LEILA BROWN

Submitted....Izzy's Incubus!

2012-01-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

I just sent Izzy's Incubus to my Changeling Editor. I hope that she likes it. If not I won't stress. I still have the Martian story to send in. It's a good book. They both are. So that is one goal down. I can tick it off.

Now I must edit the other book and send that in.

As for new words...umm...the last couple of days haven't been kind. I am now 1500 behind. It's okay. The book is almost done. Once I finish these edits I will turn my total focus to finishing the new book and getting it ready to send to the editor.

So am I on track? No. Not even close but I am still writing and doing things to further my career. I'll take that!

Leila Brown

Izzy's revisions done....Almost time for editor

2012-01-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

You heard it. I finished revising Izzy's Incubus. Waiting on word from beta readers and then grammer guy will take a run at it. From there it's going to my editor's hot hands.

From here I start revising book 2: So I married a martian. LOL....Looking like that might actually be the title.

New words? Yeah those are hit or miss. I can edit (hard copy) anytime. Writing while chasing two year old is hard.

Time to dive back in.....

2012-01-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Update on A Round of Words in 80 days...

Been keeping up....execpt for yesterday. I dedicated yesterday to family time. In which I lost to son and husband in Monopoly and created 11 new pendants. I cooked and cleaned, did laundry and cleaned the driveway twice because it snowed so freaking much!!!

A New Year

2011-12-31T20:43:00.000-08:00

It's just about the New Year and I have a new plan. If you can believe it, I finished two books in the last two weeks. Izzy's Incubus and So I Married a Martian. I am also working on the first book in a new series. Got about 5K left on that one.

So what are my goals for the coming year....I don't know. I am breaking it down into quarters. So what are my goals for the first quarter of 2012?

Submit the two finished books to my editor at Changeling Press.

Finish current WIP and submit to publishers (5K)

Finish second book in new series and submit also.(20-25K)

Start third book in new series. (20K)

Total word count:50K in 80 days == 625 words a day.

Doesn't seem like a lot does it. I might have to add a 10K novella to that mix.

That would make my total 60K in 80 days = 750 words a day. That could work....

Am I being too easy on myself?

Oh...and I plan to take part in A Round of Words in 80 Days!

Leila Brown

We are in Alaska

2011-08-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, we are here. In a hotel, but still here in Alaska.

This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. We uprooted the family and moved 3000 miles away from everyone we know. (Well...not everyone. One friend of ours if moving up here with his family too in about a month.)

The boys are adjusting. I think they will be better off when we get into the house. Which may or may not be this Wednesday. I can only hope. Dealing with relocation people, mortgage people, and realtor from home is very stressful. No one seems to understand the stress two adults and two kids put on each other when we are living out of a hotel room. (1 with a kitchen but only 1 king sized bed.)

I wanted to thank all my writing friends who have held back the whips while we packed up. And to thank the editors who understood why suddenly....well not so suddenly I went MIA. I love writing and can't wait to embrace it as my full time job. Cross your fingers that it is only a couple of days away!

Okay...kiddies are waking up which means I have no more time.

Leila

A Hell of a Reccomendation!

2011-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know it today I am one of the featured authors in the Coffee Time Romance Contest....so I thought I would entertain you guys with a story and warning about taking a recommendation.

The other night I had to attend a dinner with my husband honoring his boss for thirty years of service. This guy is pretty funny and nice. He goes on and on about the fish served in this restaurant. He is very excited about trying it again and hell I'm a sucker for a good recommendation so I copy his order.

"I'll have the Escalor on the mushroom risotto'....OMG how those words haunted me....

Dinner was great. The company was better. Got home to no kids....wonderful sleep filled night and I actually planned on sleeping in that morning. Planned! But something didn't fill right. I went to the bathroom, and while I won't gross you out with details, I will say something was definitely wrong.

This lasted for two days. I started to feel like I should visit the doctor. But first I googled my symptoms. There were two foods which caused this condition. I was going to bypass those because I don't usually eat off the wall foods. Then the word fish caught my eye. Oh hell...one of the foods that cause this illness is freaking Escalor. Damn it!

Here's a little peek at the side effects of Escalor:

Escolar cannot metabolize the wax esters naturally found in its diet. This gives the escolar an oil content of 14–25% in its flesh. These wax esters may cause gastrointestinal distress in humans called "steatorrhea", the onset of which may occur between 30 minutes and 36 hours following consumption. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, bright orange oil in stool, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and anal leakage.

I told my husband and the wonderfully sensitive man that I married laughed his ass off. He's planning to send a email at work to all the people who ordered it. Then this morning I woke up to hives on both my arms. Of course I ran straight for the allergy pills.

So the moral of this humiliatingly gross story....not every recommendation is one we should follow. Some people (with cast iron stomachs) enjoy things that the average person can't stomach. Yep. From now on I am sticking to what I know when we go to new restaurants.

Leila

Oh and I am supposed to be promoing my need book...Solstice Heat.

Check it out HERE!

Thundersnow? WTF

2011-01-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

The title says it all doesn't it. I am sitting here waiting for the coming ice storm and thundersnow... This will be my second thundersnow....we are expecting to lose power so HOPEFULLY, I will be up tomorrow about 5:30 heading to home depot to get me a generator...yeah yeah I know....procrastination is a killer.

Wish us luck.
Leila

Blogging over at TRS today!

2011-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging over at The Romance Studio today. Pop in and check out my New Year's Goals.

Thanks.,
Leila

A New Year and New Goals....

2011-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

2010 has come to a close and I find myself looking back at all the times I could have been writing and I didn't. I had good reasons. They are always good reasons. But no matter the reason they all result in the same thing. Less words. Less book being released. And a longer time before I can say goodbye to the SDJ....aka...sucky day job.

So my goal for 2011 is to write more. I mean it. Write more blogs. Write more short stories. And write more books. I can do it. I have the inspiration. And yes that might mean I only get 4-5 hours of sleep a night but hey...sleep is for the weak. Honestly, I need to do a better job of time management. And that isn't just for writing it is for every aspect of my life. I need to make better use of my time.

So that is what I plan to do no matter what. Write more. Write better. Publish more. And make better use of my time.

Okay...that's my goal for 2011....what's yours?

OMG......

2010-12-24T21:08:00.001-08:00

I just learned yesterday that I have been nominated for best erotic romance author by The Romance Studio. I keep expecting to wake up to hear someone say that it was a mistake. I just can't believe it!!!!
More to come later.

It's been a while...

2010-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

I have just updated the look of the blog and now am about to get started on the website....that is more than a notion there.

But just wanted to let you know I have a new release, Solstice Heat. This book started as I thought about what happens to a injured alpha that can't heal himself 100 %. And then I came up with a woman who kept him on his toes. It makes for a very hot read!!!!

Check it out Here!

Oh and my excuse for the lapse in time since my last post....new baby. He is almost 14 months old and more than a handful!!!

See you soon.

Learn Wordpress and Create Amazing Websites

2009-09-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

My friend just pointed this class out to me. If you want to learn to use wordpress to make your website then I fully recommend this.

Class Link!

Registration is OPEN! -- get in while you can there are only a certain number of spots! Get yours, I've got mine!

And no I am not teaching it. I am not recieving anything for giving a heads up. I just know I have had several friends who've paid a nice chunk of change to have someone do this for them.

Not to mention, I just saw on a friend's twitter page a Wordpress class. The woman wanted well over $1000 per student. Are you kidding me? I am taking a class to save myself time and money. Imagine how many books you would have to sell to make up that type of money.

This makes me think the lady teaching this class is severely underpricing her services. I told her that. She laughed. She's in it to teach people, not to make money. So if you want to learn Wordpress and save yourself some money. Sign up. I will see you in class.

Leila Brown

OMG....Pleasuring a Pirate has been released!!!

2009-09-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

That's right. My first Loose Id book has been released!

Check it out here!!!

Seraphina—"Sera"—Jones won the vacation of a lifetime: an all-expenses-paid trip to the Pleasure Planet, a place where her every desire will be fulfilled. No one will give a damn about her curves, her mocha skin, or her crazy sexual fantasies. Sera and her sister are all set to enjoy her good luck until a pair of pirate hotties that look at her like she’s their own personal fantasy hijacks their ship.

Ace and Ryas are space pirates out to do a quick jack and run. Simple. Get in, ransom the cargo, and get out before getting caught. One look at Sera and they know they'll be taking on more booty than they planned. Hers. But now Ace and Ryas will have to prove if they are strong enough to keep the treasure they’ve found.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, ménage (m/f/m).

Leila Brown

New Cover!!!

2009-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yep...my new cover is out. Here take a look!

Love It!

What's better than sinfully good chocolate?

2009-08-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

What can make your day like nothing else?

Reader mail!

And not just any reader mail. But a letter from a reader that lets you know how much they really loved the stories you've written. And guess who just received such a letter? Yep me!

I must say I feel like I just won an academy award. This is why I write. I want to pull people out of their reality and give them a ride on the wild side of life. I want to reaffirm their belief in happily ever after. I want to make them smile.

And now I return you to your regularly scheduled life....with a small challenge. Take a minute and write an email to the author of the book you just read or that you are reading.

That one small email made my day. Don't you want to make someone's day too?

Thanks Yolanda!

Leila Brown

Want a Free Ereader???!

2009-08-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

For those that like their romance scorching hot…

Get Cool*er this summer!

We know this summer’s been a scorcher, that’s why a group of us have teamed up to offer you a chance to find some fun new books and win a brand new Cool*er eReader to read them on!

This device weighs about 6 ounces, is the size of a trade paperback, is totally sleek, and sells for $249.99 (cheaper than the Sony or the Kindle). The Cool*er uses eInk technology and will read PDF, EPUB, FB2, RTF, TXT, HTML, PRC, JPG AND MP3. More importantly, thanks to Leila Brown, Bianca D’Arc, Eliza Gayle, Cat Johnson, and Samantha Sommersby, it could be yours. As a bonus we’ll even pre load it with a book from each sponsoring author!

To enter the contest simply send an email to coolercontest@gmail.com with the word “Contest” in the subject*. You must include your snail mail address.

Would you like a bonus chance entry to win? All you have to do is share the contest widget above by clicking on the share button, copy the code and paste it on your blog, website or MySpace page. Then tell us in the comments section exactly where you’ve posted it. If you don’t have a blog, you can Tweet the details or post it on a message board.

Every time you share the image it counts as another entry.

*Entrants will be added to authors mailing lists

Updated website...finally!

2009-07-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just updated my website. It took me a couple of hours and OMG it is so my not-favorite thing to do.

I got all my books up and updated the personal pages. I had to do it because The Pearl Heartstone is coming. The Diamond Heartstone has been my bestselling novel to date. And I am hoping :D that all those people who bought the first book will come in and buy the second one.

Website: LEILA BROWN'S SITE

Leila Brown

The Pearl Heartstone is Coming JULY 31st!

2009-07-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

You heard me right. The story is done and the cover is ready. I can't wait. I mean it's been almost two years since The Diamond Heartstone came out and it's still holding it's own. Well, for all you Heartstone fans it's time for the next installment. Make sure to pick up your copy on July 31st.

Last Call Europe Contest!

2009-06-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yep. It's finally here. Release day for Last Call Europe: Irish Creme.

You know I really loved writing this book. Not just because I love writing hot paranormal sex scenes but also because I have wanted to write with Moira Rogers for a while. If you don't know who Moira Roger is let me introduce you.

She is the mastermind behind the Last Call Series at Changeling Press and the Sanctuary Series at Samhain Press. She is well on her way to being a superstar in the romance publishing biz. And I am thoroughly happy she opened up the Last Call series so that I could work with her.

Okay those of you looking to get in on the contest her is the link or you can click on the banner!

http://moirarogers.com/blog/?p=996

I hope you enjoy Irish Creme and if you do make sure to pick up the other books in the Last Call series. They are great...I should know...I've read them all!

Leila Brown

P.S. All you Heartstone fans out there....book two is in it's final round of editing and should be out later this summer. Keep your eyes peeled.

Last Call: Irish Creme!

2009-06-08T15:45:00.001-07:00

My newest story Last Call: Irish Creme is coming June 19th!

I love this cover! Totally love the cover! I can't wait until it come out!

Link to the Coffee Time Romance I/R Chat 5/19 8pm CT

2009-05-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

A sweet friend asked for the link...so here ya go!

Please come out. I have cool prize to one lucky reader...and no it's not a free ebook. If you want to know what it is...tune in and find out.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Chat2.html

See you tonight!

Mastering Mirage and Making Mischief Now on Fictionwise

2009-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Finally! It seems like I have been waiting forever.

The last two books in the Soundwave Trilogy of the Super Sex Series is up at Fictionwise. I have no clue as to why Soundwave's Surrender isn't there yet but at least a couple of the books are. And they are doing well. They have been out less than a week and Mastering Mirage is #53 (formerly #110) for all Erotica and Making Mischief is #47 (formerly #90). I'm hoping the go higher!!!

Also I will be at CoffeTime Romance on the 19th for a I/R chat. Stop by and say hi! I love talking to readers and will be having a couple of cool giveaways! Remember you can't win if you don't stop by!

Leila Brown

Slide show of all my books....

2009-05-02T20:43:00.001-07:00

New Mac!!!

2009-03-06T12:39:00.001-08:00

I got a new lappy!

Yep new laptop! A mac!...Photos to come when I get home!

Making Mischief Released!!!

2009-03-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

That's right the final installment of the Soundwave stories in the Super Sex Series releases today...If you haven't had the opportunity to check it out....Make sure you do.

Check it out here!!!

13 Facts About Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

If you fear Friday the 13th, then batten down the hatches. This week's unlucky day is the first of three this year.

The next Friday the 13th comes in March, followed by Nov. 13. Such a triple whammy comes around only every 11 years, said Thomas Fernsler, a math specialist at the University of Delaware who has studied the number 13 for more than 20 years.

By the numbers

Here are 13 more facts about the infamous day, courtesy of Fernsler and some of our own research:

1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.

2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.

3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.

4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).

6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.

7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."

11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.

12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.

Origins of Friday the 13th

Where's all this superstition come from? Nobody knows for sure. But it may date back to Biblical times (the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus). By the Middle Ages, both Friday and 13 were considered bearers of bad fortune.

5 Ideas to Spice up your Valentine's Day (and Night!) from Selena Blake

2009-02-10T07:25:00.001-08:00

5 Ideas to Spice up your Valentine's Day (and Night!)

1. Have you ever shaved...down there? Give it a try. Smooth skin is wonderful and new and sometimes new is all you need to add a spark to your bedroom.
2. With your lover, write down five fantasies each. Anything from "doing it in the kitchen" to "tying you up" will work. Fold them. Put them in a hat and pull one out this Valentine's Day.
3. Organize a midnight feast. Whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate are all invited. See who can tempt the other the most, no touching, only words, looks, and licks. Once your engine is revving...you know what to do.
4. Turn on the love songs. Nothing like a seductive song to put you in the mood.
5. Read an erotic romance novel together. I guarantee you won't be able to keep your hands to yourself.

---
Selena Blake is the bestselling author of the Stormy Weather series. She writes seductive paranormal romance and spicy, suspenseful erotica. Visit her online at http://www.selena-blake.com.

Dear Santa...

2008-12-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good boy or girl this year. What do I want for the holidays? An iPhone/iTouch so that I can use Stanza to read all the romance I need from all the publishers I love that I buy at All Romance eBooks. You see, Santa, I deserve the iPhone/iTouch because... I have been such a good girl this year. I published seven new erotic romance this year. Read more than 200 dollars in romance ebooks (gotta support the genre). And uhmmm....I wished for world peace and happiness....and...and...and...well... just because I do. I need something to make my ebook reading easier. Not to mention listening to music while reading all in one device will be super cool! You have no clue as to how many ebooks I have my eyes on.

Now I don't ask for much....okay, okay....I ask for a lot. But come on Santa have a heart. *big puppy dog look* Just this one thing and I swear I won't ask for anything else. I promise!

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com

Sorry I've been MIA

2008-10-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

Yep, writing like crazy. I needed to get everything done in order to be ready for Nanowrimo...that's right I am going to try to finish an entire mss...Longer than anything else I have published. At least twice as long.

So right now I am plowing through Making Mischief. I just need to finish by Friday. LOL! Then it's on to Nano.

Okay time for bed. I will catch you guys and gals later.

Happy Writing.

Mastering Mirage Coming Soon!

2008-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have a new release coming. Mastering Mirage is set to release from Changeling Press on Oct. 24th. This story is the second (or third if you want to be technical) release in my continuing series about Soundwave. (And yes she makes an appearance in this book.)

Blurb:
Soundwave had always assumed that she was an only child, but she was wrong. Her two sisters have found out about her existence and they are searching the galaxy to find her.
Mirage has spent her entire life hiding behind her power to create illusions. Shielding both her and her sister from the world and her heart from pain. But when their search for Soundwave casts them as unwilling participants in a mating ritual for a planet full of manticores, illusions will do them little good. Now, they aren’t searching for a lost sister, they’re fighting for their freedom.

Rynund chose his mate from the scantily-clad space-order mates not for her beauty but for her tight-lipped defiance. He was sure she would lead him on a merry chase. What he didn’t expect was for her to steal a spaceship and lead him off-world. The hunt is on. Too bad for her, hunting is what a manticore does best!
* * * * *

If you are just catching onto the Soundwave craze then stop by and read these two stories first.

Prequel: Soundwave's Submission (FREE)
Book 1: Soundwave's Surrender

These books are HOT with a capital 'H'. So be careful while handling! (Asbetos lined gloves recommended.)

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com

~Addictive Erotic Romance You Can't Resist!~

My love affair with Red Pens!

2008-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

I love red pens. I use tons of them with my editting. Scratching out this, adding that. I can go through a whole pack with one manuscript. And considering I plan to finish 3 by Oct. 15th, I will need a ton of pens.

What brought this on? Well, I passed some 0.35 cent packs of red pens at Wally-mart. Yep. I had to control myself. I wanted to buy all of them. But held myself back. I will probably go back tomorrow and pick up 2-3 packs. I don't know how I will hold myself to only 2 or 3 packs but I am determined.

I am trying to do better. You know with budgetting and not buying things which I will never use...but these red pens are calling to me. I've heard them all day.

Yes...I know I'm sick! LOL.

Leila Brown

New Banner Ads

2008-08-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Okay...I have three new banner ads. What to take a look-see?

What do you think? I made them after watching the how to video on Mandy Roth's blog. Hey if you go check it out mention my name!

Summer Video Blog Tour with Yolanda Sfetsos

2008-07-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

PROMISE IN EDEN by Yolanda Sfetsos

Yolanda Sfetsos
www.yolandasfetsos.com

July Video Blog Tour with L. Shannon

2008-07-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Father of the Wolf by L. Shannon

L. Shannon
http://www.lshannon.net

Summer Blog Tour with Selena Blake

2008-07-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Join Bestselling author Selena Blake's new series....

Stormy Weather. Below is a trailer for book 2 in the series,

Bitten in the Bayou

Also check out book one in the series, The Cajun's Captive.

Visit http://www.cobblestone-press.com/

Summer Video Blog Tour with Moira Rogers

2008-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Moonshine by Moira Rogers

On sale now! http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/moonshine.htm

--
Moira Rogers
http://www.moirarogers.com

Jamieson Wolf's Valentine Video

2008-07-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

First Stop in the July Video Blog Tour

2008-07-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

VooDoo Bones by Melanie Atkins

http://www.melanieatkins.com
http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/voodoobones.htm

Check out this Vampire Oracle Book!

2008-07-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Vampire Oracle: Power
by
Ava Rose Johnson

A Vampire's Promise Lasts Forever...

Jourdain has spent years tracking the Elemental Ruby to Chicago. Desperate to destroy the danger it could cause, he will do anything to find it, even deceive.

Bryanne, the ruby’s owner, is fascinated by the stranger who rescued her from the hands of an attacker. Unaware of his motives, she responds to his sexual energy and welcomes him into her bed.

But when an enemy ups the stakes, Jourdain is forced to come clean. Should Bryanne trust Jourdain or run as fast as she can? One thing’s for sure, the wrong decision could mean death.

Read an Excerpt/Buy

A Chance Encounter is OUT!!!

2008-06-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

A Chance Encounter has finally been released. It seems like forever since I released a book.

With The Diamond Heartstone The #1 Bestseller at Fictionwise I can't help but be excited about the release of A Chance Encounter! I just hope that it does as well!

If you haven't had a chance to see this then here's a peak.

A Chance Encounter

Heather Crane makes a living helping couples become trios. After a chance encounter with one of the Grey brothers, she must put her knowledge of threesomes to personal use.Julian and Lucian Grey want Heather for what she is and what she can do. But it’s not until they learn who she is that they truly understand what a treasure they have found. And they will do anything to keep her safe and satisfied.

To read an excerpt or buy please CLICK HERE

Leila Brown

www.leilabrown.com

www.leilabrown.blogspot.com

~Addictive Erotic Romance You Can't Resist ~

#2 on Fictionwise Bestseller List!

2008-06-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Okay I am more than tickled. I never imagined that The Diamond Heartstone would get this high on Fictionwise. I know I liked the story but I never imagined that others would enjoy it as much.

So I have taken screen shots, a cup of wine, and sat back and enjoyed it. I am (at this point in time) selling better than many (5+) New York bestselling print authors.

Now it's back to work. I need to complete my contracted books for Changeling Press then I need to go ahead and finish the second heartstone book. I mean hopefully I can make it like up to the first....but I am biting my nails about the writing.

Okay. I need to weigh in on the wii fit then write some more

Summer Blog Tour with Kris Eton

2008-06-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Taking A Risk

I began my writing career trying my hand at women's fiction. Serious stuff with angst and messy lives and women with things to work through. Then, I moved on to paranormal suspense. My mainstream ideas seem to be focused in this area, so I've got a zillion ideas to keep me busy there.

But erotic romance? I kind of fell into it. Honestly.

I was working on my 4th or 5th book. I had no success either finding an agent or a publisher with any of these books. A critique group I belonged to posted a call for short erotic fiction from an epublisher I'd heard of. And I thought...I can do that! 10,000 words? Easy as pie.

That book turned into MOONLIGHTING, a fun little tale about a woman who gets mistaken for a shoplifter in the dressing room of a store after hours. I'd never written an erotic sex scene before. But I threw caution to the wind and just hunkered down.

What made that particular story so successful was that I gave myself permission to fail. I had no pressure to make something 'great.' Which, in turn, freed up my creative mind. I didn't worry about what my mom might think or if an agent would think I was a nut. I just wrote what I wanted and decided it didn't matter. It could be silly or stupid or even plain ridiculous.

Several months later, I had a contract in hand for that book. It went through some rough times....making it through a bankruptcy. But now it has a new home with The Wild Rose Press, and I couldn't be happier.

Writing that first story was a breakthrough for me. A freeing of my creative self. Learning that I needed to please myself first...because if I liked the book, so would someone else.

Sometimes it takes a shake up in your writing to find success. Wanting to succeed in a certain genre and finding nothing but closed doors can take a toll on a writer's fragile ego. Sometimes a writer has to take a risk, try something out of their comfort zone to find success.

Now I have four published erotic romances and more on the way. Never be afraid to stretch yourself as a writer. Those are the times you grow the most.

Kris Eton
http://www.kriseton.com
http://www.myspace.com/kriseton

Happyiest Day of the Year!

2008-06-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

For me it is. This is the first day of my second release. It is the first one with Changeling Press and I hope it does really well. Want to take a look?

Soundwave's Surrender is Available NOW!

Blurb:

Soundwave is a Super who can bring down any man with her voice alone. Too bad she hasn’t been able to bring down General Pane. But now he’s on the run and she has a score to settle. And she’s going to make sure he pays up.
General Pane has a score of his own to settle. After all, it’s Soundwave’s fault he’s being hunted. He’s lost his job, his identity, and if he’s not careful his life could be next. With Soundwave firmly in his grasp, he’ll stop at nothing to make her pay. Even if he has to tie her up and gag her.

If you want to read about how the two first met ... CLICK HERE! The story is called Soundwave's Submission.

Wish me a Good Release Day!

Leila Brown

http://www.leilabrown.com/

http://www.leilabrown.blogspot.com/

~Addictive Erotic Romance You Can't Resist~

Summer Blog Tour with Loribelle Hunt

2008-06-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Necessary Tools of the Trade

Whether pantser or plotter or somewhere in between, I've met very few writers who aren't a little OCD about the things they need--or don't-- to write. (Okay,

some of us might be a little more OCD than others lol.) My list isn't too long.

Not cluttered...I write in one of two places. I spend a lot of time in this office

indoor office

As you can see, it's a disaster. My husband's desk (the brown one in the foreground) makes me cringe just to look at. How can you do anything in all that

clutter!? Unfortunately, this room is the catch all for everyone in the house when they can't decide where to put something else, which is why there's a

ladder and an air compressor in there. These things really do have their own homes, but for some reason, there they are.

It's probably no surprise that this is where I prefer to write when the weather is nice. Ahhh, a clear surface. That's divine, there.

summer office

Music...I like to make playlists but lately I've been on a XM radio kick. Fave channels this week--the 80s, Flight 26, Squizz, and Bone Yard.

Books...I use thesaurus.com quite a bit, but find my Flip Dictionary more helpful and it's usually within easy reach.

Phones...I used to try to hide the phones when I write, but have found it's just easier to answer. If I don't I get irritated messages from my friends asking

if I'm screening or just fell off the face of the Earth lol!

Snacks...What's a writer with their favorite snack? In the winter I tend towards French Vanilla Cappuccino but the rest of the year I have a serious Diet

Coke addiction. I usually have a bowl of peanut M&M's and another of Lifesavers sitting on my desk too. Unfortunately, the kids got out of school last week

and have raided my stash!

So this is it. My necessary tools of the trade. Anyone else got a list?

Summer Blog Tour with L. Shannon

2008-06-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I'm Grant. You may bow if you want but I don't get of on all that scrapping and such. I was asked to explain the basic rules of the nine realms (L. Shannon's view of the world). Feel free to ask questions, but I may or may not answer. If you want a more guarenteed respons send it directly to L. Shannon at lshannon@hotmail.com.

1. good and evil are in the eye of the beholder (yep- same as beauty)
2. power is absolute, but it is not always misused.
3. existence is only limited by imagination (this might not be true)
4. in any battle, strength is the secret to triumph. (strength is found in more than muscles ~ never underestimate strength of will)
5. the beginning is the end and the end is the beginning.

Now if you've had enough of that zen shit, let me (Grant) tell you a little about the nine realms. If I miss anything ask me on my blog (actually it's L. Shannon's but if you ask me, I'll answer and I won't sugar or shit coat it.)

1! If it's bigger or stronger than you- don't piss it off. If you do, put on your runners and haul ass, cause it will kill you or worse.
2! If you care about something, DON'T set it free. (trust me-bad idea) I recommend kissing her ass until she wants to stay.
3! When the big guy says duck, don't hesitate. He doesn't screw around, and he might find it funny if you suffer for your stupidity.
4! Friends and family. Always protect what you love, even if the cost proves too high.
5! Don't listen to me. I have been around for six thousand years and still haven't gotten it right. Find someone who has, and listen to them.

What you need to know about the nine realms...

The world as you know it actually has nine realities instead of one. In some cases these are drastically different (like heaven and hell kind of different). The closest you could find reference to these realms is what you humans call Norse mythology. Although the records don't get it all right, they do hit the high points. There are nine primary races to which the Creator gave nine realms. Aesir, Dark Elves, Light Elves, Dwarves, Jotun, Humans, Tascryn (land of the dead), Valhalla, and Vanir.

Though most people seem to think this is the first age, I'm not so sure. I think that perhaps Ragnarok has come and gone a couple times, though it is only my opinion. The predictions all point to the end coming (again) and I personally hope it doesn't come too soon.

What you need to know about demons...

Not all are bad. In fact I can be very good (really very good). You might hear about my breathren the Tascryn demons and they happen to be mostly the good kind. The Tascryn are the protectors of souls and help to maintain the balance of life in all nine realms.

Being a Tascryn demon is mostly a thankless job. Very few people are happy to see us come to claim a soul, after all that means you either are about to die, or we are about to kill you. Our health plan is pretty good. Tascryn are extremely hard to kill and heal almost instantaniously. The vacation schedule sucks. Tascryn work 24/7 and are only allowed one vacation every thousand years. (yeah, I didn't think that was fair either)

There is more than one kind of demon. Tascryn Demons live and work mostly in Niflheim, but a whole different kind call Abaddon home. The Abaddon Demons tend to have fewer rules and a significantly different job description.

What you need to know about werewolves...

The kind of werewolf that I know the most about are called Valafrn werewolves. I have grown rather fond of them over the years. The Valafrn all descended from one fellow (who wasn't quite human) named Vali. You see, Vali went and got himself cursed into his furry form, but in his case it was much worse than others kinds of werewolf curses. Vali was a wolf for all but three nights a month. He took human form for the three nights (and 2 days) of the full moon. Yeah well it sucked for him and proved to be inherited, so all his children (and he was very productive) were cursed just like him. Vali did what any loving father would do; he went to the god who cursed him and begged. (Despite his usually furry form) he didn't beg very well, but Odin helped him anyhow. Together they found a way to let Vali's children use magic to control their physical form. As it turned out, the kiddies got more than they expected and ended up powerful shapeshifters.

If you liked hanging out with me, I invite you to read Tascryn Royals 1: Of Blood and Blessings which is my story through the eyes of L. Shannon (the voyeur, LOL) Or my mother, Sadrina's book, Tascryn Royals 2: Blood Reign. I have not and will not read about my mother and Pahele. Nope. Not gonna happen.

One last thing...I shouldn't but because I've always been a pain in his ass, I'll share a friend's page that I recently found ~ http://heartoftheserpent.blogspot.com/. Just do me a favor and don't tell him where you got the link. Ever since I was give to him as a slave way long ago, I've been able to piss him off in all the best ways. But I know one thing and that's if the end ever comes, I will be at his side one way or the other.

Grant.

Oh... PS Here's Shannon's site. http://lshannon.net If you're a voyeur too, drop by and check it out.

#10 Bestseller on Fictionwise

2008-06-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just want to interrupt the blog tour for this special announcement.

The Diamond Heartstone has hit some major markers!

It is the #10 Bestselling book on Fictionwise today!

It is the #8 Bestselling Romance book on Fictionwise today!

And it is the #1 Bestseller for Cobblestone Press on Fictionwise today!!!

Okay...just thought I'd share ....

Summer Blog Tour with Ava Rose Johnson

2008-06-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Writing Game

I started writing a little over a year ago. It all began with one story- a story that had been building in my mind for months, or maybe even years. It was a romance, a tale of soulmates and heartbreak and passion. The story kept growing in my head until eventually I had to let it out. I wrote 75, 000 words in one month (my fingers were exhausted!). Of course, it was so full of head-hopping and passive voice and cliched characters that it never reached the eyes of an editor. But that didn't matter to me. I'd finished my first novel. I was damned proud of myself!

After I put that one onto the back-burner, I dipped my toes in the writing pool again. I wrote a couple of novellas and short stories, and over time I saw my writing improve. It was tighter. The characters were well-drawn. The sex scenes were hot!

The next step was finding a critique partner. After a few tries, I found one that fit. We worked together on our respective WIPs, helping and advising and commenting until we had polished manuscripts ready to be looked at. I then spotted the Vampire Oracle call for submissions from Cobblestone Press and I absolutely had to be a part of it. I wrote a proposal for the Power card and, woohoo, I was accepted!

Since then, I've continued to write and submit. I've written thousands of words in one month, then suffered with writing block the next month. I've been accepted by both Cobblestone and Phaze but I've also had my share of rejections. All part of the writing process.

Looking back to a year ago when I was just starting out as a writer, I am so glad that I let the words come out. It's a big deal to put a pen to paper and allow yourself to be a writer. It's scary and intimidating to think of submitting a story to a publisher, or even showing a story to your own family and friends.

But it's worth it. Believe me!

Ava

Coming July 4th from Cobblestone Press- The Vampire Oracle: Power

A vampire's promise lasts forever...

Website ~ Blog ~ MySpace ~ Yahoo
Group

Summer Blog Tour with Yolanda Sfetsos

2008-06-16T11:09:00.001-07:00

The other night, my daughter and I finished watching a documentary narrated by David Attenborough, called Tiger - Spy in the Jungle. It was a three-part series following a female tiger and her four cubs. I loved every minute of it. It's amazing how hard it is for them out in the wild, and fascinating to watch their everyday survival.

I've loved tigers for a long time now. They have always fascinated me, and they're so beautiful and intelligent. I could watch them for hours, and even got to see several cubs when the hubby and I went to Dreamworld in Queensland before my daughter was born.

Anyway, when I think of shifters, cats are usually the ones that grab my attention. I mean, I love werewolves, don't get me wrong, but cats are so fascinating, especially tigers.

So when I sat down to write a short story to submit to CPQ Magazine last year, it was only natural for me to cast a tiger. Or tigress, in this tale. As soon as I started writing, I got so caught up in it that by the time I was finished, I knew there could be a world of shifters here waiting for me. And it all started with Nora and Vin.

If you haven't read the story yet, HIDE: Wild at Heart is available for free download HERE. So, go ahead and grab it. And if you read it, let me know if you'd like to know more about these cats and the other animals in their world.

Here's a little secret: I do intend to write more tales with Nora, but I just need to find the time.

Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Summer Blog Tour With Jamieson Wolf

2008-06-15T08:14:00.001-07:00

Reading Romance - Writing Romance

The other day one of my co-workers asked me what I was reading. This is an every day occurrence. In fact, I’m asked several times a day what I’m reading. There aren’t a lot of people in my office who read; there’s only one other girl who has her nose stuck in a book on her lunch and breaks like me.
It seems people who read are an oddity in my office.
That’s okay, though. I don’t mind being an oddity. In fact, I revel in it. I have always been what I would call eccentric, always outside the norm. But it seems I’m even more outside the norm because I read romance. And I write it.
I love love love romance. I read tons of it. You write what you love to read, right? As a romance writer, I’m almost duty bound to read romances; I’m pretty sure it’s in my contract somewhere.
But people always get wierded out by the fact that I read romances for two reasons. I’m a guy and I’m gay. People assume that, since I’m a guy, I shouldn’t read romance and, since I’m gay, I wouldn’t want to read straight romances.
They’re wrong on both counts.
I love romances not just for the sex scenes, but for the story, for the characters. I don’t know what it is about romance but the characters always seem to be more alive, more real than in regular fiction. Plus you get passion, excitement, harrowing plotlines, danger and disaster at every turn, conflict galore AND a happy ending. What can be better than that?
If any kind of writing was popcorn or candy for the mind, romance would be it.
In the end, I love reading romances and I love writing them even more. For whatever reason, my characters always come alive more if they’re in one of my little romantic novellas.
I’m particularly proud of Valentine (available now from Cobblestone Press) and Finding Beauty (coming soon from Cobblestone Press). To me, they are some of my best pieces of writing that I’ve done.
Thankfully, there are always new stories to write and to read. I will forever be a romance writer and a romance junkie.
G
For more info on Valentine, check out the blog!
http://www.valentineanovel.blogspot.com/

And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up your copy of Valentine by clicking here:
http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/valentinejw.htm

Summer Blog Tour wth MG Braden

2008-06-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Vampire Oracle - Harmony

I never thought I'd be writing a paranormal romance. I write straight contemporary. I also didn't write fully disclosed love scenes. So, when the call came out for proposals for the Vampire Oracle line, why did I jump at it?

I have no idea. I originally read through the descriptions for each card and thought they sounded great. For someone else. Not my thing.

But then the Harmony card showed up (they were released for proposals five at a time, just like they are being published the same way).

I was drawn to the face on the card:

Then, the description captured me:

Key Words:
sustenance, without conflict

Meaning:
This is a time of happiness and constancy. But like all good things, they have been worked for and could slip through the fingers if taken for granted.

My storyline for Harmony immediately popped in my head and I rushed to open a document and start laying it out. Once I finished that, I carefully checked all the rules for the proposal and then submitted it.

It all happened very quickly, but I was in the middle of the pack for submissions and we were to wait until mid-August, or maybe it was the end, but either way, it was a long wait. However, we got lucky and Deanna and Sable made their decisions much faster. When I saw the email pop up in my inbox earlier than the expected date, I assumed it was a decline and was afraid to look.

It was a contract!! (Obviously, since I'm writing this, but still, very exciting for me.)

From then to now has been a busy time: writing, editing, blurbing and getting ready for release date. The first five Vampire Oracle novella's released yesterday (June 6/08). Vampire Oracle: Harmony will release August 1/08. And, if I do say so myself, those love scenes turned out pretty hot. I hope you will enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed stepping outside of my comfort zone and writing it.

Here is my blurb:

'Recently engaged, Kara Staten and Marc Brodeur are in love, and life is good. Kara has a brand new business, and they have both worked hard to get to where they are. When things start to turn bad, they struggle for the harmony they once had.

The balance starts to unravel, secrets become harder to keep. Kara's skincare salon's "Take A Bite Out of Love (TBOL)" campaign results in several almost fatal love bites, and Marc doesn't know if he's the cause. He's a vampire trying to live a normal life.

As the vampire in him struggles to take control, Marc is only sure that he can't be the man Kara needs. She doesn't know he's a vampire--can't know. As their lives spin into separate paths, they will find that the thing that could tear them apart is the one thing that will ultimately keep them together.'

Summer Blog Tour with Selena Blake

2008-06-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

A Cajun's Captive

Selena Blake

Blurb:

Sebastian Deveraux is the Alpha of his pack and like all the Deveraux men, he’s sexy as pure sin. He’s waited for decades for just the right woman. For his mate. And ten years ago he’d been sure he’d found her in Amanda St. James. But she’d run from him.

Now she’s back. He’ll do anything to keep her. Even if it means chaining her to his bed.

Book 1 - Stormy Weather series

Cobblestone Press

Available June 13, 2008

EXCERPT

The blonde peering into his bedroom window never heard him approach.

“Can I help you?” he asked mildly when he was within pouncing
distance. Shrieking, she whirled to face him, backing up at the same
time. Her hands came up to balance herself, but it was too late. He
made no move to rescue her even though he could have. Her momentum
toppled her over the railing and into the soggy grass below. She
landed flat on her back.

From the edge of the porch, he stared down at her not feeling the
least bit sorry for startling her. What did a man have to do to get
privacy?

Her wheat colored hair covered her face and the rain slowly soaked her
clothes. She seemed too startled to move. Finally, she eased up on her
elbows. Her breasts heaved and fell as if she might start crying. The
last thing he wanted was a crying woman. Or a lawsuit.

“You all right?”

With a perfectly polished hand, she flicked her hair out of her face
and glared up at him. The blue eyes that locked with his couldn’t have
surprised him more if there’d been eight of them.

Amanda St. James. Alive and in his yard.

Couldn’t be. He narrowed his gaze and took in her features. Same cute
pixie nose. Same rosy, heart-shaped mouth he’d longed to kiss. Same
delicious curves that his hands itched to caress.

Suddenly he was transported a decade ago when they’d all been hanging
out on a hot summer day. It had been August. Suffocatingly humid. Then
Amanda had grabbed the hose and proceeded to drench him and his
brothers to the bone. Her kissable mouth had laughed and smiled as
they’d chased her. When they’d finally caught her, turning the hose on
her, the water had plastered her clothes to her sweet young body.
It had taken all his willpower not to carry her off that very
afternoon. To kiss her all over—from that adorable nose, to those
delicious berry pink lips, to her hot pink toenails.

The clap of thunder brought him back to the present. His eyes didn’t
fool him. He sniffed the air and her scent filled his lungs. She
smelled so sweet, so familiar, and so wonderful that he almost closed
his eyes to savor it. Instead, he took in her pitiful form. She looked
like a drowned cat. He watched as the rain molded her shirt to her
breasts. Either from cold or, heaven help him, desire, her nipples
beaded beneath the fabric and stood out like pebbles.

He clenched his fists. Long dormant need surged upward startling him
with its intensity. Its rawness. He hadn’t seen or heard from her in
nine long years but he’d never stopped wanting her. It was the reason
he dated a long stream of women, never settling down. He’d never felt
this kind of urgency with anyone else. Although he’d tried to wipe
away her memory, none of them could compare to Manda. His Manda.
But her presence now reminded him of how she’d fled all those years
ago. She’d gone off to Yankee country for school. Then she’d gone on
to work for one of the biggest broadcast companies in the country.
Never looked back. Never called. Simply fled. Ran from him.

His inner beast had been too proud to let him chase. Had been sure
she’d come back in a week or two. Weeks had turned into years and now
almost a decade. Now the beast growled deep inside, for the years he’d
lost, for making him want her so, making him wait. It lay coiled,
anxious and ready to spring to life and take what it wanted.

He crossed his arms over his chest, trying to keep the dangerous
animal inside on a tight leash.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Amanda St. James.” He couldn’t keep the
disdain from his voice. He hoped to hell she couldn’t hear the hurt,
the yearning… “Did the Yanks kick you out? Get too cold for ya up
north?”

“What a mean thing to say.” For a moment, she looked genuinely
wounded. But he told himself that was part of her game. The network
probably sent her.

“Then what are ya doin’ here?” Probably snooping for a story, he
thought. Figured she’d use her looks, her connections, to get it. Like
hell, she was going to get her story.

Her tongue slipped between her glossy pink lips to lick a raindrop.
That simple movement reminded him of all the times she’d licked her
lips, stuck out her tongue at him—reminded him of everything he really
wanted in life.

And just how much he wanted to kiss her.

Once again, he took in her sad wet form and saw everything he’d wanted
for hundreds of years. Everything he’d been denied and had denied himself.
Sebastian knew he couldn’t be angry; she was worth the wait. He
couldn’t let her get away again. This was a sign from the Gods. She
was meant to be his. He’d known it all those years ago when he’d
watched her blossom in front of his eyes. While he’d waited for her to
grow up. Waited for her to come to him.

He still knew it. Nothing had changed, he reasoned. Except that he
wanted her more now than he had nine years ago.

And she was well over eighteen now. He would finally make her his.
With the effortless grace his kind was known for, he leapt over the
railing and landed at her feet. Oblivious to the rain, he glared down
at her.

“Get up,” he ordered. She started to crab crawl backwards but she
couldn’t get away fast enough. In a lightning fast move, he hoisted
her over his shoulder. She barely weighed more than a sack or two of
sugar.

“What are you doing?” she cried.

“Taking what’s mine.”

He knew the instant she comprehended his words. She squirmed and
wiggled like a bunny in a trap, but it didn’t matter. He had her where
he wanted her.

For now.

About the Author
Selena Blake writes paranormal and contemporary romance for Cobblestone Press. Her series Stormy Weather will be available in 2008. Drop by her website to find out more about the handsome Deveraux men of Louisiana and for a free short story. http://www.selena-blake.com/

Summer Blog Tour with Dee Carney

2008-06-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

My First Sale

A DJ on the radio asked listeners to think about the careers they had once dreamed of having when they were children. I thought long and hard about it and ran through my list...I'd wanted to be a medical doctor (ugh. too much school), a vet (allergic to a million things), a child psychiatrist (wtf?), a chef (still holding on to this one), an artist (not enough money per my dad) and a writer. That last one took me by surprise because I'd completely forgotten that once upon a time, I'd wanted to be a writer when I grew up. So how, if I'd forgotten I'd wanted to be a writer, did I end up here? Well, lemme tell you...

Scroll back about fifteen years. Sitting in a sociology course, I had an instructor who loved to hear himself talk. I mean LOVED. While sitting there bemoaning the mandatory attendance requirement, I thought up a story about a servant and a land owner (think pre-Civil War) who embark into a marriage agreement so that he can keep his inheritance. For the next year, whenever I had a course that bored me to tears, I whipped out my story idea and wrote an actual story to go along with it. When school ended, so did my writing. I had to go work in the real world...with only 1 1/2 chapters left to go. To this day, I still have 1 1/2 chapters left of the story. One day I'll finish it. But I digress....

Scroll back about eight months ago. While perusing a publisher site for kicks and giggles, someone mentioned joining NaNo. Being the internet detective that I am, I went to the site. After reading some more, I figured, what the heck...and signed up. Since it was only October, I also figured I'd better practice since my writing was a little rusty. So I thought up a story about a man who dies. But then comes back - in a new time & place. After I finished the first two chapters, I gave them to my secretary to read. She became engrossed in the story and refused to talk to me until I'd handed her the next chapter. And the next. And the next. All of a sudden, I was writing The End.

I was very proud when I handed her that final chapter. If I say so myself, it was a pretty good story. She thought so too. She called me out of a meeting to gush over the story. And my head got too big to fit through doorways. And when she told me to submit it to a publisher, my head was so big it barely fit into the car for the ride home.

Once again, what the heck? flashed through my mind. And I submitted it to this e-publisher with a good reputation and fair terms. The fact that their authors had positive things to say about them didn't hurt either. And on Christmas Day while sitting at work I opened up my email to find a letter from Deanna Lee letting me know that she enjoyed my story too.

SOLDIER released from Cobblestone Press in April of 2008. Since then I've been contracted for an additional two stories with Cobblestone. I'm only looking forward from here. Who knew that a little kid a zillion years ago could have predicted the direction her life would head? I'm glad she did.

Hugs,
Dee

Summer Blog Tour with Terri Molina

2008-06-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Do you Believe in Magic.....

How much do you believe in the supernatural? Do you check your horoscope on a regular basis? Have you every had your cards thrown? Or had your palm read?

I've never really considered myself to be the believer, my friend Rhonda would actually get a laugh out of knowing I kinda, sorta, do believe in the mystic/supernatural stuff since I'm such a cynic with real life. Haha

Anyway, being Mexican, growing up and listing to the "stories", it was hard not to believe in certain things. Of course as I got older I let everyone else's cynicism convince me my family was just old world superstitious. But, I gotta tell you, even though I'm %$& years old, there's still a part of that childlike innocense that believes...or at least wants to believe.

When I was researching my second novel Dark Obsession (a paranormal romantic suspense) I focused my search on Curanderismo, spirituality, and pretty much anything having to do with witchcraft, mysticism, etc. The information I came across was all very intriguing. I even had a chance to speak with a man in west Texas who has done years of research on Curanderismo and his insight made for great conflict in my story (and future stories). My research also took me on a road trip with my aunt and cousin, to the Rio Grande Valley. I wanted to get visuals (since it had been several years since I lived there) they went to visit family.

While we were there, my aunt's sister-in-law told me about a (healing) incident she witnessed with a (colicky) baby, a raw egg and a glass of salt water. But, you'll have to read the book to know what happened....when it gets published.

Now, I won't fully admit to being a believer, but I can admit there's something there to consider. And, really, don't we all wish we could have just a little bit of magic ala Samantha Stevens? (and if you say Who? I'll hurt you!) Plus, with the way my luck goes (writing wise) I could use all the mystical insight I can get. I've even tried the occasional Tarot card reading...the free one from I-Village...because....well, just couldn't help myself.....but I don't ever quite understand the meaning.

A while back I did a test to see what Tarot card I am and, although it's not meant to be a reading, it definitely gave me a bit of hope.

Here's what it said:

You are the World
Completion, Good Reward.
The World is the final card of the Major Arcana, and as such represents saturnian energies, time, and completion.
The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni (sometimes made of laurel leaves). The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. Everything is finally coming together, successfully and at last. You will get that Ph.D. you've been working for years to complete, graduate at long last, marry after a long engagement, or finish that huge project. This card is not for little ends, but for big ones, important ones, ones that come with well earned cheers and acknowledgements. Your hard work, knowledge, wisdom, patience, etc, will absolutely pay-off; you've done everything right.
Hey, I can live with that.

So...what about you? Are you a believer or non believer? And, where do you draw the line? (horoscopes, palm reading, runes?)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terri Molina is a native Texan, born and raised in Southeast Texas. She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America including the Northwest Houston Chapter and Desert Rose Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. She writes multicultural romantic suspense, blending in the flavor of the Southwest with her Mexican heritage. After years of living a nomadic life with her Coast Guard husband, she now resides in Southeast Arizona with her husband, four children and a dog. When she's not writing she enjoys reading, singing karaoke with the kids and spending time with family and friends.
To learn more visit her at www.terrimolina.com

Summer Blog Tour with Cassandra Moore

2008-06-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

What is Dominance?

Every now and again, when I mention that I write BDSM, I get funny looks. Inevitably, the next thing I hear is, "Why would anyone get into that? Who wants to be bossed around? Especially in bed?"

Which is true. We associate getting bossed around with crabby older sisters, supervisors at work, and other unpleasant folks. Not really sexy ideas there.

Fortunately, BDSM isn't about getting bossed around. Instead, it's about letting go of control, giving it to someone else so that you are, in a sense, free. There are no decisions to make, because someone's making them for you. There's no guilt, because you aren't calling the shots. No self-consciousness, because again, someone else is making the call.

Imagine, if you will, a small tragedy. Someone got hurt, and is in the hospital. They're going to be okay, but you've had an emotional wringer of a day. You just want to stumble home, but there's so much to deal with.

Then some saint of a family member comes along. He tells you to go home. He'll handle the paperwork, and sit with the person that got hurt. You want to protest, of course, that you should do it all, because you'll feel guilty otherwise. But the look in his eyes stops you. Go home, he says. Go rest. I will take care of it. I'll carry the burden. You put it down for a while.

It's an extreme example, but it's right at the heart of Dominance and submission. In the above situation, the guilt has a chance to go away, as does the stress. Someone else is handling it. For just a little while, even just the couple hours it takes you to go and get some food and a hot shower, you don't have to worry.

Dominance and submission are about trust. You trust the other person not to ask, or do, anything that you wouldn't want to. You trust that they'll take care of you, make you feel good, and give you the chance to just let go. They aren't bossing you around. You're allowing them control for a short time, and you trust that they'll give it back.

It's called "power exchange". It can be sweet, intense, or very emotional, depending on what's agreed upon. And it's found in a lot of unexpected places, from BDSM books to urban fantasy. Werewolves have a certain element of Dominance to them, as do vampires.

Power exchange is what Meghan's Submission is about. A woman wants to let go, and trusts a man to give her what she needs. And a man wants to give her that freedom and take care of her. It's sweet, loving, and changes both their lives for the better.

Summer Blog Tour: Sophie Athens 'The Writer'

2008-06-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

People who don't write often wonder how writers function. "The Writer" becomes a sort of mysterious persona, someone gifted with the right words at the right time. A scatterbrained, intellectual individual squirreled away in a quiet cabin in the woods or a seaside house, fueled only on coffee and smokes, clacking away at the computer to write the one and only draft of the next American novel.

Well. hahaha...I hate to burst the bubble, but this isn't necessarily true:

Scatterbrained--most likely (well, at least I am, haha).

Intellectual--many of us are, but not everyone (oooooh!).

Quiet cabin/seaside house--God, I wish. At this point, I'd kill for a full weekend of nothing but writing time, but real life constantly gets in the way.

Fueled on coffee and smokes--I don't like either...I prefer tea and chocolate.

One draft--I laugh heartily. I usually write a rough draft, then go back and add in all that important layering, then do two drafts of revisions before handing in a manuscript. And that's just MY side of things--once the editor gets a hold of it, there's no holds barred. haha

Just like individuals, all writers are different, with different processes, personalities, and quirks. I'm sure there are some people who are just like "The Writer" persona--as for me, I'll stick to my tea and ten minutes of quiet writing time before the kids start hounding me. haha

What about you--any misperceptions you encounter about your job that you'd like to correct? Share with us!

You can find more details about me at http://www.sophieathens.com/ and more about my novella The Vampire Oracle: Hunger at http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/line/vampireoracle.html .

Summer Blog Tour with Moira Rogers

2008-06-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Moonshine

By Moira Rogers
http://www.moirarogers.com/
Coming on June 27th from Cobblestone Press

Claire is tired of pretending to be polite, docile...human. She wants to unleash the animal inside her, and she wants to do it with a man who can really handle her. Then she meets Lars, a dangerous, sexy alpha, in a smoky bar. They share some moonshine, a potent shifter aphrodisiac, and have blisteringly hot sex.

Their one night of intoxicated passion leaves her wanting more, but Lars isn't interested in a woman who can only let loose while under the influence. Claire must then decide whether she's ready--and willing--to truly embrace her wild side.

* Enter to win a free copy.
* Get free promotional goodies!
* Watch the book trailer
* Read a free prequel!
Excerpt from Moonshine

Claire knew she stuck out like a sore thumb from the moment she walked into the bar, and realized it had nothing to do with the fact that she looked like shit. Dos Culebras was not a bar women usually entered alone unless they were professionals. The few non-hookers in residence belonged to men frightening enough to convince the rest of the clients to leave them alone.

She was not a professional. Worse than that, she was a shapeshifter who challenged every man in the bar just by walking into it. Hell, she wanted to be a challenge. She needed to meet another shapeshifter tonight. Someone like her, who understood her strength. Who could handle her strength. Someone who wouldn't be afraid.

She heard her ex-boyfriend's voice as she took her beer to a small table in the corner. It's not you, Claire. You need someone...like you. Oh, he'd been full of false sympathy when he'd broken up with her. He'd pretended it wasn't because she'd proven herself to be stronger than he was—yet again.

Humans are fragile. A morbid thought, but so true. Humans were fragile, and she had to stop wanting to be with one. Over twenty years had passed since magic had first crashed into science and bled into everyday life. The terror had finally subsided, and lots of men now found it hip to have a supernatural girlfriend. At least until she embarrasses them in front of the boys by being stronger than they are.

Human men. Their egos were as fragile as their bodies.

She was halfway through her beer before she realized she had attracted a stranger’s attention. He sat across the bar from her, in a corner booth, with his back against the wall and one booted foot propped on the cracked vinyl in front of him. A cigarette dangled from his mouth, and a long-neck hung loosely from his fingers. Tattoos encircled his arms, tribal designs that stood out against his skin and disappeared beneath the sleeves of his T-shirt. He looked dangerous. Perfect.

Even at that distance, his eyes bored into hers. The intensity of his unwavering gaze made her uncomfortable. She had no problem recognizing another shapeshifter. Not a wolf, which she might have expected, but a coyote. Like me.

She met his gaze unflinchingly, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist the challenge of her presence.

You'll do, whoever you are.

After a moment he rose, one fluid motion bringing him out of the booth. He stalked towards her, his movements at once graceful and dangerous, and she couldn't take her eyes away from him. He stopped at the corner of the bar and slid onto a seat. For a minute, Claire thought he wouldn't speak. Then his icy blue eyes softened, and he said in a low voice, "You look like shit."

"Thank you. I feel like shit," she replied quietly. "That's why I have a beer."

He paused for a moment, then set down his bottle. "I know who you are, you know."

It figured. Coyotes weren't rare, but there were only ten female coyotes in town compared to the fifty or so males. She turned her eyes back to the man and ran them over him in an assessing manner that bordered on insulting. "Really? Haven't seen you in any of my classes. You don't look like the college type."

He just grinned, and the simple action transformed his face from broodingly dangerous to dangerously handsome. "Touchy bitch."

"Yeah, maybe." She finished the rest of her bottle and set it on the table. "My boyfriend just dumped my ass because I'm tougher than he is. I'm feeling a little touchy."

He stared at her for a second. "Beer ain't taking the edge off of that, doll. You do shots?"

She slanted him a look, wondering if he was the type of man who could find her something better than alcohol. Maybe the tricky little magical drug making the rounds now. Custom designed for shapeshifters, it provided the adrenaline rush of a shift, along with a healthy dose of desire. Right now, she wanted something to remind herself just how far she was from actually being human.

Of course, she wasn't exactly sure how to ask him if he happened to have a bottle of moonshine in his pocket. So instead, she settled for a vague reply. "If I wanted to do the stuff I usually do, I wouldn't be here."

He nodded. "Hey, Wanda. Give us a couple of shots of Johnnie Walker, yeah?"

Claire waited until the woman set a shot glass in front of her. Then she picked it up and tossed it back, coughing a little as the liquid burned its way down her throat.

When she managed to blink away the reflexive tears that sprang to her eyes, she found him watching her. "It's a long way from milk and cookies."

“Yeah.” He threw back his own shot without blinking. "I'm Lars."

"Lars." Claire dropped the shot glass back on to the bar. "Hi. I'm Claire."

Hey want a free read?

2008-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Then hop on over to www.changelingpress.com and check out the newsletter. I have a free read in there called Soundwave's Submission. It details the first time she met General Pane and explains a bit of the animosity between the two.

So if you want a free look go check it out!

www.leilabrown.com

Soundwave's Surrender Cover Art!

2008-05-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Soundwave is a Super who can bring down any man with her voice alone. Too bad she hasn’t been able to bring down General Pane. But now he’s on the run and she has a score to settle. And she’s going to make sure he pays up.

General Pane has a score of his own to settle. After all, it’s Soundwave’s fault he’s being hunted. He’s lost his job, his identity, and if he’s not careful his life could be next. With Soundwave firmly in his grasp, he’ll stop at nothing to make her pay. Even if he has to tie her up and gag her.

Want to read more? Keep looking out for the Excerpt.

Excerpt: A Chance Encounter

2008-05-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a short hot excerpt from my new release coming June 27th.

A Chance Encounter :

Excerpt:

Heather raced to her bedroom, grabbed the small suitcase, and was at the door before she sensed that someone was in her house. She’d been so close. So fucking close.
“Leaving?” a velvety voice asked from her dark kitchen.
“Whoever you are, get the fuck out of my house. I didn’t invite you in.”
“You opened the door to me earlier. I’d call that an invitation.” another voice interrupted from her bedroom.
The same voice from this afternoon. The damned delivery guy. “Look. You were delivering a package. I never invited you in.”
“You touched me.”
“That was an accident. You dropped the files.”
“No. You dropped the files. I was helping you pick them up.”
“Look, why don’t we call this an honest mistake, and you can leave.” The door was close enough that she should be able to get out of it before they reached her.
“I don’t think so.”
“I don’t even know you,” she turned toward the new guy, “so I know I didn’t invite you in.”
She gasped as two men stepped from the shadows. Both looked like the deliveryman from earlier today. Her heart jumped. Their dark hair was cut in the same cropped style, barely hitting their ears. Mirror images. Almost. The angrier one had the slight point at the top that most Fae possessed.
One smiled at her with a slightly lopsided grin, the other frowned. They both sported full lips. Lips just right to latch onto her pussy and suck her straight into an orgasm.
“If you invited him in, you invited me in, too.”
“Fuck.” Heather didn’t even bother trying to explain away what happened earlier. She dropped her bag and reached for the door. She opened it far enough to get a nice windy burst of night air before it jerked out of her hand and slammed shut.
Now would be a good time to be able to kick some ass. Too bad she couldn’t fight worth a damn.

Leila Brown

Got new door

2008-05-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I got new doors. A new front door and a new back door. The bad thing was I had to work from home while they were installed. Working from home meant no real lunch. Which means no real writing.

My word count hasn't moved in days. I feel so unproductive. But I know I can get some real work done....maybe tomorrow. I will try to get another page on the short I plan to submit to Changeling Press's Ezine before I go to sleep tonight. Wish me luck.

I need to finsih that so I can get back to The Pearl Heartstone. I just got to a good part on that book. REALLY GOOD. If I could take a paid week off work I definitely would. That way I might catch up on my sleep and my word count.

Leila

It's So Sensual!

2008-05-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Check out Sensual!I’m helping to spread the word about the newly redesigned website Sensual.

If you like your romance novels on the steamy side, you’ll love this site. It’s full of reviews, interviews, excerpts, information on the newest print and ebooks and lots more. You can even win books and other goodies. So check it out. http://sensual.ecataromance.com/

Authors, you can spread the word too! If you’d like a chance to win one of 20 Cover Ads and get a shot at a fabulous grand prize (a 3 Pack of their huge billboard ads - a $100 value!) just repost this blurb on your blog or website. Then stop by Sensual and leave a link to your post. All authors are eligible to enter and win so why in the world wouldn’t you? See their site for more information and official rules: www.sensual.ecataromance.com/?p=688

I’ll see you at Sensual!

A Weekend in Review

2008-05-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Okay first I want to say a big thank you to the comic book industry. If you didn't know the first saturday in may was Free Comic Book Day. And I, being the fabulous mom that I am, took my son to two comic book stores that were participating. He got over 20 free comics...and I bought him one.

Now a couple are out of his league and will mysteriously disappear but the ones that stay will be read to him over and over again. We will be stopping back into the shop down the street from our house on Wednesdays to check for new comics.

Comics are great for my son. He is four (almost 5) and comics give him a sense of reading even though he isn't quite there yet. He knows some words and with the pictures he can figure out what's going on. He feels like he is truly reading.

SO big ups to the people who came up with Free Comic Book Day...and you can visit www.freecomicbookday.com to learn more.

Now on to my update. I am writing The Pearl Heartstone right now. I have a hard deadline of May 31st to have this done becuase I have deadlines. Deadlines. And not just self imposed ones. (Imagine me puffing out my chest here.) I feel important.

Also I have ad work I need to do. I will be advertising my books on several sites around the web and need new banner ads to promo. So that is about to be a few non writing hours in front of the lappy. Grrr...I could farm that out...but I'm sorta a control freak.

On the submissions front I have two stories out in sub-land. One called Fire and Isis is a SHORT short story and the other is called Too Hot To Handle it's a novella. I hope both sell. I'm crossing my fingers as we speak...well not really otherwise I wouldn't be able to type.

Okay this post has gone on long enough. Check back in later this week and slap me around if you don't see any change in the word meter for The Pearl Heartstone.

Leila

Proposals

2008-04-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

Before last week the only thing I had sold on proposal was my story idea for one of Cobblestone Press's Vampire Oracle Cards. I didn't, and still don't, know how to write a good proposal.

I do know that before I write every book I make a quick outline of what I want to happen. And write a quick blurb about the characters. I make a collage of images...then off I go. It's worked so far.

But earlier this week I sold 2 more stories to Changeling Press...on proposal. I am shaking in my boots. I have to write the sequel to my first book then I will polish off those two bad boys. * I hope *.

Man, those deadlines look so close. LOL. A lot of poeple know what I mean

News! News! News!

2008-04-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

What could be worthy of a title like that one?

I sold. I know ... I have already sold to Cobblestone Press. No...what I am trying to say is that I SOLD to another publisher.

Yep...I sold a short called 'Soundwave's Submission to Changeling Press. I am happy dancing all over the place! I love the feeling, that rush, you get when you open up the reply to your submission and there is a contract attached.

Whoo-Hooo baby!

Finished!

2008-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I finished my second superhero/villian story. This one is targeted to EC's Topaz (November) Jewel series. I am happy with the ending. It takes place over a 3-4 day span so there is no 'I love you' at the end of the story but there is a vocal agreement to stay together and see where they end up.

I love this story, but it needs a series edit. Maybe two. I will have this done and shipped off the EC before the deadline. It an I/R story...hot sex, and a bigger problem that has to be answered in the sequel.

You might be checking out the new digs. Well, I have updated the blog to look like my new website...which goes live tomorrow. I did it myself and it was a bit crazy. It looks good, but it is a little graphic intense. If you have dail-up I apologize. But when you see the picture on the left you'll understand why I just couldn't skimp on the quality...he's LICKABLE!

Okay...tomorrow...New website live and I am blogging about it over at The Romance Studio.

Leila Brown

4 Minutes to Save the World

2008-04-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Okay. I am in the middle of writing the first story in a trilogy about super heroes and villians. Last week I ran across this song by Madonna and Justin Timberlake with Timberland. I swear it fits my story to a T.
You have go to listen.

That's right...4 minutes. This is my new theme song.

Leila

Interview with Kris Eton

2008-03-24T06:49:00.001-07:00

Interview with Cobblestone Press and Wild Rose Press author Kris Eton.

1.) How did you get your start writing?

Oh, the minute the teacher put a pencil in my hand and asked me to write a story, I think I was hooked!As an adult, though, I never tried anything longer than a short story until I was in my early 30s--just a few years ago. My son was 2, and I finally felt like I had the energy to spend on something creative. I read about the NaNoWriMo and thought that sounded like a cool challenge. That was my first attempt at writing a full book. I didn't do the 50,000 words, but I had about 35,000, and I knew that I could finish the book, if I only tried. It was a very inspiring moment!

2.) Can you describe when you got that first acceptance for one of your books?

It was a short story (erotic romance), and it was my first. I'd never written one before. I sent it off after I read on a Yahoo group that this small (now closed) epub needed shorts. Four or five months later, after I was certain they'd either lost my submission or just hated it, I got an email saying that they wanted to buy it! I was shocked. Then, when I knew I could write erotic romance, I tried to write another, and that book was GOING DOWN, which became my first Cobblestone Press release.

3.) I see you write hot comtemporary, is there any other genre of romance you'd like to write?

I'm so totally wanting to write a paranormal romance right now...erotic, of course! I have SO many ideas for paranormals. It is rather crazy to me that all I've written so far have been straight contemporaries. I am in the middle of doing some worldbuilding for a werewolf series I want to write. I can hardly wait to get writing!

4.) Do you have to plot out your books ahead of time?

I started out as a complete pantster...but when I began contemplating writing the paranormal stuff, I realized that I would have to be comfortable with planning out a lot of stuff ahead of time. Mainly, the world in which my characters live. I have to figure out the 'rules' and how things work before I can write a successful story. So I think I am learning to do some plotting. Not complete and detailed, but a basic sketch.

5.) What has been your favorite book to write?

VARGAS GIRL, for sure! I just had the inspiration for that book and wrote it in a couple of weeks. I mean, it just flew out of my head and onto my computer. Plus, it has some of my favorite secondary characters ever!

6.) When is your next book coming out?

My latest book, MOONLIGHTING, just came out March 14th with The Wilder Roses at The Wild Rose Press. My next? Well, I'm in the middle of writing. I should be ready to submit it in a week or two. At least, that is what I am hoping. It is probably going to be much closer to a full-length...once again a contemporary romance. Most likely, I won't have anything new until late summer or fall.

7.) What are you currently writing?

The book I'm working on is called THE OPAL HUNTER. It's about a man who owns a failing turquoise mine in the northern desert of Nevada. In order to save his family's land, he has to find black opals, which are rumored to be on his property. But then a pretty, young IRS agent shows up on his doorstep to do an audit. Uh-oh!

8.) Who is your favorite hero in any romance book / movie?

Favorite movie romance heroes: Colin Firth in "Bridget Jones's Diary," Colin Firth in "Pride & Prejudice," Colin Firth in "Love Actually." Hmm, I sense a theme going.I also love Sawyer type characters (from Lost). Men who think they are no good and don't deserve love. Sigh....

Make sure to check out Kris Eton at http://www.kriseton.com/ for more of her great stories.

Thanks Kris for taking the time to let us know a bit more about you.

What now?

2008-03-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

I am writing as much as I can. And how much is that? Not much at all. Crazy I know. I have books coming out and I need to keep the momentum going but when it comes to writing ... for the last week or so I have just been slow. I know I write faster than this. I can write faster than this in my sleep. I think my problem is lack of alone time.

With the kidlet getting more active and husband traveling more I am having a harder time to squeeze in writing. And unfortuneately I have a hard time writing sex with the son/hubs around. One I would hate to see actually read it and the other wants to tell me how some things are just not possible. Whatever! This is fantasy.

So I am writing away...slowy. Wish me luck...and speed.

Thanks,
Leila

More News

2008-03-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Okay. I love my new cover as you can tell. I am also very psyched to learn that Cobblestone Press has contracted my Wicked Story...Stealing the Show. It is a sexy romp through Milan that will leave you breathless. Stay tuned for more info on that.

I am working on a book for the Ellora's Cave Birthstone line...I am targeting Opal. I like this story and think it works. Also I have a submission out to Changeling Press. Hopefully I will hear back from them soon. But as I learned before the best way through the wait is to write another story.

So that is what's up with me. Right now I have three books coming out this year from Cobblestone Press this year. Lets wait and see if I sell my New Year's resolution of 8 books come out this year. I am almost half way there.

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com

New Cover

2008-03-03T13:48:00.001-08:00

Look at the new cover. It is for the HOT faery menage book. It will be releasing sometime this summer. I will keep you updated with more info...but come take a look and drool.

If you think the cover is hot wait until you read the book!

P.S. I just finished a HOT Superhero/Villian romance. It's off to the editors at Changeling Press...now we start the wait with that one.

P.P.S. I also have a WICKED submission with Cobblestone Press that will *steal* your breath away. I'll keep you updated...

Leila

Sorry I've been MIA

2008-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been Mia.

I have been writing up a storm. Hopefully I will able to report soon on a ton of sales...

Until then please go to The Romance Studio and check out my blog post...Yep I'm guest blogging...

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com

Okay News-- for real this time!

2008-01-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

I sold the Fae book. This book is a hot menage and will be coming out with Cobblestone Press. Whoo-Hooo!

I also found out I recieved a 5 Angel review from Fallen Angel Reviews

Here is an excerpt of the review:

...The Diamond Heartstone is a fascinating page-turner. I love it when Barrick tells Alycia she talks too much. Their actions are so real as they come in contact with each other. The banter keeps the storyline moving at a good pace. Leila Brown sketches characters that stick in the readers mind even after the story is finished. I love the way she brings in the premise of Barrick and the tiger. I also liked the fact that Alycia really cares for the tiger and other animals. The setting with the maze of hallways put this reader right in the center of the action with the other cats, it was that description, and kept me glued wondering what would happen next. There were some twists and turns, with a few intense moments that this reader enjoyed. All in all this was a splendid read.

To read the entire review click HERE

Yeah...great news huh?

More news!

2008-01-28T14:04:00.001-08:00

Just kidding. No new news. Keep checking back.

I did start a new Wicked story. Its a hot aztec goddess released kind of book. Very hot and short. If it gets accepted I'll write the longer sequel.

I am all ready to go on the first Wicked book. It's working title is Stealing the Show. Hot with taste of BDSM, spanking, and bondage.
Packed all nice and tight in a quick read.

Okay...off to do more writing!

Submission sent

2008-01-20T17:28:00.001-08:00

Okay...I just sent out my lastest manuscript, A Chance Encounter. It is an urban fantasy.

I hope that my publisher loves it as much as I do.

Now on to the next book. I am trying my best to keep writing and not think about the story once it's been submitted. It's the only way to stay sane and not eat up unneccessary bandwith with page refreshes of my email. :>

Thanks,
Leila Brown

Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio

2008-01-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm guest blogging at The Romance Studio Blog. Go check it out and find out what to do when a reviewer gives you a less than perfect score on a review.

Leila

Another book done!

2008-01-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finished the book I've been working on for the last two weeks. And no it's not The Pearl Heartstone. I'm still working on that one...replotting it.

This book is called A Chance Encounter and it's hot! Two male Fae and one female. The brothers can turn to mist and control the wind. She has a couple powers but they are all dealing with the sexual arts.

Gotta love it.

It's off to my beta readers now and will hopefully be hitting my publisher sometime next week.

Keep your eye out for it!

Book A Day Giveaway!

2008-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Haven't read The Diamond Heartstone yet?

Here's your chance to win a free copy. Just rush over to The Romance Studio and sign up for their book-a-day giveaway.

You'll be entered for a chance to win.

You can also sign up for my newletter while you're there.

Leila

Cobblestone Press's Wicked Contest!

2008-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Wicked Line
Length: 5 to 10k
Contest : January 2 – 19, 2008

Be wicked for us. We're looking for short story erotica with a very high level of sexual content within five to ten thousand words. HEA or romantic content not required. First and third person accepted (male or female POV).

First place winner will receive a standard contract, first publication slot for the Wicked Line and $100.

Other entries will be considered for publication.

Contest open to all authors currently unpublished with Cobblestone Press, LLC.

We are interested in the following genres: contemporary, historical, paranormal, BDSM, multicultural, science fiction, and fantasy.

Absolutely no fan fiction, forced seduction, rape, purple prose, pedophilia, incest, bodily functions, snuff, bestiality, and necrophilia.

Submissions should be sent to: submissions@cobblestone-press.com.

Formatting
1. Use either Times New Roman or Courier New, 12pt. font
2. All paragraphs should be indented .5 (without tabs-preferred) Double Spaced
3. One inch margins
4. Attach the manuscript as an RTF file (no other format will be opened)Include a cover letter in the body of your email, please put WICKED CONTEST in the subject line
5. On the first page of your manuscript include in the upper left corner the following: Title of Manuscript, Word Count- Calculated by your word processor program, Genre (or Line), Full Name, Pen Name (if applicable), Mailing Address, Phone Number, and Email Address

*** Regular Submissions for this line will open February 14, 2008 ***

You should enter...What have you got to lose?

Flirty Old Men

2008-01-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

I usually buy my research books online. It's cheaper and it cuts down on my embarassment.

But you're an erotic romance author, you don't get embarassed!

That is such a lie. I went to my local Borders yesterday to buy a book. I found a couple to buy for my TBR pile and one for the research pile. Now the name of the research book was...The Ulimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women'.

I read through a little bit of it and thought it would be a good one to add to the collection. I took it up to the counter and was thinking to myself...Please God let a woman check me out. But then again you know my luck. I ended up with an old wrinkled man checking me out. Of course the title shows up on the little screen that points out for the world to see. I smiled at the man determined not to show any discomfort, all the while praying he didn't say the name of the book out loud. He rang it up and then says..."and lets add a 10% discount to that".

Whoa... This old guy was flirting with me. Now don't get me wrong when I want to be I can be a knock out. But yesterday was not one of those days. I was a total scruffy messs. And I hold no illusions it was his fantasies of why I was buying the book that got me that discount.

But as a woman on a book budget I'll take the damned discount in stride. The rest is just too creepy to think about.

Did I mention this Borders is less than 5 minutes from my house...

Leila Brown

Another Great Review -- 4 Stars

2007-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

I just got another review in for 'The Diamond Heartstone'. This time it's from Night Owl Romance.

Reviewer Dee says:

... The erotic mating scenes are powerful. There’s a lot of action that is easy to follow, and the dialogue is reflexive – real life responses.

If you want to read the rest go ahead and click here.

Leila Brown

Half of the Holiday are over Hooray!

2007-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

I am writing again. I have two stories I want to write by the end of this year... and seeing as how its 12/27 I doubt it's going to happen. But I am going to try to get one done by then. It may mean no sleep for the next four days but I am determined.

Let's see how far that gets me...

Leila

Happy Holidays to You!

2007-12-23T06:02:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Time to celebrate the holidays in whatever way you do. This year I'm cooking Christmas dinner with my hubby for the in-laws. As I type there is a lemon meriguine pie in the oven. Then it's on to sweet potatoe, or candied yams. Yum, no matter how you say it.

I was just thinking back on the year and realizing I have a lot to be thankful for, and I am thankful have no doubts!

Enjoy your holiday season and hopefully I'll see you again after the festivities are over.

Leila

Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!

2007-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm guest blogging over at The Romance Studio Blog again. Stop by and say hello. Then stick around to find out how my first month as a published author went.

Leila Brown

First Royalty Check

2007-12-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, have you ever wondered what your favorite authors did with their first royalty checks? Well mine is going to furnish my office with things that inspire me to write. Things that seem to generate a story when I look at them.

Fist I bought these figurines:
The Mauve Ballerina Fairy and the Lavender Ballerina Fairy
(Click link and scroll down to see.)
Rose Adiago Figurine: It's sold out but here is picture that goes with it.

And these Mini-Lithographs:
Storm Runes
Gathering Storm
Solace
Witching Hour
Dragon Moon
Corona
Halo
Memento

And I am in the process of purchasing a couple of original watercolor art work pieces and they too are of fairies. See a theme here?

Anyway just a look into what inspires me.

Leila

Stole this from Emma's Blog!

2007-12-17T06:55:00.001-08:00

Get a Cash Advance

How cool is that?

Leila

Sacrifice is done!

2007-12-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

I finished my personal edits on it. It is now a lean 19874 words. Everyone who's read it likes it.

It only took my husband one day to read it, so hopefully that's a good thing. There is a lot of fighting, blood, and gore to go along with the sex. I plan to turn it in tomorrow. I just have to fill out a bit of minor paperwork before I can offically turn it in and get it off my plate.

Yahoo.

Now it's on to the next story.

I get to write new words tomorrow! New words I can handle. THe edits on old ones is what kills me.

Leila Brown

Why Does Plotting Hurt So Bad?

2007-12-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Last night I plotted out the storyline for 'The Pearl Heartstone' and it was like pulling teeth. I wanted the story to flow and it took time. I had to repeatedly ask myself why. Why would hero do this? Why would heroine do that? Can I justify why they acted this way?

But then another idea I had mulling around hit me full in the face at lunch today. Full plot, characters, storyline, why, how and a need to write. I can see the heroine and hero. It will be a quick read and *crossing fingers* a quick write. I told someone that Faeries could be sexy and this story literally just flew out of no where. And both the elves and faeries are Lickable.

So my question is why are some plots hard to come up with and others literally fly off your fingers?

Leila

The Diamond Heartstone

2007-12-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

The first review of 'The Diamond Heartstone' is in.

From Euro-Reviews : 5 Stars

This book is a keeper. I loved plot and the humor I found here. Some places are laugh out loud funny. Read the rest here.

I am jumping over the moon. They like me. They really like me.

Leila

Just call me nursemaid

2007-12-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Okay. No seriously. I called my younger cousin to see how she did on her finals today and she sounded horrible. Simply horrible. She hasn't been able to keep anything down. I know how that feels. I know what it meant to be away from home and sick during finals. It's worse than horrible.

So being the wonderful angel of mercy I am I stopped by with chicken noddle soup, saltines, seven up (diet) and two sexy novels. Of couse. Nothing says get better than romance novels.

Now I know she has to study but tonight while she's drugged up and delirious she can enjoy the lift only a romance give you.

Aren't I the good cousin?

Leila

Congratulations Jenna Allen

2007-12-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

Jenna Allen has won my author contest. She blogged about my new release ' The Diamond Heartstone '. And has won some free author promotion.

To all of those authors who participaed in my contest I just want to say YOU ROCK. Please let me know if I can return the favor sometime.

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com
leilabrown.blogspot.com

Interviewed by Michelle Pillow

2007-12-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, first I must tell you how much of a fangirl I am. I love Michelle Pillow. And by love I mean I love her writing. When I bought my ebook reader hers were one of the first that I bought from fictionwise. I got hooked on her series and devoured them.

Now imagine my delight to be interviewed by her. Stop by her blog and check it out.

www.michellepillow.com/blog

Leila

Crazy Black Friday

2007-11-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

Okay. This is the third year in a row that I have sat outside Best Buy for great Black Friday deals. If you've never heard of Black Friday, it's the one day of the year with deals good enough to make me sit outside a store in line for 19 hours with a low of 26 degrees and flurries.

This year I got a Toshiba laptop and printer for 229.00 to which I added 1 gig of memory for $15.00. I got a camcorder for 199.00 and a 40 inch flat panel tv for 1149.00

It was great. I met some great people in line. But now I have a writing laptop and printer for almost nothing. Gotta love that deal.

Leila Brown 'The crazy chick from the line outside Best Buy'.

It's Release Day!

2007-11-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Diamond Heartstone Releases Today!

That's right folks. It's release day. The Diamond Heartstone released today.

I'm a published author! *Doing the snoopy dance.*

Thanks,
Leila Brown

That sinking feeling

2007-11-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

It's one day before my book releases and I am a bundle of nerves. I have promo'd as much as possible. I have been at chats. I've released excerpts. I've done as much as I can think to do. So what now?

Just sit back and wait to see what happens? I don't know if I can do that. I really what to make a big splash. But for that to happen a lot of people need to really like the book. *fingers crossed*

I can only hope. Now on to revising my Vampire Oracle book. I have a couple of ideas for new series. I need to let those ideas percolate for a while. Maybe that will get my mind off of the release tomorrow.

Yeah, I think it's unlikely too.

If your reading this, buy the book tomorrow and tell me what you think!

Leila Brown

Side-lined!

2007-11-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

I was blind sided last week with the death of a loved one. It hit me hard and fast. I have been a little lax in my duties. But if you are expecting something from me or an email with information. I swear I will be getting to that today.

Thanks,
Leila

Guest Blogging Today

2007-11-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hey, I'm guest blogging today over at The Romance Studio Blog.

Come by and see how I research the cities I use for the setting of my book.

Leila

Type the last words

2007-11-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

I just typed the last words in the first draft of Sacrifice. :D

The book came in at 20,385 words only 385 words over the limit. And that is before I go in and add in any needed words. Sucks. But it's done.

I will take tomorrow off. Maybe brainstorm a new story or something. Then it's off to do the first revisions. And cut some words. I would love to come in at 19.5 before I hand it in to the editors. Just so I have a little wiggle room.

But it's done. Done. Done. * Booty shaking *

Leila Brown

By the Power of Grayskull....

2007-11-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching The Princess of Power -- the first She-Ra movie. And although my little rug rat was crawling over me I was a kid again. I believed that there was a magical dimension and...I got more ideas for more stories.

I love / hate when that happens. I love it because I enjoy thinking up new worlds. I love that first bite of insipration. I hate it because I am working on other things. This bright new shiny idea must go in the que...which by the way is getting impossibly long.

Anyway...what cartoons inspired you as a kid? Which ones can you watch now and be pulled back to a time when you believed anything possible?

For me it's those five little words...By the Power of Grayskull!

Leila

Writing the HOT love scene

2007-10-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Okay...I got back in the groove today. I wrote a good hot beginning to a love scene. I was squirming in my chair...at borders. It flowed. It felt good. Too good for a tiny table at Borders. ;D

How bad is that? I'm at border looking around making sure no one is reading over my shoulder. They would probably die of shock from the scene I'm writing...and that's only the foreplay in the scene.

Okay...back to work at the EDJ.

But how do you handle writing/reading HOT sex scenes in public places?

Leila

Not a productive weekend

2007-10-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

This has not be a productive weekend for me. I am trying to finish Sacrifice before the 31st. I doubt I will but I will finish it before I leave to go to CT for my job.

Leila Brown