And the winner is...

The winner of a copy of Maggie Robinson's Mistress by Mistake is:

JulieJustJulie

(email me at jkcoi(at)rogers(dot)com with your address)

Thank you all for joining me in celebrating this fabulous author's debut release!

Introducing...Maggie Robinson!!

I've been waiting for this day for many months! It's release day for my friend and critique partner Maggie Robinson!!

This is one of those books you'll keep on your shelf forever. It will get dogeared and worn from many many reads because you just can't let these characters go, even after the book is done.

Maggie is a brilliant writer and a wonderful person and I'm very happy to be able to help her pimp this--her very first book!!

In celebration, I am giving away a copy of Mistress by Mistake to one lucky commenter on this blog between now and tomorrow night. Come on everyone, show the love for Maggie and win a book!

Mistress by Mistake by Maggie Robinson

“MISTRESS BY MISTAKE sizzles off the page. A marvelously sexy romp.”
~Rita-nominated and award-winning author Anna Campbell

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once--and she's paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she'd never succumb to men's desires again. But even a village spinster's life miles from temptation can't save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost. . .

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He'd fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn't expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them. . .

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society's judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love. . .

GUEST AUTHOR: Robie Madison

I'd like to welcome a friend and fellow TRW author, Robie Madison to the blog today! I "grilled" Robie on her new book, Getting It All, available now from Ellora's Cave, and this is what she had to say:

1. Getting it All sounds like a wonderful reunion story. Readers usually have a favourite genre or trope that they enjoy reading, but that can sometimes be said for writers as well. Do you think you have a favourite type of story to write? If so, what is it and why? The reunion? The beauty and the beast storyline? Star-crossed lovers?

Getting It All was a great story to write because it gave me an opportunity to continue my exploration of second chance at love stories. It’s been a wonderful challenge to see how three sets of couples work through their past issues to reconnect. Am I on a roll? Well, I do have a couple of second chance at love story ideas I’m working on.

I was also able to indulge my fascination with Fairy Tales, since Getting It All is a modern take on Cinderella. This is my second Fairy Tale redo—the first was The Man of Her Dreams, which retells The Little Mermaid, only with a happy ending.

As you can see, JK, I like revisiting themes and exploring new ones.

2. What kind of character is Ryan McGregor? Why did he become a television sportscaster and does he like his job?

Ryan McGregor is good looking, outgoing and naturally popular. But, that doesn’t mean he’s shallow or narcissistic. A born leader, he makes his own decisions and chooses his own friends. At thirty-three, he’s also had some hard hitting life lessons that have made him reevaluate his priorities.

Ryan loves his job, which combines his passion for sports with the adrenaline rush of playing to a crowd that he thrives on. He feels very fortunate to have had a wonderful mentor, his best friend’s uncle, who is a popular news anchor and alumnus of Ryan’s high school, who encouraged him to go for his dream job.

3. On the flip side, what about Celeste? What makes her the person she’s become today?

Celeste Richards Holmes is a spunky survivor. She broke away from a bigoted, chauvinistic father to marry a construction worker who encouraged her goal of becoming an engineer. But it’s her pragmatic nature that enables her to juggle a career and single parenthood to rambunctious twin boys—a role she assumed seven years ago after her husband was killed in an onsite accident.

Celeste believes she’s happy and content with her life, even though she still wears her dead husband’s shirts. Then she receives an invitation to her high school reunion…

4. What was your favourite part about writing this book?

Getting It All is the third book in the Heartbreak Anonymous series, so definitely one of my favourite scenes to write was the Prologue, where I had a chance to catch up with Wyatt James and Celeste’s big brother Zach from Gay Paris.

My overall favourite part about writing this story? Charting Celeste’s transformation into a super sexy woman who goes after what—or should I say who she wants.

5. What can we look forward to seeing from you in the near future?

My new office. LOL Seriously, JK, I’m teaching an online course in May and then moving in June. We’re downsizing, but my office will be an upsize. So, I’m really looking forward to organizing my new and improved work space.

Meanwhile, Ryan McGregor’s cousin is stuck in an elevator with a woman wearing a red power suit. And I have a dragon-shifter and a (mostly) human heroine intent on saving the world. Stay tuned.

To learn more about Robie Madison, visit her website at: http://www.robiemadison.com/

Blurb

Getting It All

Celeste Holmes might be a feisty survivor, yet seven years after his death, she’s still wearing her husband’s shirts. But all that’s about to change. Take one invitation to a high school reunion. Throw in a full day-spa treatment and a whole new wardrobe. And a sexy, sultry Celeste is ready to show Mr. High School Hottie just what he missed fifteen years ago. That is, until she decides she’s the one who missed out and makes a no-strings proposition of her own.

Popular TV sportscaster Ryan McGregor has spent the past fifteen years regretting the loss of his friendship with Celeste and what might have been. Now that he’s found her again, he’s not interested in a one-weekend stand. Using every seduction technique in his arsenal, he’s determined to claim her.

A Deleted Scene from The Fall...

So I've been convinced (and I see the light!!) that I don't need the "prologue" I had written for The Fall and now that I've ruthlessly cut it from my manuscript...that means I get to share it with you!

Prologue

 

In the many thousands of years that the world has been given over to humanity, angels have watched over our violent and irrational race—but not to protect us as the myths like to suggest. These powerful, passionless beings have been waiting. Waiting for the one true sign that their second chance to claim earth’s paradise for their own has finally arrived...That time is now.

 

~

Amelia took the final step up to the seventh floor and rounded the stairwell. Her long, black coat flared out behind her, hinting at the length of burnished steel strapped comfortably to her waist as she headed for the last door at the end of the hall. The dirty corridor was empty and dark. Only one light flickered erratically from the water stained ceiling overhead, but it was enough to reveal the yellowed paper peeling off the walls.

Reaching for the tarnished and dented door handle, she wasn’t surprised when the thin wooden barrier swung inward on its own. She had no idea why she’d been called from the realms to this place, at this time, but had dared not ignore a summons from Michael himself.

Taking a deep breath, she entered and quietly shut the door again behind her. She took in her surroundings. Michael stood in the center of the room with his back to her. She noted the understated clothing and absence of wings. Despite that, he wouldn’t have fooled anyone, still managing to look distinctly out of place in the shabbily kept human dwelling.

Michael’s always fierce expression, imposing height, and the exaggerated breadth of his shoulders tended to make humans nervous even without the six-foot wingspan. Those who saw him wouldn’t have known—or believed—what he was, but they could feel it. The unlimited power. It was one of the reasons why Archangels rarely descended to the earthly planes, and it meant his presence tonight did not bode well.

As if in agreement with her unvoiced consensus, outside the apartment a violent storm raged. The flash of lightning came almost in time with the flickering light out in the hall, and the crack of thunder caused the single, dusty painting on the wall to rattle in its place. But even nature’s anger was not able to drown out the hoarse and agonized scream that filtered through the closed bedroom door straight ahead of her.

A woman’s pain.

The distinct smell of newly spilled blood flooded Amelia’s sensitive nostrils. Behind the same door, she heard a male’s voice murmuring encouragement as he tried unsuccessfully to hide his fear.

A compelling certainty filled her. The time had come.

At that moment, as if to affirm her suspicion, a babe’s first-born cry rang out, the sound coming from the other room pure as angel song.

“Michael?”

The mighty Archangel turned to face her, his jaw set. As always, Amelia was struck by the absolute knowledge and logic that shone from his clear crystal eyes, visible to her now even in the low light of the apartment.

“Michael, can it be true?” It was impossible to believe that after so many years Lucifer’s ancient threat might actually come to pass, but what other reason could this particular Archangel have for attending the inauspicious birth of a human child?

He nodded. “Yes. This is the beginning. It’s what we have been warned of.”

Another cry, but Michael seemed to have already dismissed the child on the other side of the door. Instead, he lifted his gaze to a point beyond Amelia’s shoulder, as if seeing right through the apartment walls to the dank corridor and staircase beyond. “Unfortunately, it is what a lot of angels have been waiting for.”

Suddenly she felt it too, the presence of another of their kind closing in. “Ezechiel approaches.”

“You know what must be done.”

She paused under Michael’s cool and immovable regard. Yes, she knew her duty. Squaring her shoulders, Amelia readied herself. “Of course. I will do what is necessary.”

“You understand that from this point forward you will be alone in this mission. I cannot become involved any further.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes, I understand.” Even though the reasons why hadn’t been explained to one such as her, Amelia would not have expected anything different.

“The babe is to be protected, but most importantly, his existence must be hidden from all our kind. If you fail and he should be discovered—”

“It won’t happen.”

Michael just looked at her.

“If I fail, all that shall follow will be on my head.” She nodded. “I am aware of the consequences. Michael, you have my word.”

“Then I wish you good luck.” With a final nod the Archangel disappeared. The small apartment seemed dingier without the beauty of his golden light, not that Amelia noticed.

“Luck doesn’t play a part in such as this,” she murmured softly to herself. With swift efficiency, she stripped the long coat from her shoulders and dropped it to the floor, letting her wide white wings unfurl behind her. She flexed them outward, the tips extending longer than the ends of her fingers stretched out at her sides.

Drawing the sword from the scabbard at her hip, she opened the door.

I am a Super Villain

So have you seen this commercial, it's the cutest thing EVER!

I've been thinking of the villain in this book. So far, he has remained unseen, steering events from behind the scenes while lesser minions take the stage and challenge my heroine. I know he'll have to make an entrance at some point, but I'm not quite certain I know what makes him tick just yet, so I don't want to bring him out. You see, this villain is a villain by circumstance. His heart wasn't always black and rotten. His motivations are not steeped in evil, but born of fear and desperation. I'm still trying to get to know him, but every little piece that I uncover turns a different light on this complex character.

How about you? Do you like your villains big and bad and very very evil, or do you want them to have layers that make you wonder what they might have been like if their circumstances and experiences had gone another way?

Promo Ho For The Day

I'm a promo ho...for the Vixens!

Stop by our Dark Walk today for a special treat. Our own Tiffany Clare has unveiled the cover for her debut book The Surrender of a Lady, which is being released September, 2010!! It's soooo beautiful!

Also, don't forget to enter Maggie Robinson's contest to celebrate the upcoming release of Mistress by Mistake. She's also holding a Twitter hashtag contest, so tweet your heart out, and use the hashtag #MistressMonday for your chance to win!

Keep your eyes on both of these amazing debut authors. They're going to blow your socks off!!

Happy Endings

Today I'm blogging at the Happy Endings blog about what to do when that book is done to keep the momentum going. Come on by and give us an update about your own project. We want to hear from you!

Reliving the '80s

I was a child of the 80's. I admit it. I grew up wearing pastels, leg warmers, and bangles. I teased my hair and sprayed it with the ozone-killing gunk until it wouldn't have moved even if a tornado ripped right past me.

Some pretty bad trends came (and went) in the 80's, but there was also some great stuff that I'm always going to remember with a smile like cowboy boots with jeans, Falco, and the Breakfast Club.

And it looks like the 80's revival has begun! This year will see a huge selection of movie remakes from an age that may be best forgotten.

Clash of the Titans, coming April 2010



A Nightmare on Elm Street, coming April 2010



Robin Hood, coming May 2010
(Okay, technically Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was out in 1991, but it still had a whole crapload of 1980s goodness)


The Karate Kid, coming June 2010



The A Team, coming June 2010



Tron Legacy, coming December 2010



So, is there anything here that brings back memories? Good or bad? Are you looking forward to any movies this year?

To be or not to be

We're talking about Shakespearean quotes over on the Vixen blog today, and it got me to thinking about just how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime. After his death in 1616, Shakespeare's first folio was published and it included 154 sonnets, 37 plays and 2 long poems. Imagine if something you create--whether it be a manuscript, a work of art, the design of a famous building--lives on to continue to inspire and provide entertainment and enjoyment for generation upon generation of children and adults the world over.

That's how I feel about my writing. Even though I doubt my work will ever reach a third of the people that Shakespeare's writing did, I feel good that there are a few people out there who will read my books and share them with others, perhaps find them worthy enough to set on a shelf to keep and read again someday. Maybe I will inspire a few would-be writers in producing a new generation of literature. It's a great feeling.

It's the same feeling I get when I look at my son and watch him grow, knowing he will have children, who will have children, etc...and that all these people in the years to come will have something new and important to give to the world.

So, that's my deep thought for the day as I start writing Chapter three of my new WIP.

(Photo: By unknown c1815 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/gall/0,,1721587,00.html) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

One Free Day

Today I'm not working the day job. I'm not writing. I'm not going to check my email, and I'm not going to clean my house.

Today is my free day. I'm going to spend it with my husband and son. We have plans to go and do some shopping, see a movie and have dinner out. That's it. Just the three of us. I can't wait!!

Sometimes you just need to put everything else to the side and find a way to relax. I've been a bit stressed out lately, and it's not good for me. My husband has also been working very very hard and I'd lke to be able to give him an excuse to take a break. Not to mention, my son would LOVE the opportunity to have mommy and daddy to himself with no other obligations but to play with him all day :)

So, what are your plans today and for the weekend?

Taking the Edge Off

Today you'll find me at the Vixens talking about the things we do to take our mind off the stressors in our lives.

The Character Connection

I read this book over the Christmas holidays. It was so good I had to read it again and just finished last night. I couldn't get the imagery out of my mind and needed to bring that feeling into myself again. That feeling that a really wonderful book gives you--of touching imagery through words that have been spun like the finest, smoothest, most tempting silk. Poetry for the soul is this book.

And now I'm inspired. Not to write about teenage wolves (because obviously it's already been done the very best way that it can) but to write something that makes me feel the same way.

It's tough sometimes to be deep and relevant when writing romance. It seems as if the opposite should be true because romance is supposed to be about the heart, what lies between two people as they travel a road of discovery. But more and more I'm finding that there are so many other expectations for a romance novel that it sometimes feels like the soul of it gets lost somewhere between the fantastic hooks, sustaining conflict, alpha heroes and evil blood-sucking fiends.

I actually talk about this a lot, but I think it's important. When we're writing, we have to remember the balance. It's not easy, because it takes effort and you have to be able to dig deep. When you think you've reached that one emotion that will bring a tear or a tender smile to your reader's eyes, dig deeper still. Dig until you cry. Dig until they're your emotions on the page. Balance can be achieved with a stronger emphasis on the emotional experience.

Sure, I like a kick ass knife fight and I enjoy a good end-of-the-world scene as much as the next person, but behind those things, there needs to be a careful, compelling reason for the story, whether I'm reading it or writing it. I want to feel a connection. Don't we all? Isn't that the reason for what we do in all the many areas of our lives?

Whether you're a reader or a writer, do you have a favourite genre? What do you remember the most in the books that stay with you the longest? The interesting plot twists? The feeling they leave you with?

(Photo:  By Antonio Canova (Italian, 1757–1822) (Mak Thorpe (1997)) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons)

Updates

Despite the lack of bloggage recently, I'm still kicking around. It's been busy, but that's not really an excuse. The truth is I took a bit of a break.

The writing. Not sure why, but words have been hard to come by lately. For various reasons, I guess. Not the least of which seemed to be a lack of motivation and creative energy.

Well, I'm going to tell you that the muse stops here. As of today it's fired. There's no room for a muse in my world. This is a serious business and I am treating it as such.

Which means...plotting.

Lots and lots of plotting.

And oddly enough, the plotting exercises have worked in as much as they seem to have helped me to find that sliver of an idea and build it into something I can really work with.

This is going to be a great story.

Oh...and I'm blogging today at the Vauxhall Vixens too, so stop by.

What I'm Listening To

It's been a while since I shared my play list. Technically, I haven't started writing my new book yet--I'm kind of waiting on something that will probably determine WHICH book I start writing next, but I'm getting in the mood with these great songs:


Mariannas Trench-Beside You (This guy can sure hold a friggin' note, man he's awesome)



Best I Ever Had-State of Shock (The instrumentals on this one are great. The piano in the rain is a bit cheezy, but the whole package is nice and moving)



Wake Up Call-Maroon 5 (OMG, he's so cute, and this song rocks!!)



Deadend Countdown-New Cities (Okay, the video's not stellar and the singer's bulging eyeballs freaks me out, but I like this song to run to, lots of great energy!)

Guest Blogging

I'm very excited to be blogging with the Nine Naughty Novelists today, a fantastic group of naughty authors with a super-cool site. I’m talking today about genres and I’d love to hear from you.

An Interview of a Different Sort

I'm NOT being interviewed...but the heroine of my story, The Morning After, has gotten together with the heroine of fabulous author Kimber Chin's book, Invisible. Click here to check it out!

Also, thanks to Christine D'Abo for letting me know about another great review for The Morning After at Night Owl Romance Reviews. 5 Stars!!!

Begin Again

I'm blogging today at the Vauxhall Vixens about finding the right idea and making it work for you. It takes a special spark to turn an idea into a story. Come tell me what draws you into a new project.

GUEST AUTHOR: Linda Poitevin

JK Coi: My guest today is Linda Poitevin, fellow Canadian writer and author of the book A Fairy Tale for Gwyn. I asked her how she manages her time, and she had this to say:

Time: The Writer’s Dilemma

I started writing seriously – as in aiming to be published – about nine years ago. I sold my first book, A Fairy Tale for Gwyn, to The Wild Rose Press in March 2009. So did it really take me nine years to write the story? No, but it did take me nine years to learn how to make the time to write.

Time, I think, is a writer’s worst enemy. And we’re not just talking about time as it relates to deadlines and revisions and such, we’re talking about time when it comes to writing in the first place. Specifically, making the time to write.

We writers are a bit of a solitary breed. In the writing stage (not the deadline stage – a whole other story!), we don’t have a set timeline, or a boss that we report to, or even an office expecting us to arrive at a certain hour. Writing can be done pretty much anytime, and pretty much anywhere, for that matter. Therein lies the dilemma. Too many aspiring writers fail to make the time for their writing – and that was the trap I fell into nine years ago.

I told myself that I was serious about becoming published, but whenever life got complicated (as it frequently did), my writing was the first thing to be placed on the back burner. It was easy – too easy – to tell myself it was just for a few days/weeks/months, and that I would get back on track as soon as “x” crisis had passed. The trouble with life, however, is that “x” crisis would invariably be replaced by “y” crisis, and then “z” crisis, and then we’d start the alphabet all over again.

So what’s the difference between nine years ago and now? About two years ago, I stopped trying to find the time to write because I realized I could never find what didn’t exist. Instead, I made the time. Faithfully. Determinedly. Stubbornly. I carved out a niche for myself every day of the week and I stuck to it. By some standards, it’s not much – just three hours a day. But it’s mine, and it’s consistent, and it works. Partly because it guarantees me time for writing, and partly because it makes me think of myself as a writer. Stories are no longer something I do when life allows it, they’re my job. A job I work at every day.

And before you roll your eyes, I know what you’re thinking – that life must simply have slowed down in order for me to make this time. But you’re wrong. Life remains incredibly busy, and sometimes terribly complicated. Over the course of this summer and fall alone, I have helped my husband renovate most of the main floor of our house (doing the work ourselves, including laying a hardwood floor!), helped a daughter find two different apartments and then ultimately move home again (long story involving roommates), done hours and hours of research after learning that someone I care about has a serious learning disability, frozen and canned enough fruit and vegetables for my family over the winter, said goodbye to our family dog after eight years (and then acquired a new puppy) – and written a 445-page manuscript from start to finish.

When I think back over the last few months, I think I need to have my head examined for even attempting a story in the midst of all that. But I did it anyway – and I was able to because I made the time. On the days when it would have been easier (and probably smarter) to get an early start on a project (or sleep in after staying up late to finish one), I reminded myself that I was a writer and that I had a job to do. And I did that job and wrote a book.

So what about you? Whether you’re an aspiring writer or not, tell me what’s important in your life that you can never seem to find the time for – and then commit to making the time instead. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain...are you up for the challenge?

JK Coi: Find out more about Linda and her book here, and make sure to comment on this post for your chance to win! Linda will be giving away a pair of artisan-crafted earrings as well as a $10 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press (a total prize package worth $20) to one lucky commenter from all of the blogs she visits during her tour.

GUEST AUTHOR: Juliana Stone

JK Coi: Please welcome my guest, debut author Juliana Stone. She has a spicy short story coming out from Samhain TODAY! only to be followed by an amazing new shifter series, the first of which will be released in April, called His Darkest Hunger. She's a fellow member of the Toronto Romance Writers and so I can tell you from personal experience just how wonderful she is. (But I won't tell you, I'll let you find that out for yourself :)

Live the dream folks.

On February 2nd I will officially be able to say I’m a published author. Officially. A. Published. Author. How freaking cool is that?

Two years ago I embarked on this crazy journey and as luck would have it, sold quite quickly. That really isn’t the norm in publishing as everything moves at the pace of a snail. But my agent sold a paranormal romance series to Avon/Harpercollins. The Jaguar Warriors debut in April with His Darkest Hunger.

But it’s a short story with Samhain Publishing that will be my first. The one that proclaims I am published!

I had so much fun writing this short and was more than a little excited when I found a home for it at Samhain. This is the blurb:

Black Opals, Book 1

Frankie Black is a woman in need of a mission. For a Black Opal—a warrior woman who shifts backward or forward through time in order to, well, save the world—the last six months of downtime have left her bored. Restless. And with a feeling that something is about to hit the fan.

Finally, an assignment: save the life of Dekkar James, an infamous rock god living three hundred years in the past. Tattooed, ruggedly handsome and perfectly imperfect, one look at him and it’s as if her sleeping body springs to life.

One minute Dekkar is having the most mind-blowing sex of his life. The next, goons are breaking down his door, and he’s on the run with a woman who turns from lover to warrior in the blink of an eye.

Dealing with the New Order, operatives who manipulate time without regard for the consequences, is nothing new for Frankie. But this time their tactics have a more personal edge—they’ve found a way to seek out the Opals’ predestined mates.

Unless she can save Dekkar’s life, her future will be the first casualty in a battle for the fate of humankind.

Warning: Contains one hot dude with tattoos, a woman who won’t take no for an answer, steamy sex, an ancient Harley and a little bit of time travel.

This book is the first in a time travel romance series. I’ve already completed the second and it’s totally different! Such is the fun of being able to write a story where the setting and time have no boundaries.

In honour of this first release I’ll give away a copy of Black Legacy to a random commentator. I want to know where you would travel to if you had the opportunity. Would you travel into the past? Or blast into the future. Would you stay on earth or choose to travel light years away?

Juliana Stone

The End...Or Is It?

I'm blogging today over at the Vauxhall Vixens. We're talking about endings in romance novels and whether they still have to be the of the happily ever after variety. Come join in the discussion.