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Kiss and Tell » Weird News
We’re ten days into the new year and already things have turned to the strange. I was in a chat room recently working on my book when the group got side tracked with the hot news of Nevada oking their first all male bordello. Or as some are affectionately calling it "The Prostidude Ranch"
It seems many in Nevada seem to fear that it will end up mostly a male clientele too which makes many so uncomfortable they've promised to shut it down if that's the case. So I guess in the country's oldest profession discrimination is not only rampant but encouraged. I would think the owner's would want to accomodate all potential clients but maybe that's just me.
Next odd little news item came to me in a random internet search. Apparently 104 people in Malaysia were arrested on New Year's Eve for having premarital sex. This boggles my mind in this day and age even if some countries are basing this on strict religious practices. Seriously? They don't have anything more important to do on New Year's Eve?
As an aside to that. Here in North Carolina it is still technically illegal for unmarried couples to cohabitate. But that's only one of many strange laws still on the books here. That would be a whole other post.
My third and final tid bit comes from a little closer to home than Malaysia. In NYC yesterday hundreds stripped in public for the ninth annual no-pants subway rides.
The idea is apparently to act as … [Link]
Ella Drake, dark paranormal romance » A few updates
Quick updates:
First, if you haven't see it, I blogged over at the Raven Happy Hour last week about New Worlds, Avatar, and a few SciFi Rom reads featuring relationships between the advanced civilization and the indigenous.
Coming soon…
On Thursday, I'll be blogging about the different ways I've read a book.
On Friday, I'll be participating in the Fill Your Reader Blog Tour. More info here. [Link]
Lilli Feisty :: Blog » Monday.
Not sure where the weekend went. With two deadlines looming, I’ve been writing a lot, but for some reason it’s been slow going. I need to kick it up a few thousand notches. How come every time I sit down to write my stomach starts grumbling? Some kind of strange timing, or a procrastination technique that requires tuna salad. Who knows?
I didn’t write at all on Saturday. I spent the day hanging with friends and watching my kid play. Then I took my child to In-n-Out for dinner. He is going to turn into a cheeseburger. And I was so hungry I actually ate one. I never eat fast-food, but I happened to be starving. But by the time we got home my kid had already eaten all of his, and then demanded I have him most of mine. Still, just those few bites made me feel crappy. I’m seriously considering going vegan again after the first of February. Can’t think of doing anything drastic before I’ve met my writing deadlines, but I have to admit I did feel great when I was vegan. I should say I was a 90% vegan, because I probably won’t give up fish. Last time I did it, it was hard to get started, mainly because you have to spend a lot more time cooking, and have an entirely new variety of food on hand. But it’s actually pretty easy when you get into the swing of it. As long as you stay away …
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Leah Braemel » What do you mean it's Monday?
Yikes, it's Monday January 11th already and I've not posted since Friday. Sorry sorry sorry!
All I can plead is that I'm up to my ears in edits and rewrites of two different stories while running into Toronto on Saturday along with the usual family routines.
On the writing front, things have really been heating up for me professionally. I wish I could tell you some of the things that have been happening–but I can't. Not yet. Hopefully soon. Yeah yeah, I can hear you mumble. Why bother saying anything then? Because I'm squeeing privately and I'm pretty sure my neighbors can hear me. However, I can report that the western menage is this close *holds fingers a millimeter apart* to being finished. I'm really looking forward to being able to say it's completed. Chad's story? Well, it's not going quite as fast, but I have high hopes for it. It's really coming together nicely.
One thing I can share–I got recognized on Saturday and got asked for my autograph. *giggling madly* That was a first, and truly made my day.
Oh, and in case you're checking about the recent winners, I heard from Spav — Elisabeth Naughton's book is on its way to her. And Estella's chosen a copy of my book, Personal Protection. (I haven't forgotten you, Estella, I've just been bogged down. I'll send it to you this evening.)
Bella Andre is guest blogging on Wednesday. Bella writes a very hot hot firefighters series for Pocket books – Wild Heat, … [Link]
My Mind Wanders… » Another Review for The Challenge
“This is a perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter night. Its steamy eroticism will warm you right up… Shay's writing is polished. Her characters are three-dimensional and vivid; their dialogue is natural and colorful. She makes you care about Bastian and Marina and pits them against a villain who deserves a fall. Rich physical descriptions of the characters, the Minnesota countryside, and the shapeshifting process fully immerse you in the story. Her climatic fight sequence is excellent. Best of all, her sex scenes are scorching and full of emotion.
After reading this little gem, I'm looking forward to Shay's next book."
Woot!! Another awesome review for The Challenge! This one on Amazon. Thank you, L.M. Verna for everything, I'm so glad you liked it! [Link]
Around The Writer's Block » Confessions of a Contest Whore
It seems this time of year many RWA chapters offer published authors the opportunity to enter their releases from the previous year into contest. And mind you, these contests aren’t cheap. At $25 to $30 for each book entered, the bottom line can balloon really fast. How do I know? Weeeellll … I’ll admit it … I’m a contest whore.
That’s right folks, I fill out the entry form, print and bind my ebooks and plunk down that check in hopes of scoring well enough to final. Oooookkkaaayyy … I’m competitive enough to want to win. I said it. I WANNA WIN! But this isn’t new.
Before I was published I entered my first manuscript in all kinds of contests. The bummer was the same entry would score a 97 and a 56. Bleh. But after I got over the disappointment of not finalling (in one contest I had the second lowest score), I took time and read the awesome comments of the judges. And you know? They were extremely helpful. In their very polite way they explained that I sooooo wasn’t ready to publish, but if I worked on my craft and more specifically, these couple of things then chances are, I’d make a go of it.
And they were right.
Now, I’m published. The contests are very different. There are no comments on the writing, (since the book is already printed) but there are score sheets that you can look at. And you know, sometimes that still helps. If …
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Redneck Romance Writer » A Earthshaking Just Sayin’
To Humboldt County
Um, a magnitude of 6.5 and no Emergency Broadcast? KHUM was the only information we were able to get post event and I have to say they did an awesome job. There should have been specific instructions for people after the earthquake. No, it wasn’t a massive event. No, there weren’t tons of damage and death. But you put out a friggin’ advisory every time there’s a little wave, at least you could activate the emergency system when there’s a pretty good shaker.
Just Sayin’
To The BIL I Can’t Stand
Nice. So, your parents come home to a completely trashed house, glass everywhere, things broken and topsy turvy. They’re freaked out. But when the Redneck and I go to clean up, you decide to sleep in. Lying and saying “I’ll follow you,” only pisses me off. I’m not sure why the Redneck doesn’t chuck your ass out, but it sucks.
Just Sayin’
To Not My Kid’s Step Dad
Quit being an asshole. Whatever you and Not My Kid’s mom have going on, can’t you set it aside while you’re HOMELESS? Jeez. You’d think that a guy who is staying with strangers, who is unemployed, and is about two seconds from getting a restraining order on him might BEHAVE. Getting up in the middle of the night to walk to Not My Kid’s Mom’s work and demand the van when you DON’T HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE is totally stupid. I have some sympathy for your addiction, …
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Donna Grant » Guest Blogging
I’m over at Stephanie Julian’s blog today talking about magic and how I used it in my Dark Sword series. I’m also giving away a free book.
Hope to see you there.
hugs,
D
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Nine Naughty Novelists » Eyeliner and Earrings
On New Year’s Day a lot of Samhain authors posted their resolutions and other New Year’s musings on the Samhellion. My resolution was to wear eyeliner and earrings every day for 2010. I have to admit, I sort of tossed that one off (and in the interest of full disclosure, I also have to admit I’ve already broken it, at least as far as the earrings go). But in fact the resolution did spring from a serious concern for me—what happens when you switch from full-time work outside the home to full-time writing inside it?
For twenty-plus years I put on my working clothes and full make-up every day, along with appropriate jewelry and perfume, and trudged off to my teaching job at Enormous State University. As of last May, however, I retired. Now I could dress however I wanted and then wander into my study and start writing on my own time. I have to admit: while I was still trudging off to work, it sounded like heaven.
And it is. I don’t want to underestimate the pleasures of being able to do what I’ve wanted to do for a lot of years. Being my own boss beats even my very nice department chair at good ol’ Enormous State. But the problem with being your own boss is that you may become pretty lax about enforcing a daily routine, including the dress code. I think I started confronting this problem one day when I was choosing an upper body …
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Dana's Magic and Mayhem » Ah Yes, It's THAT Time Of Year Again
When I seem to catch a head cold. Now usually they tend to happen in February, but hey! Everything else seems to be either early or late this year already, so why not this?
Blech. This is what I get for setting foot in a grade school. I'm blaming my ten year old who forgot his trombone and gave me puppy-dog eyes until I agreed to drop it off. He's blaming whoever breathed on me in the office, but I know better.
Anyway, I'm taking today off to try and get rid of it. I rested all weekend but still woke up feeling sick. That will put me a little behind on Hecate’s Own, but I'll live with it. [Link]
Victoria Janssen » Guest at Paranormal Romantics
I'm a guest over at Paranormal Romantics today, talking about "Choosing Your Paranormal Creature." [Link]
Portia Da Costa » Why?
Do I suddenly have to keep signing in, again and again, to Blogger? Up until not long ago, I could sign in once in a session, then edit my sidebar thingies on the fly, from the page… not so now. Very annoying.
You’ll be pleased to know that I've now begun moving forward again with IN THE FLESH. I spent yesterday pootling about with the 12K I'd completed and doing little tweaks and adjustments to reflect thoughts I've had and research I've uncovered since I first worked on it, many, many months ago. I was pleased to discover that I clicked with Bea, the heroine, again immediately. She's an interesting girl, brave and feisty, who looks on the positive side. She's made silly mistakes, but she's learning from them so she doesn't slip up in quite the same way again. I'm not sure that she's a totally strictly accurate Victorian young lady in her thinking, maybe… but she has to be what she'll be, that's the way I write. And I think I can avoid any super ridiculous anachronisms… ITF will be a bit wallpapery, but not too much, I hope.
Ritchie, I'm already liking very much again too. Especially his ruthless sexiness at this stage. I hope to bring out his more tormented and angsty side later, although it won't be black, bleak, miserable angst, just a guy trying to make the best of the hand life's dealt him.
I’m also, currently, opening the door to the mind of Charlie, Bea's … [Link]
Star-Crossed Romance » Guest – Linda Robertson
Good morning, everyone! Today's guest is Linda Robertson who writes about a problem many of us authors have – word.
In addition to writing, Linda is the mother of four wonderful boys and owns three electric guitars. She was at one time the lead guitarist in a heavy metal cover band, but now works as Art Director for Strictly 7 Guitars (www.strictly7.com), owned by her beau, Jim. She's been chasing this writing dream for over twenty years.
Also, Linda will be offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky reader. Read to the Lynda Again section to see how you could win.
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THINGS MY EDITOR TAUGHT ME
In prepping for this blog, I considered various options of things I could blather on about. My ability to give instruction feels wimpy. I’d rather tell you about something I found amusing and helpful. So, I’d like to share a couple examples of what working with my editor was like.
I consider myself a word geek sometimes. In the “I-keep-a-giant-unabridged-dictiona~ way. But that does NOT mean that my dictionary-on-steroids will keep me abreast of all the slang that’s out there. I recently discovered a word, scatty, (scatter brained) as I flipped around my biggie-size dictionary and, though it was primarily British Informal usage from a century ago, I thought it fit a certain character well.
My editor suggested I change it, possibly to “scattered” or “scatterbrained.”
I resisted the editor’s snubbing of this word. I thought even though some readers might see it as a reference … [Link]
Building Castles – Kelly Jamieson's Blog » WIPs and Chains
Before I talk about writing, just want to mention that I'm a guest over at Beth Kery's blog. Beth is a fellow Ellora's Cave and Samhain author and we have the same agent, the fabulous Laura Bradford. I'm giving away a download of Rigger there so come on over!
The WIP (I’m calling it Office Wife) is coming along nicely. I’m really trying to keep the momentum up by NOT going back and editing every time I open the document. I seem to have developed this habit and while I know some writers work that way, it doesn’t seem to work well for me. It seems to stall the creative process and I feel I’m using the “editing” as a tool to procrastinate on the actual writing. It used to be that I HAD to get the story out of me – out of my head and onto the screen, which gave me a lot of push to keep going and motivation to finish. I had to find out what was going to happen! Since I started plotting more, I no longer feel that drive to get the story out, I guess because I already know the story and what’s going to happen.
Except I don’t really know what’s going to happen, because when I get writing, things suddenly take a turn I didn’t expect – characters react differently in the moment than I planned. I love that!
In this WIP I’ve got only the bare outline of my story and I … [Link]
Embrace the Shadows » Cover Clash – 01/11/09
Welcome to the first 2010 edition of the Cover Clash! Are you excited? I am. We have some great book covers this week. I wonder who will win the Thorn?
Dawn’s Pick:
What Dawn Says: The cover is sexy, and I love the way the heroine is looking at the hero with her jaw set, making eye contact. It’s like she’s saying “I’m going to rip these pants off you now. what are you going to do about it?” LOL.
Suzanne’s Pick:
What Suzanne says: Once again, Natalie Winters dose a fantastic job. This cover has a dangerous, sexy feel that draws me in. Love the guy with tats in the background. Nice addition.
Amanda’s Pick:
What Amanda says: I just loved the diffusion of blue in this one…I want to make a bedspread out of the background. And the woman looks like trouble. Girl’s Night anyone?
Now it’s your turn. Which one is your favorite?
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Emma Petersen » Music Monday: Soundtrack Edition
Morning Loverlies!
How was everyone’s weekend? Mine was fan-friggin-tastic. Spent time with good friends and at the movies. Daybreakers came out on Friday and you all know how I feel about:
1. Movies.
2. Movies about vampires.
Yes, children, Emma knew she was going to see this movie from the first time I saw the preview. If I could only use one word to describe it, it would be intense. Serioulsy, it was kick assedly intense with the most perfect fucking cast since Interview With A Vampire. Sam Neil was made for this role. He was a vampire. Seriously. He nailed the fucking mannerisms. Willem Dafoe was hilarious and added the perfect amount of comic relief exactly when it was needed.
Ethan Hawke as Edward Dalton : Is this dangerous?
Willem Dafoe as Lionel ‘Elvis’ Cormac: As dangerous as barebacking a $5 dollar hooker.
See, he was fricking hilarious. I won’t give anything else away but I will say this. Daybreakers rocked. It was intense. Violent. And completely kick ass. I’d definitely recommend it.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact the song in the previews (Running Up That Hill by Placebo) wasn’t in the movie as often as I’d like but eh, I can live with that. So in honor of Daybreakers, today’s Music Monday installment is…
Running Up That Hill by Placebo
So enjoy duckies and don’t forget to tell me how your weekend was!
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Crystal Jordan :: Blog » Steamy Reminder
Steampunk Workshop
January 21-23, 2010 at Romance Divas
Featuring:
Zoe Archer
Meljean Brook
Gail Carriger
Sarah A. Hoyt
Katie MacAlister
Dru Pagliassotti
This workshop will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register.
Copyright © 2010 Crystal Jordan :: Blog. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact legal@www.crystaljordan.com so we can take legal action immediately. Plugin by Taragana
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Taste of Kiwi » Tea For Two on Tour: Fortune Telling and Scandal!
My Tea For Two tour continues today with two stops.
The first stop is at I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want The Book Now where I’m talking about scandal. Tiger Woods, anyone?
The second stop is at Alternative-Read.com. I’m discussing tea leaf reading here, an age-old method of fortune telling. Hayley, my heroine in Tea For Two reads tea cups. EDITED: My apologies. I have the date wrong for this one. I’m here on the 13th Jan.
As always, I’m doing a give away at each stop. I’d love to see you there.
And finally, I’m doing a guest spot at The Rainbow Studio blog, The Romance Studio. I’m discussing weddings and Naughtiest Nuptials.
Copyright © 2010 Taste of Kiwi. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact legal@www.shelleymunro.com so we can take legal action immediately. Plugin by Taragana
Related posts: New Print Release Soldier of Fortune Tour Soldier of Fortune Tour & Shopaholic
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Naughty and Spice Blog » Did it live up to the hype?
I finally saw Avatar. The massive, huge, like gotta-see-movie-of-the-year. I enjoyed the hell out of it (though it was so long that my bladder began to feel like a overly full water balloon posed over a needle).
There was so much hype about this movie, like so much. I hate hype, because very rarely does the book/movie/song whatever live up to the standards I’ve built in my head. Avatar came close, but again I think my expectations were huge (I mean the hype was epic!).
The film was gorgeous. Visual eye candy and seeing it in 3D really made me feel like I was right there. But there was also a heaviness in the movie, where the storyline paralleled reality (past/present) a bit. I’m pretty sure I caught some Bush administration lines in there. My lovely friend Ciara put it the best when she said, “Avatar is Pocahontas set on another planet.” And I got out of the movie and went…holy sh*t she’s right! (I read her comment after I saw the movie!).
So even though I loved the movie, it also made me a bit sad. Like…what can we do? History seems to repeat itself again and again. How do we stop it? (I’m trying to be kind of ambiguous in case people haven’t seen it!)
Anyway, how did you like Avatar? I’m curious to hear your thoughts!
Interesting fact I’ve discovered: did you know the chick who played Neytiri (girl above), played Uhura in Star Trek …
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Beyond the Veil » Oh, No She Didn't: When Characters Hide Dark Secrets from Authors
You are probably going to think I'm nuts. I don't blame you. If I wasn't a writer, I'd see a doctor about this. You see, my characters don't just talk to me, that would be somewhat…normal. No, my characters keep secrets FROM me.
Has this ever happened to you?
I was going along writing this story as happy as a clam (before the clam is snatched from it's lovely rock and thrown into a pot of boiling water). I knew the characters, knew where I was going, could see the climax up ahead and the end was just around the corner. Lovely.
Then all of a sudden…BAM!
The main character digs in her heels and slams on the brakes. No way would she go my way.
“What? You can't stop NOW," I told her. "Don't you see the climax? The bright shiny 'The End' sign?"
“No! I won't. I can't go there. I'm scared," she said.
That gave me pause. Sure, there were scary things in the story, it is a paranormal, after all, still…Her fear seemed to come from something else, somewhere else entirely.
“Why are you scared?"
“I can't tell anyone," she whispered.
She had a secret? How was that possible? I created her. The story was mine.
Or was it?
After a lot of prodding, my character gave in and told me that dark secret from her past. The one I, the author, never knew. Not quite the "I used to be a man" sort of reveal, but big.
Oh. My. Gosh.
This changed everything. She was right, she couldn't go … [Link]
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