NaNoWriMo

Well, we are well into November, and I am doing fairly well with NaNo.
I have 17,500 words written and only 32,500 left to go. However, the book I am writing is more than likely going to be around 85,000 words. My goal for the month, is going to be to complete the entire novel.
Wish me luck.
As I have promised, I have several interviews lined up with authors as well as the sexy men who pose on the front of the covers for the books we read. But due to NaNo, I am holding off all interviews until December.
So Stay tuned.

Update

The summer is over, the kids are back in school and the leaves are changing to brilliant hues of orange, yellow and red.

I and two of my friends, Helen Hardt (critique partner) and Rena Marks just returned from Ellora's Cave first ever, Romanticon. We had lots of fun, met several new exciting people and last but not least, got to see and meet all of EC's sexy cover models. They were all very nice and personable.

In the next couple of weeks, I will feature several interviews with some of those men along with authors who discuss their books as well as their new releases. I'll also get the chance to feature the people who work behind the scenes to create the finished package of an author's work. Look for the schedule in the next couple of days.

During my long absence, I entered the Heart of the Rockies contest and won 1st place for the spicy category. The same book that has drawn the interest of several editors who are waiting on the submission package.

This month, I am working on getting submission out the door as well as completing a new novella, all so I will be ready for NaNo in November.

Well, thats all for now,
Tricia

Helen Hardt - Award Winning Author

Today my friend and critique partner, Helen Hardt is visiting my Blog.
Helen, hello and welcome to my blog.

1. Where were you and what were you doing, the first time you knew you were going to write for a professional career?

It seems like I've always known I wanted to write for a career. Actually doing it took a little longer. I still have lots of fears (the biggest is rejection, of course) but I'm in my forties now, so if I'm going to do this, I have to do it. So I got serious a little over two years ago.

2. How many years/manuscripts did you write before getting published?

Nine, but some were novellas and short stories.

3. How many books/novellas are published or contracted under your name(s)?

Seven. Five short stories, one novella, and one novel.

4. How long ago did you write your very first story and what was it about?

My very very first story? First grade. I started writing little stories on those pieces of newsprint the teacher handed out. I've been writing stories since. I started my first novel in eighth grade -- a young adult romance. It will never see the light of day. But the nine manuscripts I mentioned above got written between October 2006 and June 2008, when I got my first contract.

5. Why do you write?

That's the million dollar question, isn't it? Because I don't feel complete if I don't. This drive to write has been a part of my psyche for so long that I'm not sure I can explain it any better than that. Many times I've told myself, "gee, wouldn't life be easier if I didn't have this need to write?" Yes, it definitely would be. Writing is not easy. Not only that, it's fraught with rejection and subjectivity.
So why do we do this again?

Ask any writer. It's a need.

6. Tell me about your latest release and what it is about.

The Outlaw's Angel is a western historical novella which is part of an anthology called Lawmen and Outlaws, released by The Wild Rose Press on June 5. I was lucky to get in this anthology. Though I submitted a synopsis for consideration, it wasn't chosen. Later, one of the authors had to drop out of the anthology due to unforeseen circumstances, and I was asked to take her place.


Tell us about your hero:
The last thing bounty hunter Bobby Morgan expects after a stay in a small Dakota town is to wake up in a dirty jail cell accused of a crime he didn't commit. When a preacher's beautiful daughter provides a means for escape, he takes it. On the run with his feisty hostage, Bobby swears to her he means her no harm.

Here is the blurb:
Naomi Blackburn wants nothing more than to go home to her ma and pa. But her handsome outlaw captor ignites a passion in her that's both frightening and exciting. Can two decidedly different souls come together? Or will misfortunes and Bobby's own doubts keep them apart?
Out of all the heroes I've created (and there have been a lot, LOL) Bobby Morgan is one of my favorites. He's strong and passionate, and a little haunted. He's lived most of his life alone, and he hasn't loved anyone since his mother was taken from him at age ten.

Tell us about your heroine:
Naomi Blackburn is headstrong and intelligent. She's frightened of Bobby at first, but eventually finds that he's not what he seems. She's attracted to his strength, and in getting to know him, she gets to know more about herself as well.

7. Who or what inspired the story?

This story was actually inspired by another historical novella I had in the works at the time. Naomi and Bobby are the parents of that heroine. I've since completed that novella and need to revise it. But Naomi and Bobby's daughter and her Native American hero came first ;). 8. What are you working on now?

Edits, edits, and more edits! I'm also working on two historical novellas, an erotic novella, and a cougar story. I need to polish a few of my longer novels for requests I got at my local chapter conference last month. I need more hours in a day, LOL.

9. How many years did you write just for fun or as a hobby?

During my school years. Once I got into college and law school, there wasn't time. Then I got married and had children. Still no time. I admire moms with small children who write. I don't think I could have done it. I'm being honest when I say I just got back to it a little over two years ago.

10. Are you embarrassed to tell people what you write? Why, or Why not?

No, not at all. Romance is the highest selling genre of fiction and sales are up even in this floundering economy. The theme of romance -- whether it's sweet, spicy, or erotic -- is universal. And who doesn't love a happy ending?

11. Tell me something most people would not know about you and would be surprised to learn?

I used to be a belly dancer. I've actually danced in public at local restaurants.
You and I must talk, I have always waned to learn.

12. How do you create a story?

I'm not sure I have one specific answer to this question. Stories come to me in different ways. For example, The Outlaw's Angel came to me through a story I was writing at the time. If I hadn't answered the call for submissions for the anthology, I may not have come up with it at all. Passion in Paris was inspired by a photo of a hot French actor. Thai'd Up was inspired by its own title. When I came up with that title, I knew there was a story there. Once I have a premise, I might write a synopsis (I did for The Outlaw's Angel because the submissions call required it) but that's not the norm. I don't usually plot unless I get stuck. Then I pull out my W plot board and start brainstorming.

It is amazing how quickly you succeeded at your goal. It gives us all some hope.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and chat us with us today. It was a joy having you.

I already have my copy, I've read her story and it is amazing folks.

Sinful Sunday Delight

In honor of my daughter auditioning for the Twilight- Breaking Dawn, I thought I would feature the new teen heart throb, Robert Pattison. Born, May 13, 1986 in London England.

Amber said the new trailer for twilight - New Moon is sick.

Sitting in Amber's room. So she wishes.

Until next week,

Tricia

I would like to welcome and thank my esteemed friend and critique partner Viola Estrella for agreeing to do this interview for my blog so we can talk about her new release Angel Vindicated.


Viola, tell us a little about Angel Vindicated,

Abby Angel may not enjoy being a law enforcement Angel for Demon Control, a branch of Angels Inc, but she excels at it. Deporting unruly demons back to Hell is her specialty. Her personal life, on the other hand, could use a little work. The virtuous and pristine genes seem to be missing in this particular Angel, getting Abigail in trouble more than she likes to admit. To date, her biggest vice has been Simeon Keller, a half demon/half human, who effortlessly managed to seduce Abigail five years ago. She’s avoided him ever since but she still can’t seem to knock the bad reputation the blunder has branded on her.
Now, the threat of a demon rebellion has Angels, Inc overwhelmed, and Abby must trust Simeon to help her find and deport the fiends who are attempting to destroy earth’s only salvation. Staying out of Simeon’s bed is the least of her worries as she fights for her life and the lives of all Angels and humans everywhere.


Tell us about Abby, your heroine
Abby Angel loves cheesecake, Aerosmith, Monday night football with her best friend, and the taste of Simeon’s mouth. She hates perfection, demons with poor hygiene, flower-scented candles, her middle name, and when the other Angels call her a hussy.

Tell us about Simeon, your hero.
Actually, I’ve got a couple in Angel Vindicated. Simeon is the smooth talking half demon/half human who tempts my heroine like no other. He’s everything she wants and everything she can’t have. Judd is her cute, funny best friend who has commitment issues galore. If he weren’t such a pain in the ass, my heroine would probably fall head over heels.

1. Where were you and what were you doing, the first time you knew you were going to write for a professional career?
I knew writing was my passion when I’d finished the first sentence to my first manuscript. As my fingers hit the keys and a story burgeoned before me, I realized I wouldn’t ever be able to stop. I’d experienced such a surreal satisfaction as I’d brought those characters to life and gave them a world to live in. After that, I was determined to make writing a career.

2. How many years/manuscripts did you write before getting published?
I was writing my sixth manuscript (Angel Vindicated) when I sold my fifth (Bewitching You). It took me about five years to get my first contract.

3. How many books/novellas are published or contracted under your name(s)?
Angel Vindicated (a sexy urban fantasy) is available as an eBook from http://www.cerridwenpress.com/. Bewitching You (a sensual paranormal romance) will be available in print and as an eBook from http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ on October 30th, 2009.

4. How long ago did you write your very first story and what was it about?
Oh boy. My first story was a women’s fiction romance something-or-other titled In Her Mind. It was about a woman’s journey to find herself, happiness, and a hero in the process. LOL! The problems with it were endless – a thin plot, contrived conflict, lots of head hopping, numerous grammatical errors, etc. But, dang, it was so much fun to write.

5. Why do you write?
I write because I’m addicted to typing “The End.” Seriously, I write because I enjoy creating, building, sculpting, and seeing the end product. I love the satisfaction of connecting with a character and giving that character a happy ending. Well, after putting him or her through hell first, of course.

6. Tell me about your latest release. What is it about?
Angel Vindicated is a sexy urban fantasy available now from http://www.cerridwenpress.com/.

7. What are you working on now?
I’m working to promote my upcoming release, Bewitching You, and I’m beginning to brainstorm for the sequel to Angel Vindicated. Should be fun!
Oh, and if you’ve read Angel Vindicated and you’d like to vote for your favorite character, visit me at http://www.violaestrella.com/ or www.myspace.com/violaestrella

I've already downloaded my copy and am anxious to open the first page and dive in. I'm ready to get up close and personal with Abby and Simeon. Thanks again for visiting.


Thanks for having me over to your blog, Tricia! Great to be here.

Goals for the Month of June

1. Send out all requested material no later than 6/12/09

2. Type 40k new words on Gaurdians of the Sacred

3. Finish all edits and revisions for Shroud of Mist's and re-write synopsis

4. Begin edits and revisions for Captured Heart and write a synopsis

5. Type 2k words each day

6. Read 2 novels on the craft of writing - On the Craft, by Stephen King and Self Editing and Revisions by, James Scott Bell.

A Sinful Delight

Chris Pine,

Born August 26, 1980 is an american actor. He has appeared in romantic comedies. The Princess Diaries 2, Royal Engagement, Just My Luck and Smokin Aces. His most notable role to date is that of James T. Kirk In the Sci Fi Star Trek film of 2009.



In the future we get to see more of this handsome, new and upcoming star in more Star Trek films. ;)

Bedroom Eyes

What happened Shatner?

Pine please don't let it happen to you.

Love his Scruffyness. Mmmm...

On Monday I will be featuring my esteemed friend and critique partner Viola Estrella in an interview where we will be talking about her new release. Angel Vindicated. So tune in and hear the two of us talk about a fantastic Urban Fantasy.

Until Monday,

Tricia