. Immortality and beauty, aren’t they grand?

Excerpt:

A fingertip traced my jaw. “You guys play a bit fast and loose for me. Fix those baby blues on me, Morgan, and make me forget everything. Including you.”

I didn’t want to make Ellen forget. Finally, I’d found someone who believed that I was a different species, accepted the fact, and still cared for me. Sadness crept down my rigid spine on a chill.

“I know you can.” Tears in her eyes, she touched my mouth. “It’s what I want.”

“I received an email today from Charleston.” Lucien sounded weary, as sad as I felt and Ellen looked. “You can return to South Carolina. If that’s what you want.”

My heart leapt into my throat. Going back to Charleston, winning Isabeau was what I’d dreamed every night for six months. “Can we expect you at the wedding?”

Ellen roused to frown up at me. “What wedding?”

With the back of my hand, I caressed her cheek. “Mine.”

She made a pitiful grimace, but mischief sparkled in her eyes. “I thought my son would be born a bastard. Now, he’ll be an aristocratic bastard like his dad.”

Over her shoulder, I met Lucien’s gaze. The Chief Councilor arched a brow and simply stared at me for several heartbeats. A question burned in the depths of his black eyes. He awaited a decision I wasn’t prepared to give—even to myself. My old friend indicated Ellen with a nod of his head. She’s not pregnant. As if I didn’t know. He strode to the rail, staring at Margo’s corpse. The red heat sizzling along my skin sparkled in his aura. A brilliant halo engulfed the body. The remains of Margo St. Johns glowed, wavered like heat rising from hot tarmac and vanished in an explosion of crimson light.

I freed Ellen from my embrace. “I must help Lucien dispose of the bodies before the police arrive and ask questions difficult to answer.”

She shook her head, a fingertip caressing my lower lip. “You need to stay with me…until you make me forget.”

I bent to whisper a kiss to her lips. “Ellen, never doubt that I love you.”

A tear drizzled down her cheek. “Make me forget. It’s better that way. As I said, it’s what I want. And what you obviously need.”

Closing her eyes, she waited.

“I can manage,” Lucien called.

A night bird sang a lonely song. I rested my hand on Ellen’s forehead, easing her into a deep sleep. As she collapsed, I caught her to me. Pain welled in my heart. Twice in six months, I’d been forced to give up a woman I loved. Dum Spiro Spero. While I breathe, I hope, and hope had offered me another chance to win Isabeau.

Dreams misted my eyes as I carried Ellen to the car. She slept on the journey home. I strode up the stairs and into her bedroom with my lovely accomplice and lover. Gently, I lay her on the bed. She breathed slowly and deeply, remaining motionless as I invaded her thoughts and erased every memory of me, the existence of vampires and the catastrophe at the docks. Mission accomplished, I stood staring at her. Ellen had forgotten our intermezzo. I never would.

Isabeau, where are you tonight? Do you ever think of me?

With a mental flick of the wrist, I locked Ellen’s front door. Some of the bounce returned to my step as I descended the stairs. I refused to allow it to end this way. On the sidewalk, I halted, heedless of the mist collecting on my hair and clothes. The me I’d lost returned on a rush. I smiled, for the first time in what seemed forever, actually looking forward to tomorrow night. At sunset on a Sunday, I’d drive to Royal Oak and enjoy a few peaceful days in the country. Soon, I’d return to Charleston. Isabeau must relent and love me again. She was my destiny.

And I hers.

Blurb:

Angels in slavery? Brit Montgomery couldn’t believe it, and when her guardian angels sent her to another dimension to rescue the three enslaved, she found a surprise that would rock her world. The golden angel, Gyldan, was the most beautiful being she’d ever seen. Sometimes, beauty disguises a deeper meaning.

Gyldan, a slave since birth, had one thought in mind—to fly free—until his rescuer became dearer than his dreams. But when he returned with her to a place called Earth, he faced a rude awakening. He met himself in full glory…and disbelief. Back in his dimension, he had a purpose and almost failed the heavenly test before truth shone clear, love even sharper.

Excerpt:

My restoration to Grace plunged Heaven and Hell into civil war. The day the earth stood still, I watched from a rock ledge above a field choked with the great armies. Sunlight glinted on the golden helms of the Righteous and the silver helmets of the Damned. Prophecy echoed in the thud of mortal feet and the beat of a thousand wings. I folded my wings around me. This slight movement drew an immediate reaction. As one, the winged combatants turned to stare at me.

Winter wind ruffled the holy raiment draped about my shoulders and blew on me the scent of bitterness. I could taste their disgust and distrust. But I would not bow my head, unless or until I was forced to do so. If I’d possessed a soul, it would have shrunk inside me, but like my celestial brothers, I am soulless.

Let me introduce myself.

I am Ha-Satan, the Adversary, once Heaven’s Prosecuting Attorney. I have been called the Father of Lies, the Master of Temptation, Lord of Hell. I am the one you’ve been taught to fear, who hides beneath your bed to steal your soul. I am the most fearsome and the most beautiful angel.

My existence began as the first light emanating from the Thought. He said to me on the day of my creation, “I make you closest to me, of all the powers, Master and Mirror of my might. I create you beautiful in bliss and name you Lucifer, Bringer of Light.”

And so, my friends, I, Lucifer, would like to set the record straight. If ever I did Fall, I have been forgiven.

Releasing in 2016…follow Linda on Amazon to be notified of availability:

Linda’s Amazon Page

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Filed under Author Blog Post

Tagged as Angels, Cover Reveal, Demons, Linda Nightingale, paranormal, paranormal romance, Romance, the wild rose press

March 25, 2016 · 9:31 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 75 – Memorable March

[INTRO: I am a die hard, card carrying Elvis fan and have been for as long as I can remember. There is so much about Elvis to love; his incredible singing voice, his generous spirit, his looks (the most gorgeous man ever), his movies (yes, his movies. They make me happy, so critics can just shush), his service in the army, his magical presence on stage, his transcendent charisma, and…I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, on my 50th post, I believe it was, I DID go on and on. I listed 50 things I love about Elvis. It wasn’t difficult. I am an author and I mention Elvis in almost every story I write. I named my son Presley. I was fortunate to see Elvis in concert three times. I have been to Graceland five times… See? I love Elvis. I have been blogging weekly for more than a year, but going forward, I will blog every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. My life is insanely busy and I found myself missing weeks from time to time. This way, I’m more likely to be consistent. Hopefully, even if you are not an Elvis fan, you appreciate something about him and will find my posts interesting. Feel free to comment. Thank you so much for stopping by!]

Over the years, many significant events of Elvis’ life took place in March. Here are some of the most notable…

(This is just because March 23 was National Puppy Day and this picture is adorable!)

With his mother’s dog, Sweet Pea

March 23, 1956 – Elvis’ first album released through RCA (I have this album!)

March 25-27, 1956 – Elvis had his Hollywood screen test at Paramount Studios.

March 26, 1956 – Elvis signed with Colonel Parker

March 25, 1957 Elvis finalized the purchase of Graceland for $102,500.

March 3, 1958 – Paramount began location shooting in New Orleans on King Creole. It turned out that several of Elvis’ movies either began shooting or released in March, but since this was Elvis’ favorite, and it was his last before going into the Army, I thought I’d mention it.

March 24, 1958 – Elvis was inducted into the United States Army in Memphis. He could have chosen to avoid serving, or he could have served in an entertainment capacity, but he chose to serve his time just like the other guys and quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers.

March 5, 1960 — Elvis received his honorable discharge from the army at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

March 25, 1961 — Elvis performed a benefit show for the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Bloch Arena in Honolulu. It was his last live appearance until his return to the Las Vegas stage in 1969.

March 7, 1965 – Elvis quote: “When I complete a movie or a record session, I head for Graceland as fast as I can. I withdraw not from my fans, but from myself. After work, I just give out. I like to come back here to think and relax. I guess in that respect I have withdrawn, but here it’s quiet and I can reevaluate myself and see where I’m going.” — The Commercial-Appeal Mid-South Magazine.

March-April 1969 – Elvis made his last film (his 31st), Change of Habit. It was one of my favorites. It had a little more depth than many of his other movies. (Yes, that’s Mary Tyler-Moore, as a nun)

March 18, 2016 – Release of Elvis Deluxe 60 CD Boxed Set – OMG…how awesome is this??? I would LOVE to own this. Maybe some day…

Description:

This 60th Anniversary 60-CD Deluxe Edition celebrates RCA Victor’s signing of Elvis Presley-The King of rock ‘n’ roll.

Features all of the albums Elvis recorded and RCA released in his lifetime: studio, soundtrack, and live. It also includes compilations released that featured unreleased songs or songs new to the LP format.

The Album Collection represents album sales in the U.S. of 135 million! Collectively, Elvis has RIAA certified sales of singles, EPs and albums equaling 25x multi-platinum, 52x platinum and 92x gold awards given for U.S. sales alone! Estimated worldwide sales are in excess of one billion!

Highlights include: Elvis’ iconic first two studio albums, Elvis Presley and Elvis released in 1956. All 17 of his film soundtrack LPs including Loving You, King Creole, G.I. Blues, Blue Hawaii and Roustabout. The legendary NBC-TV special Elvis; the 1969 American Sound sessions that spawned From Elvis In Memphis and Back In Memphis; and 1970s triumphs On Stage (1970), Elvis As Recorded Live At Madison Square Garden (1972) and Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite (1973).

Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored including gatefold/die cut sleeves, original RCA Victor inserts, stickers and more. CD labels replicate original side 1 labels.

The Album Collection also includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement unparalleled to this day. This unique and comprehensive collection provides testament to Elvis’ innate talent.

If you want to buy it for me, you can do so here: 😉 (It’s surprisingly less than $300!) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B019YQJRKO/elvis-gifts-20

Thank you for stopping by…Happy Friday!

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!

On Elvis’ 80th birthday, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

Click Here for Kindle

Click Here for Nook

16 Comments

Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment

Tagged as Change of Habit, Elvis 60 CD Deluxe set, Elvis Aaron, Elvis Presley, Graceland, King Creole, Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan

March 24, 2016 · 8:09 am

Interview with JOE COSENTINO + New Release: PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane Mystery

I’m happy to host Joe Cosentino on my blog today. I love the concept of his novel, and what a fabulous cover!

Where did you get the idea to write PORCELAIN DOLL?

As a child I loved child stars like Shirley Temple, Hayley Mills, and Patty Duke, seeing their movies over and over. I remember my parents dragging me out of the movie theatre kicking and screaming at the third showing of The Parent Trap. So I created a heroine who was the biggest child star ever until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. Paper Doll gives us that back story. In PORCELAIN DOLL, it is 1982 and Jana is thirty-nine years old, living in a mansion in Hyde Park, New York. Jana makes a comeback film and uncovers who is being murdered on the set and why. Her heart is set aflutter by her incredibly gorgeous co-star, America’s heartthrob Jason Apollo. The other suspects include Jana’s James Dean type young co-star, her older John Wayne type co-star, her children’s Eve Harrington type nanny, the film’s gossipy makeup and hair artist, a local reverend trying to stop the film’s production, and Jason’s agent. Through the course of the books, Jana not only solves the mysteries, but also reclaims the courage and fortitude she had as a child. This is an important message for all of us. As one reviewer wrote, she starts out as a wounded bird, and ends as tiger.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

As a child I had terrible insomnia. Believe it or not, what put me to sleep was reading cozy mysteries. So I read hundreds of them, and love writing novels full of plot twists and turns, hidden clues, romance, humor, and a surprise ending. I set the Jana Lane mysteries in the 1980’s because I love the music, hair styles, clothing, and decadence of that era. I was also able to incorporate some of the music, films, television shows, Broadway shows, and political and social events of the era. Since I was an actor, as one reviewer said, I use my background in show business to devilish ends.

I have another mystery series, the Nicky and Noah comedy mysteries published by Lethe Press, which take place at an Edwardian style college. In Drama Queen (Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015 winner for Best Mystery, Best Humor, Best Crime, Best Contemporary) theatre college professors are dropping like stage curtains. With the inept local detectives, it is up to Directing professor, Nicky Abbondanza to use his theatre skills (including playing other people) to solve the murders, while he directs a murder mystery onstage. Complicating matters is Nicky’s intense crush on Assistant Professor of Acting, handsome Noah Oliver, the prime suspect in the murders. In Drama Muscle Nicky and Noah have to use their theatre skills to find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In Drama Cruise (not released yet), Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship. The series is so entertaining that both gay and straight readers seem to love it.

What was the most difficult thing about writing PORCELAIN DOLL in particular?

Writing a series is more difficult than writing a standalone novel. On the positive side, the leading characters are so real to me, each book is like visiting with old friends. I love Jana and I enjoy every moment with her. On the negative side, for continuity I need to keep a notebook full of information on each character and the various repeat locations—i.e. every room in Jana’s Hyde Park mansion.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer?

I’m a theatre college professor/department head, like Martin Anderson in my Nicky and Noah mystery series. So I write in the evenings. My mother asked me, “Don’t you have anything better to do than write at night?” I wonder if Shakespeare’s mother asked him that? Hah.

What actors would you like in the main roles if PORCELAIN DOLL were made into a movie?

Since they were also child stars, Brooke Shields or Jodie Foster would be interesting as Jana. Perhaps Ben Affleck as Brian and Matt Damon as Jason. It would be fun to see two close friends in real life vie for Jana on screen. I want to play Jana’s funny agent, Simon.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

No review. I’ve been lucky to get mostly good reviews. Here are two examples for PORCELAIN DOLL: “Porcelain Doll is Joe Cosentino at his finest. We are drawn back to the fashions and attitudes of the 1980’s in a character-driven story full of intrigue and passion.” Kirsty Vizard, Divine Magazine

“Beautifully written and intensely detailed, Porcelain Doll is one not to be missed. Flirtatiously decadent with a strong moral undertone, set in a decade of extraordinary social change this is a story of its period that is as poignant today as it was then. Joe Cosentino controlled the emotions that the book encouraged with a deft but delicate touch. Suspenseful and mysterious, Porcelain Doll is a masterful creation, one that was impossible not to be affected by.” Carol Fenton, BooksLaidBare Reviews

The positive reviews fuel my writing. What a gift it is for a reader to post a positive review on Amazon or Goodreads or a blog site, relating how something I’ve written has moved them, made them laugh, made them cry, think about something new, or changed their life. As for the few bad reviews, I don’t read them. I can’t imagine why anyone would continue reading a book after chapter one if he/she doesn’t like it. Just put it down and read something else. Why attack a book someone has poured his/her blood, sweat, and tears into? Why not do something constructive instead?

What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

The head of CBS, so I could pitch The Jana Lane Mystery Series.

Interesting stuff, Joe! Thank you for sharing. Now, Joe has a question for readers…

In SATIN DOLL, Jana and family head to Washington, DC, where Jana plays a US senator in a new film, and becomes embroiled in a murder and corruption at the senate chamber. She also embarks on a romance with Chris Bruno, the ex-professional football player detective. In CHINA DOLL (not yet released), Jana heads to New York City to star in a Broadway play, enchanted by her gorgeous co-star Peter Stevens, and faced with murder on stage and off. In RAGDOLL (not yet released) Jana stars in a TV murder mystery series and life imitates art. What would you like to see Jana do in the following Jana Lane mystery novel?.

Buy Links:

Amazon

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

Is art imitating life in 1982? Jana Lane, ex-child star, is doing a comeback film about murder. When a crew member is killed on the set, it looks like Jana could be next. Thickening the plot is Jana’s breathtakingly handsome and muscular leading man, Jason Apollo, whose boyish, southern charms have aroused Jana’s interest on screen and off. Will Jana and Jason stop the murderer before the final reel, or end up on the cutting room floor in this fast-paced whodunit with a shocking ending?

Excerpt:

As Jana sat waiting for Jack to call for action, she looked up at Jason’s encouraging face. She again was taken aback by his incredible beauty.

Reverend Charlton and Gloria reentered the study.

Jack called for quiet and action. Jana and Jason played the scene, where the detective notifies her of her husband’s death. Jason delivered his lines with warmth, vulnerability, and obvious affection for Jana. In turn, Jana listened then reacted with deep emotions, conveying shock, loss, fear, and hysteria while being comforted by the man she trusted. Jana clutched onto Jason with such force, her fingernail accidently tore a hole in his jacket.

“Cut!” Jack hollered.

While the wardrobe woman repaired Jason’s jacket, Jana noticed Reverend Charlton step out of the study again, this time with Ryan O’Halloran.

After the two men returned, and the jacket was mended, Jack called for slate and action for take two. Jana and Jason did the scene two more times. Each take was more realistic and heart-wrenching than the next, and each appeared as if it were the first time Jana was given the sad news.

After the third take, Jack shouted, “Cut! It’s a wrap. Ryan, let’s move on to the next location.”

Jana wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Jason placed his hand on the side of her face. “You’re amazing.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, partner.”

“You make me better,” he said with adoration in his true-blue eyes.

They shared a smile as again people hurried around the room like ants after a picnic.

Suddenly, Jana heard a loud crash followed by a scream. Leaping from her chair, she followed the horrified gazes of the others in the room to Ryan O’Halloran lying motionless on the floor with a Fresnel tungsten shuttered light next to his head, and blood dripping from his scalp onto the hardwood floor.

Praise for PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery:

“Porcelain Doll is Joe Cosentino at his finest. We are drawn back to the fashions and attitudes of the 1980’s in a character-driven story full of intrigue and passion.” Kirsty Vizard, Divine Magazine

Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press), Drama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), An Infatuation & A Shooting Star & A Home for the Holidays & The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back (NineStar Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Satin Doll the third Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press), China Doll the fourth Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press), Drama Cruise the third Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), and Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (NineStar Press). Joe was voted 2^nd Place for Best MM Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015.

Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino

Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino

3 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release, Uncategorized

March 23, 2016 · 8:16 am

“10 Moments that Changed My Life” by Rebecca Brooks + New Release: How to Fall

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Rebecca Brooks…

When I was eighteen, I took a gap year between high school and college. I traveled to India with a backpack, four pairs of underwear, the pants I was wearing—and no return ticket. Learning to forge my own path has been essential to me as a writer. Plus, it showed me what it feels like to write every day, or as much as I can.
I feel like it sounds cheesy to say that the choice of where I went to college changed my life, but it did. I went to Wellesley College, an all-women’s college in Massachusetts. I wound up applying there on my gap year (long story!), so it really does feel like my life changed tracks to get me there. Wellesley was the first time in my life I felt truly at home in my skin. It’s a place that will always be a part of me.
My life definitely changed when I met the love of my life! My husband and I were friends from work before we were making tea in my kitchen and I realized he had every quality I could hope for in another human being. It was seriously like a lightning bolt struck me and I just KNEW. That was seven years ago, and I can’t imagine my life without his friendship, laughter, support, or his amazing editing skills.
I got a PhD in English, but what really changed my life was my decision not to stay in academia after I finished. I realized that if I became a full-time professor, I’d never get my own writing done, and I’d always feel like I was missing out on my dream. I’m glad I took the plunge into something unknown instead of staying on the path I’d been on. (I’m also glad I kept up freelance writing and editing work so I had another job to fall back on!)
I actually wrote a novel during graduate school, a YA science fiction novel that is never, ever coming out of a drawer. I was swamped with teaching and scholarship, but I committed to writing it an hour a day, every day, no more than an hour and no less. I didn’t go back and reread what I wrote—I just started at the beginning, and 400 pages later I arrived at something in the same approximate time zone as “The End.” The book is total crap, but writing it showed me how small, everyday decisions add up, and that you write each book one page at a time.
My first year of high school, I randomly enrolled in a drawing class, where I discovered that raw talent is less important than working at something and learning the skills. I kept at it, and actually became pretty good. It was my art teachers who showed me how to create, how to persist through setbacks, and how to see the world as only I can. I use these lessons in my writing all the time.
The moment I casually told my husband an idea I had for a novel, and he said, “You should write it.” I said, “But it’s a romance novel. Do I want to write a romance novel?” And he said, “See where it goes.” We were always bouncing around ideas for books, but this was the first fully viable idea I’d had, the outline already in my mind. There are lots of things that led up to the idea that became my debut, ABOVE ALL. But the moment when my husband said, “Write it” is really the moment that launched my career.
While publishing ABOVE ALL got me started as a romance author, I feel like writing and publishing my second novel, HOW TO FALL, was just as significant. I think some part of me had been afraid my first novel was a one-time thing, like I got lucky once and it wouldn’t happen again. Selling novel number two made me see that luck is only part of it. It’s really about persistence, sweat, and getting my butt in the chair.
I’d traveled so much in my late teens and early twenties that for a long time I assumed I’d live abroad for at least some amount of time after college. But I moved to New York ten years ago this summer, and I don’t see myself moving anytime soon. I do sometimes imagine all the “what if’s” and romanticize taking off and traveling the world like (some of) my heroines do… But I know that I’m happy where I am, and grateful to have such a home.
On Sunday, April 12, 2015, my mom called me while I was out for a walk. I didn’t pick up, and ten minutes later, she called again. Somehow I already knew what she was going to say before she said it. I’m coming up on the one year anniversary of my brother’s death, and while I don’t know yet exactly how my life has changed since that April afternoon, I know that it has, and that I’ve changed, too. I wish those changes hadn’t had to happen, but I’m trying to accept them, embrace them, and understand that I will be okay—even if I don’t feel the same. This is a downer to end on, but it makes me think of how open I am to the future and the changes that will continue to shape the person I am, and the one I’m still becoming.

Fascinating adventures you’ve had, Rebecca. Thank you so much for sharing them with us today. And now, about her newest release…check out her fabulous cover!

One week of adventure might just lead to love…

Julia Evans has always put others ahead of herself—her high school math students, her troubled best friend, and her ex. But with New Year’s approaching, she buys a round trip ticket to Brazil. For one week, she can put her needs first. She can meet a stranger in the hotel pool at midnight and dance all night on the beach.
Screenwriter Blake Williams has to keep moving before Oz’s latest scandal catches up to him. But the dark-haired beauty with a backpack and an adventurous streak is messing with his plans. He can’t seem to walk away from her. But secrets have a way of coming out, and when the week is up, Julia and Blake will have to decide if they’re jumping into the biggest adventure of all or playing it safe.

Excerpt:

She couldn’t stop kissing him. Literally could not. There could be an earthquake, a fire, an explosion—who would notice? The whole world could come crashing down and it wouldn’t be enough for her to pull away. She’d always wondered what other people were talking about when they got that misty look in their eyes, going on about passion and fireworks and how just kissing someone could make them entirely melt. Now she knew. There seemed to be a direct line from her lips to her thighs, because the deeper Blake kissed her the more she felt it all the way down.

Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx. Her books are about independent women who leave their old lives behind in order to try something new—and find the passion, excitement, and purpose they didn’t even know they’d been missing.

Links:

Website: rebeccabrooksromance.com

Newsletter: rebeccabrooksromance.com/newsletter

Facebook: facebook.com/rebeccabrooksromance

Twitter: twitter.com/beccabooks

Instagram: instagram.com/rebeccabrooksromance

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+RebeccaBrooksRomance/posts

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Brooks/e/B00ML3LWWY

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/539219.Rebecca_Brooks

Read an additional excerpt of HOW TO FALL: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/how-to-fall/

7 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 10 Moments that Changed My Life, Australia, Brazil, Chicago, Contemporary Romance, Entangled, Erotic romance, famous, fling, opposites attract, secrets, Select Contemporary, travel

March 22, 2016 · 9:34 am

Tuesday Two-Minute Writing Tip – Describe the Uniqueness of Your Characters

Got two minutes? Then check out this week’s quick tip ~ How to describe characters using rare and interesting traits.

Description is not my strength, but I am working on improving in that area. Whether describing surroundings or character, I am attempting to point out the unique features, rather than the standard. Today, my tips is about the physical characteristics of people. If you’re like me, you usually fall back on the comfortable, easy traits: hair color, eye color, height and weight. I’m not saying those should be totally discarded, but how about sharing what’s unique about the character? Whether you’re describing your main characters or secondary characters, give readers a quick, clear visual of elements that stand out, elements that are not shared with millions of other people.

Which of these descriptions is more vivid, more memorable?

She was thin, medium height. Her brown hair was cut short, and she had blue eyes.

OR…

Small eyes, set far apart, sat in a pale face with a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her shoulders hunched, emphasizing the sharpness of clavicle bones trying to push through her skin.

How about this…

He was tall with broad shoulders and green eyes. Dark hair brushed the collar of his shirt.

OR…

He towered above her. Taut muscles strained the fabric of his charcoal gray button down shirt. His firm mouth molded into an easy, lopsided grin, but his eyes were piercing, boring into her as if excavating her thoughts, her soul.

The second descriptions in each example did not provide eye or hair color, height, or weight. But I think they gave us a stronger image. I’m not saying you shouldn’t share standard traits for your characters. It’s perfectly acceptable to make that ‘part’ of your character description. For me, I definitely want to know those details about main characters. But, I also want to know more. For secondary characters, I wouldn’t spend much time describing, but give us three or four specifics that can help us form a picture. And, for your main characters, you have thousands and thousands of words with which to show us how your character looks, acts, moves, etc. Sprinkle it throughout, you don’t have to give us everything in one big clump.

There are many other things to consider about descriptions; making them active, drawing out the things that your POV character would notice, etc, but for today, since I promised only two minutes of your time, we’ll stick with just the above. 🙂

Challenge: Describe your characters without using hair or eye color, height or weight. If you’d like, share a few sentences of what you come up with in the comments.

Until next time…happy writing!

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NEW RELEASE – Available April 15, 2016 – Pre-Order for only 99¢!

(Click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon Buy Page)

I am releasing an e-book with a collection of Two-Minute Tips I have shared on my blog. Now, you can have them in one convenient place for easy reference. Pre-Order price is 99¢!!! – Regular price will be $2.99.

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* Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy *

How to write a novel? That is the question. There are probably as many answers to that question as there are people who ask it.

*** Warning – Please do not purchase without reading a sample. (This is solid advice for any book, fiction or non. If you are not intrigued in the sample, you will likely not enjoy the book)

Amazon: Click Here

9 Comments

Filed under For Writers, Promo Tips, Tips from an Editor, Tuesday Two-Minute Tips

Tagged as Amazon, describing characters in unique ways, Dexter, Editing advice, Fiction Writing, Find the Magic, Free, Freelance editor, How to Plot, how to punctuate dialogue, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Quickand easy writing tip, Two minute Tip, Unique character descriptions, Without Mercy, Writing fiction, Writing tips

March 21, 2016 · 10:02 am

Ten Moments that Changed My Life by Alanna Lucas – PLUS a New Release – Waltzing with the Earl & a Giveaway!

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Alanna Lucas, and the moments that changed her life…

Getting my driver’s license. I love to drive! I’ve even done a lap on the Nurburgring in Germany!
Studying Art History in Paris, France in my sophomore year at college. After that semester I decided I wanted to go to grad school. Ten years (and one child) later, I graduated with a Master’s in Art History.
Marrying my husband 17 years ago. He has been so supportive through all the ups and downs of my career and has always encouraged me.
Buying my first house (which was built in 1929). I had to become quite proficient at minor electrical and plumbing.I was evenable to install a Fleck water softener in my plumbing this year.
The birth of my daughter. Motherhood has been an interesting and incredible journey!
The birth of my son- the most caring little man!
Deciding to homeschool both my kids. We have a little “school room” with several desks and a bunch of books. It isn’t for everyone, but we have had a lot fun (and some challenges) along the way.
Going to my first writer’s conference and discovering how little I really knew about the industry. I still feel quite green at times 😉
Winning Boroughs Publishing Group’s ‘What’s in a Name’ contest. The winning novella was Face to Face, the first book in the In His Arms series. I have written eight books for Boroughs.
Being on the California Dreamin’ 2017 conference committee. I am working with some amazing and talented ladies. The support and friendship within the committee makes all the hours that go into planning this event so worthwhile.

Blurb:

Believing he is cursed, Tristram, Lord Trevena, the Earl of Longstone, agrees to do just one favor for a friend, to dance with the man’s sister, but the beautiful and headstrong Isabel Albryght will settle for no less than claiming his lonely heart.

A PROPHECY FORETOLD

Raised by her doting older brother, Isabel Albryght grew up cosseted and protected. She enjoyed her life in the country, her books, and her freedom. Then her brother married. Within months Isabel’s best friend married. It seemed it was time for Isabel to marry, too. Socially awkward and a bit too keen for most of the ton, Isabel proceeded to have the most horrible season on record…until she was approached by Tristram, the Earl of Longstone.

Two dances. That was all Tristram could offer anyone when considering his family curse, which had taken all he loved in the last ten years, so his promise to the beautiful Miss Albryght’s brother was simply that. The ton would soon see she was a desirable partner, her awkwardness would fade and other young swains would beat feet to her doorstep. But then he held her in his arms, and the delightful Isabel became his beating heart. Headstrong and full of passion, she believed she might waltz them away from Death. She alone could tempt him to try.

Excerpt:

The temperature in the room rose by several degrees—it was positively sweltering. Isabel did not know how much longer she could tolerate standing in the midst of hell, surrounded by a mixture of unidentifiable odors and loud boisterous laughter. She thought her head would explode.

Closing her tired eyes, she brought her gloved hand to her temple. Isabel could feel her body sway, but was unable to stop the motion. She could not even gather her wits about her to stamp down, or even beg, the feelings to cooperate. Isabel could sense another mishap was forthcoming, which further added to her distress. And she had been doing so well.

A gentle hand came to her elbow. “Allow me to accompany you onto the balcony for some fresh air, Miss Albryght.” Lord Trevena’s voice broke through the haze. His tone was soft and full of concern.

Isabel opened her eyes; they felt thick and heavy, and still out of focus. Tristram somehow managed to maneuver her through the crush without bumping into anyone. The moment they reached the unoccupied balcony, the cool evening breeze cleared the haziness Isabel had been fighting in her head.

They strolled to the edge of the balcony, partly hidden within the shadows, and clear of any curious gossipmongers. The garden beyond was concealed in darkness, but the lingering scent of blooming roses wafted through the air. Tristram released his gentle hold on her arm. The absence of his hand made her heart lurch, wanting more.

Isabel turned to face him. Even in the dim light, his clear blue eyes sparkled like stars in the night. She struggled to find the words, but when they finally came, they would not stop.

“Thank you for coming to my aid. I am quite recovered now. The room was quite warm and the noise…”

“Isabel,” Tristram said in a deep husky tone. Her name on his lips sent a jolt of excitement through her body.

Taking a step closer, he brought his hand to her face, his gloved thumb dancing intimately across her cheek. Her heart pounded against her ribs, practically stealing her breath.

“Lord Trevena.” His name exited her lips in a breathy gasp.

He bent his head and whispered his name across her cheek. “Tristram.”

Isabel could not imagine anything more sensual than this moment. She lifted her chin, and their cheeks brushed. His lips were so close, but still too far away. His warm breath teased her senses. Closing her eyes, she waited for his kiss.

***I’m giving away an e-copy of Waltzing with the Earl. For a chance to win, please share a moment that changed your life.

Click HERE for the ‘Waltzing with the Earl’ Amazon Buy Page

Author Biography

Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age she took interest in art, history, and travel, and enjoys incorporating those diversions into her writing. However, she believes that true love is the greatest source of inspiration and is always an adventure.

Alanna makes her home in California where she spends her time writing historical romances, dreaming of her next travel destination, spending time with family, and staying up too late indulging in her favorite past time, reading.

Social Media Links

www.alannalucas.com

https://www.facebook.com/alannalucas27

https://twitter.com/alannalucas27

21 Comments

Filed under 10 Moments that Changed My Life, Author Blog Post, New Release

Tagged as 10 Moments that Changed My Life, Best Selling Author, Boroughs Publishing Group, giveaway, Historical Romance, Regency, Romance, Ten Moments that changed my life

March 20, 2016 · 7:25 am

A Plethora of 99 cent ebooks

99 Cent Ebooks galore

Check out our monthly list of 99 cent reads. All different genres, all great bargains!

***Just click on the cover to be taken to the purchase page.

PLEASE CONFIRM BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if prices are no longer 99 cents

Hope you discover some enticing reads!

Tiny, bite-sized tips to improve your writing and marketing skills! (Available for pre-order)

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Tech-savvy New York teen Malden and cute Southern boy Jackson find romance when they have to decide to either work together to help a ghost come back home or risk a spirit’s wrath if they choose to leave her lost in the darkness forever. <i>…a fun, intelligent, just scary enough ghost story

Find Vala Kaye here: http://valakaye.com/

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Will a justice-seeking wanderer find solace on a ranch with a stubborn widow determined to protect what is hers? Kell is looking for a place to hole up for winter when he meets a woman needing help with mysterious lights on her ranch. Little does he know what he’s signing up for.

Find Linda Carroll-Bradd here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Carroll-Bradd-author/440814942635289

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Rikka Brendan has a thing for buff guys in uniform…especially fire captain Conor Malloy who questions her about her most recent mishap. When the attraction flames from sparks to 3-alarm lust, does Conor have any hope of convincing Rikki they have more than a sexy combustion?

Find Layla Chase here: https://www.facebook.com/layla.chase.52

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WARNING: Don’t Read This Book….If you like your firefighter romances predictable or sweet. NOT for the faint of heart. But then again it’s a “Liz Crowe book!”

Find Liz Crowe here: http://www.lizcrowe.com

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Cozy up to the fire and fall in love as two sworn enemies find more than they bargained for when they get stuck together on a trip to the mountains – and unwanted mutual attraction.

You can find Sandy Loyd at: www.sandyloyd.com

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Annabelle’s dead brother haunts her dreams. Incognito at the treacherous gorge where he died, she decides his rumored murderer is no killer. But if she’s wrong, she may end up like her brother. Dead. With her ghost begging someone for help.

Find Cheryl B. Dale at www.cherylbdale.com

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Meet Antoine, the sculptor with a dark secret, in the Chateau Seductions series by Lisa Carlisle – A steamy paranormal romance series with gargoyles, vampires, and wolf shifters.

Find Lisa Carlisle at http://lisacarlislebooks.com

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With intriguing twists and turns, fate brings together a cast of characters whose lives will forever be entwined. Through it all is the hand of God as he works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Circles of Fate by Pamela S Thibodeaux

Find Pamela S Thibodeaux here: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

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Dedicated personal trainer Chance Michaelsen falls hard for Nia Pappayiannis—his complete opposite—but his attraction to her can’t be denied. In matters of the heart, would you risk it all? TAKE A CHANCE ON ME, a Mirabelle Harbor story (Book One).

Find Marilyn Brant here: http://www.marilynbrant.com

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Two love stories, a decades-old mystery, and a serial killer on the loose in the community of Confrontation, North Carolina. Does anyone know where the bodies are buried?

Find Marilyn Baron here: http://www.marilynbaron.com/

Note: $.99 price effective until March 25.

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The relationship of star-crossed lovers Elizabeth Sutton and Edward Morgan founders off the coast of Bermuda with the shipwreck of the Sea Venture in the seventeenth century. Will the lovers be reunited, or will their eternally entwined souls search forever to fulfill their destiny?

Find Marilyn Baron here: http://www.marilynbaron.com/

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Their life together may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love–with a breathtaking dose of passion–will make their marriage a true romance.

Find Caroline Clemmons here: www.carolineclemmons.com

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Gwendolyn Jones expected to be met by the head of the school board as she arrived to take up her new life as school teacher for Radford Crossing. Instead she found her old sweetheart Mark Hardeman waiting for her.

Find Caroline Clemmons here: www.carolineclemmons.com

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It’s a dirty job but some mutant’s got to do it……

Find Sandra @ https://www.facebook.com/SandraCox.Author/

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Shardai has the courage of a tiger and the disdain of a king. The fearless feline has only one weakness…his guardian. He would do anything, even come back from the afterlife, for her.

Find Sandra @ http://www.facebook.com/SandraCox.Author/

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Before the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers saga began, there was another love story that laid the foundation for all those that came after. A love between a cowboy and an unexpected woman, an up-and-coming stage actress on a national tour. A love at first sight …

Find Patricia McLinn here: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaMcLinn

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A dangerous cult has recently taken over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona. Members worship at the feet—and in the bed—of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff, and obey his orders blindly. They’ve already tried to murder one woman and they’re implicated in the disappearance of another.

Find Brenda Novak here https://www.facebook.com/BrendaNovakAuthor/

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Bestselling crime novelist, Cassie Alvarez, aka Cassie Lang, had murder on her mind when she walked into Rory’s Bar under dressed and under cover to research her latest crime novel. Researching the cool, blue-eyed and dashingly handsome man at the end of the bar stirred her senses more than she wanted to admit. But was this man of leather armor all he appeared to be?

Find Lisa Mondello here https://www.facebook.com/LisaMondello.Author/

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Jo McCallum has a penchant for bad boys, the ones that screw up her life then run when things get tough. Charlie Ridgefield has had enough of princess-type girlfriends with mile high expectations. When Charlie stops to aid Jo and her disabled car, it’s more than the car’s engine that gets overheated.

http://www.rosalieredd.com/be-with-me-a-love-in-a-bottle-short-story-2.html

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Can the mysterious incidents at Chateau Vauquelin restore a forgotten memory or will love be lost forever?

Find Sara Claridge here: http://www.saraclaridge.com/

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A Demon’s Witch, was born in a hair salon from a song. What if the hairdresser is really a ruggedly handsome demon overlord. What if a powerful witch breezed into his salon and the attraction was undeniable? What if the salon is multi-species catering to mortals and paranormal creatures alike is located in Washington DC? Adds a new dimension to our concept of DC, doesn’t it?

Find Tena Stetler at www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

Note: Price effective until March 25, 2016

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A Knight to Remember. Your dream guy lives across the country? Whatever. I traveled all the way to 1300s England to find my knight in tarnished armor.

Find Cynthia Luhrs here – https://www.facebook.com/cynthialuhrsauthor

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When Pharaoh sends the injured warrior Tadenhut home to die, he’s trapped between Life and Afterlife. Will the gods allow Mehyta the Healer to save him? And if she does, will their love transcend the barriers of his noble birth and her commoner heritage?

You can find Veronica Scott at: https://veronicascott.wordpress.com/

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Prominent heart surgeon, Sierra Norton, performs minor miracles on a daily basis, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would live one. When lightning strikes her flight the aircraft plunges, swirls through turbulence, and catapults Sierra into a treacherous past––the attack on Pearl Harbor, and in a whirlwind blur, Sierra’s courage, skill, and passion challenges her sanity. Can the convergence of three strong women reset history to fulfill her destiny?

Find Casi: https://www.facebook.com/casimclean.author/?ref=hl

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Cassie’s job as a locksmith often puts her in odd and scary situations. She was behind the Lilliput Bar when the owner was shot. Sheriff Ben wants to solve the case quickly by arresting her.

Homicide Detective Chance burned out on violence in Minneapolis, so took a small town job thinking he’d find peace. Instead, he’s in charge of solving this murder. He meets Cassie and can’t believe she’s involved. But can he prove it?

Find Edna here: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NADOXb

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After her father’s death, Lili Adams finds he had sold her inheritance of their grocery store. Now, they discover someone is stealing from it and Lili is a suspect. She not only must learn to work with the attractive but irritating new owner, but she must prove her own innocence by discovering who is really the thief.

Find Edna here: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NADOXb

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Eight stand-alone Contemporary Western Romance novellas from Bestselling and Award Winning Authors.

From firefighters, bronco busters, and wealthy ranchers to bad boys, we have them all for you! If you’ve ever wanted to fall in love with a sexy, alpha cowboy of today…now’s your chance.

A savings of more than 75% if the books were purchased separately.

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B&N sized

NY Times Best Selling Author Ana E Ross and Amazon Best Selling Author Christina Tetreault invite you to New England to fall in love with their box set, Loving The New England Billionaire.

Set Includes: The Doctor’s Secret Bride by Ana E Ross and The Teacher’s Billionaire by Christina Tetreault

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Filed under Ebook Deal, Uncategorized

Tagged as 99 Cent Books, Romance, Kindle, Suspense, Paranormal, Erotic, Historical, Bargain Books, Cheap Kindle

Author Archives: Alicia Dean

About Alicia Dean

Free Ebooks Galore!!

Check out our monthly list of FREE reads. All different genres, all free! Just click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon purchase/download page.

Deborah Blumenthal is Channeling Sage Parker – New Release: Someone Else’s Love Letters

Please help me welcome Deborah Blumenthal and her latest release, Someone Else’s Love Letters…

COVER REVEAL!! – Linda Nightingale’s Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampire Rhapsody and Gylded Wings

Two gorgeous covers from The Wild Rose Press…

Releasing in 2016…follow Linda on Amazon to be notified of availability:

Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 75 – Memorable March

Over the years, many significant events of Elvis’ life took place in March. Here are some of the most notable…

March 23, 1956 – Elvis’ first album released through RCA (I have this album!)

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EOLS Charity

Interview with JOE COSENTINO + New Release: PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane Mystery

I’m happy to host Joe Cosentino on my blog today. I love the concept of his novel, and what a fabulous cover!

Interesting stuff, Joe! Thank you for sharing. Now, Joe has a question for readers…

“10 Moments that Changed My Life” by Rebecca Brooks + New Release: How to Fall

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Rebecca Brooks…

Fascinating adventures you’ve had, Rebecca. Thank you so much for sharing them with us today. And now, about her newest release…check out her fabulous cover!

Ten Moments that Changed My Life by Alanna Lucas – PLUS a New Release – Waltzing with the Earl & a Giveaway!

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Alanna Lucas, and the moments that changed her life…

***I’m giving away an e-copy of Waltzing with the Earl. For a chance to win, please share a moment that changed your life.

A Plethora of 99 cent ebooks

Check out our monthly list of 99 cent reads. All different genres, all great bargains!

***Just click on the cover to be taken to the purchase page.

Hope you discover some enticing reads!

Latest Instagram Post

Follow Blog via Email

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Author Archives: Alicia Dean

About Alicia Dean

Check out our monthly list of FREE reads. All different genres, all free! Just click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon purchase/download page.

Got two minutes? Then check out this week’s quick tip ~ Giving your story more impact by giving your characters more dialogue

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*** Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy ***

Please help me welcome Deborah Blumenthal and her latest release, Someone Else’s Love Letters…

Two gorgeous covers from The Wild Rose Press…

Releasing in 2016…follow Linda on Amazon to be notified of availability:

Over the years, many significant events of Elvis’ life took place in March. Here are some of the most notable…

March 23, 1956 – Elvis’ first album released through RCA (I have this album!)

~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*

EOLS Charity

I’m happy to host Joe Cosentino on my blog today. I love the concept of his novel, and what a fabulous cover!

Interesting stuff, Joe! Thank you for sharing. Now, Joe has a question for readers…

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Rebecca Brooks…

Fascinating adventures you’ve had, Rebecca. Thank you so much for sharing them with us today. And now, about her newest release…check out her fabulous cover!

Got two minutes? Then check out this week’s quick tip ~ How to describe characters using rare and interesting traits.

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*** Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy ***

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Alanna Lucas, and the moments that changed her life…

***I’m giving away an e-copy of Waltzing with the Earl. For a chance to win, please share a moment that changed your life.

Check out our monthly list of 99 cent reads. All different genres, all great bargains!

***Just click on the cover to be taken to the purchase page.

Hope you discover some enticing reads!

Latest Instagram Post

Follow Blog via Email

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* Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy *

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

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* Find the Magic and the book I use for examples in FTM, Without Mercy, are both on sale for 1.50 each. Click HERE for Find the Magic and HERE for Without Mercy *