My next contest ends tomorrow! So, if you want to put your name in for a ten-dollar gift certificate to Amazon.com, might want to do that soon. Just go to: www.lindakage.com/contest.html to sign up. Only four people have entered so far, so the chances of winning are pretty good.
I'll be back by the end of the week to announce a winner. Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe Fourth of July.
Interview With Author : Monica Martinez
Friday, June 26, 2009
And now, here's a couple words from erotica author, MONICA MARTINEZ.Q: Tell us about your newest story.
A: Tantalizing Erotic Thoughts & Encounters are a series of short stories that involve steamy sex in different places with different couples. Sure to make you all hot and bothered LOL.
Q: What made you chose erotica as your genre?
A: Actually I own an Adult Novelty Company and my clients actually led me back to my passion of writing. I became a sex therapist so to speak and then listening to them tell me different stories. I knew I had to do something with it.
Q: What made you want to be an author?
A: I've always enjoyed writing from a very young age.
Q: How long did you write before selling your first book?
A: I've been writing since I'm twelve but to actually get this book done it took me about 4 months.
Q: What advice can you give aspiring authors?
A: Follow your dreams don't let anyone hold you back.
Q: What's one of the favorite stories you ever read?
A: When I was Puerto Rican written by Esmeralda Santiago
Q: Pizza or salad?
A: Pizza always gotta keep my figure :-)
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Actually I just finished a novel called Caught Up and I'm working on the sequel to it called Full Circle.
Q: How can we get our hands on your books?
A: You can visit my website www.monicamartinez.org it's available there.
Thank you so much, Monica, for letting us learn more about you.
Until Next Time
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I'm not feeling so swell this week. With me, an unstable stomach does not produce a very stable thought process, so I'm fresh out of fresh topics. Not that I'm typically a witty, inventive blogger, but I can't even do mediocre today. Apologies.
Oh, but wait. Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jeffries is out now. Has anyone discovered who Cousin Michael is yet? I haven't. Grr.
Oh, but wait. Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jeffries is out now. Has anyone discovered who Cousin Michael is yet? I haven't. Grr.
Who is Cousin Michael?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The School For Heiresses Series
1. Never Seduce a Scoundrel (Lady Ameila Plume & Major Lucas Winter)
2. Only a Duke Will Do (Louisa North & Simon Tremaine, Duke of Foxmoor)
3. Beware a Scot’s Revenge (Lady Venetia Campbell & Sir Lachlan Ross)
4. Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (Madeline Prescott and Viscount Norcourt)
5. Don’t Bargain with the Devil (Lucinda “Lucy” Seton & Diego Montalvo)
6. Wed Him Before You Bed Him (Charlotte Harris & ___??)
Today, I’m a fan, and Sabrina Jeffries is my star. Her story, Wed Him Before You Bed Him, is the sixth in her School for Heiresses Series. And it’s about to be released in one week on June 23, 2009. But no one knows who the hero’s going to be yet. Well, OK, we Jeffries fans know it’ll be Cousin Michael paired up with Charlotte Harris.
But who is Cousin Michael?
(Warning: Spoiler alert ahead)
All we know for certain is he’s the mysterious benefactor that keeps Charlotte’s school for heiresses running, and the two of them correspond through letters (and we get to read those letter at the beginning of each chapter in all the School for Heiresses stories).
What I like so much about this mystery is that Jeffries hasn’t shown us Charlotte in a close relationship with one or two (or however many other) men, therefore we can’t be truly disappointed when the guy we think should be the hero ends up playing second fiddle. Yet, she throws in just enough clues to make us wonder, “will it be—could it be—him?”
We’re aware Charlotte is friends with Charles Godwin, but we don’t actually get to meet him much. I only remember them having one conversation together (in book 5: Don’t Bargain with the Devil), and there wasn’t any sensual tension anywhere, nor any soul-bonding experiences. So, we’re not given a good enough look at him, or anyone else for that matter, to decide, “it has to be him, oh, it better be him, or I’ll just die.”
So, let’s see if we can unravel the mystery. Another warning: It's been a while since I read books 1 through 4 in the series so I don't remember them so well. Most of my guesses come from book 5.
The story blurb says Cousin Michael is a man she wrongs bad enough to regret it afterward. In offending him, she becomes Mrs. Harris. But it doesn’t say Mr. Harris is the man she wronged or even if he really exists, which makes me wonder in passing, did she create herself a make-believe husband, accumulating a married name in order to change her identity and flee the “cousin Michael” man. Except I don’t know how strong that idea is. In an earlier story, she makes reference that after being married to Jimmy Harris, she had to travel a lot… so, OK, maybe the man really did exist… maybe he could be Cousin Michael.
So, there’s suspect #1: Her supposedly dead husband, Jimmy Harris.
Suspect #2: Charles Godwin. Everyone knows Charlotte is close friends with him. And the tone of their letters does resemble the tone of their one conversation I remember them having. But, my opinion? Nope. Too obvious. And, honestly, that’d make too boring of a story (or maybe not. This is Sabrina Jeffries writing it, after all! The woman can make anything exciting to read).
Plus, if Charlotte wronged Charles long ago, would they still be friends today? Possibly, but I’m still speculative. The story blurb also says “His masquerade began as preparation for a devastating revenge, but soon became a labor of love,” so I’d think if they saw each other face to face, they wouldn’t be on friendly terms—or at least, she’d be a bit more anxious around him. Another fact making me want to say no is that “Cousin Michael” is unable to buy the land next to Charlotte’s school because he has a bad past with the current owner. Charles Godwin strikes me as too congenial and nice a person to have a bad history with anyone. But… I could be wrong… again.
So, we move on to Suspect #3. Lord Stoneville. I’d kind of like it to be him because he comes across the scandalous, rogue type, and I think a story with him as the hero would be full of sensual sin, making it fun and exciting to read.
In book 5, when he surprises everyone by helping Charlotte find her kidnapped teacher, Lucy, it made me think he’s usually a bad boy and probably has a shady history with lots of associates—ergo, he could easily be on bad terms with the landowner of the ground he wishes to purchase. Then, after Charlotte thanks him for his help, he wickedly answers, “Just how grateful are you?” Was that just me, or it did that make anyone else shiver and sigh?
One more reason I suspect it could possibly be Stoneville: He seems to be friends with the Duke of Foxmoor and Viscount Norcourt, who were both heroes in previous books. I say, heroes usually stick together and guy bond. Weak point maybe, but I want to cover everything.
On the other hand, if Charlotte wronged Stoneville in the past and he was mad enough to plan vengeance, wouldn’t she be a bit more apprehensive around him? There was no mention of tension or guilt or any history between them whenever they were in the same room together in book 5…
Then again, other more important events were transpiring, and they were surrounded by so many other people, she really didn’t have the time to reflect on the past.
Another thought I had: Maybe this misdeed she preformed against “Cousin Michael” was something she didn’t think he was aware of her doing. In that case, she might not behave very anxious around this man—whoever he is.
On to suspect # 4 then. Viscount Kirkwood. Actually, I never would’ve suspected this guy. His wife commits suicide in book 5, but we don’t really get to meet him. The teaser on the very last page of book 5, however, claims him as a possible “Cousin Michael” candidate, so… let’s throw him on the list as well.
And just to cover all the bases, we’ll say Suspect #5 is every other available man.
That leaves us with five suspects: Jimmy Harris, Charles Godwin, Lord Stoneville, Lord Kirkwood, and Mr. Unknown.
Whoever he ends up being, I’m anxious to read how Jeffries draws him and Charlotte together. And I’m thankful she didn’t give him too much coverage yet. I think I’ll enjoy meeting him more, now that it’s time for his story.
1. Never Seduce a Scoundrel (Lady Ameila Plume & Major Lucas Winter)
2. Only a Duke Will Do (Louisa North & Simon Tremaine, Duke of Foxmoor)
3. Beware a Scot’s Revenge (Lady Venetia Campbell & Sir Lachlan Ross)
4. Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (Madeline Prescott and Viscount Norcourt)
5. Don’t Bargain with the Devil (Lucinda “Lucy” Seton & Diego Montalvo)
6. Wed Him Before You Bed Him (Charlotte Harris & ___??)
Today, I’m a fan, and Sabrina Jeffries is my star. Her story, Wed Him Before You Bed Him, is the sixth in her School for Heiresses Series. And it’s about to be released in one week on June 23, 2009. But no one knows who the hero’s going to be yet. Well, OK, we Jeffries fans know it’ll be Cousin Michael paired up with Charlotte Harris.
But who is Cousin Michael?
(Warning: Spoiler alert ahead)
All we know for certain is he’s the mysterious benefactor that keeps Charlotte’s school for heiresses running, and the two of them correspond through letters (and we get to read those letter at the beginning of each chapter in all the School for Heiresses stories).
What I like so much about this mystery is that Jeffries hasn’t shown us Charlotte in a close relationship with one or two (or however many other) men, therefore we can’t be truly disappointed when the guy we think should be the hero ends up playing second fiddle. Yet, she throws in just enough clues to make us wonder, “will it be—could it be—him?”
We’re aware Charlotte is friends with Charles Godwin, but we don’t actually get to meet him much. I only remember them having one conversation together (in book 5: Don’t Bargain with the Devil), and there wasn’t any sensual tension anywhere, nor any soul-bonding experiences. So, we’re not given a good enough look at him, or anyone else for that matter, to decide, “it has to be him, oh, it better be him, or I’ll just die.”
So, let’s see if we can unravel the mystery. Another warning: It's been a while since I read books 1 through 4 in the series so I don't remember them so well. Most of my guesses come from book 5.
The story blurb says Cousin Michael is a man she wrongs bad enough to regret it afterward. In offending him, she becomes Mrs. Harris. But it doesn’t say Mr. Harris is the man she wronged or even if he really exists, which makes me wonder in passing, did she create herself a make-believe husband, accumulating a married name in order to change her identity and flee the “cousin Michael” man. Except I don’t know how strong that idea is. In an earlier story, she makes reference that after being married to Jimmy Harris, she had to travel a lot… so, OK, maybe the man really did exist… maybe he could be Cousin Michael.
So, there’s suspect #1: Her supposedly dead husband, Jimmy Harris.
Suspect #2: Charles Godwin. Everyone knows Charlotte is close friends with him. And the tone of their letters does resemble the tone of their one conversation I remember them having. But, my opinion? Nope. Too obvious. And, honestly, that’d make too boring of a story (or maybe not. This is Sabrina Jeffries writing it, after all! The woman can make anything exciting to read).
Plus, if Charlotte wronged Charles long ago, would they still be friends today? Possibly, but I’m still speculative. The story blurb also says “His masquerade began as preparation for a devastating revenge, but soon became a labor of love,” so I’d think if they saw each other face to face, they wouldn’t be on friendly terms—or at least, she’d be a bit more anxious around him. Another fact making me want to say no is that “Cousin Michael” is unable to buy the land next to Charlotte’s school because he has a bad past with the current owner. Charles Godwin strikes me as too congenial and nice a person to have a bad history with anyone. But… I could be wrong… again.
So, we move on to Suspect #3. Lord Stoneville. I’d kind of like it to be him because he comes across the scandalous, rogue type, and I think a story with him as the hero would be full of sensual sin, making it fun and exciting to read.
In book 5, when he surprises everyone by helping Charlotte find her kidnapped teacher, Lucy, it made me think he’s usually a bad boy and probably has a shady history with lots of associates—ergo, he could easily be on bad terms with the landowner of the ground he wishes to purchase. Then, after Charlotte thanks him for his help, he wickedly answers, “Just how grateful are you?” Was that just me, or it did that make anyone else shiver and sigh?
One more reason I suspect it could possibly be Stoneville: He seems to be friends with the Duke of Foxmoor and Viscount Norcourt, who were both heroes in previous books. I say, heroes usually stick together and guy bond. Weak point maybe, but I want to cover everything.
On the other hand, if Charlotte wronged Stoneville in the past and he was mad enough to plan vengeance, wouldn’t she be a bit more apprehensive around him? There was no mention of tension or guilt or any history between them whenever they were in the same room together in book 5…
Then again, other more important events were transpiring, and they were surrounded by so many other people, she really didn’t have the time to reflect on the past.
Another thought I had: Maybe this misdeed she preformed against “Cousin Michael” was something she didn’t think he was aware of her doing. In that case, she might not behave very anxious around this man—whoever he is.
On to suspect # 4 then. Viscount Kirkwood. Actually, I never would’ve suspected this guy. His wife commits suicide in book 5, but we don’t really get to meet him. The teaser on the very last page of book 5, however, claims him as a possible “Cousin Michael” candidate, so… let’s throw him on the list as well.
And just to cover all the bases, we’ll say Suspect #5 is every other available man.
That leaves us with five suspects: Jimmy Harris, Charles Godwin, Lord Stoneville, Lord Kirkwood, and Mr. Unknown.
Whoever he ends up being, I’m anxious to read how Jeffries draws him and Charlotte together. And I’m thankful she didn’t give him too much coverage yet. I think I’ll enjoy meeting him more, now that it’s time for his story.
New Contest
Monday, June 8, 2009
I have lots and lots to tell today!!
First of all:
In celebration of receiving a release date for my book, The Stillburrow Crush (which is coming out FEBRUARY 26, 2010, by the way!), I wanted to have another contest and give away another Amazon Gift Certificate. So, head over to my contest page, http://www.lindakage.com/contest.html, to enter your name in the prize drawing. It lasts until June 30th, so you have plenty of time.
Second:
I went to a writer's retreat this weekend with my Midwest Romance Writer pals (hopefully, we'll have pictures on the website soon). And, wow. So much fun. I learned lots, and not just about writing. I also got to know my fellow chapter members better, and not just what their style of writing is. It really is amazing to bond with people that have a like-minded interest; the support and connection is overwhelming and really inspiring.
Third:
New Moon finally has a movie trailer out. http://www.twilightthemovie.com/ YES! I can't wait until November 2oth. Jacob looks really buff in the video, don't you think? Yum.
First of all:
In celebration of receiving a release date for my book, The Stillburrow Crush (which is coming out FEBRUARY 26, 2010, by the way!), I wanted to have another contest and give away another Amazon Gift Certificate. So, head over to my contest page, http://www.lindakage.com/contest.html, to enter your name in the prize drawing. It lasts until June 30th, so you have plenty of time.
Second:
I went to a writer's retreat this weekend with my Midwest Romance Writer pals (hopefully, we'll have pictures on the website soon). And, wow. So much fun. I learned lots, and not just about writing. I also got to know my fellow chapter members better, and not just what their style of writing is. It really is amazing to bond with people that have a like-minded interest; the support and connection is overwhelming and really inspiring.
Third:
New Moon finally has a movie trailer out. http://www.twilightthemovie.com/ YES! I can't wait until November 2oth. Jacob looks really buff in the video, don't you think? Yum.
How to Fight
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
In a marriage, I like non-verbal arguments best. Sure, they can be just as aggravating and miserable as a good ol’ yelling match, but I think you can have a little more fun with them too since you use actions instead of words.
Take my husband and me, for example. We have this “thing” going with our bathroom countertop. Since moving into our new house, we’ve kept the vanity clear of cosmetics and cleaners. Whenever my husband leaves out sunscreen or the like, I put it back up in his cabinet for him. Well, the other day, I left something out (Yeah, I know. Shame, shame, Linda Kay), and he put it away for me, (in the wrong place, mind you), only to leave THREE of his items out. So, now…. It’s on.
I increasingly wonder if I shouldn’t have majored in Psychology instead of English when I went to college. Authors deal with so many fictitious personalities, they have to figure out what makes each character tick. What are their strengths and weaknesses and how are they going to deal with confrontation? When are they going to pull their punch, and when are they going to hit below the belt? Will they be honest throughout, or will they cheat?
My sister actually came up with an ingenious idea to help me map out internal battle plans for my stories and figure out how I want my characters to fight. She leant me a self-help marriage book called Safe Haven Marriage by Dr. Archibald Hart. The book explains how different people act and react in a fight and why. Of course, then it goes on to teach us how to fight fair, but for a writer, the mere explanation of why and how can be very useful. We know how we ourselves will react in a certain situation, but a counseling book will further explain others’ motives and fears.
So, it makes me wonder: could reading any old marriage book richen the depth of our heroes and heroines? Both deal with strengthening a relationship, so it seems reasonable to me.
What do you think?
Take my husband and me, for example. We have this “thing” going with our bathroom countertop. Since moving into our new house, we’ve kept the vanity clear of cosmetics and cleaners. Whenever my husband leaves out sunscreen or the like, I put it back up in his cabinet for him. Well, the other day, I left something out (Yeah, I know. Shame, shame, Linda Kay), and he put it away for me, (in the wrong place, mind you), only to leave THREE of his items out. So, now…. It’s on.
Confession Time: OK, I admit. I might’ve put it away myself, but I gotta useThe whole ordeal made me think of writing (yeah, imagine that:)). In telling a romance story, a writer has to delve into the dynamics of a relationship between the hero and heroine. You can throw in as many plot twists, plane crashes, psycho stalkers, and surprise babies as you like, but somewhere in there, the two main characters are still going to have internal, emotional differences, whether they be difference of opinion, morals, or objectives. In short, they need to fight. Happily ever afters don’t happen without overcoming their problems first.
this as an example for the rest of my blog, so please work with me here.
I increasingly wonder if I shouldn’t have majored in Psychology instead of English when I went to college. Authors deal with so many fictitious personalities, they have to figure out what makes each character tick. What are their strengths and weaknesses and how are they going to deal with confrontation? When are they going to pull their punch, and when are they going to hit below the belt? Will they be honest throughout, or will they cheat?
My sister actually came up with an ingenious idea to help me map out internal battle plans for my stories and figure out how I want my characters to fight. She leant me a self-help marriage book called Safe Haven Marriage by Dr. Archibald Hart. The book explains how different people act and react in a fight and why. Of course, then it goes on to teach us how to fight fair, but for a writer, the mere explanation of why and how can be very useful. We know how we ourselves will react in a certain situation, but a counseling book will further explain others’ motives and fears.
So, it makes me wonder: could reading any old marriage book richen the depth of our heroes and heroines? Both deal with strengthening a relationship, so it seems reasonable to me.
What do you think?
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