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Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Women have been known to lament, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” For Johnny Smith, the problem is, “Always a Best Man, never a groom.”

At age 33, housepainter Johnny has been Best Man eight times. The ultimate man’s man, Johnny loves the Mets, the Jets, his weekly poker game, and the hula girl lamp that hangs over his basement pool table. Johnny has the instant affection of nearly every man he meets, but one thing he doesn’t have is a woman to share his life with, and he wants that desperately.

When Johnny meets District Attorney Helen Troy, he decides to renounce his bro-magnet ways in order to impress her. With the aid and advice of his friends and family, soon he’s transforming his wardrobe, buying throw pillows, ditching the hula girl lamp, getting a cat and even changing his name to the more mature-sounding John. And through it all, he’s pretending to have no interest in sports, which Helen claims to abhor. As things heat up with Helen, the questions arise: Will Johnny finally get the girl? And, if he’s successful in that pursuit, who will he be now that he’s no longer really himself? THE BRO-MAGNET is a rollicking comedic novel about what one man is willing to give up for the sake of love.

Meet Johnny Smith. House painter. Mets lover. Just your Average Joe — until he falls in love.

Click here to start reading (and laughing) for FREE.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Writers’ Conferences: Part 3

By Nephele · Comments (2)

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Welcome to the third part of my series on how to get the most out of attending a writers’ conference. Today we move on to the conference itself.

A writers’ conference can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve chosen to attend one of the larger ones. The best approach is to make note of workshops and other sessions that you don’t want to miss, then fill in the rest of your time with more flexible scheduling that allows you some leeway for networking or catching a bit of quiet time if you feel the need to regroup.

When you first arrive at the conference, you will check in and receive your attendees’ packet. This will include your name badge and an assortment of other materials, generally including a list of presenters with their bios; a full schedule of sessions, meals, entertainment and so on; your pitch appointment information if that was assigned ahead; and various flyers from any conference sponsors. It’s a good idea to head to your room or a fairly empty corner and go through everything as soon as you are able. Make a list of your must-see events and decide what else you might like to check out. Workshops and other presentations often follow tracks, with sessions focusing on writing craft, finding an agent, marketing skills, self-publishing, and so on. Even a writer just starting out can get great information in all of these areas, so don’t limit yourself to just one track unless you have very specific goals in mind.

Most conferences have some sort of mixer or opening presentation or both. Make a point to attend these sorts of events, because they will help you get an overview of the conference. Announcements often include information regarding contests, raffles, and/or auctions that are being held. These can be a great way to discover new writers, get autographed books, pick up some new writing aids, or in some cases even win free or reduced registration for a future conference. They’re also a nice opportunity to meet some new people. Even if you’re attending with friends, make an effort to broaden your acquaintances. Conference attendees are always more than happy to share their previous conference experiences or to compare notes as fellow first-timers.

If you have any sort of appointment during the conference, whether for a pitch or a blue pencil session or another type of meeting with an agent, editor, or author, be sure that you are clear as to when it is and where you need to be. If your pitch falls in the middle or toward the end of a set of workshops, feel free to attend one of the sessions if you like; simply sit or stand at the back of the room and slip out early to make your appointment. Just make sure you keep an eye on the clock and allow yourself sufficient time to get wherever you’re going. If your phone has an alarm feature that you can set to vibrate, consider setting yourself a reminder. However, if you’re concerned that you might lose track of time and miss your meeting, skip attending a workshop during that time slot.

Be prompt for your pitch/blue pencil appointment, and don’t forget to take your pad and pen, your pitch notes, and the folder with your opening chapters from your story. The first you will use to jot down information you get during your meeting, including what the agent or editor has asked to see if they request material, and answers to any questions you might ask. Remember that you will only offer your sample pages if the agent or editor asks if you have anything on hand. Otherwise, just take them with you when you finish your appointment. Try to keep in mind that the person you are meeting with is there to help, that they are a fellow booklover, and that they want to fall in love with what you’ve written. That is why they are there.

A writers’ conference can be a pretty high energy endeavor and you should go prepared to burn the candle at both ends. Evenings, following the formal workshops, are often filled with less structured events. Some will appear on the conference schedule, while others you will hear about through word of mouth. People will gather in the bar or lounge, sometimes there will be small parties in hotel suites, and attendees often arrange to go sightseeing or out to eat beyond the confines of the conference venue. Keep your ears open, chat with your fellow writers, and take advantage of these fun opportunities to mingle. They can make for a long day, but you can sleep when the conference is over.

A few things to keep in mind:

You will hear lots of advice from writers at all stages of their careers. Listen and filter. Everyone’s experience is different, so what works for one writer might not be appropriate for you. Keep an open mind, but also use your own best judgment.
Remember that the professionals attending the conference are there to help. They are agents and editors looking for new material, and published writers looking to give back to the writing community. But they are also people. No doubt they will be happy to chat, to give advice, to listen to your pitch, but remember to be polite and use common sense when approaching them. Don’t interrupt anyone mid-conversation. Don’t chase someone down the hall when they are obviously trying to get to the next workshop/pitch session, etc. Don’t try to pitch anyone in the restroom or when they have a mouthful of their lunch.
Plenty of socializing takes place over drinks. Keep your limits in mind and be moderate in your alcohol intake. No one wants to be remembered as the writer who got so tipsy they slid off their bar stool and cracked their head open.
Don’t be shy. These are your people.

Next week I’ll be back with the final installment in my series on writers’ conferences, discussing what to do after the conference is over. In the meantime, happy writing!

~Nephele Tempest

5/16/2012

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Thrum Me, Baby, One More Time

By Deidre · Comments (32)

Monday, May 14th, 2012

I’m currently reading a novel by an author who is always an auto-buy for me. I have probably purchased some twenty novels by this writer and I think she’s capable of basically blinking and producing fairy dust. So before I get started, don’t get me wrong. Love. This. Author.

That said, as I was reading along last night in bed, darling husband beside me beneath the fluffy covers, I pointed to my Nook. “See, this is what I mean,” I said. “The entire state of editorial is getting sloppy.” He’d been reading a book, too, and had already—thirty minutes earlier—pointed to the misuse of Gallic instead of Gaelic in his own novel. I think we all know that there are fewer people editing more books at the big publishers. And with self-published books, due diligence in details can be overlooked occasionally. But that’s not what this blog is about. It’s about how important it is for a writer to watch their own backs, because in the end, authors are responsible for what they put out. It’s their baby, no matter who publishes it.

In the case of my auto-buy author, I explained to my husband what was frustrating me: multiple characters were using the same dialogue pattern. Let’s say I, Deidre Knight, am prone to saying, “Well, aren’t I a monkey’s banana?” If I’m a fictional character, I should be the only person using that phrase. If some other character also says, “Well, aren’t I a monkey’s banana?” or “Well, aren’t I a doggie’s biscuit?” then it creates a disruption for the reader. We the people no longer buy into the author’s world if every character or numerous characters are using the same phraseology pattern. Even worse, we no longer buy the characters. It shatters the illusion we’ve stepped into.

The same problem occurs if an author is fond of tagging his manuscript with a particular favorite word. I used to be really attached to the verb “thrum”. His body thrummed with energy. My manuscript thrummed with a preponderance of thrumming. A friend would give me “thrumming alerts” when she read over my manuscripts, pulling back my overusage until finally I weaned myself off that word. But let’s use another example. Say, how many times do you think or use “trifecta”? If you do, what are the chances that your co-worker does as well? Or, say, “hoary”? My brainiac husband might look out on a winter’s morning and say, “Look, doll, there’s a hoary frost!” But I doubt anyone else within a ten mile radius would do the same. So just because the author is fond of a more poetic word does not mean that three characters in the same fictional world would be. That’s the distinction: is it a word that the author is imposing or a word that naturally spills forth from character?

Word repetition (called an “echo” by copy editors) is something that generally causes a disconnect for readers. It’s not just sloppy–it’s jarring after a while. What do I mean by an echo, you ask? If you use any word several time or more in a short few pages, say, vampiric. “His vampiric bride wasn’t sure how to bed and handle her vampiric husband’s needs.” But the repeated usage need not be so close together. In the case of a fairly unique word such as “vampiric”, if it appears even five or six times in a few short pages, that would be too heavy-handed.

Beware, too, the word that you the writer tend to use as filler. I discovered that I was prone to some variation of “just” and started search/replace every time I finished a book. Especially if I was writing in first person, present tense, for some reason, I “justed” all over the place: “He was just a man, nothing more.” “It was just a Monday, the least exciting day of the week.” (Bland examples, but you get the point, I’m sure.) I believe there are computer software programs that will even analyze your manuscript for phraseology and key words that tend to repeat too much. But the best cure, even if it’s the old-fashioned one, is to do what I do: read aloud. You’ll hear the nuances and problems that your mind’s eye naturally corrects when you only read on the page.

Editing is a vital part of the process, and it starts and ends with the author themselves. Even if you think your eyes might bleed, read over your material just one more time—read it aloud to your husband or best friend. And it’s especially good to give it that final go-thru after you’ve stepped away from it for a few weeks.

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Lauren Hawkeye spins a good yarn—in more ways than one!

By T · Comments (1)

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

For Darkness Shows the Stars Yarn

Lauren Hawkeye sure knows how to spin a good yarn, with four hot novellas from Spice Briefs, and the upcoming MY WICKED GLADIATORS from Avon Red.

But Lauren also spins yarn in a traditional sense, running a shop called A Good Yarn, where she uses professional grade acid dyes on commercially spun yarn—with books as the inspiration. This combines her two biggest loves (apart from her husband and child, of course!). She uses themes from novels for color names, recently creating a Sexy Sock representing Diana Peterfreund’s FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, and another for Rosemary Clement-Moore’s TEXAS GOTHIC.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at all of Lauren’s book-inspired yarns here. Pick your favorite one, and visit her store often for updates.

And who knows? Maybe one day Lauren will be dying yarn with your book as inspiration!

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The Dos and Don’ts of Writers’ Conferences: Part 2

By Nephele · Comments (3)

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Welcome to the second installment in our series on writers’ conferences. Last week, I looked at ways to determine whether you are ready to attend a writers’ conference, and how to choose the best type of conference for your needs. This week, I’m moving on to conference prep.

You’ve chosen a conference, filled out your registration forms, and made your travel plans. There’s money down, and you are committed to spending a few days rubbing elbows with writers of all sorts and talking up some agents in the bar. Now what? How do you prepare so you can get the most out of your conference experience?

What should you bring…

To wear? Conferences are not formal affairs, but nor are they a giant slumber party (though you may feel as if you’ve attended one by the time you get home). Leave the ratty jeans and sweats at home. Bring comfortable, casual business clothing, shoes you can stand in if you find yourself at the back of a crowded workshop without a seat, and some layers that you can use to adjust to drafty hotel hallways or overheated conference rooms. If the conference schedule includes a more formal affair, bring a nicer outfit for that occasion (no hiding out in your hotel room).

For networking? You’re going to meet many new people at the conference, and you should take every opportunity to talk to them. Many writers make up business cards, and networking is the place to put those to use. They are not a must-have, but they make it easy to trade contact information when you hit it off with someone at a conference. Don’t forget that these folks are your peers, and they might end up your next critique buddy, a great source for marketing advice, or just an ear to bend over your latest round of rejection letters. Keep your business cards simple: include your name, email, phone if you feel comfortable, and blog/web site URL if you have one. You can always email each other with additional information later. Bring a letter-sized envelope that you can keep tucked in your bag or notebook where you can accumulate business cards from the event, so they don’t get lost.

To work? Bring your laptop if you plan to get some writing done during the conference. You’ll see many diligent people getting their daily word counts done in the lobby or the hotel lounge. The reality is you might not write during the conference; there are many other things vying for your time, and that’s fine. But it’s a good idea to have your computer with you regardless. You should also make sure you have a notebook and several pens to bring with you to the various conference events, including workshops and pitch sessions. If at all possible, refrain from taking notes during sessions straight onto your computer, as the sound of people tapping away in the audience can distract your presenter.

Of your writing? If the conference includes any sort of blue-pencil sessions—where an agent, editor, or writer reads and critiques your work—they will tell you what to bring in the way of sample material. Beyond that, most agents and editors prefer not to be handed pages from your manuscript during a pitch session. However most is not all. Some agents and editors are happy to take sample pages and will even ask if you have some. So, better safe than sorry. Bring hard copy of the first three chapters of your manuscript and a brief synopsis (1-2 pages) in a folder or envelope. Make sure your name and contact information is on your writing sample. This way, if an agent or editor asks if you have pages with you, you will be able to provide them immediately.

What should you do…

To prep for the pitch session? A pitch is basically a verbal version of what you would put on the back cover of your book. It’s that brief, enticing glimpse at your story that makes someone else want to read the entire thing. Tell your listener what your story is about in a few sentences, including who your main characters are, what they want, and what is standing in their way. Give two or three brief examples of their adventures/mishaps/challenges.

You should definitely write up your pitch and practice delivering it, but also take that write up with you when you go to the pitch session itself. No agent or editor will object if you need to read your pitch because you’re nervous. Far better to have the notes than to drop your head into your hands and bemoan the fact that your mind has gone completely blank.

Pitch one project unless the agent or editor asks what else you have. A second pitch, if requested, should be more of an elevator pitch – one or two lines that give a brief intro to the story and the protagonist. Do not worry if you only have one finished project to pitch.

If you prepare your pitch well, you will probably have a couple of minutes left after you’ve presented and the agent/editor has asked questions (unless you have extremely short pitch sessions). This is a good time to ask any industry questions you might have, especially if they pertain to the agent/editor with whom you’re meeting. So jot down a few questions in your notebook before the conference, so you have them on hand if there is time to ask them.

To determine your schedule? The conference web site may or may not have the actual program schedule posted before the event. If it does, you can easily go through ahead of time and see which topics/speakers interest you. If not, you should take a look at the list of presenters who are attending the conference and do a little research on anyone with whom you are not familiar. If you have time, read a couple of books by some of the speakers you don’t know to get a feel for their style and to see if you might be interested in their workshops/presentations. But keep in mind that you can learn a great deal from many of these speakers, even if they don’t write in your particular genre.

Before you leave for the conference? Make a packing list and use it to check off everything you want to take. Get a good night’s sleep so you’re energized for the event. Relax and look forward to a great conference experience.

Next week: How to handle the conference itself. See you then!

~Nephele Tempest

5/9/2012

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Feed Your Kindle: Freebie Alert for Beth Cornelison’s TRUST IN ME

By Jia · Comments (0)

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Trust in Me by Beth Cornelison - free eBook read on Amazon Beth Cornelison’s books have charmed countless readers during her long career, which includes titles like HEALING LUKE and UNDER FIRE. For the first time ever, she’s giving away an exclusive Amazon freebie for her contemporary romance, TRUST IN ME (December 2011).

The 411: Fleeing a cheating fiance and a dicatator-like father, Claire Albritton set’s her sights on small town America (aka Grayson, South Carolina) for a fresh start. The absolute last thing on her mind is falling for the local hardware store manager Kevin Fuller, who has a habit of coming to her rescue when she has zero interest in finding her knight in shinning armor. But that’s the funny thing about love. Claire soon learns it finds root to bloom under any circumstance.

Read TRUST IN ME for free on your Kindle. Click here.

(Promotion available through Monday, May 7, 2012.)

Freebie also posted on Free Kindle Books and Tips.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Writers’ Conferences: Part 1

By Nephele · Comments (5)

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

We are in the opening weeks of writers’ conference season, that period from spring through late autumn when the majority of writers’ conferences are held. While attending one is not a prerequisite for a career as a writer, these events do offer a wide range of programming and opportunities that can be quite helpful for anyone intent on publication or looking to expand their readership. And so, over several weeks, I am going to break down the benefits of attending a writers’ conference, what you might think about when choosing one, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your experience once the conference is underway.

Are you ready for a writers’ conference?

There are writers’ conferences that cater to all levels of experience, from brand new writers to multi-published authors. What you need to ask yourself is what you hope to get from a conference, and whether now is the time to achieve your goals.

Are you a newbie writer with only a few chapters under your belt, looking for encouragement? You might consider a class or writing group to start, since it’s far too early to consider the publishing advice that makes up a large portion of most conference schedules. But if you’ve finished a manuscript and maybe tackled some rewrites, then a conference could give you some additional tips on revising, polishing, and prepping your project for submission.

Have several manuscripts under your belt? Maybe collecting some rejection letters? By all means attend a conference. You’ll gain access to professional providing advice on how to jump some of those submissions hurdles, plus the chance to chat with writers who have been where you are now.

How do you choose a writers’ conference?

Writers’ conferences come in all shapes and sizes, and so you need to make some decisions regarding what you’re hoping to achieve, and what feels most comfortable to you. Ask yourself some basic questions and keep your responses in mind while you’re reading the descriptions of the conferences on offer.

Are you willing to travel? Conferences are held all over the country, but travel can be an added expense. Consider your budget in relation to the cost of getting to the conference as well as registration fees, etc.
Genre versus general? Are you emphatically a writer of mysteries? Romances? Then a genre-themed conference is probably an excellent place for you to meet writers, agents, and editors who focus on what you write. However, if you’re interested in writing more mainstream fiction or multiple genres, a writers conference that offers a mix of programming relating to various markets might be a better choice.
What is your primary interest? Is the main draw of a conference the chance to speak with editors and agents? Or are you interested in more educational tracks, with tips on plotting, character development, writing a synopsis, etc.? Looking to learn how to market your book and build your audience? Some conferences offer all of the above, while others focus more in specific areas. Consider the balance of programming and whether it addresses your needs.
Is it important for you to pitch to an agent or editor? The reality is that you can always submit to an agent per their standard submissions guidelines, but many writers appreciate the chance to pitch in person and meet an agent or editor face-to-face. If this is an important feature for you, check the ratio of agents and editors to attendees, and try to attend a conference where these meetings are a focus. You want a high number of agents and editors in relation to writers, and/or a large portion of the programming schedule devoted to pitch appointments.
How much are you willing to spend? No one ever said that writers’ conferences were inexpensive. Consider your budget in relation to the conferences that meet your other needs. If something costs a little more than you planned to spend, but offers everything you are looking for in a conference, you might want to wait a year and save up to attend. Alternatively, look for several less expensive options that provide only part of your desired schedule and attend one per year. You’ll meet a broader range of people and possibly learn even more.

Check back next Wednesday for the second installment of this series on writers’ conferences, when I’ll be discussing ways to get ready for your conference — including how to plan for the dreaded pitch appointment.

~Nephele Tempest

5/2/2012

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Beth Howard Featured in the LA Times

By Jia · Comments (0)

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

MAKING PIECE: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, LOSS AND PIE by Beth Howard hit shelves in late March and it’s been on a roll ever since. The author hit the road in her RV about a month ago as a part of a book tour that includes pie-making demos alongside her bookstore appearances. Beth has racked up an enormous amount of attention, including a major feature by the Los Angeles Times profiling her journey from Hollywood mover and shaker to pie baker and American Gothic house resident.

The author’s next events include apperances at BookPeople in Austin, Texas, on May 8th and Pulpwood Queens Book Club in Jefferson, Texas.

To find out more about Beth Howard, visit www.TheWorldNeedsMorePie.com.

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May Birthday Roll Call

By T · Comments (0)

Monday, April 30th, 2012

THE IMPOSSIBLE CUBE by Steven Harper

Once, Gavin Ennock sailed the skies on airships and enchanted listeners with his fiddle music. Now, the clockwork plague consumes his intellect, enabling him to conceive and construct scientific wonders—while driving him quite mad. Distressed by her beloved’s unfortunate condition, Alice Michaels sought a cure rumored to be inside the Doomsday Vault—and brought the wrath of the British Empire down on them.

Declared enemies of the Crown, Alice and Gavin have little choice but to flee to China in search of a cure. Accompanying them is Dr. Clef, a mad genius driven to find the greatest and most destructive force the world has ever seen: The Impossible Cube. If Dr. Clef gets his hands on it, the entire universe will face extinction. Read Now

THE ROPE DANCER by Roberta Gellis

She Bewitches With Her Dance . . .

Carys’s livelihood depends on her agility, beauty, and balance. She enchants crowds with her exhilarating rope dance, but one wrong move leads to disaster—a twisted ankle and no way to survive. Alone and unprotected in war–torn England, she has no one to trust but a handsome stranger—a man most unlikely to give up his wandering ways.

He Enchants With His Song . . .

Telor is a man skilled with his hands. A gifted musician who rejects city life to travel the country on his own terms—free of any master. Taking on an injured girl will only slow him down. But Carys’s bold nature and haunted past intrigue him, and he soon discovers that beneath the beautiful exterior is a woman with a passion to rival his own. Read Now

BLACK DAWN by Rachel Caine

When a tide of ferocious draug, the vampire’s deadliest enemy, floods Morganville, its eclectic mix of residents must fight to save their town from devastation. Chaos has taken over the quiet college town of Morganville as the threat of the draug rapidly spreads with the help of the city’s water system. Whilst most of the locals have already fled, student Claire Danvers and her friends Shane, Eve and Michael choose to stay and fight. Things take a turn for the worse when vampire Amelie, the town’s founder, is infected by the master draug’s bite. Unless Claire and her friends can find an antidote to save Amelie and overcome the draug, Morganville’s future looks bleak. Read Now

IN THE COMPANY OF WITCHES by Joey W. Hill

All witch and part succubus, savvy businesswoman Raina has converted a Southern plantation house into an extremely profitable old-fashioned bordello. Because of her abilities as a witch, the demons under Raina’s protection can feed off the sexual energy of their clients without killing them—definitely a good thing for repeat business.

But when a rogue incubus shows up on Raina’s doorstep begging for asylum, the witch’s well-run business is put in jeopardy. The incubus has stolen an object of great power from Lucifer, and Underworld Dark Guardian Mikhael will do anything to get it back—even if it means incinerating the incubus on Raina’s porch to get the answers he seeks.

Not to be trifled with, Raina enters a dangerous match of wits with Mikhael to achieve their mutual goals—only to discover that the reluctant attraction between them is the most hazardous game of all. Read Now

THE KILLING MOON by N.K. Jemisin

The city burned beneath the Dreaming Moon.

In the ancient city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Upon its rooftops and amongst the shadows of its cobbled streets wait the Gatherers – the keepers of this peace. Priests of the dream-goddess, their duty is to harvest the magic of the sleeping mind and use it to heal, soothe . . . and kill those judged corrupt.
But when a conspiracy blooms within Gujaareh’s great temple, Ehiru – the most famous of the city’s Gatherers – must question everything he knows. Someone, or something, is murdering dreamers in the goddess’ name, stalking its prey both in Gujaareh’s alleys and the realm of dreams. Ehiru must now protect the woman he was sent to kill – or watch the city be devoured by war and forbidden magic. Read Now

INVITATION TO SCANDAL by Bronwen Evans

Plagued by scandalous rumors, Rheda Kerrich will stop at nothing to restore her reputation and make an honest living for herself–and she’s determined to do it without a husband. But times are hard, and smuggling is a risky though profitable trade. So when a dashing agent for the English government catches her in the act, she desperately resists his charms and conceals her illicit profession. Until she realizes he may be the key to her ultimate freedom–and unbridled passion. . .

Rufus Knight, Viscount Strathmore, has never had trouble beguiling the ladies of Kent. When his search for “Dark Shadow,” a cunningly elusive smuggler, leads him to alluring and headstrong Rhe, her objections to his amorous advances merely incite a tantalizing game of cat and mouse. Soon, they’ll find the very secrets driving them apart could ensnare them in a love they can’t escape. Read Now

POWERS by James A. Burton

Albert Johannson lives off the grid. He’s forgotten more than he remembers about his past, but those snippets he’s retained tell him two things: he’s lived a long, looong time and he doesn’t trust anyone, particularly gods. He’s not any too fond of demons either, particularly the one that materializes in his kitchen wanting to hire him for a special mission. It’s as deadly to cross a demon as to deal with him, so Albert reluctantly agrees to investigate, putting him in the path of a prickly arson detective named Melissa el Hajj with trust issues of her own. Clashing at a crime scene, they uncover a broken seal that seems ancient enough to have been forged by Solomon himself. The seal cries out to Albert that he must mend it or something dark and dire will happen. Albert, who has a special affinity for metal, must first discover exactly what that will do to his kind – and he’s only just beginning to understand who and what he really is.

Read Now

THREE TIMES LUCKY by Sheila Turnage

Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone’s business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she’s been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her “upstream mother,” she’s found a home with the Colonel–a café owner with a forgotten past of his own–and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking aabout a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.Read Now

NO ORDINARY JOE by Michelle Celmer

Nothing could stop small-town gal Reily Eckardt from heading to Nashville and living the dream…until her car and cash savings were stolen en route. Now she was high and dry in Paradise, Colorado, population 1,632, relying on the kindness of strangers—in particular, bar and grill owner Joe Miller. But why did the single dad have to be so gruff—andcute—while he was being kind? Her mission: save up and split before getting sidetracked by this sexy enigma.

Sure, Joe could offer Reily a job at his bar. Renting her his garage apartment—no problem. But giving her a place in his heart—no way! Poor Joe—it wasn’t long before the country crooner had him singing a different tune.Read Now

SOLDIER’S PREGNANCY PROTOCOL by Beth Cornelison

Survival. Danger. Living on the edge. It’s what Alec is all about. But crawling on his belly through the South American jungle is child’s play next to babysitting the mother-to-be with the bad luck to get caught in the cross fire. Safeguarding Erin Bauer and her baby is Alec’s top priority. Only, now the Special Ops soldier is falling for this brave, vulnerable woman with the melting mahogany eyes.

Alone with Alec in a remote Rocky Mountain hideaway, Erin knows her life depends on the rugged, enigmatic stranger. Alec makes her feel protected. Cherished. Complete. But he lives a life of risk and deadly danger. How much is Erin willing to risk for a love that could give them both what they need and desire most? Read Now

CASKET OF SOULS by Lynn Flewelling

More than the dissolute noblemen they appear to be, Alec and Seregil are skillful spies, dedicated to serving queen and country. But when they stumble across evidence of a plot pitting Queen Phoria against Princess Klia, the two Nightrunners will find their loyalties torn as never before. Even at the best of times, the royal court at Rhíminee is a serpents’ nest of intrigue, but with the war against Plenimar going badly, treason simmers just below the surface.

And that’s not all that poses a threat: A mysterious plague is spreading through the crowded streets of the city, striking young and old alike. Now, as panic mounts and the body count rises, hidden secrets emerge. And as Seregil and Alec are about to learn, conspiracies and plagues have one thing in common: The cure can be as deadly as the disease. Read Now

TANGLE OF NEED by Nalini Singh

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past—one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno . . . and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both. Read Now

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Agent Q&A

By Nephele · Comments (24)

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

It’s been a while since I did one of these, so I thought I’d stop by and find out what sorts of burning questions you all have these days. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the premise, you post questions you have about publishing, writing, finding an agent, etc. down in the comments section of this thread. I will return late this evening or early tomorrow morning and answer a few of them at random — generally three to five, but sometimes more if I have the time.

So, have at it. What do you all want to know? Please try to keep the questions at least somewhat general. This is not the place to pitch your idea or ask about specific plot points in your book unless it’s something that can be applied to a broader spectrum. Thanks!

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Categories : nephele tempest, q&a

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