Legend of the White Wolf Coming Soon!

We might not have the white stuff, but we definitely have the cold weather today while we try to stay warm during the deep freeze that hit the US.

Sixteen degrees and 35 mph winds is way too cold for those of us in Texas where our blood is thin and barely anyone owns any wool.







Now, if you were this Arctic wolf, he'd wonder what all the fuss was about! Note how the snow hasn't even melted on his face? With a double coat of fur, the snow doesn't reach his skin where the heat would melt it. He must have bitten at the snow, don't you think? to have it on his chinny-chin-chin, and nose, too?

He's really fascinated with something. Maybe a little white rabbit that burrowed into his hole. The wolf's ears are perked, listening to every sound he can hear.

I hear the wind howling, the air around me, despite the electric heater being on emergency heat, cold and drafty. Hopefully they've sanded the twin bridges over the lake that I have to cross to get to work. If I were a wolf, I'd just spread my paws because they have great traction on ice. And if they're running through deep snow, they also have the advantage of weighing less, broadening their feet, making a wolf tracker believe the wolf is much, much bigger than the true size of his prey. In this case, the wolf was tracking his prey--a moose. :)






Yep, if I were one of these Arctic wolves, I definitely wouldn't be worried about the cold! Note his narrowed eyes, his ears perked, his fur fluffed to the max? It makes him look bigger, more of a threat, and the narrowed eyes makes him appear wary.

I'm off to a blustery, bitter cold day, but I'll think of being a wolf, warm and toasty in its splendorous coat of fur!

And if you'd like to read more about them, check out Legend of the White Wolf where legend becomes reality, and Arctic wolves are not what they seem. :)

Sooo, how is your weather where you are today??? And wouldn't you like to have a wolf coat for a day? Or better yet, visit with one of those sexy werewolf hunks and let him warm you up instead???

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Michelle Picard Interview

Ester: Today I'm speaking with Michelle Picard. Hello, Michelle. How long have you been writing professionally?

Michelle: I've been writing professionally since May of 2005. I was at home with a second baby, spent hours sitting in dark rooms nursing, and decided to use that time to do all of the brainstorming for my first novel. Talk about multi-tasking (grin).

Ester: What do you do for fun when you are not writing?

Michelle: Read, read, and read. Or I go out with my other writing friends, gab and eat tapas. (Here's me waving at my critique group, The Quirky Ladies.)

Ester: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Michelle: Although in a technical sense I write part-time because I'm juggling another career and two young children, most of the time it feels like a full-time job after adding in the hours devoted to the business end of the profession. Plus, I've just about given up on sleep, so those hours count toward making this feel full-time.

Ester: Tell us about your latest release/releases.

Michelle: Let me give you the story blurb for RULING EDEN. That should cover the important bases:

What if a modern woman suddenly learns she is heir to the throne of a magical realm hidden in our world and is the most powerful magical being on the planet? Growing up an orphan, Rachel always assumed she'd be going it alone, until the night before her twenty-fifth birthday when she was thrust into the realm of Eden's Court.

Her new job description? Unite seven contentious magical races in order to prevent the destruction of earth. But learning to rule is easier than facing her attraction to Gabriel, half-angel, half-demon. Born of a forbidden love between mortal enemies, Gabriel is convinced he is a political liability to Rachel. Once Rachel stops denying their chemistry, she must convince him to pursue their love. Although Gabriel is willing to help her solve a murder, avert a war, and learn to use her overwhelming magic, accepting their destiny together is another matter.

The book is written in a first person POV from the heroine's perspective. This gives it an urban fantasy feel. In addition to falling in love with my hero and heroine, I've added a host of other very fun and provocative secondary characters who deserve their own attention. This book is my first baby and will always have a special place in my heart.

Ester: I feel the same about my book. Yours sounds interesting and...deep. Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year?

Michelle: The only thing officially on the schedule is a trip to the Romantic Times convention in late April 2010 in Columbus, OH. I hope to be signing books there and meeting the wonderful readers who make the writing life rewarding.

Ester: I'll be there! Do you have any works in progress, Michelle?

Michelle: A sequel to RULING EDEN is already completed by the title of SURVIVING EDEN. It's with my editor now and I'm hoping it will be offered a contract. It continues the story of Rachel and Gabriel begun in the first book. Although the first book is stand alone, the second commits a reader to what will potentially be a four book series with the story arc breadth sometimes associated with urban fantasy series. If SURVIVING EDEN is picked up, I'll be hard at work on book three. It's been outlined and is tentatively titled RECASTING EDEN.

Ester: Where can we find your latest releases, Michelle?

Michelle: RULING EDEN is available in e-format through Crescent Moon Press at www.crescentmoonpress.com. It is also available in print format through the Amazon and Barnes and Noble sites. You can click over to the link to either while at the Crescent Moon site.

Ester: Thanks, Michelle, for taking time to speak with me. You can find Michelle through her website at www.michellepicard.com, or her blogsite at www.michellepicardsblog.wordpress.com, or her group blog with her critique group, www.thequirkyladies.com.
Michelle resides in Massachusetts, where she relocated to go to graduate school, met her husband, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Paul Byers Interview

Ester: Today I'm speaking with author, Paul Byers. Thank you, Paul, for taking time out to speak with me. First of all, how long have you been writing?

Paul: First of all, I'd like to thank you, Ester, for allowing me to be on your blog. Even though this is all done through the magic of the Internet, it's still exciting for me, nonetheless. I've been writing on and off for nearly 20 years now. I started off writing long hand, moved to a Brothers Word processor, then got into the big time with a home built computer that had the astounding power of a 486 processor. My PC today could power the Starship Enterprise by comparison to my first computer.

Ester: You've come a long way, then. How did you get started in writing?

Paul: I took a couple of creative writing classes in college but didn't do much with it. Years later, my brother got me started in writing and has been encouraging me ever since.

Ester: What genres do you write in, Paul, and why did you choose them.

Paul: They say to write what you know. I grew up on Star Trek and Star Wars, so I started writing science fiction. I really enjoyed sci-fi because the only limits to your story were your own imagination. If you wanted to make the sky green or have a three-legged creature, then so be it. I wrote one sci-fi story located on a vast desert planet and shifted to my current genre of action/adventure.

Ester: I love sci-fi as well. What was your first published work and how did you get published the first time?

Paul: My first paying writing job was a monthly humor column for allpets.com. I would write about such great petting events as snail racing or other wacky pets in the news.

Ester: And your first book?

Paul: CATALYST is my only published novel at the moment, but I have two other action/adventure stories ready for submission, and a graphic novel ready to go as well. So I have several pans in the fire, just waiting for the 'cooking' to start.

Ester: Sounds like you've been busy. Do you have an agent?

Paul: Right now I don't have an agent but am looking for one to help me move to the next level.

Ester: Who or what influences your writing?

Paul: As I said earlier, my brother, Mark, has been a great influence on my getting into writing and in keeping me in the business. As far as writing styles, I like the early Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler. Dean Koontz also paints wonderful word pictures and the late Michael Crichton is also an inspiration.

Ester: All great authors as well. What do you think is the hardest part of writing?

Paul: One of the tougher problems I have is picking out the right names for the characters in my stories. In CATALYST, I didn't take the time I should have. In my latest work, I took a great deal more time to make sure the good guy and the bad guy have just the right sounding names, that they fit the story and who they are.

Ester: I know what you mean. Do you have a writing ritual or quirk?

Paul: I circle my desk, walking backwards three times then make sure my tray table is in the upright and locked position. Just kidding! Really, the only habit that I have is that I like to drink coffee when I write. In fact, I'm having some now!

Ester: Me, too. What publishing house are you working with now?

Paul: Right now, CATALYST is published through Variance, who bought out Breakneck Books.

Ester: Did they let you keep the title you chose for your book?

Paul: The original working title of CATALYST was RED LIGHT LADY. On the advice of my editor, I decided to change the name to CATALYST, which better suits the story.

Ester: I think I like it better as well. I like your cover, by the way. Did you have a say in it?

Paul: Andy Wenner is the artist who designed my book cover. I gave him the basic idea of what I was looking for and he took it from there. And as you can see, he did a fantastic job!

Ester: I agree. What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Paul: A writer writes! Just keep at it even if it's only for five minutes a day. And once you've finished writing, don't be afraid to edit your work. Believe it or not, everything written down is not great "pearls of wisdom." For CATALYST, I ended up cutting about 70 pages from the book because they just didn't add anything to the story. Remember, it's all about what makes sense for the story, not just because you like it.

Ester: How did you celebrate your first contract?

Paul: It took awhile for it to sink in that I was really a published author. I think my wife and I went out to Red Lobster for dinner. I went all out and had the ultimate feast, I think.

Ester: Do you write full-time?

Paul: I still have a full-time job and write part-time, but look forward to the day when I can devote all my time to writing. If it weren't for minor details like food and rent, I'd quit now.

Ester: Can you tell us a little about CATALYST?

Paul: In the waning months of World War II, the allied armies advance upon the crumbling German war machine like a juggernaut. In a final desperate bid to save the Fatherland, a plan is conceived that could turn the tide of the war-the completion of an advanced jet-propelled bomber capable of delivering a deadly payload to shores of America.

Captain Griff Avery of the OSS has just botched the defection of a prominent German physicist, a man crucial to the Nazi end game, letting him fall into the hands of the rogue SS General masterminding the plot. But Avery's troubles have only just begin: overwhelming evidence points to the woman he loves as the German spy who foiled the defection.

Now under suspicion himself, Avery sifts through the lies and deceit, uncovering the treacherous German operation. Against orders and on the run, Avery is forced to wage a secret war of his own, recruiting the crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress and a reckless group of flyboys and their P-51 Mustangs to help him hunt down the secret SS cell and prevent the slaughter--no matter what the cost.

Ester: That sounds like an interesting read. Thank you, Paul, for taking time to chat with me today. For more information on Paul's latest works, check out his website: www.paulbyersonline.com. Paul is married with two sons and a daughter. He spends his free time in Seattle, building models. He enjoys WWII era aircraft and likes the steel ships from the turn of the century. You can also find him online playing Warbirds.

Jade Lee Interview

Ester: Today I'm speaking with author, JADE LEE, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Hello, Jade. It's always a pleasure to talk with you. First of all, who are you?

Jade: Jade Lee and...a long time ago...Katherine Greyle.

Ester: How long have you been writing?

Jade: I've been writing novels about 15 years. Before that I was going to be a great screenwriter. Even got a MPW (Masters in Professional Writing) from USC. But then I came to Central Illinois for my husband's job. Not a great place to sell movies! So...I switched into what I really loved: romance novels. And the rest is history!

Ester: How did you get started in writing?

Jade: I've always re-written everything I see or read, since I was very small. I re-wrote the Hardy Boys tv show to include me! I re-wrote the Lord of the Rings to include...me and Aragorn. I re-wrote a ton of things so that Luke Skywalker, for example, fell in love with me! Eventually I decided to write my own romantic movies, but film was not my place. So, I switched to romance novels (I mean I've been reading them forever!)

Ester: Ha, ha! I've always imagined myself in those roles, but never thought of re-writing the stories or movies. What genre(s) do you write in and why did you choose it?

Jade: I write ROMANCE! Fantasy romance (DRAGONBORN and DRAGONBOUND). Historical romance--I have a ton of titles, most regency-era, but there was my 6 book TIGRESS series set in historical China. And I've also recently begun writing SEXY in Blaze books. In fact, GETTING PHYSICAL is out right now! In short, I just write a lot. I can do that because I know my technique and because I do this every day. You can afford to write in different genres if you're prolific.

Ester: What was your first published work and how did you get published the first time?

Jade: My first book was ORACLE by Katherine Greyle. I was even up for a RITA with that book. It was a small press because it was a futuristic before futuristics were even conceived of. I still get fan mail for that book!

Ester: How cool!

Jade: Since I have the rights back, I may revisit that world. I plotted a trilogy. Any of you ever read it???

Ester: I'm sorry I didn't, but it sounds interesting. I love futuristics. How did you celebrate that first sale and how many books have you published since then?

Jade: To answer the first question, dinner and sex! Er...TMI? On the second, are you seriously going to make me count? Uh...okay, including anthologies, 27. (But it took me 15 minutes to get that information together!)

Ester: That's impressive. Do you have an agent, or have you used one in the past?

Jade: I have an agent. I would never sell single title with one. In fact, I wouldn't sell to just about anyone without one. They may not be able to get you more money, but they can protect you from a ton of other things in the contract that I would never have thought of on my own.

Ester: Great advice there. Who or what influences your writing?

Jade: Everyone and everything. I have just spent a bunch of time reading, and I learned something new from PC and Kristin Cast, Nora Roberts, Shannon Butcher, and my all-time fav, Jim Butcher. I'm constantly learning new techniques and new concepts from the people I read. If you want to be a professional writer, you have to (1) write and then (2) read.

Ester: Sometimes I get stuck in a writing mode, and reading helps clear my mind. What is the hardest part of writing a story?

Jade: That's like asking what's uglier -- a dismembered body part or a dismembered animal? Okay, that was gross. But really, it's all hard and it's all wonderful. I suppose the hardest part is sitting my butt down and doing it. I would much rather read. Or go shopping.

Ester: Ahhh, shopping. The town I work in has a great outlet mall...but I digress. Where was I? Oh, yes. Do you have a writing ritual or quirk?

Jade: COFFEE. COFFEE. And then a LATTE chaser. Seriously, caffeine is my quirk. I can't do anything without it! And lately, I've begun journaling. I got the idea from THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron. I love it and hate it. But then that describes my writing life, doesn't it?

Ester: That's a great book. I incorporate my journaling with my prayer time. God hears all my complaints and then sometimes He inspires me, right on the spot, for my stories. What publishing houses/editors do you currently work with?

Jade: I'm with Berkley and Dorchester (Leisure and Love Spell) for my single titles, and Harlequin Blaze for my really, really sexy stuff!

Ester: Did you get to keep the titles you chose for your books or did your editor change the titles?

Jade: Mostly I get to keep them. Which is sad because I don't feel like I'm very good and coming up with really marketable titles. But every once in a while, the editor changes it. Not because I've got a bad title but because someone else used it recently. Yeah, romance titles tend to repeat!

Ester: I didn't know that. Did you have a say in the cover art on your books?

Jade: HAHAHAHA! Actually, they did ask my advice on DRAGONBORN'S cover, which I think came out very nicely. But beyond that...I see it when the art department is done and there are no more changes.

Ester: Do you belong to a critique group or do you have a critique partner?

Jade: I belong to an RWA chapter that does critiquing. I also mentor through the St. Louis RWA chapter. And best of all, Elizabeth Hoyt and I get together often and...er, we would never gossip. We network. We also help each other out as we write.

Ester: Do you write full-time, part-time, or when did you know you could quit your day job?

Jade: FULL-TIME! I couldn't work at another job then come home and write. It just wasn't in me. Especially since I have children. I quit my day job when my husband agreed to support me while I worked.

Ester: Tell us about your latest work.

Jade: GETTING PHYSICAL (contemporary hot sex) is a September Blaze. www.eharlequin.com
Before that were my fantasy romances, DRAGONBORN and DRAGONBOUND (dragons, adventure, and hot sex!) And of course, all my historical romances, the latest was THE DRAGON EARL (regency fun and hot sex!)

Ester: Thank you, Jade, for taking time to chat with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jade also has out THE CONCUBINE (Blaze historical) Feb 09, and
WINTER HEAT (anthology) Jan 09.
Jade lives in Central Illinois with her husband and two daughters, where she enjoys racquetball (as a pro until she blew out her knees), rollerblades, and computer games (www.pogo.com). She attends a ton of conferences, but Romantic Times and RWA nationals are her mainstays. You can check out her latest appearances and book signings on her website at: www.jadeleeauthor.com

Anna Campbell Interview

Ester: Today I'm speaking with Anna Campbell. Hello, Anna! What made you decide to become a writer?


Anna: I was always a voracious reader, right from when I was a tiny tot. I think it was one of those things of monkey see, monkey do.

Ester: How long have you been writing professionally?

Anna: I sold in a three-book contract to Avon in April, 2006. I've been a full-time writer since then.

Ester: That's fantastic! What do you do for fun when you aren't writing?

Anna: I read other people's writing! I started to write because I loved reading so much and that hasn't changed. I see my friends and have a good giggle. I love to travel, especially in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Ester: Who or what inspires your writing?

Anna: Wonderful books and writers. Music. Beauty. My fantastic critique partner, Annie West, who writes for Harlequin. Life!

Ester: It's great to have all that inspiration! What are your latest releases and when/where can we find them?

Anna: My most recent release is TEMPT THE DEVIL, which I call a Regency noir Affair to Remember.
When notorious rake, Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith, takes famous courtesan Olivia Raines as his mistress, neither know they are about to risk everything they value and embark upon a life-changing love.
TEMPT THE DEVIL was a Romantic Times Top Pick and NYT bestseller, Eloisa James, called it "truly, deeply romantic."
Here's my back cover blurb:

Any man in London would worship her. Yet Olivia is, quite frankly, bored with them all. Despite her many dalliances, she's never felt true passion, never longed for any lover's touch...until Julian, London's most notoriously wanton rake, decides to make her his mistress.

From the moment he first saw her, Julian knew he must possess her. And when he discovers her greatest secret, a scandal that could ruin her reputation and end her career, he knows just the way to use this damaging information to his most delightful advantage. He offers Olivia a deal with the devil: he'll keep her secret...if she allows him the chance to show her true ecstasy.

But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his.

You'll find the blurb and an excerpt here:
http://www.annacampbell.info. TEMPT THE DEVIL is available at all good bookstores and online at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tempt-Devil-Anna-Campbell/dp/0061234931/ref=pd sim b 1

Ester: Not only is your cover yummy, but the story sounds intriguing. Anna, after you got your first contract, were you asked to do revisions? How did that go?

Anna: I only had to do a few tiny tweaks on CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, so the whole revision process was considerably less painful than I expected. So far, my books haven't needed major rewrites after I've sent them in to my editor.

Ester: Amazing. You must be thorough in your self-editing. Do you have any appearances/book signings scheduled this year? Where and when are they?

Anna: I came to the U.S.A. for the Romance Writers of America Conference in July in Washington, D.C. I love meeting readers at the big literacy signing that launches the conference. Keep an eye out in November 2009 for my next release, CAPTIVE OF SIN, a Regency noir marriage of convenience story. I'll put a blurb, the cover, and an excerpt up on my website: www.annacampbell.info.

Ester: Thanks, Anna, for taking time to chat with me. Anna lives along the beautiful Sunshine Coast, about an hour north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, and regularly blogs with the Romance Bandits at:
http://romancebandits.blogspot.com

Deborah Panger Interview

Ester: Today I'm talking with Deborah Panger. Hi, Deborah! I want to know how long you have been writing professionally.

Deborah: Professionally, about three years.

Ester: What do you do for fun when you are not writing?

Deborah: I collect fairy figurines, cake decorate, and I love the social network on line. I also listen to music and am a huge fan of Bon Jovi. You could call me a groupie, I guess.

Ester: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Deborah: Unfortunately, I write part-time. I do work full-time to pay the bills.

Ester: I know how that is! Tell me about your latest release/releases.

Deborah: My erotic short story, SAJE, is available for download at www.wilderroses.com.
My blurb for SAJE: What could be worse than waking up lonely on May Day? Finding a naked male stranger with wings in your house.

That is exactly what Amanda Birchfield discovers when she stumbles out of bed to make her morning coffee. After rousing from a faint, Amanda learns her intruder, Saje, is a trinket-hoarding, seed-spreading bastard of a Woodland Fairy. And he's brought her a room full of May Day Baskets in hopes she'll trade a little pleasure.

Instead of fleeing for her life--or admitting herself to the local looney bin--Amanda is drawn to Saje's scrumptious body and carefree spirit. But once the brief, but oh-so-satisfying sexcapade atop her dining room table is over, he refuses to leave. How will she get rid of him? Or, will she want to?

Ester: Now that sounds like a fun read! I know you're working on something else, aren't you?

Deborah: Yes, I've recently submitted another erotic short story, FIREFAE, to my editor. It's about a fireman who is whisked away to the Fae Realm by a tiny wee female fairy who's recently started the fire he's just extinguished.

Here's my blurb:
After extinguishing a brush fire, firefighter, Gunner Crews, wakes up to find himself in a miniature world of fairies and enslaved by Sera, the fiery temptress responsible for igniting the flames he and his team have just put out. Determined to return to his own world--not to mention size--Gunner's plans of escape are dampened by the smoldering passion stirred to life by the lovely firebug. Can he fight the flames the Firefae ignites within him, or will he succumb to a firestorm too hot to resist?

Ester: I love that blurb! Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year? And where are they?

Deborah: Only online. Coffee Time Romance and More will be hosting a contest for me, the entire month of November. Visit my site, www.deborahpanger.com often for updates.

Ester: Thanks, Deborah, I've enjoyed our chat today.

Deborah: Thanks for having me on your site, Ester. I've enjoyed being here. Take care everyone.

Ester: Deborah resides in Mississippi. You can leave a comment or question for her here, or you can reached her at:

www.deborahpanger.com or
Myspace: www.myspace.com/debbiemacklin or
Blog: http://deborahpanger.blogspot.com/

Chance at Bitten by Books!

I didn't know I was going to be up here today! So here 'tis...another chance to win, but they're having chances all month long for lots of different prizes...so check it out!

Welcome one and all to day ONE of our month long bash of bloody goodness. Today’s contest is easy and fun. The winner will be announced tomorrow at the next contest. There are SEVEN prizes for today! Spread the word!

All you have to do is go here to find out:

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11419

2. Author Terry Spear is offering 1 copy of her new release To Tempt the Wolf. Open to readers in the US/Canada.

Books in the series in the order they should be read:
Heart of the Wolf
Destiny of the Wolf
To Tempt the Wolf

Have a super Saturday! We're off to S Padre in a couple of hours! :)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."

www.terryspear.com