by Sarah | Apr 26, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Contests, Giveaway, Masked Hearts, Writing
Welcome to the Beastly Birthday Blog Hop! Kerrianne Coombes is celebrating the 1st birthday of her demon tales, and a whole lot of us are joining in the fun! There’s more info at the bottom of my post on how to win, and where to go.
For me, true beauty has never been about physical appearance. I mean, sure, we all like to look at the pretty package. The attractive hero with the rock hard abs (say hello to Cole…my hero from [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link]…he’s the one with those abs…~sigh~), the heroine with the flaxen hair, fair eyes.
I like to always go beyond looks. Often in my books you’ll find descriptions of characters sparse. You get Cole and Jane’s hair and eye color (I have a weakness for eyes), you’re told that Jane has a tiny waist, Cole has good musculature and is super tall – but I let most of the rest to your imagination.
I do the same in Masked Hearts – with a small twist.
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
Right on the cover you see the scars lining her back, set into her flesh in her youth.
When you first meet her, she comes across as harsh, cold. Soon after we get a glimpse to what’s hiding underneath those scars.
Despite her physical appearance, I think Minnie is one of the most beautiful characters I’ve written. Years of pain and protecting herself have built up walls to hide a sense of humor, a deep soul, and a warm heart.
Characters and people often speak for themselves.
Jackson Krenshaw in my Dominion Falls Series ([amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], mostly), is handsome and wealthy, and one of the ugliest souls you’ll ever meet. One of the only characters that actually sent a shiver of disgust down my spine as I wrote him – and I’ve written some dark stuff.
I like to write all kinds. My characters all have flaws, some of them are deeply flawed and have to grow a lot to win your hearts. Others start out wonderful and reveal darkness within that turn them ugly. I don’t like safe, and I don’t like two dimensional cookie cutter characters. Everyone has layers, even the worst villain, and I hope that I bring you all of those layers.
*~*
Now…I suppose you want to know how to WIN? There are lots of prizes to enter, but first I’ll tell you what mine is!!
Here at Sarah’s Storylines I’m going to give away a copy of Masked Hearts in your chosen format and a $5 GC to your choice of Amazon or B&N!
To win, all you have to do is leave a comment and answer the question: Has a character ever surprised you by not being what they appeared? Which character?
*~*
What about the grand prize? And all of those other prizes at other blogs? Well, that’s simple.
Head on over to Kerrianne Coombes blog. It’s her hop and she is the host. You can learn more about her fabulous prizes, and find links to everyone else.
But WAIT!! Before you go…remember that image over there…——–>
Write it down. Because you”ll need to know it, and the image at every participants blog for a chance to win the grand prize!!
So go on over to Kerrianne‘s and get a move on. There are so many awesome prizes to win!
by Sarah | Mar 8, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Changing Tracks, Contests, Giveaway, Secret Cravings Publishing, Writing
{WINNER – JL Hammer!!!}
I almost didn’t join this hop, after all my characters don’t inspire any great dessert recipes. There is no scene in Changing Tracks that talks about it, with the exception of one scene where Jane is offered a slice of apple pie.
However, I couldn’t resist showing this ‘outtake’ of sorts – one that Jane may never forgive me for – unless the ending is good enough for her to soften.
Please enjoy – and one lucky commenter will receive a copy of [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], and a $10 Amazon (or Barnes & Noble, your choice) Gift Card! So leave a comment and then get hopping over to the Secret Cravings blog to find chances to win other great SCP authors books (or don’t, so my chances are better 😉 ).
Dessert Is On Me:
Jane threw the pan and everything on it into the water. The smoke that poured off in the resulting clatter and hiss added to the smoke already filling her house. Another attempt at cooking burst into flames—in rather spectacular fashion.
“I give up.” She sneered at the charred and drowning remains of her attempt at sweet cakes. Not even detailed instructions from Cora had resolved her inability to make what Cora had declared a simple recipe.
A knock at the door interrupted her attempt to glare the pan into cleaning itself. She spun and left the pantry. On her way past the stove she kicked shut the door. The whole way to the door she waved her arms at the smoke in a useless gesture of clearing the air.
When Jane yanked open the door, Cole’s lips were already quirked in a cockeyed smirk. His ice blue eyes twinkled without any restraint of his laughter. “I could see the smoke from half a mile back. Wondered if I oughtta call for help.”
“Hush.” She couldn’t contain her own grin at his amusement. “I wanted to try to cook again. Cora swore the recipe was simple, I think she lied.”
“Or you just can’t cook.” He chuckled and held up the bowl in his hand. “Think Cora ain’t too confident in your cooking neither. Sent ya some custard.”
“Good to know she has such faith in me. Too bad she didn’t send some sweet cakes. I prefer it to custard.”
“She did try. I told her to send the custard.” One long finger dipped into the creamy custard and he held it out to her. “It’s more fun.”
“I didn’t think about that.” Her heart fluttered and her womb clenched when he licked his lips. She licked her lips before leaning in to capture his finger in her mouth. The sweet treat melted smooth on her tongue, and she held still until his low groan.
When he took a step closer she swirled her tongue around his finger, flicking it across the tip. Slowly she pulled back, sucking gently until his finger was free.
She smiled and licked her lips. “I don’t remember custard ever tasting so good.”
“I wanna try.”
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
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sadiecass
Follow me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/SarahCass.Author
Don’t forget to go over to the Secret Cravings blog for links to the other participants and their giveaways!!
*~*~*
*Winner will be drawn Monday, March 11th at 9AM. Winner will have choice of Kindle or Nook version (and choice of GC to Amazon or B&N).
by Sarah | Mar 8, 2013 | An Uncivil War, Books, Contests, Giveaway, HerStory - Pagan Writer's Press, Publishing Credits, Writing
In ancient times, women were regarded as sacred. They were thought to hold the mystical power of creation—responsible for the continuation of our species. With the rise of Science and Religion, these myths were dispelled and their plight began.
HerStory: Fiction Honoring Women’s History Month is a collection of Flash Fiction and Short Stories from today’s top authors featuring female characters that exemplify strong strength of mind, body, and character. Some of these tales are based on real people while others are purely fictional. However, all are standing up for themselves and what they believe in.
Grab yourself a glass of wine or favorite hot beverage and get comfortable as you read about the lives of women who will light the fire in your soul.
It’s finally here. HerStory. Available to the masses. And to honor release day, we’re having a party. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win some terrific prizes. *U.S. residents only*
Here’s what’s up for grabs.
GRAND PRIZE
 |
| First Grand Prize |
 |
| First Grand Prize |
Because they have the same agenda: empowering girls/women, Keira’s Kollection owner Mr. Wagstaff has graciously agreed to donate a Strong is Beautiful T-shirt. One very lucky woman is not only going to walk away with a paperback copy of HerStory and be empowered through words, but she will also be showing her empowerment right there on her shirt.
And that’s not all, the grand prize winner also gets a pair of earrings from Cathy from Etsy, who runs Yesware. The earrings sparkle one side and have a message on the other side: the greatest story never told.
Only, we’re telling it, the authors of HerStory. We are telling it.
SECOND GRAND PRIZE
Author Laura DeLuca has donated an incense diffuser to go along with some handmade soap from Greenchild Creations.
And we’re throwing an e-book into this mix. Why soap and diffusers? What does that have to do with women’s history?
In HerStory, Mathilda of Ringelheim runs a bath house. It seems appropriate to honor herstory this way.
AND as Mathilda seems to know, every woman needs soap and every woman needs time to relax. So one lucky winner will take a nice long shower with her fantastic handmade soap, set her diffuser on a table, and curl up with HerStory on her kindle. Who says you can’t be relaxed and empowered at the same time? (and smell good)
THIRD GRAND PRIZE
Another donation from Laura DeLuca: an ebook, a Japanese tea set, and an Oriental incense diffuser. How does this tie into HerStory?
In Please Stay, Asuka, a Japanese wife of the 1600s, is preparing the evening meal while awkwardly trying to discuss a matter–somewhat delicate–but of great importance with her husband.
As you get lost in your ebook, in Asuka’s story (penned by Becca Diane), you can pretend you are there. Perhaps you feel your husband’s penetrating stare. But you serve him his tea, straighten your spine, and say what needs to be said…then wait, breath held, for his reply, incense lightening the tension in the air…
FOURTH GRAND PRIZE
One lucky winner will have a chance to make their voice heard on the radio…with a $25 Amazon gift card burning a hole in their pocket!
HerStory goes behind the scenes to locate the stories of women who lived, laughed, and touched the lives of generations…
Now, here is your chance to have your story told to the world….or your mother’s…it’s your chance to talk about the most inspiring woman or women in YOUR life. Shout it out! Tell listeners everywhere about this amazing person. Honor her!
This prize is being donated by Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes.
PRIZE 5, FOUR WINNERS, FOUR TINS OF EMPOWERMINTS
Four of these tins of mints are being donated by the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. That means four lucky winners are going to win a tin of mints to carry around in their pockets and every time they look at the tin, they’ll be empowered!
The tin is also the perfect size to serve as a pillbox once the mints are gone. This is something you can keep for a LONG time.
PRIZE 6, TWO WINNERS, CROSS STITCH WALL HANGINGS
Author and editor Tara Chevrestt has a secret addiction and hobby. It makes her feel like an old lady, so she keeps it under wraps, but now the truth is out…
She likes to cross stitch!!!
Two lucky winners will walk away with these. They are 3.25″ by 6″ and have a hard backing so they may be placed on a wall.
PRIZE 7, ONE WINNER, FLAPPER-STYLE HATDonated from Rakestraw Book Design.
Toni Rakestraw, one of the HerStory contributors, is stitching this hat so one lucky reader can–in her mind–march in a suffragette parade as she reads HerStory. Or perhaps this is something Margaret Sanger would have worn as she leaves the workhouse in The Woman Rebel.
PRIZE 8, ONE WINNER, ONE PAINTING
You’ve heard the term multi-published and many of HerStory’s authors can place that before their name, but how about multi-talented?
Author Morgan Summerfield can not only write as she shoes us in Adella, but she can paint too! She is kindly donating a painting 27″ wide by 11″ high, titled Morning Poppies. The frame is handmade with real wood and she stretches all her own canvases. It is hand-painted-by her!-in multi media.
And last, but certainly not least, we have a lovely Coco Chanel quote pendant donated by the lovely Jewelry Designs by Lula. One winner will win this delightful pendant that says A girl should be things: WHO and WHAT she wants.
I could not have said it better.
Enter for all prizes using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is for three weeks. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their snail mail addresses. After 48 hours, new winners will be chosen.
Thank you and enjoy HerStory! Be empowered! Learn something. Believe in yourself and womankind.
Buy links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Sarah | Sep 14, 2010 | Changing Tracks, Contests, Writing
It’s a sort of butterfly effect.
You change one detail and the whole story changes. It can be a good thing, it can be a bad thing.
With Mercury’s retrograde cycle finally ending on Sunday I found myself with an unusual flurry of activity. See, the last query I sent out to an agent was way back in July. July 6th, to be exact. At that point I pretty much stopped. I did send out the query to the smaller publisher, but otherwise I did nothing.
I waited on results from contests, I wrote a (very) little, I got my response back from the publisher, and I collapsed.
Not because the editor was cruel or the tips were unmanageable, or that I couldn’t handle the c/c. It just was not time for me to work on it.
I admit for one night I wallowed. Cried into my keyboard and my facebook page.
Then I left it. I left the notes, I left the story, I worked on my personal blog, and I worked on some of the 100 words projects. I even posted a couple of times here.
About a week ago I picked up those notes and fiddled with the ms, but not with much enthusiasm.
Then Sunday out of the blue I got a request for a partial. One of the last agents I had queried requested more material. A bit of hope sparked again, but something in me made me hold off.
Then yesterday I got the results/feedback from the one contest I entered. I didn’t final, but I got moderately helpful notes from one of my two judges. Plus, both confirmed my suspicion that my synopsis pretty well sucked (though not so bad, I did get a request for a partial off of it).
Now to the point of my post (finally)…
Today, energy and excitement returned. Based on the notes I got, I rewrote the synopsis. It’s FAR less detailed than my last one. I left out a lot of secondary characters I mentioned in the original. I actually left out part of the mystery to focus on the romance. I cleaned it and tightened it.
Then I looked at my ms again. I looked at the notes I’d received. The first two chapters were fine, but an idea tickled me on the third based on those notes (part of what was requested). I realized that with one small change I could alter those opening chapters. In one moment the manuscript could make more sense, run smoother, and cleaner.
Now I’m going to have to go through and make some minor adjustments in the next few chapters along with the basic cleanup recommended by the editor…but with one change I feel confident again.
So I was right. I didn’t have anything to lose. I had everything to gain.
by Sarah | Jun 27, 2010 | Changing Tracks, Contests
Last week I had another first.
I entered Changing Tracks into its first contest.
After I hit send I wandered around the website for the contest. Then I panicked. I had known from the start that this particular contest gives ms feedback to all of its entries. At least, I had read it. It didn’t really hit me until after.
I think it was seeing the form that they use for feedback that did it. Looking at all the areas the scant 35 pages they are seeing will be judged.
Don’t get me wrong – I’ve known all along that the ms would be judged. Not just in this contest, but by every single agent that receives a partial.
There is something about having every little detail laid out in front of you in black and white that makes you start to panic. Seriously. Palms sweating, mind racing, ‘what did I just do’ panic.
I calmed down. I moved on. I’ve continued editing and fine tuning. I’ve completely changed my query (this time getting NO feedback on it and ending up w/ a partial request.). I’ve kept querying. I’ve made plans to enter it in another contest. In fact, that one does not give feedback to every entry, but it takes the full manuscript.
In two months time I’ll know one way or another, because both contests have said that they’ll notify finalists by September.
I’ve got nothing to lose by entering. If I’m not a finalist nothing is lost. If I am, a ton is gained.
Once I have them sent off, though…I have the same issue I do with all of this querying.
Putting it from my mind.
I’m SO bad at that.
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
