NOW through the end of the 10th... The two books of the Prophecy serial (Prophecy: Revelations and Prophecy Rapture) are FREE on Amazon Kindle ebooks. If you don't own a Kindle, you can read them on the Kindle desktop program or a Kindle app on another reader. This was my first ever book (from 2001) and is paranormal action romance. Hope everyone enjoys my Easter gift to you!
09 April 2012
28 April 2011
Where does freedom end?
Yep, I'm breaking out the red ink for this one, which means someone has hacked me off royally.
Years ago, I met a new writer online named Judy Mays. Judy is, by far, one of the sweetest-natured writers I have ever crossed paths with...and talented to boot. She's a credit to the market, and her fans love her, with good reason.
This week, a group of parents in her small town have formed what amounts to a closed-minded and bigoted mob against her, demanding she be fired from her day job or give up her writing forever. Why? Though Judy has kept her writing life and private life separate for at least the last seven or eight years that I know of, some busybody came across the information that Judy writes erotic romance and went off half cocked, demanding she be fired...as a high school English teacher.
Now, mind you, Judy has never brought her writing into the classroom. She's never brought her pen name into the classroom. Some of her former students said they knew what she did, and it never bothered them that she wrote erom. So, what's the problem? Nothing but a bunch of bigoted, self-righteous fools that are trying to tarnish the good name of a great author and teacher and have outed her pen name, in the process.
I'll diverge here long enough to say that there is no inherent expectation of privacy on the internet. Unless you never use pictures of yourself, chances are, someone will find out what you do eventually, but the way it has been used against her is beyond the pale, and these parents and "news outlets" should be ashamed of themselves.
Nothing in her teaching contract says Judy can't write in her free time. Nor does it say what she's allowed to write. Considering the pittance teachers are paid, how they make ends meet is none of the school district's business. Not to mention that schools aren't paying teachers for their free time, and as such, they have no right to dictate that to teachers, as long as the teachers keep it separate, as Judy did. The parents brought it into the schools, not her, so she shouldn't be penalized for their stupidity.
And having a published author as a teacher means a stronger English teacher for the kids. Try going through edits a few dozen times and tell me it doesn't hone your understanding of the language.
Worse, her local news station seems to have taken the side of the mob. Not surprising, since controversy sells, but appalling. And while they are not approving all the comments in support of Judy (case in point...my own comment has not been approved, mild in comparison to some of the others posted though it is), a Facebook site started in support of Judy yesterday already has almost 4100 fans and hundreds of comments.
Show your support. I would love to get Judy over 10,000 supporters by the end of the day. It's certainly possible, so let's try it.
Years ago, I met a new writer online named Judy Mays. Judy is, by far, one of the sweetest-natured writers I have ever crossed paths with...and talented to boot. She's a credit to the market, and her fans love her, with good reason.
This week, a group of parents in her small town have formed what amounts to a closed-minded and bigoted mob against her, demanding she be fired from her day job or give up her writing forever. Why? Though Judy has kept her writing life and private life separate for at least the last seven or eight years that I know of, some busybody came across the information that Judy writes erotic romance and went off half cocked, demanding she be fired...as a high school English teacher.
Now, mind you, Judy has never brought her writing into the classroom. She's never brought her pen name into the classroom. Some of her former students said they knew what she did, and it never bothered them that she wrote erom. So, what's the problem? Nothing but a bunch of bigoted, self-righteous fools that are trying to tarnish the good name of a great author and teacher and have outed her pen name, in the process.
I'll diverge here long enough to say that there is no inherent expectation of privacy on the internet. Unless you never use pictures of yourself, chances are, someone will find out what you do eventually, but the way it has been used against her is beyond the pale, and these parents and "news outlets" should be ashamed of themselves.
Nothing in her teaching contract says Judy can't write in her free time. Nor does it say what she's allowed to write. Considering the pittance teachers are paid, how they make ends meet is none of the school district's business. Not to mention that schools aren't paying teachers for their free time, and as such, they have no right to dictate that to teachers, as long as the teachers keep it separate, as Judy did. The parents brought it into the schools, not her, so she shouldn't be penalized for their stupidity.
And having a published author as a teacher means a stronger English teacher for the kids. Try going through edits a few dozen times and tell me it doesn't hone your understanding of the language.
Worse, her local news station seems to have taken the side of the mob. Not surprising, since controversy sells, but appalling. And while they are not approving all the comments in support of Judy (case in point...my own comment has not been approved, mild in comparison to some of the others posted though it is), a Facebook site started in support of Judy yesterday already has almost 4100 fans and hundreds of comments.
Show your support. I would love to get Judy over 10,000 supporters by the end of the day. It's certainly possible, so let's try it.
24 March 2011
A funny thing happened on the way to EPICon!
What, you might ask, is the point of this photo? In it, you can see 5 of the 35 banners...no kidding, 35!...Apple's iPad has hung in the (roughly) 60'x40' main room of Boston's South Station right now. They range in size from about a 4'wx8'h banner with just the name on it to huge 12' long or so models.It was disconcerting, but it sure made an ebook author feel right at home!
Wahoo! Back around again and with lots of news!
Some of you folks know I've been out of touch for a bit. Between severely spraining both ankles (6 weeks in and still trying to heal), three weeks so far in a leg brace (but isn't the embroidered spider design too cool?)...and getting through EPICon (which I was co-chairing this year), I haven't had much time to blog.
So...what has everyone missed?
You folks probably remember that I finaled four books in the EPIC eBook Awards this year. I finaled THE COUGAR BOOK and COMING TOGETHER: INTO THE LIGHT in Anthology Erotic Romance/Erotica and BRIDE BALL and THE MASTER'S LOVER in Fantasy Erotic Romance.
And the big news is?
That's not the only news. BRIDE BALL was the #8 bestseller for Phaze in 2010. Not bad for a book that three NY agents and a NY editor turned down and said: "You can't do that in an urbanized fairy tale!" Not only did she final for the EPIC eBook Awards, but she also spent two months at the top of Phaze's site sales, weeks on top at Fictionwise, and then took one of the bestselling of the year!
WRITTEN IN THE STARS isn't sitting on its laurels, either. She took Joyfully Reviewed's Book of the Year for 2010!
Isn't Niki Browning's art for BELDON fab? EPIC seems to agree. The art was a finalist for the ARIANA cover art award this year!
OMG! The new releases since you've talked to me last! I've had five releases in just over two months.
January 2011:
Hunter's Moon (NWW4) from Phaze in e-book
February 2011:
Raised to Be His Own (NWW- Histories) from Phaze in e-book
All's Fair... (IAGTM1) from Silver Publishing in e-book
BINARY STARS 8: Choosing A Mate/Starting A War (NWW-BINARY Histories) from Phaze in e-book
March 2011:
Daughters of Man: Prize Match (AW2) from Phaze
And I still have more coming in the first half of the year!
May 2011:
Spring 2011:
Monsters of Myth from Mundania Press, LLC. in e-book
Isn't that cover just gorgeous? I think so.
01 February 2011
Still Alive!
Yes, I'm still alive. I know some of you were wondering about that. Grinning. It's been a busy few months for me, so let's catch up.
I'm working as the Administrator for Silver Publishing (just named Love Romances Cafe and More's publisher of the year for 2010!). For those of you not familiar with Silver, we put out primarily sensual and erotic romance books...a few traditional heat level tossed in. The catalog is weighted toward quality M/M, but we also do M/F, and we have some of the best names in the industry working with us.
That takes up a lot of time, especially December, when we released about 35 books onto 13 distribution channels in 25 days...seriously. But I'm still finding time to write, as well. In fact....
I have THREE book releases scheduled in the next two weeks!
RELEASED TODAY...
I'm working as the Administrator for Silver Publishing (just named Love Romances Cafe and More's publisher of the year for 2010!). For those of you not familiar with Silver, we put out primarily sensual and erotic romance books...a few traditional heat level tossed in. The catalog is weighted toward quality M/M, but we also do M/F, and we have some of the best names in the industry working with us.
That takes up a lot of time, especially December, when we released about 35 books onto 13 distribution channels in 25 days...seriously. But I'm still finding time to write, as well. In fact....
I have THREE book releases scheduled in the next two weeks!
RELEASED TODAY...
Raised to Be His Own (Night Warriors Histories) -
What if...Veriel had managed to steal Erin/Jayde but Anna was killed or left behind?
What if she'd been raised in seclusion, lied to, denied her training...crafted into the perfect mate for the beast? What would she have been told? What would she be like?
Would she have chosen him in the end? Or would she have embraced her true mate, given the chance to? It all happened in an earlier beast war.
Welcome back to Night Warriors Histories, where Gaffin and a team of other Warriors have tracked Veriel to the greatest prize of all...Ragath.
Cover art by Anastasia Rabiyah
HEA-yes, VIOLENCE-moderate/high, LANGUAGE-moderate, SEX-sensual
Cover art created by Kendra Egert
Coming from Phaze 8 Feb 2011!
And AVAILABLE FOR PRESALE NOW!
Five millennia ago, Davon -- Horseman of War, son of Ares -- insulted Eros, God of Love and Lust. Young and headstrong, Eros decided to teach Davon a lesson about his own nature. Until the young horseman can embrace the god of love with affection, he will be impotent. Such a loss for his lovers.
While Davon cannot stomach the idea of embracing Eros with anything but his hands around the other man’s scrawny throat, Love will eventually find a mate and produce heirs that Davon might have a chance of liking, despite their parentage. After all, it is Love's nature to do so.
When two strange men who don't show up on film save Khrystal from a mugger, her life takes a turn toward the strange. Considering the fact that her mother is a psychic who is completely besotted with her husband, a man that left them two decades earlier, saying Khrystal’s life has become weirder is saying a lot.
Cover art created by Reese Dante
HEA-yes, VIOLENCE-moderate, LANGUAGE-moderate, SEX-lightly erotic
Available for PRESALE NOW at Silver Publishing! Releases February 12th, 2010!
12 January 2011
EPICon(TM) Special Events for the Year!
I've already told you about the special guest speakers this year and the class tracks... What about other special events?
The Awards Banquet and Awards Ceremony is pretty much assumed to be stellar. The banquet meals alone this year are fab! We have a choice of Flat-Iron Steak, Potato Crusted Atlantic Salmon, and Vegetable and Pasta with a choice of either Potato and Corn Chowder or Garden Vegetable Soup on the side. Lisa has some great entertainment plans. I'll have to check with her to see how much I'm allowed to tell you about that.
Saturday afternoon, we are having a New Voices Celebration. We'll award any winners attending, and we'll have time to rub elbows with the kids. In addition, there will be a fun buffet snack served: chocolate-dipped apple wedges w/ carmel sauce, fresh buttered popcorn, nachos w/ guacamole and salsa, hot pretzels w/ dijon mustard and yellow mustard...soft drinks, bottled water, iced tea, and lemonade. The celebration is open to all attendees, young and old.
Speaking of which... The New Voices track on Saturday (which includes lunch, the celebration, and classes) is only $35 for attending teachers and students (middle and high school aged). If you know a school that would like to take advantage of this, they can also purchase the 3-day passes to the historic district from us for their attending teachers and students...and use the convention hotel on our con fee prices. Since we're not limited, why not?
The Friday break will be in the morning and will be the Colonial Williamsburg Signature Ice Cream Bar. My doctor is going to hate me for this one, but who doesn't like a good ice cream sundae?
The Friday keynote luncheon is a special buffet the hotel makes called the "Cascades." It includes:
Chopped garden salad
The Awards Banquet and Awards Ceremony is pretty much assumed to be stellar. The banquet meals alone this year are fab! We have a choice of Flat-Iron Steak, Potato Crusted Atlantic Salmon, and Vegetable and Pasta with a choice of either Potato and Corn Chowder or Garden Vegetable Soup on the side. Lisa has some great entertainment plans. I'll have to check with her to see how much I'm allowed to tell you about that.
Saturday afternoon, we are having a New Voices Celebration. We'll award any winners attending, and we'll have time to rub elbows with the kids. In addition, there will be a fun buffet snack served: chocolate-dipped apple wedges w/ carmel sauce, fresh buttered popcorn, nachos w/ guacamole and salsa, hot pretzels w/ dijon mustard and yellow mustard...soft drinks, bottled water, iced tea, and lemonade. The celebration is open to all attendees, young and old.
Speaking of which... The New Voices track on Saturday (which includes lunch, the celebration, and classes) is only $35 for attending teachers and students (middle and high school aged). If you know a school that would like to take advantage of this, they can also purchase the 3-day passes to the historic district from us for their attending teachers and students...and use the convention hotel on our con fee prices. Since we're not limited, why not?
The Friday break will be in the morning and will be the Colonial Williamsburg Signature Ice Cream Bar. My doctor is going to hate me for this one, but who doesn't like a good ice cream sundae?
The Friday keynote luncheon is a special buffet the hotel makes called the "Cascades." It includes:
Chopped garden salad
Woodlands signature ranch dressing
Ale-braised potted beef with vegetables and mushrooms
Roasted vegetable and potato casserole
Bakery-fresh rolls
Warm orchard apple pie with vanilla bean sauce
Coffee, tea, decaf, iced tea
The Saturday keynote luncheon is a plated lunch with a choice of Grilled Basalmic-Laced Vegetable Wrap, Grilled Chicken BLT Wrap, or Huzzah! Deli Sub Sandwich and a choice of vegetable soup or beef and barley soup.
The Friday dinner will be a costume optional meal. It's not something we typically do at EPICon(TM), but it sounded like WAAAYYY too much fun. If you own (or want to own) historical clothing -- from any era...let's make this fun -- and want to make this meal more fun than it will already be, come dressed to amuse yourself and amaze others!
The meal is called the "Colonial Feast" and will include:
The Colonial Feast is served on a Lazy Susan, and servers will be coming around with pitchers of ale during the meal. MAKE SURE to bring your ID, or you will not be served, no matter your age. House rules.
The Sunday morning Farewell Breakfast Buffet will include:
Remember that a Continental Breakfast is included in the hotel and will be available for every morning of our stays, including anyone not staying late enough to enjoy the Farewell Breakfast.
Most attendees are probably aware that you can purchase a 3-day pass to Colonial Williamsburg with a con attandence...or for guests of attendees. The historic district has all sorts of demonstrations and events, some for free and some paid events. I've heard that the two ghost tours are fantastic, for instance.
If anyone is bringing children, there are costume rentals for children and a "children's tour" that includes things like helping to churn butter and learning how to make candles. Children are HIGHLY discouraged from taking the adult ghost tour and attending the witch trial. They are very intensive events and not suited to young ones.
The Saturday keynote luncheon is a plated lunch with a choice of Grilled Basalmic-Laced Vegetable Wrap, Grilled Chicken BLT Wrap, or Huzzah! Deli Sub Sandwich and a choice of vegetable soup or beef and barley soup.
The Friday dinner will be a costume optional meal. It's not something we typically do at EPICon(TM), but it sounded like WAAAYYY too much fun. If you own (or want to own) historical clothing -- from any era...let's make this fun -- and want to make this meal more fun than it will already be, come dressed to amuse yourself and amaze others!
The meal is called the "Colonial Feast" and will include:
King's Arms Tavern Peanut Soup with Sippets
Poached fillet of flouder atop a bed of herb-seasoned rice with creole sauce
Southern-style fried chicken
Roasted pork loin with pork au jus lie
Country Style Corn Fritters
Sweet Potato Pudding
Sauteed Zucchini with Snap Beans and Pecans
Salmagundi (an 18th C combination of garden greens, VA ham, roast turkey breast, aged cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and herb dressing)
Loaves of Sally Lunn Bread
Sour Cherry Trifle
coffee, decaf, tea
The Colonial Feast is served on a Lazy Susan, and servers will be coming around with pitchers of ale during the meal. MAKE SURE to bring your ID, or you will not be served, no matter your age. House rules.
The Sunday morning Farewell Breakfast Buffet will include:
OJ
Tomato Juice
Seasonal fruit and bananas
Assortment of cold cereals with whole and skim milk
Scrambled eggs
Sweet Country ham
Skillet-fried potatoes
Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup
Breakfast pastries
Muffins
Toast
Butter and preservatives
Coffee, decaf, tea, milk, and skim milk
Remember that a Continental Breakfast is included in the hotel and will be available for every morning of our stays, including anyone not staying late enough to enjoy the Farewell Breakfast.
Most attendees are probably aware that you can purchase a 3-day pass to Colonial Williamsburg with a con attandence...or for guests of attendees. The historic district has all sorts of demonstrations and events, some for free and some paid events. I've heard that the two ghost tours are fantastic, for instance.
If anyone is bringing children, there are costume rentals for children and a "children's tour" that includes things like helping to churn butter and learning how to make candles. Children are HIGHLY discouraged from taking the adult ghost tour and attending the witch trial. They are very intensive events and not suited to young ones.
EPICon(TM) Scheduled Classes for This Year!
Our wonderful class track coordinators, Elizabeth and Ashley, have come up with a great little collection of classes this year.
Friday classes-
The Paranormal: Reality and Myth, Investigation and Investigators, and Equipment Used
Do Your Homework
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction
Point of View- Types, Pros and Cons, Choosing a Head, Head Hopping
More Than Throwing Punches: Writing Great Action Scenes
To Be or Not to Be and Other Editing Quandaries
Angela Knight- Writing Sex Scenes
World Building in Erotic Paranormals/Fantasy/Science Fiction
Sensual/Erotic Publisher Panel
Bringing Pirates to Life
What Editors (Don't) Want to See in A Submission
Social Networking
Saturday classes-
Plotting and Pantsing- Finding Your Writing Style
Savvy Searching for Writers
Mike Woodcock- Hostage Negotiation
Publisher Forum
How hard do you have to work to make history boring?
Manuscript Corsetry: Tighten Up that Story!
Building a Character- Voice, Characteristics, Stereotypes, Archetypes
Bobbin Lace
Leveraging Electronic Publishing in the Standard Publishing World
Promoting: Before and After
Friday classes-
The Paranormal: Reality and Myth, Investigation and Investigators, and Equipment Used
Do Your Homework
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction
Point of View- Types, Pros and Cons, Choosing a Head, Head Hopping
More Than Throwing Punches: Writing Great Action Scenes
To Be or Not to Be and Other Editing Quandaries
Angela Knight- Writing Sex Scenes
World Building in Erotic Paranormals/Fantasy/Science Fiction
Sensual/Erotic Publisher Panel
Bringing Pirates to Life
What Editors (Don't) Want to See in A Submission
Social Networking
Saturday classes-
Plotting and Pantsing- Finding Your Writing Style
Savvy Searching for Writers
Mike Woodcock- Hostage Negotiation
Publisher Forum
How hard do you have to work to make history boring?
Manuscript Corsetry: Tighten Up that Story!
Building a Character- Voice, Characteristics, Stereotypes, Archetypes
Bobbin Lace
Leveraging Electronic Publishing in the Standard Publishing World
Promoting: Before and After
EPICon(TM) Who is coming this year?
Registration hasn't closed yet, of course. We still have three weeks to go, and we always get a spate of last-minute registrations, as we announce the schedule...coming up next!
Julia Rachel Barrett
Marci Baun
Sean Brennan
Lisa Brennan-Webb
Leslie Roy Carter
Margaret L. Carter
Ashley M. Christman
Larry K. Collins
Lorna Collins
Marie Davies
P. June Diehl
Lucinda M. Dugger
Brianna Gainer
Zena Gainer
Treva Harte
Kathleen Heady
Toby Fesler Heathcotte
Sara Hermann
Norma Huss
Ilena Holder
Pamela K. Kinney, aka Sapphire Phelan
Honey Jans
Angela Knight
April L'Orange
Michelle Levigne
Brenna Lyons
Kagami Kat Lyons
Anne Manning
Darlene Marshall
Cate Masters
Linda McLaughlin
Karen Morris
Kathy Overton
Hank Quense
Janet Quinn
Mona Risk
Debra Webb Rogers
J.M. Snyder
Ellen Spain
Debi Sullivan
Kathryn Sullivan
Cindy Vallar
Tom Vallar
Lt. Michael Woodcock
Pamela Woods-Jackson
EPICon(TM) Special Guests!
We have several special guests this year, and I'm proud to announce them.
FRIDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER-
Our main keynote will be Lucinda Dugger, Outreach Coordinator of the Copyright Alliance. Since EPIC has shown a marked interest in copyright issues of late, we arranged for Lucinda to join us and talk about copyright with us.
Lucinda is the director of outreach and field initiatives for the Copyright Alliance where she is leading a grassroots movement of creators. Previously she was the research associate for education at the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. While there, she encouraged mayors and councilmembers to create partnerships with their school districts in order to improve public schools.
Before moving to Washington, DC, Lucinda worked at the Research Center for Arts and Culture in New York City where she sought funding for and engaged in research on current artistic practices surrounding aging artists. As a visual artist, Lucinda has taught art to both children and adults in numerous settings, including the Kalamazoo Public Schools, the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, and Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Peru. She has also exhibited her own paintings in galleries within the United States and abroad.
Lucinda is currently chair of the Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission in Takoma Park, Maryland. While serving on the Commission, she visualized and coordinated the city's successful annual community-wide Open Studio Tour.
Lucinda holds a master of arts in arts administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor of fine arts in painting and a bachelor of business administration in advertising and promotions from Western Michigan University.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SATURDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER-
The New Voices track keynote will be Debra Dixon. Attendees from last year will already know that Debra is part owner of Belle Books and an accomplished author. Her Goals, Motivation, Conflict class is renowned. This year, Debra will be talking about Developing the Writers' Voice.
Why does everyone harp on voice? Voice is a writer's most valuable asset and can be the difference in editorial support versus just "filling a slot" in the list. Discover how to develop your voice and use that unique "you" to connect with readers. Learn how to value the experiences of your life and let them shine through your writing. Every author should bring something special to the page. Competent just won't cut it. You need voice to find and hold audiences in this ever crowded marketplace of competent writers. You need command of your voice so that you can bring something new and authentic to each genre you write. Explore the secrets of the writer's voice with Debra.
Debra Dixon knows her way around publishing. She's written ten books, contributed to twelve anthologies, served as Vice-President of Romance Writers of America, and developed novel writing courses for a local university. Debra's popular GMC:Goal, Motivation, and Conflict workshop spawned a book now in its ninth printing.
She's also President of BelleBooks and its imprint Bell Bridge Books. In the ten years since opening their doors, they've released over eighty titles, had an author on Oprah, and seen their titles picked up by major New York publishers in subrights deals for mass market paperback, foreign editions, book club and large print. In the last year, their titles have repeatedly claimed Top Ten slots on the Amazon Kindle Paid Bestseller List and been featured in the Apple iBookstore. Their authors include NYT Bestsellers Sarah Addison Allen, Jill Barnett, Sharon Sala, Sabrina Jefferies, and Deborah Smith.
In 2010, Debra began working with NYT Bestseller Jill Barnett to publish her incredible backlist of romance novels in ebook formats for the first time. In addition to working with some of the company's reprint titles, Debra is the Acquiring Editor for Bell Bridge Books science fiction, fantasy and young adult lists.
Debra believes that sleep is completely overrated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GUEST SPEAKERS-
* Angela Knight will be joining us this year and giving a class on writing sex scenes! For anyone unfamiliar with Angela...
* Lt. Michael Woodcock, Angela's husband, will also be joining us. On Saturday, Mike will be teaching a two-hour class on hostage negotiation for us. Like the fabulous forensic archeology class we had last year, this class has wide-ranging appeal for all sorts of writers.
* Barbara Satow of the LoC will be joining us on Saturday morning to talk about savvy researching for writers! Sounds like a stellar class.
FRIDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER-
Our main keynote will be Lucinda Dugger, Outreach Coordinator of the Copyright Alliance. Since EPIC has shown a marked interest in copyright issues of late, we arranged for Lucinda to join us and talk about copyright with us.
Lucinda is the director of outreach and field initiatives for the Copyright Alliance where she is leading a grassroots movement of creators. Previously she was the research associate for education at the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. While there, she encouraged mayors and councilmembers to create partnerships with their school districts in order to improve public schools.
Before moving to Washington, DC, Lucinda worked at the Research Center for Arts and Culture in New York City where she sought funding for and engaged in research on current artistic practices surrounding aging artists. As a visual artist, Lucinda has taught art to both children and adults in numerous settings, including the Kalamazoo Public Schools, the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, and Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Peru. She has also exhibited her own paintings in galleries within the United States and abroad.
Lucinda is currently chair of the Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission in Takoma Park, Maryland. While serving on the Commission, she visualized and coordinated the city's successful annual community-wide Open Studio Tour.
Lucinda holds a master of arts in arts administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor of fine arts in painting and a bachelor of business administration in advertising and promotions from Western Michigan University.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SATURDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER-
The New Voices track keynote will be Debra Dixon. Attendees from last year will already know that Debra is part owner of Belle Books and an accomplished author. Her Goals, Motivation, Conflict class is renowned. This year, Debra will be talking about Developing the Writers' Voice.
Why does everyone harp on voice? Voice is a writer's most valuable asset and can be the difference in editorial support versus just "filling a slot" in the list. Discover how to develop your voice and use that unique "you" to connect with readers. Learn how to value the experiences of your life and let them shine through your writing. Every author should bring something special to the page. Competent just won't cut it. You need voice to find and hold audiences in this ever crowded marketplace of competent writers. You need command of your voice so that you can bring something new and authentic to each genre you write. Explore the secrets of the writer's voice with Debra.
Debra Dixon knows her way around publishing. She's written ten books, contributed to twelve anthologies, served as Vice-President of Romance Writers of America, and developed novel writing courses for a local university. Debra's popular GMC:Goal, Motivation, and Conflict workshop spawned a book now in its ninth printing.
She's also President of BelleBooks and its imprint Bell Bridge Books. In the ten years since opening their doors, they've released over eighty titles, had an author on Oprah, and seen their titles picked up by major New York publishers in subrights deals for mass market paperback, foreign editions, book club and large print. In the last year, their titles have repeatedly claimed Top Ten slots on the Amazon Kindle Paid Bestseller List and been featured in the Apple iBookstore. Their authors include NYT Bestsellers Sarah Addison Allen, Jill Barnett, Sharon Sala, Sabrina Jefferies, and Deborah Smith.
In 2010, Debra began working with NYT Bestseller Jill Barnett to publish her incredible backlist of romance novels in ebook formats for the first time. In addition to working with some of the company's reprint titles, Debra is the Acquiring Editor for Bell Bridge Books science fiction, fantasy and young adult lists.
Debra believes that sleep is completely overrated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GUEST SPEAKERS-
* Angela Knight will be joining us this year and giving a class on writing sex scenes! For anyone unfamiliar with Angela...
Angela Knight is the New York Times bestselling author of books for Berkley, Red Sage, Changeling Press, and Loose Id. Her first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. A few years later, she read The Wolf and the Dove and fell in love with romance. Besides her fiction work, Angela's publishing career includes a stint as a comic book writer and ten years as a newspaper reporter. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name.
In 1996, she discovered the small press publisher Red Sage, and realized her dream of romance publication in the company's Secrets 2 anthology. She went on to publish several more novellas in Secrets before editor Cindy Hwang discovered her work there and asked her if she'd be interested in writing for Berkley. Not being an idiot, Angela said yes.
Angela lives in South Carolina with her husband, Michael, a polygraph examiner and hostage negotiator for the county's Sheriff's Office. The couple have a grown son, Anthony.
* Lt. Michael Woodcock, Angela's husband, will also be joining us. On Saturday, Mike will be teaching a two-hour class on hostage negotiation for us. Like the fabulous forensic archeology class we had last year, this class has wide-ranging appeal for all sorts of writers.
* Barbara Satow of the LoC will be joining us on Saturday morning to talk about savvy researching for writers! Sounds like a stellar class.
03 November 2010
EPIC eBook Finalists announced!
Announcing the 2011 EPIC eBook Award Finalists
The Electronically Published Internet Coalition (EPIC) is proud to present the 12th annual EPIC Awards. These awards, which honor the finest electronically published books of the year, will be presented at the EPIC Award Banquet during EPICon 2011. And the 2011 EPIC Award goes to...
ANTHOLOGY DIVISION
A1 - Anthology Non-Fiction/Fiction
Bad-Ass Faeries 3: In All Their Glory by Danielle Ackley-McPhail (editor) with Lee C. Hillman, Jeffrey Lyman, D.C. Wilson, Hildy Silverman, Chris Pisano, Brian Koscienski, Trisha Wooldridge, Christy Tohara, Robert E Waters, Bernard Mojzes, CJ Henderson, James Daniel Ross, Darren W. Pearce, Neal Levin, Kelly A. Harmon, Jason Franks, Patrick Thomas, David Lee Summers, David Sherman, Elaine Corvidae, James Chambers—Mundania Press, LLC
Tales From Gundarland by Hank Quense—Smashwords, Inc.
Tales From The Treasure Trove Volume VI by Janet Lane Walters, Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs, Dee Lloyd, Nancy Pirri, Liz Hunter, Carrie S—Whiskey Creek Press
The Mystery of the Green Mist by Linda Houle, Pauline Baird Jones, Sally Love, Jo A. Hiestand, Morgan St. James, D. Nathan Hilliard, Cherri Galbiati, Jacqueline Seewald, Sylvia Nickels, Randy Rohn—L & L Dreamspell
A2 - Anthology Romance
Directions Of Love by Luanna Rugh, Lorna Collins, Sherry Derr-Wille, Christie Shary—Whiskey Creek Press
Northern Roses and Southern Belles by Susan Macatee, Mary Ann Webber, Isobel Roman, Jennifer Ross, Jeanmarie Hamilton, Caroline Clemmons—The Wild Rose Press
A3 - Anthology Erotic Romance/ Erotica
Bound With a Bow by Beth Wylde, Lee Benoit, Mychael Black, Sascha Illyvich, E.M. Lynley, Will Belegon—Phaze Books
Broadly Bound by Beth Wylde, Syd McGinley, Kathleen Bradean, D. L. King, Cassandra Gold, Will Belegon—Phaze Books
Coming Together: Into the Light by Alessia Brio (editor) with Candida Royalle Saskia Walker, Celia Kyle, Jenna Byrnes, Brenna Lyons, C. Sanchez-Garcia, Jeremy Edwards, Alessia Brio, Heidi Champa, Gregory L. Norris, Shanna Germain, Allison Wonderland, Michelle Houston, Nobilis Reed, Will Belegon, Jean Roberta—Coming Together
Doms of Dark Haven by G. G. Royale (editor) with Jana J. Hanson, Sandra Rychel, Sierra Cartwright, Belinda McBride, Cherise Sinclair—Loose Id, LLC
The Cougar Book by Jolie du Pre (editor) with Jeremy Edwards, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Sascha Illyvich, Heidi Champa, Tara S. Nichols, Craig J. Sorensen, Donna George Storey, J. C. Wesner, Randall Lang, Madeline Moore, Bill Brent, Adriana Kraft, Keeb Knight, Jolene Hui, Dona Lee, D. L. King, Doug Harrison, Brenna Lyons, Emerald, Trish DeVene, Julia Barrett, Blue Canyon, Shanna Germain—Logical-Lust Publications
POETRY DIVISION
P - Poetry Non Fiction/Fiction
Nuclear Soul by L.K. Ellwood—DLP Books
The Window Into One's Soul by Shawn Blackhawk, T.Q. Sutton, D.K., Rrrose Carbinela—L-Book ePublisher, LLC
Trash by David Halliday—Self-published
CHILDREN’S DIVISION
C - Children's Non Fiction/ Fiction—
Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster by Mayra Calvani—Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr—Leap Books
The Villa Dog by Ruth G. Zavitsanos—Wild Child Publishing
EROTIC ROMANCE DIVISION
E1 - Contemporary Erotic Romance
A Proper Seduction by HelenKay Dimon—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Adored by Tina Donahue—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Allegro Vivace by Cat Grant—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett—Resplendence Publishing, LLC
Conquest by S.J. Frost—ManLoveRomance Press, LLC
Cowboy Blues by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Deep, Dark, Delicious by Tina Donahue—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Don't Wait by Elaine Lowe—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Good Cop, Bad Girl by Paige Tyler—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Heart of Submission by Claire Thompson—Romance Unbound Publishing
Heidi and the Kaiser by Selena Kitt—eXcessica Publishing
Hot For Teacher by Liza James—Publisher:Red Sage Publishing
Insolence by Lex Valentine—Publisher:Cobblestone Press, LLC
Lush Velvet Nights by Tina Donahue—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Out of Her Dreams by Fran Lee—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Rescuing Amanda by Honey Jans—Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Ring Around the Sun by Gemini Judson—Eirelander Publishing
Safe Harbor by Tymber Dalton—Siren Publishing, Inc.
Sexing up the Spy by Tina Holland—Publisher:Resplendence Publishing, LLC
Song of the Sirens 3: The Beauty by Morgan Ashbury—Siren-BookStrand Publishing
Sunset Knight by Sami Lee—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Taurus: All That You Do by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Triad by Cat Grant—Lyrical Press, Inc.
E2 - Fantasy Erotic Romance
Bride Ball by Brenna Lyons—Phaze Books
Mad, Bad & Dangerous by Cat Marsters—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
The Master's Lover by Brenna Lyons—Phaze Books
The Road To Avea by Lynn Lorenz—Amber Quill Press, LLC
The Sex, Vitrus Saga Book 1 by Laura Tolomei—eXtasy Books
E3 - Historical Erotic Romance
The Bad and the Beautiful by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press, LLC
The Haunting of Maggie Grey by Lynn Crain—eXtasy Books
E4 - Horror Erotic Romance
Graveyard Games by Sheri Leigh—Fido Publishing, LLC
The Blue Moon Café by Rick R. Reed—Amber Quill Press, LLC
E5 - Mystery, Suspense, and/or Adventure Erotic Romance
Den of Desire by Shauna Hart—Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
More by Sloan Parker—Loose Id, LLC
Pas de Deux by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Rust Belt by Jessica Freely—Loose Id, LLC
Secrets We Keep by Caitlyn Willows—Amber Quill Press, LLC
E6 - Paranormal Erotic Romance
Damned And Desired by Kathy Kulig—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Desire to Die For by Jessica Lee—Loose Id, LLC
Faith Revisited by Madelyn Ford—Loose Id, LLC
Foxfire by Margaret L. Carter—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
Healer's Garden by Nina Pierce—Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publishing
I The First: Eden's Hell by Dawne' Dominique—Purple Sword Publications, LLC
Into The Wild by Caitlyn Willows—Loose Id, LLC
Iron by PG Forte—Liquid Silver Books
McCallan's Blood by Lynn Lorenz—Liquid Silver Books
Mysterious Gift by Carlene Rae Dater—Cobblestone Press, LLC
On the Ragged Edge of the World by Jamie Craig—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Ride the Lightning by Lex Valentine—Pink Petal Books
The Midnight Hunt by L.L. Raand—Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
Wolf Games by Vivian Arend—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
E7 - Science Fiction Erotic Romance
An Uncommon Whore by Belinda McBride—Loose Id, LLC
Captured by Julia Rachel Barrett—Siren Publishing, Inc.
Fierce Radiance: Space Confederation 1 by Tymber Dalton—Siren Publishing, Inc.
Lord Of Thunder Thunder Series Book 1 by Linda Mooney—Whiskey Creek Press
Scouts by Nobilis Reed—Logical Lust Publications
E8 - Western Erotic Romance
Rocky Mountain Haven by Vivian Arend—Liquid Silver Books
Texas Surrender by Claire Thompson—Romance Unbound Publishing
Unforgiven by Delilah Devlin—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
FICTION DIVISION
F1 - Adventure Fiction
A Human Reaction by Peter Ashley—LL-Publications
A Lever Long Enough by Amy Deardon—Taegais Publishing, LLC
Effigy by Theresa Danley—Whiskey Creek Press
F2 - Erotica
Between Brothers by Lauren Gallagher—Champagne Books (Carnal Passions Imprint)
Second Chance by Selena Kitt—eXcessica Publishing
F3 - Fantasy and/or Paranormal Fiction
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between by J.A. Saare—Eternal Press
Frost Moon by Anthony Francis—BelleBooks
Ghosts: Author's Revised Edition by Noel Hynd—Damnation Books, LLC
One Soul for Sale by Cate Masters—Eternal Press
Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger—BelleBooks
Talon of the Raptor Clan by J R Tomlin & C R Daems—ePress-online, Inc.
Twice Dead by Kalayna Price—BelleBooks
F4 - Historical Fiction
A Welcome War by Kev Richardson—Wings ePress, Inc.
Mephisto Aria by Justine Saracen—Bold Strokes Books
No Darkness So Great by Susan McGeown—Self-published
Sunset on Ramree by Robert Appleton—Eternal Press
F5 - Horror Fiction
The Hollows - Book 1: The Ticking by Ben Larken—LL-Publications
The Sand Dragon by Michael F Stewart—Publisher:Double Dragon Publishing, Inc.
F6 - Mystery and/or Suspense Fiction
An Axe to Grind by F. M. Meredith—Oak Tree Press
Harry by Tim Wohlforth—Whiskey Creek Press
Mute Witness by Rick R. Reed—ManLoveRomance Press, LLC
Shattered Lens: Catherine Private Investigator by Linda Pendleton—Pendleton Artists/Self-published
The Blue Man Dreams the End of Time by Michael McIrvin—BeWrite Books
The Cart Before the Corpse by Carolyn McSparren—Bell Bridge Books
The Gate House by Kathleen Heady—Virtual Tales
The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy by J. Michael Ordenduff—Oak Tree Press
Yesterday's Body by Norma Huss—Wings ePress, Inc.
F7 - Science Fiction
A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz—Marcher Lord Press
Charlie Runs Rings Around the Earth by Robert Appleton—Lyrical Press, Inc.
Massively Multiplayer by P. Aaron Potter—Double Dragon Publishing, Inc.
Red Dust and Bones by Sandy Samson—Purple Sword Publications, LLC
Rogue Dancer by K M Tolan—Champagne Books
Second Nature by Jae—L-Book ePublisher, LLC
The Azted Eagle by Catherine Wells—ePress-online, Inc.
The Superlative Stream by Kerry Nietz—Marcher Lord Press
Unnatural States by Nicola Furlong—Self-Published
F8 - Spiritual and/or Metaphysical Fiction
The Comet's Return: Alma Chronicles V by Toby Fesler Heathcotte—Self-published
The Rogue Pirates Bible Heretical by John Klawitter—Double Dragon Publishing, Inc.
F10 - Mainstream
A Strange Little Band by Judith B. Glad—Uncial Press
CurvyKathy31: Confessions of a Chat-aholic by Karyn Lyndon—Wings ePress, Inc.
Next Time I'm Gonna Dance by Linda Rettstatt—Champagne Books
Sister Blackberry by Melissa Newman—Whiskey Creek Press
Symmetry by Joyce Scarbrough—L & L Dreamspell
The Goddess of Fried Okra by Jean Brashear—Bell Bridge Books
This Train by Rachel Smith—Whiskey Creek Press
NON-FICTION DIVISION
NF - Non Fiction
A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill—Bell Bridge Books
From Jesus to Heaven with Love: A Parable Pilgrimage by Barbara Garro—Write Words, Inc.
How To Get Off the Merry-Go-Round: Stories o Women Who Broke the Cycle of Abusive Relationships by Milton Trachtenburg—ePress-online, Inc.
Out of the Psychic Closet: The Quest to Trust My True Nature by Toby Fesler Heathcotte—Twilight Times Books
The Cosmic Breath, Metaphysical Essays of Don Pendleton, Introduction by Linda Pendleton by Don & Linda Pendleton—Self-published
ROMANCE DIVISION
R1 - Contemporary Romance
Be My Baby by Meg Benjamin—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Divine Turmoil by Rebecca Rose—Lyrical Press, Inc.
Facing Forward by Robyn Sheridan—Wings ePress, Inc.
Going with Gravity by Cate Masters—The Wild Rose Press
Hooked On You by Anne Whitfield—The Wild Rose Press
Intimate Flames by Annette Snyder—Whiskey Creek Press
Just Right by Erin Nicholas—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Meant To Be by Donna Marie Rogers—The Wild Rose Press
No Matter What by Erin Nicholas—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Picture This by Cate Masters—Eternal Press
Roman Circus by Carlene Rae Dater—Noble Romance
Rx For Trust by Mona Risk—The Wild Rose Press
Sold To The Highest Bidder by Donna Alward—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Something Better by Gail R. Delaney—Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc
Stolen Treasures by Laurie Ryan—Siren Publishing, Inc.
The Groom Wore Leather by Taylor Manning—Uncial Press
Wedding Bell Blues by Meg Benjamin—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
R2 - Fantasy Romance
Everlong by Hailey Edwards—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Love is My Sin by Julia Knight—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Lycan Tides by Renee Wildes—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Myla by Moonlight by Inez Kelley—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Ruling Eden by Michelle Picard—Crescent Moon Press
The Prince of Val-Feyridge by Helen C. Johannes—The Wild Rose Press
R3 - Historical Romance
Notorious Eliza by Barbara Monajem—Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.
Pumpkinnapper by Linda Banche—The Wild Rose Press
The Harmless Deception by Lesley-Anne McLeod—Uncial Press
Wild Oats by Margaret Tanner—The Wild Rose Press
R5 - Mystery, Suspense, and/or Adventure Romance
All For A Fist Full Of Ashes by R. Ann Siracusa—Sapphire Blue Publishing, LLC
Breaking Daylight by MJ Fredrick—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Common Grounds by Michelle L. Levigne—Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
Cover of Darkness by Kaylea Cross—The Wild Rose Press
Eye of the Storm, Security Specialists International Book One by Monette Michaels—Liquid Silver Books
Mac's Man by Elaine Charton—Swimming Kangaroo Press
No Turning Back by Kaylea Cross—The Wild Rose Press
PhDs, Pornography, and Premeditated Murder by J L Wilson—The Wild Rose Press
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French—L & L Dreamspell
The Curse of the Carnaval by Anastasia Amor—Whiskey Creek Press
The Midnight Effect by Pamela Fryer—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
R6 - Paranormal Romance
A Spiral of Echoes by Barbara M Hodges and Maggie Pucillo—Chalet Publishing LLC
Alexandra's Legacy by N.J. Walters—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Blood, Smoke and Mirrors by Robyn Bachar—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Da Vinci's Lost Years by Sylvia Rochester—Whiskey Creek Press
Dancing in Time by Violet Rightmire—The Wild Rose Press
Deals with Demons by Victoria Davies—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Dyad Quest by Ann Hinnenkamp—Cerridwen Press
Eternally His by Carol North—Class Act Books
Feral Passion by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime—Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
His to Possess by Su Halfwerk—Devine Destinies
In Franklin's House by Beverly Lauderdale—Oak Tree Press
Jade Dreams; Sons of Earth and Wind, Book VI by Barbara Clark—Amber Quill Press, LLC
Mind Echoes by Carlene Rae Dater—Whiskey Creek Press
My-Wolf by Linda Palmer—Wild Horse Press
Quest for Love by Jean Hart Stewart—Cerridwen Press
Storm Shadows by Caitlyn Hunter—L & L Dreamspell
Tanaquill by Akalle—Self-published
Ties That Bind by Keena Kincaid—The Wild Rose Press
R7 - Science Fiction Romance
Girl Gone Nova by Pauline Baird Jones—L & L Dreamspell
Temperance by J L Wilson—Cerridwen Press
R8 - Spiritual and/or Metaphysical Romance
A Quiet Place by Michelle L. Levigne—Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
Cup of Joe by Teri Wilson—White Rose Publishing
The Family Way by Michelle L. Levigne—Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
R9 - Western Romance
A Turn of the Cards by Emma McKee—The Wild Rose Press
Promise Me by Deborah Schneider—The Wild Rose Press
Texas Hearts by Rachel Smith—Awe-Struck Publishing
Whisper of Gold by Meg Hennessy—The Wild Rose Press
YOUNG ADULT (Fiction and/or Non-Fiction) DIVISION
YA - Young Adult Non Fiction/ Fiction
Confessions of a Teenage Psychic by Pamela Woods-Jackson—The Wild Rose Press
Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers—Bell Bridge Books
Spirals of Destiny Book One: Rider by Jim Bernheimer—Gryphonwood Press
Starfire Angels by Melanie Nilles—Self-published
The Cinderella Swap by Linda Palmer—Sugar and Spice Press
The Defenders by Ed Sutter—Whiskey Creek Press
The Stillburrow Crush by Linda Kage—The Wild Rose Press
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