Sunday, January 29, 2012

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!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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 15th! 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
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa  
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,

Friday, January 20, 2012

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 fiancĂ©e, 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.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

HAPPY WEAR PJs TO A BUFFET DAY!

It’s national Wear Your Pajamas to a Buffet Day. Okay, it’s not a national holiday, but it should be. Most traditions seem to revolve around Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the rest of the year is sadly lacking. Why not create a new tradition designed specifically for you and your loved ones?

Once a year, the Brux family chooses a Sunday for our annual wear our pajamas to the Golden Corral Buffet. The kids look forward to this event, talk about it all year, and get really upset if PJ and Breakfast has to be rescheduled.

Let me stress that there are rules to participating.

  1. You must wear pajamas or something that resembles loungewear. When the snow is deep we wear boots, but usually slippers are mandatory.
  2. You can’t comb your hair, remove mascara raccoon eyes, or even brush your teeth. Nuff said.
  3. You may accessorize with a robe, stuffed animal, blanket, etc.
  4. Anybody can play as long as they wear pajamas.
  5. You must be there when the buffet opens, even if this means waiting in the parking lot. More on this later.
  6. When it comes to food—anything goes.

We’ve noticed a pattern with the buffet patrons. They arrive in two morning shifts. The first wave is the nonchalant diner. These people come for the food and are there at opening time. This is the wave you want to be in. Most eaters wear sweats, t-shirts, hoodies, and yes, even slippers. For the most part we blend in. Plus, this crowd is focused on eating. I could wear a plastic wrap dress with big red clown shoes and get no more than a cursory glance. As long as I’m not blocking the omelet bar, we’re cool.

Next comes the churchin’ crowd. Make sure you’re headed home by this time. Nice dresses, freshly applied makeup, hair all coiffured. Don’t subject yourself to the judgmental looks; just finish your M &M peanut butter brownie surprise with sprinkles and get the hell out of there.


Tainted doughnut, been touched by gravy!!!


Bowl-O-Gummy-Bears

Which brings us to rule six. This is what makes my kids giddy and ratchets our parental status to stellar. It’s the one day I don’t harp about gorging themselves on sugar. Let me share a few photos of what happens when you let kids run wild at The Golden Corral Buffet.
Cheez Whiz Fries

Marshmallow on a stick dipped in chocolate

Stick dipped in chocolate

Let the games begin

To be honest, buffets are lost on me. I only eat one plateful and rarely get dessert. I stare in wonder as my kids and husband create a revolving door effect at our table, going back again and again for food. Sure, they may only return with one or two delicacies, but it adds up after the seventh trip. And it’s weird stuff, Jell-O  and a hunk of ham, scrambled eggs and a bowl of gummy bears from the dessert bar, fried chicken and a glazed doughnut. Yeah, fried chicken at the breakfast bar, go figure.


Each year we’ve done this, we’ve gotten the same waiter. I’ll call him Paulo since I doubt he’d want to be immortalized in this blog. He’s awesome, timely with the coffee, always smiling, and clearing the plates as quickly as the chowhounds can pile them up. Paulo always gets a nice tip.

At the end of our feed, on the way home, we all smile, thank the makers of elastic waistband and cheer another successful Pajama to the Buffet Day.

I’d love to hear about any non-traditional traditions you have. Really.