Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday Fun ~ Funny Friday

So, I slacked off on these lately. Sorry 'bout that. Today's funny/fun stuff came from my Sister-In-Law. Yeah, I know some of y'all who know of my in-laws will be shocked, but really she did send this to me. Here it is, a true friendship poem:

None of that Sisty Cr@p

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good,

But never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.

You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-

Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well

Again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.

9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask;

'because you are my friend'.

Friendship is like peeing your pants,

everyone can see it,

But only you can feel the true warmth..

Send this to 10 of your closest friends,

Then get depressed because you can only think of 4


I sat and snorted and snickered through this whole thing. Knowing that I'm not that mean... at least not where everyone else can hear me. My muse hears it all the time. LOL Hope this brought a smile to your face. Happy Friday, and Happier Weekend. :-D

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Free Read Up!

Hi everyone! ::waves madly::

I've been horrible and missed my last two blog days, but Kealie didn't fire me. :-)

I've been working through my first edits on my upcoming release, "Shut Up and Kiss Me" from The Wild Rose Press's Wilder Roses and barely came up for air. I did, however, find time to write a short ditty for Whipped Cream Reviews (writing these is so much fun -- I highly recommend it to all of you!!) and wanted to share -- just click on the cover they made for me to read the story:



Find out how much fun folks can have in a storage closet :-)

If you hop over to read it, I'd sure love for you to let me know. Thanks!!

SOS... er... SHS (Save Her Series)

We received a call for help from Delilah Marvelle regarding her stupendous School of Gallantry series.

From Delilah:

Despite being sold out of my first print run and going to reprint soon for my debut book, Mistress of Pleasure, Kensington will not be renewing my contracts or finishing the School of Gallantry series citing lack of sales. So I have a huge favor to ask everyone. I am looking to do one last huge push for the second book, Lord of Pleasure, coming out this August 4th, so that this series doesn't die a sad pathetic death.


In order to generate some word of mouth interest (and hopefully... sales!) she's holding a contest.



From August 4 until August 28, anyone who e-mails her at
Delilah@DelilahMarvelle.com with the School's quote from Lesson 27, will be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Cards. Winners will be contacted via e-mail by September 10th.

So tell everyone you know to spread the word!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

I'm Late... I'm Late...

For a very important date. No time to say "Hello, Goodbye!" I'm late I'm late I'm late. Yeah, I know, sorry about that. I completely forgot. My only excuse is that I swore up and down for most of the day that today was in fact Saturday. No, I didn't have an aneurism... my hubby's work schedule just changed... this week. So instead of his old days off... he now has new days off. And since he was home, and we weren't in church my brain drew the logical conclusion that today was Saturday.

Anyway, I've been running around like a crazy woman for the past few days. My dance students are having their very first recital... sort of. It's more a Variety Show with several of the other classes at the Center I work at: Karate, Gymnastics, Hip-hop, etc. I was given three weeks notice for it. Yeah, have you ever tried to choreograph a dance and teach it to 13 little girls in three weeks? Let me tell you... I'm lucky to have any hair left on my head.

So, what is up with me... I am hip-deep in revisions for my MS, Claiming Her Cowboy, and I'm actually not feeling too bad about it. I know, I don't like doing revisions either, but some suggestions were made that have me thinking, "Oh, and then this can happen here and this person can do that right there." Never let it be said that I can't take direction. The downside of all this stuff that you saw above, is that I hit the ground running every morning and I just can't seem to find enough hours in the day. *sigh* Anyone else have this problem, yanno, a case of Lifus Interruptus?

So, other than me getting that song stuck in your head (and you know it is!), I don't have much to say today. It has been crazy busy and I just completely forgot that it was my day to blog. Please forgive me, and maybe next time I'll actually have something more interesting to talk about. :-D

Monday, July 27, 2009

Author Interview ~ Kerri Nelson


Today, on the couch here at The Menagerie we are pleased to welcome author, Kerri Nelson. Let's all make her feel welcome. Just to let y’all know, Kerri will be running a contest for this interview. I know, who can resist free stuff! Kerri will be giving away a journal and a promo pack. She’ll draw a winner from all of y’all who post a comment to this interview. Check back here… on this post, and Kerri will announce the winner.

Okay, that’s done. Welcome to The Menagerie, Kerri! Make yourself comfy and let’s get started. First, where are you from?


I’m from the Sunny south in the Heart of Dixie and I’m a true southern belle (insert batting of eyelashes and twirling of parasol here).

LOL, I can relate… we’re so good at that innocent stuff. Too bad no one ever believes us. *sigh* So, tell us your latest news?

I have my first paranormal book releasing from Whispers in September. It is entitled “Soul Searcher” and features a heroine who can see your soul and a hero that is a sexy shape shifting mountain lion.

Ooohhhh… a cat shifter! I have a serious weakness for feline shifters. Congrats on your upcoming release, I can’t wait to see it! When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing poetry in the second grade and haven’t stopped since! As far as novels go, I completed my first novel in high school but it wasn’t until 17 years later that I became published.

I think that’s how it works for all of us. A storyteller is a storyteller their entire life. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

About 5 years ago, when I joined Romance Writers of America and got involved with my local chapter. That was when I really got serious about the pursuit of becoming a professional writer.

That’ll do it, lol. How did you come up with the title?

My current book is a romantic suspense erotica entitled “Miss Taken”. I came up with the title while in the shower! It’s true. I often joke that my muse is a wicked woman who only speaks to me when I’m in the shower or bath tub. Very naughty muse.

ROTFL, yes, well, we know all about naughty muses here. At least you came up with a great title… my muse just brings home more men. What book are you reading now?

I’m reading “Wicked Game” by Jeri Smith-Ready right now. It is absolutely phenomenal. What is not to love about hot vampires and rock n’ roll?

Umm… nope, can’t think of anything, there’s lots there to love. What are your current projects?

I’m working on another paranormal featuring a retired witch. I’m also attempting to pen a regency era time travel romance. They are both keeping me very busy and I hope to share them with readers in the near future. I’ve also just launched a Custom Design Book Trailer Business. I’ve completed around a dozen trailers for other authors and recently won a design award for my work!

All great projects. Congrats on your new business. Do you have any advice for other writers?

I think there is a quote from Walt Disney that goes something like, “if you can dream it then you can do it”. That would be my advice to writers. If you have a dream to become a published author, you can do it. It will take effort, time and a thick skin to tolerate all those rejections…but you can do it. Just keep writing. As long as you love it…just keep writing.

Fantastic advice. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I always come up with my title first. After I have the general concept of my book, I like to give it a name. It is just like naming a baby. That name really helps keep me focused on the book. I also work really hard on writing a good hook for my book (a one sentence description of my book). This can be really difficult but it is a very helpful tool.

Huh, see, I wish I could just name my stories things like “Max’s Story”. Yeah, yeah, doesn’t work that way, leave me my illusions. LOL What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m an avid reader, of course. I spend a lot of time online promoting my work and meeting readers and other authors. Other than that, my favorite hobby is baking! I love to bake sweet treats for the family and homemade bread. There is nothing like the way it makes your home smell like…well…home.

*sigh* I love the way my house smells when I’m baking. I’ll have to bug youyou’re your favorite cookie recipe, I collect those. What does your family think of your writing?

My family is extremely supportive of my writing. My husband proof reads all my work and brags about me to everyone. He’s my romance novel hero come to life. My mother is the reason that I’m such an avid reader. She has always been supportive of my writing and even once paid for me to attend a writing class. She’s a huge fan of mine and even told a stranger on an airplane to buy my book after seeing her with an Amazon Kindle in hand!

Gotta love that parental pride, and I have my very own romance hero, too. Love how that worked out. Alright, now for our “nothing whatsoever to do with writing” questions: What were you doing at midnight last night?

I was blissfully sleeping and probably dreaming up some weird scene for a new book! Although, with 3 kids, I’m not always sleeping at this time of night.

Nope, even if it was just one child you might be up at all hours. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

A penny. Yep, as a kid, we were rolling coins once and I just decided to see if I could swallow a penny. I did! Yeah for me! My mother was livid. She took me to the doctor in a panic. I thought it was a riot.

*snicker* I can just see her: “Yes, this is my child… I want my money back.” Hee hee… ahem, sorry. What is your heritage?

Irish, Scottish, English, and German. Recently discovered that I’m related to quite a few different Scottish clans. My father is all about the Ancestry.com site. He’s been showing me the ancestry reports that he’s been printing off.

LOL, he and my aunt have a lot in common, then. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

Umm…I think the question here is what movie don’t I cry during? Just ask my hubby. I recently watched “P.S. I Love You” and cried my eyes out. Of course, I also recently saw the Season 5 finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and cried like a baby when Buffy dies. Even though I’ve seen it about 10 times AND I know that she comes back. Clearly, I’m very in touch with my emotions.

You are cracking me up today. I don’t see what is wrong with crying at the end of Buffy… sheesh that was actually a pretty emotional episode. Are you a morning person or a night person?

I’m definitely a night person. Early mornings are pure evil.

AT LAST, someone else who thinks the same as me! Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Totally. There is no comparison between the two, in my opinion. I adore Pepsi and often refer to it as either “black gold” or “the nectar of the gods”.

Yet another thing we agree on. If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?

A cure for (Type 1) juvenile diabetes would be my ultimate wish. My 8 year old has suffered with this disease since the age of 2. It is a monster and I hate it. She is the bravest child I’ve ever had the honor of knowing, but I’d love for her to see a cure in her lifetime. Please support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Thank you.

Absolutely! I’m sorry, but at least there is hope for a cure, she may see it in her lifetime. Thank you so much for hanging out on the couch with us today, Kerri. It was great fun. Be sure you come back and hang out with us some more, and let us know about your new news. :-D

Don’t forget to leave a comment for Kerri to be entered into the drawing for a journal and promo pack.


Kerri Nelson has always been passionate about reading books but when she wrote her first poem in the second grade, she discovered her love of writing. At the age of sixteen, she became a columnist for her local newspaper as the high school correspondent for the weekly "Panther Tales" column. She won the Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year Award for her efforts.

After an education and career in the legal field, Kerri began to pen romantic suspense novels with a legal or law enforcement theme. She currently lives in the sunny south with her romance inspiring husband and her adorable children. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her baking homemade goodies for her family. Kerri is an active member of Romance Writers of America, Southern Magic Romance Writers, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Futuristic Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Writers.

You can keep up with Kerri online at her website and blog.

Miss Taken by Kerri Nelson

Tabitha Stuart is the ultimate professional businesswoman who may live in the city that never sleeps but manages to spend her Friday nights behind the desk at the accounting firm of Donaldson & Franks. On a snowy February night, she reminisces over her recent New Year’s resolutions. She’s worked hard to make partner in her firm but now she’s resolved to make her personal life more exciting. She wants to be more like her jet setter, risk taking sister.

As Tabby heads home for the night, she is abducted from her office’s parking garage and held captive by a sexy stranger named Steele. Tall, dark and mysterious Steele takes her to his Atlantic City Casino crime boss and Tabby’s life spirals out of control. She’s being accused of stealing a half million dollars from the casino. She knows that she’s never been there before and that her life is in danger, she must discover why she was taken and how she has ended up in a world that is not her own.

To survive this night, she must solve the mystery behind her abduction and escape from the clutches of the crime boss all while resisting the sexual temptations that she feels for Steele. If she makes it through the night, her life will never be the same, but some mistakes are worth making.....

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Book Commercial ~ Miss Taken by Kerri Nelson



Miss Taken by Kerri Nelson

Tabitha Stuart is a work-a-holic who may live in the city that never sleeps but manages to spend her Friday nights behind the desk at the accounting firm of Donaldson & Franks. On a snowy February night, she reminisces over her recent New Year’s resolutions. She’s worked hard to make partner in her firm, but now she’s resolved to make her personal life more exciting. She wants to be more like her jet setter, risk taking sister.

As Tabby heads home for the night, she is abducted from her office’s parking garage and held captive by a sexy stranger in an Atlantic City Casino penthouse. Her captor’s boss demands that she return the half million dollars that she stole from him. As her life spirals out of control, she must discover why she was taken and how she has ended up in a world that is not her own.

She must solve the mystery, save her own life, and resist the sexual temptations she feels for her mysterious captor. To survive this adventure, she can’t afford to make mistakes.


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

Want to see your book trailer here? Go here to find out how!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Not Quite There... Yet

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So, I received a reply from The Wild Rose Press in regards to my submission of Claiming Her Cowboy. No, I don't have a contract, but it wasn't a complete rejection either.

Basically, they liked it, think I'm headed in the right direction, but I need to make some revisions. I don't have enough conflict... which is frustrating because I already added quite a bit more conflict than was there before. My good friend Marianne laughed at me... but in a nice way. LOL. She said, "You're so sweet, you don't like to torture your babies." Then she quoted another author, "But, you have to hang your hero from a cliff and pelt rocks at him, otherwise you're doing your manuscript a disservice." Okay... pelt rocks at him... *sigh* I think I can do that.

But, honestly, I am really okay with this. I'm not bummed, I'm actually hopeful. They didn't send me a "Your work sucks, please don't send us anything else" letter. They were very nice and gave me quite a few helpful ideas and thoughts. I've got two months to do the revisions and send it back to them... as Wendi would say, "Back to my bat cave."

Wish me luck.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Author Interview ~ Vivian Arend


It’s Monday, and today we have Vivian Arend here with us to hang out on the couch. Welcome to The Menagerie, Vivian, make yourself comfortable. Let’s get started: Where are you from?

She’s everywhere, she’s everywhere! Well, not really, but sometimes it feels like it. I’ve moved a number of times over the years. Since Jan 05 I’ve lived in Alberta, the Yukon, southern Alberta and now I’m in British Columbia, Canada.

We just came back from holidays and my hubby asked if it felt like we were home as we drove into town. You know what? It didn’t. Too much gypsy blood- I’d love to move every year.


LOL, I was an Air Force brat… I know what you mean. Except, now, I hate to move. When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing as a bit of a dare. A friend asked me to join her in NaNoWriMo- the month long writing challenge to complete a 50K story in November 2007. We signed up together and by the end of the first week I was hooked. I wrote a Young Adult fantasy, with elves and humans… and it turned into book one of a three book epic. It was 120K by the end of the month.

I had never written anything fictional before, but it seemed to work. Then in January of 2008 I discovered ebooks and erotic romance. Read a number, enjoyed them immensely, and decided I should try to write one. The first story I completed, Hidden Away, was started in March and finished by middle of April. I had so much fun I thought I should try another, and wrote Wolf Signs. By the end of the summer I had a contract with Samhain for it to be published, and my first book released in March 2009.


I haven’t been able to finish a NaNoWriMo novel yet. *sigh* How awesome for you that you did on your first time out! That’s how it works, you read something, you try to write it, and if you like it, you do it again. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet. I know I write, but seeing a book with my name on it up at Books on Board next to a ‘real’ author like Author C Clarke- that was a thrill!

LOL. Maybe it will sink in after your… tenth book. How did you come up with the title?

There’s a connection between one of the heroes, Joshua and Alexia, the heroine, that started with an innocent kiss on the beach as teenagers. The resulting impact was as long lasting as a Tidal Wave. I didn’t do it deliberately but there are lots of water type comments and quotes throughout the story.

I love when the title works so well for you. Most of the time I have to wrack my brain for ideas. What are your current projects?

I have a long list of projects, but most of them are the next book in the series. The book to follow Tidal Wave is called Whirlpool, and so far looks very hawt. I have new stories in my cowboy series, The Six Pack Ranch to complete, with five more boys to settle. Although there’s only four books planned- naughty twins! There’s at least two more books in the Granite Lake series. And I’m planning on submitting a story to Samhain’s ‘Space Opera’ call, so that will be worked on this summer.

WOW, so you have a lot on your plate. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Currently working on ‘Legacy’, a contemporary suspense. By the time you read this interview, I’m sure I’ll be working on something else! But for fun…

She made her way up the stars and he stared after her, admiring the sway of her hips, his body tightening with need. She turned at the top and winked at him. "I knew you'd still be watching me."

Ryan held up his hands in defeat. "What can I say? You've got a great…staircase."

Maxine laughed. One of the many clocks in the house sounded the top of the hour and her laugh died away. She glanced at her watch nervously, grasping the banister so tight he saw her knuckles change color.

"Maxine, what's the matter?" He was on the stairs, racing up them two at a time to pull her back into his arms.

She shook her head and opened her mouth to answer when the phone rang and her face went white. She stared at him like a deer in headlights, panic taking over.

"Are you going to get that?" he asked, pointing to the phone on the writing desk adjacent to the second floor-landing window. "Are you worried it’s the fax machine again? I can find out what number is calling and get them to stop."

She mumbled something so soft and quiet he barely made out the words, but it sounded like an apology. She buried her face against him, her body shaking, whimpering with fear.

The answering machine kicked in.

"…one-nine-seven is not available. Please leave a message."

Following the beep, a stream of foul curses carried over the line, calling Maxine by name and threatening her with horribly crude words. Ryan raced to grab the phone. "Who the hell do you think you are, asshole?"

The line went dead.

Ryan swung on Max. "What the fuck was that all about?"

Her complexion was paler than before, her eyes huge in her face and Ryan swore under his breath at his stupidity. She was scared to death. The last thing she needed was him going apeshit on her.

"Damn it, Max, this has happened before, hasn't it?" He forced himself to speak calmly, quietly.

When she nodded he wrapped his arms around her and held her close until the blood pounding through him slowed enough he could hear normally again. He tugged her down the hall toward her bedroom. While he wasn't sure what else was happening he knew this.

He protected his own.

It took mere seconds to find a bag in her closet shelf and toss it on the bed. She looked at him, a silent question in her eyes. "Pack enough things for a couple days. You're coming home with me," Ryan said firmly.

"But—"

He held up a hand, restraining his temper with an iron grip. "Max. Trust me, you don't want to argue with me right now. Pack the damn bag and meet me downstairs in five minutes or I'll carry you out of here with nothing but the clothes on your back."

Ryan caressed her cheek to reassure her—hell, to reassure himself—then turned and made his way to the kitchen, pulling out his cell phone to place a few vital calls.

Whatever the fuck was happening, it stopped now.


Great excerpt! Thanks for sharing. Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

I don’t travel –yet— to research them, but the books have come about because of my travel. My hubby and I have visited a lot of places wilderness locations around North America and Europe. It’s very easy when you go somewhere new to look around and start to imagine adventures taking place there. The summer of 2008 we went on a family vacation to the Canadian Maritimes, and I loved the time we spent wandering the beaches and climbing the rocky shoreline. A bit of that helped trigger the idea for Jaffrey’s Cove and the setting for Tidal Wave.

It always amazes me how we pull so many things from around us into our work. Who designed the cover?

Angie Waters. She’s done both my covers for Samhain, and she’s incredible!! I’m hoping to steal her away and make sure she’s on for everything I write for Samhain. I don’t know how the cover artists can go from a single page of information regarding hair colour, height etc and end up with the amazing pieces of art they do!

Well, they have super powers! I swear that’s got to be how it works. LOL How long does it take you to write a book?

I’m a fairly fast writer. Tidal Wave has been my quickest story from start to finish. It took a month to write and polish and then a month to receive word Samhain wanted to publish it. Rocky Mountain Heat was two weeks writing the first draft, then lots of revising and adding on later. My stories that have taken the longest have been about three months time. Life gets in the way occasionally!

You can say that again. Still that’s faster than some of us… So, now for the “nothing to do with writing” questions: Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with hearts?

When I was bored one day in junior high— which was often because I found school rather boring—I decided to teach myself how to write my ‘a’s like they appeared in the text books. Instead of making a lower case a like a circle with a short line on the right side, I make mine as a small oval with a circular top- an incomplete number 8.

I also write/print. Unless I’m being very deliberate in my cursive I find I take the pen off the paper at least twice in every word. It makes my handwriting very unusual and made it very tough to teach my daughter how to write cursive!


Oh, hey, I can write my a’s that way too! I usually only do it when I’m making an effort to make it look “nice”, but you know what I mean. My handwriting is a combination of cursive and print as well… see, you’re not alone. When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

Okay, seriously here? I was halfway down the hallway to the kitchen before I realized I had no idea what I looked like. I know I looked in the mirror, but I just didn’t see me. Hmm, this either means I have no vanity or I’m such a wreck I just don’t bother anymore!

LOL, that’s funny. Either way works for me. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Both. I trained as a synchronized swimmer when I was a teen, and we had lots of morning practices. It made me get up early (5:15 am) and then I coached for years. But by nature I’m a night owl.

So basically I get up early and stay up late and have a nap in the afternoon if I get a chance.


Whatever works… I can relate to both of those. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Oh, the taste test issue!! We actually had one of those booths show up one day and I took the test. Can you taste the difference? First, it has to be from a can, not a dispenser, and then yes, I think you can taste it.

Want to know a funny? I like Diet Coke better than Diet Pepsi, but I like Pepsi better than Coke. And since my hubby asked me to give up diet drinks a few years ago (want to avoid the additives) I drink Pepsi if I drink cola.

Only I’d pick Dr. Pepper over both of them!


Sure… be difficult. If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?
I would wish…for someone to come and clean out my craft cupboard so I don’t have to feel guilty about all the things I’m no longer going to finish since I’d much rather be writing!!

I have sewing supplies, crafting supplies and WAY too much scrapbooking paper/pens/tools etc. I really am a ‘jack of all trades’ and can do just about any crafty type skill a bit. And I have the tools to prove it. Just not the time and inclination right now!


If you ever figure that one out let me know… my hubby would probably appreciate it if I cleaned out my craft ROOM. :-D Thanks so much for hanging out with us here on the couch today, Vivian. It was great fun getting to know you.

You can keep up with Vivian at her website and blog.

Tidal Wave by Vivian Arend

Slippery when wet…

Forces of Nature, Book 1

From her first kiss to her first sight of dolphins dancing on the waves, Alexia Colten has always held a special place in her heart for Jaffrey’s Cove. Now that she’s back to help her grandmother settle into a home, she discovers this place has lost none of its remembered magic. In fact, it seems more magical than before—and more erotic.

After she’s gifted with a beautiful, dolphin-etched medallion, she finds herself surrounded by the golden boys of summers past. Her body is filled with longings she can’t explain and dreams of blue lights that turn into lovers.

Joshua Marley and his cousin Anthony are merfolk, a people capable of living beneath the waves as either dolphin or human. Alexia holds the medallion that marks her as the next in line to lead their people—if she can prove she can transform. Working in tandem, they’re sure they can arouse her passion and protect her from those who would use her simply to gain power.

But their strength alone may not be enough to help her face the challenge of her new position…

Warning: This title contains a conniving granny, naked men in the surf and shifters who take fun in the water to new depths. Snorkels not required.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Author Interview ~ Patrick Dilloway



Today is a special Friday, as part of his blog tour, we have on the couch author Patrick Dilloway. Welcome, Patrick, it's so great to have you here with us today. Make yourself comfy and let's get started. How did you come up with the title for this book?

The original title was No Matter Who You Are, after a Bob Seger song. But when I was working up the second draft, I decided that the theme-like substance for this version would be that Frost wants to find Where He Belongs. So that became the title.

Both are great titles, but the second choice works even better. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

As the title suggests, the book is really about finding your place in this world—Where You Belong. Maybe you’re a man and find you belong with a woman. Or maybe you find you belong with another man. The important thing is what you and your significant other feel in your hearts, not how your genitals line up. I hope we can someday get to the point where a story like Frost’s wouldn’t be all that shocking.

Oh, me too. That would be a great time indeed. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

For Where You Belong, I consider John Irving my silent mentor, though of course he has no idea—and probably never will. I created the project because I wanted to do a book like The Cider House Rules or The World According to Garp, two books that mean a lot to me. While writing my book, I reread all eleven of his novels to help me maintain the same overall tone. He in turn patterned the aforementioned books off the works of Charles Dickens like Great Expectations, so I guess we all try to stand on the shoulders of giants.

We do, but you chose a great one to look up to. What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham. I rented the DVD a week ago and really loved it. I think it really affected me because it involves a writer and her impact on these other lives. Because I liked the movie I was curious not only about the book but also about Virginia Woolf, whose Mrs. Dalloway is the focus for “The Hours.” So I checked Mrs. Dalloway out of the library and read that and now I’m going to read the other.

Both sound like amazing books. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

It really all started in third grade when we were assigned at school to write a journal. In mine I wrote stories based on my stuffed animals, coming up with all sorts of adventures for them, mostly cribbed from episodes of Star Trek and shows/movies like that. After that I continued to write, the stories changing over time.

LOL, they sound like great stories. It would be neat to go back and read them to see if you "voice" stayed the same. What do you want to know about the future?

I’d like some stock tips and sports scores so I could be rich and famous like in Back to the Future II. I’d probably use all that money for evil like Biff Tannen too.

Oh, you would not... but it sure would be nice to know. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

Not really. I misted up a little the first time I saw the end of “Titanic”—that part after Kate Winslet dies and meets up with Leonardo DiCaprio and you see all the other people who died as they climb the staircase. That got to me a little bit. A really great dramatic image.

Awww, see, you're a romantic. Nothing wrong with that. What is one thing scientists should invent?

Just one thing? I wish they’d invent all that stuff from Star Trek, but I guess I’d go with the transporter. Taking a transporter to work would be so much easier. You could work in Manhattan and beam yourself home to some nice place in the French countryside or something. How great would that be? Of course you might get your molecules scrambled and end up with a leg instead of an arm or something, but it would still be worth it not to have that road rage and pollution and paying high gas prices.

LOL, a true Trekki at heart. I think the rearranged leg would put me off it, road rage or not. Are you a morning person or a night person?

I’m definitely a night person. In college I used to stay up until 2am or later on a regular basis. Mostly I would write during that time, after everyone else went to sleep.

Me too! It's so much easier to write without the constant interruptions other humans can bring. LOL. And, last but not least: Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

I can’t really taste the difference, but usually I can feel it later. Coke makes me belch more for whatever reason.

ROTFL, hey at least you're honest about it. I've seen it have the same effect on my boys... maybe it's a guy thing! Thank you so much, Patrick, for joining us here at The Menagerie today. It was a true pleasure getting to know you better, your book looks to be intriguing. Good luck with all you do, and don't be a stranger.

Where You Belong by Patrick Dilloway

Orphaned at an early age, the closest people in Frost Devereaux's life are the free-spirited Frankie Maguire and her conniving twin brother Frank. Over the years Frost's life takes him from the lush fields of the Mideast to the burning heat of the desert to the sparkling promise of Manhattan. His heart, though, never strays far from the two people who have meant the most to him. Ultimately, Frost must decide where—and with whom—he belongs.

Excerpt:

I wake up again and the hand is gone, but I’m not alone. I sense a figure lurking in the shadows, hovering there like a ghost. I think at first it’s my mother; unable to speak I revert back to babyhood and whimper in what I hope is a reassuring fashion. The figure, caught, shuffles forward and I see it’s not my mother—it’s my father.

“Hey, kid,” he says. “How you feeling?”

This is a stupid question as I’m in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines with my face wrapped in bandages. He hesitates before taking the seat next to my bed. For what could be a minute or an hour he sits there, staring at me as he searches for something to say.

“It’s too bad about your mother,” he says.

Though not quite four, I understand this means something terrible has happened. I whimper again, this time mournfully. This rattles my father; he twitches uncomfortably in the chair. He doesn’t want to be there and I don’t want him there; I want Mommy. My father was only the man who lived in our barn.

His hand reaches out to touch my forehead, but his skin is sweaty and warm, not the cool, soothing presence of my other visitor’s. I try to move my head to shake it away only to find I can’t. “I’m not going to hurt you, kid,” he says. His hand moves across my forehead to the bandages. He peels these back gently and then leans close to me so that he can see what lies underneath. Whatever it is causes him to quickly pull his hand back, letting the bandages fall into place again.

“Oh shit,” he whispers into the darkness. I’m too young to know the meaning of this expression. Still, from his tone of voice I gather something’s wrong and whimper again. “It’s all right, kid,” he says, trying to sound cheerful. I know he’s lying. I know things aren’t going to be all right. Not ever again.

My father pats my left hand with his. “Hang in there, kid,” he says. He backs away until the shadows swallow him again. He pauses for a moment before making a decision. The door clicks shut. I wait a moment for him to come back, but he doesn’t. Not ever again.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Can't Think

I'm sorry, y'all, I have just had a very hectic couple of days. After a frantic phone call at almost midnight the other night from my hubby's parents we have been in a flurry of packing and traveling. So, since I can't really seem to organize my thoughts, y'all get a blogthing today.




You Are a Dipped Cone



You are dramatic, deep, and even demanding.

If you're going to do dessert, you're going to go all out with something super rich.



People might be surprised to know that you worry about how you're perceived.

You've got an image to keep up, and you don't ever want to appear weak.



That's actually kind of funny... I honestly don't care that much about what other people think of me, but I think the rest is pretty accurate. Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Author Interview ~ Lisa Logan



Today on the couch we have friend of The Menagerie, Lisa Logan. Welcome, Lisa, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you could join us today, and let me just say that your picture is adorable. She looks like an incredibly happy girl. Okay, on to the "writing" questions. LOL When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Excellent question, one I often include when asked “what advice do you have for new writers?” I wrote nonfic for many years and never considered myself a writer. Later when I got bit by the fiction bug, I studied and practiced my craft but still wasn't a “writer.” I became a web designer and spent six years helping authors set up a web presence and promote themselves. Then it occurred to me...I'd been writing for years—even by that time had a couple stories published and a contest win under my belt—and I didn't have a writer site because I didn't think I warranted one. But how could anyone else take me seriously as a writer if I didn't even think of myself that way? That day, I “became” a writer.

Now I tell new writers they ARE writers, whether or not they've even had a letter to the editor published. Think you are, know you are...and you will be. Don't wait years to realize it.


Wow, so many writers feel that way. That is excellent advice! What inspired you to write your first book?

A dream I had! I dreamt a movie star is in line for an event and accidentally bumps into a mysterious woman in front of him. The moment they connect he sees a vision of the future—involving an intimate encounter between the two of them. The woman turns out to be a psychic, and somehow some of her powers rubbed off on him in the collision.

This idea of “contagious” psychic powers kept niggling at me long after I woke, as well as the characters themselves. I kept “What Iffing” the scenario. Each night before I'd go to sleep, I'd lay there thinking about this man and the psychic, and before long I started writing down their story.


*sigh* As writers, even when we're trying to rest we're working. Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I'm something of a rebel in that regard, because the truth is I deliberately try to NOT travel for my books. Two years ago I made a commitment to be a “green” writer, a decision that spawned my Green Writing Challenge and affected a lot of choices I make about my career. Because I'm trying to make my writing activities as eco-friendly as possible, jet setting around or driving book tours involve more fossil fuels than I'm prepared to expend at this point.

That is an amazing idea. Good thing we have the internet to help. Who designed the covers?

I actually designed the cover of my first novel, VISIONS, because I'd just come from a graphics design background and my hubby is a professional artist as well. Since then I've gotten a bit busy with writing, editing, etc., so the publisher's art department handles covers.

So, you're creative in more than one way. I think all of us are to some extent. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have two that raise brows. One is dream programming. This is a technique I obtained by accident that literally helps me write in my sleep. When I was new to fiction, I learned an exercise where you look at an every day object and describe it without saying the object's name, shape, or color. For weeks I went around coming up with all sorts of wild depictions of salt shakers and archways and street signs, until I realized my brain was doing it on auto pilot. It was running in “author mode” in the background, and I wasn't able to stop it. Pretty soon, I found it would keep going during sleep. I'd either dream scenes from my stories, or they'd run in the background and when I woke up, the idea I needed would pop into mind. A handy but odd trick.

My second quirk I started last year. I joined a challenge to write a book during the month of May. I had no plot or hero, so the day before the challenge began I held a contest asking readers what my male lead should do for a living. I wrote Island Seduction based on the winning answer. This was so much fun I did it again for NaNoWriMo in November—I held another contest to pick the male lead's career, and wrote Building Seduction. I don't plan to write all my books this way, but creating an entire story in thirty days with little to no advance planning has been a fun, exhilarating challenge I hope to repeat at least once a year.


LOL, so you like audience participation. I can understand that. I've had more than one scene work itself out in my sleep, and I had an AMAZING idea that is in the works in a dream. Funny how we're always writers. Okay, now for the "nothing to do with writing" questions: Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?

My strange habit is a propensity to write like a physician—i.e. Sloppy as all go get! A large portion of my hospital job involves interpreting and initiating doctor's orders, not an easy task considering how illegible an MD's handwriting tends to be. I came to that job with reasonable enough penmanship, but now half the time I can't read my own writing, let alone anyone else. Apparently, bad handwriting is not a learned habit—it's an insidious contagious disease passed from doctors to others.

HAHAHA, I'll have to tell my mother that one. She's a Trauma Nurse Manager... her handwriting was decent, but has declined as well. What do you want to know about the future?

Whether mankind will get a handle on this climate change thing, and what kind of legacy that will leave for our future generations.

That truly is a scary prospect. I don't know that I could handle knowing, especially if there was nothing I could do about it. What stereotype would you label yourself as?

That's funny, because the more I try to branch out and discover myself as a unique human being, the more stereotypical I become. Call me a tree hugger, environmentalist, vegetarian, metaphysical practitioner, and middle aged mom.

nah, stereotypes are all in your head. You're just YOU! Are you a morning person or a night person?

I'm a big time night owl. I got up early for years, but when my work schedule changed to swing shift, I found myself staying up later to get stuff done at home after returning. Nowadays, I get up between nine and ten, and stay up working until three or four a.m. I'm actually answering this at one-thirty in the morning.

LOL, yes, well, I'm building this at Midnight. Night owls of the world unite. Do you like thunderstorms?

I love thunderstorms. Of course, living in Southern California between LA and Palm Springs we don't get a whole ton of them, and the ones we do get aren't generally life threatening. So I enjoy them when they happen. Because they're rather infrequent here, I used to have a screensaver on my desktop PC that looked like the computer was getting rained on, and it would flash with lightning and boom thunder. When the volume wasn't set too loud, it was great to listen to at night while trying to fall asleep. Then I got my laptop with darn Windows Vista, which doesn't like most of my screen savers. Ah well.

OY, what a PITA! But, hey, you got a new laptop. See, silver lining. :-D Thanks so much for hanging out on the couch with us today, Lisa, it was so much fun. Come see us often, and make sure you let us know about your publishing and book news.

Lisa will be stopping by on and off all day, so if you have your own questions for her, give her your best shot.


Southern California writer Lisa Logan is the author of VISIONS, A GRAND SEDUCTION, and numerous short stories, as well as the Senior Acquisitions Editor for Eternal Press. along with her passion for stories about passion, Lisa is an environmentalist who founded The Green Writing Challenge back in 2007. For more on Lisa, visit her website.

A Grand Seduction by Lisa Logan

Dom, Ridelle, and Twyla manage to rescue Frannie from a crappola marriage by setting up her husband with a phony affair. When other desperate, divorce-minded wives come along, the four friends think they've got all the makings for a grand seduction scheme... until startling secrets, second thoughts, and murder spin their plan wildly out of control. After all, if the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, where will questionable ones lead?

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Book Commercial ~ A Grand Seduction by Lisa Logan



A Grand Seduction by Lisa Logan

Blurb: When four women decide to help one of them catch a cheating husband by setting him up with a phony affair, they think they've got all the makings for a grand seduction scheme. When lust turns to murder, however, it threatens to expose a great deal more than silken skin and camera film.

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Want to see your book trailer here? Go here to find out how!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Best of May/June Hotties Winner

Y'all voted, so here's the winner of the May/June Hottie voting.

Radoslav "Rado" Vanko




Rado will be added into the running for the end of year voting for Best Hottie of 2009. Thanks everyone for voting. :-D

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

I Did It...

Photobucket

I finally sent off a query letter and synopsis. Yup, that's right. Cowboy, which has now morphed into "Claiming Her Cowboy", has been submitted to The Wild Rose Press, Scarlet Rose line.

Can I tell y'all something? I felt like I was going to puke when I hit that send button. A couple of my author friends have told me THAT doesn't get better. JOY, something to look forward to! LOL

So... anyone wanna hold my hand? But, seriously, I'll keep y'all updated. :-D

Monday, July 6, 2009

Author Interview ~ Wend Petzler


Today on The Menagerie we are delighted to have author, Wend Petzler. Let's all give Wend a nice warm welcome.

Welcome to the couch, Wend. Let's get started. Where are you from?

I live in Post Falls Idaho part-time and Southern Arizona the other time.

Sounds like a well-rounded environment, lol. Why don't you tell us your latest news?

My latest is news is sooo awesome! Currently, I am #21 on the Fictionwise bestseller list with my recent release, Whisper to Me, the first of the Borne Vampire series. At the New Concepts Publishing list, my book is #3 on the bestselling list. I am so jacked about this.

WOW, can't say I wouldn't be jacked about it, myself. Congrats! When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing when I was seventeen because of a movie I watched. It was called Romancing the Stone with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. I went home that night and dreamt of being on such an adventure. When I woke up the urge to write hit me, and it was the start of a passionate love affair with writing.

OH, I loved that movie! I wonder how many authors secretly decided right when they saw that movie they wanted to be writers? Something to ponder. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Honestly? When I sold my second book, Blood Keep. I thought when I sold Curse of the Scarab King it was a fluke, no one would really want to buy another of my books. Then Andrea DePasture, New Concepts Publishing, bought two more and Anne Seymour, The Wild Rose Press, bought one, making it four sold books. It was then I finally felt like a writer and that people were reading my work and loving it.

I'm sure you're not the only one who ever thinks, "NO on will buy another one of my books! Aren't you so glad you were wrong! What inspired you to write your first book?

Another book. It was simple romance and it left me unsatisfied, so I wrote my own.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write to bring adventure to my readers. Romance to bring us out of our ordinary lives. I have a habit of breaking the rules as do my characters. I live to shake things up.

That's an excellent way to live. Normal is quite boring, definitely shake things up. How did you come up with the title?

Usually a quarter into writing a book its title will come to me, unless I had one already picked from what the story is about--like Blood Keep. That one surrounded a castle, Blood Keep, and it had such an impact on the characters it seemed fitting.

Which makes sense. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes. Hope. No matter what bad or impossible conditions are sent our way, we will prevail.

I think that's a rather important message to take into life. How much of the book is realistic?

My historicals are based on actual events. I love researching, finding lost stories in history and building a love story around them.

Ah, someone else that loves to research. Are the experiences in your stories based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Some are, some are other people I know or met. Usually though my stories are from the characters themselves. They are quite forceful when they want to be written and from there the inspiration flows.

Yes, most characters do have a mind of their own. Makes for a good book... but a bad time when you're trying to pull them into shape. What books have most influenced your life most?

The books which influenced me are Shanna, Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwess, The Dune Series by Frank Herbert, and The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey.

All great authors. What are your current projects?

I am splitting my time between the Hand of Destiny series and my Borne Vampire series.

Which I'm sure is keeping you busy. Do you see writing as a career?

Most definitely! I’m in love with what I do. I never can give it up without losing a major part of my soul and heart.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up! Keep writing and learning and you will reach your goal of being published.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for taking a chance on a new writer and buying my books! I am eternally grateful to you for helping me achieve my goal of being a published writer.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually three months, once research has been done.

And I'll bet the research is what takes longest. Especially if what you're researching just hangs on to your attention. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Grueling! Once I start writing I can’t stop until the book is done. My family gets so bent out of shape once the writing kicks in, but they understand--actually I ignore them until I’m finished.

Which is the BEST way to get it done. LOL What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I wear old t-shirts and pink fluffy slippers when I write. For some reason they inspire me.

Hey, whatever works. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Travel. I love taking long drives and exploring. When I get back the inspiration kicks in and I find new ideas to jaunt down.

What does your family think of your writing?

At first they thought I was crazy, now that I’m getting paid they think I’m eccentric.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have five finished with four partials. Of all my books, I would have to say Lady Thief. The chemistry between Lucian and Eiry takes my breath every time I read it. They are such awesome people.

I love when a story works out that way. And now for our "Absolutely Nothing to Do With Writing" Questions: What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

I love my dog so much, but the best pet is a cat. I have four who for a lack of better word--respect me when I am writing. Bear just barges in when he wants attention. The ‘kids’ wait until I take a break.

Have to agree, you just have to love how a dog just makes sure you know what they want. Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why or why not?

Ugh! I feel like I look like Frankenstein’s bride. I hate my picture being taken.

LOL, I'll remember that. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

Two very bad divorces. Much more painful than even I could have imagined and fortunately I was able to recover from it with minimal scarring on my heart and pocket book.

I'm sorry. Even when it's the best for everyone, it's always painful. When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

I need to get a suntan. Am looking far too much like a vampire lately.

LOL, What were you doing at midnight last night?

Watching a horror movie. Sick I know, but I am writing the second book of my vampire series and I have a serial killer in it. Gets me in the killing mood, so to speak.

Like I said, whatever works! What’s a saying you use a lot? Where did it originate from?

‘Never give up, never surrender!” from Galaxy Quest.

*snicker* LOVE Galaxy Quest. What is your favorite animal?

Horses. Before I could even walk, my mom and grandfather put me on one and the rest is history.

What is your heritage?

I am native American with German, Russian-Austrian.

Have you ever made a crank phone call? If yes, explain what you did.

No, but we use to have a guy call us and we would play along. He would hang up on us and we would *69 him and ask him why he hung up.

That is priceless. Are you a morning person or a night person?

I love the night and early morning, very early. There is something special about the transition of the night into a brand new day.

Do you like thunderstorms?

Down in Arizona they are spectacular! They bring energy and power of a level almost spiritual in quality and senses.

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

YES!!!! Coke is flat and sweeter than Pepsi. I love Pepsi.

If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?

I would wish for a house with a pool. I love to swim and having my own would give me the opportunity to swim whenever I wanted to

Well, it has been so very fun getting to know you, Wend. Thanks so much for stopping by and hanging out on the couch today.

Wend was born and raised in a small town not far from Moscow Idaho on a small farm. Wend's dad was a log scaler and mom, a housekeeper. She learned to ride a horse before she could even walk and to be honest rarely did even when she could. Her fondest memories were of riding in the forest and fields of the Palouse and reading historical romances her mom and Nana gave her. Wend wrote her first book at fifteen and was ready to pursue a careeer as writer until a series of bad events put that desire on hold until she was 24 and was a divorced single parent. Wend's need to write surged anew and the images from her head flowed onto paper and it took another 14 years until she was published.

You can visit with Wend on the web at her Website and on MySpace.


Whisper to Me by Wend Petzler

All Mariah Jordan wanted was a few days off. What she got was a wounded vampire who needed blood…her blood. Sensing something sinister stalking the woods behind her cabin, Mariah tests the dying vampire by offering her blood for a price--a kiss. How could something so sweet, so bone-thrillingly delicious put her right in the middle of a vampire war with her as the prize?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Book Trailer ~ Showoff by Emma Jay



Showoff by Emma Jay

Veronica Butler avoids risks as a rule, but when faced with celebrating her thirty-fifth birthday alone, she dons her sexiest dress and heads to a single's club. She’s startled when the attention she draws is that of her supervisor, Vicente Salazar. They’ve worked on the same team at an architectural firm, designing a hotel with Gaudi-influenced elements. Veronica has indulged in several fantasies starring the sexy Spaniard. Now she’s fueling his.

Though she knows it's a mistake, that this decision may affect the office atmosphere, she gives into her desire and allows him to show her exquisite pleasure in public places. From the back of a limousine to his office to an alcove in a museum, each sexual encounter is exciting, challenging, terrifying. Each encounter shows her more of who she is. Each encounter risks her heart. Now if only she can convince him to risk his.


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Want to see your book trailer here? Go here to find out how!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Saturday Hottie ~ Best of May/June Voting


Alrighty, today's the day, we have voting to do. It's time to vote for the best hottie of May and June. Whoever wins will go into the hat for the end of year voting for the best hottie of 2009. If you need to refresh your memory beyond the pictures here... click on the picture of your fave, or one of your runners up and it will take you to his original post and enjoy! So, the candidates are:

Thiago Vieira (Sorry, I put him in the last voting and that was actually wrong. He was a May hottie.)



Lauri Kalima



Marcel (Nope, no last name...)



Radoslav "Rado" Vanko



Jonas Sulzbach



Luke Guldan



Erik Boor




OH, and Happy July 4th! ;-)



Friday, July 3, 2009

Friday Fun ~ Funny Email

Restroom signs

Friends don't let friends take home ugly men.
Women's restroom Starboard, Dewey Beach, DE

Beauty is only a light switch away.
Perkins Library, Duke University , Durham , NC

If life is a waste of time, and time is a waste of life, then let's all get wasted together and have the time of our lives.
Armand's Pizza, Washington , DC

Remember, it's not, 'How high are you?' it's 'Hi, how are you?'
Rest stop off Route 81, West Virginia

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.
The Bayou, Baton Rouge , LA

No matter how good she looks, some other guy is sick and tired of putting up with her shit.
Men's Room Linda's Bar and Grill, Chapel Hill , NC

At the feast of ego everyone leaves hungry.
Bentley's House of Coffee and Tea, Tucson , AZ

It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
Written in the dust on the back of a bus, Wickenburg , AZ

Make love, not war. -Hell, do both GET MARRIED!
Women's restroom The Filling Station, Bozeman , MT

If voting could really change things, it would be illegal.
Revolution Books New York , New York

If pro is opposite of con, then what is the opposite of progress? Congress!
Men's restroom House of Representatives, Washington , DC

Express Lane: Five beers or less
Sign over one of the urinals Ed Debevic's, Phoenix , AZ

You're too good for him.
Sign over mirror in Women's restroom Ed Debevic's, Beverly Hills , CA .

No wonder you always go home alone.
Sign over mirror in Men's restroom, Ed Debevic's, Beverly Hills , CA

and my favorite, and most realistic one ~~~

A Woman's Rule of Thumb: If it has tires or testicles, you're going to have trouble with it.
Women's restroom Dick's Last Resort, Dallas , TX

Thursday, July 2, 2009

SOS... er... SHS (Save Her Series)

We received a call for help from Delilah Marvelle regarding her stupendous School of Gallantry series.

From Delilah:

Despite being sold out of my first print run and going to reprint soon for my debut book, Mistress of Pleasure, Kensington will not be renewing my contracts or finishing the School of Gallantry series citing lack of sales. So I have a huge favor to ask everyone. I am looking to do one last huge push for the second book, Lord of Pleasure, coming out this August 4th, so that this series doesn't die a sad pathetic death.

In order to generate some word of mouth interest (and hopefully... sales!) she's holding a contest.



From August 4 until August 28, anyone who e-mails her at
Delilah@DelilahMarvelle.com with the School's quote from Lesson 27, will be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Cards. Winners will be contacted via e-mail by September 10th.

So tell everyone you know to spread the word! And, we'll be reposting this a little closer to the contest date. Thanks for your help!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009