THE TAGLINE/TITLE/TEN LINES AGENT READ CONTEST

Submit the tagline, title, and first ten lines of your manuscript, and you could win one of two critiques of your partial + synopsis from Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency!

The contest is divided into three phases and runs from July 23 to August 10.

Refer a friend, and you could win a box of spa/author goodies!

For more information, visit Dawn Halliday's Website.

RWA National Conference 2010

RWA 2009 just ended in Washington, DC. But I'm so excited about next year that I'm posting now! It will be in Nashville next year and I can't wait. It will be held at the Opryland Hotel but since I live in town I won't need a room. That's more money for books at the Literacy Signing! Come on 2010!!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Crystal Jordan

Love can drive you over the edge. It can also let you fly.

An In The Heat of the Night story.

Pixie Parthon worked hard to make her music production company a success. Anyone who gets in her way gets the business end of her Fae magic. Her savvy business sense kept her family afloat for years, but now that her musician brother is mated and off on a world tour she’s feeling left in the dust.

Maybe it was a faint wish for a little love magic for herself, but she didn’t expect one night of cutting loose to leave her marked for life. A little love bite is one thing. Give up her hard-won independence to a pushy alpha werewolf? She’ll pass.

Malcon is just as shocked as Pixie, but for a different reason. From the moment he saw her, his desire went far beyond getting into her pants. When she agreed—begged—to be bitten, he believed she also sensed their destiny to be mates.

Now it’s too late. Nothing will convince Pixie that he has no intention of clipping her wings—not even a month’s worth of orgasms on call. Crazy as it sounds, love is all he wants from her. Even if it means letting her go…

Buy it here!

No Excuses

I'm supposed to be writing every night but it always seems as if something comes up and I just can't get to it tonight. The house is always full of people, the baby needs MawMaw to play with her, I just gotta read this book or I'll go nuts. You know, important things.

But now the house is empty for a couple of weeks and I don't have anyone to keep me from my writing. I just hope my butt will find the chair comfy enough to stay in it with my hands on the keyboard writing something and not playing Mahjong!

Something New

I started something new today. I blogged a couple of months ago about a new idea forming that would involve a new blog for a particular story I've been thinking about. Today I started working on it. It's not quite ready to go live yet, but I can tell it's gonna be good. I'll post as soon as it's ready.

Tired

My blogging has been sporadic lately and I want to get it back on track. Sometimes it seems that my mind is just going and I can't think of all the things I need to do on a daily basis. I forget things at work and at home. And I feel just plain tired all the time. But, a change in diet and adding a little exercise should help. At least that's what I'm hoping. Hmmm...maybe I should make lists. I used to love having my lists to go by, but I've gotten out of making them anymore. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Weekend

I had a great 3 day weekend. Friday DH put his new grill together and we went shopping for a cover and accessories for it. We grilled burgers for lunch and that night went to the big 4th of July service at church with Fireworks after. CDM loved the fireworks, until she heard the big boom at the end...lol.

Saturday we lazed around. KAM and I played a board game and DH played WOW. Then Saturday night DH and I went out to dinner with a friend and his new girlfriend, then rode to the top of a huge hill in Belle Meade to watch the downtown fireworks. We got a little wet when it started to rain but had a great time anyway.

Sunday was another lazy day. We went to see Angels & Demons and it was a great movie. I loved it! I also finally finished scanning in all the negatives my aunt gave me and I'll be able to print off pics for my mom when she's here this weekend. It took awhile because my scanner was only set up for negatives that were more recent. The ones I was scanning were from the 30s forward. I had to line them up and move them around to get them to scan to where I could actually make out everyone in the pics. I can't wait to find out who all these faces belong to in my family.

And now it's Monday morning and I'm back at work. Can't wait for the weekend when I can visit my mom and dad and JAM will be home from Iraq. Come on Friday!!

Not Going To Conference Conference at Romance Divas

Not going to the RWA conference in DC this month? Let Romance Divas bring the conference to you!

Site registration is free – if you aren’t already a member of the best free romance writing community on the web, sign up today!

Workshops from some of the hottest talent in writing will make you glad you stayed home!
Marley Gibson
Joey W. Hill
Steve Hockingsmith
Carrie Jones
Shayla Kersten
Josh Lanyon
Rowan Mcbride
Jet Mykles
Patti O’Shea
Ona Russel
Linnea Sinclair
Sasha White

Don’t miss it!

Is It Over Yet?

Today was not one of my better days. I got to work this morning and realized I forgot to send the pet photos to be toned and dropped into our system for printing on Saturday's classified. Thirty pet ads that were supposed to include pictures only showed the placeholders.

Now, I'm not perfect by any means, but I don't usually forget something so important. And that's all it was. I forgot. I didn't get so busy I forgot, I just forgot. And it took me all morning to enter new ads for next Saturday, fix the two that were so completely screwed up by this problem the customer's called to complain, and then to send the photos for toning. I finished right about lunch time and was at least able to enjoy lunch without worrying too much. Then after lunch I had to check each one to make sure the pics were ready to go. I was frustrated and pissed at myself, but it's done and I believe things will be back to normal tomorrow.

On the bright side, though, I met Mario Van Peebles today. He was in the building for a tour and because I work the front counter I got to say hello. I hate to admit it, but I wasn't sure who he was until someone else mentioned it. I knew he looked familiar to me, but I wasn't sure. Of course, it has been awhile since he's been in a movie. Anyway, here's a pic of him. He's a cutie.

Happy Anniversary

Today I celebrate the day I married MJM. 2 years ago today, we drove to the courthouse downtown and said our vows in front of the County Clerk. No family ceremony for us. We'd both done that twice already and decided it was not what we wanted this go around. It was a nice ceremony and we left as man and wife. That's all we really wanted anyway.

We were both pretty gun shy about marriage. I married my first husband right out of high school and for 5 years things went steadily downhill. I believed that I had to stay married even if it meant living in a situation that was not healthy; my mother married and divorced several times and I didn't want that for myself.

He was a drug addict. I knew in the back of my mind that I didn't need to marry him, but being young and "in love" I did it anyway. The drugs steadily became more prevalent until they were all there was. There was also abuse, both physical and emotional. I put up with it and told myself that I could change him. Of course, now I know that would never have happened, but at the time I wanted it to work. Finally, after 5 years and 3 kids I realized how stupid it was to stay in a potentially dangerous situation and so I got out.

Only I went from one bad situation to another. I was 25 years old with 3 kids under the age of 5 and was terrified that no one would want me. I went out with a couple of guys but not anyone who wanted anything more. Then I met the guy who would be my second husband. He was not abusive then but he was a recovering addict. I thought that was a good thing but soon found out it could change at the drop of a hat. For awhile things were good but that soon changed. The drugs took over and other things came out that I never would have dreamed possible. He turned out to be worse than my first husband; not abusive toward me personally but toward my kids. I never knew for the longest time, but it started getting worse until finally my daughter told me what he'd done. Needless to say I left immediately and never looked back. That marriage lasted for 8 years and it took a long time for me to even consider marriage again.

Until I met MJM. And I'm so glad I did. We dated for 4 years before we married and I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. He's a wonderful man, my kids love him, and he encourages me to pursue my dreams. What more could a woman ask for? Happy Anniversary, Honey!

The 11th Annual Melody of Love Needs You!

Your manuscript, that is. The entry period for our small, intimate RWA chapter romance novel contest is drawing to a close (receipt deadline July 2) and we have more space, particularly in the historical and paranormal categories. The judges are trained, electronic entries are welcome, and you DO NOT have to include a synopsis in the first round!

While finalists may be asked to send their industry professional judge a synopsis, they also get a chance to polish their partials before submission and consult with the chapter's resident Grammar Wench if desired. This year judges & categories are: Contemporary: Johanna Raisanen, Harlequin/Silhouette; Paranormal: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency; Historical: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman
Literary Agency.

Find out the entry details at www.mcrw.com and ask any questions at contest@mcrw.com

Good luck!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Today is my honey's birthday so, in that time honored tradition, I'll sing.

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday, dear Honey.
Happy Birthday to you!

I love you and may you have many, many, many more!!

50 Years of Love

This past weekend I attended a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party for my husband's grandparents. They married in their forties and blended their families with great success. The room was full of love and laughter and a lifetime of memories.

They're in their 90s but still full of vim & vigor. They may have been a little slower moving but were still able to come back to our hotel with us after the party and have a drink or two and visit with the family they haven't seen in several years. I loved listening to the stories of their life together and the banter back and forth between family members. All in all the weekend was a great success and I'm so proud to be a part of this family.

Letting Go

My baby left this morning to spend two weeks in Albuquerque, NM, with her boyfriend and his father. She's never been away from me except with family and she's certainly never been on a plane before. I'm a nervous wreck and I've been up since 4 am to take them to the airport. I know she'll be 18 in a few months, but that's not the point. She's my baby and I don't want her off somewhere that I can't get to her right away. Letting go sucks!

I've done enough letting go in my life and frankly I don't like it very much. I want to hold on to what's mine and giving it up is turning out not to be one of my strong points. It's hard and it hurts and I don't like it! What am I supposed to do when all my babies are grown? Sit around and wish for the old days when they were little and were all mine? hmpf!

What about you? How do you deal with letting go?

Back On Track

Well, I think it's about time for me to get back into posting on a more regular basis. I got sidetracked for awhile with a special project at work and RoDiWriMo but that's all over and I have more time now.

I'm taking a Workshop with Eliza Knight called "The Noble's Life in Medieval Times". I'm excited to learn as much as I can since my WIP is set in the 14th century and Eliza is doing an awesome job. I'm inspired to write more and I'm hoping to finish the first draft of this MS within a few months so I can get started editing it and have it ready to submit by the end of the year. My first submission will be a HUGE deal!

I joined my local RWA chapter and was interviewed for the chapter newsletter. My answers to the interview questions were neither inspired nor insightful, but it was my first interview and I certainly hope it gets easier and better with time. LOL If possible I'll post here when it comes out.

My Heart Is Within You by Marguerite Labbe



On sale NOW at Dreamspinner Press!



The power of heart and soul holds the key to the survival of the last of the ancient vampires. Kristair is running out of time. His race has faded away, prey to delusion and deterioration, and his only chance to live long enough to find a cure is to bind his psyche to a human vessel in a long forgotten ritual.


Kristair's chosen vessel is Jacob Corvin, a man of passionate stubbornness and fierce loyalty; he has captured Kristair's fantasies so completely that he is both the vampire's greatest strength and most crippling weakness. Drawing upon Jacob's spirit and Kristair's resolve, they each bind a portion of their souls to one other. For as long as Jacob carries Kristair's heart within him, the vampire can continue his quest.


Just when they have hope, their mission is threatened by The Syndicate, a group of younger vampires who attempt to force Kristair to teach them his secrets before he disappears like the rest of the ancients. Battling both The Syndicate's attacks and his unexpected need and love for Jacob, Kristair's strength begins to fade, forcing him to make a decision that will change his and Jacob's lives forever.


Read an excerpt here!

More Random Stuff

The weekend is almost over. Why does it seem to go so much faster than the rest of the week? Just like your lunch break. It's the fastest hour of the day. Every other hour just creeps by. But at least I only have four days of work this week. MJM & I leave Friday morning for Kansas City, KS. His grandparents are having their 50th wedding anniversary.

I bought the cutest dress to wear. My friend and I went shopping yesterday and I tried on 12 dresses before I found the right one. Maybe I'll post a picture if it turns out good.

On a sad note, my aunt is very sick and in the hospital, in a coma last I heard. And my grandmother on my father's side is in the hospital as well. I'm not very close to her but I feel as if I should be there. I know I'll feel guilty if I don't go because I go to all my uncles funerals, but that side of the family doesn't really feel like family to me. That's sad because they really are family and I should be close to them. My father left me when I was very young and I've never spent much time with him, even though I could have if he'd only tried a little harder. Now, that's neither here nor there, though. The past is the past. And I still don't know if I'll go to the funeral or not when my grandmother passes.

Anyway, I'll go back to work tomorrow and take things a day at a time. We'll see what happens when it happens.

SECOND TIME AROUND is the 2nd instalment of the Risque Reunions trilogy of Spice Briefs, three stories about lovers who meet again at a ten year school reunion.

When Willa spots her ex-husband, James, eyeing her seductively at their high school reunion, she doesn't know what to think--or how to control her body's reaction to him. James has changed from the mild, non-confrontational man she married. Now he's darker, sexier and eager to be in command. For the first time in their relationship, Willa is helpless before him--and she likes it. It's time for her to make things right, starting by surrendering to pleasure...and to James's will.

Read an excerpt here

Available from Fictionwise, Books on Board and Amazon Kindle so far, and due at eHarlequin shortly.

The Prince's Bride, from Loose ID.

Sexy young knight Sir Geoffrey’s holy vision of the True Cross sends him questing after a virgin, a unicorn, a sacred scroll, and a cursed island. Rita is a plump, poor peasant who speaks with the finder of lost things, St. Anthony. She hasn’t been a virgin for quite a while, so she’s thrilled to win the hand of Sir Geoffrey, and moreso since Geoff delights in introducing her to his sexual peccadilloes, including a generous night of brotherly sharing. It comes as a shock to learn that Geoff’s vision includes his own martyrdom! Is Geoffrey’s vision the result of insanity, or is St. Anthony leading him to something priceless? Only Rita has the power to save her husband, with some help from her heavenly friends.

A HINT OF WICKED by Jennifer Haymore

“A unique, heart-tugging story with sympathetic, larger-than-life characters, intriguing plot twists, and sensual love scenes make A HINT OF WICKED an impressive romance debut!”

– New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan

CAUGHT BETWEEN DUTY AND DESIRE . . .

Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his cousin and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul. . . until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands-and his wife.

TORN BETWEEN TWO HUSBANDS . . .

Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game-where the stakes are not only love . . . but life and death.

Read the beginning of A HINT OF WICKED here.
Buy it at www.amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.borders.com
Also available in e-Book format

www.jenniferhaymore.com