#RW09 Fail ... I have cusswords for this shoddy leadership

I've just heard that during the membership meeting at RWA that the board would not even hear the proposed bylaw changes or allow discussion even with a quorom because of a minor technicality.

President Pershing in her infinitely stupid wisdom (Ok... it was the whole board) refused discussion and quickly after the decision, they lost their quorom due to a mass exodus.

I'd like to know exactly how many left...

Absurd.

Epubbed authors will get their day and President Pershing will get her commuppance.

UGH. I hate the politics of organizations.

I've removed my banner for Change... I'd like to have a great banner to replace it with but blackness pretty much says it all right now.

Although I found an awesome cartoon that I've included above. Hey, if we can't laugh... well, we might cry.

Time for Change With RWA

Hello all. Long time since I talked with you guys. I'm devoting my title space to a campaign to affect change within a huge romance organization called RWA.

There are so many things going on with epublishing and this organization refuses--through action, voice, and continued backstabbing-- to recognize epubs and the efforts of ebook authors to gain some recognition in the industry and get RWA-sponsored support.

RWA, via Ms. Pershing's letter within RWR (sorry can't reprint here), then Deidre Knight's response... http://espan-rwa.com/the-digital-age-and-r...all-for-change/

Ms. Pershing chose to respond with the most defensive pile of rubbish EVER: http://espan-rwa.com/rwa-president-pershing-responds/
(I heart Deidre Knight... her rebuttal to Pershing's post is priceless, go throught he 211 comments... you'll see it.)

And Angela James with Samhain should post an interesting response to Ms. Pershin on Monday.

I'm pulling up the chair and watching this show. I might even buy front row seats and renew my RWA membership. I missed the ESPAN takeover because I got caught renewing right as my RWA membership lapsed... but not this time... NO HO. If a few people run, I'll be renewing to vote if nothing else.

I'll have the "Vote for my mentor button!!!" and will be pushing petitions.

You wait and see.

Until then, I'll keep you guys updated.

Favorite Author's New Book is OUT!!!!

One of my favorite authors Ciar Cullen just came out with a new one... Check it out:

Sexy young knight Sir Geoffrey’s holy vision of the True Cross sends him questing after a virgin, a unicorn, a sacred scroll, and a cursed island. Rita is a plump, poor peasant who speaks with the finder of lost things, St. Anthony. She hasn’t been a virgin for quite a while, so she’s thrilled to win the hand of Sir Geoffrey, and moreso since Geoff delights in introducing her to his sexual peccadilloes, including a generous night of brotherly sharing. It comes as a shock to learn that Geoff’s vision includes his own martyrdom! Is Geoffrey’s vision the result of insanity, or is St. Anthony leading him to something priceless? Only Rita has the power to save her husband, with some help from her heavenly friends.

You can check her out here: The Prince's Bride

I personally am a huge fan of The Biggest Kahuna!!!! Loved it.

Where Have I Been???

Wow... I've been so busy since my last blog entry. Where to start?

First off, I've been working with the most fantastic mentor, Kate Pearce. Check out her Simply Sexual series at your local bookstore - uber hot with some great writing and different twists.

She's been helping me prepare Justine and Collin for public consumption and it's looking REALLY GOOD. *SQUEE*

PLUS, I entered the Knight Agency Book in a Nutshell contest and WON one of the 20 places. Considering there were 1200 entries, I feel really honored. But now I'm scrambling... this thing has to absolutely SHINE.

I'm feeling really good about it though so I hope to blow that agent that sees it out of the water :> Everyone wish me luck.

On other news, someone I haven't talked to in forever (simply because we're both so busy) just got interviewed for her brand new book Devil Falls. Check her out here: http://editortera.wordpress.com/2009/05/11...te-devil-falls/

In other news, TJ Roberts hasn't made a movie in ages. Being the complete geek I am, I've rented Milk just so I can see him in it. I'm really not the least bit interested in the movie (although it will be interesting). I'm really hoping TJ's in more than one scene.

In other news: I'm listening avidly to Tohoshinki's Secret Code. I love it - it took a few listens for some of the songs but WORTH IT. Super Junior 3 is a let down. I get tired of all their ballads (although SJ3 is WAY better than SJ2). Koda Kumi's Trick is really good too - even converted someone else to love her.

Surprisingly, I've also found a female Korean group I REALLY like 2NE1. They have two songs out that really rock, Flame and Lollipop. For some reason these girls just kick butt for me. I want their first album.

Also, I've been hitting it hard on the Tuesday Smackdowns at Romantic Inks. Come over and visit if you're ever in for some interesting debates. This month we're talking about marketing and what works--what doesn't. See you there!

There's a Smackdown going on...

We're talking about porn, sex, and erotica at Romantic Inks today.

Come over and tell us what you think.

http://romanticinks.com/2009/03/17/sex-sellsso-what/

Someone Knows Me!!!! OMG...

I'm being interviewed over at Romantic Inks. Check me out.

And don't forget to look at the raffle. We've got some great stuff and you can help a writer make it to conference. Check that out here: http://romanticinks.com/raffle/

See you there.

CONTEST!!!! With The One Man I Might Shoplift for

As many of you have seen, I'm salivating over the new release from Kendal Corbitt called Caught in the Act. And I was able to talk Kendal into letting me interview Adam. (She also is letting me run a really awesome contest - Anyone responding to this post is entered to win a FREE copy of her new book Caught in the Act!!!! )

.......

The interview began rather inauspiciously as I arrive at the Downtown Shopping District about a quarter after ten in the morning. The weather's foul but Adam meets me at the entrance to Nordstroms ushering me in. A backroom leads us to his office filled with security monitors a couple of chairs and a desk. He's kind of a quiet guy but he looks good in a uniform, lean but well-muscled. He's also so sweet on his wife it just makes me sigh. Every woman should have a man like him.

We get down to business immediately - I can tell he's got little patience for me and my questions. He's a man of action.

Fox: Adam, thank you so much for doing this interview with me. I know you're very busy getting ready for your fifth wedding anniversary. Any plans?

Adam: Thanks for having me by April. Tonight is our fifth anniversay, so we are going out to dinner. I like a nice T-Bone. Lily, she's more of a filet mignon kind of gal. She likes a nice salad. I have reservations at the Icon Grill. Lily loves their chocolate cake.

Fox: I saw the beautiful necklace you got your wife. You sound like the sensitive type. The kind of guy that tries to treat his wife right. But you're kind of a tough guy at work, you get to wear a uniform. Tell me a bit about what you do? Doesn't it get kind of lonely?

Adam: No, this is a big high end retail store. I have a staff of seven on patrol at any given time.My job is never boring. You should see what some people try to get away it. One guy put a diamond anklet on his kids teddy bear. Two weeks ago some nut job tried to have a bath in a display whirlpool tub. We get all kinds here.

Fox: The uniform alone would have woman drooling. Do you have any fantasies of your own? Any your wife might raise her eyes about?

Adam: Fantasies? We'll all men have fantasies. Not sure Lily would want me to share them here though. She blushes easy. Being that I'm in securtity I've always had a bit of a thing for public places. The thrill of maybe getting caught. Hot.

Fox: I happen to know your wife has a few fantasies of her own... No. Not telling. You'll find out soon enough (evil grin and cackle). But just for the record, I know all the women reading this must be very jealous of Lily. What do you love most about her?

Adam: She's my best friend. Corny, maybe, but the truth. There is no one else I rather be with for the rest of my life. Lily is selfless. She'll do anything, for anyone.Actually, it's her big heart and sense of adventure first attracted me to her when we meet in college. At the end of the day, going home to her makes everything I do worthwhile.

Fox: Any advice to any women out there on how to keep their husbands as happy as you are? Don't hog all the blankets?

Adam: Okay, seriously, just be yourself and find a man who loves you for you. Marry your best friend, and any hardships you have to will be easy to overcome.

Fox: OK. OK. One last question. I know you've got to get back to work. As a mom, I've got to know - any kiddies in the future for you and Lily or you planning to enjoy your time together a few more years before taking that leap?

Adam: Oh sure, I'd love to have kids. Enough for my own softball team. It'll happen when it happens. You'll have to ask Lily her plans, I'm at her service for the baby making part of it.

Fox: I think both of you would be such great parents--you can just feel the love between you two. I wish the two of you lots of luck and love. And just as a warning... watch out. Your wife has something pretty incredible planned for your anniversary.

Adam: I think I know what it is. She has this kind of traditon of getting me socks. According to Lily, I suck at buying myself socks and underwear. I think she gets a kick out of buying me crazy designs. Like these. (pulls pant legs up to reveal a puppy dog with his tongue sticking out on his sock) They say "I ruff you". She thinks it's cute and I like to amuse her.

One of his security guards interrupts us. There appears to be a known shoplifter that just pocketed about three hundred dollars in jewelry. Man, how did she manage that.

As I step out into the rain, I smile to myself as I remember Lily's plans for their anniversary. Needless to say I think Adam will be very surprised. There definitely were not socks in the plan.

Find out for yourself exactly what happens when Lilly surprises her husband with a special anniversary gift by checking out Kendal Corbitt's new release Caught in the Act from Freya's Bower.

I've included a summary below:

It's Lily Campbell's five-year anniversary, and this year, she's not getting her husband socks again. When her friend suggests Lily heat things up with role-playing, she's not convinced. But the thought of being a naughty criminal to his sexy cop sends a jolt of heat through her. So, Lily goes to the department store where her husband manages security and attempts to get caught shoplifting.

Adam Campbell questions the sultry shoplifter, but is shocked when the criminal turns out to be his own wife dressed in disguise. When "Mrs. Smith" offers to strike a sexy deal to avoid pressing charges, Adam becomes lost in the role-playing fantasy of two strangers steaming up the interrogation room. He's in for the hottest anniversary present ever...

The Wait is Finally Over!!!

I'm so excited you guys. My first blog post on Romantic Inks will be Tuesday. I'm interviewing the wonderful Kendal Corbitt and talking about her new release Caught in the Act from Freya's Bower. It sounds very HAWT!!!!

She's such a great person too... so check out Romantic Inks on Tuesday to see my first EVER interview with an author. Oh, and I'm hoping.... if she'll do it... I'm hoping to interview Adam HERE on my blog Tuesday as well.

Before I get all gushy over her writing, here's a summary of her new book and the ever sexy Adam.

It's Lily Campbell's five-year anniversary, and this year, she's not getting her husband socks again. When her friend suggests Lily heat things up with role-playing, she's not convinced. But the thought of being a naughty criminal to his sexy cop sends a jolt of heat through her. So, Lily goes to the department store where her husband manages security and attempts to get caught shoplifting.

Adam Campbell questions the sultry shoplifter, but is shocked when the criminal turns out to be his own wife dressed in disguise. When "Mrs. Smith" offers to strike a sexy deal to avoid pressing charges, Adam becomes lost in the role-playing fantasy of two strangers steaming up the interrogation room. He's in for the hottest anniversary present ever...

Catch you at Romantic Inks Tuesday!!!

I'm so jealous of myself!!!

Every writer wants to be part of the "in" crowd. Oh, you know, where you get to hob knob with the rising stars and best in the business.... Well, I've found a few of them at Romantic Inks . I hope you'll check me out. I can't wait to get involved with the other ladies: Haven Rich, Diana Castilleja, Kat Mancos, Kendal Corbitt, Leigh Ellwood, Leigh Royals, Sandra Barkevich, and Stephanie Secrest.

I'm sure I'll have lots to report. Oh and you can see a current pic of me here !!! I'm SOOO pumped.

Angela James, YES... THE. ANGELA JAMES is coming

Angela James, editor extraordinaire, is coming to Romance Divas for a 3 day class on Epublishing! Come join us Jan 13-15 and ask her anything.

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Epublishing (and some things you didn't know you should know)

Why doesn't epublishing offer advances? What are some of the pros and cons of publishing my manuscript via epublishing? How do I research publishers? Can I really make money in epublishing? What exactly is POD? Can you give me a snappy comeback for people who say that epublishing isn't real publishing? Epublishing has evolved and grown, especially in the last 5 years, but with growth comes pitfalls and problems, and trusting an epublisher with your baby might seem like a risky proposition. We'll cover the basics of epublishing, from choosing an epublisher and contract details to methods of ebook and print distribution to reasons why you might not want to epublish your manuscript.

Bio:In 2005, Angela James joined Samhain Publishing, Ltd, a small press company focusing on digital publishing, as its executive editor, where she has played an instrumental role in building the company from the ground up. In her executive position at Samhain, Angela is responsible for managing the publisher's editorial services division. Her responsibilities include the management of editorial staff, quality oversight, networking and marketing efforts at regional, national and international writing conferences to promote the electronic publishing industry as well as Samhain.

In addition to her administrative duties, Angela continues to edit more than 50 authors including national bestselling authors Lucy Monroe, Lilith Saintcrow and Deidre Knight.

I can only HOPE one day she'll edit one of my stories. Crossing fingers...

I heart this guy... whoever you are - I'm yours

I might have to get permission from my hubby for this kind of thing but this Craig's list ad is hilarious. I hope I'm not stepping on any permissions posting it here. And I have NO idea who this guy is but if you're him, email me. I could get you in touch with some copywriters that would love to know you:

NINJA HAULER: 2005 Nissan Xterra - $12900 (Ronan / Lake County )

OK, let me start off by saying this Xterra is only available for purchase by the manliest of men (or women). My friend, if it was possible for a vehicle to sprout chest hair and a five o'clock shadow, this Nissan would look like Tom Selleck. It is just that manly.

It was never intended to drive to the mall so you can pick up that adorable shirt at Abercrombie & Fitch that you had your eye on. It wasn't meant to transport you to yoga class or Linens & Things. No, that's what your Prius is for. If that's the kind of car you're looking for, then just do us all a favor and stop reading right now.

I mean it. Just stop.

This car was engineered by 3rd degree ninja super-warriors in the highest mountains of Japan to serve the needs of the man that cheats death on a daily basis. They didn't even consider superfluous nancy boy amenities like navigation systems (real men don't get lost), heated leather seats (a real man doesn't let anything warm his butt), or On Star (real men don't even know what the hell On Star is).

No, this brute comes with the things us testosterone-fueled super action junkies need. It has a 265 HP engine to outrun the cops. It's got special blood/gore resistant upholstery. It even has a first-aid kit in the back. You know what the first aid kit has in it? A pint of whiskey, a stitch-your-own-wound kit and a hunk of leather to bite down on when you're operating on yourself.

The Xterra also has an automatic transmission so if you're being chased by Libyan terrorists, you'll still be able to shoot your machine gun out the window and drive at the same time. It's saved my bacon more than once.

It has room for you and the four hotties you picked up on the way to the gym to blast your pecs and hammer your glutes. There's a tow hitch to pull your 50 caliber anti-Taliban, self cooling machine gun.

I also just put in a new windshield to replace the one that got shot out by The Man. My price on this bad boy is an incredibly low $12,900, but I'll entertain reasonable offers. And by reasonable, I mean don't walk up and tell me you'll give me $5,000 for it. That's liable to earn you a Burmese-roundhouse-sphincter-kick with a follow up three fingered eye-jab. Would it hurt? Hell yeah. Let's just say you won't be the prettiest guy at the Coldplay concert anymore.

There's only 69,000 miles on this four-wheeled hellcat from Planet Kickass. Trust me, it will outlive you and the offspring that will carry your name. It will live on as a monument to your machismo.

Now, go look in the mirror and tell me what you see. If it's a rugged, no holds barred, super brute he-man macho Chuck Norris stunt double, then contact me. I might be out hang-gliding or BASE jumping or just chilling with my ladies, but I'll get back to you. And when I do, we'll talk about a price over a nice glass of Schmidt while we listen to Johnny Cash.

To sweeten the deal a little, I'm throwing in this pair of MC Hammer pants for the man with rippling quads that can't fit into regular pants. Yeah, you heard me. FREE MC Hammer pants.

Rock on.