Friday, August 26, 2011

Character Chat with A Trace of Love

I have a real treat to share with you today.  Instead of me jabbering around Charlene Blogs on my own, I have the two stars from the newly released A Trace of Love, by Danielle Ravencraft , Ophelia Martinez and Trace Curtis with me.  They agreed to take time out of their busy schedule with their blog tour to have a character chat with me.  





“Welcome, Trace and Ophelia.  It’s so nice to have you here.”  I lead them to the window sofa.  “Please, have a seat.  We just made homemade ice cream.  Can I get you some?”

Trace flops down on the couch and crosses his legs. “Ice cream sounds terrific in this heat, thanks.”

Ophelia sits next to Trace, whisking the hem of her skirt over her knees. “Oh, I’ll just have a bite of Trace’s, no need to get me a whole bowel. Thanks, Charlene.”

“So,”  I hand Trace the ice cream and sit in a chair across the coffee table from them.  “How did you two meet?”

“We met at a small concert venue-slash-bar called The House of Blues.” Ophelia leans over trace to take a bite of ice cream. “Mm, this is good!”

“I still think I know her from somewhere else…”

Ophelia shoves more ice cream into her mouth.

“Anyway, I first noticed Ophelia after the concert. I was on my way outside for a smoke when I saw this petite lady sitting alone at the bar.”

“You’re a rock singer, Trace?  I bet that’s an exciting life.”  I wink with a grin.”  You must meet a lot of girls.  What made you notice Ophelia?”

Trace leans back and brushes his fingers through his hair. “Yeah,” he grins. But I could tell Ophelia wasn’t one of those girls. For one thing, she blushed bright red the whole time we talked. It was adorable.”

“Did Trace turn out to be what you expected, Ophelia?”

Heat rises to Ophelia’s cheeks. “No, but only because my expectations were low and he surpassed them.” She glances at Trace. “Don’t let that comment go to your head…”

“Who, me? Never,” he grins.

“Okay, okay, I’ll lighten up on the personal questions,”  I chuckle.  When did your story come to life?

“Danielle wrote it back in December. I remember her having a conversation with Ophelia when she decided our story had to be written. They didn’t talk much about it to me, but I was happy to do my part even though I didn’t totally agree with the ending. That’s Ophelia and Danielle for you, two equally stubborn women. They don’t care what the hero says.”

“Would you tell us a little about it?”

“Sure, right after I elbow Trace for calling me stubborn…Anyway, the story is about Trace and I and the beginnings of our…er…relationship. A Trace of Love is the first of a three-part series which will be followed by A Trace of Passion and  A Trace of Hope.”

Trace rolls his eyes. “The story’s really about Ophelia getting over herself and admitting that she’s madly in love with me.”

“Oh please. You just can‘t stand that I didn't make it easy.”

Well, it’s not only a romance.  It’s a hot romance.  For the readers, what would you say the rating is?”

“It’s sensual, for the ladies. I’m a very giving lover, right Ophelia?”

Ophelia shovels a heaping spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. “Mmm?”

“Okay, we won’t elaborate on that and let the readers…um…judge for themselves..  What publisher got the opportunity to contract you?  Where can we buy a copy?

“Oh…cold headache!”

“That would be Muse It Hot Publishing Inc. Just click on the link.”

"Okay.”  I cross my legs and set an arm on my knee, leaning close. “So, tell me, Trace…do you get the girl?”

Trace chuckles. “I wish I could tell you, Charlene, but I think Danielle would kill me if I did. Authors have that power.”

“And your story does continues, right?”  My finger sways back and forth to encompass them.  “What else can we look forward to Danielle?”

“Yes, part two and three will be out next year. Danielle’s also working on an erotic paranormal romance called Orion.”

“I gotta ask this question.”  An impish grin presses my dimples.  “What’s it like to have Danielle as your author?  She’s involved with so many things.

“She has multiple personality disorder.”

“Oh Trace, that’s not funny.”

“It’s probably true. What accounts for us being here? And she has multiple pseudonyms.”

Ophelia rolls her eyes. “Danielle’s great. She’s a wonderful writer and busy-body. She started and manages a very successful group romance blog called Ravencraft’s Romance Realm, but she always manages to make time for her fans. You can find her around the web on her Facebook account, Twitter , and of course her Website.”

I lean back in my chair.  “This has been fantastic to visit with you two.  Next time bring Danielle along.  I understand she’s busy with her blog tour right now.  Where does she go next?  Do you have her schedule?”

“Yes, the tour dates are posted on her website, but I can tell you were she goes from here.”

            And - http://everythingerotic.blogspot.com/


“Thank you so much for being here, Trace and Ophelia!”

“It was a pleasure, Charlene.”

“Yes, thanks so much for having us.”

“I think next time you make ice cream, Ophelia will get her own bowl.”


~ * ~
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You can get your own copy of A Trace of Love by clicking on the title below.  
Check it out!







Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis. To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school. They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia. But Ophelia knows she can’t continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.











Best of luck, Danielle! :D




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Friday, August 19, 2011

Congratulations Danielle Ravencraft

I have to send out a big Congratulations to my good friend Danielle Ravencraft!  Her debut, A Trace of Love, was released today.  Way to go, Babes!  It's available for download in e-formats at MuseIt Hot Publishing and on Amazon.com.  


A Trace of Love is an erotic short story, the first in a trilogy.  Check out the blurb...


Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis.  To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school.  They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia.  But Ophelia knows she can't continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.










Be sure to join me on Aug. 26th as I visit with Ophelia and Trace during Danielle's blog tour!




Drop her a line and wish her the best.  I know she'd love to hear your comments!


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Thursday, August 18, 2011

National Romance Awareness Month - Yep In August


That's right.  National Romance Awareness Month is in August.  Isn't it great!  A whole month dedicated to romance.  And I thought we only had Valentine's Day to look forward to.  Lol.   As I write romance novels, I thought I'd share a few for you to grab and curl up with.  The top 5 romantic novels of all time (as selected by My-O-MY)...  

See if you agree and let me know what you think.  Any you would add?
#5
The Bride
By Julie Garwood

The Bride

By edict of the King, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take and English bride.  His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Barron Jamison...a feisty, violet-eyed beauty.  But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this highland barbarian. 



#4

McKenzie's Mountain


By Linda Howard


Mackenzie's Legacy: Mackenzie's Mountain\Mackenzie's Mission

A great romance novel about Mary, a schoolteacher who just can't let Joe Mackenzie quit.  She sets off up the mountain he lives on with his father, Wolf, to get him back in school.  What she fins is a passion she's never imagined before with a tall, tough and rugged warrior with a past.  Wolf.


#3

It Had to Be You


By Susan Elizabeth Phillips


It Had To Be You

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville-the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who just inherited the Chicago Stars football team.  And Phoebe is definitely not ready for the Stars' head coach.



#2
Dream Man

By Linda Howard


Dream Man

Detective Dane Hollister has a touch life.  A serial killer is on the prowl and now a psychic who claims to witness the murders through the killer's eyes has come forward to share her visions.  As far as he's concerned, the pschic is as twisted as the slasher...but...




#1
Outlander

By Diana Gabaldon
Outlander

English nurse Claire Beauchamp Randall and husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands in 1945.  When Claire wald through a cleft stone in an ancient hedge, she's somehow transported to 1743.  She encounters Frand's evil ancestor, British captain Johnathan "Black Jack" Randall.



And I'd like to add...



Morning Glory

By LaVyrle Spencer

Morning Glory

Tall, dark and handsome Will Parker has served time for the killing of a prostitute, but keeps losing jobs as his reputation becomes known.  In the small town of Whitney, Ga., he answers the ad of a pregnant widow and mother of two who is looking for a husband.





Honor's Splendour
By Julie Garwood

Honor's Splendour

Lady Madelyne 'rescues' the Wolf from her brothers capture...only to find that he invaded the keep to capture her!  You can't help but laugh at the antics of this family, and applaud the heroism shown by Lady Madelyne.  A must read if you enjoy a good laugh and a "sigh-able" romance.




Gone With the Wind
By Margaret Mitchell


Gone with the Wind

Many novels have been written about the Civil War and its aftermath.  None takes us into the burning fields and cities of the American South as Gone With the Wind does, creating haunting scenes and thrilling portraits of characters so vivid that we remember their words and feel their fear and hunger.  With the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and flashy, contemptuous Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival, she also created two of the most famous lovers. 



What are your picks?



Coming up...

Be sure to stop by on the 26th to visit with the cast of romance writer Danielle Ravencraft's A Trace of Love!    




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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Tips On Selling Your Book - FFW

For the Fantastic Friday Writiers, the topic is marketing tips...

I  subscribe to a newsletter put out by Smith Publicity.  Sometimes I come across information I'd like to share.  Please note that all credit goes to Sandy Diaz, President of Smith Publicity, Inc. for writing this post.


Five Book Publicity Tips
by Sandy Diaz, President, Smith Publicity, Inc.

Now is the time to begin thinking about your book as a potential holiday gift. Magazine Gift Guide editors often “close” their search for books to include in their lists at the end of August/early September. If you are promoting your book on your own, research top magazine outlets you think have readers who would purchase your book as a gift. For example, if your book is about fly fishing, hitting women’s interest outlets is the way to go. Send a brief email with bullet points explaining why your book should be included. Offer to follow up with a copy of the book!

Summer Book Promotion. Summer can be a great time to promote a book simply because there is less competition compared to the volume of September and January book launches. While some national television shows go on a summer filming hiatus, producers at local, regional and some national outlets have time slots that need to be filled; newspaper and magazine editors must provide new content to their readers; bloggers still regularly blog; wire services still circulate articles, etc. Summer is a great time to build media credentials for you and your book and to increase your chances of soliciting national attention, come Fall.

Promote your books on Google for free. According to Google, you will sell a lot more books if a lot more people knew about them and they can help make that happen. Here are the instructions for adding your book(s) to Google Books, http://books.google.com/support/partner/bin/answer.py?answer=106169

Selling books on your website. We strongly recommend having a link to purchase your book on every page of your website—with as many options for the reader (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) as possible.  If your book is a candidate for bulk sales, let viewers know you offer volume discounts and the best way to contact you.

Book Awards. Book awards are a great way to boost credibility for your book. Here are some links to explore for submission:
http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/LearnMore.php
http://www.usabooknews.com/
http://800ceoread.com/

http://www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/benfrank.aspx

http://www.bookspot.com/awards/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_literary_awards




I hope you find this information helpful in your ongoing marketing strategy.


Check out the other Fantastic Friday Writers’ blogs!


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Guest Post With Patricia Carrigan

I love to see the good in people and at times I run across wonderful examples of authors giving back.  Today I've invited one of those authors to guest post for me.  Patricia Carrigan is an amazing young woman who has turned her dream into reality at an early age.  A teen, she has seen her first book published and is working on her second while still in high school.  But she's not keeping her success to herself.  I'll let her explain.  *wink* 

Hi, I'm Patricia Carrigan,

I am a young author who was first published at the age of 16.  My book, Antiserum was released in December of 2010.  It's my own different twist on the vampire story.  I've been very pleased how well it is doing.  Marketing has been interesting to learn on the fly, but I keep my good humor.  My second book, Part II in the Antiserum series, is about halfway through and it's exciting to think about everything that is going on.

I'm about to attend my senior year in high school with my twin sister, but I have an older sister who's a pastry chef and it's because of her that I started donating to The Burn Institute of San Diego.

When Amber (my older sister) was nine years old, she was burned all down the left side of her face and body. At the hospital she and my parents found out about Camp Beyond the Scars which is a camp hosted by The Burn Institute to help re-establish the self esteem of young burn survivors. I've always remembered how happy Amber would be after each year she's attended the winter and summer camps. Amber has attended Camp Beyond the Scars for nearly twelve years and is becoming a counselor. I've always wanted to give back somehow for all the wonderful help they gave my sister and gave to so many other people who are now some of the coolest friends and people I have ever met.

Once I became an author, it finally dawned upon me that, now, I have some way I could give back to The Burn Institute for giving so much to my sister. And now I'm donating half of my profits to them, I volunteered at this last camp in July and am going to be attending the next year's summer and winter camp as an L.I.T. (Leader In Training). The Burn Institute has definitely become a part of my life and I'm willing to do anything to help them in any way for as long as I can.



Antiserum
by Patricia Carrigan

 
Sixteen year old high school student Jocelyn loves blood; she lives for it.  She's a blood addict.  But that's not all that's going on in her life.  Strange dreams haunt her sleep; she can read minds; and she hears voices in her head.  And she discovers that J.B. - her twin sister- and their friends Sadie and Nikki all have similar powers.  She learns that all of them are part of a group known as the Genetic Race. 

But their powers and existence are threatened by another group known as the Others, and their only hope lies in traveling to Transylvania. where they must locate a special blood-filled amulet.  On this trip, with the help of the very attractive Adrian, Jocelyn will discover that the very substance she needs to survive may have become her new and very deadly addiction.

~ * ~

I don't know this man's name, and it doesn't really matter... right?  I mean he's just dinner.

I was trying to find a reason to feel sorry for what I was about to do.  Really, I searched and picked my way through his mind to try and find something that told, "I have something to live for!"  He hated his parents, and being an only child meant that there were no other siblings to miss his existence.  It's not like his friends would blink an eye at him.  They were never there for him, just for the latest parties and hook-ups.  The only thing that was worth loving to him was his girlfriend, and to my knowledge, she was already being killed.

You can find Patricia at her Website and connect with her on Facebook.