My Movies of the Year

I'm back from my trip, and I'm bushed. I realized last night while I was trying to pass out on the couch that even though I've chimed in to a few great new shows this Fall, it's been a long while since I've enjoyed a good movie.

But my faves of the year have to include Iron Man in the number one position (which is out on video today!) God, I loved that movie, the Robert Downey, Jr. snarky rendition of Tony Stark was perfect, and since I'm very much a Marvel fan I thought they did a great job with the storyline.




Along the same lines with the comic book hero movies, I've heard amazing reviews about the Dark Knight and I can't wait for it to be released on video to watch it (although I know I should have seen it on the big screen). Since I haven't yet seen it, I did find a few other reviews so that I could competently make a recommendation:

"The haunting and visionary Dark Knight soars on the wings of untamed imagination. It's full of surprises you don't see coming. And just try to get it out of your dreams." Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"Heath Ledger was really as good as everyone said he was. While Jack Nicholson’s Joker in 1989’s Batman was campy and diabolical, Ledger’s Joker was unsettling, disturbingly matter of fact about his criminal exploits, and fascinating to watch. Ledger was The Joker. He had the mannerisms perfected, from the smoothing back of the wiry hair, to the flicker of his tongue, to the lumbering walk. It was such a commanding performance that any scene he was in, everything else paled in comparison." Eclare Fair



So what have you seen this year that you want to rave about? What are you looking forward to on the list of movies still to come?

Il est tout au sujet du voyage

I'm in Montreal! We needed tires. Don't ask why I drove 900 kilometres for tires. Long story. But I won't be home until late on Monday. While we're here we'll be visiting family and friends and I'm sure we'll have loads of fun. First we'll do some of the "family part" and eat too much food before heading to NDG to do the "friend part" and get our tires. We'll be going out for dinner in Old Montreal and I hope that the weather is nice so that we can hang out on a restaurant patio with a good bottle of wine and catch up. It's been too long since we've seen our friends. Then we'll go on to the next place and spend some time with my grandmother, who I love with all my heart. She's smart and strong and an inspiration to me. She shows me the kind of woman I want to become.

Coming back home is bittersweet because we love Montreal, and that car ride...whew. Anyone else go on long car rides like this on a regular basis? Since we head up there at least four or five times a year, I've learned a few tricks to make the drive easier.

1. Lots of batteries for the video game.
2. Extra DVD's for the television.
3. A set of headphones.
4. A cigarette plug adapter.
*Note that all of these things involves electronics designed to keep my five year-old busy?

We also play lots of eye-spy games and tell stories. And making time for breaks is a must with a child on board. Even if he doesn't have to pee...he will...and giving him a chance to stretch his legs keeps him from getting too cranky. We also try to travel at non-peak traffic times, even if it means getting up at 4:00 in the morning.

So I'll see you when I get back, or maybe...
Voyez-toi à Montréal

I had to laugh when Maria Zannini asked me to share my book signing experiences as part of her continuing market series...seeing as how I've only had one book signing event, and it was just two weeks ago, so I'm surely no expert. BUT...having said that, maybe because of the fact that I am a newbie, I am also the perfect person to ask. I don't have the fan-base that a more established author can use to draw people to the store for a booksigning, which means I have to rely on other things. So here's my short list of things to do before the event to try and make it a successful one:

1. Sign up for BookTour.com You can create an author page with them that has links to reviews, interviews, your website and blog, and more importantly, you can enter all of your upcoming events (even online or "virtual" events like guest blogging). The idea is that BookTour.com lets its reader members know which authors will be in their area for booksignings, and hopefully this can draw a few curious people into the store when you're having your event.

2. Send out a newsletter or an email blast. Go ahead, send it to everyone, even if they're not in the area. I sent one to a friend that lives 2 hours away, knowing she wouldn't be able to come, but I sent it anyway. It was an invitation with a request to let others know. And of course, she didn't come, but she did send three of her friends over to the store who do live in my area. The idea is to get the word out. Your email contacts have contacts, who have contacts, who have contacts...

3. Have the bookstore send you a copy of their promotional poster or flyer. Get it printed in colour. If you work in an office, or anywhere out of the home and you don't have a problem with your co-workers knowing that you are also an author, then post it in the lunch room (you might have to ask if its okay first). I also posted it at my grocery store, my post office, the three neighbourhood libraries, my husband's office, my mother's office, my lawyer's office (I wouldn't normally have picked this location, but we're friends)...so you get the picture. How will people know that you'll be signing books if they have no way of finding out?

Doing these things will probably also bring your friends and family to the store, but that's not a bad thing. It means that when you sit down at that chair and start signing books for your mom and your best friend from high school, that you'll also be garnering the attention of the other shoppers wandering around looking for something interesting to read. And when they see the crowd at your table, they might just think you're more famous than you really are and decide to take a chance with your book. My booksigning went very well and I was surprised at the number of people that I sold books to, or gave bookmarks and postcards to, or just talked to, who weren't family or friends. Hopefully, they are soon to be what I would be excited to call "fans".

Be sure to visit Maria's site today to see what other advice and tips she's sharing from other authors.

Where's your favourite place to go?

For me it's bookstores. I love bookstores. I could spend hours in a bookstore, perhaps the whole day. It could take me an afternoon just to peruse one aisle in my favourite genre.

(This is the Selexyz Bookstore in Maastricht, Holland, installed in an old Dominican church.)




(Borderlands Science Fiction Bookstore in San Francisco is home to this hairless Sphynx cat.)

On Thursday evenings when hubby goes off to play hockey, kiddo and I head out to the bookstore after dinner. We'll take turns. First we go to the children's section. We'll play with the dress up costumes for a while, then take a turn on the train set with Thomas before settling into a corner to read a few of the new releases. If it's close to Halloween, Christmas, or Easter, then that's even better because we'll find all of the themed books and read them out loud. Usually, before we're done we've gotten the attention of a few other kids as well and I have a circle of chubby, rapt little faces staring up at me. It's hard at that point to call a halt to storytime, and I'll read "just one more".

(Shakespeare & Co. Antiquarian Books, Paris. Probably the most photographed bookstore of the world.)

Life in a bookstore is like a wonderful melding of cultures. I liken it to walking through Kensington Market in Toronto and drinking in all of the colours and scents, the people talking and shopping. No matter your likes or dislikes, everyone can find something to interest them. I'll look around and always see five or six people in the magazine section, picking up everything from home reno mags to magazines about fashion, crafts, pets, photography and sports. Then there are those who are hanging out with the comics and Manga books (I loved the graphics in To Terra, by Keiko Takemiya). And whether you're looking for a treatise on Catholic dogma, a history of the Mennonite faith, or a copy of the Talmud...they could be sharing the same shelf space.

(A view from inside the bookstore Shakespeare & Co)

You might find popular fiction next to the biographies, or science fiction next to a grouping of inspirational self-motivators. People come to sit quietly, curled up in a window with something new, or they come with friends and laugh at the happenings of the day over coffee. Whatever it is, bookstores seem to have a life of their own that encompasses wonder and excitement, laughter, tears and learning.

(A very cramped bookstore in Calcutta, India.)

For kiddo and I, after we've spent some time with Dr. Seuss and Harold and the Purple Crayon, we head over to the sci-fi and horror sections. While I'm picking up this book and that one off the shelves to read the first pages, my amazing child will sit on the floor and every once in a while he'll show me a picture or laugh over a word that he sounded out all on his own. And then we'll do the same over in the romance aisle before heading back downstairs to pay for our treasures. Finally, when the sun has long gone down and it's way past bedtime, we'll run through the cafe to grab a cookie for the ride home. As I'm driving, I'll look in the rearview mirror to find him passed out in his seat with his new book clutched in those little hands and it makes my heart melt.

This was a very unproductive weekend for writing. I went visiting, shopping, had dinner at the in-laws, watched a movie...oh and I went to a sex toy home party.

It's like Tupperware, um...but not.

I've been to one before. It was a "boy/girl" party a few years ago when we were all newly married. But I'm thinking that was the wrong time for a party like this. Now that we've all got our noses to the grindstones and a couple of kids under our belt, now that the mortgage is a firmly-entrenched part of our lives and we haven't had a real vacation since that honeymoon, might be a better time to have a party like this. And I like the boy/girl idea. The party I went to this weekend was "just the girls" which was fun but it lacked that extra hit of testosterone that the guys would have brought with them.

Anyway, I wish I could provide you with something witty and/or interesting this Monday morning. But I'm about as brain dead as a fried zucchini, so that's all I've got.

How was your weekend?

Hop on over to the Vauxhall Vixens for my blog today! I'm talking about crazy feats of daring and the lengths we go to immortalize ourselves.

Sick of all those motivational posters they insist on putting up in the office?

Here are some de-motivational words of wisdom you won't find on the lunch room wall...

PICTURES!!

My first booksigning at Chapters this past Friday went very well! Thanks to everyone who came out!

Signing books.
I wasn't the one taking the pictures folks, but you didn't really want to see my face anyway did you?...oh, and yes that is a HUGE Twilight display right behind me LOL

Yay, a fan!

More crazy fans...
actually this is my husband and a friend of mine with her sister...but they're still fans I swear it!

FRIDAY FUNNY is postponed for this week...but I have a good reason, honestly.

Today is my very first scheduled Book Signing!

Details: I'll be at the Chapters book store in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada this evening at 7:00 p.m. EST signing the first two books in my Immortals Series--My Immortal and Immortal Kiss.

For those of you not too far away, I'd LOVE to see you there, it's going to be a blast...although you'll probably meet my mother. She'll be the one with the camera that just won't quit :)

Now, if you can't make it and you're really dying to get a signed copy of one of my books (and who could blame you!), I will also be attending some other events before the end of the year, including a few in the USA. But here's to hoping that my first event is a successful one!

For today, another book review!!

One of my favourite authors blew away the whole scene with the first in her Psy/Changeling series in 2006. Since then the books have just gotten better...and better.

Nalini Singh's newest installment Hostage to Pleasure is the sixth book in a fabulous series. With every word Ms. Singh has created a rich, compelling world. An alternate earth, a world of the future. Not one of peace and vision but one where a dangerous war is brewing between the species. Changeling, Psy and Human...

Dorian is a sentinel for the DarkRiver clan, a Changeling leopard without the ability to change. Ashaya is one of his sworn enemies, a scientist for the Psy Council--the very same council ultimately responsible for the brutal killing of his baby sister. But is Ashaya as cold and emotionless as she so perfectly portrays? The caged beast inside Dorian doesn't think so, and is determined to break through Ashaya's walls to find out the truth, and to find out what she's hiding...even if it means inciting the rage of a brilliant sociopath and bringing the Psy down on them both.

I seriously recommend this book--but definitely read the prior books first. This is a series that builds a larger story that should be read in succession to truly appreciate the awesome world-building this author excels at.

All right...

I've had about enough of the warm fuzzies. Should last me right through to Christmas.

So where were we then?

Right...big, bad, totally hot immortal warriors who kick demon ass. Strong, sexy, amazing women who don't take shit from anyone, especially not said warriors...
He he, I love this job...

Having finished Dark Immortal, let me give you a little taste:



Alric lifted a hand to her face, lightly trailing a curled finger down her cheek. Callused and rough, but warm on her skin.

She started, her gaze jerking back up to his. His hand was too large, like the rest of him. She knew very well there was little she could do if he decided to use that size and strength against her.

And so did he.

It should scare the crap out of her, but even so, she didn’t pull back from him.

He touched her with such gentle care, almost trepidation. As if he were more afraid of her, of what she might do, than she was of him. Curiosity rode her. If by some fantastical twist of fate this man was telling her the truth, then she would know from his kiss.

Won’t I?

More to the point, if he kissed her and she felt nothing, then they would both know it. She would be able to put aside the ridiculous uncertainty that continued to torment her once and for all, and maybe he would even let her go.

His gaze shifted to her mouth before he closed the distance. Warm, firm...but light. He was giving her all the time in the world to reject his touch and pull away. When she didn’t do so immediately, he groaned and leaned in closer. There was nothing demanding in his kiss, and yet she felt as if she were being marked, as if this one kiss could break down all of her walls and leave her shivering and vulnerable.

"Diana." He murmured her name as if it were made to be uttered in his deep voice, his breath stealing between her slightly parted lips. His hand curved around the back of her head, holding her to him with the gentlest of tethers as he slid his tongue across her lips.

The kiss changed. From soft and unthreatening, to one that hungered—and dared her to feed the hunger. Accept it. Crave it.

Oh God.

So as you know, I've been very busy trying to make my deadline for Dark Immortal, and I did it!

But it was a grueling process. This book was very hard to write, and I found myself locked away with my laptop for many, many...many hours while it seemed as if the rest of the world was enjoying the summer.

I hate to say it, but my family suffered. And my friends. And my job. When I wasn't writing, I was distracted, irritable, and clearly my mind was still in another world with my characters.

And so I want today to say THANK YOU to everyone for riding this deadline along with me with patience and understanding, which I appreciate from the bottom of my heart.

I LOVE YOU

For this week's FRIDAY FUNNY!!

I can remember doing way too many of these dances starting somewhere around Billie Jean and Thriller!

What do you remember about those times?

Sorry, everyone. I'm in massive deadline mode.

I will check in periodically, but no new blog for a little while.

I'll leave you with some inspiration from some of my fellow bloggers:

Maria Zannini always has great market advice on Mondays, so be sure to drop in on her.

My crit partner Ely will have some delicious Labor Day leftovers at the Vauxhall Vixens on Tuesday that you won't want to miss! (Trust me on this one ) CORRECTION: Sorry everyone. Ely's Labor Day goodies were for Monday--but come on by anyway because she's taken on the Unleash Your Story Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis and needs your support!

If you have nothing planned for Wednesday, then swing on over to Shelley Munro's blog. She's still on vacation, but she's been posting fabulous pictures and stories from her travels. Then maybe stop by my website if you haven't had a chance lately, because I just got through adding some new links to interviews and other guest spots, some great reviews for Immortal Kiss, and more!

On Thursday, I'll be blogging at the Vauxhall Vixens (hopefully about how relieved I feel to have finished my book!)

And for the end of the first week back at school, I'll have another FRIDAY FUNNY right here! (This one's a good one, don't miss it!)

As always, leave me a message before you go. I want to hear that you all, at least, have a life!

First, let me announce the winner of a copy of Teresa D'Amario's book, Tigress by the Tail:


ANA

Send me an email at jkcoi(AT)rogers.com, and I'll make sure to pass it along to Teresa so that she can get you your prize! Thanks so much for commenting. And thank you again to Teresa for visiting.

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Second, I just finished reading two books of vastly different styles and genres, but I'm giving my recommendations to you all for the both of them today!



Christine D'Abo writes sexy futuristic romances from Ellora's Cave that sizzle and fog up your ereader. Primal Elements is the story of Ben and Jenna, two strong, lonely colonists on Mars who get set up by a computer dating service. Ben has been betrayed before and finds it hard to trust again, while Jenna has focused on her career for so long that she hasn't had any time for romance. Trouble is, although the computer says they are a perfect match, these two have met before and while the heat between them was scorching back then, things didn't go so well. Their primal, irresistable attraction has just gotten more intense since last they butted heads, but what makes either of them think that that they'll do any better this time?










Kimberly Killion's debut novel, Her One Desire is the historical story of one woman's curse and one man's destiny. Lizbeth Ives grew up roaming the halls of the Tower of London as her father meted out justice to England's enemies as the Lord High Executioner. Broderick Maxwell is one of those enemies, a Scot Lizbeth--now a woman on the run from a very dangerous enemy--rescues from torture one night in return for his protection. Broderick agrees to take her to safety, but fleeing England becomes a voyage of forbidden discovery as the two find it harder and harder to deny the flames of passion rising between them. A beautiful tale of torture, treason, and trial that shouldn't be missed.

So in traditional J.K. style, I went out and begged people to agree to be guests on my blog. It’s getting harder now and I had to use bribes. I think I’ll be investing in Ghirardelli stocks very soon.

But it worked this time!

Today I bring you the fabulous Teresa D’Amario! In 2007, she won the award for best paranormal romance and was nominated for best debut author by Ecataromance for her book She Wolf. She was also nominated as best debut author by All About Romance. Honestly, the woman has no shame—all this stuff is blatantly posted right on her website, but of course there’s no real juicy stuff there—and I scoured that site from top to bottom for some good dirt!

So without further ado, let’s start the inquisition—er the interview!

Teresa, so wonderful to have you here. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? No no, we don’t want to hear the practised speech about how long you’ve been writing and it was always your life long dream to be an author, blah blah blah. Give us something exciting! Tell us about your life in the Air Force!

First, I’m glad to be here! Inquisition and all! Wow, ok, well, the best part about being in the Air Force was I got to meet my husband there. The instant I saw him I thought "better get to know that guy since we’re going to get married." Still not sure why that thought happened, but it has affected my writing more than a little. And we even got stationed together our entire marriage! That in itself is a miracle.

So you're saying it was love at first sight. That’s so sweet...except for the part where you stalked him and beat him over the head with your combat boots until he noticed you too...Oh, you didn’t actually say that? No worries, I can read between the lines.

So what does a meteorologist do in the Air Force? You ever been to Area 51?

No, not area 51, but I can tell ya I met some really AWESOME people in Egypt, right there at the pyramids. One day I’ll introduce my readership to these wonderful people and their magick. No, I don’t mean Egyptians! These guys are a powerful race from another world. And they swear they didn’t build the pyramids! *right, I believe THAT*

What was I doing in Egypt you ask? Well uhm… I could tell ya but then I’d have to kill ya. *cackles crazily*

Gee, and I was going to ask why you left the Air Force. Never mind, I think I got it.

So why is it that with such a background, you haven’t decided to write military romances, or nail biting military thrillers? Instead you chose to write about shifters (hot, hunky shifters)

LOL oh yeah...but I prefer to incorporate military and my shifters, and already have a few ideas to do that, so don’t "go away". Makes you wonder, guys, when you’re deployed and sleeping in your tent, the guy next to you shaved this morning. You know he did, you saw it! Yet he already has 2 inches of hair on his face…Is he man? Or beast?

Oh, very interesting. I can’t wait for that one! So then, I guess this is the point where you’ll get to interject about your latest book, Tigress By The Tail. Go for it while I go check and see if there's anyone actually here reading this.

Tigress by the Tail is the story of Lance and Cassie. Cassie’s a shifter, a tigress (bet the title didn’t give that away!) Lance though, he’s a wizard. Or at least he thinks he is. His relationship with Cassie makes him re-evaluate everything he ever thought he was. His magick takes turns even he isn’t expecting.

Cassie always thought wizards looked like Harry Potter or Merlin, and is kind of thrown for a loop when she sees this handsome man saving her life. Doesn’t matter that she’s able to save her own life.

I toss in a few really evil people, dust it with government intrigue, mix with a little lightning, and I have the recipe for an explosive story! I loved adding in the features of the Moon card into the story – It definitely worked well. So if you like Tarot cards, and you like the paranormal, this is the story for you. If you like intrigue, and mystery, jump right on in folks, you’ll love it.

Sounds wonderful. I think I will love it...but remind me never to ask you to bake me a cake.

Oh, hey you even have fans! And they send you presents! I saw a wonderful trailer on your website. I’m so jealous! How does it feel knowing that people are reading your books? What’s the best/worst/most interesting/weird sort of feedback you’ve gotten from a reader?

Isn’t that awesome? I think I cried when I saw that trailer. I don’t know, I was too busy watching it to be sure, but I think one or two scenes blurring were not the way it was supposed to be. *grin* That kid has a huge future in videography, and is planning to start school for it next year. Everyone should check out her profile, she’s got tons of great animal videos she’s pieced together into awesome presentations.

Ok, back to the question. Now you have to remember I’m a new author, and this idea of fandom is just so weird to me. It’s one thing to write a book, but for people to write me and say they love it? That’s strange to me. (Luckily nobody has written to say they hate it). I actually cried when the night my first book came out, someone emailed me to say they’d already read it and LOVED it.

I guess the one thing that blew me away was when another budding author was so excited about my books she started a fan club! Really! She’s even working up a cafepress store! http://www.cafepress.com/teresadamario (proceeds go to the setting up of the fan club and giving presents to members!) It’s not finished yet and mostly just shows stuff for SheWolf, but for me, that’s the oddest feeling. I really expected the neighbours to be banging on my door, torches in hand, evicting the neighbourhood freak, but not yet! LOL.

Don't worry, Teresa. I'm sure that will come too. But I’m so glad that you’ve had such wonderful experiences, and I’ll be sure to visit the cafepress store. Do you have a t-shirt that says “I go wild for shifters”?

Okay, now for the personal stuff: I hear you’re like the dog whisperer or something. I love dogs! (And that’s not a lie, even though I have a cat, and my pet before this was a cat, and the one before that was a cat...)

Oh I love dogs. And cats. Ok, I just love animals in general. I really think that’s why I like shifters – I get to use all that awesome info I know by instinct in books. But hubby won’t let me have any kitty cats *pout*. Ok, I’ll be honest, one of my dogs is a cat chaser, so I can now start blaming him. I’ve trained dogs for more than 20 years, and have taught beginning obedience in three states and two countries.

Also, how does one “dance” with dogs? Do you choreograph your numbers? How do you know what music your dogs like best?

LOL So many questions! Canine Musical Freestyle is the name, and yeah, dancing with dogs is the game. The first thing you do is find music. I choose music based on the way the dog moves, and yeah, some dogs are very particular about their music. I’ve heard horror stories of “Fido” howling all the way through a number because he didn’t like the song! In fact, once I was playing with the idea of the song “Pretty little angel eyes”, and my dog came growling and barking from the other room every time I played it. Guess he didn’t like that one.

When I first started, I sat a player next to my dog and played a bunch of different songs. Their body language during the piece can tell you a lot. My lab likes songs with a heavy beat, which is good, cause he moves with strength and power and is very heavy footed. My other dog doesn’t seem to have much of a preference one way or the other.

Then yeah, I choreograph. I find what moves the dogs like (spinning, weaving through the legs, walking backwards, etc), and put it to music. I’ve not seen a single dog not like dancing, though I do see some who get tired very quickly, because it’s a challenge. We’ve used all kinds of nice rock n roll music. Right now my one dog is between songs, (I’m leaning toward the song Bad to the Bone) but the lab is dancing to “It’s my life” by Bon Jovi, and it fits him to the T.

Let me add, I’m one of the FEW canine freestylers who uses hard rock in their presentations. What can I say – we all knew I was weird from the get go!

Well, yes, but I wasn’t going to say anything (at least not until you were gone).

Finally, the important questions: What’s your favourite colour? Food? Television show? Place to visit?

Color – green! Not spring green but that deep, rich emerald green

Food – Hmmm potatoes. Any way, any how!

Television show – I really don’t watch TV as much as I used to. I do like American Idol, and I can tell you I’m really looking forward to “My own Worst Enemy” which starts in September. I like action, adventure, romantic, comedic, and of course the “weird”. LOL.

Place to visit – That is so tough, I’ve been so many places. I could say the fairy-like castle of Neuschwanstein (the one Disney liked so much he built his own) or the dark mystery of the pyramids of Giza. Both are important parts of my psyche. Hmm, should I write a book about fairies in Egypt? JUST KIDDING folks!

Okay, was there anything else you wanted to tell my five readers? (*whisper* this is your only chance, better make it good)

Uh oh, what do I say? Put on the spot! Yikes! Can’t think! Oh wait, I know something. Thanks so much for coming to meet me.  I’ve had so much fun with this interview. The scary part? Why it’s all true of course! Check out my webpage at http://teresadamario.com

And, for being so nice as to read all the way to the bottom, I’ll give one responder a copy of The Moon: Tigress by the Tail!


Whoo hoo, prizes! Thank you Teresa, I'm so glad you agreed to come by. You're a very brave woman--but I guess that goes with the territory when you write the kinds of books that you do and have the background that you do. Congratulations on your new book, and all the best!

I'm a guest today at the Romance Roundtable and I'd love to see you over there!
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Also, check out my newest review for Immortal Kiss from Coffee Time Romance:

Ms. Coi is an expert at creating a masterful work of extreme emotion and high drama. Her work is the perfect combination of passion and adventure. The characters are intense, strong willed, and unquestionably sexy. Their story reverberates with barely controlled emotions that leave the reader breathless with anticipation. While this book is part of a series, it stands alone as an incredible read. I will certainly recommend adding this, and the rest of the series, as must reads to your list.

Lototy, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Exciting news! I have another author to interrogate--I mean interview.

Teresa DAmario, award winning author of SheWolf and most recently Tigress by the Tail, will be on the blog this Tuesday, August 26 and she says she's even going to give a copy of her book to one lucky poster!

I have a new review for Immortal Kiss from the wonderful ladies at Romance Roundtable.

Join me there on Monday, August 25 when I'll be blogging a little bit about making room in your life for childhood dreams.

Also on the topic of reviews, a few others have come in for Immortal Kiss since its release, and I'm very pleased with the response thus far!

From Kimber Chin, author of Breach of Trust:
"Wow. The passion between Maxine and Baron sizzles! Their strong personalities started me reading, their depth of character forced me to continue, and their rapport made me wish Immortal Kiss was longer. This novel has turned a historical reader into a paranormal convert. Excellent!"

From Robyn at Manic Readers:
"Immortal Kiss is [an] entertaining read that has two equally strong characters going head to head. I loved that the characters were unpredictable, you never knew what to expect...Immortal Kiss is a book that draws you in and keeps you reading until the end."

From Brianna at Bitten by Books:
"Immortal Kiss [is] a must read paranormal romance. The characters are torn by family ties, and a love that both want but are afraid to take. This is an excellent read."

LOL

It does seem that we've all become a little too familiar with the rampant acronyms that have become commonplace on the internet. As a writer, I can't help but cringe when I see them, and yet I still find myself using them, especially the most popular "LOL". But my husband teaches high school and I've seen some of the texting that goes on with the younger crowd (feel old yet?). It looks more like secret code from NASA than a conversation between sixteen year olds about where to meet for lunch...It's amazing that they can remember what all these terms mean, when these are the same kids who can't remember what they learned in history class from one day to the next.

What drives you nuts about life in this growing online community?