Last Post of 2011

I don't really have anything to say. I just wanted to post something on this, the very last day of 2011. Heck, I still find myself almost writing 2010 on checks. (Oh, I know. Strange, right? I still have to write checks for some bills.) I think this says more about me than I wish to reveal. 

It's after 3pm and hubby's still sleeping. I've consumed a pot of coffee on my own so I'm almost shaking as I sit here typing. Still, I wanted to say nothing for a few minutes, wasting my time and yours. 

Aw, heck. You lovely people are the reason I'm still here, sporadically. You lovely readers, fans, and occasional naysayers. I love you all and thank you all from the bottom of my clichéd heart. 

(Like that? I made that just for you. Yes, you.) 

2011 was good, bad, and ugly. 

I started my cover design service back in January and that has been fabulous fun from the get-go. My Regency romance, Honor, hit the shelves in May and my short story fantasy, The Dragon's Birth, followed suit in November. They are available at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Apple...and probably a few others I'm forgetting. 

My book sales fell down and haven't quite picked back up but that's part of life. Not good when one comes to rely on royalties to pay a bill or two. 

My adored and adorable cat, Stinkerbell, died, taking five of her kittens with her. A couple months later, my grandpa died. Definitely the ugly part of the year. 

All-in-all, this year was...normal. Every year has its ups and downs, traumas and triumphs. 2011 was no exception. Keep that in mind when venturing into this new year. Strengthen yourself to face the traumas and ready yourself to rejoice in the triumphs. 

Thank you, my friends, family, fans, and readers. Thank you for adding to the triumphs of the year and thank you for allowing me into your lives through my writing. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. Thank you. I appreciate it. I appreciate you.

I wish all the best to everyone at the start of this new year. 

Until next year, happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

Melody of Dragons

Over a month ago I was asked one question (shortest interview of my life!) and it was: 

What song reminds you of your story, The Dragon's Birth? 

I answered, in great detail, with not one, but TWO Breaking Benjamin songs that bring this story to mind. Click on over to West of Mars to find out what songs I picked and how they fit this fantasy short story.  HUGE thank you to Susan of West of Mars for having me!!

For the interviews I've done, check out the little list of links in the right sidebar, just below the free UNLOCKED download. :O)

For the Record

Haven't done one of these in a while. Here's a subject near and dear to my heart. Without further ado, my latest whining rant... 

Food ingredient labels are not accurate. They have never been accurate. When high fructose corn syrup is allowed to be labeled as fructose, sucrose, or corn syrup, and MSG can be rolled into the all-encompassing ingredient SPICES, how much of the rest of the label can you trust?

Never trust a label. And since it's impossible to eat totally healthy (a wee bit too much world pollution for that) remember: ALL THINGS IN MODERATION.

~Regency Wednesday~ Vicarage House

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Brooke White ~ Free ♫

From Ackermann's Repository, October 1816: 

Architectual Hints. 

Plate 19. —A Vicarage-House.

  The annexed design was intended for the residence of a clergyman, and purposed to be erected in a situation where the scenery is both rural and romantic, and well disposed to accord with the style of building which may be considered as peculiarly ecclesiastic, from the extensive patronage that architecture once received by the munificence of church government. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, October 1816. For more details, check out the linked Google book.

~Regency Wednesday~ Chaw Bacon

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Billie Piper ~ Honey to the Bee ♫

Simple definition post today, folks (and my apologies for failing to post a Regency Wednesday last week). 

Chaw Bacon. A countryman. A stupid fellow. 

*Taken verbatim from 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, available for free download from Amazon's Kindle store (as far as I know...) 

To My Readers, Fans, and Loved Ones

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Maroon 5 ~ Won't Go Home Without You ♫

Thank you. That is all. Much ♥ to all of you!

For One Day Only!

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: The Chordettes ~ Lollipop (Squeak E Clean & Desert Eagle Remix) ♫

I'm offering all of my eBooks for FREE. That's right, free. Today only (Friday, November 25) you can download one or all of my eBooks from Smashwords for FREE. The codes stop working on Saturday so take advantage NOW. 

Have I said FREE enough?

Here are the links and codes. All you have to do is click over to Smashwords, add the book(s) to your cart, apply the code(s), and submit your order. Make sure your cart total is $0.00 before you click submit. 

• The Dragon's Birth (fantasy short story) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93831 

Code: KX58A 

• Honor (Regency romance) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60023 

Code: DY39S 

• Betrayal (Regency romance) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1324 

Code: VL69J 

• Deception (Regency romance) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22609 

Code: RH36B 

• Spellbound (Regency romance) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1375 

Code: AY43H 

• Redemption (Regency romance) 

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1433 

Code: KE43Q 

Happy reading!!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#16) REVEALED

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Evanescence ~ Lithium ♫

Did you guess flower, stamen, or more specifically, chicory? Woo-hoo! Great guessing! :O)

A Time to Mourn

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Jordin Sparks ~ No Air ♫ 

My maternal grandpa died Saturday, November 19. He's the first grandparent I've lost. My own children lost their grandfather (my father-in-law) almost two years ago, but this is a first for me. He fought cancer and the cancer won, eventually. I suppose we all knew this would happen; he was 82 years old. Still, he gave it a serious fight before it prevailed.

Growing up, I had grandparents and great-grandparents. Every year, we enjoyed family reunions with my dad's side of the family and recently, with my mom's side of the family. Pictured here is my grandpa at our family gathering the summer of 2010.

Grandpa was a hunter, fisherman, trapper, and farmer. He loved nature.

He loved his family. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And he always smiled. I can't recall a time that he wasn't smiling.

It's so hard to believe he's gone. He will be greatly missed.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#16)

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Arabian Nights (from Disney's Aladdin) ♫

Ready for another mystery pic? What is this? 

(I apologize for the lack of clarity in this pic.) Post your best guess here or on facebook or anywhere you happen to see this blog feed. Happy reading, writing, and guessing!! 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#15) REVEALED

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Evanescence ~ You Only Call Me (When You're Sober) ♫

Did you guess last week's pic was bull thistle? If so, pat yourself on the back. You're a flower (weed?) expert! 

And here's how I used this pic over on Zazzle: 

Bull Thistle Magnet by jaimeygrant
Join Zazzle's graphic design affiliate programs

Stay tuned for a new mystery pic. Happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1819

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Sarah McLachlan ~ Fear ♫ 

Plate 36. —Walking Dress. 

  A pelisse composed of kerseymere: the colour is a peculiar shade of grey; it is lined with white sarsnet. The body is tight to the shape, the waist is rather long, and the sleeve is set in so as to just touch the point of the shoulder: the sleeve is wide and falls very much over the hand. The skirt is moderately full, meets before, and fastens down on the inside. The trimming is composed of ruby-coloured velvet; it is of a new pattern, and exceedingly rich and elegant; it goes round the bottom, and up each of the fronts. The epaulettes and cuffs correspond with the trim. High standing collar, trimmed in a similar manner. Head-dress, a bonnet composed of ruby velvet, intermixed with levantine: the crown is made of folds of these two materials, so disposed as to form a point in the centre, which has a light and novel effect: the brim is large, and of a singular but becoming shape; it is finished at the edge by a rich roll of ruby levantine, to which is attached a full fall of blond lace, set on narrow towards the ears, and broad in the middle of the brim: this style of trimming adds much softness to the countenance. A high plume of ostrich feathers, to correspond, is placed upright in front, and a rich ribbon ties it under the chin. Gloves to correspond with the pelisse. Half-boots, the lower part of black leather, the upper part grey levantine. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, December 1819. 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#15)

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Sinéad O'Connor, Nothing Compares 2 U ♫

Here's the next mystery pic in my ongoing series. Do you know what this is? 

Comment here on this blog or anywhere you happen to see this pic/question. It's all in fun, so guess, guess, guess!! 

Happy reading, writing, and guessing!! 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#14) REVEALED

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Shinedown, The Crow and the Butterfly ~♥♥~

Did you guess pink rose petals or flower petals? Woo-hoo! You're absolutely right. Way to go! 

Stay tuned for a new mystery pic later today. Until then, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

~Just Released~ The Dragon's Birth...cont'd

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Chloë Agnew, Someday ~♥♥~

 Forgive me for the multiple posts on this topic but my excitement knows no bounds. The Dragon's Birth is now available in the Kindle Store on Amazon. There's a handy link, just to the left here, that will take you right to the listing, should you be interested in checking it out. 

If Amazon's not your cup of tea, there's still the listing at Smashwords, and soon (hopefully) it will appear on B&N, Kobo, Apple, Diesel, and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head. 

And if you like to try before you buy, there's an excerpt (from the first edited draft, not the final) on my website and Smashwords allows you to read the first 10%. Amazon also will send an excerpt to your Kindle, if that's how you prefer to roll.* 

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

*Edited at 12:54PM to add: I just sampled the Amazon version and they don't give any of the actual story, just the copyright page. Sorry about that. lol

~Just Released~ The Dragon's Birth

I'm pleased to announce that after several months of fine-tuning and tweaking my non-romance, fantasy short story The Dragon's Birth, it has finally been accepted, approved, and released with TreasureLine Publishing. 

At the time of this posting, the e-book is available at Smashwords but will be available in the Kindle store soon. To read an early draft excerpt, click on over to my website. 

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

*Winners of my celebratory giveaway, you have already been emailed with a download code to get the book for free. 

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1813

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Kid Beyond, I Shall Be Free ~♥♥~ 

Plate 40. —Promenade or Carriage Costume 

  This dress, when divested of the spencer, or jacket, exhibits the 

Evening or Opera Costume, Plate 41. 

 In order to render these commodious habiliments the more clearly understood by our readers, we shall commence with a description of the Evening or Opera Costume: which consists of a round robe of morone or crimson-coloured Merino, kerseymere, or queen's cloth, ornamented round the bottom and up the front with a fancy gold embroidered border. The bodice is composed of satin, or velvet of the same colour, trimmed round the bosom and sleeves with gold braid and narrow swansdown; the front of the bodice richly ornamented with gold and pearl buttons. A gold band or pearl and diamond clasp confine the bottom of the waist, with a gold frog pending on each side, inclining towards the back of the figure. The robe is laced behind with gold cord. Hair disposed in dishevelled curls, falling on the left side, and decorated with clusters of variegated autumnal flowers. Necklace, composed of a treble row of pearl, white cornelian, or the satin bead, confined in front with a diamond clasp. Ear-rings and bracelets to correspond. Slippers, of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold fringe and rosettes, though we recommend those of white satin in preference. White kid gloves, below the elbow. Fan, of richly frosted silver crape. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1813.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#14)

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Oleander, Why I'm Here ~♥♥~

The last couple mystery pics were rather difficult so here's an easier one (I hope)... 

What is this? Post your best guess wherever you happen to see this pic/question. This is all for fun, so guess away! 

The answer will be posted next week. Happy reading, writing, and guessing! 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#13) REVEALED

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Adele, Someone Like You ~♥♥~

If you guessed feathers, way to go! If you guessed peacock feathers, even better. Pat yourself on the back. :O) 

A new mystery pic will be posted later today, so stay tuned! In the meantime, happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

For the Record

In an ongoing effort to whine my cares away, here's the next installment of... 

FOR THE RECORD 

Facebook is NOT PRIVATE. Facebook has NEVER BEEN private. Facebook will NEVER BE private. Privacy settings are not as private as they'd have you believe. 

FACEBOOK: Making it easier for stalkers since 2004. 

Thank you.

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Advertisements (#2)

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Hayley Westenra, Who Painted the Moon Black ~♥♥~

HEMET'S 

  Essence of pearl and pearl dentifrice, which excel, both in elegance and efficacy, every other preparation for the Teeth and Gums, price 2s.9d. each. The essence is particularly recommended to Parents and Persona have hae the care of Children, as the greatest preservative of young and tender Teeth. None are genuine but what have the words "J. Hemet, Bayley and Blew, Cockspur-street," engraved in the stamp. (January 1815)

---

BEAUTIFUL IMITATION OF DIAMONDS.

  T. Duddell and Co. solicit the Nobility and Ladies, at the present season, to inspect their much approved fine imitation of brilliant Diamonds, as also of the carious coloured Gems, as Rubies, Emeralds, Topazes, Amethysts, &c.; having now complete elegant suits of Necklaces, Bracelets, Tiaras, Ear-rings, and Brooches—the whole of which are set by the first diamond artists, and are not to be distinguished from the real stone. Merchants and Captains may be supplied with them as usual, expressly assorted for the different Foreign Markets, by T. Duddell and Co. 106, Holborn Hill, London. (February 1815)

---

IMPROVED IVORY PAPER, 

FOR PAINTING IN MINIATURE. 

  A very great improvement has of late been made in this article, by laying on a surface of dissolved Ivory, which embraces all the properties of the animal substance, at a much lower rate, and it rendered perfectly smooth and clear. 

   Sold wholesale and retail by R. Ackermann, 101, Strand. (March 1815) 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815.

Do You Like to WIN?

TreasureLine Publishing (my publisher) just rolled out the carpet for two new books. The party started today and will continue through tomorrow. There are tons of prizes to win on various websites and blogs and fun conversations with the authors over on Facebook. 

I've been given two e-books to give away over on my book reviews blog. Tomorrow I'll announce the one commenter who gets to download both of these fabulous romances. So get over there and comment! If you'd like to increase your chances of winning one or both of these books, click over to the Novel Launch site and find out all the other ways to win. 

Happy reading, writing, and winning!! 

Slight Renovations and Sidebar Woes

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Sick Puppies, Odd One ~♥♥~

First, let me state for the record how apropos the song in my head is right now. Thank you. 

Some of you may have noticed I've changed my blog header and background. It was time for a change and I like this for now. (For really awesome backgrounds, I highly recommend Cute and Cool Free Backgrounds by Itkupilli.) 

I have a tendency to overdo it on the sidebar items. I need to go through and decide what I really need there and what can go. Sigh. The life of a blogger. Any opinions on the matter are more than welcome. :O) 

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

National Novel Writing Month 2011

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Bad to the Bone ~♥♥~

NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow. Are you taking up the challenge? I won't be doing it this year but I have many writer friends who are. 

If you are participating, what's your goal? I seem to recall someone saying they were going to attempt 100,000 words instead of the usual 50,000. I know I'd go crazy if I tried that; at the very least my family would go crazy. lol 

If you're not doing NaNo, do you have a different project in mind? One friend chose to use last year's as a way to work on a WIP. I'm considering something like that. I have several in various stages of completion—another reason I shouldn't start a new one.

Logically, I should make my November goal HEARTLESS, especially since I have made promises to certain lovely people in regard to that particular novel. And besides, it hurts to have my bestseller off the virtual shelves for so long.

So what are your goals for November? 

My Lady Coward, In Three Parts

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Adele, Someone Like You ~♥♥~

I have succumbed to reader demand and submitted another installment of My Lady Coward to the Clever Fiction story prompt site. I really like these characters and I think they're beginning to like me. :O)

Below, you'll find the opening paragraphs of each installment and a link to the Clever Fiction site where you can read the rest. Enjoy!! 

Part 1 (posted 10/06/11): 

  He'd had a mistress for years. She'd known it all along. Heart aching, she'd comforted herself with the thought that it was nothing more than a physical relationship, something he did to save face before his Society friends.

  He'd lost so much respect when he'd married her. She was nothing more than the daughter of a Cit, a despised class of people who earned their money from trade rather than inheriting it as any decent sort would.
  Lady Maria sighed and sipped her tea. Was marriage to a duke worth the heartache, the loss? With her marriage vows came the acquisition of a title and position in Society. Security. With her marriage vows came the loss of her friends, her family, and everything familiar and comfortable. Love.
  (to read the rest, CLICK HERE)

Part 2 (posted 10/20/11):

  Lady Maria waited in her bed, clothed in a diaphanous nightdress. A single candle, burning on the nightstand, kept the room from complete darkness.
  It was the fourteenth consecutive night she'd waited thus, a book in hand so as to appear nonchalant, less like a young wife awaiting her husband's presence in her bed.
  Would this be the night? She'd listened to rumor after rumor concerning her husband and where he preferred to spend his nights. She'd accepted it as life in high Society, the life of a real lady.
  They'd consummated their marriage, of course. Her face warmed at the memory, a tiny smile touching her lips. Even now, weeks later, Maria could still feel Richard's caress, feel his fingers grazing her skin, his lips brushing her lips, her neck, her shoulder, her...
  (to read the rest, CLICK HERE)

Part 3 (posted 10/27/11):
  They were married in October. No Society marriage ever took place in October. The weather had already turned cold, a harbinger of the no doubt difficult winter to come. Was it an omen, a sign of ill luck?
  Shaking her head, Maria turned away from the window through which she'd been blindly staring, watching the servants load boxes and traveling cases into the carriage waiting out front. The soft rustling of her skirts made a strange counterpoint to the occasional crackle from the fire, a necessary luxury on such a chilly morning.
  It was silly to believe in such superstitious nonsense. Her marriage was not doomed due to an October wedding or an early chill in the air. No, her marriage suffered the insurmountable odds of unequal birth.
  (to read the rest, CLICK HERE)

This started as nothing more than a short story but I like that it's developing into a serial instead. I hope you enjoy it. I'll update this blog when a new short is posted. Until then, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

*All links open in a new tab or window, depending on your browser settings.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#13)

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Linkin Park, Iridescent ~♥♥~

Ready for more guessing fun? Here's this week's mystery pic: 

Think you know what it is? Comment here, on facebook, goodreads, twitter...anywhere you see this pic/question. Bottom line, this is all in fun, so guess, guess, guess!! The answer will be revealed next Friday. 

Happy reading, writing, and guessing! 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#12) REVEALED

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Lee Ann Womack, Something Worth Leaving Behind ~♥♥~

Did you guess a bird nest? If so, then pat yourself on the back! Great job! 

Stay tuned for a new mystery pic later today. Until then, happy reading, writing, and blogging!! 

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for September 1807

None of my books take place in 1807 but when I came across this fashion plate while perusing the 1807 edition of La Belle Assemblée, I fell in love. I'm not normally a big fan of the Regency plates from the fashion magazines, not really, but this one...I really like this one for some reason. So here's the plate with the description from the magazine itself. Enjoy!!    

English Costume.

No 1. --Evening Dress 

A round train dress of India muslin, embroidered in a fancy border of needle-work at the feet. The stock bosom, ornamented with white beads. A full Spanish short sleeve, over a plain one of white satin. A scolloped* lace tucker, placed strait round the bosom. Circassian scarf of gold, chambrey, or lace, crossing the back, and gathered in front of the left shoulder into an emerald brooch, reaching to the feet, finished with a gold tassel, and occasionally formed into drapery by the attitude of the right hand. The hair tastefully disposed in bands and curls; and a small ostrich feather crossing the crown towards the right side, is fastened to the hair with an emerald stud. Earrings, necklace, and bracelets of pearl with emerald clasps. White kid gloves and shoes.

No 2. --Evening Walking Dress 

A plain round gown of jaconet muslin, a walking length, simply ornamented with rows of open-hems round the bottom. A plain square bosom sitting close to the form, laced up the front, and trimmed at the edge with twisted muslin. A large straw hat of the Gipsy form, tied across the crown with a silk handkerchief. Deep Vandyke stock, of lace or needle-work. A black lace or Chinese shawl, thrown in irregular negligence over the shoulders. Straw-coloured kid gloves and shoes. White sarsnet parasol, deeply fringed, and painted in historical devices.**

*Typo? Or did they actually spell "scalloped" that way in 1807? lol
**Taken verbatim from La Belle Assemblée, September 1807, page 113. 

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#12)

~♥♥~ Now playing on my mp3 player: Evanescence, Snow White Queen ~♥♥~ 

Sorry I'm late with my Photo Friday post. Here's another mystery pic for your guessing enjoyment! Have fun!! 

The answer will be revealed next Friday. Until then, comment with your best guess. :O) 

More Cowardice From Lady Maria

~♥♥~ Now playing on my mp3 player: Adele, Someone Like You ~♥♥~

Remember my poor Lady Maria, Duchess of...whatever*? She's back in part 2 of My Lady Coward. You can read it for free on the Clever Fiction site. Here are the first few paragraphs, just to whet your appetite. Enjoy! 

Lady Maria waited in her bed, clothed in a diaphanous nightdress. A single candle, burning on the nightstand, kept the room from complete darkness. 

It was the fourteenth consecutive night she'd waited thus, a book in hand so as to appear nonchalant, less like a young wife awaiting her husband's presence in her bed. 

Would this be the night? She'd listened to rumor after rumor concerning her husband and where he preferred to spend his nights. She'd accepted it as life in high Society, the life of a real lady. 

They'd consummated their marriage, of course. Her face warmed at the memory, a tiny smile touching her lips. Even now, weeks later, Maria could still feel Richard's caress, feel his fingers grazing her skin, his lips brushing her lips, her neck, her shoulder, her... 

The rest can be found HERE and if you haven't read Part 1, you can find that HERE. Oh, and there's already a new prompt posted. What can you write with October/Bad Luck/Compass?

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

*I have yet to determine her husband's title. Would you believe me if I said this was a spur of the moment short story that is blossoming into a serial? lol 

Would you want to be CHOSEN?

♥♥Now playing on my mp3 player: Breaking Benjamin, Anthem of the Angels♥♥ 

I totally forgot to share my latest Clever Fiction short. Last week the prompts were broken~desert~voices. I wrote a story called Chosen, based on an idea provided by my husband. He read the finished product before I submitted it and said it more than met with his approval; I'd surpassed his vision. 

For those of you who wonder, my husband is painfully honest with me about my writing. He praises me where he feels I've done well but doesn't hesitate to point out where I've erred or my story falls flat. 

That said, I invite you to pop over to Clever Fiction and read my short story, Chosen. It's not romance, not historical, and not what I normally write. It was fun to veer away from my usual. I hope you enjoy it! Comments on the story are always welcome and appreciated, but not required. 

There's a new prompt this week and today's the deadline. I'm almost done with mine. Tomorrow a new prompt will be announced. 

Happy reading, writing, and blogging! 

A Heartless Dragon Update

Remember way (way, way, way, way) back when I asked for Heartless beta readers? I bet you're all wondering what's up with that, right? I haven't announced a winner, I haven't revealed a cover, I haven't mentioned a release date... 

The list goes on and on. 

Here's the deal: I'm a coward. That's right, a coward. I haven't cracked open those critiques 'cause my stomach lurches every time I think about it. I'm not sure why; Honor's critiques didn't fill me with this much dread.  

Heck, I got critiques on a fantasy novel I wrote almost two years ago and still haven't read those suggestions. (And I'm positive they're GREAT suggestions!) 

Then there's Dragon's Birth. OK, this one is a little closer to seeing the publishing light of day than the other two. In fact, it is up on Smashwords but the version there is not how we (Linda Boulanger of TreasureLine & I) want it to look. So, don't rush out and buy it yet. Especially if you were one of the ones who commented on my blog post ~Giveaway~ Woo-hoo! 100 Posts! (OK, 101.) and are thus entitled to a free copy.

All that said...

I am not trying to renege on my promises. The lovely readers who took time out of their busy schedules to read/critique Heartless will receive their free, cleaned-up eBook version when it's released, and one will receive a paperback. As for Dragon's Birth, as soon as my publisher gives me the HOORAY, I'll be emailing those download codes to the 6 lovely readers who commented (with their email addy) on my earlier blog post.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. I really appreciate it, as I appreciate each and every one of my blog followers. :O)

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!

~Photo Friday~ Caption This! (#1)

Here's a new (for me and this blog, lol) Photo Friday game! Come up with a clever caption for the photo. You can post your caption here or anywhere you see my blog feed (twitter, facebook, goodreads...). This is all for fun so have a ball!!* 

*Please keep it clean and watch the language. Thank you!
Photo © Laura J Miller

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#11) REVEALED

Last week I posted a new mystery pic and everyone who guessed got the answer right! YAY!! 

This is indeed a red (or purple) onion. Great job everyone! Stay tuned for a new mystery pic later today!

~Regency Wednesday~ Random Cant Day (#6)

It's that time again! Time for more random cant (slang) from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. YAY!! 

Affidavit Men. Knights of the post, or false witnesses, said to attend Westminster Hall, and other courts of justice, ready to swear any thing for hire. 

Degen, or Dagen. A sword. Nim the degen; steal the sword. Dagen is Dutch for a sword. Cant
Demy-rep. An abbreviation of demy-reputation; a woman of doubtful character. 

Gift of the Gab. A facility of speech. 

Mushroom. A person or family suddenly raised to riches and eminence: an allusion to that fungus, which starts up in a night. 

*Taken verbatim from 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, available for free download from Amazon's Kindle store

More Shorts

So there's another short story of mine floating around in web-world and it's called My Lady Coward. Ooo, LOOK! Here's a pretty little cover just for it. Gosh, I do love book covers. {happy sigh} 

If the title or cover intrigue you, please click HERE to read, comment and share. Or just read. That's OK too. :O) 

In other, related writing news, there's a new Clever Fiction prompt up on the site and I encourage all writers to take a look. Even if you don't want to submit a story to the site, it's great practice. 

Readers, at the time of this post 5 writers have already answered this week's challenge. There are 20 stories from last week's challenge, 18 from the week before, and 12 from the week before that. All these stories are between 250-1000 words. Stop by and read a few; you might find your next favorite author.

Until next time, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#11)

Back by popular demand....Mystery Photo Friday!!! YAY!! (OK, I admit, the popular demand was all mine...and my brother's. Still. We're both pretty popular...in our own little worlds. lol) 

Without further ado.... What is this? 

Comment anywhere you like with your best guess. This is all for fun so guess, guess, guess! :O) 

~Regency Wednesday~ Beau Brummell

One very famous Regency figure was George Bryan Brummell, more commonly known as Beau Brummell.

He set the trends for fashion and cleanliness of person. His acerbic wit was both loved and feared by his contemporaries. In the early years of the century, he was never far from the Prince of Wales's side.

At the start of the Regency in 1811, the newly appointed Prince Regent started distancing himself from some of his friends, Brummell included. Towards the end of the Regency, as his debts piled up until he couldn't afford to pay them, Brummell lost favor with the Regent and fled to the continent in 1816 to escape debtor's prison. He died in Caen, France in 1840, insane and poor.

For the Record

Forgive my lapse in whining diatribes. Here's the latest... 

FOR THE RECORD 

If a potential publisher asks for thousands of dollars to publish your book, yet claim they are a traditional publisher, THEY ARE LYING. Traditional publishers DO NOT charge you to publish your book. 

Thank you. This bugs me. Always has. 

~Photo Friday~ Big Catch

Here's something a little different. OK, not really. It's fun anyway. :O) 

My cousin caught this in the lake near my parents' house. Impressive, no? 

Falling Down

The last few weeks have been rather hard. Many of you heard that I lost 6 cats in less than two days (momma cat and five kittens). Even before that, my blogging took a downturn. I apologize for falling down on the job and promise to make it up to you. Regency Wednesday will return as will Photo Friday. I'm considering taking part in Teaser Tuesday as well but haven't quite decided yet. 

While I've been ignoring my online responsibilities, I've been working on my household and writing responsibilities. My children and husband enjoy clean clothes and The Dragon's Birth is this close (can you see my fingers about a half inch apart?) to being ready for upload to Smashwords. I just figured out the Table of Contents (WOO-HOO!) and that was the last step. YAY!! 

Meanwhile, I've been having a blast with the Clever Fiction website, using the short story prompts to further my work on Sable's highly unromantic novel. For those of you who write or always wanted to, I highly recommend this site. Even if you choose not to submit your stories, the practice is worthwhile.

My new story is up. Crossing the Channel is another "chapter" in Sable's story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story, but even if you don't like to comment, please read it anyway. It's less than 1000 words so it won't take much of your time.

Do you have any short stories out there? Please leave a link in the comments section here so we can pop over and check it out.

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

New Short Story Site ~ And a new short story by yours truly!

There's a new short story site out there in web-world and everyone can submit stories. It's called Clever Fiction, run by the talented Pat Sipperly, and there's a new prompt every week. 

I participated in this week's story prompt (a key, noon, falling leaves) and my short story Unwilling Protector is up for your reading enjoyment. It's part of Sable's story. (You'll know who that is if you've read my short story Assassin's Keeper in the anthology UNLOCKED. If you haven't, pop by the UNLOCKED website and download the anthology for free.)

There are other stories there as well, in a variety of genres by a variety of authors. You can leave comments on each story, if you are inclined to do so. Go, read, enjoy!

~Photo Friday~ RIP

Yesterday was arguably the worst day of my life. In less than 36 hours I lost 6 cats. My beautiful Stinkerbell ate something toxic and passed it on to five of her kittens. By the time we realized anything was wrong, it was already too late to save them. The poison had made its way through their tiny little systems.

Today's Photo Friday is for them. I miss them. 

Pictured here are (from the top) Big Red, Ticky, Nermal, Buttercream, Sable, and Nibbles. Of these six precious darlings, Nibbles lives on, having gone to his forever home over a week ago. 

This picture was taken September 9, 2011. 

Stinkerbell, back when she wasn't pregnant and just a silly little kitten herself. 

~Giveaway~ Woo-hoo! 100 Posts! (OK, 101.)

I've reached a milestone (in my opinion) on this narcissistic little blog of mine. 100 posts this year. (Honestly, this particular post, this one right here that you're reading right now, is 101. But hey, why quibble over semantics?) 

That said, we need to celebrate. OK, I need to celebrate. Let's do this right. 

Comment on this post (the actual blogger post, not any of the feeds) and you'll get a download code for my fantasy short story when it's released. I'm not selecting one winner. EVERYONE who comments gets to download the story for free. 

What fantasy short story, you ask? Well, once upon a time, I wrote this little story, sort of as a prequel to my fantasy novel series...my UNPUBLISHED fantasy novel series. Weird, right? To be even more honest, it was a short story I wrote specifically for the UNLOCKED anthology way back when. It was one of fours stories I'd submitted to the anthology editors and it was one of the rejects. (Haha! Really makes you want it, huh?)

Want more info before you commit yourself? You can go to my website, where I've posted a sample of the short story. Oh, it's called The Dragon's Birth, just in case you were wondering. 

There are a few caveats. You must be 18+ or have a parent's permission to comment. There's nothing totally awful in the story, I'm just trying to cover my butt here. You must include an email address; how else can I contact you with the download code? You have to be a follower of this blog. Fair's fair, right? And I will enforce these rules (I've been known not to in the past) so DO NOT FORGET: 18+, email address, blog follower. Easy peasy. Oh, and you have to wait patiently for the story's release. It's not out there yet, but it will be soon. After its release, each commenter (Chrome says this is not a word. Weird. Should it be commentator?) who remembers to include their email address will get a little message in their inbox with that precious little Smashwords code. Exciting! :OP

This offer officially ends September 16.

I'll leave you with a question. Did I use SEMANTICS (first paragraph of this post) correctly?

Happy reading, writing, and winning!!

*Image © Aleksandra Belikova and can be downloaded for FREE from Dreamstime.com. (Registration is required, also free.) 

~Photo Friday~ View

What a view!! 
Lake Michigan, USA
August 29, 2011