Archive for the 'Book Stuff' Category

October 17, 2008 | Book One, Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides, Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

I’ve got two announcements:

Announcement #1: DRAVEN ATREIDES, TEENAGE FBI BOOK ONE: A ROYALE PAIN WILL BE RELEASED IN OCT 2009 DURING TEEN READ WEEK!!!

Yes, you read it right here first, folks. The date has been bumped back to 2009, so you won’t have to wait until April 2010 to be introduced to my wonderful girl. WHOO-HOO!

Announcement #2: I’M GOING TO WRITE A SHORT STORY PREQUEL TO THE SERIES.

Titled SEW NOT PERFECT, the story will be available in a small hard copy booklet to the first 100 people who pre-order A Royale Pain (it will be sent to you along with your copy of the book) through the Publisher Website (Don’t worry! I’ll keep you posted on when you can start ordering it). Once the book has been released, the short story will be available for purchase on the Draven Atreides website (once it’s been designed, that is) and the Publisher Website.

This story will introduce you to Draven (as Olivia Chevalier) and how she came to be recruited by the FBI. For those of you that were reading the rough draft version before I took it down, you might recognize some content: I cut out the Prologue in Book One and will be using it in the short story. Draven will be very happy to hear this seeing as how she hasn’t had much to say lately.

With that being said, I am needing the help of someone living in New York City:

I’m looking for someone who is:

~ VERY familiar with the Manhattan and Central Park areas.
~ VERY fashion forward and VERY familiar with the Garment District.

For your services, you will be mentioned in Acknowledgements and receive a free copy of the booklet when it’s complete.

DETAILS:
~ Would prefer to speak with a teen, but it’s not required.
~ Will respond with specifics after initial contact.

If you can help me out, please Contact me as soon as possible as I would like to get started writing this story.

Technorati Tags: DRAVEN ATREIDES, TEENAGE FBI, A ROYALE PAIN, SEW NOT PERFECT

October 14, 2008 | Book Stuff, Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

A couple of weeks ago, before I left for training last week, I had the opportunity to donate some items for a silent auction at a local high school function taking place this month. Instead of just sending autograhed copies of my book, I wanted to offer something a little different. I decided to get crafty.

FYI: I haven’t been crafty since my kindergarten days.

I went to Michael’s and bought a cute little denim purse, cut-out stencils, and some fabric paints. This was the finished product: CLICK ON PICS FOR BIGGER VIEW

My creativity comes in the form of my mind, not my hands, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Despite snickers from the hubby–and the vague thought that my 19 -yr-old niece could’ve done way better–I think it came out pretty good.

My “basket” included an autographed copy of each of my books, a Lips SassyPurseCandy keychain, a Red Dress SassyPurseCandy keychain, all in a cute little denim purse handpainted by the author and topped off with a sassy-looking bow.

There are moments when I even amaze myself. Don’t think I’ll ever do it again, but the little denim skirt-type purses Michael’s carried would make great goodie bags for a book release party. Something different to keep in mind, I guess.

Technorati Tags: Michael’s

September 9, 2008 | Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides, In the News, Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

I swindled this meme from Josephine Damian, who in turn pilfered it from Charles Gramlich’s blog.

Your genre: young adult fiction

How many books are you working on right now? At the moment, none. However, when I get The Sign, I’ll start on Book Three of my YA series; with a pit-stop to polish the 2nd draft of Book Two.

Are you a linear or chunk writer? Definitely linear. When I’m blocked, I just set it aside and wait until I get another Sign. I can’t just let it go and write another portion. If I was the type to outline, I imagine I would be both a linear and a chunk writer. But I don’t. Outline, that is.

The POV you’re partial to: My first book was first person, past tense. My second book was third person, past tense. With the series, I’m trying first person, present tense. It’s a little harder because my weakness is tenses. I’m going to have to forewarn my editor about that.

The Tense you use: Third person, past tense but, as you can see from the above response, I’ve delved into other areas.

The theme that keeps cropping up in your books: Secrets; Whether it be the MC or the other characters in the story, someone is always hiding some big secret. Which is why the tagline on my website reads “Smart girls, undiscovered secrets, unusual situations…High school has never been so mysterious.”

How many days a week do you write? When I’m in Writing Mode, it’s 5 days a week. I have a day job and write during my hr lunches and 2 15 min breaks. I handwrite and then type up the results over the weekend, preferably Sundays. I rarely write on the weekends due to too many distractions (read: the hubby). Unless I’m way behind deadline.

What time of day do you get your best writing done? At night, even though I’m forced to write during the day. I’ve always been a night owl and find it hard to shut off my thoughts at night. Sometimes, I wish I was working nights, doing some non-mental job like an answering service or something.

Who are your mentors? Don’t have any.

My favorite authors to read: SARK and several other adult romance authors (some of which are in my blogroll). Nothing writing related.

Technorati Tags: Josephine Damian, SARK

August 5, 2008 | Book One, Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides, Life in General, Movie Queue, The 4-1-1 on Me, Weekend Wrap-Up

I missed the bus all the way around last week, didn’t I? I only posted once, forget to post the rest of DA Chapter Two today…Chapter Three should’ve started this month, but, well…. So, I know you’re gonna hate me for this (especially Draven. Sorry girlfren’), but I’m going to stop posting the story for now.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. I hate to cut you off at the knees just when you were getting into it, but I thought it seemed kinda fruitless since it’s not coming out until 2010. I’ll start it again in April 2009, from the beginning. It’ll make more sense then, believe me.

Slacker is a pretty apt word for what I did–or didn’t do–this weekend. The hubby and I went to see The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor on Saturday. We liked it. Don’t know what the critics have been saying, but we liked it. My husband pointed out that the son has grown up, but, funny, Brendan Fraser doesn’t look like he’s aged at all. LOL. Which is true. I have no idea how old Brendan is (and where was Rachel Weisz? She played Evie in the first two), but he still looks the same as he did in the first two. Same hair-do and everything!

The hubby and I have decided to move out of our house and get a townhome, so we checked out a complex near our house before the movie. We’re checking out two more this Sunday. We’re hoping to move out by next year, once we repair some things. I know the market for selling a house isn’t all that great, but we’re hoping ours will get snapped up quickly. It’s an older house in an older neighborhood. And I can’t tell you how many times the house next door to us has changed hands. Maybe we’ll get lucky. I’ll have to throw that out into the universe and see what we get back.

So, how was your weekend?

Technorati Tags: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz

July 28, 2008 | Book One, Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides

I had started Miss Snitch Mondays in order to introduce the public to the Draven Atreides series. I began posting the unedited version of Book One in May in honor of its release in April 2009. However, after recently attending a writing class, I realize I still have a lot to learn about writing and being a good writer. I’ll be enrolling in a writing program in September that will take 1-1/2-2yrs to complete. I want the series to be a success and I believe that taking this program will help me to achieve that goal. In light of this recent decision, I’ve pushed back the release date of Book One to April 2010. I still plan to post excerpts (which will end around this time next year) and you will still be able to sign up on the Pre-Order Notification List.

We follow Marla past the steam showers and the jacuzzi. Turning the corner, we see two rows of lockers with comfy bright blue benches in front of them.

“Your belongings will be safe in these lockers. Did you get your keys from the front desk?”

We both nod.

Marla glances at the key tags then looks at me. “You are here. And you three doors down,” she says to Poe.

I unlock the door, secure my tote bag and slip the phone cord key ring around my wrist. We then follow Marla through the doorway.

“This is the waiting area. You will relax here between each of your treatments. Your estheticians will come get you when they are ready. Outside the double doors is the Zen Garden. Feel free to step outside and take a look. It’s quite peaceful. Would you like some water or tea?” Marla asks.

“I’m fine for now,” I say.

“Me too.”

“We encourage you to drink plenty of water in between treatments so you do not get dehydrated. Enjoy your time here,” Marla says, then leaves the room.

“Holy Mother of Saint Bubble Gum,” Poe whispers in awe. “This place is freakin’ amazing.”

“I’ll second that,” I agree, pausing near the door to take it all in.

The room is beautifully decorated in Asian accents with modern art on the wall. Three dark brown bamboo-type chaise lounges are situated in front of windows covered with sheer curtains. A little alcove sectioned off by short stone walls houses an overstuffed couch with matching ottoman and chairs. To my left, in the corner, is an oak cabinet with its doors open to reveal an assortment of juices, iced tea and bottled water. A teapot squats on a hot plate warmer, surrounded by teacups and saucers, packets of tea and a hot water dispenser. Poe’s gasp draws my attention across the room. She has unlocked the double doors and thrown them wide open.

“Check out this Zen Garden, Dray, it’s off the hook,” she crows in delight.

I walk closer, crossing my arms over my chest to ward off the chill. Even with the sun out, it’s still a bit cool. I step up beside my riend and scan the Garden. This is like no garden I’ve ever seen. Not a flower in sight, but plenty of different types of bushes. On one side of the stone bridge is a large pond filled with rocks and a funky-looking iron sculpture. On the other side of the bridge is a hot tub sized rock pond built into the stone deck, being fed a steady stream of water from a rock filled chute connected to another hot tub sized fountain.

“Do you think that chute has gold in it?” Poe inquires.

I laugh and shake my head.

“I don’t think so. Although it seems like it would, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s pretty cool. It’s like we’re at a spa in China or something. But without the wooden shoes. Those things look uncomfortable.”

“That would be Japan, Poe. China’s the place where they they wear the kung-fu slipper.”

Poe nudges me with an elbow. “Thanks for the geography lesson, smarty pants. My Mom would love this place.”

“Maybe Rune can get you another invitation and you can bring her here,” I suggest, walking backward until I hit the chaise lounge.

Poe whips her head around and quickly scans the room.

“Geez, say that a little bit louder, why don’t you,” she hisses, then closes the doors with a dramatic swoop.

I turn on my side, tuck my legs closer to my body and watch the sheer curtains settle back into place.

“Don’t panic, girlio. We’re alone. And even if we weren’t, no one would pay attention to us anyway.”

Poe drops down on the lounge to my right, pulls her knees up to her chest and covers them with her robe. “Well, you never know who’s listening,” Poe says grudgingly.

“Is Rune popular with the high society crowd?” I ask suddenly.

Poe looks over at me, eyes wide. “No,” she answers quickly. “At least, not that I know of.”

“I mean, he got you the invitation for this thing. Something like that would be pretty hard to get unless you had connections,” I say.

Poe turns her head and gazes out the window. “I guess. Rune has a lot of friends. The majority of whom I haven’t met. He likes to keep to himself.”

“Yeah, so I’ve heard.”

Poe leans her head back with an audible thunk and sighs. “Look, Draven—“

“You don’t have to tell me anything,” I interject quickly, holding my hand up, palm out. “We just…Ricky and I, we just…worry about you. A little. That’s all. No big deal.”

I shift, look down at my lap and watch as I wrap the belt around my fingers.

Poe remains silent.

“Look, I wasn’t trying to fish for information or anything.” Liar, liar, pants on fire. “I was just saying. He got us this invitation. He knows people. Maybe he can get another one for your Mom. She could really use a break.” I pause.

Poe slowly turns her head until she’s looking at me. She stares at me a moment, eyes unblinking, before a corner of her mouth quirks up in a small smile.

“Maybe I’ll ask him,” she says.

A door to the right opens and we turn to see a woman dressed in a black Asian-inspired shirt and pants, step into the room. Her jet black hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, with bangs cut straight across her forehead. Equally dark eyebrows hovered over clear blue eyes and small, berry-colored lips creased into a serene smile.

“Poe Danziger?”

Poe swings her legs to the floor and bounces off the chaise lounge. “That would be me.”

The woman laughs and holds out her hand. “I’m Luna and I’m going to be your esthetician today. Ready to go on back?”

“I’m ready. See you later, Dray,” Poe says with a wave.

“See ya,” I reply, watching my friend practically skip out of the room.

Moments later, before I can think about my stupidity in bringing up the subject of Rune, the door opens again. This female is in all black as well, her short blonde hair held back on one side with a small barrette to reveal deep purple eyes.

“Draven…” she pauses with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to mangle your last name.”

~ Get to know Draven beyond the book by checking out her blog.

~ Sign up for the мебеликомпютри втора употребаDA Book One Pre-Order Notification List below

Sign Up Today!


Email Address:

Email Marketing by VerticalResponse