Cover reveal!

I am so excited to announce the upcoming release (any day now!) of my first nonfiction work, The Checklist Diet. 

Why is a romance author writing a diet book, you ask? Well, I've worked as a personal fitness trainer for more than 10 years. This book is a compilation of the nutritional advice I give my clients. It's basic stuff, no bull, and no boring stuff (like endless pages of studies and research). Watch for it soon in all major e-book retailers.

FRIDAY FIRSTS WITH... Author Celia Breslin

The first five sentences of... HAVEN

If there’s one thing I hate more than a sake-induced hangover, it’s

getting attacked by a witch in my own home while I’m nursing a sake-induced hangover.

Fortunately, I was battle-ready when she broke into my house. I was pummeling the stuffing out of my home gym’s punching bag in an attempt to sweat out my headache when I heard the none-too-subtle click click click of heels on hardwood in the stairwell.

What kind of self-respecting witch wears high heels when she sneaks up on someone? Apparently, this one possessed less brains than a snail.

Coming July 2 from Champagne Books!

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FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT CELIA

Tell me about the first novel you ever wrote. Whatever happened to it?

 The first novel I ever wrote was a “Harlequin” romance. I read Harlequins at an early age, maybe age 12 or so? I snuck them from my mother’s bookshelf. After I’d read a few, I decided to write my own. It featured a college student who loved horses (as I did at that age) and a rancher’s son. “Amanda” went to spend a working summer on a ranch in Texas and, of course, met and fell in love with “Nick,” the youngest of three brothers. I don’t recall the title, but I remember I wrote it on pale grey construction paper. It’s probably in a box somewhere in the basement of my mother’s home. LOL.

What’s the first thing you do after you wake up in the morning (other than using the restroom LOL)?

Exercise. Yes, it’s true. I’m sooooo not a morning person. You don’t want to talk to me before eight a.m. unless you’re my boot camp instructor and we’re kicking some serious exercise butt!

What’s the first thing you notice on an attractive member of the opposite sex?

Eyes, definitely eyes. “Windows to the soul” and all that. Personality, intellect, emotion...it’s all there in the eyes.  

MORE ABOUT CELIA

Celia lives in California with her husband, daughter, and two feisty cats. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for vampires and the Fae. When not writing, you’ll find her exercising, reading a good book or indulging her addiction to Joss Whedon’s TV shows and movies.

Web site: http://www.celiabreslin.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/celiabreslin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CeliaBreslin

FRIDAY FIRSTS with Joanna Fay

First Five Sentences of... 
Reunion: The Siaris

Quartet Book Two

Riana ran hard, folds of velvet whipping around her ankles. The fortress’s black walls pressed in close, dank and smothering. Her footsteps were muffled, all sounds eaten in the gloom. Her bare feet stung where they met the fierce cold of the floor. She veered around a twist in the corridor and rocked back on her heels.

Available now!

Musa | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Fun First Facts About Joanna

What was the first romance you ever read?

I suspect the first romance I read was a Mills&Boon, at the encouragement of school friends. The first romance I read that made a big enough impression to stay permanently in my memory was Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I would not be the first to say that! In fact, I read it several times over, followed by her other novels, my favourite being Persuasion. After Austen came the Brontes, George Eliot, Wilkie Collins…you get the picture. 


Tell me about the first novel you ever wrote. Whatever happened to it? The first novel I ever wrote has become the last three books of my epic fantasy sequence, The Siaris Quartet. I wrote a prequel novel, Daughter of Hope, which became Book One of the quartet, a couple of years ago (published last year by Musa Publishing). The rest of the material I ran past a critiquing group, who all told me it had to be at least three books. I started writing the Siaris story-world in my teens, some three decades ago, so it really is a lifelong passion, and I’m having a fantastic time now finishing the last novel in the quartet, and dreaming up sequels. 


What’s the first thing you do after you wake up in the morning? Actually, I sit up in bed and do a meditation practice, using beautiful visualizations. Even if it’s only for five minutes (on weekdays), it always makes a difference to the whole day if I begin from that peaceful, settled space. I totally love it!


More about Joanna: Joanna Fay is a writer of fantasy novels, short stories and poetry. The first two novels of her epic fantasy sequence The Siaris Quartet, Daughter of Hope and Reunion, have been published by Musa Publishing. Six of her short stories have been published, three of which are set in the Siaris ‘story-world’, with two shortlisted in the International Aeon Award. Her poems have been much awarded and published. Joanna lives in the Perth hills, Western Australia, with her teenage son and a menagerie of small pets, including a magical white rabbit. She writes and works as a therapist by day, and keeps an eye on the sky for low-flying unidentified objects by night.


Even more about her here:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

FRIDAY FIRSTS WITH... Jess Buffett

The First Few Sentences of... 

ALWAYS BEEN YOU

"Is this our home now, daddy?" 

Staring down at his five-year-old daughter, Seth Hall nodded. "Yeah, Ally. This is it."

This was it. Newport, New Hampshire. It was the home of maple sugar, apple orchards, and his oldest memories. He hadn't been back here since he'd left for college a little over eleven years ago.

Available now!

Buy it here

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FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT JESS

Who was your first love? 
My first love was actually my husband. The first and only person I have ever truly loved. We had known each other since we were kids, and when I was sixteen we started dating. Now we are married and have two gorgeous children. It’s not a fairy tale, we have our ups and our downs, but it is what I always pictured true love to be.

Tell me about the first novel you ever wrote? What ever happened to it? 
The first story I started writing was The Kayan’s Mage which was released in April. However, the first book I ever finished is the one being released tomorrow on May 4th – Always Been You with Silver publishing. 

What’s the first thing you notice on an attractive member of the opposite sex? 
I don’t know why, but arms. I’m a sucker for a nice set of arms on a man. The kind that are hard, yet soft when they mould around you.

More about Jess:
Hmmm, what can I say about myself...I was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. I married my high school sweetheart and we live on the Central Coast with our two children. I am absolutely a hopeless romantic who loves stories about true love that sizzle with a happy ending (which is probably a good thing given what I write). I'm a huge fan of M/M and M/F romance—anything with hunky men in all their glory, whether they be Shifters, Vampires, Cowboys, or the boy next door. I'm a firm believer in soul mates, happily ever afters, and in love at first sight, but that sometimes people need a second or a third for the brain to catch up.

FRIDAY FIRSTS...with SS Hampton, Sr

The first five lines of... THE LADY OF THE EVERGREENS

The below is from a Work In Progress titled, “The Lady of The Evergreens.” Because it is a WIP I have not had the pleasure of an editor helping to make me sound like the next Shakespeare or Hemingway, or Faulkner. You get the idea:

Late fall on the southern shore of Lake Ontario seemed like an odd time to hold a ren faire.

But then, Julie Douglas had been told that the Evergreen Renaissance and Fairy Faire was special, and excitingly different. Upon passing through the entrance of two large wooden gates set within low stone built walls she found herself in another time. Excited crowds wandered the torch-lit dirt pathways that wound among evergreen trees short and broad, and tall Norway Spruce from Europe. Scattered along the paths and partly hidden among the trees were Medieval bell tents, broad trade tents, and wooden performance stages…

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Fun First Facts About SS

Who was your first love?

I do not mean to make a mountain out of a molehill, but, first love? I think I’ll ignore my kindergarten teacher and a waitress who worked at the family restaurant. So, when I was in a juvenile detention facility due to dropping out of junior high school, I met this petite black haired woman who worked in administration. In spite of my circumstances, it wasn’t long before I “fell in love” with her. Ruthann was never more than a friend though. And, there was this fleshy girl with long brunette hair who I met at the facility. Barbara was about my age going-on-30 and much more experienced in life than I was. She was a habitual runaway who loved hitch hiking across the country. Not long after we were both out of the facility she found me, and, you might say, taught me a lot about many things. I fell in love with her; but her home was in a nearby city when she wasn't off hitch hiking. I went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, wore a suit and tie, and prepared to forge a middle class life for myself. And then Barbara showed up. She always returned from her latest journey for a visit when I least expected it; she would stay for a few days and then leave again. We finally lost touch when I left for the Army several years later. (No, I am not plagiarizing “Forrest Gump,” but when I saw the movie I immediately thought of Barbara.) The subject of love makes me a little uncomfortable as I have never had a successful relationship. So, from an historical point of view, I doubt if I ever will.

If you had a free afternoon, what’s the first thing you’d do?

If I had money and a car on top of a free afternoon, I’d go to the nearest bookstore (there aren’t that many in Las Vegas), get a large cappuccino, and spend some time browsing books and magazines. My favorite subject is military history, of course, but also photography and art. And I would buy a few.

If you could live your life over again, what’s the first thing you’d do differently or change?

Go to college and get a degree. Go on to a university and get a higher degree. With a good education perhaps I would not have led such a financially-challenged life (I am almost 60 years old now and am registered in a 2-year VA program for homeless veterans). As we all know, there are a lot of sayings about how money is not everything, but guess what—money is 99% of everything. Money pays the bills, money buys medical care, money can keep you from being evicted from your home or being homeless. If you have enough money, you can even afford to go on a real vacation once in awhile. Everything, especially money, flows from an education—or it did until the Great Recession hit. So, if I could live my life over again, I would be sure to get a good education at an earlier age rather than starting at 53 years old.

More about SS: SS Hampton, Sr. is a Choctaw from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a divorced grandfather to 13 grandchildren, a published photographer, photojournalist, and fiction writer. He is a serving member of the Army National Guard with the rank of staff sergeant, and is a veteran of Operations Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom. His writings have appeared in Ruthie’s Club, Lucrezia Magazine, Megaera, The Harrow, River Walk Journal, and Dark Fire, among others. Second career goals include becoming a painter and studying for a degree in photography and anthropology—hopefully to someday work in and photograph underwater archaeology. After 12 years of brown desert in the Southwest and overseas, he misses the Rocky Mountains, yellow aspens in the fall, running rivers, and a warm fireplace during snowy winters. As of December 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hampton officially became a homeless Iraq War veteran.

SS's published books are available here:

Melange Books

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/sshampton/index.html

Musa Publishing

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=50

MuseItUp Publishing

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=514&category_id=60&manufacturer_id=249&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Things overheard from a dating "guru"...

Compared to the magoo we were listening to,
this guy looks as charming as George Clooney. 

The other day, my sister (author Laurie London) and I were in a Seattle coffee shop to write. We’d just gotten settled in when a man nabbed the big table behind us—apparently, he was some sort of dating guru and his class would be meeting there shortly. He was a total magoo—well dressed and well spoken, but somewhat smarmy. Used-car-salesman kind of smarmy.

Laurie and I both had earphones on, but one of my earbuds wasn’t working, so I was hearing snippets from the dating class. I started writing down what I heard and sharing them with Laurie, then she started listening, too. Pretty soon, we weren’t writing but listening and “learning” LOL. Poor Laurie was facing the group, and she was trying really hard not to laugh at times. Luckily, I was turned away, because some of the comments were so cringe-worthy, I had to cover my face.

 

Anyway, I thought you guys might get a kick out of what we overheard. The italic comments are my thoughts.

Women will dance more sexually and provocatively on the dance floor when in the fertile time of their menstrual cycle. Ladies, do any of you have any questions about your menstrual cycle? Yes, Dating Dude, I’d rather ask you than my doctor.

 

Feeling relaxed and secure around your date promotes a positive sexual experience.

Women want to feel like girls. Men want to feel like men.  Did we warp back to the 1950s?

If the guy's a little fake, it's okay to be a little fake, too. And if the guy’s a little fake, you want to keep hanging out with him...why?

If you want a guy, stand right next to him and make eye contact with him. Bump against him. Many times if that’s what it takes to get his attention. Then he demonstrated. If some strange man did that to me, I’d have kicked him in the balls. Or called 911.

Think of the guy you're attracted to as a gorilla. And you want to be his mate. He will sense that. Wait. Aren't gorillas known for their tiny penises?

I've been hard too many times. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth...

I practice on people I have absolutely no attraction to. Oh, that’s nice. You’re telling this to a group of shy, introverted people who are already hesitant to put themselves “out there”? Now, they’ll probably remember these words the next time someone shows interest in them. Way to go, Dating Dude.

I want girls who can make me relax. And girls want a guy who’s not a complete douche bag.

If a guy looks like he’s done it a million times, he probably has. You can really tell that a guy has done it a lot just by looking at him? Gosh. I had no idea.

If a guy asks you for your number, he doesn't necessarily want it. Again, way to make these shy people even more hesitant.

If you want to know if a guy or girl is approachable, you need to study their eyebrows. Okay, let’s look at each other’s eyebrows now. No, I’d rather not, but thanks for asking.

Friday Firsts with REGAN WALKER

The first few lines of... AGAINST THE WIND

She is dead.

Katherine, Lady Egerton, stared at the still form lying on the bed. Beloved sister, friend of the heart…Anne was gone. One minute she was struggling for breath, the next she lay silent and still. The only person in the world Kit loved more than life had left her.

They are all gone now. The sudden solitude tore at her heart. Kit smiled sadly, gazing through eyes filled with tears at the frail body lying before her.”

Available now! | Amazon

* * * * *

FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT REGAN

Who was your first love? 
When I was 12 and went away to summer camp, one day I ducked out of the meeting and took off my shoes to walk barefoot in the woods. I met a boy about my age who was running barefoot. We had that in common. He was a handsome lad and my first crush. We spent many afternoons walking in the woods and talking—all quite innocent. Someday I’ll put that story in a novel. 

What was the first romance you ever read? 
On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens. It’s a beautiful story of Scotland and a love that permeated generations. I was hooked. I read all six of her novels and they are all on my keeper shelf now. And I went on from there. 

Tell me about the first novel you ever wrote? What ever happened to it? 
It was published! That was Racing With The Wind…the first in the Agents of the Crown trilogy. There’s much of me in the heroine, or so my close friends tell me. She’s a bluestocking hoyden. It was a very fun book to write. I love the hero, the British lord who masquerades as the Nighthawk, a thief of Napoleon’s secrets.

More about Regan: As a child Regan Walker loved to write stories, particularly about adventure-loving girls, but by the time she got to college more serious pursuits took priority. One of her professors thought her suited to the profession of law, and Regan realized it would be better to be a hammer than a nail. Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government gave her a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown” on its subjects. Hence her romance novels often involve a demanding Prince Regent who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool.

Author website

Amazon author page

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Regan’s Romance Reviews blog

FRIDAY FIRSTS with SS Hampton Sr.

The first five sentences of... THE LAPIS LAZULI THRONE 

“The desert was alive. Damp foul smelling sand exploded in a white flash. Smoky red and yellow tentacles snaked out of the sand. He tried to scream, but the tentacles choked him. Other screams tore through the boiling smoke that stung his eyes and fouled his mouth…”

Available now!

Musa Publishing | Amazon

FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT SS

What’s the first thing you do after you wake up in the morning (other than using the restroom LOL)?

Pour a cup of coffee and light a cigarette. Really! Sometimes I can do two things at once. That is the way I have started my day for decades; except for the dreamed-of possibility of giving up cigarettes, I anticipate that this is the way I will always start my day for years to come. To start it any other way seems a little unthinkable. Besides, it seems like a civilized way to start the day.

What’s the first thing you notice on an attractive member of the opposite sex?

It is a toss up between her eyes and her face. A woman’s face is like an open book whereas her eyes are like a chapter. Regarding the face, I notice the way the hair—if it is long—frames the face as if it were a painting. I notice the eyebrows, the angle of the nose, the cheekbones and the chin. And the smile. The smile is a real clue to a woman’s personality. It can be warm, sensual, joyful, critical, or mystifying. I have heard the old saying that the eyes are a window into someone’s soul, but to me a woman’s eyes are mysterious. Other than the obvious anger, happiness, or sadness, I can never discern any meaning to a woman’s eyes. That is part of the charm and challenge of meeting a woman. “Who is she? What is she really thinking?”

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d buy?

The very first thing? A car. I helped my youngest son buy an SUV from a used car company based in Arizona. Damned big mistake. The SUV has broken down so many times, and I’m getting ready to sink another $600.00 into it! So anyway, a NEW car with a good music system. I love driving down the highway with the music turned up loud, a French Vanilla Cappuccino, and a cigarette close by. A good running car is freedom to me. Having lived in Las Vegas for many years, sometimes without a vehicle, I am very familiar with public transportation, meaning a city bus. I lived on the south side of Vegas and for awhile I worked on the north side of Vegas. So, every day I was up before dawn, caught a bus to the southern transportation terminal, hopped a Strip bus to the northern transportation terminal, then hopped another bus to the north side, and from the final drop-off point walked three miles to work. This was only four years ago when I was 54 years old. Anyway, I spent about 2.5 hours to get to work in the morning and 1.5 hours to get home at night (I caught a ride after work to the morning’s last drop-off point), for a total of 4 hours per day. So, to work a 40 hour week I spent 20 hours on the bus and walking. When I started riding to and from work with a friend I was so amazed that it took only 20 minutes one-way by car. Only 20 minutes! Yeahhh, a brand new car. A brand new car is freedom. Considering I’m almost 60 years old and living in the era of “the recession ended in 2009,” well, no one will hire me. The only way to get my freedom back is by winning the lottery. Or writing a best selling novel!

More About SS

SS Hampton, Sr. is a Choctaw from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a divorced grandfather to 13 grandchildren, a published photographer, photojournalist, and fiction writer. He is a serving member of the Army National Guard with the rank of staff sergeant, and is a veteran of Operations Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom. His writings have appeared in Ruthie’s Club, Lucrezia Magazine, Megaera, The Harrow, River Walk Journal, and Dark Fire, among others. Second career goals include becoming a painter and studying for a degree in photography and anthropology—hopefully to someday work in and photograph underwater archaeology. After 12 years of brown desert in the Southwest and overseas, he misses the Rocky Mountains, yellow aspens in the fall, running rivers, and a warm fireplace during snowy winters. As of December 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hampton officially became a homeless Iraq War veteran.

Handwritten letters. A thing of the past?

When was the last time you wrote a letter? Not an email, but a letter. You know, the old-fashioned, hand-written kind that had a stamp on it? 

Yeah, I can't remember the last time I did either. But I do remember how much I LOVED getting letters in the mailbox. Now, I check the mail only 1-2x/week because I know the only thing in it will be bills.

Does our younger generation even know how to write letters? Have they ever received a letter in the mailbox? As for the older generation who still remembers those days fondly, I bet they would love to get more letters in their mailboxes.

So. I want to start a trend. Let's start writing more letters. Get out that stationary and those pens or pencils. It'll be good for you. It'll be good (and probably surprising) to your recipient.

I'm going to commit to writing one "real" letter a month. Are you with me?

Artist's Way Week 1

Last week, I posted here about how I was starting The Artist's Way 12-week recovery program. I've decided to move this series of blogs over to my writing blog, Once Written, Twice Shy.

I hope to see you over there!

FRIDAY FIRSTS with... Vicki Batman

THE FIRST FEW SENTENCES OF... This is NOT Working

Why today--of all days?

Monday, and here I am in my brand new position, which took beaucoup de months to find in this wacky economy, only to feel like the ultimate failure.

          

Right after bouncing like a school kid in my ergonomically designed desk chair, I’d punched the computer's on button. Nothing happened.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Publisher: Indie published

Amazon | Smashwords

Available now!

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Fun First Facts About Vicki

What was the first romance you ever read?

 My first romance(s) were written by Emilie Loring. At age fourteen, I was in an in-between stage in my reading life and had complained to my mom. She handed one to me and I devoured it. Fortunately, Ms. Loring had written seventy-something. I had a fantastic summer.

What was your first date with your significant other?

 Our first date doesn't really count. I'd made plans with a guy who lived in my apartment complex to go see "For Your Eyes Only." Only my friend had had too much fun-in-the-sun. So when I was checking on him, his doorbell rang. On the other side stood Handsome, my friend's co-worker. He thought my friend and I were dating, but we weren't. Handsome made excuses to leave, but my friend dragged him inside and introduced us. Then he blurted out, "Why don't you take her to the movie?" I assured Handsome he didn't need to bother. Imagine my amazement when he said yes. We went and I did all the talking. Not a good sign in my book. And didn't hear back (not that I really thought I would) for six weeks until the night I was hostessing my girlfriend's birthday party. After blessings from my cousin, another girlfriend, and a college chum, I continued to go out with him.

What was the first meal your significant other ever made for you?

One time, he decided to host a dinner party with me and a co-worker as guests. Only he didn't have a full set of silverware. We passed around a Ginsu knife to cut our steaks.

* * * * *

More about Vicki: Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm. The list is…endless.

She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in several capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

You can learn even more about Vicki here:

Blogsite

Facebook

Twitter 

Pinterest

Goodreads

AuthorCentral

Smashwords Author Profile

The Artist's Way

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

I've been fighting a creative block for several years now. I have a hard time completing any new project right now. I've decided to read through the book The Artist's Way again and work through the 12-week plan for unblocking creativity.

I did this program back when the book was first written in 2002 and found it very helpful. I, like many other writers, am my own worst enemy. I tend to get in my way a lot. I'm hoping Ms. Cameron can help me find my way back to being creative on a regular basis.

Does anybody want to join me? I'm officially starting on Monday, Feb. 18, but I'll be reading the intro and buying my pretty new notebook this weekend.

You don't have to be a writer or artist. You just have to want to be more creative.

I'll post again sometime Monday.

See you then!

FRIDAY FIRSTS with Brinda Berry

The first five sentences of... WHISPER OF MEMORY

The dead leaves formed an ocher carpet on the ground that spoke in crunchy whispers as I backed up two steps. Watching the leaves begin to whirl like a waterspout in the ocean, I waited. I identified the spot before I heard the buzzing or saw the air lifting the leaves. Even before I saw the sienna-orange veil drape over the ground, the tingly sensation moving through me from head to toe told me it was a portal.

I smiled in anticipation of seeing Regulus today.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Etopia Press

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Available now!

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FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT BRINDA

What was the first romance you ever read?
I loved reading Harlequin romances and belonged to the book club. I waited for the five new releases to hit my mailbox every month and I'd devour them. I also checked out all the old ones from the library. I don't remember any names or authors. Then I read Sweet, Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. I'll never forget that one.

Tell me about your first kiss.This may not be my first one, but it's certainly the one I remember the best. I went to one of my first parties where the kids were playing spin the bottle. I had a crush on the older brother of a friend. It was a birthday party and this guy was older and experienced. Actually, I'm wondering what the heck he was doing playing spin the bottle with us! Anyway, that was one of those kisses you never forget. You know...the kind that curls your toes, feeds your dreams, and ruins you for other jr. high school guys. 

If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you'd buy?I'd buy a house on the beach. I think I could get a lot of writing done there. Seriously. 

More about Brinda: Brinda lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She’s terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality.

FRIDAY FIRSTS with Nicole Morgan

The first five lines of... TEMPESTUOUS

Michelle took several calming breaths, trying to untangle her frazzled nerves before opening the door to the small massage room. His mere presence turned her into a klutz, and she prayed today she would be able to keep her cool. Normally, she was the picture-perfect employee, always professional and cordial with all of her clients, but something about this one kept her feeling like she was constantly trying to walk a tight rope. Despite her occasional mishaps, he always remained kind and never made her feel foolish. She did, though.

Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

Bookstrand

Available now!

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FUN FIRST FACTS ABOUT NICOLE

1. Who was your first love?

Oh my God! Bad memories! Some complete Dork named, Neil! LOL

2. What was the first Rated R movie you ever saw?

 It was a horror movie when I was in grade school, titled April Fools! I still love that movie! J

3. What was the first romance you ever read?
I guess it was a Nora Roberts book, but I couldn’t even begin to tell you the title of it. I’ve read probably hundreds, if not thousands of romance books. It’s hard to keep them all straight! LOL

More about Nicole
Thanks for having me! I am a multi-published author of erotic romantic novels, which more often than not have a suspenseful back story. Erotic romance mixed with a good old-fashioned whodunit. 

In additional to her books, Nicole also has a recurring column called, "Sex and the Single Woman" in BT Showcase's online eMagazine. Also, she has recently partnered up with three of her author friends and became Four Seduced Muses, a blog dedicated to the steamier side of romance.

FRIDAY FIRSTS with Margaret Fieland

The first five lines of... RELOCATED 

“What do you mean I must undergo a psi exam? The Terran Federation legislates against any use of psi.” The speaker, a human woman with wild gray hair, glared at the immigration official.

I gazed at the official. Like most Aleyni, he stood over six feet, slender, with extra wide hands, and thumbs able to bend all the way back.

Available now!
Muse It Up Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Fun Facts about Margaret

1. Who was your first love?

Her name was Trudy, and she was ten. I was seven. My father had a house in Connecticut that he'd built before he was married. It was a three bedroom ranch right on Candlewood Lake, and all his friends had teased him for building such a large place. We used to spend every summer, all summer, there until I was about twelve.

The house was on a dead end road, and Trudy's family lived a few houses down from ours. Alas, her parents divorced and she moved to California with her mother. I missed her terribly.

2. Tell me about the first novel you ever wrote. What happened to it?

Unlike many writers, I did not always want to be a writer. I wrote my first novel in 2006, I believe. In 2010 it was accepted for publication. It's due out sometime this year.

The impetus for the novel was a terrible fire that took the lives of a friend's wife and all of his children. The whole tragic affair haunted me, so about six months after I started writing fiction, I sat down one weekend and wrote the first draft of the novel, “The Angry Little Boy.” It took me three or four more years to learn enough to rewrite it into something publishable. In the novel, the boy, Alvin, loses his mother in a fire.  It was my way of coming to terms with my friend's loss.

3. What was your first date with your significant other?

We met at a concert half-way between our two houses. She recognized the friend I'd come with, and came over to say hello. The two of us hit it off, and we ended up going to dinner at a very nice restaurant in Cambridge, The Harvest. It's since closed.

I came home and cried my eyes out because I was sure I'd never see her again.

That was about 20 years ago. So much for my powers of prognostication.

More about Margaret:  Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life.  Her poems and stories have appeared in journals such as  Turbulence Magazine, Front Range Review, and All Rights Reserved. She is one of the Poetic Muselings. Their poetry anthology, "Lifelines," was published by Inkspotter Publishing in November, 2011.  She is the author of "Relocated," published by MuseItUp Publishing, and of "Sand in the Desert." Her book,  "The Angry Little Boy," will be published by 4RV publishing in early 2013.

You can find me at:

http://www.margaretfieland.com/

My blog:

http://blog.margaretfieland.com/

Relocated:

http://relocated.margaretfieland.com/