Okay, I’ll admit that I really stink at coming up with new and creative ways to run a contest. So, because I have no imagination when it comes to contests I’m going to stick with something simple. Anyone who leaves a comment on my blog (for any post made between October 1st and October 23rd) will be entered to win a free download of my first romantic suspense story, entitled Ransomed Heart. That 1st place winner will also receive a Michelle Cary canvas tote bag (great for lugging books around) and other goodies from my promotional stash. Two second place winners will receive goodies from my stash including Michelle Cary Pens, bookmarks and key chains.

Now with every contest there must be rules, so here goes:

1. Only one comment per contestant per day.
2. Comments made ONLY on posts between October 1st and October 23rd will be eligible.
3. No spamming! Comments must pertain to the post for that day. Spammers will automatically be eliminated.
4. Winners will be picked at random and screen names will be used to identify winners to eliminate any confusion.

The drawing will be held on October 24th.

Good Luck!

In celebration of my soon to be released 1st Romantic Suspense entitled Ransomed Heart. I have decided to put together a contest where the winner will not only receive a free download of the story, but I will ship them some goodies from my promo stash. I’m still working on the details, but I hope to have it up and running by Monday, so be sure to stop back by and see what’s going on.

In an industry such as the e-book publishing world it’s sometimes difficult to remember that even though you’re sitting in your pajamas in front of your computer, you still have to be professional. Now that can be difficult and sometimes damn near impossible when you’re working via-email with editors and such that don’t quite get back to you as soon as you would like or appear to have an attitude when they do. However, if you’re trying to write books as a living and not just some fun hobby, you need to remember which side your bread is buttered. Which sometimes requires a hell of a lot of strength when dealing with an abstinent editor or a difficult publisher.

Sure I much like many an author out there, have had my fair share of troubles. I once had an editor who had a million excuses why she wasn’t responding to my e-mails and completing the editing on my ms. Trying to stay professional, I went to the publisher who in my opinion wasn’t the most receptive in helping me out. It was frustrating and I actually got to a point where I hated my own story simply because of the negative vibes surrounding it. However, I didn’t use my blog as a weapon to torpedo my publisher or the editor. That would have been career suicide on my part. Which is why I don’t understand how other authors can rant so openly on their blogs about problem editors, publishers, etc.

Wouldn’t it be better to rise above the steady stream of crap that is taking place and be as professional as possible? Throwing a temper tantrum on line where anyone can read it, is in my opinion, setting yourself up for failure. Believe it or not, the book industry is small and everybody knows everyone. Make public waves and you run the risk of having yourself black balled by publishers who will see you as difficult and not worth their time. That’s not to say that you can’t express your frustrations to your publisher, but in a professional way.

Thankfully, for me, I rode the bad wave and when the project was over, I was assigned a new editor, who has been a joy to work with. I have to think that if I’d aired my dirty laundry in a public forum, I probably would have been dropped by the publisher and branded as being difficult to work with. But then that’s just my opinion.

There’s so much going on right now I’m starting to wonder if I’m coming or going. Over the weekend I received 1st round edits on my Loose ID story Sophie’s Secret. The tentative release date is November 11th. I also finished up the WIP I was working on with fellow author Amanda Young and have sent it to her for approval and final touches. Which is code for she’s going to raunch it up some…lol. I’m really excited about that project and can’t wait to get it subbed and accepted somewhere.

Also, I’ve finished writing my romantic suspense entitled Northern Lights, but after some tough love from my critique partner and fellow author Liz Craven, I realize I still have some work to do. However, her advice can only make the story stronger so when it does get subbed somewhere it will hopefully be accepted too.

Ideas are cultivating for what my next project is going to be. After writing two romantic suspense stories and keeping both relatively tame in the bedroom, I might be due for another erotic romance…we’ll have to see.

In the meantime, I’m off to start my training at my new ‘real job’ today. That too is something I’m excited about becuase it’s not an office job pushing papers, but something completely different than I’ve ever done before. Wish me luck!!!

A variation of this question was kicked around by me and my fellow critique partners the other day, when I whined about needed to finish two love scenes in my latest WIP. I’m the only one of the group who dares to venture out of the Erotic Romance niche and found myself the other day desperately trying to put together a love scene for my WIP. The problem is I want it to be a romantic suspense and I’ve made a rule with my writing that my romantic suspense would not be erotic romance.

Not that I have anything against erotic romance. It’s a genre that I often enjoy writing in, but for my RS works I wanted something more. There in came the debate. To write a good, I mean really good, love scene not only requires covering all the senses, but the thoughts and emotions as well. You wouldn’t think this would be a difficult task, and for some I’m sure it isn’t. For me however, switching from graphic sex to eluding to the sex can sometimes be a challenge. And I don’t believe I’m the only one who thinks so as one of my critique partners generously volunteered to write the scene for me, until I told her the requirements. I believe her reply was something to the effect of “I wouldn’t have a clue how to even begin.” or something along those lines.

While I think we’re all in agreement that writing any good love scene takes skill, I’ve recently decided that because of the restrictions placed on non-erotic love scenes, its more difficult to write than a graphic scene. In erotic romance you’re allowed to use all those ‘naughty’ and ‘taboo’ words to described the male and female genitals. Oral and anal sex, while still slightly taboo (and highly erotic) are written out in almost painful detail, leaving little to the reader’s imagination. Bondage and domination are easily considered acceptable topics.

With non-erotic romance, all those freedoms don’t exist. That’s not to say I’m complaining as I enjoy books that leave something to the imagination as much as those that don’t. However, as a writer I’ll readily admit that I’m challenged by the rules. Ultimately, I believe it makes me work harder, thus honing my skills and making me a better at my avocation. I’m sure not everyone will agree with my thoughts on the matter and personally I think it’s a great subject for debate. What’s your thoughts on erotic vs non-erotic romance?

November 11, 2008 is the tentative release date with Loose ID for my erotic romance Novella entitled Sophie’s Secret. It will come on the heels of my first release from Wild Rose Press, which is a romantic suspense novel entitled Ransomed Heart due to release on October 24th.

Keep checking back here for more information on both titles!

I’ve been working to finish a joint project I have with Author Amanda Young. I still have a way to go, but I’m getting there.

Now that the contracts are all signed and it’s official, I’m very happy to announce that my latest work Sophie’s Secret has been picked up by Loose Id.

Sophie’s Secret is a erotic romance novella about a woman who is looking to fufill her secret desires and her room mate/friend who volunteers his services.

Also I’ve finished my romantic suspense novel entitles Northern Lights and have sent off a query to one publisher who at this time shall remain nameless. Wish me luck with that one because if they pick it up it will be a huge boost to my resume.

Now I’ve decided to go back and finish another romantic suspense story started by my critique partner and good friend author Amanda Young (when she was still writing heterosexual stories…lol) who after deciding it wasn’t her ‘cup of tea’ handed the story over to me to work my suspense magic. It’s a great story with lots of bones and is tentatively titled Don’t Look Back.

And thats about it for now, but as you all can see my plate is pretty much full at the moment. Stay tuned for more info…

Michelle

I’m happy to announce that a good friend, fellow Jerseyite has just celebrated her first book release with an erotic romance novella entitled “Beyond Boundaries’ over at Whispers Publishing.

http://www.whispershome.com/book_pages/beyond_boundaries.html

From the blurb on the website it looks to be one HOT title and I absolutely love the cover. So be sure to add Ginny’s title to your TBR pile. If you’ve ever thought about pushing your own boundaries I’m sure you’ll enjoy this title!

Sorry I haven’t been around folks. I’ve had quite a bit of personal stuff to deal with lately. However, I did want to let you all know I’m just about finished with my next WIP.

More info to come soon…I promise!