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[Books] [Coming Soon] [Contests] [Free Stuff] [Links] [Meet Mary] [Newsletter] [New Releases] [Podcasts] [Home] |
Featured Books
AppearancesCheck out my chat loop and publisher loops! Nothing "officially" scheduled. Other InfoBooks available from Changeling Press Books available from Ellora's Cave Books available from Samhain Publishing To subscribe to my monthly newsletter please send an email or visit my newsletter page for alternative methods of joining. To subscribe to my chat loop please send an email or visit the group site.
Reviews"The storyline was pure reading heaven..." - Talia Ricci, Joyfully Reviewed, for Riding Partner "This
novella is an erotic romance and delivers on both counts - it is quite romantic
and is full of some hot bed play." Marina, Cupid's Library Reviews for Revealing
Photos " UNDER HER SKIN is so much more than a wonderful romance, it’s
a lesson in love and acceptance. It is an experience not to be missed."
Recent Posts
Writing Wednesday: Scruff your inner editor Sexy Feet - Some Thoughts on Cover Art Writing Without Distractions Writing Wednesday: Is it really work? Marketing Monday: Code Everything You Send Finding Your Bliss...Bears? Writing Wednesday: Writer's Organizations Make A Difference Monday: Get out of the Box My March 2008 newsletter is out! New Release - Mission: Carnal (Live Action Hero 1)
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There's been some scattered talk among authors about the age of heroines. Some think they're too young, others have concerns about older heroines. Well I'm reading a Bombshell series about 21 year-old vampire slayers, and I have to ask ... is there such a thing as too young? Now I'll admit, at 21 I was married, thought I'd found true love, and my life was going to live happily ever after. Less than a year later I corrected that mistake, but nearly a decade later, well, now I know how whoops!wrong I was, and I've grown up quite a bit. I'm having a hard time really believing these 21 year olds are finding happily ever after. And considering that in this book the girl drinks like a fish, makes me think, how recently 21 are they, and were they drinking underage, because that's going to color my opinion of the heroine a lot. And frankly, every time the heroine is referred to as 21, it's throwing me out of this story because I'm not picturing the heroine as 21 -- 22 or 23, maybe, but 21 seems awfully young. Or maybe that's just me getting older. As I've grown older, so too have the heroines in my books. What started out as 23/24 year olds, now are more likely to be 28 to 33. Same for my men. Yeah, I might fantasize about finding a couple of 25 year olds to keep me warm, (haha!), but I'm really thinking that I'd prefer someone closer to 30, like myself. Unless he's a vampire, then older is better. Angel older...Spike older...someone to regale me with tales of centurines in which I never lived in this current incarnation, you know. (My other half is older than I am by several years, and I love him with all my heart, so don't get me wrong. But we're talking fantasy land. You know hunky/sexy cowboy/knight/warrior/what have you comes out of no where and sweeps me off my feet for lots of sex and a happily ever after...). So readers, I'm asking... does the heroine's age matter to you? Is there an age where you're thinking "no way, this chick (or guy) simply is too young to have the emotional maturity to handle this."? And how has that changed as you've grown older?  
My mother and my significant other's mother were very generous to me this year in Borders gift cards. I'm easy to buy for, seriously. Just point me in the direction of the nearest bookstore, and I'm the happiest person in the world. So, since I had a coupon from Borders for buy 2 books get one free that was good until today, I went to Borders this morning before my shift starts at noon. Here's what I bought and why I bought it (since I thought it might be fascinating to other people).
I have quite the list to really take a bite out of those gift cards. I'll also note that these books with the exception of the mystery, which I'd reserved online, were on the tables in the middle of the store. So, I didn't even get over to the romance racks though I perused there quite a bit to see if they had some of the authors on my list for this weekend, and yes, they do. (Hooray!) So my dilemma is, once I finish with "She's no Faerie Princess" by Christine Warren, which book do I start next? Hmm.... decisions, decisions!
I am giddy with joy to announce the release of my "Wild Winter Quickie," Polar Heat from Ellora's Cave. This is my first book with polar bear shapeshifters, but I certainly hope it isn't the last. Enjoy!!!!
A polar bear...  and Little Bear (Daphne the cat)  And since I didn't post yesterday... To more gifts to give yourself (and no, they're not my books, though that'd be an awesome gift too) 1. Time Time to do anything. Simply spend five minutes, ten, an hour if you can spare it, to do whatever you want. I know I was rushed for time yesterday, hence why I didn't post, and that'd be an awesome gift to give anyone. 2. Love A hug. A pat. A smile. Simply share your love with your friends, your family, your partner. Happy Holidays!!!
Today the gift you can give yourself is indulgence. Whether it's scrumptious body lotion (I love Bath & Body Works warm vanilla sugar. I can smell like fresh sugar cookies without counting points), or a good book, indulge your pleasures. So what are the ways in which you can indulge yourself. I'll share some of my favorites.
So, how do you indulge yourself?
The Mountain’s Call By Caitlin Brennan Luna ISBN #0-373-80256-2 Paperback $6.99 I’d been looking at this series for a while now being a fan of both well-written fantasy novels and horses. So, when the third book came in my first shipment of Luna novels, I knew I had to get the first two and read. And I am glad I did. Never before had a girl heard the call of the White Gods, divine creatures who take the form of white horses. But Valeria heard the call and stole away to follow it, as those who are called must. On the road she meets First Rider Kerrac, and together they go to the Mountain to learn from the White Gods and of their magic. But the Masters of the school don’t want a woman violating their domain, so in spite of the gods’ will, they expel Valeria. Kerrac, however, arranges her to stay on, and so she learns, and befriends the son of a chieftain. She’s pulled into alliances and plots and political intrigue far deeper than this farmer’s daughter ever knew. There’s only one word for this novel: breathtaking. From rich, vivid characterizations to a plot with so many twists and turns you’re never sure what’s going to happen next, this novel delivers a powerful, compelling read. As a young girl, and young woman, I saw the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions perform, and the author, a breeder of these same magnificent horses, brings to life the movements and precision of watching them perform. She knows her horses. For fans of rich world-building, excellent characterization, and a page-turning story, this book delivers. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Poison Study By Maria V. Snyder Luna ISBN #0-373-80257-9 Paperback $6.99 I’m not usually a fan of books written in the first person, but from the opening lines, this volume swept me into the world and simply wouldn’t let me go. The story of a woman condemned to death for murder, she receives a reprieve. Become the food taster and risk daily death or be executed. Of course our heroine takes the risk, and it’s good she does. Poison Study is the author’s first novel, and although there are a few minor things along the way, it was a smooth read from cover to cover. This page-turner keeps things moving with an intricate, but fast paced plot, a likeable heroine, and high stakes. We’re introduced into a rich world where magical powers are shunned as much as they’re coveted, and there’s a traffic in humans and drugs, that parallels many of the ills of our own society. I loved the way our heroine took charge of her life, and the way she makes friends and allies along the way. This book is more than about staying alive, though that does consume a large portion of it, it’s about life and love. An excellent read, and well recommended.
A Week of Gifts You Can Give Yourself I'm going to start this holiday week with the topic of "A Week of Gifts You Can Give Yourself." It is better to give than receive, especially during this holiday season. Some of the smallest gifts can mean so much to someone. But while we're looking for that perfect gift for someone else, why not take a few moments and think about the gifts you can give yourself. So for day 1: Give yourself exercise. I can hear everyone out there going, "WHAT? Gifts are supposed to be fun. Why would you want to give yourself exercise?" Well, I can tell you as someone who used to be a couch/computer potato to someone who now looks for ways to add activity to her life (park a little farther away and save those close parking spots for people who really need them, take the stairs, etc.), exercise does more than boost your metabolism, help you lose weight, and help you get and stay active. It's something nice that you do for yourself, and best of all, it's free. I don't need a gym membership. I have a horse. I spent 30 minutes this morning walking her around and flapping a plastic bag in the air in front of her, beneath her, etc. (You think I'm crazy - check out Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship). Not only is it a great workout for me, but it helps desensitize my mare to spooky things. Take a few turns around the block - walking style. Too cold out? Run up and down your stairs. You don't need a gym membership or fancy equipment, and it's something that you can do for yourself. Don't worry - we'll have more fun as the week progresses. Happy holidays everyone!!!!
It's a lazy Sunday here. Next weekend, like many people we'll be going out of town to see relatives for the holidays. So this weekend I delcared a "stay at home" weekend, for which my other half was grateful. I'm offering you some cuteness in the form of Mr. Nerms offering editorial input on my latest work.  Speaking of which, I discovered an awesome link while researching my Torrid Tarot book, Au Naturel. This book is under contract, and I just need to finish it and get it into my editor so it can be released as part of Ellora's Cave's 2007 Torrid Tarot line. This book is in regards to the tower tarot card, which is one of my favorites. This link HeartInfo.org has awesome information on heart health. In Au Naturel my heroine has heart failure due to an underlying condition, and this site has proven invaluable (along with my mom, the RN) in making sure the medical stuff worked in this book. And if you're interested in learning more about the Tower tarot card, then this article, The Tower Card: Building a Path to Enlightenment, which I wrote should offer some insight into this oft misunderstood tarot card. Hope you're having a happy and relaxing Sunday!
http://mb.catanetwork.com/upload/index.php?showtopic=377 Join me and other authors for a scavenger hunt running now thorugh December 22. Enjoy and good luck!!!!
Great Pre-Release review for Polar Heat Joyfully Reviewed has given me an awesome review for Polar Heat, my Wild Winter Quickie, releasing on Decmeber 22. Here it is: "Polar Heat was hot all right. I found myself a bit jealous of the fact that Aud had a nice warm teddy bear to keep her safe and I have quilts! Svein was a true hero and his ability to take care of his woman was just arousing. The lovemaking was combustible enough to melt even the most frozen of ice and the poignancy of their coming together gave me goose bumps! Mary Winter has a purely sensational Christmas quickie in Polar Heat. I thought the plot original, well written and just downright sexy. I loved it!" Wow! Thank you!!! And for more information on Polar Heat, you can visit my Featured Story page.
So many people ask me how my days are spent. It's a pretty standard question on interviews, and I guess, as I was puttering around the kitchen this morning, that today would be a good day to share my schedule with you. It's not glamorous. I don't have alpha males waiting on my every thought and whim. No satin negligees while I write. No fine wine sipped from crystal goblets. Just me. And my cats. And my muse. So...a day in the life... This morning I woke up about 10. My other half left for work about 8, and as much as I really want to roll out of bed early so I can get some writing done before "work" I watched the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo last night (round 5) so didn't get into bed until about 2 AM. So, I wake up about 10 and roll out of bed. Stumble to the den to turn on the computer, check email for urgent stuff, feed Tigger, the old man kitty who gets a can of catfood in my den away from the other kitties, then I make coffee. Hope on scale. Smile a bit to know that the Weight Watchers is still on track. Shower. Dress. Toast two Eggo Nutri-Grain waffles and add a measured tablespoon of Brummels & Brown spread for a three point breakfast. Read an article (this one on retaining foreign rights) in the Romance Writers Report while I eat. Brew second cup of coffee. Do breakfast dishes and the last bit of supper dishes. The other half is so pleased I'm working from home now because I do my dishes and usually leave him with an empty and clean sink when he comes home from work. After dishes come back to den. Post in my personal live journal (this one on why I can't get into Heroes because of the head-hopping, and now WHY oh WHY must I read/watch everything with a writer's viewpoint), post this journal. It's nearing time to go to work. I work from home, which means I sit in my den and take incoming help desk calls. In between calls, or on them, I write. My goal for today, 2000 words on my Torrid Tarot story, 1000 words on a novel that the first three chapters are currently making agent rounds (one can hope that this one will be the ONE), and work on revising a fantasy novella that I'm in love with despite its needing serious rework. Lunch today will be spent eating, doing dishes, and then coming back to write furiously. And then at 9 tonight I'll log off from work, make sure my tape is in and tape/watch Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship. His techniques have really helped me with my mare, plus he's a cute Australian with an awesome accent, and knows how to handle horses. Yep, my heart is going pitter pat. (haha!). Then it'll cook dinner and eat while watching the Daily Show, come back and write, and then round six of the Wrangler NFR is on at 11:30 tonight. Doubt I'll stay up to watch all of it. And that, my friends, is a day in the life of a romance writer. I hope you enjoy!
I've been doing a copious amount of book reading and thought I'd share a book review with you. The first book is a Silhouette Nocturne, Eternally by Maureen Child. Guardian, immortal fighter of evil, Kiernan hunted a demon in the Hollywood Hills. To him, Destined Mates are legend. But when his hunt crosses the path of Julie Carpenter, he realizes there may be truth to the old stories, and he needs her. Because if he can't capture the demon then Julie is in danger, and the rest of the world with her. This first book of the Guardians series introduces us to the world of the Guardians. We meet several other individuals who, I am sure, will have their stories told as well. Julie comes across as a strong willed heroine who isn't afraid when she probably should be, and Kiernan is a brooding, dark hero complete with a long, black coat. If you feel like some of the aspects of this story have been told before, it's true. And there are aspects of this story that feel as if they've been pulled from other places, other mythololgies, but this reader found herself interested in Julie & Kiernan's story. The fact that the Guardian didn't drink blood, yet had immortality. And the fact that someone named "Michael" (angel anyone?) kept them from dying intrigued me enough to turn the pages. In the end, I found a good, satisfying read.
Speaking of cats, one of our eldest, Lucretia (14) has just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. At last we have a diagnosis, and one that isn't scary either. A pill a day and she'll be just fine. Having feared she had feline diabetes, I'm very happy with the diagnosis and know that with proper management, she'll start looking like her old self again. Enjoy this chilly Saturday. It's a perfect day for curling up with your book, and a cat or three.
http://ladyjaided.com/features-1206.html#FEATURE I'm pleased to announce the Lady Jaided magazine used my article. You might want to take a look at the link and see the rest of this awesome monthly feature. I'm busy working on my December 2006 newsletter, so look for it soon!
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