tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53875031917640270202024-03-13T06:37:42.721-04:00KAILY HART, WRITERLove... steamy style.Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-48619527411588572402012-08-29T21:17:00.001-04:002012-08-29T21:17:43.314-04:00How I Write...Worldbuilding and my Vadim World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfsPzpoNjoY/UD6_BJLr7UI/AAAAAAAAAlw/QSv0Hl0f__g/s1600/Laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfsPzpoNjoY/UD6_BJLr7UI/AAAAAAAAAlw/QSv0Hl0f__g/s320/Laptop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the differences in writing a paranormal book in comparison to a contemporary one is the degree of world building that is done. Of course, this is completely subjective, but it was a fun departure for me to create a new culture in the <em>Vadim</em> with RISE OF HOPE. I wrote an article about world building and give some insights into the process I used to create my new world. I hope you'll check it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?2231-World-Building.-It’s-not-Just-for-Those-Genres-by-Kaily-Hart" target="_blank">World Building. It's not just for<em> those</em> genres.</a>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-16605105175294461282012-08-28T20:11:00.000-04:002012-08-28T20:11:18.250-04:00My Book's on Audible & Why it's Weird!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ED374c7V52o/UD1dh44XZVI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/EJlvRXg5G-s/s1600/Audible.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ED374c7V52o/UD1dh44XZVI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/EJlvRXg5G-s/s320/Audible.png" width="320" /></a></div>
My latest release, RISE OF HOPE was just released on Audible. I knew they'd selected it for audio of course, but when that happens, the author really is given no idea when it might come out. Considering some of the specific words in my book, I thought they may reach out to me for pronunciations. I was told they might. I'd be waiting, wondering, thinking there'd been some mistake, that they'd changed their minds. Nope LOL. It's just suddenly out there. And it's totally weird. I listened to a sample yesterday. And I could only listen to about two minutes before I had to shut it off. Why? Well:<br />
<ul>
<li>I can't tell you how strange it is listening to another voice read my words back to me. I mean, up to this point, the only time I've heard my book is in my own head!</li>
<li>The narrator is a woman and for the short part I listened to, did a really good job. BUT she reads it at a different pace than I do. And has a different accent to me. Double weird!</li>
<li>It made me realize, there are people out there who have read my books. This may be a "duh" and I know this intellectually, but this is real, hard, solid evidence. This women obviously spent a LOT of time with my book and my words.</li>
<li>It gave me goosebumps, in a "this is so cool and neat but weird and I'm sorta freaked out" way. Hey, I'm a writer. No better way to describe it LOL. </li>
</ul>
Perhaps it just me, but it's a rather surreal experience. I'm not sure how many people out there really buy and listen to audio books (I hope it's a lot), but it really is something freakin' COOL!<br />
<br />
If you'd like to listen to a sample, it's up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rise-of-Hope/dp/B0092K48AM/ref=la_B003WAD3D6_1_6_title_1_audd?ie=UTF8&qid=1346197652&sr=1-6" target="_blank">here</a> at Amazon. I'm out of the country at the moment and for some reason, can't see it directly on Audible, but people have let me know it's there. Or <a href="http://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=Kaily+Hart" target="_blank">here</a> :). If you do listen or do buy it as an audio book, I'd love to hear what you think!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-74473910508874526452012-08-27T07:15:00.003-04:002012-08-27T07:15:54.240-04:00Embarrassing Moments. Oh…and it’s Release Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPe8rrruN0/UDtWs47lSEI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ONs3H0MzB6o/s1600/embarrassing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPe8rrruN0/UDtWs47lSEI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ONs3H0MzB6o/s1600/embarrassing.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ah, embarrassing moments. I’ve had my share of them,
let me tell you. There was the time I got stuck in a restroom in India. Yeah,
India. I could not for the life of me get the cubicle door open, there was no
way to climb under or over it and every other woman who came in couldn’t speak
a word of English LOL. There was the time I headed to an interview, running really late, only
to realize I still had my slippers on O.o. Then there was the time I was in
Toronto preparing for a big presentation, ironing my ONLY clean business blouse
when I burned a huge iron pattern onto it. And that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> compared to the time I— Wait, you probably don’t need to
know that one </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Did I disclose all this to make myself look like an
idiot? Well, I hope not! Hopefully, it provides some examples of someone being
human. Granted, ‘being human’ probably doesn’t happen to others as often as it
happens to me, but it’s what makes us unique, individual, gives us our
personality, our quirks, like building blocks to who we are today. As a writer,
it’s critical to create characters readers can relate to and people relate to others
they can really identify with. Someone who is gorgeous and perfect and rich and
successful and never makes a fool of themselves isn’t necessarily a sympathetic
character, isn’t necessarily one a reader will like. Characters need flaws,
weaknesses, traits that set them apart. Sometimes they need to make mistakes,
react the wrong way, do something foolish or unpredictable. It not only makes a
character more relatable so a reader will want to root for their happily ever
after, sometimes it provides a great opportunity for plot interest.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I’ve used embarrassing moments or characters behaving
badly in some way in my books before. Not necessarily to create a funny or
shocking scene in of itself, but to build a realistic character. In my latest
release, RISE OF HOPE, my hero is a real gem. At first </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.
He’s moody, surly and downright rude. Of course, it’s part of who he is, a
product of his upbringing, how he handles truths he might not be ready for, but
underneath it all he has a core of integrity that’s unshakeable. In other
words, he’s redeemable, but I had fun playing with how much of a jerk he could
really be. Below is an excerpt from RISE OF HOPE and Seth being, well… Seth:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfOyZR4M-XM/UDtV-QBnzMI/AAAAAAAAAko/45PskfaASDc/s1600/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfOyZR4M-XM/UDtV-QBnzMI/AAAAAAAAAko/45PskfaASDc/s1600/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+M.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> “First…
Tell me…who am I to you?” she demanded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> His
gaze flew back to hers, held, heated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT;"> Who are you? What are you? What
am I? What does all this mean?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT;"></span></i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> Yeah,
he might not have given her the answers she was looking for or done it well,
but at least he could have tried to field those questions. But did she ask
those? No. She was sharp, really sharp. It figured. She asked the one thing he
couldn’t answer, didn’t want to think about and wasn’t ready to face himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> “You’re
a job,” he bit out. “I’m helping you escape. I’ll deliver you somewhere safe
and make no mistake, I’ll protect you with my life, but you’re a job.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Nothing
more. </span></i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">He thought it, but couldn’t get the words out. For
sure she’d know he was lying. And who the hell was he trying to convince
anyway?</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, come on. I showed you mine, now you show me yours </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.
Share one of your own embarrassing moments, you know, to make sure I don’t look
like an idiot here on my own. <strong>To celebrate the release of RISE OF HOPE <span style="color: magenta;">TODAY</span> one lucky reader who comments on my blog will be
randomly selected to win...a $25 gift card to an online ebook store of choice. </strong>I'll keep it open through Wednesday 11:59 pm Eastern. Good
luck!</span>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-49820830981879873912012-08-22T22:04:00.001-04:002012-08-22T22:05:04.092-04:00Rise of Hope. A taste...There'd be no dispute from anyone who has read any of my books that I like my heroes alpha. Also, a bit moody on occasion and a teensy bit tortured. The hero of my upcoming book, RISE OF HOPE is no exception. Actually, Seth is probably all of these and more rolled into one. Of course, he has some very good reasons and you all know the heroine (Devon) will eventually kiss it better and make everything bearable for him, right? In that vein, I thought I'd share one of Devon's first impressions of Seth. Yeah, they don't first meet in the best of circumstances. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
<em>The imposter glanced at the knife, unconcerned. She knew he carried no weapons, her bodyguards had searched him thoroughly, but he didn’t need one. He was weapon enough. She wouldn’t stand a chance against him.</em></div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
Of course, does she really want to? ;)</div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Rise of Hope</span></strong> releases from Carina Press on August 27. You can find all the details on my <a href="http://www.kailyhart.com/books/Rise-of-Hope/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
</span></span><br />Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-52783747112956278052012-08-20T08:29:00.000-04:002012-08-20T08:31:43.829-04:001 Week & Counting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZALy50D_J0/UDIpXfYOxsI/AAAAAAAAAkE/QrWbx1rUe8U/s1600/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZALy50D_J0/UDIpXfYOxsI/AAAAAAAAAkE/QrWbx1rUe8U/s320/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+M.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
So...this is where it gets exciting. It's one week out from my new release on August 27 and there's equal amounts of excitement and anxiety. It's always exciting to see a new book move out into the public arena. I write for readers after all, so this is the culmination of that work, the achievement of that ultimate goal, but for me, it's a beginning as well. Kind of like a birth. Plus, I get to hear what people really think of the book :). <br />
<br />
There are also a few firsts to celebrate. This is the first paranormal romance I've written. I've always loved the genre as a reader and it seemed natural to move into it as a writer. I figured I would get there eventually. Also, it's the first series I've written. RISE OF HOPE is book 1 of my Fabric of Fate series. It was interesting to experience the differences of developing not just a single book story arc, but a series arc as well. RISE OF HOPE is the first of a 5-book series. The story overall revolves around a secret, ancient race of humans on the brink of extinction and their fight to survive and I play with the role that fate plays in all of this. I also had some fun coming up with a series tag line:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;"><strong>The<i>Vadïm</i>...will fate alone determine their future or can they carve out their own destiny?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">BLURB</span></strong><br />
<br />
<em>A secret ancient race of humans with fantastical abilities, the Vadïm are
on the brink of extinction. Many of their women are imprisoned by an
organization known as The Assembly, their history all but lost...</em><br />
Devon Monroe has been a prisoner her entire life. She's determined to make
sense of the strange markings on her body, to learn why no one may touch her, to
find where she belongs. That means escaping into the unknown, where she has no
choice but to trust her self-appointed protector.<br />
Soldier-for-hire Seth Eastman has a job to do: deliver Devon to safety. When
Seth discovers the markings on Devon's body, he's stunned at what they mean. And
at how she awakens his long-suppressed needs. As they struggle to escape
detection and search for the truth of the <em>Vadïm</em>, can he ever hope to
claim her for his own?<br />
<br />
Stay tuned this week as I share excerpts from the book throughout the week!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-9631718777491644842012-07-10T09:02:00.000-04:002012-07-10T09:02:00.023-04:00Just Published - Robin Covington (& giveaway)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDXxsj3R8yc/T_uZoMEJ4LI/AAAAAAAAAi4/_ia4EBjjE9o/s1600/Robin+Covington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDXxsj3R8yc/T_uZoMEJ4LI/AAAAAAAAAi4/_ia4EBjjE9o/s320/Robin+Covington.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I have fabulous debut author, Robin Covington on <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Just Published</span></strong>. I've known Robin for a quite some time from online communities and I've had the pleasure of meeting her in person. She's such a sweetheart and I couldn't be happier to see her a published author and doing so well. Robin's published with Entangled and I'm interested to see how it all came about.<br />
<br />
The basics of Robin's first novel is as follows:<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Title:</span></strong> A Night of Southern Comfort<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Genre:</span></strong> Contemporary Category<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Words:</span></strong> 54K<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Publisher:</span></strong> Entangled Publishing<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Published Date:</span></strong> June 15, 2012<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrR64xCQg1A/T_wkxXe2zJI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/5HShrBydhRw/s1600/ANoSC-500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrR64xCQg1A/T_wkxXe2zJI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/5HShrBydhRw/s200/ANoSC-500px.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Blurb/Excerpt:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em><span style="color: white;">One night of passion... </span></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">Detective Jackson Cantrell
never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life
upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke
awakened a passion inside him he'd buried years ago.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">He never expected the woman
would turn out to be the governor's daughter...and his next assignment. The
governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her
from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep
things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart
can't keep the same promise.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">But when the stalker's
attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must
race to save Michaela's life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once
she discovers his lie.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>So, let's get
started with the specifics! How would you describe what you
write?</strong></span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I write hot, sexy, books
where the hero and heroine can't keep their hands off each other. They
also think they can fool around and not fall in love and I love to prove them
wrong.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">LOL. Sounds like a great 'core
story' concept. What’s your writing process in a
nutshell?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I think up the first line -
it pops into my head- and then I canoodle on it until I figure out what it's
about and who it's about. Once I have that in my head I figure out the ending
and I write a one-page, bulletized plot outline that looks like the rantings of
a crazy person. The I open up the Word document and start with page one
and write in a straight linear fashion. I cannot jump around - Although I
really wish I could!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">And I wish I could write sequentially like that!What has your submission
history looked like? Rejections? Manuscripts written? Number of years ‘seriously
writing’, etc?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I started wriiting
seriously towards publication three years ago. ANoSC is my second
completed manuscript (the first one was terrible dreck). I had wonderful
success with contests, many requests but was rejected many times for many
reasons - "not a good fit" or "too sexy". But,
still, I firmly believe that contests are a fantastic way to get excellent
feedback, improve your craft and to become acclimated to the submission
process. The comments will toughen you up for the rejections. ANoSc
was rejected twice before it sold to Entangled Publishing.</span>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">I totally agree about contests. How did you pick your
publisher?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I write category romance
and there are only so many cowboys in that rodeo. My choices of publisher
were limted and once I was rejected there was only so much I could do with that
book. When I learned about Entangled starting a category romance line and
that Lori Wilde and Alethea Spirison-Hopson were part of it, I knew I wanted to
be a part of it. I submitted it to them and crossed my fingers and toes.</span><br />
<br /><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">What’s your ‘call’ story?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I'm a night owl so it was
11:30 pm and I checked my email and saw that I had one from Lori Wilde. It
had only been one week since my submission and I figured that it was a
rejection with that fast turnaround. I opened it up and had to read it
about 900 times before I understood that she wanted to buy my book.
The Main Man was asleep and I woke him up to tell him and he went downstairs
and popped a cork on a champagne bottle and we celebrated with a midnight
toast. He went back to bed and I didn't sleep a wink. ;)</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Aw, how romantic! Did you have an agent
when you sold? Now?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Nope. No agent and I
still don't have one. I'm a contract attorney in real-life and I have an
intellectual property attorney at my disposal, so I don't really see the need
at this point. If I ever branch out into single-title, I'll get one.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">What’s it like working with a publisher and editor? Are
revisions really as bad as you hear?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My revisions were not so
bad. Now, I trashed an entire chapter - yep, hit the delete key and let
it go- because it just didn't work, I knew it didn;t work and my editor (the
wonderful Ann Kopchik) was honest with me. Revisions were hard but you have to
leave your pride at the door and do whatever you have to do to make your book
the best it can be.</span> <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">And your ego, right? So, how did you feel the first time you saw your cover? How much input
did you have?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">I cried. I didn't see
my cover until the day before release because Entangled keeps them close-hold
but I loved it on sight. I filled out the cover art form and gave descriptions
etc but I actually found the photo and attached it as a "this one speaks
to me" suggestion. I was psyched that my cover artist, Heather Howland,
used it. I LOVE my cover.</span><strong> </strong></span><strong> </strong></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Aw, that's so great. What was release day like?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">I took the day off and
ended up sleeping a lot because I was sick as a dog. Every couple hours,
I would check Amazon and B&N and then go back to bed. It went live around
6:30 pm and then I was on the computer answering emails, FB messages etc. from
friends. It was an amazing day even with the TheraFlu haze.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;">
</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Sorry to hear you were sick. At least it was memorable! How did you market
your book?</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">Blogging. Lots of blogging
- thanks Kaily! My publisher has ads on FB and Goodreads and I have them
on different romance review sites. I didn't have a huge fan base but I have
been amazed by the word-of-mouth promotion for my book. The lady/friend
who does my waxing (TMI?) has my cover up in her spa and lots of her clients
have bought the book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">What’s the
most surprising thing you learned during the publishing
process?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">That so many people really
do want you to succeed. We hear so much about evil agents, terrible publishers
etc but I have also met so many people who genuinely want you to succeed.
I try to surround myself with positive people like that and ignore the jerks.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">That's a great approach. What do you think were the factors that got you
published?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">Timing. Timing.
Timing. My book literally landed on the right desk at the right
time. Entangled was looking for new authors and I pushed send on that
email so fast, I looked like one of the slo-mo characters in the Matrix. I was
ready and didn't hesitate. Cherry Adair talks about working hard so that
you are ready when the opportunity comes to you. I worked hard to improve my
craft and I submitted my book knowing that it might be rejected but also that I
had no chance of getting it published if it stayed on my computer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Yeah, there is a luck factor BUT a book still has to be good. What’s your 5 year plan look like?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">I think I would still like to write category
romance because I just love the genre. But, I think by then I will want
to try my hand at single-title and see how that goes.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Good for you and yeah!
What’s up next for you?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">I just sold a Christmas
novella, "Secret Santa baby" to the Flirt line at Entangled. I
have two projects - a paranormal and a super-sexy category - in acquisitions
for the Covet and Brazen line at Entanged. And, right now, I'm writing
the book proposal for the three sequels to ANoSC. Each of the "The
Boys" in that book get their own HEA.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;">
</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Congrats!! I love series and connected books :). What’s the best advice you can impart to
writers aspiring to be published?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span class="yui320211340936816517214"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">Keep writing. Use contests strategically to ge
your books out of the slush pile and on an editor or agents desk. Finish
the book, polish it and send it out.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="yui320211340936816517214"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Great advice of course. Now for some fun! If you were stranded on a desert
island but could only take 1 thing from each of the following categories, what
would it be & why:</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">Person: </span></strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">My
husband. I'd be guaranteed a fun time because he is so hilarious. (and
he;s a former Naval Officer and went through survival training - we would be
okay)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">Animal:</span>
</strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">A
chicken. The incredible, edible egg!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Food: </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">Ghiradelli
caramel chocolate squares. Why not? You gotta have something sinful
to eat.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Book: </strong></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">"Life
After Joe" by Harper Fox.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Music: </strong></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">The
Bruce Springsteen collection - not including anything post "Tunnel of
Love" He became too preachy after that record . . . Just sing, dude. Don't
preach at me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Personal Item: </strong></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">A
razor.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHkSpw9coz4/T_wnZk4QQiI/AAAAAAAAAjo/OGJDlGsF7uk/s1600/Robin+Covington+Headshot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHkSpw9coz4/T_wnZk4QQiI/AAAAAAAAAjo/OGJDlGsF7uk/s320/Robin+Covington+Headshot+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">I hear ya on the razor! Robin, thanks so much for being here on Just Published today. It was so great to learn more about your journey and experience your path to publication with you. I'd wish you much continued and awesome success, but I know you're already well on your way. Big hugs!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;">If you'd like to learn more about Robin and her books, please check her out:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="color: white;">website: </span></strong><a href="http://www.robincovingtonromance.com/"><strong><span style="color: white;">http://www.robincovingtonromance.com</span></strong></a><br /><strong><span style="color: white;">
facebook: </span></strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RobinCovingtonRomanceAuthor"><strong><span style="color: white;">https://www.facebook.com/RobinCovingtonRomanceAuthor</span></strong></a><br /><strong><span style="color: white;">
Twitter: @RobinCovington<br />
Pinterest: </span></strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/robincovington1/"><strong><span style="color: white;">http://pinterest.com/robincovington1/</span></strong></a><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><strong>
</strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">AND Robin will be giving away a copy of her ebook to one random commenter through Thursday 5 p.m. EDT. Why don't we make it easy by asking: What makes a book a GREAT book for you?</span>
</strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">
<span id="yiv568238120yui_3_2_0_22_13408924006436131"></span></span></span>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-15049094751139630552012-07-06T12:23:00.001-04:002012-07-06T12:23:20.066-04:00I Got Cover...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4cOAXknCWU/T_cM19ChVpI/AAAAAAAAAiE/NXpi1a_emGE/s1600/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4cOAXknCWU/T_cM19ChVpI/AAAAAAAAAiE/NXpi1a_emGE/s1600/Rise+of+Hope+by+Kaily+Hart+-+L.jpg" /></a>Book 1 in my new <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Fabric of Fate</strong></span> series now has a cover! I love the swirly atmospheric effects over it and of course, I love the hot pink :). HOW did they know LOL? I think the hero is channeling a young Ryan Reynolds perhaps :). This will be my first paranormal romance and it's the first book of a 5-book series. I've always loved paranormal, but was a little hesitant about jumping into this genre at first because of the world building. In my mind, it has to be rich and strong for it to work effectively and I wasn't sure I was really ready when I started writing. But of course the ideas and the characters just wouldn't leave me alone and at the end of the day, I had no choice in the matter. When I think about paranormal stories, vampires and shifters immediately come to mind. It was important for me to ensure my paranormal series had a unique paranormal element in it, so you'll find no blood suckers or weres in these books! It's something a little (but not too) different. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I've been thinking about promotion, I came up with the following for the series tag line:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><strong>A
secret ancient race of humans with fantastical abilities, the <i>Vadïm</i> are
on the brink of extinction. Will fate alone determine their future or can they
carve out their own destiny?</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it encapsulates the entire series arc at a high level! Although the cover's not there yet, the book is up for pre-order on site such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rise-of-Hope-ebook/dp/B0088NH2K2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1341590865&sr=8-7&keywords=kaily+hart" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-of-hope-kaily-hart/1111399577?ean=9781426894268" target="_blank">B&N</a> and other book sites that sell ebooks. How exciting is that? Now, I only have to wait another 52 days for its release. How should I pass the time do you think?</div>
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>The <em><span style="color: magenta;">Vadïm</span></em> are coming!</strong></span>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-85200870705154030662012-07-03T10:00:00.001-04:002012-07-03T10:00:21.545-04:00You never call, you don't write...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N99We0N2cM/T_L6WUyCo1I/AAAAAAAAAhs/S0TFq1PnpCs/s1600/Lipstick+LipsMedium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N99We0N2cM/T_L6WUyCo1I/AAAAAAAAAhs/S0TFq1PnpCs/s1600/Lipstick+LipsMedium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N99We0N2cM/T_L6WUyCo1I/AAAAAAAAAhs/S0TFq1PnpCs/s200/Lipstick+LipsMedium.jpg" width="200" /></a>I know, I know. I've been absent of late from the blog. I've been doing fly-bys on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date, but it just isn't the same. Life and reality have gotten in the way of my author-writing life. How DARE it, right?<br />
<br />
I've been hard at work on the second book in my new Fabric of Fate series (book 1 releases at the end of August). I know I say this about all my heroes, but I am SO in love with the guys in this series. Sigh. Swoon. Drool. I hope you're going to love them just as much. I've also been thinking about promo and all that other stuff that takes away from actually writing time.<br />
<br />
I also managed to get away for a week with the kids to Disney. And *gasp* I even managed to get in some reading. Can you believe it? I read the latest <strong>Jill Shalvis</strong> (<strong>Lucky in Love</strong>) and <strong>Tangle of Need</strong> from <strong>Nalini Singh</strong>. These are two of my all time favorite authors and I love to switch it up when it comes to genres. <br />
<br />
What have YOU been reading and enjoying lately??Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-16809581160280912252012-05-28T23:35:00.002-04:002012-05-28T23:36:47.853-04:00What Women Want - A Special Guest & A Giveaway!!I have a special guest on my blog today, <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Keri Ford.</span></strong> Keri writes sexy, country, contemporary romances and is celebrating her latest release, <em>Rough Ride</em>. Take it away, Keri!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">*****</span></div>
<br />
Thank you Kaily so much for inviting
me here today for a stop on my Roughneck Blog Tour!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
I’m dishing on things women want. And
not the movie. But in general. What do we want? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Me? With a husband, toddler and a
dog—I want a maid! Have someone in to wash my clothes, clean my house, bathe my
dog. Now that’s the stuff. Practical stuff. Either that or I’m just lazy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
We’ll stick with practical.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Gretchen Jones, heroine of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rough Ride</i> isn’t so much into material
needs like I am. She just wants someone to fill that empty space in the bed
next to her. Lightly snore during the middle of the night to have something
else to listen to besides the whine of the air conditioner and hum of the
refrigerator. Feel a heartbeat against her back. His breath on her shoulder.
Someone to beat the loneliness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Not just any man will do. She wants
Lane Iverson. And to get him, she’s going to have to work for it. In her own
way, on her own terms. Terms Lane isn’t sure he can resist!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m-4tteFQkU/T8QGq-KKEoI/AAAAAAAAAgo/HaRhFaiie-o/s1600/aslimed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m-4tteFQkU/T8QGq-KKEoI/AAAAAAAAAgo/HaRhFaiie-o/s200/aslimed.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: magenta;">Leave
me a comment! Let me know what YOU want! Today’s winner gets an ecopy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And She Liked It</i> by Voirey Linger<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i> Thanks so much Voirey for donating
your book to my tour! Learn more about Voirey at her </span><a href="http://www.voireylinger.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">website</span></a><span style="color: magenta;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/VoireyLinger"><span style="color: magenta;">twitter</span></a><span style="color: magenta;"> and </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Voirey-Linger/144027495637909"><span style="color: magenta;">Facebook</span></a><span style="color: magenta;">!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong>Blurb</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YA7MrDYhs/T8QGBf5SOrI/AAAAAAAAAgY/NogBSBV70nQ/s1600/ROUGHRIDE_1+med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YA7MrDYhs/T8QGBf5SOrI/AAAAAAAAAgY/NogBSBV70nQ/s320/ROUGHRIDE_1+med.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You do for family, no matter what. Lane Iverson
knows that better than anyone. Harboring a secret about his mother’s death,
Lane is counting the days until he finishes helping his brothers with some work
and can head back to his hiding hole hours away. As long as he doesn’t have to
face his three brothers every day, the guilt is easier to carry.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is only one thing that can risk his plan. All of five foot tall with these deep
eyes and a voice that shudders through him. The completely addicting, Gretchen
Jones. She’s been watching him the entire time he’s been in town. With courage
from her friends behind her, she confronts what she wants. To her surprise,
that’s the easy part. Keeping her heart protected when she knows he’ll be
leaving? Not so easy, but her only choice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><strong>Links</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Read Chapter One <a href="http://bit.ly/H0azIz"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/H0azIz</span></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/IQiTz8"><span style="color: blue;">http://amzn.to/IQiTz8</span></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Barnes &
Nobel <a href="http://bit.ly/J9Rzth"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://bit.ly/J9Rzth">http://bit.ly/J9Rzth</a></span><a href="http://bit.ly/J9Rzth"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
AllRomance Ebooks
<a href="http://bit.ly/JN35rh"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/JN35rh</span></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
TMP <a href="http://bit.ly/JrZkK1"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/JrZkK1</span></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Goodreads <a href="http://bit.ly/KgZbaL"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/KgZbaL</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
*****</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Well, now know what <em>I</em> want! I want to read that book :). Check out Keri's website for more information about her books and The Roughnecks Blog Tour with all the giveaway, sneak peeks and blog stops: <a href="http://bit.ly/Hb1hwS"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/Hb1hwS</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9ylSiZXDZc/T8QGfYb1fNI/AAAAAAAAAgg/kdrCGLj-wPY/s1600/Roughnecks+BT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9ylSiZXDZc/T8QGfYb1fNI/AAAAAAAAAgg/kdrCGLj-wPY/s200/Roughnecks+BT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You can also connect with Keri:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Website <a href="http://bit.ly/Heo4Vr"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/Heo4Vr</span></a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter <a href="http://bit.ly/HRgGgu"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/HRgGgu</span></a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook <a href="http://on.fb.me/HenzL0"><span style="color: blue;">http://on.fb.me/HenzL0</span></a></span></span></div>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-62992639838592049752012-05-16T23:56:00.002-04:002012-05-16T23:56:54.478-04:00I Got BlurbYay!! I have the blurb for Rise of Hope, book 1 in my Fabric of Fate paranormal romance series. Whew! That's a mouthful. I can't tell you how excited I am for this book. It's the first in a 5-book series about a secret race of humans. They can do really special things and are fighting against an enemy they barely understand. Oh, and there's kissing and stuff. Maybe even more than kissing ;). I can't give too much away, but I can share the blurb. It might be tweaked a little from here, but this is pretty much it:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">A secret ancient race of humans with fantastical
abilities, the Vadïm are on the brink of extinction. Many of their women are
imprisoned by an organization known as The Assembly, their history all but lost
. . . </span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Devon Monroe has been a prisoner her entire life. She’s
determined to make sense of the strange markings on her body, to learn why no
one may touch her, to find where she belongs. That means escaping into the
unknown, where she has no choice but to trust her self-appointed protector. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Soldier
for hire Seth Eastman has a job to do: deliver Devon to safety. When Seth
discovers the markings on Devon’s body, he’s stunned at what it means. And at
how she awakens his long-suppressed needs. As they struggle to escape detection
and search for the truth of the <i>Vadïm</i>, can he ever hope to claim her for
his own? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Below is just one of the many pictures I used as inspiration for Seth. I'll share some of the others over the next couple months. Some of the hotter ones ;).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye7EtF6DGCo/T7R09aXUtrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/w6WsbvcFH1M/s1600/Seth3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye7EtF6DGCo/T7R09aXUtrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/w6WsbvcFH1M/s1600/Seth3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-36206410602055840792012-05-02T10:18:00.002-04:002012-05-02T10:18:55.942-04:00Wanna Score Some Great Stuff?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y21ULlGCtxw/T6FB6uz0SaI/AAAAAAAAAfE/EuPa7W1jBEc/s1600/diabetes+auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y21ULlGCtxw/T6FB6uz0SaI/AAAAAAAAAfE/EuPa7W1jBEc/s320/diabetes+auction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of those in the writing community know about the <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/" target="_blank">Brenda Novak Auction for the Cure of Diabetes 2012</a>! It's been going now for several years and it's purpose is to raise money towards diabetes research. It's such a wonderful cause and the items available are just fabulous. Seriously. Fabulous! There are items for readers and writers alike and everyone in between. The auction runs through the end of May with some items up for bid throughout the entire period, others come up for a specific day, so it pays to keep a close eye on it. <br />
<br />
I have my own personal connection to diabetes. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy (twins!) where prior I had no issues. Although I'm now fully recovered, I was able to experience for that peroid of time, in a small way, what it's like to be diabetic. And it aint fun, let me tell you. For a needle phobic? Having to test blood 4 times a day? Torture LOL. Just like a lot of people, there is diabetes in my family as well. It probably affects most people at some stage either directly or indirectly, right?<br />
<br />
I'm fortunate now that I'm in a position to contribute myself to this wonderful auction. I have 3 items out there for bid:<br />
<br />
I was one of a group of Carina Press authors who donated 2 Kindles to the auction. They're also loaded with a BUNCH of ebooks!<br />
<a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2523899" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle 3G</a><br />
<a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2523898" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle Fire/with Cover</a><br />
<br />
I also donated my time for a <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2558814" target="_blank">first chapter/30 page critique</a>! <br />
<br />
AND I donated an awesome and amazing <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2558817" target="_blank">Steampunk 8GB USB drive</a>! It also doubles as a pendant. <br />
<br />
What are you waiting for? GO! Because it's such a wonderful cause, I'd appreciate it if you'd spread the word :).Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-81275053106108204622012-04-09T09:45:00.000-04:002012-04-09T09:45:26.258-04:00Just Published - Taryn Elliot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KDBVrqeG3M/T4HZPpXZQ4I/AAAAAAAAAds/KS477DNLRJA/s1600/JUST+PUBLISHED+MASTER+-+Taryn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KDBVrqeG3M/T4HZPpXZQ4I/AAAAAAAAAds/KS477DNLRJA/s320/JUST+PUBLISHED+MASTER+-+Taryn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay, I know. I haven't done one of these for awhile, but it's time to get the ball rolling on them again. I just LOVE to hear about newly published authors, their journey so far and how they've felt about their experiences along the way. I think it's incredibly uplifting for aspiring authors and just plain inspirational for any writer. This week I have the fabulous <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Taryn Elliot</span></strong>. Taryn just published her first book and I'm so excited for her!! Let's look at the specifics of the first book:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGSutY3S4YA/T4InHuEkVXI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GwPUG3LeCFI/s1600/UYHblogtop.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGSutY3S4YA/T4InHuEkVXI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GwPUG3LeCFI/s200/UYHblogtop.png" width="122" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Title:</strong></span> Uncross Your Heart<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Genre:</span></strong> Contemporary Erotic Romance<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Words:</span></strong> 78,000<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Publisher:</span></strong> Ellora's Cave<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Date Published: </span></strong> March 23, 2012<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Blurb:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Sometimes
starting over means facing your greatest fears…</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Miranda
Lyons is adept at pretending to be someone else, someone without a past. She’s
able to forget for chunks of time that she comes from a very wealthy, notorious
family. She’s given up most of the party-girl vices from her old life,
including sex. But that’s before Nathan Cross barges into her life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
all appearances, Nathan Cross is a simple man—devoted to family and friends,
committed to his work. But nothing is simple about Nate’s feelings for Miranda.
Fascination quickly blooms to outright lust, and not just for her body. He
wants all of her, even the parts she hides from the world. But Miranda’s
secrets threaten to drive away the one man capable of both helping her come to
terms with her past, and supporting a future with a love that’s all about
truth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can read an excerpt <a href="http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419936357.htm" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">So, let's get started with the specifics! How would you describe what you write?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I write contemporary stories showing that the
sexy and dramatic can go hand in hand. That love and loss are two sides of the
same coin, and that no matter bad things get laughter and strength will always
get you through.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Sounds like a great 'core story' concept. What’s your writing process in a nutshell?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">Me and a notebook--usually a separate notebook for
each story--settle into my bed with my 138 pillows. (only a slight
exaggeration) And I free write ideas that come to me. Usually in a list kind of
thing that only I can figure out. I scribble in there...a lot. I don't really
plot too much, but I usually try to do my Goal, Motivation, Conflict at the
very least. Then it's onto the internet. Pinterest is my new playground for
finding settings. I'm very visual. Even if the final version doesn't exactly go
with a particular picture, it gets my brain humming. Then I set things up in
Scrivener--it's a writing program--and as I'm doing that I go through music.
Every book has its own playlist. Then it's off I go. I write with friends at
coffee shops, by myself into the middle of the wee hours of the morning, and
first thing as I wake up. (and then I cry to my CP. LOL Good thing she loves
me.) We usually trade work every Friday during our weekly chats. It helps to
hold me accountable. Then I try to put the story away for a bit before I
revise.</span> <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">What has your submission history looked
like? Rejections? Manuscripts written? Number of years ‘seriously writing’,
etc?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I waited a looong damn time to
submit. I started writing with publishing as a goal around 2007. That's when I
found Cari Quinn, my CP. My first submission was with Kelli Collins - head
editor over at Ellora's Cave. It was a Twitter Contest back in September 2010.
Unfortunately I wasn't chosen on that story, but she gave me a lot of awesome
feedback. A lot of fear got in the way with a HEAVY dose of real-life that
dereailed me for a little while. I got lucky with my 2nd submission about 10mos
later. I have about 8-10 semi-finished stories in my 'junk-drawer' before I
finally got this one right.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Don't we all ;)? How did you pick your publisher?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I decided to go with Ellora's Cave. It helps that my
CP has been subbing to them for awhile, so she gave me some pointers. I did my
research and based my submission on the house that I read the most at the time.
I enjoy a lot of the stories that come out of EC. And I've met a lot of amazing
authors through them as well which also swayed me their way. (Kaily, yes I'm
talking about you!)<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Aw, now I'm blushing LOL. What’s your ‘call’ story?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I was at work when I got the email. STILL have the
email. I was hopping around like a lunatic. LOL Luckily my supervisor loved me
and let me go squeal in a separate room and make my phone calls. LOL<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">I still have my first acceptance email as well. never gets old looking at it :). Did you have an agent when you sold? Now?</span> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">No, I don't think I need an agent quite yet. I have
great resources in the RWA (Romance Writers of America) and my local chapter.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u5:p></u5:p>
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">What’s it like working with a publisher
and editor? Are revisions really as bad as you hear?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I got really lucky with my editors. (Yes,
that's 2 now.) I'm actually harder on myself for revisions than my editor was.
I'll tell you one thing...Misplaced modifiers are the bane of my existance!!
I'm better now thanks to Jilly. I'm just getting started with my second editor
with another publishing house. He's a real trip. I think we're going to have a
lot of fun.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Oh, your editor is Jilly? I LOVE her. How did you feel the first time you saw
your cover? How much input did you have?</span> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I
had to fill out an 'art sheet' and give the specs on my people and the story.
From my experience if you let the cover artist have a few vague parameters and
trust them to make it amazing, you'll get your wish. I asked for my couple to
be back to front and see some of San Francisco in the cover and voila! I got a
great cover. OH and yes...another happy squeal when I got my cover. AGAIN at
work. I had everyone at my desk. *blush*<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">But that's pretty cool. What was release day like?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">Insanity!! I didn't think it would be as crazy as it
was. There was no sleep, massive emailing and FB and Twitter. Everyone's been
so freaking awesome. It was the best and most exhausting day.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">LOL. I'm so glad it was memorable! How did you market your book?</span></strong> <br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I've been pretty lucky with people willing to help
out. (case in point, you've been so supportive). And my CP, Cari Quinn has given
me a lot of pointers. I've sent it out to a few reviewers and will be doing a
few interviews. I haven't bought any ad space as of yet. I'm weighing the pros
and cons of that at the moment.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Aw, thanks :). What’s the most surprising thing you
learned during the publishing process?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">It takes time. It takes soooo long to get from contract to release date when
you're starting out. At least it feels like forever. I've been told to be
patient. <b>Not </b>my strong suit. LOL I've learned that I have to let the
book go and focus on the next one until edits roll through or you can make
yourself insane.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">And epubbing is SO much faster than traditional for the most part! What do you think were the factors that
got you published?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">That I was ready.
A lot of personal stuff happened at the end of 2009 into 2010. I learned that
life is way too short not to go after what you want. Doubts and fears aren't
going to get in the way of dreams if you have a really great bunch of people in
your corner. That and Cari is a bulldog. She keeps me fighting through the
doubt.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">I agree a support network is a key factor. What’s your 5 year plan look like?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">5 years ago I had a sure and solid game plan, but the
publishing waters are a little murky these days. The big 6 are looking less of
a sure thing and smaller houses are climbing the best seller lists because they
are willing to take risks on new authors that are hungry to get their work out
there. Right now, I just want to keep getting contracts and strengthen my
readership as well as my craft. I think I'm going to try my hand at Romantic
Suspense and possibly some paranormal.</span> <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Good for you and yeah...publishing is certainly changing. So, what’s next for you?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">I've started working with Entangled Publishing.
As a New Year's present I got another SQUEE worthy email from them for ASHES
AND WINE which will be coming out in April from their Ever After line with a
second book in the works thanks to a great supporting character that needs her
story told too. I'm also working on book two for Ellora's Cave. Nate's brother,
Matt, will have his story out later this year.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Congrats!! I've heard some good things about them so far. What’s the best advice you can impart to
writers aspiring to be published?</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;">WRITE.
Write the story that moves you. Chasing trends will make you crazy, but if you
write stories about characters you love and a story you can't wait to work on
then I bet you'll find magic. And find people that believe in you. I definitely
wouldn't have gotten this far without my family and friends. Lastly, you need
to read. All too often when you get into the writing zone you think you don't
have the time to read. You <b><u>need</u> </b>to read. Not just to know what's
going on in the publishing world, but it keeps you sharp. Sometimes it's just
to see and absorb the storytelling side of things...plotting, character arc,
etc...but also to see what NOT to do.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">It's amazing how often this advice is similar. Now for some fun! If you were stranded on
a desert island but could only take 1 thing from each of the following
categories, what would it be & why:</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Person:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Cari Quinn, my CP. We'd never be bored.
We'd tell each other stories all day long.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Animal:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Stu, my dog. He's totally a mama's boy
lately. He's technically my brother's dog but he sits next to me as I write all
night long.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u5:p></u5:p>
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Food:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Mac and Cheese, but since there's no stoves on a
desert island...I'll go with Pineapple. ;)</span> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Book:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Born in Fire by Nora Roberts<u5:p></u5:p> -</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">I've read
this book umpteen times. Maggie and Rogan are my happy place. Nora is why I'm a
writer.</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Music:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Matt Nathanson's catalogue - He's my fave musician.
He's a poet and absolutely enamored with music. All that passion comes through.
And he's the sweetest guy ever. (I've met him.)</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: magenta;">Personal Item:</span> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">My Dad's wedding ring. I've
been wearing it since he passed away.</span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u5:p></u5:p></span><br />
Aw, that's so sweet. Taryn, I've really enjoyed learning more about you considering we've 'chatted' off and on online for awhile now! Thanks so much for being on Just Published and I'm so glad I've been able to cheer you on!! Good luck with the upcoming release!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLy_aZXZSfc/T4IqwNkKqAI/AAAAAAAAAeM/M4dPFJWvIwM/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLy_aZXZSfc/T4IqwNkKqAI/AAAAAAAAAeM/M4dPFJWvIwM/s200/Me.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If anyone would like to learn more about Taryn or her books, particularly to find out what's coming up, you can find her here:<br />
<a href="http://tarynelliott.com/" target="_blank">Website</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tarynelliott.com/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TarynElliottAuthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TarynElliottFic" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-87979444770700855522012-04-08T15:42:00.000-04:002012-04-08T15:42:09.866-04:00My RT Loot!I'll be attending RT (Romantic Times Booklovers Convention) in Chicago this coming week and I can't wait. While I'm there, I'll be signing at the 2 book fair and giving stuff away. I'll have pens and trading cards. The boring, run of the mill stuff ALTHOUGH the pens are a nice, bright pink LOL! As always, if you'd like trading cards, all you have to do is send me an email request and I'll mail them out to you!<br />
<br />
I'll also have what I think are pretty cool buttons. If you won't be in attendance and you'd like one, shoot me an email and I'll send you one :).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txt4-_-lAWQ/T4Hoq62O-9I/AAAAAAAAAd0/2fglJSCz94M/s1600/Button.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txt4-_-lAWQ/T4Hoq62O-9I/AAAAAAAAAd0/2fglJSCz94M/s320/Button.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
AND this guy. He's cute, right? He's a tiny puppy about 3 inches high with a "Kaily" shirt and he's actually a magnet for holding papers on a magnetic board!! I thought this was SO cool. I've never seen a notice board holder like this before. I'll be giving him away at the book signings, so make sure if you're there, you stop by and say "Hi"!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeG9sHBk7L0/T4HpVbLAT0I/AAAAAAAAAd8/pSanve6I_C8/s1600/Promo+Puppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeG9sHBk7L0/T4HpVbLAT0I/AAAAAAAAAd8/pSanve6I_C8/s320/Promo+Puppy.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-40801302641294651552012-03-26T09:22:00.002-04:002012-03-26T09:22:47.054-04:00Go ahead...ask me anything!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t73alRCWGqc/TZkCk-V3FmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/f6N8BLJUOxM/s1600/ask3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t73alRCWGqc/TZkCk-V3FmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/f6N8BLJUOxM/s1600/ask3.jpg" /></a></div>
I haven't done one of these in a really, really long time. It's "Ask a Writer" time! With all my recent news and changes, I thought I'd put it out there for the week. If you have any questions about writing, being published, the publishing industry, my writing, process, path to publication or books specifically, here's your chance. I'll answer anything (within reason :)). GO!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-33371238384098138492012-03-24T21:55:00.000-04:002012-03-24T21:55:36.033-04:00I have a new look...It's been a long time coming, but finally my new site is live! Check it out <a href="http://www.kailyhart.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Yay! I'm so excited because I also updated my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KailyHartAuthor" target="_blank">FB fan page</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/kailyhart" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, along with this blog so that the look and feel all ties together. Stop by. Like me! Follow me!<br />
<br />
Now I might be able to get some work done. <br />
<br />
What do you think?Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-10416073437329636992012-03-19T13:45:00.002-04:002012-03-19T13:45:43.915-04:00I'm getting a new website...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mobqHWJFg/T2dwB9C9D1I/AAAAAAAAAb4/42IkOgVpsG0/s1600/pink+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mobqHWJFg/T2dwB9C9D1I/AAAAAAAAAb4/42IkOgVpsG0/s200/pink+fabric.jpg" width="200" /></a>OMG, it's gorgeous. I can't wait to unveil it. It's being updated/installed TODAY so if you happen to swing by my site for the next day or two, you'll get a blank screen or a maintenance screen. But don't worry :). It's gonna be SO worth it. <br />
<br />
Oh and the picture is a hint. Yeah, it's PINK!<br />
<br />
All the information on my current books will be included along with some additional information about myself (some random things) and FAQs. Anything else you like to see on author's websites?<br />
<br />
I should probably do something to celebrate, right? Any unveiling celebratory ideas??Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-22405707924845295052012-03-10T09:16:00.002-05:002012-03-10T09:16:29.964-05:00Revisions ARE like brain surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xq4Drz3sWk/T1th13Q89II/AAAAAAAAAbk/zL0ZOTw0CCI/s1600/editing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xq4Drz3sWk/T1th13Q89II/AAAAAAAAAbk/zL0ZOTw0CCI/s1600/editing.png" /></a></div>
I'm deep in edits for book 1 of my paranormal romance series. I mean, DEEP in edits. Some of the changes meant I had to disconnect some of my scenes, change the transitions. When I write, the rhythm of the book is extremely important to me and when I mess with that...I have to ensure I build it back up again so the flow is seamless. It's as if I need to make sure those fine emotional threads aren't thinned out too much throughout, that they hold firm and don't let the external plot overshadow them too much. I know. It's weird. I'm weird, because I love this process. I love to finesse with a book, I love to review words and phrases to see what could be made better and I love getting to spend time with my characters again. And although it's not "hard", revisions really are like fine, delicate, intricate brain surgery LOL.<br />
<br />
Oh, and by the way? The book just got bumped to an August release. Yay!! And I hope to actually have a title soon...Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-55337015426913617032012-02-29T12:47:00.002-05:002012-02-29T12:48:29.029-05:00Wanna know what an author does when......she has sick kids home from school? Whimper. A lot! That didn't help much so I had to find something else, something that allowed me to be somewhat productive. I'm revealing it all <a href="http://passionatereads.com/2012/02/29/i-declare-it-pretend-boyfriend-day/" target="_blank">here</a>. Well, it's what <strong>I</strong> do anyway :).Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-46440448542623555472012-02-28T14:31:00.003-05:002012-02-28T14:31:53.757-05:00Coming Soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTTD7Lh61vM/T00rDFVdXWI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Nx9qFZXlneE/s1600/Coming+Soon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTTD7Lh61vM/T00rDFVdXWI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Nx9qFZXlneE/s1600/Coming+Soon.png" /></a></div>
Well, Septemberish... The first book in my new series will be out around that time frame and I thought I'd start sharing a little bit about the series and the book. Although not too much 'cause I'm evil like that :). I don't have a series name yet and the first book's title will also be changing, but I'm currently in edits and I can't wait for it to be out. The first book kicks off a paranormal romance series with an overall story arc about regaining hope, re-establishing trust and loyalty, reclaiming glory and seeking redemption, the themes in each of the books. They're fast paced, action packed and hot. If I do say so myself LOL. The relationship and emotional journey of the characters are still my first and foremost as each book deals with a couple struggling to come to terms with who and what they are and how they fit, especially with each other. Oh, and there are no vamps, weres, dragons, ghosts or angels in sight. This is something a little bit different, but grounded firmly in the contemporary world, which I love so much. <br />
<br />
Look forward to sharing more of Seth and Devon with you soon!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-59655549424664024482012-02-18T11:59:00.002-05:002012-02-18T11:59:41.951-05:00Overused Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RIdvH4uAbA/Tz_YQ7-g_iI/AAAAAAAAAbU/r6tGX8L75aU/s1600/overused+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RIdvH4uAbA/Tz_YQ7-g_iI/AAAAAAAAAbU/r6tGX8L75aU/s320/overused+words.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Every writer probably has a group of words they tend to overuse in their writing. And that group could be large or small. Me? I seem to use God and f$%k a lot in each of my first drafts. Yeah, interesting combination, right? And then I have what I call "local" overused words, or words that are overused only for a particular book. I blame my characters for it. <em>Totally</em>. When I write, the characters become very real, actually they <em>are</em> real to me. As such, they have specific mannerisms, ways of thinking, moving and talking. I tend to write the book so a phrase or words that are very character specific end up being used a lot. My current manuscript? Nix. I seem to be using that a lot. "he nixed that idea" or "nix that". LOL. It fits with the tough, aggressive, in-your-face feel of my hero, but it's something to watch out for. <br />
<br />
I'm always surprised to read a published book and pick up on them because I spend a great deal of time during the editing process to ensure readers wouldn't be aware of this issue. I recently read a book where the heroine's eye color was mentioned so often, it pulled me completely out of the story. The hero was always gazing into her "violet hued eyes". It kinda ruined the mood for me in several scenes. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">As a reader, have you ever noticed a book that had overused words or perhaps a phrase? What were they? If you're a writer, what words do you have to watch yourself with :)?</span>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-50828516366435574822012-02-15T09:57:00.001-05:002012-02-15T09:57:57.002-05:00And the winner is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0BSpXBYfxo/TzvHn5y7ngI/AAAAAAAAAbI/PPHtV7RvoEY/s1600/congrats3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0BSpXBYfxo/TzvHn5y7ngI/AAAAAAAAAbI/PPHtV7RvoEY/s1600/congrats3.jpg" /></a></div>
Wow! I had such great posts for Valentines Day memories. I hope everyone had a fabulous day and enjoyed doing whatever you wanted to do. I loved reading all the comments, especially considering I don't celebrate it. That is, my hubby doesn't celebrate it. But that's fine. Really. He doesn't need a special day. He does just great for the entire year...but don't tell him I said that :). <br />
<br />
And now, the winner of my giveaway (chosen by random number generator) was<strong><span style="color: magenta;"> LISA</span></strong> wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net. Lisa, I'll be contacting you shortly to coordinate your gift card and to figure out which of my books you'd like!!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-55374223808183766922012-02-10T23:45:00.002-05:002012-02-11T09:49:25.230-05:00With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop AKA...Win Stuff!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;">Welcome to the <a href="http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/" target="_blank">With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop</a>!</span></strong></span> This is a wonderful event with a bunch of author's participating and so MANY great prizes up for grabs. Thanks to the wonderful Drea for organizing it :). For those of you who might land here and don't know me, I write hot and steamy romance, contemporary as well as paranormal/urban fantasy real soon.<em> </em>My stories have tough alpha heroes who might be a little rough and rugged around the edges, but when they fall for the heroine? Man, they fall <em>hard</em>. They'd do anything, endure anything, sacrifice anything. For her. Sigh...<br />
<br />
So <strong>what</strong> am I giving away? I'm giving away a <strong><span style="color: magenta;">$25 dollar gift card</span></strong> to an online book store (winner's choice) AND a<strong><span style="color: magenta;"> copy of any 1 book</span></strong> from my ebook backlist! Not bad, right?<br />
<br />
<strong>How</strong> can you win? Follow me, friend me or follow this blog <em>and</em> leave a comment here through the 14th telling me the most unusual, special, funny, touching thing you ever got or did for Valentines Day! I'll select a random commenter from this post as the winner! <br />
<br />
Ready to go hopping and see what else is up for grabs? Click on the badge below and check out the other great participants!! Good luck and have a wonderful Valentines Day!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMFTSBct7IA/TzQw46MCfGI/AAAAAAAAAbA/pW37jgDOsno/s320/withlovevdayBH+button.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-6917547315618942882012-02-09T13:03:00.001-05:002012-02-09T13:03:29.323-05:00And in other news...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6l8bV-9Hqc/TzQKF0cUFAI/AAAAAAAAAa4/Dyy9a5HU26w/s1600/series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6l8bV-9Hqc/TzQKF0cUFAI/AAAAAAAAAa4/Dyy9a5HU26w/s1600/series.jpg" /></a></div>
I've been sitting on this news for awhile. Sometimes it feels like an eternity, but my agent (man, I will NEVER get tired of being able to say THAT) gave me the go ahead to spill the beans. Besides, it was posted on Publisher's Marketplace this week, so here goes... My new paranormal/urban fantasy romance series will be published by <a href="http://ebooks.carinapress.com/6FE47BE9-6E50-4C3B-B9AD-256DC145A5B2/10/134/en/default.htm" target="_blank">Carina Press (Harlequin)</a> starting around Septemberish of this year! There are currently 5 books planned in the series and not a vampire or shifter in sight :). It's about an ancient, secret race of humans on the brink of extinction. There's bad guys, good guys and HOT guys LOL. Each book will feature a 'fated pair' as they struggle to learn who and what they are and join the fight to save their race. Although this is a different sub-genre to my contemporary stories, the books still feature hot, alpha heroes, relateable, strong heroines and a deep, emotional love story above everything else. <br />
<br />
I can't tell you how excited I am about these books. I've fallen way deep in love with these heroes. Yeah, I know. I say that about all my books. Of course, if I don't fall in love with the hero I'm writing, I don't know how the heroine (or the readers) could :). <br />
<br />
I'm super excited on a number of fronts. This will be my first series and I had such fun putting together a broader story arc through the multiple books, in addition to the individual book's story. Also, this is a genre I love to read in. It so liberating and empowering to be able to create your own world, make up all the rules, construct the boundaries. You world build to a certain degree in contemporary, but this gave me much more freedom and allowed my imagination to run wild! Not always a good thing, but I think it turned out well in this case :). <br />
<br />
And by the way...I love contemporary too much to give that up, so stay tuned for future books on that front as well! I'm hard at work on a couple of books there.<br />
<br />
This year is off to an awesome start!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-48088752384264217972012-02-02T20:48:00.001-05:002012-02-02T20:48:09.955-05:00So where the HECK have I been?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMKYCLWrRKk/Tys73PK_E5I/AAAAAAAAAaw/vjTP1HI8GOU/s1600/litagentlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMKYCLWrRKk/Tys73PK_E5I/AAAAAAAAAaw/vjTP1HI8GOU/s1600/litagentlove.jpg" /></a></div>
Well, I have been around, just not here. And of course, I've been writing. A lot. I pop into Facebook and Twitter if you ever want to keep up with what I'm doing, but I have big news. BIG! I signed with a literary agent!! <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Roberta Brown</span></strong> of Brown Literary Agency is my agent and I'm so very excited. I'm even on her web site and everything! Check it out <a href="http://brownliteraryagency.com/authors/" target="_blank">here</a>. I know, I'll try and restrain myself, but it's <em>hard</em>. At least I'm no longer running around my house singing "I have an agent. I have an agent." LOL. Well, not every day at least.<br />
<br />
<br />
Landing an agent is one of those major author milestone thingys. At least in my book it is. Some even say it's more difficult than getting the attention of an editor. Having someone knowledgeable in the industry, someone experienced and seasoned when it comes to authors and publishing interested in your work? Interested in <em>you</em> and your potential? Someone who believes in you? THAT is absolutely priceless.<br />
<br />
I have more exciting news to share once it's all signed, sealed, delivered and OFFICIAL, but for right now, I'm super psyched with the direction I'm going. Stay tuned :).Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5387503191764027020.post-84722308392314191272012-01-09T09:23:00.004-05:002012-01-09T09:23:55.972-05:00What's 'hot'? You tell me & win a book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7S0BeM-9sw/Twr4PmgAcKI/AAAAAAAAAaY/MbmcNtrXwJI/s1600/hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7S0BeM-9sw/Twr4PmgAcKI/AAAAAAAAAaY/MbmcNtrXwJI/s320/hot.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
I'm over with author Gail DeYoung today talking about what I think makes a guy a 'hottie'. Trust me, I spend a LOT of time pondering this because the heroes in my books have to appeal on many different levels. Readers are diverse. Preferences are diverse. And still...there are a core group of attributes that most women find appealing when it comes to guys. Go check out my post over with Gail <a href="http://authorgaildeyoung.blogspot.com/2012/01/kaily-hart-has-kidnapped-my-blog.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and tell me what YOU think makes a guy a true hottie. I'll be picking a winner at random from Gail's blog comments to receive an ebook from my backlist, winners choice. GO!Kaily Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com1