Wednesday, July 30, 2014

#WWW Did you always want to be a writer? #WritersLife #Giveaway


Today on WWW, I have Ellen Butler, author, chocoholic, & shoe shopper-holic sharing about how she came to be a published writer...


Did You Always Want to Be a Writer?

Hi Terri, thanks for having me at Scribbler’s Sojourn! It’s always a pleasure to reach out to new readers. Following my brief article, you’re visitors will find a blurb from my recent release Heart of Design, and entry for a promotional giveaway. So make sure to read to the bottom!

One of the questions I am often asked in interviews is; did you know you always wanted to be a writer? My initial answer is a resounding, no. My major in college was Political Science, and I have a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy. I was going to be a Congresswoman or Senator. Or I was going to work for a lobbyist, influencing public policy and writing brilliant, mountain moving legislation. However, after working on Capitol Hill for one short summer, my eyes were opened; watching the political grind left me jaded and disheartened. 

Then did you decide to become a writer? You ask. Nope. I found a rewarding position at a medical, nonprofit association providing management services, leadership development, and eventually working my way into international affairs. My job included quite a bit of writing, including articles, bylaws, policies, and marketing materials. So, writing was an integral part of my work life, and I will admit to getting dinged by the editorial staff for using “flowery” language, or going off on tangents; basically, being told “stick to the facts.” I believe it was the glint of early stages of my fiction writing career.

So, how did you decide to become a writer? You’re wondering. After my kids were born, I chose to quit my job and stay home with them. Throughout my life I’d always been an avid reader, enjoying a variety of genres from chick lit, to romance, to mysteries, to legal dramas. When my oldest was three and attending preschool a few hours a week, I found my idle brain cranking away, making up stories. I’d read a news article, or watch a show and my brain would say, “But what if this happened instead?”  So, I created the outline for Poplar Place (released in March 2014) and two other unpublished novels. Then promptly shoved them in the drawer when my second baby was born, too busy and exhausted to carry on. When he went to preschool, those back-of-the-drawer outlines called to me. My husband bought me a new laptop computer and I began banging out my first novel.

I would say that the first novel was easiest one for me to write. There were no deadlines to adhere to, no reviewers to make happy, and no rules to follow. Now that I’m starting my fifth novel, I miss the bygone lackadaisical days of limitless possibilities with minimal constraints. However, I appreciate the vindication that comes with a book contract. That someone in the industry has said, “Yes, you write a good story and we want to publish it,” can mean everything to a new author.


So, for aspiring authors I have this advice to provide; no matter what your background, if you have the urge to write, do so. Stop thinking about writing. Do it. Start with an outline. It’ll help get you on the way. Taking that leap over the edge is the hardest part, but once you do, you’ll never look back! 

~~~oOo~~~


Heart of Design 
first in the Love California Style series
Author: Ellen Butler
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4405-8364-3
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy

Blurb:
Sophie Hartland has recently turned 30, and is five years out from a confidence crushing divorce. She’s sworn off men in favor of making her interior design business a success when her best friend introduces her to LA Heat’s hot, new star, Ian O’Connor. He’s one of Hollywood’s beautiful people, with an Irish accent that makes Sophie’s toes curl. Ian hires her to renovate his home, and at their second meeting he initiates a scorching kiss that knocks her socks off. Even though she would love to drop down and go for it on the funky kitchen floor, Sophie sticks to her guns and enforces her “no dating clients” rule.

The tabloids portray flirtations Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules.

Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills?

Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Design-Ellen-Butler-ebook/dp/B00LH63T1I/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404748942&sr=1-2&keywords=Heart+of+Design

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-design-ellen-butler/1119908399?ean=9781440583643

~~~oOo~~~

Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and is new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.

Heart of Design is her third release in 9 months. You can find her first two releases, Poplar Place and Second Chance Christmas at Amazon and other major eBook retailers. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.

Twitter: @EButlerBooks


~~~oOo~~~


Giveaway Time!!! 

Signed Hard Copy of Ellen’s Novel Poplar Place & $5 Starbucks Giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Writing: A Journey of a Soul by Sheryl Winters #PNR #WritersLife



Tour Schedule

As part of Ms. Winters' blog tour, I asked her to share something she's learned on her journey to publication which might inspire / encourage other aspiring authors. Here's what she had to say...


The one thing that I’ve learned about writing isn’t so much about the publication aspect, but that it’s more a journey of a soul. Writing sooths me, it brings me great comfort to know that my characters now live in the subconscious of other person. To put it kindly, my characters are now real.


And now for the goods...




Purr-fect Mating
Lil Genie Series Novella
Genre: Paranormal / Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2014
Keywords: Paranormal, Romance, Shifters

Fhina and Wulfar have a little problem.


On their wedding night, at the stroke of midnight, Wulfar changes into his shifted wolf form and cannot shift back. Not even to communicate with the woman he loves.

Fhina, upon waking the day after their mating, no longer recognizes her mate. Pregnant and confused, she’s convinced herself her mate has run away and left her to live alone. With his dog.

Can the cursed pair find a counter charm before Fhina gives birth? Will Wulfar be able to curb his inclination to run?

Or will their mutual curses break up their love affair before it’s really even started.



Purchase Links:



Excerpt:

“It’s just…Wulfy’s missing, and I thought—” The words stick in my throat. What if she won’t help? How will I ever find him?

“He’s what?” In the background, I can hear loud thumps and shouting. “I’m getting the duct tape out. I’ll use it this time, I swear it!”

“You will not.” I bite back a giggle.

“I might. You have no idea what I’m putting up with. They spent all week at Mom’s, and she hyped them up on pixie sticks and soda. I’ve exhausted a whole day peeling them off the ceiling. I’m just hoping when it wears off they’ll sleep for a week.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Did you say Wulfy is missing? How long’s he been gone? He’s probably off for a long run. Wolves do that, you know? Remember how Mom used to take off for days, leaving us with Aunt Ginger? Always claiming she was out hunting, when she was really in Vegas gambling?”

“But, I haven’t seen him in days.” I shove the notepad back and forth across the table.

“Did you, uhm…snap at him?”

“No!”

“Well, fess up. What happened?”

“Nothing. I was on the phone with Mom and I uh…” I try to remember the conversation. “I told her about the doggy bowl I got for Wulfy. I even gave him the fancy new dog food I got for him. He scratched at the door and I let him out.”

“You got him a dog bowl?” Bella chokes.

“Well, yes. I thought it was a nice thing to do.”

Honestly, wolves. They never make sense, even in human form. Of course, I gave Wulfy a dog bowl, how else do you show a dog you love them? One can’t go around petting them 24/7. 

~~~oOo~~~

Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway
Ecopy of Purr-fect Mating and a $10 Amazon gift card.
Ends 8/15/2014


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code.  No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Win an eARC of Welcome to Paradise by London Saint James! #Giveaway #Contemporary #Romance



Roane Publishing is giving away three eARCs of Welcome to Paradise!


A Paradise Ranch Novella
by London Saint James
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance (Western)
Keywords: Romance, Contemporary, Western, Erotic, Novella, Series
Release Date: August 18, 2014

Just three days before her thirtieth birthday, Acquisition Editor for Starling Press, Sutton Callaway, has buried the last of her family in the cemetery on the plot of land she inherited.

After turning down the powerful and wealthy owner of Triple Bar-S Ranch to sell her inheritance and walk away from the obligations of running one of the biggest cattle ranches in West Texas, Sutton puts her Dallas condo on the market, resigns her position from SP, packs the contents of her life into boxes, and heads for the one place filled with bittersweet memories—Paradise Ranch.

Will Sutton be able to handle the pressures of being the newly appointed cattle baroness, the rough and tumble men under her employ, and the temptation of a sexy mystery man? Or will her grandmother’s matriarchal boots be too big for her to fill?


Roane Publishing is giving away THREE ARC copies to three lucky winners!


You don’t even have to be a blogger.


If you are willing to leave an honest review between the dates August 18th and September 12th, you are eligible to enter.

How? Simply fill out the form!


You have until Midnight of August 1st when three winners will be chosen by random drawing.





~~~oOo~~~




Welcome to Paradise blog tour is now scheduling!

If you're interested in hosting London Saint James, please click on the image above.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Life often gets in the way... #WritersLife #Publishing #MeansofMercy


Everyone has a life out side of writing. Mine the past year has become especially busy due to baby #3 arriving and demanding much of my attention. 

I also had 2 novels release this year - Love's Sorrow (Means of Mercy #1) and Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2). How the heck do I do it all?

No clue.

This is me most days...



Needless to say, Love's Revenge which was due to release in November of this year took a back seat in my mind. After discussions with my publisher, we've agreed to put off the release date until January 2015. 

To those of you DYING to get their hands on the 2nd installment of Anne's not-so-happy-thus-far journey to finding love, please forgive me. While I could have rushed to complete the story, I don't want to give you something that lacked - or didn't satisfy.

ARCs will be available soon after the holidays.

Until then, a little tease in the form of chapter 1 of Love's Revenge will be available as part of Roane Publishing's September FREE READS event. Stay tuned for further details...

Becoming Lady Lockwood #BlogTour #TensList #HistoricalRomance

Becoming Lady Lockwood Tour


As part of Ms. Moore's blog tour, I asked her for a Top Ten favorite historical romance books / movies list. Here's what she had to say...


TEN? Alrighty, let me think...

Pride and Prejudice --Jane Austen
Isabelle Webb--Nancy Allen
North and South--Elizabeth Glaskell
Reforming Lord Ragsdale--Carla Kelly
Dreaming of You--Lisa Kleypas
Again the Magic-- Lisa Kleypas
Stolen Kisses--Suzanne Enoch
Miss Drew Plays her Hand--Carla Kelly
The Kiss of a Stranger--Sarah Eden
Until You--Judith McNaught

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I love the Signet Regency line. They're a little hard to find, but they are really fun.




Becoming Lady LockwoodBecoming Lady Lockwood

Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she'd never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother's sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man's world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry . . . William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia's marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family's estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous Lady to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation . . . Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together?


Praise for Becoming Lady Lockwood

"Moore does a lovely job of showcasing sizzle in this must-read for fans of regency and historical romance." ~ Foreword Reviews


~~~oOo~~~

Jenny MooreAuthor Jennifer Moore

Jennifer Moore is a Passionate reader and writer of all things romance, helping her find balance with the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family. You can learn more about her at authorjmoore.com. The author's first book, Becoming Lady Lockwood, is a regency romance centered on the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.





Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/7/14


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Happy Book Birthday Purr-fect Mating! #PNR @RoanePublishing


Happy Book Birthday to Purr-fect Mating!



Purr-fect Mating
Lil Genie Series Novella

Genre: Paranormal / Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2014

Keywords: Paranormal, Romance, Shifters

Fhina and Wulfar have a little problem.


On their wedding night, at the stroke of midnight, Wulfar changes into his shifted wolf form and cannot shift back. Not even to communicate with the woman he loves.

Fhina, upon waking the day after their mating, no longer recognizes her mate. Pregnant and confused, she’s convinced herself her mate has run away and left her to live alone. With his dog.

Can the cursed pair find a counter charm before Fhina gives birth? Will Wulfar be able to curb his inclination to run?

Or will their mutual curses break up their love affair before it’s really even started.



Purchase Links:



Excerpt:

“It’s just…Wulfy’s missing, and I thought—” The words stick in my throat. What if she won’t help? How will I ever find him?

“He’s what?” In the background, I can hear loud thumps and shouting. “I’m getting the duct tape out. I’ll use it this time, I swear it!”

“You will not.” I bite back a giggle.

“I might. You have no idea what I’m putting up with. They spent all week at Mom’s, and she hyped them up on pixie sticks and soda. I’ve exhausted a whole day peeling them off the ceiling. I’m just hoping when it wears off they’ll sleep for a week.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Did you say Wulfy is missing? How long’s he been gone? He’s probably off for a long run. Wolves do that, you know? Remember how Mom used to take off for days, leaving us with Aunt Ginger? Always claiming she was out hunting, when she was really in Vegas gambling?”

“But, I haven’t seen him in days.” I shove the notepad back and forth across the table.

“Did you, uhm…snap at him?”

“No!”

“Well, fess up. What happened?”

“Nothing. I was on the phone with Mom and I uh…” I try to remember the conversation. “I told her about the doggy bowl I got for Wulfy. I even gave him the fancy new dog food I got for him. He scratched at the door and I let him out.”

“You got him a dog bowl?” Bella chokes.

“Well, yes. I thought it was a nice thing to do.”

Honestly, wolves. They never make sense, even in human form. Of course, I gave Wulfy a dog bowl, how else do you show a dog you love them? One can’t go around petting them 24/7. 

~~~oOo~~~



Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway
Ecopy of Purr-fect Mating and a $10 Amazon gift card.
Ends 8/15/2014


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code.  No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Shift Happens, but can they keep it professional? #Giveaway #Excerpt


     SHE NEEDS TO CLEAR HER NAME. HE NEEDS TO CHAPERONE. CAN THEY KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL?

·     

Andrea McNelly's job as a government agent is not asking questions, but then a routine assignment turns into a botched assassination of a Master Vampire's human servant. Answers become a priority. Her search to discover the truth is riddled with obstacles, the largest being an oversized Werewolf who resembles a Norse god. Andy can't afford the distraction he offers, because if she fails, she faces eternal enslavement.

Wick's job is to monitor Andy, but he prefers more intimate activities, none of them G-Rated. His choices, however, are often not his own. His ability to help Andy is limited by his bond to the Master Vampire.

Facing many trials and challenges along her path to redemption, Andy learns the value of her freedom might be set too high.









Excerpt:

A large black wolf trotted into the clearing to confront me. He had a white-tipped snout, white boots and mitts and would have looked cute had he not been the most intimidating Werewolf I’d ever seen. Standing tall and solid, power rolled off of his body. His eyes bore into mine. I sniffed the air. The strong Werewolf scent of rosemary swirled around me, strong and seductive, laced with sugar. A weird fuzzy sensation spread out from my chest. Whoa.

Alpha.

My other form growled low, demanding release, straining against my skin. The energy of the wolves built—layers upon layers of excitement and impatience. The air pulsated with anticipation. They could sense the imminent kill.

Let me out! My other form repeated, throwing her power against my built up walls, howling in defiance.

When the energy of the Werewolves surged, I finally released her. My wolf form flowed out fast, wiping out the feline in little more than a heartbeat. Smaller, weaker and the size of a natural wolf, a Shifter in this form was no match for a Werewolf, especially a dominant one. I had time to meet the eyes of the Alpha for only an instant before the pack leapt forward. My limbs shook. It went against every instinct ingrained within me, but I rolled onto my back—submissive.


Available in print and all other electronic formats on July 16th, 2014

~~~oOo~~~



Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy scavenger hunts? FORTY signed paperbacks up for grabs! #Giveaway


Alright. 

Who's ready for some fun!?!?


The Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt will run from TODAY until midnight on SUNDAY (19th July). 


To enter to win  FORTY signed paperbacks 

by a wide range of authors (including my own Eye of the Soul) PLUS $30 worth of Amazon Gift Cards, simply hop around ALL participating stops, collect all of the highlighted numbers, add them together, and then go enter the requested details along with your calculated answer in the ENTRY FORM

You can find more information on how the stop works HERE. All stops will direct you to the next place to hop across to. And don’t worry if you get lost, because the entire list of participating authors can be found HERE.

~~~oOo~~~

I am hosting the lovely Lisa Swallow & her swag giveaway - a pack of bookmarks and postcards.

But first...

A list of five books I can't wait to get my paws on this summer. 

Pssst...

Pay attention. You'll need to know why to enter for a chance to win Ms. Swallow's swag pack!!

#1 Hereditary - A FREEBIE Holloway Pack short story by Ms. J.A. Belfield

#2 Soul Enslaved - while this may not be a SUMMER read, I am DYING to get my hands on Gavin ... er this book, I mean.  *wink* Hurry up Keri Lake! Meeee neeeeeds this book!

#3 Forever Starts Tonight - This one is from the smokin' Roni Loren - good enough for 'Indian Summer' imo.  hehehe

#4 Midnight Dawn - No Goodreads linky yet, but Jocelyn Adams' Mortal Machine #2 releases in early August.

#5 Opposition - FINALLY we reach the end of Ms. Armentrout's kick@$$ LUX series! 

And now back to Ms. Swallow...

Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling Summer Sky from the rock star romance series, Blue Phoenix.

 In between running a business, looking after her family and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.

How can you enter to win Ms. Swallow's swag??

Easy peasy. 

Leave me a comment telling me what book I'm DYING to get my hands on. I'll have my 4 yr old choose a random winner.

~~~oOo~~~


Now.

My secret number for the scavenger hunt...


  

The link to the next stop on the hunt:


Or, if you have all of your numbers and are ready to enter, then hop across to the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt Entry Form.


~~~oOo~~~


And lastly...

If you're wondering about MY swag being offered up, swing by Maria V. Snyder's blog!!



Thanks so much for stopping by, & best of luck!