by Sarah | May 2, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Changing Tracks, Publishing Credits, Secret Cravings Publishing, Writing
GIVEAWAY CLOSED – WINNER(S) CHOSEN & EMAILED
For me, there is just something about the lawman that toes the line between good and bad.
He has to be tough enough to put away the ‘bad guys’…but good enough to know right from wrong. In other words, somewhere deep inside he has to have a conscious, even if it’s well masked.
Sometimes it’s an outlaw that makes a good lawman.
I’ve had a couple favorite sheriff’s in my TV western watching.
The Outlaw Lawman:
On Dr. Quinn…
~waits for the groans to end~
Yes. Dr. Quinn. The gunslinger Kid Cole became sheriff for an episode. Even for just one episode, he turned out to be the best Sheriff the town had (sorry, Matthew and Daniel fans…and even I, a Hank-lover have to admit he would have made a horrible sheriff). I guess Kid Cole won the race because he knew the mind of an outlaw, but he had the temperance of years and the desire to just sit down in a quiet place and watch the roses grow.
The Lawman Outlaw:
Now my other favorite Lawman was Seth Bullock of Deadwood.
Not an outlaw, unless you count a politician as an outlaw ~cough~
Seth was a good man that settled into Deadwood after a bad turn as Sheriff in Helena, Montana. Through a turn of circumstance, he ended up as sheriff of Deadwood.
Seth toed the line because of his willingness to sometimes overlook the wrong-doings of Al Swearengen for the eventual betterment of the town.
Far and above, though, his ability to overlook some wrong-doings, was Bullock’s temper. He sure didn’t like being taken advantage of, and he certainly didn’t like being threatened or bribed. It led to some all out brawls, and him removing his sheriff star once or twice. He wanted to do good for the town, but sometimes he got in his own way.
*~*
In [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series book 1)[/amazon_link], there are a couple of sheriffs. Outlaws and cowboys alike, they make their own impact on the town. Are one of them my favorite kind of sheriff? Well, you’d have to read it to find out.
And so, for the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop, I’m Giving Away a copy of [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series Book 1)[/amazon_link].
To enter, just leave a comment and tell me what your favorite sort of lawman is in your westerns? Do you like the Outlaw Lawman, or the Lawman Outlaw?
***YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT TO QUALIFY FOR THE GRAND PRIZE***
There are nearly 50 authors joining in this hop – each sharing why we love Cowboys and Lawmen. You want a chance to win more than Changing Tracks? Head on over to Cowboy Charm and follow the linky list! As you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.
Grand Prize: At least a $75 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, your choice. The winner will be chosen at random from comments containing email addresses, and will be announced on May 7. This is open to both US and international readers.
Cowboy Charm Blog Hops now has a companion FaceBook Group. If you’d like to join to receive blog hop and prize announcements here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/453991144693516/
by Sarah | May 1, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, AJ Best by today. She was good enough to answer a few questions. So pull up a chair and relax and get to know AJ.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A little about myself, hmmm. I’m tall and shrinking. Does that count?
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’ve tried it both ways, and so far pantsing makes life go round. I even went to a course called pantsing to plotting. I think I failed the class. I’m such a bad student.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
The first book (short story) was not the easiest thing to get published. I wanted desperately to be a Ravenous Romance gal, but they wouldn’t even give me the time of day. Maybe their watch was broken. So I sent the MS to Passion in Print and OY VEY, they didn’t have much good to say about it. I steamed, cussed, pouted, and threw things until I said, “Self, let’s ignore the not so good stuff, and take the good stuff and run with it.”
Low and behold it worked. Secret Cravings read my short story and sent my acceptance letter to me while I was eating pizza at Pizza Hut. It is not advisable to scream at the top of your lungs in a small town restaurant. When we left there we went to Big Lots, and I had a ton of fun running the battery down on my phone calling everyone I could think of and telling them that I was finnally a published author.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite was the last chapter as that is where they make up. I can’t tell you the spot they make up on, or where they are when it happens, it will ruin all the fun. But let’s just say, it makes making up fun.
5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
My characters are never easy to write. I know (as any parent does) what is good for their kids, but they don’t want to do anything I tell them to do. It’s a huge fight til I give in and alas things work better than I thought they would.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write. Keep writing. Guest blog, even if you don’t have a book out because you want your name out there for people to say, “Hey, I’ve heard of that AJ chick, she’s a smart ass. Wonder what she’s gonna say today!” But also, remember that anything you put on the internet your publishers and fans can find. So even if you are a smart ass, don’t be a dumb ass about it. LOL
7. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
I’ve done some research for a friend’s book, but even as odd as that was I would never delete my browser history. I can’t wait for the day I die and my grandkids go through my computer and nearly fall out of their chair at what granny was looking at. 🙂 I think the oddest thing that I have looked up for myself was a creature that hunts vampires. It was rather odd searching for “creature that drinks vampire blood”.
8. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
You must read it because I’ve placed a subliminal messaging loop in this interview, and if you don’t read it, your eyes will pop. 🙂 Just kidding. You should read the book because it’s a great short story that will catch you on fire at the very end. Make sure you warn your SO.
9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?
Not really, but I am the jack of all trades and the master of none. I crochet, oil paint, change computer monitors to cat beds, make paned windows into a painting that looks like a window looking out. I can sew, quilt, make artisan bread, and nearly anything homemade!
10. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The loudest one is my female heroine in my paranormal romance. She has gone through a ton of crap before the first chapter is over and she’s ready for something good to happen by now. And she’s not very quiet about it.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have several books in the works, a cookbook, a paranormal romance, and a woman’s fiction book. But none of those are coming out right away.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B008G5LW3U” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | SCP | B&N | ARe |
BLURB
Mary is prepared for the anniversary of a lifetime. Ten years of wonderful memories fill her mind. She can’t wait to see what the next ten will bring. When her plans for early morning seduction fail, her mind jumps to worst case scenarios.
Joe’s attention, focused elsewhere, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will he be able to come up with a good reason for forgetting their anniversary?
As the day continues, will the answers Mary finds leave her in tears? Will she find the next ten years dreams shattered before her? Only Joe holds the answers to the questions her heart asks.
**********
Author Bio
From the age of seven AJ has been passionate about the written word. Taking advantage of her summer breaks she would spend the entire day at the library reading. It wasn’t until the age of thirteen the written took hold and wouldn’t let go. Her mother made sure she had a typewriter, yes a manual one, and plenty of correction tape.
AJ’s first love was poetry. Before she was given the experience to comprehend the meaning of love she typed out her first poem:
lazily we walk along the beach
you and I hand in hand
nature has its things to teach
we listen and learn
but never turn
to see what we left behind
When not writing you will find AJ in the garden, kitchen or animal shelter. The family’s love for animals has brought them a pretty cool status among the community. They are one of the only families in the county who will take in feral cats.
AJ is determined to become the worlds youngest ‘cat lady’. Her living furbaby collection includes Jack, Thor, Belle, Shadow and Earl. Keep an eye out in all of her writing, there will be a kitty in every story. It’s the only way she’ll get to reach the ‘cat lady’ status without her fiance` kicking her out.
AJ loves to connect with people. Feel free to stop by her web page www.ajbestwrites.com or send her an email at ajbestwrites(@)gmail.com
by Sarah | Apr 30, 2013 | Books, Changing Tracks, Hump Day Hook, Writing
GIVEAWAY CLOSED – WINNER SELECTED.
Another Hump Day Hook! This week ALL participants are having a giveaway of some kind! So head on over to the Hump Day Hook site when you’re done here and follow the links for many more giveaways!!
Since just last week I gave away a copy of Masked Hearts. I thought this week I’d return to an old favorite and give away a copy of [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series Book 1)[/amazon_link].
And to ease the sting of 2 paragraphs over 1…I’m going to giveaway a copy to one lucky commenter!!
Jane has just awoken from a restless night of sleep. One with a particularly vivid dream:
When his lips touched hers, the aching need took over. She opened up to him in desperation. Her tongue responded to his, searching the familiar depths of his mouth. When he’d pulled back, still convinced it was a dream, she’d breathed out the words she’d never dare say aloud.
“I love you.”
And as in every other dream he’d been gone. She reached for him again, but in the whisper of a breeze from her window he was gone.
*~*~*
Blurb:
There’s nothing simple about forgetting your past.
Cole Mitchell runs the busiest saloon and brothel in Dominion Falls. He keeps his women at a distance, unwilling to relive a past he worked hard to forget.
Until the night Jane Doe falls into his saloon bleeding and near death. She wakes with no memory, only the firm belief someone tried to kill her. In the strange world of amnesia she manages to find solace in Cole’s arms and he finds home in hers.
While they work together to solve the mystery of her appearance, their pasts – her lack of, and his buried – build a barrier between them.
To make matters worse, Jane’s past isn’t willing to let her go. A stranger proves he’ll kill to keep his secrets safe. With those she loves in danger, Jane’s errant memory is all that stands between them and death. Cole can only do so much to protect her, will it be enough?
Buy Links:
Secret Cravings Website – http://bit.ly/14XQPTl
Amazon – http://amzn.to/11DDgcG
Barnes & Noble – http://bit.ly/XcTs0R
All Romance Ebooks – http://bit.ly/WJxSiA
Bookstrand – http://bit.ly/12dl2PB
*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Apr 30, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Bucket List, Random
Sad to see the A-to-Z challenge coming to an end. Some days were tougher than ever, but I managed to post every day this month. I wish there was something like this every month to help keep me moving. Anyway, here I go with my final letter for April.
Last year I did some things I never dreamed I would
I went Ape.
I went rock climbing.
I met Mario Andretti.
I saw Cirque.
I watched the Fever.
I got published (and then a contract on my novel, and then another, and another).
I took chances I never would have before, and I pushed myself beyond limits I didn’t know I had…and it gave me a zest for life.
Now I want more challenges…
But I’ll be spending a chunk of my summer flat on my back after foot surgery.
So much for zest.
*~*~*
The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
by Sarah | Apr 29, 2013 | Book Release, Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
Josiah Carthage Dupree, Cart, is visiting today with an interview and the announcement the winners of the A Matter of Fate book tour! Once we can get him to stop pacing Averill, the leader of the Buffalo pack, will start the interview. Or maybe not.
****
You are planning to sit, right? No? Okay, we’ll do this as you’re pacing, but don’t think I won’t be telling our author about your recalcitrance. After all, promotion is part of the job now too.
Averill ignores Carts glare and waves her hand indicating the armchair opposite her. Cart sits down and immediately tilts the chair back on its back two legs. Deciding to pick her battles Averill begins.
Now, I understand you are the male lead in this book, is that right? Cart rolls his eyes at her question. Yes.
What is your author like? Cart focuses on her, pausing before answers. Averill wonders what he’d originally was going to say that he filtered. Of course she has her own guess. Her method of writing isn’t the most consistent – some days it’s a lot, some a little, but she gets the work done. If she worked for me I’d probably pair her with Tiff. Tiff is hyper-organized and overly methodical, so they’d balance each other out.
Anything you’d like to dish out about your author? She can’t have Spicy Nacho Doritos in the house. She has no restraint and will eat the whole bag in a sitting.
Averill looks down at her notes to hide her smile because it is so true. Their author cannot resist the chips and more than once has left orange smudges on the keyboard. She looks back up to find a smile teasing the corners of Cart’s mouth. So far so good.
Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you? Cart’s brow furrows and he shakes his head. No, not that I can think of.
What are your favorite scenes in your book: the action, the dialog or the romance? Cart shrugs. I don’t have a favorite in the book. A rather feral yet self-satisfied smile peaks out, transforming him from good looking to devastatingly handsome. Averill blinks in the glare of his attractiveness and hopes Mona realizes just how lucky she is. My favorite parts are off screen.
Ah, yes. Averill decides not to go into detail on that.
If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be? Cart raises one eyebrow at her, daring her to ask it again, and Averill realizes that might not have been the best question to follow up with.
What was your family like growing up? The front legs of the chair clatter to the floor as Cart lets out a belly laugh. Great way to get the topic off sex, he finally says shaking his head at her. My family is both small and large. There’s just my mom, me, and my cousin… and the entire rest of the pack.
When you were a child, what was the worst thing you did and how did your mother punish you for it? You mean what was the worst thing that I did that I got caught and punished for. Actually it wasn’t my mom who caught me, it was the counselors at camp. I was fifteen. When the rest of the teen bunks where out doing a night ‘run’, we were too young to actually change, but learning woodscraft at night is really useful, I did two things only one got found out. First, I added mineral oil to all the boys acne wash. There was the worst pimple breakout in years that summer, except me and a couple of kids who didn’t use it. That no one found out about, at least not that summer. What I got caught at was putting itching powder in the counselor’s sleeping bag. It wasn’t until later they realized I’d put it in everyone’s. The punishment? For the entire rest of the summer I got assigned two young bear cub shifters as buddies. They didn’t stop talking and followed me everywhere and got into everything. I mean everything. I spent all my time making sure the pair didn’t destroy the camp or harm themselves. It was a nightmare.
Except, isn’t one now on your team? Yeah, Menlo grew up to be an okay adult. Stopped talking so much and started listening.
Now he’s relaxed and bantering, time to pose the question Mona asked Averill to include.
Do have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about? Sky diving but, as you know, elf-blood and airplanes don’t mix.
Have you thought about trying something similar like jumping off a cliff with a hang glider? Cart’s eyes widened in surprise. No, I hadn’t, until now. I’ll have to look into that.
Opps, Averill had put her foot in it now. No use finding out something special if he was going to go off and do it himself!
I’m sure, in all that free time you have you’ll get plenty of chances. Cart’s shoulders slumped. Yeah, right. One day, after things calm down, I’ll give it a shot.
A floating, two inch wide bundle of light that shoots off sparks bobbed into existence in front of Cart causing Cart to stand. The way the imp hovers by him following his moves, its clearly been sent with a message for the shifter. Hey, looks like the winners are here. Let’s see what we’ve got.
1 the grand prize is a Kindle ($69 value) and a $35 Amazon GC (or the option of a $100 Amazon or B&N gift card),
1 the first place prize is a Buffalo Bills Blanket and a $20 Amazon gift card
6 prize packs featuring bags full of book swag
- Name: Stephanie Christmann
- Name: Jessica Ryba
- Name: Viki Sloboda
- Name: Karielle Stephanie
- Name: Teresa Mccluskey
A second imp pops up, twirling rapidly and clearly agitated. I need to go take this. Thanks Averill, it’s been a blast.
As soon as Cart is out the door, Averill crosses to the phone. “Hey Mona, I got something you can work with.”
****
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! Ellie will be contacting you for shipping information shortly!
In [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series book 1)[/amazon_link], there are a couple of sheriffs. Outlaws and cowboys alike, they make their own impact on the town. Are one of them my favorite kind of sheriff? Well, you’d have to read it to find out.
