Bad Blogger

I'm Sorry!!

I've been a very bad blogger here, but it's because I've been blogging in so many other places, and I've got a lot of those little balls in the air right now....

I know. Excuses, excuses.

Well, if you're looking for something a little more substantial than apologies and excuses, click on over to Tina Donahue's blog, where I'm talking about juggling priorities.

Where I Take A Moment to Squee Over My New Covers!

Gush with me over the covers I received for my holiday novella, out in December with Carina Press! Aren't they wonderful?

FAR FROM BROKEN



And for the Anthology which will be available in print

A beautiful summer weekend

I had a great weekend camping with my family and friends. We had good weather (just a few sprinkles of rain that didn't bother anyone too much) and a little break from the revisions I've been working on for Greta and the Goblin King.

It was also my birthday on Saturday, and I was so happy for a cake and some good wine.

But now I'm back to work this week so that I'll be finished my revisions and be able to send this book back to my editor.

Happy Birthday To Me!

It's my birthday this week, and I'm having a party at the Vixens Blog! Come by for a chance to win a set of my very cool romance trading cards!

My short mental health break

I've been working pretty hard lately, trying to get caught up and send a few things out the door, and so now that those projects have been completed, I took the last two nights off. (But don't worry, I'm already back in the writing saddle as of today!)

Night off number one was spent in front of the television with hubby while we watched a movie together. Nice. Cozy. I think I fell asleep before the first five minutes. *sigh*

Last night, we were invited to join our friends at their place for homemade pizza made the authentic Italian way. First we made the dough by hand (actually, our friend made it ahead of time, but still...by hand), and we gathered ingredients like asiago cheese and brie, artichokes, sausage, chicken, corn, fresh basil, and lots of other great stuff to put on the pizzas. My son had his pizza with classic pepperoni and mozzarella.



The pizza oven is a great big brick monstrosity outside in the back. It's made with fireproof bricks, like the kind they make kilns out of. You throw wood in it and start the fire a good hour beforehand to make sure it's smokin' hot with a wall of bricks in front of the opening to make sure the heat stays in.



Then when you're ready to put the pizzas in, they only take a couple of minutes to cook. Five minutes, maybe.



Afterward everybody sat around and enjoyed our dinner on the patio, drinking wine and chatting. When it got dark, we just lit candles and kept on eating! It was great!

Synopsis Hell

I'm blogging today at the Happy Endings blog about my synopsis and some great resources I found to help me write it.

I'm also a guest at the fantastic Fierce Romance blog today, talking about Falling Hard and giving away some of my romance trading cards, so stop by!

What do you want to do tonight? The same thing we do every night, Pinky...

The Brain: Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?
Pinky: I think so, Brain, but then it'd be Snow White and the Seven Samurai...

My master plan is working!! Since the release of FALLING HARD, I've been very lucky to have gotten some really great reviews. My evil plan to take over the world is well on its way. [insert maniacal chuckle here]

Christi Snow, Smitten with Reading said "The romance in this book is really beautiful...a really fantastic novel."

Maldivian Book Reviewer recommended it and said "Falling Hard...plunged me deep into a world that had me fascinated right from the very beginning..."

"Totally different and totally enthralling…Fantastically good book…" from Wendy at You Gotta Read Reviews

Nicole, Romance Books Forum said "...the adventure, the mistrust, the changing motivations. It's a crazy emotional ride that ended in a fantastic conclusion that didn’t pander, it didn’t compromise."

BJ of Dark Side of the Covers said "Truth be told, this book had me at the “rocker” and the rest was just icing on an already tempting brownie…"

and JBP Reviews said "I couldn’t take my eyes from the page just waiting to see what was to come. This is a first time author for me but after reading this story it won’t stay that way, I love her voice!"

I want to say thank you to everyone for the wonderful feedback so far!

Love for the HP

We went to see the last Harry Potter movie this week, which was a little bittersweet, but now I can read the books!

What!! I haven't read them yet?

Well, the truth is I purposely waited. I figure it's better to watch the movies as a standalone story that I won't have to compare to the books and find wanting. After I've watched them I can read the books and be impressed by how much better they are.

Good plan, right?

Off I go to do just that!

RELEASE DAY!!

FALLING HARD
IS HERE!


I'm so excited! The celebration is happening all over the interwebz, so come join us.

Here Be Magic

Romance Writers Revenge

Julia Knight

Maria Zannini

Vauxhall Vixens

And don't forget to join me tomorrow morning at the Carina Press Blog

Also, as an added treat for release day, jump on over to my website here, for an exclusive deleted scene from Falling Hard.

After a life filled with tragedy, rocker Gabriel Gunn thinks he's finally getting the better of his personal demons. Then he's attacked after a concert—and rescued by a warrior goddess brandishing a sword and white wings. As hard as it is to believe in an angelic bodyguard, Gabriel must face an even more impossible truth: he carries the devil's soul within him.

Amelia has been watching over Gabriel for years, using her angelic powers to prevent Lucifer's return. Now she must also protect him from warring angel factions with their own agendas. Amelia would do anything to avert another angelic war, even sacrifice her own emotions to avoid temptation. Yet with Gabriel she feels things she no longer wants to deny, and pleasure she never imagined.

But the closer Gabriel and Amelia get, the stronger Lucifer becomes. Will Amelia be forced to kill the man she's come to love to stop the war she's always feared?

Buy it!

KITTEN!!

This is the BEST thing I've seen all week! I had to share it!

GUEST AUTHOR: Maria Zannini

Pros and Cons of Going Rogue

Are you ready to self-publish? Despite what you might’ve heard about books selling like hotcakes and push-button publishing, it’s a little more complicated than that.

If anything, self-publishing requires MORE discipline and dedication than taking a traditional route. Everywhere you go, people will snub you, or worse, disparage your career choices.

There’s a definite rogue quality assigned to self-publishing and it chafes the status quo. Although the rude behavior is not as prevalent (or as belligerent) as it once was, it still exists, especially by those stoically hanging on to the vestiges of traditional publishing. It’s not personal. Any time you rock a boat, those with the best seats are going to get nervous.

As this is the first stop of my Indie Roadshow I’ll start with a balanced look at the good and not-so-good side of self-publishing to give you an overview of what you’ll encounter should you take this step as well.

Pros

• You are totally in control. Creative control. Administrative control. Editing control. You’re an Oprah microcosm.

• You set the time table. No more rushing and rearranging schedules to meet an editor’s deadlines. All your deadlines are self-imposed.

• Write what’s in your heart. There’s no editor or agent to nix your project because they feel they can’t sell it to the marketing committee.

• Most of the money is yours. This is my favorite part, and probably my biggest reason for trying on the rogue coat. Depending on your price point, you can earn up to 70% of your cover price.

Cons

• Remember that control part? With that and a side of fries, you also get all the responsibility. Trust me. It’s a lot more work than it looks from the sidelines—that is, if you don’t fudge on any of the details.

• It costs money. Other than the writing, you can hire someone to edit, design the cover, format, advertise, schedule blog tours, and send your book out to reviewers. The more you can do for yourself, the more money in your pocket.

• The stigma. Honestly, you’d think there was a giant, honking wart on your nose by the way some people react to self-publishing. Don’t feed the beast by putting out a bad book. Get it professionally edited by someone who does not have a vested interest in it.

• It’s lonely. Sure there are self-publishing communities, but in the end, you’re still in this alone. You will LOVE every nameless soul who buys your book because those are the people who had faith in you, and that’s something money can’t buy.

Should you decide to go rogue, go in with your eyes open. Don’t count on luck or the kindness of strangers. Expect all the work to be on your shoulders—most of it will be. Farm out what you can’t do and roll up your sleeves and do the rest yourself.

Just remember there are just as many benefits as there are pitfalls. If you have a little of the entrepreneurial spirit in you, this might be a road worth taking.

Are there any pitfalls in self-publishing that worry you? Let’s discuss.

Bio: Maria Zannini used to save the world from bad advertising, but now she spends her time wrangling chickens, and fighting for a piece of the bed against dogs of epic proportions. Occasionally, she writes novels.

To see all of my titles visit me on my blog

Follow me on Facebook

THE DEVIL TO PAY: Shannon McKee just made the worst deal of her life and has offered her soul in trade. She never expected they’d come to collect so soon.

Blog Activity

I just wanted to pop in to lay out the blog activity for the next week or so. Release day for FALLING HARD is finally upon us (July 18!!)

To celebrate, I'm featured on Gabriella Hewett's blog today for Meet an Author Monday. Come on by and check it out.

Tomorrow make sure to stop by the blog here again because I have special guest Maria Zannini, who will be talking about her choice to self-publish.

Tomorrow I'm also blogging with the Vixens, and I hope you'll stop by because I'll be giving away a free copy of FALLING HARD.

Then on July 13, I'm going to be a guest on Delilah Devlin's blog, talking a little bit about my writing schedule.

Last but not least for this week, I'll be visiting Wynter Daniels blog on July 14 with another chance to win a copy of the book!

Don't Ask, Never Tell

I'm so excited that I share a release with writing buddies and critique partners, Christine D'Abo and Wylie Kinson! Don't Ask, Never Tell is a print compilation of three fantastic contemporary shorts from Ellora's Cave, including my own The Morning After!

Law of Averages Wylie Kinson

Megan Frost, an up-and-coming restaurateur, knows everything there is to know about the culinary arts, but when it comes to pop culture, she's been living under a rock. During a vacation to the sunny island of Bermuda, the yummiest dish she's ever laid eyes on rolls that rock right off her.

British musician Gabriel Law, the famous Dark Angel of Rock, regrets putting his songwriting on the back burner. Tired and creatively simmered out, he retreats to the peace and solitude of Bermuda in order to cook up some original sounds for his new album. But when he finds a naked girl in his holiday cottage, he happily exchanges solitude for a sizzling duet.

The ingredients for a sexy, scorching relationship are in place, but the mix isn't complete without a romantic legend, a mysterious taxi driver and a surprise symbol of destiny from the aquamarine sea…

The Morning After J.K. Coi

Waking up naked in bed with a man’s arms holding you close wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing…except when that man is your husband.

Leslie has tried so hard to put Leo’s betrayal behind her—the ink was almost dry on the divorce papers. But when circumstances throw her in bed with her estranged husband one last explosive time, Leslie learns how quickly anger can turn to passion and hurt can turn to need, even while she knows there’s no way she can ever trust him again.

What Leslie considers goodbye, Leo insists is only the beginning. But the damage between them runs too deep, and sometimes, the only thing more devastating than the night before, is the morning after...

Chasing Phoenix Christine d'Abo

Not only is she the mysterious Lady Phoenix, sensual storyteller, but she's in lust with her co-worker and friend Michael. The night he shows up unexpectedly at one of her performances, she decides to take advantage of his blindfolded state and have a little fun. Her heated words turn into an erotic display that leaves him panting and her desperate for more. Michael continues the chase, determined to unmask the identity of the woman who has aroused his imagination.

When Michael uncovers the truth about Phoenix, will they cast their friendship aside for a chance at something more?

A Much Needed Break

"Dangerous Games" (working title) is done and off to my wonderful editor. Let's hope she likes my cops and mobsters story!

That means I'm ready for vacation! This is where I'll be for the foreseeable future.

(By Dori (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-us
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons)

BUT...When I get home again it's back to work! I still have a lot to do this year.

Get Ready for Steampunk for the Holidays!

I'm pleased to be able to announce that my novella, FAR FROM BROKEN, has been accepted for publication by Carina Press, and will be included in their holiday Steampunk Anthology. I'm excited to share more details when they become available, but until then I hope you'll check out some of the other fabulous steampunk offerings by the Carina Press authors:

The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton

In a time of grand airships and steam-powered cars, the death of a penniless young maid will hardly make the front page. But part-time airship waitress and music hall dancer Julia Bairstow is shattered by her sister's murder. When Lady Law, the most notorious private detective in Britain, offers to investigate the case pro bono, Julia jumps at the chance—even against the advice of Constable Al Grant, who takes her protection surprisingly to heart.

Lady Law puts Scotland Yard to shame. She's apprehended Jack the Ripper and solved countless other cold-case crimes. No one knows how she does it, but it's brought her fortune, renown and even a title. But is she really what she claims to be—a genius at deducting? Or is Al right and she is not be trusted?

Julia is determined to find out the truth, even if it means turning sleuth herself—and turning the tables on Lady Law...


Badlands by Seleste deLaney

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands—if death doesn't find them first..


Alchemy of Desire, Crystal McHugh

After winning the Civil War against the Confederate Wielders, the Union Machinists have outlawed magic to usher in a new age of steam-powered technology. Diah, an alchemist and the only non-wielder in his family, owes his brother for saving his life in the war; so when Cager is blackmailed into procuring the magical hide of the White Buffalo, Diah accompanies him to the Dakota territory.

Their guide is Oni, a half-Lakota woman with plenty of secrets to hide. She's a magic wielder with an illegal wand concealed in her knife—and she's a coyote shifter. To her people, killing the White Buffalo is not only sacrilege, it's dangerous. Oni has no intention of helping them actually achieve their mission—until she falls in love with Diah...

Free Book Week at Carina Press!

It's FREE BOOK WEEK at Carina Press!!!

Every weekday, all week, Carina is offering a spectacular title for free download. And when they say free, they mean ACTUALLY free. Not "sorta free", or "free with a $50 purchase" free, but actually, totally, no strings attached FREE! So, get thee to Carina Press to download a free book every day! Here are the books being offered, and the links and promo codes for your free download:

Monday's FREE BOOK is:
The Debutante's Dilemma by Elyse Mady
Just type in the promo code DEBUTANTEFREE at checkout

Tuesday's FREE BOOK is:
Demon's Fall by Karalynn Lee
Just type in the promo code DEMONFREE at checkout

Wednesday's FREE BOOK is:
The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale by Christine Bell
Just type in the promo code TWISTEDFREE at checkout

Thursday's FREE BOOK is:
Blue Galaxy by Diane Dooley
Just type in the promo code GALAXYFREE at checkout

Friday's FREE BOOK is:
Friendly Fire by Megan Hart
Just type in the promo code FRIENDLYFREE at checkout

Steampunk!

I'm blogging at the fantastic Romance Writers Revenge today, talking about steampunk and giving away a copy of Iron Seduction! Come join us, there's always lots of rum. (As long as you don't mind the pirates)

Dad Life

Join me for my blog at the Vauxhall Vixens today.

Excerpt Monday, Winners and Romance Trading Cards!

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

What better way to start of Monday morning than with a great excerpt, so join me at Excerpt Monday for a taste of Iron Seduction!

___________________________

Also, the winners of my Iron Seduction release party contest (on Facebook, Twitter and of the members of my newsletter) are as follows:

All Things Books (Facebook)
Terri Osborn (Twitter)
Hockeyvampiress (Newsletter)

Please email me at jkcoi(AT)rogers(DOT)com and I'll send you a copy!

___________________________

Last but certainly not least, I've just put in an order for my Romance Trading Cards for Falling Hard. I can't wait for them to arrive so I can give them away, so here's a sneak peek!

On the Bookshelf

I've read a few good books in the last few weeks in between the editing and although I'd love to keep reading, I have some writing to get done now. The good thing is, I still have awesome books on the bookshelf to give me motivation to get my work done so that I can crack them open.

The first is Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh. *sigh* I wanted to protest this book. I wanted to force myself to wait until it came out in paperback because I HATE having to buy a hardcover when I've bought the 8 books before it in paperback. And I would have bought it as an ebook, but this is one of only 2 series that I still want to have on my "actual" shelf. So I caved. This is the first book I'm going to read as soon as I reach my 10k writing goal.

The next book on my shelf is Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning. I read book 1 two weeks ago and immediatley ordered the next one. The thing I like best about trying a new series when all the books are already available is that...all the books are available and I don't have to wait! (except because I have other committments)

The third book I'll wait to read is Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire. I've heard good things and thought I'd give it a shot. Simple as that. I have no idea what it's about and no expectations, but I like going into a book open and free like that, and hoping for a good surprise. I can't wait to see how it turns out.