True Romance Studios

I post on the TRS party site. I have a free download of my book for the person who comments the most on my post.

Here are a few of my posts here and here. and here too.

Hope to see you there.

Thursday's thirteen: Christmas songs

1. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
2. Joy to the World – Aretha Franklin
3. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
4. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
5. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
6. All I want for Christmas – Mariah Carey
7. Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
8. Chipmunk Song – The Chipmunks
9. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
10. Winter Wonderland – Dolly Parton
11. Silent Night – Kenny G
12. Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano
13. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley

Which is your favorite Christmas song?

New store at Cafepress

I occasionally put a new drawing in at cafepress free stores. I got a new one up.
http://www.cafepress.com/Tentaclesdinner

Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Versatile Blogger award

I was just awarded the Versatile Blogger award from Savanna Chase.

 
Here’s the rules:
1. Share 7 things about yourself
2. Pass The Award to 15 bloggers recently discovered (or however many you can manage).
3. Notify the blogger recipients.
4. Link The blogger who gave the award.

So here it goes:

Share 7 things about yourself

1. I've never lived any place other than my home town.

2. I've had a mishap with my hair dye and ended up with bright orange hair.

3. At five foot 31/2 inches, I'm the runt of my family.

4. I've only been up once in an air plane and that one was owned by my step-dad.

5. I have Hobbit feet. No, seriously, they're short wide and embarrassingly hairy.

6. I'd love to take a trip to Europe one day and maybe Australia too.

7. I hate to drive on the freeway and most days I manage not to.

Pass The Award to 15 bloggers recently discovered (or however many you can manage). I managed seven.

Adelle Laudan

Amethyst Winter

Ava James

Lisabet Sarai

Cynthia Vespia
Darla Sands
Lee

Thursday's thirteen: What I learn from the Nano

Find out what I learn from doing the nano right here.

I won!!!!

Author, on November 1 you accepted our challenge to write a novel in 30 days. Harnessed with a hard deadline, you persevered in the face of countless obstacles. You wrote with determination, you quieted that inner critic, and now you've reached the hallowed Winner's Circle.

We couldn't be more proud of your amazing accomplishment! Thank you for joining us on this outrageously creative adventure—we'll see you next November for more. 

I guest blogged

I have a guest post on Ginger's blog and on Clare's blog.

Ren-Fair Kearney Park Nov. 13 & 14

 Jugglers entertained us

 Are we having fun kids?

My daughter is in the blue skirt. Her BF is in the brow cloak.

 We saw a black knight

 And a joust.

I took this guy picture because I thought he was handsome.

Nanowrimo

I'm still writing on my nano story, so if you don't see me much that's where I am.

Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday to Dave and Robert

I keep forgetting to post this.

 Our big Halloween bash and birthday party for my hubby on the right and Robert my daughter's BF on the left. Thier b-days are only a day apart Oct. 28th and 29th.

See their hands? They were directing as we sunk Happy Birthday to them.

And here's their cake.

And the next few photos is some of the food we served and the signs were made by Robert.

The following are our guests.

 Bobby and Jackie.

 Ryan and Sam

BTW Sam is the one who got so badly hurt in the car accient last month

 Shoot I thought I had one of Dorthy. This is Sam again on the right and Shay on the left.

This is my beautiful daughter cutting the cake.

Nanowrimo

I'm once again doing the nation writer's month yet again.

My Haunted House

Our Haunted House


I've got a bit about our haunted house in my bio, people are naturally curious, so I get asked a lot of questions about it.



So here it goes . . .



My house is over a hundred years old. Built, my landlord thinks, about 1889 or earlier. His mom was raised here. Originally we think the property was a pig farm. We found a sign under the house that read: "Registered Dorset hogs for sale." But when my landlords Grandfather owned the ranch he raised cows. When we moved in there was a grape vineyard here. Now it's an almond orchard.



The house has a very long wraparound porch, and wood floors. Well, the whole house is wood. I was told my kitchen use to be the sleeping porch. There's also an old propane heater my hubby has worked hard to get to hold together with wire and a screwdriver.I think its circa 1936 or earlier.



In other words this place is damn old.



The first time we slept here we heard thumps in the attic almost all night. Then in the morning one of the big pine trees fell down, narrowly missing our small truck.



We keep seeing things out of the corner of ours eyes, like part of someone's sleeve or edge of a dress.



Things disappear and reappear some where else. One of my earring from my jewelry box disappeared and I found it in the middle of the floor a few days later.



After our daughter was born, the radio I had on in the room with her would change channels, from say baseball to country.



Then late one night while watching TV with my husband, the baby started to cry, and then we heard someone say very clearly "hush baby." My husband I gave each other a startled look, and then ran--I ran into the bedroom, and hubby ran out side.



We saw no one and the baby was asleep.



Since then we've seen a little girl who would disappear before our eyes. Later our daughter had an invisible friend and we realized it was the girl ghost. Our daughter told us her name, it's Jenny or Jenifer.



We're seen blue and green orbs, and so has our daughter and her friends. And we're felt someone poking us, too.



A couple weeks ago, while we slept, my daughter and I both felt someone running their long nails over over backs. To me it tickled and it woke me up, but to my daughter it hurt.

Our cats watch things that aren't there. Or at least I can't see them, lol.



One time when I was holding one of our kittens while watching TV, I noticed the kitten was watching something very intently--as only a cat can do. Then he got so spooked that he jumped right out of my arms. Then on to my head, the other shoulder, finally onto the floor. He scampered away and hid under a chair--shivering.



I never did find out what had frightened him so.



Sometimes when I wash my hands in the bathroom I hear a child crying, which is odd because we live out in the country two miles out of town with hardly any neighbors and I've heard that same child cry for 20 years.



I've often wondered if it was the ghost girl Jenny who was crying, but I'm not sure.



Our daughter is nineteen now and has grew up in this house, but she still remembers the little ghost girl she's play with.

.

Whipped Cream

I guest blogged at Whipped Cream, about how my insomnia got me started off as a writer and how my stories are always about what happens next.

Redecorating

You might have noticed I’ve changed the look of my blog. It all started when I did a little research and found my cover couple, and then the photographer, Ben Heys. He’s from Australia just like the hero in my book Windswept Shores. I found more of my cover couple in various poses and bought them, Yay!

My new header is of my cover couple in a different pose.

Just for Halloween a new excerpt from my book

Windswept Shores by Janice Seagraves

Windswept Shores, now available  from Pink petal books.

Windswept Shores by Janice Seagraves Cover Contest Winner

erotic contemporary romance novel (approx 50K) price $4.95

Cover Art by Pink Petal Books with assistance from Winterheart Design

BLURB: The sole survivor of a plane crash, Megan is alone on a deserted island in the Bahamas until she finds a nearly-drowned man washed up on shore. Another survivor, this time from a boat wreck. With only meager survival skills between them, will they survive and can they find love?

EXCERPT:

Hearing an odd noise, they exchanged a worried glance. It sounded again.

Megan pulled down the corners of her mouth, spitting out one word, “Pigs.”

Seth’s eyes widened. “Bill.” He thrust the eggs into her hands, heading to the ladder on the side of the boat.

“Where are you going?” Megan asked.

“They’re in Bill’s ashes. After his bones.”

“You can’t charge boars barehanded. They have long, sharp tusks.” She frowned. “The last time I ran across a wild pig, I had to climb a tree.”

He slammed his fist on the boat’s railing. “I should have taken them out last night and buried them.” Opening a chest, Seth took out a spear gun. “You know how to use one of these?”

“No, I’ve only seen them on TV.” She set the eggs on the swivel chair.

“It’s just like on the box. You point and pull the trigger.” Seth demonstrated, loading it with a long spear with a wicked looking barb.

“What are you going to do?” She took the spear-gun.

Seth pushed the sharp end away from him. “I’m gonna make a bullroarer.” He brought out some heavy duty fishing line, tying a pointed weight to the end of it. “If I get charged, shoot. But try not to hit me.”

“I’ll try,” she said softly.

“Try a little harder than that, luv.” He grinned as he climbed down the ladder.

Megan scurried over to the side and aimed the spear gun at the pigs.

Seth rounded the bow of the boat. He called out with a thick accent, “Oy, get away from there, you miserable drongo.”

The boar grunted at him, sounding like “Huh?” The sow snorted, her piglets hiding behind her.

“Well come on, take a gander at the big Aussie.” He spread his arms wide as the boar snuffled, trying to scent him. Seth unwound the cord from the weight, spinning it over his head. The weapon started to hum until it turned into a very odd loud buzzing noise.

Alarmed by the noise, the pigs snorted and squealed.

“What a gas bag you are, you and your dirty grubs.” He moved closer to the hogs.

The female and the babies acted nervous, as if they didn’t want anything to do with that odd whirling noise overhead. With a last loud squeal of dismay, they ran off.

The boar didn’t budge but pawed the ground. “Seth, the boar is going to charge,” Megan warned. She kept a bead on it with the spear-gun.

“Steady now, Megz.” He edged closer to the boar. “Oy, you great big wanker, your missus left and so should you.”

The bore squealed ferociously and charged. Megan screamed. The spear-gun went off.

***

Now also available at Smashwords, Diesel, All Romance and for the kindle at Amazon.My website: http://janiceseagraves.org/

Spookapalooza

I posted a scary scene from my book, Windswept Shores. 

Janice~

New Author Marie Beau

Hi, you’re just in time. Pull up a chair we’re just about to start. Here with me today is a new author Maire Beau.

Maire : Hi Janice, thanks for having me.

Janice: Tell us about yourself?

Maire: Well, I work full time, write part time, sing part time, write songs part time, take care of my husband and teenage daughter, and try to squeeze in time for breathing. LOL.

Janice: Lol, sounds like a lot of work.
When did you start writing?

Maire: I started writing about ten years ago. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a teenager, but the only thing I used to write was poetry. I actually had one poem published on a greeting card just after my college years.

Janice: Who was the biggest influence on your writing?

Donna: Definitely my daughter. I actually started writing because I would make up bed time stories for her. She found them more entertaining than most books I got her. So when I finally got around to writing them down, I also started writing a novel – that’s patiently waiting for a major rewrite.

Janice: Oh, that is sweet.
How do you go about your writing? Do your prefer pencils to pens or is it all straight computer work?

Maire: I can type so much faster than write (plus I can read it!), not to mention my hand cramping and ink running – it’s definitely straight to the computer for me.

Janice: Hey, me too. *Grin* What influences you in your writing?

Maire: Music, movies, reading, or straight research? You know, I honestly don’t know. I just suddenly have ideas that pop into my head so I’ll jot down a page or two (yes, this is sometimes, ugh, hand written), then type it into my idea file to be expanded on when the time is right.

Janice: You sound much more organized than I am, lol.
When do you write morning or evening, or are you a late into the wee hours of the morning person?

Donna: Since I refuse to get up any earlier than 6AM, evening is the only time I have available. So I take what I can get and squeeze in as much as I can.

Janice: I don’t blame you. Who in charge you or your muse?


Donna: Definitely my muse. For the most part, the story is as much a surprise to me as it is to any other reader. I’m just the conduit.

Janice: Use only one word to describe your writing style?

Donna: Character driven all the way. If you want a story that you can love or hate the characters, dive in. Or at least what you want your readers to take away from your writing. Just an enjoyment for the time they’ve spent with my characters.

Janice: Sounds good. I love character driven stories.
What other books have you written?

Maire: I have several others, but nothing else published as yet.

Janice: What influenced your recent book, the one you are promoting here today?

Maire: I have always loved shape shifter stories. I tend to go through certain categories of stories in large blocks. After stumbling across a really good one last year, I hunted up every shifter story I could find. And when I ran out, I wrote my own.

Blurb: Lyssa Merrick has no intention of ever being involved with a wolf, but when Wolfe Reardon seeks her wildlife services she realizes choosing a mate is not always a conscious decision.

The jingle of the bells over the door announced his arrival. Lyssa sighed and dropped the tea ball into the cup of water.

I can do this.

She stepped into the front of the store and looked toward the door. Where is he? I know it was him. She frowned, turned back toward the kitchen, and screamed when a hand landed on her shoulder.

Without thinking, she gripped the hand, stepped into his side, and flipped him. Her eyes widened when she realized what she had done. I guess it’s not all about size after all. She practically giggled until she looked down at him, lying there so still. Perhaps he got the breath knocked out of him when he landed.

She shifted from foot to foot, staring at him, waiting for him to move, to open his eyes.

“Wolfe. Wolfe, I‟m sorry. You scared me.” She ran a hand through her hair setting it all askew she was sure.

“Come on Wolfe, you didn‟t land that hard,” she whispered. She knelt down to check his pulse only to have her hand snared and drawn to his chest. His eyes popped open, a grin spreading across his face.

Lyssa jerked back, trying to get free. “Okay, joke‟s over. You can let me go now.” She struggled to straighten and pull her hand out of his grasp but instead found herself sprawled on top of him when he tugged her down.

“Easy kitty, no claws…”

I will be giving away a copy of Wolf! to the lucky commenter who leaves the most comments in my blog tour before October 9th. All of my stops have been posted on my blog. Feel free to go back and post to them.

Thanks for stopping by,

Marie

Visit me at: http://www.authormariebeau.blogspot.com/

Wolf!
New release 10/1/2010 from Whispers Publishing.
http://www.whispershome.com/book_pages/wolf.html

Redecorating

I redid my website. Please take a look and see what you think.

Spookapaloosa

I've been posting on the TRS party site for October Halloween extravaganza called Spookapalossa.

This is a link to the first of a three part paranormal story called Jared the Fierce were-tabby.

Please give it a read and tell me what you think of it. If enough people tell me they like it, I will turn my three shorts into one large MS. :)

You will also have a chance to win a copy of my book, Windswept Shores.

Janice~

Book trailer for Windswept Shores

I redid my book teaser with a couple of new photos I bought of my cover couple. I did research and found the photographers name is Ben Heys and he's from Australia, like my hero in my story. *grin* And another cool thing is the guy on the cover without the filter looks more like my hero in Windswept Shores.

Car accident

My daughter was just involved in a car accident. She's okay, although bruised up pretty good. The girl driving hasn't regained consciousness and they had to air lift her to a bigger hospital. The girl's sister was also injured. Please-pray for the girls.

Janice~

My book

My book Windswept Shores is now available at All Romance.

Blogger

Blogger has been acting very odd for a couple of days now, so if my post don't look quite right or I haven't answered a comment my apologies.

Janice~

I got interviewed

I got interviewed by Kealie and Megan on Menagerie authors blog. 

Please stop by and leave a comment.

Janice~

Contest at Coffee Time Romance

Three days left for my Coffee Time Romance contest ~*~ Janice Seagraves I am so tickled to have this opportunity.  It is not everyday that I get to introduce you to a brand-new author. She is a romance writer within the various romance genres. Her name is Janice Seagraves and her first book, Windswept Shores, was released from Pink Petal Books on June 3rd. How exciting is this? I believe a celebration is in order. Janice is offering a lucky Coffee Time reader a $20 gift certificate from Pink Petal Books, but that is only if their name is drawn from the entries with the correct answers. Could it be you? Click here to enter

Learning something new--Grammar

I know, your rolling your eyes. "How can grammar be new?"


Being a writer I need to keep perfecting my grammar, so I'm always glad to learn something new. But having said that I will always need an editor, because writer's are blind to their own mistakes, unfortunately. 


However, I can still improve thus making my editor's job a little easier. *wink*


Someone asked me a question, which I was not entirely sure of. Is "then" a conjunction?


I thought it was, hmm?


So I decided to look it up, just to be sure.

Yes, "then" is a conjunction. To be more precise its a conjunction adverb. 

A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that connects two clauses. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect, sequence, contrast, comparison, or other relationships.

James walked across the room then sat in a chair. (That walk must have tired poor ol' James out.)





Conjunctive Adverbsalso
hence
however
still
likewise
otherwise
therefore
conversely
ratherconsequently
furthermore
nevertheless
instead
moreover >>>then<<<
thus
meanwhile
accordingly

Amazon

I'm so thrilled! I've found my book, Windswept Shores, at Amazon!

Amazon!!!

Here's the link.

Vote

Voting has started for best book trailer. 

Coffee Time Romance Chat scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunt: I have a game to play the winner gets a key chain with my book cover on it.
You can find all the answers to my game at my website: http://janiceseagraves.org/
1. What’s the Kangaroo holding? (hint: Aussie slang)
2. What’s Jared’s last name? (hint: look in free reads link)
3. What animal is on my book teaser?(hint: watch the book teaser)

Meet Faith Bricknell-Brown

Hi, your just in time, pull up a chair and get comfortable.

Today I'm interviewing my mentor, the fabulous Faith Bricknell-Brown. She's a multi published writer, editor, artist and mom.

Janice: *turns to Faith, sitting on couch* Please, tell us about yourself?

Faith: I making my living editing, writing ebooks, non-fiction, and fiction geared for print magazines. I have four children, three stepchildren, and one grandson who turned a month old on August 12. I live smack in the middle of Ohio’s Appalachian foothills, raise a big garden every year, and I’m an artist as well as a writer and editor. I also like to make jewelry and crochet.

Janice: Sounds like a lot of work. When did you start writing?

Faith: When I was six. I wrote a story on brown wrapping paper with a green crayon about a turkey that was in danger of being Thanksgiving dinner.

Janice: I bet that was a fun read. *chuckling* Who was the biggest influence on your writing?

Faith: Oh, wow...that’s a toughie. Someone asked me this very same question the other day and I was stumped on how to answer it. My grandfather was a schoolteacher from the age of seventeen until well into his eighties. He thought I was an unusual child, so he took a lot of time out of his life to work with me and inspire the need to read, write, and learn. He didn’t get along with a lot of the family, but we were good friends and I miss him to this day.

Janice: Wow. It sounds like you had an amazing mentor in your grandfather.

How do you go about your writing? Do your prefer pencils to pens or is it all straight computer work?

Faith: I sometimes jot ideas in a notebook. I have several, believe me, lol. But nowadays I type all my work out as it comes to me and then make notes to keep things straight as I go along.

Janice: What influences you in your writing? Music, movies, reading, or straight research?

Faith: All of the above! My mind is a sponge and it never shuts off! That’s probably why I don’t sleep well at night, lol.

Janice: All those images going though your mind must make a rocky pillow.

When do you write morning or evening, or are you a late into the wee hours of the morning person?

Faith: Most of my writing is done from early morning until late afternoon.

Janice: Who in charge you or your muse?

Faith: Definitely my muse. However, once I get several WIPs going, my muse quiets enough to let me complete them before torturing me too much to start others.

Janice: That's good.

Use only one word to describe your writing style? Or at least what you want your readers to take away from your writing.

Faith: I can’t label my work, but I’ve had countless readers and colleagues compare my work to Nicholas Sparks (and believe it or not, I’ve never read any of his titles) where others label my style as lyrical.

Janice: Lyrical good. What other books have you written?

Faith: Gah! Too numerous to list! However, the new works I have coming out in the next few weeks to a few months are The Darkness of Sable from Passion in Print, several erotica stories from Breathless Press, and a re-release called Feathers of Silver from Silver Publishing.

Janice: What influenced your recent book, the one you are promoting here today?

Faith: That would be The Darkness of Sable. It’s coming out in both print and ebook from Passion in Print. I have this intense fascination with anything paranormal, supernatural and all sorts of things that relate to faerie lore and the magical side of life, including witchcraft. Add some mythology and history to that mix and my muse goes bananas and I’m just along for the ride. I read everything about these topics I can get my hands on and watch every move and TV program of the same.

Janice: What brought SABLE into becoming a novel?

Faith: A biography I saw about Lenny Kravitz. LOL! He cut his dreadlocks, and BAM! I had an idea for a story. I bashed it out one afternoon and that 8K story has gradually turned into the 104K novel it is now. It has faeries, gods, goddesses, the paranormal, supernatural, lore, sex, action, psychological thrills and much, much more all wrapped up into one book!

The book will be available at all distributors but when it first comes out it can be purchased at www.passioninprint.com

Blurb:
Struggling to deal with the disappearance of her daughter and in a creative slump, sculptress Sable Hendricks-Tade travels to Florida for rest and relaxation only to find herself thrust between divided paranormal worlds. One side wants her dead and the other will do anything to keep her in its "wicked" embrace. Determined to get answers, she searches for her missing daughter and spirals into the realm of immortals and goddesses where she quickly realizes her agent is her only anchor to reality. But can she trust him to keep her safe?

Thomas Valimar, a highly trained marshal working with a network of humans to maintain the line between the paranormal and human worlds, is assigned to protect Sable from the magic she doesn't realize she possesses. Operating undercover as her agent, his duty soon turns to passion as he falls for the beautiful artist.
Drawing Sable into their world of sex, magic, and intrigue, the dark forces will do anything keep Sable in t heir clutches so they may feed from her emotions and mysterious ability. Only through sheer determination and Thomas' love can Sable walk through other realms and not only battle the paranormal creatures that wish to destroy her live but save her daughter as well.

EXCERPT:
The Darkness of Sable
by F.L. Bicknell
Published August 2010 from Passion in Print. Print and ebook (release date pending).

Upon hearing Sable’s scream, Thomas’s blood ran cold. His startled gaze met the lovely woman’s next to him, and then he spun on his heel, facing the chaos at the dais.

Flash bulbs bombarded her with their brightness, and camera phones clicked repetitively. She scrambled to her hands and knees and then shielded her face with her hands.

Nearly everyone around him moved closer to the embarrassing scene. He scanned the crowd for anything unusual and found only the Paranorm posing as an officer. For an instant, Thomas thought he saw something else standing in the cop’s place, something tall with big, curling horns sprouting from its head. He blinked. Had he imagined it?

He took a step toward the dais, but the woman next to him grabbed his sleeve.

“Don’t.”

“I have to protect Sable,” Thomas whispered and shrugged her off.

“Protect her from what?” the beautiful black woman replied, her gaze stern. “There’s nothing there.
Discretion is a big part of protecting your ward.”

He returned his attention to Sable, who accepted Isa’s proffered hand to help her up.

“Valimar, have you fallen for the woman?” she asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Yasmine,” he snarled. His heart flailed so hard he felt faint. Again, he glanced across the gala, taking in all the faces, looking for movement in shadowy corners. “What good am I as a Paranormal Marshal if I can’t protect her?”

“You forget that The Golden is with her.” She patted his arm. “Only a fool would make an attempt on Sable’s life in The Golden’s presence.”

“See that guy over there?” He inclined his head in Officer Delmont’s direction. “The one with the coal-black hair.”

“Yes.”

“What or who do you see?”

“A nice-looking man, why?”

“He’s a Paranorm, but for a moment I thought I...”

She focused jade-green eyes on Thomas.

Feeling silly, he shrugged. “Never mind. I think stress is messing with my mind.”

“Isn’t he the one assigned to help you guard Sable?”

“Yeah, but I don’t trust him.”

Yasmine snorted derisively. “Few Paranorms can be trusted, Valimar, you know that.”

“Come on.” Thomas took Yasmine’s hand and drew her toward the onlookers. “Let’s see what we can find out.”

As they shouldered through the crowd, Thomas waved to Sable, showing her he was on his way. Fear for her stomped in his heart. By the Judges power, how the hell do I protect her from something I can’t see?


He pushed past a man in a hideous green suit jacket, who wore enough cologne for twenty men. Behind him, Yasmine sniffed abruptly and then sneezed. Pausing a few feet away, Thomas witnessed unshed tears glimmering in Sable’s eyes. A lump that felt like the size of a cinder block formed in his throat. Oh, how he wanted to comfort her, to chase away her embarrassment and fear.

Drawing within earshot of the dais, Thomas heard Isa ask, “Are you all right?”

Sable bit her trembling lower lip and then nodded to Isa.

“Bless you, child.” Isa motioned, and security personnel rushed to the scene.

Thomas kept watching for stealthy movements, twinkles in his peripheral vision that denoted magic about to be used by someone, and odd nuances in a person’s eyes or form. However, nothing out of the ordinary hinted at its presence.

Officer Delmont moved closer to the scene.

If he touches Sable, I’ll beat him to death with a champagne bottle.

As if the policeman sensed Thomas’s thoughts, Officer Delmont turned toward him and smiled.

Okay, buddy. Thomas offered the cop a challenging gaze. Make one stupid move and it will be your last.

“Once you’re sure Sable is all right,” Yasmine said, her voice low, “we need to find a place to discuss some things.”

“Damn, Yasmine. This isn’t a good time. I can’t leave her here unprotected.”

“She’s with The Golden, and the Paranorm is nearby too. She’ll be fine.”

He sighed. It’s not The Golden who worries me.

The winner of the second August contest is . . .

The winning number is #35.

I looked over my list of participants, and Debra came the closet with #32.

Congratulations Debra, you are the winner of the mini surfboard, ankle bracelet, toe rings, and incense.

Janice~

Thursday's thirteen: What Megan says

I've posted my Thursday's thirteen on my website with a contest.

This contest is for the ladies. I have another surfboard to give away, plus an ankle bracelet made with seashells, toe rings are included, and that’s not all I’m also adding incense called sea breeze.

Don't hesitate enter today. The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 15.

An Interview and a contest

I have two things to tell you about. I and my characters from Windswept Shores got interviewed.

And the second thing is I entered my book tailer/teaser into a contest. Its suppose to be number #10.

Meet Lisa Alexander-Griffin

Hi, you’re just in time. Have a seat. I’m having a nice talk with Lisa Alexander-Griffin, a dear friend of mine and fellow Pink Petal author

Janice: Tell us about yourself *making a gesture with my hand* Whatever you’re comfortable telling us.

Lisa: Hi, Janice! Thanks for having me over today. There’s not a lot to tell. I’m a N. Alabama native. A mother to three children, two of which are grown, and the youngest is twelve. She keeps me hopping for sure. I’m also a grandmother to three delightful grandchildren. I’ve been married thirty-four years to the same wonderful man. [Sometimes not so wonderful, but hey, neither am I.] Life is hard, but we’ve managed this far, so we must be doing something right.


Janice: I guess so, 34 years is very long time to be married.

When did you start writing?

Lisa: About twelve years ago. I was going through some dark times and really thought journaling would help, but nothing is sacred here at home, so that idea was struck out rather quickly. I started a story to channel my feelings, and along the way, discovered my love for writing; how I could breathe life in characters, give them real personalities and flaws, a happy ending, when in life that’s not always possible. Realizing that I needed to learn the craft, I searched for, and found a few online groups. That’s when I really started to learn.

Janice: Same here and we meet on one of those groups, too. I remember reading an excerpt of Daniel’s Touch two years ago, when it was still a work in progress, and was very impressed.

Who was the biggest influence on your writing?


Lisa: Can’t say there’s just one.  I read a lot of Danielle Steel’s work when I first started reading romance. But I also grew up on Harlequin’s passed to me by my grandmother. Then there’s Cassie Edwards. I love her Native American Romantic tales. She was a major influence, and of course Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Fern Michaels and Jude Deveraux.


Janice: How do you go about your writing? Do your prefer pencils to pens or is it all straight computer work?


Lisa: Really, how I go about writing varies depending on my mood. Lol. Some days I’ll write caveman style with paper and pen, other days my preference is the computer. If I’m really stuck on a scene, it’s back to paper and pen.  *blushes* Yes, I still have creative blocks at times.

Janice: Oh that happens a time or two to me too. *grin* What influences you in your writing? Music, movies, reading, or straight research?

Lisa: Mostly research and people watching. You can learn a lot just listening. A phrase from a song, or a friend or family member’s problems might trigger a scenario in my mind, and from there, a story develops.

Janice: When do you write morning or evening, or are you a late into the wee hours of the morning person, like me?

Lisa: Every spare moment I get! Being a mother and grandmother, I never know what the day will bring. Nighttime is my preference. It’s quiet and there’s no one to call my name or break my concentration. But with Morgan still in school, that’s next to impossible except on holidays or weekends.

Janice: Oh, yes, I like night for writing too. Who in charge you or your muse?

Lisa: Definitely me. I’ve always said I don’t have a muse, and I really don’t. What goes on paper/computer is up to me. Sad but true.

Janice: Use only one word to describe your writing style? Or at least what you want your readers to take away from your writing.

Lisa: Dark, but always with an HEA. Lol.

Janice: Getting to that HEA is really worth it, when your story is dark. What other books have you written?

Lisa: My first contract was for The Unexpected Gift in One Touch, One Glance, A Sweet Romance Anthology at Freya’s Bower, and soon to follow, a contemporary romantic fantasy titled A Celtic Lover’s Magic where old and new worlds collide. Shattered Illusions released in May at Pink Petal Books, and my latest title, Danielle’s Touch, debuted in ebook format at Passion in Print August 1, 2010. In ten to fourteen days it will be out in print at Amazon and Barns and Noble. Maybe even an independent bookstore near you, so check it out!!

Janice: Oh, I already have Daniel’s touch budgeted in on the next week’s shops list.

What influenced your recent book, the one you are promoting here today?

Lisa: Oh, wow! This is the first story I’d ever written. As I improved my craft, I tweaked, and then tweaked some more. Danielle’s Touch deals with domestic violence issues, how people overcome and survive such a horrific event. Every cloud has a silver lining, IF we look hard enough to find it. Ethan and Danielle found theirs.

Danielle’s Touch

www.passioninprint.com

Danielle's Touch Trailer:

Buy Link:

Blurb: Rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive marriage, Danielle Courtland throws herself into her new decorating business. Men are the last thing on her mind…until a Stetson-wearing cowboy enters her shop, that is.

The hazel-eyed cowboy needs her help. Restoring an old Victorian-styled plantation house, he realizes the job requires a feminine touch. Caught off guard by the sexiest woman he's ever laid eyes on, Ethan’s vow to never love again is all but forgotten as he falls hard for the tempting decorator.
Passion simmers, and love is no longer a dream. But hidden in the shadows, danger waits, threatening Danielle and Ethan's chance at a life together. Will a man, twisted by his obsession, separate them forever?


Excerpt: A lazy half smile on his face, Alex leaned against the porch post like he owned the place.

Danielle’s stomach churned. With a hand clutching the doorknob, she moved cautiously onto the porch. God, have I ever screwed up. Panic erupted inside her, and her body trembled. “What do you want, Alex?

Alex’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. “Just dropped by for a friendly visit, Danielle.

Danielle forced a breath past the constriction in her throat. “You’re not my friend. Say what you have to say and be gone. I didn’t invite you here.” Her knees threatened to buckle, and her pulse pounded in her ears. She edged back against the door to steady the tremble of her body. “I want nothing to do with you.” She fumbled for, and twisted the knob, eager to escape back into the house.

Alex pushed from the post. “It hasn’t been long since you wanted a great deal to do with me,” he drawled.

Her hand slipped, and the door lock clicked, vibrating in the night. Danielle flinched, and the door slammed shut, barring her escape to the inside. Swift in his movements, Alex yanked her against him.

She jerked free and rubbed her arm. “You have no right to disrupt my life. In case you’ve forgotten, we’re divorced.”

He inched her backward, against the door, molding his body to hers. “I told you, Danielle, I’ll never let you go.”

Danielle pushed with all her might. Familiar and overwhelming, the stench of alcohol permeated the air. His grip tightened, and in the dim moonlight his eyes glinted with lust, his erection rigid against her thigh.

“I came for what belongs to me,” he whispered, his hot breath moist on her cheek. “A man has needs.”

The porch plank creaked under his weight, and a dog barked in the distance. Frantic, Danielle scanned her surroundings. There was no visible help in sight. No neighbor or a passerby. Nothing.

I’m not your wife,” she croaked, and with the realization that she was trapped, terror slammed through her. She had no place to run, hide or seek refuge.

Wrenching her arm to the side, she tried to break free. “We’ve been separated three years, divorced for a year and a half,” she said in an attempt to jar his alcohol-hazed memory.

He glowered down at her, his eyes darkening.

Ice balled in her stomach—whenever she’d seen that look in the past, she’d paid dearly.

Alex snickered. “Those stupid papers mean nothing. You will always be my wife. No paper, no dim wit judge, is ever going to change that. No one,” he snarled, “will know the pleasure of having you but me.” His lips slid across her neck, hot and repulsive. “I know you want me, babe.”

She twisted her body, attempting to dislodge his hold. “Let me go. You’re drunk, and I don’t want you here.” She jabbed an elbow into his ribs and raked her fingernails down the side of his face. “Leave me alone!” she shrieked.

“You bitch.” He stumbled back and grabbed her again, his fingers digging into soft flesh, bruising her arm. Cold and blue, his eyes glinted. “You’re not going anywhere, Danielle. Unless I go with you.”

Tears burned her eyes, clouding her vision. She squirmed and shoved against him.

“Not so fast, princess. You haven’t given me what I came for.”

Brutally, he seized her mouth, his lips crushing hers. The pressure on her arms intensified, and large hands, capable of so much cruelty, yanked her closer.

She gagged, bile rising in her throat. With renewed effort, she fought to be free.

Pinning her to the wall with the weight of his body, he tangled his hands in her hair, forcing her head back. His mouth violated, his tongue forcing entry. Releasing his grip on her arm, he circled his fingers around her neck in a vise grip.

Danielle tried to scream, but the pressure of his kiss stopped her. She drove her knee upward, aiming for his groin. He deflected the maneuver with little effort. Determined, she slammed her foot into his shin, and he released a guttural growl.

Open palmed, he struck her face. A starburst of color exploded behind her eyelids, and she bit back a groan.

Alex had the upper hand. He was the predator—she the prey.

She traced her bruised lower lip with her tongue, tasting blood. Desperate, she prayed for the strength to fight him off. Kill him for what he’d done to her—what he kept doing.

With her robe askew and her chest heaving, damp night air caressed her breasts. Alex’s hungry gaze settled on her exposed flesh. He chuckled low, licked his lips, and she shriveled inwardly. He grasped a nipple between his thumb and forefinger and squeezed. Pain radiated outward, and she fought not to cry out. His putrid breath caressed her face.

“God. Alex. Stop!”

“I’ll have my wife tonight,” he whispered, dragging her toward the front door.

His words jolted through her. Dear God, don’t let him rape me. She planted her bare feet but found no leverage. Scrambling, she dug in again, and he laughed. He was too strong, impossible to fight.

Danielle panted, each breath ragged. She resigned herself to the inevitable and went limp in his arms. A scream rent the air, and she recognized the voice as her own.

Alex would do with her what he wanted. There was nothing she could do to stop him.

Tires screeched, and Danielle scanned the streets, hope surging inside her. Nicole Lawson emerged from her car. Her face distorted with rage, she raced around the vehicle.

“Let her go!”

Surprise widened Alex’s eyes. He reinforced his grip, looking over his shoulder.
Nicole jogged up the sidewalk, stopping a few feet from the porch. “Leave or I’ll call the police.” Hatred blazed in her eyes as she held herself ramrod straight.

Alex’s hold faltered, his fingers loosening. Anticipation swelled in Danielle’s chest.

Nicole tilted her chin in defiance. “I seriously doubt you’d welcome trouble. Let. Her. Go.”
Arms tense and his biceps bulging, Alex dropped his hand.

Danielle’s knees buckled, and she collapsed to the porch, the air rushing from her lungs.

He stepped back and pinned Danielle with a frigid stare. “This isn’t over by a long shot, Danny girl,” he growled and pointed a finger at her. “It will never be over for us. You’d do best to remember that you’re mine.” He shot Nicole a hate-filled glare and strode into the night.

Buy Link

Visit Lisa Alexander-Griffin

http://lisaalexandergriffin.com/

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This weeks contest

This weeks contest has ended and Loretta C. has won the incense and soy melts.

Congratulations, Loretta!

Next weeks contest will be posted late on Wednesday night, another Thursday's Thirteen on my website. I will only be having weekly contests until the end of the month.

And I also have an on going contest at Coffee Time Romance, which will end on August 31st.

So don't delay, enter today!

Chat

My live chat is just two hours away.


Please join me. :)

Two Contests and a Chat

I still have two on going contests. One is on Thursday's thirteen which will end on Sunday, August 8th, and the second one is on the Coffee Time Romance website(third one down), which will end on August 31st.

There is still time to enter both contest. :)

I will also be on a chat tomorrow, Saturday, August 7th,Coffee Time erotic group, between 2:00 and 4:00 est. Please stop by and support me. :)

This weeks Thursday's Thirteen is posted at Coffee Time Romance

I blogged at Coffee Time Romance blog. There's also a contest. Check it out!

Janice~

Contest and Prizes

Today I'm working on more handmade prizes, since the first mini surfboard I offered got a huge response.

But I'm only doing two more with a possibility of a third.

One will be a duplicate of the first one offered, and the second one will have of my hero's Seth's favorite sayings: Abso-bloody-lutely, which means, "Yes, I will!" Or along those lines.

I'm also reminding people that my weekly contest will be ending the last week in August.

.

My daughter's B-day is today

They're tell me she's nineteen not one like the candle says.

I love this shot--and she's crossed eyed too! Lol.

Make a wish and blow out the candle.

Happy Birthday, baby girl.