Monday's Word - Staycationmooning?

I think I have a strange sense of humour. As you know, I usually 'borrow' a word from Michael Quinion's weekly 'World Wide Words. This one caught my eye.

"The nearly-new neologism STAYCATION, for holidaying at home, has become almost as popular in the UK as it has in the US. Various British newspapers, short of news at this tag-end of the silly season, have this week reported receiving a PR e-mail from an online holiday company. It claimed to have seen a 41% increase in customers enquiring about honeymoons in the UK and a 448% increase
in enquiries over the last two years. Its press release was headed "Honeymooning at home - the rise of the STAYCATION-MOON". So much
derision has been poured on it that the likelihood of encountering STAYCATION-MOONERS or STAYCATION-MOONING seems thankfully slight."

Well, as a futuristic, fantasy writer this, caused me to visualise newly married couples leaving en masse for the moon - well I told you I had a weird sense of humour.

In fact, the term 'honeymoon' is said to originate from the tradition that the in-laws of the couple were required to supply a month's worth of mead or honey wine. Some say that it's because a newly married couple would be like the waxing and waning of the moon - that the heady passion of the first few days would gradually dwindle until they settled down into the routine of an 'old married couple.' Ah well, on seond thoughts I think it's doubtful I'm going to use the word 'stacation-moon' very much in my futuristic romances.


*Thanks to Michael Quinion of WORLD WIDE WORDS. World Wide Words is copyright (c) Michael Quinion 2009. All rights reserved. The Words Web site is at http://www.worldwidewords.org

AND THE WINNER IS.....

The winner of my contest is ...

Lyn pauses as Oliver the butler hands her a slip of paper on a silver tray ...

SHEILA DEETH

Congratulations Sheila, your copy of 'Starquest' will be with you shortly.

Thank you everyone who entered, I wish you could all have been winners but unfortunately Oliver was only allowed to choose one! And unfortunately I have to send him bak to Sharon now. I'll miss that cheeky butler!

GRAND OPENING TODAY

Today sees the Grand Opening of our new joint Blog 'Author Roast and Toast, with special guest (or should that be 'victim') Danielle Thorne, who is the author of two 2009 novels: THE PRIVATEER, a 1729 historical about British privateering in the Caribbean, and TURTLE SOUP, a sweet contemporary romance set between Atlanta and St. Thomas.

Come along and join the fun - there will be contests and prizes - a hunky butler, daffy unicorn, and several other good things, so what do you have to lose?
Here's the link: http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/

TO WIN A FREE DOWNLOAD OF ON OF MY BOOKS - OR A SPECIAL 'ONE OFF' TEESHIRT FEATURING 'DANCING WITH FATE' IF YOU'D PREFER, GO TO MY WEBSITE: WWW.HYWELALYN.CO.UK AND TELL ME WHAT CREATURE IS ON MY HOME PAGE?
*HINT* - LOOK AT THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF ONE OF MY BOOKS.

Email me at hywelalyn@hywelalyn.co.uk with the answer

Interview with D Renee Bagley

Today my very special guest is D Renee Bagbee.

Good morning Renee, welcome to my blog, please tell us a little about yourself.

DRB: I am an Air Force brat turned Air Force wife—married 7 years with two cats. The last born of three children, all of us Capricorns. As a military kid, I have traveled all over the world. I was born in the Netherlands, spent a few years in Japan, and then moved back to the states where I traveled up and down the southern East coast.

I love writing, reading manga and comics, watching most anything with vampires in it (True Blood WOOT!), and collecting random things that appeal to me at the time. I think my current obsession is cover flats but staple is manga. I’m convinced I’m one of the main reasons DMP is staying afloat since I buy ever book in their June collection as fast they publish them. Did I mention I’m a boy’s love junkie?

HL: Well you certainly find plenty to fill your time, Renee! LOL. Tell us a little more about yourself and your writing - oh and is there a reason why you use your second name?

DRB: My full name is D. Renee Bagby - I go by Renee because most people butcher my first name. I also write under Zenobia Renquist. My specialty is black heroines with non-black heroes in fantastical situations. I’m a world builder who loves torturing her characters on the way to happily ever after. I’m currently published with Samhain Publishing and Red Rose Publishing and I hope to add a few more publishers under my belt in the months to come.

HL: What comes first: the plot or the characters?

DRB: Definitely the characters. Actually, with me, most of the time the argument comes first. I will have a hero and heroine going at it in my head, out of the blue, and then I have to figure out who they are, what they’re arguing about, and how it led to the argument.


HL: Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it (Here are a few details first)

Acknowledging Meirion by Zenobia Renquist
Red Rose Publishing
Science Fiction Interracial/Multicultural Romance (Mainstream)
Available in eBook and Print
Learn More: http://dreneebagby.com/ZR_Books_Meirion.html

DRB: This is my second book written under my alter ego. I wanted to write about a reality show that had a nature television twist. What did I come up with? An alien culture observing humans much the same way humans observe animals in the Sahara. It’s the most watched nature show in the universe and the star of the show just wants to be left alone.

Meirion is one of the few humans chosen to be observed. It’s not a bad gig except she has absolutely no privacy (unless she’s on the toilet), but the silver lining is that her cameramen are pretty too, especially Kiar. She’d love to get to know him better but his company has a strict no acknowledgment policy. He could lose his job and be sent back to his home planet if he breaks it. That doesn’t deter Meirion from trying. It’s a test of wills and neither Meirion nor Kiar wants to lose.

EXCERPT: (PG RATING)

The clock signaled time and he teleported.

Meirion stood in her bedroom with Eiliv and Niets watching her.

“Why are you here, Niets?” Kiar asked. Keeping the surprise off his face was a monumental task but he did it. He also kept his gaze on Meirion. She didn’t look angry, only determined.

“Based on a hunch, Eiliv summoned me. Meirion hasn’t protested my presence, so here I stay,” Niets answered.

Eiliv said, “For the first time, all three of us will be needed.”

“You know what she has planned then? I didn’t see anything on the footage.”

“I can guess and so can you. The superiors agree or they would have called Niets back.”

“Nothing will happen. Niets’s presence isn’t needed.”

“Are you three done talking?” Meirion asked. “I know you’re talking. Now, at least. I’m grateful I met Jor. He cleared up a lot. Not as much as I needed, but I can always email him later.” She looked at pointedly at Kiar. “Or I can ask you?”

She would have to email Jor, because he wouldn’t speak.

“We can do this the easy way, Kiar, or we can do this the hard way. It’s up to you. Just talk to me.” Her voice was pleading as she said the last.

He wouldn’t be swayed. Meirion may love him but that love was without understanding. She wouldn’t ask this of him if she did.

“Talk to her,” Niets said.

Eiliv said, “I agree. Even you are taking this too far. There are other options.”
“Not for me,” Kiar said in a growling voice.

Meirion stalked over to him and grabbed his hand. “Fine. If you want to be stubborn, we’ll do it your way. Just remember, I gave you the option.”

She pulled him over to the bed. Subjecting him to another round of masturbation, while torturous, was bearable. He had worried over nothing.

“Last chance, Kiar. Say something.”

“Don’t let her do whatever she has planned, Kiar,” Eiliv said.

Kiar ignored him and continued performing his duty, as he should.

Meirion rolled her eyes then shoved him hard. He fell back onto the bed, unable to stop himself because of the unpredictability of her action. She snapped a handcuff onto his wrist and then connected it to the bedpost.

“I love you, damn it, and some feeling—women’s intuition, gut reaction, whatever—says you love me, too. I’m going to make you admit it whether you like it or not.”

She undid his pants. Kiar knew he’d like whatever she did. He was already hard. But, he wouldn’t relent… he hoped.


HL: Powerful stuff Renee. So, have you a favourite actor/hunk?

DRB: Vin Diesel!!! You gotta love a man who can kickass and take names the way he does. I loved him in Chronicles of Riddick. I will watch that man in anything and doing anything—including reading the phone book. :P

HL: LOL! And here he is:

(There is a long pause for Renee and countles of Vin's fans to indulge themselves in drooling.)

HL: OK Renee, if you can bear to tear your eyes away from Vin, what have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

DRB: I have to do more than write? O.O??!! No one warned me about all this promotion madness. And what do you mean I have to write a synopsis? I just signed on to write. I don’t remember reading a part that said “and other related duties”. *slump*

HL: *Grin* Yes, I think most of us can relate to that! :)


HLE: . What is your personal definition of success?

My personal definition of success is the fan who writes and lets me know they enjoyed my book and can’t wait for the next one. That makes me want to write more.

HLE: Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?

RB: As a new writer, I was told to vary my autograph from my signature and that is something I always pass on. You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t think of it. Heck, I didn’t until I was told.
To new writers I say, learn to take criticism. Agents, readers, editors… whoever. You may not like what they say but every little bit helps to make you a better writer. Especially listen to what your editor says. They are actively trying to make your book better.

HL: Wise words, Renee, and I hadn't thought about the signature being different to an autograph either, but then I use a penname, which even though it's comprised of my real first two names, doesn't include my signature so it's different anyway.

HL: Being an animal fanatic myself, I have to ask - if you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

DRB: I’m kind of biased at the moment since my current WIP is about dragons. :D So I would love to be an Asian dragon. Their majesty and beauty and power is so awe-inspiring to me. Now if you mean “real” animals, then I would have to choose a tiger. I love tigers. Probably for the same reasons that I chose a dragon. Matter of fact, I have a tiger-shifter story planned. :D

HLE: That sounds fascinating Renee, dragons and tigers - two very powerful animals, and the tiger-shifter sounds a bit different to the usual shifter stories. Well, I've loved having you as my guest, but it's nearly time to wrap the interview up. Thank you so much for giving some of your valuable time to be with us - and before you go can you tell readers where to find your books please?
RNB: To learn more about me and my books visit me here:
http://dreneebagby.com
http://zenobiarenquist.com

Wondeful, Renee, and thanks again

ANNOUNCEMENT - THE 'AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST'

I'm very excited because today four friends and myself are proud to announce the launch of:

A New Blog Promo Opportunity - THE 'AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST':

Your latest release is ‘Available Now’ – or is about to be set loose on the world. It’s wonderful, the cover’s beautiful, and you can’t wait for people to buy it (or for even more people to buy it if it’s been out a while.) We all know how important it is to promote and get your book out there; Loops, Groups, Blogs, Interviews. Everyone’s doing it these days – so how about something a little different?

Do you have a whacky sense of humor? Do you fancy a book spotlight in an unconventional setting, with five hostesses waiting on you hand and foot (and occasionally taking the Mickey, oh OK, taking the Mickey rather a LOT with a little help – or hindrance – from their own personal little helpers or ‘specialities’, not to mention an alarmingly good looking and seductive, flirtatious cyber butler? (see my 'featured hunk', I'm only 'borrowing' him though!)

Four fun loving ladies just as crazy as I am, and myself have got together to run a blog/bar that’s a little bit zany and a lot of fun. You may remember the ‘Book Roast’ which, sadly for its countless fans, hung up its spurs after riding off into the sunset? We felt it was time for something to fill the void: To this end, in memory of, and in tribute to the late ‘Book Roast’ the ‘Author Roast And Toast’ Blog was created.

If you fancy putting yourself and your book forward for roasting and toasting in a somewhat unconventional environment – if you can take a lot of good humored ‘ribbing’ and give it back – if you want to have FUN promoting - then the Author Roast And Toast is the place to be.

We do, of course have to have a few rules and regulations (Nothing too heavy, but Oliver the butler insists on it) If you want to view them and find out how it all works, you are invitedc come over to http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/ On August 28th , between 9.00 and 4.00pm, for our Grand Opening where we will introduce our first 'Roastee', author Danielle Thorne. You'll be able to find out how you can submit yourself for roasting, and have fun with the hostesses and their unique 'helpers'. There is also a rumor that there’ll be some prizes flying around for those kind (or brave enough) to leave a comment.

This is your own personal invitation to The Author Roast and Toast Blog - bring along your sense of humor and be prepared to have fun.

Permission to forward to your groups granted and encouraged

AR&T reserves the right to accept submissions at its discretion

Mondays Word - Ripsnorter

According to Michael Quinion, "This delightful word from rural America, meaning something violent, extravagant, vigorous or a striking example of its kind, has become known everywhere that English is spoken."

So why the pictureof Davy Crockett? I hear you ask. Well,
Mr Quinion goes on to say:

"Its first appearance, in 1840, was attributed to Davy Crockett ('Of
all the ripsnorters I ever tutched upon, thar never war one that
could pull her boat alongside of Grace Peabody') " although he also goes on to say that the the authentiucity of this is debatable.

It's a good story though. So next time you write a 'ripsnorter' of a romance, spare a thought for Davy Crockett, who as well as defending the Alamo may possibly have invented this curious and interesting word.

*Thanks to Michael Quinion of WORLD WIDE WORDS. World Wide Words is copyright (c) Michael Quinion 2009. All rights reserved. The Words Web site is at http://www.worldwidewords.org

The Devil's Horsemen - and a Sony Reader contest at LASR

I have posted an article on the Classic Romance Blog http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog
about The Devil's Horsemen, a group of local stuntriders who are featured in many film and television shows worldwide. I thought it might be especially interesting to those of you who write or enjoy reading historical fiction.

My website is also featured today as part of The Long and Short Reviews 2nd Anniversary Scavenger Hunt contest to win a Sony EReader. Full details can be found at:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/promo.htm

Toni Sweeney

Today's Guest of Honour is Toni Sweeney, Welcome Toni. Would you like to start as usual by telling us a bit about yourself?

TS: Let's see... I was born long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, and I've managed to survive through two centuries now.

Seriously, I'm a native-born Georgian and have lived in the Midwest, southern California, and am now back in the Midwest again. I muddled my way through college and earned a Bachelors degree in Fine Art (which has held me in good stead in my writing). I started writing while in college but didn't begin doing it seriously until I was in an auto accident and found myself fairly stationary for a very long time. I've eight novels in publication, and just as many stashed away in boxes under my bed, waiting to be revived and worked on. IN fact, I just signed a contract today with Class Act Books. That makes one less box under the bed!

HL: Oh congratulations Toni. I'm sorry to hear about the accident, but you turned a misfortune into something positive with your writing. Okay, tell us a little more about yourself

TS: Wow, when I'm put on the spot like this, I can't think of much. I'm an only child. (When I was born, my parents were so traumatized they couldn't bear to think they might produce another like me.) I like the color burgundy or variations of it, so much of my wardrobe is in shades of dark red or pink. I'm a Christmas baby and have two relatives and a friend who's also a writer who share that birthdate with me. That makes me a Capricorn...solitary, stubborn, and talented (and totally unconceited!). I also like small, fuzzy dogs and once had five toy poodles, all at one time. I'm a cancer survivor--almost ten years now. Oh--I also like to garden, and make wine (although I'm 99% teetotaler.) Is that enough

HL: Crumbs, that's a real potted biography, LOL. I love burgundy too, and all purply shades. Five poodles all at once, *grin* that sounds a lot, even to me - and congratulations on beating the Big C, that's got to give encouragement to other sufferers. You certainly seem to live a full and very busy life - and you still manage tofind time to write! So what you do you do for fun when not writing?

TS: Writing is my life! (That's a great line, isn't it? Wish it were true.) Actually, I'm pretty much of a sedentary person (the auto accident, y'know.) I used to bike a lot (12 miles a day after work), and swim, and dance. Nowadays, I read continuously (and not my own writing). I like to do reviews of those books, posting them on amazon.com and on some websites where I blog, as well as on my own 'site. I watch television, especially the BBC channel. I like sci-fi and thrillers, whatever the SyFy and Chiller channels broadcast.

HL: Wow! When did you start writing?

TS: The day I learned how to form my first letter with a pencil! My parents had a friend who was an x-ray tech and she used to give me the paper that was placed between the radiographic sheets. They were about 2'x18" and I'd draw pictures and captions under them. On my ninth birthday, I received a portable typewriter from parents and from then on, I typed my stories. I received my first computer as a gift from my boss at the time, an old KayPro.

HL: That's fascinating Toni. I have to admit I've never heard of a KayPro, but perhaps we didn't have them in the UK. Well of course different writers have different ways of writing, some like to flesh out the characters first, others prefer to do the plotting first. What comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

TS: The plot, I suppose. I think of an event, and then the people who brought it about and first thing I know, I'm having them spout dialogue to each other and--voila! A story is born.

HL: Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it

TS: My newest book is Blood Sin. It's the first in a series, the Kan Ingan Archives, and weaves in a variation on the story of Phaedra. You know--older husband, young wife, young, handsome male relative. Been done to death by the Soaps but I tried to give it a new twist. My hero, Aric, is the nephew of the ruler of a galaxy and is his uncle's heir...until the uncle travels to Earth and meets and marries an Earthwoman, Elizabeth Sheffield. At first, Aric and Elizabeth are bitter enemies because they're just two much alike to be friends--both spoiled, selfish, wanting to have their own way--but several dramatic events occur which change their attitudes toward each other and eventually they fall in love. When rebel forces protest their ruler marrying an alien, Aric's uncle believes his nephew is behind it all and Aric can't prove his innocence without admitting he and Elizabeth are having an affair. Then, things go from bad to worse.

HL: That sounds so intriguing, can't wait to get my hands on it, and the trailer is wonderful. Okay, enquiring minds as they say ... if someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?

Travis Fimmel would be a great Aric. He's got the proper spoiled-youngster-but-resourceful-if-necessary look.

HL: And have you a favourite actor/hunk? Would this be the same guy?

TS: Oh, to be sure! I'm hoping he's going to be on the cover of an upcoming book.

HL: LOL, Wouldn't that be something! What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

TS: Nothing surprises me any more.

HL: What’s your writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

TS: At first, I wrote in long hand then transcribed it. Now I skip the long hand part. Other than that, the process hasn't changed so much. I still do lots of research. Before I start writing, I reread and edit the previous session, and look up anything that's questionable. I do lots of cross-referencing because I want things to be as factual as possible. And once I get started, I don't want to stop...housework, meals, laundry...everything gets neglected when I write.

HL: Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?

TS: I always try to play appropriate music when I right. I may play the same piece continually in a loop until anyone in the house is ready to take the CD and toss it. Ever seen a CD with grooves worn in it?

HL:. Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them?

TS: I used to but they are so busy now writing and getting their own works published, we don't have much time for each other any more. Once in a while, we get together and have a brainstorming session over a bottle--or two or three--of wine, but those are few and far between now.

HL: What is your personal definition of success?

TS: Being recognized for something you've done but not to the extent that it interferes with your private life.

HL: I love finding out what inspires other writers, so what is your favourite source of inspiration, Toni?

TS: My brain. It's the best storage unit I know. There's stuff in there that I don't even know about yet!

HL: Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?

TS: If a publisher send your manuscript back to you with suggestions, READ THEM, then ACT ON THEM.

HL: Great Advice, now for a completely non-serious question, If you were an animal, which one would it be and why?

TS: Probably a toy poodle. People would think I'm cute and cuddly and completely ignore that I might have a brain.

HL. Awww! And finally, is there a question you really, really wish someone would ask, but they never do? If so what would be your reply?

TS: I don't know the question, but the answer is "42". (Fans of Douglas Adams will know what I mean.)

LOL! That is a great book, and very, very funny.

Thank you so much for being here today Toni, and for answering all my nosy questions

Toni's book is available HERE:

and here's the trailer to give you a taster:

Monday's Word - Cunicular

'Cunicular' not a word you're likely to use a great deal as a romance writer, although it could well pop up in other types of fiction.

*Michael Quinion says:

'It's better known to biologists than to SF authors. It simply means "rabbit-like". It derives from Latin "cuniculus", rabbit (itself taken from Green "kyniklos"), which is also the source of the old English name for the animal, "coney" or "cony". The Latin word could also mean a burrow, an underground passage, or a military mine. Variations on it appear in systematic scientific names - an American owl, to take one example, is formally known as Speotyto cunicularia because it lives in burrows.

"Cunicular" has occasionally been used in botany and medicine for various kinds of tubular formation. Apart from that, sightings are extremely rare.'

As I said, not a word you're likely to use much, but I thought it was interesting. Besides, it gave me an excuse to post a picture of Peter Rabbit.

*Thanks to Michael Quinion of WORLD WIDE WORDS. World Wide Words is copyright (c) Michael Quinion 2009. All rights reserved. The Words Web site is at http://www.worldwidewords.org

No, you may not copy, sell, or loan our work...

I love blogging, I love talking about my books and those of my fellow authors, and occasionally blogging about something that has nothing to do with books. Sometimes I even manage to write something a bit humorous. However today I'm going to be very serious and talk about pirates. No, I don't mean the lovable Johnny Depp type pirates I mean internet pirates who set up sites from which, for a small fee, members can download books 'for free', or otherwise steal books - for that's what happens if someone downloads a book which they haven't paid an authorised retailer for - yes it's stealing, pure and simple. Sharon Bidwell of The Britwriters Blog' has written an article which explains exactly why this is the case, and I've reproduced part of her article below.

"No, you may not copy, sell or loan our work

August 10, 2009 by Sharon Bidwell (Reproduced with permission of the author)

Copyright law on ebooks is simple. You cannot copy, distribute, resell or loan an ebook. Saying that, most of us wouldn’t object if we heard you’ve made yourself a back-up copy purely for your own personal use. We live in a wonderful age of technology but technology fails us from time to time. We hear you’re selling our work and we’ll come down on you like the proverbial ton of bricks. Writers and publishers are getting better at locating piracy sites and law enforcement is finally taking it seriously.

The most common question we hear is “If I can resell or loan a printed book, why can’t I as a reader resell or loan ebooks?” To be honest, even the reselling or lending of some printed books is a grey area. However, it tends to be overlooked because of several reasons.

1. Most people hate the idea of printed books being destroyed. If you’re finished with them and cannot pass them on in some way they are only good for recycling.
2. When a printed book is passed on, someone may find an author they like and start buying new books by that author on a regular basis. It’s sort of free-advertising and yes, one could argue this would apply to ebooks but there’s a major difference and reason why this doesn’t work so read on.
3. Many second-hand books are sold for charity purposes.
4. You are giving up your physical edition of the book and will no longer own it.

Point 4 is the major one. When you give, sell, or loan a printed book you give away the item you purchased. Even when loaning it, you risk not getting it back. You are not making a ‘physical copy’ of that book to pass it on.

When you pass an ebook on (and some people do this in innocence not piracy but they are still in the wrong) the reader tends to ‘keep’ their version and simply send the file on, thereby making a ‘copy’. I can assure you that this is just as illegal as in printed works.

Imagine you took one of Stephen King’s novels, dissected it, scanned it in, printed it up either by POD (good luck — they would spot what you are doing in a flash), or via the printer at home, and tried to give it away, sell it, or hand to a friend. Should SK find out do you think he wouldn’t sue you? Oh yes, he would!

The point is you are not allowed to make a ‘copy’ of any written work be it printed or electronic. You may (usually) print off an electronic book with the purpose of reading it in that form should you not wish to read on screen, but that printed form is subject to the same laws. You may not sell it, or pass it on. If you wish to pass on an ebook the only legal way to do this is buy an extra copy, and what’s so wrong with that? We all have people to buy presents for.

Oh…and to those who think they can file share their ebook library - you are NOT a library and did you know that even if you were there is such a thing as the ‘public lending right’? This means that an author can, if they wish, claim a small payment every time a library lends one of their books. So next time you choose to file share, don’t be surprised should you receive a letter from the authors asking for an audit of the number of ‘loans’ and demanding payment from you!

You are not a publisher and the author has not signed a contract with you. You do not have the right to sell.

You are not an official state library. You do not have the right to loan (and let’s be honest — 'loan' in electronic format means copy and give away) and authors and publishers will not turn their back on you ‘giving’ their work away.

I’m not speaking to those who are deliberately committing an act of piracy. They know they are breaking the law, damaging authors and the publishing industry, and they just don’t care. The most we can do is assure them that while there will always be crooks there will always be those willing to fight them. I’m speaking mainly to those that do this in innocence, not understanding that they are doing anything wrong. You claim to love us as writers. You claim to love our work. We do work — hard — at this. Most of us have day jobs, families, lives just like you. We have to find time to write on top of all that. We often forsake sleep. You love our characters, our worlds, our stories. You claim to love our work and even to love us. Why do something fundamentally harmful to someone or something you love?

Did you know there are pirate copies of the “I Do” anthology out there? A book I took part in for charity. The thought that people can be so low as to steal from charity has made some of us authors very, very upset. "

I've shortened the above article slightly (sorry Sharon) but you can read the complete version HERE if you wish.

Even if you've done this in innocence, please give it some thought. We love writing, we love our readers. It takes a long time to write a book - and even a short story takes hours of plotting, typing, revising - editing - well you get the picture. If we were paid the equivalent of the minimum working wage, it would still not cover the amount of hard work put in - or pay for advertising and promoting our work. In fact, most of us receive very much less than the minimum wage, so every time someone downloads a book legally, it helps our sales figures and gives us the incentive to keep writing. Please forgive the rant, I know most of the people reading this would never knowingly steal from us, and I just thought it important that you know the facts behind so-called 'free' download sites, and why even copying a story for a friend is still stealing - and illegal.

A taste of Wales

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love and miss my native Wales and perhaps this short clip, taken from a longer film, and featured on the website 'Americymru' will show why.

The lake in the clip is called Llyn Briane, and is part of the route of one of the Welsh Endurance Horse rides. The little round boat is called a coracle, and has been used by river fishermen in Ceredigion for centuries.

Icy Snow Blackstone - Three Moon Station

It's my pleasure to welcome Icy Snow Blackstone to my Blog today. Hello Icy Snow - what a lovely name. First of all tell us a bit about your book,

ISB: In a sentence - it's all about Love and One Man's Determination. Though I thought it was a good story, I was thoroughly surprised by the reception my novel Three Moon Station has received. I've even gotten fan letters about it! So, in view of that, I've decided to ask Sarkin Trant, hero of Three Moon Station, if he'd like to speak to my readers. Sar? It's all yours!

Mornin' to ya, Ladies! (Sar is a very tall, very handsome man who apparently doesn't realize it. He's dressed in what looks like 19th-century Western wear--denim trousers, boots and lizard-hide gaiters, a buckskin duster, and wide-brimmed hat. His long, copper-colored hair is in a braid down his back, contrasting with the two turquoise stones in his left ear. And there's a Petronel X-P strapped to his hip.) Come in an' sit--there's room on th' sofa for several o' ye wee lassies. (gestures at the sofa) Ya like it? M'pa made it himsel'--all th' furniture in th' house as a matter o' fact. Just move that book out o' th' chair, Mistress Icy--'twas one I'd been readin' but I'm almost finished now. Aye, 'tis the poems o' Yeats, one o' m'maither's favorite Terran authors. Since m'wife's out feedin' th' chiksas at th' moment, I thought it a fine time t' speak t' those people who might read th' story o' me an' m'Katy, t' explain a little o' why I did the things I did.I'm hopin' you'll excuse m'dusty clothes. I've been out workin' with m'elos and it's dirty work. (places his hand on the Petronel) Don't mind th' gun--I need that in case a rath shows up and tries to eat either me or my horse!

By way o' introducin' m'self--name's Sarkin Trant. I'm a station owner on Tritomas-2. M'maither was Maire Deoridh MacGregor, from New Edinburgh in th' Alba Highland Colony o' Mars. M'pa--him I already mentioned--was Andrus Trant, an Arcanian who had a temper he let run him 'stead o' th' other way around, an' got himsel' exiled for his troubles. He met m'ma when she was a schoolma'am, teaching th' settlers' bairns. Now that m'antededents are established, I asked yon scribe Icy Snow Blackstone--an' isna that a mouthful of a name for such a li'l thing?--to allow me t' tell you why I've risked so much for one little lass. 'Tis embarrassing for me t' talk about it, but I ask m'sel' why should a man be ashamed t' say why he loves his woman? (he shakes his headand a startling blush creep over his handsome face) So...

Let me say I dinna go into Zero--that's the name o' our little town--that day to get m'self a wife. Last thing I had on m'mind was t' find m'self wedded to anyone--much less some stranger off a prison ship--an' anybody knowin' me an' how I'm practic'ly a hermit, would say th' same. I went with th' sole idea o' helpin' Abel Parker. Lord knows th' lad needed it, what wi' losin' every year t' some farmer or station owner who outbid him. I decided the boy needed either a wife or a maither--and finding a wife would be cheaper! (laughs quickly, then expression darkens) When I saw yon Alwin Marsten, that dark-souled ba-- Pardon m'foul tongue...le's just say Marsten's nae one o' m'favorite people.

Well, I may be considered primitive by Terran standards--what wi' m'animal leather clothes an' Petronel X-P ridin' low on m'hip, but do know the proper way to treat a female and couldna let Marsten take that dear little lass, Priscilla, away from th' boy, so I kept m'promise an' gave Abel th' extra money an' he outbid Marsten fair an' square. T' m'mind, 'twas all I came t' do, an' I'd done it, so I was on m'way t' leavin' when I saw her--sitting there with that hair o' hers all wild about her head like th' rays o' th' sun was all tangled in it, flaming and gold at th' same time--an' th' sight fair took th' breath out o' me... (takes a deep breath and looks slightly embarrassed at displaying such emotion)

Marsten saw m'interest, an' decided t' bid. No way was I going t' let him have that bit o' sunshine. I knew he'd extinguish it fast. An' 'tis a good thing for me I'd won that bag o' angelica gamblin' at Larkin's, else we both would've been in bad luck. So I got m'Katy an' more o' Marsten's hate--an' did I care a fig for that? Hell, no! Again, I apologize for m'raw tongue. (places a hand on his heart) I swear on Ma's Bible I dinna have any idea th' lass thought I was hirin' her for m'housekeeper. Thinkin' back on that makes me red-faced for stripping m'self afore her in th' wagon when I got soakin' wet durin' that rainstorm.

Still, she didn't tell me different, an' wrapped me in blankets to save me from a chill--now I'm wonderin' if those blankets were simply t' hide the sight o' m'bare body from her innocent eyes!

So we got t' m'station an' I learned th' truth--Katy had no idea th' paper she signed was a Marriage Agreement. Seems she was in th' sanitary room while ever'thin' was bein' explained-- Lucky for me, I suppose. She tol' me why she came t' Tritomas, 'bout her employer bein' killed an' those black-hearted devils chasin' her-- Makes m'blood boil just t' think on it! In turn, I laid m' soul pretty bare--how I hadna been married but sired a son anyway and I loved th' lad an' had tried t' raise 'em proper. They canna say I hid anythin' from her.

She says she's going back when the time's up on our probationary marriage, t' make sure justice is done, but y'know what? She's nae goin' back to that Earth! Not if I can help it! I can protect Katy better than any member o' th' Peace Force because they don't love her--and I do! Look, she's says she likes th' station an' she's accepted m'son an' even some o' m'odd ways, so all I have t' do is ge' her t' admit she loves me. Easy, huh?

I've got one year t' convince m'Sunshine that her place is here wi' me--her husband--an' I'll do it...come Hell, high water, or laser-totin' hitmen! (nods and sweeps off his hat and bows) I thank ya, Mistress Icy, for allowin' me to speak my piece.

ICY: And thank you, Sar, and good luck!

HL: Thank you both - Icy, I'll tell you in confidence, now he can't hear us, I could really fall for that Sar - if he wasn't already taken, of course!

Excerpt from Three Moon Station:

Katy was sleeping so soundly she didn't hear Sarkin Trant come back to the house. She didn't hear the bedroom door open, his footsteps as he tiptoed in, or the quiet movements as he undressed.Only when his weight touched the bed, causing her to roll toward him, did she rouse slightly but it wasn't until he put his arms around her that she came suddenly and violently awake.Sitting up with a cry of alarm, she struck outward, touching warm, solid flesh.

The lamp flashed brightness, as Trant reached for the pistol lying beside it, looking around quickly. "What is it?"

Staring at his bare back and shoulders, half-hidden by the unbound hair, Katy uttered a shriek, ear-splitting in its terror, and scrambled backward, dragging the sheet with her. Her back struck the headboard and she climbed it, huddling against the wall, clutching the sheet to her breast.

He looked up at her, the gun swinging around, aimed directly at her. "What's the matter?"

"Oh, please! Don't shoot me!" Was he going to kill her? Without any reason? Are all these colonists latent murderers?

"I'm na going to shoot you!" His voice held surprise and something close to disgust. "What's the matter wi' you?"

He activated the safety and dropped the gun onto the table.

"W-what are you doing in here?" She held the sheet closer, pressing it against her chest, toes curling downward to wrap around the iron rosettes decorating the headboard.

"Where else would I be? This is my bed, y'know!" His tone implied she'd been stricken with sudden amnesia.

"Your bed...?"

" ...and since 'tis now night, where else would I be sleeping but in m'own bed?"

" ...your bed...."

"Is there an echo in here? Yes, Sunshine--my bed! Now, d'we have its ownership established?"

"But--you put my bag in here...."

"Of course."

In a rush, she understood. He had bid for her, not merely to get a housekeeper but for something more--it was more convenient to have a woman handy if he needed one, especially when the only other available females were two days' ride into Zero!

"You mean," she began, hoping he was going to deny it, "that you want me to-- Oh no. No."

"Aye." He was nodding, saying with a mixture of exasperation, anger, and concern, "Hell, Sunshine! 'Tis sort of expected , y'know?"His voice was surprisingly sarcastic.

She didn't answer, just shook her head and wrapped the sheet closer around her.

"Oh, do na act so silly!" He was trying to be patient, she could see that, but still confused. "I admit I expected a little shyness but-- E'en though we did spend last night together in the wagon, we're still almost strangers...." He stopped, looked away, studying the far wall. "I mean...."

The sheet, stretched against him, was covering part of one thigh and his stomach. He put his hand on it, pressing it onto the bed. Katy could see the curve of his hip and the paler mark of a tan line on the golden skin. She swallowed loudly.

He looked back, shaking his head. "You're overreacting! Maybe you na expected to do this so soon but-- Damn, quit staring at me!" He looked uncomfortable. "You've already seen me naked--and probably others, too!!"

"Of course, I have!" Katy replied sharply. All Uncle Cyril's's groundsmen--the caretaker, the gardeners, the pool-boy--went without their shirts while they worked. She'd seen them all that way--and it was practically the same thing, wasn't it? Wasn't it? "But not in my bed!"

That caused a widening of the aqua eyes. For a full minute, he didn't speak, just stared at her.

THREE MOON STATION is available from The Wild Rose Press (www.wildrosepress) as an ebook and print edition. Trailer can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/tvsweeney

We have a winner...

The winner of Emma Lai's 'His Ship, Her Fantasy is:

DRUMROLL

Marianne Evans

Congratulations Marianne - you're in for a treat!

Announcing the release of 'His Ship, Her Fantasy' by Emma Lai

Today sees the release of 'HIS SHIP, HER FANTASY', By Emma Lai:

Ellie Woods is in love…with a ship. When an argument with the ship results in a bump on the head, she finds herself in the strong arms of Alastair. But, who is he, and where did he come from?

Alastair has loved Ellie from afar for years, but duty has kept him from revealing himself to her. When a grave threat reveals his true identity, he hopes that Ellie will choose reality over fantasy


Here is an Excerpt:

She fought to stay aware by focusing her gaze on the intriguing cleft in her rescuer’s chin. After a few moments, she tried to tilt her head back to get a look at the rest of his face, but the action made her dizzy once again. She gave up with a sigh and relaxed against his firm, broad chest.

She shrugged. Chances were she would not recognize him anyway. Over two hundred people served on the ship. She knew the dozen or so engineers who worked the first and third rotations and maybe another dozen crewmates by sight, others who worked the same rotation and happened to eat their meals in solitary silence at the same time she did. She would guess from the fact that he had to ask her name that he was not any of those two dozen individuals.

Maybe she should not have told him her real name. At least that way, when he talked about finding a woman helpless in the bowels of the ship, no one would have known who it was. Yeah, right, whom was she trying to fool? She was the sole person assigned duty to this area during fourth rotation. Her breath caught, and she stiffened in his arms. Who was he, and what was he doing in a restricted area?

“Relax,” he said.

“Who are you?” She tried to sit up in his arms, determined to get a look at him and an answer to her question.

He lifted her higher in his arms, which wedged her head between his head and shoulder and prevented her from getting a good look at his face. “Alastair.” His warm breath fluttered against her forehead and cheek.

This is what Emma says about her book and the character:

Ellie’s character is the primary driving force behind the story. Her difficulties in being the only female space engineer lead to the story.

But, how did I get inside her head?

I pursued my Electrical Engineering degree with a handful of other women. When I started looking for a job, I went where the money was. When you live in Houston, TX, this means oil and gas, specifically a large service company.

The industry has always been male dominated with a healthy dose of chauvinism. My first day at work I had one engineer ask me if my daddy put me up to this…meaning a career in engineering. For the entire five years I was with the company, one engineer outright refused to speak to me…even if we were supposed to work together. However, as with the bad, there is good as well. My manager did an excellent job of helping me grow professionally.

I took the remembered frustrations, grouchy characters, and silent support of the few and used them in His Ship, Her Fantasy. My hope is the reader will see Ellie’s strength and understand her quiet determination. She is a part of me.

As for the question, did my daddy put me up to this?

We’re all influenced by people in our lives, and my dad was a huge reason I went into engineering, but he was still surprised when I told him what I wanted to study. I’m not sure why. After all, he helped me put together my science project on series and parallel circuits, let me take apart his radio to see how it worked, and bought me my first computer, which I promptly used to write a program in BASIC, all when I was eight.

What comes next?

His Ship, Her Fantasy inspired a whole series of shorts that cross over into multiple genres to include sci-fi, fantasy, and time travel. The second story, His Hope, Her Salvation, of the Mates of the Guardians series has been contracted with The Wild Rose Press and has a tentative release date of Wednesday, December 16th. It is the story of Judith and Donovan. However, as with all strong, determined women, Ellie has decided her story isn’t done. I’ll be offering her continued story on my website next year.


This sounds wonderful, Emma. I'm looking forward to reading this series. The covers are beautiful too. To find out more about Emma and her writing see her blog and website:
http://emmalaiwrites.blogspot.com/
http://www.emmalaiwrites.com/

I'll be putting all the names of anyone who comments here today, into a hat and will draw the names tomorrow- the winner will receive a download of Emma's new release 'Her Ship, Her Fantasy'. Please leave your email address if you'd like to be in the draw, or pop back here to see who the winner is.

Monday's Word - Aristology

Nothing to do with the aristocrocy, as you might possibly think - this apparently refers to 'the art or science of dining.

The following is taken from a recent feature in 'World Wide Words' by Michael Quinion:

"According to the lexicons, the Greek for dinner is Ariston, The classical Greek word strictly means breakfast or lunch rather than dinner, though we should allow much latitude in translating the prandial habits of one culture into another, not least because the timing of the meal called dinner in England has varied greatly
down the centuries."

This is interesting, because as a Brit I can testify to the variation of 'dinner' in Britain as a whole. To me, having spent most of my life in Wales, dinner is the evening meal, but for many people in England, it is the midday meal.

Further on in the article, Michael Quinion states:

"The word has never become more than a marginal addition to the language, a source of obscure scholarly humour rather than a term of utility. It's best known from books by Rex Stout, in which his corpulent protagonist, Nero Wolfe, has a couple of encounters with a group of gourmets, the Ten for Aristology."

I have to admit to never having come across this word before - perhaps I can find a way of slipping it into the my writing next time the hero and heroine are enjoying a romantic meal together...


*Thanks to Michael Quinion of WORLD WIDE WORDS. World Wide Words is copyright (c) Michael Quinion 2009. All rights reserved. The Words Web site is at http://www.worldwidewords.org

Interview with Nicole Zoltack

I'm really pleased to welcome Nicole Zoltack to my blog today. (Lyn pauses until the thnderous applause dies down.)

HL: Welcome Nicole, make yourself at home. You'll find your favourite refreshments on the table by your elbow there. Help yourself while I tell the visitors a little about you.

Nicole Zoltack can’t remember a time when she wasn’t making up stories in her head so it was only a matter of time before she started writing them down. She loves to both read and write. She writes in a variety of genres including fantasy, romance, horror, YA. So far, she has one published work, Woman of Honor, a fantasy romance from Desert Breeze Publishing. She also has a short story published in One Touch, One Glance: A Sweet Romance Anthology from Freya’s Bower under the pen name Nicolette Zamora.

Hope I got all that right, Nicole. Now, can you tell us a little more about yourself:

NZ: Let’s see. I have a BS in chemistry with a concentration in forensic science and a minor in biology. I wanted to be a crime scene investigator (no I never watched the show, why does everyone ask me that?) or to work in a crime lab. After I graduated, I quickly learned that there were no job openings in the field and that my best bet was to become a police officer. That didn’t happen. Instead I worked as an organic analyst for two years in an environmental laboratory. I married my college sweetheart (who just happened to be my first kiss, is it any wonder that I write romances?). Shortly before I gave birth, I quit my job and now I stay at home, chasing after a crawling 9 ½ month old who is quickly learning how to stand unsupported. It’s only a matter of time before he starts walking. When he naps, I try to squeeze in writing time, otherwise I stay up late and pound away at the keyboard.

HL: Wow, you certainly seem to have crammed a lot into a short space, Nicole. What do you do for fun when not writing?

NZ: Play with my little one, watch movies with my hubby. Read. Listen to music. Call my mother. Pre-pregnancy, I took riding lessons but *sigh* they’re on hold until I stop reproducing. I would like three more little ones.

HL: That's the next few years sorted for you then, *grin*. You must try and carry on with your riding when you can, there's nothing quite like being on the back of a horse in the open coutnryside to give you inspiration. Well I'm a bit biased, as everyone knows I'm horse mad! Anyway, let's get back to you Nicole, tell me, when did you start writing?

NZ: I started writing when I first learned how to write. *laughs* I’m serious. My mother gave my sister and I paper and pencil and we would write. My sister also wants to be an author. I know she’ll be published someday. Anyhow, my writing is worlds better than it was then, thank God.

HL: What comes first: the plot or the characters?

NZ: Usually the characters. I am big on characters, they have to be believable and consistent and they have to grow throughout the story. Without great characters, any plot will fall flat.

HL: I have to agree there Nicole, I know for some people the plot is everything, but as you say, the characters are all important, if the reader can't relate to them Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it.

NZ: My latest release is Woman of Honor, Book 1 in the Kingdom of Arnhem series. The tale of Aislinn from a young girl as she journeys to become a lady knight and ends up falling in love along the way. This story is a coming-of-age story that will appeal to adults and the YA audience alike. Aislinn is a strong heroine, not perfect, and I think she is very relatable. Readers will cheer her on as they read about her struggle to fulfill her dream. Watching someone else succeed makes our own goals seem that much more obtainable too and I think my readers will enjoy that.

I'm sure that's the case, Nicole, and to whet the readers' appetite, here's the blurb and an excerpt:

Blurb of Woman of Honor:

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training. Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Excerpt:

Aislinn hurried outside the castle. The walls loomed oppressive and overbearing. She quickly strode around the courtyard, letting her long steps eat up the earth. The scent of flowers reached her nose but she couldn't process the sweet smells. She attempted to calm down but her thoughts ran around at such a lightening quick speed that she couldn't concentrate, couldn't think, couldn't breathe. Eventually, she forced herself back inside the castle and returned to her room. Regardless of what choice she decided, whether to redo the last two years of her life or not, she would have to return at some point. The whole situation is absurd! To think that at ten years old, when I am at the same level as the other two year pages, that I should be forced to be on the same level as the new pages! Seven year olds! And to think that I was humiliated when I told everyone I was eight.

She opened her door, and stopped short. Her room wasn't empty. Prince Caelan, heir to the throne, rose from the single chair in the room.

"Caelan," she managed to say through clenched teeth. She looked at him and saw his father, saw her king, and relived her humiliation all over again in one heartbeat.

"Aislinn, I'm sorry," he said, swiftly coming out of the seat. He took a step toward her, one hand held out. "I fought for you, I told my father you deserved a chance. You must know that."

His words mean nothing to me. He means nothing to me!

She said nothing and stomped over to the bureau, yanking the drawers open. She pulled her few possessions and clothing, holding them to her chest as she slammed the drawers shut. Caelan stepped closer, hovering near her shoulder, but he refrained from touching her and said nothing. Her hands shook with rage and the clothes wrinkled. She took them to her narrow bed and refolded them, her movements crisp and precise. When she finished, she returned to the bureau and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The reflection startled her. She wore an emotionless face but her eyes contained so much hurt and pain that she barely recognized herself.

Caelan spoke again, his voice rougher and deeper.

"I know you would do anything for my father. If he asked you to leave this country and to spy on the Speicans, you would. You would lead a raid into their country if he merely hinted at it. You would lay your life down for him just because he is the leader of this country." Here, the prince paused. "One day, I shall take his place and I shall be king. Yet I don't know if you would follow me as willingly as you would my father."

"Why do you say that, your Highness?" she asked, the formal title more a stinging retort than a sign of respect.

"I don't know," he answered honestly. His hand rested in the bend of her arm, but she didn't turn to face him.

"I have done nothing but fight for you."

"Why?" Aislinn asked. She thought of the three W's, how the prince had wanted to help her but she had been too proud to ask for it, how he had helped anyhow. Even before that, warning her to learn how to swim. He urged Geoffrey to be her mentor, even though Geoffrey denied that Caelan had made him.

Caelan pulled on her arm enough to make her turn and she faced him, keeping her hands clenched at her side. The prince grinned slowly, a reckless and daring smile that spread to his eyes. Aislinn drew in a breath as sudden heat spread over her. His whole face had lit up with his grin and his eyes glowed, like two dark sapphires.

"Why doesn't matter," he eventually answered in a voice so low it barely carried across the space between them and Aislinn realized the truth of his words. It didn't matter.

But he was wrong to question her. Aislinn served the king because he was king. One day, Caelan would be king, and she would serve him just as fiercely and just as honorably.

"I would obey you like I would any king," she told him, finally finding enough control to keep the edge from her voice. She swallowed. "I would die to protect you."

"Good," Caelan said, his eyes still slightly wild as his grin widened a small degree. "Then you know what you must do, Aislinn."

Aislinn stared up at him, her heart breaking. She clenched her fists harder. "But I have to redo the last two years of my life all over again. Everything up to this point had been for naught! For nothing!"

"You have two choices." His voice was calm, a sharp contrast to the anger and frustration waging in Aislinn's chest. "Either do as my father says and begin again. Or leave and the last two years will truly be for naught."

"No, there has to be another way." She shook her head sharply.

Caelan's hand slid from her elbow to wrap around her fist. Without thinking, she unfurled her fingers and he held her hand in his. "Aislinn, I can't persuade my father. He shall not bend."

"But he isn't being fair!"

"Fair or not, he is king."

Aislinn frowned. Protests welled in her throat but she refused to voice them and slowly an idea formed.

"Perchance…" she started.

"Perchance?" Caelan prompted, taking a step closer to her.

Aislinn shook her head, refusing to say her thoughts. "I gave him my services. I gave him my life for two years. Two years! I can't forgive him for this."

He released her hand, taking a step back, his expression hardening. "You must," he said, his tone now cold and distant.

Aislinn tightened her jaw and stared at the floor. He stepped back from her and walked away. She didn't bother to look up when the door slammed as the prince left the room.

She slowly whistled her breath out before quickly packing her belongings and leaving the room without a backward glance.

HL: Sounds like a wonderful read, and one I'm sure everyone would enjoy. So what’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

NZ: I write when the muse inspires. Even when the muse doesn’t. I write and write and write. I become zoned into a story when I write. I’m no longer sitting at a keyboard, staring at a monitor, I’m in Arnhem, wearing armor, brandishing a sword. I tend to write in spurts, little scenes here and there, then go back and fill in the holes. Has my writing process changed since writing Woman of Honor? Of course. And it’s all my son’s fault. *laughs* Only because my available time is lessened.

HL: Oh I can relate to 'living one's stories', I do it myself. What is your favourite source of inspiration?

NZ: Life. *laughs* That’s a cop-out, isn’t it? I actually wake up with a lot of story ideas. My dreams can be rather bizarre and sometimes incredibly detailed as well. Most of my story ideas lately are all fantasy ones, so that tells you that my dreams are out there.

HL: Our time's almost up, Nicole, and I mustn't hog your company because I'm sure all your fans are dying to come in and talk to you - but one last question, a fun one that I always like to ask my victims -er - I mean guests. If you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

NZ: You didn’t specify that it had to be a real animal so I want to be a Pegasus. I could run or fly. No one would be able to tame me!

HL: Oh great answer, Nicole. A winged horse - that just has to be the best of both worlds, doesn't it, to be able to gallop like the wind and fly like a bird. And grace and beauty too! Well, it's been wonderful having you here Nicole. I understand there's a queue of folks outside the door waiting for your autograph, so we'd better let them in. Thanks so much for joining us today.

You can also visit Nicol at:

Author site: http://www.NicoleZoltack.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/scarlett9284

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nicole.Zoltack

Fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-Zoltack/93384618347

Blog: http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NicoleZoltack

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2887586.Nicole_Zoltack

Woman of Honor: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-22/Nicole-Zoltack-Woman-of/Detail.bok

One Touch, One Glance: http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=149

Purchase 'A Woman Of Honor' here:
Purchase at All Romance eBooks
Purchase at Amazon for Kindle