Thanks for letting drop in today, Delilah!

Like many authors, writing is not my only creative outlet. I’ve done scrap booking, crochet, even basket weaving (seriously – don’t knock it – it’s more relaxing than you realize). But the craft I turn to when my words aren’t coming is beading. I love playing with all the shiny, glitterly colors and shapes and turning them into things I can wear or have around the house.

While preparing to go to RomCon, I realized I needed a few more giveaways. So, I put on my jewelry designer hat and created some blingy bookmarks and purse charms. Here are the results of that effort:

At the conference, there were hundreds of great ideas and nifty author promo but I’m always curious to know what readers really like to receive. So I’m asking you, gentle reader, what do you like? And you, fellow author, what has been effective?

On July 10th I have a new book coming out with Ellora’s Cave called Loss of Control. Like several of my earlier books, Loss of Control is a contemporary workplace romance. Since I can hardly wait for my new book to be out, I’d like to give away an electronic copy of one of my backlist books – it’ll be winner’s choice of Down to Business or Risky Business.

To be included in the drawing, just leave me a comment, along with your email address, and let me know what promotional item(s) would make you check out an author’s book or website? And for you authors out there, what promotions and/or swag have you done that drew attention to your book(s)? On Tuesday, July 2^nd I’ll draw a name.

BONUS: If your name is drawn and you’ve friended me on Facebook, I’ll send you one of my blingy purse charms (pictured above) along with some Dena swag.

Jeanie’s lousy boss has sent her on yet another business trip. At least this one has a bonus—she gets to work with “Steve the Stud”, the office hottie who makes all the women weak-kneed, for the whole week. When she finds him to be smart and fun as well, she has no clue how she’ll finish the trip while staying professional.

Steve got burned the last time he dated a coworker and has vowed to never put himself in that position again, no matter how much he can’t stop thinking about Jeanie and her freckles. When Jeanie finds evidence of fraud, Steve works more closely with her than he imagined. It’ll take all his control to maintain his promise while Jeanie struggles with an ethical dilemma.

Loss of Control is a Blush® contemporary romance from Ellora’s Cave.

Buy Link on Ellora’s Cave

Find Dena on the web at:

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog| Goodreads

Diana Cosby ©2014

When I began writing, I remember sending out my first partial, smiling, telling everyone the manuscript’s title, and that my book was going to sell.  Then, I remember months later, receiving the rejection letter.  I was devastated.  How could they not want the book of my heart?  And the rejection letter, Dear Author . . ., it could have been written to anyone!

Over the years I discovered that I had a deft skill for acquiring rejections.  I remember one day my oldest son carrying in a manila envelope saying, “Hey, Mom, you received another rejection.”  *Smile*  Gotta love kids.  After 100 rejections, I quit counting.  I decided I knew how to acquire a rejection.

Throughout the years, through every frustration and doubt, I never gave up.  Not only is it important to never give up, but it’s essential for you to RECOGNIZE that with each passing year, you’re growing stronger in the craft, plus, you’re connecting with fellow authors and industry professionals, which = networking.  Once you sell, your experience and contacts will prove invaluable.  I never realized until looking back, the benefits of selling later in my writing career.

I feel passionate about this topic because I wish someone would have sat me down and said, “That you write is well and good, but let’s say you sold, what’s your plan?”  Plan?  Why to write of course.  It’s critical that after you sell that you keep on writing, but it’s also important to build a reader readership.  In all honestly, unless you sell a book through a high visibility venue, the hard reality is that few people will know who you are, much less buy your book.  So, if you’re a new writer, realize rejections are a part of writers life, and plan for the day when your book sells.  Use your time accrued to your benefit.

Your success is no accident.  I find it interesting that my quote for today is:

“I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” — Brian Tracy

This is so true.  Persistence and perseverance are the key.  What is your exact goal?  Define it.  Plan to not only make it, but make it a success.  So, what can you do?  My take:

-If you have a website, great, if not, place it on top of your priority list.  Many authors have a website, but plan yours, let it reflect the target market you are writing for and will eventually sell for.  When I worked with my fabulous webmaster, Rae Monet, Inc. Design  [https://raemonetinc.com/websites.html], I came into the project knowing what I wanted, plus, I had a ‘Brand’ – Romance Edged With Danger.  I will always write suspense, regardless if they’re historical, contemporary, inspirational or fantasy.  So, we designed my website to be timeless.  If you look at my website [www.dianacosby.com], you will see it could work for any era.  I also love the simplicity of my web pages, that anyone coming in doesn’t have to wait forever if they’re on dial-up for the site to upload.

*Note:  Check out other authors sites.  What do you love?  What doesn’t connect for you.  Make a list of your favorite features for ideas for your website.  If you’re going to blog, great, but stagnant blogs attract nada.

-A Brand.  What tag to do you feel is the essence of what you write, regardless of the line, era?  As I said above, for me it’s, Romance Edged With Danger.

-Business Cards.  My take, keep them professional.  I have two different business cards, those I hand out to readers that have my website and e-mail.  The other business card, for industry professionals, has all of my contact information.

-Bookmarks.  I think bookmarks are one of the single best marketing tools a writer can have.  I always joke that if someone takes one and really doesn’t want it, odds are they’ll leave my bookmark somewhere – to be found by a reader who’ll scoop it up.   Also, I send bookmarks to conferences, booksellers, venues that feature the type of book I write such as medieval gatherings, and anywhere I feel is beneficial.

-Other on-line venues:  Social media offers incredible opportunities to connect with your readers.

-Conferences.  Keep networking!

-Marketing.  I’ll give you one word of advice, choose what you LOVE DOING, and what’s within your budget.  Caution – you can spend a lot of $ really quick.

After nine years of writing, I sold.  I found that in addition to writing an intense, multi-layer story, came the challenge of fitting in time for promotion.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed.  This is where preparing early in your career for success comes into play.  Your well-planned foundation will give you a significant edge to help your career take off.

As I look back, I’m thankful I didn’t sell early on in my career.  After nine years, I thought I was ready; in essence, I was clueless.  The years accrued gave me time to strengthen my writing, meet industry professionals, and to make friends who were a not only a bedrock in the enormous transition of becoming published, but who are truly a blessing in my life.  So, next time you receive a rejection letter, set it aside, and focus on building your career.  Last, always believe in yourself!  I wish each and every one of you every success!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
The Oath trilogy (Book #1:  An Oath Taken — December 2014!)
MacGruder Brother series  (Box set — March 2015!)

A retired Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning MacGruder Brother books are available in five languages.  Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.   With the release of her 6^th book in the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series, she’s now working on the 1^st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, “An Oath Taken,” which will be released December 8^th, 2014.  In addition, she’s excited about the upcoming release of the MacGruder Brother series box set early in 2015. Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

www.dianacosby.com

It has been a tremendous month and I am celebrating. I hope you play along—because you could win an awesome prize pack!

Why am I so excited???

Four of my books are up for major awards (Lust Eternal is a finalist in the FF&P Contest for fantasy & paranormal romances; Rebound is up for a RONE award from InD’Tale Magazine; and Making Over Maris and Heart of Ash are contenders for the 2014 Passionate Plume).

To top it all off, my steamy Regency romp, Dark Fancy, won the 2014 Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award in the erotic category.

So I am celebrating! What can I do, but give away a signed print copy??

Read About Dark Fancy:
In this sizzling prequel to Folly, when Lady Helena Simpson flees an unwanted marriage to a revolting lord, she finds refuge with James, a charming, handsome man unlike any she’s ever known. Helena concocts the perfect solution to her problem. She asks–begs–James to ruin her. Surely her betrothed will repudiate her if she is no longer pure. And if all her efforts fail and she still ends up married to a horrid man until the end of her days, she will at least once have known true passion.  But James is not all he seems. He is, in fact, a wicked lord with a dark fancy. When Helena awakens his desire, he becomes determined to take everything she has to offer and more. No matter the cost. Inside Scoop: Whether they’re making love outdoors at a grand estate or getting naughty in a secret sex club in the city, James and Helena put the erotic back in erotic Regency romance.

Read all the books in the Noble Passions Series: Follow the decadent exploits of friends and enemies as they find love and passion in the glittering world of the Regency–and its dark underbelly. Each book is a stand-alone read. Folly (Book 1) 2014 EPIC eBook Award Finalist 2013 Passionate Plume Finalist Dark Fancy (Book 2) 2014 NTRWA Carolyn Reader Choice Award Winner Dark Duke (Book 3), Brigand (Book 4), Defiant (Book 5)—Coming soon.

Read About the Mega Giveaway
You can win a copy of Dark Fancy, along with a bunch of other books signed by authors who attended the RT Booklovers convention in May. I picked up a TON of swag, goodies and books…all for one lucky winner. Additionally, I got some local treats including famous pralines…and a sparkly Tiara I bought there just for you. Read on for details!

PRIZE PACK INCLUDES:
Sabrina Swag including: A signed copy of Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award winning Dark Fancy, by Sabrina York, a bling pen, a signed teaser book and a Tiara purchased in New Orleans.
New Orleans Goodies: Pralines, Bacon flavored brittle, NOLA shot glass & Mardi Gras beads.
Exclusive RT Swag: Tote bags and gifts from RT events

Signed Books including A copy of Cowboy Heat signed by Randi Alexander, Cynthia D’Alba, Shoshanna Evers, Myla Jackson, Cat Johnson & Sabrina York; A copy of Texas Two Step signed by author Cynthia D’Alba and cover model Shane Rice; An autographed copy of Together in Cyn from Jennifer Kacey; A copy of The Taming of the Wild Child signed by author Kimberly Lang; A copy of A Scandal in the Headlines signed by Caitlin Crews; A copy of The Billionaire’s Obsession—the Complete Collection signed by J.S. Scott and more!

The prize pack includes swag from hundreds of other authors. You can check out the full list here: Sabrina’s RT14 Mega Swag Giveaway and a Tiara Blog Link: https://sabrinayork.com/?p=1728

Enter today, baby!

Good luck, and thank you for your continued support of all my books!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Sabrina York
Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York is the award winning author of over 20 hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. Her titles range from sweet & sexy erotic romance to scorching BDSM. Connect with her on twitter @sabrina_york, on Facebook or on Pintrest. Check out Sabrina’s books and read an excerpt on Amazon or wherever e-books are sold. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Free Teaser Book: https://sabrinayork.com/home-2/sabrina-yorks-teaser-book/ And don’t forget to enter to win the royal tiara!

CURRENT PROMOS
Free Teaser Book: https://sabrinayork.com/home-2/sabrina-yorks-teaser-book/
Newsletter & Ongoing Tiara Contest: https://sabrinayork.com/sabrinas-contest-and-newsletter/
Follow my blog for juicy updates: https://feeds.feedburner.com/SabrinaYork
Enter to win a signed print copy of Book 1 in the Tryst Island Series, Rebound: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17706507-rebound

FOLLOW SABRINA
Like my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/sabrinayork
Like my Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks
Follow me on Twitter @sabrina_york https://twitter.com/sabrina_York
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5817917.Sabrina_York
Check out my Pintrest boards: https://www.pinterest.com/sabrinayork/boards/
Check out my Barnes & Noble Author page: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/sabrina-York
Follow me on Ellora’s Cave: https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/sabrina-york/

I can’t believe how time passes. Summer is here and within a couple months we’ll be saying good-bye and welcoming Fall. Which begs me to ask what is your favorite season?

For me it’s summer. Yet the season is bittersweet for me. What I love about Arizona is what I hate about it—the heat! The triple digits definitely are not fun, but they do warm the lakes and pools and makes you want to shed your clothing.  :o)

I enjoy all waters sports that come with the summer. There is something calming about a picturesque ocean, lake, river, or stream. Even the sound of water whether it’s huge waves crashing against the rocks or the gentle trickle of a brook that really gets to me. In fact, it’s the place where I find inner peace. Which is odd because water is also the place I feel more daring.

Although I rival tooling across the sand on an ATV or Rhino speed scares me. I’m not the slowest one on the road, but damn close. My kids say I drive like a grandma.

Hey! I resemble that remark. LOL

But my dislike for speed doesn’t hold up when it comes to jet skis and boating. I love racing across the waves. The wind in my face, the spray of water on my hot skin just does it for me.

When I’ve had enough of the summer heat I love to escape to the mountains. There is something about the scent of pine, the lush greenery, and the solitude that once again makes me sigh and breath in the magic of the land. The beauty of life overtakes me and I feel myself in that quiet place again. The hassles of every day life can’t touch me—nothing can.

So where do you find your inner peace?

Is it somewhere green where the scents and sounds calm you? Is it tropical where the ripple of water caressing the sand or rocks carries you away? Or is it a special room in your house that transports you to another place? Or perhaps it’s a special person who brings out the warm and tranquility in you?

I’d love to hear where you find inner peace. And for taking the time to comment, I’ll pick a name randomly and you can have your choice of one of my ebooks.

I hope you have a wonderful summer! Don’t forget to swing my website or join me on Facebook or Twitter. My new release FEISTY (Whispering Cove) is now available.

Mackenzie McKade
FEISTY, Whispering Cove – Samhain Publishing, Amazon, B&N
BOUND BY AN ANGEL – Samhain Publishing, Amazon, B&N
STOCKINGS – Samhain Publishing, Amazon, B&N
BOLD, Whispering Cove – Samhain Publishing, Amazon, B&N
www.mackenziemckade.com  | Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Wicked Facebook

So. What is this thing called “trending”?  There’s now news articles all about… what’s trending – which is, essentially, news about what’s news.  A giant echo chamber of people all talking to themselves about what they’re talking about… to themselves.

You know, people who talk to themselves are, in general, considered, well, crazy.

So I embarked on a little mission to find out more about this crazy thing called trending.  “Google,” I said, “what’s trending mean?”

According to the Urban Dictionary, which has a slightly irritated definition, “’Trending’ is a mutilation of the English language that means ‘currently popular.’ It derives from a sad misunderstanding of the verb ‘to trend’ as meaning “to become a trend.”

A “sad misunderstanding,” huh?  Take that, Justin Bieber.

Hashtags.org has a more defensive meaning, as though they know that trending is silly but want to justify the, ahem, trend: “A trending topic does not just signify popularity. It is also translates to a win for whoever is the subject of the trend.”

Trending, therefore, is desirable?  Does that mean this Bieber guy is on to something?

To find out how A. Catherine Noon is trending, check out her upcoming release of Sealed by Fire, available from LooseId by pre-order and out everywhere on June 24th.

Lesbian fiction wasn’t ever something I deliberately set out to write, it just kind of happened. I answered a call for submissions waaay back in the day, and quickly discovered I liked writing it. The variety from writing straight stuff, the different scenarios that can be played with that wouldn’t work in straight fiction, and, of course, those sexy bodies. I’m straight, but that doesn’t stop me recognising beauty and sexiness in other women.

The curves, the softness where men are hard, the language, the emotion, the noises they make… What’s not to like? Don’t get me wrong, I like writing about sexy men and all the ways they’re different to women, but I like writing about Sapphic seduction, too. It’s delicious, it’s intimate, and, despite what some people may say or think—my lesbian stuff actually sells pretty well! But even if it didn’t, I’d write it. I love variety in my writing, and I’ve gone too far to stop now. 😀

Happy Reading,

Lucy x

*****

Excerpt:

Nadia Gorlando and I had just gotten off the exercise bikes in the gym when one of the academy’s coaches, Peter Ross, headed over to us, all smiles.

“Hey, Nadia,” he said, his all-American grin widening and his blond hair flopping down over his forehead, “I need a huge favor.”

I flicked my gaze to Nadia. She raised one of her perfectly shaped eyebrows and waited for him to continue. He did.

“I totally lost track of time just now and I have an appointment with Travis Connolly. Would you mind wiping down my machine for me? Or maybe stick a note on it saying it’s out of order? I don’t want to leave it all sweaty for someone else. You’ll be doing me a real solid. I’ll owe you.”

My jaw almost hit the floor.

Now Nadia rolled her eyes, looked over at the offending machine, then back at Peter. “Sure, I understand,” she said, as cool as ice. “The world’s number one can’t wait. Go right ahead—I’ll fix it for you.”

He babbled a load of thanks, then jogged out of the gym.

I gaped at her. “You’re not going to do it, are you?”

Nadia chuckled. “Of course not. He may be coaching Travis Connolly and Rufus Lampani for the US Open, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to clean up his mess.” She pointed with her chin over to the machine Peter had just vacated. “Come on, V, I’ll show you how I’m going to deal with this.”

I followed her, grinning. Her tone told me that it was going to be something fun. Well, for us, anyway. Probably not for Peter.

Sure enough, when she returned from the room off the side of the gym, she had a pad of paper and a pen in her hands. Deliberately shielding the pad from my view, she wrote something down, then pulled off the top sheet. Folding it, she then propped it on the sweat-slicked seat so the writing was on view to anyone who happened past.

When I’d read and absorbed the words, I turned to Nadia, impressed. Her smile lit up her face, showing dimples in each cheek, and her brown eyes gleamed with amusement.

It was in that moment that I decided I had the serious hots for Nadia Gorlando.

The sign read,

PLEASE EXCUSE THE STATE OF THIS MACHINE. PETER ROSS, TENNIS COACH SUPREMO, “LOST TRACK OF TIME”.

*****

A Raw Talent book.

Virginia Miller is an up-and-coming tennis star. She’s gone from a ratty tennis court in a park in south London, England, to the world’s top training facility—Los Carlos Tennis Academy in California. In awe of the talent around her, Virginia is all the more determined to make the most of the opportunity and show that she’s worthy of her place there. Her mentor, Nadia Gorlando, has every faith in her.

But Virginia finds herself distracted—Nadia, as well as being a top-notch tennis player, is seriously sexy, and Virginia’s mind keeps wandering where it shouldn’t. Will her crush get in the way of her career, or can she find a way to push the other woman out of her mind before it’s too late?

Buy links: https://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/sweet-spot/

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21521972-sweet-spot

*****

Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women’s Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at https://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: https://eepurl.com/gMQb9

*****

GIVEAWAY!

HOSTS – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to Rawhide, the most exclusive private dungeon in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, you never know who you’ll run into there.

Spurred to Submission  is the 6^th book in the series and takes a little different turn.

A Recommended Read from All Romance eBooks.

Be sure to leave me a comment. One lucky person will win
a copy of Rawhide #1: Crack the Whip.

When the death of their fathers brings Zoe Hampton and Max Cameron back to Big Spur, she hopes for two things—to show the hot shot New York lawyer she’s not a little girl anymore and the ranch he hates could actually ease the pain of the past. She’s got her work cut out for her on both accounts, and she doesn’t know whether to kick Wade into next week or jump his bones. Wade hates the ranch almost as much as he hated his father, and the only reason he’s home is to bury one and sell the other. But the old man’s will puts a hitch in Wade’s plans. Zoe spurs the Dom in him to take her over his knee for a spanking they’ll both enjoy. Even finding release at a private BDSM club becomes impossible.…until the night Zoe follows Wade to Rawhide.

Excerpt:

“Will tells me we’ve got a good crop of calves to brand this year.”

Wade’s voice behind her startled her out of her reverie and she lost her balance, tumbling into the pen. Before she could get to her feet he had climbed in beside her and stood looking down at her.

She spit dust from her mouth and glowered at him. “Aren’t you even going to offer to help me up?”

He stared down at her then shocked her by lowering his body over hers, his legs bracketing her as he knelt in the dirt. His long fingers wrapped around her wrists, holding them down to either side of her head, imprisoning her in the dirt. His grip was so tight as to be painful, and it shocked her to realize that it gave her pleasure.

Wade bent low over her until his face was just inches away. His eyes darkened to the color of burnt chocolate again and a muscle ticked in his cheek. He wasn’t as unaffected as he wanted her to think. That kiss yesterday might have been meant to frighten her, just as he was trying to do now, but it was very clear he was affected by it. Probably more than he wanted to acknowledge.

Instead of struggling Zoe lay on the ground beneath him, waiting to see what he’d do next.

“You know what I’d like to do to you, little girl?” he ground out.

“What?” The word came out in a breathy rush of air. “What would you like to do to me, Wade?”

“Things that would scare the shit out of you.”

He was holding her forcibly in place, apparently unaware she wasn’t attempting to get up. He was holding most of his weight on his knees so he didn’t crush her but she was essentially completely helpless. His crotch was practically at eye level and there was no mistaking the prominent bulge. Oh, yeah. He was as hard as she was instantly wet.

“You think so?” She licked her lower lip, seeing the heat flare in his eyes again and knowing she was pulling the tiger’s tail. “You might be surprised.”

He stared at her for so long she wondered if he ever planned to speak or move. Without warning he rose to his feet, pulling her with him. Imprisoning her wrists with one hand he swept her over his shoulder and stomped into the barn with her. Before she realized what he was doing he carried her into the tack room and slammed the door shut, sliding the bolt into place to keep it locked.

“Big talker,” he ground out. “Let’s see where that big talk gets you.”

Grabbing a coiled length of rope hanging on a peg he wound it around her wrists, tying it off and fastening the other end on a nail high up on the wall. Her arms were now stretched high over her head, forcing her to stand on tiptoe. Wade kept his gaze locked with hers as he worked, obviously watching for signs of fear or resentment or—who knew what. She knew she should be terrified, or at least alarmed. This might be Wade, who she’d known since she was born, but in the twenty years since she’d last seen him, who knew how much he’d changed? What he’d become? Her brain told her she should either demand he release her—or beg him. But her brain seemed to be disconnected from her body. The edge of fear crawling through her was wrapped in a blanket of suddenly exploding lust.

Who knew how much his control and dominance would turn her on? She could take this as far as he could.

Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | B& N | Kobo

Known the world over as the oldest living author of erotic romance, and referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

Learn more about her and read her novels here:
www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
Twitter @desireeholt
Pinterest: desiree02holt
Also on LinkedIn and Google+