Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Day 30: Read 1K Write 1K Challenge Thumbs Up!



You Did It!  Day #30 Challenge Complete!

"Writing is its own reward."  --Henry Miller


OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED:  See Below!

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1,976

FOR A CHALLENGE GRAND TOTAL OF: 53,192

What I'm reading?

Epic FAIL on the READING CHALLENGE.  Too many editing projects that sucked up all my reading time.


Kerri's Progress Notes (REVISED):

We've made it!  The final day and boy it is a humdinger for me!

I've had about 30 things "DUE" today.  Between my daughter's big end of school year project to my car tag renewal to 2 editing projects and on and on and on...

Why is everything due on April 30th?

We've pushed through.  We've done it.  Now, the question remains...will be keep doing it after the challenge is over?

I'd love to stay in touch with all of you and hear how it goes in the days, weeks and months to come.

So, how did the challenge turn out?

We started off with 23 participants.

We ended up with only 6 of you completing the challenge.

We've had 4 prize winners thus far.

And there will be one GRAND PRIZE WINNER announced tomorrow right here on this post.  Be sure to check back for the details and announcement.

I'd also like to hear the final numbers from everyone.  How many words (all total) did you write during the challenge.  Be sure to post it here.

But...in my book...we are all winners because...

We have pages written.

We have goals realized.

We have made new author friends.

That spells SUCCESS in my book any day of the year.

Thanks to all of you who participated.   I wish you all the success you deserve.

Hugs,
Kerri
-------------------------
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

May is here and the challenge is over.  But I encourage all of you to keep challenging yourselves every day.

I'm off to edit and judge a contest today and will take a break from writing.  Just for today!

In celebration of our completed challenge, I'm giving away one final prize...a GRAND PRIZE.

This is for the person who completed the challenge every single day and reported in every single day.  She didn't miss one day.  Amazing!

I don't have a pic of the prize, but the Grand Prize is a huge Goodie Bag of gifts and books.  And the lucky winner is...

AIDEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats and thanks to all for an amazing challenge.  Please stay in touch.

Kerri...out!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Have Cave, Will Read with Guest Blogger: Rebecca Heflin

Chat with Featured Author Rebecca Heflin 
today at the Book Boost! 


Home Sweet Cave

We all hear talk of man caves and mom caves, woman caves and girl caves. Writer, Paige Cuccaro, even posts pictures of writer’s caves on her website. But what about reader caves?

A reader cave is that special spot where you like to curl up with a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and a good book, and woe unto anyone who disturbs you.

I have several reader caves around my house, lots of comfy spots to burrow in and read a juicy romance novel. These spots also serve as alternative writing caves when I need a change of scenery.

The Sunroom. Undoubtedly my favorite room in the house. Just off the master suite, surrounded on three sides by windows that look out over my backyard and gardens, it’s a perfect spot for some quite time. In the winter, the sun streams through the windows, warming the room, and providing a sunny spot. My husband swears I was a cat in my previous life, and just like a cat I follow the sunbeams around my house.

The Back Porch. When the weather’s balmy and the only place I want to be is outdoors, my screened back porch beckons. It, too, overlooks the backyard and the gardens. Here, the sound of songbirds provides a lovely soundtrack to whatever I’m reading. And occasionally, a brightly-colored Cardinal or a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird will catch my eye and urge me to pause in my reading and just appreciate their beauty.

The Window Seat. In our upstairs bedrooms are dormer windows with built in window seats that lure me in, especially on a rainy or stormy day. I feel cozy and safe with rain falling outside, the occasional lightning and thunder. The east-facing window seats are also not a bad place to be on sunny Sunday morning.

In Front of the Fire. Cushy chair and ottoman, warm throw, and a fire. Who could ask for more on a chilly winter day?

Do you have a reader cave (or two or three) in your house? I’d love to hear about them. Also, if you email a photo of your reader cave to me here, I’ll post it to my Reader Cave Album, and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a free copy of Rescuing Lacey. I won’t add your name to my subscriber list unless you ask me to.


A Note from the Book Boost:  My house has no hiding places--unfortunately.  I must get in reading where ever and whenever I can sneak a moment with my kids in tow.  Love the post and please tell us more about your book!


Excerpt:

Ready to do battle, Lacey sat up swinging.

“Jesus!” Luke grunted as one of her fists found his rib cage. He grabbed her other wrist before she could take another swing. “Sommers! It’s okay. No one’s going to hurt you,” he said, kneeling over her as he pushed her shoulders back down to her sleeping bag. Despite the darkness, he could see the terror in her eyes, her mind far beyond the cargo area of the small plane.

“Sommers.” He reached up to brush the damp hair from her sweat-drenched forehead. Her chest heaved as she struggled to pull in a breath. “Calm down. You’re okay.” Her eyes focused on his face, and he knew she was finally alert and oriented.

“Get off me.” She pushed at his chest as she tried to sit up again. “Christ, it’s like an oven in this plane.” She shoved her hair back.

Luke sat back onto his heels and handed her a bottle of water. “The rain’s stopped. I could put a tarp down on the ground and we could sleep outside, although it’ll be dawn soon ...”

“No. Maybe if I could just step out and get some air.” She was too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

He’d witnessed her nightmare a second time.

He opened the airplane door, climbing out first, before turning to help Lacey down. She must be feeling vulnerable, he thought, if she let me help her down. He sat in the doorway and watched her pace, her arms outstretched to capture even the smallest breeze off the now-calm gulf.

Lacey inhaled the fresh salty air and tried to put the nightmare out of her head, as if it were possible. Darfur. Would she spend the rest of her life reliving that night in her dreams? The smell of death, the sound of sheer terror, the personification of evil, and the cut of the blade?

She’d lost her objectivity that night. And she’d almost lost her life.

The violence in Darfur had been at its height. The Janjaweed militia burned yet another village inhabited by non-Muslim black Africans. Women and children were fleeing the utter brutality. Covering two wars had done nothing to prepare her for the merciless massacre of an entire population.

She reached up to brush her fingers across the scar that would always remind her how short life could be.

Watching as she stroked the scar, the significance of the action was not lost on Luke, further confirming in his mind the link between the nightmares and the scar.

He came up behind her, placing his hand tenderly on her shoulder. She flinched at his touch. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She straightened her shoulders and turned to face him. The look of tenderness on his face almost unraveled her. She suppressed the overwhelming desire to melt into his arms and weep like a child.

His eyes softened. “Come on. Let’s get out of here,” he said, as he walked back to the plane.
Humiliation averted. So why the disappointment?


Want More Rebecca?

Visit her on the web here: www.rebeccaheflin.com

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.

Day 29: Read1K Write1K Challenge Flames On


Burnt Out on Day #29?  Almost There!


"Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good." 
-- William Faulkner


***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1971

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: N/A
Today's Book Note: Edited 150 pages today!

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Work Work Work!  Can't believe we are down to the final day!

Good job everyone!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Day 28: Read1K Write1K Challenge Grinds On



The Sweet Smell of Success is 
Only 3 days Away on Day #28

"Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." --E.L. Doctorow

OUR 4th PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED TODAY...SEE BELOW!

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1783

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: Edits Edits and More Edits
Today's Book Note: See above

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Spent only an hour on the computer yesterday.  Gave it a break and gave myself one, too.  Spent time with family--cooked dinner for my folks and hung out with the kids watching the movie Rango.

Very little progress on all accounts, but it was a fun day.  Well, except for the pre-rain migraine.  Anyone else get a migraine when it is gonna rain?  Ouch!

Back in the saddle today with both work and writing.

For those of you who are already published or who have worked with an Editor in some capacity--you may know that an editor becomes so involved in your book while working through it that we almost feel as if the characters are a part of us as well.  So, it is every editor's dream to put their name on a document that is clean, polished, and well put together.

I'm so proud of all the novels I've edited and whenever I complete edits and the book is published--I send a gift to all of "my authors".  What is the gift?  Well, it varies from author to author.  Most recently, I edited a YA book all about Greek goddesses.  So, I sent the author a goddess ornament made from clay.

Today, I've selected the perfect (I believe) gift for our 4th Participant Winner of the Challenge.  Please send me your snail mail address here. The gift is depicted below and the WINNER is.................

LYNNETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Editor to Editor!  I love this one! Hope you enjoy.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Day 27: Read1K Write1K Challenge Moos On


 Don't Put your Story Out to Pasture, 
Keep it Moooving on Day #27


“I do not over-intellectualize the production process. I try to keep it simple: Tell the damned story.” —Tom Clancy

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 346

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: N/A
Today's Book Note: N/A

Kerri's Progress Notes:

No Notes from today...see Sunday, April 28, 2013.  Although, I did launch the May events at the Book Boost today in the form of something new I'm doing called Promo "Drive Buys"!  :-)

Stay tuned for those in May!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Day 26: Read1K Write1K Challenge Drips On



 Squeeze Out a Few more Drops on Day #26

“Keep a small can of WD-40 on your desk—away from any open flames—to remind yourself that if you don’t write daily, you will get rusty.” —George Singleton

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1012

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: N/A
Today's Book Note: N/A

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Yesterday went pretty well up until the end.  I can't truly say that it wasn't another Monday, but I did make some progress and attended a great book reading at the local museum.  Details here on the blog later today.

But then I had a really bad sick spell last night.  I feel a notch better this morning.  Not sure what it was just yet, but I'm hoping it has passed.  I don't have time for that!  Don't germs know this?  Gee whiz!

Back to editing this morning and planning on writing this afternoon.  Hope I hang in there.

We are down to the wire folks.  Closing in on our 30 days fast.

See you in the trenches. 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Boiled Over with Guest Blogger: Laura Bickle

Get Cookin' with author Laura Bickle 
today at the Book Boost!

Superstitious Comfort Food – Boiled Dinner

In honor of Grilled Cheese Month, I’d like to offer up one of my favorite comfort foods…Boiled Dinner!

It does not have a sexy name, sorry. For a moment, I thought about giving it one, calling it “Kielbasa Pommes de Terre” or something. But this is comfort food. Simple food, simple name, right?

My mom used to make Boiled Dinner when I was a kid. It takes a while to cook and makes the house smell delish! My mom will still call me when she makes it, and I’ll be on her doorstep within fifteen minutes, holding a Tupperware container like it’s Trick-or-Treat.

This recipe always brings me back to childhood, making me want to curl up under a blanket with a good book. We always used to eat this on New Year’s Day, so I tend to associate it with winter vacations. There’s a superstition that eating cabbage on New Year’s Day brings money in the New Year. And New Year’s Day is a holiday rife with superstitions. Eating pork on that day is rumored to make one look forward to the future, and eating black-eyed-peas are supposed to bring luck.

We observed a lot of food superstitions in our house. On Thanksgiving, my brother and I would dig for the wishbone buried in the Turkey. We’d play tug-of-war to see who would get the larger piece (and whose wish would be granted). We tossed salt over our shoulders if we spilled it. Garlic is supposed to ward off evil. It must have worked. We never saw vampires at our house, but that might just be because my dad loved garlic and it was in pretty much everything.

I still cook with a whole lot of garlic and squabble with my brother over the wishbone at Thanksgiving. I’d love to continue the New Year’s tradition of cabbage, but my husband is not a fan of cabbage (event though I SWEAR that the cabbage is cooked so that it tastes almost exactly like a potato). For the time being, Boiled Dinner gets made at our house when he’s visiting the in-laws. One day, I vow to bring him over to the dark side.

It’s a really easy recipe. The ingredient amounts aren’t exact – just use whatever you’ve got around. It always turns out delicious.

Boiled Dinner Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. kielbasa (one package that you get at the supermarket is perfect)
  • 1-2 medium onions (depends on how much you love onion!)
  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 8 carrots (or a bag of the mini-peeled ones)
  • 1/2 cabbage head
  • salt & pepper
Preparation:

Peel potatoes, onion, and carrots, then and cut them into medium-sized chunks. Chop cabbage and kielbasa into medium chunks (about the same size as the potato chunks, so everything cooks evenly).

Put ingredients in a dutch oven and cover with water. Add salt and pepper. Bring to boiling, then turn down heat allow to simmer for an hour-ish The important thing is to cook until potatoes and carrots are soft.

Made too much? Fear not! This is one of the few dishes I’ve encountered that tastes even better when re-heated. Sort of like chili.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Do you associate it with any particular ritual or superstition? Is there something that you MUST have on a particular holiday?

A Note from the Book Boost:  Fave comfort food is my grandmother's chicken/vegetable soup which no one in the world can duplicate exactly.  My mother's is a close second and I have a new version which I call Sopa de Pollo because of its Mexican seasoning (I chose to add this because hubby and I like it spicy).  It is good all year round, but always makes me think of fall--my fave time of year.  Thanks for joining us and making me hungry!  Please tell us more about your book.



Blurb:

If your home was the last safe place on earth, would you let a stranger in?

Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers are free to experience non-Amish culture before officially joining the church. But before Rumspringa arrives, Katie’s safe world starts to crumble. It begins with a fiery helicopter crash in the cornfields, followed by rumors of massive unrest and the disappearance of huge numbers of people all over the world. Something is out there…and it is making a killing.

Unsure why they haven’t yet been attacked, the Amish Elders make a decree: no one goes outside their community, and no one is allowed in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man lying just outside the boundary of their land, she can’t leave him to die. She refuses to submit to the Elders’ rule and secretly brings the stranger into her community—but what else is she bringing in with him?


Want More Laura?

Laura Bickle’s professional background is in criminal justice and library science, and when she’s not patrolling the stacks at the public library she’s dreaming up stories about the monsters under the stairs (she also writes contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams). Laura lives in Ohio with her husband and six mostly-reformed feral cats. "The Hallowed Ones" is her first young adult novel. 

Visit her on the web here:  http://www.laurabickle.com/

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.

Day 25: Read1K Write1K Challenge Flickers On


We'll Leave the Light on For You on Day #25



"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” —Robert A. Heinlein

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 969

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: 0
Today's Book Note: N/A

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Just 5 more days on the challenge.  We are down to the end, folks!

I have two books to edit before then as well.  Eeek!  So, I'm going to devote my reading time to that for the remainder of the challenge.  I feel as if I've failed the reading portion of the challenge.  Bummer.  But I have kept up my writing with some good days and some bad days.  In the end, that's all you can ask for.

Very excited to see my "regulars" still hanging with me and to have some of those who have disappeared come back into the loop (hi Jordan)!

Today will not be the 4th Monday in a row I've had this week.  Today will be Highly-Productive-Thursday.  That's my goal anyway.

Later,
K.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Day 24: Read1K Write1K Challenge Peels On


Down to the Core on Day #24


"A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." --Richard Bach 

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 694

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: 0
Today's Book Note: 0

Kerri's Progress Notes:

PMS has found me and yesterday I was tempted to wallow around in ESP (emotional self pity).  But, I forced myself to that keyboard.  Cranked out some edits and pushed through almost my full 1K of writing.  It was tough, but I feel pretty good about my day.

Still not taking enough time to read for enjoyment but don't see a way to fit it in until I get through these edits.

Today, more dishes have gathered in my kitchen.  I'm not sure where they all come from.  Is there a dirty dish convention in town that I'm unaware of?  Are all the hotels booked?

And then the little ones are begging to be taken out for giant pretzels.  Just looking at those huge suckers makes my hips expand.  But they amaze and occupy my little ones for at least twenty minutes--if you include cheese dip it could be as much as half an hour!  I'll munch on carrots while I type.  They're good for eyesight or maybe just good for my fight against ab expansion.

So, that's where we are headed now and then back to writing while they're distracted.  Mawahhaahaaa!  Does that sound like evil laughter to you?  It sounded evil to me.

Oh look, the UPS man is here...gotta go!

Kerri-out! 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Watcha Readin'? With Guest Blogger: Brenda Maxfield

Chat with Author Brenda Maxfield 
today at the Book Boost!


 Go to the Source!


Hello Friends! As a writer of clean Young Adult fiction, I’m always on the look-out for plot lines. I teach high school, which as a writer is a blessing. My students are extremely generous with me, letting me into their lives. Many times, when I’m starting class, a student will mouth, “Can I talk to you?”  So as soon as I get things underway, I’ll pull them out into the hall. There, they’ll tell me what they’re worried about or whom they’re having trouble with or what disaster has happened.

I am honored they trust me.

I get to listen to their hearts, assure them they’re not alone and share encouraging words. And while doing so, I marvel — at their courage, their determination, their resilience.

It’s astounding really.

This is not to say I steal their lives and give them to my characters. But listening to them, I learn again and again where teens are coming from, what they have to do to survive, and how they learn to endure.

A couple weeks ago, I was part of a group of authors at my city library’s huge teen event. Each author was given the freedom to share as they wished. What a thrill to be able to listen to the talks of such great authors as SA Bodeen, Mike Mullin, and Steve Sheinkin. They were amazing and inspirational. I heard their life stories, their beginnings as writers, their historical adventures, and even how volcanoes erupt!

When it was my turn, I decided to have the students help me with my latest work. (The Bonfire, due out this summer.) I had placards with each character’s name. I called for volunteers, giving each teen one of the placards. I gave the backstory and a few characteristics of each character. Then I opened it up for plot ideas.

The room erupted. Every teen yelled out their thoughts.  I appointed one teen to keep track of everything on the whiteboard. I ran around the room, trying to capture it all. More than once, the rumble of ideas grew so loud, I couldn’t hear anybody. I grabbed the microphone hanging around my neck and spoke directly into it so everyone could take turns. It was happy bedlam!

As a teacher, I’m not fond of this kind of chaos. But as an author, I loved it. I’d never seen such focused confusion. Every single teen was on fire.

Some of the kids’ plot lines I’d already considered. Others stopped me cold. If I’d dreamed for years, I wouldn’t have come up with such zany ideas. When my time with them was drawing to a close, I gave out my email and asked them to mail any further thoughts. (I no sooner got home when emails began arriving.)

I’m not sure when I’ve had so much fun. It made me stop and think. Those kids loved giving me ideas and I loved receiving them. Perhaps this should be a regular practice . . .

Some of the kids in the audience that Saturday were my students. The next week, those who attended were still greeting me with plot lines in the hallway at school.

I was reminded that while writing can be a very solitary activity, there are moments when it’s a community affair.

Just ask those couple hundred students who attended the library teen event!


A Note from the Book Boost:  This event sounds great and I love how they became energetic and excited to participate.  We often times worry about the today's youth and this sounds like a positive way for them to use that energy.  Thanks for joining us and please tell us more about your new release!


Blurb:

When it comes to love, sophomore Emili Jones is famous for brainless decisions. At her new school, she falls for Jordan Lawman but stuffs down her feelings, believing they can only lead to pain. When Laine Meadow, the reigning social queen, sets her sights on Jordan and senses competition in Emili, war is declared.

On top of Laine’s jealous torment, Emili struggles to help her little sister who suffers from selective mutism and will speak only to Emili. Her mother’s suspicious behavior and her father’s job loss add to the turmoil.

Can Emili save them all while learning to love again?


Excerpt:

Laine was at EC — was there no escaping her? When I walked in, she looked up and for a split second, I saw fire flare from her eyes. “Emili, you lost?” she asked in a voice pulsing with irritation.

“Isn’t this Environmental Club?”

She jumped from her chair and came over to me. “Are you joining? Don’t you think it might be too much? I mean, a new school, and already on decorations committee for the ball?”
I regarded her expression, and noted the hint of desperation lurking behind her cool façade. “I think I can handle it.”


There was an awkward silence, and I thought she was going to forbid me to join. Then she broke into a stiff smile which didn’t reach her eyes.

“Okay, listen up!” She looked around the room and everyone gave her their attention. “This is Emili. She’s a sophomore, and she’s new here. She’ll be joining us.”

I raised my arm in a half-wave and sank into a chair. On my left sat the most gorgeous guy I’d ever seen. His smooth chestnut hair swooped over his deep toffee eyes. He sat relaxed, dominating the chair with his size. I saw how his broad shoulders strained the fabric of his Nike T-shirt. A shiver crawled up my spine. I couldn’t help it, I stared.

Was this Jordan, the guy I’d decided to avoid?


Want More Brenda?

Visit her on the web here:  http://www.brendamaxfield.com
Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.




Day 23: Read1K Write1K Challenge Presses On

At this Point in the Challenge, 
Press Any Key on Day #23!

"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. 
No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader." 
--Robert Frost

***OUR THIRD PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED BELOW!***

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 948

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: No
Today's Book Note: Too many editing projects

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Back at it today with edits.  Assigned 2 new manuscripts and I'm finishing up a third so busy busy busy!

Hard to find time (or desire) to write, but must push through and as it says above...Press Any Key! :-)

My Monday was lost.  Don't know where it went and as you can see--I didn't even update the blog post or respond to your comments from Sunday.  You may want to scroll back and check it out.  I lost myself in chores and kid dramas and the day disappeared.  Plus, still limping on broken toes which both hubby and middle daughter managed to step on over the weekend (poor unhealable toes).  Alas, I will do better on the writing today!

Our third prize was purchased by me in honor of my very first published novella which has now gone out of print and for which I now have my rights back (as of last month)!  Yay!  I'm going to try my hand and publishing it again as a self published novel (after some major rewrites and new edits, etc...)

The theme of the goodie is "card suits" as my first novella was set in Atlantic City and features a casino, gambling baddies, and money gone missing.  But for the purpose of our challenge, it will represent all the times (as authors) we must take a gamble on putting our work out there for others to see.  Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we must take the gamble.

Here's a pic of the goodie and the winner is announced below (please send me your snail mail address here).



Everyone keep up the good work and stay tuned for TWO more prizes before the end of our challenge!

THE WINNER IS..............TERESA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Day 22: Read1K Write1K Brews On


Feeling a Little Dissolvable?  
Give your book Another Good Stir on Day 22 

"The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write." --Samuel Johnson

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 0

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed:NO
Today's Book Note: Ouch!

Kerri's Progress Notes:

How did I lose a day here?  I think I meant to log on and comment and thought I did.  Too much housework, too little time.  More on that on the Day 23 notes.

But Monday was a down day with the writing progress.  Bummer!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Day 21: Read1K Write1K Challenge Builds On

Build Your Story One Chapter at a Time 
and Add another Layer to your Plot 
On Day 21!

"A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing."
--Eugene Ionesco

***UPDATED***


What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 549

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: N/A
Today's Book Note: Nope

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Sunday Sunday!  Here we are...entering out last full week of the challenge.  Only 9 more days to go.  Can you believe we are now in the last third of the challenge?

It has been a weird month for me on all accounts.  But I'm here and determined to see it through.  I'm even working on Sunday.  I probably shouldn't be.  But here I am.

Hugs to all who have stuck with it.  :-)

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Day 20: Read1K Write1K Challenge Computes On

Entering the Last Third of the Challenge 
Leave you Feeling a Little Dead?  
Claw Your Way Back from the Grave 
and Write More on Day 20

"Writing is not a genteel profession; it's quite nasty and tough and kind of dirty."
--Rosemary Mahoney

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1045

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed:Yes
Today's Book Note: Darcy can't afford Starbucks anymore!

Kerri's Progress Notes:

 Must have forgotten to update this post yesterday.  Busy doing stuff around the house with the kids.  Very tired.  It does catch up to you now and again.

Hope everyone had a great Saturday!  Off to read the Comments!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Why We Love A Hero with Guest Blogger: Sarah Hoss

Win a Copy of Dreams of the Highlander 
and meet author Sarah Hoss
today at the Book Boost!


What is it about romance novels that keep us turning the pages and looking for the next great read?

I think it’s the thought that men had honor and lived by that every day. From birth, they are raised to respect authority, take pride in their work, protect those weaker then themselves, and cherish the woman they love.

We always picture the men we like as tall, dark, and handsome. Again, why? I think woman like to feel protected. When a man holds her, she feels safe in his arms. We want a man who is strong so he can take care of things and defend us if need be.

Regardless of the time period in which we read romance stories, we always have the same thought about how we want our men to be.

I spoke to my 16 year old daughter about the differences in the world she will be dating in and the men I write about. She said, “Too bad you don’t really see it anymore.” I told her that chivalry isn’t dead, it just isn’t required. I have always told my boys to open the door for a lady, to speak the truth, and help the elderly. And I have always told my daughter that if she wants a gentleman, then make sure he gets a lady.

My husband is a great example for my children to follow.  He always asks about my day, shows affection, gets the door for me, and if we are walking down the sidewalk, he never lets me be on the outside, but places himself in danger’s way. For my birthday one year, he woke and left for work before me. When I came into the kitchen, he had taken toothpicks and spelled out “Happy Birthday” and then surrounded it with butter knives. My favorite flowers are daisies, so every year on our anniversary, I get roses and in the middle, he always has three daisies added; one for each child.

Life gets crazy. We pay bills, we run our kids around to one thing or another, we cook, clean house, and juggle a job. Sometimes we wonder if we have enough hours in a day to make things work. It’s nice to have a hero of our own to come home to. Someone who will massage our shoulders as we talk about our day, smile at us across the dinner table, and someone to cuddle with for no reason at all.

But, if for some reason we don’t have a hero of our own, I can say that I am glad that there are authors out there who write such stories with such remarkable heroes that when the day is done, we can curl up in bed and let the story take us away. In a commercial we have all seen, the tag line says, “Calgon, take me away.” Well, I would rather be taken away by such authors as Diana Gabaldon, Jude Deveraux, and Nora Roberts.

Wouldn’t you agree?

A Note from the Book Boost:  I would agree that romance novels are the great escape.  I have a real life hero of my own and I know there is one out there for everyone.  Here's to every woman finding her hero.  Thanks for joining us and please tell us more about your latest.



Blurb:

After suffering with the loss of his wife and child, fierce Highland warrior Alexander Macpherson vows to never love again—but now his recurring dream of a beautiful woman is haunting him every night.

Marlana Crawford has sworn off men after the love of her life cheated on her but when she reveals her dreams of a sexy Scot to her friends, they encourage her to take a trip abroad in the hopes of finding out the meaning of her dreams.

Now, one careless wish lands Marlana in 18th century Scotland and into the arms of Alexander but to conquer his pain he must learn to love again, or will he allow his bitter enemy to lay claim to her for himself?

Excerpt:

Newtonmore Scotland, 1701 

“Mairi,” he whispered.

"I love ye with all of my heart.” The evidence of that love clung to her soft voice.

Alexander swallowed the lump of fear that rose in his throat. “I love ye, too.” He lowered his gaze to their beautiful son nestled in his arms. Brown hair dusted the little head and he gently ran his hands over the silky forehead as he fought back tears. 

“I want ye to be happy, Alexander.” A blanket of confusion covered him as she turned away in sadness to stare out the window. 

“What are ye saying, Mairi? Ye’re going to be fine.” He said it with as much conviction as he could muster. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb slowly brushing strokes back and forth. 

Alexander readjusted himself on the bed. She turned then, to stare back into his eyes, her hand grasping his. The sadness had left and in its place, determination settled in.

“No, I won’t and we both know it.” She swallowed with difficulty. “Promise me, Alexander. Promise me ye willna grieve for me forever.” He watched, stunned, as her hand dropped from his. 

Alexander heard his mother sobbing in the background as he sat there with his stillborn son held tightly in his arms and watched his wife slip peacefully from this world.       
 
Want More Sarah? 

Visit her on the web here:  www.sarahhoss.com 

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.


Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Sarah and be enter to win a copy of Dreams of the Highlander.

**Winner selected by visiting author and posted here in the comments section of this blog.  Please check back to see if you've won.  If you do not provide your contact e-mail in your comment, the author will not be able to get your prize to you!**

Day 19: Read1K Write1K Challenge Swings On


Just Cause you Finished 18 Holes 
Doesn't Mean the Game is Over
Keep Playing On Day 19

 "Never throw up on an editor."--Ellen Datlow
**As an editor, I have a particular fondness for this quote.**

***UPDATED***

 What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 1539

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Chapter Four
2 Chapters Completed: Yes
Today's Book Note: Darcy tries to figure out how she will live as anything but a trophy wife.

Kerri's Progress Notes:

I will now blame my small word count and lack of reading time to the "Great Computer Saga 2013" that I experienced yesterday.  I tried to go into Windows 8 with a positive attitude despite what I'd heard about it, but...the rumors were true.  It stinks.

I found it to be very user un-friendly and took up way too much of my time trying to simply set it up.  Alas, after a 2 hour set up process, I still hadn't managed to get things the way I like them.  I spent too much time trying to "find things".  When that little Start button disappears, I was lost.

Then, on top of that, I HATE the keyboard.  It feels very "loose" and makes a very loud click sound.  Makes me think of horse hooves on cobblestone streets in a migraine  inducing sort of way.  It was an unsuccessful purchase to say the least.

I phoned the company's customer service and must have sounded pitiful because they authorized a return.  Apparently, this is unusual for them but when I told them that I was a writer/editor and the keyboard satisfaction was an urgent matter for me--they gave in.  :-)

So, today, I'm back on the old jalopy.  Still running (barely) and I wish I could just keep it.  But...I'm going to try out one more that got rave reviews from some other writers and tech guys (who spend a lot of time on it).  Will keep you updated.

Hope all of you had a great writing day yesterday and will do just as well (if not better) today.

--Kerri
The Computer Conquerer


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Legends, Love and Lust with Guest Blogger: Shannan Albright

Win a Copy of Beloved Wizard 
and chat with paranormal author 
Shannan Albright 
today at the Book Boost!


Romancing the Legend

I remember the first time I read Arthurian legends, and like so many others, the characters and the stories captivated me. When I started my trilogy, The Knights of Excalibur, it was a complete accident. A friend of mine put out a call to submit a horror based short story for an anthology, she was pitching to her editor.

Excited about the project I soon became immersed in a story about Frankenstein’s creature, because hey, monsters need love too! I got half way through the project when the anthology plan hit the skids, and I had a partially written manuscript that just didn’t seem quite right.

The more I worked it, the more I disliked the concept. I can’t tell you how often this happens to writers, so I put it aside for a week and didn’t think about it, working on several other projects instead. After a week, I took the story back out and found I still felt the same way about it. As I prepared to delete the whole thing, purging it from my computer and my brain, my muse broke in with five words.

“The Once and Future King.”

Yeah, kind of a "if you build it, they will come" type scene from Field of Dreams.

I could not understand where my muse was leading me, there have been so many well-written books on the Arthurian legends I did not see what I could add to it. Then the flood gates opened. Yes, there is a plethora of books on this and yep, they all deal with the same storyline. Then I thought of Future King. That’s when the whole concept hit.

Set it in contemporary America, Arthur's knights have been reincarnating for centuries, remembering every past life and waiting for the time when Arthur is reborn to take the reins of leadership once again. Not as easy as it sounds when Arthur’s son Mordred is also back and determined to unleash hell on earth, after he destroys Arthur and his knights.

These books deal with evolving relationships. Simon and Darius have always been close, but when that closeness turns to love, Darius, in particular, must grapple with the implications. Can he truly love a man when he has always been attracted to women?  Just when he figures out he can, Simon’s lost love Morgause show’s up adding a new complication to their untried union. Can the three of them make a relationship work?

Then there is Arthur, his world is falling down around him when Guinevere once again enters his life.  Reincarnated as Gwen McAllister, she is a powerful witch, one Mordred needs in his plans to destroy Arthur and the world.

The part I’m especially fond of is dealing with the past betrayals. Many of the stories make Guinevere the temptress that destroys Camelot with her adulterous ways. Like Eve in the Garden of Eden, she is portrayed in a bad light. Just like life, there are many sides to an issue, and I explore those in my latest book.

With a great deal of creative license, I took these characters and threw them into the here and now. They all have garbage from the past they need to let go of in order to embrace the happiness waiting for them.

Forgiving and trusting can be an insurmountable obstacle for someone who has been betrayed.  I think we have all been there at some point in our lives, but it’s not impossible. In this last story, The King’s Lady, the betrayal is viewed from all sides, Arthur, Gwen, and Lancelot. A deeper understanding of their dynamics comes to light, giving them all the chance at a new life and love as it should have been.

I’m really very excited how this trilogy came together and being able to tell Guinevere’s story as I see it gave me a thrill. I think Gwen likes it too.


A Note from the Book Boost:    Hey Shannan, thanks for joining us again at the Boost.  It has been a long time since you've guest blogged here.  Love how your plan took a turn for the better and I wish you much luck with the series.  Tell us more about your latest.


Blurb:

Arthur Penner is more than happy to aid a lady in need of help, especially if the woman is targeted by his nemesis Vance Hollister. The fact the lady in question turns out to be not only a powerful witch, but a gorgeous red head with a wealth of curves that don’t quit? Even better.

What he isn’t prepared for is the discovery that the woman just happens to be his reincarnated Queen Gwenivere, and worse, she has no memory of who he is.

His well-ordered life is crumbling around him as yet another surprise turns up in the form of his reincarnated sister. It seems the past is swallowing him whole, forcing him to let go of previous betrayals and trust once more.

Gwen McAllister finds herself between a rock and a hard spot. Drawn to the quiet strength and confidence of Arthur. It isn’t until her memories are savagely restored by a vengeful goddess that she realizes who she is and the bitter betrayal she caused. Even her familiar, a mouthy Himalayan named Salt seems to be against her, demanding she trust the very man she destroyed with her life.

A new threat is rising, one which will plunge the world they know into darkness. To defeat an old enemy they must depend on each other and learn to forgive. A tall order and time is running out. Can they let go of the past and embrace the promise of a future or will they lose everything in the ultimate battle between good and evil?
  

Want More Shannan?

Visit her on the web here:  http://www.shannanalbright.com/

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.


Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Shannan and be entered to win a PDF copy of Beloved Wizard.

**Winner selected by visiting author and posted here in the comments section of this blog.  Please check back to see if you've won.  If you do not provide your contact e-mail in your comment, the author will not be able to get your prize to you!**

Day 18: Read1K Write1K Challenge Grows a Spine

Ready to Throw the Book at it?   
Don't Quit on Day 18


"Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."--E. L. Doctorow
***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 319

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed:No
Today's Book Note:N/A

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Back at it today.  Had to finally give in and buy a new computer after a painstaking search.  Wanted to upgrade, but had to stick with the same specs I currently have due to finances.

I really hate switching computers and I'm dreading Windows 8.  Anyone else have it?  Any tips or horror stories to share?

My old computer is hanging on by a thread.  I've had to replace the battery, the power cord, and the DVD drive is shot.  Not to mention that thing it is currently doing where it locks up or crashes on me about 4 times a day (big issue for a writer/editor).

I've consulted the professionals and they've all agreed--I burn out computers faster than the average user.  Could be that thing where I have my computer up and running about 16-18 hours (sometimes more) a day.  You think?

Poor processor.

Will let you know how the transition goes...

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Day 17: Read 1K Write 1K Rolls with the Tide

Relax in the Sun and Sit on your Buns 
as you Write More on Day 17

"Writing is its own reward."--Henry Miller


***EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS TODAY, PLEASE TELL US YOUR FAVORITE DRINK!***

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 999 (I kid you not!)

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: YES!
Today's Book Note: First run in with hottie repo man.


Kerri's Progress Notes:

Having weird vibes this morning.  Probably a remainder from my episode yesterday of  "turtle terror" in the garage.  Yep, a turtle somehow got into my garage when we returned home from school and I was faced with trying to get it out without hurting it.  My eldest daughter was screaming at the top of her lungs..."Don't hurt it!  Don't hurt it!" and my son (the toddler) was screaming "I wanna see it.  I wanna see it."  Then my middle child was hiding in the car until it was all over--she couldn't face the drama.

And this myth about turtles being slow?  Total fabrication.  This sucker was lightning fast.

No.  Seriously.

My daughter wishes she had it on video as there was a lot of screaming going on.  Mostly coming from me.

But, alas, I'm happy to report that the turtle was redirected into the great outdoors and we'll leave Mother Nature to deal with him.  Cause this Mamma ain't down with the Turtle Drama.

Hope you are all doing well this Hump Day. 

Keep those fingers doing keyboard push ups.

--K.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Getting Friendly with Guest Blogger: Beth Barany

Win a Copy of  
Henrietta the Dragon Slayer 
&  Meet Author Beth Barany 
today at the Book Boost!



The Importance of Friendship in this Busy World

Many people get caught up in their daily lives and their to-do lists. I know I do. I have my writing, my work, and...oh...I need sleep, too! But I’ve realized recently that if I don’t spend down time with my friends I feel like something is missing in my life. All work, no play, and all that.

Springtime is a good time to reflect on why friends are important. In this article, I share what I appreciate the most about being with my friends.

Laughter
I love to laugh, but I forget that sometimes. I get so serious. Being a writer and publishing consultant can create that effect sometimes. But when I’m with my girlfriends at the cafe laughing over the silly stuff we do, really laughing at ourselves, I feel my whole self relax, and I get a fresh perspective on life. Who can you laugh with? Who makes you smile easily?

Adventure
One of the things I like to do the most with my husband (one of my best friends) is to travel and go some place new, even if it’s only 60 miles east of where we live. When life feels like drudgery, he and I take off for parts unknown and explore a new area. I come home feeling refreshed. I saw the world in a whole new way, and remembered that the 1 mile radius I live and work in isn’t the only place there is. Where can you go to get a new perspective with your friends?

Conversation
As a writer, I enjoy the company of my own mind, but sometimes I need to connect with others and hear what they think about the world. When I chat with my friends, I love hearing their perspectives on life and issues in the world. Who do you like to talk with that opens you up to new perspectives?

Walk and Talk
Sometimes I just want companionship, a chance to shoot the breeze, and enjoy the outdoors. I try to walk at least once a week with one of my girlfriends. We check in with each other and also go deep with what’s going on in our lives. Where can you walk and with whom do have a relaxed walk and talk?

Support
As an independent spirit since forever, it’s been sometimes hard for me to ask for help. In the last fifteen years, I’ve gone through some rough patches and even suffered from repetitive stress injury where I couldn’t even pick up a book. I had to ask for help. It’s still a learning curve for me. But now I’m better at realizing I need help, then asking for it. I ask for hugs, a point of view, and an honest answer. Who can you ask for support in your life?

We all need to spend time with people who love us, understand us, and make us laugh, and for whom we do the same. Whether I talk with them over the phone, text them, or see them in person, I connect with at least one of my friends every day. I feel more myself and can return to my work and my writing refreshed and feeling whole. We are more than our jobs and professions, no matter how much we love them, and make our mark on the world with them.

What do you appreciate about being with your friends?


 A Note from the Book Boost:  What a great post, Beth!  I need to spend more time with my friends.  With all my work and family obligations (tons of kids), it is easy to get caught up in their lives and to not pay attention to my own friends.  You've inspired me.  Please tell us more about your book.


Blurb:

Henrietta, the legendary Dragon Slayer of the Kingdom of Bleuve, can't stomach the thought of one more kill. Yet, in order to save her dying mentor, she must go on one last quest. But will misfit companions, seasickness, and an ego maniacal king derail the quest for the healing stone? And will she be able to cut past her conscience and kill the dragon?


Excerpt:

Battle-hardened and brave

Ready for the fight
Henrietta the Dragon Slayer 
Swings with all her might 

--From the chorus of the Song of the Dragon Slayer 

Henrietta strode away from the tavern, fists clenched so hard they hurt. At two paces from the forest edge, the ground crunched in the black night behind her. Even with her ale-fogged brain, she sensed the presence of a man, smelled on him soot, leather and metal, and knew he was armed, but wore no armor.

She didn't have time for this. 

"What do you want?" Henrietta whirled to face the thrill seeker, her long sword drawn, her long red hair whipping across her chilled cheeks. Above her head, the bitter wind keened through the forest trees.

The man hovered five feet-lengths away from her, out of sword reach, his face shadowed by the light of the tavern behind him. "I heard your story back there." His voice, thick with a foreign accent she couldn't place, held no compliment. "I hear you're looking for a new quest." 

Want More Beth?

Visit her on the web here:  http://author.bethbarany.com/

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.



Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Beth to be entered to win the e-book, Henrietta the Dragon Slayer.

**Winner selected by visiting author and posted here in the comments section of this blog.  Please check back to see if you've won.  If you do not provide your contact e-mail in your comment, the author will not be able to get your prize to you!**

Day 16: Read 1K Write 1K Challenge In Full Bloom


Spring is In and Excuses are Out...
The Challenge Continues on Day 16


"Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money."
 --Jules Renard
**OUR SECOND PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED BELOW**

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 3,494

What I'm reading?

Book:  Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves
Starting Point: Beginning
2 Chapters Completed: YEP
Today's Book Note:Comes home from vacation to find her hubby long gone and her house sold.  Say what?!

Kerri's Progress Notes:

I know that as we roll down that slippery slope into the last couple weeks of the challenge we may feel the burn.  But the good news is that if we push through the pain, we will be rewarded on the other side.  Trust me.  C'mon just do it!



We have our second WINNER today.  I've drawn a winner's name at random from all the folks who have been keeping up with the challenge.  The winner will receive a T-shirt which has the quote above on it.   

Wear it.  Live it.

And please contact me here with your snail mail address.

AND THE WINNER IS...........CYNTHIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Grillin' Up A Wee Good Time with Guest Blogger: Cornelia Amiri

Win a Copy of Dance Of The Vampires 
or Vampire Highland Fling 
from Cornelia Amiri 
today at the Book Boost!


Scottish Grilled Cheese and Dancing Vampires

In honor of grilled cheese month and my Dancing Vampire books, set in Scotland, I wanted to share what they call one of my favorite foods in Scotland, toasted cheese and some called it roasted cheese. Click here to view a Scottish recipe for toasted cheese.

For Dianna Gabaldon fans, The Outlander Kitchen web site had a wonderful grilled cheese recipe from her book, The Scottish Prisoner.  Click here to view. 

As I said my Dancing Vampire series takes place in Scotland, in the Highlands. The baobhan sith really aren’t vampires at all, they are vampiric fey that roman the Scottish highlands. If you like vampire romances you’ll love the series but it’s also for those who like dark fey such as the Lost Girl TV series or Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series.

Baobhan sith roam the highlands in packs and all of them are women--none of them are men.Voluptuous and enticing, these beauties are always wear green gowns. Also, they have talons. No fangs. Like other vampires, they drink human blood and fry in the sunlight. Often referred to as dancing vampires, they target young men coming from pubs at night. The baobhan sith dance with them until the men grow exhausted. Then the vampiric temptresses transform their long nails into talons and rake them across the men’s backs. Clawing at their victim’s skin, draining their blood, then drinking it. So the baobhan sith are always female and their victims are always men.

For a modern take on the baobhan sith, enter Ellora’s cave and step Underhill to visit these dark fey in the Dancing Vampire series. The first two quickies, Dance Of The Vampires and Vampire Highland Fling are available now, and Ever So Bonnie A Vampire is coming in April 19th.

Speaking of food, check out a breakfast excerpt with toast and tea, from the third in the Dancing Vampire series, Ever So Bonnie A Vampire down below.


 A Note from the Book Boost:  Love the sound of this series, Cornelia.  I will definitely check it out.  Fantastic stuff and thanks for the recipes.  I'm a cheese lover!  Please tell us more about your new release.

Blurb: 

Calin has had fantasies about the vampiric fey, Ever’s, warm, curvaceous body ever since they danced a year ago. When they meet again he waste no time in claiming and capturing her.  Once the sun rises, Ever can’t leave the earthly realm and is bound by fey lore to the human, Calin. Though he has saved her from the sun, things get pretty hot in his arms. Thrust into the mortal realm, his love making excites her like no fey man’s  ever has but she’s consumed with the vow she made to her sisters to not leave them for a mortal man. She fights her feelings for Calin and seeks help from goddess Morrigan.

The goddess has feelings of her own for  the tall, muscular mortal so she frees Ever to return Underhill. It isn’t until Ever’s back with her sisters that she realizes her heart is still held captive by Calin. When Calin spurns Morrigan’s attentions, the goddess’s lust turns to vengeance. With Ever out of his reach, Underhill,  and a goddess shape shifting into different beasts to hunt and kill him, Calin McDuff must risk his life and fight all odds to be with the woman he loves.

Excerpt:

After throwing on the clothes he’d worn yesterday, he followed the homey, comforting aroma of warm bread and butter and made his way into the kitchen.

“Ian’s gone to work.” Sorcha sat at the table nibbling a piece of buttered toast.

“Work. That reminds me, I have to call my brothers and have them cover for me at the farm today.” He pulled out his cell and made the call then shoved the phone back into his jeans pocket.

The lady sitting at her side smiled at him. “Good morning.”

She looked vaguely familiar and her green eyes and red hair resembled both Sorcha’s and Ever’s.

“You must be the other sister who married a human, Murdina, is it?”

“That’s me.” With her elbows on the table, she leaned forward. “I heard you angered Morrigan.”

He let out a laugh as he really didn’t know what else to do. “Apparently so.”

“This is quite dangerous.” Scorcha set her unfinished slice of toast on the porcelain saucer scattered with crumbs.

Murdina set her gaze on him, her green eyes filled with an intense expression of alarm that made him quake.

“CĂșchulainn was a great warrior, a hero, yet she killed him.”

What appetite he’d had now vanished. What a nightmare. He should have stayed in bed. This goddess might actually murder him.

“Either I or Sorcha will stay with you at all times.” Murdina leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms out on the table. “Morrigan will shift her shape when she appears to you, as she did when she came to you as a young woman.”

“You won’t recognize the goddess’s different forms, but we will. One of us will warn you when we see her.” Sorcha pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

He shrugged. “Will she look like herself, which I haven’t seen, or appear as a young hot woman, like before?”

Sorcha and Murdina glanced at each other, then in an almost synchronized movement they turned their heads toward him. “She takes on many other forms,” both sisters said together.

With one brow arched, Sorcha peered at him. “You don’t want to know. We will handle it.”
 


Want More Cornelia? 

Visit her on the web here:  http://CelticRomanceQueen.com
 
Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.  



Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Cornelia to be entered to win on of two e-books, one for Dance Of The Vampires and one for Vampire Highland Fling.

**Winner selected by visiting author and posted here in the comments section of this blog.  Please check back to see if you've won.  If you do not provide your contact e-mail in your comment, the author will not be able to get your prize to you!**


Day 15: Read 1K Watch 1K Challenge Half Way There!

Slicing it Up into Manageable Chunks 
of Juicy Chapters on Day 15


"Writing is thinking on paper."  --William Zinsser

***EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS TODAY, PLEASE LIST YOUR T-SHIRT SIZE.  THANK YOU!***

***UPDATED***

What I'm writing?

Book: The Cable
Starting Point: Page 101
Today's total word count: 6686

What I'm reading?

Book:  California Demon by Julie Kenner
Starting Point: Chapter Four
2 Chapters Completed: YES
Today's Book Note: Finished the Book!

Kerri's Progress Notes:

Sorry that I've been behind on updating the blog posts and replying to comments but I'm up to date now.  Please go back and check the comments.  I may have left some gold there. ;-)

Seriously, Beth...I had a question for you on jewelry.

Be sure to check my notes from the weekend and see how much joy I've been in as I hobble around and try to dodge stomach virus #2.  Boo hoo for me.  This month has turned out to be a humdinger.

Back to editing today and hope to get in my words.  Fingers crossed or uncrossed as typing with crossed fingers may not be productive.

Hugs to my peeps!