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Sunday, February 20, 2011

You Did What?

First of all, I’d like to thank Alexis, Dawn and Marie for guesting me on their lovely blog. It’s so nice to be here today, ladies, and visit your cyber home.

And for one intrepid reader who makes their way to the end of this monster post and leaves a comment – I’ll give a digital (pdf) copy of BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER. Jasper (my writing partner) will select the winner on Wednesday morning and the winner will be announced on my blog as well as contacted via email.

I adore writing paranormal romances. I get home from the day job, fire up the laptop and disappear into my worlds. *happy, contented sigh* I admit it. I’m addicted to writing and one of the reasons is because it’s a safe, solitary process. You guessed it. I’m painfully introverted. A people watcher. One of those who keeps to the shadows and takes in everything all around them.

So, imagine my horror when the following scene played out: It’s the end of a long day. I stumble into the house with my over-stuffed purse and lunch bag falling off my shoulder and the mail sliding out of my grasp. I make it to the kitchen island and throw everything onto the counter before it hits the floor. Finally. I’m home. Safe in my nest. The kitchen smells great. Hubby’s at the stove stirring a pot but something’s not right. He’s got “that look” on his face.

We’ve been married over thirty-one years. I recognize “that look” in a heartbeat. “What have you done?”

The “look” blossoms into a mischievous grin. “I’ve been busy today calling all the newspapers, TV and radio stations in the area. I’ve got you all kinds of contacts lined up. Look at the notepad over there.”

My heart stops beating and falls like a chunk of ice into the now roiling pit of my stomach. “You did what?”

He returns the lid to the pot he’s been stirring (I know – ironic, huh?) and turns to tap excitedly on the notepad. “Look! All you have to do is send press releases to all these places. They said they’d love to know more about you and your book since you’re a local author. I bet they’ll even want to talk to you. This one radio station does interviews all the time.”

“What?” I squeaked when I found my voice. “I can’t do that. I don’t know how to write a press release. I can’t TALK on the radio. Out loud. To people.”

Then he turns into understanding, supportive psychoanalyst husband. I hate it when he does that. “Yes. You CAN do this. Look at all you’ve already done. You’ve come so far. The girls and I believe in you. It’s time you believed in yourself.”

Damn him. Don’t you hate it when they’re right? Grrrr. So, with the help of Google and some priceless advice and guidance from my wonderful “Roses” at The Wild Rose Press, here’s the press release I wrote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information: Maeve Greyson (You need to include your email address and phone numbers here. I deleted them for this post. I’m sure you understand.)

Local author blends Celtic legends and magical lore to weave paranormal romances.

BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER (ISBN: 1-60154-879-6) will be available from The Wild Rose Press (http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ ), Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/ ), Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ ) and various other online outlets on February 18, 2011.

Which will triumph? The vengeful wrath of a cruel witch or a love spanning across time?

The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. Sensuous and charismatic, all the women wanted him, but none captured his heart. Latharn's charm became his curse when a wicked sorceress didn’t accept his rejection. She snared his soul into a crystal globe until the one woman destined to be his love whispers his release. Now all Latharn has to do is find her and convince Nessa to break the curse without speaking a word to tell her how.

One of the youngest archeologists in St Louis of 2010, Nessa credits one thing for this achievement: the recurring dream of a heart-stopping Highlander since the summer she turned eighteen years old. Little does she know, he's not some fantasy cooked up by her subconscious. He’s a trapped soul determined for Nessa to end his six centuries in hell. Can love prevail over the dark magic of a woman scorned?

About the author:
Maeve Greyson writes paranormal romances with a Celtic twist from her cozy little home not too far from Kentucky Lake. Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, she pours her daydreams into the keyboard while her husband of over thirty-one years and Jasper the dog keep the household running.

Her debut novel, BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER, releases from The Wild Rose Press on February 18, 2011. She just contracted a second book, THE HIGHLANDER’S FURY, also with The Wild Rose Press. Maeve is a finalist out of 500 writers entered in the Kensington Brava and RT Book Reviews Writing with the Stars Contest. Her paranormal romance, ETERNITY’S MARK is one of three remaining entries in the final round for a publishing contract from Kensington.

For more info about Maeve and her books: Website: http://www.maevegreyson.com/

Blog: http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/

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I’ll let you know if anything comes of my little press release. All I can say is God help them if they ignore it because Hubby still has all their numbers.

And if you’d like to give a poor shy author a little love and vote for Eternity’s Mark in the FINAL round of Writing With the Stars –please click below, and it will take you to the voting link for the final round. Thank you EVER so much!



The rest of Maeve’s links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson OR http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson#!/maeve.greyson.page

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/maevegreyson

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/maevegreyson

The Wild Rose Press: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=maeve+greyson

Beyond a Highland Whisper excerpt:

However, tonight Latharn was different. He didn’t go any further then the hungry possession of her mouth or the desperate, crushing embrace. Nessa sensed he needed this night to be different. His body tensed beneath her touch, he restrained his caress as if he wanted her to reason rather than just shatter into mindless bliss.

He raised his head and gazed into her eyes. Nessa flinched at the depths of pain and frustration etched in his face. He struggled, trying to communicate, to connect with her deepest emotions without the use of words. He took his palm, flattened it against his heart then placed it upon her chest. His brows drawn together in a questioning frown, he tilted his head and waited for a sign that she understood.

Her lower lip quivered at the very obvious gesture. Nessa whispered and covered his hand with hers. “Are you telling me you love me?” Her whisper caught in her throat.

One corner of his mouth pulled up into a relieved smile as Latharn nodded and brushed his lips across hers. He took a deep breath as though steeling himself against his own deepest fears. He took her hand and repeated the heart touching gesture from her chest to his. Then he raised a brow and awaited her answer, anxiety filling his eyes.

 
A lone tear escaped down her cheek as Nessa stared at her hand splayed upon his broad chest. “You know I love you,” she murmured with a moan. “I just wish that you were real.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, pulling her into his arms to cradle her against his chest. Holding her close, he stroked her hair as she gave way to tears.

If you liked this, don't forget to comment for a chance to win BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER :-)

42 comments:

  1. Hi everyone! I just wanted to repeat my thanks for the invite to this lovely blog. Isn't it great?

    Also...here's an update on the success of the press release: I've survived...er...done two interviews for two local papers. Jasper even got in on the action and we had a photo shoot.

    Hubby bought twelve (!) copies of each paper. *sigh* If we ever get a parakeet - we're all set for that bird cage! LOL!

    Have a great week!

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  2. Since my debut novel is being released on March 1, this is timely and useful information! Thanks! Congratulations on your own release and best wishes!

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  3. Ah, Mauve our hubbies must have been brothers in a past life. Mine was urging me to call all of our small town presses last night. lol. I'm so glad you posted your press release, because I'm copying the format. Lol. Thanks girl, and you know I've voted for you.

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  4. Maeve,

    Your husband is a keeper. Glad you sent out the press release and it went well.
    I believe in you too.

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  5. Hi Mauve!

    That is an awesome story about your hubby! Way to go! I believe in all the publicity you can get. Yup Marketing Degree, LOL!

    I voted! Best of luck. Remember your Savvy friends believe in you also!

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  6. Congratulations on the release, Maeve and good for you on the interviews. :) I'd have felt the same way as you, if only my hubby were that ambitious when it came to my writing.

    The press release sounds great! As does the book. I remember this except from an earlier posting on the loop--very good!

    Sexy excerpt for Eternity's Mark, too. You got my vote.

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  7. Awh, got to love your DH, he believes in you!!! That is about the sweetest thing!!!!

    And you should have your name shouted from EVERY rooftop possible!

    You've worked hard, you deserve it!! AND the recognition!! Though I understand about not thinking you can! I too love to hide behind a computer keyboard1 To actually talk to the press face to face- YIKES!!!!

    You go Maeve!!!

    And of course I voted for you!!! Great excerpt by the way!!!

    Oh, and I WANT TO WIN!!! Just saying!! *wink*

    Wishing you all the best!!!!

    Andrea~
    atsnider@verizon.net

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  8. LOL! What a GREAT husband! (Even if you were terrified of what you'd have to do.) Good luck, Maeve!

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  9. Kay: I'm glad the press release info came at a good time for you. Best of luck on your coming release!

    Rachel, Sandy, JM, Stacey, Andrea & Alexa - thank you so much for your warm words. I so appreciate your support!

    :-)

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  10. That is wonderful that you have such a great support system. Wonderful interview and thank you for passing on helpful information. Your press release looks wonderful!! Good luck i nyour sales!

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  11. Very lovely, and the sign of real true love when a husband has your back because he believes in you. :)

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  12. He did what? That is so sweet! Your family has complete faith in you. Now that you've already done a couple, you're a pro! This is only the beginning of great things to come. Way to go!

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  13. Oh wow, Maeve, I don't know how I'd respond if my hubby did that. It's awesome that he's giving you so much support, though. :-)

    Best of luck with Eternity's Mark. I voted for you and am keeping my fingers crossed for your win. I'm looking forward to reading Beyond a Highland Whisper.

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  14. If my husband did this, I'd be looking for pods in the basement, but I'm happy for you, Maeve! Promo is a daunting task. Congrats not only on having help, but on the new release!

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  15. Sarah, Sapphire, Victoria & Rosalie: You all are so right about how lucky I am to have such a great support system...even though he's a tad "intense" when he gets on a roll. LOL!~ Thanks so much for stopping by and brightening my day with your lovely comments.

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  16. Hahaha! Thank you so much, Pat. Hubby & daughters have always been the best when it comes to "nudging" me into doing what I know I really NEED to do. :-)

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  17. This made me smile! What a wonderful story and husband! He's a keeper. Congrats, again, Maeve on the release!!

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  18. Congrats on the new release, Maeve. And congrats on facing your fears. How lucky you are to have a husband who prods...er, helps you with promo.

    I voted for you over at RT. Best of luck!

    Jana

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  19. What a great and supportive hubby. He deserves something special..wink... :)

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  20. Great husband, Maeve, keep him! Your press release looks super.

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  21. Kim, Jana, Michelle & Miriam: Thanks for stopping by. Yep. I'm a lucky woman. Hubby's a pretty fine fella. :-)

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  22. Hi Maeve,

    What a great real life story and paranormal excerpt!
    So glad to have you on our blog and bring with you such a variety of great information for writers and an intriguing excerpt for readers.
    Hearing your story has also given me a nudge toward following up on the release of the "press release!"
    Good luck on your entries with Kensington and RT Reviews!

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  23. Good luck with the contest, Maeve! I'll pop over and vote right now. I love the premise for your book. Very creative!

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  24. Your husband sounds like a real jewel. The info on a press relase in invaluable. I like the sound of your book. If I don't win it, looks like I'll have to buy a copy. Will it be available on kindle?

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  25. Shawn: Yes. Beyond a Highland Whisper is available on Kindle. I'm glad you found my post helpful and hope you enjoy my book when you have the chance to read it.

    Dawn and Laura: thanks so much for your support and kind words! I really appreciate everyone's help.

    :-)

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  26. What a keeper your hubby is Maeve. Good luck and thanks for sharing your format with us. Shuddering to think I might actually have to use it!

    Thanks for the copy. I can't wait to read it!

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  27. Maeve I know how you feel. I myself am terribly agoraphobic, I fight to be able to read out loud to my critique group. My voice starts to get shaky, squeeky, and ugh, I hate it!
    I have to find the ability to turn that fear off. You have something I don't have, a very supportive husband. Mine still hasn't read a word I wrote, he just won't do it. He doesn't like to read anything but tekkie stuff. He still has not attended a single signing or event where husbands go. It's very sad for me to think he is such a putz. But, you are married to a very supportive and even beyond that, man! A keeper for sure. I had one press release in Vermont, where the book takes place, in a small local newspaper. It made me feel wonderful and yours should do the same. You have accomplished something that very few people do, you have published a book and more to come! I wish you the best and if your DH could speak to mine sometime, he ought to give support classes! You are a doll Maeve, and if nothing else, this has let me meet great friends like you. I wanna meet you someday and give you a big hug! Now, your book is one I really have to read, I lovvvveee that kinda story. It helps me escape into another world. Good luck sweetie and hug that man of yours!
    He's a keeper.

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  28. Thank you, Calisa! I hope you enjoy the copy you won on Rachel's blog. And you are so right - this promo stuff gives me the heebie jeebies!

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  29. Mary - you are just too awesome for words! I agree with you: I hope we get the opportunity to meet outside of cyberspace someday. You've become a dear friend and I'd be lost without your support and warm words to keep me going when times get tough. Take good care, my friend!

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  30. May I borrow your husband? I promise I'll give him back. I would LOVE somebody to line me up the contacts. You lucky, lucky woman, you. Hope it all turns out spiffingly.

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  31. Oh, Maeve! You have a new fan. Your tiny excerpt brought tears to my eyes. I felt every word.

    I know you will do fantastic in all of your writing endeavors!

    *sniffs*
    Melissa

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  32. Ugh, self promotion...such a downer when all we really want to do is write fun stuff! But I love that ur dh is so supportive. Maybe he can be convinced to be on the payroll? Mine works for homemade brownies, ;) Best of luck with your endeavors! Enjoyed your post and getting to know you.

    Lyndee Henderson

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  33. LOL! Brownies. That's a great idea, Lyndee. Trouble is --Hubby cooks better than I do! Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to stop by.

    Aww...thanks Melissa. I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt.

    Hahaha! Greta - you're not the only one who's asked to borrow the DH. I'm thinkin' I might be onto something here! ;-)

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  34. Ahhh, so sweet, Maeve. You have good advice here. Now if we only had a local paper who knew how to do something different from photos of the mayor all over town and local girls' basketball. I fear they wouldn't know what a press release was.
    Your husband--what a doll. I have one, too, except he mans the kitchen clean-up. Honestly, I haven't washed a dish in fifteen years. Honest. But he cannot boil water. He makes great coffee, though, and brings my first cup to me in bed...or at my computer.
    Your excerpt was so interesting--a lover who isn't real? Mmmm, my imagination is so short-sighted. Celia

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  35. thanks for lighting a fire under me -- I'm new to the area and should really cultivate some local contacts (although we don't have any real local papers, radio or television stations, since we now live in back of back of beyond). But I'm sure there's something out there.

    Terry
    Terry's Place
    Romance with a Twist--of Mystery

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  36. Thanks for the info on the Press Release Maeve - I've never sent one out because when I had my first book published I was completely clueless, added to which there's only about one local paper I could send it to - but when my next book comes out - they'll get the full whammy! What a lovely husband you have.

    Mine, bless him, found the address of our local Borders and was going to take me there to arrange a signing - then they closed down! Ah well. Best of luck in the contest. I voted for you.

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  37. Hi Maeve -

    What a wonderful post. I can identify with you. Support from the family is what keeps me going.

    I'm so excited for you. The press release is awesome. If you do half as well at the interviews as you've done here you'll knock their socks off.

    Many your sales go through the roof,

    ... Ruth

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  38. Maeve, Congrats on your new release!

    What a wonderful hubby you have. Sometimes it takes our better half to show us what is best for us....LOL Ok..enough of that!

    I put my vote in. I can't wait to start reading.

    Mammy Wuvs To Read!

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  39. Hi Celia! Thanks so much for stopping by. Hubby & I have a great arrangement: he cooks it and I clean it up. Works pretty well since he does a lot of clean up as he goes along!

    Hi Terry! We both live in the middle of nowhere. Isn't it awesome? I bet there's contacts in your area that you'll discover soon.

    Hi Lyn! I know. Isn't it awful about all the Border's closing down. I love ebooks - don't get me wrong - but nothing quite tickles a reader's senses like the "smell & feel" of a cozy bookstore.

    Hi Ruth! Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm glad you've got a good support system too. I'd never make it without the occasional "nudge" from my family.

    Hi DL! Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate your help.

    :-)

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  40. Hi Maeve,

    Like you, I'm lucky to have a very supportive husband. He hasn't missed a single romance writers' conference I've attended since we met!

    I have to tell you, your excerpt melted my heart. :-)You definitely have my vote because your writing is absolutely wonderful!

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  41. Awww...thanks so very much, Alexis! I SO appreciate your kind words. :-)

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  42. Wow! I guess sometimes you need a little push, right? I'd be terrified, but I suppose it is all part of the job, these days.

    Congratulations on the interviews - and the husband!

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