[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Amy] The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. I remember it so well because I was in the first grade and my dad was reading it to me at bedtime. He got about half-way through and then he didn’t show up one night to read me another chapter. I got out of bed and asked him why he hadn’t tucked me in and read to me. He said, “If you want to know what happens, you’re going to have to read it, yourself.”
ARGH! Talk about tough love. Needless to say, I did read it, and it remains one of my favorite books.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Amy] I have lots of favorites, depending upon my mood. At the moment, I’m indulging in a Barbara Michaels binge. But I also love: Shirley Jackson (I always read The Haunting of Hill House at Halloween); Georgette Heyer; P.G. Wodehouse; and H. H. Munro.
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Amy] The first paragraph, which is incidentally also the last paragraph, in The Haunting of Hill House. Hill house had stood for fifty years and might stand for fifty more…
I don’t think I’ve ever read a better, more evocative paragraph in my entire life.
And whatever walks there, walks alone.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Amy] The Antarctic. My husband and I are planning a trip there after we retire. I can’t wait.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Amy] Kitchen. Both my husband and I love to cook. In fact, we’re trying to save money to put in a new kitchen right now!
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Amy] I sew and make a lot of cotton wide-legged slacks. I’m always wearing them because I can move around easily. Those and a T-shirt.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Amy] Food. LOL, I’ll eat just about anything. I do love curried chicken, though.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Amy] Birdwatching. My husband and I are both birders. Or twitchers, depending upon which side of “the pond” you’re on.
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Amy] My current 10-year old car. Sorry, but cars don’t do anything for me except get me from point A to point B. But I’m torn between a real Hummer (not one of those pathetic urban ones) and something like a tank. Something that will get me to the back of beyond without getting stuck in the mud.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Amy] The defunct “Gil Mayo Mysteries”. It was on for a very short time, but I loved every minute of it. I wish it would come on in reruns somewhere or be available as a DVD set.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Amy] Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You don’t have a fever, do you? How about…comedy. I could probably do that as long as someone wrote the material for me. And someone else was able to do the bit on stage.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Amy] I don’t see the point in being invisible. You’re far too likely to hear the truth about yourself and frankly, who wants that? Flying might be nice as it seems practical. No more strip searches at airports and all.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Amy] That you have to walk barefoot in the snow up a hill both freakin’ ways. It never gets easier. In fact, the more you know, the more you know you don’t know anything…so you’re constantly working harder to try to create that story ricocheting around in your head.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Amy] The history of roses. No wait, the historical uses for cyanide. No wait, Captain Barclay…. There’s so much and it’s so much fun, but I really did get absorbed by the history of roses and the development of the Hybrid Tea that we know today.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Amy] Outside. Birdwatching is terrific inspiration for some bizarre reason.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Amy] You have to be mega-quirky to write in the first place. I hope I’m not any weirder that most other writers, but I have the bad feeling that I’m just kidding myself. I actually just sit down and write. Nothing special, I’m afraid. Although I do have a blood-spattered decal on my laptop.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Amy] Interesting characters and lots of unexpected twists.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Amy] I’m about to send a Christmas mystery novella to an editor. After that, I’m hoping to finish up another historical mystery (featuring Pru Barnard and Knighton Gaunt from The Vital Principle) which has been a lot of fun to plot. I’m learning all about mazes and the history of mazes…very interesting.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Amy] I have readers? Oh, yeah, well…. This is a tough one. Most of my readers seem abnormally normal and behave impeccably, so other than a few really nice remarks, I’m afraid there’s no juicy gossip to be had.
[Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
[Amy] he kissed me. It wasn’t until he disappeared down an alley that I realized he’d stolen my wallet and my bra. I’m still trying to figure out the bra thing.
But at least he left me my umbrella.
[Anne] What a fun interview! I love your sense of humor, Amy. Folks, be sure to visit often and post comments throughout the month for a chance to win one of Amy's books. She will give away winner's choice of either The Vital Principle or The Necklace. In either format (ebook or print). If the chosen winner lives outside the U.S. they will receive an ebook.
Amy's Bio:
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes historical and cozy mysteries. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; and her first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come out in 2012 from Five Star.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Book Links
The Vital Principle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
A Rose Before Dying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00557U2QU/
The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCPLP0/
I Bid One American: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASJTLC/
The Necklace: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6D2PC/
Friday, September 30, 2011
And the winner is....
Congratulations, MaryBelle, you're the winner of Janet's drawing!!! I've sent you an email to the address listed. Please reply with the info requested and I'll forward to Janet. Thank you everyone for all your comments this month, and I especially thank Janet for letting us get to know her better.
October's author of the month is Amy Corwin. Do visit often as she shares her wonderful books with us, her journey to publication and writing tips.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Anne
October's author of the month is Amy Corwin. Do visit often as she shares her wonderful books with us, her journey to publication and writing tips.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Anne
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Janet Shares Her Writing Process
Today Janet is going to share her writing process. What inspires her, how she goes about plotting her novels. How she deals with writers block. She'll also share tips for aspiring writers. Take it away, Janet!
What inspires me? Sometimes some very strange things. I've been inspired by books like Bird By Bird, Th Courage To Create and Etymology. I love words and word origins. I've been inspired by Astrology and Music. Also by wonderful fiction books. Sometimes a single sentence, or a sighting of people will inspire me. Writing for me is an obsession so I never know what will trigger an idea. I keep my eyes, ears and other senses open.
Now for the writing process. I'm a draft writer and will do anywhere from five to seven drafts of a story. I begin with the rough draft that's more of an extended outline with scenes sketched in. After this I do drafts looking for specific areas Plot, Characters, and Language. Then I look for things like repeated words. Doesn't it just bother you when you're reading through and you've used one word like it's the only word to describe something? The final draft is just a read through looking for grammar and other errata that might be there. Never catch it all though.
The only time I had a writer's block was when I worked thirteen hour shifts three to four days a week as a nurse. I'm not sure it was a true block but rather exhaustion and also a priming of the pump with not only my emotions but the emotions of the patients I cared for. I would probably write in my sleep.
Now for tips.
1. Finish the book. Do not keep writing the first chapter or first three chapters. You have to reach the end before you know if the beginning is working.
2. Write every day. Even if all you can squeeze out is fifteen minutes, take that time to write. If you could write a hundred or a thousand words a day think of what you would accomplish in a week, a month or a year.
3. Find a good critique partner or a group. I've belonged to the same group for nearly twenty years. The group has changed and people have moved on, many of them to writing careers that have bloomed. Depending on your best friend or a relative may be nice but they may not know how to tell you what's wrong with what you've written.
4. Read and choose many genres for your reading. You can learn from the way the prose flows things that will help you.
5. Observe. No matter where you are of what you're doing use your five senses to absorb the world around you.
What inspires me? Sometimes some very strange things. I've been inspired by books like Bird By Bird, Th Courage To Create and Etymology. I love words and word origins. I've been inspired by Astrology and Music. Also by wonderful fiction books. Sometimes a single sentence, or a sighting of people will inspire me. Writing for me is an obsession so I never know what will trigger an idea. I keep my eyes, ears and other senses open.
Now for the writing process. I'm a draft writer and will do anywhere from five to seven drafts of a story. I begin with the rough draft that's more of an extended outline with scenes sketched in. After this I do drafts looking for specific areas Plot, Characters, and Language. Then I look for things like repeated words. Doesn't it just bother you when you're reading through and you've used one word like it's the only word to describe something? The final draft is just a read through looking for grammar and other errata that might be there. Never catch it all though.
The only time I had a writer's block was when I worked thirteen hour shifts three to four days a week as a nurse. I'm not sure it was a true block but rather exhaustion and also a priming of the pump with not only my emotions but the emotions of the patients I cared for. I would probably write in my sleep.
Now for tips.
1. Finish the book. Do not keep writing the first chapter or first three chapters. You have to reach the end before you know if the beginning is working.
2. Write every day. Even if all you can squeeze out is fifteen minutes, take that time to write. If you could write a hundred or a thousand words a day think of what you would accomplish in a week, a month or a year.
3. Find a good critique partner or a group. I've belonged to the same group for nearly twenty years. The group has changed and people have moved on, many of them to writing careers that have bloomed. Depending on your best friend or a relative may be nice but they may not know how to tell you what's wrong with what you've written.
4. Read and choose many genres for your reading. You can learn from the way the prose flows things that will help you.
5. Observe. No matter where you are of what you're doing use your five senses to absorb the world around you.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
K. Dawn Byrd's New Release Mistaken Identity - Check it out!
Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn't have a chance.
Channing Johnson is everything Eden's ever dreamed of and she can't believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she's overjoyed...until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they're in love.
Eden doesn't know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.
EXCERPT:
We played water volleyball until I was tired, and then we swam a while. I did some laps, glad that I'd lost at least some of the weight I'd put on during the winter. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized I'd swam too close to Channing until I surfaced and found myself almost in his arms. He reached out to steady me, and I stepped forward, attempting to regain my balance.
A shiver tripped over my skin even though the night was warm. My eyes locked with his, and I found myself lost in the mossy depths. He hadn't released me, and his hands were warm on my arms.
We stood there, speechless, drinking in each other in with an odd kind of understanding, an odd feeling that all was well in the world and we were meant to be together. His touch and his gaze were so mesmerizing that I couldn't have looked away if my life depended on it.
"Channing, you ready to go?" called his mother from somewhere across the patio.
The spell was broken. I backed away, hoping our parents hadn't seen the magic that had passed between us. I wasn't sure what my parents would think about my dating a senior if Channing asked me out.
"Good night," I said, turning and diving under the water, my heart beating wildly as what passed between us seemed like a dream, a beautiful, surreal dream.
I surfaced on the other end and watched Channing retreat from the pool. He turned and waved and, just like that, the guy of my dreams, walked right out of my life.
ENDORSEMENTS: While Christian fiction is a popular genre, I think there is a bit of a hole in the Christian young adult genre, and Mistaken Identity does a great job of filling it. Not all teens want to be reading about the kind of romance you seen in books like Twilight, so this is a nice way of not only providing them with an appropriate type of romance, but really giving them something to read about the sounds a lot like the lives they live, and the struggles they face. Bravo for Mistaken Identity, and I hope we see more like this from Byrd. ---Tiffany Harkleroad
A book for parents and teenagers alike, this one deals with important issues as well as having an engaging storyline, loveable characters and enough nail biting moments to keep you rooted to the pages and wondering about the characters after the last page is turned. ---Clare Revell
LINKS:
You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mistaken-Identity-ebook/dp/B0056AT186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315948663&sr=8-1
My Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok
My website: http://www.kdawnbyrd.com/
My blog: http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/
Saturday, September 24, 2011
First Reviews for Renegade Hearts
Sherry @ LoveToReadNovels gave it 5 Tickets!
I knew when I saw the totally awesome cover of Renegade Hearts that I absolutely had to find out the tale within. I was immediately drawn in by the gentle prose of this story. It truly matched the cover with an easy ebb and flow that I just loved! Though it was not an edge-of-your-seat type story I found myself glued to the pages because I became so involved with its true-to-life well-drawn characters. You will fall in love with each one them. Gil was an excellent leading man. I just loved the way he was with Jenny and Zach. (Big sigh!) Jenny is someone to admire. She was strong and independent but reasonable and tender. Zach will steal your heart hands down! He is such a great little man! And Buddy, Gil's Dad, was a total gem! Now don't get me wrong, this did have a mystery to it and as typical with Anne Patrick's stories, you don't find out the whole truth until the end. She always keeps you guessing. I just LOVED Renegade Hearts! It's an easy, feel-good, up-lifting tale you won't want to miss. A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy for my review.
Babs Book Bristo gave it 5 stars!
I loved the characters and the setting. A little bit of a western touch to the romance. The hurdles Jenny has to go through was enlightening. The twists in the book make for a great suspense. The book has a little bit of everything to entice the reader. Another great book I would recommend. Click on Babs link to read the whole review.
Samantha @ Amazon.com gave it 5 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance! The inspirational thread wasn't overbearing, the characters truly endearing. I especially loved Zach. What a kid! Jenny lost her husband a couple of years ago and is still nursing a broken heart. Along comes Gil who is recovering from a war injury that ended a career he loved. In Jenny and Zach he sees a possible new lease on life, but will he be able to win over Jenny with his charm and devotion to her son? You'll have to by the book to find out. I highly recommend it!
Ebook available from the publisher:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing...art/Detail.bok
Christianbook.com
http://www.christianbook.com/Christi...&action=Search
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Renegade-Hearts-ebook/dp/B005MZ8GJU/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/renegade-hearts-anne-patrick/1105618725
I knew when I saw the totally awesome cover of Renegade Hearts that I absolutely had to find out the tale within. I was immediately drawn in by the gentle prose of this story. It truly matched the cover with an easy ebb and flow that I just loved! Though it was not an edge-of-your-seat type story I found myself glued to the pages because I became so involved with its true-to-life well-drawn characters. You will fall in love with each one them. Gil was an excellent leading man. I just loved the way he was with Jenny and Zach. (Big sigh!) Jenny is someone to admire. She was strong and independent but reasonable and tender. Zach will steal your heart hands down! He is such a great little man! And Buddy, Gil's Dad, was a total gem! Now don't get me wrong, this did have a mystery to it and as typical with Anne Patrick's stories, you don't find out the whole truth until the end. She always keeps you guessing. I just LOVED Renegade Hearts! It's an easy, feel-good, up-lifting tale you won't want to miss. A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy for my review.
Babs Book Bristo gave it 5 stars!
I loved the characters and the setting. A little bit of a western touch to the romance. The hurdles Jenny has to go through was enlightening. The twists in the book make for a great suspense. The book has a little bit of everything to entice the reader. Another great book I would recommend. Click on Babs link to read the whole review.
Samantha @ Amazon.com gave it 5 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance! The inspirational thread wasn't overbearing, the characters truly endearing. I especially loved Zach. What a kid! Jenny lost her husband a couple of years ago and is still nursing a broken heart. Along comes Gil who is recovering from a war injury that ended a career he loved. In Jenny and Zach he sees a possible new lease on life, but will he be able to win over Jenny with his charm and devotion to her son? You'll have to by the book to find out. I highly recommend it!
Ebook available from the publisher:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing...art/Detail.bok
Christianbook.com
http://www.christianbook.com/Christi...&action=Search
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Renegade-Hearts-ebook/dp/B005MZ8GJU/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/renegade-hearts-anne-patrick/1105618725
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Janet's Journey to Publication
My journey to publication is rather long and conviluted. In 1962 I was a stay-at home mom staying at home with my first child. I was also rather isolated since my husband was in the Public Health Service and we were living on an Indian reservation. The hospital, council house and houses for the two doctors were there. There was a small town nearby. I've always loved to read and had dabbled in trying to write since my early years but I was kind of a scattered person with many enthusiasms, writing being one. Since the library in the small town was limited and the closest large library was an hour plus trip, I bought books on writing and began reading them and piecing together stories. I was writing for my own pleasure and to keep from being bored.
Finally in 1967 I garnered the courage and sent our a story. Many rejections later, a small magazine bought the story. This was the beginning and I would still be writing short stories but the markets dried up and I received a rejection saying the story sounded like a synopsis for a novel. Thus I set out to learn how to write novels. During a college course when I was debating obtaining a BS in Nursing a professor read some of my dabbles and encouraged me to write some poetry. I followed through on this and saw several poems published. One even earned enough to pay for the postage.
But back to novel writing. In 1972 after a novel being rejected 17 times it sold to the first editor to reject it. Three novels followed and I begin to explore other stories than "sweet" nurse romances. My children grew and college expenses beckoned so I returned to nursing and put writing aside. In 1990 I began fiction writing again. Thanks to Jane Toombs who sold my idea for a novel to her editor I was off and running again.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Renegade Hearts Excerpt
Gil was used to taking orders, even from women. What he wasn't prepared for was the feelings this little firecracker of a woman triggered in him. Jenny is a lot like the bronco she's rescued and is now trying to break. The unexpected death of her husband has left her jaded and afraid to risk her heart getting broken again. Somehow, he has to gain her trust and prove that he isn't going anywhere.
EXCERPT
Gil helped distribute and light all the candles. By the time they were done it was almost as bright as if the lights had never gone out.
"Thanks, guys," Jenny said.
Gil looked over at her. She looked miserable. "How's the pain?"
"It's okay."
It was the answer he had expected. Gil picked up a stack of magazines from a nearby table and moved to one of the chairs. He sorted through the titles of mostly ranching magazines until he found one on sports. The minutes crept by and every now and then they could hear a loud crash. As much as he hated being stuck somewhere where he couldn't see what was going on, he dreaded the moment when they would walk out of the basement. He'd seen on TV the amount of destruction a tornado could produce in the matter of seconds.
"Can I ask you something, Gil?" Jenny asked.
He glanced up from his magazine. "Sure."
"Earlier when we were leaving the barn and the lightning struck, what happened to you?"
He hesitated a moment, not quite sure how to answer her without leaving the impression that he was mentally unstable.
"Did you have some sort of a flashback?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "Loud noises and flashes of light sometime trigger's a memory. But it doesn't happen very often... I mean there's nothing to worry about."
"I wasn't worried, Gil. I was just curious. I'm sorry I brought it up."
He smiled. "Don't be. I didn't mean to sound so defensive. It's just some people, after learning that I was in the war, get a little nervous around me."
"I'm sorry people treat you that way. They shouldn't."
"No. What people don't understand is that when a soldier is in battle they don't have time to think about it, to process it correctly in their minds. So when they get home those memories that have been suppressed sometimes occur when we least expect them."
"That makes sense."
"The trick is to pretend that you're not shaken by them."
"I barely noticed."
"You're not a very good liar."
"No, I don't suppose I am. What happened is perfectly understandable though."
He smiled. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. Now will you stop hogging all the magazines and hand me one of them?"
He smiled as he got up from his chair and handed her all but the one he was looking at.
Ebook available at Desert Breeze Publishing, at Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and most online bookstores.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Janet's Chosen Genres
Since I bill myself as eclectic writer I suppose this means I write in a number of genres. There are some I haven't tried and some I'll never try. I think my writing generally parallels what I like to read and I've been reading since I was three and discovered the joy of the library. So let's see what I do write.
Mysteries and suspense. My mysteries are generally cozy and I do enjoy reading cozy mysteries. There are also those suspense novels. I've written one that's a medical suspense and a second one that deals with hospital politics. I like writing these because when doing them I must have a tight plot and make sure I plant the clues with care.
Fantasies are another area where I love to read. My fantasies range in scope from YA to adult. Many of them can be read by those of any generation and some are strictly adult. I love the way fantasy allows me to stretch my imagination. Fantasy also allows me to use Astrology and my dabbling in ESP and magic to plot the stories.
Now we come to romance and I've written many different kinds of romance from contemporary to historical to fantasy and alternate world. My romances run the gamet from sweet to spicy. Romance has fascinated me since I read Anna Karenina in third grade. Some people say that's not really a romance but since I thought the ending should be changed to a happy one, to me it was. I began writing "sweet nurse" romances because everything I read about writing said to write what you know and I knew nurses and doctors. Since I was a nurse. One reason is that I didn't have to do the heavy research. The facts were at my fingertips.
Once I wrote short stories and that what when I began writing. They were short and easier to plot at that time. I no longer write them because it's hard to rein myself in.
I still toy with poetry and I have had some published but poetry is for the love of words and mostly for myself.
Now we come to non-fiction. I've published four in this area. Three were done as a ghost-writer and the reason was that they paid well and I had the ability to translate doctor words into those the average person could understand. The other was with a friend and was done for the fun and the challenge.
Mysteries and suspense. My mysteries are generally cozy and I do enjoy reading cozy mysteries. There are also those suspense novels. I've written one that's a medical suspense and a second one that deals with hospital politics. I like writing these because when doing them I must have a tight plot and make sure I plant the clues with care.
Fantasies are another area where I love to read. My fantasies range in scope from YA to adult. Many of them can be read by those of any generation and some are strictly adult. I love the way fantasy allows me to stretch my imagination. Fantasy also allows me to use Astrology and my dabbling in ESP and magic to plot the stories.
Now we come to romance and I've written many different kinds of romance from contemporary to historical to fantasy and alternate world. My romances run the gamet from sweet to spicy. Romance has fascinated me since I read Anna Karenina in third grade. Some people say that's not really a romance but since I thought the ending should be changed to a happy one, to me it was. I began writing "sweet nurse" romances because everything I read about writing said to write what you know and I knew nurses and doctors. Since I was a nurse. One reason is that I didn't have to do the heavy research. The facts were at my fingertips.
Once I wrote short stories and that what when I began writing. They were short and easier to plot at that time. I no longer write them because it's hard to rein myself in.
I still toy with poetry and I have had some published but poetry is for the love of words and mostly for myself.
Now we come to non-fiction. I've published four in this area. Three were done as a ghost-writer and the reason was that they paid well and I had the ability to translate doctor words into those the average person could understand. The other was with a friend and was done for the fun and the challenge.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Renegade Hearts Release Party
Come help me celebrate the release of my first ‘sweet’ western romance, Renegade Hearts, Wednesday, September 14th from 6-8pm (CST) at The Sweetest Romance Author's Blog (http://thesweetestromanceauthors.blogspot.com/). During the two-hour party I'll be having half hour drawings. Prizes includes: a PDF copy of Renegade Hearts, a hat, and tee shirt. The final grand prize drawing will include a copy of Renegade Hearts, a $10 gift cert from Amazon, & a PDF copy of my award-winning/best-selling Fire and Ash (or choice of one of my other ebooks). Hope you can join me.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
New Cover and Book Trailer for Renegade Hearts
Remembering September 11, 2001
When I was told, "Terrorists are attacking America," my first thought was that another American Embassy had been bombed. "No. An airliner was crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City."
No way!
I walked into the living room where the TV was turned to CNN. On the screen were the twin towers. Black smoke billowing out of the top of tower one. Within minutes, a large jumbo jet came into view...then a ball of fire ripped through the second tower, followed by huge mushroom clouds of smoke, which rolled upwards into the sky.
I sat numb, horrified, mesmerized by the unbelievable sight. This can't be happening. Not in America! The most powerful and secure nation in the world. Yes, they've bombed our embassy's, shot down or hijacked our planes, and have killed innocent Americans abroad. Never had they reached American soil though. Then I recalled the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the Oklahoma City bombing. How could I have forgotten the innocent lives lost in those horrific events?
I had a feeling this day I would never forget. That today, the images playing on millions of televisions across the world, would be forever embedded in our minds and our hearts.
As the hour unfolded, I watched again in horror and disbelief as NYC's two largest sky-scrappers crumbled to the ground. Burning in it's rubble were thousands upon thousands of innocent victims, including police, firefighters, and emergency personnel who unselfishly rushed into the buildings to help save lives, rescuing those lucky enough to survive the blasts and following infernos.
Minutes crept by. The horror wasn't over. Another plane had crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC. Then yet another plane crashes, this one, however, hadn't made it to it's target. It crashed in a secluded area in Pennsylvania. Later we learned of the brave souls aboard who took their fate into their own hands and sacrificed their lives for others.
For me, September 11, 2001 will be remembered as the day America lost her innocence, no longer fearless and untouchable. Perhaps smug and naive in our freedom we were taught a hard lesson in reality, that others around the world had lived with for years. Millions watched as the second plane crashed into the second tower of the World Trade Center, leaving them numb with disbelief. A total of 2977 people perished that day and America mourned like we never have before. Momentarily stunned by fear and despair.
Out of the ashes came a renewed strength as three firemen raised our country's symbol, the American flag. It brought forth a patriotism that veiled our country in red, white and blue, reunited in part because of the countless stories of bravery during the darkest day in the history of America. From the tales of brave police and fire fighters who rushed into the towers to save lives, to a hand full of brave souls on Flight 93, we were inspired to stand tall and draw together as a nation of brothers and sisters.
On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, I pray for that continued unity and patriotism. I pray for the surviving family members of those who died and give thanks for all those brave souls who risked their lives to save others, and to the men and women serving in our military in the hopes that we never have such another day.
Anne
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Familiar Evil in COTT's Tournament of Champions
In August A Familiar Evil won Clash of the Titles and it will soon go up against sixteen previous COTT champs in eight different mini-Clashes over a four week period. Only ONE will take home The Laurel Award. The first annual Tournament of Champions will take place October 10-November 4, 2011. I can't tell you when my excerpt will be posted during the tournament because I don't know. It's top secret! So be sure to visit every Monday and Wednesday during the tournament to vote for the best excerpt. There will be games and prizes throughout the tournament with all sorts of prizes. The Grand Prize will be 17 Novels! For complete details and a list of the prizes please visit here: http://www.clashofthetitles.com/p/tournament-of-champs.html
In other news -
I got a sneak peak at my cover for Renegade Hearts and it's going to be awesome! What's so special about this one you may be wondering. Well...because of the handsome dark-haired model chosen to portray my hero. I'm sure you will probably recognize him even with his shirt on if you've read very many romance novels :). No it's not Fabio. It's Jimmy Thomas! That's right, Mr. Romance himself, the man who has graced countless covers posed as everything from a spy to a knight and IMHO just as good, if not better, than Fabio. I've been wanting a Jimmy Thomas cover forever and now, thanks to Jenifer Ranieri and Desert Breeze Publishing, I'm getting one. I will be posting the masterpiece as soon as I receive the final version, which will be very soon I hope. In the meantime feast your eyes on the cover of his calendar.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Janet Lane Walters' Henge Betrayed Series
My latest release is The Henge Betrayed -- Quests. This is the third book in the Henge Betrayed series.
Though the now nine friends have found a refuge, as they begin to learn how to use their talents, they realize there are other things needed before they can confront the evil in their land.
The nine divide into three groups.
The first group sets out to find more of the gems that enhance their affinities for the elements. The three must face fears from the past and evade the dom's minions.
The second group sets out to find the remaining talismans and are led to the buried henge in Soutren. They must find a way into the structure beneath the desert sands and fight the vermin they find there.
The third group set out to find the remaining young adults with affinities to complete four quartets. During the search, they discover three of the heirs of the princedoms and stage rescues.
Will they succeed in their quests or will they fall prey to the evil Dom Senet and He Who Walks With Evil?
Since this is the third book of the series I'll tell you a little bit about the other books in the series.
Flight is the first and introduces some of the main characters who are based on my grandchildren in part.
"We’ve been betrayed." Those words spoken by the Dom and Doma of the Wesren henge awaken their four children—two sets of male-female twins.
Each child has an affinity for one of the four elements—earth, air, fire and earth. In secret, the young teens flee their home to seek a place of safety and teachers to hone their control. They use their emerging talents in ways they never imagined.
Will their quest succeed or will they become pawns of He Who Walks In Darkness?
Refuge is the second book.
The adventure begun in Flight continues. Ash, Bran, Ky, and Jay, led by the mysterious birds they believe are their parents, find refuge with a doma while they await the arrival of their friend, Zand.
The doma plans to take them to safety in the highlands but news of the capture of two friends by "He who walks with evil" sends them on a rescue mission.
They soon realize their powers are not strong enough to defeat the evil dom, but they must find a way to succeed, or risk seeing their friends corrupted forever.
There will be a fourth book in the future called Confrontations.
Though the now nine friends have found a refuge, as they begin to learn how to use their talents, they realize there are other things needed before they can confront the evil in their land.
The nine divide into three groups.
The first group sets out to find more of the gems that enhance their affinities for the elements. The three must face fears from the past and evade the dom's minions.
The second group sets out to find the remaining talismans and are led to the buried henge in Soutren. They must find a way into the structure beneath the desert sands and fight the vermin they find there.
The third group set out to find the remaining young adults with affinities to complete four quartets. During the search, they discover three of the heirs of the princedoms and stage rescues.
Will they succeed in their quests or will they fall prey to the evil Dom Senet and He Who Walks With Evil?
Since this is the third book of the series I'll tell you a little bit about the other books in the series.
Flight is the first and introduces some of the main characters who are based on my grandchildren in part.
"We’ve been betrayed." Those words spoken by the Dom and Doma of the Wesren henge awaken their four children—two sets of male-female twins.
Each child has an affinity for one of the four elements—earth, air, fire and earth. In secret, the young teens flee their home to seek a place of safety and teachers to hone their control. They use their emerging talents in ways they never imagined.
Will their quest succeed or will they become pawns of He Who Walks In Darkness?
Refuge is the second book.
The adventure begun in Flight continues. Ash, Bran, Ky, and Jay, led by the mysterious birds they believe are their parents, find refuge with a doma while they await the arrival of their friend, Zand.
The doma plans to take them to safety in the highlands but news of the capture of two friends by "He who walks with evil" sends them on a rescue mission.
They soon realize their powers are not strong enough to defeat the evil dom, but they must find a way to succeed, or risk seeing their friends corrupted forever.
There will be a fourth book in the future called Confrontations.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Meet Author of the Month Janet Lane Walters
Thanks for joining me this month, Janet. I hope you enjoy the experience. We look forward to learning more about you and your works. Let's begin with Janet's Q&A, followed by her Bio.
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Janet] As a child I was a early reader and soon went through the children's section of the library. The first book that made an impression on me was Anna Karenina. I read this in third grade and still have problems with wanting to change the ending. Her death was so senseless.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Janet] Problem is that I have too many favorite authors. I enjoy Dick Francis, Tony Hillerman, Jane Austin, Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney, Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton, Marian Zimmer Bradley, Jane Toombs, Ann McCaffrey, James Rollins and those are just a few.
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Janet] Someone asked the same question the other day and it was The Rake by Mary Jo Putney. Couldn't pick a particular scene because in the number of times I've re-read this book, it's sort of become a gestalt.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Janet] Because four of my grandchildren live in Palm Beach, Fl. this is my favorite place to vacation. Don't see them often enough. If it was a dream trip it would be Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Janet] A custom kitchen. I enjoy cooking, especially baking.
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Janet] Saturday and the clothes are much like every other day. Slacks and a tee shirt, socks and no shoes. Except in the winter when it's a sweatshirt and slippers.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Janet] Depends on the season as to what I enjoy but I'd say chicken fajitas most of the time along with a nice salad.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Janet] Spending time with my grandchildren, now have seven, reading and listening to classical music.
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Janet] None of the above I'll stick to my Prius not into cars that tear up the roads or the environment.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Janet] Not a movie person. The last one I saw was the last segment of The Lord of the Rings. Now television is another matter. Love all the crime shows and watch for about 2 hours every night. Maybe this year Covert Affairs was preferred for summer. Love Criminal Minds in the winter.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Janet] At my age I wouldn't be doing much in the talent area but years ago a friend and I were a dance team in high school and performed for several years.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Janet] I think I would rather fly since then I could go the places I want to go with little trouble and not have to worry about my new knees setting off the alarms and being patted down.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Janet] Learning to stretch my imagination and being able to write things I never thought I could. Sweet nurse romances were my beginning but I soon learned how to move into other genres.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Janet] Most of my research has been from reading books and using the internet. I would imagine the most interesting was talking to a forensic psychiatrist while writing "Obsession." He kept me on target with the villain.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Janet] Finding inspiration isn't hard. All I need is paper, pen and my recliner and I'm good to go.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Janet] Quirks, not really but I must have a fine line pen and college ruled paper. Guess that might be considered strange by those who compose on the computer.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Janet] For me a good story must have both a plot and the characters that fit the story. I also like the background, any information and descriptions woven in bit by bit rather than huge lumps.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Janet] At present, I'm working on a story called The Chosen of Horu, part of a trilogy using an alternate ancient Egypt. The Warrior of Bast was the first and there will be a third one of these days. I really love exploring Egypt and deciding what to change about the culture. One was giving three gods Bast, Horu and Toth, rather than the plethora found there. Another was getting camels there thousands of years before they appeared.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Janet] Probably one of the most interesting was at a book signing when a woman asked me for the titles of every book I'd written with nurses in them. She was a nurse and collected novels about nurses. She brought several of mine written in the 1970s to be autographed. This was in 1996.
Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
he gasped and fell at my feet. I knelt and saw the blood. Who had done this? I looked around to see if anyone approached. Carefully I examined the wounds and did what I could to stop the bleeding. "Let me call for help."
"No. Help me." With those words he fell into unconsciousness.
I struggled to get him into my car. As I drove away I wondered who he was and what danger I had stepped into.
Janet's Bio-
From the publication of her first short story in 1968, Janet Lane Walter was bitten by the writing bug. Then one day one of her short stories was returned with a note from the editor. "This sounds like the synopsis for a novel." She set out to learn the rudiments of novel writing. Thirty five or so novels later, she's still as her granddaughter once said " Grandma's making words." Janet took some time out to pursue her alternate career -- Nursing and worked until her four children finished their education. Also during those hectic years she earned a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. She's the proud grandmother of seven ranging in age from 3 to 23. She lives in the scenic Hudson River Valley with her husband of 52 years. He's a psychiatrist and refuses to cure her obsession with writing. Janet's reading and writing habits are eclectic. She's published in romance, from sweet to sensual, from contemporary to fantasy and alternate world stories. She's also written cozy mysteries, suspense and fantasy for YA and adults. Several non-fiction books are on her shelf, one an EPIC aware winner written with her friend Jane Toombs. She's a member of EPIC, Broad Universe and RWA.
Don't really have a web site. Usually send the curious to Jewels of the Quill, Dame Amber but I do have an active blog. http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Janet] As a child I was a early reader and soon went through the children's section of the library. The first book that made an impression on me was Anna Karenina. I read this in third grade and still have problems with wanting to change the ending. Her death was so senseless.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Janet] Problem is that I have too many favorite authors. I enjoy Dick Francis, Tony Hillerman, Jane Austin, Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney, Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton, Marian Zimmer Bradley, Jane Toombs, Ann McCaffrey, James Rollins and those are just a few.
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Janet] Someone asked the same question the other day and it was The Rake by Mary Jo Putney. Couldn't pick a particular scene because in the number of times I've re-read this book, it's sort of become a gestalt.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Janet] Because four of my grandchildren live in Palm Beach, Fl. this is my favorite place to vacation. Don't see them often enough. If it was a dream trip it would be Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Janet] A custom kitchen. I enjoy cooking, especially baking.
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Janet] Saturday and the clothes are much like every other day. Slacks and a tee shirt, socks and no shoes. Except in the winter when it's a sweatshirt and slippers.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Janet] Depends on the season as to what I enjoy but I'd say chicken fajitas most of the time along with a nice salad.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Janet] Spending time with my grandchildren, now have seven, reading and listening to classical music.
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Janet] None of the above I'll stick to my Prius not into cars that tear up the roads or the environment.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Janet] Not a movie person. The last one I saw was the last segment of The Lord of the Rings. Now television is another matter. Love all the crime shows and watch for about 2 hours every night. Maybe this year Covert Affairs was preferred for summer. Love Criminal Minds in the winter.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Janet] At my age I wouldn't be doing much in the talent area but years ago a friend and I were a dance team in high school and performed for several years.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Janet] I think I would rather fly since then I could go the places I want to go with little trouble and not have to worry about my new knees setting off the alarms and being patted down.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Janet] Learning to stretch my imagination and being able to write things I never thought I could. Sweet nurse romances were my beginning but I soon learned how to move into other genres.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Janet] Most of my research has been from reading books and using the internet. I would imagine the most interesting was talking to a forensic psychiatrist while writing "Obsession." He kept me on target with the villain.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Janet] Finding inspiration isn't hard. All I need is paper, pen and my recliner and I'm good to go.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Janet] Quirks, not really but I must have a fine line pen and college ruled paper. Guess that might be considered strange by those who compose on the computer.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Janet] For me a good story must have both a plot and the characters that fit the story. I also like the background, any information and descriptions woven in bit by bit rather than huge lumps.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Janet] At present, I'm working on a story called The Chosen of Horu, part of a trilogy using an alternate ancient Egypt. The Warrior of Bast was the first and there will be a third one of these days. I really love exploring Egypt and deciding what to change about the culture. One was giving three gods Bast, Horu and Toth, rather than the plethora found there. Another was getting camels there thousands of years before they appeared.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Janet] Probably one of the most interesting was at a book signing when a woman asked me for the titles of every book I'd written with nurses in them. She was a nurse and collected novels about nurses. She brought several of mine written in the 1970s to be autographed. This was in 1996.
Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
he gasped and fell at my feet. I knelt and saw the blood. Who had done this? I looked around to see if anyone approached. Carefully I examined the wounds and did what I could to stop the bleeding. "Let me call for help."
"No. Help me." With those words he fell into unconsciousness.
I struggled to get him into my car. As I drove away I wondered who he was and what danger I had stepped into.
Janet's Bio-
From the publication of her first short story in 1968, Janet Lane Walter was bitten by the writing bug. Then one day one of her short stories was returned with a note from the editor. "This sounds like the synopsis for a novel." She set out to learn the rudiments of novel writing. Thirty five or so novels later, she's still as her granddaughter once said " Grandma's making words." Janet took some time out to pursue her alternate career -- Nursing and worked until her four children finished their education. Also during those hectic years she earned a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. She's the proud grandmother of seven ranging in age from 3 to 23. She lives in the scenic Hudson River Valley with her husband of 52 years. He's a psychiatrist and refuses to cure her obsession with writing. Janet's reading and writing habits are eclectic. She's published in romance, from sweet to sensual, from contemporary to fantasy and alternate world stories. She's also written cozy mysteries, suspense and fantasy for YA and adults. Several non-fiction books are on her shelf, one an EPIC aware winner written with her friend Jane Toombs. She's a member of EPIC, Broad Universe and RWA.
Don't really have a web site. Usually send the curious to Jewels of the Quill, Dame Amber but I do have an active blog. http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/
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