Download a FREE Anne K. Albert 2011 Novel Sampler from All Romance Ebooks.Please, feel free to "Like" it if you're on Facebook, and share it with your friends and family.
Happy Reading!
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Free Anne K. Albert Novel Sampler
Download a FREE Anne K. Albert 2011 Novel Sampler from All Romance Ebooks.Please, feel free to "Like" it if you're on Facebook, and share it with your friends and family.
Happy Reading!
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Marja McGraw's Bogey Nights
It’s week #6 of the 2011 Mystery We WriteBlog Tour and my guest today is Marja McGraw.
Marja was born and raised in Southern California . Her family traces back to the 1850s, so she believes that makes her a true Californian! She worked in both criminal and civil law enforcement for several years. Relocated to northern Nevada Oregon Wasilla , Alaska Nevada Arizona
Anne - Tell us a something about yourself that you would normally only share with close friends.
Marja - I’d mention an obsession for chocolate, but I alluded to that in a blog I wrote in March. So I’ll take it a step farther. For the most part, if something is sweet, I’ll probably eat it. From chocolate chip cookies (a staple in my house) to cream puffs, and most things in between, if someone wants to make me happy, just wave sugar under my nose.
Anne - That's my weakness, too. Let's get together for some sugary treats!! When did you first realize you were destined to be an author?
Marja - Okay, I’m laughing. I’m still waiting to find out if writing is my destiny, even after seven books (one of which I’d rather forget).
Anne - What one or two lines best sums you up as an author?
Marja - Book, book, book, book, book. My husband says that when I have a faraway look in my eyes, he knows I’m either thinking about writing or reading. He’s right; my first love is books.
Anne - Tell us about your most recent release.
Marja - Bogey Nights – A Bogey Man Mystery, was released in March, 2011. This is the first book in a new series about Chris Cross, who bears a striking resemblance to Humphrey Bogart, and his wife, Pamela, who are about to learn that a seven-year-old son, two Labrador retrievers and seniors are all forces to be reckoned with in the course of this case.
You know your day has taken a turn for the worse when you buy a vintage house to convert into a restaurant, and your two yellow Labrador retrievers find a vintage body buried in the basement.
Chris and Pamela Cross lose their forties-themed restaurant to a fire. After buying a 1920s brick house to convert into a new restaurant, their Labs discover a body buried in the basement that’s rested there since 1942. Because of Chris’ notoriety from a case he was involved in earlier, the victim’s family approaches him and asks him and his wife to find out what happened all those years ago.
In the forties, when the victim was killed, the old home was used as a boarding house. There are plenty of suspects and twists and turns in this story.
Anne - Sounds like my kind of mystery! Is there a message in Bogey Nights that you want readers to grasp?
Marja - I believe there are a few messages to be found in the story; however, it’s for entertainment more than anything else. The reader will take away the parts that they can relate to, or that touch their hearts or make them smile. The Crosses are not your typical, everyday family.
Anne - How long does it take you to write a book?
Marja - Depending on distractions, it usually takes from six to nine months. I generally work for about six hours a day, seven days a week. If I’m away from the current story for too long, I tend to lose track of details. When I start any kind of project, I keep at it until it’s done. Getting started or motivated is the difficult part.Anne - Of all the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart? Why?
Marja - Wow! I really had to think about this question. All of the characters are special to me in one way or another, but I guess the one I hold closest would be Dolly, Sandi Webster’s elderly neighbor (The Sandi Webster Mysteries). While she’s nothing like my grandmother was, she was still inspired by her. I think in some ways she represents all the smart and funny seniors I’ve known in my lifetime.
Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Marja - I can’t stick to an outline, and I’m always afraid I’ll lose my way before the end of the book. (That’s something I don’t generally share with anyone.)
Anne - What makes you cry? Laugh? Lose your temper?
Marja - I don’t cry easily, but when something strikes me as touching, I can cry like a baby. I’m not a slapstick type of person, but when the unexpected happens and it’s slapstick I can laugh until I cry – like when someone walks into a wall. Injustice makes me angry.
Anne - Quick. Your five favorites – author, actor, movie, song, quote.
Marja -
Author – Harper Lee and any author who can make me laugh.
Actor – Toss up – Katharine Hepburn, and I’ll watch anything Denzel Washington is in.
Movie – The King and I (and I’m not a huge fan of musicals)
Song – No one favorite, but I enjoy 1940s music, oldies and anything “cool”, like Bad to the Bone
Quote – All things are possible (The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. – Luke 18:27)
Anne – Where can readers find you online?
Marja - At my website, and my blog. For a complete list of my books they can visit Amazon or Oak Tree Press. They are also available through any bookstore.
Thank you so much for letting me visit your site, Anne. It’s been a pleasure “talking” with you.
Anne – It’s been such fun, Marja. Btw, I’ll be adding Bogey Nights and your other books to my TBR list!
Participating authors in the 2011 MYSTERY WE WRITE BLOG TOUR are: Beth Anderson, Pat Browning, Sharon Ervin, Jackie King, Mary Martinez, Marja McGraw, Jean Henry Mead, Marilyn Meredith, Jennifer Di Camillo, Vivian Zabel, and your's truly, Anne K. Albert.* * *
Author Promotion 101
Self-promotion and marketing has for the most part been dumped onto the laps of all but a few mega known authors. If you happen to be in that category, and are continually in the top ten on best sellers lists, thanks for dropping by my little corner of the blogosphere. And PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE leave a comment! Otherwise, who will know you were ever here?!
If you're not in that prestigious group, you're not alone. If pressed, even the most reclusive of writers will admit self promotion is important, even necessary for their career, but it can also be scary, overwhelming and a real energy sucker.
I don't have all of the answers. Hey, I don't claim to have a single foolproof answer on how it should be done, but a very wise woman once told me marketing and self-promotion is a marathon, not a sprint.
That's good to know. The bottom line is authors gain readers one by one. Book by book. Word of mouth, whether the old-fashioned way or online, works.
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Are you an author? Do you have a book to promote?
I'd love to interview you and talk about your book(s).
Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com
Mention “Request AKA blog feature” in the subject line.
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Mystery We Write Blog Tour - Wk#6
Find out at Mysterious Writers blog. See you there!
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The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award (times ten)
The fun part about blogging is all the people one meets along the way. Reader, writer or both, I'm so glad to have met these fascinating individuals. They really do make the world go round! Elaine Cantrell was kind enough to award my blog with The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Thank you, Elaine! I'm honored to receive it.
As with everything, of course, there are rules and stipulations.
The rules of this award are:
(1) Link the person who sent it to you. ~ Thank you, Elaine!
(2) List seven random facts about yourself. Okay. Mine are:
1. I find mountains claustrophobic and break into a sweat when forced to drive their winding passes.
3. My idea of a day at the beach is lying a recliner, in the shade, with a good book.
4. 3 cups of black coffee gets me going each morning.
5. I could be a nomad. I love to discover new people, places and things.
6. I love chocolate, but it has to be milk chocolate. (Dark chocolate? Yuck.)
7. I love folding warm towels fresh out of the dryer. Weird, huh?!
(3) Pass this award on to ten (10) awesome blogger buddies.
1. Beth Anderson
2. Pat Browning
3. Sharon Ervin
4. Jackie King5. Mary Martinez
6. Marja McGraw
7. Jean Henry Mead
8. Marilyn Meredith
9. Jennifer Di Camillo
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C. N. Bring & The Celia Kelly Series
My guest today is author C. N. Bring. CN lives in Anne - It’s super to have you drop by today, C.N. Tell us a something about yourself that you would normally only share with close friends.
C. N. - I don’t like animals in the house and I’m a clean freak.
Anne – When did you first realize you were destined to be an author?
C. N. - I began writing ten to fifteen years ago. My husband was working away from home and I decided to fill my time after kids went to bed.
Anne - What one or two lines best sums you up as an author? (tagline)
C. N. - I’m a mystery, suspense writer.
Anne – My two favorite genres in the entire world! What activity (cause, charity, organization) consumes your time when you’re away from the keyboard?
C. N. - I am a part of CMA Christian Motorcyclists Association with my husband and my middle daughter has Lupus.
Anne – Tell us about your most recent release.
C. N. - The newest in the Celia Kelly Series is THE TRUTH...
Terrorism hits close to home killing the President’s wife, youngest daughter, and leaving his oldest daughter paralyzed when a bomb goes off in Washington , D.C.
Anne - Is there a message in THE TRUTH you want readers to grasp?
C. N. - The entire series has an unlined subtle message. The main Character is a person of faith and no matter what she encounters or what dangers she faces her faith gets her through.
Anne - Do you have a fear, phobia, or habit you’d rather no one knew about?
C. N. - I write about Navy SEALs and I don’t swim.
Anne – Now, that is fascinating! What one how-to write book is a must on your bookshelf? Why?
C. N. - The few how-to-write books I have, honestly, I haven’t read. Most of the books I grab are research in forensics, military weapons and investigation, etc. That is what I have more of and use in my library.
Anne –I often write while sitting in my car. Parked. In my driveway! I call it my “cone of silence”. My very own writer’s cocoon, if you will. Do you have a unique place to write? Tell us about it.
C. N. - Late evening, sitting in bed, is when I come up with ideas, story lines and exchanges between characters. I write it out long hand with notes.
Anne - How long does it take you to write a book?
C. N. - It takes about nine to ten months to complete a book.
Anne - Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!
C. N. - It is constantly evolving. My dream is to have my office in the library. Writing a book surrounded by books.
Anne - How long did your journey from wannabe writer to published author take?
C. N. - Fifteen years.
Anne - How many rejections did you acquire along the way? What kept you going?C. N. - Although I haven’t counted them, I kept every one and it is a very large file. I kept them because some publishers like some elements of my work and gave advice, so as I went forward I tried to keep things in perspective and use what was relevant to my work for improvement.
Anne - If you could just snap your fingers and go, where would you visit, return to, or move? Why?
C. N. - I’d love to visit places I’ve written about, such as the
Anne - How many books have you written to date? Are you most proud of one in particular? If so, why?
C. N. - Four. Three books to date in The Celia Kelly Series and the first book in The Jack Sleuth Series I’ve created for youth.
Anne - Of all the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart? Why?
C. N. - I like the steadfast glue of Celia Kelly and SEAL James Elliot, and I have fun with the comic relief of secretary Gwen Sherwood and SEAL Jack McDonald.
Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?
C. N. - Love the writing, still taken back by the marketing. Marketing seems to take away from time I could spend writing.
Anne – I agree. It takes so much time away from writing. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself from your writing?
C. N. - That with each adventure I open myself up to a whole new world of learning, growing and evolving.
Anne - Any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?
C. N. - Keep writing...don’t give up.
Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?
C. N. - My thirty years with my husband and our four children and three grandchildren. That’s been the most amazing adventure of all!
Anne - Where can readers find you online?
Anne – What questions would you like readers to consider and comment on for chance to win a copy of your book?
C. N. – Please answer the following: Do you know the SEALs nickname? Do you know what the invisible SEAL Team Six is called? Celia Kelly’s husband was also in the Navy, what was his job?
Anne – Super questions. The winner will be contacted later next week.
Thanks so much for visiting today, C. N. I wish you every success with The Celia Kelly and Jack Sleuth Series. Happy writing!
Thanks so much for visiting today, C. N. I wish you every success with The Celia Kelly and Jack Sleuth Series. Happy writing!
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Are you an author? Do you have a book to promote?
I’d love to interview you!
Please email me at annekalbert AT gmail DOT com
Mention “AKA Blog Interview” in the subject line.
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Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop
Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. It’s great to take part in the Midsummer’s EveGiveaway Hop. I’m # 111 on the blog hop list.
Thanks to Kathy Habel at I Am A Reader, Not a Writer for organizing this event. It’s a fun way to connect with other readers, authors and bloggers, and with more than 250 participants in this event alone, fun times are a given!
I’m giving away an e-copy of
FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL
first book of my Muriel Reeves Mysteries.
Set the week before Christmas when the stress of the holidays is enough to frazzle anyone’s nerves, tensions increase when a close friend begs Muriel to team up with a sexy private investigator to find a missing woman. Forced to deal with an embezzler, kidnapper, and femme fatale is bad enough, but add Muriel’s zany yet loveable family to the mix and their desire to win the D-DAY (Death Defying Act of the Year) Award, and the situation can only get worse.
I’m very proud of this mystery. Frank, Incense and Muriel received 5 stars and a Top Pick from NightOwl Reviews. It is also the recipient of the 2011 Holt Medallion Award of Merit.
To enter your name in the giveaway draw:
(1) become a follower,and
(2) leave a comment along with your email addy.
(2) leave a comment along with your email addy.
That’s it. Easy-peasy! I’ll announce the winner at the end of June.
Enjoy the rest of the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop, and happy reading!
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Classic Murder: Mr. Romance
Welcome to another author interview, a weekly feature of the 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour. My guest today is Mary Martinez. Anne - What activity (cause, charity, organization) consumes your time when you’re away from the keyboard, Mary?
Mary - I have two main charities. Cancer and MS. Each year we, meaning me and my husband, are team captain for the Local Relay for Life. Sadly, I have known many friends and family who have had cancer; most of them have lost their battle. My best friend since we were pre-teens, passed away last summer.
I also have a dear friend who has MS. She has three girls, and she doesn’t let the disease slow her down. Right now, I am a cyber team captain for the Salt Lake City , MS
I do try to support others, I always check out Brenda Novak’s Diabetes auction in May, and there are many others.
Anne – It sounds as if you do far more than ‘try’, Mary! Tell us about your most recent release.
Classic Murder: Mr. RomanceMary - Adam enjoys a lifestyle most men only dream of. Then one day he wakes up to find the morning headlines blaring, "Another victim falls prey to Mr. Romance. Who is next?" He suddenly realizes his way of life is not only frivolous, but deadly.
Dubbed Mr. Romance by New York
Adam’s assistant, Katie Sinclair, knows Adam is innocent with airtight alibis. The police are at a loss so Adam and Katie work together to discover the link between the murders. As luck would have it, their plan to prove the murderer is copying classic Cary Grant movies goes astray just as Adam realizes his perfect woman has been by his side all along.
Anne – So many authors also have a trailer for their book. Do you?
Mary – Yes! See the video, and reviews, and read an excerpt at: http://www.marymartinez.com/mrromance.html#video
Buy links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
Here’s an Excerpt:
"Would you like to come up for a drink?" Katie asked and then hiccupped loudly. Placing a hand over her mouth, she looked around. Adam watched her cheeks pinken with embarrassment. Then another giggle escaped. God, she's cute.
"Come on, Katie. Let's go to your apartment and get you ready for bed."
"Okay, I think you can walk to your apartment. Come on."
Adam was glad they didn't have to take the stairs. He would have had to pick her up and carry her. Not that it wasn't a tempting idea, but he was having a hard enough time controlling himself without the added temptation. At her apartment, he kept one arm around her waist and half propped her against the wall. He waited while she fumbled in her miniscule silver purse for her key. Then he unlocked the door.
Katie straightened up and looked up at Adam. Adam watched as she started to lean to the side, he hurried to place a steadying hand out, but before he could, she started to teeter the other way. He finally grabbed her by the shoulders. Walking her backwards until they reached the side of the building, he propped her up against the brick. He leaned down and took the ridiculously high-heeled shoes off her feet, one at a time. Shoes in hand, he stood up.
"In you go, Katie. Now which way to your bedroom?" Adam asked.
Before she could answer, Oscar barked from the kitchen where Katie had left him for the evening. First things, first; someone had to take care of the poor dog and then he could deal with Katie. He led her to the sofa, helped her sit and smiled at the silly grin she had on her face.
Standing at the door, Oscar waiting to be let out, Adam looked at Katie. “I’m talking the dog for a walk. Will you be all right?”
Katie blinked and her head rolled to the side to look at him. She grinned wider, then hiccupped. “Yup.”
Adam sighed. He couldn’t just let the dog out; he had to be on a leash. Hoping she stayed on the couch, he let himself and Oscar out.
When Adam let himself back into the apartment a few minutes later, Katie was still sitting where he had left her. Her eyes closed and the same silly grin spread across her face. He walked over and, as his face came level with hers, her eyes popped open and her hand came up quickly. Before Adam knew what was happening, she’d put her hand to the back of his head and pulled him in. Her warm lips locked with his. Desire shot through his body.
Reminding himself that she wouldn't remember it in the morning, he forced himself to pull away gently. Taking both her hands, he pulled her to her feet, where she slightly swayed.
"Okay, now again, which way to your bedroom?"
"That wa…" She pointed in the direction of the hall and she quietly melted to the floor.
Anne – Wow! Talk about ending with a hook! I can’t wait to read more. Do you have a fear, phobia, or habit you’d rather no one knew about? Mary - Needles, yup even the thought sends a cold chill down my spine. No, I’m now a wimp, I actually have a pretty high tolerance for pain. It’s unexplainable. I even had all my kiddo’s natural just so I wouldn’t have to have the cervical block. Of course, it hadn’t helped that the nurse walked in holding that LONG needle in plain view and asked if I was ready. I told her where to go—in a nice way.
Even now, if I know I’m having a shot, I stress to the point of making myself sick a week prior. And then it’s nothing, maybe a pinch.
Anne –What one how-to write book is a must on your bookshelf? Why?
Mary - Stephen King’s On-Writing. It read more like a novel than a how-to book. I have a short attention span when it comes to reading. If it doesn’t have a hook and the plot doesn’t sweep me along, then they’ve lost me. And though educational books are a must, most the time I fall asleep before I can learn anything. Stephen King’s book kept me turning the pages and I learned a lot.
Anne – How long does it take you to write a book?
Mary - When I’m not working full time at a day job, I can spit one out in 6 weeks. However, I’m a panster, so then the real work begins. Editing, filling in the week spots, rounding out the story. That can take a few months.
Anne - Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!
Mary - I have a nice office space, a former bedroom, all to myself. I have an L-shaped desk that holds my desktop, actually two large desktops, my pictures, printer, etc. It has a hutch for me to store things on. I keep it mostly clutter free.
The reason I have two desktops is I work from home for Apple Technical Support. When I go to work, I swivel my chair toward my work computer and phone. Then lunch, breaks and after work, I swivel back to my trusty writing desktop.
Anne - How many rejections did you acquire along the way? What kept you going?
Mary - I’m with a small publisher, currently I’m working toward an agent and a larger publisher. Therefore, I’m still receiving rejections. I have a cyber file full of rejections and a paper file full of rejections. Most of them are forms, but there are some agents/editors who have given me very good advice on my stories. I have re-written several scenes because of their comments.
Anne - What kept me going?
Mary - I want to write.
Anne – LOL. It’s that simple sometimes, isn’t it? If you could just snap your fingers and go, where would you visit, return to, or move? Why?
Mary - Italy Venice Tuscany
Anne - Any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?
Mary - Do your research. Before, during and after you write your manuscript.
Make sure you have all your location facts, if your story takes place in a real city or small town. If it’s a time piece take the time to make sure what your characters use, has been invented.
While you’re writing your book, you’ll find things you’ve missed in your research. Or you add things you hadn’t planned. Don’t put it off, thinking you will do it when you’re done. It’s too easy to forget. Stop for as long as it takes, and with the internet, it’s not that hard.
When you’re finished, research how to query. Make sure the agent you’re sending to is open for submissions, and if they even accept your genre.
Join a writing organization, if there’s not one local try an online one. They are so helpful; I wish I’d joined before I started my first book.
Anne – Super advice. Anything you’d like to add before we wrap this up?
Mary - If you’d like to win a copy of Classic Murder: Mr. Romance please tell me three things you can find about me, that is not mentioned in this interview. Here are some resources to use.
www.marymartinez.comhttp://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/marylmartinez
http://www.facebook.com/mlmartinez33
Anne –Thanks for dropping by today, Mary. Classic Murder: Mr. Romance is definitely on my TBR list.
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2011 Holt Medallion Award of Merit
There are moments in a writer's life that are special
and this is one of them.
first book of my
is the recipient of the
in the "Novel with Strong Romantic Elements" category!
Just in case you're wondering...I'm doing the happy dance!
Want to join me?
Leave a comment with your email addy. Your name will be entered in a draw for an e-copy of
Happy Sunday, happy reading, and happy dancing!
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Summer Blog Party - Part 3
We’re back for the third and final segment of the Summer Blog Party. If you’re just joining us, we’re romance authors talking about the joys of summer. Summer reading. Summer writing. Summer fun! If you missed the first or second part of this chat, scroll down for previous posts. You’ll find some insider information about this amazing group of authors. Leave a comment for a chance to win Joanne Tropello’s Mr. Shipley's Governess (ecopy) or Awakening by JoAnn Durgin (print copy).
For more summer time conversation and giveaways, visit all of the Summer Blog Party sites: Patricia Bates, Joanne Troppello, Kay Springsteen and Gabrielle Bisset.
Right. Moving on to the next summer time topic. When you were a kid, what did you like best about summer vacation?
Delia Latham ~ Our summer vacations were working ones, but we all loved them. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from our summers in Oregon
Wend Petzler ~ My sister, cousins would ride our horses all over the mountains, into town, go swimming at the local watering hole. We were free to do whatever we wanted as long as we were home before dark. Great times.
Gabrielle Bisset ~ When I was a kid, what I loved best about summer vacation was getting up and out early and playing all day. My friends and I would have to go in for dinner, but then we’d return to playing until the streetlights came on and it was time to go home. Then the next day it would start all over again, playing hopscotch, jump rope, chase, hide and go seek, and swimming Our days were filled with so much fun. What a great time that was!
What is your favorite summer time memory?
Julie Lence ~ My favorite memory would have to be the two weeks my brother and I spent with our grandparents in New York City Liberty Coney Island and Jones Beach
Heather Haven ~ I lived in Florida
As a teen, Stacy, did you have a summer job?
Stacy Juba ~ My first summer job was right after I graduated from high school. I worked in a discount drug store, in the greeting card department. I'd straighten the cards and then people would come mess them up.
What’s the summer without water ice and ice cream…which do you prefer?
Joanne Troppello ~ I like water ice, but definitely enjoy ice cream better.
Killarney Sheffield ~ Did someone say ice cream? That is my favorite treat. Mmm! Any flavor will do, I even hide my special vanilla bean in the back of the freezer so the kids don't find it.
Elaine Marie Cooper ~ I LOVE Dairy Queen blizzards! :-D
Wend Petzler ~ Ice cream! Oh and Frappe Mocha Lattes at McDonalds. Love those darn things.
All I have to say, ladies, is yum…If you have kids, how do you keep them occupied during the summer vacation months?
Killarney Sheffield ~ We live on a cattle ranch with all kinds or critters and lots of room to play, plus we have a pool, trampoline and a provincial park next door, so I seldom here the words 'I'm bored'. (There are always lots of extra chores to be done in that case).
What’s your favorite thing to do and/or eat on the boardwalk?
Julie Lence ~ On the boardwalk, I like to stroll, window shop and people watch. I can be found with an iced-tea in one hand and a sausage, peppers and onions sandwich in the other.
What kind of books do you like to read when relaxing at the beach or while on summer vacation?
Heather Haven ~ I tend to read mysteries but I love David Saderis, Meg Waite Clayton, and Ellen Sussman’s books, too. If it’s good, I’m reading it!
Julie Lence ~ Since I write romance, romance is usually number one on my list. But I do enjoy a good mystery or a women's fiction story.
Cher Green ~ I love scary books, the ones that make you look under the bed before touching the floor, but I read most anything that grabs me with the opening.
What’s on your summer reading list for this year? New authors or ones that you love and have read their work before?
Elaine Marie Cooper ~ Some of Karen Kingsbury, Liz Curtis Higgs, Colleen Goble, Joan Hochstetler, Sarah Sundin, plus I want to re-read Jane Eyre. I have several others as well!
Please share your favorite quote on summer time or relaxation or having fun:
Elaine Marie Cooper ~ Some of Karen Kingsbury, Liz Curtis Higgs, Colleen Goble, Joan Hochstetler, Sarah Sundin, plus I want to re-read Jane Eyre. I have several others as well!
Please share your favorite quote on summer time or relaxation or having fun:
Elaine Marie Cooper ~ Then followed that beautiful season...Summer...Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A few random questions. Are you into hiking or taking walks?
Wend Petzler ~ I love taking walks with my dog, Bear. It clears my mind, allows me to plot my books. It’s a great bonding time for me and my daughter when she accompanies us.
Do you plant a vegetable garden in the summer? If you do, what veggies do you grow?
Do you plant a vegetable garden in the summer? If you do, what veggies do you grow?
Cher Green ~ I have a very small section set up in the backyard, four tomato plants. I’m hoping to expand next year, if they do well.
Any favorite summer time songs? Why do you like it/them?
JoAnn Durgin ~ Not really, but the Beach Boys drive me nuts. Sure, their songs are fun, and great if you have a convertible and like that kind of song. But personally, if I never hear another one of those songs, I’ll be just fine, thanks.
Okay, admit it…do you ever “work” on vacation? You know, check your email and blog and get some writing in?
Okay, admit it…do you ever “work” on vacation? You know, check your email and blog and get some writing in?
Stacy Juba ~ We visit my in-laws at the beach every summer, and there I've been known to check email, work on my blog, and work on book promotion in the morning when everyone is sleeping as the sunrise wakes me up very early. If we're traveling to a hotel, though, and are doing a lot of sightseeing, I don't bring work with me. I plan to stop bringing work with me to the beach, although I'll check my email a few times so it doesn't pile up too much and stress me out when I get back!
Thanks ladies for giving us a glimpse into your summer time pastimes and pleasures.
Reader’s comments are not only encouraged, they’re necessary if you'd like your name entered in the draw to win an ecopy of Joanne Tropello’s Mr. Shipley's Governess or a print copy of Awakening by JoAnn Durgin.
Please drop by the following sites for more Summer Blog Party events and more chances to win books by this amazing and talented group of romance authors. The other hosts are: Patricia Bates, Joanne Troppello, Kay Springsteen and Gabrielle Bisset.
I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joanne Troppello for organizing this fun event, and thanks for asking me to take part. I had a blast!
Happy summer and thanks to all of you for participating in the Summer Blog Party! It's been such fun to start the summer with my online friends! Btw, check back later as the winners of the two book giveaways will be announced later this month.
Happy summer and thanks to all of you for participating in the Summer Blog Party! It's been such fun to start the summer with my online friends! Btw, check back later as the winners of the two book giveaways will be announced later this month.
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Summer Blog Party - Part 2
We’re back for part 2 of the Summer Blog Party. If you’re just joining us, we are romance authors talking about the joys of summer. Summer reading. Summer writing. Summer fun! If you missed the first part of the chat, check out the previous blog post below. Leave a comment for a chance to win Joanne Tropello's Mr. Shipley's Governess (ecopy) or Awakening by JoAnn Durgin (print copy).
For more conversation and more giveaways, visit all of the Summer Blog Party sites. That includes our fearless leader, Joanne Troppello, Patricia Bates, Kay Springsteen and Gabrielle Bisset.
Wend Petzler ~ This summer is a bit different for me. I have several projects going on and am thinking about venturing into the self-publishing with a few titles. I like the idea of being able to choose my own covers and ensure the quality of releases.
Gabrielle Bisset ~ I’m spending my summer writing and promoting my books, so for an author, that’s exciting. I have three more books to come out—two novellas and my first novel—so it’s going to be a very busy summer.
Congratulations to you both. It is an exciting time to be an author. What’ve you planned for this summer, Elaine?
Elaine Marie Cooper ~ Two trips planned to the west coast to see each of my sons.
Visiting family is special regardless of the season. Annette?
Annette Snyder ~ I think the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is on our list this year, but that’s it. Of course, if I find a discount flight somewhere, we’ll be off.
If I could afford it, I’d travel constantly.
Annette Snyder ~ I’ve never had lots of money so I always thought vacationing was out of my budget. One day, I started scanning the internet and listed my dream travel destinations on those travel sites like Travelocity and Orbitz. There’s a bunch. Signing up for their deal mail is free and uncomplicated and, once you pick your destinations, you get an email when a deal comes up. That’s how we got to, and stayed in, Hawaii
Once, while my youngest was in high school, one of our exchange students had a friend in California Chinatown , Stanford University Alcatraz and seeing an oil spill and the clean up process of that, was a perfect learning substitute for the three days of school they missed. If I can swing that financially, anyone can.
Great travel advice, Annette. Thanks so much for sharing it with us today. It’s a perfect lead in for this question: Is there some destination that you’ve never been but would love to go on vacation?
Elaine Cantrell ~ I’d like to go to Russia
When you go on vacation, do you like to relax or be more active and sightsee?
Stacy Juba ~ I prefer to be active and go sightseeing. I'm the type that reads all the guide books in advance, plans the whole day, and fits in as many activities as possible around the show schedule at the theme park. I do like stealing some moments to read in the morning or at night.
Elaine Cantrell ~ I don’t like to do either one full time. I’d rather do a combination of both. That way you aren’t bored, and when you do sightsee you aren’t too tired to enjoy yourself. My last vacation was in Charleston , SC.
Beach or the mountains…which do you prefer?
Heather Haven ~ Beach girl, although set me down anywhere and I’m pretty happy.
Do you live close to the ocean? Do you have a favorite beach you used to visit as a child?
Elaine Cantrell ~ We’re about five hours from the beach. I did a whole blog post on my favorite beach. It’s called Myrtle Beach
It’s a great post, Elaine! I enjoyed it very much and encourage readers to check it out.
Let’s move on to another topic--salt versus fresh…water, that is! Where do you prefer to swim, ladies? Lakes, pools or the ocean?
Cher Green ~ Pools, but the river is okay as long as you don’t think about what you might be swimming with. :)
Joanne Troppello ~ I really prefer swimming in pools or lakes. I love going to the ocean, but don’t like swimming in it. I’m not a strong swimmer, so I don’t the like unpredictable currents of the water.
Killarney Sheffield ~ I’m not much of a swimmer, my doggy paddle is somewhat pathetic. LOL.
Julie Lence ~ I'd much rather relax on the beach with a good book than water ski or kayak. I'm not much of a water baby, though we do have a pool. If I get in it twice a summer, I'm lucky.
Elaine Cantrell ~ Give me the beach and the book. I could never get the hang of water skiing even though we had a boat when my kids were young.
Cher Green ~ I love waterskiing, although the last time I did so was when I was a teenager. I love boating and fishing. Books are for lazy days, the beach and water is for activity.
Heather Haven ~ I like to boat for several hours then stretch out under a palm tree and read a book, while sipping a pina colada. I can be a pretty hedonistic kind of person.
Pina colada…mmm! What’s your favorite summer time drink?
Delia Latham ~ Same as my favorite drink the rest of the year—Dr. Pepper! Wouldn’t you like to be a pepper too?
Aw, now I can’t get that jingle out of my head. Help! What’s your favorite beverage, Killarney?
Killarney Sheffield ~ Ice tea with no ice, the ice hurts my teeth and in the evening a glass of chilled Wild Vines blackberry wine cooler.
Gabrielle?
Gabrielle Bisset ~ My favorite summertime drink is sweet tea. I can drink gallons of it!
If you had to choose between lemonade and iced tea, which would win?
Gabrielle Bisset ~ I’m going to cheat here and say both lemonade and iced tea win. I mix them together for lemonade tea, and it’s delicious.
I’ll have to try that. Julie, what do you like most about the summer time?
Julie Lence ~ Spending time with my family. The kiddie is getting older, so I cherish the time he wants to spend with mommy.
Heather? What do you like most about the summer?
Heather Haven ~ The flowers, the sun, the warmth!
That pretty much sums it up for me, too. Stacy, do you have any favorite flowers that bloom in the summer?
Stacy Juba ~ We have a rose bush that tends to bloom in June, and I love tulips.
Let’s take a break and we’ll be back around 5:00 this afternoon for the final edition of the Summer Blog Party. Please feel free to comment. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to win Joanne Tropello’s Mr. Shipley's Governess (ecopy) or Awakening by JoAnn Durgin (print copy).
Drop by the following sites for more Summer Blog Party events and conversations, plus a chance to win more books by amazing romance authors.
The hosts again are: Patricia Bates, Joanne Troppello, Kay Springsteen and Gabrielle Bisset.
See you in a few hours!
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