On today's blog, I wanted to honor Ginger Simpson. http://mizging.blogspot.com/


She has been a good friend and mentor to me for many years.  I first met Ginger when we were with the same publishing company.  Seven of us were treated poorly with this publisher, and we broke away.  We kept in touch all the time in order to help boost the other's spirits. At this time, Ginger had started a critique group, which I joined.  I never realized until this point just how awesome Ginger's stories are!  I was hooked - and will forever be her fan.

Ginger has called me on the phone on a few occasions in my life when I've been depressed, and she's lifted me up and gave me the support I needed.  She has helped me so much in my writing career - and even made some of my book trailers!

Ginger, I just wanted to let you know...


I LOVE YOU!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I want to introduce you to Lilia Birney. She is one of the authors in Regency Christmas Anthology series. I've read her story "A Second Chance For Christmas", and it's to DIE FOR!!

Lilia, tell us about yourself:
Well, I live in North Carolina and I have been writing professionally for about five years now. I have only written fiction for about a year, though. I have always loved reading Regency romance novels but never thought I could write one--until very recently, when I decided what the heck and took the plunge.


What made you start writing?
I was always a good writer in school, meaning that the teacher would read things I had written for assigments out loud to the class (most of the time without my permission, which pissed me off, LOL). But I never dreamed I could write things and actually earn money for them. This didn't occur to me until I got a gig writing restaurant reviews when I was staying at home with my newborn daughter. It just mushroomed from there.


That's awesome about your school teacher! You must have had a true talent back then. Tell us about your experience in writing a short story for the Regency Christmas Anthology.
What is this story about? My story is about Philip Whitton, the second son of Lord Norland. He's the Regency equivalent of a messed up rock star. He has this enormous talent but squanders it on drinking and drugs. He's still bitter that Emily Ware jilted him two years ago.

Here is the blurb:
Philip Whitton has been summoned back home by his grandfather after a wastrel existence in Italy, studying music and trying to forget his first love. Emily Barlow, nee Ware, is picking up the pieces of her shattered existence following her husband's death. Thrown together by chance on the road back home to Danby, Emily and Philip rekindle the flames of their old passion. Will the fire burn itself out like it did before, or are they ready to follow their hearts and live out the truth of their love?


A messed-up rock star? How funny! Do you have an excerpt to tease us with?


Buy link from Kindle - http://amzn.com/B0061ETYGA
Buy link from Nook - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/a-summons-from-the-duke?keyword=a+summons+from+the+duke&store=ebook


Great beginning! Do you have other stories?

I'm thrilled to announce my next story will be out Nov. 1st in a Regency Anthology. I'm with some very talented authors, and I'm happy to have my story with theirs.

I'm so happy to announce my newest release. A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER is finally available!  I've had many readers ask about this book, and I'm excited it's finally here!  WOO-HOO!  My publisher, Dark Castle Lords Publishing gave me the PERFECT cover! Don't you think it looks romantic?


Revenge and passion come together as Cecily Lawrence attempts to make right the scandal that ruined her six years ago. Garrett Hastings, Earl of Blackmore, may not have taken her virginity that night they secretly met in the greenhouse, but being caught in an intimate embrace with the rogue definitely ruined her for any other man. Now, on his wedding day, she is determined to kidnap him but make it look like he’s running out on his own marriage to be with his mistress.




EXCERPT

“That was close,” he said.


“I know.”

She sighed and relaxed her back against the girder, then chuckled. “Garrett, being with you has certainly been an adventure tonight.”

He smiled. “Shall I assume you’re enjoying yourself, then?”

“Yes.”

“Splendid. I am certainly enjoying the evening.”

A fly buzzed by her head and he moved it away with his hand. The only discouraging thing about being this far in the shadows was he couldn’t see the blue of her eyes. But if he stepped closer… He followed his thoughts.

Her chest moved with quick breaths. She licked her lips, and he couldn’t tear his eyes from that spot—except when the fly buzzed between their faces, pestering him once again. Just as he was ready to knock it aside, an idea hit him, making him grin. “Why don’t you blow away the fly like you did the bee earlier?”

She laughed and shook her head. “I fear if I do, you may get the wrong impression of my intensions.”

“But my dear, sweet Cecily. I am led to believe your intensions are as wicked as my own.” He arched an eyebrow. “Or am I misreading you?”

Even in the dim lighting, he detected a blush on her cheeks. He swept his knuckle across her heated skin to get his answer.

“Garrett,” she said as she fingered one of the gold buttons on his over jacket. “I don’t know why I’m here with you now. Propriety dictates this is wrong.”

The fly darted by his face again, and he tried to swat it. Soon, her hands were trying to make the insect go away as well. After missing their target, they started laughing.

“Hold still,” he instructed, keeping his eyes on the fly. When it neared her hair, he batted his hand. Instead of knocking the fly away, he bumped her styled hair, making the pins fall out. Her curls tumbled out of the bun and hung around her shoulders.

“Oh, dear,” she gasped and tried to fix it.

Mesmerized, he stopped her hands, lowering them to his chest as he held her palms against him. “Don’t,” he spoke in a deep voice. “I’ve never seen hair so beautiful before.”

“Garrett…this is indecent.” Her voice cracked.

“Please, allow me this one thing.” He caressed her hair, running his fingers from the top of the curls all the way to the bottom where they rested against her bosom. She inhaled sharply but didn’t remove his touch. “Your hair is so silky.”

Against his hand, her chest heaved with quick breaths. He ran the tip of his fingers up her hair once again, until reaching the curve of her neck before sliding his touch to her skin. Creamy, just as he’d imagined it would be. In slow circles, he rubbed his fingers along her collarbone, and down the swell of one breast. The Lord had certainly blessed her, and Garrett thanked the Almighty that she hadn’t put a stop to his exploration.

When he reached the edge of her bodice he stopped, but only to move in a different direction as he traced her gown. Her breaths grew quicker, as did his own, but something else grew as well. His arousal leapt by leaps and bounds the longer she allowed his ministrations.

Hesitantly, he slipped a finger inside her bodice, searching for a nipple. The bead rubbed his finger, creating a deep groan from Cecily, and he was surprised when one came from his throat as well. “Cecily, I want to hold you so bad it’s killing me.”


Want to read more? Buy now for only $4.50!!


~Phyllis~

Before I announce the winner, I want to say THANK YOU for everyone who entered my contest. This was my first, and I had such a great response I will definitely have another one.

So, let me announce the winner now.

LATISHAJEAN won the $10 gift card from Walmart!  I will email you to get your mailing instructions.

THANKS again everyone!

I'm participating with other authors in this exciting event! All these authors are also having giveaways, so be sure to visit their blogs and enter!  Go here for other giveaways - http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-hop_17.html


For my contest, I'll be giving away a $10 gift card from Walmart. To enter, all you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment with your name and email so I can contact the winner. The contest runs from August 1st - 7th. You can enter the contest during these days.


Thanks for entering! And have fun with the other authors who are participating in this blog!


~Phyllis~

I really enjoyed reading this story. Mary Martinez has a way of pulling her readers into the story and keeping them there until they've reached the end. I pride myself on trying to figure out the mystery when I read a book, but I confess, I couldn't figure it out this time. Mary did a wonderful job on the suspense. Oh - and I can't forget her yummy hero! Dang!! Why can't there be more men like that? I found myself sighing dreamily along with the heroine while reading this, and I'm quite sure my dreams will be happy tonight! A job well done, Mary Martinez!

Adam enjoys a lifestyle most men only dream of. Then one day he wakes up to find the morning headlines blaring, "Another victim falls prey to Mr. Romance. Who is next?" He suddenly realizes his way of life is not only frivolous, but deadly.


Dubbed Mr. Romance by New York society for his romantic adventures, Adam Fernando Russo loves women. But lately he realizes how lonely it is coming home to an empty house. Can he settle for only one woman? After he makes a list of qualities worthy enough to merit giving up his desirable existence, suddenly recipients of his coveted attention mysteriously fall prey to a murderer. The murders seem unrelated with one exception--all the victims have recently returned from a fabulous weekend rendezvous with Mr. Romance.

Adam’s assistant, Katie Sinclair, knows Adam is innocent with airtight alibis. The police are at a loss so Adam and Katie work together to discover the link between the murders. As luck would have it, their plan to prove the murderer is copying classic Cary Grant movies goes astray just as Adam realizes his perfect woman has been by his side all along.


Check out other books by Mary Martinez - http://www.marymartinez.com/


~Phyllis~

Jordan Blake finds a man half dead on the shore and rescues him. Although she doesn't want another man in her life since the last one damanged her heart, she is strangely attracted to this man. He doesn't remember his name right away, but being with him and caring for him makes her feel things she never thought she'd feel so quickly after having her heart broken. His kiss sets her on fire - and she realizes she doesn't want to let him go. Can love blossom for these two mis-guided people searching to find love?


This was a very quick, romantic read, which a very happy ending! You'll want to pick up a copy of Roseanne Dowell's latest release.  Visit her website for more books - http://roseanne-dowell.tripod.com/

I want to introduce you to Lucille. Welcome to my sultry blog, my friend. And thank you for letting me interviewing you!


Phyllis: Tell us about yourself and how you first started writing.


Lucielle: Many years ago, a friend of mine gave me a copy of The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough. She raved about it, and promised me I would regard this 590 page novel as my all time favorite. I took one look at the thickness of the book, gave her a toothy smile and a hug, then put it away. I didn't have time to waste on a book about a priest who couldn't choose between God and a woman. I am the product of Catholic schools. Where's the choice? Well, the day came when it was time to read something from my 'to be read' pile, so I picked up the book, gave it a good dusting, and dove in. Three hours later, I was still reading. If I had walked into a book store way back then, I would never have chosen this book, and it would've been my loss. Reading a story that starts at WWI and ends in the 1960s, is enough to boggle any mind. And yet, Ms. McCollough took me through the saga so brilliantly, I hardly noticed the ride. What I did notice was how she brought the story full circle. Fee's daughter Meggie, ended up living the exact same life as her mother. Brilliant planning! The television miniseries is also my favorite, and the original theme song by Henry Mancini is on the HOME page of my website.



Phyllis: I have to admit, I never read The Thorn Birds, but I do love the movie!! So is the book that changed your life or made you want to become a writer?

Lucille: Well, it didn't change my life, but it did make me want to try my hand at writing. At the time, I was married with a family, and had very little time to weave my romantic tales. I had become a full time portrait artist as well who worked out of my studio at home. But when the urge to write took over, I would pen my romantic tales late at night while my family slept. I told nobody, fearing they would laugh at my futile attempt at story telling. I was a closet writer until two years ago when I took out my three type-written manuscripts. I polished up one to the best of my ability, and sent it off to Penumbra Publishing. They accepted the book, and I've been flying high ever since.


Phyllis: What an awesome story! If you could go back in time, where would you go?

Lucille: To be very honest with you, I wouldn't go back in time. I'm very happy living in the here and now with my life just as it is. The only thing I would've changed in my youth is my diet, and I would have exercised more.



Phyllis: I hear ya, woman! Okay, so what is your favorite thing about yourself?

Lucille: First of all, I'm true to my Catholic faith regardless of what has taken place in the Church recently and in the past. Who am I to make a judgment call on another human being? But as for me, I like to think my best virtue is being kind to others. There are two traits in people that disturb me greatly. One is cruelty to man or beast, and the other is dishonesty.


Phyllis: You are truly a Christian woman, then!! You have a few books out, which is a huge accomplishment, but do you have a favorite? If so, why?

Lucille: I don't know how other authors feel, but my first book, Talk of the Town is my favorite. It's a love story with a lot of humor in it, and I don't mean silliness. It was not my intent to pepper it up with humor, but the character of Samantha's agent is just a funny guy. He reminds me of me. If you look hard enough, you can find humor in anything. And Adam Pearce does.


Phyllis: I love romances - or stories in general - with humor! Way to go! What inspired you to write your latest release, Unforgettable?

Lucille: A few years back, I worked with a young girl who was left at the altar by her conman of a boyfriend. We all knew he was a loser, but love is blind, right? Well, hers was deaf and dumb as well. One day I got the bug to write again, but I had no storyline in my head. And then I thought of this girl and asked...what if? And the story took off.



Phyllis: Don't you just love how story ideas come? Tell us about your book.


Lucille: Be glad to. My heroine, Maddie Price is dumped at the altar and she's livid. Her fiance, a poor artist, talks her into marriage saying they'll honeymoon and live in Paris where his chances of becoming a great painter are much better. She has money...he takes it and runs off. When Maddie realizes what he's done, she ignores the weatherman's forecast of a tropical rain storm moving up the Eastern seacoast, jumps into her old jalopy, and takes off after him. One of her tires gets mangled in a giant pothole. Nobody is around, so she decides to fix it herself. Suddenly, she's confronted by a vicious dog who is threatening to rip out her throat. When the dog's owner comes to her rescue, she reluctantly takes refuge at his mansion, but is still determined to reach the scoundrel who jilted her and retrieve what's hers.

Famous playwright Robert Kendall's life on Cape Cod is anything but calm and uneventful. His Chinese live-in housekeeper, Mrs. O'Malley, has a drinking problem, and his best friend, an actor, sets out to prove he's the perfect choice to play the part of a cross-dressing drag-queen in Robert's new play. Finding Maddie irresistible, Robert knocks himself out trying to make her forget the man who abandoned her. The only problem is, Maddie doesn't trust her instincts after being conned. With Robert seemingly interested in a mysterious fiery redhead, Maddie can't believe she's the only woman in his life. Will Robert's promise to his best friend and Maddie's habitual mistrust prove to be their undoing? Maybe losing each other is the only way Robert and Maddie will realize they belong together.


Phyllis: Sounds like a fun story! Where can readers contact you?

Lucille: They can reach me at http://www.penumbrapublishing.com/, through my website at http://www.lucillenaroian.com/, and my email, clrmxr@comcast.net.


Thanks, Lucille!  This was a fun interview!

~Phyllis~

I want to introduce you to a really good friend of mine!  Mary is an awesome writer, and when you read her interview, you'll see why.


Thanks, Phyllis, for hosting the second day of my blog tour. Anyone who would like to know the schedule can check it out here. http://www.marymartinez.com/news.html#events Each blog a different question from the host. Sort of like a continuing interview. I will also have two giveaways at the end of the blog tour. At the bottom, I’ll tell you how you can participate.


Phyllis: Why do you love writing mystery / suspense. And...could you explain the process of how you set-up your suspense plots?

Mary: I guess you could say I love the puzzle. I want to be able to put together the pieces as I read. I love to have the author lead me through twists and turns until I’m so confused I have no idea who the villain is.

As for the process of how to set-up my plots? I don’t plot. I’m a panster so as I write I let the characters drive the story. I’m constantly trying to figure out who did it. What was their motivation? When I wrote Watching Jenny, I wanted to know why Runner was stalking her, so I could rule out possible suspects. That’s how I found how who Runner was, just like the reader.

My favorite suspense/mystery books are those that stump me until the end. The ones where I sigh when I turn the last page shake my head and say to myself, “I hadn’t a clue.” The best compliment I could receive from a reader is that I’d stumped them.

Thanks, Phyllis that was a great question.





Here is a blurb for my new release Classic Murder: Mr. Romance

Adam enjoys a lifestyle most men only dream of. Then one day he wakes up to find the morning headlines blaring, "Another victim falls prey to Mr. Romance. Who is next?" He suddenly realizes his way of life is not only frivolous, but deadly.

Dubbed Mr. Romance by New York society for his romantic adventures, Adam Fernando Russo loves women. But lately he realizes how lonely it is coming home to an empty house. Can he settle for only one woman? After he makes a list of qualities worthy enough to merit giving up his desirable existence, suddenly recipients of his coveted attention mysteriously fall prey to a murderer. The murders seem unrelated with one exception--all the victims have recently returned from a fabulous weekend rendezvous with Mr. Romance.

Adam’s assistant, Katie Sinclair, knows Adam is innocent with airtight alibis. The police are at a loss so Adam and Katie work together to discover the link between the murders. As luck would have it, their plan to prove the murderer is copying classic Cary Grant movies goes astray just as Adam realizes his perfect woman has been by his side all along.


Available from BookStrand Publishing (Electronic Format, Print coming in spring 2011) http://www.bookstrand.com/classic-murder-mr-romance

For an excerpt and to see the trailer visit my web site: http://www.marymartinez.com/mrromance.html

Now to the giveaways, everyone one who participates by commenting on each day of the tour will have their name placed in a drawing for a Photo Album and a signed copy of Watching Jenny.

Everyone who participates and comments on half of the days will have their name in a drawing for a download of Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (or they can wait until it’s in print for a signed copy)

THANKS, MARY!!! Have fun on your blog tour!
~Phyllis~

I want to wish everyone a very happy new year!  I'm especially looking forward to this year because I plan to have more books being released in 2011... So watch for them!

~Phyllis~