Contest Winners Announced

Hi, first I want to congratulate one of our members, Carol Ericson, on the release of her first book! The Stranger and I is in stores today! Carol is blogging at the
Intrigue Authors blog today. Go check out her post on bad boy heroes and find a yummy recipe too.


I also want to announce the winners of my November contest. I held drawings for both. The winner of my mailing list drawing was pamk258. She won two books. And the winner from a drawing of the blog postings is Veronica Wolff. She won a pair of handmade earrings. Congratulations ladies!!!

Please check out my newly redesigned website www.nicolenorth.com/

Can't Resist Those Western Tales

Torrid Sizzler of the Month Award

More information, including the first chapter, is available at –

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=25

Today I’m giving extra-special thanks and remembering the birthday of the most important person ever in my life. Had she not succumbed to cancer, my beloved mother would have turned eighty years old today. Her indomitable spirit in the face of a devastating disease is the reason I refuse to let life’s upheavals and unforeseen circumstances get me down. She fought the good fight and so do I, every single day. During her illness I tapped into my creative side and started writing a tender historical romance that has never been published. Each day for the remainder of her life I serialized this story for her. The 431-page novel wasn't completed until after her death, but I knew she remained at my side during the writing process, providing support as always. Memories from those times we spent together are some of my most precious. Mom was an avid reader of romance and women’s fiction. She read several category romances each week, and Western settings were among her favorites. This blog post is in honor of Mom, the woman whose guidance and encouragement of my love of the written word spurred me to embark on a writing career.

For years I’ve enjoyed reading tales of the Wild West and those rugged men who win hearts and wrangle their way out of the worst situations. While watching television one afternoon, I became inspired to write a Western historical erotic romance set in Tombstone. TAMING THE TEMPTRESS is a ribald tale that speaks to second chances at love and of never giving up hope. It’s all about rising above circumstances and realizing good things come to those who wait.

Blurb:

Nothing comes between Lorelei Pettigrew and her whip…until a handsome newspaperman from NY arrives on the scene with a story on his agenda and seduction on his mind.When a saloon siren, Lorelei Pettigrew, crosses paths with the latest handsome man to arrive in Tombstone, her passion knows no boundaries. James Melton, a newspaperman from New York, ventures to this sinful silver town looking for a story but finds romance and redemption instead. When Lorelei’s life is threatened, James vows to protect the spirited temptress and deliver her from harm. He’s always preferred dalliances to husbandly duty, but after a short time in Lorelei’s company, James’s mind and life change forever.

Reviews:

James and Lorelei are enchanting characters with well developed personalities. They are opposites in some ways and yet they complement each other very well. Their relationship progresses at a realistic pace. The way the emotional connection between them develops is fascinating to watch. The love scenes are hotter than a firecracker and left me breathless. The language used in the book is appropriate to the time period. The setting is nicely described and appropriate to the storyline.Ms. Moore has written a tale of love and lust in the old West that I enjoyed greatly. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Western style romance with detailed love scenes. Taming the Temptress is most definitely a keeper!" - Susan White, Coffee Time Romance.

"Lorelei is a remarkably written character. Her emotions are genuine and really pull at the reader’s heartstrings. I'm not sure I have ever read a romance where the heroine is really a prostitute. But, although Lorelei manages to avoid sleeping with some patrons, she definitely does have sex for money. James expects the worst of Lorelei because of what she does for a living. Likewise, Lorelei thinks James will be like every other man she’s known and walk away after he gets what he wants. They each have to earn the other’s trust. Ms. Moore has penned a brilliant combination of Western romance and erotica. Taming the Temptress is a gritty, erotic romance that doesn’t candy-coat the harsh reality of life for some women in the old West. I highly recommend this touching, yet very erotic love story." - Reviewed by Shelley, Fallen Angel Reviews.

"Taming the Temptress is a poignant novel. From the moment James sets eyes on Lorelei we see her as a most strong woman, full of spirit and determination. Men have treated her badly in her years but she maintains her strength the best she can. James admires that she has been able to keep her sweetness. He is there to get a story for his newspaper but he cannot fight the strong urges that he begins having for Lorelei. Ms. Moore illustrates a picturesque life of what it was like in the Old West with hard times and what impact it played upon the woman as she was made to feel as a possession or a section of property. The characters are quite believable and the dialogue superb. Ms. Moore has depicted Lorelei with courage, tender emotions and a powerful resolution that melts the heartstrings. I enjoyed reading about James and Lorelei as their love for each other allowed them to earn each other's trust." -- 5 Hearts, Linda,

The Romance Studio Blue.

For the month of December, I’m a Featured Author at The Romance Studio Blue, and you can read more about my novel, TAMING THE TEMPTRESS.
Access my Feature Author interview at –

http://www.theromancestudio.com/blue/home.php

An excerpt and more reviews are a click away at –

http://www.grant-moore.com/shawna/tempt.html

Wishing you all health and happiness for the holiday season,

Shawna Moore http://www.grant-moore.com/
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave

A Perfect Affair by Judith Gilbert & Interview

Hi, today we have my friend and critique partner Judith Gilbert visiting with us. Her book, A Perfect Affair, was released today.

VS: Hi Judith, welcome and congratulations on the release of your book!! Lovely cover! Please tell us about A Perfect Affair.

JG: This is a heart-touching story full of hope and new beginnings. After losing her father ten months ago, divorcee Katherine Cahill goes back home to Houston and fights to return the joy of Christmas to her mother and young son. At the same time she secretly battles two men, her two-timing ex-husband who blackmails her, and a growing attraction to a Texas attorney hell-bent on sharing his bed with her, but not his heart.

Jared Randall swore he would never get involved with another divorced woman after the fiasco when his fiancee returned to her ex. Then he made two colossal mistakes--rescuing ice princess Katherine Cahill from her mother's roof and playing Santa. His cobwebby Santa brows get him in trouble, thanks to his promise to Katherine's young son.

VS: Sounds both fun and emotional. Having read some of your manuscripts in the past, I know it will be awesome! What inspired you to write this story?

JG: Katherine, the heroine, was inspired by two people I knew who went through very bitter divorces, often dangerous for them. I wanted to write about a heroine who would take on her ex-husband when he attempted to blackmail her and would cleverly turn the tables on him, even adding a taste of revenge, a la Katherine's way. Readers and reviewers have said they absolutely love the revenge scene and high five Katherine's audacity. It's an, "I-wish-I-had-thought-of-that moment."

VS: Nice!! Please tell us about your favorite character in the book.

JG: Jared, because you can't help falling for a man who tells a grinning five-year-old Matt, "I bet your dad will be proud," sees the boy's demeanor change, the anger and sadness in Matt's eyes, and cares enough to put happiness back into his life. Poor Jared, no matter which way he turns he steps in it. He has to learn he can't play Superman with Katherine, jump to solve her problems, but learn when to help and when to stand back, even if she's in danger, and trust Katherine to find a way to whip-butt.

VS: He sounds like a true hero. Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

JG: The difference between a published and unpublished author is perseverance. Don't give up. Per Olin Miller, "Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators." If you don't already know this, the costs of PROMO/Marketing is the responsibility of the author, so expect to shell out money to build a readership. One of the things you should concentrate on is writing faster and still maintaining the quality. Set daily goals, whether it's words or pages, and keep tract of your actual daily output. How long does it take you to produce a novel? You need to know how fast you can produce a novel when you get published because you'll be selling on proposals and giving your editor the date you'll deliver the complete novel.

VS: Would you like to ask blog readers a question?

JG: I'm hoping The Wild Rose Press will also give me a contract on another orphan of mine: Blood Hunt: The Legend by J Gilbert, the darker side of Judith, so I can get the other three books in the Blood Hunt series out for my readers. The Legend has witches, vampires, shapeshifters, FBI and the Army to contend with. The second book has the addition of a Demon from Hell. Think of your worse nightmare. If you had the power to pick a name for this Demon from Hell, what would it be?

VS: Great question! And I definitely hope TWRP offers you a contract for Blood Hunt: The Legend. I have read most of this story in the critique group, folks, and it is fantastic! Thanks again for being a guest here. Please visit Judith Gilbert's website at: www.authorjudithgilbert.com

All Work and No Play by Lila Dupres & Interview

Today we have my friend Lila Dupres visiting with us. Her contemporary novella, ALL WORK AND NO PLAY, was released today from Ellora's Cave Torrid Tarot Series.

NN: Congratulations on the release of your new novella and thank you for being here! What a beautiful cover! Please tell us about ALL WORK AND NO PLAY.

LD: Julie Preston worked hard raising her younger sister Emily after their parents died, and creating a career. She gave up simple pleasures like love and relationships. So when a friend drags her to a singles bar, Julie’s ready for anything. She meets a gorgeous guy and they spend several passionate hours together. There’s real chemistry there, but Julie regretfully sticks to her promise: a one-night stand, no strings.

When Julie hires a tutor to help Emily pass English, she’s shocked to find he’s the man from the bar. Seeing him in her house makes it hard to keep her hands off him, but he isn't looking for a long-term relationship since he’s a singles bar patron. Right? How many miles can Julie jog before she gives in and jumps him?

NN: Sounds hot!! Please tell us how you use the Tarot in your writing.

LD: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY is a story in Ellora's Cave "Torrid Tarot" series. In my story, Julie's friend Tanya is a Tarot aficionado and constantly compares Tanya to various cards; most recently, the Eight of Pentacles. As the title suggests, this is the card of "all work and no play," and Tanya thinks Julie needs to loosen up and enjoy her life. Julie strives, throughout the story, to be more like the free-spirited High Priestess, who goes by her instincts instead of the "rules" of life.

I also sometimes use Tarot to develop characters, plot lines or scenes in my stories. If I want to get to know my main character, I draw a card for him or her to see what his or her major personality trait is. I then turn over a few more for other traits. I do something similar with plot lines, or sometimes will lay out an entire spread, such as the Celtic Cross spread or a yearly 12-card spread. Tarot can give you lots of interesting ideas you might not come up with on your own; at the least, it will get your imagination working.

NN: That's so intriguing! Maybe I need a Tarot deck. What element of this story was hardest for you?

LD: Writing a love scene between two people who had just met was tough. I wanted the scene to be romantic and tender, and believable. I wanted the reader to feel, "If I were in that situation, I would make that same decision." And naturally, I wanted the reader to fall in love with the hero, just like the heroine. ;-)

NN: Absolutely! And I'm sure they will. Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

LD: Perseverance is the most important trait of a writer who moves from unpublished to published. Never say die! Read everything you can get your hands on, not just for pleasure, but for ideas on what works and what doesn't. Study and improve your technical skills, i.e., grammar, spelling and punctuation. Work with a critique partner or group who can spot errors you might miss. And finally, perseverance. :-)

NN: Great advice! Do you have a question you'd like to ask blog readers?

LD: I'd love to know what are your favorite paranormal elements in paranormal romances you read. Do you like to read about ordinary characters with psychic abilities like reading Tarot, crystal ball, palms or crystals? How about people who can sense and communicate with ghosts or supernatural beings? Or do you prefer stories about supernatural beings themselves, i.e. vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches? Tell me what you'd like to read next!

NN: Thanks again for being here Lila! Everyone, please visit her site at: http://www.liladupres.com/

Welcome new member, Shawna Moore!

I'm thrilled to say we have a fierce new author member here at Fierce Romance! Welcome Shawna!! I met Shawna a few years ago at a small local writers' conference and we have been friends since, and sometimes critique partners. Shawna is a joy to know.

I interviewed her on a previous post about her latest book and enjoyed reading all her responses. But I had a few more questions for her so you could get to know her better...

NN: Shawna, when did you know you wanted to be an author?

SM: Ever since childhood, I've enjoyed creating enchanting worlds and imaginary characters, As an only child this proved such fun and presented endless possibilities. My first skit was performed in the family's living room in front of an assortment of stuffed animals and Barbie dolls. They proved quite a patient and captive audience :) More toys served in starring roles, and I provided the voice-overs. Family and friends were treated to other performances, and my parents always encouraged my creativity. Long before I started Kindergarten I discovered a favorite pastime in reading. Mom bought me several books each week and we also visited the local library each Saturday. She and Dad also told me stories every night at bedtime for many years. Mom's love of reading introduced me to the beauty and miracle of the written word. Before the completion of my first novel--a historical romance which is unpublished--she succumbed to terminal lung cancer. But we shared so many wonderful moments during her illness. I treasure those moments more than anything else. Each day I serialized the completed portions of the historical romance for her. She adored reading romance fiction and I also embrace the genre.

For as long as I can remember, I've jotted stories and musings in tablets, diaries and a variety of other media. By the time I reached junior-high school, one of my dreams was of someday becoming a published author. During my high school years I served as Editor and Features Editor of the school newspapers and won several writing competitions. Though I worked in medical offices in a variety of capacities after college graduation, I always longed for a chance to write that first book. After 15 years of working outside the home, I was blessed with an opportunity to devote myself full-time to the writing career, and I've completed and published multiple novels, novellas and short stories during that time.

NN: That's fascinating. In your writing, what inspires you? What motivates you?

SM: Life and love inspire me. I'm an avid observer of my surroundings and the people with whom I come into contact. Immersing myself in the beauty of nature. Strolling local malls where the scents of coffee shops, chocolatiers, and leather-goods stores stir my senses and spur my creativity. Listening to conversations of those around me. Seeing the wonderment in childrens' eyes and the bloom on their cheeks as they sit on Santa's lap or listen as a story is told. Indulging in delicious food and taking time to savor every bite. Watching the orchestrated dances of lovers as they pass.

I've always been a self-motived person. My love of and enjoyment derived from what I do keep me motivated, along with the strong sense of accomplishment when a task is completed. For at least five days a week, for eight to ten hours, I concentrate on my writing, editing, plotting and promotional activities. Nothing short of an emergency will find me deviating from that schedule. I take my writing job as seriously as those jobs I held outside the home when I worked in the corporate world. My timeclock is an imaginary one, and I allow time for breaks and aerobic walks when necessary or desired. I do everything possible to meet daily goals, knowing life sometimes interrupts. The following day, or as soon as possible, I make up for the lost time.

NN: Whatever you're taking, I want some! :-) What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?

SM: There are several related lessons, but here's the primary one--the only element of my writing career over which I have control is the writing process.

I must defer to other elements beyond my control. Publishing is a challenging, subjective and competitive business. There are so many talented writers and only so many openings in publishing schedules. Timing of submissions can play a major role in making a book sale. The American and global economy impact sales. Lines close or fold into others at a publishing house. So many other variables. But writing is a pleasurable pursuit--one I wouldn't trade for any other.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

A few months ago I was in my town’s public library. I picked up a flyer announcing a book fair, featuring authors signing their books, storytelling for kids, and other activities. I scanned the list of authors and their book topics and discovered not one romance author listed, although there were authors of books on dogs, planning weddings, and some other pretty obscure topics. I bellied up to the counter to check out my book, brandishing the flyer to the librarian. “No romance.” She looked up and said, “Excuse me?” I said, “You don’t have any romance authors scheduled for the book fair.” She looked down her nose (well, sort of – I may have imagined that part) and said, “Oh, I don’t read that stuff.” First, was I asking her what she read? Second, how condescending is that? I may have even been checking out a romance, and the library sure is full of them. So I looked down my nose at her (and believe me, if you’ve seen my nose that’s some feat) and said, “Too bad. I write that stuff.” With a smug smile on my lips I watched Miss Thang get all flustered. “You do?” she squeaked. “You should talk to the coordinator about participating in the book fair.” I told her I’d do it next year, since my books weren’t published yet. Then I walked away with my head held high.

If we expect romance as a genre to get some serious respect, we need to seriously respect it ourselves. So the next time someone scoffs or smirks when you tell them you write romance, get fierce and let ‘em have it right between the eyes. (Wait until I tell that librarian I also write erotic romance!)

Roughrider by Shawna Moore & Interview

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate more than you should've. I know I did. :-) Today I'm thankful to have my friend as a guest here--sizzling-hot erotica/ erotic romance author Shawna Moore.

NN: Welcome, Shawna! Wow, what a sexy cover! Please tell us about ROUGHRIDER.

SM: Rabid curiosity clashes with criminal minds and escalates the drama in a small town where love and loyalties are harder won than any rodeo trophies.

Roughrider is an edgy romantic story pivoted by sex and suspense. Two childhood friends are the central characters. They’ve never dared admitting or acting on their mutual attraction and basest desires. Kimberly Taylor is a hard-working woman who operates a Western Outfitting business. She’s feisty, a perfect foil and irresistible conflict for Jack. Kim’s ready to take a break from her business, begin her sexual odyssey and let her playful side emerge, Jack Dodson’s latest life changes are forcing him to become more serious about how he approaches reality and fantasy. A decade has passed since their last meeting. I decided the best way to give Kim a well-deserved vacation and force her to face her unspoken, unfulfilled desires was by returning her to Jack’s hometown of Mesa Junction and putting her directly in the path of her ultimate temptation. This story is all about finding that special person with whom you can share some of your most intimate secrets and indulge some of your wildest sexual fantasies. She knows she'll always have a friend in Jack, but she wants more. The only way she'll ever find out if he feels the same way is by revisiting the small town where love and loyalties are harder won than any rodeo trophy. That’s how Kim and Jack will have a chance at turning a platonic relationship into a passionate one.

NN: Sounds smokin' hot! What is the story behind the story?

SM: I’ve always enjoyed watching older Western movies on television. While checking out shows one afternoon, I came across a movie about cattle driving. An idea for Jack’s hero sprang to mind as the commercials aired, so I muted the television, grabbed a writing tablet and jotted ideas. Needless to say, I turned off the television before the movie resumed and wrote the first several chapters without taking a break.

During my childhood, my grandfather shared his Zane Grey novels with me, and my mother was an avid reader of romance fiction. Among her favorites were cowboy heroes featured in category romances.

NN: I always find it interesting to know what sparked a certain story idea. Please tell us about the hero of this story.

SM: Jack Dodson has suffered some major setbacks and losses. As a result, he realizes money and fame aren’t driving forces in his life. He’s a rugged, salt-of-the-Earth-type guy who’s left the rodeo circuit behind and is focused on settling down with a steady ranch-managing position. He lives as hard as he loves, works as hard as he plays, fights for justice and for those he loves. He is very much a protector, and he has also very closely guarded his romantic feelings for Kim. Kim proves her caring and concern when she gives her curiosity free rein in a troubling matter involving Jack and his mother.

NN: How are the Ellora's Cave Exotika books different from their other erotic romance books?

SM: Exotika is Ellora’s Cave’s line for erotica. As such, Exotika stories may or may not include a romance. They focus on a woman’s positive sexual experience and gratification. Of note, both of my Exotikas, HELLE IN HEELS and ROUGHRIDER, feature a romance. In erotic romances, the romance is at least fifty percent of the storyline and there is always the happily-ever-after readers have come to expect and adore. In Exotika erotica, you’ll find edgier stories where the heroines may explore myriad avenues for their sexual pleasure, and the endings may or may not include romantic commitment. Bolder, sexual scenarios are included as are multiple sexual partners in some of the stories. The focus doesn’t have to be on monogamy as it does in erotic romance. I enjoy the creative freedom of writing Exotika/erotica and Romantica/erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave and letting the characters and plot dictate which of these lines fits their fictional circumstances.

NN: Do you have a question for blog readers?

SM: During the holiday season, we all have so many things demanding our attention. What is your ultimate way of de-stressing when a bit of spare time comes your way?

Mine is preparing a warm mug of cocoa, putting on a pair of plush spa slippers and curling up with a romance, women's fiction or erotica novel. Transporting myself to the fictional world created by a fellow author and living vicariously through the characters is always a pleasure and sloughs off the stress of the season.

My beloved mom used to say I was born asking questions. But I also love answering them. If you have any questions for me, or topics you'd enjoy discussing, feel free to post them to the wonderful Fierce Romance blog. Blessings and bounty to all this holiday season!

NN: Thanks so much for being here, Shawna! I've enjoyed it! Everyone please visit Shawna Moore's website to learn more about her hot stories.

***

PS... you still have time to enter my November contest. Just post a comment on my November 15 blog entry below or join my mailing list. Thanks