OMG!!!!

Well, I've been working on it and struggling with it, but today it happened...The Golden Dragon's Treasure is now available!

I made it before the Christmas deadline I had set for myself and I couldn't have done it without all the support from my beloved ones and my fans!

Currently, you are able to get every version you need at Smashwords. I will post other links as they become available.

Please...check out Brady and Silver's story! They have been a patient couple and they need to have their story read.

Just proofed the print copy this morning (12/23):https://www.createspace.com/5191646 

Here's the link to Amazon (12/24): http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Dragons-Treasure-Cedar-River/dp/1505696380/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1419447393&sr=8-5&keywords=The+golden+dragon%27s+treasure

I Am So Bad...

I have been so bad about blogging lately. I'm sorry! I could give a million excuses, but they'd be lies. I haven't been blogging because I wasn't sure what to blog about. I mean, my life isn't exactly exciting! So, I thought I'd tell you what has been happening.

I've been working on the edits for The Golden Dragon's Treasure. I've got such awesome people working on it and I'm really focusing on what they'd like to see added/dropped/changed. 

I've also been working on Cedar River series-Book 4. I was trying to finish up one project before beginning another, but Avery wouldn't let me be. He really wanted me to see who Mona is and create her. I had to ask him more than once if he was certain because I was over the moon with his choice. Avery's beautiful Mona is a woman with curves... voluptuous curves. Mona is a size 24 and she is gorgeous. I LOVE that he chose a plus-sized woman! As much as I love Bowie, Adam, and Brady, the Black boys (Avery, Oliver, and Beckett) are my favorites. They all love women with curves! *happy dance*

I've also been bogged down in my algebra. It has my mind spinning and clouding over. When I can concentrate, it seems as if nothing makes sense. I mean, seriously, what will I ever need with point-slope intersect? I think there needs to be a math teacher in one of my books, THEN I may have a use for it :)

I've kind of taken a break from life, in general. I felt like I was running on empty, so I watched stupid television shows, played A LOT of Angry Birds, and let my mind vegetate. I've also been doing a little research and posting to Pinterest. That's where most of my ideas are...my Pinterest boards. Stop by and see my vision for Cedar River. If you're like a few of my friends, you can also ogle the inspiration I use for my characters :)

I promise I will try to blog more and maybe come up with some theme days. Make this spot a little bit more fun! 

My Fascination with Dragons

I'm not sure when it began, but I have a certain fascination with dragons. As a little girl, Sleeping Beauty was my favorite fairytale. In it, Maleficent turned into a dragon. When Prince Philip slayed her (in the Disney version) her blood ran purple. Maybe that was where it began.

I was never encouraged to believe in dragons, gargoyles, fairies, or gnomes. They weren't "realistic" enough. So, it took me growing up to believe in the world of fantasy. Odd, right?

I remember buying my first dragon statue. It came with the name Jamie. I didn't like that name so I changed it. My baby dragon is named Draco. He's a cutie who sits on a shelf beside my bed. I trust him to keep me safe.

I have a series of holiday ornaments that are dragons. I tend to hang them on my holiday tree simply because they fit in with the color scheme.

Then, there are my stories. The Golden boys seem to hold everyone's attention. When I get messages saying, "When does ____ Golden get his story?" I smile. You must also remember Lance and Cameron Smythe, my beautiful blue water dragons.

I never intended to be an urban fantasy/paranormal author. I think it has to do with the "realistic" side of my brain. I didn't think my imagination would expand enough to see what makes the world of fantasy real. And yes, my world is real... at least to me. I get to play in the land of shifters daily. I've been working so hard on putting a couple of contemporary romances in the world that I feel like I'm dying inside. I think I may have to delve back into the UF/PNR waters to keep from falling apart.  

I am so grateful to each of you who has picked up my books and given them a read. My fascination with dragons fueled the series, but my belief in the impossible keeps me writing. Your belief in me feeds my soul as I write.

If you've read either of my books, please be sure to leave a review on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Goodreads. You can even drop me a line at gemmakmurray@gmail.com and I'll post your review on my website. I want to hear what I'm doing right. I also am willing to hear what I'm doing wrong.

If you haven't read my books, step into my world and give them a whirl. You never know who you will meet on the streets of Cedar River.

Walkers and Biters, Oh My!

I have never been one to enjoy zombies. While there are plenty of people out there who do like a good zombie flick (I'm married to one of them), they have never been my thing. Until one afternoon.

I was working on whatever it is I was working on when my husband switched the channel to something and started watching it. Because my "office" is in our living room, I kept hearing bits of dialogue and would look over my shoulder to see what was happening. That was my first introduction to The Walking Dead.
I finally turned off the computer and sat down to watch the marathon on A&E. I had missed Seasons 1 and 2, but I would be damned if I'd miss anymore. I am now a bonafide, true blue Walking Dead fan. 

I sit and sync my iPad with the show so I can keep up with what's happening. We watch the Talking Dead afterwards. I yell at the television and threaten to throw things. And yes, I was one of those who threatened to riot if they killed off Daryl.

This is from Tumblr. I'm not sure who made it, but I love it!

Yeah, I'm that woman! I have this huge crush on the redneck with heart. Hey, don't judge me! LOL I will even admit to sort of liking Merle at this point. I keep hoping he loves his little brother, but I'm afraid I will be wrong.

Now the season is winding down and each week I sit on the edge of my seat, begging for an ending that doesn't leave me hanging until next season. Hell, I watch the black and white episodes just to feed my addiction each week.

Yes, I'm a Walking Dead junkie. If I'm not careful, I'll turn into one of the despised walkers as I wait for the next season to start.

How about you? What shows are on your must watch list? Chat with me!

*Drumroll Please* Ta-Da!

Last weekend, I spent time e-mailing back and forth with the lovely Kathey at Design by Katt. I contacted her to create the cover for the third Cedar River series book, The Golden Dragon's Treasure.

I will admit I was nervous. I didn't know her and this whole self-publishing process has been a bit nerve-wracking. However, when she showed me the couple she had in mind for the cover...well, she had me hooked.

Kathey took my wish list and created something so magickal. I can't believe it is actually the cover for my book. I am so excited! Are you ready? Okay, here it is:

Because I'm going to try to get this to print as quickly as I possibly can. I'll also show you the print cover. *Squee*

So, tell me what you think. Are you ready for Brady and Silver's story?

I'm shooting for mid-to late May for the release.

It Is Finished

If you follow my Facebook page, then you've heard the news: Book 3 in the Cedar River series is finished!!! I am currently going through and editing it so I can send it off to my lovely beta reader.

One of the changes I spoke of in a previous post is I'm going to self-publish this book. I want to be able to put out 4-6 books this year and with my publisher's schedule, I am unable to do that.

I found a cover artist who is brilliant. I've seen what she has in mind and it is crazy how she sees inside my mind! I love it and I hope you do, too.

I am taking a creative writing class this semester and I've made a new friend. He makes me smile because he is so full of questions. I hate talking about myself, but my books? Well, I'll chat away about them :) He asked me a question yesterday, "Do you celebrate?" I smiled. When I signed my first contract (over a year ago), my husband and I went out to dinner. With the 2nd contract, we had a nice dinner at home. With this one, (because the costs are coming out of our budget) we didn't do anything too special. However, I do have a book that has been taunting me since I got it. I promised myself I would finish the third book before I cracked the cover of it. It is still sitting there, teasing me, but I have to finish the edits (and my Algebra homework) before I can start it. 

Whose book is it, you ask? It's Ever After by Kim Harrison. I think I'm going to take a whole day and just read once the edits are done.

I've told you repeatedly how exciting my life is. LOL I think it is a testament to how unexciting my life is when the highlight includes a book, a soft bed, and 4 dogs to cuddle with. However, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

How do you celebrate a special accomplishment? Tell me about it.

I'm Going Through Changes...

Now, re-read that title. I'm NOT going through THE "change." I'm not quite there yet:)

I live with an Ozzy Osbourne fanatic. The Black Sabbath song "Changes" has been running through my mind on a constant circuit.

Last week was one helluva a week, let me tell you. I began making some pretty big decisions about my professional life and where I want to be. I had let things slide for too long and it seems as if I made some HUGE decisions in a very short period of time.

Have you ever had someone tell you that you couldn't do something? Or wouldn't be able to accomplish something? What was your reaction? Mine was to explode and cry, then I picked up my sword and said, "Yeah, well, let me show you!" NEVER tell me what I can or cannot do because I will prove you wrong. I don't like to be pigeonholed and to quote one of my favorite movies, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." 

I don't appreciate it when someone belittles me or my talent. I may sound a bit arrogant, but it has taken me a long time to believe in myself and won't let anyone take that away from me. I can hear my dad's voice in my ear saying, "That's my girl" so I know I'm making the right choice as I move in the direction I am heading. 

My husband would love to slay this particular dragon for me, but he's respecting me enough to let me fight the battle I am waging. He's got my back and I wouldn't have it any other way.

There are only a few friends I have confided in and I feel blessed to know they have my back as well. With my little army at my back, I'm battling forward with this journey. I may have to hack through the thorns and brambles as I try to find my own path, but like I said, I have people who are willing to help me. I am truly blessed.

Be patient with me and give me some time to adjust. I read somewhere that if something isn't working for you, then make a change. So for now, I'm going through changes and I can only hope that they propel me forward.

On a side note: Be sure to check out my website for the contest I have going on. http://gemmakmurray.com

Happily Ever After

The other day I was asked about the relationships in my stories. "Why are they complicated?" the reader asked. It made me pause for a moment and think about the relationships I write.

See, my characters live in my head. With a series like Cedar River, you can imagine the noise going on there. Some days I must look like the psychic medium, John Edwards. (The other day, I was explaining a new series to my husband and had one of those, "Hold on" moments while the character told me exactly what I needed to say.) My characters tell me their story and I simply write it down as they tell it to me. I make it as simple or as complicated as they want it to be. (I'm not crazy, I'm a writer :D)

When I wrote Ana's character, I hated her. She was the biggest bitch I had ever met (myself not included). She was so hard on Bowie and I felt she was being unfair to him, but you know what? It all worked out. *shrugs*

Then, along came Adam and Luna. I wanted their story to be simple since they had overcome so much to be where they were, but it wasn't going to happen that way. Instead, they had to work at it and make decisions. They even hurt one another, but, again, it all worked out.

Now, I'm working with two very difficult characters, Brady and Silver. I've stopped and started with them more than any other characters. They are complicated and at different ends of the spectrum. He's quiet, confident, and steadfast. She is brassy, bold, and very insecure. I had to laugh when Brady told me who he had chosen to be his lady. I had an ongoing conversation with him for three days. "Seriously? She's a hot mess, you know that, right?" He'd smile that sexy smile of his and say, "Yep." Now, I am at 71,000 words and I'm still not done. (For a quiet guy, he certainly had a lot to say. LOL)

But it hit me the other day, why do I love this set of characters so much? Because they remind me of my husband and myself. The reflection I see when I look at them simply brings me joy.

So, dear reader, let me answer your question for you:
My characters have complicated relationships because love is messy and complicated. Love is never cut and dried. It's an organic, evolving thing which needs to be nurtured, pruned, and fertilized. My characters want the REAL love. Happily ever after happens in fairy tales. I've been married for almost 20 years and as much as I love my Knight in Tarnished Armor, he's not perfect and neither am I. Our love isn't perfect either. We hurt one another whether we realize it or not, but we don't walk away. We fight and fuss, but we make-up because we're crazy that way.

As Valentine's Day rapidly approaches, this is my Valentine's Day wish for you:

May you find your hot mess and see them for what they really are...someone worth believing in and fighting for. May you find the one who will walk through fire for and with you. May your love be a messy, complicated puddle of passion. XOXO 

My Yooper Wonderland

Old Man Winter has finally decided to pay us a visit. We've had about 4 inches of snow on the  ground for a few days, but today...well, Mother Nature decided enough was enough. I don't know, maybe I bitched too much about the cold. Either way, I have a Yooper Wonderland outside. I'm not complaining by any means because I truly love the snow. After that nasty blast of cold we had, I'll take the snow any day of the week. Here's a little video I took about twenty minutes ago. We're supposed to have another 5-8 inches on top of what we already have. 

The dogs love the snow for the most part. Our German Shepherd believes it's her personal job to create (what we call) Weiner Angels. (She's our little Weiner Schnitzel.) Diesel thinks he needs to take Mama for a walk through every inch of snow we have. Jazzy is too old to appreciate the snow and Klondike is indifferent to most everything (she's more like a cat than a dog.)

What I love best is seeing the other critters' footprints in the yard. We've had deer, grey fox, red fox, loads of bunnies, and a few we haven't identified yet. I'm an animal nut! I can (and have) while away a morning watching two little porcupines play at the edge of the woods. They are simply precious to watch. I even caught the grey fox in our firepit one early morning. He was sniffing through our charcoal briquets looking for goodies. I felt bad for him and started leaving him little pieces of hot dog from time to time. 

Well, it's about time to bundle up and take a walk in the Yooper Wonderland that waits for me. (Dogs potty time.) So, I'm off. 

Whatever your weather is like, stay safe! I want to be able to visit with you later on :)

P.S. If money is tight at your house, but you still want to read Natural Born Enemies, I'm giving away two copies at Coffee Time Romance's Contests by the Cup in their forums: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/showthread.php?t=27935

I also was a part of Coffee Time Romance's Coffee Thoughts blog this week. Because I'm a bit of a ditz, I decided to make it up to readers by offering a copy to one person who leaves a comment on any of my posts.

Introducing You to Nicole Fergusson

One of the best things about being on this journey is meeting new authors as I go along. Nicole Fergusson is one of my sister authors at LOF Publishing and I'm so happy that we met. We both write urban fantasy and when I asked her to be my guest here, she said, "Yes!"

So, everyone, meet Nicole.

I've been asked to put together a couple of guest blog posts. So I've been thinking, what's something new to say about Gothic that just hasn't been said now and over the last three months since Gothic was released? Synopses litter the internet trail behind me, there are a couple of excerpts round and about, but I'm in the situation where I don't want to give away *too many* of them. So what to do, what to do?

Right now, I'm in the middle of a feverishly hot summer in Melbourne, fresh into the new year of 2013, a new year, a good time for new resolutions and for new authors to put on our shelves!

The biggest thing that stands out as a positive for me for last year is that I got this wonderful little book published over with the lovely people at Leap of Faith publishing.

You may have heard of it. I like to call it 'Gothic (Shadows of Melbourne #1)'.

Something that I really only ever did once, and on this blog, and in <a href="http://nicole-d-fergusson.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/new-realease-gothic.html">October last year,</a> is a quick 'Meet the Characters' segment, with a couple of visual cues to aid.

Since then, I have finally remembered the fresh face that I originally imagined in my head when I first started writing about Dahlia.

Dahlia is a fresh faced girl, living out of home for the first time, studying at university and meeting all sorts of new faces. One of them is her friendly neighbourhood vampire, studying a class on Gothic literature at nights alongside her. Oh, no, I hear you say! However will she deal with the fact that this new friend of hers is a creature of the undead?

Quite well, actually. You see, Dahlia just happens to have a werewolf for a father, a ghost for a mother, and a vampire for a godmother. And Dahlia isn't interested in having more supernatural complications entering her life.

Unfortunately for her, that would be a very boring way to plot out a novel. And so, instead of freedom from the supernatural elements of her life, Dahlia is drawn in when one by one, her werewolf kin begin to go missing and when, despite herself, she is also drawn to one very pretty new vampire in her life.

Please join Dahlia into the journey of being ordinary when the players in her life are anything but. The sequel novel, 'Revelry' is due for release in the first half of 2013.

Visit me, and Dahlia, over at my personal blog: http://nicole-d-fergusson.blogspot.com.au/

I'm also findable on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6878229.Nicole_D_Fergusson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/faerywhimsy

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

Tumblr: http://faerywhimsy.tumblr.com/

and the buy links for Gothic:

Amazon (Kindle):http://www.amazon.com/Gothic-ebook/dp/B009UVPUU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350968011&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gothic-nicole-d-fergusson/1113580789?ean=2940015534795

And the publisher website, Leap of Faith (ePub, MOBI, PDF, HTML):http://leapoffaithpublishing.com/#ecwid:category=2613677&mode=product&product=16309809

I Count You Among My Blessings...

Our breakfast was delicious. The presents are all unwrapped. Dinner is digesting and all is quiet at our house. It was actually one of the best holidays we've had in a long time.

The canine kids received plenty of toys. 

Diesel with all of the loot

The hubby got a new football jersey and a whole bunch of DVDs. Me? I got books! There was a new Nora Roberts under the tree along with the Shelly Laurenston Pack series. I also had some wonderful jewelry and a few chick flicks. Yes, I am blessed.

I have been very blessed for the majority of my life. I've always had people who love me and support me. 

But you are the blessings  I never expected. You have all blessed my life in ways  you will never truly understand and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Bright blessings from my home to yours!

It's Heeeeeeeere!!

Late last night, I got an e-mail. I danced a little. I cried a little. I smiled...A LOT!! 

You see, the e-mail was from my wonderful editor. She was letting me know that Natural Born Enemies is now available. She was able to get it up on Leap of Faith's site and Amazon before she left on vacation.

You are able to get any format at Leap of Faith so even if you have a Nook, you can still get a copy.

She will get it up on Barnes and Noble plus Coffee Time Romance when she gets back from her holiday.

But I wanted to let you know that you are able to get Natural Born Enemies for your holiday reading.

I'm sending out my newsletter today complete with recipe for homemade Trenary toast (a Yooper must-have). Be sure to sign up for my newsletter on my website.

The Results of Draco

If you're new to my blog, you will find that I LOVE to take pictures. I live in such a beautiful place that it only seems right to catch it, digitally, and share it with you. 

So, Winter storm Draco hit us yesterday, but, as I posted yesterday, he didn't hit with the force the weather men were predicting. Of course, I'm Michigan born and raised. It takes a storm of pretty massive proportions to impress me.

Yes, this is my backyard. Can you see why I love it so? I decided to take my camera out when I walked the dogs this morning and captured these.

My poor little apple tree! 

So, this is the view of my winter wonderland. And, yes, that is how I see it. Do I love the cold? Not really, but it's part of the territory. There are certain sacrifices a person has to make to have the view I have. These are sacrifices I am more than willing to make :)

Happy Solstice to all of you! Yule is in full swing in our house. A few extra gifts to pick up, mainly stocking stuffers for the canine kids. We wish you and yours the best of the holidays!

Be sure to stop over to TRS parties to enter to win an e-copy of Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart.

Want to keep up on the happenings around my world? Be sure to visit my website and sign up for my newsletter. 

Virginia Nelson Likes Things A Little Odd

My darling friend, Virg, is back with us today! She has a brand-new paranormal romance available, but I'll let her tell you more about it. Hey, Virg! Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Thanks for having me on the blog today, Gemma!

My paranormal romantic comedy, Odd Stuff, is available now. Odd Stuff is a small town paranormal romance story about what happens when boy meets girl, boy drinks blood, and girl happens to be someone who drives people mad when she sings.

Pretty run of the mill stuff, right?

Janie Smith, my heroine, is the world’s last siren. She has the ability to drive people mad with the sound of her voice but all she wants is a nice normal life, coffee and maybe the occasional slushie. Things aren’t working out exactly as she planned and she hasn’t a moment to spare to get over her recent divorce since the paranormal world seems determined to suck her into the midst of it’s chaos.

I hope readers enjoy these characters and this world as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Blurb: Janie Smith tumbles through the paranormal world making mistakes and not keeping her sharp tongue in check. Pretending to be normal is what she has spent her whole life perfecting. But when her best friend, a witch named Mia, gets tangled in a murder investigation, Janie tries to stick to her guns and solve it without any “extra” help, be it supernatural or sexual. The hitch is that Mia is suspected to have murdered a vampire...and how do you prove you haven't killed someone who has no pulse?

About the Author: Virginia Nelson spends her days chasing three very active kids around. When she is not doing this, or plotting taking over the world, she likes to write, play in the mud, drive far too fast and scream at inanimate objects. She can often be found listening to music that is far too loud and typing her next fantastic tale of blood, sex and random acts of ineptitude. Romance, in Ms. Nelson’s opinion, is not about riding off into the sunset on the back of a horse with the knight in shining armor— it is about riding the dragon. If the knight can keep up… well, that is love. Find me online virg-nelson.com

Grab your copy of Odd Stuff today! Link http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=352&products_id=1208

At Last...

I'm taking some time away from school work, housework, and the family to share with you. If you haven't seen the front page of the website or Facebook, then you haven't seen what I received in my inbox late last night.

Yes, this is the brand-new cover for the second book in the Cedar River Series! I have to say I shed a few tears. I love Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart's cover, but this one has blown me away. Adam was captured perfectly and Luna is exquisite.

This also means that the countdown to release date is on. We're working on a pre-holiday release. With only 3 days of classes left, I am excited since I get to spend my time off writing and promoting.

Life is quiet here for now. Besides the wind down of school, I have got to get my booty in gear with Yule stuff. I haven't baked one cookie, made one pan of fudge, or put together one batch of 3-corn crunch. While the holiday shopping is finished, the wrapping is still undone. The tree isn't up, but should be this weekend. Plus, I still have to put out the December newsletter! (I'm waiting for a release date.)

How are things in your world? Are you keeping busy with holiday stuff? 

I'm thinking of all of you and carry  you in my heart! I'm so blessed by the readers and friends I have made on this journey! You will never truly know how much I appreciate each and every one of you!

Blessings to your home from mine.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Breakfast is done. The parade didn't impress me. The Detroit Lions' game is on the television. It is Thanksgiving at the Murray household.

We shared dinner with friends yesterday which was exceptionally nice. Today, it's just the hubby and me with the canine kids. There will be roasted duck (we don't do turkey), whipped taters, Stove-Top stuffing (don't ask), cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, deviled eggs, and homemade pumpkin pie (from my roasted pumpkins) with Cool Whip. Yes, I do all of this just for the 7 of us! LOL It seems like a bit much, I know, but it's tradition.

I also get to spend the day cleaning. As a college student who is at school A LOT, I have to take the time to clean when I can. It looks like the carpets are getting cleaned today. I have to get it done before the holiday tree comes in. Nevermind, that I have to find room for said tree. The joys of living in a small house :)

I've scoured the Black Friday ads to see if there is ANY reason to head out tomorrow and other than the pet store in town, I think I'm staying in. Are you one who braves the crowds? I simply can't stand the crowds of rude people. We don't have a lot of small shops here in town so I'll stick to shopping online. Lucky for me, I only have the canine kids to shop for. I may pick up a few odds and ends for the hubby, but my shopping is basically done.

I've also thought back over the last year and counted my blessings. I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Husband who loves me even when I am cranky, opinionated, and sleepy (or in a writer's coma)

2. My canine kids who make me laugh each and every day

3. I live in a country where I am able to go to school to continue my education

4. I have friends who are more like family and who have my back when the chips are down

5. My readers and fans. Without you all, I wouldn't be able to do the things I love

6. My imaginary friends. They live in my head and talk to me constantly, giving me more story ideas than I could write down in a year.

7. My dad. His death has taught me just as much as his life did. I am strong because he taught me to be and he would expect nothing less from me. I will survive and thrive through the storm. I have no regrets when it comes to him.

8. My life. It may not always be what I want it to be, but it is mine. I can take this life and follow my own path, learning from my mistakes as I go.

9. My freedom. Freedom is not free, somebody pays the price for it and I am truly grateful to those men and women (and their families) who sacrifice their lives, minds, and bodies for my freedom.

10. Technology. It seems so trivial in the grand scheme of things, but without technology, I wouldn't be able to bring my stories to you. I wouldn't be able to write at the pace I write at. I wouldn't be able to connect with all of you. Technology truly is something for which I am thankful.

Well, I've procrastinated as long as I can. The cleaning awaits and no one else is getting started on it so I guess it's all mine.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS!

The Holiday Rush

My life feels as if it is spinning out of control. I was trying to do NaNoWriMo plus go to school full-time plus all the at home stuff that needs to be done. Let's just say it  isn't working out very well. LOL Somewhere along the way, I got lost. It may be working on 5 books at once. I'm working on Book 3 for Cedar River, Book 1 in the new series, my children/YA book, plotting out another new series plus a contemporary romance. I may have lost focus :)

So...I'm going to finish Book 3 first. That is the most important one right now. I have to prioritize.

Preparations for the holiday season are underway here. I spent 2 days roasting pumpkins and pureeing the innards to put in the freezer. Nothing like fresh pumpkin for pies :) Our duck is in the freezer (we don't eat turkey), taters are bought, the pie crusts are in the freezer along with all the pumpkin. All I need to pick up in some yeast for bread (yes, I make my own. No bread machine.), the cranberry jelly (hubby's favorite), and the Stove Top stuffing. I prefer homemade, but the hubby likes Stove-Top, so I buy him a couple of boxes for the holidays.

I've also picked up the ham for Yule and plenty of sugar, flour, powdered sugar, and other goodies for my holiday baking. I have a few new recipes I want to try out this year.

Should I mention that most of my Yule shopping is done? I'm feeling very accomplished at the moment, personally. Professionally, I may be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but personally, my life is running relatively smoothly.

I also have received news that because of the excellent book sales for Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart, Leap of Faith will be taking it to print in February/March 2013. Yes, I hung my head and cried with joy!

I should have art for Natural Born Enemies in a few weeks. As soon as I have it, I'll post it for you :) 

Alright, since I'm writing this before I leave for school, I'm going to call this blog post good for the day.

Have a happy Monday!

Spending the Day with Toni Noel

It 's a rather cold and dreary day here in the U.P.  The sun keeps trying to peek out, but the clouds get in the way. So, I've lit the fireplace and gathered a few chairs around the fireplace. In honor of our guest, I've brewed some tea. I found a really great scones recipe the other day adn thought I'd try them out on you as well. Stick around and I'll whip up a batch of pasties for lunch. I'm so glad you stopped by today. We have a very special guest. This author is another one of the lovely people I met through MFRW (Marketing For Romance Writers). I feel so blessed to have her here with you. Let me introduce you to Toni Noel!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself- By third grade I knew I wanted to write, but I’m a literal, detail- oriented person, and in college earned a degree in Systems Analysis. None of those classes prepared me to be a writer, so when my employer closed our company and I retired to write romance, I still had no idea what I'd write. I enrolled in a creative writing class at a local community college and on a rainy afternoon two months later the inspiration for my first romance novel, To Feel Again, came to me. I'm delighted to report that much-revised manuscript will be a November 11 release from Desert Breeze, my 7^th eBook release. My daughters and granddaughters read my novels and encourage me. So does my staunchest supporter, my husband of sixty years. He makes it possible for me to write, but is yet to read anything I've written other than the fly fishing scenes I've asked him to proof for two of my books.

Rising Above, the book released today, was inspired by a 1994 photographing expedition to the recently restored ghost town of Cerro Gordo, California. My husband and his BFF bought out the town so we wouldn't be sharing the bunk house with strangers or risking another photographer spoiling a large-format long exposure. I fell in love with the history of the town. Much of the original mining equipment is still on site.

Our hostess and now deceased owner of the town, Jody Stuart, even showed me a wooden crib used by prostitutes who offered their charms for a pittance in the lower part of town. The small circle cut into the wooden door guaranteed little privacy inside the rustic 4x6 foot space. The miners began lining up soon after collecting their weekly pay on Saturday afternoon. Before the next man in line could enter her crib, the lady-of-the-night would stand just inside that door and collect twenty-five cents of the  four-dollar-a-week pay the miner earned from his back-breaking work, loosening rock rich with silver deposits and shoveling it into rail cars.

Rising Above only hints at the prostitutes' activities. Most of the novel is set in the American Hotel where Hal takes Wilda after her hot air balloon crashes and they are forced to spend two nights alone in the cave where they sought shelter from high winds and blowing sand before resuming their journey into Cerro Gordo on horseback.

 

Blurb- When modern-day tomboy Wilda Stone is blown back through time to 1874, her hot air balloon crashes above the Owens Valley. Stoic undercover agent Hal Grantham comes to her rescue, promising to take her to the silver mining town of Cerro Gordo. A severe sand storm keeps him from keeping his promise and forces them to seek overnight shelter in a cave, compromising her reputation and forcing Hal into a marriage of convenience.

Wilda is a misfit in Cerro Gordo, too, where their turbulent marriage is filled with adventures, adjustments, and above all else, love. Then a diphtheria epidemic sweeps through the town. This same disease felled Hal's first wife and young son, so to guarantee Wilda a long life Hal secretly repairs her balloon and sends her back to her own time, shattering Wilda's heart. Is her love for her terse husband strong enough to bring this headstrong former Caltrans flag person safely back to Hal's time?

Excerpt: "My, my, aren't you the pretty one," Dottie said, giving her a tentative smile, but Wilda hadn't missed the worried look her visitors exchanged. "Are you ready for dinner?"

"Oh, yes. I'm quite--"

"Look, Wilda," Hal said, impatiently interrupting her. "There's not much time to explain because we're late for supper. Just remember, whatever happens downstairs, follow my lead. Understand?"

What did he anticipate happening? They were only going to eat a meal. She gave him a puzzled nod.

"Good. You'll be eating at the table with Dottie and me." As if by habit, he touched the gun strapped to his hip. "I guess we're ready, then."

Wilda's heart gave an anxious flutter, but anticipation far outweighed any worry she entertained as she and Dottie trooped out into the hall. Hal followed. Ace fell in step behind when Hal moved out in front. At the head of the stairs they paused.

From below came the rumble of rowdy voices. Wilda's pulse quickened. To her surprise, she had no difficulty descending the stairs.

Dottie reached the main floor and ducked into a small room furnished as a parlor. The others followed, and all but Wilda engaged in a whispered conference. While waiting for them to finish, she noticed an Inyo County newspaper and a copy of Peterson's Magazine on the lamp table nearby.

Casually, Wilda unfolded and lifted the paper. The headline read "Lone Pine, California Rebuilds Following Disastrous Quake." Dated October 1, 1874, the lead article detailed the devastation that had occurred on March 26, 1872, when an earthquake shook residents of the quiet valley from their beds.

Is this October of 1874?

The corners of the newspaper were dog-eared from frequent handling, but the printed pages showed no sign of age. Wilda estimated the paper couldn't be more than a week old.

A hard knot formed in her stomach. Now she knew the year, she could no longer deny her worrisome suspicions.

Somehow, she had stepped back in time. Her pulse throbbed.

What else had happened in 1874?

The chase for gold in California had slowed to a crawl then and the Civil War had ended.

What else? Was California a state yet?

With all her heart she wished she'd paid more attention to her history lessons.

Why did it matter? Women weren't yet allowed to vote, she was sure.

Without giving Wilda sufficient time to absorb the reality of her predicament, Dottie turned toward the jumble of voices and entered a large paneled room. Wilda had no choice but to drop the newspaper and follow.

Now for some fun:

Ten Tantalizing Teasers-

Plotter or Pantser? I'm a plotter. Like a railroad engineer I have to know where I'm going to wind up before I can get up a head of steam for writing. The Fifty Scenes method of plotting and a story board work best for me. I like to have a firm grasp on all the turning points before I start to write.

Which Goddess best defines you? The Goddess of Love. I want everyone to find a safe haven for their heart.

Favorite Dessert? Creme Brulee

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, hands down.

Favorite scent? Roses and lavender, since Sandalwood is no longer available.

Coffee, tea, soda, or water? Coffee, but my cardiologist insisted I switch to herbal tea, so it's cinnamon-apple for me now.

Do you have to set the mood to write? If so, how? Piano music playing softly in the background is all it takes to engage my muse.

Do you have a favorite character? Why? I've fallen in love with every hero I've ever written, but my current favorite is the hero of my WIP. His name is Luke, the hero of Homeward Bound, a planned August, 2013 release from Desert Breeze Publishing. When Luke smiles that crooked smile of his, or lifts a quirky eyebrow at something the heroine says, I melt.

Morning, afternoon, evening, or late night writer? I do my best writing in the morning or in the evening, but I can write anytime. I was most productive for the twenty years my husband taught college students two nights a week and I was able to devote those six additional hours a week to my writing.

If you weren’t writing, what would be your occupation? A gardener with a book tucked in my gardening apron to read when I sit down to rest.

You can hang out with Toni at the following links: 

http://twitter.com/toninoelwriter     http://www.facebook.com/AuthorToniNoel

http://www.ToniNoelAuthor.com/blog.html     www.ToniNoelAuthor.com

And download her books here:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/Toni%20Noel/Page.bok

Or here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Toni+Noel&x=13&y=20

Or from your favorite eBook store.

Thank you, Toni for stopping by to visit with us today! I've added Rising Above to my TBB list (gotta wait for Yule) and I hope my readers add it to their lists as well! I wish you much success!!