Blog Tour day 9! I'm over at Read Your Writes Book Reviews

My blog tour continues! Today I'm over on Read Your Writes Book Reviews! Please stop by! Remember someone will win a $25 Amazon gift card at the conclusion of my tour just for leaving a comment!

JOIN ME HERE

Blog Tour day #5! I'm over at Susana's Morning Room!

Join me for a Q&A over on Susana's Morning Room blog! Remember there is a $25 Amazon Gift Card going to one lucky person who leaves a comment during this tour! 

JOIN ME HERE

Blog Tour Day #4!! Join me over on Room With Books!

I am having so much fun on my Book Tour! Today I'm over at Room with Books! Stop by and say hello.  Remember I'm giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to someone who comments during my tour! 

Join me here.

Blog Tour Stop! Straight from the Library!

Join me today on Day 2 of my Virtual Book Tour! I'm doing a Q&A over on Straight from the Library!

Remember to leave comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card during the tour!

Blog Tour Stop! It's Raining Books

I'm on my blog tour! Very exciting!!!  Join me today on It's Raining Books!! Follow each day for interviews, guest blogs, and promos for HOME RUN, book 7 in the Keller Family Series! Comment and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift Card during the tour.

Holiday Madness

With the holidays upon us it is easy to become frustrated and less merry.  As a child we see gifts, glitter, promises, and the glory of everything.  As adults we see credit card bills, traffic, lines, and hear the nagging of the kids wanting stuff.  Isn't it funny how our perception changes when we get older.

I've struggled this year to find the meaning of the season.  I want that magical feeling back again.  You know that giddy anticipation you had as a child.  I'm sorry that it ever left me.

I realize some of that anticipation left when I took on the holidays as a chore and didn't plan to have a good time.  I did start shopping early, but not consistent.  Therefore, my husband and I are hurrying to finish.  Some of my gifts don't have any thought put into them.  That bums me out.  Christmas cards haven't been sent in two years because I'm overwhelmed.

SO even before Christmas arrives this year I am changing the way I do things for next year.  I have opened an account at the credit union just for money to be saved for my boys.  I have 5!  And this isn't just for Christmas presents.  No, I don't think they need a whole lotta junk every year, but this is for the whole year.  School fees, sports fees, birthdays, etc.  This way when it comes time for these events, and Christmas next year, I don't feel so pinched.  As of 2012, the contracts I make with new authors will be worked out so that I do not edit between Thanksgiving and the New Year.  That will ease the strain on many of us.  I still have time to capture special times with my kids before they head back to school.  We're due some snow... I think Momma needs to get out there and build a snow man!  I'm itching to see the zoo lights!  Or decorated house lights... so I think a thermos of hot chocolate in our jammies one night is in order as we drive through town.  A Christmas book would be nice to sit and read.  Hmmm...maybe even pop some popcorn and make a chain for the tree, now they'll get a kick out of that!

It's the holiday spirit that is suppose to rein during this season.  Enjoyment of family and friends is important.  I'm absolutely willing to change my way of thinking this year, with what is left of it, and forge a new path in 2012.  Who knows.  Next year I might be writing a post that says, "Where did the year go?  I'm a mess."  Or maybe, I'll find that holiday spirit and carry it all year long.  And this time next year I'll have some merriment to share with you about how I actually made a plan and stuck to it!  As it is, I think there is a lot of giving to be done in the next year, and it doesn't have to cost a cent!  Giving back to the world is important and to our brothers and sisters with whom we share it with.  I'm going a little greener this next year.  I'm going a little leaner this next year.  I'm working harder on the happy and kicking to the curb the sad.  I'm decluttering this year, my home and my mind.  I'm going to spread joy all year long.

I would love to hear how you spread joy, embrace the holidays, and how you celebrate with your family.  Please leave a comment and share with me!

Happy Holidays Everyone!  I look forward to what the New Year has to offer!
Bernadette Marie

Guest Blogger Jamie Lee Scott

Please welcome my guest blogger Jamie Lee Scot!

Outline x X

No the title doesn't mean this post is X rated. I'm here to discuss outlining. Before you cover your eyes and run screaming because of the "outline" word, let me assure you, IT'S WORSE THAN YOU THINK!

That being said, here is why:

First, we've all heard of the Save the Cat beat sheet, and there are many others out there. Not a screenwriter? This doesn't excuse you. The beat sheets are for all writers of fiction, and they do help save valuable rewriting time. Fleshing out the outline does NOT kill your creativity! It gives you a roadmap and helps you find huge holes in your plot so you don't have to go back and rewrite innumerable pages. I'll just include what I feel are the 7 absolute must haves, and you can take or leave what you want from them.

1. Ordinary, everyday life - the story starts with your main char (MC) doing normal everyday stuff.

2. Inciting Incident - what rocks the MC out of said ordinary life.

3. End of Act 1 - MC decides on course of action for incident in #2

4. Midpoint - Action takes a sudden & unexpected direction

5. Lowest of low points or End of Act 2 - No way in hell the MC is going to get out of this one.

6. Act 3 or the Ultimate Challenge - Something, anything that will reanimate the MC to continue.

7. Return to "ordinary" life - Only now the MC has changed forever.

Sounds easy, right? So here's the rub, ready?

If you want a really compelling story, you have to remember you don't just have one MC, there are many characters in your story. AND YOU SHOULD OUTLINE FOR EACH MC (secondary characters, not so much, or at all). You may not use all of the information, but you should have a progression for each of the main characters in your story. So the above outline isn't just a onetime deal for each story, it can actually be 3 or more. Yikes. Hate me now? Or were you already doing this?

Here is a little something for you to enjoy from

 Let Us Prey 

by Jamie Lee Scott

Mimi Capurro has been hired to protect New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Silke, who was recently assaulted in the bathroom at a paranormal conference. Though Mimi is hired to act as bodyguard for Lauren’s upcoming book tour, plans change when Lauren's assistant is murdered and the slaying is a replica of a scene from Lauren’s newest novel. A novel that hit bookstores the same day as the killing.

Now instead of playing bodyguard, Mimi is cracking computer code, and chasing down vampires. These vampires come alive on the streets of Santa Cruz, as part of a live-role-playing game. Mimi must find the connection between the vampires and the author to track down the killer. This would be much easier if Detective Nick Christianson wanted her investigating the case.

Nick, Mimi’s old college fling, is the lead homicide investigator. 
Though he wants her off the case, he also wants to pump her for information. Nick may have used her in the past, but this time she’ll use him to try to catch the murderer first.

Interview with Jamie Lee Scott

Today I have the honor of having Jamie Lee Scott as my guest.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Making up new worlds where I have all of the control. Probably because I feel I have so little in my own life.

What genre(s) do you write?

Mostly mystery, but I’ve been known to dabble in drama, romantic comedy, and some fantasy with my screenwriting.

 

What genres and authors would we find you?

Fiction: Mystery, Private Eye  Jamie Lee Scott

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Coming up with character names. That and I’m way too nice to my characters. I have to go back and be mean to them in the rewrite. Conflict = story after all.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I used to be a pantser. No longer. I plot like a crazy woman now, before I put a single word on paper. Outlining makes the writing so much easier, and I don’t have to reread constantly to see where I’ve been.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

Because I’m witty, intelligent and sexy. Just kidding, though I have been told I can be quite witty. I would hope they’d choose me because I can tell a good story.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I hope they can’t get my characters out of their head. Other than that, I’m not trying to send any messages, especially since I kill people in my novels.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Maybe Mimi, my main character in my Gotcha series, would have a message. That would be: Don’t live in the past, keep moving forward.

How long have you been a writer? 

I wrote my first novel when I was 9. But I had my first magazine article published when I was a junior in college, so 10 years (I’m kidding, I don’t really remember how long ago that was, or I’m just not telling).

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

My first book was a non-fiction book called Hiking Iowa. It was a one year process. My novel took closer to 5 years, only because I kept putting off the rewrite after it was written.

What other careers have you had?

Not sure we have room for this. Let me think, waitress, banquet server, medical assistant, bookkeeper, restaurant owner (still at it), athletic trainer (the reason I went to college), horse trainer (still at it), journalist, produce broker, produce sales assistant, loading dock dispatcher, citrus sales, jewelry designer (still at it). I’ll just leave it at that.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I write fiction under the name Jamie Lee Scott, business articles and business books as Jamie Dierks, and YA as Allie Hollister. I write under the different names to keep the identities separate, as each one is so different from the others.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Absolutely! I mean absolutely not! Best way to put it!

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

Manic. If you can handle a wild ride, jump on board.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I make glass beads.

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?

Writing is my escape from reality.

And Lola, the Doberman in the Gotcha novels, is my real dog, and she’s completely neurotic. (what does that say about me?)

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Stephen King’s On Writing is the most influential book on writing that I’ve ever read. As for authors, I look to Harlan Coben and see where he started and where he is today, and I’m in awe. The other author would be Pulitzer Prize winning Jane Smiley. She has characters that stay with me long after I’ve finished reading her books.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My entire family is supportive. Some think there is some celebrity to it. I let them think that. My husband, who has to put up me all the time, is beyond supportive. He says he can’t wait until the day he can retire on my income. Haha  Jamie, mine says that to me daily!

Where are you from?

I’m from Salinas, CA, the setting for the Gotcha novels.  Can't wait to read them!  Especially since I've been there!

How do you come up with the titles?

The titles for the Gotcha series are a play on words/titles Let Us Prey/ let us pray, book 2 Death of a Sales Rep/Death of a Salesman, book 3 is yet untitled.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Yes! I’m a crazed marketing guru. Writing a novel is so much more work than writing for magazines or screenwriting. With those, you write and get paid, someone else promotes. Now I have to divide my time with writing and promotion. But I love the social aspect of promoting.  Nobody told us this part of the job did they?  It's rewarding though.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

Multi-task, in more ways than one.  Me too!

When not writing, how do you relax?

Riding or caring for my horses. Nothing is more relaxing to me than watching them eat, or grooming them. Riding is relaxing in that I forget about everything else, because 100% of my concentration is in the training.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

1. I’m a hermit.
2. I’m allergic to housework.
3. I eat a garlic stuffed green olive every morning.
4. My favorite artist is Daniel Merriam (awesome fantasy painter)
5. I sometimes dictate my novels with a voice recorder.

To find out more about Jamie and her books please visit her:

www.jamieleescott.com

Twitter: @jamie_ld

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamielee.scott2

Also watch for Death of a Sales Rep (book 2 Gotcha Detective Agency mysteries) coming in December.  Jamie is also writing a TV sitcom pilot called Deep Fried – about a yuppie couple who lose their jobs and buy a fast food restaurant.

Thank you Jamie for joining me!  Please stop by again on Thursday when Jamie Lee Scott is my guest blogger!

FRIDAY FREEBIE 12-9-11 with Jennifer Willows

Today is Friday Freebies!  We welcome Jennifer Willows!  So what do you have to do?  Just leave a post (include your email or email your address to info@bernadettemarie.com) and Jennifer will contact the winner on Saturday!  Couldn't be any easier.

Bound by Accident: book one

 [Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial BDSM Romance, public exhibition, sex toys]

Makenzie has given up much to help her loved ones. She gave up on her hopes and dreams of artistic fame. Her life consists of her job, making love with herself, and painting in the wee hours of night. Until one fateful Friday ends with her car pinned to a tree. The man who helps her that evening belongs to her. She sees it in his eyes, intense and burning.
Charyn Moreland is a Master of bondage arts, yet no woman ever touches him. He stopped looking for Ms. Right after catching his ex in bed with his brother years ago. But once he encounters Makenzie at the scene of a terrible car accident, their gazes lock and he is going to have her regardless of what he has to do. She is his.
But after a single night of scorching passion, can he convince her to trust him?

Lust for Life: book two
[Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial Romance, public exhibition, light bondage, sex toys]

When Charlene “Charli” Anderson meets Deven Moreland, sparks fly between them and they hide mutual lust behind petty arguments. Neither needs money, but both are missing something.
Charlene is a beautiful woman on the outside and a frightened girl inside. She hides her true needs behind a cocky façade and her former less-than-legal profession. Her past haunts her, even as she ignores it. Deven is an adrenaline junkie by night and thriving businessman by day. His need for adventure is fueled by the desire to keep his insomnia at bay. To the world the pair appears to be different, and normal life and circumstances never meet. Like magnets, both feel the bitter burn of lust for their polar opposite. Can Charli let go of her bitter past to embrace the man in her future? Will Deven convince Charlene that they can find love from the spice of lust?
Note: This book contains drug use.
A Siren Erotic Romance

---

Guest Blogger Jennifer Willows

Title: Nothing to it, but to do it

My first book started one spring day when a friend of mine from work told me she had a published novel. My response was the stereotypical wow and smile, even as I said I would like to try that myself. That is the second most popular response when those around me find out about my new career.

But unlike the 99% of people who want to write, I started the book we’re talking about that same night. I love to read, but I haven’t completed college yet, or taken any classes to write creatively either. So with that said, I didn’t think I had snowball’s chance in Hades to publish it either.

I looked at the book for over two months, not sure what to do about it, or even if I wanted to do anything with the manuscript. My husband talked me into sending it somewhere and I did. The choice of Siren was easy, they write some of what I like to read, and had the bonus of some of the best turnaround time on inquiries.

One month later, my book was accepted, but I didn’t tell my family. Oh, my husband and friends at work knew about it, but not my parents or other close family members. The reason was my mother. She is deeply religious and I knew she wouldn’t like the subject matter one bit.

I regret the choice to keep it quiet, because once my sister knew, mom knew shortly thereafter. But dad never found out as he passed away less than a month later. I was elbow deep in edits when I found out about his death. I’m the executor of his estate and his family came with a passel full of drama.

They stole his car for heaven’s sake, not to mention his missing will and other personal effects. They even used his bank cards and wrote checks, the whole nine yards. While here I was left with funeral expenses and a rapidly closing deadline.

I’ve gotten a speeding ticket since then, two court dates and really tired fingers. Not to mention the hair-pulling stress, but I’ve made it. I work nine hour days at the day job, fifteen if you include my nightly writing spree and I’m still making it. That’s the point. Life is going to throw lots of curve balls at me, but I will make it, and use them as fodder for my grist mill. 

Read an excerpt from Jennifer Willows's book which will be here on Friday Freebies.  Check back and leave a post.  You just might win!

Five years ago, New York City

Makenzie Stafford-Johns was not having a good day. She looked at her haggard reflection along the mirrored gallery wall. Her face, while still the same, was pinched and flustered. On a good day, Makenzie was usually compared to Jill Scott, with her medium-brown skin, delicate features, wide eyes and mouth. She was built like Jill, too, on the thick side on a bad day at a size twelve. Her breasts were a full D cup, and she had just a little behind. Enough so she wasn’t entirely flat in back, although most men in her experience preferred more.

The reason she looked so haggard was bad news, although it had been awhile since she had any of the good variety either. Deciding she needed time to think, she left work at the gallery early and walked to the nearest entrance to the subway. Her mom had called her on her cell, just before her last break of the day. The news she gotten during the call made her scared, more than scared. Hell, terrified may be more appropriate. Her mom had cancer, and her insurance dropped her when she got laid off last month. The seemingly innocent conversation replayed in her head over and over again during her trip home.

“Makenzie, I need to talk to you. Do you have a minute?”

“I always have time for you, mom. What’s up?”

“I’m sick.”

“Do you need some money? I have some extra cash I can send if you need to pick up some TheraFlu or something.” She had said, even as the thought crossed her mind that it wasn’t really extra if she wanted to eat something aside from Ramen noodles this month.

Author interview with Jennifer Willows

Please welcome today Jennifer Willows.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love the idea that anything I think of is valid. In life people don’t get the chance to just say anything, no filters. When I write, anything I can conceive of is okay. It doesn’t have to be PC or fed to another person with a long handled spoon and loads of beating around the bush to get a point across.

What genre(s) do you write?

Right now I am a multicultural author, only erotica. One day I might decide to do something else, but for now this is perfect for my creative needs.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser. I love just throwing myself into the first draft letting my mind go willy nilly. It makes the start of my projects slow, since I don’t know where I am going with the story. But once I let my mind be its own infinite muse the rest becomes easy, and my books write themselves after I pass the first critical pages of my manuscript. I'm a pantser too!

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

If you like the type of novels I write then go for it. If not that’s okay too. I should be the author that you decide to take a gamble on after reading the excerpt and then find yourself delightfully surprised when you finish the rest. Hopefully, after reading one of my books most people would look for more of them. If my stories don’t do that for my readers, then I need to find another field to take my talents to. 

How long have you been a writer? 

Actually, I just started April of 2011. I had never written anything before Bound by Accident, so I definitely felt a lot of apprehension at the idea that I could actually become published, let alone that it would make a few of the Bookstrand bestseller lists in the last month. What a great accomplishment!

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

My next project is a third Moreland brothers novel, the last of the series. Once I finish that book, I have a paranormal series that I have wanted to sink my teeth into for the last couple of months. There are a few short stories in the works, several are finished, but I haven’t decided what to do with them yet. Currently, the second Moreland brothers book is on sale at Siren bookstrand and is available for download on December the 6^th.

Where can we find you?

I have Facebook and can be found under the email address jenwritesuread@gmail.com and Twitter as @windinthewillow. There is a blog page, but goodness, I am too busy fluttering from project to project and it seems I can’t find time for it. One day I can muster up the capital for a web page, but I can be found at my Author page on SirenBookstrand.com as Jennifer Willows

Thank you for sharing with us!

Patience...I have so much... and yet it kills me!

There was a song that I used to sing when I was a little girl.  It went like this, "Practice makes perfect.  Practice makes perfect.  I guess if I practice then better I'll be."  Funny how those words stick with me all these years later.

And, like most things, I know the true meaning behind them.  But as the saying goes, "practice what you preach," boy is that hard!

As an avid martial artist I should have that discipline to get up every morning and go for a run, because I know every six months that's what I'm tested on.  So why do I start training the week before I'm supposed to?  When I have a tournament or a test, how come I wait until that week to get my classes in and my forms perfected?  Because I'm human.

When I was in college it took me two years to learn how to effectively study for a test.  Once, I remember walking in and when the exam was on the board I was ready.  Not very good odds for getting through school when you can remember only once being ready!

I find now in my writing I'm more disciplined, but it still takes practice.  It takes practice to sit down and deem my job (which doesn't pay me for months) as important.  It takes practice to write and effectively rewrite an opening chapter so that your audience doesn't put the book down right away.  It takes practice to learn when to use a word correctly and when to omit it.

Now I'm also a publisher.  I've practiced on my own books for a long time.  The writing.  The editing.  The formatting.  The printing.  The marketing.  Do I still get it right every time?  No, and that's the part that gets me.

Practice, practice, practice.  The next book will format correctly, the grammar will be all correct, and the biggest book chain will by thousands of copies.  Well, it just doesn't happen like that.  There is ALWAYS something wrong in the formatting.  Guess what, you can't pick up a New York Times Bestseller without finding an omitted word or missed period somewhere.  Grammar, its not my strongest item.  But then again isn't grammar used for voice too?  And as for that bookstore picking up my book, it takes practice to know who to market to.

Practicing all of these little bits means one thing...practicing patience.  Yes, without patience you're not going to get too far.  In this industry especially, you need to practice it more and more.



Recently I have found myself getting worked up over my lack of patience.  I have a publisher who refuses to return my emails.  I have a book that needs my attention to be written and I don't have time.  I have authors who depend on me and I feel as though I let them down when I am not right on task, or at least on task to my standards (which I'm finding are very high and unobtainable.)  So when it comes to practice makes perfect I certainly know that I need to practice all the items I've mentioned.  But what I really need to focus on is my patience   Without it my practice isn't worth squat.

So, what do you need to work on?  What tries your patience and makes practicing what you preach harder than it should be?

Thanks for stopping by!
Bernadette Marie

FRIDAY FREEBIE on Saturday!!! 11-26-2011

Happy Weekend after Thanksgiving!  I had grand plans for this past week here on my blog.  We were going to blog everyday and give away lots of great stuff!  However, I got the flu, and 3 out of 5 kids got the flu, now my hubby has the flu!  WOWZERS!  So alas, nothing was said or given away.

But that doesn't have to hold us back from a Saturday giveaway!!!!

This Saturday I will be signing at the local Barnes and Noble, but if you stop by here YOU could win a free copy of CART BEFORE THE HORSE and THE EXECUTIVE'S DECISION!  Yep... a 2fer!

Just leave me a comment and you'll be entered.  We will announce the winner on Sunday night!

THE EXECUTIVE'S DECISION:
Regan Keller fell in love with a wealthy and powerful man once. He was her boss. When that turbulent relationship ended, she swore she’d never again date someone she worked with. That was before she literally fell into her new boss’s lap.

Zachary Benson is the head of a successful empire and used to getting what he wants in the boardroom and outside of it – and what he wants is Regan Keller. He’s determined to convince Regan that even though he’s her boss, they can share a life together.

However, when Regan’s past threatens to destroy the architectural firm Zach has invested his entire career in, he has to make an executive decision whether to choose his business or fight for the woman he loves.









CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Gabriel Maguire thought he'd buried his past until the night he met Holly, only to lose the woman he cared about, again.

Holly Jacobs has always put the cart before the horse. A prodigy who shot to stardom in textile design, she never knew a normal life—and there's nothing she longs for more than to be normal.

Pregnant before she even knows the name of her baby's father, Holly has put the cart miles ahead of the horse this time. But when she and Gabe meet for the second time, they decide to have their baby together. Holly finally begins to accept her unique way of doing everything backward, but Gabe's very normality drives her up the walls. Then his tragic past rears up; pain and loss threaten to destroy forever the fragile bond that has blossomed between him and Holly.

Sometimes the only way to get where you need to be is to put the cart before the horse.



Both books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks, and Smashwords!

Guest Blogger Romantic Suspense Author Carmen DeSousa

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed." ~ Ernest Hemingway

Though I believe that quote by the famous Florida author is accurate, I don’t know that it is one hundred percent complete.

If you really want to bleed, submit your work to an agent or publisher. Although we need constructive criticism and I appreciate every agent who takes the time to actually comment on my work, it still hurts. Actually, it is downright painful.

As an author—and I know it’s authors reading this blog—I know you’ve been there. As much as you hate the standard rejection letter that rambles on the same, tired script, “Sorry for this impersonal letter, but your project just isn’t the right fit for us. But, opinions are subjective, so we wish you the best…”, it still hurts when you get that honest letter. The agent that is not afraid of your backlash at how you will someday be a super star—because your mom says so—and is willing to offer you beneficial feedback.

I welcome these letters; with every one of them, my writing has improved and will continue to do so.

And when my editor actually gets a hold of my pages and tears them to shreds to make them better, I listen to her suggestions, welcome them even. Because I believe in the end, it will only make me a better author.

So, remember, when an agent offers her opinion, take it in stride, learn from it, heck, even thank her for her opinion. Who knows, she may be the one that listens to why you wrote what you wrote and realizes you are an author willing to accept her ideas, and she may even offer you representation.

Of course, self-publishing is always on the table…then you don’t have to listen to anyone—wrong! You will always have your readers. Someone will always have an opinion on your writing. Get used to it and carry on

Carmen's book She Belongs to Me will release from 5 Prince Publishing in December 2011.  Visit her at www.carmendesousa.blogspot.com for more insight into her writing and upcoming projects.

The joy of flying by the seat of your pants!

One of my favorite lines from any movie is Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she says, "I'm more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal.  You know moment to moment."  Yep that's me.

You might imagine that with 5 young boys and 4 jobs this is exactly how my life rolls.  I'd like to say that I adapt to change well, but I think that might be a lie.  I write out a list everyday of my life.  There are things that HAVE to be done and some things I just like to see get done.  Some days the list is all crossed off by the time I got to bed.  Other days that list carries over to the next day and the day after that.  But I'm doing what I want to be doing and that is chasing my dreams and along side me I have my family.

This could easily be looked at in a different way.  Fly by the seat of your pants easily translates into the multi-tasker, which also could be classified as the person who can't keep their attention on one thing at a time.  (There is a reason I have 4 jobs.)  I find that, as my dad says, I like to put out fires.  The moment I sit down to tackle a task there is something else that could use my attention.  By the end of the day I have efficiently started a million different projects, but my mind won't focus on one long enough to finish it all the way through.

I once went to a Life Coach to learn to achieve the goals I'd set out to achieve.  I wanted to know how people did this.  Step one: write out your goals.  Well I'm great at that.  Step two: make a plan.  Another list!  I can do this.  Step three: focus on one step at a time.  Well Crap!

Each week she would give me a "homework" assignment.  I was able to do this, but when I'd go back to her and tell her I'd made all my contacts for the week and I'd scheduled all the meetings I'd needed and while I did that I typed up a proposal and I cleaned my house while on a phone call... she quickly realized I can't function the way I wanted to.  I needed to function like I liked to make myself happy.

Hmmmm... so I'm a multi-tasker flying by the seat of my pants.  I'm a hair stylist with a clientele I fit in between my many other jobs.  I'm the mother of five active kids who forever need me in 5 different places at 5 different times.  I'm a publisher who has, at any given time, five manuscripts, five authors, and a multitude of emails and edits to attend to.  I'm a writer with a list of twenty-six story ideas, of which twelve have been penned, to attend to.  Not to mention the edits my editor sent me last week and the publicity I'm doing for the current books I have out.  Then there is they paying job I try to attend to each day at my family's business.  My husband would like to have a few moments of my time as well, (sadly I push him aside more than most.) And I have a 2nd degree black belt I'm training for that needs my attention to.

Okay... writing it all out just made me tired!

In every day there is a part of that to do list that gets crossed off because its just not important.  Some days, those edits are set aside to accommodate another author's dream because I know how it feels to get that first book out.  Some days it's to color my mother's hair and spend an hour with her.  There are times karate is side tracked so I can spend a moment at home with my kids.  And every once in awhile my office hours are canceled so I can lay in bed with my hubby and watch an NCIS marathon.

Yep... I fly by the seat of my pants.  And sometimes they rip.  But sometimes they swing me in just the right direction of where I need to go, even if I don't know it.

Happy Swinging by the Seat of Your Pants!
Bernadette Marie

Interview with author Carmen DeSousa

Today I am very excited to have Carmen DeSousa with me!  This up and comer is full of ideas and the stories just keep getting better.  Her first book, She Belongs to Me, will release in December 2011 from 5 Prince Publishing.  So let's get to know this fabulous author.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

 I love the opportunity to share my experiences and situations that I have lived through in stories that people can relate to in their own life.

 Are you a plotter or a pantser?

 Pantser. I typically have only my hook before I start. I envision an idea for a story and just start typing. I will write a chapter in the morning, edit my writing the same evening, and then the characters come alive when I close my eyes and act out where the story will go.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

 My stories only lack one element—they're not vulgar. I fill my novels with romance, thrills, and suspense without using vulgar language and explicit scenes as filler.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

 Though tragedy is a part of life, you can overcome your circumstances with a belief in God and a soul-mate who will stand beside you no matter what.

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

 I have lived a tragic, but thankful life. As much pain as I have endured, I realize that if I hadn't lived through everything I did, I wouldn't be where I am. And today, I have a wonderful, supportive husband of twenty-two years and two perfect sons.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

 There are so many, I wouldn't know where to begin. My family instilled of love of reading in me since I could read. On average, I read about two books a week. My favorites though are Sidney Sheldon, Nicholas Sparks, Iris Johansen, Jaime Rush, Heather Graham, and of course Bernadette Marie.

 Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

 I am a Florida native but have also lived in North Carolina for ten years. When I am not writing my own novels, I proofread for a couple of publishers and many authors. Though I have wrote short stories my entire life, it was only two years ago I decided to dedicate my time to writing novels.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

My first novel, She Belongs to Me, will be available December 2011. Please check out the first chapter: http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/2011/07/sample-she-belongs-to-me.html

Land of the Noonday Sun is complete and will be available spring of 2012

From there, I have many stories waiting to share with my wonderful readers. I've waited twenty years to share my love of the written word and hope that you will be just as excited as I am.

Where can our readers find you online?

http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-DeSousa/220790134629206?skip_nax_wizard=true

www.5princebooks.com 

Tell us a little more about yourself. 

I love writing. As far back as I can remember I created stories—no, not to my parents—with my best friend. We would sit for hours playing with Barbie dolls, creating new adventures with the iconic toy. Then when I was eight, I actually wrote my first story. A horror story about gigantic fleas of all things, I guess I had a fear of fleas. Who knew I’d grow up to be a romantic-suspense writer?

When I was in college, I wrote my first novella. My professor wanted something that entailed drinking and fishing—he was a huge Hemmingway fan. Well, he sure received a surprise when he read my short story. It did have drinking and fishing, but there was nothing funny about it. It was sad; it was real life. Luckily, he enjoyed it, even admitted I was the first student who ever made him cry and that I had potential.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't in my future at the time. After all, I needed a roof over my head and food on my plate. At seventeen, I was on my own and a career as an author just wasn't feasible at that juncture in my life. At that time, if you didn’t live in the mecca—aka New York—you didn’t stand a chance, or at least that is what my peers insisted. So, I set out to conquer the business world, and I did. I spent the last decade and a half in sales, rising to the top of a Fortune 500 company.

Now fifteen years later, I'm back. And guess what, it's a new world where dreams really do come true. My first novel, She Belongs to Me, will be available December 2011, and from there, I have many stories waiting to share with my wonderful readers. I've waited twenty years to share my love of the written word and hope that you will be just as excited as I am.

Please join us on Thursday when Carmen joins us again as our guest blogger.

FRIDAY FREEBIE with Christine Leov Lealand

It's FRIDAY FREEBIES!!!  This is always one of the GREAT parts of the week.  After Great Interviews, Awesome Guest Blogs, Something insightful from myself, now its time for FREE STUFF!  How can you win?  Just comment!  That's right!  Leave a comment (and an email address too please.  Don't want to leave that here?  You can email me directly at info@bernadettemarie.com)  On Saturday morning I will pick a random winner (well I won't, the randomizer will!)  And you could win an AWESOME Erotic tale from Christine Leov Leland!

 So... without further ado... here is Christine Leov Lealand!

Quintessence: Erotic Adventures of Fantasy and Desire by Christine Leov Lealand

 Tiffany and Sam are long term lovers... bored with each other. Louise longs for a Dominant Mistress - will she ever find the woman she dreams of? Bet longs for her first lover, he is a politician now - dare she contact him again? Fiona is happily single - then a hippy dude starts giving her flowers – is he crazy?

Awaken your innermost sexual desires with this remarkable and original novel from New Zealand's foremost author of erotic fiction. Every kind of sensual, erotic and lesbian bdsm fantasy is available in this in your face, orgasm a page novel.
Make sure you have your sexual partner of choice nearby as you delve into the delights of this delicious sexual adventure which proves that while New Zealand may not have a reputation for sexuality like France... this island land has hidden talents which are well worth exploring.

Your sexual partner will reap the rewards of your reading in a very physical way.
Most activities in this novel can be tried at home with delicious results... read it and see...

Purchase links: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LVX6SQ

Mebooks.co.nz :http://mebooks.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&path=1&product_id=399

Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58953

Reviews:- (only some of them)

Reviews - “Voyeurism, cybersex, het-sex, lesbian and gay sex, cross-dressing, shower-sex, bondage and discipline, baby powder sex, custard square sex, dripping, throbbing licking sex. If you secretly harbor any of these fantasies then this book could be for you.” Wanganui Chronicle

“Christine Leov-Lealand speaks with authority. Her first book Quintessence – sex, sex and more sex. (Apparently more of it lesbian sex than in Avocado) has sold more than 11,000 copies” The Press, Christchurch 2000 (One year after publication)

"This book delivers the same steamy style that Harlequin romance was once famous for. Good sexy scenes wrapped up in a dramatic story told from a woman's point of view. I bought this for my girlfriend and she loved it so much she bought the other 2 novels by this author. Good reading for a plane ride or a sunday afternoon." Amazon review. http://www.amazon.com/Quintessence-Erotic-Adventures-Fantasy-Desire/dp/0140289690/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_6

Biographical blurb:- The early part of Christine Leov-Lealand's life was lived on a remote island in the South Island of New Zealand. All access was by boat, and only in good weather. For a precociously intelligent child, reading and writing were the only brain based activities available. Adult books and encyclopedias were her daily reading. Christine wrote and sewed her first book around age eight, wrote her first 10,000 word novel at 16. She studied history and classics at university and wrote a biography of potter Barry Brickell.

Discovered by Penguin NZ Christine wrote a series of three erotic novels:- Quintessence, Avocado and Astride. Published 1999-2001 these best-sellers in print for 10 years are now available in ebook form through major etailers.

All are available as illustrated ebooks – or without illustrations at a lower price.

Other publications available for you to feature are:- Avocado and Astride by Christine Leov Lealand and Demon's Coven by A J Burton.

Demon's Coven is a Detective Murder Mystery set in the BDSM scene in NYC.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PG5RS4 it has 4 – five star reviews.

Forthcoming publications: Christine and co-writer AJ Burton plan to publish Adventure Romance "Atlantea Soulmates" in December 2011,

Both my self and AJ are available for author interviews and blogs.

Our blog addresses are:- http://christineleovlealand-author.blogspot.com/

http://bullprotettoremurdermysteries.blogspot.com/

Guest Blogger Lori Corsentino

I am thrilled to have Lori Cosentino blogging with us today.  Lori's debut novel is part of the Finding Ms. Wright anthology, from 5 Prince Publishing, which will launch next week.  Welcome back, Lori Corsentino!

As a reader, I always wondered how authors developed their characters. In the books I truly enjoyed, the characters seemed to walk of the page, sit down next to me, and tell me their story. As I read, I would find myself totally associating and sympathizing with the heroine, and, of course, falling in love with the hero. I would root for both of them to overcome whatever it was they needed to overcome, and would sigh with relief, and satisfaction, at the happily ever after.

Wow – seeing it spelled out that way it all seems quite sappy. But I’m a romantic, and that’s what I love. A sappy, happy ending.

Evelyn and Alexander introduced themselves to me at different times during my writing journey. Alexander, I’m going to call him Alex, even though he really dislikes that, was first. He walked right in one morning and started telling me all about how he was waiting for his love, The One, to awaken him. And could I please get a move on, because he had things to do, namely capturing an evil Wizard and stopping an inter-world war.

I got moving!

Evelyn came soon afterwards. I was working with my critique group at the time when she finally noticed I’d been calling for her. She strode over and immediately introduced herself, saying, “Hello. I’m Evelyn. Evelyn Wright. But you can call me Evie.” Looking over my shoulder she watched me write notes. “What are you doing?” she asked.

And so she was born.

Getting these two together was quite interesting. I had a basic idea of where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to so, and once I put it in motion, they just picked everything up and ran off with it! It’s been quite an interesting ride, with many twists and turns.

I’ve discovered that Evie is a true study of contrasts. She’s hesitant, even suspicious at first, but once she embraces something, she gives it her all. She is strong, independent, and willful, except of course when has a weaker moment and needs to be held and comforted and surrounded by love. To me, she sounds like a typical woman.

Alex, on the other hand, is strong, steadfast, and true. He knows exactly what he needs to do, and how he needs to do it. He’s hard working and not above getting his hands dirty. He’s loyal to his people and not above doing whatever it takes to protect those who he considers his, namely Evelyn and his two sisters, Annora and Analiese. He’s also regal, arrogant, and haughty, but what else would you expect from a Prince? So, I supposed in his own way, he’s also a study of contrasts.

The chemistry between these two began immediately. As soon as Evie set eyes on her Prince, she was enchanted. The story of how he came to be in the chamber where she found him fascinated her, but she was sick with the thought that maybe she was the one and only person in the world that could help him. There was such responsibility associated with the whole thing. But he was just so hot, and there was much at stake, how could she say no? In true Evie fashion, she pondered and questioned, then made up her mind, took hold of it all, and ran with it.

For Alex, it was love at first sight. She had rescued him from the purgatory he’d endured for almost 500 years. How could he not love her? Being totally attracted to her was just a bonus. He loved everything about her - her thoughtful periods as well as her manic. He admired her independence and her strength, and adored her vulnerability and emotions. In true Prince Alexander fashion, he captures her in a very large net that gives her the illusion of freedom, but keeps her close to him. He always opens the net when she sees it and freaks out, but she never quite leaves it. She’ll walk to the opening, turn and see him waiting for her within the net, and goes back to him.

Now that’s love!

Together, these two can do anything. I hope they touch my reader’s hearts as much as they did mine.

Enjoy!

Lori

Lori CorsentinoLori’s love of reading has transcended to include penning her own tales of romance. She is experimenting with writing in several different genres, including paranormal – a definite favorite. “There is just so much you can do when you step outside the known world,” she explains “and creating a paranormal story allows you to take yourself and your readers anywhere your imagination wants to go!” Her debut novella, Evelyn, will be published as part of the Finding Ms. Wright: Three Tales of Extraordinary Love anthology available from 5 Prince Publishing in November.

Coming November 15th in eBook and November 25 in paperback Finding Ms. Wright: Three Tales of Extraordinary Love 

Three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true soul mates -women who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival.

Interview with Lori Corsentino

Today I am pleased to have paranormal romance author Lori Corsentino join us.  Lori's writing debut is coming up quick!  Her novella Evelyn is part of the Finding Ms. Wright anthology from 5 Prince Publishing. So let's dig in.  Welcome Lori Corsentino!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I’m very curious and observant, so being able to do something with all the creative ideas running around in my head is great fun.

 What genre(s) do you write?

Right now I’m working on a paranormal series. I also write historical, romantic suspense and contemporary.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finishing it! I’ve got two things going against me and two things going for me. I’ve always had a problem finishing things, but at the same time I LOVE to be able to check things off of a check list. I’m a recovering perfectionist that, if I let my inner editor have her way, would tweak Chapter 1 forever, but I’m learning to push through to the end and that perfectionism is highly overrated and kills the soul.

So in a round-about way, I’m finding my writing stride. Hopefully the hardest things about writing the next one will be COMPLETELY different!

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a combo of the two. I like to call it a Planter. I need some outline and structure to flesh out, but too many rules and hard core plotting kills my muse, and lets out the evil inner editor...

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

The same sense of fun, excitement and wonder that I had when I was writing it. Also, a strong desire to find more of my books!   :  )

 Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

That there can be a true partnership in a relationship, even with an Alpha male! Also that it’s OK to be a strong woman. Men secretly dig strong women.   : )

 How long have you been a writer? 

I’ve been doing writing in one form or another most of my life. I’ve done journaling since I was in junior high, and dabbled in some poetry in high school. Shortly after college I tried to co-author a book with a friend. We never did finish it (see what I mean about finishing stuff?). I’ve been fiddling with writing novels for the last 10 years. I joined my local chapter of RWA about 3 years ago to see if I had what it takes. I’m still here, and I’ve been writing pretty seriously for the last year.

 How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

Well, as I mentioned I’ve started a lot of books but never finished them. I completed my first novella, Fire Season, last year at Halloween. Evelyn is my second novella. I started writing her story in June of this year.

  

What other careers have you had?

I was a Secretary once long ago, and have been a Technical Writer specializing in User Guides and Online Help systems for software development for the last 15 years. You know, just your average everyday geek stuff.

 Do you write under more than one name? Why?

Nope – just the one name for right now. I mean isn’t Lori Corsentino just a great name for a romance novelist? If I branch out into something completely different I’ll likely take on a pen name.

  

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Of course they are! But, I wouldn’t say that any one person could ever recognize themselves in one of my characters. I take different traits from the many people I know and combine them to make my characters. I guess you could say I’m my own Dr. Frankenstein when it comes to characterization!

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Linda Howard has absolutely influenced me. I love her work. She introduced me to the Romantic Suspense genre – which is one of my favorites. I’ve fallen in love with more of her heroes that I probably should. She does such a great job. Nora Roberts is also a great influence. She broke so many stereotypes and barriers for romance authors. I’d love to be called the “Next Nora Roberts.”

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My family and friends are all very excited and supportive. I have several female work friends that are looking forward to the release date. I also have more than a couple male work colleagues that are also excited about the release of this book. It does give me just the slightest pause knowing that these guys are going to be reading my novella. I just hope they don’t do it in the lunch room!!!

  

Where are you from?

I’m a Colorado native, born and raised in Denver. I love to travel but Denver will always be home to me.

 How do you come up with the titles?

That’s a really good question! Most of my work starts out as “Untitled” with a date. It’s usually when I’ve been working on it for a while that a title will come to me – and it usually comes out of the blue! Evelyn was a bit easier because I was collaborating with my fellow authors M.L. Guida and Hillary Seidl – we came up with a title almost from the very start.

 Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Not yet! Someday I want to be able to bury my toes in the sand on some tropical beach as I type my new bestseller into my laptop.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I’m definitely a multi-tasker! I get bored and rebellious if I’m forced to deal with one thing at a time for too long a period. If I can have a little something on the side, it helps me to keep my focus. I guess I need to have a little “affair” to keep my main writing tasks on track!

  

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love to read, of course. I also enjoy making jewelry, specifically working with metal, semi-precious stones, and minerals. It’s just something about working with my hands and my right brain side to create a tangible thing of beauty that really appeals to me. I also dabble in digital photography.

  

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

1) I’m a reforming pack rat. Its tough, because it’s in the blood – on my mothers side!

2) I’m a rock-hound! I have a rock collection that, which not overly impressive, is kind of cool. I mean how many people do you know has a hunk of volcanic obsidian as big as your fist, a chunk of lava from a volcano in Hawaii, and a nice piece of specular hematite?

3) I’m a night person. I get that from my mother’s side as well! My Dad used to tease me that I was part vampire.

4) I’ve seen the Grand Canyon twice. Both times were from the air, and both times were at sunset. Some day, I’ll see the Grand Canyon from the ground and maybe stay a couple days to make sure I get enough pictures!   : )

5) I love looking at the world through the lens of a camera. It gives you a completely different point of view. I really should get a camera that takes great night shots. That’ll go great with my nocturnal tendencies!

 Lori, what else are you working on?

 I’m currently working on another paranormal – the sequel to Evelyn titled, “And the Fairest of Them All.” It’s a full length tale featuring Annora, Alexander’s sister. I’ve also got another in the same series planned for Analiese, Alexander’s youngest sister. That will nicely round out a trilogy. I do love writing a series!

I can be found on facebook at Lori Corsentino and twitter at loricorsentino.

My website is www.loricorsentino.com

Here’s an excerpt. It’s a little more than 400 words – hope that’s OK!  : )

Evie set her jaw and crossed her arms in a defensive gesture before looking at Reginald to gauge his sincerity. What she found there told her he was serious.

The very thought of kissing Mr. Hottie Prince fascinated her, but it wasn’t exactly something she was prepared to do. She looked back at Reginald. “What if I’m not The One?”

“Then nothing will happen.”

“But what if I am The One?” Sweat broke out on her brow and upper lip. The very thought of having that much responsibility quickened her breath, so much so she began to get light headed. She was freaking out.

“Then my Prince will awaken.”

Through her frantic haze, Evie saw there might be something there. If the Prince awoke...he could send her back home. Even Reginald said that. She could get out of this place and return to familiarity and safety of her own home. While her life was anything but fascinating, it was hers and she wanted to go back to it. It was all fine and well to visit other places, even crazy-ass places like this, but there was no place like home.

“And I just have to kiss him?” She might be able to do this. Kiss him, get him awake, and go home.

She’d already determined he wasn’t dead so it didn’t really creep her out too much anymore. It was as if he’d been on a major bender and now was sleeping really hard.

The benefits seemed to outweigh the risks. Evie shrugged and then relaxed her shoulders as she gave in. “If I kiss him and he wakes up, he can he send me home, right?” The desire to get the hell away from this whacked out wonderland gave her encouragement.

“My Prince does have that power.” 

Evie frowned. Best case scenario was she would kiss him, he would awaken, and she’d be on her way home. Worse case would be she would take advantage of an unconscious man and kiss his mouth, and perhaps linger a bit to nibble on that full bottom lip. Evie eyed his mouth, unable to tear her gaze away. It seemed to beckon her, begging for the touch of her lips.

Evie dragged her teeth along her own to keep the temptation at bay. It was too perfect.

“OK – I’m game.” Evie nodded. “How long before we know?”

“I am sorry Madame,” Reginald shook his head. “I am a simple Aide-de-Camp. I do not know.”

“Well,” Evie acted before she lost her resolve. “Let’s give it a shot.”