Stay Home & watch football. Probably fold laundry while I'm watching. Heck, I may go a little crazy and do some other house cleaning. Nah, it is a holiday, after all. But, I love three-day weekends, and the whole "I have a legitimate excuse to be lazy" thoughts they generate.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy, & prosperous New Year. Here's a cyber toast to a wonderful 2007!
Jessie
Today is my parents' 53rd wedding anniversary. Yep, 53 years of love, laughter, Christmas mornings, New Year's celebrations, weddings, babies, and summer trips. 53 years of finding strength in each other when the tears fell, when children were sick or hurt, when money was tight, and when bad news came. The premature birth of my sister, the car accident when I was 12, my sister's cancer, my son's tumor, my nephew's 7 year custody battle, my dad's first bout with cancer. The joy of grandchildren and the special joy of great-grandchildren.
In short -- a lifetime.
Their story is why I believe in love and the happily ever after. Their story is why I write romance. Their love and encouragement are the reasons I write at all.
The power of true love is real, and it grows stronger as time passes. It may not seem like it when you're caught in the day-to-day routine of a hectic life, but it's there, pulsing, waiting to be called upon to see us through the next difficult situation.
Take a moment and let someone know you love them.
Jessie
Phaze is having a Huge Christmas sale! All e-books are 50% off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!! Wow! Heatsheets for $1.00 (that’s a lot of bang for your buck). And from December 26, 2006 until December 31, 2006, Phaze e-book titles will be discounted 25%. For the Christmas Day sale, use code SANTA50, and the week sale, use the code SANTA25. Be sure to check out Spellbound & Sensual Energy and these other great authors!
Spellbound
Sensual Energy
Waking Annabel, by Jayelle Drewry
Kitten, by Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael
Apocalypse Dance, by Michael Barnette
Cain & Abel, by Bridget Midway
Jessie
My Bookstore and More is having a Huge Christmas sale! All e-books are 15% off until December 24!! Lord Night is only $2.98 -- a bargain for a hot book to keep you warm during a cold night.
Check out Lord Night, and these other great authors!
Lord Night
Taste This, by Leigh Ellwood
Blame the Rain, by Ann Cory
Lords of the Were, by Bianca D'Arc
The Gift, by Beth Williamson
Loving Lies, by Lora Leigh
Just Like a Dame, by Daisy Dexter Hobbs
Now, off to do some Christmas shopping.
Jessie
(Read it lots, honey, 'cause you this is the only time I'm likely to admit it.)
So, Hiro wasn't lost in time.
Questions: How did Sylar get his telekinesis powers to work in that room? What do Peter's dreams mean? Why does the Haitian want Claire to remember?
I think HRG's job is, and has been, to erase the memories of the heroes since their birth. And, I still think the partial eclipse has something to do with the heroes' all discovering their powers now. One thing I noticed was a change in Nicky/Jessica. In all the other shows, they could only see or speak with each other in reflective surfaces. However, in Fallout, once they saw each other at the pond, Jessica became corporeal, which fits with her having the sign and Nicky not. Has her power developed to a more advanced level?
I'm revamping my website, and it's taking a lot longer, and more irritating, than I anticipated. Even if I don't have all the pages finished by tomorrow, I'm putting up the ones I have.
I need to start my Christmas shopping - haven't bought the first present yet. Will probably have a marathon shopping session one night this week and another on Saturday. The hardest people to buy for: my parents and my husband. I have no idea what to get them. Easiest people to buy for: the kids ( and the toys are more fun, too.)
Have a Great Weekend!
Jessie
When I think the word heroes, several images cross my mind: super heroes like Batman (my fav); sports figures (though not so much now as when I was a kid); firefighters, policemen, doctors, etc.; and of course, soldiers. Over the past few years, we've seen many of our heroes fall, and as I write this, a member of SMRW is getting ready to deploy to Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers go with him.
A little closer to home, though, we rarely acknowledge those who are close to us who are "everyday heroes." Perhaps, we've grown accustomed to the wonder we first experienced when we realized they were our hero. I have several in my life, most of them family members, but my dad has always been my first, and best, hero, as well as my biggest fan. Last week, I learned my dad has cancer. This is the second time he's been diagnosed with the disease. The good news is the doctors caught it early and the prognosis is good.
But it's scary, and it leaves me a little lost knowing my biggest hero could fall.
Jessie
I have now seen episodes 1-6, and the one which aired on Monday night, and I have a few theories. The use of the phrasing "patient zero" leads me to believe that there was some form of genetic manipulation, whether totally generated or simply sped up. Dr. Saresh thought Syler was patient zero, but we know other people were coming into their powers before Sylar met Dr. Saresh. The painter being one. Sylar, Nicky/Jessica, and the girl who can control people seem to be the "villains", and I think there will be more as a balance of power sort of thing. Of course, we don't know about Claire's father yet, and whether he has any powers, or if he is the instigator. His actions, particularly grounding Claire, tend to put him on the side of good, but whoever is running the gene show could have given Claire powers to keep her father in line. Nathan could go either way.
I think the partial solar eclipse has something to do with the powers strengthening.
In the upcoming episode, I think Hiro will be lost - as in time.
That's all I have time for now. Oh, and I found this site (after I wrote the above) http://heroeswiki.com/Main_Page
Jessie
for the Heroes marathon! I love this show!!!! Although, I have to admit I haven't watched it consistently, because it airs opposite (you guessed it) Monday Night Football. In fact, I've missed many good shows this season for a whole host of reasons (Law & Order, CI; Dr. Who; CSI), but always knew in the back of my mind I could catch them in reruns. However, thanks to the Sci-Fi channel, tonight, I'll get to see all the episodes of Heroes I missed. Unfortunately, I haven't seen the first episode, so I have lots of questions. I'm sure once I get to see them tonight, I'll form some theories of my own about their powers - whether they're natural or genetically manipulated, Claire's dad, Syler, etc.
Jessie
I have so much to be thankful for. My faith, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my health, my readers who make the whole writing journey worthwhile, and the writers whose work I enjoy.
There's so much love and support surrounding me, I feel totally awed. I may have some disappointments in my life, like the Colts losing, but I'm thankful to be able to watch them play. I may get totally stressed at work sometimes, but I'm grateful to have a job. I may be a little overweight, but I'm thankful I have food, and I'm very thankful the cyst removed earlier this year wasn't cancerous.
I'm thankful my father and my sister are still with us after fighting their own battles with cancer.
I'm thankful for my mother, and the grace, hope, and steadfast faith she's shown in the midst of her own pain.
I'm thankful for my son and what a wonderful young man he's grown into. I'm thankful for my lovely daughter-in-law who's strong and courageous and can find laughter and joy through adversity. I'm thankful for my grandkids and the life they bring to the party.
And, I'm thankful for my husband whose love, support, and understanding make my life complete. Love you Honey!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and lots to be thankful for.
Jessie
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I knew I had read Born in Death too fast, so I re-read it over the weekend. And I did miss something; not on the plot of this particular case, or anything to do with Mavis's baby, but in the whole of the series. There was absolutely no mention of the infamous candy thief in this book. In fact, Eve spent very little time at the precinct or in her office.
She's hidden her stash of real chocolate in almost every conceivable location in her small office, and in the last 5 or so books or so, someone has managed to find it. However, it's not even mentioned in this book. I found it very disappointing. Her ongoing battle with the vending machines provides some comical moments, but there's no mystery there. We've all lost money in them, but the candy thief has managed to outwit Eve Dallas at every turn, and I look forward to the moment she discovers her candy has been purloined.
Jessie
If you've been in a few chats with me, you probably know I'm a football addict. I've got the NFL channel, and I watch it constantly. However, tonight, I'm crying in my peppermint coffee. (Normally, it's cinnamon hazelnut, but with the holidays, I switch to peppermint.) The Colts lost their first game today. I really didn't expect them to go 17-0, but I also didn't expect them to lose this early. It breaks my heart, and in more ways than just the loss of a game. It brings back memories of an old friend, Joni, who is a Dallas Cowboys fan through and through. I kept thinking through the game that Joni was probably smiling, laughing, and whooping it up at her team's domination over the unbeaten Colts. I haven't seen her in years. Unfortunately, our lives went separate ways, and through a marriage, a divorce, another marriage, some job changes, and life in general, we gradually lost touch. It's days like these, when I think of how much fun we'd had doing the simple things, like watching football games (even if we rooted for opposing teams) that I miss my old friends the most. I hope she enjoyed the game.
Now, trying to decide whether to root for the Chargers or the Broncos....
Jessie
Do you read the last few pages of books first? My sister does and it drives me nuts. What's the point of reading the book when you know how it ends?
Now, it could be argued that in a romance the reader always knows how it's going to end -- happily ever after, with the hero and heroine declaring their love and overcoming the final hurdle. However, most of the romances I read have some sort of mystery to them, and most books I read outside of the romance genre definitely have mystery/suspense in them. To me, reading the last few pages and learning the answer to the puzzle would take away my enjoyment of the story.
Although, I was very tempted to do just that this past week. I purchased Born in Death, by JD Robb the day it came out and started reading immediately. Now, normally, I figure out who the bad guys/gals are pretty early in the books, but it's still a great feeling when I get to the unveiling part and my guess turns out to be correct. However, there are some red herrings in Born, and I couldn't read fast enough to see if I was right or wrong. I fell into the trap of "I want to know, and I want to know now!" So, you guessed it, I went to the end. And what did I discover? The sex of Mavis's baby. I took that as a sign and went back to reading the way it's supposed to be done -- start to finish.
But, what if I'm tempted again? I hope I'll be strong enough to resist temptation.
Jessie
Ready to be Spellbound? E-mail me and I'll send you a code for 10% off at Fictionwise for either Spellbound or Sensual Energy!
Joshua Neville is more than a ghost, he's a man trapped in time and space. Solange Monroe is more than a security specialist, she's the woman who can help him break a 127 year curse. However, he's a wanted man in 1879 and going back could mean a hangman's noose, but staying means an eternity of being alone. An instant attraction draws teh couple together, and his unique ability to "phase" through time adds an unusual twist to their lovemaking. However, it's the unusual twisting of her heart that has her worried.
Excerpt:
She didn't know if the loneliness reflected in his eyes stirred her, or the way he casually kept touching her, but she stopped resisting and gave in to what she had wanted since she first saw him sitting at the piano. She turned and straddled his lap. "You aren't alone tonight."
"And you are a brazen wench."
The bold move garnered the result she hoped as she felt him harden against her crotch. She ran a finger down his shirt. "Can you phase shift out of your clothes?" she teased.
His whole body vibrated beneath her and his eyes glittered with energy. One blink and his clothes disappeared.
"Wow! Can you make my clothes disappear, too?"
"I have a better idea." He placed his hands under the hem of her tank top and slid them up her stomach to cup her breasts. The shirt caught on his wrists as he went, pulling the fabric up and exposing her to his gaze. Desire flooded through her and moisture drenched her boxers when he tweaked the taut nipples.
She forgot about her job, his hex, everything, with each seductive stroke of his fingers against her bare flesh. His fingers continued to move upward, over her shoulders to caress the sensitive pulse point at the base of her throat before pulling the tank top over her head.
Seeking release, she rubbed her clit against his hard shaft, and a small moan of satisfaction escape her throat.
His tongue traced across her lips. "You have the most alluring mouth, especially when your lips are wet and ready and reminding me of other moist, delectable parts of your body."
She nearly came from the words alone.
"Do you know the most erotic place a woman can place her lips on a man's body?" Staying silent, she glanced at his crotch.
His hand entered the small fly type opening of her boxer shorts, his fingers tangling in the hair covering her mound, and the fabric of her boxers tightened over her swollen labia. "The hollow of his throat where he can experience each shivering breath of contentment, each small whisper of pleasure, and feel her hard nipples pressed against his chest and her legs wrapped around his thighs."
He fisted the edges of the opening, and the thin material ripped from the waistband to the crotch, giving him access. Her body shivered when his fingers brushed over her clit and plunged into her slick folds. The intensity of the light contact engulfed her and drove her past the edge of desire into primal need. She lifted off his lap and impaled herself on his fingers, urging them deeper into her pussy while she kept a strong grip his cock.
He removed his fingers and rubbed her clit. "Chér, put your lips on me."
Even through her sensual haze, she caught the double entendre. She guided the head of his penis to her opening, and raw sexual energy exploded through her. Wrapping her arms around him, she placed her lips on his neck and slowly slid down his shaft until she completely sheathed him.
His cock throbbed inside her, and she ground her hips in a circular motion, increasing the pressure. His pulse beat fast and strong under her lips, and the salty taste of him made her hungry for more.
She rocked her hips to the demanding rhythm of her desire, aroused by the way he clutched her ass.
His Creole accented whispers washed over her, carressed her. "You feel so good, so wet."
Her nipples tightened to the point of pained pleasure, and she quickened her pace, riding him hard. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, the friction flooding her entire body with heat until her pussy tightened around his throbbign cock, taking them both to climax.
Exhausted, she collapsed on top of him. The faint sound of chimes drifted from the grandfather clock in the foyer. Halp past two. "Bed," she murmured.
“Spellbound” is perfectly titled because that is what I was from the first page.... This book was hot, the characters believable and the ending more than I could have expected.... and I will be adding it to my top recommended reads.... – Sensual Reads & Reviews www.sensualreads.net
Cute, quick and entertaining.... Rated Multiple O’s by Romance Reviews Today-Erotic www.rrterotic.com
There's no music. I don't like clicking on a video and having it blast through my office and letting my bosses know I'm surfing. Maybe I'll add some later....
Lord Night
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Jessie
I made it back from the Women's Expo in Kingsport, TN all in one piece, but very tired. It's a great event, with around 4000 people attending. I'll have a few pics in my website gallery later this week, and you do not want to miss seeing the absolutely gorgeous dress Mary Wine is wearing.
Our table bustled with activity both days, and we had some great people stop and talk to us.
Oh, and the unveilings! Just for this special event, Lora Leigh unveiled her new movie promo for Dangerous Games!! All I can say is wow. And, I got to see the new look for Samhain's website. I'm not sure when the new look will go live, but it's awesome! Be sure to check it out at www.samhainpublishing.com. I'm sure it won't be too much longer.
We're already starting to plan for next year, so mark your calendars. Lora Leigh, Mary Wine, Trista Ann Michaels, and me will be attending, and we have some other fantastic authors who are planning to attend. I can't spill the beans yet, but as soon as we have confirmation, I'll let you know. We also have some other fun events planned around the Expo. Details will be forthcoming, as I love to keep everyone guessing, and of course, not everything is ironed out yet.
We hope to have a website up soon, and I'll let you know as soon as it's up.
Exhausted, but pumped.
Jessie
This morning I received a call on my cellphone that went something like this:
Me: Hello.
Caller: Ask me how I feel.
Me: Ohhhkaaay, how do you feel?
Caller: (very excited) No, ask me how it feels to be DA MAN!
Me: (Laughing) Do I know you?
Caller: (Audible swallow) This is _______.
Me: Nope.
Caller: You're not ______?
Me: Nope.
From there, he sputtered apologies, which weren't necessary because he made my day. But now I'm curious. Did he get a new job? Did he win the lottery? Did he pop the question to his girlfriend and she said yes? Just what made this guy feel like DA MAN?
Have a great day, or at least as good as the guy who gets a wrong number.
Jessie
My boss is on vacation!!!
So, now I can work on any one of the six projects I have going right now. Yeah, six. I'm trying to have some self-control and only work on two, maybe three, get those finished and then continue with the others, but
A few months ago, DH bought a new computer and my old Palm won't connect. I'm sure I could find a USB connector for it, but I'd rather update to a newer Palm. I've been checking out the different models, and I think I'm going with the Tungsten E2. I don't need to get to the web from my PDA, but I would like to listen to music, read books, and keep track of some things, so it seems like the best option. Anyone else use it and have an opinion? I'd like to know before I plunk the $$ down.
Anyone Christmas shopping yet? Not me, although I've been thinking about it. Mostly what to get the kids in my family. They're the most fun to buy for, and I get to let my inner child out for awhile. I also get to buy the toys that make all kinds of noise, have blinding lights, and in general will drive their parents nuts. Those thoughts just brighten my day like nothing else.
Have a Great Day!
Jessie
My, my, my, it seems as if Mr. Head was up bright and early this morning searching blogs for his name--and he found a lot of them. And, he left me (and several others) this little message:
Anonymous said...
I think everyone is missing the bigger picture, Susan Combs wrote a book with sex and then Susan Combs took a public position during debate on a sex education (ABSENCE ONLY) bill while she served as a State Representative. The point, Susan Combs is a hypocrite. Fred Head is clearly stating the facts. Please debate how you can write a book of this nature and then took a public position of sex education (ABSENCE ONLY) bill. Can't have it both ways.
6:29 AM
Now, I don't know for a fact that Fred Head left the comment, but others who have tracker software attached to their blogs have verified it comes from Dallas, (http://gabrielleluthy.blogspot.com/2006/10/right-said-fred.html) and evidence supports the supposition. Absence instead of abstinence. I dearly wish he or his press people, would learn to spell and use words correctly. (Although, I understand he has now replaced the word "extraxt" with excerpt.)
Just for the record, I support sex education for our children. I feel it's very important to teach sexual responsibility as it pertains to relationships, pregnancy, STD's, and even domestic violence and sexual abuse. Armed with knowledge = right choices.
I do not advocate the reading of my books by anyone under the age of 18, even though I started reading, under my parents' supervision, romance novels around the age of 14.
Please do not insult me or other romance authors by hiding behind anonymous comments.
Jessie
My boss just left for vacation, which means I have the rest of a Friday afternoon to goof off. Woke up to frost on the ground and the car this morning, but this afternoon is sunny, a bit cool, and beautiful. The trees are starting to turn in East Tennessee and they're georgeous!
Looking forward to some Mexican food tonight and a little snuggling with my sweetie.
Here's an excerpt of Lord Night to get the weekend started right.
A movement at the bar caught her attention. Two men exited the booth the man was supposed to lure Damien into, and they didn't look pleased to see the two chatting.
The bartender ducked behind the bar, and the weasel nearly fell trying to slip off the stool, but he regained his footing and ran toward the door.
No, not men, she realized when they moved closer. Demons. And they headed straight for Damien. Sharp features etched their long, thin faces. Their pale skin appeared almost translucent, and their red snake eyes glowed unnaturally in the muted light of the bar. One of them dragged his long, bony fingers over the polished wood and scratched the surface with his sharp nails.
Damien's right arm rested on the edge of the bar, his fingers inches away from the gun, and his left hand nursed the drink left by the weasel. What was he waiting for? Why didn't he shoot them?
If he lived through this, she was going to kill him.
She refused to stand by and do nothing. She pulled away from the wall, and out of the shadows protecting her, and walked brazenly toward Damien. Slowing a little to match pace with the demons, she stepped behind Damien as the demons flanked him. She played with the hair curled at the nape of his neck and bent over his shoulder. "Darling, you didn't tell me you invited friends."
The demons' eyes brightened, and she suppressed a shudder when their lips curled in sinister smiles showing yellowed, jagged teeth.
Damien tensed beneath her hand.
The barstool spun slowly until Damien faced the demon on his left and she stood with her back pressed against Damien's, facing the demon on his right.
She took a deep breath and eased her sweaty palm down her thigh. Her fingers brushed against the holster. She leaned forward and shimmied. "Why don't we get this party started?"
The demon licked his thin lips and leered at her, but his attention centered right where she wanted it, distracting him long enough for her to palm the small gun.
She felt Damien's arm move, took quick aim at the most direct target—the demon's balls, and shot from the hip. He shrieked with pain, but she didn't let off the trigger, landing hits with the laser over his torso and chest. Damn, the thing just wouldn't die.
Damien jerked off his seat, toppling the barstool to the floor. "Shit! These things have sharp nails."
"How bad?"
"Nothing more than a scratch down my arm." He nudged her with his shoulder and they walked back to back away from the bar, shooting their laser guns as they moved.
The demons followed, staying close and swiping with their talon-like fingers. The sickening scent of charred flesh filled her nostrils and mingled with the coppery scent of Damien's blood.
The club fell silent. No music, no steps echoing on the dance floor, no tinkling of glasses. Only the hissing sounds the demons made filled the air, each breath rushing out like an icy damp wind over her skin. It chilled her, numbed her fingers, and made it hard to grip her weapon.
Unable to hold the gun steady, she squeezed the trigger as best she could and sprayed laser blasts at the creature, praying no wild shots struck a bystander.
The demon flailed in front of her, gurgling from a wound in his throat. The cold vapor dissolved.
She sent another, longer blast into its neck and it crumbled to black dust in front of her. One of its gnarled talons survived, and she kicked it away from the pile of ash as if its presence might revive the demon.
"Go for the throat!" she shouted over her shoulder.
The adrenalin rush pumped through her, warming her blood, her hands. She held the gun in front of her and dared not turn around to help Damien in case other demons lay in wait, hidden.
Another horrible gurgling sound told her Damien had found his mark. The music started again, and she heard the soft hum of conversations under the melody. The threat had passed and everything seemed normal again. Her labored breathing evened out, and she placed the gun back in the holster.
"Lord Night is an extraordinary story with a unique and remarkable world...." http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/lordnight.html
"...fantastic alternate-dimension story..." http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=727
"...This is an erotic tale of the highest caliber...." http://www.loveromancesandmore.com/reviews/Sept06/lordnight_valerie.htm
http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_13_14&products_id=165
Have a great weekend!
Jessie
If Fred Head has his way, all romance novelists will be considered pornographers, and I suppose by his way of thinking, all suspense/murder/mystery writers will be considered criminals, and he'd probably want to burn JK Rowling at the stake. I'm not even going to try to guess what the man might think of Stephen King.
I read his rant. I read how he used Black's Law Dictionary's definition of pornography to determine his opponent's status. (Which although he said was on his site, I never found it. So, since I happen to have a BLD handy, here it is: "That which is of or pertaining to obscene literature; obscene; licentious. People on Complaint of Savery v. Gotham Book Mart, 158 Misc. 240, 285 M.Y.S 563, 367." -- Black's Law Dictionary, Revised Fourth Edition.) Make of it what you will.
One of the first things that caught my eye while reading his website was this line:
"...which has her name at the top of every other page - - - a clear testament to Susan Combs’ insatiable ego and desire to see her name in print."
Has the man ever read a book? Apparently not. Go ahead, check all your books; Poe, Shakespeare, Nora Roberts, they all have the author's name on every other page, with the title opposite. From his statements, it seems all authors are aggrandizing with insatiable egos.
However, his lack of knowledge on the subject of books is far less appalling than his knowledge of the subject matter of said books. Romance, with or without implied or explicit sexual content, is about love, empowerment, trust, insecurities and believing in yourself and your partner enough to overcome them, and yes, even passion. It seems as if he zoned in on "the good parts" just like the guys in my 11th grade history class, (Johanna Lindsay historicals were very popular in my history class) and never took the time to actually read the story. Romances, by their very nature, have a "happy ever after" ending.
I could quote all the stats which state romance readers are educated and spend lots of money on books (all genres, because we read more than romance) each year, but, to me, it's not a money issue. He has managed to insult me as a reader and author, along with millions of others, because of his WILLFUL IGNORANCE. This should not be tolerated.
And while we're skirting around the money issue, as comptroller, he should be aware of a few more facts: Romance Writers of America's (RWA) headquarters are in Texas; RWA's national conference is being held in Texas next year; Romantic Times' Readers and Booklover's Convention is being held in Texas next year. Can you say a boatload of money coming into his state from readers and authors of romance? I'm pretty sure he's not screaming "pornographers go home."
I'm not ashamed of what I read or write, but I am ashamed for this man. A man who has had to stoop to a smear campaign in order to make himself look better in the eyes of voters. A man who cannot stand on his record or the issues. He has earned my pity, but will never earn my respect.
Jessie
Washed down with cinnamon hazelnut coffee. It's a great morning. Football season means blue jeans and team gear (today the gray UT hoody). So, I'm comfortable, reading e-mails from my boss reminding me of things to get done today, because he's playing golf, which means I might actually get it done. Nah, who am I kidding. I'll get some of it done, but another round of Avon Fanlit starts this afternoon, and I'll be glued to that, along with a few other projects.
If you haven't heard of Avon Fanlit, it's an online writing competition. The premise was voted on, and then people were invited to submit a chapter on the premise. (London, 1815 won out.) The first round had 513 submissions. Then it was narrowed down to the top ten through the ranking process, and the second round was a continuation of the winning chapter. The second round had 299 submissions, and the top ten are being ranked as I type. The winner will be announced at noon, and then the third round begins. They also have some great prizes.
Well, I'm off to do some "real job" stuff now.
Oh, before I go, I just wanted to thank everyone! Sensual Energy is in Phaze's Top Ten for paranormal!! I'm so excited!! If you'd like a coupon for 10% off Sensual Energy or Spellbound (my latest release) at Fictionwise, just e-mail me at jessie@jessieverino.com with "coupon - title(s)" in the subject line, and I'll send it to you!
Have a great weekend!
Jessie
Happy Friday, Everyone! It's drizzling rain and cool here, a perfect fall morning. I'm really looking forward to the fall colors and getting out to see them on the motorcycle.
Wow, so much has happened this summer with the wedding, the day job, the writing, and life in general. I'm looking forward to a little slow down and some time to watch lots of football. I know, you probably didn't figure me for a football fan, but I love it. And maybe this week I'll get to see the whole Colts game. Not that I don't like Buffalo, but hey I was watching the Colts and didn't appreciate being flipped in the middle of the game.
I've also been able to get a little reading in. I just finished Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward, and it was fantabulous!!! I've also picked up some Samhain titles which were great (the wedding dress series, the dragon series by Bianca D'Arc, and a few others), and I'm reading Cold Chill by Sandra Brown now. I'll be getting Christine Feehan's Dark Celebration and JD Robb's Born in Death when it's released in November.
Meanwhile, I'm still writing. I'm working on a companion piece to Spellbound and a sequel to Sensual Energy. If you haven't read either of these stories, they are available at Phaze and Fictionwise. If you e-mail me at jessie@jessieverino.com, I'll send you a coupon for 10% off at Fictionwise. I'm also in the very early stages of writing a sequal to Lord Night.
Voting is still going on for The Key, my free on-line interactive story at www.jessieverino.com/thekey.html. Please go by and vote.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Jessie
Spellbound will be available September 3rd!
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Lord Night, because you've given me a reason to not cook dinner! I went to www.mybookstoreandmore.com this morning and was pleasantly surprised that I was number 10 on the Top Ten List! Then, of course, I was late for work b/c I had to get proof, print off the page, save it, etc. But, I blamed it on traffic and the bad weather we had this morning. ;)
If you've tried to get to the bookstore over the past couple of days, you know it's been down due to maintenance. However, it's back up now and loading much faster. And, as a "sorry for the inconvenience" they're holding some great sales and contests.
Here are the details:
FABULOUS SALE & CONTEST AT MBAM!
Lots of prizes this week - all you do is make a purchase to be entered! Winners will be chosen to win a variety of print books!ALSO, from now until September 30, 2006, every purchase will count toward a drawing for an ebook reader! The winner may choose between an eBookwise, a Palm Tungsten E2, or an HP IPAQ rx1950!PLUS, you can enter the drawing without making a purchase by sending a postcard with your name, address, phone number, email address, and how you heard about My Bookstore and More 2932 Ross Clark Circle #384Dothan AL 36301All postcards must be received by October 31st, winner will be announced on November 1st, 2006.
see our SALE PRICES on ebooks! http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/
All Trade PRINT books are ON SALE too! 10% off cover price plus FREE Shipping! Presented by Millennium Promotion Services, Inc. http://www.millenniumpromotion.com
Have a great week!
Jessie
Phaze (http://www.phaze.com) has been undergoing some terrific changes in the past few weeks, and is continuing to improve their site with the addition of new book categories, including series, and new payment options, including PayPal. New releases are scheduled for every two weeks, and there are some fantastic stories coming out in the coming months. (Did somebody say Spellbound? Why yes, it's release date is September 3rd. Great cover, huh?) Please come by and check it out.
Jessie
And the reviews have started coming in! Thanks to Candy at Coffee Time Romance for the following:
4 cups for Lord Night...A lab accident hurls Shannon and Damien into an experimental,alternate dimension vortex which Damien has created. Now they mustfight demons to stay alive as they search for their way home. Damien becomes the character Lord Night, with Shannon as his sex slave. This is so they can play the game and find their way home.......What an erotically inflaming story this is....If I only had my own Lord Night,....
Read the entire review here:http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Lordnight.html
For excerpt & more, click here:http://mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=165
Have a Great Day!
Jessie
Voting has concluded for Part I of my online read. Thanks to everyone who voted!
Our heroine, Kerryn, has opened the door! Find out what happens at www.jessieverino.com/home.html and click on "The Key." Also, be sure to cast your vote as to the first fantasy! Or, write your own installment and post it at www.verinothekey.blogspot.com. Everybody is welcome to add to the story.
Peace,
Jessie
The sense of smell triggers more in our brains than the other four senses. (At least, I believe this, with the exception of possibly sound.) But, the problem with smells is that they linger. So, while the single rose on my desk is pleasant, the guy who just walked into our office reeking from an overabundance of Polo is offensive. And, the bad part is that the strong scent has stayed in our lobby, our hallway, and our conference room, and will probably stay for hours.
Why, oh why, do people feel the need to bathe in a perfectly good cologne, or aftershave, or perfume, when as the old slogan for Dippity Do goes, "A little dab'll do ya."
And for those of us with allergies...I shiver to think of the many times I've had to leave an event because my eyes swelled, and I couldn't stop sneezing when someone close to me liberally applied enough smelly stuff to make it impossible to breathe. This was especially embarrasing at a funeral.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good scent as much as the next person. However, I prefer my Chanel No. 5 in a light spray, not a gallon bucket.
Have a great weekend!
Jessie
While at RT, me and a few other people got caught up in a conversation about music--cheesy music. I usually have a soundtrack of sorts to match the mood of my story, but these songs will never make the soundtracks. Here's a list of cheesy songs that even if you do like them, you'll be too embarrassed to admit it.
Midnight at the Oasis (does anyone actually put a camel to bed?)
Afternoon Delight (the lyrics no one can understand are, "I always thought a fish could not be caught that didn't bite.")
On the Cover of the Rolling Stone (A gen-u-wine Indian guru)
Ode to Billy Joe (Pass the blackeyed peas)
Harper Valley PTA (Now, why is she using more ice?)
Chevy Van (Keep your eyes on the road, son and slow this vehicle down)
I have all of these, in one form or another, and probably dozens more that I blessedly don't remember. Otherwise, you might pass me in the hall one day and hear me humming, Billy Don't be a Hero.
Jessie
I hope everyone will join me and other Samhain authors as we celebrate ReaderAppreciation Week July 10th through July 16th. Be prepared to add toyour wish list as authors share excerpts from a variety of genresincluding romance, fantasy and suspense. Come to chat, come to win one(or two) of the MANY prizes being offered throughout the week, come tochat with your favorite authors and make new friends. Monday through Friday, authors will pop in to the Samhain Cafe throughout the day to chat, share excerpts and blurbs from their booksand post contests.
Each day is dedicated to specific genres of fiction/romance. Monday July 10th - Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Tuesday July 11th - Fantasy/Sci-Fi-Futuristic
Wednesday July 12th - Paranormal
Thursday July 13th - Historical/Western
Friday July 14th - Contemporary/Chick Lit/Comedy
Saturday July 15th and Sunday July 16th , Two authors every hour will share blurbs, prizes and excerpts. The party starts at 9 eastern and goes until 9pm Saturday and Sunday so be prepared for non-stop action on these days!You can sign up for the fun at www.samhaincafe@yahoogroups.com This event will take place on the Samhain Cafe, not the chatroom, so beprepared for a high volume of emails. You can choose to go digest, nomail or special notices and read and participate directly from the board, if you are someone who doesn't like a large number of emails to come through your inbox. We look forward to seeing everyone and helping us celebrate the fabulousness that is our readers!
Want to win a bunch of cool prizes? Then check out fellow author Michelle Pillow's Erotic Escapades Scavenger Hunt! Lots of authors have gotten together to help out and donated prizes, including yours truly. Check it out here: http://www.erotic-escapades.com/PillowSH.html
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful 4th of July Holiday and that the fireworks continue into the bedroom!
Peace,
Jessie
Lord Night won its first award Thursday at Coffee Time Romance's Naughty Excerpt Day!! I'm thrilled and honored to receive "Hottest Excerpt" for Lord Night. Here's the winning excerpt:
Blurb: An alternate dimension…demons…a dangerous game…will fiery passionbe their only defense? Temp agency owner Shannon Miller likes to play video games, butshe never expected to find herself in one, let alone with a sexyscientist who makes her body melt with desire. Physicist Damien Richards is blind—and not only in matters thatconcern his sight. Despite the accomplishments he's achieved increating an alternate dimension, he still believes he is unwhole dueto his physical impairment. When a lab accident propels the two into an experimental,alternate dimension, they find themselves playing a dangerous game,unable to return, fighting demons as well as a passion that couldconsume them both. Will they be able to face their personal fears andwin the game of love?
Excerpt:
When he finally unfastened the gold clasp of her gown, it fellaway, exposing her fully to his gaze. The head of his shaft playedagainst the skin above her mound. The little droplets of moisture heleft behind only heightened her fervor.
"Do not move," he commanded. The weight of the nipple chainlessened and he placed the amethyst between her breasts.
She had begged for relief from the sweet torment earlier, but nowthe loss of it made her crave it all the more. The heat of his breathcaressed her bare stomach when he crouched low over her, like apredator stalking her scent.
She fisted her hands in the plush rug underneath to keep frommoving and held tight when he nipped the sensitive flesh below hernavel. The sensation of his love bite stayed even as he backed awayuntil she couldn't feel any part of him touching her.
"Spread your legs for me."
The skirt of her gown feathered over her legs when she opened forhim. She held her breath in anticipation, fully aware of his gaze onher. She felt his triumphant smile when her juices surged and flowedover her swollen labia.
He nestled between her legs, and she clenched her hands in aneffort to keep from raking them through his hair and pulling himcloser. An eternity passed, but she lay motionless as he hadinstructed, refusing to beg him. Every muscle in her body trembled,taut with expectation, until one slow stroke of his tongue shatteredher.
She squirmed beneath him, exposing more of herself to his mouth.The moist warmth of his tongue penetrated her swollen flesh sendingwaves of ecstasy through her. He kissed her opening, plunging into itshot depths. Her muscles tightened around him.
He pulled out before she came. "You have a greedy little pussy,Shannon. Fortunately, I'm a generous man."
Suffering from lack of completion, a low cry of frustration escaped.
"I'm going to kiss you again. Sample your sweet nectar until I'mdrunk from it. Don't come until I allow you." Her breasts swelled and ached. She moved her hands to massagethem, but he caught them and placed them back at her sides. "Every part of you is my pleasure." His strong fingers found her nipples andsqueezed as his tongue delved deep inside her once again.
Writhing beneath him, she struggled for control. Her own desireheld her captive, ensnared her, even as his lips grazed her overlytender clit.
"Now," he ground out. "Come for me now." He sucked her clit andflicked the sensitive nub with his tongue. A scream formed in her throat and escaped as the force of the orgasm swelled through her.
Sated and still wrapped in the warm haze of pleasure, she barelynoticed when Damien removed the nightgown, cradled her in his arms andcarried her to the bed.
The covers were folded back, and the cool sheets felt goodagainst her heated skin. She turned over and snuggled deep into thesoft down pillows, exhausted and weak, but he didn't give her a chance to recover.
Peace,
Jessie
I'm finally taking a break after revisions and between doctors appointments and catching up on my TBR pile. Oh, Wow! I just finished Lover Eternal, by J.R. Ward. All I can say is this is a great book, as was Dark Lover (which I think I read 4 times before the release of Lover Eternal). The wait until September for Zsadist's story will kill me!
Other books in my TBR pile include the new one by Susan Johnson, which I can't remember the title of, and a few suspense novels, which I can't remember the titles of either. I'm lousy with titles.
However, summer television looks promising. The new seasons of Startgate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis start in July, the new season of The Dead Zone started Sunday (and was excellent), and I'm catching up on the Dr. Who episodes I missed while traveling. Those Sc-Fi marathons are great, and I plan on vegging out in front of the television tonight for some much needed R&R.
38 days until the release of Lord Night!! This is my favorite story -- so far. I'm not going to say it's like my fav authors, (Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R. Ward, Christine Feehan), but it does have the same dark feel. No vamps, though, and very hot!
The Key still has a week and half left for voting. Please visit my site, read the first installment, and vote as to what our heroine should do next. http://www.jessieverino.com/thekey.html
Samhain is celebrating its readers the week of July 10th through 16th at the Samhain Cafe. Lots of Samhain authors in all genres of fiction will be appearing, posting excerpts, recipes, and other fun stuff. Oh yeah, there's prizes too! If you're not a member of the Cafe, go to http://www.samhainpublishing.com and join.
Peace,
Jessie
I'm so excited about my new cover! Scott Carpenter did a great job and captured the tone of the story perfectly! Lord Night will be available August 1st from Samhain Publishing. In other news, I spent a wonderful weekend in Cincinatti at Lori Foster's and Diane Castell's Readers and Writers Get Together and had a total blast! Diane and Lori and gracious and energetic hosts, and I met so many wonderful people, and got to catch up with some old friends. I can't wait until next year.
I've finally updated my website. The Key, my serialized fiction is now live at www.jessieverino.com/thekey.html. If you get a chance, go by and check it out, and if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to go to the blog and create your own installment (complete with choices for our heroine to make). I hope to have some guest authors showing up soon to help our heroine on her journey.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun week!
Peace,
Jessie
As you can see, I missed a few days of RT madness here. The Vampire Pirates of the Caribbean was a hoot, and the costumes were great! Same for the Faery Ball, and the Rock 'n Roll Racy party. I had a great time and met lots of wonderful readers! And in true slacker form, not all of the pics are on my website yet, but I hope to have them and the first installment of The Key up this weekend -- if I don't go riding.
Peace,
Jessie
Gerri Russell author of THE WARRIOR TRAINER won the American Title II contest!!! WTG, Gerri!!
Will have more later.
Peace,
Jessie
I'm getting too old for this. Thursday just kinda went by in a blur. I slept late and managed to get to the morning mixer in time for a cup of coffee. I spent the next few hours in Club RT and even managed to sign up for some of the baskets (like I need something else to bring home). Lunch was an interesting affair with Lasting Romance Productions. The company wants to produce movies straight to DVD based on romance novels, and they seem to have a good plan. The producer is well known and named her credentials, which weren't shabby, but I can't remember any of it at this point.
I did sneak in the back of one of the vampire workshop/panel discussions with Christine Feehan, L.A. Banks and Tina Harrison. Then I snuck out again and spent some more time in Club RT before finding Sharon and going to the hot tub. Believe me, the muscles needed it after dancing all night at the EC party.
Heather Graham's Vampires of the Caribbean ball was great, and the costumes, as always, eye-catching. I danced a little, but came back to the room fairly early and went to bed.
Pictures are up in the gallery on my website at www.jessieverino.com.
Peace,
Jessie
I spent most of the day in Club RT. Aside from publisher tables, there were clothing, fantasy art, and jewelry vendors. Lots of goodies and lots of baskets! There's a pic of the Phaze table in my gallery. The luncheon honored Waldenbooks/Borders with awards to Susan Grimshaw and others. I had a table in Club RT at 4:00 p.m., and I think maybe 5 people stopped to chat. I felt so lonely back in the corner, and Friday I'm going to snag a table up front. The Ellora's Cave Fantasy party started at 9:00 p.m. I originally planned on going in and taking a few pictures, and then leaving to meet with Morgan Hawke, et al. However, I ran into some friends that had just arrived, the music started, my feet started moving, and all my plans went down the drain. I've put the EC party pics in my gallery, and I gave most of the victims, er subjects, plenty of warning and plenty of time to bribe me to keep them out. But you can't trust a blackmailer, so they're up there anyway. I did make it back to the room before midnight...barely. Now, I think I'm going to read for a few minutes and go to sleep.
Nite,
Jessie
Well, it rained most of the day, which sucked. The luau indoors, into a very small ballroom. I felt sorry for the hula dancers, because it was so crowded it was hard to watch any of the show. A lot of people didn't stay more than an hour or so. After the luau, I went walking around Daytona, then driving around. It's been about 12 years since I've been here, and so much has changed! I hardly recognized the place. When we got back to the hotel, we spent some time in the hot tub (until security kicked us out). Now it's almost midnight, and I'm resting. I'll need it for tomorrow.
Peace,
Jessie
I'll be there!!! My first trip to RT as an author, and I'm very excited to get the chance to meet all the booklovers out there. I'm heading out way too early tomorrow morning and will be back next Sunday. I hope to be able to report here about all the great activities, authors and (oh yeah) the cover models. I'll also try to have pics uploaded to the gallery on my site.
On the writing front, I have a release date of August 1st for Lord Night, my sexy sci-fantasy. Here's a blurb:
Temp agency owner Shannon Miller likes to play video games, but she never expected to find herself in one. Especially with a sexy scientist that makes her body melt with desire.
Physicist Damien Richards is blind, and not only in matters that concern his sight. Despite the accomplishments he has achieved in creating an alternate dimension, he still believes he is unwhole due to his impairment.
When a lab accident propels the two into an experimental, alternate dimension, they find themselves playing a dangerous game, unable to return, fighting demons as well as a fiery passion that could consume them both. But will they be able to face their personal demons and win the game of love?
Everyone have a great week!
Peace,
Jessie
I absolutely love Mexican food, and consider any day a good day to celebrate with a little queso and tequila, but today is special. Today, we celebrate the Mexican defeat of the French Army. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I don't know the proper toast. Maybe somebody out there can let me know.
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Sensual Energy. I just wanted to let everyone know there's still time to enter my contest. Some of the prizes are Sensual Energy massage oil, candles, custom book thongs, exclusive excerpts, and other goodies.
Tomorrow is the Samhain Authors list day at the Samhain Cafe. Please come by and join us. Anyone can join by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SamhainCafe and clicking Join the Group
Some of the Samhain authors will be at Literary Nymphs. Please stop by and say Hi. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/literary_nymphs/?yguid=200277928
Prizes will be given away on both lists, so be sure and stop by.
Peace,
Jessie
Astraea with Enchanted Ramblings Reviews gave Jessie's Surge 4.5 Wands and said some great things about her book!
"... The love scenes are hot and sparks fly... I recommend this book...."
And, don't forget to join the Phaze authors in their monthly chat tonight at 9:00 p.m. est at . Tonight, you'll get to hear all about the other wonderful Surges!
If you like to play dueling chats, or just want some info on Samhain Authors, they're also chatting tonight, same bat time, at Romance Junkies
Peace,
Jessie
Sensual Energy, an erotic short story, is now available from www.Phaze.com.
Contest! The first five people who buy the story and e-mail me the answers to the following questions at jessie@jessieverino.com will receive a signed book flat, a custom made book thong,
an exclusive excerpt from Spellbound, and a surprise. Everyone who e-mails me the
answers will be entered for a chance to win a goodie bag. The winner of the goodie bag will be drawn Mother's Day, May 14th.
1. Where does Jake work?
2. What color is Jake’s energy?
3. What color is Amy’s energy?
4. What’s the name of the other paramedic?
5. What material is Amy’s bra?
Well, so much for my meager Harley fund. It (and more) was used to buy a new refrigerator, and to pay the tax man on Monday.
But, on the bright side, the thunderstorms have stopped for a few hours and the sun is shining.
Peace,
Jessie
It started with the familiar rush of anticipation. My grip was light, a caress really. Vibrations skittered through me, from my fingers where they gripped, from my core, up my spine. Heaven.
I got comfortable in the saddle, closing my eyes and letting the power between my thighs course through me. Then I tightened my grip, kicked it into gear, and reveled in the feel of the wind in my face and nothing but open road ahead of me. Yep, my first trip on the bike this season. What did you think I was talking about?
The world feels different on a motorcycle - a little daring - a lot of freedom. Only inches from the pavement during the tight turns, the tug of your clothes as the wind catches them, the wonderful scents of an East Tennessee spring as you roll through the countryside. Nothing in the world like it.
Peace,
Jessie
So, I'm on line at work, doing a little research for the new Samba Surge promotion at Phaze, and came across this little tidbit:
Mama Coca (aka Cocomama) was a goddess of health and joy. She was originally a promiscuous woman who was cut in half by her many lovers. Her body grew into the first coca plant, the leaves of which men were only allowed to chew (to bring health and happiness) after having given a woman an orgasm.
--www.wikipedia.com
Very interesting...
Peace,
Jessie
The Phaze Heat Sheet Surges will be released ~April 20th, and the next few months are going to be cram-packed with stuff to do. Phaze has a few chats scheduled for the Surge authors on April 17th at Fallen Angel Reviews, April 19th at Literary Nymphs, & April 24th at Literary Nymphs.
In May, I'll be at the RT Convention in Daytona Beach, FL from the 15th through the 20th soaking up the sun and partying with readers.
In June, I'll be at Lori Foster's and Diane Castell's Readers and Writers Get Together in West Chester, OH. It's a great event will have all sorts of goodies. For more info, check out Lori's site www.lorifoster.com and click the 2006 get together.
This weekend, I'll be attending a writer's retreat with my fellow writers of SMRW in North Carolina, and I'm sure I'll find lots of inspiration and motivation.
Peace,
Jessie
Here is a link to join my newsletter group. It's announcement only, which means the only e-mail you'll get from the group is the newsletter. http://groups.google.com/group/Jessie-Verino
I'll be giving away prizes with each edition to subscribers.
If you don't want to subscribe, my newsletter will be posted on my website, www.jessieverino.com, about a week or so after it goes to print on my group.
I expect my first edition to be available around April 20, 2006.
I'm very pleased and excited to announce that my Surge submission, Sensual Energy, was accepted by Phaze!
Here's a teaser:
His aura darkened, like a blush. “Sorry, I can’t answer that. Classified.” Holding out his hand, he smiled, took a step closer, and offered to help her stand. Their fingers barely touched, but the light contact sent sparks flying, and the shock sent erogenous heat radiating through her charged system and igniting her libido.
“Did you feel that?”
Hoping he hadn’t felt the same jolt of lust that still hummed in her veins, she answered with the obvious. “You mean that static electricity?”
“Not static electricity. Sensual electricity. I got the first shock, and it must have taken on the characteristics of my nervous system which was pretty revved from watching you straddle me.”
Sensual electricity. That was the perfect description—a high intensity aphrodisiac shock. And addictive. She already felt the need to touch him again, and before she could stop herself, took a step forward and wrapped her arms around him as if some kind of magnetic force pulled them together. A sudden burst of red and blue energy engulfed them. The arcs coalesced into a purple haze, enveloping them in the heat of a cocoon.
Eight manuscripts were selected for the Surge line, and I'm sure excerpts will start showing up today on the Phaze Forum. Be sure to stop by and check them out at www.phaze.com/forum.
Peace,
Jessie
It's the first day of Spring and Old Man Winter decided to shut the door in her face and refuse her entrance. Here in East Tennessee, a steady rain has fallen all day, and we may even experience some light flurries. The last time we had weather like this in late March/early April, it turned into a blizzard. Well, as the old saying goes, you can't do anything about the weather. And I refuse to complain. If nothing else, all the cold rain should lessen the pollen in the air, and I'll quit sneezing for a little while.
I'm still trying to decide which project to tackle, working in very short spurts on all of them to see if any story will reach out, grab me, and take off.
So far, that hasn't happened. I guess I'll keep plucking away at them and try to find my muse.
Peace,
Jessie
Good Monday Morning! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I gave a workshop at my local RWA meeting Saturday morning, slouched around Sunday, and am ready to start a new week-- and a new project.
Ah, herein lies the problem. Which new project do I start (or return to)? I have the second book in the Lord Night series mapped out, I have an idea for a companion piece to Spellbound, I have a few pages on a non-erotica sci-fantasy for Kensington, and about 70 pages of a romantic suspense. Too many stories, not enough time. Priorities must be established.
But, not until I have my second cup of coffee.
Peace,
Jessie
Whew! I made it just under the wire after chucking my first attempt and starting over. The title of my submission is Sensual Energy. It's about Amy & Jake who, through an accident with a defibrillator, get pulled into an alternate dimension and find themselves "charged" with sensual energy. To get back to their own dimension, they must discharge all the energy, and the only way to discharge it is to have sex. Definite sparks fly (literally) in this story.
I understand that Phaze had quite a few submissions, and I wish everyone who submitted luck.
Peace,
Jessie
To celebrate the March 14th release of Her Passion, Denise McDonald is having a savenger hunt. The winner, whose name will be drawn out of all the correct scavenger hunt answers and announced on Monday, March 13th, the day before the release, will win one free copy of Her Passion. Visit her blog at www.denisebelindamcdonald.blogspot.com to find out how to win.
I'm still writing on my Surge and hoping like heck to get it finished by the deadline. More on that later.
Peace,
Jessie
Never one to give up, I've started another submission for the Surge promotion at www.phaze.com. I've only managed to write about 1000 words so far, but hey, I have 7-8 more days.
Peace,
Jessie
I'm very excited to announce that Lord Night has been contracted by Samhain Publishing! You can read an excerpt at my website, www.jessieverino.com.
I'm still surging, but the story I originally went with completely fizzled out as a short story. It's now on the back burner, slowly simmering, and I'm sure it's going to be a great book -- someday. Meanwhile, I've started another story for the Surge contest, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed, when they're not typing, that I can finish it in time.
Peace,
Jessie
I've gone from surge to fizzle.
Some writers feel they are sculpting a fine work of art from a lump of cold stone, and they work skillfully with hammer and chisel to produce their masterpiece. Me? I feel like I've got a jackhammer in my hands and shards of rock are flying everywhere. Bits and pieces of my story showering around me, dropping at my feet, and stirring up a cloud of dust that is choking the life out of my manuscript. I'm considering nixing the whole thing and moving to the next lump of cold stone.
Yeah, right. That's the problem. I can't let go. Even if I don't complete the story in time for the Surge promotion, I'll keep it, and keep hacking at it, until I sculpt something recognizable.
Peace,
Jessie
Literally. Phaze has a call for another set of themed Heatsheets for spring entitled Surge, and I'm trying to finish one before the March 10th deadline. For more info on entering, visit www.phaze.com.
Lord Night is finally finished, past the first edits, the beta readers, and is out the door! I've posted a new excerpt on my website, as well as a new excerpt of my Phaze release, Spellbound. Please stop by and check them out.
The weather is absolutely georgeous in East Tennessee today. I went out at lunch, and it's a beautiful 68 degrees with a slight wind. Considering we had snow last Saturday, I'll take the 68 any day in February.
Peace,
Jessie
Me! Yep, another year I survived. Thankful, I'm very thankful.
So far, it's been a wonderful day. I received flowers from someone very special, and he took me to lunch. It was very fairy tale.
And, I finished my self-editing on Lord Night (finally, only a few weeks after my self imposed deadline) and have sent it off to my beta readers. I was very excited about this story all the way through, and I loved the ending. There's a small snipped on my website now, from an earlier version, but I plan to have excerpts of Spellbound and Lord Night on my site this weekend when I update.
Next week, I'm playing listmaven on the Phaze e-mail loop. This is my first time hosting, so please drop by and give me some encouragement. And, since next Tuesday is Valentine's, I've got some romance tips and tricks to share. To join the e-mail loop, visit www.phaze.com and click the join box at the bottom. Every couple of weeks or so, another Phaze author will host for a week. This week, Leigh Ellwood, author of the Dareville series and Muse, is hosting. Please drop by and tell her hello.
On another note, Phaze has just announced its theme for the spring heatsheets -- Surge -- and it looks yummy! Please go to www.phaze.com and check out the guidelines. We'd love to see new authors submit, and it's a great way to get in the door! I love writing these short stories, and I've already got one started.
Phaze also has a new author blog with excerpts, reviews, and the ten things you've always wanted to know about the Phaze authors but were afraid to ask. Check it out at www.phazeromance.blogspot.com.
Peace,
Jessie
I took a small vacation during the craziness that is the holidays, but I'm back and ready to work!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that 2006 is a healthy and prosperous year for everyone.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dungy family and their tragic loss. I hope they can find some measure of peace.
Well, the vacation stalled my writing. I had hoped to finish Lord Night by Christmas, but now it looks like another two weeks. I plan to have it submitted by February 1st. I've posted a small snippet on my web page to whet your appetite.
Then, I have a few other projects in the works: a companion piece to Spellbound, a short story I envisioned when the call came out for the Shivers line at Phaze, although it's morphed into something quite different, and enough ideas to keep me writing steadily through the year.
Please be sure to visit Literary Nymphs as they are featuring Phaze on their website. As part of the feature, you can vote for your favorite Phaze author. If you get a chance, please go by and vote. (even if it isn't for me) The link is http://www.geocities.com/literarynymphs/featured_publisher_Jan_06
Go Colts!
Peace,
Jessie
