Alaska, New Orleans and My New Book Cover

I'm at That's What I'm Talking About today, having a good time talking about my dreams of summer heat. I'm also giving a sneak peek at my book cover for my new Grim Reality series, and threw in an excerpt for good measure. Stop on by. http://bit.ly/GCYwjT

Why Do I Drink So Much Coffee?

I'm at For What It's Worth today, being interviewed as one of the Author After Dark Featured Authors. Stop by and chat. I'd love to hear from you.

For What It's Worth Blog

How Do I Love You, Dear Reader

There is an age-old romance that still thrives to this day, the love between authors and readers. Often times we hear how readers love a certain writer and buy everything they write. Less often we get a chance to hear how authors truly feel about their readers.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and to show our love for the special people who make our writing careers possible, several authors have shared their messages to readers and some letters they’ve received that touched their hearts.

Jennie Bentley’s (a.k.a Bente Gallagher & Jenna Bennett) Message

Before I became a writer myself, I don't think I ever wrote a letter to an author. I read plenty of books, and admired plenty of writers, but I was afraid of being a bother, you know? They were Authors - note the capital A - and as such far superior to mere mortals such as myself. Who did I think I was, to consider writing to one of them?

When I became a writer myself, that all changed. Now I know that reader-mail isn't a bother; it's the nicest thing in the world. A note from a reader, someone who picked up my book - in lieu of all the other books out there - and read it, and liked it - enough to want to write and tell me so! - is an incredible blessing. It can make my day, or my whole week. Readers have certainly made my entire career, such as it is, so far. Those of us who write books would be nowhere without those who read them.

So thank you, readers! I'll just keep writing books, and you keep reading them. And keep those letters coming, too. Okay? 

Jennie’s Reader Letter

"I'm from Malaysia and just finish reading all 4 of your Savannah series in 4 consecutive days. You can't imagine how engrossed I am into the characters. I'm trying to purchase A Done Deals ebook and found out is still not release yet. I also unable to find the release date. Can you let me know when is the ebook release date, so that I can get my copy soonest possible to end my longing."

Marissa Farrar's Message

'Being a writer is a solitary business, yet, ironically, we're also a needy bunch. We write because we want to draw others into the imaginary worlds we spend half our lives in. We want our readers to understand and fall in love with our characters in the same way we have. There are very few authors who have gotten into writing for the big pay checks and the fame (*snort*). We do it for the love of the art. So, when we're contacted by readers to tell us how much they love our work, that by God, they've got it, they've understood what our months bashing away at a keyboard actually meant, it feels like we've won the Booker Prize.

I may have given Serenity and Sebastian life, but you, the reader, have made their lives worthwhile.

Marissa’s Reader Letter

Just wanted you to know I love your work! It's kinda like the comfort of an old familiar book with an exciting new twist! Haven't read one of your books I haven't absolutely loved! I'm sure I will love anything you write. To me a book, no matter the type, is only as good as its writer. I may say horror is my favorite, but I hate horror books written by a certain author. In my personal opinion, like Neil Gaiman, you have a way of bringing your characters to life is a way that it takes me a few days after reading your books to come back to reality and realize that they aren't real people and no, I am not going to run into them at Walmart. A good book is about losing yourself and for a little while making the story your reality. Finding a book that can make you feel like in a way you're still there days later is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack, lol. Some writers have it and some don't. You do.'

C.J. Ellisson's Message

Every now and then an author gets a letter from a reader. Some weeks we get more than one and it seems like the heavens are shining on us. 

I don't know about you, but before becoming a writer I'd never written to an author, so I know how big it is for a person to actually reach out to me. The feelings I get over even the smallest note make me sound mushy, sappy, and probably ruin the crusty shell of experience I try my best to project. 

Letters literally make our day -- and the good ones can make our week. Then, on rare occasion, we get one like the one below. Letters like this remind us of why we write and reinforce that yes, someone out there truly 'gets' our work and appreciates every hour we spend trying to perfect our craft.

C.J.'s Reader Letter

I have to start out by saying that I stumbled upon Vampire Vacation by chance when my mother bought me a kindle fire for Xmas. I used to read Anne Rice as a teen (although now I find her writing a tad overdone) and have had a secret obsession with vamps as far as I can remember.  I really lost my fondness for reading over the years and the only series of books I've read are the Janet Evanovich books. THEN I FOUND YOU! You pair humor, sex, love, murder suspense ...and vampires all together with such an enticing flow. I am a 28 year old married mother of two. (Just so you know the demographic ...lol) I cannot wait for Big Game! You have renewed my love of reading and I thank you for that.  Please DO NOT stop. I read the erotic parts between Dria and Rafe in bed with my husband and he loves it too. You have a real, natural and organic talent. Please keep going with the series. So glad I found the VV Inn!

Danielle Gavan's Message

I don’t get much fan mail, but when I do it puts a huge perma-grin on my face. Five star reviews on Amazon are great. Really, they are but when a reader takes the time to actually email, find and use the Contact form on my website, or message me on Facebook… that’s priceless.

Recently, one of my fabulous readers sent me this message on Facebook after downloading my book, Ardeur, via Red Hot Readers:

Danielle’s Reader Letter

I Read ARDEUR and I LOVED IT!!!!!! It was a fantastic book and I Simply can’t WAIT for the next one! So thank you very much for helping me so I could read it ... I loved All the characters 
(except Wes and Boyd ....Shade -Was Funny sometimes lol) and I Loved, LOVED Brody! Such a sweetheart (why are guys like that hard to find?) and I even Like Azrael (love that name) ok I didn’t like when he became crazy but still I found I liked him lol 

I always think a person should be told when they do something wonderful or they make it so for a few hours they have made you smile, laugh or cry and shout and you did so I HAD to tell you Thank You for that and for giving me some time in Ardeur Land lol... and simply because you helped me be able to read it when you didn’t have to (and I'll say other authors haven't ) I read ALOT of books some you can do without , others you like and then there are the ones you LOVE. My family thinks I read too much (really? how can you?) because I have books ever where, Nook, Kindle, Phone, Zoom pad, Computer and bookcases so I know for me a great book when I read one (even the books I don’t like I try and try again to give it a chance) and yours was a great book and I will definitely read it again and again it has a permanent place on my nook!

So AGAIN thank you for making it possible to read Ardeur and for writing it and taking us with you on their journey.

Thank you very much I will be looking out for more Books from you! 

More from Danielle

We conversed for a bit afterward and, let me tell you, I smiled every time I saw the little inbox icon indicating I had a new message. She was a pleasure to speak to, as have been all of my readers.

Even the smallest “When’s the next Ardeur book coming out?”inquiries make me grin. It tells me that my reasons for writing are valid and that people do really want to read the stuff my imagination churns out. Having friends and family say my books are good is one thing. A total stranger saying it? That’s like angels singing on high. It’s fantastic.

And so, even if you’ve never taken a minute to contact me, I say to all of my wonderful readers: You’re what keeps my butt in my (super-creaky, decrepit) chair and my fingers on the keyboard. You’re the reason I crawl out of bed at four thirty in the morning when the characters are demanding I write the new scene they’ve cooked up. Thank you! All of you.

Nickie Asher’s Message

I love getting feedback from readers. It's gratifying to know someone likes what I do. It makes me want to please them and give them a story they won't forget.

Nickie’s Letter

"Oh my god, that is amazing. Right at the end I had chills running up my spine. Your writing is....wow so easy to read and all the imagery. It's perfect. Just wow."

Boone’s Message

Readers are the best. They are what make my writer’s world go round. Everything is so fast paced these days. Anybody can shoot their opinions into cyberspace with the press of the button.  When you create a piece of art or write a book and put it out there for the masses, the negative feedback can be doubly so.

Never underestimate the effect one kind letter can have on an author. For me it soothes the any difficulties or doubts I’m having with a story and lets me know that somebody out there appreciates what I’m doing. So thank you to those readers who show let their favorite authors know they love their work. I guarantee, no matter how big of a name the author is, they will still appreciate it.

Boone’s Reader Letter

I just wanted to let you know that I have finished your Shield of Fire novel, and I loved it. I really enjoyed the relationship of Rhys and Ravyn grew between, even though one was truly being stubborn about. Truly one that I will read over and over again.
Thank-you for sharing your gift of storytelling with the rest of us.

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!!!

Cupid's Choice Blog Hop

The winters are cold and dark here in Alaska, but I have some tricks up my sleeve to weather the long, hard nights. I thought I'd share them with you. Maybe you'll find something that will make the season easier to bare;)

Sorry, I alway cut his head off in pictures.

This is Luc. He stokes my fire when the embers start to fizzle.

Isn't he sweet waiting to hand me a towel?

This is Bryan. He runs a hot bath for me when I'm chilled to the bone.





This is Eric. He examines my pipes when they freeze up.

Stephen shovels my walks. Sometimes he has to plow my drive two or three times a day. What a trooper.

Darn it. He's all sweaty again.

Meet Jay. Well, what can I say, he just makes me happy.

I hope I've given you some ideas to help chase away your winter blues. You're welcome! Don't miss the rest of the great blogs at www.justromance.me/cupidschoice

It's Fluffy Friday Lazy Cooks - CJ's Pot Roast

Welcome to Fluffy Friday and another fabulous recipe from CJ Ellisson.

Today’s installment will be referred to in the history annals as “C.J. Used to Hate Pot Roast”.

Perhaps it’s my Jewish background of overcooked meats served by my depression-area grandmother… or eating at friend’s houses and smiling through the dry, stringy meats, I don’t know. But, I can tell you the grayish colored over-cooked meats have never been my favorite. Don’t even get me started on the salt-tastic dish of cornbeef *shudder*.

All of this changed when I discovered the most magical thing stored in a glass jar: Bubbie Jeanne’s Brisket Magic. It truly is maigic and it’s gluten free—that’s what sold me on trying it. Don’t ask me exactly what cut of meat a brisket is, I have no freakin’ idea. I went to the store and bought a cut that said it was good for a pot roast.

Directions:

Brown pot roast on the stove on all sides (trim off extra fat)

Place in slow cocker with jar of sauce, add a cup of water

Cook on low for six hours or so, high for 4 1/2. (this is gauged by the weight of your roast, so read the package)

If you are home at the ¾ point of cooking, toss in some potatoes and carrots. If not, get some Bob Evans mashed potatoes from the supermarket and some fresh veggies on the side.

This stuff is like magic! You could put that sauce on any vegetable and my kids will eat it. Not the over-cooked, mushy veggies of our family’s past, but tender ones that still have some vitamins left in them.

This was such a hit I sent my husband back to the store weeks later to buy more. Since he is the crappiest searcher in the world, he couldn’t find it and I almost cried. I forgot to write the name down and I was in a panic.

Thankfully, when I went back immediately, the burly man stocking shelves understood what I was looking for and said it was an “in and out” product, meaning they would never carry it again. He led me to the remaining five jars, which I quickly bought every one (screw you, my lazy neighbors! You missed out! Bahahaha….).

But in honor of this segment today (and to make sure I can find it again), I did some research. Here is the website for Bubbie Jeannes, and here are the stores you can buy it at if you are lucky enough to live in the Mid-Atlantic region (if not try the website. I plan to order from them direct or Wholefoods because these stores are all too far away from me):

BRADLEY FOOD & BEVERAGE


6904 ARLINGTON ROAD
BETHESDA, MD 20814


http://bradleyfood.com/



BROAD BRANCH MARKET


5608 BROAD BRANCH ROAD NW
WASHINGTON DC


http://www.broadbranchmarket.com/



BUTHER'S BLOCK


302 HARRY S. TRUMAN PARKWAY
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401


http://www.thebutchersblock.net/



CHEVY CHASE SUPERMARKET


8531 CONNECTICUT AVENUE
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
301-656-5133


http://www.chevychasesupermarket.com/



DAVID'S NATURAL MARKET


5430 LYNX LANE
COLUMBIA, MD

 
WWW.DAVIDSNATURALMARKET.COM'S 



EDDIE'S OF ROLAND PARK


5113 ROLAND AVENUE
BALTIMORE, MD 21210


6213 NORTH CHARLES STREET
BALTIMORE, MD 21212
http://www.eddiesofrolandpark.com/



GOURMET AGAIN


3713 Old Court Road
Pikesville, MD 21208-3902
(410) 484-9393


http://gourmetagain.com/



GRAUL'S MARKET


12200 Tullamore Road
Lutherville, MD 21093


http://graulsmarket.com/default.aspx



GRAUL'S MARKET


7713 Bellona Avenue 
Towson, MD 21204


http://graulsmarket.com/default.aspx



GRAUL'S MARKET


1388 Cape St. Claire Road
Annapolis, MD 21409


http://graulsmarket.com/default.aspx



GROSVENOR MARKET


10401 Grosvenor Pl # 2
Rockville, MD 20852-4646
(301) 493-6217


http://www.grosvenormarket.com/



ROOTS MARKET


5805 Clarksville Square Drive
 Clarksville, MD 21029




WHOLE FOODS MARKETS  
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/


I sincerely hope you enjoy it! Please comment if you’ve tried this product or if you have based on this post and what you thought of it.

Toodles!

Be Immortalized ~ Name A Character In My Next Book

Be part of my next book, Kiss of the Betrayer, by entering the Name the Character Contest.

Rules: Read the character description and come up with a clever name. You can submit just a first name, just a last name, or both.


How to Enter: You may enter five ways.

1. Email your name choice to boonebrux@gmail.com. Put Name Contest in the subject line.
2. Tweet me at www.twitter.com/boonebrux
3. Go to my Facebook Author Page at www.facebook.com/BooneBrux/Author
   At the left side of the page, click on the Contact Boone button and put your answer in the Message section. 
4. On my website, www.boonebrux.com you can enter by sending me a message from my Contact Boone page. 
5. Last, but not least, you may enter from my blog, www.boonebrux.blogspot.com
   Just click on Contact Me at the upper right corner of the sidebar and send me your entry.

Easy squeezy!


How will the name be chosen?

1. Every entry will be considered and chosen through a process of elimination by myself and other Entangled Publishing editors, including Heather Howland, Libby Murphy, and Kerry Vail. 
2. In case of a tie, the winner will be randomly drawn.

What will I win?

• The character in Kiss of the Betrayer will be given your contest entry name and you will receive a glowing acknowledgment in the book, praising your brilliance and creativity. 
• Your contribution will be heralded throughout the land on several blogs, including my personal blog, website, Facebook and the Entangled Publishing blog.
• You will receive a signed copy of Shield of Fire and Kiss of the Betrayer when released. 
• $50 gift card to Amazon

So let your creativity flow and name this character.

• Female, approximately 29 years of age
• Sturdy and curvaceous, medium height, long brown hair and hazel eyes
• Profession: Prostitute, works the docks.
• Private Life: Poor, Single mother with three children, 12, 4, and five months.
• Redeeming Qualities: Strong, resourceful, has a good heart, would rather sell her body than accept charity, a good mother, fearless, smart, streetwise, rolls with the punches.
• Less Redeeming Qualities: Stubborn, too curious for her own good, has associations with a lot of unsavory people. 
• Significance in the book: This character is slated to become a major secondary character, appearing throughout the rest of the series.

Okay people, name that character. I've received some great entries so far. This is going to be a tough one to judge!

HEALTHY TIPS FROM LYNN RUSH

I'm thrilled to have Lynn Rush on today's Fluffy Friday. There's a reason her last name is Rush. I'm winded just reading about everything she does. I admire those who run for exercise. I try not to run unless I'm trying to catch the bus or being chased by a bear. Lynn, you're a true inspiration. Take it away. 

Hey, everyone, Lynn Rush here. I’m so glad to be here on Boone’s blog. I adore talking exercise, health, and healthy living with people, nearly as much as I enjoy talking writing, books, and strange characters!

Now, I’ve been called a bit of a speed junky before since I was once an inline speed-skater who topped out at about 35 MPH going downhill on a regular basis. Then there was mountain biking in the mountains of Colorado and the foothills of Arizona.

That was a rush. The sights I got to see…amazing.

Now I’m into road biking and running. As a matter of fact I just finished the PF Chang’s Half Marathon on January 15^th! Now, you might notice my time was not astronomically fast, but that’s okay.

I was out there. I was moving.

Many things got me to the position where I could run that half marathon. A few of them are:

1.  I had a partner. I met up with my BFF 2-3 times per week to run. Having that accountability kept me…accountable. I knew she’d be emailing me the day before, “See you at 5:15” ((and yes, that’s 5:15 AM)). Just having that kept me focused and energized.

2.  Healthy eating.  While this could be a post alone in itself, I’ll just highlight one little thing that really helped me. Wait, two things. One was keeping a food journal. I didn’t want to have chocolate, chips, cheesecake staring back at me from the page, so I steered away from the junk foods I love (most days!!). There’s just something about writing it down that kept me focused on not eating so horribly. The second thing was my hubby. Much like my BFF kept me accountable, my hubby helped keep me inspired. He, too, was in training for an event. Sure, his was an Ironman, but still. Because he was “on board” with me, it helped me stay focused. And there’s just nothing like the encouraging remarks from a loved one.

3.  Writing down my exercise plan. I’m a To-Do-List person for SURE. I love referencing a list to see what I had to do from one day or the next. So, I mapped out my exercise plan and wrote it down. Eventually I didn’t even really consult it anymore, but I started out with it posted on my fridge. Monday: 30-minute run. Tuesday: Bike ride. Wednesday:….and so on. They say that if you can keep up with something for six-weeks, it becomes a habit, and if writing down a checklist for that long is what it takes to get in a rhythm…do it!

Now, those steps may or may not work for you, personally, but these were just a few things that got me started.

And remember… if you’re very new to exercise, you should check with your doc first to see that everything’s okay to get started. I wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt.

I love hanging out online chatting it up so come find me you guys!  Blog.

Short Bio:

Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to develop unique characters.

Wasteland (Wasteland #1) released September 2011. Awaited (Wasteland #2) releases May 2012. Violet Midnight (Violet Night #1), the first in the Violet Night Trilogy, releases August 2012.

A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa  

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer:  http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk 

Blurb for Wasteland:

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target,

SMALL STEPS

Today I’m welcoming Jess Macallan to our Fluffy Friday. Isn't she adorable? I’m thrilled because she has some fantastic suggestions for making small changes in our lives. Seriously, these I can handle. Take it away, Jess.

I’m excited to be here today! Boone was nice enough to let me geek out *cough* I mean chat about healthy ideas for those of us chained to our computers most days of the week. I’m a yoga teacher and nutrition student, but haven’t always had a good grasp on my health. I’ve had to get smart about what I eat and how I move and would love to share my small steps with you.

I’ll start with food because writers need the right kind of fuel to keep those creative juices going. I eat a lot of small meals throughout the day otherwise my blood sugar tanks and my family runs to the bunker. It’s not pretty. My go-to snacks are:

·         Apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter. You get a serving of fruit and healthy fats. (Yes, the right kind of fats can be good for you!)

·         Kale chips. I make my own with a little olive oil and sea salt. You get a serving of veggies, more healthy fats and sea salt contains trace minerals our bodies need.

·         Turkey rolls. I’m a big fan of keeping things simple, so I’ll wrap julienned veggies in a slice of turkey, or turn it into a lettuce wrap. The carbohydrates from the veggies and the protein from the turkey are just what your creative brain needs to churn out your best work.

·         Homemade trail mix. Add nuts like almonds and cashews, dried fruit, whole wheat pretzels and chocolate chips (dark chocolate if you can find it). If you’re counting calories, put your portions in Ziploc bags or small Tupperware containers so you can grab and go without worrying about blowing your calorie budget.

Movement is another matter. I’m content to sit at my computer while my elliptical gathers dust. Lots of dust. But as a yoga teacher, I know better. Plus, my back and shoulders start protesting quickly. We don’t all have access to a gym, nor do we need special equipment to keep our bodies health. Here are a few ideas to get you moving:

·         Use commercial breaks to your advantage. Those few minutes are perfect for time on the treadmill or a little yoga. Go to Yoga Journal to search for poses that best fit your body’s needs (i.e. bad back, carpel tunnel, neck problems, etc.)

·         Take a dance break. If you listen to music while you write, get up and dance to a few songs. You might even shake and shimmy a few great ideas loose. *winks*

·         Walk with your characters. A 30 minute walk is the perfect time to chat with your characters, work through a plot hole, or brainstorm your next best seller.

·         Enlist help. One of my favorite websites to jump start your way to health is Spark People. They offer eating plans, exercise and nutrition info, challenges, and so much more. Best of all, it’s free!

Writers have the incredible self-discipline to produce novels. If you channel some of that self-discipline for your health, it will be easily within your grasp. The main thing to remember is that small changes can have a BIG impact. Create 1 or 2 new habits a week and see where it takes you. Dancing and apple slices anyone?

As a writer, what’s your biggest health challenge?

Thanks so much for letting me stop by to chat! I hope you’ll connect with me on | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | JessMacallan |

Get your copy of STONE COLD SEDUCTION at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books On Board | Powell's | BAM | Diesel

About STONE COLD SEDUCTION

“Elle. It’s just Elle.”

When a regular night of Robin Hood-ery results in the manifestation of some, um, unusual paranormal abilities, perfume-maker Elleodora Fredricks realizes the normal world she lives in isn’t quite… normal. And neither is she, thanks to her father, king of the shadow elves. Not only is he evil incarnate and the reason Elle moonlights as a burglar—someone has to take care of all his victims—he’s stolen her memories.

And only reading her fate can fix that.

Good thing she’s got a trio of hotties willing to help her find said fate. Saving her oracle BFF’s fiancée, falling in love with the gargoyle, and making up for breaking the phoenix’s heart ought to be a piece of cake for the princess of the shadow elves.

If only the king didn’t want his daughter dead…

About Jess Macallan

Jess lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible. When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, reads, runs a mini farm, watches MMA and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea and world domination. But mostly chocolate.