Much of who we are and what we become is shaped in early childhood. That’s not an excuse; it’s a starting point for understanding ourselves, and others.
I was very shy as a child, and became extremely insecure after the death of my father when I was eight years old. It took me a lot of years, after I became a wife, mother, and then an adult, to get over that shyness. I’m still working on the insecurity.
I used to be bitter, too, but finally let go of that useless emotion when I came to the understanding that the only person it was hurting was myself.
I’m fifty-four years old and have been told more than once that I am hopelessly naive and far too trusting. Guilty as charged.
I love meeting people, whether in person or on line. There is an almost unquenchable thirst within me for forming relationships with others. I trust easily, and despite many warnings by my more worldly-wise friends, give my heart easily, too. I always tell my friends, “I love you”, and I mean it.
I’ve never set out to do anything to deliberately hurt anyone, and when I discover that my actions or words have indeed had that affect, I’m devastated.
In the past five years, since I discovered this brave new world of cyber-space I have made dozens of connections with other people. I have met, face to face, a whole lot of them. Of the ones I have not met in person, I have been savaged by only one or two, and abandoned by probably twice that many. A negligible failure rate, really.
Relationships matter far more to me than they do to most of the people I am in them with. That’s just the way it is, a reflection, if you will, of my basic insecurity. When I am disappointed or hurt by someone—and here I must confess that this happens far too easily, for a thick skin I have not—I bleed inside. But that never stops me from making new friends, and keeping that hopeful, optimistic...and yes, naive frame of mind.
I believe that our fundamental purpose in life is to connect with others, to reach out and offer a hug, or words of encouragement. To uplift, support, promote, and love other people.
Life tests us and twists us and generally makes us jump through hoops. Life is filled with losses for most of us, and sometimes those losses are nearly crippling. I believe that at the end of the day what will matter most is how many people we were able to help along the way, and how many of those losses we suffered we were able to turn around and use to help someone else with their burdens.
I only become angry when someone insults or does an injustice to someone I care about. When sadness, depression, and loneliness hit me, the only cure I’ve found is taking my eyes off myself. Writing is good for that, whether it’s these essays or one of my novels.
When I was a member of the outside-the-home workforce, my co-workers used to say that I treated my ‘job’ as if it was a ‘career’. I knew they meant that as some sort of condemnation, but I never took it as such. Likewise, I’ve been told that I act as if the novels I’ve been fortunate enough to have had published are literature as opposed to being simply erotic romances.
Guilty again. I don’t know why a story that is an erotic romance can’t also be a story about learning not to judge others on a superficial basis, or learning to trust, or finding one’s self-confidence, or believing in one’s self worth, or overcoming a regrettable past, or having faith in one’s ability to decide one’s own destiny or learning to believe in magic. I don’t understand why a novel that entertains and perhaps titillates can’t also tell a deeper story, or offer the message that we’re all entitled to pursue happiness, however we may define that elusive state; that our similarities are greater than our differences, and if I can achieve something, then you can, too.
And I don’t know why a story can’t just be a time out from the trials of life, an opportunity to escape for the hour or two it takes to read it, and be valued for that alone.
But then I don’t know a lot of things. I’m really just getting started, after all.
Love,
Morgan
Feel the heat; catch the fire.
THE LADY MAKES THREE Now Available
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-theladymakesthree-13975-200.html
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday's Words for February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Valentine's Weekend party!
For a sweet, sensual, sizzling, scorching Valentine's Weekend, why not visit
us over Feb 14 and 15th on the SirenBookstrand loop?
Come and see ROMANTIC COVERS.
Read ROMANTIC EXCERPTS.
Read about LOVERS!
Come and go as you please, tell us your Valentine stories, have fun!
Best wishes, Lindsay
http://lindsaysbookchat.blogspot.com
Monday, February 9, 2009
What's a girl to do?
MARI’S MENTwins Cole and Bear Daniels dream of a woman they can share between them. When they rescue Mari from a group of mobsters, they know that she is the one for them. But can they convince Mari that two is better than one?
STORY EXCERPT
The hike through the thick forest of the Cascade Mountains had been a long one. But they had finally reached their goal; a small encampment set in a clearing on the edge of the trees. Five battle-hardened warriors slowly inched their way toward the edge of the trees north of the small clearing. They made no sound, not even a rustle in the leaves. Theirs was a mission of secrecy.
He knew immediately deep down in the depths of his soul that she belonged to him, that she was made for him. The tightening of his body told him that she belonged to him as no other woman ever had. She was his mate, the other part of his soul.
"She's a brave little thing," Sam stated as he watched the woman push the small boy behind her for protection.
"She's magnificent!" Cole said, a small hitch in his voice.
The woman seemed to be arguing with the leader of the group. The leader that Cole knew well. It was Yuri Nirov, one of the men on their crime watch list. The man was a thug. He belonged to no specific crime syndicate, except whoever paid the highest price. Yuri's only cause was his own greed.
As he glanced around to the other two men surrounding the campfire he recognized the others as well, Yuri's two brothers, Oni and Sten. They were all in this together. They had kidnapped the son of a high placed diplomat who was working in Seattle, Washington with the United States government on a highly secretive peace initiative. And, it would seem the woman also.
Cole concentrated on the conversation between Yuri and the woman but they were too far away to hear what was being said, but Cole didn't think it could be good. The dark haired leader seemed to be angry with whatever the woman was saying. His arms were motioning furiously as she spoke.
Cole felt a deadly rage race through his body as the man backhanded the woman, nearly throwing her to the ground. The woman turned her head back to the leader, wiping her lips by the back of her hand. She glanced down at the trail of blood on her hand and then to the leader. A smile began to form on her lips as she said something else to him.
"He dies!" Cole hissed out between clenched teeth.
"Well, duh!" Sam replied, a little confused as to why that was even an issue. Seeing the rigid posture of Cole's body as he glanced over at him, a thought suddenly occurred to him. "What about the woman?" he asked.
"She's mine." Cole growled.
"So, that's the way it is, huh," Sam said thoughtfully, amusement clearly ringing in his voice.
Cole turned his head to scowl at Sam. "Do you have a problem with this?" Cole snarled, beyond irritated.
"Hell no, take the woman. But have you discussed this with Bear?" Sam laughed.
Cole looked at the smirk on Sam's face. "He knows." And Cole meant it. Bear was in the same lust filled condition. Cole could feel it even across the field from where his brother was positioned, no doubt watching the woman as intently as he was.
"There's movement below," whispered a man laying flat to the ground beside Cole and Sam. Both swung their gaze back to the scene in the clearing.
"I don't like this," stated Sam, "I don't like this at all."
They watched as the leader grabbed the young woman by her arm and began walking away from the campfire toward a small grouping of large rocks to the south of where they were hiding. The leader was quite a bit taller than the woman and was nearly dragging her behind him. Her ankle length skirt seemed to be tangling in her legs with every step she took.
Cole took in the situation in a glance. "Sam, Caleb, Nick, get the boy. Bear, come with me." Knowing his words would be followed precisely, Cole and Bear began to slowly make their way south of the camp, following the man and woman.
Cole could feel several emotions surge through his body as he quietly made his way through the underbrush. There was rage at the man for hitting the woman, and a sure knowledge that he would enjoy feeling the man's last breath leave his body. There was fear that he would not be in time to save the woman destined to be his. And there was still on overwhelming sense of hunger for the woman.
Cole and Bear silently worked their way through the underbrush following the pair through the dense forest trees. As they crept forward they could see Yuri and the woman standing in a small clearing a few yards ahead. Yuri was holding a large knife in his hands, pointing it at the woman. The evil smirk on Yuri's face sent a cold shiver down Cole's back.
"Do you agree that she is ours?" Cole asked Bear.
For more on this book and others, to watch a book trailer, and/or to read excerpts check out my website www.stormyglenn.com
~*~
Stormy Glenn
Tri-Omega Mates Series ~*~ Wolf Creek Pack Series
~*~ Lover’s of Alpha Squad ~*~
MySpace ~*~ Blog ~*~ Web site ~*~ Siren Page
MUDFLAT TOY BOY, Book 3 of the Mudflat series
OUT TOMORROW! Mudflat Toy Boy, by Phoebe Matthews
Angelic Forecast ~ XXIII
My head spins, my eyes are performing pinwheels. Being a romance author, I’m definitely on Valentine overload with possibilities and commitments... and where, oh where is my Cherub?
“Go ahead.” I hear the Heavenly One’s whisper in my ear.
“Go ahead?”
“Share.”
“Maybe,” I say. “What about the Aquarian Age of Love upon us now? You know, from the musical, Hair ~ and the song, Aquarius.
“When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars...” The Cherub sings in my ear. “Yes, Valentine’s Day in the year of 2009,” he continues, “this alignment event occurs again~ the Aquarian portal of Love. The opening, the beginning, the transcendence... it’s all about love,” he grandiose finishes.
“All you need is love. The Beatles,” I add my little piece.
“Share,” the Heavenly One prompts again. “You wrote it.”
I nod, acquiescing...yet, knowing he is right.
~~~
From my Kougar Kisses blog ~ February 7, 2009
Valentine’s Day ~ A New Age of Love
Hmmm...my Big LOVE-ly Cats, the Kougar sniffs and paw-tests the forecast winds arriving as the official age of Aquarian Love on February 14, 2009. The events on the world stage this week will be a synopsis of what is to come for several years. More than ever, good will clash with evil and this will be witnessed on every level of society. Good will shine as evil will glitter all the more brilliantly as it show its face more and more.
Perhaps, the wisest strategy is to remember >>> do not cast your pearls before swine ~ the exception being Miss Piggy <<<<>>> do cast your pearls before those you love and accept pearls from those who love you ~ maoow-rubbing-purr, that pearl necklace is lovely, darling, thank you, smooch-smooch<<<>
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Valentine’s Day, will it still be around in 2013 ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance
~~~~~~
Sunday, February 8, 2009
4.5 Stars for Zara's Bois and New Interview!
Kudos to McKeever for taking a strong stand and delivering a powerful, much needed message on the healing power of redemption.” 4.5 Stars, Josee for Apex Reviews
To read the full review and my latest interview, visit:
Risque Café Interview
Hope you check it out and find it as eye-opening and entertaining as I did!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ Now in Print...
Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
Blurb: What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp? Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal, with the hope her death will be quick? Or does Sedona trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her? Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges from the darkness astride a super-speed black motorcycle.
Is he her savior from the brutal hell of end times, or is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
Sent from heaven to help her save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.
~~~~~~
Valentine’s Day, will it still be around in 2013 ~
Sedona & Volcano invite you to read their love story ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth...Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes? ~ available from BookStrand ~ http://bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar ~ http://bookstrand.com ~ An Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend ~ http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com ~
Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for this week ~ http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com ~
~~~~~~
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ~
May your most romantic dreams come true...
Savanna
Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance
Friday, February 6, 2009
MUDFLAT TOY BOY, Book 3 of the Mudflat series
From the Mudflat series by Phoebe Matthews:
Claire's problems come from all directions, including from her hero -
And that's one way to end up with a toy boy! But Claire soldiers on and tosses in a little advice for next week:
2/9 Monday - YOU STILL HAVE GOOD IDEAS GOING FOR YOU IF YOU USE THEM TO WIND UP PROJECTS. ON WEDNESDAY, YOU MIGHT LEAN MORE TOWARD PERSONAL CREATIVITY. THIS COULD APPLY TO YOUR LOVELIFE, UM, YAH, TIME TO KEEP THOSE PROMISES TO YOUR VALENTINE.
- for more check Phoebe's website -
The first two Mudflat titles, TARBABY TROUBLE and WELCOME TO MUDFLAT, BABY are 2009 Eppie finalits. They are also both now available in print from Amzon and BarnesandNoble.
MUDFLAT TOY BOY, book 3, will be released Feb. 10, click BookStrand.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Book Trailer - Three For All, by Raina James
It's eye-candy hearts just in time for Valentine's Day!
It has been a crazy few weeks getting ready for the release of my Menage Amour book, Three For All, on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Between my "day" job, freelancing, promoting and working on my own writing -- not to mention family obligations -- sometimes it feels like I barely have time to think.
Thankfully, I have a good friend who is an absolute whiz when it comes to techie stuff. Andy Tomec, of Atomec Productions, has created an amazing trailer for Three For All. Andy is the same genius who created the trailer for Serena's Song. You can see that on my website under Books, or pop over to my YouTube home, Raina James Romance, and leave a comment or rating or both.
Andy has found some totally delish models to stand in for Gabriel and Justin, the two best friends and former rivals who set out to prove to Shelby that she can find love and happiness in Three For All. (They would be the aforementioned eye-candy. :) )
Meanwhile, here's a look at the video trailer for Three For All:
Three For All is available for pre-orders now.
Raina
:)
Wednesday's Words for February 4, 2009
I’ve been patient, and I’ve been understanding. But I’ve come to the point where I’ve decided enough is enough.
Someone ought to shoot that groundhog.
Which groundhog, you may ask? In the United States, the most celebrated weather-prognosticating rodent is Punxsutawney Phil. In my area it’s Wiarton Willie. And the answer to the question would be: either, or both.
Six more weeks of winter? Give me a break. The purists amongst you are sure to say, “Morgan, be reasonable. Winter is the same time every year, just three months commencing on December 21st and ending on March 21st”.
If that is your belief, then I must say to you: pshaw!
Winter, my friends, at least here in southern Ontario, begins October 1 and ends March 30th. If we are lucky.
Yes, six long months. I don’t care what the calendar says. In October I’m reaching for my sweater and by March I am reaching the end of my rope.
I hate the cold, I always have. And as I get older, I only hate it more. The cold restricts my mobility, for with cold weather comes snow and ice. Under the best of circumstances, getting around is a challenge when you use a cane. Winter can be downright dangerous. Although, on my last visit to the blood-sucking clinic (thus called because every time I go they want my blood) I saw a man who had a metal device attached to his cane, what he called a “sticker”. When he flipped it down, it provided what I can only characterize as an ice-pick on the bottom of his cane. That might help a little, if I could be certain I wouldn’t forget to push it back up when I hit the indoors.
I hear commercials on the radio urging us to be “winter active”. “Go outside!” they proclaim in an unearthly cheery voice. “Skate, ski, toboggan…have fun! Winter is an amazing time for activities!” I suppose if I was a few decades younger, I would. Actually, if I could move well on my own, I probably would at least go for walks.
No, at this time of year my only solace is the pool, and a dream of springtime.
I was wondering why sane, intelligent human beings ever began counting on rodents to tell us what the weather was going to be. Now, I understand that a couple hundred years back, you could maybe tell the severity of the coming winter by looking at the degree to which the animals developed their winter coats; perhaps you could look skyward on a September day, see a whole lot of geese flying south and think, “oh, hell”.
But we are human beings in the twenty-first century. We are supposed to be the top of the food chain, and here we are placing our hopes, faint though they may be, on a couple of groundhogs, praying they do not see their shadows, so that we can count the days to an early spring.
Yes, I know. Phil/Willie saw their shadows so now six more weeks of winter – which takes us to March 16th. And if spring did begin on March 16th, why we would declare it an early spring. Yes, yes.
Friends, this is no time for logic!
It is, I think, a measure of our desperation to be done with this frozen state that we grasp at any hope, however furry, to see an end in sight.
A friend in Miami tried to offer me the comfort and solace that the weather isn’t perfect there, either. In fact, on a recent journey from that coastal city to a small town southward, he assured me the sun was in his eyes the entire way!
Who says you can’t convey sarcasm in an instant message?
“Morgan,” at least one of you is thinking, “if you hate winter that much, why do you live there?”
Like I said—this is no time for logic.
Love,
Morgan
THE LADY MAKES THREE – NOW AVAILABLE
FEEL THE HEAT. CATCH THE FIRE. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-theladymakesthree-13975-200.html
Monday, February 2, 2009
Angelic Forecast ~ XXII
February 2, 2009“Okay,” I murmur, “the 2's definitely have it. Here.” I feel astounded to say the cosmic-least, as I stare THE NUMBERS. All the numbers.
“Two, the magical and mystical I love you.” The Heavenly One has popped out of the ethers beside me.
“It must be all about love,” I say, entranced by the sight of Venus, hanging high above the western horizon, and so amazingly bright in the night sky, I can scarcely believe it.
“February, the second month, ushers in new horizons for love...for being loved.”
Suddenly a glistening shower of itsy bitsy pink hearts fall before my eyes.
“Early Happy Heart Day,” I croon softly. “Red?” I ask.
“Perfect for a TWO day,” the Cherub jovially says. He whooshes his upturned hand toward the ceiling. Miniature gleaming red hearts stream from his palms and float downward, whirling among the pink hearts.
“What’s perfect for the Year of Two?” I hope for more spectacular tiny hearts.
“Roses.” The teasing tone of his voice lets me know his answer is serious and not serious. “Roses are flowers of the heart. A person’s heart always dances at the sight and scent of a rose. Even if they are unaware, the vibration occurs.”
“Roses help open the heart to love,” I say thoughtfully.
“Roses live to bring more love upon the Earth.” Confetti-like hearts shimmer downward, joining in the playful spin of the pink and red hearts.
“Wow,” I whisper. I feel utterly enchanted. “What if all our human hearts mingled in such a lovely way?”
“That is the true opportunity.” The Cherub’s tone is all-wise.
“I see.”
“You do. Throw more hearts into our globe of hearts,” he encourages.
Shrugging, I think, why not? Lifting my hand I act as if I’m tossing them out. I gasp as snowy crystalline hearts flow from my palm for moments, spiraling in a gentle wave and whirling inside the hearts’ globe.
“You did know this is your 22nd forecast.”
“It is.” I face him. His countenance is alight, joy and good humor in shining in his purple eyes. “Twos are the messenger vibrations for the new era of love upon us.”
I smile, since I’ve always been in love with love.
For this week, look for the love shining through the darkness. This is not a time to ignore any darkness which may visit your life circumstance. No, it is a time to become deeply aware of the darkness. It is a time to understand, as you can, what is behind these dark points and dark places. It is a time to share with those you trust. Thus, you will see the light shining, ready to heal, ready to overcome, and ready to open your life up to new possibilities. Through the darkness lies your newest and best possibilities. For, the light of love awaits.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Valentine’s Day, will it still be around in 2013 ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
~~~~~~
Sunday, February 1, 2009
4.5 Stars for Manifest Destiny!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
As usual, Jinger Heaston has created another fun cover. And it is the basis of a CONTEST. Check out Phoebe's website for the entry information.
Order MUDFLAT TOY BOY from BookStrand (available Feb. 10)
Here's Claire's predictions for next week:
2/2 Monday - FEELING FRIENDLY? FEELING SMART? THIS IS THE WEEK FOR SOCIAL CONTACTS AND GOOD DECISIONS IF YOU’RE IN SYNCH WITH THE STARS. THERE IS STILL TIME TO START NEW PROJECTS. THIS COULD BE A LUCKY WEEK FOR MANY AND WOULDN’T THAT BE AN IMPROVEMENT!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Getting Over the Anxiety
Check it out here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=84070194&blogID=467497829
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Catanetworks Award for 'A Secret Treasure'
I'm delighted to say that Ecataromance, the electronic publishing arm of Catanetworks, have given A Secret Treasure one of their Reviewers' Choice Awards for 2008. I'm really pleased with this, because A Secret Treasure is one of my quieter, sweeter stories. Details are here.
Wednesday's Words for January 28, 2009
If you are one who regularly reads my essays, you will know that I’ve always been up-front with my assertion that life is not fair. Generally speaking, I’m not one to decry the rather plentiful examples of this state, believing as I do that basic unfairness is as natural, even as necessary to life as is oxygen.
However, from time to time I encounter a situation that is more than unfair, it is unjust. One such example of injustice inspires these words today.
One of the first things I did, after having sold my first manuscript to Siren (now Siren-Bookstrand) Publishing was to join the Romance Writers of America. Nearly euphoric with that first taste of lifetime-dream-come-true, I felt on top of the world.
Until I discovered that the RWA, while happy to accept me as a member, and cash my cheque for membership dues, did not consider me a “published author”. Simply being published wasn’t good enough; I had to be published with what they considered a “recognized publisher”.
Not that much later, the RWA Board of Directors did address this seeming inequity by re-visiting their criteria for one to be considered for PAN (published author network) status. They took the emphasis off the publisher and placed it on the author, and PAN can be yours when you meet the financial threshold of dollars earned for a single title. In the mean time, those like myself, who are e-published but do not yet meet this criteria, have been given the designation of “PRO”.
So, too, has anyone who has simply finished a manuscript and pitched it once.
I can understand why, as an organization of professional career-minded individuals, they would want to maintain a minimum standard of qualification. While I don’t necessarily agree with their standard, I can and have accepted it. That’s not the injustice.
I have attended two “National Conferences” with this organization, and both times encountered individual members who looked at my status of being e-published in the same light Puritans two centuries back looked upon one bearing the scarlet letter.
I am far too reasonable and reasoning a human being to hold the national organization responsible for the ignorance of some of its members—although it might be argued that the membership takes its cue from their leaders. Regardless, I’ve met and dealt with prejudice before, and I had no problem shaking off the insults. That’s not the injustice, either.
This year has seen a change in the way the entries for the major awards for the RWA – The RITAS – are being qualified, and it is about this that I must speak up.
Last year, e-published and small press authors who had achieved PAN status, whose books could be had in print form, were able to enter this august competition. We won’t discuss whether or not any of them had any real chance of winning. We’ll just accept that they were considered as equals, because they could enter and be considered for the awards.
This year, they may not.
The RWA effectively closed the loop-hole that allowed the entry into the RITAS by these “e-pubs” by inserting into the criteria that the books that qualify for consideration be “mass produced”. The print books of e-published and small press authors are, as you may or may not know, ‘print on demand’.
So now, a member of the RWA who has achieved PAN through e-publishing or thru publication by a small press publisher may not enter the Golden Heart Competition, the other major competition open to unpublished members because they are published; and they may not enter the RITA competition because they are...e-published – or published with a small press.
If this organization wishes to continue to treat some of its members as “less than” the rest of its members, then I believe they need to give a huge discount on the membership fee. That, or come right out and create a segregated division for the e-pubbed authors. Of course, neither of those two things are going to happen. But I wonder if any of the principals involved in the ‘decision making’—and yes decisions are made by the principals and not the membership at large—I wonder if those principals have thought things through to their logical conclusion.
Because e-publishing is not going to go away. Technology never, ever back-tracks. If anything, e-publishing will flourish, as will small press publishers, the number of authors who are published in this way will abound, and any organization not savvy enough to change with the times and fully include these artists will eventually be considered redundant, and be left in the dust.
Love,
Morgan
THE LADY MAKES THREE – NOW AVAILABLE
from the Ménage Amour imprint from Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-theladymakesthree-13975-200.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
MUDFLAT TOY BOY scheduled for February 10
"YOU GOTTA READ REVIEWS" / "MUCHO CALIENTE!"
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I just got a fabulous new review from “YOU GOTTA READ REVIEWS”:
Angelic Forecast ~ XXI
My head whirls, a tornadic and chaotic spin from all the stuff of my day. Indeed, any feeling of spirituality has long flown out some invisible door, and disappeared. For now. All day, the internet has been a hellacious trial. Like standing in a line at Wal-Mart with ten people ahead of you, and all of you with carts filled up the brink. Thank goodness, that type shopping experience has lessened to nearly zilch recently.
I blink and think about the Heavenly One. Will he arrive, despite my hell-rendous emotions?
“I am here, beloved one.” I hear his calming voice, see his jovial gleam of eye and smile in my mind...before I see him.
I turn. He floats, partially transparent, then lands and materializes fully.
“The Chinese Year of Earth Ox.” I say...why not in my mood? “What do you think? O Wise Cherub?”
Extending his hand, he opens his palm. A tiny black ox with dangerous-looking horns leaps into the air. Little wings form and the ox struggles to fly, his legs flailing, his neck straining. Bending over, the Cherub blows out a mist which rapidly transforms into a baby cloud. Sailing beneath the desperate-to-soar ox, the cloud begins lifting the ox upwards in a peaceful easy motion.
“Wow.” It’s all I can say as I watch the ox ascend, then gently vanish.
“Ride on the stuff of your dreams this year,” the Cherub says mystically.
“What does that mean?... Build on your dreams with the strength and stability of an ox?”
“Close...beautifully close.” He nods, his gaze beatific. “This is the time to use the cherished dreams of your heart as the focus of each step you take in your life, of each decision you make in building toward a new and sacred stability. This is a new world, vibrationally. Although, it cannot be seen by most. For the old still hides the new potential available to everyone who seeks, and opens the palm of their being to accept it.”
“Perseverance? Steady steps toward your goal?” I ask.
He nods. “Use the power of your knowledge and intuition to move through any obstacle in the steady pursuit of building your dreams.”
For the following week be very aware of anyone who enters your life, especially those who unexpectedly arrive. What they bring could be the answer to your most pressing needs ...or... the exact opposite, bringing exactly what you do not want, and should refuse. The word, no, could be your most valuable word this week. Or, the word, yes, could be your most valuable ally. It is for you to walk carefully and listen with your intellect and your intuition before making any important decision...or, before accepting what someone offers you. Also, a fun opportunity should come your way. Take advantage, despite what else plays out in your life.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Valentine’s Day, will it still be around in 2013 ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
~~~~~~
Sunday, January 25, 2009
4 Sistah Hugs for Beneath the Surface!
New G-Spot!
Highlights this issue:
-- Upcoming Author Appearances
-- What I’m Reading/Recommended Reads
-- New Reviews (Excerpts)
-- This Issue’s Novel Excerpt: REDEMPTION by E. JAMIE
-- This Issue’s Author Spotlight: EROTIC ROMANCE AUTHOR E. JAMIE
-- This Issue's Newsletter Contest—SUBSCRIBERS ONLY!
And more!
To check out the current and past issues or to subscribe, visit: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623
Saturday, January 24, 2009
There'll be a party going on and you're invited!
I'd like to invite you all to attend my release party on Monday January 26th, beginning at 1 p.m at the Siren-Bookstrand readers loop.
I'm celebrating the release of my first menage [m/m/f with m/m] The Lady
Makes Three.
This novel is so hot I'm going to have a fire extinguisher on hand for
the excerpts. Plus, I am offering prizes - 1 free down load copy of The
Lady Makes Three, and a $10 gift certificate to your choice of Amazon or
Barnes & Noble.
So please join me on Monday afternoon!
Here's the address:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBookstrand/
The Stunning Allure of one vampire!
The story of a vampire so beguiling that a woman is willing to submit to the allure of his dark world and become a being known as...Lady Evil!
From out of his world of decadence, wicked pleasures and hellish desires, steps Nicollo Javonte, the famed Prince of Blood, and a woman whose venomous tongue takes her all the way to twenty-first century stardom!
Lady Evil
A Vampire Story
By
Audrey Godwin
BookStrand
EROTIC Romance Fantasy Vampires/Werewolves
Price: $4.50Available for
PreOrder
Brief Synopsis
Spoiled and rich, Kissa Deonte longs to feel a real man burning deep inside her, but her sluttish appetite for dirty sex goes unsatisfied until she sees Nicollo Javonte working in his father's field. His broad back is tanned from the sun, his muscles ripple along his large arms, and the obscene bulge she sees beneath his hip girdle has her reaching for her fan. She suddenly craves the taste of dirt in her mouth and orders him to her palace suite where she uses him sexually.
This begins a sizzling affair that results in Nicollo being caught and accused of rape. When Kissa refuses to help him, he faces death. The palace sorceress comes to his rescue and instead of death, she casts a spell on him that provides only one escape—he must travel far and wide to find his true love who will be identified by a scarlet ribbon in her hair. The next morning he wakes up on the front stoop of his father’s house wearing a magic Shen ring—and a vampire’s curse!
Now facing the world with a mad desire for blood, he goes from woman to woman, at last finding the scarlet ribbon in the hair of a royal snob with a venomous tongue. Nicollo refuses to believe this witch is his true love, and makes her his victim. Shortly after, he is forced to flee to twenty-first century New York, not aware that she is there as well. One night he finds her doing a heavy metal act under the name of Lady Evil, the name he gave her when he pressed his sizzling insignia into her breast. He also learns that her tongue, so easily cutting him down in the past, today has ushered her into stardom. As he watches her act of fiery domination, he knows she is the one, and in order for the curse to be broken he must approach her to tell her the truth, and carry her once again into the darkness. But something is wrong. He learns that she has no memory of him, or their past life together!
Read the brief excerpt below, and then read two more SIZZLING EXCERPTS ONLY ONE CLICK AWAY!
Excerpt
The trembling grip of an icy hand, the smell of dying blood, the heat and dirt of a far country, a fierce struggle to live—all these things told her that the curse was still upon him.
But why? she asked herself. If he had found his true love, why does the curse continue to hold him in its tight grip? While pondering the question, she glanced toward the stage where Surrenda was performing.
Yes, she was the one.
The two seemed to go together. A sweet burning filled her lungs. She knew the feeling, it was jealousy. She sensed their love was deep, and real, something she’d never had.
She turned back to Nicollo, her piercing gaze raking over him in brazen appraisal. She saw a man sturdily built. A handsome rogue with a look of danger. Being cloaked in mystery, he had the undeniable likeness of a romantic horror hero.
He walked in shadows, and his voice was a seductive whisper. His quiet beauty was mesmerizing as evil was mesmerizing. He appeared untouchable, aloof, that of a dream-like being. His clothes were elegant, his eyes dark and blazing, as if an electrical storm raged within their depth. His lips were lush, unusually full and had a pale cherry hue. His hair was long, and dragged along his shoulders, his sideburns stretched down beyond his lobes and curved into an evil point.
As with all vampires, he was a sexual creature, his sexuality being obsessive. He favored young virgins, but since he had found the woman he wanted, he would likely wear her out with his attentions.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Six Things That Make Me Happy
OK, so Lindsay Townsend just tagged me over at Happily Ever After Authors. I don't have my own blog, so I guess you all get to see what makes me happy
The rules are simple; Link to the person who has tagged you. Write down six things that make you happy. Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it. Then tell the person when your entry is complete.
Six Things That Make Me Happy...
1. Any day I don't have to wear hose
2. An unexpected compliment
3. Getting my hair just right
4. A warm arm around my shoulder
5. Extra chocolate syrup
6. Spooning under the covers on a snowy evening
AND
7. Not quite following the rules 
Now I'm going to tag:
Kasey at Kasey’ View
Cheryl Koch at Cheryl’s Book Nook
Lee
Lee Silver
"Romance with a Twist"
THE TWIST, BookStrand #1 Bestseller
www.LeeSilve
