MORGAN K. WYATT SHARES UNDERCOVER REBEL

Please welcome Morgan K. Wyatt to A Writer's Life today.

Morgan K. Wyatt

Morgan as a child had to suffer through movies with clueless heroines rescued by smart men. Her mother dutifully read her stories where princesses waited for princes to jumpstart their lives. There were no proactive female role models in the media at that time, with the exception of Wonder Woman. It is for this reason, and that it is fun, Morgan writes about strong women going after what they want.

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Learn more about Morgan at: http://www.morgankwyatt.com
​Twitter: morgankawyatt@morgankwyatt 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan-K-Wyatt/160636730670958?ref=hl

TOP TEN LISTS

Morgan has shared two of her Top Tens Lists with us. Morgan, let's begin with your Top Ten Favorite Authors:


Arthur Conan Doyle
Edgar Allan Poe
Jayne Ann Krentz
Amanda Quick
Ray Bradbury
Nora Roberts
Mark Twain
Jane Austen
Rosamunde Pilcher
Harper Lee


Excellent choices, and most are my favorites, too. What are your Top Ten Favorite Books?

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
THE BIOLOGY OF BELIEF
THE BLACK STALLION
BLACK BEAUTY
GONE WITH THE WIND
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
THE HOBBIT
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
MARTIAN CHRONICLES

Introducing Morgan K. Wyatt’s UNDERCOVER REBEL, Rebel Hearts, Book One, and . . .

Tour Giveaway! 

One book and one $5 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter at each tour stop. Be sure to leave your email address to be included in the giveaway.

UNDERCOVER REBEL Synopsis

Emily Sewell couldn't remember when she fell in love with her neighbor, Gray Masterson. He unfortunately didn't really notice her as a woman until the eve of his leaving to fight in the Civil War. A magical evening ensued with him asking her to wait for him. News that he's been killed on the battlefield propels her into action. She knows he is alive - she just has to find him. The only thing between her and her true love is miles of swampland, a major war, and her own doubts. Emily wrestles with Gray's possible death, imprisonment, or that he's unwilling to return to her.

Can a sheltered Southern Belle navigate the horrors of war to retrieve her fiancé? Emily is willing to try.

UNDERCOVER REBEL Excerpt

“All the Sewells are good looking. It’s commonplace to hear your family mentioned as one of the most comely of the county.”

Emily’s heart took a nosedive like a crow spying a piece of corn. Sure, she heard they were a comely family, but never thought much of it. Comely could mean there were no hunchbacks or cross-eyed cousins. She’d thought perhaps he only commented on her, especially wearing the green satin. No, such praise was too much to hope for.

“Hey there, sugah, what’s with the long face?” Gray raised his hand to place two fingers under her chin, tilting it upwards toward his gaze.

His unexpected action caused her fingers to loosen on her fan and it slipped from her hand. He called her sugar. Mother would hate it and call it common, inappropriate at any time. If only she could grab the word, the look in his eyes, and the feeling inside her, and wrap it, all in cotton batting to store away like a precious keepsake. If only this moment, wait, his lips moved, could it get any better?

You’ve always been a delightful sprite following your brother and me around. Townsend called you a nuisance, but I never minded. Your high spirits, your curiosity, your courage always impressed me.” Gray ended with a wink.

“It did?” Emily squeaked. She didn’t sound like the belle of the ball. More like her nine-year-old cousin than a femme fatale.

Maybe Eileen could get her money back on the potion. Still, Gray called her beautiful, winked at her, and touched her. So far, he brought to life almost every one of her romantic daydreams, except one. His face grew larger. Oh my, he was going to kiss her. Her heart beat double time, making it hard to breathe. Inadvertently, she squeezed her eyes shut, but opened them again, not wanting to miss a second.

Voices getting closer broke through Emily’s rapt contemplation of Gray’s lips. Whirling, tugging on his arm, she urged him down the gravel path. “Let’s check out the gazebo down by the river,” she commented, hoping Gray could read her unspoken message. The gazebo stood isolated at the edge of the property.

As they walked, greeting people casually, Emily worried Gray wouldn’t kiss her at all. Her skirt bumped against an azalea bush, scattering the deep pink blossoms and releasing their fragrance into the air. Maybe he wasn’t going to kiss her. Maybe she imagined it all. What would she say to Gray? How could she extract herself from this embarrassing situation?

A woman they passed teased Gray about how handsome he looked in his uniform. Shaking off her internal monologue, Emily spotted the offender, Elizabeth Anne, and bestowed upon her one of Eileen’s specialties - the gimlet glare with the smug smile.

Elizabeth stumbled back a step, obviously interpreting the message correctly. The potion just kicked in, people thinned out, and they managed a few more steps without any interruptions. The gazebo with its fresh coat of white paint gleamed like a beacon. Gray walked by her side in a companionable silence. What was he thinking? Looking up at him, furrowing her brow, Gray laughed and dropped a kiss on her brow.

Without thinking, she said, “You kissed me.”

“No, not a kiss. I was just trying to smooth out those worry lines in your forehead. Would you like for me to kiss you?” Waiting for her response, his eyes twinkled.

“Oh yes,” Emily sighed the words, giving voice to her most ardent wish. Gray swept her into his arms, causing her to stumble backwards. He only held her tighter. His lips swooped down on hers. My goodness his lips were soft, yet firm. He smelled so good. The sandalwood aroma wrapped around her along with his arms. The length of his muscular body pressed up against hers, causing her hoop skirt to bell out behind her.

The kiss ended too soon. Staring into Gray’s darkened eyes; the thought of another kiss drew her up on her toes closer to his lips when voices rounding the path corner caused them both to move apart.

Emily murmured under her breath. “Damn people.”

It must have been loud enough for Gray to hear because he laughed and attempted to cover it with a cough. Angling his head in her direction, away from the approaching people, he winked, mouthing words she couldn’t quite make out. He turned to greet the group of people.

Joseph Calhoun stepped forward in his Confederacy uniform and began pontificating about the strength of the Southern States. Emily caught the eye of Virginia Hammer, who looked supremely bored with her beau’s choice of topic. She’d probably heard Joseph’s impassioned speech more than a few times already.

Buy Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Rebel-ebook/dp/B009AYSA22/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354670753&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=Morgan+K+Wyatt+Undercover+Rebel

The Remaining Tour

Dec 7 - A Bookish Libraria-The Bookish Dame Reviews/guest post
Dec 11 - Chanting of Muses/Top Ten's List
Dec 14 - Black Lion Tour Blog/wrap-up

Also Available from Morgan on Amazon:

REBEL BRIDE, Rebel Hearts book two

Eileen Sewell sparks plenty of gossip by spiteful matrons and their horse-faced daughters that she’d find herself alone due to her picky ways. Of course, she didn’t believe them. Then again, she also didn’t expect to be a mail order bride either. It wasn’t easy snagging a husband who hadn’t heard about her willful nature. Eileen finally gave up hope of finding love, and decided to settle for whatever she’d find out west. If that wasn’t lowering enough, she’d just witnessed the first train robbery. Unfortunately, the outlaws saw her too. Enter Marshal Colt Sheppard, who excels at extracting information from reticent witnesses. His crooked smile and broad shoulders won’t charm her. She’d played this game before, only she never had a worthy adversary. Talk about bad timing.

To be included in the giveaway, remember to leave your email address with your comment.

To be included in the drawing for my KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY on December 14th, sign up for my newsletter by clicking the white square on the sidebar and filling in your name and email. Then click the link you'll receive by return email, and you're all set.

Thanks for stopping by!

THE SALACIOUS MARNY OTTWILER BY BRIDGET STRAUB

After several years of living life in the fast lane, bestselling novelist Marny Ottwiler vows to take control of the chaos that has invaded her everyday existence. This proves to be easier said than done. Over the next year she rides a roller coaster of experiences that are chronicled in hilarious detail. Follow along as she navigates through fame, family, friendships, and the writing of her next blockbuster series of books. Oh yeah, and the choice she has to make between two loves.

TOUR GIVEAWAY!

One copy of the book and a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour.

INTERVIEW WITH BRIDGET STRAUB 

Caroline: Where did you grow up?

Bridget:  I grew up in the Berkeley side of Oakland Calif., the 4th of 5 kids born in 6 years! Although I was never a super jock, I was a bit of a tomboy, trying to keep up with my brother who was only a year older. He was the only boy and stuck right in the middle of all us girls.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Bridget: This is strange for a writer, but I am not an avid reader. I was, and still am of course, dyslexic and letters have a tendency to move around when I read. It takes extraordinary concentration, so a book really has to interest me to keep me reading. That said, I really enjoyed “Mr. Maybe” by Jane Green and have read several of her other books. I also really enjoyed Ann Rice’s “The Witching Hour”, but more often than not I read autobiographies.

Caroline: Everyone in my husband’s family, including our daughters, has dyslexia. I guess they’ve learned to compensate, because they read avidly. My husband’s uncles didn’t read much, though.  What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Bridget: The best is snuggling with my girls, watching a sitcom. I also like to draw, but really when I think about it, just getting to write something as fun as Marny Ottwiler is incredibly recharging.

Caroline: Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Bridget: The one that always comes to mind is, “Isn’t fun the best thing to have?” as said by Dudley Moore in the original Arthur movie.

Caroline: My youngest daughter and I frequently quote the “Oh, you’re only a hedge” when we trip or bump into something. Loved the movie. How long have you been writing?

Bridget: My earliest real memory is of being eight years old and writing antiwar poems. While my mom was concerned that I was depressed, I was just thrilled that I had gotten across a feeling of despair.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Bridget: I’m usually sitting on my bed, pecking away on my laptop. I love music and have it playing almost all of the time, but I am not one of those people who can ignore conversations, so I could never write in a coffee shop etc.

Caroline: Me, either. I’d be listening in case a choice piece of dialogue or character study was nearby. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Bridget: Total panzer and I love it. I never know what is going to happen next but I can’t wait to find out.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Bridget: Not usually, but in a future release, “IF BY CHANCE”, the opening scene is based on a Christmas spent with my sister and her husband, so they became the inspiration for the aunt and uncle in the book.

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day?

Bridget: I get really cranky if I don’t get to write every day. It doesn’t have to be a set number of words, but unless I am in a serious crisis I will be writing.

Caroline: Life just doesn’t feel quite right unless we can write, does it? What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Bridget: Entertainment, an occasional laugh (or many more with this book) and characters that are real and relatable.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Bridget: I have tons of plans! I have written a musical with the very talented Laura Hall (best known for her piano skills on “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”), and I want to see it produced and enjoyed by the masses. I have several more novels both completed and in the works and I would love to see my books turned into films. Lastly, I have several ideas for TV series.

Caroline: A musical? I’m impressed. Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Bridget: All of the above!

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Bridget: If you have a book that you know is good and ready to be published, then just go for it. Traditional publishing takes years, and for some people that’s fine, but I don’t have the patience for it.

Caroline: My sentiments exactly. What’s a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you?

Bridget: I’m left-handed and proud of it!

Caroline: Oh, my, left-handed and dyslexic. What’s something about you that would surprise or shock readers?

Bridget: I don’t drive. It goes back to that whole dyslexia thing.

Caroline: In Texas where everything is spread out and public transportation is iffy, one has to drive or stay home. So, I drive hundreds of miles a month. Is your book a series? Family saga, other?

Bridget: All of my books have a strong emphasis on family. The only series I have is IF BY CHANCE. I have completed the first book, am almost done with the second and I’m certain there will be a third.

Caroline: Tell us something you learned researching your book that surprised/interested you.

Bridget: This will confuse you until you read the book but I learned where the saying “have a field day” came from. It’ dates all the way back to the 1700s.

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

Bridget: Only that I hope they enjoy Marny as much as I do!

AN EXCERPT

“Salacious novelist Marny Ottwiler has checked herself into the spectacular Meadow House Retreat, best known for its celebrity clientele and exclusive acreage in the mountains above the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California. Sources close to the beautiful, yet flighty Ms. Ottwiler insist she is simply researching her next book and does not suffer the chemical dependency that has been rumored, nor has she had a breakdown due to her recent affair with up-and-comer Kyle MacDonald, which appears to have ended her short-lived marriage to the ruggedly good looking action hero, Andrew Morris. As you may recall, she has also been linked to numerous other heartthrobs, most notably British rock star Malcolm. No word yet as to when we can expect her next bestseller, but it promises to be a doozy!”

Malcolm put down the paper and looked at me, raising his brow while trying to conceal his amusement. He was dressed in torn jeans and a t-shirt he must have outgrown by the time he was twelve. His hair was its usual carefully disheveled mess, falling dangerously close to his eyes and over his collar. He was tan from his recent vacation on his private island in the Caribbean, and his green eyes were piercingly clear.

 I shrugged. “I have a good publicist.”

“Who, not that hideous little gnat of a Nazi, Karla with a “K?”

“Exactly,” I smiled.

He moved closer, dropping the paper next to me on the unmade bed, where I was sitting in little more than a tissue thin t-shirt and my most comfortable, although admittedly disgusting, sweats. It wasn’t just that they were old and spaghetti stained, but also I had been wearing them every day for the past three weeks. My normally honey-colored and highlighted hair hung limply around my face, roots exposed, and I had been crying before his arrival, so no doubt my lids were rimmed in puffy redness. Still, as he sat next to me and put his arm around my shoulder, he had the courtesy to tell me I looked beautiful as always.

“You are such a liar,” I smiled.

“Well, yes, clearly. In all honesty you look perfectly wretched, but one can only handle so much truth when in as delicate a state as you are.”

“Thanks for sheltering me.”

“My pleasure.”

“Is it?”

“Who wouldn’t want to spend their day comforting a damsel in distress, housed in some luxury mental institution for the wealthy and spoiled? Especially when the aforementioned damsel is as lovely as you. Would it be out of the question that you might one day soon burn this ensemble?” he asked, motioning towards my clothes.

“I’m trying to blend in with the other depressed, drug addicted, self -mutilating, over indulged inhabitants. It’s all a part of my research.”

“One does have to admire your dedication,” he smirked.

It was at that moment that my roommate, Deany, entered the room, and upon seeing Malcolm, immediately began hyperventilating.

“You’ve met before?” I teased, getting up to close the door before she alerted the powers-that-be to the fact that I had a boy in my room, as that was a big ‘no-no’ here.

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” Malcolm smiled, offering his hand.

Deany waved her hands and let out a little shriek as I handed her a brown paper bag, and suggested she breathe into it. She did so, never taking her eyes off the rock star in the room. The rock star who returned his attention to me, asking how long I’d be here “researching”.

“I’m hopeful that I can finish up quickly,” I told him.

“Do you need anything while you’re here?” he asked.

“Some vodka would be nice.”

“Ahh, yes, I remember you have a fondness for that, don’t you?”

I wanted to ask him why he was here, but I knew he wouldn’t be capable of giving an honest answer. A common thread I was coming to learn, among all of the men in my life. Instead, he stood up and said he should be going. He walked over to the window, pushed it open, blew me a kiss, and then jumped down to the grass below. Deany passed out.

In an effort to give full disclosure, I must admit that it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility that I may have developed a slight dependency to certain inebriants. A breakdown over the likes of either Kyle McDonald, or one Andrew Morris however, is sheer madness, and grounds for a lawsuit. Kyle is a nineteen year old pretty boy, who couldn’t act his way out of a bag, and Andrew, well, the jury is still out. Suffice to say, I never would have spent more than ten minutes with Kyle, had Andrew not been so gaga over his leading lady in “Rescue at Midnight”.

My thought process at the moment is like this. All of that is in the past, and what I must deal with now is a book that is long overdue. Tabitha, my editor, is calling me hourly requesting new pages. Pages I have led her to believe I have, but which, in fact, are all blank. Merely a white lie, right? I have the paper. Here’s the thing, though, the book is half - finished, and yet I’ve somehow managed to delete it. Now of course Tabitha has the first eight chapters, but do I want to admit that not only have I lost it, but I can’t remember any of it because I was less than sober when I wrote it? No, I do not. Do I wish to start the whole thing over again? No, I do not. Do I have a clue as to what I am going to do next? I’m thinking about a nap. “When in doubt, run away”. That has become my new motto. I learned it from Malcolm. You might recall he’s just jumped out a window. Not the first time, nor will it be the last time that he does so.


THE SALACIOUS MARNY OTTWILER is available in Print and E-book here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bridget-Straub/e/B006KEG0KE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bridget Straub

Bridget Straub is an author, artist and mom who has been writing for as long as she can remember. When she’s not blogging at http://bridgetstraub.com she is painting or spending time with her family.THE SALACIOUS MARNY OTTWILER is Ms. Straub’s third novel. Also available, ON A HOT AUGUST AFTERNOON and SEARCHING FOR MY WAND.

Find out more about Bridget Straub here:

Website Link:  http://bridgetstraub.com  

Twitter: @bridgetstraub

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridget.straub?ref=ts&fref=ts 

TOUR STOPS

Nov 19 - Black Lion Tour Blog/Introduction
Nov 21 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit/interview
Nov 23 - Laurie''s Non-Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews/Interview
Nov 26 - Melissa's Midnight Musings/Guest Post
Nov 29 - MK McClintock Blog/Guest Post
Nov 30 - Caroline Clemmons Blog/Interview
Dec 5 - Romance Meets Life/ Top Ten List
Dec 9  - A Novel Idea Live/Live Interview Airs 1:00 PM MST
Dec 10 - A Novel Idea Live/Guest Post
Dec 11 - The Bunny's Review/Top Ten List
Dec 13 - My Devotional Thoughts/Guest Post and Review
Dec 14 - Black Lion Tour Blog/Wrap Up

READING NEW GENRES OR STICKING WITH ONE?

Do you consistently read the same genre books? Do you stretch yourself a little and try something new?
I have to admit that I read very narrowly until many years ago when Sharon Rowe, a member of my Romance Writers of America chapter, assigned a book each month for us to read and discuss prior to next month’s meetings. Bless Sharon! She led me to discover some new authors who became favorites.

Currently, I’m a member of a book club, Book Divas. Each month’s hostess chooses the book and the place we’ll meet. Originally we met in the hostess’ home, but that became burdensome because it involved food. Now we meet at a restaurant, and this arrangement has worked much better for everyone. The only problem now is finding a site where we can hear one another as we discuss the book and what’s happened in our lives since we last met. We tend to laugh a lot, and take a long time to eat while we talk.

Because we are a diverse group, book club’s reading choice selections are diverse. One member always chooses the latest Mary Higgins Clark release. Another always chooses an artsy literary book and I’ve hated some of her choice--especially the one in which everyone died. Ugh. I read for pleasure and escape, not to be depressed! However, I’ve discovered some wonderful books and authors through this group. Books I loved that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise read are SAVING CEE CEE HONEYCUTT, THE HOUSE ON TRADD, and THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. The book for this month is HUNGER GAMES. Yes, I'm the last person in America to read HUNGER GAMES. No, I won't see the movie. Extremely well-written and engaging book, but I wouldn't want to see all the gore on a big screen.

Another source of new genres is Darling Daughter 2. As an elementary school librarian and avid bookworm, she reads diversely and loans me books she thinks I’ll love. She is usually correct. Through her I’ve discovered many cozy mystery series as well as authors like Sara Addison Allen’s books. beginning with GARDEN SPELLS. Darling Daughter 2 also encouraged me to read PILLARS OF THE EARTH. I love Ken Follett, but his books are not quick reads, are they? Darling Daughter 1 also recommended PILLARS OF THE EARTH, but the book's thickness and small type font was daunting. With urging from both daughters, I felt compelled to read the book, and loved it. Sorry, I couldn’t stay with WORLD WITHOUT END because of changes to families I’d loved in the first book. Note to self: Keep hero's families heroic throughout a series.

One thing about authors is that we have so many friends who write and, of course, we want to read books by all our friends. If I weren't a writer, I'd read even more--probably most of the time. I was a voracious reader before I started penning my own books. Well, not penning. Computer keyboarding my books would be more factual. As it is, I keep a book and/or Kindle with me at all times. You'd be surprised how many books I've finished while reading ten minutes here and fifteen there. I've even read books during the TV commercials while watching shows with my husband.

When I choose books on my own, I go either for romantic comedies or western romance. I can’t write comedy, and I admire so much those who can--like Jacquie Rogers in MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS, and authors like Christie Craig, Jennifer Crusie, Rachel Gibson, and others. Of course, Jacquie is a favorite because she is a truly nice person who combines humor with western romance. Now what could be better?

Mostly, I read what I love writing, and that is western romance, especially historical settings. I’m working on the Men of Stone Mountain, Book 3, BLUEBONNET BRIDE. In fact, I’d better get back to my writing now.

Thanks for stopping by!

What I Learned in the Blogathon

May has been a month of blogging for the Word Count's May 2010 Blogathon. I was already blogging daily, so that wasn't new for me. Nevertheless, I have learned several.things:

1. I have discovered several new blogs I enoy. Another way to avoid work--not that I ever procrastinate, you understand. Yeah, right!.

2.  Blogging is work. Yes, blogging every day requires digging for subjects. Not that I have trouble rattling on and on, mind you, but finding something others might find interesting is a challenge..

3. The cyberworld is not my friend, but it can work for me. With help from my daughters and husband, that is. We all need help sometimes, right?

4. When I think about writing 365 posts, it's sounds impossible. One a day sounds easier. Yes, I sometimes play mind games with myself. Occasionally, it even works.

5. Organizing an event like the 2010 Blogathon must be a real headache for Michelle Rafter. Thank goodness she did it for us. Sometimes it's better to be a follower than a leader.

Tomorrow, June 1st, I'll announce the winner of my May Blogathon Contest. Today is your last chance to leave a comment to enter. Signing on as a follower counts as a second entry. Hurry, hurry!

Also, tomorrow begins my participation in the Summer Reading Trail 2010.
As you celebrate your extra day off from work, please remember the reason for our holiday. Pray for all those who are in the armed services now and give thanks for those who died so that we can be free.

Love My Book?

Yesterday I received print copies of my new book, OUT OF THE BLUE, from The Wild Rose Press. I was elated to have the actual book in my hand. The cover is great; the people at TWRP were lovely to work with. Now all I have to worry about is how readers will receive this book. Picture me wringing my hands and looking worried. Will readers like my baby?

Most writers have fragile egos. We want everyone to love our creations and value us as authors. We know it’s impossible to please everyone, but we still want everyone to love our work. We’ve spent hours conjuring up the plot and characters, spent more hours recording the characters’ problems, exploits, and triumphs. Each book is a part of the author and has been painfully wrenched from our subconscious. We say love me, love my book.

I occasionally have critiquers question my work in progress (WIP). Even constructive criticism sends me into a panic. Oh, no, I think, now I have to completely rewrite this story. No, what will I do? Am I crazy to have written it this way? What’s wrong with me? I’ll never be the new Nora Roberts now. Okay, I know I can never be as successful as Nora. Who can? Still, I have my dreams.

Suggestions from critiquers are usually excellent. If they conflict with my vision for the book, then I usually sleep on it and consider each criticism carefully. When the comments would change the entire focus of my lead character and/or affect my secondary characters, I wince. Rewrite the entire book? Probably I will tweak the book, but not make all the changes suggested. The characters are real to me, so I determine their actions.

Most writers depend on critiques. They are helpful, even when the writer doesn’t agree. Critiques make us think about how others will perceive this story and its characters. For instance, in one book I said a chaparral ran across the road. In rural Texas, we see chaparral often. A friend questioned the word. I told her that was the real name for a road runner. She was astonished--she thought those were only in cartoons. //so maybe that wasn't a good read for a Northern reader.  
 
I never get angry at a critique. For one thing, receiving a critique means I’ve asked someone for his or her opinion. That means I value that person’s opinion and expertise. I realize the end responsibility is mine. This is my vision, a world I’m creating, and I bear the end result. So, I’ll continue to ask these excellent writers’ opinions, but it’s still MY BOOK. I don’t think that makes me a diva. And it doesn’t mean my ego is no longer fragile. It means that I want my book to be the best I can write! I hope readers will love OUT OF THE BLUE. Blatant self promotion--the link to buy OUT OF THE BLUE is found on the right.
 

BLOGMANIA DAY HAS ARRIVED!

BLOGMANIA Day is finally here. What a terrible time for my internet to go down. Yikes! But it's all working now, so get ready to click through 123 blogs participating in this BLOGMANIA with a chance to win a prize at each site. This is Blog # 9 on the tour.

This blog is an author blogging about author interviews, book reviews, writing tips, research, and miscellaneous subjects.

We've done all the work for you for this BLOGMANIA day.. No hunting or surfing. Each blog wil have a number and instruction for entering that blog giveaway. If you see a blog that appeals to you, bookmark it for a return visit.

 My giveaway rules. Comment for a chance to win and please be sure to include your email address in the comment. For a second entry, sign up as a follower for my blog and be sure to include in your comment that you signed up as a follower. Of course, include your email address again.

My giveaway prize is a Steampunk necklace made from a pocket watch, along with a few surprises in the gift bag.

Blog 1 Host of Blogmania Between the Pages at http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
Blog 2 Co-host of Blogmania The Black Sheep Dances at http://theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com/
Blog 43 Co-host of Blogmania, Books, Books Everywhere at http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/
Blog 68 Mama Librarian at http://mamalibrarian.blogspot.com/
Blog 92 Groovy Ruminations at http://groovybell.blogspot.com/
Blog 36 Along The Way at http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com/
Blog  8 A Mom's Take at http://amomstake.blogspot.com/
Blog 18 Aubut Family at http://www.aubutfamily.com/
Blog 109 Mommy's Minute at http://mommys-minute.blogspot.com/
Blog 118 Designs By Dawn Marie at http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. As we say in the Southwest, "Don't be a stranger."