Helping Hands...A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

This is used with permission from the blog of a fellow Wild Rose Press author, Alisha Paige, who is helping out a friend. If there's anything you can do to help, please contact Alisha at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com.

Helping Hands....Single Mom in Need of Diapers/Milk

My friend, Portia is in need of Diapers and Milk. She has not been paid for over a month and has filed a Wage Dispute against her employer. How bad is that? I've been there. I worked for a plastic surgeon...yep, a doctor that didn't pay his employees on time. I went through the same thing and it's a long process. I eventually received my back pay but it took awhile. Portia's little girl is in need of small size PULL UPS and her little boy is in need of size 5/6 DIAPERS.

If you have any extras you didn't use with your kids or know of any place that would like to donate, please email me at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com. I can email you my home address to mail them to and I'll deliver the items or her home address if you prefer. I'm going to just buy her some milk. Every kid deserves an endless supply of milk and it just breaks my heart. These are tough times for everyone right now but even little gestures can mean a lot. She's not asking for hand outs and does not want anyone to spend their own money but if you have leftovers from your kids or have friends that do, please gather them up and let me know. I know I always had leftovers when my kids grew like weeds.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and for your love and support.

Here's to a better 2009!

Alisha Paige

Guest Author, Alisha Paige

Today's guest is New Concepts Author and fellow Rose Alisha Paige. Alisha is participating in the Christmas Ride Blog with me and a whole bunch of other Wild Rose authors. Her entry was December 15, and mine will be December 23rd. But to get the full benefit of the Christmas Ride Blog, and to enter a contest for a $75 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, start at P.L. Parker's blogspot and guess the November 29 Christmas carol of the day, then follow the blog trail to today's entry at Ashley Ludwig's blog. Each author's blog will direct you to the next blog on the Ride, where different prizes are offered each day.

To win the $75 gift certificate, all you have to do is keep a running list of the Christmas carol clues in each blog, and make a complete carol list to submit after the final blog post of Christmas Eve. Don't forget to check the list twice! Send it to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight, CST Dec. 31st 2008!

And now, here's Alisha!

Who are you?

First and foremost, I’m a mommy. My world revolves around my kids. Nothing makes me happier. Dianna is 12, Annalisa is 4 and Benjamin turned 1 last week. And I’m a big home body. The older I get, the more I hate a crowd or even going out. I’d rather stay home, cook a home cooked meal, hang out with my kids and my husband, catch a good movie, read a good book, snuggle on cold days and drink lots of coffee.

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I try to write escapism for my readers. The world is so full of misery, the realities of life, especially now in these tough economic times. I only hope I can sweep my readers away to another world, another time where love conquers all. Letters from readers are the best. Only then do I truly know I succeeded in my quest.

What type of stories do you like to read and why?

I read many genres but I prefer romance for the happy ending. I also read biographies, history and poetry.

When do you write?

I normally write in late afternoon when the sun is setting on these long winter nights, with my first glass of wine in hand. My baby is taking his long afternoon nap, my daughter is home from school doing her homework and dinner is cooking in the crock pot. This is my peaceful time, when everyone is home again and I have a few hours before dinner.

When do you read? Where?

I read late at night when I go to bed by the light of an antique lamp covered with a sheer red cloth. Not the best for the eyes but I don’t want to wake my DH or my sleeping baby who sleeps with us. I was one of those moms that checked on my babies so often, I decided to bring them to bed with me so I could actually get sleep and now I love the baby years, snuggling with the wee ones between us. Very cozy.

Where did you get the inspiration for your books?

I have no ideas where I get my ideas or inspiration. I’m a total pantster. I actually have what I think is an odd way of starting a book. I pick a place, a setting first, then go from there. I once took a wonderful ski trip to Colorado and wanted to write a book set there. Well, I’d also been to see The Grand Canyon so I combined the two and placed my characters in both settings in what became Canyon Wolf Bride, my first paranormal romance. I’m working on another shapeshifter tale set in Circle City, Alaska. I wanted to spin a tale set somewhere very remote and very cold. Circle City is the last bit of civilization left in the Yukon Flats.

Where do you go to think?

I find myself thinking about my characters while I clean house and often in the shower I come up with new ideas. I think mundane tasks help my mind wander, triggering my creativity.

How did you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

I normally don’t come up with a title until the book is finished. Something the characters says or the name of the character will sometimes become part of the title. Nocturnally Vexed is about Vex Savaker, leader of the Orgulocks, a hybrid clan of shapeshifting vamps. I’ve received many compliments on that particular title. I have a baby name book for character names or sometimes I just make up names like in my YA fantasy. I made up the names Tyrian and Orionna.

How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

I wrote seriously for about a year before my first book was published. My second daughter was born and I had the opportunity to stay home for a couple of years before going back to work. My DH knew it was a dream of mine and I had written a full length romantic suspense 8 years before that still collects dust. He bought me my computer and told me to go for it. I wrote five manuscripts in three years and I’m still going strong. My first two books sold within a week of each other and my world was changed.

Why do you write?

Because I can. It’s what I do. When I was a little girl, I’d write stories and give them to my dad to read. He was so proud and would read them to everyone, friends and family. I also had a high school teacher tell me that I had a spark. That really set me to dreaming. I wanted to see where that spark could take me. I’ve never forgotten her words. She called me to her desk and whispered it to me. Such a sweet memory.

Guest Author, Patti Shenberger

Today's guest author is Patti Shenberger, fellow Wild Rose Press author and Trisha Yearwood fan :). Patti's paranormal novella, The Laird's Lady, which recently came out in print, is the perfect read for a snowy afternoon at home.

And now, here's Patti:

Who are you?

I am Patti Shenberger. Wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, aunt, niece, and writer. I have been writing the majority of my life and was first published it 1994 in non-fiction and in 1998 in romantic fiction. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I write both romantic fiction and non-fiction. Everything from magazine length articles to full length romance novels. My first sale was a non-fiction piece on how to make potato jewelry for kids. Since then I have published over 20 fiction and non-fiction magazine articles, romance novels, novellas and short stories.

What type of stories do you like to read and why?

I love to read romance, but I also enjoy biographies. Right now I am reading a riveting book by Chip St. Clair called The Butterfly Garden. It is the true story of how he learned his father was a serial killer of children and he turned him in to the police.

When do you write?

I do my best work in the morning. The kids are grown and gone, and once hubby goes to work I find myself heading to the computer. That said, I do my very best work when I am under deadline. When not on deadline, I write in chunks, and not always in any order. I may work on the end of the book when only chapters 1-5 have been written.

When do you read? Where?

I read at night mostly. In bed, usually from 9- 11 p.m. But I always have a book in my purse, in the car, anywhere I go. Even on vacation! This past vacation I read three novels :).

Where did you get the inspiration for The Laird’s Lady?

I literally got the idea while listening to Trisha Yearwood’s song, How Do I Live Without You. I envisioned a woman, a ghost and a castle and ran with the idea. Hence, The Laird’s Lady. A true book of my heart.

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking at night, after the lights are out when I am lying in bed getting ready to drift off. Problem is I really need to write those ideas down as when morning comes I don’t always remember them. And that’s a bad thing because they were brilliant when I first had the thoughts!

How did you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

My last two books I ‘borrowed’ my third cousin’s first names :). They are Meg and Devin. I think they are wonderful names for heroes. For the hero – Laird Kyle MacLay – I used my great grandfathers name McLay and added an extra ‘a’. Titles are the first thing I come up with when I sit down to write.

How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

I have been writing since grade school, won awards for my writing in high school, but didn’t get serious about it until after I married and had children. My first non-fiction sale was 1885, and first romantic fiction release was in 1998 with Womb For Rent. So a long time :).

Why do you write?

I write because it makes me feel good. And it also stops the voices in my head if I put their words on paper. Seriously though, I can’t imagine a better job than this. Writing what I love, and getting paid to do so. Who could ask for more?

Patti has been writing since she could put a pen to paper. She loves writing anything with a happy ending. Living in Michigan surrounded by family and friends gives her plenty of ideas for novels. When not writing, Patti can be found curled up with a good book, or off traveling to someplace warm with an ocean view. Currently she is hard at work on both a single title and a category romance. Please stop by www.pattishenberger.com and take a look around or email her at pattishenberger@comcast.net

Guest Author, Hywela Lyn

Today we welcome Hywela Lyn, fellow Wild Rose Press Author and computer graphics guru (at least to this technically challenged soul) whose Science Fantasy novel Starquest has just garnered three stellar reviews (links provided below) and who is hard at work on an equally riveting sequel.

Coffee Time Romance

Fallen Angel Reviews

Long and Short Reviews

Here's what I had to say about Starquest:

"Starquest is a fantastical journey about one strong, brave, and independent woman's search for love that will take the reader to places they've never imagined and reveal insights we all know deep inside. I lost myself for hours in her action-packed adventures, and knew that when the book ended, she had indeed succeeded in her quest to find the one true home for her heart."

Can you tell I like this book? I'm hoping to get lucky enough to say something equally prophetic about Children of the Mist when the time comes (hint, hint). In the meantime, we'll visit with the lovely Hywela, who is Welsh, and (if you haven't guessed by now) writes "Romance Out of this World."

BTW, Hywela is her Welsh first name, and Lyn what she goes by, so she combined the two to create her pen name.

1. Who are you?

For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed reading and writing Westerns, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adventure stories - always with a strong romantic element. I have had several short stories published, including a Western romance about Wyatt Earp', which was short listed in the ‘Lady’ Short Story competition and subsequently published in that magazine last year, before I decided to submit my first full length novel Starquest, which was recently released by The Wild Rose Press, and is available both in e-book and print.

2. Why Westerns? Why Science Fiction?

First of all, Westerns. Apart from the fact that I love horses, and horses played a crucial part in the history of the old West, I am fascinated by the idea of a new world, and exploring land where no white man had been before, the camaraderie of men and women thrown together in a beautiful and often harsh and dangerous environment. I read everything from Zane Gray to Jack Schaeffer. Unfortunately the market for Westerns in the UK is very limited, so I decided to try my hand at Science Fantasy.

I’ve always loved Fantasy and Science Fiction for pretty much the same reasons I love Westerns. Just substitute starships for the horses and you have the same scenario. I suppose I could sum this up in one word ‘escapism.’ An escape from the modern world with its selfishness, greed and lack of morals, respect or courtesy. Yes I know the real West was probably full of all the afore mentioned faults but the lone horseman risking all for the beautiful woman he loves, although a cliché, is a common element in the romantic Western and an escape from the ‘real’ world. Women had to be strong because of the hardships they endured but they retained their femininity. The hero might be a gunman but he had an old world charm and courtesy when around the ladies and ultimately stood for what was right.

The same can be said for futuristic and fantasy fiction. As a writer, one can mould the strange exotic worlds and societies to ones own ideal. No-one can say a certain concept, custom or attitude in futuristic fiction is wrong, because it hasn’t happened yet and who knows what may happen in the future? The worlds I create are usually untainted by crowded cities and technology, embracing the beauty and wildness of nature. My characters often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself. My heroes are strong and courageous, chivalrous and honourable - and of course, handsome and hunky. Don’t we all like to fantasize about a man like that?

3. When do you write?

I’m a night owl, so ideally I prefer to write late at night when I start to wake up. Unfortunately this does not go down too well with d.h. who has to get up in the early hours to go to work so I now tend to write first thing in the morning before ‘life’ takes over. I like to write in large chunks if I can, but if something occurs to me when I’m busy doing something else I’ll jot the idea down or steal a few minutes to type it out on the pc.

4. When do you read? Where?

I don’t get as much time to read as I would like, so I try to carry a book with me wherever I go. Waiting in the dentist or doctor, or on one of my rare visits to the hairdressers. I also read on the bus or train. I hate having to wait around anywhere and at least if I have something to read I don’t feel I’m wasting time. My very favorite place to read on a nice day is at the yard where I keep my horses. When I’ve finished cleaning out the paddocks, grooming and riding, it’s nice to just sit in the sun for half an hour and read a chapter or two.

5. Where did you get the inspiration for Starquest?

It began with my main character. She arrived unannounced in my mind, but complete with her name and favorite color! She would be the ideal mate for the dark, lonely hero I had in mind, modelled on my favorite actor at the time. She loved the stars and the wonders of space as much as I did. What started out as a short story grew as I became fonder and fonder of my characters.
6. Where do you go to think?

I’ve done a lot of thinking about stories in bed, as a means of getting to sleep (there are of course disadvantages to this since it can have the opposite effect.) I also ‘think’ a lot when I’m out riding by myself, or taking my dog for a walk. I find the outdoors a great source of inspiration and the peace and tranquility of the countryside is very conducive to working out a problem.

7. How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

I suppose it depends on ones idea of ‘seriously’. I started believing that I might be published as a teenager. (Before then I had written purely for pleasure and because the stories were in my head wanting to be told. I had several short stories published and wrote a novel (a not-very-good Western) before I got so involved with life, work and my horses that writing took a back seat. I still wrote on and off though and a few years ago decided to write the novel I’d had in the back of my mind for a long time, Starquest.

In closing, I live with my long suffering husband, Dave, in a small village in England although I hope eventually to return to my native rural Wales. A keen animal lover, I have two horses, two feral cats and a rescued Jack Russell terrier.

My first novel, Starquest is available from The Wild Rose Press. The sequel, Children of the Mist, is currently in edits with the same publisher, and my novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore is available at TWRP now.

Guest Author, Adelle Laudan

Today's special guest is Adelle Laudan, fellow Sweeter Romantic Notions author and the busy lady who coordinates all our SRN chats on the yahoo loops and keeps us in line when we get there :). Adelle probably lives within driving distance of me, and so is no doubt sharing this cold, snowy day with me...a perfect day to snuggle up with a good book. I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Adelle's Smiling Eyes during a chat recently, and spent a blissful evening doing just that, reading and smiling.

Be sure to take a moment to vote for Adelle's Iron Horse Rider 2 by clicking on the link below. Thank you for coming today, Adelle (good thing you didn't have to drive!), and thank you for all you do for us at SRN.

And now, here's Adelle:

1. Who are you?

First, thank you Liana for having me here today. My name is Adelle Laudan, and I live with two of my four children still under my wing in Southern Ontario. There are three things in life I am most passionate about; Family, Writing, and Motorcycles. I’ve been known to write with emotion that sometimes surprises even me. It is my belief, if I can evoke any feelings from my readers, whether it be through laughter or tears, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. Feel free to join me on the many twists and turns my stories will take you.

2. What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I like to write stories with many unexpected surprises. I also like to write stories that make you feel something. My favorite genre to write is biker fiction, since it is the lifestyle I’ve chosen for most of my adult life.

3. What type of stories do you like to read and why?

I have a diverse taste in the books I read. I love a good mystery or suspense, but you will also find me reading a heart wrenching inspirational. I love any story where I can lose myself—a story where I learn something new, or touches my heart.

4. When do you write?

Since I find myself being a single Mom once again, I can pretty much write when I like. I prefer complete silence, so do the bulk of my writing when my two teen girls are at school, or now that I am wireless, in my room at night.

5. When do you read? Where?

I usually allow myself a period of time between stories when I read. It’s like putting gas in the car for my next writing journey.

6. Where did you get the inspiration for your books?

I have three books on the go right now, lol. It is the Christmas themed one that is pulling me the most, probably because Christmas is fast approaching. I am inspired by Christmas music and movies.

7. Where do you go to think?

I always enjoyed sitting outside to think, but have recently moved into an apartment building for the first time in my life. I have now resorted to the solitude of my room to think things out.

8. How did you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

I usually have my names picked out before I start a story. Sometimes I will use a name of someone I know, or if my character comes from a specific ethnic background I will search the internet.

9. How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

I was relatively lucky with my first submission, as Juliana was accepted within days. Most of my life, I have written my thoughts down on paper. A few years ago I started writing stories for my own enjoyment, only sharing them with a few select people.

10. Why do you write?

I write for a multitude of reasons. When I was younger, it was an escape from the harsh realities of my world. Later on in life, it became a way to feel like I was contributing something to society, since I am disabled and cannot go outside the home to work. Being hard of hearing plays a big part in why I write. When writing I have none of the frustrations that go hand in hand with functioning in a hearing society. Today, I write because it is a big part of what makes me, me. I can’t imagine not writing.

In closing, I thoroughly enjoyed sharing a little about me with you all. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. I invite you to visit my website and check out all of my published work as well as what I have coming out next. Sign my guestbook, or join my Newsletter while you’re there.

The second book in my Iron Horse Rider series is up for Best Contemporary Romance at Night Owl Reviews. Vote for Coming Home- Iron Horse Rider 2.

I’ve created my own forum where I am posting an ongoing winter story for your reading pleasure. I also post a new jigsaw puzzle every day to pass time during the long winter months that are coming soon.

And you can Visit my blog every Thursday where I am an active participant in the Meme, Thursday Thirteen.

I am participating in many Christmas contests this year, so please visit my website as I update each one as they begin.

Wishing you Miles of Smiles.
Adelle ‘Legs’ Laudan

You can purchase Iron Horse Rider at Wild Child Publishing in eBook or Print.

Guest Author, Ellen Dye

Today's Guest Author is fellow Washington Romance Writer and Wild Rose Press author, Ellen Dye, who just got back from a lovely Thanksgiving trip to...Paris! (I got the most wonderful post card of the Eiffel Tower and it gives me something to aspire to--one day I'll send YOU a post card, Ellen!) But for now, we're glad you're back home safely and able to spend the day chatting with us, telling us a little about yourself and your book. So welcome home and here goes:

Who are you?

I’m Ellen Dye and my first novel is called Three’s The Charm. It was released electronically by The Wild Rose Press in August. It was released in print on November 28. Believe me this is a dream that was a long time in coming.

I was first bitten by the writing bug when I was nine years old and stumbled onto my Aunt Nettie’s strictly contraband trunk of True Confession magazines. Naturally, being that they were strictly contraband, I was compelled to read the lot, breaking only to refresh my supply of Munchos potato chips and RC Cola. Somewhere near the bottom of the pile I decided I wanted to be a writer and create stories just as great as these.

Then, being nine, I promptly forgot all about it.

Fast forward a goodly number of years, having gotten the pesky business of growing up out of the way, to a local grocery store. My year old son was screaming with enough force to shake products from shelves while I was attempting to stem the noise by stuffing his mouth with animal crackers---and in that instant I saw Them. Each and every one of Sterling MacFadden’s True magazines were there on the shelf just waiting for me.

Long story made short---I bought the lot, devoured them and remembered I wanted to be a writer. Then my husband installed Word on my computer which prevented me from forgetting my decision to be a writer this time.

I began tapping away and submitting faithfully, thinking of all the publishing experience I was getting and preparing myself for a flood of rejections. But to my very great surprise about a month later I got The Call from an editor at True Love saying they wanted to buy one of my stories.

When do you write?

Literally all the time. I’m sort of a quirky little scribbler who can’t ever seem to keep a schedule. In fact it’s lucky that I can, through writing, claim status as an “Artistic Type”---otherwise I’d be widely known as a complete airhead. So, back to my “all the time” answer and how that works---I keep a spiral notebook with me always and when I get a free moment (even if it’s in the school parking lot waiting for my son) I jot down as much as I can.

When do you read?

Well, interestingly enough the answer is just the same as the above---all the time. I always have a book with me when I leave the house, literally, for any reason. I read everywhere from grocery store checkout lines to hair salons when I zip in for a trim. And hey, no good night’s sleep can ever begin without a good book to start if off, right?

Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

I love this question because for me it’s a real stumper. To be one hundred percent honest the truth is I have no idea where my ideas, or the inspiration behind them comes from. I do vaguely remember wondering, as I took my desperate to get home cat out of the vet’s office, what sort of life a country vet would lead. And pretty much from that point on Three’s The Charm took on a life of it’s own, complete with characters.

How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

The plainest answer to this question is ten years, but it’s not exactly accurate. I started off writing with no desire to write books. I wanted to write confession stories, short fiction for magazines and general freelance articles. And I did. I was also exceptionally lucky in that I mailed my first batch of confessions off and received The Call from the editor at True Love about a month later. And I was really happy with this sort of writing.

So it was about five years or so before I decided to write a book in addition to the freelance stuff. Three’s The Charm was about two years in the writing and polishing and then another year and a half or so to sell. And I have to say I’ve never had so much fun writing anything as I did writing Three’s The Charm.

Why do I write?

Because I love it---it’s as simple as that!

Ellen’s first novel, Three’s The Charm is available now from The Wild Rose Press, http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ fictionwise ebooks and Amazon Kindle.