• People who rock …

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    I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, but today, I’d like to spotlight some people who’ve helped me out during this whole book process.

    There are mean and nasty and ugly people in the world, but there are also lots of nice, thoughtful folks who are willing to help out a newbie like me, especially within the romance writing community.

    So, here we go, in no particular order:

    My agent and editor, of course. Without them, there would be no Karma Girl.

    Margaret Elsea, Kathryn Nichols, and Dottie Leonard with the Sullivan County library system, along with the Friends of the Thomas Memorial Branch Library for always being interested in and asking about my work.

    Meljean Brook, who gave me some great information about comic sites.

    Edie Ramer and the other gals at Magical Musings for letting me guest blog — and for always having something interesting to say themselves.

    To everyone (like the folks at RWA or Romantic Times) that I have ever e-mailed with a stupid question. Thanks for answering.

    To the folks who’ve e-mailed me and said how much they were looking forward to the book. Thanks for your notes. I really do appreciate them, and I hope that you enjoy the book.

    To my significant other, for putting up with my insanity this last year, listening to me babble on about contracts and deadlines and other things, and telling me to just relax.

    And to my mom, because everybody knows, you always gotta thank your mom. 🙂

    What about you? Who’s given you a helping hand recently? Inquiring minds want to know …

  • This is your last chance … for now

    Just a friendly reminder that you have to sign up for my newsletter by midnight March 1 in order to be eligible to win an advanced reading copy of Karma Girl. The form is located in the bottom right corner of every page except this one.

    In addition, you’ll be in to win some Barnes & Noble gift cards and Rubik’s Cubes if you sign up by midnight April 15.

    So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! 😎

  • 800 and counting …

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    I’ve been slack in my reading lately, but I finally finished Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines this weekend, marking the 800th book I’ve read since I’ve been keeping count.

    Goblin Quest focuses on Jig, a scrawny, little nearsighted goblin who gets roped into leading a group of adventurers through a mountain filled with all kinds of nasty things. There are hobgoblins and poisonous fish creatures and undead corpses and, of course, a dragon sitting on a hoard of treasure.

    Along for the ride with Jig are two arrogant princes, a reluctant elven thief, and a dwarf who likes to drink ale and draw maps. The book is basically a Dungeons & Dragons adventure come to life. And before you ask, yes, I play D&D, making me a total geek. 😎

    The book starts out slow, and Jig’s whining about being a goblin and treated like dirt by the other adventurers gets old after a while. But the book picks up steam as Jig realizes that he’s stronger and braver and smarter than he thinks. Plus, Jig has a cool pet — a fire-spider named Smudge.

    A good, solid, fatansy read. You’ll get a real kick out of it if you play D&D because you’ll recognize all the stereotypes. So, thumbs up.

    What about you? What have you read lately? Inquiring minds want to know …

  • Contest alert! Part Deux …

    In addition to the fun stuff mentioned below for the May contest, I’m also going to give away an advanced reading copy of Karma Girl. So you can read it before you can buy it.

    All you have to do (again) is sign up for my newsletter by March 1. I’ll draw the winner after that date and announce it on the blog. So, good luck!

    And thanks to The Good, the Bad, and the Unread for featuring my contest on their site. Thanks, guys! 😀

  • Contest alert! Contest alert!

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    Today, I am announcing my very first contest for Karma Girl. I’m going to give away five Banes & Noble gift cards (one for each member of the Fearless Five, my superhero team). Each card is worth $20 — or just enough to buy yourself a copy of Karma Girl and a tasty beverage or dessert of your choice at your local B&N. Not that I would encourage you to do that or anything … 😈

    Six lucky folks will also win Gold Rubik’s Cubes, courtesy of David Hedley Jones of Seven Towns. My main character, Carmen Cole, loves Rubik’s Cubes and plays with them all the time in Karma Girl, so I thought they would be something else cool to give away.

    All you have to do to enter is sign up for my newsletter by April 15. The sign-up form is located in the bottom right corner of every page (except this one). Winners will be announced on the blog beginning around the first of May.

    So, good luck!

    What about you? Do you enter contests by your favorite authors? Or am I wasting my time and money here? Inquiring minds want to know …