SHIRLEY JUMP COOKS UP CHRISTMAS!

CUPCAKES AND CHAPTERS 

By Shirley Jump

Thanks so much for having me, Caroline! I always love visiting other blogs!

This Christmas, I released my first Christmas story in my Sweet and Savory Romances series, a novella called (click for link) THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA. I got to revisit the Chubby Chums from (click for link)  THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE (a quirky self-help group for weight loss), and bring back reader favorite Arnold, who becomes heroine Stephanie’s friend and fellow elf when she takes a job at the mall to make extra money during the holiday season.

I love writing these books but they do create a bit of a problem. The recipes in them ALWAYS make me hungry. Each book has recipes written by the characters, and between the recipe research and the writing, I’m craving those foods by the time I finish. Since this was a Christmas book, it had plenty of recipes for cookies and other holiday treats.

The minute I finished the book and had a day off, I was in the kitchen for the rest of that day and part of the next day, making Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes, Oh-Oh Santa Cupcakes, Hershey Kisses cookies and Salted Caramel Shortbread (the shortbread is the BOMB). I love, love, love the Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes and have had a hard time resisting the last one. Link to Shirley's recipes here.

        Okay, truth be told, I just ate the last one a minute ago ;-) I considered it…uh, research. Yeah, for next year’s Christmas book!

People ask me why I put recipes in the books, and I tell them it’s simple—I love reading and I love eating. Recipes in my family were always accompanied by a little life advice and some quirky tips from my relatives. They’re never just mix this, add that. There’s all kinds of other stories and tips wrapped in with the measurements and baking instructions. That’s the kind of mood I wanted to capture with this series.

THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA (click for link) is the fifth book in the ebook series, and will be followed in February by a Valentine’s Day themed one, too. I hope it whets your appetite, not just for more books, but also for some of the Sweet and Savory Romances!

Oh, and if you’re like me and like both a bargain and instant gratification, snap up this limited edition bargain holiday bundle of four of the (click for link) Sweet and Savory Romances!

Shirley

ABOUT SHIRLEY JUMP

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump spends her days writing romance and women’s fiction to feed her shoe addiction and avoid cleaning the toilets. She cleverly finds writing time by feeding her kids junk food, allowing them to dress in the clothes they find on the floor and encouraging the dogs to double as vacuum cleaners. Look for her Sweet and Savory Romance series, including the USA Today bestselling book, (click for link) THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE, on Amazon and Nook, and the debut of her Sweetheart Club series for Berkley, starting with THE SWEETHEART BARGAIN in August 2013. Visit her website at www.shirleyjump.com or read recipes and life adventures at www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com.

Thanks to Shirley for sharing those yummy recipes along with her sensational books. I feel a round of baking coming on at our house. These recipes may become our new Christmas traditions.

Thanks for stopping by!

BIG HOLIDAY NEWS!

Surprise! I’m not plugging one of my books today. Nope. Today, I’m sharing my news with my blog readers first before I announce it elsewhere. Yesterday, I briefly mentioned that I will be giving away a Kindle Fire 3G on December 15th to one of the subscribers to my newsletter. Yes, just in time for either Christmas giving or as a great way for the recipient to enjoy reading over the holidays and forward. The sign up form is down on the sidebar, below the book covers, below the Bible verse, in the white square containing most of my book covers. Just click on it, and you'll see the sign-up form.

Me, hibernating in my pink cave to write.

Most authors lead a lonely writing life. We can wear whatever we wish to write. That's great. No coworkers to distract us or cause problems. ☺ That is both good and bad. We need contact with the real world to ground us. Readers and their reviews and comments keep us in touch. That’s why I want to repay my readers with a gift. Sorry I can’t give each of you something. At least I can give one of you a Kindle Fire 3G to show how much I appreciate readers. You are the spark that fires my writing!

As a technophobe, I wasn’t certain I wanted all the gadgets the Fire includes--in fact, I wasn’t even certain what those features were. I adored my earlier Kindle with the little keyboard and still do. I thought all I wanted to do was read ebooks. Surely that was all I needed, right? Then Hero gave me a Kindle Fire 3G and I couldn’t hurt his feelings by not using it. Guess what? I love it! Maybe I don’t actually NEED all the other features added to the Fire, but I love them. Why did I resist?

The Fire has color, so a child would like viewing children’s books on the screen. If you have Wi-Fi, which we do, capabilities include email and the internet. My friend who showed me her Kindle Fire had houseguests who usurped her computer and laptop, so she sent email from her Kindle Fire. Another time, before she had a laptop, her PC was on the fritz and she emailed from her Kindle Fire to let us know. Amazing, I can also post to Facebook or Twitter from my Fire, or watch YouTube or movies.

When I was in college at Texas Tech way back in the olden days, I remember the computers I used in a programming class. The fact that this KindleFire has more memory than those huge computers boggles my mind. Thank goodness the Fire is light and can slip right into my purse - even though I have several hundred books on it. One of my friends who downsized her to a smaller home has given away all her paper books except a few research and keepers. Think of all the additional space in her home. I'm not sure I can part with my favorite books, of which we have hundreds, but I am certainly limiting the new paper books I acquire.

Back to business. Here on the sidebar of my blog, you will find a square to click to sign up for my newsletter. Don’t think I’ll bombard you with email. Nope, only when I have a new release, a contest, or major news. Hero sometimes helps me with promotion, but no one but Hero or I will ever see your email or name, and neither of us will tell. Promise.

What are you waiting for? Go sign up.

I’m pleased to announce that Amy won Charlene Raddon’s giveaway on the Monday-Tuesday blog. Over at my post on Charlene’s blog, Ruby won my book. Congratulations, ladies! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Thanks to each of you who stopped by to read or read and comment. I appreciate you showing up.


Thanks for stopping by!

A J NUEST ANNOUNCES MYSTICAL PRESS

Greetings and Salutations!
By AJ Nuest

Many thanks to Caroline for hosting us on her blog today! We’ve got some really exciting news to share with everyone so grab that cuppa and let the blogging begin!

September marks the official launch of Mystical Press Services!!!

http://mysticalpress.com

In case you haven’t yet heard about our website, allow me to introduce you to a place where you just might find the fulfillment of your dreams. That’s right! The talented folks at Mystical Press want to help you reach your publishing goals!

How do we do that? I’m glad you asked!

Arial Burnz, Author and Editor

Mystical Press is the culmination of an idea that came from two authors and professionally trained editors—Arial Burnz and AJ Nuest—where we help authors bridge the gap between the form rejection letter and publication. In fact, we believe in this venture so passionately, our tagline is “Helping authors achieve their dreams.” 

A J Nuest, Author and Editor

At Mystical Press our primary goal is to help writers. As authors, we understand the frustration of not receiving constructive and useful feedback, the aggravation of navigating the murky depths of the publishing industry and that, sometimes, authors just need a place to vent. Well, we’re here to tell you, the insanity can end!

Like-minded individuals can gather online at Mystical Press to work one-on-one with professional editors who help authors prepare their manuscripts for submission. Whether you are looking for a Manuscript Evaluation, Submission Evaluation, or a full story edit, we will give you honest, encouraging feedback and work diligently with you on your story to make sure it’s ready to land on an editor’s desk. No project is too big or too small and all receive the same precise attention to detail.

Perhaps your submission is ready but you need assistance with smaller editing projects like a query letter and synopsis? Have no fear! Mystical Press is here! We offer a full edit of query letters and synopses with comments and suggestions that come directly from AN EDITOR! TAH-DAH!

And don’t worry! If your goal is to write your very own dynamite synopsis, at Mystical Press we believe in “teaching a man to fish.” Our Power Class, “How to Write a WINNING Synopsis,” is designed to easily guide you through the process of crafting your very own synopsis! Yes, that’s right. I used “easily” and “synopsis” in the same sentence!

The self-paced course curriculum at Mystical Press can assist in tackling those pesky problem areas as well (e.g., show vs. tell, POV shifts, realistic character and story development, etc.). If you’ve read books, articles and/or taken workshops and are still in search of that elusive contract offer, perhaps Mystical Press can help. Take one class or take a whole series—our online classes are designed to meet each writer’s individual needs.

Is your next project of the self-publishing variety? Mystical Press has a selection of pre-made covers we guarantee will only be used once! No one will have the same cover! Or, if you’d like, we can design a cover specifically tailored to your vision—you will work one-on-one with our talented cover artists! We are also happy to edit your baby and can even format the document to meet the specifications of most popular self-publishing platforms.

Remember to mention Mystical Press to all your friends and fellow writing pals – here’s why. Mystical Press offers a free Referral Program. Just register on the site and we will assign you a Referral ID. If anyone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a referral fee! Whether you choose cash or a credit for products or services on the site, consider this our thank you for helping us spread the word.

Oh! And before I forget…we offer a wide range of gift certificates designed specifically with the writer in mind. Tired of searching for the “write” present for your author pals? Maybe that next birthday or anniversary calls for an eGift from Mystical Press!

So now that you know all about us, please tell us all about you! Head on over to Mystical Press and register free on the site. Everyone who does will be entered into our drawing for fabulous gifts and prizes! Join our celebration and together we will strive to get your voice heard!

Thanks, AJ, for your post. Readers, please stop by on Monday to help celebrate Banned Book Week with us. Marianne Evans will be my first guest of the week.

Thanks for stopping by!

THE FOOL'S JOURNEY . . .

Debra Doggett

Please welcome Debra Doggett, who has been writing since childhood. Keeping stories in her head while raising three daughters, pursuing her BA in History and working as a museum professional has kept the writer inside her alive. She has also written, performed and directed for the stage, her second love. A bit of a wanderer, these days she resides in New Mexico and let's the desert inspire her. She has also recently been named Co-Editor at 69 Flavors of Paranoia. Here’s Debra:



The Fool’s Journey…


There are days I feel I should probably be locked up in a padded room for doing this whole writer thing. And there are days I can tell my children feel they may have to step in and do just that with me one day. Most of the time I can cover it, but there are days when the voices in my head can be a bit demanding and there is the occasional diva among them that makes me wonder if I should keep her as my heroine’s best friend or kill her off in a particularly gruesome way.


The fact that I sometimes find myself standing in the grocery line contemplating murder and mayhem makes me feel a bit disconnected from the “real” world. And that to me is the bottom line of being a writer – choosing to step out of reality and into a primordial realm just waiting for you to be its creator. It takes a certain amount of concentration (and a good ability to BS) to remember to smile and nod at appropriate times when your mind is off figuring out how the third planet in the Adeanan system is going to survive the assault by the High Council and just how much sex is enough to keep the tension high between your hero and heroine. And it takes forgiving friends and a really understanding boss to continue keeping one foot in each realm.


So I’ve taken a risk that may help maintain my sanity and keep me out of the padded room for a bit longer. I stepped away from a demanding job to focus my attention on the stories still swirling in my head. I want them to see the light of day and to make someone else relax and enjoy them with me. This is definitely my Fool’s Journey, my jump off the cliff that hopefully will end with me flying and not crashing.


It’s a journey I don’t want to take alone. My hope is there are other fools out there who’d like to ride along. The world used to have its risk-takers, those who were willing to see beyond the box of reality into the wide open spaces of fantasy and innovation. We owe it to them to see that the world doesn’t become too comfortable with the status quo and to make sure they realize that the Adeanan system just might be out there somewhere, waiting for us to discover it because we were roaming around the universe looking for it. So who’s up for a little space travel?

Available Now from
The Wild Rose Press

Here's the blurb for GAMBLER'S MOON:

Vampire Gates McHenry has waited eighty years for a chance at sexy shapeshifter Ava Harper. When she shows up at his bar with a wolf trap and a nasty attitude, he knows the time has come to deal himself into the game. And the stakes for this game are higher than any he’s ever faced before because someone or something has taken an interest in Ava as well. A deadly interest. If he can find the threat and keep Ava from staking him in the process, he just might be able to make the move that will win Ava Harper’s heart.


Buy link for  The Wild Rose Press GAMBLER'S MOON is also available at Amazon, Digi-Books, and other online sites.

Available Now in Print and
E-book from
The Wild Rose Press

Here's the blurb for THE PRIZE:
Stellan was the last thing Cardis expected to deal with when she fled her home on Adena to avoid another unwanted challenge. Safely stowed away on her father's freighter, she thought she'd escaped those who wished to invoke Adena's ancient tradition of the Virgin Challenge and attempt to win her in marriage. Now she finds herself in the hands of the most unlikely challenger of all. And in spite of all her resolve never to be trapped into marriage, trying to keep herself from melting when Stellan's hands touch her may be the hardest challenge Cardis has ever faced.

The buy link for THE PRIZE at The Wild Rose Press in print and e-book, also at other online stores



Debra Doggett
http://www.debradoggett.com/
visit me on Twitter @dgdoggett and on
Facebook at Debra Doggett Writer 

Thanks for stopping by, Debra. Your covers are lovely, especially GAMBLER'S MOON, and both the blurbs are intriguing. Here's wishing you continued success with your career.

Readers, thanks for stopping by!