About a week ago I finally finished a book that I was working on. The reason I say finally finished is it usually doesn’t take me that long to finish a book. Now I am not talking about the editing before submission. I mean the first draft of the book. This one took a little longer due to various things seeming to work against me.

After with all the mishaps these last few weeks I was able to finally focus on my current work in progress. Focus and get it done. Put it to bed. It was such an exhilarating feeling. A feeling I never get tired off. Writing the end of the book then sitting back and marveling that what you envisioned is done. The moments right after writing The End is what I revel in the most. I took an idea brought it to life word by word. Page by page. Chapter after chapter through to the end.

Sine I’ve just finished my current work in progress I’ve been taking a sometime off. Soon I know my mind will turn to think of what to work on next but at least for now I’m enjoying that I am finally finished.

McKenna Jeffries
http://www.mckennajeffries.com
…. sensual, edgy, unexpected

Blog: http://www.mckennajeffries.com/blog
Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/McKennaJeffriesList

Conquering Jazz - What’s a woman to do when she unwittingly makes a tantalizing proposition to her best friend?

Be brazen, bold and set some ground rules.
Her offer. One night of carnal bliss. No emotion allowed.

His counter offer. A continued affair to fulfill all their sexual cravings.

His hidden agenda. Conquer to make sure their affair never ends.

Buy here at Liquid Silver Book.

As a published author myself, I’ve been asked on many occasions who my favorite author is…who has inspired me most. Time and time again, I have responded—Jane Austen. It seems like an easy response, almost cliché. I mean how many times have you heard this same exact response from several authors?? But let me reiterate—I really love Jane Austen!

When we choose a favorite author, I suppose it is because we love their writing and can’t get enough of it, and as authors wish we were as good as they. That is exactly how I feel about Jane. Miss Austen had a special gift, a talent if you will, not just in writing but in knowing people. Think about it. Here is this prim and proper (though some would argue this point) Regency era woman, unmarried, and coming from the middle of the social pool—and she has this uncanny ability to write the most terrific characters. She wrote characters to hate, laugh at, and fall in love with. Some of the other greats of classic literature also had this remarkable ability—Dickens for instance and Shakespeare. Think of their casts of characters that once read will never be forgotten.

For me, a good book is dependant on well-written characters far more than plot. Yes, we need a telling plot to keep the story going, but it is the characters which take us on the journey.  I have only begun my adventure as a published author, having had my first book published in December 2006 and number ten released earlier this month; but when I come to the end of this excursion, I hope there is someone out there who can say ‘Cindy Green wrote characters that I will never forget..’

If there is one thing I have learned from Jane Austen it is to observe people and try to make my characters as real as possible. Why is it that the likes of JA and Shakespeare are still read and revered to this very day? It’s because they wrote people that are true of the human spirit which will never change. That is the kind of author I want to be when I grow up. I want to make you laugh, make you think and in the end make you remember.

Let me take the time now to introduce you to my latest release, Dilemma of the Heart. Available now from The Wild Rose Press.

Excerpt #1:

Placing her hat on the bench, she removed the golden charm from around her neck and held it in the palm of her hand. She opened it and admired the lock of lovely golden brown hair held inside. She touched the strands of Frederick’s hair, the softness causing deep emotions to stir within her. A hand came to her mouth to stifle the sob forming in her throat. With him, she had formed all her hopes and dreams. All that was gone. Now the future only seemed to spread before her like an empty, desolate land.

Lord, why? Why did you allow Frederick to die? Why did he have to leave me? Why? Huge tears began to tumble down her cheeks.

Snapping the locket shut, she shot to her feet as her hands bunched into fists. These thoughts were a poison to her soul. It was as if she was determined to make herself continue in perpetual grief. Her life had become a vale of tears and she was tired of it. She had to let him go if only to allow her heart to rest. She knew that would only come by allowing God to heal her pain but she couldn’t. If she permitted herself to stop hurting over Frederick, it would be like admitting she had forgotten him.

Excerpt #2:

“Cass, what are you doing here?” Frederick said quite casually, breaking the silence between them. He set the comb in his hand down on a bench and then tousled a hand through his sun-lightened brown hair. Though his eyes revealed no displeasure at her sudden appearance, he seemed unsure of her intent. At this point, she wasn’t sure what she was doing there either. Her stalwart resolutions back at home seemed to be disappearing into the inky dark night. If he had come home hoping to marry her as they had promised, then he sure wasn’t trying very hard to see that come to fruition.

“I…I’m not sure why I’m here.”

A slight smile curved in the corner of his mouth, the type of playful expression which commonly appeared on his features when they were younger. “It’s not like you to be indecisive, Miss Huddleston.” He said her name with a smirk as he leaned against a stall and crossed his arms.

Cassandra closed her eyes and tightly grasped the sides of her dress, trying to maintain her temper. “Will you please cease with the Miss Huddleston. It is becoming quite tedious, Mr. Adair.” She uttered his proper name with as much derision as she could muster.

He began to move toward her, his strides determined and sleek. “And how shall I address you when you’re married?” His voice drawled into a low and provocative tone, making her heart give a little leap.

She made the mistake of gazing into those deep, wonderful eyes of his and forgot to breathe as his eyes, no longer playful, seared into her, down to her beating heart. When she was finally able to gulp some air, her lungs began to pump again. “You may call me Cassandra as you always have…I hope.” Her voice came out breathy and weak.

“Oh, no, I don’t believe that would be proper.” He stepped right in front of her face and touched his forehead to hers. In that moment, it felt as if a dozen butterflies had been released inside her stomach. He grabbed her around the waist, but before he had the chance to kiss her, she returned to her senses. Pushing off from his chest, she moved down toward the stalls, keeping her back to him as she held a hand over her galloping heart.

**********

CONTEST!

Want to win a copy of this title? Send an email to cindy@cindykgreen.com with the subject: Dilemma and you will be entered into a drawing.

Stop by Cindy’s website to read about her other new release—a historical western—The Heart Never Lies.

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Cindy K. Green is a multi-published author with degrees in History and Education. Previously a middle school English & History teacher, she now homeschools her own children and writes in several genres: Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense, Fantasy and Historical romance. Find out more about Cindy and her books at www.cindykgreen.com and http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/. To join her newsletter email her at  newsletters@cindykgreen.com, and she will send you out all three parts of her FREE READ serial,  “Valentine’s Challenge.”

(Charlotte Hughes is the best selling author of  over 40 novels, although she is best known for her FULL series which she coauthored with friend Janet Evanovich. Her newest release NUTCASE involves Atlanta psychologist Kate Holly, who learns that the life of a psychologist is enough to drive you nuts. It launches today, Feb 24th. You can read more about it at her website http://www.readcharlottehughes.com)

When I became interested in writing, some twenty-five years ago, I began taking classes, attending conferences, and reading everything I could get my hands on that would teach me the craft of writing. At the very first conference I attended, I met an author who had actually published – gasp – 14 books! Holy cow! I was in awe. I wanted to wash her feet in Chanel and dry each toe with my hair. Why? Because I wanted to know her Big Secret to getting published.

I gave her the titles of all the how-to-write books I’d read, told her about the class I was attending, and how I’d just joined RWA.

 “That’s nice,” she said, “but you have to write your book.”

“Yes, but how do I know it will sell?” I asked. “I don’t know what editors are looking for, and everybody says the market is glutted. And what if I do sell the book and it’s published and nobody buys it? I can’t afford to promote it. And what if, like some authors have complained about, my editor leaves and my book is orphaned? And what if—”

By this time the writer’s eyes had glazed over. “You just have to write the book,” she repeated.

Oh. Well, easy for her to say, I thought as I walked away. Editors were probably dying to receive her next book, but I was a nobody in the publishing world. And she probably didn’t have a job and young children and a husband who traveled a lot, pretty much leaving me to fill two roles.

Woe was me, for sure!

 Nevertheless, I went home, sat down at my typewriter, only to suffer an anxiety attack at the sight of the blank page before me. Again, I was assailed with doubt. No way could I write an entire book!

But. . .

I could maybe write one page per day. Or maybe three pages per day. I could aim for writing a chapter! Breaking it down into smaller goals was less overwhelming. And I had to stop worrying about rejection because I would never be able to write if I thought about that!  

I began writing the book. What else could I do? I had characters clamoring to tell their story, and they weren’t going away. 

 It wasn’t easy. There were a lot of stops and starts and interruptions. Sometimes it felt as if the whole world was trying to steal my precious writing time. There were days that I could only write half a page, but I kept going because I was determined not to let anything stop me. I wrote and rewrote. I revised and then I revised some more.

Because I was so bogged down in my story, I had no idea that I was learning one of the Big Secrets that all professional writers knew. While conferences, classes, how-to-write books, critique groups, and the such, are invaluable tools, the real test is disciplining yourself to actually write. Nobody can do that for you.

Eventually, the words turned into sentences that turned into pages that turned into chapters until – gasp – I held a completed manuscript in my hand!         

The bad news? My book was rejected. Sure, I cried. I wanted to toss my typewriter into the nearest Dumpster and never write again. But there was a whole new cast of characters and a story unfolding in my head. I had to pick myself up and start all over again.

Thus, I learned another Big Secret that professional writers knew. Perseverance. You can be the most talented writer in the world, but if you can’t get your story down on paper it doesn’t count.

The good news? I sold the second book to Bantam’s Loveswept line. TOO MANY HUSBANDS arrived on bookshelves in 1987, and I went on to write almost 30 books for them before I moved from category romance to single titles.          

 My sons are now grown, and I write full time; but each day I have to draw on what I learned early on – again, those words, discipline and perseverance. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written one book or one hundred, those two ingredients are absolutely necessary to carry you through because even bestselling authors will tell you they have starts and stops, anxiety and doubt, and that the business of publishing can be as topsy-turvy as a carnival ride.         

For those who dream of writing or are just starting out, I would offer this advice. You may have read similar suggestions, but it never hurts to be reminded. 

Set up a Time Budget. Just as we have to budget our finances – yeah, right, like I can keep a financial budget – we have to budget our time. Look closely at your schedule. You may have to give up things you like in order to make time for writing. Once you set up your writing schedule do everything you can to stick to it. Some writers work a certain amount of hours per day; others set a quota of pages they must write before they turn off their computer. Do what works for you. I’ve heard it takes 21 days to form a habit. Create good habits.  

Put your goals, short- and long-term on paper and read them daily. Make sure your goals are achievable.  

Learn the trade. While you can’t learn how to write until you start writing, it is important to have guides. Read the types of books you want to write and check books out at your library so you can learn the fundamentals of writing. 

Join a writer’s organization or a critique group. Writing is one of the most solitary jobs that exist. I know because I’m pretty much a recluse. It’s not healthy. Also, please don’t give your first chapter to your best friend or your mother to read. They love you and they’re going to love what you write. You won’t learn what you need to learn if you don’t interact with other writers. Now, this is where I get on my soapbox. If a published author decides to read and critique your work or give you a quote for your newly published book, please remember to show your appreciation. One way you can do that is to go to his or her book signing. Even better, grab a couple of friends and take them with you.  

Keep a notepad handy. When you create, you generate more ideas. Jot them down before you forget them because they may come in handy later. 

Buy a bulletin board and pin affirmations to it. Again, writing is very solitary. There are no pats on the back at the end of the day. It is easy to become discouraged, and even depressed, when your writing isn’t going well. 

Don’t talk about your ideas – write! Talking about ideas won’t get you published. 

Believe in yourself! Everybody has heard about the laws of attraction. If you think positive thoughts you’ll draw positive energy. If you’re filled with negativity and a lack of self-confidence, that’s what you’ll draw. Even if you have to fake it for a while, fake it, but never stop believing. 

Do NOT let anyone steal your dreams! I once read that a now famous author handed her story to an English professor and asked this person’s opinion. The professor told the aspiring writer she had no talent. Excuse me? You have talent or you wouldn’t be          writing in the first place. Fortunately, the new writer ignored the professor and became a star! 

Don’t worry about the market. The market changes constantly. Write your book.

Let nothing stop you. Most, if not all writers have received rejection slips. Toss them in the trash and keep writing! 

Lastly, never begrudge another writer’s success.  Sure, it’s natural to feel envious when your friend sells her book for a ton of money or makes a list. Some writers do strike gold on their first book, making the of rest us, who have ‘paid our dues,’ so to speak, groan. Don’t let envy turn to jealousy turn to bitterness. While it is okay to have a competitive spirit, make sure it’s healthy. The surest way to draw in negativity is to resent another author’s success. We’re all in this together. Celebrate that author’s good fortune because it’s much easier to write your own book if you’re not harboring ill will toward another colleague. Besides, you might just be the next bestseller! 

        Now that you have more advice than you’ll probably ever need, put my suggestions away and, you guessed it, write your book!

(Charlotte’s Virtual Book Blog Tour VIRTUALLY NUTS is just getting started.  Leave a comment on this post and you’re entered in a drawing for a free autographed book. For more information visit her blog GROUP THERAPY at http://blog.readcharlottehughes.com)

Greetings Everyone! First, I have to thank the gals at Romance Junkies for allowing me to tell you about my new novel. It is such a thrill to be entering the marvelous – and sometimes scary – world of publishing. As a debut author it is especially comforting to be given the opportunity to share my vision at a place where the aim is to promote and support romance. Because, if it is romance you want, I got it for ya!

My name is Sharon Lathan and thanks to the amazing crew at Sourcebooks I am privileged to present Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One. Probably easy to figure out that it is a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but rest assured that my version offers something different.

Back Cover Blurb~~~~

A Honeymoon can last a lifetime… Beginning on their wedding day, Pride and Prejudice’s Darcy and Elizabeth are two people who are deeply in love with one another and are excited to begin their marriage. Their courtship was tempestuous; misunderstandings and misgivings nearly tore them apart. But now that they’ve seen each other without prejudice, their trust, attraction, and delight in each other grows with each passing day. Both are inexperienced and innocent, sharing moments of shyness and boldness as they discover the kinds of intimacies that a newlywed couple shares. As their love story unfolds, they reveal their innermost secrets and feelings, embracing each other in a marriage filled with romance, passion, humor, and drama that will keep you spellbound.

Right from the beginning I suppose I was ‘doing it wrong’ according to the standard romance-writing formula. Ages before I was inspired by P&P and wrote this story I was continually curious about what happened after the final page, after the screen faded to black, after the kiss. Imagining the couple as they dealt with life together and lived the happily-ever-after of the fairy tale intrigued me. I always wanted more and was never content to let the magic wane as I spun scenes in my head. I rejected the idea that it had to be boring. I also rejected the idea that it had to be tragic! Why not find joy and be in love forever? And heck, life can be fun!

The why and how of my taking these random dreams from this particular story and creating a series of novels can be read in depth at my website – The Darcy Saga. In a nutshell, I still am not sure why! Timing and divine providence, I guess. Whatever the case, I believe I have proven my convictions: Two people can become one soul and have terrific fun in the process.

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth offer hope that marriage can be wonderful and special. They are human, of course, and far from perfect! But don’t we read and write romance novels because we want to believe that the elusive true-love exists? That the fire of passion can persevere and flame hotter? I think so!

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One is volume one in my Darcy Saga series. It is a tale for Austen fans. It is a tale for romance fans. It is a tale for history fans. It is a tale for believers in love. Are you one of those?

Here is a small taste from the wedding night. Hopefully it will whet your appetite for more!

“All in due time, Mrs. Darcy. First, I have a wedding present for you.” He took her by the hand and seated her on the sofa. He went to the armoire and pulled out a square box wrapped with blue paper and tied with a thick blue ribbon. He returned to her and placed it into her lap, kneeling before her. “For you, my wife, always to remember this day, the happiest day of my life.”

Elizabeth was slowly shaking her head and tears filled her eyes. “William, you should not have. You have given me so many wonderful gifts already! All I need to remember and mark this day is you … only you.”

Darcy smiled, “Thank you, dearest. You shall always have me. Now you shall also have this meager token as well. Open it.”

Elizabeth untied the bow and pulled the wrapping away. Inside the box, lying on a bed of dark blue velvet, was a vanity set … brush, comb and mirror … made of mother-of-pearl with Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy engraved on each handle. The craftsmanship was exquisite. She was overwhelmed.

“William, I do not know what to say. They are beautiful! I have never owned anything equal. Thank you so very much!” She leaned over and kissed him soundly.

Darcy beamed at her obvious pleasure. “You would have enjoyed the spectacle, my dear. I have come to realize how lacking my education is in the area of feminine requirements. I have, in fact, studiously avoided the subject in the past. Recently, I have discovered myself extremely fascinated by all the mysteries related to the fairer sex, or more specifically related to you. I scoured my extensive library and found not a single book that could answer the questions I had. I surmised that the only sure avenue open to me was to enter the shops in London that cater to the needs of women.”

Elizabeth could picture it clearly and the vision did make her smile. He went on, “I was most relieved to find that I was not the only gentlemen present in the establishments, but I certainly was the most ignorant! Fortunately the proprietors were remarkably sympathetic and willing to further my education. So, I learned numerous incidentals, which I am certain will aid me in being an understanding husband. As for this particular gift, considering how ardently I admire your beauty and especially your lovely hair, it seemed fitting.”

“William, you are too good to me. I truly do not deserve you.”

“Nonsense,” he replied gruffly, “I love you and enjoy giving you gifts.” As he spoke, he absentmindedly reached up under her gown and began running his hand along her right calf. Time stood still for both of them. Instantaneously their mutual desires were awakened and their thoughts became riveted to their need for each other.

Gazing into her eyes with a deep intensity, Darcy took the box off Elizabeth’s lap, laid it on the floor, and then rose onto his knees, bringing himself level with her. He slowly ran his hands along the tops of her thighs and around her bottom, pulling her to the edge of the sofa. Her knees parted and he moved closer to her body as his hands leisurely caressed their way up her back, eventually entwining in her hair as he brought her lips to his and kissed her passionately.

****For more excerpts and information, please visit my website: The Darcy Saga