So…you’ve heard of these Right? 13 Viners I actually watch.

Okay.  So if you’re like me, you may not know what a “Vine” is until the explosion of weird phrases and sayings make it’s way out in general conversation (usually of teenagers).  I have since discovered “Viners” and I’m watching a bunch of them.  Here’s a few I like to watch.

1.  The Eh Bee family

I watch this for me.  LOL!!!!

2.  Brandon Calvillo

3.  Manon Mathews

4.  Matt Cutshall

5 Arielle Vandenburg

6.  Lizzzzza

7,  Allicattt

8.  The Mighty Duck 

I like his mom.  He’s kind of a PIA.

9.  Thomas Sanders

I love love love these.

10.  The Gabbie Show

11.  Aaron Doh

He yells a lot, but he’s funny!!!

12. Dope Island

This one I’m never sure if I’m going to laugh…or think. It certainly gets a response.

13.  Alex Ramos

More screaming.  Sometimes VERY annoying but…yeah….I laugh.

Thirteen Things I’m Looking Forward To

1.  I’m going to my first ever Munch tonight.

2.  Eel River Soroptomist Tea on February 29

3.  Finishing my short story with Emily Ryan Davis

4.  Finishing “Bastard of Arundale Hall”

5.  The BDSM Palooza (My day is February 19)

6.  Lois W.’s Birthday party March 7

7.  My trip to San Francisco on March 13.

8.  Seeing Eden Bradley again (I haven’t seen her since 2008

9.  Getting my tattoo

10.  Going to the local SF munch

11.  Going to The Citidal

12.  The Release of “Mastered 2”

13.  The day that Karma finally catches up and takes care of some people.  LOL!

Thirteen Random Things About Me….

I’m baaaaack!  Didja miss me?  LOL!

1.  I hate taking Selfiies

Every time I have to do it, I feel horrible about myself.  LOL!  This was my latest one.

2.  I was a Music Major in college

My dream was to be a choir director, but I got distracted and my grades plummeted.

3.  I worked for 8 years as a CNA

Home Care and then in a hospital.  I went on Maternity leave and never went back.

4.  I love rain

It’s my favorite weather.  I don’t like the sun much.  LOL!

5.  I don’t like wearing makeup

I do it because I have to for work, but I don’t like it.

6.  I’m not a crazed fan

I have tons of authors, music and actors that I love but I don’t find out every scrap of detail about stuff.  I wouldn’t have any time for anything else.  LOL!

7.  I was once a singer in a band….

Not a very good one.  But I did do it.

8.  I can’t resist chips and dip

It’s my downfall.  I try and use salsa instead of a sour cream based dip, but sometimes I GOTTA HAVE IT!  LOL!!

9.  The first book I submitted for publication was a romantic suspense

I like mystery with my romance.

10.  I live in a small town.

about twelve thousand people.

11.  I reread Dorothy L. Sayer’s “Gaudy Night” every year.

I love that book.

12.  My favorite author is Joey W. Hill.

13.  I have rented the Bourne series a million times.  

I should just buy them.

13 Reasons To Party at the Smuketeers 12 Days of Xmas

1. This video

2. The books
So. Many. Awesome. Books.
3. The chance at a gift card
If you share the video on social media, you could win.
4. The authors
SO. MANY. FANTASTIC. AUTHORS.
5. It’s easy to enter
Just comment on all the posts and you can win the grand prize
6. It’s FESTIVE!
7. It could get you in the Christmas mood
8. “Christmas At Arundale Hall” is featured tomorrow

9. And you could win a copy
10. The Smutketeers
R.G. Alexander, Eden Bradley, Robin Rotham, Crystal Jordan and other huge names in Erotic Romance.
11. THE GRAND PRIZE
A prize worth $300.
12. The other prizes
Not only books, but some authors are offering gift cards, jewelry and other stuff.
13. Did I mention the video?

GO AND HAVE SOME XMAS FUN!

Thirteen Awesome things that happened this week

1.I released “Christmas At Arundale Hall” on Monday.
2. I successfully uploaded my new book up to Amazon, AllRomance, Smashwords and Barnes and Noble
3. My new boss turned out to be a nice guy
So far.
4. I got an AWESOME review at The Romance Reviews for “Temptation to Submit”
5. Words were written on “Desire To Submit” which is Gina’s story.
6. My husband got a new truck
7. And it cost us much less than we thought.
8. I successfully sent out a newsletter!
This was a big deal, believe me. LOL!
9. I found out that I’m getting a raise
10. I attended my kid’s Teacher Conferences and all is well so far
11. I purchased Christmas Ebooks.
T. Sue Versteeg’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside” (box set) Sam Crescent’s “Blue Mountain”, Emily Ryan Davis’s “Let It Snow” so far.
12. I finally got the “Invitation To Eden” series
13. Did I mention my new release?
Here’s an Excerpt from “Christmas At Arundale Hall”

“Call the coven. Don’t do this alone,” he said urgently. Sweet Edward. He could not know the darkness they faced.
“She is one of us, Edward. The coven cannot be called against one of their own.” She met his frustrated glare. “Do you remember how Sarah believed she had to die to save those who came after her?”
Edward nodded and frowned.
Chantal stared back at the fire, the dancing flames reminding her of Wisteria’s eyes as she tried to kill Sarah and Perry. Hatred. Hurt. There was not much difference between them in the end. “Blood is always the key.” She glanced at him and noted the smooth expression on his face. He knew it was true. Hadn’t he begged her to do the one thing that would bind him to her forever? Hadn’t she refused because that kind of bond frightened her to death? “The blood Wisteria used to create the spell that made the Wolves of Arundale bound her line to theirs. I lied to Madeline. The warding spell I taught her is a more benign version than the one the Dea Matre used to protect my ancestor. The Dea Matre bled her own heart to protect Alanna, her daughter of choice. I can do no less.”
“There must be another way,” Edward stated. “The scrolls—”
“I have studied the scrolls in Bayeux, Edward. This is the only way to protect my bloodline from her.” She carefully placed the poker back against the fireplace and brushed her hands clean of any soot before she turned to face Edward. “I had doubts, but this morning’s breakfast made them disappear.”
Edward eased away from her sleeping daughter and stepped toward her. “Why? Tell me why you choose to risk your life, to leave your daughter.” A muscle moved in his jaw before he spoke again. “To leave me.”
“They are your family. The Earl of Arundale, Elizabeth, Perry, Sarah, little Gerry. They are your kin. They would risk everything for you. I can do no less.” She stopped short of saying the irrevocable words that were on the tip of her tongue. She loved him, but she would not burden him with that knowledge lest she did not return.
She noted his anger, his frustration with her. He didn’t understand. Possibly he never would. He tightened his lips. “Perhaps this is the easy way for you. It is easier than the responsibility of a daughter and a lover.”
That was it. He had gone too far. “This is not some noble self-sacrifice I’m performing, Mr. Jaimison,” she snapped. “Lady Marion North is a dangerous, powerful person who will stop at nothing to kill my daughter and end my line. Shall I stand idly by while she manipulates and controls those around her to do her bidding?” She flicked the skirt of her dress and stepped closer until she was nose to nose with Edward. “If I can end it, stop her from killing anyone else—like Marcus’s lover, or Isabella—shouldn’t I do it? What would you do?”
“I would let those who love me, help me.” He ground out the words through clenched teeth.
“You lie.” She attempted to jerk away from him and he gripped her arm. Their gazes clashed and she tipped her chin higher.
“Damn you,” he muttered. “Why can’t you see that I—”
She couldn’t let him finish. A declaration of any kind would weaken her resolve until she melted in the warmth of his love and to hell with everything else. To stop his words, she leaned up and pressed her mouth to his.
For a moment he froze, his stillness only spurring her to wrap her arms around his neck and plunge her fingers into his hair. Closer. More.
When he relented, he overwhelmed her, his arms banded around her, his mouth plundering hers with the heat of a thousand suns. She burned for him. His tongue swept inside and she moaned from the feel of him.
Too soon, he came back to his senses and broke away from her, his labored breathing both a boon and a curse as he distanced himself from her. He said no words, but bowed abruptly and left the room.
The sun made a brief appearance through the stormy clouds and beamed through the window. But Chantal did not feel its warmth. She stared at her child and wished things could be different.

13 Things about “Christmas At Arundale Hall” Coming December 1, 2014

1. This is my first Self Published book
I collaborated on one that came out last July, but I my co-author did most of the work.
2. My cover was done by P And N Graphics
and they were fantastic to work with.
3. I used my former EC Editor
Who was one of the myriad of people laid off in August. I’m so glad she decided to go freelance.
4. The hero, Edward Jaimison, is a male submissive
And I adore him.
5. Edward has been featured in the other two Arundale books
And in “Witch of Arundale Hall” he is totally hot and sexy.
6. Chantal D’Insigny is a female Dominant
A witch with power. Cat nip for someone like Edward.
7. Edward isn’t a wolf
Though he’s employed by the Arundale men as a Man of Business. He’s a family friend, a confidante and their protector.
8. He and Chantal aren’t reeeeally kinky.
They’re hot and sexy, but they are more about the psychological aspects of kink rather than the toys. Something that was probably pretty common in the 19th Century.
9. Researching 19th Century Christmas traditions was fun
10. Witches and Werewolves…what’s not to like?”
11. I didn’t know who Jaimison’s love interest was going to be…
…until Chantal made her appearance later in “Witch of Arundale Hall”. No one was more surprised than I was. LOL!
12. Originally, Chantal was only going to be a minor secondary character, but Jaimison fell for her so….
13. These two are SMOKIN’!
Seriously. I had a blast writing them.

13 Reasons to be Grateful Part II

1. Train Boy
My oldest son is amazing. He’s smart, funny and just an all around fantastic human being. That’s pretty amazing to say about and almost 14 year old. He turns 14 next Tuesday.
2. Demolition Boy
My youngest has the biggest heart and he’s creative as well as smart. He’s going to be 13 this Saturday.
3. The Redneck
My husband makes me nuts sometimes and the last year has been a rough one, but he’s pretty awesome and I’m lucky to have him.
4. My boss
I just found out yesterday that my current boss is going to be leaving. That means I’ll be getting my 6th boss in four years. He’s been probably the best boss I’ve had and I’m going to miss the fuck out of him. I’m just glad I got to have him for the last year and a half.
5. Melissa Blue
There are some people who have stuck with me through a lot of shit and Melissa is one of them. Hard to believe we met six years ago.
6. Michelle Henry
My best friend for the last 19 years. When we met, neither of us had any idea that we’d be still close after all this time.
7. My writing
What an amazing thing this has been for me!!!! I’m so grateful that the opportunities are there.
8. Crystal Jordan
My fantastic friend, fellow author and web designer.
9. Romance Divas
That place has been a haven for me.
10. Toni Sue Versteeg
I think she and I have been friends since 2006 when we met on Divas. She is ALWAYS there for me. Always.
11. Joey W. Hill
This author has inspired me, encouraged me and I’m so grateful I was pointed in her direction back in 2007.
12. You Tube
I know that seems weird, but through that channel, I found The Vlog Brothers, new music and a lot of inspiration over the years. I’m grateful that someone thought of it and ran with it.
13. Boy Scouts
I don’t know that I’d be outdoors as much at my age if it wasn’t for this organization. It’s been amazing for my kids too.

13 Things I’m Grateful For Part 1

It’s November and I’ve decided to share all the things I’m grateful for this month. I think I need a reminder in this busy, busy time of my life. Today’s is a general sort of grateful-things that I have because I’m American, or white, or employed. Things that millions of people around the world don’t have.

1. Clean Water
I have potable water that I can drink and I can shower every day.
2. Hot water
Along those lines, I have a water heater that heats my water for washing dishes and taking showers. I got a good idea of how awesome this is when I went a month without a water heater and had to heat it by hand,
3. I’m employed
And I get paid a living wage. I mean, there are people working for pennies.
4. I can vote
I am a woman and I have a voice. There are thousands upon thousands of women who have no voice, who are less than cattle in their society.
5. I can protest
I am allowed, by virtue of my citizenship of the United States, to express my displeasure, my protest, my differing opinion about my government without threat of violence or suppression by my government. For the most part.
6. I eat every day
And I eat well. I skip a meal voluntarily. There are thousands in America alone who don’t get enough to eat.
7. I have internet
There are countries that have sporadic and slow internet. I have been supremely lucky to live in a country with advanced technology.
8. I finished high school and went to college.
I am a woman and I was given the opportunity to be educated. I can read and write. I am not dependent completely on my husband to earn a wage.
9. I have a car
At one time, we had TWO cars (and we may again). We are extremely blessed to be able to have any vehicle at all.
10. My children have been vaccinated
In many countries, childhood diseases are still killing children. In this country, my children have been protected.
11. I have health insurance
So many people, even with the new Obamacare can’t afford basic care. BASIC care. Like prescriptions and doctor’s visits.
12. I am employed
Some of you know that I hate my Evil Day Job but I am SO LUCKY AND BLESSED to have that job.
13. I have a cell phone
And so does The Redneck and so does Train Boy. And probably for Christmas, so will Demolition Boy. Pretty damn blessed, I’d say.

Thirteen Reasons I don’t Respond to Bad Reviews

With the incident that occurred last weekend and has continued to set Twitter on fire, I thought I’d give 13 reasons why I never respond to bad reviews.

1. It’s giving it too much thought.
Everyone has an opinion and though the negative reviews are interesting, they can rent WAY too much space in my head.
2. I become too focused on them
I’ve been known to get awesome reviews-several-and yet, I think of the one bad one everytime I think about the book in question. So, I’d say I don’t have a balanced view of reviews of my work.
3. It can make people defensive
Even before some of these incidents occurred, reviewers could be strongly protective of their space. For good reason. Author comment on reader opinion can be detrimental to the discussion. Readers who may have a negative opinion may stay silent in the online presence of the author.
4. It’s baiting
It is. It’s saying “I know what you said about me and I’m going to let you know I know.” Following a discussion about one’s book is fine. Staying out of it is wise.
5. There ARE internet bullies
Hale’s case is NOT an example of this. Harris’s review was pretty clear and concise about her opinion without (IMHO) being unreasonably bitchy. But that’s not true of all people on the internet. It is INFINITELY better to remain silent and let the work speak for itself.
6. It won’t change anything
I have never seen a reviewer change their opinion/rating for a book due to an author’s “input”. I HAVE seen bad ratings given for authors who behave like idiots. I don’t want to go there.
7. Even factual errors don’t actually matter
There are people that are going to read my book and they’ll know if a review is factually incorrect. Let other readers point out errors. The author’s job is to write the best book they can write and to interact with readers in a positive manner. Correcting people isn’t necessary.
8. The Dog Pile Factor
Listen carefully. When readers feel their space is invaded, they are defensive. Authors who cross a line and push into discussion can often be “dog piled”. Meaning that several internet people will come down on said author like a ton of bricks. IT IS NOT BULLYING. A dog pile happens when several people agree and don’t agree with you. Now I’m talking about in a comment section. It is VASTLY DIFFERENT when an author/person/whatever directs his or her fans to “go after” a person/reviewer/author. Dog piling can be uncomfortable and feel awful, but MOST OF THE TIME it’s not vicious and ugly. It can cross that line and descend into mob mentality fairly easily.
9. Words are weapons
that can be used against me. What you say can be quoted, have screen shots and used against me. Especially if I’ve responded with a kneejerk response to a bad review. Those responses are never good.
10. I’d love for my book to gain attention but not like this.
11. Again, it keeps me focused on the bad and interferes with writing.
12. For every reader that hates my book, there’s probably one that loves it.
13. Obsession is not healthy
And for me, obsession starts with responding…and reacting…and thinking about….then responding…..RABBIT HOLE!!! Therein lies insanity.

Thirteen Things I’ve Done To Avoid Writing For The Last Two Weeks

I finally finished the last scene on my book slated to be self-published yesterday but really, that scene should have been done long before I finished it. Here’s 13 things I did to procrastinate.
1. Facebook
Quizzes. I won’t stop taking those damn quizzes.
2. Publishing Drama
Serious time suck. Twitter, blogs, a million links to insanity…time suck.
3. Twitter hastag #notchilled
Related to the above. I spent a LOT of time reading all the tweets connected to this. Tiiiiiime Suuuuuuck.
4. Romance Divas
and related to that…
5. We All Win Critiques
Romance Divas had “First Fight” entries for the We All Win workshop. And I preferred to read snippets from someone else’s work and tell them my opinion than write the last 300 words on my book.
6. Formatting
Okay, this wasn’t really a time waster since I’m trying to learn to do this (and failing) but I also started formatting a poetry book for my husband rather than work on my shit too so….yeah.
7. Music
I use the excuse that I need inspiration to spend way too much time on YouTube.
8. T.V. Shows
I started to have to tell myself I couldn’t watch shows I like unless I did some work first. It worked about 50% of the time.
9. Read
There’s been some awesome book releases of late. Luckily, I’ve been totally broke so I wasn’t able to buy as many as I would have liked.
10. First Person Quirkfest
I have a story I was writing that is TOTALLY different from other stuff I write and it gets really interesting when I’m avoiding writing.
11. Made pies
I’ve made homemade apple pie rather than write.
12. Scary news articles
I usually avoid these like the plague but they become imperative reading when I’m avoiding writing.
13. Volunteer stuff
I become way more efficient about getting stuff done with organizations I volunteer with when I’m avoiding writing. LOL!

I want to note: None of those 13 things are cleaning. That never seems to happen for me. What do YOU do to procrastinate?