It's A Sick, Sad World

Progress on Lucky's Story

2012-01-19T11:29:00.001-05:00

I'm doing it, people! I'm writing the second Cook County story and yes, it is Lucky's story. Turns out I had the wrong girl for him so I had to trash the six or so chapters I'd written and start fresh but I am rolling through now! The deadline for this one is January 1st if I want a good start at completing my goal of writing a total of 9 new works this year!

Slayer's Prey Revisions... DONE!

2011-12-10T19:45:00.004-05:00

I finally finished revisions on Slayer's Prey today and sent it off to my editor. I can not wait to share Jake and Nyla's story with the world!

I can't recall if I've shared the cover yet so in case I haven't, here it is!

And now for the ritualistic clipping my fingernails down to the quick so I can type like a madwoman as I embark on creating new material! ;)

David Cook Covers Led Zeppelin & Whitesnake

2011-11-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

Looooooooove this man! :)

Pearl Wedding CAke

2011-10-16T00:04:00.002-04:00

This is what I was working on all week and the reason I haven't slept in two days. Despite all the trouble I had with it (fondant is EVIL!!!!) it turned out pretty good!

David Cook - Star Spangled Banner - 9/11/11

2011-09-11T21:15:00.000-04:00

Giving Away A Book at Dakota Cassidy's Page!

2011-09-06T08:08:00.002-04:00

I've known forever that Dakota Cassidy rocks. Just view a few of her tweets over on Twitter and you're instantly hooked! Read one of her books = Instant Fan!

So of course I follow her on Facebook too and was pleasantly surprised when she offered lowly barely heard of authors like me the opportunity to take over her Qestion Of The Day.

Today's my day! Head over there and answer for a chance to win a signed copy of Blood Curse!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/DakotaCassidyFanPage

Grabbing That Dream

2011-07-12T21:02:00.003-04:00

We all have a dream. Some go after it aggressively while some sit around and wait on it, hoping it'll just fall into their laps while they twiddle their thumbs, and then bitch when it doesn't happen.

I won't say I'm not guilty of bitching about how some people seem to strike gold on their first attempt, or how some people just luck into their dream because then I would be lying.

However, I don't let my little bouts of envy get me down. My dream is pretty simple. I don't have to be rich. I don't have to be known by every reader in the world. Oprah doesn't have to read my book.

I just want to make a living doing what I love : Creating. I'm a crafter, a designer, an artist, and a storyteller. I don't know which part of the brain is the artistic side, but that's the side that I have shifted into full gear at all times.

I wasn't made to work for people. I can do it, just like I can eat broccoli. It doesn't mean I'm going to be happy about it. I would love nothing more than to work late into the night writing stories featuring these characters that constantly rent space in my head and sleep all day knowing my bills are paid, and I never had to leave home to get the money to do that.

I twiddled my thumbs for years before I finally plastered my butt to a chair and actually wrote a book, which I had to do if this dream was to have a shot. I didn't have to wait terribly long before I got published, but I started on the small press route. Obviously, that doesn't equate to big paychecks.

I am doing what I love though. I got published, which is one of the biggest steps in this mission. I can't begin to count how many aspiring authors don't make it that far becuse they give up to soon and let their dream float away.

Mine started to float away this past year. I let outside stuff get me down and shut down my ability to focus. As a result, I haven't finished anything since May of 2010. Not acceptable.

Getting published was awesome, but I still have a ways to go before my dream is achieved. My dream won't be recognized until I get that first royalty check that's good enough for me to quit the day job and become the hermit I've always longed to be. So now I am going to write. Every. Single. Day.

I'm working on Blood Revelation Book #5 and it has been giving me all sorts of trouble but I'm grabbing this big nasty bear by the scruff and I'm making it my bitch. I have a dream, dammit, and I'm getting that dream!!!

I hope you get yours, too. No mercy !!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T00:40:00.003-04:00

I hate fireworks and I'm not too crazy about barbecue, but I LOVE my country and thank God for allowing me to be born an American.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

As with all holidays, remember our soldiers and all they give to protect us.

I Want To Be A Ghost Hunter!

2011-07-03T00:54:00.002-04:00

I've been watching Ghost Adventures and it seems like a cool gig. You just go to haunted places and record your visit. I can do that. I've already been to Waverly Hills where I happened to have my hair pulled and I saw some ghost chick watching us. I also took this picture of like a zillion orbs out on the roof.

I'm brave enough. I laid down on a slab in the morgue for fifteen minutes. I've had a ton of ghostly encounters thanks to having lived in a few haunted places. Ghosts seem to like me, maybe even seek me out. I've done a few crazy psychic things so maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know.

I know, I know... there are a bunch of "ghost hunter" shows on TV already, but they're generally male ghost hunters. I think it's time for a group of women to have a ghost hunting show, and not sissy women who want to scream at every little thing, or women who just have to have their boobs popping out their shirts or always conveniently find a way to fit in a bikini shot, which seems to be the only way women get on TV (like the new chick on Ice Road Truckers. Chick is in Alaska ad manages a bikini shot. Seriously? Give me a break.) shows.

All I need is to visit these haunted places with a camcorder, a digital recorder, some flashlights, and an EMF thingamadoohicker. These guys do it:

So can I ! Who's with me? ;)

New David Cook Album!!!!!! Release Day!!!!!!

2011-06-28T18:00:00.002-04:00

THIS LOUD MORNING, David Cook's new album was officially released today although I already got my copy in the mail yesterday. Because I pre-ordered, my name is in the packaging of the special acoustic cd! YAY!!!!! Oh, and I really don't need to say this,but ... THE NEW ALBUM IS AWESOME!!!!!!!

Because She-Ra Frickin Rulez!!!!

2011-05-29T22:23:00.003-04:00

Haha. Went to Target to grab the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows DVD and my gaze fell upon She-Ra Season 1 Volume 1. I was attacked by nostalgia and had to grab it. Yes, I'm 32 years old. Yes I'm a mother and I work in a law office and I write romance novels with some very grown-up themes... but dangnabbit, I had to have my She-Ra!!!!

I'm glad I gave in to the urge to revisit a favorite part of my childhood. I've been watching these episodes with my girls and it's nice to spend time with them watching a good, clean show.

Now, however, my youngest wants the action figures and castle and so on... If only I still had mine... ;)

Kicked Writer's Block To The Curb!

2011-05-15T03:04:00.002-04:00

I've struggled this past year with writing. It seemed I was always too tired or too stressed, then I wasted precious time trying to write a prequel to my Blood Revelation series when it just wasn't working. I found reason after reason to keep putting off actually sitting my butt in a chair and writing...

...but I kicked writer's block in the butt today! Inspired by a few articles about romance authors who write full-time and actually make a good living from it, I decided it was time to make the dream happen. I grabbed the laptop, locked myself in the bedroom away from all distractions and this is what happened:

Blood Revelation Book 5:

Now, for non-writers who don't know how good this is, let me put it like this: 1200 words in a day is good. Over 6000 = AWESOME!

My Book Is Up for BOTW!!!!! Please Vote!

2011-05-07T09:59:00.001-04:00

Second Chance Cowboy is up for BOTW and voting lasts through tomorrow. Please vote!

My book, Second Chance Cowboy, is up for Book of the Week. Please vote for me. Pretty, pretty please :) http://bit.ly/uZdXJ

Bid On An Awesome Imajinn Gift Basket & Support Great Cause!

2011-04-30T14:23:00.006-04:00

This year I was able to get some Imajinn authors together and create a nice package to be auctioned off for the Brenda Novak's Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes 2011 !

It includes:

A brand-spankin new Kindle offered by our lovely editor, Linda Kichline, along with a certificate for 4 free e-books from the site.

1 signed print copy of Blood Curse by yours truly

1 signed print copy of Raphael by D.B. Reynolds & bookmarks

1 signed copy of No Fear by Allie Harrison

1 signed copy of The Vampire Julian and 1 signed copy of

The Vampire Jerome by Ann B. Morris

A journal, note pad, and signed print coy of The Hermitage by Sharon Sobel

If you've been wanting a Kindle and to try some books from this really great publisher, get those bids in. It's for a great cause!

Follow the following link

The auction goes live tonight!!!

"Crazy" The Voice

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

What an awesome combo: Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Ceelo Green, and Adam Levine.

James Durbin - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

2011-04-28T09:46:00.001-04:00

He's got my vote.

When he first came on it took me back to the week in Season 7 (AKA "Greatest Season Ever") when David Cook (AKA "My hubby") did "Hello". :)

Devon Sawa on Nikita

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Love Devon Sawa

Love Nikita

Lurrrrrve Devon Sawa on Nikita :)

David Cook - Cover of The Cars "Drive"

2011-04-25T22:35:00.002-04:00

Oh, how I love this. Great song to listen to when you've lost a friend, which I guess I did this week. A friend I never wanted out of my life, but... well... if that person was really ever my friend to begin with I suppose it wouldn't have happened. Still... I haz a sad. :(

Dragon Cake

2011-04-24T21:43:00.004-04:00

My 2nd dragon cake :) This one was done for one of my managers for his birthday. I asked what he liked and was told "Dragons" He loved it and had a lot of fun "slaying the dragon".

2011-04-24T10:24:00.001-04:00

Have a happy, blessed Easter, everyone. :)

2011 Fool For Rmance WINNER!!!!

2011-04-01T23:00:00.002-04:00

The winner of this year's Fool For Romance contest is.....

Kay VanArsdale !!! Kay ets a Kindle and a ton of other goodies from the participating authors!

Also, I threw in signed copies of Blood Curse for two more winners just bcuz I love surprises.

Full details are available on the Fool For Romance page at www.crystalrainlove.com

New Pic

2011-03-29T20:03:00.003-04:00

I hate, hate, hate having my picture taken, mostly on account of the fact that I'm not photogenic at all but I had my pictures taken by Ty Lockhart and they were awesome, especially this one so I had to share!

New Tattoo

2011-03-12T01:56:00.003-05:00

I was so busy with all this contest stuff I forgot to show off my new tattoo on here. This is my second and last one, much bigger than the crying eye on my shoulderblade, but not as big as it looks. I don't know why it looks so big in pictures. I got this one with my kids' initials inside the cross to represent God holding and protecting them. The roses are supposed to be bleeding, representing that from the blood of Christ comes beauty & life (the roses) and great blessings (my children) BUT... my tattoo guy forgot to add the blood drops so I have to go back in and get that done. :)

Want That Free Kindle????

2011-03-08T06:09:00.002-05:00

There's still plenty of opportunity to get in entries for the big grand prize package which includes the Kindle! http://www.crystalrainlove.com/foolforromance.htm

The First Finalist For The 2011 FFR Contest Is.....

2011-03-05T00:38:00.002-05:00

KAY VANARSDALE !!!

(Kay, can you set yourself up a Blogger profile so we can have a way to contact u if u win the grand prize or just include your email from now on when you post? U can email me at foolromance@aol.com if u need help how to set up a Blogger profile)

Today everyone should go to www.buffychristopher.com and comment on Buffy's blog to get in entries!!!!! Remember, a finalist is chosen each day to go into the pot for the grand prize and you can final more than once so everyone keep entering every day!!!

Win a KINDLE and more! 2011 FFR Contest!!!!

2011-03-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time again! I have gathered together another slew of romance authors and we've put together an AWESOME prize package including a brand-spankin new KINDLE!!!!!

Full details are available at http://www.crystalrainlove.com/foolforromance.htm including a list of prizes including the Kindle, signed books, candles, gift cards, and more!

Today is the kick-off and the very first activity that will get you an entry is pretty simple: Just comment on my blog today. Any post, it doesn't matter. Just comment away and you are entered to win (if you comment under "Anonymous" I'm gonna have a heck of atime finding you if you're a winner though ;) )

Make sure to keep referencing the contest page (link I provided above) because every day through the end of the month there is another author to visit and another activity to do to get even more entries in to the contest!!!

Happy competing!!!!!!

2 Jobs, 3 Kids, 2 Dogs, 1 Hamster, 2 Birds & 7 Books/Novellas To Write....

2011-01-09T15:42:00.002-05:00

I guess you could say I'm in for a challenging and very busy year. I just got hired for a second job, so now I don't have just a day job helping me keep my kids & animals in food and toiletries until this whole International Best-Seller thing happens (it's gonna happen, haters. It's gonna happen!!!!) but instead, I have two jobs. I will be putting in 60+ hours a week outside the house in order to make that almighty (and sometimes elusive) dollar.

And I still intend to write 7 books/novellas this year.

It's not going to be easy...at all. I'm going to miss my kids while I'm working so much, but the fact is we need money and until I get more books out there into the reading world I have to do what I have to do. It's going to be hard leaving one job and going right to another with no time with my kiddos in-between, but I plan on having very fun weekends with them. With the extra money I'll be bringing in we'll be able to do much more fun and exciting things together than we have been doing lately.

Of course, fitting in time for writing is another issue. I must share my weekends with my characters as they vie for my attention against the kiddos. With the extra money I may buy one of those Neo things(is that what they're called?) and write in-between jobs and on breaks/lunches.

If anything, this latest development will definitely give me the push I need to stay focused. Every time I want to sleep in and know I can't, every time I'm forced to cram all my favorite weeknight shows into one Saturday, every time I shed a tear missing something so simple as sitting down to dinner with my babies, I'm going to be that more motivated to finish a book and get it out there into the hands of agents and publishers.

This is going to be the most tiring year of my life, but it's all going to be worth it. :)

Welcome, 2011

2011-01-01T00:54:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year's, everyone. It's officially 2011 where I'm at and for the first time in my life, I actually care about the year changing. I never really celebrated before. I've always been the type to hold on to things... like the past. I would dwell on all the bad things and let crappy stuff affect me.

I'm done.

Stepping into 2011, I am letting go of all toxic people and toxic things in my life. I am not going to dwell on mistakes I have made in the past or waste my time concerning myself with people who are not concerned with me. And I am not going to waste my time being angry with anyone over anything.

When people hurt you or do things to spite you and you keep thinking about it, wondering why, or caring about it you are giving them power over you. If they were worth your time and consideration they would have never hurt you to begin with.

I have a big year ahead of me with a goal to complete 7 books/novellas in 12 months. I will do it with a smile no matter what life throws my way because I am the only person who can make or break me, and no one is stealing my positivity this year. Ghosts from my past will stay in my past, locked away out of my mind.

Smile, everyone. It's a new year, a new day, and a new start on the rest of your life.

Church Typos

2010-11-29T22:29:00.001-05:00

Got this funny email from my buddy, Reegie, and thought I'd share:

The following have all appeared in church magazines so let us thank God

for church ladies with typewriters...

--------------------------
Next weekend's "Fasting & Prayer Conference in Whitby" includes all meals.
--------------------------
Sunday morning sermon: 'Jesus Walks on the Water'
Sunday evening sermon: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things

not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love.
Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious

pleasure to the congregation .
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends

a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early

and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members

and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will

be used to cripple children.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Pot luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the

basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church.

Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their

electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The school drama group will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church hall on

Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use

large double door at the side entrance

My First Booksigning!!!!!!

2010-11-19T18:09:00.003-05:00

Kentucky Romance Writers sponsors
a multi-author book signing:

Anya Bast
Cat Shaffer
Crystal-Rain Love (That's me!)
Jan Scarbrough
Jules Bennett
Maddie James
Magdalena Scott
Renee Vincent
Shiloh Walker
Teresa Reasor
Toni Blake
Jennifer Johnson
Tonya Kappes

WHERE: Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Lexington Green Mall

WHEN: November 20, 2010
2-4 p.m.

I'll be signing print copies of Blood Revelation Book One: Blood Curse

Come on out and see me!

NEW COVER!!! Second Chance Cowboy

2010-11-15T20:38:00.002-05:00

I love getting new covers. They're like presents. ;)

This is the cover of Second Chance Cowboy, the first of I hope many stories set in Cook County, Colorado. I haven't received a release date yet, but will post that as soon as I get it.

Hopefully I will be getting the cover art to Slayer's Prey soon and of course will post it right away!

Daddy, How Was I Born?

2010-11-07T08:59:00.001-05:00

haha.... A joke emailed to me by my brother. Too cute:

Daddy, how was I born?

A little boy goes to his father and asks 'Daddy, how was I born ?'

The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway! Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:

Scroll down...You'll love this .......

'You got Male!

First Poem In 5 Years...

2010-10-10T08:45:00.001-04:00

When my dad died in 2005 I wanted to write a poem expressing what I felt. The right words never came. All my words dried up. I couldn't write a poem for anything, and turned to writing stories, living through characters because I couldn't find words to express what I myself was going through. I closed up, lost the ability to let it all out.

Well... I guess there's a good side to getting hurt. I got my words back. *sigh* It actually reads like a song to me. Shame I can't sing well...

A FOOL SUCH AS I

I never thought you’d make me cry

Never thought you’d gut me this way

A fool such as I

I once knew better

I built a wall , a fortress no one could conquer

I knew what it was to be hurt and wasn’t revisiting that place again

You came calling

Weakened me with words I wanted to hear

A smile that seized my heart

Laughter that wrapped around my soul

Slowly, a brick unwedged

They all fell down

One by one, then faster, faster, as you stayed.

I fell down

Fell right on my sword

Dropped it and left myself vulnerable

Wide open for you

A fool such as I

Should have known better

Thought I’d learned my lesson before

There’s always one who loves and one who is loved

Swore I’d never again be the one to give it all away and get nothing in return

A fool such as I

Did what I knew better than to do

Allowed myself to believe in you

Believe you wanted me too

Believed I was good enough for you

The bricks all fell down

My wall crumbled and you walked right in

Reached right inside…

Took what was left of my heart and left my guts on the floor

Over before it began

Didn’t even have a chance

Just the promise of happiness out of reach

Promised to me but I never got to touch

A fool such as I

I should have known better than to believe

A fool such as I

Really should know better

Yet I still wait for you

Still hope for… you.

copyright 2010 Crystal-Rain Love

New Contract!!!

2010-08-11T22:47:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I didn't make the announcement yet. I've just been so busy, but... Second Chance Cowboy is a go! The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract for Cook County : Second Chance Cowboy, and I gladly accepted.

I sent off the contract last week. I'll post cover art as soon as received and notify of release date as soon as I get that info myself.

I'm currently writing Seta's Fall, a novella and kind of prequel to the Blood Revelation series, which is due around 9/15 so I'm just working on it at the moment. Once that is finished up, I'm starting back on Lucky's story. I have the plots for the first four books in the Cook County series down so I want to crank them out and get this series going!

The Fire Still Burns... Still.

2010-08-11T22:17:00.003-04:00

I just signed the contract to renew The Fire Still Burns for another two years. TFSB was my first published novel. It was the very first manuscript I submitted and heard those magical words : "We'd like to offer you a contract..."

About two weeks later I was offered a 7-book contract for my Blood Revelation series, but TFSB is still my debut so it's pretty dear to me.

I'd love to say that my family and friends shared my joy of its release, but sadly, with the exception of one family member and less than a handful of friends, hardly any of them bought it. Some people didn't even consider me an author. Why? TFSB was released as an e-book. A 70,000+ word e-book.

Even people who enjoy e-books are hesitant to buy long novels in that format. Unless they have an e-reader, it's just too much of a bother being stuck in front of a computer reading such a long book.

Then there are those people who don't consider anything not in print to be a "real book". Either way, I didn't receive quite the reception I'd dreamed of.

However... There's good news, folksies. Sapphire Blue Publishing, the publisher of TFSB is going to start offering longer length novels in PRINT!!!

This news just flat out makes me giddy. Finally, I can have a bound copy of TFSB to hold in my hands and gush over. All those people who said, "I'll buy it when it comes out in print" can make good on that promise.

I don't know when it will be released in print, but believe me, I will be shouting it from the rooftops when it is. Hmmmmmm... I smell a giveaway....

Ladybug Cake

2010-08-01T00:36:00.002-04:00

As you know, I'm "The Cake Lady" around here so of course I would be the one to make my cute little niece's 1st birthday cake. Their theme was ladybugs so I went the 3D route on this one. I also made a 3D smash cake for her, which I always do for 1st birthdays. It's so cute watching little ones tear into their cakes. (-;

These were actually pretty simple to do. It's so much easier working with smaller cakes if you're working with fondant.

She seemed to like it. (-;

NCIS=Awesomeness

2010-07-27T22:23:00.000-04:00

Some random goodies I found on Youtube :

Workin' 9 To 5.....

2010-07-13T22:36:00.002-04:00

So... This is my 4th week at my new job. I really like it. Everyone's really focused on getting their work done and I can go for hours without speaking to a soul. It's kind of refreshing after my last permanent job, a place where everyone talked about everyone else and meddled up in each others' business. I never could stand that.
Plus, I'm just a quiet person by nature so it's nice to come in, sit down, and work.

The drawbacks?
I actually make less at this job than I made off unemployment. I was already struggling before so you know I'm struggling now. So... I'm looking for a second job. It took me 8 months to find one job so who knows how long it'll take me to find a second one.
I have to, though. It's that or lose my house and my dogs, because no apartment/rental house will let me keep my dogs. )-:

I'm supposed to start new classes this week, but looks like I'm withdrawing without getting my degree. I can't work two jobs and do college coursework. Sucks, doesn't it? Now I'll have to pay the financial aid sooner than planned, AND pay back the pell grant which I wouldn't have to pay back at all if I continued and got my degree.

If the mortgage company would work with us, it wouldn't be so bad, but HFC are frigging bloodthirsty demons. I wish we'd never refinanced through them in order to get a fixed rate. The ARM we were on was better than the hell we're going through now.

Anyway, I'm just dropping in to give an update. Didn't mean to get all gloomy so let's focus on some good stuff:

I have a permanent job!!! With benefits!!!

I have one novella under review.

I should be starting edits for Slayer's Prey sometime soon (10/15 is the release date). Can't wait to see the cover for this one. I wonder what the artist has planned...

I'm working on a novella about Seta (from Blood Revelation series)for an upcoming anthology to be released by Imajinn later this year.

Hopefully all goes well and hopefully I sell a decent amount of books this year to get me through the crunch.

Have a good week, everyone. Focus on good things!

CONTESTS!!!

2010-06-20T17:23:00.004-04:00

It's summertime, and I have joined forces with some great web sites to offer some prizes to help you get through those hot days! What are they, you ask? Signed copies of Blood Curse (Ok, so some of the scenes in the book may actually make you hotter), an iTunes card for some summer tunes, and the chance to win a Nook so you can take your ebooks outside with you as you soak up the summer sun!

Visit the contests page at my website for more information on these three contests!

http://www.crystalrainlove.com/contests.htm

Lucky Masters Is Creeping Up On My Bad Side...

2010-06-14T00:34:00.002-04:00

Haven't posted much. I've been juggling working and my online college courses, along with kid activities and...oh yeah, trying to write a book. I think I totally spoiled myself writing Second Chance Cowboy. That novella just zoomed right through from first draft to submission. I figured that since I wrote Chance's story in only 10 days, his brother's story would be quick, too. Nuh uh. Lucky has a whole lot going on in his life and the words are so hard to get out. I've got great scenes in my head, really great scenes. It's just a struggle getting to the part where I can add them in.
I've thought of throwing the five chapters I have out and starting from scratch, but I think I can continue on from the point I'm at now. I just wish I could write faster.
That was the upside of unemployment. I wrote like a frigging machine when I wasn't working, especially before I started for my degree. Now that I'm back to work the writing process is taking a negative hit. )-: I miss the productivity.

It's Rialto!!!

2010-06-05T04:38:00.003-04:00

Seriously, the use of stock photos for book covers has issues. Like this one: I keep finding my characters on other people's books... and they keep finding theirs on mine. It's kind of funny though. You never know where they'll end up. In the end, the cover isn't really all that important. The cover models never look like the characters... except for Ming. The woman on the cover of Moonlit Dream looked just like I envisioned Ming. Kind of freaky, yet awesome. As for the rest of my covers... The cover models don't even come close to looking like I envisioned my characters. Rialto, for example, really looks like Antonio Sabato, Jr. (-;

AWESOME Supernatural Video

2010-06-01T01:21:00.001-04:00

Just saw a tweet by @DeansChick touting this as the best Supernatural video ever. I'd have to agree that it is pretty kick-ass.

Guardian Cowboy is a Night Owl Romance Top Pick!!!

2010-05-29T20:22:00.002-04:00

Guardian Cowboy received a 4 1/2 star review over at Night Owl Romance Reviews, making it a Top Pick. I haven't gotten many reviews on this story, which is one of my favorites, not to mention my very first cowboy story. You can imagine my delight reading this review and seeing the rating.

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/c7RHul

BIG Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Imajinn Books!!!

2010-05-29T02:09:00.002-04:00

Hey, everyone. There's a big Memorial Day weekend sale over at www.ImajinnBooks.com through June 1st. Now's a good time to grab a copy of Blood Curse. (-;

Save 20% off a $20 order, 30% off a $30 order or 40% off a $40 order.

If you enjoy paranormal romance, Imajinn Books has something for you. Head on over and stock up!

My recommendations:

Lilith Saintcrow's Watcher series.
Keri Arthur's Circle Trilogy.
Virginia Brown's Harley Jean Davidson series (not paranormal, more cozy mystery, but SO funny!).
Scandalous Spirits by C.B. Scott (SO funny!)
Keeper of the Key by Barbara Christopher (time travel)

and.... Blood Curse by yours truly... (-;

Those are some of my faves, but there are many great books over at Imajinn. Check them out and have a great Memorial Day weekend!

I'm Working!!!! (And I had another David Cook dream).

2010-05-11T12:37:00.003-04:00

First off, congrats to me because after eight months of unemployment, I am officially employed. Sadly, it's only a five-month temp position, but it's something. Yesterday was my first day and I still don't know what my job is... LOL! We spent about eight hours signing papers and watching videos about workplace safety. I'm a "clerk" so I know it's something clerical. I have more training today so I imagine I will know what my job is by the end of today's shift.
It's a little strange being back to work. I've spent the past eight months at home on my computer searching for work or concentrating on my writing, trying to make some use of all the free time between job interviews. It'll take some getting used to being out of the house for such long blocks of time.
I'm still on the job hunt. I need something to slide into after this job ends.
Writing will definitely take a hit. I've been so productive these past eight months, but I'm back to squeezing in time, which is harder now than when I worked before, because I'm also getting a business degree through online college courses. I have to squeeze those in before anything else so writing sadly has been pushed aside. *sigh*
Anyway, I'm glad to be working again and earning a paycheck.

On to my David Cook dream.... I dream about that man so much it's frightening. In this dream I was watching TV and there was a little special that came on about him and he and his band were doing a cover of The B-52's song, Love Shack. Crazy, huh? After the end he was talking and some woman yelled out "Bring your sexy ass down here!" which he thought was funny. He actually walked off the stage, asked who said that and then started running toward her. She started running toward him (she was a really big, jiggly, older woman)and you would have thought they'd meet in the middle, but she ran right past him with her hands up in the air and just screaming like crazy. David cracked up and was laughing hysterically and kind of jumping up and down with tears in his eyes. He kept trying to catch her but she was flopping all over like a fish, so excited she was going to get to hug him, yet she was missing the point of actually hugging him.
It was funny. I woke up laughing.

I have weird dreams. I know. At least they make me chuckle.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T15:54:00.002-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. It truly is the greatest job imaginable, and the most rewarding.
It's so strange recalling that there once was a time I wasn't a mother. It feels like I've known my children forever and that raising them is what I was meant to do.

Each of my three children gave me a potted flower they grew at school and little things they made like a refrigerator magnet that said "MOM" and had my youngest's picture in the center of the O. They all made cards decorated by themselves. These are the greatest gifts. It's wonderful getting unique gifts from the heart. I treasure them more than diamonds and gold.

Mr. Man is making my favorite meal today: Fried chicken, pinto beans, corn cakes, macaroni and cheese and fried potatoes.

Gotta love it.

I hope everyone has as wonderful a Mother's Day as I.

God bless!

Legend of the Seeker Canceled? WTF????

2010-05-01T13:35:00.001-04:00

Can Twitter save Legend of the Seeker?

Word on the street (or in this case, the internet) is that Legend of the Seeker will not be renewed for a third season due to low ratings.
As an avid fan of this show who knows its mass appeal to fans of fantasy and sci-fi I find this hilarious.
The show gets virtually no publicity and has been tossed around all season from one timeslot to another to make room for baseball on the WGN network, which isn’t exactly popular, yet still rakes in over two million viewers.

The hashtag, #LegendoftheSeeker has made its presence on Twitter today, currently ranking third in trending topics with no sign of disappearing. Fans are uniting to beseech the powers that be for a third show of this incredible show they have failed to properly represent.

In a world where vampires, werewolves, angels and every kind of fantasy creature you can conjure (Supernatural fans will know what I mean) are dominating the entertainment world what sense does it make to not promote a show that has the fantasy element and is as entertaining as this one?

Legend of the Seeker tells the story of Richard, a man who was brought up as a simple woodsman but later finds he is the Seeker, the man who will save his land from the evil among it. Some of the characters on the show include Kahlan Amnell, a confessor. She can tell whether people are lying or telling the truth, and with a touch of her hand she can confess them, making them bend to her will.
Zed is an old wizard of the first order, and Richard’s biological grandfather. He can shoot fire from his hands and perform a variety of spells.
Cara started out as a villainous Mord Sithe, a woman who can use others’ powers against them and serves Darken Rahl, the tyrant who tried to control the world. Now on Richard’s side, she has fast become one of the most popular and complex characters on the show.

Legend of the Seeker airs on Saturdays on the WGN network. Check your local listings for times (and hope they are right) to give this show a try.

Once you do, please consider joining to protest cancellation by joining in on the Twitter trending bandwagon or visit www.SaveOurSeeker.com

I Might As Well Quit Writing...

2010-04-26T14:04:00.002-04:00

I've been noticing a rise in traffic to my website since my new releases this year. Of course this excited me, imagining how that would translate into sales. I got kind of suspicious when I saw so many of the visitors to the site were from several different countries. What in the world was happening to gain so much attention from foreign countries?

Found it today. Apparently, my foreign readers really love to download illegal copies of my books. I get no compensation from this, by the way.

I wrote an article about it here: http://bit.ly/c1GG0T but basically, my books are being illegally downloaded by the 1,000s and I am still scraping by on unemployment trying to feed my kids while searching night and day for a job.

Why bother writing if it's just going to be stolen? I might as well resort to something more lucrative to me... like hookering. You can't illegally download that.

In case I haven't said it enough, People Suck Ass.

To my readers who have legally purchased my books (or got them from a library, used book store, and other LEGAL means) I thank you deeply for being decent human beings.

To my readers who choose to just steal what I spend months working on, knowing what they are doing is wrong, and depriving me of the royalties I deserve and would love to have so I can quit worrying about keeping my house... I believe in karma so I'm not going to even say what I wish upon you.

Grow a conscience, people. It's not that hard.

Fastest Book Ever

2010-04-25T03:01:00.003-04:00

I just finished writing the first novella in my Cook County, Colorado series. I got the idea for it ten days ago, wrote the first scene... and then just took off from there.

I've always written novellas quicker than novels, the fast pace and short time frame they require always making it easier to stay on track, but this one breaks the record. 10 days from concept to finish. If I can keep this up I won't have any problem getting multiple books out per year.

This story (for now I'm going with the title Second Chance Cowboy)features Chance Masters, an ex-bullrider. As usual when working on a story, a secondary character stood out and caught my eye so book #2 is already being thought out. It will feature Chance's brother, Lucky. Hopefully I'll write it as quickly as I wrote this one and then move along to the next.

I loved writing Guardian Cowboy for the Wayback Texas series and decided to start my own series revolving around a town rich with cowboys. Hopefully TWRP will be as enthusiastic about it as I am. After a 3-release beginning to the year, I'd love to get some new material out before the end of 2010.

My Book is up for Book of the Week

2010-04-17T14:51:00.002-04:00

Blood Curse just received a 5-book (5-star) review from The Long And Short Of It Reviews this week and is now up for Book of teh Week. Can you please check out th ereview and vote for Blood curse?

Please RT & Vote: Blood Curse is ip for Book of the Week: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Thank you!

Oh, The Crazy Dreams I Dream

2010-04-15T23:26:00.003-04:00

Maybe it's the stress of looking for a job for 7 months and still not getting anything, or the fear of what will happen when I (very soon, if I don't find work like...NOW!!!)can no longer pay my mortgage, but I am having some doozies when it comes to dreams.

So, I woke up this morning straight off a trip to loonie land A*K*A My Dream World. In this particular dream I was hanging around the staffing agency I recently signed up at. Not bad, huh? I wasn't wearing any pants. Or underwear.
Now, this actually isn't that odd for me. I know we've all heard of the "Going to the office naked" dream. Apparently it is very common to dream about going to your workplace, school, whatever naked.
I don't tend to do this though. In my dreams, it's only from the waist down and I always have on a shirt that's just a weeeeee bit short to cover the essentials.
So what does this dream mean? I'm sure there's some psychological explanation for it. I just hope it's not literal, as in I'm going to have to start dropping my pants soon to pay my mortgage.

So that was crazy dream numero uno.

On to crazy dream part 2. It involves a common guest star who has made many appearances in my dreams since he took the coveted American Idol crown back in season seven. Yes, ladies and gents, it's Mr. David Cook:

sadly, in my dream Mr. Hot Stuff had shaved the middle portion of his hair off. Basically, he was bald from ear to ear, but still had hair in front and back. He had tribal tattoos where his hair should have been. He also had a tribal tattoo on his forehead.
His arms, neck, everywhere you can see skin (normally see skin in public, it wasn't THAT type of dream) was covered in tattoos. Really weird designs or just a bunch of words. He had the name Ashley or Ashlynn all over him. I'm pretty sure it was Ashley, but he wouldn't say who Ashley was. In the very few spots that hadn't yet been inked he had scraps of paper with designs or words on them (some more said Ashley) taped to him like place markers for future tattoos.
I remember being in the dream but I had no interaction with him. I'm not sure, but I think it was at McDonald's or somewhere and I was just looking at him as he walked through laughing when everyone asked him what was up with the new do and the tats.

Before he could reach me the dream changed and I was standing outside the apartment of Craig Horner, who plays Richard on Legend of the Seeker. He came out wearing a T-shirt and shorts and ran past the paparazzi into a waiting car, and I was shocked by how short he was.

That's it. Wonder what I'll dream next.

Love Scenes - To Show Or Not To Show

2010-03-27T19:11:00.003-04:00

Lately I've been getting quite a few remarks about the heat level of the love scenes in my books. Either I've shown too much or not nearly enough. Here's the deal: Either direction I go, someone's not going to be satisfied so I go with my gut.

On a personal note, I don't care for love scenes. Never really have. In fact, I skip over them when I'm reading regardless how they're written. I love sexual tension in a novel, and as far as I'm concerned if it's done well enough you don't need the detailed love scene. Make the hero sexy enough and I'd rather see it all in my head anyway. I don't care to see it in print.

However, this is not the case for the majority of romance raeders, it seems. They want it all written out so I must write those scenes. Regardless of writing "what's hot" I will still try to stay true to what I feel when I'm putting my characters' stories into words. If a described love scene fits, I'll put it in and the heat level will come from the overall tone of the story.

If I have a pretty tame heroine who never swears and blushes at the sight of a naked male torso I'm not going to have her pole dancing and wearing leather chaps. It's just not going to happen. Nor am I going to have a couple barely say hi and then they're going at it like bunnies in springtime. I won't write sex just for the sake of writing sex.

Now, with that said, I'll talk briefly about a few of the comments I've been receiving. For those who think Guardian Cowboy is too tame and were upset there was no visual lovescene, I'm glad you thought Presley was sexy and wanted to see he and Amber together. I knew before the book even came out that I'd get remarks about the lack of visual love scene. Well, I strongly felt that given Amber's background a full-on detailed lovescene would detract from the pure love shared between the two. Amber doesn't trust easily, and she'd been abused horrifically. It was very important to me to focus on the ROMANCE between the two, regardless how hot Presley happened to be. I stand by my decision to keep this story "sweet".

For those who think I went too far with the Moonlit books, these books are about werewolves. The steamier love scenes made more sense to me. A person who has wolf in them and feels compelled to mate when the moon is full is going to be more animalistic.

And as for Blood Curse... The hotter heat level just fits. In some Blood Revelation books you won't see a love scene because the story doesn't call for it. In Blood Curse the main "danger" was Rialto and Aria's attraction to each other which became an addiction. The heat level fit so I went with it.

In short, if you like the "sweeter" love scenes that aren't so visual, read The Fire Still Burns and Guardian Cowboy.

If you like the visual and HOT love scenes, go with Blood Curse, and the Moonlit books.

Please understand,I am not upset with anyone who has made remarks about the heat levels of my books. I welcome everyone's opinion. I'm just stating that I will continue to write love scenes the way I feel they should be written, and helping direct people toward the particular stories they may enjoy best.

If ever there's a question as to what heat level a book is or why I chose that level, I encourage my readers to ask away.

Thanks & Happy Reading!

Rain

Thanks For Ripping Me Off

2010-03-14T20:16:00.002-04:00

Just found one of my books on a piracy site. You know... If someone wants to get my book at a library or enter to win a free copy during MANY of the contests I do, I have no problem with that, but downloading them off a piracy site? It takes a special kind of vile creature to do that.

Do they not understand that writing is not a hobby? It's work. It can take a year or more for some books to be written. It can be emotionally exhausting. Authors aren't just sitting around in their pajamas eating bon-bons and every once in a while typing out a few lines.

Writing a book is no different than going out to your place of employment five days a week. In fact, I and I'm sure several other authors, have spent entire days writing. It is a J-O-B.

For those who think it's fine to illegally download someone's book I wish you'd work a whole month or three (the average it takes the fastest authors to complete a book)and not get paid for it. See how you feel about it then.

What's that? The site said it's not illegal. Of course they did. They've already proven themselves to be thieves, why not be liars too.

What's that? It's the same as getting a book from the library? Um, no. That book you got at the library was originally PAID for and is one physical copy taht will only exchange hands so many times before falling apart. It's not an endless download taht keeps going and going and going... BIG difference.

What's that? You're helping my sales? How if you're reading my book for free? I don't want to hear that bull about how it's free marketing and please don't start spouting off a comparison to downloading of music and how that has helped artists. Music and books are not the same. You can download a music artist's song and he/she still make money off the concert tickets and other merchandise. Plus, people may be likely to buy a full CD after sampling a few songs, but most people do not reread books. Once it's been downloaded and read for free, that's it. Exactly how is the author (who by the way is trying to pay his or her mortage just like everyone else)benefiting from this?

And to those who think authors are swimming in money, you are so pathetically clueless. The majority of authors getting hurt by these piracy sites are those who are exclusively e-published. Despite all the talk about the Kindle and Oprah's little endorsement, the exclusively e-published do not make very much money. Only an extreme few can do so exclusively and survive. Sales of e-books are nothing compared to the sales of paperbacks published by the big NY publishers. Unfortunately, we're the ones who seem to be robbed the most.

Why should we bother? Why work your tail off to attempt having a career doing something you enjoy when people are just going to rob you blind.

It's really disgusting, and heart-breaking.

Sadly, I often wish e-books and e-readers were never invented, even though that's how the majority of my books have been published. I'm never going to make a living from it when people want to rip off my work. It's sad, too, because there are so many greater shorter length reads that are only released by e-publishers. Guardian Cowboy is one of the best things I've ever written and it would have never been released in print because it's not long enough for print, but seeing it on a piracy site really makes me wonder why I bothered writing it at all.

If not for the fact I've been working toward being a full-time writer my entire life I'd probably say forget it and quit, but I just can't. I wish people would respect what an author goes through to produce a book and pay for it. If you can't afford it, go to the library or enter contests to win books and gift cards.

Would you walk into Barnes & Noble and swipe a book because you want to read it and don't have the money? If you're illegally downloading a book off the internet you're doing the same thing.

OK, rant over. I don't even know if this blog matters. Most people who do this type of thing probably couldn't care less.

Are There No Writers Left In Hollywood?

2010-03-10T12:22:00.002-05:00

Seriously. What is up with all the movie remakes? If not movie remakes, then TV shows turned into movies. These things were already done. The movies, most of them at least, can still be purchased on DVD. Why remake them?

WRITE SOMETHING NEW!

Geez, is there no more original thought left in the world? No ideas? Does anyone not notice that the majority of these remakes suck... pretty bad.

I can kind of understand taking a very obscure movie and redoing it but some movies just need to be left alone. It's been done. It was fine. Move along and go write something else. (My exception would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny Depp version was a lot better).

It seems like every time I turn on the TV or get on the Internet I'm seeing news of another frigging remake. Barbarella is now in the works.

I think the one that really gets me is Clash of the Titans. That movie was awesome just the way it was. For that time, the special effects were great and the whole look and feel of it is just as awesome today. I can just look at stills and previews of the newer version and know they've taken something very vital away from that movie. I mean, that was Harry Hamlin's role. Anyone else playing the part just seems wrong... and the creatures in the newer version are all that computer animated/digital/whatever the hell it is - crap and it just isn't as good as the effects used in the first one. Not for this movie.

Harry Hamlin in the original with Medusa's head:

The new Medusa:

Hate the new Medusa. She's just missing... something. I don't know how to explain it, but this was definitely one movie that didn't need to be remade. The original is still good entertainment for today.

Got My Author's Copies Today!!!

2010-03-09T22:39:00.002-05:00

I can't describe the feeling of holding my very own book in my hands. Not only that, but I signed some copies for winners of a contest. That was AWESOME!

Today was a milestone day. A big one.

Free Book Alert

2010-03-07T12:07:00.001-05:00

Passing this on for a friend and fellow SBP author:

Once a month, on a randomly chosen date, all email subscribers to this myblog at http://www.LisaPietsch.com will be entered in a drawing to win afree ebook of their choice from Sapphire Blue<http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com> Publishing. It doesn't even haveto be one of my books! The winner will pick their prize from the entirecatalog at Sapphire Blue Publishing. I will draw the winner randomly fromthe full list of email subscribers. Everybody qualifies and all emailsubscribers are eligible EVERY MONTH.Tell your friends. Tell your mom.I am literally giving away the store. Lisa Pietsch<http://www.LisaPietsch.com> www.LisaPietsch.com<http://twitter.com/LisaPietsch> twitter.com/LisaPietsch<http://www.myspace.com/lisampietsch> www.myspace.com/lisampietsch

Elvis Lovin' Mamas...

2010-03-02T00:59:00.004-05:00

When I wrote Guardian Cowboy I thought I was being pretty original. Presley's a cowboy born and raised in the small town of Wayback, Texas. His mother is obsessed with Elvis Presley (as if you couldn't tell by his name). He lives with his mom, in a sense. She has her own little house on his property. His twin brother was still-born. His dad's dead. I wanted him to be the sheriff of Wayback, but another author had already written in a sheriff to the fictional town created by a variety of The Wild Rose Press authors so I settled for making him an ex-bodyguard.

I discovered Linda Warren this past year when I scooped up her free read, Once A Cowboy, off allromanceebooks.com and devoured it. I loved it so much I dropped her a little note about it on her website and wonderful woman she is, she sent me two signed books. Pretty awesome, huh? Loved them too, so I bought Skylar's Outlaw (AWESOME!!!) and The Sheriff of Horseshoe, Texas. I just finished reading the latter.

Wyatt Carson is kind of a cowboy. Wears the boots & stetson.

He's the sheriff, which was the original plan for Presley.

His middle name is Presley.

His mother is obsessed with Elvis.

His older brother died very young.

Born and raised in a small town in Texas.

His dad's dead.

He lives with his mom.

Sound a little familiar? LOL! My eyes about bugged out of my head as soon as the character of his Elvis-crazy mama was introduced and I laughed out loud at his middle name. It goes to show you that when it comes to writing, you can never bet on your idea being original.

I'm actually kinda delighted. I mean, Linda Warren is one hell of a writer and now on my auto-buy list so the fact we thought so similarly is really cool. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

Oh, there's plenty of differences. Totally different stories and the heroines couldn't be more different, but it's just similar enough to be funny.

So... if you like cowboys with Elvis-crazy mamas please check out Linda Warren's The Sheriff of Horseshoe, Texas and my very own Guardian Cowboy.

Let me know what you think.

And the winna is......

2010-03-01T02:02:00.002-05:00

MEANDI'S CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats. Take your pick of any 3 of my published books and they're yours.

Oh, and for those of you looking for Blood Curse.... Well, it was supposed to be out but it isn't. It will be very soon. Everything's done. It just hasn't been put up for sale as of right this moment but soon it will be!!!! It's just got to be uploaded to the printer (I think that's what the editor said. I'm gonna have to check in with her again and see what's going on).

Once that's done my author copies will be on their way & I'll get that signed copy out to Saturn Moonie (and Meandi's Corner, if it's one of the ones you want).

Well, not much to this post. I just want to thank everyone who participated in the contest. I managed to blog daily though somedays I really didn't know what to blog about. I hope I didn't bore anyone ( - ;

Blood Revelation, Book One: Blood Curse

2010-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Three sets of immortal mates...One warrior born to save the world from Satan's wrath.
Vampires. Witches. Shifters. All will band together to stop the darkness from winning. Fury ignites, love blooms, and relationships are put to the test, all with a passion thatproves hotter than the flames of hell. The battle to save the world doesn't get any sexier.

When Aria Michaels sets out to find the vampire who took her mother’s life, she’s stunned when she finds Rialto Renaldi, the vampire who has been haunting her dreams, instead. She hadn’t believed he was real, and she knows she should run from Rialto as fast as she can. But who better to help her find her mother’s killer?

Rialto is reluctant to help the mortal woman who has invaded his dreams, even though he’s curious about who she is and why she has this strange connection to him. He isn’t, however, about to satisfy his curiosity. The last time he became involved with a mortal, he ended up destroying her. But he knows that if Aria searches for the killer on her own, she’ll join her mother in death.

Finally, Rialto agrees to help Aria, but the pair soon learns that fate brought them together for a much larger purpose, and fate has every intention of destroying them if they don't fulfill their roles in the Blood Revelation Prophecy . . .

~~~

She thinks I’m a repulsive monster? I’ll show her a repulsive
monster, Rialto thought, as he ducked under a rickety set of
fire escape stairs, positioning Aria with him among the shadows
so they could see the alley without being seen themselves.
“What are we doing here?”
“Hunting,” he answered irritably, and again asked himself
why. He wasn’t in dire need of blood. He could go another
night or two if need be, but here he was, hiding among the
shadows with the woman he’d dreamed about for over two
decades yet was still a stranger. So why hunt at all tonight?
Because you saw the desire in her eyes, he reminded
himself. She’d tried to chase it away, but not before he’d seen
the heat of it blazing in those eyes of pure green. It was the
same look he saw in her eyes when he dreamed of her, right
before she scratched her own throat to offer him her blood.
He would not allow the dream to become real.
She tensed before him, and he realized he was squeezing
her wrist too tight. He released his grip and brought his other
arm around her waist, holding her so that her back was firmly
pressed against his chest. She let out a soft, barely audible
whimper, reminding him of a kitten trapped by a pit bull, and
her fear spiked another degree. He could sense it rolling off of
her in fervent waves as blood pumped harder through her veins,
calling to him like a siren’s song. He dipped his head, smelling
the skin of her neck peeking out from the collar of her jacket.
Coconut and leather fused together, combining with the fragrant
aroma of blood and fear, begging him to taste the droplets of
sweat glistening along her collarbone.
“Try it and die,” Aria warned, and he felt the unmistakable
point of a sharpened stake pushing against his throat.

*********************************************************************************

I'll announce the winner of the signed copy of Blood Curse in the comments once I've drawn. Once I get my author copies I'll sign one and it'll be on its way to the winner ( - ;

If you leave a comment today, don't forget to include #CRLwin in your comment so you can gain more entries for the grand prize giveaway. Tomorrow I'll draw a winner to win any 3 of my published books. All will be signed (the e-books will be on signed CD)

My Favorite Vampire Book

2010-02-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

With the upcoming release of my first book featuring vampires, I thought we'd discuss favorite vampire books. Mine just happens to be the first vampire romance I ever read. Twilight Hunger, by Maggie Shayne.

Dante was the ultimate vampire hero. He had the whole attitude going on. Dark, mysterious, somewhat tortured. He acted like a man who'd lived way too damn long. He was one tough SOB, too.

If I'm being honest, the heroine of the book was a little too weak for my liking, but she had a medical condition and was dying so hullo... she was allowed to be a little weak.

I loved their story, and how they instantly fell for each other.

I see a little of Dante in Rialto, the hero of Blood Curse. The long dark hair, the protectiveness. Dante was turned by his aunt. Rialto was turned by his mother. They both have that still-clinging-to-the-old-world feel about them.

*sigh* Maggie Shayne writes some kick-ass vampires.

I'm honestly surprised Shayne isn't more known than she is. The Wings In The Night series (I call it the Twilight series because the majority of the titles have Twilight in the name...and before anyone says anything she was writing these gems looooooooooong before Edward and Bella came out) has done really well. She's a best-selling author. Yet, when I mention her books I always get a "never heard of her." Maybe I'm just not hanging around the right people...

Anyway. Twilight Hunger is my favorite vampire book of all time, and the book that started my love of the genre. What's yours?

*******************************************************************************

Remember to include #CRLwin in your comments. I'll be announcing a winner of Blood Curse on the 28th (I think I said 27th in an earlier post. That was incorrect. Sorry).

Come back on 3/1 to see who wins the grand prize of any 3 of my books. All comments featuring #CRLwin in them are automatically entered. get some more in while time allows!

Meet the Dream Teller

2010-02-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

With the Blood Revelation series soon kicking off with the release of Blood Curse, I thought I'd introduce you to whom is probably the most major minor character in the series.

THE DREAM TELLER

In the realm of dreams, an old wise witch roams, watching over the chosen. She sees them through sightless eyes, knows what they will do before they do it, and puts them back on the right path when they veer away.

Hello, Dream Teller. Is that what you go by or is there another name you use?

Dream Teller is fine.

OK. Thank you for joining us today. I should explain to our guests that I've actually joined you today, as you never leave this realm. It's pretty cold here.

The dream realm has been known to amplify one's fears, chilling them. It is a normal reaction.

Did Rialto and Aria have this reaction?

Yes. Aria, especially.

Why did you bring them here?

I had an important message. From time to time I must bring very special people here to deliver urgent messages or guide them on their way.

Of all the people you've brought here, who did you like the most? And the least?

All I have brought here have been chosen for a greater purpose. They are all special in some way and I enjoy them all. Seta, though, amuses me the most. Jacob can be the most... trying, but I am very fond of him.

I've certainly heard Jake described as trying before, but I don't think many people would use the word amusing to describe Seta.

No one else would be brave enough. Seta is very fiery, but we understand each other, I suspect.

Hmmm. I drew a picture of you for our guests. What do you think ab... Oh. I mean...

It's all right, dear. I may be blind, but I see far more than most. I'm sure your picture is bea... well, I'm sure it represents my appearance well.

How old are you, if I may ask? I've heard you've been around quite a long time.

Many, many centuries.

You've always lived in this realm?

Not always, but... It feels like it.

I thought witches weren't immortal unless they're part vampire. Are you a hybrid?

No.

So how have you lived for so long? Does it have something to do with this realm?

I'm very special, as are the chosen. I believe we were to discuss them today.

Oh yeah. Right. So you've seen the actual Blood Revelation prophesy in its entirety and know it well? You're not just going off the stories passed down through generations?

The prophesy is carefully protected in this realm. I know exactly who the chosen are and what their duty is.

Can you share this with us?

The Blood Revelation prophesy states that three sets of chosen immortals will mate, creating powerful soldiers, one of which will save the human race from Satan's wrath.

So... Is that one child to each pair of chosen immortals? How will they know which one is the one who'll save us?

They'll know. They'll know before the child is even born.

So why do more have to be born? Why not just the special child who's going to save us?

You'll see. There is a reason to everything.

Will the child be a boy or a girl?

For the protection of the child, I'd better not say.

The special child will be hunted, correct?

All of the chosen will be hunted. The parents and the children will never be able to quit looking over their shoulders until the prophesy is fulfilled.

Why were immortals chosen? Why vampires? Aren't they suppsoed to be born of evil?

Some are. Some aren't. Just as with humans, there are bad and good in all lifeforms. Oh, believe me, there are some very evil vampires, some of which the chosen will have to go against, but there are others even more evil than them. And there are some good vampires, braver and more caring than any human you have ever met. You must judge by the heart, never by the genetic makeup. The immortals chosen for this prophesy were chosen because of what lies in their hearts. They are strong fighters, yes, but more than that. They will die for what is right.

That sounds ominous. Will they have to die to complete this prophesy?

Some will, and some won't, but death is not what you think it is. It is not what you fear.

Oooh-kay. I'll take your word for it. Is tehre anything else you can tell the readers?

Just to open their minds and enjoy the story, safely assured the Blood Revelation prophesy will be fulfilled, even if I have to prod some stubborn immortals in the right direction from time to time.

Ok, then. Thank you, Dream Teller, for uh, having me over. Now please beam me back down. I'm freezing my ta ta's off and I didn't have much to begin with.

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The Blood REvelation, Book One: Blood Curse (Rialto and Aria's story) will be released soon and I'll be drawing a winner on the 27th to receive a signed copy. To enter, just continue leaving comments on my blog and don't forget to use #CRLwin in your comment to be entered!

Greatest TV Shows

2010-02-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share some of my fave shows with you today. Who else is a fan?

Supernatural funny scenes:

NCIS :

Burn Notice:

Legend of the Seeker:

Release Day - GUARDIAN COWBOY is now available!!!!

2010-02-24T00:26:00.003-05:00

It's out! It's out! You can now get your copy of Guardian Cowboy!

Oh, and of course some lucky winner is going to get one for free today. I'll announce in the comments after I choose the winner. In the meantime, here's the salespitch ( - ; :

Guardian Cowboy

After a failed bodyguarding assignment, the last thing Presley West wants is to save a damsel in distress, but the spunky woman he finds standing on the side of the interstate in the pouring rain brings out his protective instincts.
Amber Barlow ran from the clutches of a demon, and into the arms of an angel. But the closer she gets to her guardian cowboy, the more her fear grows, because a southern gentleman like Presley could never want a woman with a past as soiled as hers.

Excerpt:

Amber walked forward until she could see the gun. The cowboy hadn’t set it on the hood like she’d thought, but had placed it under a windshield wiper to keep it from sliding off under the onslaught of rain. Staring at the weapon, she felt stupid holding the rock and let it fall to the ground. There were four miles between her and the next town, and she had no working vehicle. No shelter. No food. No water. Her clothes were soaked through, and her only protection from the elements was a Stetson. “What do I do?”
As if answering, lightning streaked across the sky followed by a deep roll of thunder, then rain came crashing down harder. Amber grabbed the gun, double-checked it was in firing condition, and trudged toward the passenger side of the truck.
She jerked the door open and aimed the gun at the cowboy, who looked at her with raised eyebrows. “I will shoot you, cowboy.”
He nodded his head, still looking at her sideways. “Fine, but can you get in and close the door first before you let all the rain in?”
Amber let out a huff of breath, irritation from his lack of fear easing back a little of her own. She could feel the warmth coming from the vents in the dashboard and craved more. She swung inside the truck and closed the door, keeping the gun steadily pointed on the large man next to her. “I mean it, cowboy. One wrong move and there goes a testicle.”

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The Fangs, Claws, and Stetsons contest is still in full effect. The next drawing will be on 2/27 for a signed print copy of Blood Revelation, Book One: Blood Curse so don't get upset if you don't win the Guardian Cowboy drawing ( - ; Keep leaving those #CRLwin comments!

Guardian Angels

2010-02-23T00:49:00.002-05:00

Since today's the last day for entries for the Guardian Cowboy giveaway (It's coming out tomorrow!!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEAAAALLLLL! Ok, excitement has been purged.) I thought I'd make this post about guardian angels.

I recently (I think it was recently. The way my days and weeks and months run together it coulda been last Juvember...) commented on another blog where guardian angels were the topic and was amazed by all the stories of guardian angels.

In a way I think I've had one. When I was very young, somewhere between 4 and 6, I was sitting on the swingset at my memmaw's when my aunt lost control of her car and came straight at me. I was paralyzed with fear and just sat there watching the car barreling down on me. I could see my aunt's face and she was stunned & terrified too. My oldest brother jumped in the car (right on her lap) and stomped on the break, but not in time. They hit the swingset and it was a mangled mess.

I wasn't in it. Something moved me to the tree in the middle of the yard and dropped me. My legs moved, but I wasn't running. It was the weirdest thing.

I also remember during second or third grade, we stood outside to wait for the schoolbusses at the end of the day and I was a little bitty thing. These two big boys came up and started picking on me. My brother wasn't anywhere near to see so I was on my own and basicly defenseless. Some other big kid walked over and told them to leave me alone. They took one look at the kid and scrammed. I turned to thank the kid and there was no one there. I looked all over. There was absolutely nowhere that kid could have escaped to that fast and I never saw him again.

Things have happened in my life that made me wonder if I had a guardian angel. I remember the day my daddy died, earlier in the day I'd looked up and saw the bright white outline of what had to be a kid standing in the hall looking in the window to his hospital room. I wondered who it could have been, and later on my mother and brother went to a psychic who told my brother our sister was watching over us. My mom had never told him about the child she lost between him and me (miscarriage). There was no way the psychic could have known this, but he did. It really makes you wonder, doesn't it?

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Last day for entries for the Guardian Cowboy giveaway. Remember to leave #CRLwin in your comments to enter! (And if you don't win this time, don't worry. I'll be giving away a copy of Blood Curse next.)
Winner of Guardian Cowboy announced tomorrow!

Goals

2010-02-22T09:16:00.002-05:00

Late with today's post/ sorry. I guess it goes with today's theme anyway. I'm talking about goals. Namely. my goals. I've been slacking off. Blame it on depression. Blame it on being unemployed and stressed to the max, but whatever you call it, it's still just laziness. I can't keep being sluggish all the time, staying up all night & sleeping all day. Sure, I say "I can get a 3rd shift job and everything'll be great" but it's been 6 months and I have had no job offers. I'll take what I get and chances are it's gonna be a day job so.....

No more naps. I don't care how bad my eyes burn , I am not napping. I will do frigging jumping jacks to wake myself up.

No more scarfing Zingers. I used to eat whole large pizzas for dinner and follow up with a ten-pack of Taco Bell soft tacos for lunch and it never went anywhere. Since I hit 30 last year, this stuff has been sticking to my thighs. Not good. So no more high-sugar low-anything good junk food fests.

I will start eating breakfast instead of going all day without anything then shoveling in a huge dinner and finding myself hungry at 10p.m. and raiding the kitchen for fast junk like Zingers, pie, ice cream, and Little Debbies.

No more late night runs to McDonalds or Burger King.

No more 4 cans of Cherry Coke a day. It's just not good for me. 2 cans, tops.

I will write every single day, no matter what.

I will learn to say no when people ask me to do things I know I don't have time for (like the cake I'm making today).

No more sulking and procrastinating. It's feeding my laziness.

No More Laziness. Seriously, I'm too young to feel this old. Time to start walking at the zoo on good weather days. Exercising at home on bad days. Gotta get UP.

Set a daily plan and stick to it. Yup. I'm gonna have a plan for every single day, a list of daily tasks that I must complete. Or no Cheesecake Factory. Ever again. ) - :

So those are my goals to get my butt in gear. What's yours?

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Remember to leave #CRLwin in your comment to be entered to win a copy of Guardian Cowboy that I'll be giving away 2/24 ( - ;

My Latest Creations

2010-02-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today I thought I'd share some of my latest creations with you, because in case you didn't know, writing isn't my only talent. Neither is chocolate Zinger Inhalation (I believe I hold the record for that). I also make some cute cakes. Here's some of my latest works of art:

Getting To Know Wayback, Texas

2010-02-20T01:13:00.001-05:00

Since my contribution to the Wayback series will be released this coming Wednesday (whoo hoo!!!!!!) I thought I'd introduce y'all to Wayback, Texas by giving you a little peek at some of the great stories in the series. For even more follow this link:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/books-in-series-wayback-texas-c-172_173.html?zenid=3e51742d0e9cbf43f3ce904510aec8d7

Here's just a few, some with covers (I'd provide covers for all but I'm doing this at 1:00 a.m. and I'm so tired my eyes are burning so I'm trying to do this quickly), to whet your appetite. I love the entire series, but Blackest Heart, and the anthology, Finding Their Way Back, are probably my favorites. They're all worth reading so check 'em out and then go grab 'em ( - ;

BLUEST HEART
The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn't stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie's Treasures doesn't believe in commitment much less marriage.
Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey's charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.
Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

SHOWDOWN IN SOUTHFORK
Marla Ellington inherits an abandoned town on ranchland near Wayback, Texas. When she arrives to claim her property, and finds Cody Matheson sitting on the porch of the dilapidated honky-tonk, her temper flares hotter than her pistol. Anger blazing, she settles in for a showdown.
Cody’s only goal for the week is to win the bull-riding event at the Saturday night rodeo. But when Marla receives an anonymous threat that forces her to leave town, Cody finds himself smack-dab in the middle of a mystery. ’Course, catching a criminal and lasting eight seconds on a bull are easy compared to winning the love of the feisty, strawberry-blonde beauty who wants nothing to do with him. Now it's his turn for a showdown.

BLACKEST HEART
America's Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family's ranch.
The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

RE-RIDE AT THE RODEO
Saddle bronc rider Clay Tanner is looking for a good time and the tempting little blonde who’s working the beer concession at the rodeo looks like she could use one—except she turns him down. Feeling like he’s been bucked off his bronc before the eight second buzzer, Clay’s betting he can score if she’ll give him a re-ride. But qualifying may call for more than he’s prepared to give.
Dusty Morgan’s nonplussed when hard-bodied cowboy Clay Tanner hits on her. She doesn’t exactly have the kind of figure that attracts Texas cowboys. Besides, even though Clay’s deep timbred voice sends tingles clear to her toes, he’s an undependable rough stock rider and a player to boot. Though he may be what she desires, Dusty knows from experience he isn’t what she needs—or is he?

SHADOW OF THE HAWK
Hawk Riley’s life was in a downward spiral until his truck fell on him and he met Maggie Devereaux. And Maggie had problems. Lots of them. A stranger was out to destroy her. She was on the verge of losing her famous cutting horse ranch, Mercy Creek. And she needed help to prepare for the Wayback Grand Rodeo, her make-it-or-break-it moment. Pursued by a red tailed hawk and haunted by a persistent nightmare, could Hawk help Maggie save Mercy Creek and in doing so save himself?

HOT NIGHT AT THE BLUE BUG SALOON
Her friends call her the Intimidator. All the fellas in Wayback, Texas are overwhelmed by her outrageous curves and sassy personality. But sexy as sin cowboy Nash Logan isn’t afraid of anything. Eight seconds on a crazy-mad bull? No problem. Taming a bucking bronco? A snap. When Gina Ballew saunters up to him one night at the Blue Bug Saloon, he knows its going to take an easy hand to tame this sweet Texas lady. It’s going to be a Hot Night at the Blue Bug Saloon.

FINDING THEIR WAY BACK
When Elizabeth O'Leary meets up with the cowboy she's been avoiding for over two years, she doesn't know whether to trust her heart or her head. One tells her Grey Wulfsen just might be The One, the other tells her it doesn’t matter because he'll never forgive her when he finds out what she took away with her on that one starlit night.
Free Wulfsen learned early on that rodeo relationships never last. After one wild weekend, the barrel racer finds herself married to bull rider Zane Malone. She’s all set to ask him for a divorce when she takes a fall—and finds out she’ll have more to remember him by than a ring. Now it’s up to Zane to convince her that love can last after the rodeo’s over.
Bull rider Dusty Wulfsen has been thrown to the ground by more bulls than he can remember, yet nothing caused as much pain as losing Carrie Montgomery. When she shows up in Wayback determined to have a second ride at his heart, he knows he'd be a fool to let her near him. But memories of those nights under a rodeo moon have him coming back for more.

***********************************************************************Don't forget to leave comments with #CRLwin at the end to enter to win a copy of the newest Wayback story, my very own new release, Guardian Cowboy. I'll draw a winner on 2/24 so get those entries in!

What's So Hot About Cowboys?

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, peoples. With the approach of Guardian Cowboy I'm trying to be more cowboy-centric with my posts ( I know. So hard to do, right?) so I thought we'd discuss cowboys today. Particularly, what makes them so hot. (The photo I chose to use is the cover of Linda Warren's Once A Cowboy. Great book. Highly recommend.)

It's gotta be more than the Stetsons, tight jeans, and boots, right? I mean, not just anyone can wear them and still earn the title of "cowboy." Trust me, I know. I've been to therodeo. Some guys really do bring shame to the Stetson... But anyway, I'm rambling off.

So... What makes cowboys so hot? Hell-o. They ride bulls and broncs. What's not hot about a man brave enough to get up on the back of such wild animals and ride them for eight seconds? I'd pee myself just being in the arena with a bull. They crack ribs, bruise just about everything that can be bruised, break all sorts of bones, and get better just to do it again. Some would argue that's evidence of stupidity but I consider it rather gutsy.

As for the cowboys in romance novels (a particular favorite genre of mine), they are perfection. Hard-working, well-built thanks to the hard work on their ranches, a little rough (hullo. They're cowboys) but as gentlemanly as they come when it comes right down to it because their mamas taught them good.

Yup. The clothes do not make the cowboy. They're just bonuses. Cowboys are born and bred, raised on the ranch and brought up with the right values. At least the ones in books.

What do you think it is about cowboys that make them so hot in the romance genre?

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Don't forget to leave #CRLwin with your comment to be entered to win a copy of GuardianCowboy on 2/24

'Mater Chops

2010-02-17T23:57:00.003-05:00

Y'all know I love to stuff my face so I thought we'd exchange recipes today. I'm really not much of a cook. People always look surprised when I say that because I bake the best cake in the world (and that's just the truth. If it sounds conceited, whateva. People who hate cake ask for seconds and thirds of mine. I'd call that scientific proof of my awesomeness, but anyways....) but I'm just not that great at cooking food-food.

However, I've been making these pork chops, which I call " 'Mater Chops" 'cause I'm all hickified like that for a while now and they're pretty darn good. Give 'em a try:

'Mater Chops

6-8 Pork Chops (bone-in or boneless, whatever you want)
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 can cream of (onion, mushroom, chicken, whatever you like) soup
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1 TSP garlic powder
1 TSP salt
2 TBS flour
1/2 cup water
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 green pepper. diced (optional)
You can also feel free to season your chops up with some meat tenderizer, chicken seasoning, oregano, basil, and pepper.

In skillet, brown the chops in the oil and transfer to 13x9 inch baking dish.

Combine flour, soup, sauce, powder, water & salt (and any other seasoning you like) in the same skillet which should still have a little oil in it. Stir it until it's gravy.

Pour gravy over chops in the dish, Add tomatoes and optional green pepper. Sprinkle with pepper, and any other spices (I use every one I've mentioned) you like.

Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

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Got a good recipe? Feel free to share. Also, don't forget to leave a comment with #CRLwin in it to enter to win a copy of Guardian Cowboy.

Book Trailers with The Sims 2

2010-02-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

My brother is finally bringing over my computer taht he's had (fixing it) for ever now and FINALLY I can play Sims 2 again. This excites me very much as I'm kind of a Sims addict. In celebration of this occasion, I thought I'd share the book trailers I made for Moonlit Dream and The Fire Still Burns using The Sims 2 :

Meet Miranda West

2010-02-16T00:05:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone. Today we're chatting with Miranda West, the mother of Presley West, the hero of Guardian Cowboy.

Me: Hi, Miranda. Thanks again for joining us today.

Miranda: No problem, sweetie-pie. I just finished watching the Elvis marathon on tv and there wasn't much else I had going on today.

Me: You really like Elvis, don't you?

Miranda: What's not to like?

Me: Well, I know a lot of people like Elvis Presley, but you even named your son after him.

Miranda: Nothing wrong with that. Elvis Presley was a fine role model.

Me: I guess he was. There's a rumor you've had six hound dogs named Elvis?

Miranda: That's just a rumor. I've only had four.

Me: Oh. Glad you cleared that up. So tell us about Presley. I hear he's a talented man.

Miranda: Sure is. Smart, tough as nails, and has a heart of gold just like his daddy, may he rest in peace. Presley used to be in the military and was offered a job in the secret service but turned it down to work as a bodyguard.

Me: Wow. An offer from the secret service is pretty special. I heard he was pretty good in the rodeo arena too?

Miranda: Best bareback bronc-buster you'll ever know. It's a dangerous sport, though, so he doesn't participate very often. He runs a retirement home for horses now. That's my Presley, always watching out for those who can't watch out for themselves.

Me: Speaking of that, I hear he's been watching out for a very special young lady...

Miranda: Who, Amber? Ain't she a cutie? Such a good girl, though she doesn't seem to know it, the poor thing.

Me: What exactly is she needing protection from?

Miranda: Well, now... I can't say. Presley wouldn't like for me to spill the beans about that. She's under his protection and I don't want the wrong people to know anything.

Me: I gotcha. So, do you like Amber?

Miranda: Love her to pieces.

Me: Do you think anything will come of her and Presley?

Miranda: Provided he yanks his head out of his butt, I sure do. In fact, I've already got baby names picked out. What do you think of Aaron and Garon?

Me: Aaron and... Aren't those the middle names of Elvis and his stillborn brother?

Miranda: Sure are. Oh goodness, speaking of my man, you would not believe the dream I had of him last night. I was in this humongous bathtub just filled with fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches and in walks Elvis in this tiny little gold lamé towel. It looked more like a handkerchief, really, and as he stepped closer to the tub it got smaller and smaller, and...

Me: Um, okay, Miranda. I think I know where this is going. Actually, I heard Charro is coming on in a few so I'll let you go.

Miranda: Charro? Ooh, I love Elvis with a beard. Gotta go!

So... That was Presley's cooky mama. She's always fun. What do you think of her?

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Remember to leave #CRLwin in your comments to enter the contests I'm holding this month. The next drawing is on 2/24 for a copy of Guardian Cowboy.

Funniest Commercials

2010-02-15T00:13:00.001-05:00

Mondays are always so stressful so today I thought I'd skip the promo and just share some chuckles with you. These are some of my favorite commercials:

Best & Worst Valentine's Day Gifts

2010-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Thought I'd share my worst & best V-day memories with you.

I was one of those late bloomers. I spent the majority of my school-year Valentines Days sulking while watching all the girls around me get candy, flowers and gifts. In fact, only once during my entire 13 years of school did I have a boyfriend on Valentine's Day. That was my junior year. I was so excited. Finally, I wouldn't be the pathetic girl watching everyone else enjoy the holiday. I'd been going out with this guy about a week or two, but he'd been my friend for over a year. We should have known each otehr pretty well enough to pick th eperfect presents for one another, but I still dropped hints. Hey, it was the first time I'd get a present. It had to be good. He kept telling me about these rings at the jewelry store that he was going to get me (sterling silver, which I loved. Nothing expensive. We were just kids). I was so excited. I was going to get a ring. ( -; Maybe even more than one ( - ; He knew my tastes in jewelry. Knew I loved silver and onyx. Knew that I hated stud earrings. I wore big hoops or long, dangly earrings. He KNEW this. I was so psyched for Valentine's Day. I got him a flannel shirt at the Gap. (Hey, this was in the height of the grunge fad and it was a $50 shirt, a big deal for a 16-yr old). I couldn't wait to exchange gifts. Well.... I overslept. Didn't get to school until 2nd or 3rd period, the class we had together. I found a single rose in my locker. Yay! Went to our class. As soon as it ended, we left school (I was a bit of a class-skipper back then) to hang out at his house. I never got any chocolate ) - : which he knew I loved. I gave him the shirt which he LOVED. He gave me my gift. Sapphire STUD earrings. I tried my best to plaster a smile on my face. Then he insisted I wear them. I put them in for him despite loathing the things. He'd told me he was getting me a ring, a ring that I'd seen & knew cost the same as the earrings. But he'd given me the earrings because HE liked them. Ok. Fine. Whatever. I got V-Day presents and spent th eday with my boyfriend. I wasn't a miserable loser. But then he came to school th enext day wearing the shirt I got him. And the next day. And the next day. And the next day. By this time he kind of smelled, too and I just couldn't handle it. I'd suggested at Day #2 taht he take the shirt off, but nooooo. For some reason he'd decided he needed to be filthy. We broke up. WORST VALENTINE"S GIFT EVER. Worst V-day week, actually.

The 2nd time I had a boyfriend on V-Day I didn't get squat. Needless to say, that sucked. I'd gotten him a gift but never gave it to him. He obviously didn't deserve it.

Now for the good memories...

My 1st Valentine's Day with Mr. Man. He got me a stuffed teddybear and a big box of chocolates. Perfect gift for a first Valentine's Day together. See. I'm not demanding. I don't require expensive gifts, just thoughtful ones.

But... the best Valentine's Day gift... was this year's. MR. MAN BOUGHT ME A CAR!!!!!!!
Yeah, top that ( - ; LOL! It's not a brand new car. I've never owned a brand new car in my life & doubt I ever will. Way too expensive. But it's a nice car. A 2006 Malibu, and it runs great (my other car was falling apart). Surprised the heck out of me. I knew I needed one and he'd mentioned helping me get one when we got our tax refunds back but instead he went ahead and spent his tax refund on it and declared it my V-day gift. Yup. Greatest gift ever ( - ;

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Hey, while you're celebrating the holiday don't forget to comment and include #CRLwin to enter to win a copy of Guardian Cowboy!

Meet Seta

2010-02-12T23:43:00.002-05:00

Today we have the pleasure of meeting Seta, one of the vampires who play an important role in the Blood Revelation, the prophesy which foretells of pre-destined immortals mating to create powerful warriors, one of which who will save the world from Satan's wrath.

Like most vampires, Seta is careful about letting people see her. She doesn't allow photographs of herself, but was kind enough to allow me this little interview. Since I can't show you her picture, I'll just describe her for you. I'd call her petite going off her height, but with those curves... voluptous is a more fitting word. She's Spanish, brunette (her hair is raven-black, actually, and very long) with dark brown eyes, and really likes the color black. She has a tendency to dress in long, flowing skirts or skin-tight jeans and rib-knit tops. Today she's wearing black leather pants, a tight black T-shirt,and black knee-high boots with a heel that could pierce a person's heart right through their chest.

Seta: Can we get this little interview over, please? I'm famished.

Me: Oh, sure thing. (Mama didn't raise no fool. I'm not keeping a hungry vampire longer than I have to, especially when she keeps looking at my throat...Yikes.)

Seta: Good. Ask your questions.

Me: So, um, Seta. Thanks for stopping by tonight to answer some questions for the readers. Can you explain why vampires don't generally like to have their pictures taken?

Seta: It's dangerous. Mortals fear those they have no chance of defeating in a fair fight. One individual mortal may be able to come to grips with what we are, but humans as a whole are stupid, and only see the dark side of vampires. If we allow the world to know of our presence the mortals will wage an all-out war against us, convinced we're here to kill them all. Thus, we don't allow record of our existence.

Me: But some mortals know of your existence. Otherwise, there'd be no stories about your kind.

Seta: Yes. Some do, and some have capitalized by writing books or screenplays, but they are smart enough to claim they created vampires in their head. Many of the newer writers may very well write from imagination, going off books and movies, but the early writers... They knew of us and thanks to them, the whole world knows what the word Vampire means. However, they think we're pretend. Works for us.

Me: So why are you doing this interview if you don't want the world to know about you?

Seta: Do you really think anyone will believe this is real? One or two people may, but the majority will think it's all a scheme to help you sell books. (She shrugs a shoulder) I really do need to find a drink, if you could move this along...

Me: Oh, yeah. Ok. What is the Blood Revelation?

Seta: A prophesy that's been around since... forever, I imagine. According to it three sets of vampires will be chosen to mate and create warriors, one of which will save the world from Satan's wrath.

Me: What's that mean, save the world from Satan's wrath?

Seta: I don't know. Maybe it means the warrior will kill the bastard.

Me: Is that possible?

Seta: Anything is possible.

Me: Speaking of anything being possible, you're not just your regular vampire, are you?

Seta: No. I am a born witch, which in other words means I was born into my power as all true witches are. That didn't change when I became a vampire.

Me: When and how were you changed into a vampire?

Seta: I was changed shortly after weaning my son. He was a year old, and I had recently turned nineteen. I was changed over the same way as any other vampire. A vampire drank my blood until I hovered over death, and fed me from his veins.

Me: He? Who changed you into a vampire? The father of your child?

Seta: No. (Her eyes darken into black orbs) The father of my child tried to kill me after taking my son away. Eron changed me over.

Me: Is Eron your mate?

Seta: Next question.

Me: Er, ok. Um... So... all vampires are created the same way?

Seta: Yes. Well... Nyla was created differently, but let's not go into that since your readers won't meet her until the second book.

Me: Good idea. Can you tell the readers who they will meet in Blood Curse, the first book in the series you so graciously allowed me to write (Seta rolls her eyes at my obvious brown-nosing), and what you think of them?

Seta: In addition to me, the readers will meet Rialto, my son, a handsome devil if I say so myself. He gets it from me, of course. I would kill for him, have killed for him. They will meet Christian, an old friend of ours and the only vampire I know who has never killed. I like him, consider him family, though he grates my nerves sometimes. A person can only be so good. They'll meet Eron, though he's not at his best, and Aria, of course.

Me: Do you like Aria? Most mothers don't like the women their sons fall for.

Seta: I like her enough. We have our moments, but if I thought she was bad for my son I would have killed her.

Me: Ohhh-kay. Anyone else?

Seta: The Porters. (Seta rolls her eyes) Jonah is alright for a human, and Jacob... He's growing on me. Some might say like a fungus, but we can stand together in a room now and not try to kill each other. Progress has been made.

Me: Hmm. Ok. So... how many people have you killed?

Seta: Not as many as one would think. I've been told I have a volatile temper. Rip a few heads off and suddenly everyone's a critic. However, I don't kill good people. If I kill someone, they more than deserve it.

Me: Well, that's good, I suppose. Seeing as how you're a witch, what kinds of tricks can you do?

Seta: I'm a witch, not a magician.

Me: Oh. Sorry. I meant what kind of powers and abilities do you have?

Seta: The usual. I can call upon the elements, create witch's fire, teleport, probe psyches, etc.

Me: Can you turn people into toads? (I briefly turn into a toad, let out a croak, then change back.) I'll take that as a rrrib-yes.

Seta: Did I mention magic uses up my power which makes me hungry?

Me: Ok, a few more questions and then you can go find someone to, um, donate... dinner for you. What was your favorite decade?

Seta: I like this one. I'm not a very timid woman so the more power women have, the more I like a particular era. The 1800's were absolutely dreadful, even after I was changed into a vampire.

Me: I can imagine. What's your musical taste?

Seta: I like opera. I absolutely detest rap. All that fast talking... It's pitiful what people consider music these days.

Me: I'm a big David Cook fan. Do you like him?

Seta: He's good. That song, Lie? Beautiful.

Me: I agree. So... Why do you think people should read the Blood Revelation series?

Seta: Well, I'm a bit biased, but I think it's a wonderful story. Granted, when I read over the draft I had to approve I of course had to skip over all those love scenes featuring my son (she shudders) but there's lots of action and drama. However, the bottom line is that you need the money.

Me: Ain't that the truth. Well, thank you for talking with us today, Seta. If you're still hungry, you can... She disappeared. Ok, end of interview since our guest just vanished. Hope you enjoyed meeting Seta! Look for her in Blood Curse!

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To enter to win a copy of Blood Curse or Guardian Cowboy (or the grand prize of any 3 of my books) leave a comment with the tag #CRLwin
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, full contest details are in the 2/1/2010 blog post or at www.crystalrainlove.com/contests.htm

What You Should Never Say...

2010-02-12T00:03:00.002-05:00

You know how sometimes you're reading a book or watching a movie/show and the hero or heroine says something and you just want to smack them upside the head and say "No!!!! You never say that!"

Well, today I thought we'd discuss things you should never say. No matter how mad you are, whether you think it's funny (because not everyone gets your joke) or even if its deserved.

Here's a few Things You Should Never Say ...

When your significant (or unsignificant, as the case may be) walks in the door and immediately starts ranting about the house being unkempt just because the sheets aren't folded as perfectly as he likes or something like that, and he yells at you, "What do you do all day while I'm at work?!"
Do not, I repeat, do NOT scream back at him, "$%#& the poolboy!"

He won't find it funny. Not even a little bit. It doesn't matter that you don't have a poolboy. You've admitted to infidelity. Doesn't matter it was just a smart response to his jerkish comment. He will totally overlook that and focus on the part where you "admitted infidelity" and your little spat is going to be a huge drag out fight. Trust me. I know ( - ;

When your sweetie asks you "Are we going to do it tonight?" do not, again, do NOT respond with, "With each other?"
Even if it drives you crazy that a grown man asks if you're going to "do it" like you're a couple of teenagers or something. Don't say it. Men just don't find the humor in these things.

And no matter how bad an argument gets, how crazy your man drives you, no matter what he says to rile you up or no matter how tired you are of arguing and he.just.won't.let.it.go. and walk away... do NOT growl at him, "You have no idea how hard it is for me not to smother you with your pillow while you're sleeping!" Then again, it will shut him up for a minute or two while he's standing there slack-jawed trying to wrap his mind around what you've just said. Don't ask me how I know... ( - ;

Ok, so those are my pearls of wisdom. Got any to share?

Hey peoples, don't forget to put #CRLwin in your comment to be entered for the drawings later this month. Guardian Cowboy will be the next prize up for grabs.

Who Is Jennifer Santiago?

2010-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I remember reading a storybook to one of my kids when they were very little and noticing a note the author/illustrator had put into the front. She'd noted that in every illustration, she had managed to hide each of her grandchildren's initials. I thought... Cool. What an awesome idea.

It stuck with me.

I love little stuff like that, like how when you go see a horror movie based on a Stephen King novel you know he'll be somewhere in it. If you blink you just might miss him, but he's there somewhere in some very minor role. It's just one of those "extras" thrown in.

I was reading a romance novel by Meryl Sawyer and had a nice little chuckle when the heroine "picked up her latest Meryl Sawyer romance novel..." That was cute.

Then there's Supernatural. Everyone knows I'm a huge fan of the show. One of the reasons why is because they totally make fun of themselves. In the episode where they go to prison and Dean asks Sam, "What? All of a sudden you're from Texas?" (Not sure on the EXACT quote but that was at least close) The funny thing about that line was that both actors ARE from Texas, and the show's writers know the fangirls know this. They know all about the fangirls, which is why they've poked fun at us in several episodes. And they poke fun at the guys, referencing names of other shows and/or movies they've been in.

So... What could I do as something a little "extra" in my books? I could have my characters read my books, but with a name like mine... I think it's more distracting than cute. I don't have illustrations to hide initials in, but I do have stories to hide a whole name in!

My very first real fan (by real fan I mean someone I totally did not know, who read my book, then gushed over it in a review and showed fan-like qualities) was a lovely young lady by the name of Jennifer Santiago.

To honor my first official fan, and add in a little "extra" something to my books, I've decided to insert her name in each book (or a book in each series) I write.

The Fire Still Burns and Moonlit Dreams were already published by the time I got my first official fan. I was working on the 3rd book in the Blood Revelation series at that time so I inserted her name into it.

That book won't be released for a while yet so the first book you'll have the opportunity to locate her name in will be Guardian Cowboy, the book I'm giving away a copy of in the next drawing.

So... What do you think? Can you think of any authors/screenwriters/etc. that do this little stuff? What do you think of it? Super cool? Or lame and I'm a dork for doing it? ( - ;

Remember... Write #CRLwin by your comments in order to be entered for the prize drawings this month! Go back to the 2/1/2010 post if you need further detail about the contest ( - :

"True" Ghost Story ????

2010-02-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we talked about TRUE ghost stories. Today, let's talk about those stories you just know can't be true... Or can they?

Let's start with Bloody Mary. You say her name 3 times in a mirror and she comes out to kill you. True? I don't see how it's possible. First of all, no spirit has that power. A demon, maybe, but a ghost? Puh-leese. It is kind of puzzling how you can never come across someone who has said her name 3 times in front of a mirror and lived to tell the tale... Hmmm.... Will I ever try and see what happens? Nope.

Then there's the lady on the road that you pick up at night but she disappears after you pass a certain point... My great-uncle supposedly did this. Is it true? Wouldn't everyone in the world know about it if it was? Wouldn't ghost-groupies flock to the road for a chance at picking her up?

Don't you ever wonder where these stories get their origin? One of the things I love about the show, Supernatural, is how they take these urban myths and give them a plausible backstory then kill the ghost in the episode.

But don't you wonder where these stories REALLY came from? Were a group of kids sitting around thinking up scary stories to pass off as true or did something really happen that made them believe there were ghosts who did these things?

Let me share with you a hilarious account of a "True Ghost Story."

When my mom was a little girl, my granny made my uncle take her along everywhere he went. Well, he didn't always want his bratty little sister tagging along with him and his friends so one day he grabbed up a bunch of scary comics and went off with my mother right on his heels.
On his way to his friend's house he passed the cemetery where a grave had been dug up for a burial the next day. He figured my mom couldn't possibly get in trouble if he left her there.

He actually put my mother in the grave, told her to be quiet and read (SCARY comics, mind you) while he went to his friend's house and he'd be right back for her.

Well, my mom was just a little girl and reading scary comics while sitting in a grave in the middle of a cemetery is of course not much fun for a little girl. As the sky started to darken, she got more scared. She just wanted to go home but she couldn't get out by herself.

She heard footsteps, then a man's voice saying "Hi, honey. I brought you some flowers" as he apparently visited a nearby grave.

My mom said "Hey!"

She heard the guy give a startled cry. "Who's there?"

My mom: "I'm down here!"

The man: "Down where?"

My mom: "I'm in the grave! Help me!"

The man: "Oh shit!!!"

Then she heard the sound of him running like hell and when her brother finally came and got her out she saw the flowers strewn all over the ground where he'd flung them before running for his life.

I guarantee you that to this day that man, his family, and his friends and all they've told are telling the story of when he went to the cemetery and a real ghost talked to him.

TRUE STORY ( - ;

True Ghost Stories

2010-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've always been into paranormal stuff, whether it be movies, shows, or... of course... BOOKS. It was only natural I would write a lot of paranormal. I grew up with ghosts, as in I know they are real because I've lived in a haunted house. Call me crazy. Don't care. I know what I've witnessed.

One of my earliest run-ins with ghosts was with my first pet. I had a beautiful white german shepherd that died when I was 9 years old. For two weeks after his death, he still greeted my brother and I at the door when we got home from school. I kid you not. We'd walk in and there he'd be standing there waiting on us. Then he'd disappear, but during dinner his dog bowl would move and at night you could hear the creak at the foot of my brother's bed where he'd sleep.

My dad never believed in such things until he happened to move into a haunted house. Nothing happened in the house until he decided to add on. Apparently, whoever lived there before did not like it because suddenly we were haunted. My dad found a coin in the hallway right where he'd added on and put it on his nightstand. The next morning the coin was where he'd found it. This went on and on and on.
While sitting downstairs you could hear someone walking upstairs... when no one was there.
Once while home alone I left the living room to go to the bathroom. When I came back, the furniture was turned around.
The ghost didn't care for my taste in music, as he constantly changed the radio station over to the oldies.
Oh. Remember those old cable boxes that you had to change the channel by pushing in the button? Imagine sitting in front of the TV and all of a sudden that button is being pushed and someone you can't see is channel-surfing. Yeah. Creepy.
There were knocks on the door and no one there, things falling over that just couldn't have fallen without being pushed, and shadows crossing doorways.
I think what took the cake was the day I was getting something out of the microwave and turned to see a man walk right through the kitchen... and disappear.

So... How many of you have seen a real spirit? Care to share your true ghost stories?

In Loving Memory

2010-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Raymond Lee Love
02/08/1949 - 04/28/2005

No big discussion today. Just posting my daddy's pic and wishing him a happy birthday. He should have been here celebrating his 61st birthday today. Instead, cancer took him away far too soon. I used to get him U of K stuff. He was a huge Wildcat fan. Now I donate to Stand Up To Cancer in place of a present. I really hate that disease.

Whatcha Reading?

2010-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

For today's blog I thought I'd share what I've been reading and ask for recommendations for my To Be Read pile.

I've been reading a lot of Joan Johnston and Linda Warren lately. Both ladies have wonderful, heartfelt stories featuring scorching hot cowboys, the kind of men you dream about: Rough, sexy and rugged, yet gentler than a lamb with children and the women they love.

My first Joan Johnston book was The Virgin Groom, which featured a virgin hero, a virgin by choice. That was a first for me in the romance genre, and I lurved that story. I immediately purchased more in the Hawk's Way series.

My first Linda Warren book was Once A Cowboy, which was a free read at All Romance eBooks. I loved it so much that I did something I rarely do and contacted the suthor directly through her website to praise the book. Imagine my surprise when she sent me two more books for free! How awesome is she? I read those two and immediately bought more. The really awesome thing about Ms/Mrs(?) Warren is that she doesn't write the same cookie cutter books often found in the romance genre. I love the issues she tackles in her books as well. Once a Cowboy features a hero who was switched at birth and how he deals with discovering this and coming to grips with the family who raised him & the family he was stolen from. Skylar's Outlaw had a wonderful hero, who is an ex-con and has to deal with living under that title.

I also must highly recommend the Calamity Jayne series by Kathleen Bacus. I just finished book 2 and can't wait to get the rest. These books literally make you LOL. Take one disaster prone blond, a crazy pair of old coots, a hot park ranger, a crazy family, and loads of trouble, then mix them all up and you have Calamity. Tressa Jayne (Calamity Jayne) Turner keeps finding herself mixed up in one big batch of trouble after another, all starting when she accidentally drives the wrong car home from work and finds a body in the trunk. Kathleen writes comedy better than anyone.

Speaking of comedy, I've got to get the rest of Virginia Brown's Harley Davidson series. I'm not sure if that's the series name but that's what I call it since the heroine is named Harley Davidson. It's another mystery/chick-lit that had me cracking up. One of the funniest parts in the book involves Harley knocking a man out with the penis that broke off of a statue. When asked what she hit the man with, she smirks and replies, "My dick." I don't care who you are, that's funny.

I just recently read Amber Leigh Williams's Bluest Heart and highly recommend it along with her previous novella in the Wayback series, Blackest Heart. Heck, I recommend the whole Wayback series, but Blackest Heart is probably my all-time favorite. It featured a silent hero. I don't know if I could pull off a silent hero like Williams did. I mean, the man showed more emotion in an expression than most heros do in five paragraphs of dialogue. Amazing.

I recently stepped into the science-fictiony romance genre with Wither by Yolanda Sfetsos. very cool. Did you know there were space cowboys? They're pretty hawt.

So... That's what I've been reading. As far as what's in my TBR pile, here's a few:

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton

Salvaged by J.S. Marlo

Bridesmaid Blues by Lainey Bancroft

Odd Stuff by Virginia Nelson

Death, The Vamp, and His Brother by Lexxie Couper

One Dependable Man by Rita Thedford

Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis

Hot Stuff by Carly Phillips

Shattered by Joan Johnston

The rest of the Calamity Jayne series

The rest of the Harley Davidson series

The rest of Lilith Saintcrow's Watcher series

Bound By Shadows by Keri Arthur

So... What's on your list and what have you read lately?

I'm A Gamer, Baby!

2010-02-06T00:00:00.002-05:00

Who here likes to play computer games? I love them, especially The Sims. I used to play Sims 2 constantly until my main PC went kerplunk. And I have Sims3 but can't play it until I get a DVD-rom installed on said kerplunked PC which my brother has taken hostage. He fixed the kerplunk but now he's waiting on the DVD-rom I ordered to arrive so he can install it and *hopefully* he'll quit holding my PC hostage & bring it back to me so I can play again.

In the meantime I entertain myself with Facebook games, and this, my peoples, is where you can gain extra contest entries! That's right. If you haven't already, friend me over at www.facebook.com/crystalrainlove and send me neighbor requests & gifts (using the #CRLwin tag in your messages) for the following games:

Farmville
(Gift me cows! And trees)

Farm Town
(Gift me fuel)
The coolest thing about Farm Town is I can write stuff by strategically planting the crops:

YoVille :

Cafe World
(one of my fave games on FB)

Jungle Extreme

Jungle Extreme is pretty new & I haven't taken any pics of it but please join me there. I'm lonely.

Soooooo... What do you like to play?

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Remember to keep commenting on all blog posts using the tag #CRLwin to gain entries for the drawings! All month long through the 27th!

CHARITY

2010-02-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Today's blog post is dedicated to charity. Yesterday, a dream of mine was fulfilled. A book that I wrote exclusively for charity was released. Though I won't receive a dime for Moonlit Watcher, I'm just as--if not more--excited about its release as I am my other releases because the money raised from its sales will go to the American Heart Association. More money than I could afford to give to them myself.
I'd like to thank All Romance eBooks for this opportunity, and I hope this is the beginning of something huge. If they continue to do this campaign through the years, there just may be many more stories in the Moonlit series.

But AHA isn't the only charity out there in need of help, whether that help be monetary or comprised of your time and/or talents.
Do you have a homeless shelter near you with a food kitchen? They may need your help serving.
Does your child/grandchild/niece/etc.'s school need your help?
The local animal shelter may need blankets.

There's always a way to help, even if you don't have the funds to donate money.

Today I thought we should all highlight a charity or two, hopefully helping one another learn of new opportunities to give.

I'll start with:

Stand Up To Cancer - This is one of my favorite charities. I am always willing to give to any charity that seeks the cure for cancer or helps those diagnosed with this horrid disease. I lost my father to cancer in 2005 and now on his birthdays I can go to http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&a=index&id=22956 and donate in his honor. I launched a star in his name and can add a birthday message each year to help me get through such a sad day.

American Heart Association - I give through Jump-Rope For Heart, something that is done through schools to not only raise money for AHA but to teach children about the importance of healthy activity in combatting heart disease. You can join ARe's team or just go here to see how much money is being raised with the release of the books in the 28 Days of Heart campaign:
http://bit.ly/6rEbdA

Libraries - Did you know the library will accept your gently used books? Done reading that romance novel? Take it on over to your local library. It saves them the cost of purchasing new books for their shelves, and sometimes they even sell those donated books to raise funds.

eBay - Did you know you can auction off your old stuff on eBay and designate a charity to receive the money earned?

And, of course, you can donate to aid in the Haiti relief fund through the Red Cross by texting HAITI to 90999. $10 will be charged to your cell bill, all of which is your donation.

iTunes - There are regularly downloads available for charity, from the American Idol songs which go to their charity, David Cook released a live performance of Permanent to benefit a cancer charity, and there are currently songs available to benefit Haiti.

iWon - Go to www.iwon.com and join the team challenge! Help your team rank in the top 3 each month and iWon will donate money to YOUR team's charity!

So... Anyone else care to share some charity ideas?

Moonlit Watcher is out NOW!!! Who Won A Copy?

2010-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Moonlit Watcher is officially available for download from www.allromanceebooks.com

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the American Heart Association so go grab one. Buy a few for your friends too and support a great cause ( - ;

Need more incentive? Ok. Here's a sneak-peek (in case you haven't checked out this info over at ARe):

He watches her, until watching is no longer enough…Juliana Van Alder has fled the bright lights of New York, leaving the Broadway stage behind to discover the source of what's been drawing her to the North Carolina woods.What she discovers is unexpected danger, and a gorgeous, powerful man who just happens to be a wolf. She's found her soulmate, but there's one little problem...Derek Kingston is a wolf determined to protect her, and he can’t be tamed.

Excerpt:

Leaning forward, she reached down to lay her hand on his forehead and check for a temperature. Did werewolves get fever? His head was hotter than she would have liked to have found it. Guilt gnawed at her. She’d cut him with a silver knife in order to get the bullet out of him.
“Idiot,” she chastised herself, and felt the base of his neck. He was warm there as well. She thought of going into the bathroom and wetting a rag to lay across his forehead, but couldn’t pull her hand away from all that muscled perfection. Sitting beside him on the bed she allowed her hand to travel over his pecs, reveling in the feel of cotton stretched over hard muscle.
His hand snared her wrist and she was flipped onto her back, the man pinning her to the bed with his larger body. She gasped, but didn’t speak, lost in the predatory gleam of his dark brown eyes.
“Where am I?” His deep voice came out as a growl. It sent chills down Juliana’s spine and she struggled not to let him see the effect.
“You’re in my home, in my bedroom.” She lightly pulled on her hand and found he wouldn’t let go. “You were shot outside.”
“I remember being shot.” His dark eyes narrowed. “Who is here helping you?”
“No one is here with me.”
“Don’t lie to me, woman.” His eyes glowed red for a second before he brought them back under control. “I did not walk in here.”
“I dragged you inside.” She licked her lips, nervous but not scared. She still didn’t think he’d hurt her, but he was clearly agitated. “I didn’t want to leave you out there in case the hunters came back.”
His eyes widened but for only a brief moment before a veil seemed to fall over them, hiding any emotion he might feel. “You are very strong for such a small woman.” He lowered his head and sniffed along her neck. It was all Juliana could do not to moan. “I do not smell fear on you.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” She met his gaze as he raised his head to stare down at her, letting his eyes bleed back to that red color. He was doing it to intimidate her, but she didn’t understand why. Loneliness seemed to spill from his pores, but he acted as if he wished to chase her away. “You saw what I am.”
“Yes, and I’m sorry.” His eyes changed back to brown and she saw the confusion in them. “If I’d known you were a…” geez, it sounded crazy saying it out loud, “a werewolf, I wouldn’t have used a silver knife to get the bullet out. I’m sorry if I hurt you further.”
He blinked, and the confusion turned into raw anger as he smashed his mouth down onto hers. Juliana gasped, the involuntary action opening her to his invasion. His tongue broke through and he tasted every inch of her mouth, greedily and without softness. He was testing her, she realized with clarity. He wanted to frighten her, to send her running. Well, she wouldn’t do it. Juliana kissed him back, felt it the moment he figured out what she was doing, and reveled in the fact she’d turned the tables on him, surprising him with her boldness. She broke free from his grasp and dug her fingers into his shoulders, holding him tight against her as she raised her pelvis, grinding against him. He moaned against her mouth, enjoying what she was doing. Encouraged by his response, she trailed her fingers down his broad back, and slid them into the back of his waistband.
He abruptly ended the kiss, raising himself onto his elbows to stare down at her. His eyes were red again, but she sensed no danger there. They seemed hungry this time. She knew with certainty the werewolf wanted to devour her, would bet her right leg on it, and she’d gladly allow him to do it.

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So... who won the copy of Moonlit Watcher? This post is being written ahead of time so I'll announce the winner on the 4th in the comments. Be watching... I'll post when I wake up and draw the name ( - ;

And remember... You can still comment on today's post, using the tag #CRLwin to add to your entries for the other drawings this month! A copy of Guardian Cowboy will be the next prize given away!

Going Back To Where It All Began - Moonlit Dream

2010-02-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Moonlit Watcher will be released tomorrow. It would have never been written if not for Moonlit Dream, my first foray into the world of werewolves. Honestly, I never thought I'd feature werewolves in any of my books. I just didn't care for them, most likely due to all the gross scenes I've read in other books featuring werewolves. The whole totally controlled by the moon thing, the disgusting shapeshifts (I'm referencing Anita Blake here), and the whole Alpha thing. They're people, even if tehy take on the shape of the wolf. Is it absolutely necessary to have an Alpha? For some reason it all just bugged me. I found werewolves to just not be human enough for my liking.

But then I was hit with this image of a man (who looked a whole lot like Wentworth Miller) running through the woods chased by a pack of huge, red-eyed, blood-thirsty wolves...

So I wrote a werewolf story, and I loved it because it was MINE with my own rules. Yes, the wolves travel in packs and they have a packleader but they do not call this packleader Alpha. They don't leave a mess when they shift or lose their clothes through the transition. Their shape-shifting is a thing of magic, not science. They are very much human even though they take on wolf form, and although the moon does not "control" them, it will guide them to their soulmate and force a moon vow out of them, binding them together for eternity once they find the one destined for them. Though they have the rage and sexual appetite of the wolf, they have the same desires and insecurities as any human... which I think makes them a little bit more believable.

Before Moonlit Watcher releases tomorrow, I thought I'd treat you to a chapter from the book that started the Moonlit series; Moonlit Dream:

Chapter 1

He would die tonight.
Jason ran at breakneck speed through the woods. Wind whipped across his face so hard it stung his flesh. Blood oozed from his chest wound. If the wolves didn't get him first, he would bleed to death. He pushed on, ignoring the pain ricocheting through his body. He refused to make it easy for them to get him. He'd survived being beaten by his stepfather as a kid, held at gunpoint in a convenience store as a teen, and hell, he'd survived prison. He had to survive this. “I will survive this.” He rounded a bend, then slid to a stop to avoid running straight into a huge rock formation. A wolf bayed in the distance, the sound eerie in the misty night. A cold chill ran the length of his spine as more of them howled in response, the sound closer. The beasts were nearly upon him. They would eat him alive…like the others.
“God, help me.” His plea a desperate whisper as he tightened his grip around the handle of the blade he'd used against one of the beasts earlier, narrowly escaping the massive snapping jaws. He crouched with his back against the rock, ready to spring, ready to fight until he drew his last breath. If he was to die tonight, he would take as many of the red-eyed monsters with him as he could. The sound of underbrush being trampled beneath the weight of their paws rang inside his ears as they crept forward. Heart hammering in his throat, Jason began to make out their forms. Three gray wolves stalked him, their heads low, ready to attack. They assessed him as he studied them. Two medium sized beasts flanked the larger one in the center and fanned out to cover him in three directions. His hand tightened around the blade. He didn't have a chance in hell of getting all three, but a little relief washed over him knowing these were not the same wolves he'd seen eating people earlier tonight. Those beasts had been huge, with red, glowing eyes. Demon dogs. He'd take on three normal wolves any day over the chance of going toe-to-toe with one of those monsters.
The wolf in the middle lowered itself, ready to lunge forward and rip him to shreds, but suddenly stilled, cocking its head to the side. The hair on the back of Jason's neck stood on end and he felt it too...the sense that something far more powerful than these beasts approached. He'd no more than finished the thought when a dark shadow flew over his head.A large black wolf landed before him. It lowered its sleek head and issued a warning snarl to the three gray predators. The gray wolves had the advantage. They outnumbered the black wolf three to one and had the creature surrounded. Jason’s jaw dropped open in surprise when instead of charging, they tucked tail and ran.
The remaining wolf turned and stared him down with eyes that faded from red to a smoky topaz. The animal tilted its head and whined. Though it looked as big as the wolves that’d attacked the people he'd been traveling with and had the same red eyes, he sensed no evil. Instinctively, he knew the animal wouldn't hurt him.
Run. Hide yourself.
He started, twisting his head around to discern where the voice he'd heard so clearly had come from. Was there another person in the woods running from the wild beasts? A woman? Had one survived?
Run, you foolish human. Go! The wolf butted against him with its head, staggered, then fell.
“No way.” He stared at the wolf and, an odd sense of déjà vu washed over him. He'd seen this animal before. He'd dreamed of running through the woods, these woods, with a beautiful black wolf just like her. He'd woken to find the gorgeous creature staring at him from across his prison cell. No way. No possible way. “I am not out here in the woods hearing animals like freaking Doctor Doolittle.”
You can hear me?
Jason’s eyes widened in disbelief. He tried to back away but the large rock formation blocked his escape route; even the jagged heap of stone looked vaguely familiar. This couldn't be happening. He was just having trouble adapting to the outside world. He'd been in prison too long. That had to be it.“No freaking way,” he whispered as he studied the animal.She could only be described as beautiful. Strong, sleek, with fur like black silk shining in the moonlight. He narrowed his eyes as the moon showed something wet glinting off her side. Tentative and slow, so he wouldn’t startle her, Jason reached out with two fingers and touched the spot. He pulled back bloody fingertips. “What happened to you, girl?”
I‘ve been shot, and quit talking to me like I'm some mangy mutt.
He jerked his head up to meet her gaze. The wolf stared at him with eyes so human he could be having a conversation with some woman in a bar, not squatting in the forest, talking to a wolf and hearing her respond in his mind.Jason glanced around, sensing for imminent danger. Those deadly wolves were out there and he sat crouched between a rock wall and an injured animal. The scent of their blood alone would draw all manner of beasts, but he couldn't leave her. She'd saved his life, and he had an affinity for animals. “Come on, girl, let's get you to a vet and then maybe I can have my head shrunk.” He bent forward to scoop up the black beauty when a threatening growl stopped him.
The bullet was silver. I don't have much longer. Run while you can. They'll kill you! Her eyes burned red, then slowly shifted back to amber.
“Silver? What the hell are you, a Werewolf?” He laughed at the ridiculous notion, but quickly sobered when the wolf didn’t even blink. Realization caused his stomach to bottom out. The wolves that’d attacked his fellow travelers were much larger than normal, and their eyes had glowed red, too. “I have seriously lost my mind. Or maybe it's all a dream,” he added, liking that explanation a lot better. “Yeah, this is all a dream and I'm supposed to save you. You'll turn out to be a real hot woman and we'll get freaky in the woods while danger surrounds us. I can handle that.”
She growled again, the sound weaker than before. Leave, you fool. They'll kill you!
“Yeah, sure. I'm going to be killed by Werewolves.” He laughed, his muscles relaxing. “Go ahead and shift for me then. You've gotta be fine as hell since this is my dream.”
Run, you idiot! I can't shift with silver in my body and I'm too weak to protect you!
“Well, that's all you had to say.” He studied her wound, squinting to see it clearly in the dark. “I'll just get this out of you.”
Her eyes blazed red again then quickly flickered out. If you so much as attempt to stick that knife in me--
“Relax, darlin'.” He chuckled. “I happen to have a few cool tricks of my own.” He focused on the wound, and the prickly sparks of warm energy came alive inside his body as he held his hand over the wolf, sensing for the bullet. Once detected, he trained his power on the piece of silver and quickly extracted it, catching the bullet in his hand with ease. “All set.”
How did you do that? The wolf's eyes were wide, and a sense of satisfaction warmed him from the inside.
“I told you I had a few cool tricks. Now let me see what you can do.”
They're coming. The wolf swiveled her head around and attempted to rise, whimpering in pain when the feat proved too much.
Jason’s heart went out to the animal’s pain. “I can't heal you. Will the wound be there when you shift?”
No, but I'll be weak from the exertion.
“Then I'll carry you.”
Why are you helping me? The wolf cocked her head to the side, and Jason swore the animal’s brows furrowed.
“Because I just got out of prison and wouldn't mind getting laid, even if it's just a crazy dream,” he answered with a devilish grin, growing more amused with each passing second.
Fool. She actually shook her head at him.He frowned and started to respond, but words caught in his throat as a kaleidoscope of colors shimmered over the wolf's body. Before his eyes, the animal metamorphosed into a beautiful Asian woman with long dark hair, pale skin and lips red as rubies.
“Hey!” He took in her tight jeans and black rib-knit sweater. “If this is my dream you should be naked.”
“This isn't a dream, you stupid human.” She sat up with much effort spent on the move. “They're coming. They'll kill us both.”
“Why would your own people, or whatever they are, kill you?”
“Just run, fool!” The irritation in her tone came through strong.
“You know, you're starting to annoy me with the name-calling.” Jason scooped the petite beauty into his arms, winced as pain ricocheted through his body from his own wounds, and straightened to a stand. “So what's your name, darlin'?”
“Ming.”
“Well, Ming, do you know a safe place I can take you?” He shifted her more securely in his hold which pressed her firmly against his chest while he tried to place where he'd heard the name before.
“Follow the hawk. He’s my friend,” she whispered before she passed out in his arms.
“Follow the hawk? What the—” A loud screech sounded over his head and he peered up to see the outline of a large hawk circling above him in the night sky. “Okay,” he muttered, “I'll follow the hawk through a dark forest while Werewolves are on the prowl and see how this crazy dream ends.”

*************************************************************************

Don't forget to include #CRLwin in your comments! The 1st winner in the Fangs, Claws, and Stetsons contest will be chosen tonight and announced during tomorrow's blog post! The 1st winner receives an e-book copy of Moonlit Watcher, the story that picks up where Moonlit Dream left off. Proceeds from Moonlit Watcher go to the American Heart Association ( - :

Moonlit Watcher- Meet Juliana & Derek

2010-02-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

When it came time to "cast" the character of Juliana Van Alder, a beautiful, blond ballerina, it seemed only natural to imagine Amanda Schull, star of Center Stage, in the role.

Juliana is tired of her uppity family pushing her to forever be a prima ballerina. The bright lights of Broadway have lost their thrill. Tired of the men who come calling only to have a pretty ornament dangling from their arm--or her family's money--she escapes, following her gut which insists something big is waiting for her in the woods of North Carolina. Could it be the mystical wolf she sees in her dreams? The one who shares the same lonely eyes as the man she also dreams about?

Derek Kingston wasn't meant for taming. Tall, muscular, and fine as hell, this Morris Chestnut look-alike refuses to give in to the call of the moon.

Derek watches the ballerina through her sliding glass door, aching to shift from wolf to man and do the things he's fantasized about with her. But she's human. Derek doesn't fool around with humans. He's all wolf, and likes his women rough and ready. He doesn't do soft touches and sweet words. He's as animalistic as his beast and this dainty little ballerina couldn't possibly survive a night with him despite whatever the moon has to say differently.

Or can she?

It's Day #2 of the Fangs, Claws, and Stetsons contest. Be sure to leave a comment using the hashtag #CRLwin to enter to win a prize. Don't forget to include the hashtag in your tweets!

EXTRA WAY TO ENTER:
Send me a friend request at Facebook using the hashtag #CRLwin in your invite! If you're already a Facebook friend, just write #CRLwin on my wall ( - ;

Fangs,Claws, & Stetsons Contest

2010-02-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Well, I knew this was going to be a good year for me with three releases... but I had no idea they'd all be released within the same month! To celebrate my month of triple releases I'm holding the Fangs, Claws, and Stetsons contest. Want to win a copy of one (or more) of my new releases?

Here's how:

Keep coming right back here. There will be a new post on this blog every single day and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment with #CRLwin tacked on to the end.

You can also follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/crystalrainlove) and use the #CRLwin hashtag any time you send a tweet. I will randomly do searches for the hashtag and all tweets drawn up will be entered.

You can comment on ANY post within this blog, even if it's dated back to 2008. Just use the #CRLwin hashtag and it's an entry.

PRIZES TO BE WON:

2/4 One winner will be drawn from all entries dated 2/1 through 2/3 to win an e-book copy of Moonlit Watcher, an interracial werewolf romance written for ARe's 28 Days of Heart campaign to benefit the American Heart Association. This will be purchased by myself and gifted to you through the ARe site.

2/24 One winner will be drawn from all entries dated 2/1 through 2/23 to win an e-book copy of Guardian Cowboy, a contemporary romance. Like cowboys? You'll love the Wayback, Texas series. This will be sent to you via email.

2/27 One winner will be drawn from all entries dated 2/1 through 2/26 to win a signed print copy of Blood Revelation, Book One: Blood Curse.

2/28 One winner will be drawn from all entries dated 2/1 through 2/27 to receive their choice of ANY three of my published works. Winner's choice may include any of my new releases or my backlist.

It's going to be a fun month here at the blog, full of excerpts, character profiles, and more. If you like vampires, shapeshifters, or cowboys... You're gonna have a good time.

The contest starts... NOW! Start leaving those comments, spreading the word on Twitter... and don't forget the hashtag #CRLwin. It's the only way to make your entries count.

Gettins My Edumacation

2010-01-26T15:20:00.002-05:00

Well, I've been unemployed since August and can't even get an interview so... I'm going back to school. Yup. I just filled out umpteen different forms and I am set. I will be taking online classes through University of Phoenix and going for an associate's degree in business. Hopefully that will help me to get a better job (or at least A job).
I still need to go to the unemployment office (Happy happy joy joy) and make sure this course is covered. If so, I'll be able to stay on unemployment for another 18 months while going to school. Oh, I'll still be looking for work, believe me. Unemployment doesn't give you health insurance. But it'll be nice to not have to worry about suddenly having no income whatsoever coming in. Hopefully just by being IN school, I can land a good job.

PUDDING!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-22T00:24:00.002-05:00

Man, I've never wanted pudding so bad...

I knew this would be a hilarious episode. I mean... Dean Winchester. In a mental ward. Let the good times roll. What was actually funnier than this scene though... was counting the times tough-guy Dean gagged. He's tough as steel but has such a weak tummy ( - ;

Love Cowboy Romance?

2010-01-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

I'm blogging over at the Cozy Page today. Drop over and leave me a comment there. You'll find an excerpt from my upcoming release, Guardian Cowboy, while you're there! http://bit.ly/5sFhwZ

28 Days of Heart --Buy A Book & Support A Charity.

2010-01-16T00:22:00.002-05:00

Available only at AllRomanceEbooks. My story, Moonlit Watcher, is now available for pre-order and officially releases on 2/4

Blood Revelation, Book #4 is DONE!!!

2010-01-12T01:35:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness... These Blood Revelation books always exhaust me. I LOVE them, but by the time I reach the last few chapters I'm sooooo ready to be done with the writing process. All the action and emotion is so overwhelming.

I just finished Book #4 and I can not wait to share the story with everyone. I loved Book #1, Book #2 will FOREVER remain an all-time favorite, Book #3 was great but ... Book #4 grabbed me by the guts and dragged me through emotional hell like the first two did, reminding me why I LOVE this series so much.

The writing of this book went a little differently, as well. I know I've said before that when I write the characters take over. That's true, but to some extent I'm still there orchestrating. With this book, the characters just hi-jacked the whole thing and there were things that happened that I didn't even know about until they happened! It was insane.

Anyway. it's done. After working diligently to meet deadline (and I came in well ahead of my 2/1 deadline, thank you very much) I can now READ A BOOK FOR MY OWN ENJOYMENT! Oh, I have a To Be Read pile calling to me, believe me. I am diving in there tomorrow. I think I'm going to take a breather from vampires and read about some cowboys...

Repeat of the Same Cover Couple Offenders

2010-01-05T12:33:00.003-05:00

So... We all recall the cover of my very first e-book which featured "Adam & Brynn" on the cover:

And then came Anne Kane's book where "Adam & Brynn" made an appearance:

Look what I found now:

Apparently "Adam & Brynn" have gotten a little bored & decided to add another guy to spice up their sex life?

It's so sad it's funny how these same cover models are used over & over on e-books. There's one model that is used as the hero on so many e-books I've decided to name him. I call him Stud Brockman. I think I'm going to start collecting the covers I see him on and post them all together on here. I bet I can get at least twenty...

Anyhow, if you see "Adam & Brynn"" anywhere else let me know! I'm curious just how often tehy get around. Just think of all the covers they graced BEFORE mine. ( - ;

can't Wait For January 21st

2010-01-03T17:56:00.002-05:00

January 21st is going to be a great night. Why?

9:00 P.M. :

10:00 P.M. :

Yup. Greaaaaaat night.

Why David Cook Is The Greatest...

2009-12-31T14:36:00.004-05:00

I have lost count how many times I hit the replay button. No one ( and I don't give a damn who you/they are) can mash up a song like this man and OWN it !!!

Damn, I wish I'd witnessed this live. Then again, I might have had to have been carried out on a stretcher so I'll just be happy getting the KOTN/Hotel California mash -ups during the concerts I went to.

2009... Kind Of a Toss-Up

2009-12-31T11:39:00.003-05:00

So, 2009 screwed with me. There were some good things that happened, but also something really, really bad. I can't decide whether to say it was a great year or one of the worst of my life. Let's recap:

THE BAD THINGS:

1. Hello! I lost my job. After 10 years. Need I say more?

2. Forced to live off unemployment because I can't even get a callback from a job application. Apparently the fact that I've worked non-stop for the past 15 years and spent 10 of that at my last job means nothing at all.

3. First print book was supposed to be published this year, but it got pushed back. ) - :

4. Economy still sucks.

5. Way too many people dying young.

6. Cancer is still here.

THE GOOD THINGS:

1. Wrote Guardian Cowboy & subsequently signed contract with The Wild Rose Press to publish it, making me a member of the awesome group of authors who write the Wayback, Texas series.

2. Wrote Moonlit Watcher which was subsequently chosen as part of ARe's 28 Days of Heart campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine to publish something solely for charity.

3. Went to TWO David Cook concerts!!!

4. Hello! Adorable new neice born.

That's some pretty damn good stuff so overall... I guess I can't deem this as a bad year. Yes, I lost my job and yes, I'm starting to worry because I haven't had any job interviews but some pretty awesome stuff happened too.

As for 2010?

1. Blood Revelation Book One: Blood Curse will be published.

2. Guardian Cowboy will be published.

3. Moonlit Watcher will be published.

4. It's quite possible another Blood Revelation book will be published. I'm nearly done writing the fourth so they're there & they're contracted...

5. Whatever job I find (PLEASE let me find a job or hit the lottery!!!) will have to be better than the one I lost since there were honestly times I felt I was working for the devil.

I won't think of the bad things I fear... Gotta have faith!

To all, I hope you had a great 2009 or at least enough good things to make up for the bad, and I hope for an amazing 2010 for us all! May we actually get an end to war & unemployment, and what I pray for constantly: An end to cancer. Could this be the year? Hopefully.

New Cover Art !!! Blood Curse

2009-12-29T23:46:00.002-05:00

If edits go well, it should be available by the end of January, and it's a PRINT book !!!

Announcement: New Release Date !!!

2009-12-28T20:10:00.001-05:00

Guardian Cowboy has just been assigned a release date : February 24, 2010. Less than 2 months away. I am SO excited! I love this story, and can't wait to introduce Presley and Amber to the world!

In The Writing Cave

2009-12-23T02:26:00.003-05:00

I'm still here. I realize I haven't been very active on the blog this month, but as I don't really get a lot of comments I figure nobody really misses me ( - ;

I actually guest-blogged at Leah Braemel's blog and that just went up today:

http://leahbraemel.blogspot.com/2009/12/crystal-rain-love-knows-real-meaning-of.html

I did those two interviews as well so I have been around the 'net. That's about it as far as maintaining a web presence. I am going full throttle on this fourth installment of my Blood Revelation series.

My characters are giving me all sorts of nice surprises (the hero & heroine started out as one thing, now they are different types of beings altogether) and keeping me rolling right along. It's kind of nice when they take over and throw me curves. It keeps me engaged. I'm really enjoying this one, and I think readers will too when they finally get to it (probably 2011 or 2012 depending on the release schedule) because I'm dropping all sorts of clues for later installments.

I'm hoping to have this one all wrapped up by the end of the month so I can move along to something else. I still don't have a job but I'm putting in applications so who knows when my status will change? I want to get as much written during this "free time" as possible. I use quotations because anyone with kids understands that even unemployed, I don't have free time, especially during winter break, but you get the point.

So, anyway, I'm in the writing cave, people. I have stepped out a few times to read for my own enjoyment ( I totally recommend Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter, Sweet Inspiration by Penny Watson, Holiday Hell House by Christle Gray, and hell, anything by Linda Warren) but other than that and doing my child-raising thing, I'm tapping away at the keyboard.

If I don't get back on here to say it in the next few days...

Have a very merry, blessed Christmas with the ones you love!

Kicking Vampire Butt

2009-12-08T01:11:00.003-05:00

Just got through another battle scene. When I started out writing I used to get so anxious over writing any sort of fight scene. What words did I use? How did I keep the action going and still "show, don't tell"? How did I sprinkle in the dialogue without the fighting coming to a stand-still?

It's getting a bit easier now, as does anything you practice at. I don't get all nervous about it though it's not my favorite thing to write. I'll always love dialogue more than anything.

I added a new element during the writing of this scene. A new kind of were-creature. Yay! That's the beauty of writing. You never know what's going to spark a new idea and help you paint a more vivid, enthralling picture.

I've also finally discovered what my not-quite-human is and even created a word for her since I couldn't find anything online like her. That was pretty cool and I hope the idea is still kind of fresh by the time this story is released. It's the fourth installment of my Blood Revelation series so the absolute earliest it would come out would be 2011.

I know I've thought up things before in this series, wrote it all up, then turned on Supernatural later to see my "fresh" idea right there on the screen. LOL! We'll see if Supernatural beats me on this one or not.

So far I'm proud of myself this month for writing daily or doing a "double dose" if a day is missed. If I stay on track I will definitely complete this manuscript by month end as planned. I'm hoping to double up on the word count tomorrow so I can have the time off I need to make a birthday cake I received an order for. I hope I can hit goal.

New Interview Up at Romance Junkies!

2009-12-07T01:01:00.003-05:00

And yet another interview is up. I'm trying to keep that promo ball rolling ( - ; This is the interview my brother helped me with by supplying how my family would describe me. Hmmm.... http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/interviewarticles/Crystal-Rain_Love.shtml