Saturday, October 17, 2009

Sylvie Kaye

Please help me welcome, The Wild Rose Press author, Sylvie Kaye.
What is the most challenging part of writing the relationship dynamics of your characters? Keeping them apart. I’m a romantic at heart and want the characters to live happily-ever-after as soon as they find each other. They are fiercely attracted and will find a way to be together, but keeping them from discovering this too soon is the challenge.
What is the first element of the character that comes clear to you? Love makes the world go round. So who, what, and why they love is clear upfront.
Would you describe a typical working/writing day? What routines or rituals do you observe to get your writing done? I’m not very disciplined. I write when I have time, when ideas come (usually in the middle of the night) and if I have to. I tend to rewrite until a chapter’s polished before I can move on to the next. In the next draft lots of times I cut it or rework it again. My best trick to get writing done is to self-impose a deadline. I wish I could write faster. As a writer, what's the most difficult part of the process for you? The creating? The editing? The submitting? Writing is hard. Every stage of it—the creating, the editing, the submitting . I try to stretch with every book in some way, either plot, POV, motivation. Between online workshops, and writers’ tips, and books on the writing craft, I’m learning constantly and hopefully improving.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest release? Can’t ignore the internal editor, can we! I never read my stories once they’re in print for that reason. I’d probably want to make changes in the actual mechanics of the storytelling, but never the characters. I love all my characters.
What do you most enjoy reading? Authors…anything Sandra Brown has written! She’s phenomenal. I want to come back as her in my next life…lol! Genres…my reading is eclectic. I like both contemporary and historical romances, suspense, thrillers, mysteries, mainstream fiction, personal improvement and inspirational books, biographies. I wish I could read faster.
Is it difficult to keep the ideas fresh from story to story? Any tips or insights for upping the freshness factor? Ideas are all around. Watching and listening are the biggest tips. Eavesdropping on conversations, people watching and imagining their scenarios, news articles, relatives and friends—yours and those of your friends—acquaintances, fiancés, wives, and husbands of the people you know and their ex friends, fiancés, wives, husbands. You get the gist. Put your own twist on any of those and you’ve got an idea!
Now Sylvie would like to share a sexy excerpt from Her Maine Man

One weekend a year to bare your soul and your passion. He couldn’t believe the sweet deal she was offering. No commitment, just pure release. A deathbed promise takes Jon from his consulting desk to a remote island in Maine, where he becomes entangled with one of the loose ends. As one of the island’s first family and a target for scandal, Maddie longs to share her body and her secrets. The sexy, visiting consultant seems perfect for a clandestine, once-a-year affair—until once isn’t enough. HER MAINE MAN © Copyright, Sylvie Kaye Unedited Excerpt He leaned her up against a fairly clean sink, by mens room’s standards, and hugged her tight as he kissed her. Their lips touched like dynamite. “Hurry,” she whispered through the explosion. He kissed her harder and faster, but couldn’t pull away regardless how much she wanted him to hurry. She tasted so mind-bendingly delicious. Her body curved into his, fitting him like a glove. Her breasts crushed against his chest, sending jolts of passion to his groin, while her crotch cradled his in the most enticing manner. Blood rushed to both of his heads. His brain throbbed and his cock swelled. “Hurry,” her gravelly whisper instructed him while she yanked his shirttails from his waistband. Could she want him to hurry and do what he thought she wanted him to do? What his dick begged him to do. “Maddie, hunee,” he murmured against her lips, awaiting further instructions. He didn’t want to scare her off if she didn’t mean for him to hurry with more than the lingering kiss. “Tkdwnyrpantz,” she mumbled into his mouth. Did she just tell him to take down his pants? She must have. She was fumbling for his fly. He helped her out by unzipping, while she hiked up her pretty purple skirt. “Hurry up,” she coached yet again. Yes, she wanted what he wanted all right, and his erection did a happy dance. When he hitched her buns higher on the slick porcelain sink, liquid soap splurted over his wrist and her back, but she didn’t seem to notice. She grabbed at his butt and pulled him closer, her arm squirting more sterile hand soap around, while her fingers tightened their grip on his ass. His cock bumped against her moist heat, but her panty-covered crotch denied him entrance “Wait.” He fumbled for quarters and plunked them into the condom machine. “Convenient, huh?” She laughed deep in her throat, but as soon as he was protected, her mouth became demanding. “Now.” He shoved the crotch of her silky panties aside and entered her. She felt so damn good. She was tight and wet and torturously in a hurry when he desired to go at it slow. Enjoy every twitch of her muscles and tremor of her flesh. “Faster.” The woman wasn’t shy with her directives. But he didn’t care. He was in control of the action. He braced his hand against the chrome hand dryer so he had better mastery of his hips as he drove into her slickness with a steady, rocking rhythm. A blast of hot air shot at him, but it didn’t stop him. He figured he wouldn’t be here long enough for third degree burns. His other hand he butted against the mirror for additional support. If they got busted for performing indecent acts in a public restroom his fingerprints would be all over the place. “Faster,” she gasped, digging her fingers into his back while her kickass sneakers urged his butt on. Between her cries to speed things along and the hot dryer burning the palm of his hand, taking her slow and easy didn't seem much of an option. His desire to give her whatever she needed along with his fear of her changing her mind about meeting next year urged him on further and faster. He pumped his hips for all he was worth.Closing her eyes, she tossed her head back. He dropped his forehead onto her sternum, driving hard and quick. She moaned louder and then lower and panted for air. Her fingers no longer grated his back, but massaged it lightly. Her whopper sneakers stopped smacking his behind. She was done. So he went for the mother lode and unloaded with two more pumps. “Very convenient,” she said afterward when he unpeeled the latex and flushed it down the commode next to the sink. She swiped at his penis with some toilet tissue, then zipped him up.

Sylvie has just signed a new book with TWRP, Loving Jilly, here is your first sneak peak.

Jilly is a New Orleans daycare aide by day and by night an errand-running caregiver to the three quirky aunts who raised her. What Jilly doesn’t have time for is a man who wants more than she can spare. When she hires a soulful carpenter who’s willing to take his time, he fixes more than she bargains for.

Visit Sylvie's website

Buy Sylvie Kaye Books at TWRP

Buy Sylvie Kaye's steamy books at The Wilder Roses

Thursday, October 8, 2009

One of my Fave Authors Valerie Mann

I just had to share this with you...
When ER nurse Kelly Donovan meets sexy firefighter Nick Barrantes at her sister’s annual summer party, the sparks fly. Famous for its games, this year’s party includes Hide & Seek and Kelly is determined to find a cozy place to hide with Nick. Trapped in a closet together during the game, neither Kelly nor Nick anticipates the sizzling passion that flares between them. However, Kelly can't help but wonder if this is one game she'll lose to her heart...
Rated Rosette (35 pages)
Excerpt: I wandered over to Jen and nudged her with my hip. “Hey.”
“Oh, good, you’re finally here,” she said by way of greeting. “Can you finish this while I bring out the paella?” Without waiting for an answer, she set the knife in my hand and headed for the house. As an afterthought, she twirled back around. “Oh, hell, I’m such a bad hostess! Kelly, this is Nick Barrantes. He’s the new guy in the fire department. Nick, my sister, Kelly Donovan.”
Then she was gone, leaving me to make small talk with a stranger. I looked up. Way up. And all of a sudden, small talk with this particular stranger was no hardship whatsoever. Holy smokes, the guy could haul my body out of a burning building anytime. Nick Barrantes had to be the biggest, baddest firefighter I’d ever seen.
Whoa.
“Hey, Nick.” I set down the knife and stuck a hand out, which he immediately dwarfed in a gentle but no-nonsense grip. My eyes rose back up to meet his and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe two.
I didn’t feel that romance novel “electric shock” when we touched, my knees didn’t go all jelly roll on me, nor did everything in the immediate vicinity black out until only he and I existed in the universe. But when our eyes met, I felt an instant connection to him and when his grasp tightened for a second, I knew he felt the bond, too. I stared in awe at his male beauty. Brush-cut black hair, golden skin and deep brown eyes rimmed with thick lashes—surely illegal in more than one state—stared back at me. Straight nose, square jaw and full lips, broad shoulders, thick muscles straining under a navy blue fire department T-shirt—I halted further downward assessment before I embarrassed myself.
The man was smokin’ hot.
We both took a step back and couldn’t tear our gazes from one another. He tilted his head slightly as though he couldn’t quite figure out what had just happened. And, oh happy day, when his eyes finally left mine, he didn’t make an effort to hide the fact he checked me out as well. A sexy dimple twitched near the corner of his mouth.
A dimple. Damn, I was complete toast.
Valerie got an awesome review with You Gotta Read
WAY TO GO VAL!!!!
Visit The Wilder Roses for more great reads!!
Valerie has another book out with Cobblestone Press
After two decades, Lauren never expects to see her first love again, and in a foreign city, no less. Seth’s reappearance in her life stuns her even though a day hasn’t gone by without thinking about him. Though thrilled to find him again, she’s unprepared for how fast old flames of love can reignite.Seth can’t believe his eyes when he finds Lauren standing in front of him, more gorgeous than ever. Determined not to lose her, he decides a visit down memory lane is in order, and making new memories along the way.
Visit here to read a sexy excerpt and purchase the book
I am going to try to get an interview with Valerie...keep you updated and be sure to check out both of her books, you won't be sorry!!
Happy Reading,
Tonya

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Paranormal Author's Fight Club

Fight Club has begun!! Please swing by and vote for my story Ancient Awakenings. It's the first story on the blog and it's up against The In Crowd, so pick your fave by clicking on Take Survey!!
Noble Romance Publishing asked to see my full manuscript...so happy about that, that's never happened to me before:-)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Halloween Myths and Legends

My entire life I have been fascinated by my Irish heritage and Halloween. I think that’s why I love writing paranormals so much. I am going to share some of my families Halloween traditions along with some myths and legends about All Hollow’s Eve and Halloween from Ireland.
The Ivy Leaf: Each member of the family places a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is then left undisturbed overnight. If, in the morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots then the person who placed the leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health until the following Halloween. If not.....
The Pumpkin: Carving Pumpkins dates back to the eighteenth century and to an Irish blacksmith named Jack who colluded with the Devil and was denied entry to Heaven. He was condemned to wander the earth but asked the Devil for some light. He was given a burning coal ember which he placed inside a turnip that he had gouged out.

The tradition of Jack O'Lanterns was born - the bearer being the wandering blacksmith - a damned soul. Villagers in Ireland hoped that the lantern in their window would keep the wanderer away. When the Irish emigrated in millions to America there was not a great supply of turnips so pumpkins were used instead.

If an owl looks in your window or if you seeing one in the daylight bad luck and death will bestow you.

At one time salt was a rare commodity and thought to have magical powers. It was unfortunate to spill salt and said to foretell family disarray and death. To ward off bad luck, throw a pinch over your shoulder and all will be well.

Sparrows are thought to carry the souls of the dead and it is believed to bring bad luck if you kill one.

If you spot a spider on Halloween than that is the soul of a loved one watching over you. (Maybe this should remind me not to be terrified of them…yuck!!)

If the flame of a candle flickers and then turns blue, there's a spirit in the room.

If a bird flies through your house, it indicates important news. If it can't get out, the news will be death.

If you feel a chill up your spine, someone is walking on your future grave.

A person born on Halloween will have the gift of communicating with the dead.

A bat in the house is a sign of death. OR a bat got in your house because a ghost let it inside.

If a bird flies towards you, bad fortune is imminent.

If your palm itches, you will soon receive money. If you itch it, your money will never come.

Crows are viewed as a bad omen, often foretelling death. If they caw, death is very near.

Many Romans wore lucky charms and amulets to avert the "evil eye."

If a person experiences great horror, their hair turns white.

A hat on a bed will bring bad luck.

The superstition of knocking on wood for good luck originates from pagan beliefs in regards to trees.

Do you have a favorite Halloween Myth of Legend to share? Or perhaps a tradition from your family? Hope everyone is having a spooky month... Tonya

Saturday, October 3, 2009

What's Going on in October!

Romance in the Backseat's "Paranormal Author's Fight Club" started on Thursday, October 1, 2009. All 8 writers involved received a paragraph on Thursday, now it's up to us to take that paragraph and write 1,000 words that will awe the reader. I'll post the link up here when it's voting time!! I just finished reading Zero Control by Lori Wilde. She's one of my favorite Harlequin Blaze authors. And this story is part of a three-book series. It's a great read. It's about Eros which is an adult retreat, where your every fantasy is their desire. And their is some sexy historical role-play you won't want to miss. You'll have to check out my November Tonya's Tidbits to see my exclusive interview with Lori Wilde about Zero Control and this series. She's also provided a very sexy excerpt for us. I am still in training with BellaOnline.com for becoming the new NASCAR editor. It's got a lot more work to it than I first figured, but I still have two weeks before the site launches and is officially open for business once again. I received an email yesterday from Class Act Books asking me to be a copy editor. I love editing and it's really exciting to me. What's more exciting is I was contacted by Class Act Books. My website is close to being finished. I like the layout, I'm not completely happy with it, but it's classy and professional and easy on the eyes, which is a must. It's also easy to navigate. I still can't believe it is October and 28 days away from Halloween, which is my favorite Holiday. In celebration of Halloween I am going to be sharing some myths and legends about Halloween over the next few weeks. So, check back often. Thanks for stopping by it's going to be a busy month! Tonya

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

RITBS Chat

From 7-10 PM Eastern Time http://www.romanceinthebackseat.com/chat.htm

RITBS Chat

From 7-10 PM Eastern Time http://www.romanceinthebackseat.com/chat.htm

Harlequin Reads

Here are some fun Harlequin Reads!

Harlequin Presents

The Billionaire's Bride of Vengeance by Miranda Lee Though he's superrich and supereligible, marriage hasn't been on Russell McClain's agenda. Instead the handsome Sydney tycoon is focused on personal revenge—and Nicole Power, his sworn enemy's daughter, is central to his plan. She will pay for her fraudster father's sins. Russell will ruthlessly seduce her, bed her and discard her….But when Russell's desire for Nicole becomes very real and very strong, one night is not enough. However, making Nicole his willing wife might just satisfy his need for vengeance…. Harlequin Blaze Made You Look by Jamie Sobrato From the safety of her living room, Arianna Day has been enjoying the sensual maneuvers of the man she's dubbed Sir Sex-a-Lot. Watching her neighbor has fueled more than one of her steamy fantasies, which makes him the perfect candidate to end her bout of celibacy. She's not looking for commitment—she just wants some of what he freely gives.Too bad seducing Noah Kellerman is more complicated than she thought. Oh, sure, the between-the-sheets—and the on-the-desk and the against-the-wall—action is everything she wants. But their physical closeness seems to have encouraged Noah to get close emotionally. Can Arianna give up being the next woman in his window to be the only woman in his life? Silhouette Desire

Texan's Wedding-Night Wager by Charlene Sands

No one walked away from this Texas mogul…especially not his wife! So when Cara chose to leave rather than play second fiddle to his company, Kevin plotted his revenge. Four years later, she returned, intent on finalizing their divorce. But Cara had no clue that Kevin had constructed the perfect payback plan. It's a wager she can't refuse. The divorce would be official…if she agreed to one last week of playing house. And nothing would be off-limits.

Silhouette Nocturne

Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf

Escaping from bloodthirsty vampires, Belladonna Reynolds ran straight into the arms of a werewolf. As a man Severo drew her in with his dark good looks; as a beast he astounded her with his insatiable sensual appetite. Whether afraid or aroused, Bella fled to his lair when threatened by an evil monster of the night….Severo tried to keep Bella—his mate—safe from the vampiress who held a malicious desire for revenge against him, but he alone wasn't enough. Now Bella had taken the form of his most cursed enemy. How could he desire the very thing he'd spent his life destroying? And even if he did, what would the werewolf do to Bella on the next full moon?

Monday, September 28, 2009

I Heart Harlequin Presents Contest

This is a reminder about Harlequin Presents Writing Contest. It ends on November 2nd. It is a great opportunity for all of you aspiring writers...or you can be published and want to target Harlequin now. The Tuscan Tycoon's Pregnant Housekeeper by Christina Hollis Plain, timid housekeeper Michelle Spicer keeps her head down and gets on with the job. She knows her place.Bored and restless in the south of France, Alessandro Castiglione has found himself a plaything. Stripped of her uniform and naked in his bed, mousy Michelle blossoms before him.But she knows she's only the housekeeper—not a rich man's wife. Discarded, disgraced and left with nothing but the child she now carries, Michelle is back in rainy England. Until the Tuscan tycoon decides to taste her charms again…. To Read an Excerpt Or Browse the Book

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Mistress Bella's First Annual Trick-or-Treat Bash

Mistress Bella Reviews Cordially Invites You to Our First Annual Trick-or-Treat Author’s Bash Greetings Mistress Bella is hosting a “First Annual Trick-or-Treat Bash” and would be honored if you would attend. We are going to spend Halloween weekend discussing what we love best—romances and the authors who write them, and the publishers who publish them for our enjoyment. Our goal is to have a different author/publisher every hour. During that hour we would like for you to share excerpts of your latest release/WIP, giveaways, author interviews, trailers and anything else you’d like to provide. We would also like your readers to have the opportunity to ask YOU questions. The slots are filling up quickly so if you’re interested, please email me (mistressbellareviews@gmail.com) with the day (October 30, 31 and November 1) and the hour you would like to be our special guest. As for advertising, the more the merrier! To get the word out there, Mistress Bella will post notices regularly on our Blog, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and also with the help of some other Yahoo groups and friends of ours. We would like to ask that you help with the advertisement as well on any websites, blogs, etc that you use for marketing. Thanks so much for your time and we hope to see you there! Yours truly, Mistress Bella mistressbellareviews@gmail.com www.group.yahoo.com/group/mistressbellaspalace www.mistressbellareviews.blogspot.com www.mistressbellashalloweeenbash.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Virgin Secretary's Impossible Boss by Carole Mortimer

Here is another Harlequin Presents Novel for you to browse.

The Virgin Secretary's Impossible Boss by Carole Mortimer

Linus Harrison's masculinity is a little too much for his sensible, bespectacled assistant, Andrea. He makes her heart beat like crazy! And the last thing Andi expects is to have to spend a weekend alone with her wild, irrepressible boss….Billionaire Linus loves a challenge and relishes his chance to undo Miss Prim and Proper's buttoned-up exterior. It only takes one snowbound Scottish night to ignite the flames of the devilishly handsome businessman's desire. With sparks flying, how can Andi resist?

Enjoy, Tonya XOXO

Monday, September 7, 2009

Monday's Mouth Watering Pic

Like I said...I love a man in uniform;) And there is absolutely nothing like...
a sexy fireman!
Oh yeah!!
Enjoy ladies

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Explore the International World of Harlequin Presents

My first September, Tonya's Tidbits, has just been posted at Fresh Fiction This column I have dedicated to Harlequin Presents in honor of the I (Hearts) Presents Seduction Contest running until November 2, 2009. Check out the Writing Contest Explore the International World of Harlequin Presents... Tonya Callihan September 5, 2009 Harlequin is hosting another writing competition. I (Heart) Harlequin Presents Seduction Contest will be open until November 2, 2009. In honor of this competition I will be dedicating one column every month to Presents authors and their books. Harlequin Presents are books about women who are looking for treasures of the world, but to the men-his woman is the true treasure. THE PRINCE'S CAPTIVE WIFE by MARION LENNOX Nine years ago Prince Andreas Karedes returned to his island kingdom of Aristo in the Mediterranean Sea to take up his regal duties, not knowing that Holly, the sweet Australian girl with whom he'd briefly fallen in love, had become pregnant…. Tragically, Holly lost their baby. She remained on her parents' farm to be near her tiny son's final resting place, wishing Andreas would return! A royal scandal is about to break: a dirt-digging journalist has discovered Holly's secret! Andreas's childhood sweetheart must come and face him. Passion runs high as Andreas issues an ultimatum—to avoid disgrace, Holly must become his bride! A BIT ABOUT MARION LENNOX Marion's now written over 50 romance novels. She wrote under the pseudonym Trisha David to separate her Tender Romance novels from her Medical Romance books, so if you're looking for older books, try Trisha. To read more of Tonya's Tibits Until Next Time... Tonya XOXO

Kathleen O'Reilly

Kathleen O'Reilly wrote her first romance at the age of eleven, which to her undying embarrassment was read aloud to her class. After taking over twenty years to recover from the profound distress, she is now proud to finally announce her career - a romance author. Now she is the award-winning author of nearly twenty romances published in countries all over the world. Kathleen lives in New York with her husband and their two children who outwit her daily. Kathleen shares a little with us from her latest release Hot Under Pressure.

“Hot Under Pressure is a Harlequin Blaze that answers that long-suffering question: If air travel is going to be such a huge pain to deal with these days, can a single woman please sit next to a hot, single man who’s you know, nice? Sometimes (usually only in fiction), the answer is *yes*.I got the story idea when I was doing a lot of flying in 2007 and I spent as much time on the tarmac as I did in the air. After one really awful delay, I thought to myself, “Self, you know this getting stuck would make a great book plot. Two people grounded at the airport with nothing better to do it.” And voila, the book was born.”

Click here for an exclusive Excerpt from Kathleen's website.
To contact Kathleen (kathleenoreilly@earthlink.net )
Be sure to visit her website

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

RITBS Chat

Come on over to http://www.romanceinthebackseat.com/chat.htm where I will be chatting tonight from 7-10PM. Also authors, Isabel Roman, Stephanie Draven, Terry Kate, and others will be stopping by.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday's Mouth Watering Picture

Here is something new I'm going to be hosting on my blog every week. Hope you enjoy!
I see it only fitting to host one of my favorite atheltes. Ralph Dale Earnhardt JR. He is a NASCAR driver for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and occasionally can be seen in NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Dale JR. at the opening of his new club in North Carolina, Whiskey River.
Dale JR. getting ready for a race!! I just love a man in a uniform:)
Yummy! And my favorite picture of him. He always wears those sunglasses, love them. And I love when he hasn't shaved for a couple of days.
Enjoy!!!
Tonya

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

August Tonya's Tidbits

August 4th 2009 http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=1916 August 19th 2009 http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=1919 Happy Reading, Tonya

IHeart Harlequin Presents Seduction Contest is Back!

The Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009 is Now Open! Click on the link below to see the official rules: http://www.iheartpresents.com/2009/07/official-rules-for-the-harlequin-presents-writing-competition-2009/ In honor of this competition I will be hosting a Harlequin Presents book every day up until the November 2009 deadline. I will also try to get author interviews, especially one from last years winner. Todays Book:

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Mistress Bella Reviews

My good friend, Bella Wolfe and I are starting our very own review site. Mistress Bella Reviews. So far we have over 10 publishers and 3 authors who have agreed to work with us. If you would like to have your book reviewed or would like to become a reviewer (were the books you review are yours to keep) you can send an email to mistressbellareviews@gmail.com or visit our blog...Mistress Bella Reviews Thanks, Tonya XOXO

Monday, May 11, 2009

Explain or not to Explain?

To kick of The Monday Writer’s addition of my blog I am going to talk about something I have a problem with. Explain, Explain, Explain! I either go in detail too much or I don’t explain enough. As a writer you will have your strengths and your weaknesses. I hope over the next few weeks I can address some of my weaknesses, I think this will help me become a better writer. And it may help one of you reading this blog entry with your writing as well. There is a common rule with writing a scene: Show don’t tell. Me, I want to tell and explain to the reader what is going on. Example: Explaining too much: Ashley slammed her coffee mug on the table. She was horrified at what Jake had just said. How dare he? Showing: Ashley slammed her coffee mug on the table. “How dare you imply that I don’t care about my son?” She shook with disbelief. OR Kate watched as the man placed the head of the gun against Drew’s temple. This hostage situation had gone too far. “Please, just let us go and we’ll never speak of this again.” “Shut up lady or I pull the trigger!” The man shouted. Kate quickly shut her mouth to keep Drew alive. This line can be shortened to: Kate quickly shut her mouth. We know why she isn’t speaking now. We don’t need to explain. These are a couple of examples I have from my own writings that critique partners have pointed out for me. I’ve found that when I explain a lot in a manuscript I don’t feel comfortable enough with my writing. I don’t feel like I got my point across, so therefore I must explain it to the reader. After a couple of critique partners pointed this out for me, I can quickly spot it now on my own. And once I go back and re-read the scene without the extra explanation I realize the reader is going to know what is going on. And if the reader will have no clue then I know I need to re-write that particular scene. Also another problem with explaining that I’ve had is using adverbs, mainly the –ly adverbs. These words are words that explain, they tell you something they don’t show you something. With that being said I have been trying to broaden my vocabulary so that I’m not drawn to using as many adverbs. And lastly, another problem I have with explaining comes to my characters. When a character makes a movement: Kate swung her arms. I also wanted to elaborate on that. Kate swung her arms in disbelief. If the reader has read the story up until that point than they are going to know why Kate swung her arms. They aren’t going to need me to explain that. Besides if you have to explain why your character does something than I haven’t done a great job with creating my characters. My readers and I should know my characters well enough to know why or why not they act a certain way. Since a critique partner of mine has made me aware of this weakness I find that I am a much better writer. Now I am catching myself explaining during a scene, so I can quickly stop myself from over writing. Which will save me time with editing and save my critique partners a headache or twoJ What are your thoughts on explaining? Do you feel you explain too much? Or do you have another weakness with writing that you just can’t seem to grasp? Tonya XOXO

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sun Master Tanning

YAY! I am so excited my business is up and running. Sun Master Tanning. It's located in Morehead, KEntucky. Know anyone here that would be interested? They can email me tonyacallihan@yahoo.com. $3.00 a session $20.00 unlimited monthly tanning. Wish me luck Tonya XOXO

Friday, May 1, 2009

Author Spotlight: Stephanie Bond

Please help my welcome Stephanie Bond! I am so happy she is joining us today. I grew up in Olive Hill and I always heard talk of her at church and with my family. My mom had several books written by Stephanie. The first two books I read of hers were titled Our Husband and Too Hot to Sleep. Since then I have been hooked. Today Stephanie has given us an article she has written for her Spring Blog tour. But before that here are the three book covers for books 4, 5, and 6 in her Body Movers series.

All I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From Reading Romance Novels

I can trace many accomplishments back to romance novels, long before I ever dreamed of writing one. Growing up on a farm in eastern Kentucky with no neighbor kids around and only one TV station, books were my primary form of entertainment. Our tiny town didn’t have a public library, and there were no bookstores around, but I had a beloved aunt who visited twice a year and brought me bags and bags of novels, most of them sweet Harlequin romance novels and gothic romances by Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. In the summertime, between my numerous chores, I averaged reading a book a day. My father would sometimes chide me to get my nose out of a book and go outside, but I would simply take my book outside to read under a tree!

The words transported me. Through romance novels I learned of people and places I’d never seen. I learned that women could have all kinds of adventures and occupations, all while finding love. I developed a good reading vocabulary through books because I was exposed to wonderful, picturesque words I would never have heard in everyday conversations or school lectures. My extensive romance-novel vocabulary took me to the tri-state spelling bee several times. I think I learned most of my world history through historical romance novels. Because reading begets reading, I excelled at school. My good grades were my ticket to a free ride to college. There were no career women in my family—my female career role models were in the books I read. I remember being especially inspired by Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance about a woman who went from being the daughter of a servant to starting a tiny store and turning it into one of the world’s largest luxury department stores. After college I tackled the corporate world with the confidence of a woman who always knew I’d be there—I’d learned from the best, after all. Nothing seemed impossible.

When I was knee-deep into my corporate career, I met the love of my life and promptly married him (we’ve been married almost twenty years now). I don’t mind saying that I measured him against the heroes in all the romance novels I read and he certainly held up under the scrutiny! My husband is handsome, masculine, talented, ambitious, funny and kind. I was actually dating someone else when I met him, but he won me over with his humor and persistence. It was a few years later before the writing bug bit me—I knew immediately, of course, that I’d be writing romance novels. Even in my humorous mystery series, Body Movers, romance plays a big role in the story lines. Because I think a story is nothing without the romance—without the promise, without the hope.

So now that I’m an author my life is even more intertwined with romance novels! To this day my favorite pastime is still to settle down with a great romance novel. They never fail to entertain and inspire me. In hindsight, I’d have to say that the most important lesson I learned from romance novels is…that I am the heroine of my own life. _________________ Stephanie Bond has written over 40 romance and romantic suspense novels. She currently writes the humorous mystery series, Body Movers, in which an Atlanta woman works for Neiman Marcus by day, and helps her brother move bodies from crime scenes by night! Look for books 4, 5, and 6 to be released back to back in April, May, and June.

You can visit Stephanie Bond' s website at http://www.stephaniebond.com/

Thanks again Stephanie for stopping by. And folks remember to leave a comment for your chance to win your free copy of book number 4 in the Body Movers series.

Tonya

XOXO

Happy 3rd Birthday TWRP

Friday, May 1, 2009, The Wild Rose Press celebrates their third birthday in style. Head on over to their BLOG to check out what authors of TWRP are saying and a chance to win a free EBOOK every hour. Head over their between 7-8 and catch my friend and TWRP author Donna Basinow.

Other Blogs from The Wild Rose Press:

Editors Blog Historical Blog Climbing Roses Blog Wilder Roses Blog Tonya XOXO

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Great News

I just started Twitter today! Check it out: www.twitter.com/tonyacallihan. Also check out my April Column Tonya's Tidbits Now for my exciting news of the day. Stephanie Bond will be stopping by tomorrow. She will also be giving away a prize, so stop by and check her out! Tonya XOXO

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Author Spotlight: Laurean Brooks

Today my very special guest is Laurean Brooks. FYI: she also has her very first book signing today. Congratulations Laurie and good luck.
Author bio
Laurean Brooks was first spurred to write by a fifth-grade teacher who enjoyed listening to Laurean's cliff-hanger book reports and wild essays. The teacher announced to the class, "One day Laurie will become an author."Life got in the way and decades passed, but Laurean kept the teacher's words tucked safely away in her heart. Today, she is author of two short stories and a 291-page book titled, JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS.
Interview Questions
1. What was your purpose in writing JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS?
I would like for readers who have been abused either physically or emotionally, to realize that forgiveness is the only key to true emotional freedom. God can give you them a new start.
2. What do you want to convey through this book?
There is hope for the abused. Healing comes through letting go of negative emotions-bitterness, resentment and anger. And letting go comes through forgiveness.
3. What are your aspirations for JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS?That all (and I hope there will be many), who read this book will recognize emotional baggage in their lives and take the first steps to deal with the scars inflicted through past abuse. Whether physical or emotional.Secondly, I pray that those who have never experienced abuse will remember not to judge so harshly those who seem a bit distant or act a little different. We can never know what a person has experienced until we have gone through those same experiences.
4. Where did you get the idea to write this book?From my mother's childhood. Her father was physically abusive. She gave me a lot of information about the era around the Great Depression. The story about the farm-raising cotton, corn, and livestock-is true. Also, the journey to Chicago to find employment, and several humorous incidents. My mother is eighty-eight and her mind is as good as mine. Better sometimes.The story is based on my mother's life. Most of the occurrences are fiction, though the heroine and hero bear the same names and spirited personalities as my parents.In real life my mother and dad met on the Tennessee farm mentioned in the story. He was hired to help with the cotton crop. They married after my Dad returned from World War II, and after my mother returned from Chicago.
5. What else would you like to say about Journey To Forgiveness?
Abuse is a serious topic. It can affect a person for life if not dealt with. God is the only One who provides complete forgiveness and healing. But the victim must be willing to relinquish those harmful emotions.Journey To Forgiveness is loaded with rib-tickling scenes that give a lighter touch to the real issue of suppressed anger and the heroine's struggles. This heartwarming story will take the reader from tears to laughter, and finally to joy.
JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS by Laurean Brooks, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble site, and Target, online and White Rose Publishing.com
Synopsis
When Jenny Hinson's abusive father deserts the family, the responsibility of the family's Tennessee farm falls to Jenny and her mother. Four years later, in 1938, boll weevils infest the cotton crop, plunging the Hinsons into dire financial straits, and Jenny takes the train north to find work. Electricity has yet to reach rural Chicory Valley. But, not only is the young woman introduced to it in its tapped form in Chicago, but also encounters a few jolts along the way when she challenges the infuriating Austin Grant over a luggage mishap. Sparks fly outside the Kankakee train station when Jenny discovers her missing vanity case under Austin's arm. She immediately labels him a thief. And after Austin coaxes money from her aunt's congregation, Jenny determines to find enough evidence to expose him and his nefarious deeds. Why did Austin pull money from the mission strongbox and stuff a sizable roll into his pocket? Wasn't this just the proof Jenny needed? Then why was she reluctant to report the theft? And why did her heart race at every encounter with the notorious Austin? Jenny's personal convictions would never allow a relationship where trust was blatantly missing.
Can Jenny muster enough courage to ask Austin the tough questions that will ultimately make or break their relationship? Can she forgive her father's brutality? Find out as you follow Jenny's struggles in JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS. Find JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS and many more inspirational romances on the new White Rose Publishing site at www.whiterosepublishing.com
Come visit the White Rose authors at their blog, White Roses in Bloom at http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com
Visit Laurean at her blog and post a comment. Laurean's Lore at http://laureanslore.blogspot.com
JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS by Laurean Brooks "Love and Forgiveness rippled with humor."

Friday, March 20, 2009

Tonya's Tidbits

Hey Everyone! Not sure if I posted the link for my first column but here it is along with my second column which was posted yesterday. 1st March Column: Tonya's Tidbits http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=1576 2nd March Column: Tonya's Tidbits http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=1583 Enjoy, Tonya

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Author Spotlight: Denyse Bridger

Today we have special guest Denyse Bridger. The book in which she is promoting is an excellent read. I have read it myself personally and enjoyed it and I am currently writing a review for longandshortreviews.com
At this point in my career, I’ve had published in the vicinity of 400 stories and novellas, in almost any genre you can name. “The only thing I haven’t tried yet is hard-core science fiction, and horror. Since I don’t consider vampires as I write them to be the fodder of horror, I classify those stories as Dark Fantasy.” Many of my vampire stories have appeared in Margaret L. Carter’s anthology, The Vampire’s Crypt, and Night To Dawn, published and edited by Dawn Callahan for the first two years, and now published by author/editor Barbara A. Custer.My poetry has been published internationally, as well. I’ve also been the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Fan Quality Award, which is given annually for excellence in fan-written fictions based on film and television. As of May 2005, there are four awards in the collection, and no less than a dozen nominations to my credit. For more of her bio check out: http://denysebridger.com/bio.html And don't forget to check out her blog: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/ Enjoy! Whom Gods Have Favored Genre: Historical - vampire - erotic ISBN: 9781894817066 Available at: Absolute XPress BUY: http://www.absolute-x-press.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=12&products_id=62 Price: $3.95
Pompeii lies complacent and decadent in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, the populace thriving on their depravity and their hunger for blood and Games. Within the elite aristocracy, games of another type are being played, deadly secrets are a threat to more than status, and conspiracy is a way of life for those who are unhappy.
Lucius has long been exalted as a warrior without peer. Adored and covetted by men and women alike, he is blind to the plots that are thickening around him. While total control is his on the bloody fields of war, on the battlefield of the heart, as he is about to discover, even the strongest man can be deceived by his ignorance. Watching over it all is the majesty of Vesuvius, sputtering smoke, promising retribution. In the midst of the looming destruction, an ancient evil emerges, and will claim not only a celebrated general of Rome, but the slave girl he has slowly grown to love and cherish. A girl who will follow him into hell itself?

To visit Denyse's website http://denysebridger.com/

Thanks Denyse Tonya XOXO

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Tonya's Tidbits

Hey everyone! Check out my March column Tonya's Tidbits. As soon as Denyse Bridger sends me some information I will post her for author spolight day. We have been running behind this week...or should I say I have been running behind:) Tonya XOXO

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Author Spotlight: Monica Burns

I apologize to all of you...including Monica, for this being a day late. Had some personal family problems I had to take care of yesterday and did not get hom until ealry in the morning and went straight to bed.
Today's author spotlight is from Monica Burns: A multi-published author of erotic romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today. Even then she knew that Burns was a great last name for an erotic romance writer who writes burning hot stories. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica is a 2005 Golden Heart Finalist, 2009 and 2006 EPPIE finalist, a 2009 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist and a recipient of JERR’s Silver Star award.
tDangerous by Monica BurnsSamhain PublishingeBook — ISBN 1-59998-882-8 MBaMPrint - ISBN 978-1-60504-121-6Available Borders, Amazon, MBaM and Other BookstoresBehind the mask lies love-a dangerous and deadly emotion. Constance Athelson, Viscountess Westbury has a gift she can’t reveal. She sees things others can’t, including the dead. The only thing she can’t see is into the heart of Lucien Blakemore, Earl of Lyndham. After one blissful night in his arms, she knows if she’s ever to win his heart, she must free him from his tortured past. Lucien Blakemore met the Egyptian goddess Isis at a masked ball, but she vanished into the night before he could learn her real name. It’s just as well, since the Blakemore Curse makes love a dangerous and deadly emotion for him. But the erotic night he spent with his mysterious lover makes him want to throw caution aside-if only for one more night with his masked goddess. Excerpt Without waiting for him to speak, she flew toward the door. In a flash he followed her. Before she could even touch the doorknob, his large hand was braced against the door, holding it shut. Heat engulfed her as he towered over her, his chest pressing gently, but firmly, into her back. The intimacy of the position made her pulse rocket out of control. Warm lips nuzzled the side of her neck, and she struggled not to give in to the hedonistic pleasure cascading over her. He made her feel out of control, and that made him more dangerous than any man she’d ever met. “Turn around and look at me, Isis.” The hoarse command pulled the air from her lungs as her body went rigid against his. He knew. He knew who she was. Unable to move, she trembled as his hand cupped the side of her neck then slid downward across her shoulder. It was a lover’s caress. She didn’t resist as he forced her to turn and face him. With her back pressed against the door, she looked up into his blue eyes. Desire flared in his gaze as he trailed the tip of his finger across her cheek before tracing the edge of her jaw. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a beautiful widow in London?” There was just a hint of irritation in his voice as his penetrating gaze locked with hers. Her heart skipped a beat. He really had been looking for her. Her dreams had not lied about that. The knowledge filled her with a sense of delight. Instantly, she swatted the emotion aside. Why had he been looking for her? Wetting her dry lips, she shook her head. “Since it’s not my habit to look for beautiful widows, I wouldn’t know.” She was pleased that her voice held just the right note of amusement so as to disguise her agitation. “It’s damned difficult,” he bit out between clenched teeth. “But I find it interesting how you managed to find me so easily.” “Find you so easily!” she sputtered. “I did no such thing, you arrogant beast.” “No?” he sneered. “And I suppose you expect me to believe you don’t know Malcolm Standish either.” Infuriated by his assumption that she found him so irresistible as to deliberately seek him out, she glared up at him. The blazing anger in his gaze made her try to push herself free from the way he had her pinned to the nursery room door. It was a futile effort. “Frankly, my lord. I could care less what you believe,” she puffed angrily as her hands shoved at his unyielding chest. “I don’t know anyone named Standish, and I most certainly did not try to find you. I had no idea Lyndham Keep was yours. If I had, I wouldn’t—” His eyes narrowed as she abruptly closed her mouth. “You wouldn’t what?” “This conversation is ridiculous. I wish to return to my room to pack my belongings.” She flinched at the determination in his gaze. She’d said too much. “Answer me.” “I wouldn’t have come here,” she snapped. “You wouldn’t have come here,” he murmured, almost as if he was speaking to himself. She experienced a brief moment of relief as she realized he wasn’t curious about why she would have stayed away from Lyndham Keep. His hand cupped her chin while his thumb rubbed across her lower lip. The action sent a stream of lava coursing through her veins straight to her nether regions. Sweet heaven, it was happening all over again. With just one touch he had stirred a fire inside her. His mouth beckoned to her, and she struggled not to lean into him like one of Pharaoh’s odalisques. Oh God, what was it about this man that made her respond to his touch so quickly? “My lord, I—” “Lucien. I want to hear you say my name again.” It was another command and she tried to stifle the thrill of it. She didn’t like anyone telling her what to do, but there was something about his dominating manner that excited her. “Lucien, please. I must pack.” “No, Isis. I want you to say it like you did before.” Desire darkened his blue eyes as his mouth hovered over hers. “I want to hear you cry out my name in the heat of passion.” She shuddered as his hand curled around the back of her neck and pulled her head toward him. Powerless to resist, she molded herself to his hard, muscular body as her mouth parted beneath his. In that split second, fire engulfed every one of her senses. Passion flowed hot and heavy through her as she gave in to the need gripping her body. Her tongue mated with his with a ferocity that stunned her, but she held nothing back as his large hand slid over her bare shoulders to trace the line of her bodice down to her breasts. God, how she wanted him to suckle her again. She craved him, hungered for him with the same intensity she’d experienced that night at the Clarendon. The desire to feel his skin against hers spiraled through her, and her fingers quickly undid the buttons of his shirt. She splayed the material open so she could caress the warm steel of his chest. Touching him wasn’t enough. She wanted to taste him too. She broke away from their kiss, her mouth edging its way along the line of his jaw, then down his throat to where his heart pounded against his breastbone. Breathing in his delicious spicy scent, her tongue flicked out to taste him. He was hot and tangy. Dear Lord, she wanted him more now than she had that night. What power did he wield over her to make her so willing to forget everything but the sensation of his touch? Hot and wet for him, she ached for his possession. Remembering the way his thick, hard length had filled her, she slid her hand downward as she continued to taste the hardness of him. The moment her fingers brushed over his rigid length he jerked with surprise. She wanted him—needed him inside her. With the palm of her hand, she rubbed him through his trousers. A deep growl rumbled out of his chest as he pushed his hips forward against her hand. Strong hands pulled her upright as he sought her mouth again. Base emotion skittered through her as another rush of heat dampened the area between her thighs. Clinging to him, she moaned softly, taking pleasure in the shudder that ripped through her body. The delight coursing through her only increased the ache he’d created inside her with his touch. Incendiary kisses singed her lips before heating her skin as his mouth glided across her cheek toward her ear. The moment his teeth nibbled on the soft flesh of her ear lobe, she whimpered a sigh of pleasure. Critical Acclaim 2009 EPPIE Finalist 4 1/2 Stars“Jane Eyre meets The Mummy...[her] characters are so multidimensional that readers will swear they’re based on real people.” — Romantic Times BOOKreviews “[She] writes lovely erotic romance with plenty of heart and passionate soul.” — Michelle Buonfiglio, Romance B(u)y The Book 84 out of 100 “Burns manages to have Constance breaking a few stereotypes without coming off too much like a contemporary character... I find Dangerous is a pretty good read...” — Mrs. Giggles “...a powerful, sensually driven historical paranormal that is a testament to Ms. Burns' gift of keeping her readers spell-bound. Highly Recommended Reading!” — ParaNormal Romance.org “Burns writes the kind of sexy, paranormal historical stories I want to read, and I look forward to her next offering!” — Romance Reader At Heart “Ms. Burns is masterful at escalating the sexual tension and suspense with her characters. Three generations of murder, stubborn ghosts, and an aging matriarch with attitude are the perfect compliment to a fantastic love story that is a joy to read.” — Coffeetime Romance “Readers will definitely find themselves riveted to the pages as Constance and Lucien’s story unfolds.” — Fallen Angel Reviews “I truly enjoyed reading Dangerous...it was a delightful and interesting read. Well written and imaginative.” — Romance Reader Connection
For more books and other fun stuff Monica has to offer just visit her site.
Tonya
XOXO