The Spoils of TV

I don't watch much TV because I write like a fiend any chance I get, but I realize that lots of people watch shows on Netflix and Amazon and a bunch of different other providers. My hubby is a binge-watching addict, and occasionally I will catch an episode or two of something he's watching. Sometimes I like it; sometimes I don't, but at least it keeps me in on the story-telling conversation, so I consider it research.

For example, when I see The Walking Dead or Orange is the New Black, I can't help but analyze what makes the stories so compelling or the characters so nuanced. How do the writers do that? How do they get millions of people addicted to their work? Yes, it's visual, but there's more to it than that. Sometimes it's gratuitous violence or sex, but many times it's just gritty, gutsy writing that taps into the universal feelings we all have in an engaging context. What mastery some of these writers have!

What I don't like about TV is all the articles that discuss "spoilers" that have to do with cliffhangers of fan favorites. Whom did Negan kill? Who will get the Iron Throne? The articles promise spoilers but offer nothing but fan theory. I despise them so much, I think I will start writing some. They are very formulaic, and it would give me more reasons to do my "research," which is probably the reason authors write them in the first place. We writers are such a crafty bunch. :)

Back to my original thought--do you binge watch anything? If so, why? What makes you want to keep watching? Please do share. Happy Reading!

Enchanting the Highlander!


Enchanting the Highlander is a new anthology which has just gone up for pre-order! It is only 99 cents during the pre-order phase. And it will release October 18. I'm thrilled to have a story in this collection with these amazing and talented authors. They're great fun to work with! Last year, we had an anthology called Kissing the Highlander and it was a big hit. Enchanting the Highlander is the latest installment. My story, Defended by a Highland Renegade, is a part of my Highland Adventure Series and it follows my story which was out earlier this year, Stolen by a Highland Rogue, in the Captured by a Celtic Warrior anthology.

Preorder Enchanting the Highlander—for only 99 cents!
Including five delicious new stories:
PROTECTED BY THE LAIRD by Eliza Knight -- When she needed a champion, he raised his sword...
VEXING THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear -- Saving the king's life has unforeseen consequences for one Highlander and a lady, the king's ward…
DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair -- A bride on the run doesn't expect a kilted outlaw to come to her rescue…
TARTANS AND TRYSTS by Victoria Roberts -- This Highland warrior is about to lose the battle to a lass who's already won his heart…
HIS HIGHLAND ROSE by Willa Blair -- He is the one man who can see her soul and show her who she truly is—his only love…

Up for pre-order now! Available October 18th!

Thanks!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

Made USA Today Bestseller List--21 Shades of Night!

usa today 21 shades

Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!:)
Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set
21 NY Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.
21 of today’s most romantic, bewitching titles.
The best value in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, Yours for a Limited Time!
With one million words of romantic paranormal fiction, this boxed set will light light up your night with vampires, witches, warriors, and more! This limited edition omnibus is packed with today’s NY Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling authors to create a collection you won’t soon forget. With 100 hours of reading, you’re paying a penny per sixty minutes of enjoyment. Grab this collection today before it’s gone for good!
Amazon
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Okay, baby giraffe is going to watch out for you today, while I’m back to hitting the book!:) Have a super wonderful fun day!!!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

3rd Annual Romance Expo in Mt. Dora, Florida

I am happy to see that romance authors and readers are getting lots of positive publicity lately. The Romance Writers of America just wrapped up its 36th conference in San Diego last Sunday, and helped raise thousands of dollars to help promote literacy!


Personally, I will be joining 20 romance authors for the 3rd annual Romance Expo at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mt. Dora, Florida, on Saturday, August 13 from 10am – 1pm. This is an event that keeps growing every year, so please stop by if you’re in the Orlando area. There will be contemporary, mystery, historical, paranormal, time-travel and romantic suspense authors for you to meet, so if you love stories about Navy Seals, shape shifters, knights in shining armor, secret agents, cowboys, or even Prince Charming, we’d love to share our heroes with you.

I love to meet readers who share my love of stories with happy endings, so I hope to see you there!

Best,
Leigh
www.leighcourt.com 


Hotel Del Coronado–Some Like it Hot

Some Like it Hot–Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lennon–Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado (3) (800x533)chandelier (533x800)chandelier, elevator (800x533)Hotel Del Coronado Dining room (800x533)Hotel Del Coronado Beach (800x533)

Beautiful hotel and view of the beach. Now I need to see the movie again.:)

Have a great day!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

It's Just a Little Crush

Have you ever had one of those conversations with your significant other that started out okay, then became not okay, and then got okay again? I had one recently, and it made me realize how lucky I am that I married someone creative and with some common sense that I apparently don't possess.

My DH and I were talking about Grace and Frankie, a show we've been watching on Netflix, and got into a discussion about character, because we both are writers and that's naturally where discussions flow to in our household no matter what the medium.

What I love about my husband is that he can see a movie or read a book, and at least one of the characters, usually one he likes thank goodness, reminds him of me. I don't assume this; he tells me as we're talking about the characters and plot of the story. This is nice, because many of the characters I see in movies or read about in stories bring him to mind in some way, so I feel like we bond over this.

Except when we don't. In the case of Grace and Frankie, which I recommend to anyone who likes great story-telling and dialogue, we disagreed on which character I resembled the most (he brought this up). Naturally, I assumed he thought I was more like Frankie, who is a complete hippie, but he disagreed. He thought I was more like Grace, who kind of starts out as the stuck-up, rich ex-wife of a lawyer who is somewhat judgmental in her view of the world and very materialistic. That completely flummoxed me, and I was a little upset. How could my hubby mistake tree-hugger me for some uptight, inflexible chick?

But then he explained. It turns out that he's had a crush on Jane Fonda, who plays Grace, for years, and the things he liked about her as an actress are things he likes about me, regardless of her character in the show. In other words, when he sees his crush, he sees me.

Well, crap. Who can argue with that?

So for now I'm Grace, until he starts to unravel the complexities of Lily Tomlin, who plays Frankie, and figures out that I'm more like the new age do-gooder than the woman of his celebrity fantasies.

Do you ever deal with this? With feelings about a character because of who they remind you of or something that has nothing to do with the character? How, as writers, can we avoid this? Or should we? Sometimes there's nothing one can do. Characters can remind readers of family members, ex-teachers, zumba instructors, family doctors, etc., and we can't do anything about it except hope for the best. That's what makes story-telling so intriguing--you can write what you write, but readers read what they want or need to read, and that makes the written word fabulous. Happy Reading!

Polo-Game of Kings!

Recently, I attended my first polo match. It was so much fun! Who knew how thrilling it could be to watch a bunch of men chase after a little ball? Well, it was the horses that made it different, I have to say.

Great care is taken in the rules to keep the horses safe. But even though each period (called a chukka) of the game lasts only 7 minutes, they do a lot of running. If you participate in a match, you must bring at least 2 horses for a game of 6 chukkas (4-8 chukkas are allowed). It's preferable to bring 3 horses.

There are 4 players on each team, although the players can be rotated out during the breaks between chukkas.

This was one of my favorite parts. At the half, the spectators are asked to go onto the field and repair the divots. Divots are clumps of earth dislodged by the horses. The resulting holes in the turf can be dangerous for both horses and players. Here they are:

 Here are the players in all their glory. (I had a more exciting video, but it was too large to be accepted on the website.) You can barely see the ball, so imagine how hard it is when you're atop a running horse.


The ref was a woman! 


I haven’t written a story featuring polo yet, but I intend to. And no, I did not see any princes, red-haired or otherwise. Sadly.

Has anyone else been to a polo match? I'm going to another one on July 23. Can't wait.

Dog Sitting

puppies playing 003 (1236x1280)puppies playing 034 (1280x1022) puppies playing 027 (1280x1035)
Don’t you wish you could just drop everything and play like a puppy?

Taking care of my son's dog Mishka while he's in Alaska until October. My puppies love her. She's just their size.

Tanner and Mishka playing 009 (1280x1054)Tanner and Mishka playing 004 (1280x998)

Have a great one!!
Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

A New Book Contract!

There’s nothing more exciting for an author than to sign a new book contract. It’s always a thrill to find a publisher who loves your characters and story just as much as you do!

I’ve just signed a contract with LooseId for my sci-fi romance The Edge of Time, which is tentatively scheduled for release in November.

I’m about to start the editing process, which is always nerve-wracking for an author, especially when you’re working with a new editor you’ve never dealt with before. How many changes will she want? Will I be able to make them to her satisfaction? Does her vision for the story match my vision?

But I know how this process works. As much as I love the world and the characters I’ve created, an editor always seems to improve the story. Her feedback is valuable. An extra pair of eyes can sometimes see things an author can’t, and an editor’s insight often affords an opportunity to make the story even stronger.

So… game on! I’m ready to go.

The name of the book will likely change, too, and I’m okay with that, as long as I have some say in the final title. As I said, I’ve done this before.  

Every new book is a learning experience, a chance to improve my writing skills, an opportunity to reach new readers. A career in publishing can have its lows (rejections), but it can also have its highs. Like this one! Authors are in this for the long haul, and I’m looking forward to the next step in my journey.

Wish me luck!

Jenna



Billionaire in Wolf's Clothing Release! And Fireworks!

9781492621898-300 (390x640)
Billionaire in Wolf’s Clothing
July 2016
 white fireworks (2) (1122x1280)
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Romantic Times Top Pick!! I'm originally from California, have been caught up in strong undertows and a rip current in Florida, and so this book was near and dear to me. 
red fireworks (720x1280)
Terry Spear Free Promotion
Heart of the Wolf is free for a limited time!!! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, be sure and grab it! It made Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Book of the Year for a mass marketed book, only 5 selected for the year!

 colorful fireworks (720x1280)


Heart of the Wolf
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Wolf-must-fight-d…/…/B007INOJE0
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-wolf-terry-spear/1100201663?ean=9781402211577
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heart-of-the-wolf-to-win-her-he-must-fight-to-the-death-1
iBooks:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-of-the-wolf/id372620933?mt=11
If you haven’t had a chance to grab a copy of Destiny of the Wolf, first in the series involving the beloved Silver Town Wolf Pack, here it is for free! Feel free to share the freebie! My publisher has never offered any of my books for free before.
Destiny of the Wolf
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038KT3T8
BN:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-of-the-wolf-terry-spear/1100202335?ean=9781402246340
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/destiny-of-the-wolf-1
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/destiny-of-the-wolf/id365593695?mt=11
Heart of the Highland Wolf
And one of those gorgeous hunks of SEAL wolves, the USA Today Bestselling, A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing, is also free for a limited time. Please share, write a loving review telling us how much of a hunk of burning wolf love he is, and enjoy! This has the first title with SEAL in it, but the real first book that mentions the SEALs is To Tempt the Wolf. Hunter is the SEAL team leader and you learn about him in that book.
A Seal in Wolf's Clothing
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PJ6V26
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seal-in-wolfs-clothing-terry-spear/1104177041?ean=9781402258909
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-seal-in-wolf-s-clothing-1
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/seal-in-wolfs-clothing/id493281524?mt=11
Last, Savage Hunger is also free, first in the series of the jaguar shifters! Limited time only. No, I don’t get paid anything for free books, but if you haven’t read them, you might want to give them a chance! And who knows? You might be swept away in the jungle heat.
2194e-savagehunger
https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Hunger-Heart-Jaguar-Book-ebook/dp/B008BWABXU/
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-savage-hunger-terry-spear/1108936806?ean=9781402266928
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/savage-hunger-2
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/savage-hunger/id553740774?mt=11

 beautiful fieworks (720x1280)

Okay, enjoy!!!
Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

4 Free Wolf Books, 1 Free Jaguar Book, and 5 Wolf Books for Only 99 Cents! AND a NEW Release--Billionaire in Wolf's Clothing!


9781492621898-300 (390x640)
Billionaire in Wolf’s Clothing
July 5, 2016
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Romantic Times Top Pick!! I'm originally from California, have been caught up in strong undertows and a rip current in Florida, and so this book was near and dear to me.

First in a BRAND-NEW SERIES from USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear about filthy rich werewolves and the women who are more than their match.
Billionaire werewolf Rafe Denali always gets what he wants, and he always trusts his gut. When sexy she-wolf Jade Ashton nearly drowns outside his beach house, he knows better than to bring her into his life. But there's something about the fierce wolf that triggers his most primal instincts...and having seen her, he knows she will be his.
Even if she's hiding a dark secret that could get them killed...
What reviewers are saying:
"Packed with adventure... Magnificently entertaining." -RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars Top Pick for Billionaire in Wolf's Clothing
"Essential reading for werewolf-romance fans." -Booklist for Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
"Spear has become a master storyteller." -RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars for Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply


Terry Spear Free Promotion
Heart of the Wolf is free for a limited time!!! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, be sure and grab it! It made Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Book of the Year for a mass marketed book, only 5 selected for the year!
Heart of the Wolf
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Wolf-must-fight-d…/…/B007INOJE0
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-wolf-terry-spear/1100201663?ean=9781402211577
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heart-of-the-wolf-to-win-her-he-must-fight-to-the-death-1
iBooks:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-of-the-wolf/id372620933?mt=11
If you haven’t had a chance to grab a copy of Destiny of the Wolf, first in the series involving the beloved Silver Town Wolf Pack, here it is for free! Feel free to share the freebie! My publisher has never offered any of my books for free before.
Destiny of the Wolf
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038KT3T8
BN:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-of-the-wolf-terry-spear/1100202335?ean=9781402246340
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/destiny-of-the-wolf-1
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/destiny-of-the-wolf/id365593695?mt=11
Heart of the Highland Wolf
And one of those gorgeous hunks of SEAL wolves, the USA Today Bestselling, A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing, is also free for a limited time. Please share, write a loving review telling us how much of a hunk of burning wolf love he is, and enjoy! This has the first title with SEAL in it, but the real first book that mentions the SEALs is To Tempt the Wolf. Hunter is the SEAL team leader and you learn about him in that book.
A Seal in Wolf's Clothing
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PJ6V26
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seal-in-wolfs-clothing-terry-spear/1104177041?ean=9781402258909
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-seal-in-wolf-s-clothing-1
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/seal-in-wolfs-clothing/id493281524?mt=11
Last, Savage Hunger is also free, first in the series of the jaguar shifters! Limited time only. No, I don’t get paid anything for free books, but if you haven’t read them, you might want to give them a chance! And who knows? You might be swept away in the jungle heat.
2194e-savagehunger
https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Hunger-Heart-Jaguar-Book-ebook/dp/B008BWABXU/
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-savage-hunger-terry-spear/1108936806?ean=9781402266928
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/savage-hunger-2
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/savage-hunger/id553740774?mt=11
Okay, enjoy!!!
Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com
Enjoy!!!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

FREE!! To Shifter Lovin' Homes!!

These are supposed to be on all book selling sites, but right now, they have them on Amazon US.
Heart of the Wolf is free for a limited time!!! If you haven't read the first book in the series, be sure and grab it! It made Publisher's Weekly's Best Book of the Year for a mass marketed book, only 5 selected for the year! https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Wolf-must-fight-d…/…/B007INOJE0 It's supposed to be free at all the sites, but I'm just seeing it up on Amazon right now.
Heart of the Wolf
Publishers Weekly's Best Book of the Year

If you haven't had a chance to grab a copy of Destiny of the Wolf, first in the series involving the beloved Silver Town Wolf Pack, here it is for free! Feel free to share the freebie! My publisher has never offered any of my books for free before.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038KT3T8
Destiny of the Wolf
His heart holds a secret only she can unlock.
If you haven't read the first of the Highland wolf series, Heart of the Highland Wolf is also free for a limited time. Be sure and grab yours!!  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y5AV1K/
Heart of the Highland Wolf
It's a matter of a pride...and a matter of pleasure.
And one of those gorgeous hunks of SEAL wolves, the USA Today Bestselling, A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing, is also free for a limited time. Please share, write a loving review telling us how much of a hunk of burning wolf love he is, and enjoy! This has the first title with SEAL in it, but the real first book that mentions the SEALs is To Tempt the Wolf. Hunter is the SEAL team leader and you learn about him in that book. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PJ6V26
A Seal in Wolf's Clothing
A Navy SEAL romance--werewolf style

Last, Savage Hunger is also free, first in the series of the jaguar shifters! Limited time only. No, I don't get paid anything for free books, but if you haven't read them, you might want to give them a chance! And who knows? You might be swept away in the jungle heat.
2194e-savagehunger
https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Hunger-Heart-Jaguar-Book-ebook/dp/B008BWABXU/
My publisher said these would go on sale days ago. Soooo, I kept looking every day, but hadn't  had a chance today. Need to finish SEAL Wolf Undercover, WHEN a fan posted on Facebook that my books are free!! Well, first in the series. And that's why I'm posting for a second time today! Enjoy!!!
Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com