Small Town Holiday Stories

I love small town holiday stories, don't you? They can be inspirtional or funny or filled with suspense, it really doesn't matter. If there are snowflakes and Christmas lights and decorations and the feeling of hope and love, I devour them.

In 'In The presence Of Evil', Christmas is only a week away. At the insistence of his best-friend, Marine Cole Hanson returns to Mountain Pine, Pennsylvania for the holiday celebration. While he is not looking forward to facing the woman who broke his heart and has haunted his dreams, a small part of him hopes part of their past can be erased and they could start their relationship a new. When he sees Gina trembling in handcuffs, accused of murder, he steps up as her alibi, but can he keep her safe from the real killer.


One minute, Gina is planning the perfect holiday with her new boyfriend and the next she is in handcuffs and facing murder charges. Just when she thinks she’ll spend Christmas in jail, she looks up into the eyes that once had promised to love her forever. Cole. The memory of how he’d crushed her heart, keeps her from jumping into his arms until the truth of their past is revealed. But, is it too late for them? A killer is determined to make Gina his next victim.

Here's an excerpt from the pages of 'In The Presence of Evil'. I hope you enjoy.

***
Cole’s sixth sense kicked in. A tall, slim shadow grew larger on the wall he faced.

Gina slept the last time he’d checked on her, and Rusty won’t creep.

Had someone gotten past Rusty? Was Gina okay? He fought the urge to bulldoze the guy over and race to her side.

Rule one; self-preservation. He couldn’t be distracted by the image of Rusty or Gina injured or dead. Rule two; take out the intruder. Rule three; find Gina and Rusty, and get them medical help if—

He wouldn’t think the worse.

He had to follow the rules.

Cole concentrated on keeping his breathing normal and waited for the right moment to make his move. The hairs on the nape of his neck prickled as if the cold finger of death toyed with him.

He nuzzled his cheek into the pillow and felt the butt of his gun. His muscles tensed. Under his breath he silently counted one, two, three, and then in a fluid motion, he grabbed his weapon and spiraled off the bed toward his predator, hoping to catch him off guard.

Cole wrapped his arm around legs and dropped the body to the floor, surprised by the light weight.

A high-pitched yelp cut through the night.

“Cole, stop. It’s me.”

“Jesus, Gina.” He halted slamming his gun into her head by a fiction of an inch and braced himself on his elbows.

Her soft body moved under him, and he went hard all over.

A shard of moonlight beamed through the window above them and cut across her shocked expression. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I was just checking on you.”

Her voice shook, and Cole’s heart hammered his sternum. “You almost got yourself killed. Do you know that?”

“I do now.”

Gina’s nails bit into his forearms. The rapid rise and fall of her breasts tickled his chest hair. The satin fabric of her nightgown brushed against his stomach. He recalled the red nightie he’d seen thrown across her bed the night before, and his blood pulsed to areas south of his boxer’s waistband imagining her wearing it now.
He took in the feel of her, recording each soft curve to memory for those nights when he needed to remember a happier time.

Cole’s nostrils flared. Gina’s sweet scent surrounded him like a London fog. The silky strands of her hair lay beneath his hand, tangled in his fingers, and he couldn’t resist the urge to play with the curls, relish their feel. Why was she here?

“What do you want, Gina?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. There is something. I can feel it.”

***
In The Presence Of Evil is available in both paperback and e-format through TWRP, B&N, and Amazon, both USA and Amazon Europe.

Happy holidays and have fun reading,

AJ

'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' is out!

June 15-21, 2011 Release Day Contest!

You know the excitement of a new release hasn’t dulled. Not one bit. Woohoo. I’m doing the happy dance. ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’ officially releases from The Wild Rose Press, today!

Don’t you love the cover?

I love the cover. Love, love, love it. Rae Monet did a fabulous job pulling all the elements I asked for together.

Now, in celebration of the release of ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’, I’m going to give away three e-copies* of the story to three different lucky readers.

All names will go into my cute little basket. No, the wine will be removed and not included in the contest. Sorry.

Here is how to win.

1. Leave a nice comment here and your name is entered once. (I'll need your name and a way of contacting you in the comment or you'll have to check the blog next Wednesday to see if you're a winner)

2. Hop over to TWRP http://tinyurl.com/6h5z89v, copy the paragraph that begins, 'She grabbed.." and email mail it to me at autumnjordon@yahoo.com, with ITPOE contest in the subject line and your name will be entered two times.

3. Or go to Amazon http://tinyurl.com/6443535, click the cover to look inside the first pages, and email me the answers to these three questions at autumnjordon@yahoo.com , with ITPOE contest in the subject line.

1. Ivan’s kitten’s eyes are what color?
2. What is the name of Gina’s boss?
3. Where does Gina work?


All entries must be received by June 21, 2011 noon EST. The winners will be announced here next Wednesday afternoon, June 22.

*(The e-copies will be forwarded as soon as available from either the TWRP or Amazon-which is my preference)



Here’s an excerpt. I hope you enjoy! And don't forget to jump over to my website and join my newsletter for more chances to win prizes

The fire in his eyes was meant to make her back off, but she held her position.
Cole stood and stretched his arms out and above his head.

Gina couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent male form. As her gaze trailed up over him, their eyes locked, and Gina quickly looked down at the papers in front of her. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but there was no denying she was very attracted to him.

Her heart fluttered in her chest. The air in the office grew warmer each second, and Cole’s scent was a clear distraction. She had to insist he get out of her sight before he confused her more.

She stood. “Be reasonable. No one is going to come here with guns blazing and try to take me out.”

“You haven’t changed.”

She dropped her pen. “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re as stubborn as a mule.”

She splayed her hand on her chest. “Me, stubborn?”

“Yes. You always were.”

“I don’t think so.”

“I know so.” He chuckled. “We’ll continue this conversation tonight when Rusty is with us.”

“We will not.”

“Are you afraid your boyfriend will find out who you really are?”

“Leo knows who I am.”

“Does he?”

Somehow they both had moved to the middle of the room where they stood face to face.

The dancing sparkle in his dark eyes warmed her insides like hot cocoa on a blistery night. Her gaze dropped to his full lips, and she wondered if he still tasted like a sweet plum.

“You haven’t changed inside, Gina,” he said in a hoarse whisper as he stepped closer. “Neither have I.”

His hand slipped around her waist.

“Cole.”

He drew her to him. Their bodies aligned as they always had, fitting perfectly against one another. Her skin tingled under his touch as he caressed her collarbone and then slid his hand under her hair around the nape of her neck.

Only for a moment did he search her soul before his lips feathered across hers with the promise of love.

This was wrong and she knew it, but at this very moment she didn’t care.

****

Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Summer Sizzling Reads Chat

JOIN me June 16, 2011 for an all day chat! I'm going to talk more about my new release, IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL




Prepare to Sizzle!

Over $5,000 prizes up for grabs!

Total of 8 pairs of tickets to RomCon 2011 to be won!!!
(each pair worth $490)

Sizzling Summer Reads (Romance)

From June 1 to 28, 2011

at http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Play the games. Explore new books.

Chat with authors. Rack up your points!

CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?

Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!


*****

ANNOUCEMENT! Only Hours Left!

Enter to win a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL at www.autumnjordon.com


WINNER announced here Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 9 AM to kick off my release day party!

Welcome Alana Lorens

April 15, 2011. Tax Day. I hope you filed already, because I've asked a great guest to visit today. I'm welcoming a fellow Wild Rose author, Alana Lorens. I've asked Alana a ton of questions, and she did an awesome job answering them. So, let's get to the interview.


1) Alana, welcome. Can you tell us a little about your story Secrets In The Sand, a blurp?

After a run of bad relationships, Lily Pearl Evans has finally become an independent woman, the owner of the Sassafras Social Club, a quiet little bordello. In the New Mexico desert town of Chaparral, she works for herself, sets her own rules, and is determined no man will hold her back again.

Gene Nicholas worked for more than a decade to achieve his dream to be a doctor. Wanting to share his gifts with those less fortunate, he leaves south Florida to volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in Mexico.

When Gene provokes a showdown with the local Mexican drug cartel, he becomes a man with a price on his head. On the run, he ends up on Lily’s doorstep--a mystery man forced to conceal his past to protect them both. With the cartel’s dangerous web drawing tight around them, can Lily and Gene survive a drug lord’s revenge?



Secrets In The Sand sounds AWESOME! I love a good suspense, as you well know. What inspired you to write the story?

Years ago my husband and I were members of a role playing game on the Internet, and these two characters were characters we developed and played. The characters of Gene and Lily were as potentially mismatched as they are in SECRETS IN THE SAND, but somehow they found their way to each other, and in this story, they did as well.


How cool. That is the first time I've heard of character development through a game. LOVE IT! Can you describe your heroine? Does she look like someone you know physically? Did you give her some of your character, values, and aspirations? What makes her special?

Lily’s a redhead, late thirties, deep blue eyes, with legs still worth a second look. She’s a little vain about signs of getting older, and vulnerable still from her mother abandoning her when she was a child. She likes to dress up—even though she isn’t one of the sex workers at the Club, she still wants to feel beautiful and sexy. When her aunt left her the house that she turns into the Club, Lily realizes she can be independent of any man and take care of herself, build her own security. Like me, she works hard, and tries to build a family out of those close to her.

I love reading about more mature characters. Now tells us about your hero. Does he look like someone you know physically? What are his best traits? What are his flaws? Did you fall in love with him while writing the story?

Gene is in his mid-thirties, a doctor who worked his way through many years of school, determined to save people after his brother died as a young boy from a sudden illness. His brown hair is cut close, and he’s got wide brown eyes that readily show his emotions. He cares deeply about his patients—this is what gets him in trouble in the town where he’s working through Doctors Without Borders. The local drug lord abuses one of Gene’s young patients and kills her. Gene acts to save the rest of the village without thinking about the personal consequences. Once he lands at Lily’s, he turns that caring and compassion on the young women who work at the Club as well as Lily herself. Throughout the story, though, he’s always just a little unsure he’s able to lift himself to the next level, to do what needs to be done, and this insecurity is definitely a flaw. But in the end he comes through big time. I’ve always been in love with Gene since my husband created him. He’s noble, brave and dedicated, but not too proud to get down on the floor and roll around with a baby or a dog when it’s called for.


Did you have to do special research for your story?

I had to learn about the southern area of New Mexico, and also a little bit about the drug cartels across the border. My one big investment was a visit to Radio Shack to find out how to locate a cell phone in the desert using a GPS. It was easier than I thought!

How many books have you written? And, which is your favorite and why?

I’ve probably written about 18 full-length manuscripts. SECRETS IN THE SAND is one of five I have signed contracts for in the last year. Three are part of an urban fantasy series from Dragonfly Publishing, Inc., THE ELF QUEEN, THE ELF CHILD and THE ELF MAGE; one, SECOND CHANCES, is a women’s fiction with romantic elements that will be out next year, and SECRETS is out this week from The Wild Rose Press.

That being said, my favorite story is a post-apocalyptic young adult book I’m still searching out a home for. It’s got a love story, survival, some violence—all the good stuff. 

Tell us a little about your writing process. What comes first, plot or characters?

Definitely plot. When I get into the “what if?” mode, then I kick around some likely combinations of where the story might go. Next step is to choose some characters to handle the plot. I love the naming process. Sometimes that takes me the longest time, to make sure I’ve got interesting names that really fit the vibe I’m looking for. Fleshing out the characters with positives and flaws both, to keep things interesting comes next. Then we begin at the beginning. I may outline a chapter or two ahead so I can see where I need to go. The only time I’ve outlined a whole book before is when I’ve written for NaNoWriMo, which I’ve won twice. There you don’t have a lot of time to run by the seat of your pants!

Do you feel it’s important for an author to read outside of the genre their write and why?

It’s important for a writer to read. Period. Certainly reading across genres, especially these days, will help you, because the lines between genres are growing thinner and thinner. They have gardening mysteries and sci-fi romance and chick-lit thrillers—you’ve got to keep up with all of it!

I have to agree. Very important to write and read everyday.

Do you have a list of craft books that you think should be included in a writer’s study guide?

I don’t. I have been fortunate enough to take some classes with the wonderful Margie Lawson, including her Master Immersion class last fall in Colorado. She has a real gift for teaching the way to release emotions into your work.

I've bwwn Margieized too. Love her.

Okay. Let me ask something personal. When you’re not writing, what are some of your hobbies?

I garden a lot, running a community garden for the folks in my father’s apartment building. I also love to travel, and since my kids are spread out across the country, we’ve been able to see quite a bit of it, from the redwoods in California to Washington DC to Florida and more.

What is next for you?

I’m busy writing the third volume in the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot series, which is scheduled for release in 2012. Hopefully after that I’ll be able to get into a new project—I have some interesting ideas for a paranormal romance I’m dying to get to.

It's wonderful to learn more about you. Thanks for coming by today.Thanks, Autumn, for inviting me to meet your readers, and best wishes for your writing in the future!

Friday's Friend Victoria Gray

I love reading different time periods, and my Friday Friend, Victoria Gray, has done just that. You're going to love her blog and excerpt. Enjoy!


1)You recently had a new release. Could you tell us a little about it?Autumn, my new release with The Wild Rose Press is Angel in My Arms, the story of Amanda Emerson, a Union spy undercover in Richmond, and Steve Dunham, the Union officer she enlists in a daring rescue. The scheme to rescue a double agent
from a Confederate prison where he’s awaiting execution plunges them into danger and sparks an irresistible passion between the roguish officer and the beautiful sable-haired spy. As the treachery surrounding them thickens, every moment he’s with her jeopardizes their lives, but they discover a love that’s worth the risk.
Steve Dunham, the hero in Angel in My Arms, is built like a Viking, has a twinkle in his eye, and he’s got guts. Best of all, he’s the kind of man who’s had his share of women, but when he falls, he falls hard and forever. A seasoned Union operative, he faces danger on a daily basis, but when the woman he loves is threatened, he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe.
Amanda Emerson, the heroine, is a sable-haired beauty who joined up with a nest of Union spies living in Richmond. She’s skilled at deception, but when she falls for the handsome spy she’s drawn into their latest scheme, there’s no way to hide her feelings. Amanda’s gutsy and tender, a woman who doesn’t even realize how beautiful she is. She doesn’t want to fall for Steve – their love puts both in danger – but some tides are too hard to fight.

2) Did you have to do any special research for the novel?I did extensive research before and while writing the novel. I’d learned many years ago about Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond spinster known as Crazy Bet who was actually a Union spy. I modeled one of my characters, the spymaster, Betsy Kincaid, after Crazy Bet, incorporating some of her tactics and the places she frequented into the story. I also researched the historical figures of the time, such as the Confederate first lady, Varina Davis, and the historical landmarks of Richmond, including Libby Prison, the site of the jail escape that is central to the story.

3) Why do you write in the genre you do?I’ve always had a passion for history, so historical romance seems a natural choice. I find myself swept away by the sense of being in another time when chivalry was still in vogue. Setting a story in an historical time period creates a world quite different from the hustle and bustle of twenty-first century life.

4) What was your favorite scene to write?My favorite scene takes place soon after Amanda and Steve have accomplished the rescue. Yearning for Amanda, Steve sneaks into the spymaster’s house and finds her asleep. She stirs to awareness, finding he’s covered her and stoked the fire; his tenderness flares to passion, and they explore the delicious pleasure they can bring one another.

5) What kind of books do you read?I enjoy many different genres. Of course, I love historical romance, especially those set during the Civil War era or Victorian England. I’m also reading a steampunk romance that strikes me as Victorian England with gadgets, and I devour non-fiction that’s related to my writing. One book I’ve pored over recently details actual letters exchanged between soldiers and their loved ones during the Civil War – what a powerful book!

6) How do you spend your down time?When I’m not writing or working at my day job, I enjoy walking and hiking, cycling, and getting away to the mountains or the beach with my husband. I’m also a movie buff – I especially love comedies. Most of my movie “keepers” are films that make me laugh.

7) Are you a goal setter?Absolutely. I set long-term and short-term goals for my writing and other aspects of my life. One of my new goals is to run a 5K. I’ve started a running program that is designed to work me up to a 5K (3.1 mile) non-stop run. At this point, I can handle intervals of 5 minutes running and 2 minutes walking with no trouble…the next short term goal here is to shorten the walking intervals to 1 minute, and so on. By the spring, I should be running a 5K with no trouble.

8) What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was a hike in the Blue Ridge Parkway out to a rock formation that my husband had read about in one of those lovely guidebooks that make everything sound like a spring picnic. Hiking normally isn’t all that adventurous for me, but this particular route involved navigating a few segments where there are narrow ledges with sheer drops – I have a fairly pronounced fear of heights, so these were not fun for me. I persevered, gritting my teeth, I observed my husband was having the time of his life while I was literally white-knuckled with fright. Collapsing onto a fallen tree after making it past the last of these ledges, my husband was kind enough to point out a very large snake skin – the fact that the skin looked very fresh and had rattles at the end put a quick end to my respite. That hike proved a little too adventurous for my tastes, and it’s not an experience I’m looking to duplicate any time soon.


Blurb:

Amanda Emerson must break her cousin, a notorious double agent, out of a Confederate prison before his imminent execution. She’s a skilled Union operative, but for this mission, she needs a man. Even a man who looks and acts like a Viking warrior.
Caught with Rebel battle plans and set for a hanging, Union spy Steve Dunham isn’t about to refuse the assistance of the sable-haired beauty who shows up at the jail and slips him the keys to his cell. Of course, she’s there for a reason besides saving his neck - he’s the key to her plan.
He may be trading one noose for another, but he won’t forsake her. The spoils of his victory will be her surrender. And the terms of surrender will be sweet.

Buy Links:
Angel in My Arms is available from The Wild Rose Press (print - http://www.thewildrosepress.com/angel-in-my-arms-paperback-p-4328.html and e-book - http://www.thewildrosepress.com/angel-in-my-arms-p-4308.html), and other retailers including:
Digibooks Café (http://www.digibookscafe.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=107&products_id=1086),
All Romance E-Books (http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-angelinmyarms-484011-158.html),
Amazon.com (Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Angel-In-My-Arms-ebook/dp/B004BLK63A/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1291012033&sr=1-1 and print - http://www.amazon.com/Angel-My-Arms-Victoria-Gray/dp/1601548435/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291012033&sr=1-1

Excerpt:

Amanda sank into a chair and gazed into the crackling flames. Her heart ached. And there was only one cure for it.
A cure that would not come tonight. She’d outgrown childish Christmas wishes many years ago. She knew better than to hope for a miracle that would not come.
Kate padded across the floor, her footsteps soundless against the braided rug. “Joshua will be here to take me home shortly. I’ll return in the morning.”
“You belong with your family,” Amanda said. “Betsy and I will be fine. We’ve—”
A rap against the door cut through her words.
“Don’t tell me Captain Reed has returned,” Betsy muttered, eyeing Kate with a critical glare as she marched to the door with impatient strides.
She mumbled a few words to the unseen visitor and closed the door almost as quickly as she’d opened it.
“It seems I was wrong.” Betsy placed a wrapped package in Amanda’s hand. “You have an admirer.”
“Prescott?”
“I don’t know,” Betsy said with a reluctant smile. “The messenger didn’t say who’d sent him. Only that this was for Mandy.”
Mandy.
Amanda was sure her heart skipped a beat.
She unwrapped the package with slow, careful motions, intending to savor this moment, the pleasure of discovery.
Her lower lip quivered as she removed her gift. Ivory hair combs, exquisitely carved. Amanda examined her treasure with the wonder of a child on Christmas morning. She slid the combs into her hair.
A folded slip of paper lay within the box.
Amanda read the boldly scrawled message. She’d been so very wrong.
Her wish had been granted.
Someday I’ll hold you again.
****
Steve shoved his hands in his coat pockets and braced himself against the cold. The warmth of his room at Lily’s Place beckoned him, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Not just yet.
The boy he’d paid to deliver Amanda’s gift ran to him, reported the deed had been done, and rushed home, a silver coin clutched in his grimy hand.
Home. How many years had it been since he’d even had a home? Ten…no, eleven. He’d never been in one place long enough to put down roots, not since he left Boston.
With his collar turned up and his hat slung low to obscure his face, Steve skulked through the streets of a city where he didn’t belong. The truth broadsided him with the merciless force of a cannon ball. One week past his twenty-ninth birthday, he had no wife, no child, and a rented room in a brothel in which to lay his head.
A few weeks ago, he wouldn’t have given a damn. He’d never needed anything beyond a warm bed and a willing woman.
But nothing had been the same since he’d first laid eyes on Amanda.
Even in her prim and proper gray dress, she’d robbed him of breath. She hadn’t known that. Until he kissed her.
Longing speared his heart. He was in love with a woman he had no right to want. His partner’s sister. A beauty who could have her choice of men...men who would give her every comfort she deserved. Amanda deserved so much more than he could ever give.
But that didn’t change a damned thing.
He couldn’t stop himself from loving her.


Learn more about Victoria at:
www.victoriagrayromance.com
www.victoriagrayromance.blogspot.com

Debut author Tess Quinn

Today I welcome author Tess Quinn. Tess is an incrediablity talented writer and I'm so excited she has chosen me to throw her a kick off party for her blog tour featuring her new release, THE BEWITCHED COWBOY. So grab some cyber-bubbly, a party hat and a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries and let's welcome her.


Book release date: February 24, 2010
The Wild Rose Press: Faery Rose Line
Novella. You can purchase the book at:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-bewitched-cowboy-p-3889.html?zenid=8305df24b5b6991feffd8aedd1f5ca2b


You’re a law student and a reader for an agent. How do you find time to write?

I actually give a workshop that involve Asian cultural and traditional techniques for better time management. In the workshop, I explain how it’s important to stick to a schedule, to write out everything you would like to achieve before the day begins, and attempt to cross off every item written on the list. I do this every day, but there are other reasons why I can do so many things. The first is, I’m single. Because I don’t have a family, juggling a lot of things is easier than if I had a child or husband. Second, I’m a stickler for the reward and punishment system. I’ll only reward myself with something, whether it be ordering Chinese food or buying a new pair of shoes, if I finish my word count for the week. Guilt and a hunger for Chinese take-out are strong motivators. Last but not least, I believe in a marathon writing day. Once a month, I’ll sit down and write for at least eight hours in one sitting. I’ll get up to use the bathroom and to grab food but that’s it. I call this my ‘catch up’ time if I wasn’t able to get as much done during the month as I would have wanted.

Recently, you submitted a workshop proposal for the RWA National conference and that proposal was accepted. Inquiring minds want to know what is the workshop’s topic and why are you the one to give this presentation?

The workshop topic is “Goal, Motivation, & Conflict in the YA Novel.” I write YA under my other pen name “Nisha Sharma” so I’m intricately entangled with the genre. The reason why the RWA workshop panel thought I was an appropriate speaker for the topic was first: I got approval from Debra Dixon who is the creator of the “GMC: Goal, Motivation & Conflict” structure, so I was legally allowed to talk about the subject. Second, I’m the national young adult book reviewer on Examiner.com so I have to read a lot of YA for my columns. Third, I was a remote reader for two literary agencies where I did a fair amount of YA reading whether it was queries or full manuscript requests. I was also a freelance editor and book doctor for YA authors. I recently stopped the freelance editing and the remote reading because I wanted to focus on my own writing more, but I gained a lot of experience through each job. Additionally, when I started writing YA, I decided to take Jennifer Crusie’s approach when attempting to write in a new genre: read 100 books. In one year, I think I read over 300 YA books in all different subgenres. In the process I created a chart where I wrote down in a few words what the goals, motivations & conflicts of the protagonists were. I read tons of psychology books and guides that talked about writing for the YA market. In the end, I had all this information which I was able to structure under Goal, Motivation, & Conflict along with research techniques and ways to get started with writing a YA novel. I applied it to my own writing and I landed a fabulous agent! Since it was a “tested” system so to speak, I decided to share the information and research I had done. Every three months I update the information in my workshop whether I’m speaking during that time or not, only because the genre is constantly evolving. I’m really excited to be giving the talk at RWA nationals!

You have a unique way of brainstorming which brought about the idea for your new release. Could you tell us about it?

Sure! I Googled.  I’m a law student so when I’m working on papers or legal research, I immediately go to Google because I’m able to get a general understanding of my subject and then find authors or articles, etc. that help narrow my focus even more. I use the same methodology when I’m brainstorming for a book. I start with a character, a very general premise, and I throw random words together in a Google search string. For my book ‘The Bewitched Cowboy,’ I knew I wanted to do something with a cowboy. I can’t remember exactly what my search string was, but it involved the words ‘cowboy’, ‘farmer,’ ‘romance,’ and ‘magic.’ I ended up with a bunch of hits for both wineries and Wiccan churches. Ding, ding, ding! The light bulb went off and after fooling around with Google a bit more, I ended up with a cowboy witch that controls the weather who lives on a vineyard.

The key to Googling is to keep an open mind and read everything. When I got hits for Wiccan churches and cowboys in Montana, I read it all, digested it, and didn’t discard a single idea or thought until I was completely saturated with information. It’s a great exercise I encourage everyone to try!



Book Blurb:

The last thing Matt expected his twin to tell him was that he had to marry the woman of his parents’ choice or suffer the loss of his powers.
Destiny, a PhD and successful parapsychology writer, certainly did not expect her mother to tell her that she would die if she didn’t get married to a man chosen for her in infancy.

The collision of two hardheaded, anti-marriage witches makes Destiny and Matt’s first encounter explosive. Now they have to figure out a way to get along for the two weeks they can’t be separated without doing the one thing that could change their fate forever…falling in love.

Excerpt:

Destiny’s voice was thick and sluggish with sleep. “How can you not believe I’m your other half after everything that happened today, cowboy?”
Matt smiled into the crown of her hair. Her question bothered him, but he didn’t think he could hide the truth from her. He didn’t want to. Despite everything, he wanted to be honest.

“It’s not that I don’t believe in bonding. I just don’t want anything to do with it or marriage. The last time I got involved with helping someone find the person they loved…bad things happened.”

Destiny looked up at him, her face close to his as she continued to rest against his chest. “Sometimes, you can’t stop life from going the way life was set to go.”

“You can’t stop ‘destiny,’ huh?” Matt knew he sounded rueful, but he couldn’t help respecting her for her answer. For someone who reacted so intensely to any reminder of her mother, she didn’t carry any guilt or blame anyone for her difficult life.

“What are we going to do for the next two weeks?” Destiny said, yawning. “We can’t be away from each other, apparently. Leaving you doesn’t feel…right.”

Matt knew saying that must have taken courage. He didn’t want her to know how close he already was to her. How panicked he felt. Was Destiny really the other half of his soul? He took a deep, ragged breath.

“Have you ever ridden a horse, Dr. Snow?”

“No.”

Matt smiled at the dry tone in her voice. “Well you’re going to have to get a crash course in riding, I guess.”

“In your dreams, cowboy.”

Matt smiled as he wrapped Destiny against him more firmly. Holding her this way calmed him, and that was what scared him the most.

****

Award-winning author Tess Quinn was raised in the countryside of northeast, Pennsylvania. With very little to do in a town where the local high school gym was a barn and the cow-human ratio was 2.5 to 1, Tess filled her spare time with eighties music and a lot of reading. Unfortunately there was only one bookstore and two libraries in the Valley while Tess was growing up, so she started writing sequels to her favorite novels. When she ran out of favorites to write about, she started creating her own stories, and she has been writing ever since. Tess graduated from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in English. She continues her obsession with writing while she currently attends law school in New York.

Visit Tess at http://www.tessquinn.com

Check out Tess’s website tomorrow for her book birthday give away! She’ll be revealing her super secret contest information and the fabulous prize giveaway!

OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE'S FIRST REVIEW

I'm so thrilled. Thank you, Fern at Long and Short Reviews for the totally awesome review S4Aa4JwviTIof Obsessed By Wildfire. I'm so happy you love it!

Here are some tidbits Fern said:

My-oh-my, do they make things hot in Wayback or what? This isn’t my first journey to the Texas town, and you can guarantee after reading the newest story, Obsessed By Wildfire, it won’t be my last.

Due to mind-blowing chemistry and fantastic dialogue, the sex scenes positively sizzle. You’ll laugh, you’ll wriggle and squirm, and when things get dangerously hot, you’ll hover on the edge of your seat.

To read the entire review go to: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

View the trailer below. Press arrow.




Please don't forget to follow me. WINK

VALENTINE'S DAY WAYBACK STYLE

Welcome to my blog. I'm so excited. Today seven talented WayBack authors join me, and we're showcasing our cowboys and their ladies' special Valentine moments. We hope their stories bring warmth to your day and ideas to surprise your special valentine.

AJ





FINDING THEIR WAY BACK by Cindy Spencer Pape

“This is wonderful,” Freya Malone said as she leaned back on the picnic blanket and let the sun warm her cheeks.

“Well, it’s our first Valentine’s Day,” her husband Zane said, stretching out beside her. “I wanted it to be perfect.” As if to add emphasis, one of the horses tethered to a tree behind them nickered.

“And your mother is thrilled to babysit,” Free added. “I adore Daniel, but it is nice to have a little break.” Not that she was complaining. With Zane’s parents living on the Triple M ranch with them, she had all the help she needed with their three-month-old son.

“Nice to spend a little time alone with my wife,” Zane agreed, leaning down for a kiss. When he’d finished, they were both breathless. Then he pulled a small package from his pocket.

With trembling fingers, she unwrapped it, revealing a heart-shaped turquoise pendant on a heavy silver chain.

“This belonged to my grandmother,” Zane began as he took it from her to clasp the chain around her neck. “My grandfather was an Irish cowboy who saved up and bought some land. He fell in love with a Mexican waitress, and they took a lot of crap from local bigots. But they loved each other until the day they died.”

Tears welled up in Free’s eyes. She loved him so very much. “Thank you.”

His hand cupped her cheek as his dark eyes gazed lovingly into hers. “I know our romance was fast—we never dated, we got married in March, had baby in November. But I wanted to tell you the same thing my Grandad told his wife. I want you to know you’ll always have my heart.”

To order Finding Their Way Back go to :
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/anthologies-c-149.html


Cindy Spencer Pape
www.cindyspencerpape.com
www.cindyspencerpape.blogspot.com
Wayback titles: All the Way Back
& After the Rodeo in Finding Their Way Back

**********

FINDING THEIR WAY BACK by Stacy Dawn
One Starlit Valentines:

Hard to believe he’s really here.

Sometimes the unbelievable path her life had taken still amazed Elizabeth. She wiped at the blissful tear tickling her cheek as she watched the large cowboy brush their young daughter’s curls as he softly sang Gretal a lullaby.

The low timbre of his voice rumbled through her chest like the first roll of thunder on a cool spring night. Would there come a time she ever got used to this? She hoped not. These moments were all the more special because of the time they’d already wasted.

When finished, he turned and came to stand before her in the doorway.

“Keep looking at me like that, Lizzy, and I’ll forget about this Valentine’s Day dance and show you what I’d really rather be doing tonight.” His warm lips came down and showed her exactly what he had in mind. “Maybe we could work on giving Gretal a little brother or sister?” he suggested, now nuzzling her neck.

“Well, I planned to save this as your Valentine’s gift tonight,” she managed to sigh out. “But since we’re skipping the party—”

His head pulled back slightly; a roguish grin, curved beneath eyes dark with desire, left her breathless.

“Let’s just say we don’t have to work very hard at all.”

Link to buy: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/anthologies-c-149.html


www.stacydawn.com

***********
THE WRONG SIDE OF LOVE by Sylvie Kaye

Lili rolled her neck, weary from twelve hours on her feet in the beauty shop. Today was Valentine’s Day and every regular wanted her hair done for the big night of anticipated romance. From past experience, she knew some gals would be back next week bemoaning their big disappointments. In Lili’s opinion too much importance was placed on the day.

Love was every day. Love was the little things.

By the time she dragged herself home, propped up her aching feet and flicked on the TV, Luc drove up. He’d been out of town on business and looked as bone tired as she felt.

“Hi, beautiful.” He bent, kissed her slow and tender. “Mmm..I’ve missed you,” he said, pulling away to tug off his jacket. Before tossing it, he patted the pocket as if remembering something. “They set candy out at the meeting. Know how much you love a chocolate bar.”

Her heart warmed. Even with his hectic schedule he’d thought of her.

Just then a TV commercial blared. Something about saying it with jewelry, flowers, and greeting cards this Valentine’s Day.

Luc’s shoulders slumped. His dark eyes met hers. “I forgot.”

“No you didn’t.” She smiled at him, unwrapping the chocolate bar, breaking off a piece to savor while he sat down next to her and draped his arm around her shoulder.

To order THE WRONG SIDE OF LOVE go to:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/books-in-series-wayback-texas-c-172_173.html?page=2&sort=7a

Slip under the covers with Sylvie Kaye
LOVING JILLY July 9, 2010 The Wild Rose Press
BANNED IN TEXAS~In Print at Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE,Wayback, Tx~The Wild Rose Press
DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS ~Amazon and B&N
HER MAINE MAN~In ebook and print at TWRP
Contest and Excerpts at www.sylviekaye.com


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

OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE
By Autumn Jordon


Isobel slipped out of Warner’s truck and was immediately trapped by his hard body. Her shawl fell from her shoulders and Warner’s warm lips caressed her exposed bare skin. The man’s maleness wrapped around her senses, crushing her defenses into dust. Her knees buckled as tingles followed his assault over her dress’s thin strap, up the cord of her neck to the sensitive area under her lobe.

Tilting her head toward the snow moon, Isobel’s eyes drifted close. “We’re together six months and you still can’t wait until we get inside?”

“Remember our first date?” He mumbled against her ear.

“I’ll never forget. You wanted me so bad.”

He pulled back and chuckled. “I wanted you. You ripped my shirt off before I made it up the porch steps.”

“I think all the smoke you’ve inhaled while investigating fires has affected your memory, Yankee.” With her hands splayed on his hard chest, she pushed him back. “Why don’t we head in and I’ll show exactly how you assaulted me.” She entwined her fingers with his and started toward the house only to be yanked back.

“I need to show you something first.” Grabbing both her hands, Warner backpedaled toward the barn.

“No. I’m not dressed for the loft.”

“Trust me.”

Isobel laughed. “I’m in trouble if I do that.”

Warner rolled back the barn door and hit the light switch.

Lizzy whinnied.

Isobel took a moment to give the mare now completely blind in her right eye a treat of winter apple. As the horse’s soft muzzle tickled her palm, Isobel wished she’d find another horse as great as Lizzy was at the barrels and as pretty as the Appaloosa she’d seen at auction last week.

“Come on.” Warner’s hot breath brushed her ear.

Her new dress would smell of straw and beast if Warner had his way. The gravel floor crunched as Isobel dug her FMN cowgirl boot heels into its firmness. “No way I’m going to make out—”

A nicker drew Isobel’s attention to a stall that should be empty. “What was that?

She peered through the bars at the handsome Appaloosa colt she’d lost to a higher bidder at the auction. Her heart thumped under her breast. “I don’t understand. How?”

Warner’s eyes danced with wicked joy. “I knew how much you wanted him. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”

Isobel laced her fingers around Warner’s neck and pulled him closer. “Yankee, you’re going to get your shirt ripped off again.”

To order OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE visit The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/obsessed-by-wildfire-p-3839.html

www.autumnjordon.com
2009 Golden Heart Finalist EVIL'S WITNESS coming June 18, 2010 TWRP



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


BLUEST HEART by Amber Lehigh WIllimas

Josie Brusky had been on her feet pretty much since dawn. Valentine’s Day made Josie’s Treasures—Wayback, Texas’s solo gift shop—the one-stop place for every cowboy with a sweetheart from a hundred miles around. Now she was finally home and her arches were screaming for some downtime.

As she walked into the house, she kicked off her heels then frowned. The jars of candles around the room were lit. A vase-full of bluebonnets overflowed with blooms on the coffee table. And the scent of something zesty tickled her nostrils. Following the sound of country music, she made her way back toward the kitchen.

Her jaw dropped. Standing at the counter, beer at his elbow, white Stetson pulled low over his eyes, Casey Ridge poured marinade over two thick, juicy-looking steaks.

It wasn’t the fact that the man was cooking that stopped her in her tracks. What astounded her was the fact that he wore a starched, white KISS THE COOK apron…and nothing else but the Stetson and cowboy boots.

Josie clapped a hand over her mouth as a wide grin broke over her face. Thoughts of a good glass of wine and a quick nap flitted out of her head as she stepped across the tile floor.

He turned his head and grinned, dimples digging into his sun-bronzed cheeks and blue eyes gleaming. “Hey there, pretty lady.”

“Well, well.” She shook her head, skimming her eyes from his hat to his boot-clad toes then back up again, enjoying the view. Sliding her hands up his chest and onto his shoulders, she beamed into his face. “You really know how to make a cowgirl happy on Valentine’s.”

He bent his head to kiss her. “Like the apron?”

“I’m thinking about untying it, actually.” She pursed her lips, considering. “You know, I think I’ll dress to match.”

“Ooh.” He smirked as she backed away, hand slipping from his. “Wear the red boots.”

She threw a suggestive wink over her shoulder. “You betcha.”


Amber Leigh Williams
URL: www.amberleighwilliams.com
amber@amberleighwilliams.com

See more of Casey and Josie in BLUEST HEART, available now from The Wild Rose Press. Meet the first hero of The Wayback Ridge trilogy, silent cowboy Judd Black in BLACKEST HEART—also available now from The Wild Rose Press. Look for BET IT ON MY HEART, the final story in the Ridge family saga, March 3, 2010!


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Finding Their Way by Roni Adams

“Dusty?”

“Yeah, I’m in here.” He walked back down the barn aisle past the empty stalls. As he reached the doorway he stopped in his tracks. His wife held the reins of two of the most beautiful horses he had ever seen.

He frowned. “Who’s horses?” He reached out to touch them; his expert gaze roamed down the animals appreciating their muscular form.

“Their mine. I’d like to hire you to train them.” Her blue eyes sparkled.

“Car,” he startd. She knew how he felt about her spending any of her own money on his new horse training business.

She stepped forward. “You asked if I wanted candy or flowers for Valentine’s Day. I couldn’t decide.” She waved her arm towards the two matching horses. “This one is Candy and this one is Flowers.”

He tried to be mad at her but she was so damned cute thinking she’d outsmarted him. “It’s not a present if you paid for it yourself.”

“Oh you’ll pay, cowboy.” She slid her gaze down his body and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her hard into his arms. “Its probably going to take me a long time to work off that bill.”

She linked her arms around his neck. “Then I suggest you put my horses away, while I slip upstairs and wait for you to come to work.”

With a quick kiss she slipped from his arms and was gone. Dusty stared after her not entirely sure how on earth she managed to give him the best Valentine’s Day gift ever.

Link to buy: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/anthologies-c-149.html


Roni Adams
www.roniadams.blogspot.com
www.roniadams.com
Watch for the fourth in the Double B Series "The Cowboy's Duet" due out fall 2010

*************
Re-ride at the Rodeo
By Anne Carrole


Clay shoved his hands in the pockets of his worn and dusty jeans as he stared at the wide expanse of Texas land he called home. Would she like it, he wondered, not really sure what he’d do if she didn’t. Dusty was a small town girl, used to having lots of people around. He kicked at the hard earth. Dirt and pebbles sprayed against the tire of his pick-up.

In the distance a cloud of red dust barreled toward him. Her Silverado stopped a few feet from Clay and within a heartbeat Dusty was bounding out of the cab, her long blonde hair flying. Grabbing him around the neck, she planted a heart-stopping kiss on his lips. She still had that effect on him, months into their engagement. The June date for their wedding couldn’t come fast enough. And yet, he worried it might never happen.

“Your mom sent me out here.” She looked up at him with questions in her beautiful blue eyes. Clad in jeans and a t-shirt, this petite, fine-boned woman looked remarkably at home on his ranch. Today he’d find out if that was just wishful thinking.

“I’ve got your Valentine’s gift in the truck,” he said, taking a step back.

She looked into his pick-up’s cab. “Where?” she asked with the eagerness of a little girl looking for her surprise.

Clay reached into the truck’s flat bed. “Here.” He drew up a white picket section of fence, a bow tied on one of the boards.

She blinked, a puzzled expression on her face. “A fence?”

“Yup. A white picket fence. Which I was hoping you’d want to situate right about here.” He set the fence posts down in the holes he’d dug earlier.

The frown that had furrowed her brow gave way to a smile. “For our house?”

“I thought this wouldn’t be too far from the road or from the main house, but far enough we won’t have to worry about the kids playing in the yard or my mother dropping by too often. Developer said it could be done by May.”

Dusty laughed, the sunlight glinting in her eyes. “I can’t believe it. Our home.”

The pressure on his heart eased and Clay gathered her to him. “And with those two words, you just gave me my Valentine’s gift, honey.”

Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/reride-at-the-rodeo-wayback-texas-series-p-991.html
Re-ride at the Rodeo
By Anne Carrole
http://www.annecarrole.com


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

SHADOW OF THE HAWK by Judith Rochelle



Maggie Riley walked into the living room, the twins finally asleep and the ranch settled for the night, and smiled at her husband. Hawk stood beside the stone fireplace, waiting for her, reaching out to take her hands as she neared him.

“Maggie, mine.” His eyes were dark with passion and love as he drew her near. “The day we met I would have died if not for you, You not only saved me that day but for always. You made me want to live again. And love. Oh, yes, definitely love. And I want you to remember every day of our lives how much you mean to me.”

He handed her the box. Maggie’s hands trembled as she opened it and tears gathered in her eyes as she lifted the necklace from its cotton nest. A silver heart with a hawk etched into its surface swung from a graceful chain.

“Oh, Hawk.” She was so overcome with emotion she couldn’t find the right words.

“It’s my heart, darlin’. It belongs to you and no one else. I wanted to give you a very special Valentine’s Day gift to show you just how much you mean to me.”

He took the chain from her shaking hands, fastened it around her neck and pulled her close for a passionate kiss. When he finally lifted his mouth from hers, Maggie lifted her hands and touched his cheeks.

“I love you so much, Hawk. And I have a special gift for you, too.”
He cocked one eyebrow, questioningly.

“You do? I don’t see any packages.”

She looked into his eyes, so full of love it nearly brought her to her knees.

“It won’t arrive for a few months yet. Happy Valentine’s Day, Hawk. We’re having another child.”

Link to buy Shadow Of The Hawk: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/books-in-series-wayback-texas-c-172_173.html?page=2&sort=7a

Judith Rochelle
www.judithrochelle.com
romantic suspense with a twist

Yeah! It's A Party! Obsessed By WildFire releases today.

Woohooo! Today is the day I’ve dreamt of for so long. My first novel release, OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE is on the cyber-bookshelves at The Wild Rose Press.

OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE is rated HOT! I wish I could make the lettering for HOT red, but blogger doesn’t work that way. Anyway, I didn’t know I could write HOT. My editor thinks I could write erotica. My answer to her is a topic for another blog.




The story, set in the Texas town of Wayback, is about a woman who meets a man who could distract her from her accomplishing her dreams. I love the banter Isobel Trinidad’s emotional conflict causes between her and the sexy fire marshal, Warner Keyson. The couple made me chuckle. By the end of the book, Isobel learns love can make dreams sweeter. Obsessed By Wildfire has all the elements I love in a book. Suspense, a hero that is eye candy and a damn nice guy who also has a sense of humor, and a strong smart heroine. If you love those elements too, pop over to The Wild Rose Press and for less than a cappuccino you can download OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE and have a couple hours of pure entertainment.

Excerpt:

Isobel side-stepped and leaned into the horse. Out of nowhere, the beast pushed Isobel with its large head, knocking her off balance. She stumbled face forward against a pickup.

Warner jumped. Large hoofs pawed. Huge teeth sneered.

The horse was attacking Isobel. Warner’s heart lodged in his throat, cutting off his cry. He rushed forward intending to save her from the beast. How? He didn’t know, but he had to try.

“Giddy-up.” He flung his arms wildly as he ran toward the horse. “Giddy-up out of here.”

Isobel rolled over on the fender. She stared wide-eyed back at him. Oh, God. She looked confused, stunned.

The beast circled, kicking up gravel. The whites of its eyes were phantoms in the night. Its head reared in the air, yanking Isobel’s arm.

Gravel flew as he slid to a stop. The reins were wound around her wrist. If the horse took off, he’d drag Isobel. She’d be seriously hurt.

His chest rose and fell rapidly. Sweat formed on his upper lip. Slowly, Warner lowered his arms. He swallowed hard trying to clear the lump in his throat and to sound calm. “Wait. Don’t run, horsy.”

“Shit, Warner. Are you out of your mind? What are you doing?”

****************************************************************
Me again. I chuckled while writing this scene. If you’d like to read the entire story, and I hope you will, here is the link to The Wild Rose Press home page. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ Obsessed By Wildfire goes on sale at high noon!

And if you’d like to see a trailer for Obsessed By Wildfire here is a link to that as well. http://www.autumnjordon.com

CONTESTS:

In celebration of my first release, everyone who leaves a comment here this week will have their names dropped into my own Stetson. (Yes, cowgirls wear stetsons too.) From there, on Feb. 3, 2010, I will pick one lucky winner who will recieve a gift certificate to Star Bucks. Also, everyone who emails the correct answers to autumnjordon@yahoo.com with contest answers in the subject line will be entered into a special drawing for a $25.00 B & N certificate.

The winner for the comments will be announced here next Wednesday when the awesome Margie Lawson will be my featured guest.

Finally, I will announce the winner for the three questions contest on Feb. 14, 2010 at 5pm EST. Good luck everyone.

1) What is the name of Isobel's horse?
2) What is the color of Isobel's Taxi?
3) Who did Warner pull his gun on?

LET'S PARTY!

24 Does It For Me

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You know when I only cursor once, I probably have my subject matter already pinned down. I do. 24.

I’m absolutely nuts over the action-packed television show. I’ve been a fan since season 4, when I found the series. I immediately had to find seasons 1, 2 and 3. What is it about the show that makes me count the days until it airs, has me warning all of my family and friends not to call while it is on, and turns me into a superhuman and grab the power for the big screen television from my husband? JACK.




Kiefer Sutherland’s character Jack is one of the reasons the show has me hook. He is a fearless tortured soul. He is a man whose morals will not be comprised. The man fell in love once in the eight seasons, and even though he and Audrey have gone their different ways, he has not had another relationship. Well, there was that woman in season five—a small town woman who made him think, maybe I could live a normal week or two without terrorists, but in the end Jack knew who his heart still wished for. IMO. Sigh.




But Jack isn’t the only reason to watch the show, the cast is filled with characters you’ll either love or hate. I cried, actually mourned for days, when Edgar died. I've also jumped out of my chair and cheered when others got what they deserved.


And if it’s action you crave, 24 has got it. There is a definite storyline, stop the terrorists and save the world, but there are so many subplots woven there isn’t time much time to relax. These subplots take you into the personal lives of the characters and in a short time you are vested in their well-being, like Edgar and his mother. (Grabbing a tissue) Okay, sometimes the what happens in the personal lives of a character has a direct bearing on the ultimate goal of saving the world. Like when Tony’s wife was killed in season 5, he came back in season 8 as a villain. I completely understood where his anger was coming from and I’m hoping the writers will redeem him in this season.

Cliffhangers, if you want to learn what cliffhangers are, watch the show. Ninety percent of the time, at a commercial break there is a cliffhanger. And every week, at the end of the show there is a black moment which will have you counting the hours to until 24 hits the screen again.

Now, If you’re a writer, we can talk about the elements it takes to make a great story such theme, characters, plots, black moments. Which pulls you into a story.

Or if you’re a 24 fan, we can talk 24 and JACK. (GRIN)

Coming JANUARY 27, 2010 from The Wild Rose Press, OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE.

Let's Dance

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Let’s dance. January is a depressing month for many. Some of you might begin to cry cabin-fever as soon as the ball in Times Square drops. Why is that? If you’re one of the millions who suffers each year from SAD or cabin-fever would you love to, well, not suffer?

I love winter. I’m not one to suffer from SAD or cabin-fever, but my body does slow down and the mind seems to say, “Okay, if you’re not going to move, I might as well rest too.” I didn’t want that to happen to me this year. I’ve set some pretty aggressive goals for 2010 (listed under my 1/1/10 blog), which is going to be a very busy with two sons getting married and a grandson to arrive in late April, AND two books coming out (one in 21 days. Yikes!), so I decided last week before the old year was waving Tata to get myself primed for the coldest months if the year, here in the NE USA.

I began to dance in the morning as a form of exercise. I love to dance. My husband not so much. So, the minute he is out the door, I’m struttin’ my stuff to any beat I want. In just one week, my energy level has soared. Yes, even after a very busy holiday season, I’ve got tons of energy.

If you don’t believe me that dancing can do this, here are some articles verifying the benefits of shaling your booty. Check them out.

http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/get_motivated/lets_dance_to_health.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/belly-dancing/AN01491

Another great thing about dancing, you don’t need a video or a special piece of equipment or to go out of the house. Just crank up the music and dance. Dance in the sunlight. Dance you way through January.

Do you have a way to fend off SAD or cabin fever you’d like to share? Or have you seen another article on dancing for health? If so, please share the link.
******
PRIZE

With each post during January, I’m giving away a few more AUTUMN JORDON pocket-calendars. One commenter will be selected from each post (must have a USA address) and not only will I send that winner one for his/herself but also two more for their best friends. So please leave a comment..

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Next week, Author Diane Craver joins me. The author of the most moving Christmas story I’ve ever read. Please stop by.

Obsessed By WildFire releases January 27, 2010

I'm so excited! I have a release date for Obsessed By Wildfire coming from The Wild Rose Press. January 27, 2010. That is only seven weeks away. WOW! Take a moment and go to my website www.autumnjordon.com under news for upcoming blog dates and locations where I'll be giving away prizes to celebrate. I hope you can make a few.

Here is excerpt.

The sight of the Yankee looming over her, his muscular forearms crossed across his broad chest, his jaw working, set Isabelle back a step. She couldn’t see his eyes through his sunglasses, but she knew they were probably the same stormy blue she remembered from last night, challenging her.

“What do you want?”

“I have a few words to say to you.”

“Then say em’.”

“You’re really full of yourself, lady. If you’ll recall, I told you two things last night. First, I’m here on important business. And second, if you want more of what went on between us then you’re going to have to find me.”

“Then why did you call me?”

“I didn’t.”

Her eyes darted toward the restaurant behind him. A blue gingham curtain dropped back into place. Heat crawled up her neck. Damn. Just as she feared. The biggest gossips in the whole damn town were watching and talking about what happened between her and Warner last night at the Blue Bug and what was going on between them now. Mentally she scratched out Chicky’s name from her hit list and substituted Ray-Ray’s.

“When I called for the cab a man answered. I guess he was the dispatcher or owner. I didn’t know you worked for the cab company. I thought you worked for—” Warner’s lips sealed and he shifted his stance.

“You thought I worked for who?”

“I thought you had something to do with horses and the rodeo.”

“I do. I’m a barrel racer, and I am the cab company.”

“Oh. I see. Well, if you don’t feel comfortable servicing me, I guess I can go back inside and ask one of the locals for a ride. Maybe that Ray-Ray guy.”

She knew he used the word servicing to needle her. She’d be damn if he was going to get her riled in front of the whole damn town. “No. Mr. Warner. I have no problem servicing you. Let’s go.”

An S Curve AT 100 MPH

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Have you ever gone on a ride through an S curve at one-hundred MPH?

Life can seem like that dangerous feat sometimes. You’re going along at a nice steady pace, the sun is shining on you, the temperature is perfect and, well, life is just grand. Then out of no where, others surround you. They’re passing you as if you’re standing still. They’re behind you, urging you to get out of their way. Naturally your instinct for self-preservation kicks in and like the blood rushing through your veins you pick up speed, ignoring the possibility you might make mistakes and put yourself in danger.

With fists clenched, you hang on as you sped forward, trying to keep up-get ahead. Realizing you’re headed in the wrong direction, your whole being quakes and you swerve to keep on track. You bump against others and the walls of kismet. You get knocked around and within a short time your ego is bruised. You’re battered. And the destination you were headed toward no longer has the sparkle it had when you started out on your journey. Slowly you make it to the sidewalk of life and stop. What to do?

First, realize getting off the fast track was the smart thing to do. Second, zooming is not meant for everyone. Third, taking your time doesn’t mean you will never make your destination. You will, and you’ll enjoy the journey much more if you strive toward it on your own terms. So relax, set your goal, work at it at your own pace, believe in yourself and enjoy the ride!


As a side note: My Ruby Slippered Sisters are blogging at http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com
They're offering great words of wisdom. Please stop by.