Friday Fun- MYSTICAL PRESS is here!

Greetings and Salutations!

Many thanks to Jennifer for hosting us on her blog today! We’ve got some really exciting news to share with everyone so grab that cuppa and let the blogging begin!

September 1-15^th marks the official

Grand Opening of Mystical Press Services!!!

This means 50% Off all our classes

and services through September 15^th!

http://mysticalpress.com

In case you haven’t yet heard about our website, allow me to introduce you to a place where you just might find the fulfillment of your dreams. That’s right! The talented folks at Mystical Press want to help you reach your publishing goals!

How do we do that? I’m glad you asked!

 Mystical Press is the culmination of an idea that came from two authors and professionally trained editors—Arial Burnz and AJ Nuest—where we help authors bridge the gap between the form rejection letter and publication. In fact, we believe in this venture so passionately, our tagline is “Helping authors achieve their dreams.” 

At Mystical Press our primary goal is to help writers. As authors, we understand the frustration of not receiving constructive and useful feedback, the aggravation of navigating the murky depths of the publishing industry and that, sometimes, authors just need a place to vent. Well, we’re here to tell you, the insanity can end!

Like-minded individuals can gather online at Mystical Press to work one-on-one with professional editors who help authors prepare their manuscripts for submission. Whether you are looking for a Manuscript Evaluation, Submission Evaluation, or a full story edit, we will give you honest, encouraging feedback and work diligently with you on your story to make sure it’s ready to land on an editor’s desk. No project is too big or too small and all receive the same precise attention to detail.

 Perhaps your submission is ready but you need assistance with smaller editing projects like a query letter and synopsis? Have no fear! Mystical Press is here! We offer a full edit of query letters and synopses with comments and suggestions that come directly from AN EDITOR! TAH-DAH!

And don’t worry! If your goal is to write your very own dynamite synopsis, at Mystical Press we believe in “teaching a man to fish”. Our Power Class, How to Write a WINNING Synopsis, is designed to easily guide you through the process of crafting your very own synopsis! Yes, that’s right. I used “easily” and “synopsis” in the same sentence!

 The self-paced course curriculum at Mystical Press can assist in tackling those pesky problem areas as well (e.g., show vs. tell, POV shifts, realistic character and story development, etc.). If you’ve read books, articles and/or taken workshops and are still in search of that elusive contract offer, perhaps Mystical Press can help. Take one class or take a whole series—our online classes are designed to meet each writer’s individual needs.

 

 Is your next project of the self-publishing variety? Mystical Press has a selection of pre-made covers we guarantee will only be used once! No one will have the same cover! Or, if you’d like, we can design a cover specifically tailored to your vision—you will work one-on-one with our talented cover artists! We are also happy to edit your baby and can even format the document to meet the specifications of most popular self-publishing platforms. 

Remember to mention Mystical Press to all your friends and fellow writing pals – here’s why. Mystical Press offers a free Referral Program. Just register on the site and we will assign you a Referral ID. If anyone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a referral fee! Whether you choose cash or a credit for products or services on the site, consider this our thank you for helping us spread the word. 

 Oh! And before I forget…we offer a wide range of gift certificates designed specifically with the writer in mind. Tired of searching for the “write” present for your author pals? Maybe that next birthday calls for an eGift from Mystical Press!

So now that you know all about us, please tell us all about you! Head on over to Mystical Press and register free on the site. Everyone who does will be entered into our drawing for fabulous gifts and prizes! Join our celebration and together we will strive to get your voice heard!

Free For All Friday - Meet Author Marci Jefferson!

Today I want to introduce my wonderful friend and critique partner, Marci Jefferson!

Marci is the author of BRITANNIA THE BEAUTIFUL, a historical fiction novel that covers the life and loves of Frances Stuart, a prominent member of the Court of Restoration. Anyone who is a lover of sweeping historicals will love Marci's novel.


Thanks for joining us today, Marci!
Take it away.................

When did you start writing?

I wrote a short story in high school that never felt right no matter how much I tinkered with it. In college I majored in Nursing and, in the midst of surviving pharmacology and anatomy and physiology, let go of creative writing. Then marriage, career, and kids took over for a while. About four years ago, my love of the past drove me to start writing the type of history I like to read.

Tell us how you got interested in Historical Fiction.

I moved a lot as a kid but spent about thirteen years in Yorktown, Virgina, where the Revolutionary War was won. Talk about history-rich! I spent days roaming battlefields, rubbing headstones, and visiting old plantation homes. When my interest skipped to the British end of the conflict I had to travel to England and Europe to satisfy my curiosity. Travel is enlightening, and I came home with a thousand new topics to research! One thing that makes history so exciting to me is the many different points of view’s to discover about a single event.

Who is your writing inspiration?

I must credit the Queen of Historical Fiction, Phillipa Gregory, with reawakening the writer within me. When I read, "The Other Boleyn Girl", I was simply flabbergasted that Anne Boleyn actually had a sister. Seeing the Tudor Court through Mary Boleyn’s eyes was one of the most exciting things I’d ever read. When I put that book down, I searched for more like it. Eventually I knew I would start writing again; I simply had to create my own Historical Fiction. The adventure began!

What inspired your work in progress?

It’s a funny story. Some people sneer at doing touristy things while traveling- which I understand to a point. But, when you are a tourist, I think it’s okay to actually tour. I like to see everything, to get the scoop. Thus, I climbed atop one of those red double-decker busses in London for some sightseeing. When we tooled past the Banqueting House someone indicated the window from which King Charles the First had emerged for his beheading in 1649.  Huh? I thought kings ordered the beheadings! So, of course, I had to immerse myself in the complicated English Civil Wars and the Stuart Royal family. Eventually I found my heroine.

Frances Stuart

That's Hot Thursday!

Medieval Hotness!! Come and get it!
I'm talking about THE BARGAIN, by Julia Templeton. It's a 2006 erotic that you need to read.

The story of Renaud and Aleysia has a sweet side that balances the erotic side perfectly. I love the verbal interaction between the characters -- and I mean all characters. This story has a full cast, with a fantastic (cougar) secondary love/plot.

Speaking of plot, this is not just sex. There are Normans and Scottish, fights over land and over Aleysia........So if you love your erotica with a little more meat (pun intended), I think you'd love THE BARGAIN!

Until next time, happy reading!

Free For All Friday - Meet Author Mary Oldham !

Today I want to introduce great friend and great author, Mary Oldham.

Mary - a Golden Heart Finalist - and I met in Orlando at the 2010 RWA Conference and became fast friends. I've had the pleasure of reading an excerpt of her work and am here to tell you, this is one talented lady! But I really don't have to tell you - check out her beautiful website, http://www.maryoldham.com/ , and take a look at this multi-award winning author's work for yourself.
Then come on back and get to know Mary a little better:)

Take it away, Mary!
 

Why did you start writing?

What started as a way to journal my feelings after a bad marriage and resulting divorce turned into a rough draft for The Voice of Reason.  At some point I stopped writing about my personal feelings and started writing about a woman plotting to kill her ex-husband.  It kind of scared me at the time, but it was quite therapeutic!  The story was badly written, but it got my mind thinking in a new way, like an author.  I was very intrigued with the idea of a good girl raised in a loving family, who marries this wonderful man, but then discovers the marriage is a façade for something sinister.  I couldn’t get this one simple idea out of my head:  How far would you go to survive?

When I finished the rough draft, I put The Voice of Reason on the shelf and decided I’d never be a writer.  But in January 2008, I wrote several short stories.  I found that I had really missed escaping into the world of writing.  I expanded five of the short stories into series contemporary manuscripts.  Last spring, I picked up my old friend The Voice of Reason and rewrote the entire thing.  The ten year break gave me a good amount of perspective and I think I’m finally happy with it.

What genre do you write?

I write romantic suspense and series contemporary.  I would love to write single title, but series contemporary is a good way to get a lot of inventory in the pipeline.  At 50,000 words if the story isn’t what agents and editors are looking for, I know I will have another story for them to look at fairly quickly.  I also have a bit of a dark side, a little touch of the Dean Koontz or Stephen King that craves a great love story with something dark thrown in for fun.

Tell us about your 2010 Golden Heart Finalist manuscript, Laura Takes a Lover.

I like to write about women who want it all, but aren’t sure which pathway in life to take.  Because no matter what direction we choose, the grass will always appear greener in someone else’s yard. 

Laura is a heroine who is about to live a modern day fairytale, but doesn’t know it.  She discovers she can’t have children at the same time her husband has an affair, which leads to a divorce.  Then she meets Adam.  Not only is he younger, he’s good looking, very attracted to Laura and quite capable of getting her pregnant! 

Laura has to lose something she perceived to be good before she can value getting something that is great.

***

Mary Oldham – Bio

Ten years as a Media Consultant for The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Oregon.

My career in advertising and outside sales has encompassed nineteen years. At any one time I have five or more stories swimming in my head asking to be written into novels.

Since January 2008, I’ve written six novels, finaled in ten contests, taking first place in three of them, as I continue to work full time. I rework a story until it's right, even if that means rewriting the entire manuscript.

For more information about my stories, please visit:  www.maryoldham.com

That's Hot Thursday!

Today I'm going to brag about BLACKMAILED, a smokin' hot erotic romance written by my friend, AnnMarie McKenna. If you haven't read any of AnnMarie's work, I would suggest this particular novel as a good starting point. Why? Well, let me count the reasons:
1. Two for the price of one. Heroes that is :) Cole and Tyler are perfect examples of alpha males. Ummm, did I mention BLACKMAILED is a menage story???
2. Excellent secondary characters. One you can love and a couple you can hate.
3. Sex that will make you (pleasantly) squirm!
4. A happy ending for all three main characters.
I for one don't like to become invested in a menage romance just to have the "third wheel" be written off in the end just for the sake of a traditional happily ever after. I don't need traditional. I'm reading a menage for goodness sake. I think I stepped outside traditional when I bought the book;) Ms. McKenna delivers a great ending without kicking anyone to the curb in the last chapter.

So if you're looking for a great hot read, try BLACKMAILED today. It's available in both print and e-book, published by Samhain Publishing. http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
Or visit Ms. McKenna : http://www.annmariemckenna.com/

Happy Reading!

Writing Wednesday - The Decidedly, Absolutely, Completely Un-Needed 'LY'

True or False?
That depends on who you ask. I've read articles that call the use of 'ly' adverbs everything from telling writing to down right lazy writing. I've also read articles that insist 'ly' adverbs play an important role in writing. Which do I believe? Well . . . both.

Early in my writing, I peppered my manuscript with adverbs like a  crazed chef turned loose in Spices-R-Us. Then I learned that if I used them sparingly my writing was stronger. I was forced to find more descriptive verbs; I was forced to show instead of tell.

Let's look at an example:
"I'm sure we're all sorry for your loss," she said snidely.
"I'm sure we're all sorry for your loss." Her brittle voice held as much sincerity as a used car salesman's.  

Does it take more work to leave out the 'ly'? Positively.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Hope this helps in your writing!

True Facts Tuesday -- Victorian Toothpowder

 
Even though toothpowder was available commercially, many frugal Victorians chose to make their own. The information I     found covered about 35 years, but it doesn't appear the recipes became any more appealing.

In 1832 (More Regency than Victorian, IMO), Mrs. Lydia Child wrote in "The American Frugal Housewife": Honey mixed with pulverized charcoal is said to be excellent to cleanse the teeth and make them very white.

In 1858 these samples were offered in "Enquire Within Upon Everything" (Houlston & Wright, London) :
1 pound prepared chalk, 1 or 2 drams camphor. (I found a definition that stated a dram was an 1/8 of an ounce)

8 drams coral, 8 drams cuttle fish-bone, 8 drams dragon's blood, 8 drams orris root, 8 drams rose pink, 4 drams burnt alum, 4 drams red sanders, 1/2 dram cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and rosewood - all finely ground.

1 pound powdered cuttlefish, 2 ounces powdered myrrh.

In the 1864 "Treastis on Pharmacy" the formula for toothpowder was as follows: powdered chalk, powdered myrrh, orris root, and red chalk.

By 1889 Barkham Burroughs' "Encyclopedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information" offered this: 2 parts of prepared chalk, 1 of Peruvian bark and 1 of hard soap, all finely powdered.

Hmmmmm. Sounds tasty. But I'll think I'll stick to my Crest. How about you?
I hope this is helpful in your writing :)

                              

Free For All Friday! -- Author Meet and Greet!

I want to introduce my wonderful friend and great writer, Jacqui Nelson. [She's the gorgeous redhead ;)]
Through our common interest of historical westerns we became friends. The picture is of us at the 2010 RWA Awards where Jacqui won the Golden Heart for her historical western, BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL.
Her second novel, BETWEEN LOVE AND LIES, is already garnering awards. If you love western romance you will love Jacqui's work. Excerpts are readable on her website, http://www.jacquinelson.com/

So take a minute and get to know Jacqui! She's an up and coming author you won't want to miss!
Thanks for being my first guest, Jacqui;)

 

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I started in November 2007 when I changed careers. After seven years working as an animator in the TV and video game industry, I needed work that had fewer hours and would allow me to live in Victoria, Canada (where there are no animation companies). My main goal was to spend more time with my mom, sister and nephew. During the job change I lost my creative outlet and needed another.

Back in 1992 I dabbled in writing. I bought and read a dozen writing books. I jotted down several ideas for stories. Then I put it all in a box, got sidetracked by my job (computer programming and later animation), and never thought about writing again. After moving in 2007 I was looking through my boxes and found the writing books and notebooks full of scribbles and decided I would try writing again.

 

Q: How did you get interested in the the western genre?

A: I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Canada (north of Edmonton, Alberta) on a cattle farm. We had only two TV channels (in the days before cable TV and even before, gasp, VCRs). The old Clint Eastwood movies came on TV and instantly I was hooked on Westerns. And "For a Few Dollars More" and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" are still in my top ten movie list.

 

Q: Tell us about your first manuscript (the Golden Heart book) and your second manuscript (your current WIP).
A: One of the "scribbles" in my notebooks was about a white woman who is raised by Indians. She runs away when white men murder her adoptive mother and sister, and the Indian brave she once called brother holds her responsible and vows to kill her. To escape and build a new life, she hires on as an interpreter and scout for a wagon train bound for Oregon. Two years later I had a completed manuscript, Between Heaven and Hell. I started pitching and entered it in several contests including the 2010 Golden Heart.

The first editor I pitched with suggested I keep writing Westerns. I had no more "scribbles" for Western stories, so I opened my series of Time Life Old West books and started reading.

I found an interesting historical fact about how the small farms between Texas and Dodge City were often decimated by the cattle drives when a longhorn tick caused the local cattle to develop a fever and die. I asked myself what would happen to a woman if she lost her farm during this time period (the 1870s)? Who would help her? Where could she find work? I decided my heroine would end up working in a saloon in Dodge City and that the cowboy (whose herd destroyed her farm) would be consumed by guilt and come back a year later to see what happened to her. One year later (I'm getting quicker!) I have a completed manuscript. I entered it in five contests, was a finalist in all of them, and now I'm ready for the 2011 Golden Heart. Fingers crossed once again :-)

Contact/visit Jacqui at: http://www.JacquiNelson.com

That's Hot Thursday!

Are you wondering what That's Hot Thursday is all about?
Well wonder no more. Thursdays are all about hot books. Not necessarily erotic romance, just great sexy, sensual books.

This time it's all about Sabrina Jeffries' book, One Night with a Prince. It's the third and last addition to her Royal Brotherhood series (pub'd in 2006) but it is my favorite book of hers.

The sexual tension in this book is so well written you want to stay up all night reading. And when Gavin and Christabel actually get down to business..........*whew* Especially the scene in his coach. OMG! Oh, and the plot is excellent too;) I would give this book 5 out of 5 hot lips! Pick it up and see what you think!

Writing Wednesday - The 5 W's

Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
Yesterday I read an article about the 5 W's and their use in writing a non-fiction piece. About half-way through reading I thought the same theory could work when writing a query letter. These are the same questions that make up a plot -- on a very basic level that is.

Consider this for an example. It's a slightly shorter (but not much shorter) version of the query I used to sell RAFE'S REDEMPTION.

Dear Agent/Editor,
I'm seeking representation for my historical novel, set in (when) 1866 (where) Colorado. (who) Maggie is an artist determined to (what)travel and sketch the western landscape. Her cousin is determined to see her dead. But when (why)they're trapped in a rough outpost, Maggie is used as collateral for her cousin's gambling debt.
(who) Rafe went (what) into town to buy supplies, not a woman. But when he sees a beautiful woman being sold to the lecherous townsmen, he (what) offers the winning bid. The last thing Rafe wants or needs is a woman. (why)He's got trouble of his own - a vengeful killer chasing after him.
Trapped by blizzards and pursued a killer, (who)Rafe and Maggie must attempt (what)to cross the Rocky Mountains (why)before his past catches up to them.

As I said this is a pretty basic breakdown, but I hope it's helpful when trying to write the dreaded query letter:)

It Happened!

The day all aspiring writers wait for, pray for, offer their first-born child to the publishing gods for, happened. Friday I signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my Golden Heart manuscript, RAFE'S REDEMPTION!! It will be part of their Scarlet Rose line. I don't have a release date yet, but I will keep all of you updated.
The excitement surpasses the day I got the Golden Heart Contest call -- and I was trembling that day.
So tell me about a day you will always remember in your journey to publication! I'd love to hear from you:)

Contest Diva. Does this describe you?

I guess I've got contest-on-the-brain because I'm helping my chapter with *shamless plug coming....now* The Gateway to the Best contest, info @ http://www.morwa.org/
Because of my involvement, I've been noticing all the contest opportunities as they appear on loops etc. It's made me wonder how many of you enter more than one contest a year. More than two? More than five? Ten? (Your secret is safe with me) LOL
Anyway, if you do enter contests on a regular basis, what interests you most in any given contest? Is it the feedback? Or do you enter because of a particular editor/agent judge?  And do you have certain contests that you enter every year?
I'd love to hear from you!

Enough with the Weather Already...........

Where are the Hot Guys?? Right? Right!

I honestly can't believe I made it this long without putting up some "inspiration". Here are two GORGEOUS men who are currently inspiring me to write.  

On the left is Theo Theodoridis, a Greek fashion model. I've listed his website below because I promise you, it is worth looking at ;) Be advised, you will need something cool to drink while you peruse his site. And you should probably sit down. And plug in a fan.                        

http://www.theodoro.eu/

On the right is my favorite musician, Jake Owen. His latest music video, TELL ME, made for perfect inspiration because in it he plays a lawman, and the hero in my work-in-progress is a lawman.  Here's the link to the video from YouTube. (You already plugged in the fan. Might as well give it a workout.)   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtH6zs-yt4Y&feature=av2e

So when you write, who inspires you? Do you have an actual image or just a mental image of the perfect hero?
I'd love to hear from you!

*Images via:  http://photobucket.com/images/search/*

Welcome!

Warm days, cool nights and hot guys .........these are a few of my favorite things. No, I won't break out into "Sound of Music" soundtrack, but since we have 100 degree weather here I guess I'm looking forward to Fall. I love the leaves changing and the crisp bite in the air. I always want to write more in the Fall.
** Besides, hot guys are never out-of-season :) **

So do you have a favorite time of year to write? Or maybe a certain time of year when you feel more inspired to write?

I'd love to hear from you!