Energized from Arizona

A week ago I was in Arizona. Actually, I spent 10 days there and they were jam packed. What energized me the most was all the conversations about writing!

It started off with the Desert Dreams Conference in Tempe. This is a wonderful conference because the Desert Rose RWA chapter (I’m a member) is so warm. They provide a hospitality suite where anyone, author, aspiring author, agent, editor, publisher, husband (yes, we had all of these characters there) can hang out, have a snack and a drink, and chat in a relaxed area. Isn’t that unique?  I always have so much fun in that room ;-) My covers were part of the presentation on the big screen in the ballroom which was so cool. Of course, there were also wonderful workshops at the conference and even fun baskets to be won. Happily Ever After Thoughts authors donated one too.

 

Then there were the lengthy conversations with some of the romance writers that I look up to. Both Jennifer Ashley and Caris Roane were so forthcoming with insights and advice. I can’t thank them enough for spending their valuable time one-on-one with me. These ladies rock!

Next was my presentation to the Valley of the Sun RWA Chapter (I’m a member). It was great to be back in the warm fold of their smiles. This group has been my mainstay while isolated on my island and a number have visited me. They enjoyed my talk on “Refining Your Writing Process” and it felt so good to give back a little after all the support they have given me. Then later in the week a contingent of VOS friends (Cathy McDavid, Arabella Thorne, Tia Dani, H.D. Thomson) met me and my husband for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a wonderful time talking about life, love, and writing.  

 

Lastly, squeezed in at the 11^th hour, was a business meeting with my wonderful critique partner Marie Patrick and my designer/formatter Carol of Bella Media Management. Hard work was started and plans made for future projects. After all these discussions, I am more revved up to work on my two current projects that ever!  So I guess I better get going. I’m so thrilled to have visited Arizona. I may just have to go back next year ;-)

Always, Lexi

Twisted by Laura Griffin

 

Constant suspense and a romance simmering over a hot flame send Detective Allison Doyle into a non-stop frenzy for the search of the latest murderer with or without the help of FBI agent Mark Wolfe.

As a rookie detective, Allison is all of a sudden involved in a possible serial killer’s path as his victims are in her jurisdiction.  She needs to focus on this type of case, but Mark is sent to assist and becomes a heady distraction.  For both of them. 

Their working relationship is on and off.  Sometimes they share their knowledge and sometimes they hold back.  Not to mention their attraction rises and is exposed with the most inconvenient timing.

Mixing business with pleasure can only be handled with gloves, and Allison and Mark have to know when their hands are exposed.    

 

Happy reading,

Dawn

 

Kissin’ Toads on Froggy Friday.

Hi y’all…how you doing this fine Friday?  Good, I hope.  Well, here I am again wondering what to blog about, so I was cruising the internet looking for quotes or signs or whatever that might be cute or funny to talk about.  So I started trolling for maybe some dating stories or funny sayings about dating, and lo and behold, I ran across an old saying we’ve all heard a thousand times before—

You have to kiss a lot of frogs…before you find your prince.

(Yes...I know that's a picture of a toad and not a frog...but they are kissing cousins, so I figure it's close enough.  Besides, this little story applies to both frogs AND toads.)

So after finding that initial quote, I then ran across a whole boatload of  frog stuff out on the internet…who knew frogs were so damn popular?!  But you all know I’m single and have been doing the internet dating thing for a while, so what really caught my eye were some variations on that saying, so I took some notes and here are more frog quotes.

I’d say the woman who came up with this jewel has had the same kind of luck I’ve had…

You have to kiss a lot of frogs…before you find a prince.  Also snakes, rats, baboons, dirty dogs and slippery fish!

…and a slightly different version of the same thing from another woman whose luck sucks…

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince…or in my case, frogs, lizards, snakes, chameleons.

…and this one just seems like good, old-fashioned sage advice…

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince, but no need to kiss the pigs and dogs.

Works for me!  But, in all fairness, it's sometimes hard to tell the difference.  LOL

Then I ran across a couple where I think these women might have gotten a bit carried away…maybe they lost touch with the concept of a kiss…

First they say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince…and then they call you a slut.

Seems a bit harsh.

I know you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince, but blowing them seems a bit desperate.

Uh…okay, that one speaks for itself.  LOL  I think that girl needs to take a break from the dating sites.

This next one might have a shot at being the next new Avon slogan…

You have to kiss a lot of frogs…before you find a good lip balm. 

And when all is said and done and you’ve dodged kisses from the pigs and dogs, managed to avoid being called a slut, and found the world’s best lip balm, it just might be possible that you still haven’t found that prince.  And when that happens…

You have to kiss a lot of frogs…before you realize they’re all frogs.

Yep, sometimes a kiss is just a kiss and sometimes a frog is just a damn frog.

But not me…I’m the eternal optimist.  So before I end this little journey through frogland, I must share my personal favorites…

Frogs—never give up…ever.

Frogs…so many, so few princes.  (Ain’t that the truth!)

Real Princesses don’t kiss toads.  

I’d like to believe that last one.  But just between you and me, I think they’re lying. 

Oh, and I did take a little side trip to the Urban Dictionary and looked up frog just for fun.  Damn, some of those things were downright scary or icky (feel free to google them, because I'm not listing them here)…but I did find this little tidbit of information.  Did you know there is something called a Frog Kiss?  Yep, and the Urban Dictionary defines it as:

frog kiss

a type of kiss in which two partners face each other and flick their tongues in and out of their mouths in unison. When put out, the tongues touch each other. The resulting tongue movement and noise resembles a frog flicking its tongue in and out of its mouth (to catch bugs): hence the title "frog kiss."

Karen didn't want to smudge her lipstick, so she and Karl frog kissed. It looked kinda funny but cute.   

Eeeewwww!  Not funny...not cute!

And I also found this little gem—

near miss frog kiss

is defined as coming close to making a choice that would have been wrong for you. It’s based on the old saying, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your Prince Charming!”  

Now I ask you, who out there has not had a “near miss frog kiss”?  Yep, I figured that.  But love is what we're all looking for.  And for the optimist, Prince Charming is just around the next corner, or maybe on the next lily pad over.  So…if you’re single and looking and are, like me, an eternal optimist—then you’ve just gotta do what a girl’s gotta do…hop over onto that lily pad and... 

Pucker up!


You never know when the frog on the next lily pad just might turn out to be a drop-dead gorgeous, funny, sexy, smart, wealthy prince in a jacked-up Ford truck!

Well, that’s my Froggy Friday story, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now, ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!

Love ya

Kayce               

Desert Dreams 2014

I spent this past weekend at the Desert Dreams Conference held here in beautiful Tempe, Arizona….and, as in years past, it was a wonderful weekend. The workshops were fantastic, the hotel was great, and the people…well, they were all so wonderful. There is such a sense of community and camaraderie within the writing world. No one is a stranger…just someone you haven’t met yet. The advice and the help flows freely from those who have had more experience in the writing world to those who are just starting out and everyone inbetween. The book signing was awesome as well!

The keynote speaker, Christie Craig, brought us to tears with her story then left us feeling like we could do anything. And I mean anything!

Best of all, I was able to spend time with friends, talking all things writing and laughing. Oh my, did we laugh! The fabulous Alexis Walker and her equally fabulous hubby flew in from their island paradise to attend, too!

Leaving you with a picture taken the first night. Don’t we look happy? And anxious to learn?

 

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Interview with Amy Jarecki and Choice Giveaway

Alexis: Today we have Historical Romance author, Amy Jarecki who is giving away a choice of either The Highland Henchmen or Captured by the Pirate Laird to one lucky commenter.

Amy: Hi Alexis! Thank you for inviting me to the Happily Ever After Blog today!

Alexis: It’s great to have you, Amy :-) Let’s jump right in. Everyone has their own writing process…how they come up with ideas, how they name their characters, how they choose the setting. Can you describe your writing process?

Amy: I build a notebook for every book. It starts with research. I usually find an event in history, or someone who sparks my interest. I learn everything I can about them and use that as a framework for my outline.

• Once I'm ready to write.

• Start with a premise statement.

• Write a 2-3 page general outline of the book/sequence of events.

• Develop my characters--I identify their personality type, then I use a character profile sheet to make them into a real person and write their back stories.

• I then use an Excel spreadsheet to plot each scene. I use a numbering system that allows me to insert scenes, because once I start writing, the gloves come off and my characters start taking over. Inevitably, the outline changes as the story comes alive.

• Of course I then edit the heck out of it...that has become my favorite part.

Alexis: What are you working on now?

Amy: I’m working on two things—editing a manuscript that’s the second book in a new Scottish historical series that will come out next year. And I’m writing a novella that is part of the Highland Force series.

Alexis: Why did you choose this sub-genre of romance?

Amy: I have always loved Scotland and reading Scottish historical romance. My heritage is Scottish, even my maiden name, and I got my master’s degree from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. It was a natural step when I started writing Scottish historical romances.

Alexis: Wow, I guess so. How long did it take you to write your most recent release? Why?

Amy: The Highland Henchman took me about three months. I already had the setting fleshed out from book one. I had to study about Mary, Queen of Scots battle of Langside, Iona and Renfrewshire, but I always have some history that needs to be fleshed out before I start writing. Also, Bran was a character in the first book, so it was easy to get into his head. Enya is a rebel like me, and I had a ton of fun with her character too. My novels are all about 95,000 words, and take me 3-4 months to write.

Alexis: That’s pretty quick for such long books. I’m sure you have some help getting them in shape. What do you think everyone should know about your critique partner?

Amy: She’s freaking awesome and she understands me.

Alexis: That about says it all :-) What do you think everyone should know about your husband?

Amy: I’m married to the nicest man on the planet. He doesn’t read my work, but he supports my writing, and he helps me write my back cover copy.

Alexis: Aw, you can’t beat that! Thank you so much for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts.

Check out this blurb from Highland Force Book 1, Captured by the Pirate Laird:

 

Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire.

Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end. 

But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms. 

Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?

Alexis: If that’s not enticing enough, check out this blurb from Highland Force Book 2, The Highland Henchman:

Intent on winning a Lowlander’s tournament, Bran MacLeod travels south with his laird. All goes as planned, except spirited Miss Enya Ross continually distracts him, and in the oddest situations. With no business lusting after a baron’s daughter, Bran decides to return to Raasay—until his laird pledges Bran’s services in the fight to reinstate Mary, Queen of Scots to the throne.

Enya has no deference for the lines of nobility, or for the Great Divide that separates Lowlanders from Highlanders. The way Sir Bran’s eyes hunger for her ignites an internal fire Enya cannot quell. All her life she’s wanted adventure and excitement, but now her every thought is consumed with the rugged Highlander. 

With all odds stacked against them, can their forbidden love withstand the tumult of war and the menace of betrayal?

Alexis: For a chance to win either of these books, be sure to comment below. Good luck!

More about Amy

Amy Jarecki adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she has focused on the genre of Scottish historical romance. Her favorite eras are the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with a pair of Roman/Pict novels coming in late 2014.

Amy's web site: http://www.amyjarecki.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyjarecki

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyjarecki?ref=hl

Amazon Page

Barnes & Noble

The Latest News Is All Good!

I’m so excited! Lots of wonderful news about my books!

First, I was recently notified that my book Masque is a finalist in the Carolyn Readers Choice Award! To me that is an amazing honor. That readers found my book to be among the best is humbling. I am grateful that it was so well enjoyed.

Second, I received a wonderful review from Ali Crean over at All the Things In Between for Passion of Sleepy Hollow. She writes “Lexi Post doesn’t only give you a new taste of Sleepy Hollow and it’s legend with this novel, she pretty much remaps your taste buds!” And then to top it off, Ali recommends other books for readers interested in my type of book and one of those recommendations is the amazing JenniferAshley! 

Third, and this is such a fun event for readers, is my participation in the Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt April 1 – May 15 (Yes, it has already started). I am one of the “required finds” and I’m offering a basket with his and hers Venetian masks made in Italy, a signed copy of Masque, a gift card for books, sweets and swag. Just click here to participate.

Lastly, I’m signing books at the DesertDreams Conference in Tempe Arizona on  April 5th and then at the RomanticTimes Convention in New Orleans on May 17^th.  So if you are in the area, I hope you will stop by and say “hi.” I will be giving away a Venetian mask at those events too!

All this good news is making me hungry. Hmm, I think the best way to celebrate is with some homemade cherry vanilla ice cream. What do you think?

Always, Lexi

www.lexipostbooks.com

April Already

Oh my gosh! It’s April already! How did that happen? Seems like yesterday it was just January, doesn’t it? Time sure seems to fly when there’s so much to do. Indeed, this past week feels like a blur. So what happened to make my time just whirl by?

Well, the usual stuff….book signings and writer’s meetings and work and writing (or trying to). Well, just life in general, I suppose, but some things really stand out. Like….

Very dear friends of mine got married! Yup! Married! And I can’t think of a couple who love each other more. Lovely ceremony too which got me to thinking (as a writer, I’m always thinking about new stories, new characters, new scenes), but I digress.

The other thing that made this week go by so quickly? My DH received the nicest surprise for his birthday. Our son flew in from Dallas to spend the weekend with him (yes, I was in on this surprise. We’ve actually been planning it since January. I’m very good at keeping secrets!).

And the busy-ness doesn’t end there. The Desert Dreams conference is this Friday (I know! This Friday!) and I’m so looking forward to it (actually, I’ve been looking forward to it since the last conference!). I’ve written about this particular conference before. It’s one of my favorites. This will be my seventh time attending and I can’t wait to see everyone…I will try to behave myself this time and not go all Fan Girl on anyone. Luckily for me, authors are a unique (and forgiving) group of individuals.

I still need to pack, I still need to finish cleaning my house and get my guest room ready for company after the conference so I should be vacuuming or dusting...or something. Leaving you all with this lovely picture of a beautiful sunset…..maybe if I look at it long enough, I might be able to draw a breath…at least until Friday when I meet all those wonderful authors at the conference.

What about you all? What’s been keeping you busy? Have you found any time to read?

As always, happy reading!

Marie