Tina's Blogging

You Could Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

2012-01-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

I am having a contest you won't want to miss!

On February 29th, one lucky subscriber to my newsletter will win a $20 Amazon gift card.

If you would like to enter this contest, simply find the purple Join Suspensebytina Newsletter on the left side of the blog. Click and join! I promise I don't bombard my subscribers with emails, although you will receive a quick welcome note.

Also, if you are trying to organize your life in 2012, feel free to read the posts below and share your organizational tips.

Organizational and Travel Hints

2012-01-29T08:40:00.005-07:00

Like many of you, I find there isn't enough time during the day to get everything accomplished. I also realized I could save time by organizing our condo. Those minutes I spent searching for clippers, nail files, manuals, etc. could now be used writing or cuddling up on the couch with my husband. (Both equally important.)

Every Sunday, I am sharing what I have accomplished. Now, I admit I already had the top drawer in my bathroom (right picture) organized. I wanted to share this with you because I just found more of these handy bins at Staples this week. I put them in my kitchen drawers. They were three for a dollar - can't beat that! And yes, I am in my forties and still using Oxy products. Whoever said you stopped getting pimples when you grow up lied. You just get less. And the blue love notes are from my husband, The Irish Charmer. I keep them in the drawer to brighten up my day.

On the left side, there is a picture of travel bags. My husband and I used to spend an evening in Tucson every other weekend. I decided to keep the cosmetics I use most in one bag and store it in a drawer for every day use. I wrote on a label what I needed to add to the bag when we go out of town. The other bag is where I keep deoderant, a travel tootbrush, toothpaste, and perfume. It also has a label that tells me what else I need to bring when we leave town. I can also use this as my airline bag for passing through security at the airport. I just shove it into an outside pocket of my suitcase and we are ready to go. When I'm home, I put it in a bathroom drawer so it is ready for the next trip. These bags have saved me a lot of time.

If you have organization or travel hints, I hope you will share them with us.

Also, I am having a contest you won't want to miss. On February 29th, one lucky subscriber to my newsletter will win a $20 Amazon gift card. If you would like to enter this contest, simply find the purple Join Suspensebytina Newsletter on the left side of the blog. Click and join! I promise I don't bombard my subscribers with emails, although you will receive a quick welcome note.

I'll have more organizational tips next Sudnay. I hope you'll drop by.
Tina McCright

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

2012-01-22T17:31:00.004-07:00

On February 29th, I will draw the lucky winner of a $20 Amazon gift Certificate!

To enter this contest, all you have to do is become a subscriber to my Suspensebytina Yahoo newsletter. There is a link on the left side of the blog. Click and Join! It's that easy!

Organizing Goes Green

2012-01-22T16:21:00.004-07:00

Going "Green" applies to every area of your life, including organizing.

Those of you following the blog know I am determined to save time by organizing my life. I would love to go out and buy brand new organizing systems and hire people to install them, but it isn't in my budget. And although I did buy a few baskets at a thrift store, I realized it would be simpler and cheaper to use ordinary items at home to organize those items which were cluttering my bathroom drawers.

I purchase inexpensive razors in bulk. The problem is they fall out of the bag once opened. I also own too many coffee cups. I helped solve both problems by placing the razors in a souveneir cup. Now when I grab for a razor from the bottom drawer, I notice the coffee cup it is resting in and remember the exciting whale watching adventure my brother, Bob, and his wife, Beth, took me on one summer.

I was about to throw out a not-so-gently used Christmas gift bag when it dawned on me that I could cut off the top and use it to hold hair clips. Both organizers are now stashed away in the bottom drawer in my bathroom where they are easily located when needed.
If you have any creative organizing ideas, we would be interesting in reading about them.

Organizing the Medicine Cabinet

2012-01-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, my New Year's resolution was to improve my life. My biggest goal is to get more organized. I need to make the most use of my time since I teach during the day and write during evenings. Every second counts.

Like most people, I put like sized items together in the medicine cabinet. Not much thought went into it, other than groaning over cleaning it. I was organizing the top bathroom drawer when I found a safety pin and realized I didn't have just one spot where I would look for safety pins. I decided to place them in plain sight on the bottom shelf in the medicine cabinet. Then it dawned on me that I really should keep a nail file and clippers in their too. These are simple items I usually have to hunt for, or go to the spare room to retrieve, while getting ready for work. Now they are within arms reach when I snag a nail or I need to pin clothing down or together.

I also started putting my medications into those days of the week containers. Not only does it save time opening and closing bottles, but now I know if I took them that day.

Although these are simple fixes, they do save me those wasted seconds or minutes that add up quickly. If you have an organizing idea, I hope you'll share it with us.

I'll have more organizing hints for the bathroom next week.

Still Organizing - An Odd Bathroom Caddy

2012-01-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

If you read last Sunday's post, you know I am working on improving my life for 2012, which means I have a lot of organizing to do now that I recently got married. We merged The Irish Charmer's belongings with mine in every room except for the bedroom bathroom, which I still use in the mornings.

Anyone watching television commercials knows women have many choices when it comes to personal grooming. The problem is what to do with all of those items after you buy them. I spent months trying to figure out what to put in the bathroom that wouldn't fall off the wall, rust, or somehow create a mess.

One day, I was cleaning out a kitchen cupboard and found the caddy pictured above. I believe it came with the dishwasher and is used to hold items like baby bottle caps. I immediatly knew it would solve my problem in the bathroom. It now holds razers, face cleansers, and utensils for smoothing the skin on my heels. What I like most about this caddy is I can easily lift it up when I need to cean the tub.

If you found an imaginative use of an ordinary object, I hope you will share it with us.

First Week of Improving My Life in 2012

2012-01-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

I started out the week intending to work out in the morning, but my car battery died when I set out for the gym. Instead of walking on the Treadmill, I lifted weights at home. Still a workout. Plus, my husband became my hero when he fixed my car battery.

Any time you can look at your husband like he destroyed a fire-breathing dragon, your life is on the right track. Not a bad way to start the new year.

Organizing - Start With The Purse

2012-01-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Like most of you, I made New Year's Resolutions. I WILL finish two books this year. Also, I plan to eat healthier and organize my life. You can probably tell by the picture, this post is not about eating healthier.

For the most part, I do have an organizing system. My motto is "Everything has a place and it will eventually get back there." I plan to do a better job of getting it "back there" this year. My husband and I both make piles of clutter and then when it gets on our nerves, we clean it. Clutter will interfere with your ability to think clearly and creatively so it is best to try to avoid it as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, I am no neat freak and don't plan to become one. I just know that with working a full time job and writing in the evenings, there is little time to clean so it is better to have a plan that will help free up more time.

I decided to start with my purse. The bottom was filled with old receipts, candy, and pens. The zipper compartments were a mess of miscellaneous items that were no longer usable because the wrappers had opened or come off. The purse needed a good cleaning. First, the handle was fraying, but instead of buying a new purse, I found an old favorite and transferred items while I cleaned. Saving money is always a good plan.
The three items in the left picture, closest to the text, were ideas I had already put into place. I keep my keys on a hook and I started putting those keychain cards on a separate hook. I placed a keyring around one handle of my purse and I attach both my keys and the keychain cards onto that ring and then drop them into the purse in case the hook ever breaks. (right picture) I always know where my keys are. You might also notice I keep a flash drive in a holder attached the purse as well. This is where I keep a copy of the manuscript I'm working on.
The white purse looking item in the left picture is an old makeup brush holder. I got tired of the wrappers of femine products ripping open in the zipper compartments of my purse. This case is hard and keeps them secure. The black makeup purse was used to protect my large sunglasses, but now I use it to store small items like antacids, lipstick, medications, etc. When I need something I can pull it out of my purse and easily search inside.

The address book is also where I list birthdays and more imporantly our car license numbers and the size of my air filters for the air conditioner. That info is now always at my fingertips whenever needed.

The Equal container was an idea I came up with this weekend. While cleaning my purse, I found Tic Tac mints. This was the perfect container to hold my sugar substitutes. The first few times I removed the lid I needed to pry it open with the end of a pen, but by the fourth time it could be tugged open easily. I also used Goo Gone to clean off the label. Now I know exactly where my Equal or Splenda is at all times. No more searching.

And now, after removing the cards I rarely use from my wallet, my purse weighs less than ten pounds. I think...
If you have any organizing ideas, please feel free to share them with us.

Patio Furniture

2011-12-04T17:45:00.002-07:00

I posted I wanted new patio furniture recently. All I wanted for right now was two chairs at low cost or free. I saw two at Home Depot, but decided to wait. Following The Secret, I knew I would get these chairs in a way that felt good to me.

I did buy those chairs last weekend using the gift cards my husband and I forgot to take on our honeymoon, so you could say we got them for free. I know anyone could debate this issue, but I knew the money wasn't coming out of my bank account and that is all that mattered to me.

Experimenting with The Secret, I have decided to try to keep a positive attitude and decrease stress in my life. If the book is correct, then that should bring more joy into my life. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Concentrating on the Positive

2011-11-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Life can get in the way of our best intentions. I wanted to focus on the positive to see what happens in terms of attracting more positive into my life. (That is the premise for The Secret.) What I found is my positive thoughts about my marriage brought more wonderful moments in my marriage. My husband took me out for dinner for my birthday and we danced on the patio. The waiter excused herself, sneaking back inside the restaurant. It was the most romantic moment of my life. Last month, we flew to San Francisco for our belated honeymoon. I had never been on a cable car and we both hung onto the outside. What fun!

My positive thoughts about my writing brought more positive moments. I finally landed an awesome agent! I am excited about the book I'm writing and get giddy whenever an unexpected twist comes to me.

The problem has been my day job. One distraction after another. If The Secret is true, I attracted this. I used to say most of my life went well to make up for the one area that was causing grief. I am officially changing that thought process today. All areas of my life can and will be wonderful! My plan is to focus more on the positive and see what happens.

Wish me luck!
I wish you better luck!

The Secret Experiment

2011-10-02T18:43:00.001-07:00

The Secret, which I like to think of as The Power of Positive Thinking, has intrigued me. I try to stay in a positive state of mind, which is supposed to bring more happiness your way, but I admit it isn't always easy. Overall, I have to say The Secret has changed my life. Or maybe I should say trying to stay in a grateful state of mind has changed my life.

A few years ago, I became a much happier person in large part to changing my focus to the positive more often. I like to attribute the wonderful people and events that have come into my life to this change. This past year, I reconnected with my college sweetheart and we got married in June. I was also able to replace my car with one which works much better. And this past week I found a wonderful agent to represent my work. So what now?

Of course I want to obtain a contract for my work. That is a given. I plan to act as if it is a done deal. According to The Secret, this attitude should bring it to me faster.

My big plan for right now is to try to stay happy as much as possible by counting my blessings and see what I attract. I will keep you posted on the good things that come my way. You could do the same and tell me what comes your way. I like to think that by being happy we pass our attitude forward to others also. If so, it will send a ripple effect out into the world.

And...if the universe is reading, I do need new patio furniture. I'm looking for a great deal.

The Rules

2011-10-02T18:38:00.001-07:00

Writers often hear about the rules of writing. You shouldn't have too many -ly words, or use "was," or head hop point of view. We wonder when we read books that break all of these rules how they got published. I have often thought that it is good to know the rules so you can choose when to break them. The problem is we hear too many rules about too many avenues of writing. Sometimes it can stifle our creativity.

I recently picked up the book, If You Want to Write, by Brenda Ueland. While perusing the pages I came across a piece of advice:

"As you write, never let a lot of "oughts" block you: I ought to be more humorous, more Leftist, more like Ernest Hemingway, more bitingly satirical. Then it shows. That spoils it. It will not be alive, but dead."

My advice is to write freely and discover your voice. Your voice brings life to your writing. Worry about the -ly words when you edit, and ONLY if you think it takes away from your finished product.

Until next week,
Tina LaVon

Submitting Your Manuscript

2011-09-25T07:33:00.001-07:00

The most daunting part of writing is the submission process. I have heard my writing friends say they pitched their story to an agent or editor when it wasn't finished-far from it. They may have gotten a request to see the material, but I rarely hear of an agent or editor buying that manuscript after the writer rushed to finished it.

New York Times bestselling author, Bob Mayer cautions writers against pitching work that isn't finished. In his book, The Novel Writer's Toolkit, he recommends writers "make sure your work is really finished." He says you should let the completed manuscript sit for two weeks before reading through it and making changes. Then, after you submit, start the next book.

You can hear more advice from Bob, and buy a copy of his book, at the Desert Dreams Conference in Scottsdale Arizona, April 27-29,2012. Go to http://www.desertroserwa.org/ for more information and registration.

Escape!

2011-09-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

When life is getting too monotonous or stressful, you might need to escape.
Over the Labor Day weekend, my husband and I decided last minute to escape the Arizona heat and drive to San Diego. The cooler temperatures and time spent outside in nature helped to recharge my batteries. After returning I felt refreshed. I return to my job with renewed energy and to my book feeling more creative. I highly recommend an escape whenever possible. If you can't leave town, try getting out in nature near your home. Of course, if you live in Arizona when it is over hundred degrees, you might need to escape to an ice rink.

Believe

2011-08-15T02:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I won a basket. Inside was a stamp that said BELIEVE. Saturday, I sat at a table at the gym, waiting for my husband, and noticed a sign similar to the one above. Twice in one week... I don't believe in coincidences, so I quickly decided this was a message and recognized it was one I needed.

Too often we hold ourselves back from obtaining what we want. We say we want to be rich, but then we worry if it would cause complications. Would we lose friends due to jealousy or would family members get upset if we didn't shower them with gifts. These thoughts will block us from becoming rich.

How does this pertain to our writing? We say we want the big contract with the big publisher, but are we afraid of deadlines? Are we worried our loved ones will be upset if we have to spend more time writing? Will we lose the free time we had to enjoy casual lunches with friends? Will we be able to put everything away long enough to take a wonderful vacation?

If we are worried about what will come if we get the big contract, then we will block it from coming. After being introduced to The Law of Attraction and The Power of Positive Thinking, I have witnessed a pattern in my life. In order to receive what I think I want, I need to picture it from all angles, be certain it is what I want, believe it will come, and then work towards that end. I invite you to try this approach and see what happens.

Another Facebook Wedding

2011-08-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

When I first heard of Facebook, I was reluctant to join because I already had a Myspace account for my writing persona. After a few months, I decided to go ahead and set up a personal account to keep in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. I never dreamed it would change my life forever.

At first, I was grateful I had the opportunity to develop a closer relationship with my sister-in-laws by keeping in touch with them. I was thrilled when old friends came back into my life. Then one day, an old college boyfriend friended me. He later told me he once thought he had lost me forever.

A writing friend said I should blog about our reunion. I thought about this for awhile and decided it probably is an interesting story and might even give hope to others who have lost touch with someone they care about, or are hoping Mr. Right might "friend" them.

I refer to Pat as My Irish Charmer. We started out as friends catching up on the past thirty years. When we were in college, I was 18 and he was 22. I was too young to know what I really wanted or what type of man would be best to marry. Our new friendship later turned into dating and then this past June we married in a simple backyard wedding with family and friends. My father passed away two years ago, so I felt blessed that three of his brothers gave me away. In true romance writer fashion, my friend Kathryne Kennedy said the way My Irish Charmer looked at me during the ceremony made her cry.

I guess you can say I'm the heroine in my own romance novel.

Until next week,
happy writing!
Tina LaVon

More Tips on Naming Characters

2011-07-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I have been discussing where writers find names for their characters. I almost forgot to share some helpful hints. For starters, you don't want all or many of your characters names starting with the same letter. It helps to avoid confusion and aids in giving every character their own, separate, identity. A friend once told me she writes the alphabet and when choosing a first or last name she marks the first letter off her alphabet. I found this useful.

The next piece of advice came from another writing friend who read my book, Liquid Hypnosis. She told me she is Dyslexic and names which end the same confused her because she sometimes starts at the end of a name. I believe I had a few characters whose names ended in S.
My next book has a character whose last name is Stevenson, so I need to make sure no one else's name ends with son too.

I hope you find this advice useful as well.
Until next time,
happy writing!
Tina LaVon

Character Naming

2011-07-24T15:10:00.001-07:00

Two Sundays ago, I mentioned Best-selling Author, Janet Evanovich, searched through yearbooks and phone books to find names for her characters. Usually names come to me, but I have discovered a couple of resource books I have used often.

Character Naming Source book by Sherrilyn Kenyon, another New York Times Best-selling Author. She lists names by their nationality and gives their meaning. According to her book, Tina is English and means river. Maybe I shouldn't have looked. I've seen better definitions elsewhere.

My favorite resource book is The Secret Universe of Names by Roy Feins. He believes names have a subliminal power. We form an image of someone when we hear their name. This is helpful for writers who are forming characters with particular traits. This gives us an edge if the reader already has a predisposed belief system about names.

He lists names according the significant letters. For example, Tina is listed under tn. He then gives a page describing the personality attached to the name. I read through the page for Tina. Some of it applies to me, but not all. He also lists strengths and weaknesses. My strengths would be Energetic, Talented, Warm. I can live with that. My weaknesses would be Self-important, Pushy, Demanding. I guess I have been those at least once. My friends would say I am definitely not pushy or demanding. Perhaps when I was younger or if I feel I am standing up for someone's rights.

The author also gives a rating scale on how likely someone with a particular name is to be charismatic, have a successful career, be lucky in love and friendship, and how much power they might have. My scale is the highest when it comes to love and friendship. I would have to agree.

Until next week,
happy writing,
Tina LaVon

Meet an Editor and/or Agent

2011-07-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Registration for the 2012 Desert Dreams Conference,
to be held Apri 27-29, 2012 in Scottsdale, AZ,
is now open.

The first 50 people who register and pay for the
2012 conference will have their names placed in a
drawing and 10 lucky people will win a spot next
to one of our editors or agents at the Saturday luncheon.

We don't have our full list of 10 editors and agents shown
on the website yet, as we're still confirming the last few,
but you'll have time to adjust youreditor/agent appointments
before conference if you register now. It's still based
on first registered/first paid basis.

If you're one of the lucky 10 to win the promotion,
this gives you extra one-on-one time with an editor/agent,
as it doesn't have to be the same person you meet with
for your appointment.

Register online at http://www.desertroserwa.org
to take advantage of our early bird pricing and
be entered in the drawing for the chance to spend
an entire lunch session with the editor/agent of your choice
based on the time of your registration).

As soon as we have 50 registrations, we will use
the random.org contest engine to determine the 10
winners at random. We will notify each person.
As soon as our 10 editors and agents are finalized,
you will have a chance to pick your lunch partner.

Don't wait! Register today at http://www.desertroserwa.org/

Questions? Email desertdreams@desertroserwa.org

Independence

2011-07-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. We recognize the fact we won our freedom during the American Revolution. We may be a free country, but there are all types of binds we place on ourselves. During these weekend celebrations, I challenge you to take a good, long look at your life. What do you need to free yourself from? Do you spend too much time with toxic, negative people who deplete your energy? Do you eat too much junk food that clogs your body and also drains your energy? Are you spending too much working and not enough time with your loved ones? Identify what detracts from the quality of your life and start your own revolution to free yourself.

I am going to increase my energy levels by increasing my water intake, eating healthier food, and exercising more. What will you do?

Bring on Happiness!

2011-06-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

According to Rhonda Byrne's book, The Power, if you send out love and are happy, more things will come to you that make you happy. I found perfect examples last week. As many of you know, I got married last weekend, so I was definitely happy and sending out love. Wednesday, I took a reading class as part of my teacher continuing eduction. I randomly selected a table and two teachers joined us who brought more happiness into my life.

The teacher sitting across from me introduced herself. When I told her where I taught, she said, "You got our principal. We are going to miss him." In June, our school did hire a new principal, but I had not yet met the new principal. I was glad to hear from this teacher that the man we hired is nice, calm, and easy to talk to. This made me extremely happy.

The teacher who sat next to her recently got married as well. She had already started the name change process and shared what she had learned. For example, in Arizona, you have to change your social security card at least two days before you can change your driver's license. I wouldn't have known that if it weren't for her. I was planning to change my drivier's license first. She saved me at least an hour of wasted wait time at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.

Needless to say, I was even happier when I left the class that day than when I arrived. I also knew none of this was a coincidence. It was a result of The Law of Attraction. So be happy and bring more happiness your way.

Until next time,
happy writing,
Tina LaVon

Challenges Are a Good Thing

2011-06-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

You are probably wondering why I have a picture of cappuccino and candy with a blog post about challenges. I have learned the best thing for me to do when I have a challenge is to relax, preferably with a cup of coffee and something sweet. I have a Type A personality, which most people would not suspect. Over the years, I have learned to control the raging beast inside. I've made it a point to let life happen and not get upset whenever possible.

When my pulse races and I'm afraid my blood pressure will get too high, I meditate. I also look for the positive in any situation. I once read that there is an imaginary circle around you representing what you can handle in any given situation. New challenges widen the circle making many more events manageable.

Lately, I have been faced with challenges, which have turned into positive learning opportunities. Saturday, the Irish Charmer and I are getting married. My focus has been to turn this into more of a party. By not having certain expectations, I have found the event more enjoyable and friends and family have surprised me with their kindness.

While preparing for the big day, my upstairs neighbor's pipes have leaked through my bathroom ceiling for the third time. I definitely had to meditate over this one. My tendency is try to control the situation and resolve everything immediately. My fiance has stepped in to help and I have discovered how great he will be in an emergency situation. He is intelligent and calm. Qualities I respect. Also, by not taking charge myself, everything is falling into place. In the end, the situation will finally be resolved and I will have a nicer ceiling. It doesn't have to happen today.

So, while I am planning for my wedding and watching the paint fall from my bathroom ceiling, I get an adjusted tax statement from the AZ Dept. of Revenue and due to the high volume of calls, I can't get through to a live person. Apparently, they are not recognizing that I did pay my taxes through my non-writing career because they are looking at a tax ID number and not my social security number. In the past, I would have been extremely upset and ranting, but I have decided this can wait until after the wedding. I have learned to prioritize and put some things aside until later when it can be dealt with in a more relaxed manner.

Looking over the past week, I am amazed by how I have managed to stay sane with so much going on. I am learning to allow others to help - something new to me these past few years -and to let some things, although important, to take a backseat for awhile.

Of course, meditating more often is helpful and I'll blog about that another time.

Until next time,
happy writing!
Tina LaVon

Simple Summer Weddings

2011-06-12T14:14:00.001-07:00

Next weekend, The Irish Charmer and I are getting married. This being a second wedding for us both, we decided to keep things simple. After watching a couple of reality shows where the bride loses her mind over the dress or the details of the big day, I knew I didn't want to go there. I want to enjoy every minute. Our goal has been to share this moment with the people we love in relaxed setting, without going bankrupt, or crying for hours. So far, we have managed to keep the cost around $1,000. I thought someone might benefit from what we learned.

* Location - I like to say we are having a party with a time-out to get married. We decided to have both the wedding and reception at my cousin's house. Her husband even installed a misting system on the patio. What a guy! Even though it is an evening wedding, it is still Arizona in June. Not renting a church or hall saved a lot of money. Of course, I have bought a gift for them to say thank you.

* Drinks - I bought the beer, sodas, and water over a holdiay weekend. I checked the local flyers and discovered Frys grocery store had them on sale cheaper than Costco.

* The Dress - Can be a huge expense. My sister loaned me hers, but I soon discovered I would have been overdressed for this simple wedding. Instead, I found a cute white sundress for $100 at Pennys. They had a wide selection of white sundresses to choose from and some were less expensive.

*Shoes - Kohls turned out to be the perfect place to buy heeled sandals. I received a ten dollars off card in the mail and the shoes were on sale. I paid about $12 for the shoes. Great deal!

*Food - Catering is not cheap. Costco couldn't be beat for food. Yesterday we loaded our cart with frozen appetizers we will heat up that day. Tip: to get them all in the freezer, I had to take the plastic packages out of their cardboard containers. I saved the preparation directions and tossed the rest of the boxes.

*Extra expenses - Relatives and friends want to help, so let them as long as they don't have outlandish ideas. I have wonderful people in my life who want to be a special part of our big day. My adult daughter is taking me out to get my nails, hair, and makeup done. It will be a wonderful bonding moment. My sister is paying for the minister who is a friend of hers from work. My aunts and uncles are bringing coolers and long tables. And a friend from work is providing 20 of the chairs. We are renting the rest from a place with reasonable prices.

*The cake - The Irish Charmer and I were going to get a sheet cake. We didn't want to spend a huge amount of money on a traditional wedding cake. My daughter said the resorts are using cupcakes these days so my mother is ordering dozens of red velvet cupcakes. We have three towers to put them on for a decorative display.

*Decorations - Don't forget your local dollar store. I bought eight centerpieces; simple glass bowls to float roses inside. My mother donated satin rose petals for the table. I did splurge for bubble tubes, candy, and the netting to put them in at Party City. I'm sure I could have found it cheaper elsewhere, but I was running out of time to compare prices. They did have satin ribbon for only 59 cents. Cheaper than most places I had checked for ribbon.

* Photography - Again, this is a second marriage so we didn't feel the need to spend hundreds of dollars on pictures. I bought a package of fun cameras to place around on the tables for guests to use and we are also bringing digital cameras. I'm confident there will be enough photographs to capture the spirit of the day.

* Flowers - I could have ordered flowers at Costco, but Frys has them for about ten dollars a dozen. I ordered 3 dozen and with floral tape and ribbon will make my bouquet and the flowers the ladies standing up with me will hold, plus the roses for the centerpieces. Much cheaper than going through a florist.

Overall, I am very happy with what we have accomplished. I haven't lost my mind and am enjoying every moment. And at the end of the evening, we will be happily wed. That is what matters most.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

2011-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

A few minutes ago I decided to meditate before looking

over my manuscript once last time before sending it out.

I intended to visualize what I wanted in my life. The

interesting thing about meditating is what you need, rather

than what you want, can come to you rather quickly.

At first, I was mentally cataloging what to visualize and

then I remembered what Mike Dooley, author of Manifesting

Change, said when I heard him speak. He believes if

you focus in just being happy, the universe will give you

what you need to be happy.

Rhonda Byrne, author of The Power, claims your life will

change for the better if you are happy and sending out love

51% of the day. I wrote 51% on my bathroom mirror as a

reminder.

Instead of rushing around because I have so much to do,

I have decided to seek out the joy of every moment. Feel

the overwhelming happiness that flows through my body

when I do this and trust that I will accomplish all that needs

to be done. Instead of feeling stressed, I will be grateful

and happy. I suggest you give it a try, too.

Until next time,

happy writing!

Tina LaVon

Overcoming Hurdles

2011-05-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

This evening, my fiance (The Irish Charmer)
and I were watching the movie My Big Fat Greek
Wedding. In one touching scene, the main character,
Toula, is discussing the future with her brother.
He says, "Don't let your past dictate who you are,
but let it be part of who you will become."

Since that quote hit both of us,
I decided to pass it along. The brother claims it
came from Dear Abby. I don't know if that is true,
but it sounded like something she might have said.

As writers, this quote could tell you to let the pass
go. If you received rejections or harsh criticism
from contest judges or critique partners, learn
from it and let it go. Don't let negativity keep you
from writing and submitting. It could also mean
to let your childhood or past relationships go.
If someone was cruel to you or you loved them and
they still left you, let it go. You took with those
experiences emotions that will help you as a writer,
but don't let them trap you in the past
and keep you from writing.

Each day you wake up, decide what your goal is
and work to accomplish the baby steps that will
help you achieve that goal. You are the only
one keeping you back.

Until next week,
happy writing!
Tina LaVon

Big Surprise

2011-05-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last week I focused on the positive more than I had been. I admit, it wasn't always easy with a hectic job, but Rhona Byrne says if you can do this just 51% of the day, you will change your life.

Well, an amazing thing happened. Wonderful friends threw me a bridal shower and my college roommate surprised me by flying in from Atlanta. I live in AZ. We both screamed in delight. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends; those whose who put the shower together and those who attended. That will be my positive focus for the week.

Several times a day I am going to mentally go back to my shower and remember how blessed I am to have wonderful friends. We'll see what this positive vibration brings my way this week.

Until I post again, remember those famous words, "Don't worry, be happy."

Focusing on the Positive

2011-04-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

It isn't easy to focus on the positive when you are overwhelmed at work or in your private life. My goal from this second on is to shift to the positive as much as possible and see what happens. According to the teachings of The Secret, escpecially those of Mike Dooley, positive things should come my way. For example, today in church, my fiance and I had to stand against the back wall because we were late. The ushers were finding seats, but I was thinking the women with babies needed ones before us. I was resigned to standing for the long mass. The ushers waved us over and I realized the women with babies were already seated. According to The Power or Mike Dooley, I had given out positive thoughts for others and was rewarded for that. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but I don't believe in coincidences. So, I will focus on the positive and report back what the Universe sends my way.

The Power of Happiness

2011-03-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

In The Secret and The Power they discuss being in a grateful state of mind. I have noticed that when I'm grateful, I am happy. When I'm happy more things come to me that make me happy. It's almost like the Universe/God wants to maintain that balance. Greater spiritual minds than mine could spend hours explaining that one.

A perfect example was last Friday. Thursday night I had made major accomplishments on my book proposal and I was in a state of ectasy. Life was wonderful! The next day was the last day of school before spring break and I noticed every great thing that came my way. One student said, "Today's your lucky day!"

That morning:

*We were supposed to split a class when the teacher took the day off to prepare for her wedding, which meant six additional students in our rooms. We had done the same the day before. I was prepared, but the administrators decided to move other staff into that room for the day. That meant no additional students for my team.
*A teacher brought bagels and my assistant brought donuts. Yum!
*I also received an extra portion of shrimp poppers for lunch. Not good for my diet, but it is my favorite item on the cafeteria menu.
*One hundred percent of my students passed the math test on the first try. The day before some of them were struggling with adding money, but suddenly they caught on that morning.

It honestly felt like the universe had shifted people and events to make my school day awesome!
Of course, the rest of the day was great; it was spring break!

The Universe Works in Amazing Ways

2011-02-21T19:11:00.001-07:00

Once I discovered how The Secret works, I started noticing how small things I want manifest. In fact, I am often amazed at where they came from. Its as if the Universe goes out of its way to bring me things in strange ways so I will know, without doubt, that it came from the Universe.

One day I noticed I should add some paintings to my condo walls. I knew I would get them and put it out of my mind. Within a month, a second grade student brought me original oil paintings his aunt had made. Who would ever guess they would have come from a child?

Last year I had my condo up for sale. I knew the spare bathroom needed something to make it more presentable. I knew I would take care of it and let it go. Before long I attended a Desert Rose Romance Writer's meeting. Kathryne Kennedy, a dear friend of mine, won a basket. She decided I should have it. I argued with her, but she kept insisting. When I got home I discovered it contained bath salts, soaps, etc. And all in purple, which matched the spare bathroom.

I needed to get new sheets for my bed. I knew I would get them at the right time and put it out of my mind. I rarely went to the mall so the Universe would have to bring them to me and it did. A friend takes me to the gem show twice a year. This was the first time we had seen Egyptian sheets sold at the gem show for an extremely low price. I was amazed.

Every time the Universe brings me things in unique ways I am thrilled and delighted, so it keeps happening. Remember to be grateful for what you have, try to stay in a happy state of mind, and send love to others and the Universe will amaze you.

How The Secret Worked This Past Week

2011-01-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I noted that the more specific I am about what I want the faster it comes. It also comes quicker if I am positive it will come to me, but I don't hold onto it tightly.

My day job is teaching elementary school. When my back started hurting from carrying my purse, coffee carafe, and bag filled with papers to grade, I started pulling a crate on wheels from my car to the classroom Monday thru Friday. I have had this crate for over a decade and it was falling apart. I had put off purchasing a new one because I wasn't positive what I wanted. My crate was too big and had to placed on the passenger seat of my car.

Early this past week, I noticed a teacher friend had a crate half the size of mine. I liked that. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was a step in the right direction. I would prefer something....prettier. She thought her sister found it at a local office supply store. I couldn't find it, but passing a Michael's craft store I thought they would have something that might work. Years ago I found a perfect container on wheels for holding my books for signings at another craft store. Unfortunately it was $50 and I had no intention of spending that much money. I really didn't want to spend more than $30, which would have been the price of a replacement crate.

Inside Michaels I "just happened" to start a conversation with a sales associate who told me they had a teacher discount. (You will learn with The Secret there are no coincidences. This person was sent in my path to help me save money.) I saw a pink cloth covered scrap booking tote for about $45. Too expensive. On the very last isle of the store, I found the perfect tote. It is exactly the size I wanted, covered with a black cloth with a "pretty" white design. With my teacher discount it cost me about $25, which is less than a replacement crate would have cost. Oh, and did I tell you there was only one left? On Friday, I placed my coffee carafe and purse inside, along with my teaching tools and felt wonderful.

So...if you are interested in testing this out, pick one thing you want. Be positive you will get it. Narrow down
the details and see if it works for you too.

How The Secret Works

2011-01-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

After listening to the audio CDs of The Secret and its sequel The Power, plus books by Mike Dooley, my understanding of The Secret is you put yourself into a state of gratitude; loving all of the good in your life. You appreciate what you have and more of what you want will come to you. Only better.

In The Secret, the speakers recommend creating a vision board. You glue onto it pictures of what you want in your life. Mike Dooley says you can just ask to be happy and the universe/God (Whatever your spiritual belief may be) will give you what you need to be happy.

Once you say what you are grateful for and you know what you want, then you say what you want as if you already have it. For example, I can say, "I am so grateful I am a New York Times writer." At some point in the day you should visualize your life as if you already have what you want. Act as if you already have what you want. I would need to write more. If it is a new love you want, then make room in your closet for that person. Sleep on one side of the bed instead of the middle. Imagine what you would do during the day with your significant other. It is important to feel good about you want, to have love for it, but not to hold onto it so tight that you actually push it away. Have faith you will get what you want.

I found that is was difficult for me to believe that I could get the big things I want so I started out small. I have found that when I am about positive about the details of what I want it comes to me faster. And what comes to me often feels magical.

One example of the magic: Every time I went into an office supply store I would search for the perfect organizer. I wanted a small calendar with big date squares and an area to store cards, change etc. It also needed to have a burgundy leather case. One day I spent over an hour looking at everything in the store. Finally, I decided I could just make what I wanted by putting a calendar, dividers, paper, and business card holders into a binder. Once I knew exactly what I wanted, twenty seconds later I found a leather, burgundy binder on top of a set of black ones. There was no other one like it in the store. There wasn't even a spot for it. And I know it wasn't there a few minutes before because anything burgundy stands out to me. I had to ask a sales associate to scan the bar-code to find out how much it was. It was like if fell from the heavens.

How I REALLY, REALLY Know The Secret Works

2011-01-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

The biggest change in my life came about because of The Secret.

Growing up I had always wanted the nuclear family. When I got divorced I figured that was a lost dream. When my daughter was young I decided I wouldn't date until she graduated from college. For over a decade I was closed up. I had friends and discovered my writing, but I never let a man close. I never considered replacing that dream with another one because I was too scared.

About two and half years ago, I realized my daughter would soon graduate from college. I knew it was my time to live my life for me. I had also seen The Secret on DVD and knew the possibilities were endless. Overnight I was happier than I had ever been. My friends noticed the difference and commented. They also waited to see if this change would stick and it has.

At that time, I knew that it was my time to be truly happy. It was also my time for that one big true love. I had no doubts that God/The Universe would send me the right man for me. I was ready. Almost every day for two years I said, "I have a man who loves and adores me." I also knew it would be a man from my past. According to The Secret, you say what you want as if you already have it.

Thanks to Facebook, several old flames came back into my life. They are all wonderful people, but one was meant to be. The man who truly loves and adores and tells me often. He knew what he wanted and went after me. No doubts. I remember telling a friend in college that he was the right man at the wrong time. Now he is the right man at the right time and we are blissfully happy together. I call him my Irish Charmer.

The only thing better than writing romance novels is living one.

How I Know The Secret Really Works

2011-01-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, a writing friend showed the DVD of The Secret to those of us who were interested. I watched because she was a freind. I had never heard of The Secret. I didn't know Oprah had discussed the Power of Attraction. I just knew it explained how I got my condo about eleven years ago.

When I decided to move, I knew I wanted to live in an area close to another friend. It was an upscale area so I could only afford a condo. That suited my needs because I avoid yardwork like the plague. I found the perfect location. Unfortunately, the builder had gone under and they were not for sale. At least not until the complex was sold at auction. But no one knew when that might be. My realtor couldn't find any information.

In the meantime, I put my house up for sale. I wanted to be ready. My first potential sale was contigent on the buyer selling her home. Her buyer disappeared the day of closing so our sale fell through. I was devastated. A few months later another buyer came along, but she wanted me to rent back my home until the end of January. I thought it was odd, but agreed. Afterall, during those four or so months I was trying to sell my house, no one knew when the condo complex would open.

I was so determined to buy this condo, that I spoke to the apartment manager across the street about renting. This way I would be close to where I wanted to live.

On the day I was going to sign the lease for the apartment, the condos opened up. I noticed flags flying out front. It just happened to be the first day the new owner of the condo complex had opened its door for potential buyers to view the model homes. But....they didn't have the right paperwork to sell yet.

I told them I wanted to buy, but I had to move out of my house before the end of the month so I would have to sign a six month lease with the aparments. They made a phone call and told me they would lease me one of the condos until they could sell it. That was unheard of at the time.

So...was it just a coincidence that they opened the doors the day I was going to sign a lease with the aparment? I don't think so. I had waited months for them to open up. This series of events, although nerve wracking at the time, put me in the perfect place at the perfect time to buy the home I knew I wanted - no doubts.

That is what The Secret is all about:
Know you want - believe you will have it - and the universe will arrange it. Don't worry about how. It will just happen.

Positive Brings Positive

2011-01-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

According to The Secret, when you feel good or positive, you bring about other events that make you feel good. For example, today I needed an oil change so I went to a car wash to get the free wash with it. I felt wonderful when I drove away in my shiny, clean car. Later, I needed strapping tape so I drove to Target and they had sweaters I needed on sale for $9 and $14. On my way through the shopping center, I decided to get a latte at Barnes and Noble with the gift card my boyfriend, The Irish Charmer, gave me. I somehow knew the book I had been waiting for would be there. Sure enough, on the way to the counter to order my drink, I walked right beside Jenn McKinlay's next cupcake baker mystery from Berkley Prime Crime called Buttercream Bump Off.

It was a great afternoon!
Try staying in a positive state of mind and see what the universe sends your way.

Starting The Day Off Right

2011-01-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I started my day by listening to The Power on CD. The reminder that I am in control of my life and the possibilities are endless warms my heart. I am starting my day off with a positive attitude and my mind is searching for ways to get the best out of my day. I am also ready to list what I am grateful for on my way to work.

I am grateful for my family, my new love, my home, my career, my friends, my writing...

The Power

2011-01-01T18:34:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been listening to The Power on CD. It is the sequel to The Secret. In this book, Rhonda Byrne says the Law of Attraction is really love and whatever you send out you receive back. If you are griping, you are not sending out love and therefore will get back something negative in return. If you send out positive thoughts, which are loving thoughts, you will receive back more positive situations.

Last night, I felt like I witnessed this. All day I had been sending out positive, loving thoughts. While attending a New Year's Eve party, my boyfriend and I were able to do two things we love: play pool and poker. He's better at pool and I'm better at poker. :) Although last night, my friend Dani, of the writing team Tia Dani, swept the table. At midnight, the host shot off fireworks and my boyfriend and I were able to start the New Year off with a romantic kiss. We both agree it was the best New Years. I knew on the way home that this evening was a direct result of all of the wonderful, positive thoughts we had sent out during the day.

Grateful State of Mind

2010-12-31T19:18:00.001-07:00

To stay in a grateful state of mind, I watched The Secret on DVD daily for weeks. I also listened to it on CD.
I wanted more info so I also bought CDs by other speakers featured on The Secret. One of my favorites is Mike Dooley. He has a CD called Leveraging the Universe. I also listened to The Key by Joe Vitale, Last summer I found a book on CD called The Greatest Secret of All by Marc Allen. He admits he didn't want to work much in life and he became quite successful. His story reminds me that anyone can find abundance in all areas of their life using The Secret.

Off to a party.
Have a fantastic New Year's Eve!

How I Found The Secret

2010-12-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Secret Experiment - A Daily Chronicle

(At least I hope its daily. I will try my best.)

A couple of years ago, a writing friend of mine brought the DVD of The Secret to a
writing meeting. I recognized right away that this was similar to The Power of Positive Thinking.
At the time, I had shut myself off, compared to the outgoing person I had been in my youth.
I had a rough childhood, my marriage ended, dating hadn't gone well. I decided not to
date again until after my daughter graduated from college. I did have my teaching career
and I had my writing. I had joined Romance Writers of America, wrote and sold a book, and
had made friends, but I wasn't open like I used to be and I wasn't as happy as I dreamed of being.

What I immediately attached to in The Secret was the idea of saying what you are grateful for every day. This more than anything else changed my life. Usually on my way to work, I say I am grateful for my friends, family, and anything else that comes to me. Sometimes its the color of trees, flowers, etc. I am grateful for roads, refrigerators, televisions, buildings, cars, even the artwork in the walls built beside the freeways. Doing this, I found my outlook on life changed. I thought about what I did have and not what I didn't. That made me happy. And people noticed. My friends commented that they had seen the change. One even admitted she had been quiet because she wanted to know if this was temporary. Two years later, I am glad to say, I am still very happy.

More tomorrow...

Overcoming Fear and Procrastination

2010-10-10T23:41:00.001-07:00

When I notice I am allowing fear or procrastination to get in my way, I reread this quote by Walter Cronkite -

"I can't imagine a person becoming a success who doesn't give this game of life everything he's got."

Let's get out of our own way and submit that book!

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Writing Day After Day

2010-09-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

Writing Day After Day After Day After Day...

I have heard many writers say, "This is a business." That is true in more ways than one. Not only do we need to conduct ourselves professionally, but we also need to find ways to keep ourselves at the keyboard when the newness wears off.

I don't know about you, but when I first started writing I was on an adrenaline high. I had just found my bliss and I wanted to get published. I worked for hours on my manuscripts every single day. I was a sponge soaking in information. I read craft books and magazines, I listened to speeches on tape, I attended two monthly RWA chapter meetings and weekly critique meetings. I was on fire! Then I got published and found myself burnt out. I had reached my goal. Now what?

Writing is still my bliss, but I miss that adrenaline rush. I'm finding it a little harder to sit at the keyboard daily, but I still want to be a full time writer. Like so many authors I am looking for the secret.

Today I was listening to an audio book, Maximum Confidence by Jack Canfield. He basically said to achieve your goals you need information, motivation, inspiration, and perspiration. I continue to get information from my monthly RWA chapter meetings. I have a vision board I look at daily that helps with the motivation and inspiration, but I want to improve in those areas.

So this week, I am on a quest for the magic elixirs called Motivation and Inspiration. If you know where they are hiding, please let me know.

Until Next Week,
Happy Writing,
Tina LaVon

Procrastination

2010-05-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Procrastination

I decided this was a fitting topic since I did so much of this today. I started out trying to write on the porch, but didn’t type a single word. I went to Starbucks and realized I forgot my earplugs. I can’t write with background music. I was going to try to write at a table in the grocery store and remembered they had background music as well. Finally, I went home, put on a DVD I’ve seen a hundred times, blocked it out and wrote a new scene.

So, why do we procrastinate? I think fears creep up into our subconscious. Possibly the fear it won’t be good enough.

Is all procrastination bad?

If procrastination keeps you from finishing a book, then in one sense it is bad. But I have found it is also sometimes productive.

How?

Before I became a writer, I used to procrastinate from cleaning by watching movies or reading novels. These activities ultimately became research. I learned back then what went into a good story.

Today, when I procrastinate from writing I clean. I find that ironic. I find that when my home is clean I am more productive when I do write. When my condo is a mess, I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Proponents of Feng Shui say clutter blocks your energy flow and leads to frustration.

I generally save movies for the evening, which is my least productive writing time. I have learned to analyze them for good story writing techniques and often report them back to you on this blog.

So, yes, procrastination can be bad if it inhibits you from reaching your ultimate goal, but in moderation may not be so bad overall.

Until next week,
Happy Writing,
Tina LaVon

2010-05-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

It’s Complicated
Writing the Romantic Triangle
(Spoil Alert – I will give away movie details.)

Our family spent Mother’s Day at our mother’s house for a delicious roast dinner followed by movies.

In the movie It’s Complicated Meryl Streep’s character, Jane, sends her youngest child off to college and soon finds herself immersed in a “complicated” situation. She ends up at the same bar with her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin). They have more than a few drinks and end up in bed together. To make the situation more complicated, since the divorce he married the woman he had an affair with during their marriage. Then, to make things even more complicated, she starts dating Adam (Steve Martin), the architect working on the addition to her house.

The hardest part of writing a love triangle is making the heroine sympathetic to the audience/reader. Affairs are generally frowned upon. In this case, the fact she constantly feels horrible, the man was once her husband, and her shrink tells her it’s okay to explore this, makes her actions forgivable. She also needed a valid reason for being involved with two men. In this situation, Jane feels as though she hasn’t resolved the issues in her marriage. Okay, we can understand that, but why involve the innocent architect? She doesn’t start dating Adam until Jake stands her up for a dinner date and she decides she isn’t going to see him again. Jane soon discovers it’s difficult not to follow the heart, especially when the family is together and it feels like old times. So….she ends up back in bed with her ex.

I found myself wanting Jane to be with both men at times. And neither one too. This made the story more compelling. When Jane’s family spent time together with Jake, I felt warm all over and wanted the family reunited. But, her ex would soon say something crass and I thought she could do better. As a couple, I didn’t believe he added to her life. On the other hand, we have the architect, Adam. He is nice, but still getting over his divorce which could be a problem. He’s also a bit nerdy, which I found endearing, but some women may not. As the movie progresses, he shows he is a wise, responsible man.

The writer did a great job of gradually showing Adam as the better choice, so we were happy with her choosing him. Of course, the reader knew the audience would still want that family unit to exist, so the addition of a few lines near the end proved she made the wise choice. Jake tells Jane he doesn’t regret giving it a second chance and she says it would have been better if he wasn’t married. Jake says it might not have ever happened if he wasn’t married, proving he can’t be faithful.

At the end of the family we are glad she got the answers to her questions regarding her former marriage and she ended up with the better man. Well done.

Until next week,
Happy Writing,
Tina LaVon

Redeeming the Bad Boy Hero

2010-05-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

An Affair to Remember
My mother used to watch the 2:00 movie every week day afternoon. I would often come home from school to find her eyes and nose red from crying. On one such occassion, I came home in time to see the end of the movie, An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. I have never forgotten the scene where he realizes she is the woman who bought his painting - the woman who cannot walk. This is the same scene discussed in Sleepless in Seattle. Deborah Kerr's characer is supposed to meet Cary Grant's character at the top of the Empire State Building if, after six months, they still love each other and plan to run off to get married. He waits there in a thunderstorm not knowing she has been hit by a car.

I watched the movie again as an adult, as a writer, wondering how they transformed the hero from a playboy into a likeable man worthy of our heroine's love. Most of the small steps taken were shown in the scene where the Deborah Kerr character meets his grandmother.

1. They show animals and children like him, so he must be okay. We are often told that animals and children are instinctually correct about a person's character.
2. His grandmother adores him and we get to see him through her loving eyes. If someone else loves a person we tend to believe they must have some redeeming qualities.
3. He dotes on his grandmother, thus showing his softer, loving side. He even gives her a painting he made of his deceased grandfather knowing how much she loved him.
4. The grandmother tells the heroine her grandson was once an altar boy. We tend to think he can't be all bad if he has roots in the church.
5. He gazes upon the statue in the chapel and then admires the heroine praying. We see signs of some religous beliefs lingering and his growing affection for our heroine.
6. The grandmother tells us he is a talented artist but gave it up because he is such a harsh critic of his own work. We feel a bit sorry for him here.
7. He later tells the heroine that he wants to be worthy of marrying her, so he is going to spend the next six months trying to earn a living. During an interview with his current fiance, he announces he is getting married in six months and he plans to support his wife with his painting. We are shown here that he is still committed to the heroine and the plans they made. (But he still needs to get out of his current relationship. The heroine is watching the interview with her fiance, whom she still needs to leave.)
8. The hero becomes more likable yet when he refuses to sign his own name to his paintings and thus capitalize on his playboy image.
9. We know he has changed his ways when he no longer acts like the playboy even though the heroine did not show up for their meeting.
10. His most heroic move is when he shows he still loves the heroine even though she cannot walk. That is the scene that stole our hearts.

Although we are told repeatedly our hero must be likable, this movie shows you can have a bad boy if you show early on that the character has redeeming qualities. The reader needs to know our hero will be worthy in the end, just like Cary Grant's character did in An Affair to Remember.

Until next week,

Happy Writing!

Tina LaVon

The Neurotic Writer's New Years Resolutions

2010-01-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Neurotic Writer’s
New Years Resolutions

Just for Laughs
Although Tina LaVon may do a few of these.

1. Read astrological chart daily and follow its advice.
2. Make a list of agents with compatible astrological signs to pitch to in 2010.
3. Write daily.
4. Never send a submission when Mercury is in Retrograde.
5. Find a place to write which has positive energy.
6. Write daily.
7. Retreat in Sedona where you can brainstorm novel in a vortex.
8. Carry crystals in bra to keep them close to the heart.
9. Write daily.
10. Wear bracelet with lucky charms to ward off evil.
11. Create writing warm-up rituals to start each session.
12. Write goals and keep them under the pillow

And….Write Daily!

Did you write any resolutions?

The Neurotic Writer wishes you a wonderful 2010!

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Using The Secret to Chase Away the Doldrums

2009-12-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

Recently I suffered from what I refer to as “the blahs.” The weather is getting colder, the days shorter, and I needed more sleep. During this time, I noticed The Universe kept sending me wonderful moments: My college roommate flew into town, students in my second grade classroom made me pictures with heart-warming messages printed beneath, and my sister was finally over her pneumonia and could take long walks with me again.

Reflecting on these moments, I remembered the teachers of The Secret believe your present is a reflection of your past thoughts and actions. If this is true, then those positive moments were sent my way because I’m usually a happy person. There have been a few occasions where I got the blahs and noticed wonderful moments kept coming my way. It felt as though The Universe was trying to maintain that happy state.

Aside from those touching moments, I needed an extra boost to restore my constant state of happiness. I did what I usually do during these times; I repeatedly watched The Secret DVD or left it running in the TV while I cleaned or cooked. I also listened to the audio version. On my way to work, I held the gratitude rock my writing partner gave me and listed dozens of blessings I am grateful for. Together, my efforts brought me back to my state of happiness.

I am sharing this only because sometimes we all get “the blahs” and need an emotional lift. This worked for me, it might work for you. I hope so.

This holiday season let’s all count our blessings whether you have a gratitude rock or not.

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

You Know You're a Neurotic Writer When...

2009-12-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

The Neurotic Writer Shares Her Wisdom

(Just for Laughs)

After reading several episodes of The Neurotic Writer, some of her fans are concerned about heir own mental health. Are you worried that you may have become a neurotic writer?How can you tell?

You know you’ve become a neurotic writer when:

You’re afraid to tell your date you had a “lovely time” because lovely is an –ly word.

You question everyone about critique partners, making sure yours is doing her job correctly.

You check the weather channel twelve times a day because you’re afraid your manuscript might be delayed due to a sudden snowstorm in August. It doesn’t matter that your manuscript was never requested in the first place.

You query your agents based on horoscope compatibility with both you and your target editor.

Your biggest fear is every editor/agent at the conference will slip you a rejection letter under the bathroom stall.

When you have a great idea you’re afraid to tell anyone because you know Nora Roberts is tuned in to the Universe and will somehow get your idea, write the book in three hours, and have it in the stores tomorrow.

You’re convinced the agent turned you down because you sent another agent in the same NY zip code the manuscript last month. In your fantasy, they have become friends and are laughing at you over their cocktails at lunch. (You never know. They could be.)

You are certain every writing organization has a checklist of who is allowed to be published and who isn't based on your picture in your high school yearbook.

If you realized you are indeed a neurotic writer, congratulations! And welcome to the club. Glad to have you. Don’t worry; although your neurosis is incurable, it is harmless, and you’ll be a lot more fun at parties.

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Promotion Tips

2009-11-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

PROMOTION TIPS

Yesterday, Kim Watters, Carol Webb, and I spoke about using social networks to promote your writing. I want to thank all of you who attended and added to our discussion. It’s amazing how each time we speak we worry we won’t have enough to say, but always run out of time because there really is so much to talk about on this topic.

Here are a few of the tips discussed at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library yesterday.

Do NOT let your promotion efforts take over your writing time. You can schedule promo time for those moments you don’t usually write. You also have to try to do everything in one day. Spread your efforts out over the week.

The four essential elements to promotion are having:
-a website
-a blog
-a Facebook profile
-a Twitter profile

If you read Kathryne Kennedy’s post on Tuesday Sept. 29th she tells you how to set your Facebook and Twitter to feed automatically from one to the other when you post. It also tells you how to feed your blogs into one another.

Blogging – Creating a group blog like the one I belong to at
muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com saves time. If you only have a personal
blog you should post at least once a week, two or three times will help generate traffic to your site. (Although I have done this on my group blog – I post on Sundays – I have neglected my other blogs, but plan to get better about crossposting.) I am currently cross posting my group blog posts to my personal Blogger and to my Myspace. If I set the feed correctly it will automatically go to my Twitter.

Offering a service like editor/agent interviews is a great way to encourage readers to come to your blog.

I invented the character The Neurotic Writer for my group blog as a way of
introducing my type of humor to the public. I plan to have enough episodes to
create a book one day.

4. Blog tours are an effective form of promotion. If you read Kathryne’s post on
October 17th you can read where Kathryne went on her blog tour and what she discussed at each site.

To hear more tips, you can listen to our next speech on promotion at the Glendale, AZ Chocolate Affair on February 6th at 3:00. Hope to see you there!

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

The Neurotic Writer Meets a Vampire

2009-10-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another episode of

The Neurotic Writer

(Just for laughs)

Suzie Writer: “Doc! I think I was bitten by a very HOT vampire! I hope he didn’t
turn me. Do you think I would look good hanging upside down like a bat? I don’t
think I so. What do you wear when you're hanging by beam?”

Therapist: “Before you go getting yourself all upset, remember you once thought
you showered with a werewolf.”

Suzie Writer: “No I didn’t. I snuck out the window to come see you while the werewolf
was showering. Gee! You don’t have a very good memory, do you? Anyway, I met this
vampire at a party last night. I think I attract these men because I am one of the few
who believes in the paranormal. Like I said, Doc, he was HOT!”

Therapist: “A Halloween party? (Her eyes glaze over with a memory from her distant
past.) I suppose this vampire wore a long, black cape with a collar shadowing his strong,
square jaw.”

Suzie Writer: “No. He was dressed as Hannah Montana. If he dressed as a vampire
people might figure out his secret. But I have to tell you; it was oddly erotic to have a
man wearing a long, blonde wig sucking on your neck.”

Therapist: “Just because a man sucks on your neck does not mean he is a vampire.”

Suzie Writer: “It does if he declines your garlic olive and peanut butter appetizers,
avoids sitting in the bean bag chair beneath the cross on the living room wall, and then
sinks his fangs into your neck. (She moves her hair back away from her neck for the
therapist to inspect.”

Therapist: “(Taking a closer look.) Those are mosquito bites. There’s a third one
behind your ear.”

Suzie Writer: “Oh. Never mind. (Stares at the ceiling for a long moment.) You know.
I think the real Bill Clinton was at the party last night. He wouldn’t stop playing with
his cigar and he chased some poor girl wearing a blue dress.”

Therapist: “Sounds like Clinton to me.”

Creating Unforgettable Characters

2009-09-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Creating Unforgettable Characters

Yesterday, I watched All About Steve, the new Sandra Bullock comedy. Her character, Mary, is both fun and unforgettable.

One secret to creating unforgettable characters is to twist typical stereotypes. Mary is extremely intelligent. She makes crossword puzzles for the newspaper. You would think she should be shy, and wear frumpy clothes with thick glasses, etc. Instead, they made her act like one of the hyper air-heads from Legally Blonde. She constantly gets excited and jumps around.

No frumpy clothes for this girl either. They put her in long red boots and a shag haircut. Reminds me of my blue Go-Go boots and shag haircut of the 70s.

Add talking nonstop, completely uninhibited, with a big heart and you have a fun, unforgettable character.

So…the next time you are creating a character ask yourself, “What would most people assume this character would be like?” Then twist it. Give your character unexpected traits and he/she could become unforgettable.

Until next week,
Happy Writing,
Tina LaVon

Friends 37 - There are now 1250 Myspace Links

2009-06-28T13:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome back for another list of readers and writers you can find on MySpace. This is simply a collection of links, which the owners have agreed to post here for your convience. It is a resource, not an endorsement or a reflection of what I personally read. Each link is live and will take you directly to their profile page on Myspace where you can click on ADD to invite that person to be your friend. Remember, you'll need a Myspace account first. Also, don't forget to add me www.myspace.com/suspensebytina Myspace does have a limit on how many friends you can add at a time, so I would suggest you begin with my Friends One list and then come back at a later time to go through the next list.

With each posting, I like to introduce readers to an author they might not have heard of before.

The following is a blurb of Hywela Lyn's Science Fiction Romance, Starquest

Blurb:

When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen.

Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close that there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late…WEBSITE:

www.hywelalyn.co.uk

STARQUEST: Available now

CHILDREN OF THE MIST - The sequel to Starquest - Coming Soon DANCING WITH FATE: Available now. Visit my page at Polkadotbanner.com
www.Myspace.com/hywelalyn
www.Myspace.com/jestine_darnell
www.Myspace.com/terpsichoremuseofdance

________________________________________________

Friends 37 begins with an avid reader

Reader of all genres
www.myspace.com/bettylounance

Sci-Fi and Fiction Writer
www.myspace.com/druecolton

Writer of ancient mystery, history, problem solving,
and ancient conspiracy theories.
www.mySpace.com/miraclewriter
www.myspace.com/solomonseries

Romantic Crush Junkies-- Romance Review
www.myspace.com/adkwriterlkg

Christian Controversy Writer
www.myspace.com/christiancontroversy

Horror Ebook Publisher
www.myspace.com/carnifexpress

Audio Book Producer
www.myspace.com/hoodaudiobooks

Horror Writer
www.myspace.com/christopherlopezpalooza

Mystery Writer
www.myspace.com/mysteryscifiauthors

Mystery, Romance, and Paranormal Writer
www.myspace.com/ricwasley

Occult/Murder-Mystery Writer
www.myspace.com/character_connie

Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/staceyjoynetzel
www.myspace.com/stormgoddess925
www.myspace.com/kevinbwright Poetry
www.myspace.com/margotjustes Suspense
www.myspace.com/nikkiduncanwriter Suspense
www.myspace.com/jenniholbrook Suspense
www.myspace.com/tamelaquijas Paranormal
www.myspace.com/body_heat72 Ages 18+
www.myspace.com/anniesreality Ages 18+
www.myspace.com/anainthestars Ages 18+ Plus Fantasy and Horrorwww.myspace.com/ebjunkies Reviews Ages 18+

Errant Ramblings: Mitzi Szereto's Weblog

http://mitziszereto.com/blog

Mitzi TVhttp://mitziszereto.com/tv

Friends 36 - 1225 Myspace Links

2009-04-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Friends 36 is another list of 25 live links
to Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians,
Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace.

Add them today!
The number of live links on this blog has reached 1225.

Each and every one has agreed to be on this blog to
help you find them on MySpace. Begin with Friends 1
and work your way through all 35 lists. (Simply click
on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page.
Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the
next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account
to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed?
Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me if I don't message you first.

I always enjoy introducing an author you might not have read before.

This week, I would like you to meet Chris Roerden,

author of Don't Sabotage Your Submission

DON'T SABOTAGE YOUR SUBMISSION: Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A., by Agatha Award-winning author and triple finalist Chris Roerden, an editor for 44 years--whose free workshops on THE WRITER'S VOICE are traveling the country right now!

For a list of appearances go to www.snurl.com/28jtg

Charlaine Harris says: "Chris Roerden's book is chock full of practical advice for the novice writer. Even seasoned writers could use a copy as a refresher course." Chris spotlights 230 excerpts from 212 authors in this just-released expanded edition of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, now covering all genres: romance, romantic suspense, mystery, YA, and more. She analyzes each writing technique that most writers get wrong but each featured author gets right, reviewing each excerpt as a positive example of the specific technique. All 212 authors with excerpts reviewed are listed on www.snurl.com/25as7

P.J.Parrish, New York Times best-selling author of 9 thrillers, wrote that she'd attended one of Chris's workshops, bought her book, and after reading it went back and rewrote an entire first page.

DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY and its new edition, DON'T SABOTAGE YOUR SUBMISSION, are available through all distributors, so ask for it at your favorite bookstore, library, or online.

______________________________________________

This next Friends List begins with my friend Carol's company Bella Entertainment. She is a very talented woman who can create book previews at great prices. Check it out!

Friends 36

New company making book previews at reasonable prices!
www.myspace.com/mybellaentertainment

Reader of Historical Fiction
www.myspace.com/freeluciusnow

Reader of romance/action/mystery/thrillers
www.myspace.com/rmfan81

Reviewer
www.myspace.com/romanceroni

Non-Fiction, Autobiographical, Business and Successful People
www.myspace.com/darrylrobidoux

Dark Stories
www.myspace.com/renatemoerder

Mystery Writer
www.myspace.com/marywelk

Romantic Suspense Writers
www.myspace.com/tessmaynard
www.myspace.com/baharris
(http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJldHR5YW5uaGFycmlzLmNvbQ==)
www.myspace.com/kathydianewriter
www.myspace.com/autumnjordon

Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Writers
www.myspace.com/jccoy
www.myspace.com/paranormal_monday

Science Fiction Writer
www.myspace.com/the_council_of_iye

Paranormal and Poetry Writer
www.myspace.com/starcrossed_writing

Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/scarlett9284
www.myspace.com/lovebegetswealth
www.myspace.com/staceyjoynetzel

Historical Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/hannarhys

Paranormal Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/est_linconnu
www.myspace.com/buffychristopher

Motivational/Inspirational
www.myspace.com/kimberlyalyn

Fantasy
www.myspace.com/kjaterraincognita

Romance for Ages 18+
www.myspace.com/edenelgabri

Urban/Street Lit
www.myspace.com/urban_knowledge

Friends 35 - 1200 Myspace Links

2009-02-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Friends 35 brings another list of 25 live links to

Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers

and Booksellers on MySpace. They want to be your

friend so add them today!

The number of live links on this blog has reached 1200.

Each and every one has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace. Begin with Friends 1 and work your way through all 35 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)
Want your MySpace link listed?
Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me if I don't message you first.

With each list I enjoy introducing an author you might not have read before. Today, I'd like you to meet Marcia James. Her book is:

AT HER COMMAND
Cerridwen Press
ISBN # 9781419956201

BOOK BLURB:

DEA agent Domino Petracelli is chasing a career-making promotion and nothing will keep her from getting her man. Okay, so she’d rather infiltrate a Columbian drug cartel than go undercover as a dominatrix at D.C.’s Xecutive Branch sex club. But she’s up to the task. As the leather-clad Mistress Bella, Domino investigates the club’s drug ring while juggling a surreal roster of kinky submissives—and resisting one sexy client who’s not what he seems.

Police detective Dalton Cutter is a man with a mission—avenging his partner, who was murdered investigating the Xecutive Branch. Retracing his partner’s steps, he goes undercover as a club client. Dalton’s handled killers, junkies, and pimps, but can the Alpha-male cop act submissive long enough to fool Mistress Bella? And will their sexual chemistry, crackling louder than Bella’s whip, derail Dalton’s investigation?

At Her Command, a comic romantic suspense, pokes fun at the alphabet soup of D.C. law enforcement agencies. When the DEA, the FBI and the DC police unknowingly put operatives undercover at the same club, sexy sparks fly.

Note: Rated R for Risqué

The book is available in print through Cerridwen Press (http://www.jasminejade.com/p-3107-at-her-command.aspx) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/At-Her-Command-Marcia-James/dp/1419956205/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2356530-2726833?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174478084&sr=8-1).

It is also available in e-book through Cerridwen.

_____________________________________________________

Friends 35 begins with The Kimani Press

Romance Publisher
www.myspace.com/kimanipress

Borders Books
www.myspace.com/bordersniteout

Romance Reader
www.myspace.com/theromancebookaddict

Historical Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/kristualla
www.myspace.com/paisleykirkpatrick Western

Suspense Writer
www.myspace.com/captivesouls

Writer of Suspense with Romantic Elements
www.myspace.com/cloudjennifer

Romantic Suspense
www.myspace.com/joymbyrd
www.myspace.com/maryvine

Romantic Paranormal Suspense
www.myspace.com/isabellaclayton
www.myspace.com/est_linconnu

Fantasy Writer
www.myspace.com/karenlnewman

YA Sci-Fi Fantasy Writer
www.myspace.com/conorandthecrossworlds

Urban Fantasy/Supernatural Thriller
www.myspace.com/dragonsbloodtrilogy

Multicultural/Paranormal
www.myspace.com/kokobrown07

Horror/Suspense Writer
www.myspace.com/396162958

Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/moalovelost
www.myspace.com/jeremyblog Drama
www.myspace.com/karebarewendy Contemporary

Romance Writers and Reviewer for Ages 18+
www.myspace.com/kikihowell Paranormal
www.myspace.com/phillyauthor
www.myspace.com/mochaseroticreview
(http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1vY2hhc2Vyb3RpY3Jldmlldy5jb20=)
www.myspace.com/cassandragold

Pamela S Thibodeaux NEW MYSPACE
http://myspace.com/pamelathibodeaux

Next Contest

2009-01-25T21:38:00.001-07:00

On June 7th, I will be celebrating the end of another school year by giving away an autographed copy of Liquid Hypnosis to a member of my newsletter group. You can join by clicking on the Yahoo link on the side of the blog. I know it's a bit early to be thinking about summer, but teachers always have it on their minds.

Friends 34 - 1,175 Myspace Links

2008-12-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Friends 34 brings another 25 live links to Readers,Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. (Scroll down for the live links.)

They want to be your friend so add them today!

The number of live links on this blog has reached 1175. Each
and every MySpace member of the writing community has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace.
Begin with Friends 1 in the archives and work your way throughall 34 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a Myspace profile page. click on ADD or Friend, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed?
Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me if I don't message you first.
*******

With each Friends List I like to introduce an author you may not be

familiar with.

Vijaya Schartz, a fellow member of the Valley of the Sun chapter of RWA, has

written a Christmas story worth taking the time to enjoy.

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
by Vijaya Schartz
November 10, 2008 from Sapphire Blue Publishing
E-BOOK ISBN 978-1934657-09-3
Rookie Border Patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men, since her lover jilted her and she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border in southern Arizona, she encounters more than she can handle. No amount of training prepared Kaitlin to arrest the gorgeous desperado who challenges her. His name is Miguel, a human smuggler fascinated by the green eyes of the feisty auburn-haired beauty bent on impeding his important work. But Miguel is a man of many secrets.On this dangerous adventure through the Arizona desert, anything can and will happen.
More at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
Get the ebook at: http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/

___________________________

Friends 34 begins with readers.

Readers of urban fiction, romance, suspense and supernatural fiction
www.myspace.com/freeyourmindbookclub
This club also does book reviews

Reader of all genres
www.myspace.com/monilg86

Reader of thrillers, detective stories, and biographies
www.myspace.com/2hbdetrolllandt

Reader of Sci-Fi/Fantasy
www.myspace.com/deathsladyk

Reader of romance and mysteries
www.myspace.com/blossybabes
www.myspace.com/monamurphy

Readers of paranormal and historical, etc.
www.myspace.com/sheleen1970
www.myspace.com/yodasmydog

Thriller Writer, as well as Historical Romance
www.myspace.com/eyesofmichael

Author/Editor/Agent
www.myspace.com/422309737

Bookseller
www.myspace.com/entrywaypublish

Poetry Writer
www.myspace.com/editorsheperd

Need Book Trailers?
www.myspace.com/jennsbooktrailers

Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Crime writers
www.myspace.com/jeffreymartinjr
www.myspace.com/patbertram

Writer of Romantic Suspense, Mysteries, and Suspense
www.myspace.com/klara01

Fantasy Writer
www.myspace.com/joshuapalmatier

Paranormal Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/otherworldlyromance
www.myspace.com/dawnmcclureauthor
www.myspace.com/snandmbefan (Contemporary also)

Historical Romance Writer and Reviewer
www.myspace.com/scorpkitten_jen_1121

Romance Writer
www.myspace.com/novelistdestinyrae
www.myspace.com/tarasnichols (+erotica)

Spiritual Writer
www.myspace.com/cjbarrimond

Writer of Children’s Stories and a Christmas Story
www.myspace.com/ginny0828

Win a Free Copy Of Liquid Hypnosis!

2008-11-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Max in Georgia, who won my newsletter

contest!

The next opportunity to win a free copy of

Liquid Hypnosis is this week at http://candyready.com/

Candy is posting my interview and exerpts on her site. By leaving comments, you are eligible for the Friday drawing. She'll pick one lucky winner who will receive a free copy of the book.

I hope you will take a moment to drop by and say, hi!

I'll also answer your questions. Want to know about writing? Arizona?

RWA? Critique Groups? Book Signings? This is your chance to ask.

Blog Award

2008-11-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

I was surprised and honored that Hywela Lyn
chose to recognize my blog. She received this
award and then passed it forward.

It is now my turn to pass the award on. I chose seven
bloggers I feel deserve the honor, not only based on
their work, but on the valuable information
they pass on to others in our writing community.

I hope you will visit their sites, which are linked in my
Blogroll on the left side of this site.

Kathryne Kennedy
Tia Dani
Cathy McDavid
Eden Robins
Vijaya Schartz
The Butterscotch Martini Girls
and
Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James/Ashley Gardner

Friends 33 - 1,150 Live Myspace Links

2008-10-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

We have reached 1,150 Live Links!

New to my blog? Each list posted, Friends 1 through 32, contains live links to Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, Librarians, and Booksellers on MySpace.

Simply click on a link and it will take you to that person's MySpace profile. Click on Add, then come back for the the next link. I have personally contacted every person who has a link on this blog. They want to be your friend on MySpace, so collect them all!

I like to begin each list with an introduction to a writer you may not be familar with.

Friends 33 introduces Leanna Renee Hieber and her book, DARK NEST,

a futuristic fantasy with a psychic punch.

Published by Crescent Moon Press

Blurb:
Chief Counsel Ariadne Corinth has just found out her long-time lover, the powerfully gifted Chief Counsel Kristov Haydn, has died. Newly evolved psychically gifted humans have been sent by the Homeworld on a space mission aboard two distinct “Nests”. Relationships between the Light Nest and the Dark Nest have faltered and Ariadne is sure there’s something insidious behind it. In a matter of hours, Ariadne must find out what really happened to Kristov, unite her people to discover vast new powers the Homeworld denied them, or else submit to genocide.

You can purchase her ebook directly at Crescent Moon Press: http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/books/DarkNest.html
Print copies are available at Barnes& Noble.com or can be ordered at your local Barnes & Noble for in-store pick up.

Friends 33 begins with Lovers of Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, and Historical Books
www.myspace.com/paranormal_book_lover

Reader
www.myspace.com/lilkimmiej

Suspense Writer
www.myspace.com/ericaspindler

Creative Designs Book Covers and Trailers
www.myspace.com/prosourceflooring

Horror Writer
www.myspace.com/talesofthehookman
www.myspace.com/joelasutherland

Romance Writers for Ages 18+
www.myspace.com/tivawallon (Plus Horror Writer)
www.myspace.com/candyready

Christian Romance
www.myspace.com/audreychadwick

Time Travel and Historical Romance Author
www.myspace.com/deannajewel

Romance Writers
www.myspace.com/juliekenner
www.myspace.com/littleoljeanette
www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomxgrumpyx
www.myspace.com/christlegray
www.myspace.com/theresastillwagon (Contemporary)
www.myspace.com/missmaeauthor (Suspense)
www.myspace.com/jeannieruesch (Historical)
www.myspace.com/mstmc

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
www.myspace.com/jkcoi

Personal Essays and Romantic Suspense
www.myspace.com/authordig

Paranormal/Suspense/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Romance
www.myspace.com/vijayaschartz

Mainstream Romance: African-American
www.myspace.com/kenibird

Dark Paranormal Romance
www.myspace.com/drkness_within

Poetry and Personal Growth Articles
www.myspace.com/angelshadow7

New Magazine – Check to see if they are still accepting submissions
www.myspace.com/shadowsandlightmagazine

Friends 32 - 1100 Myspace Links

2008-09-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. This site was established to assist writers, readers, reviewers, publishers, and booksellers in finding each other on Myspace. All 1100 links take you to a profile page on Myspace. Once there, click on Add or Friend. They agreed to be on this blog to find you!

Friends Lists 1-31 are mostly members of the romance community. I recently opened the lists up to writers and readers of all genres.

Don't forget to add me. www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

If you would like your link added, friend me, then message me if I don't message you first.

The other purpose of this blog is to introduce you to writers you might not have read before.

Friends 32 is proud to announce that Renee Knowles

of The Wild Rose Press

has released her book,

Courting Trouble

Lord Anthony Darby is determined to marry a wife with an exemplary reputation. Then he sees his childhood companion, gorgeous, scandalous, Lily Kennyon again. And all he wants is her in his bed. He decides to avoid her. Until her father makes him an irresistible offer: he'll sponsor Anthony's entry into an exclusive club, if Anthony will accompany his outcast daughter to society events. Can Anthony resist Lily's sensual lure? Or will his hunger make him lose control?

Lily has always rued her impulsive nature. Never more than when her defiance led to an accident, which paralyzed her sister. Afterward, she decided if her sister would never marry, neither would she. Yet she wants to experience lovemaking. So, when Anthony courts her, she devises a plan to seduce him. But she fears she's falling in love. Then she discovers Anthony's attentions were all part of a pact with her father…

Check Renee's website for more information.

Renee Knowles
Sensual, Sassy and Slightly Sinful
Going Topless--"A must read."--Euro-Reviews Out Now! Siren
Guilty Pleasures--Summer 08 Siren
Courting Trouble--Regency Historical--July 23rd! Wild Rose Press
http://www.reneeknowles.com/

Friends 32 begins with Crime Writer, Ed Lynskey.

Don't forget to go back to the archives and begin with Friends List 1 to add the other 1050 links.

Crime Writer
www.myspace.com/edlynskey

Thriller Writer
www.myspace.com/kitkazo

Suspense Writer
www.myspace.com/mikeangley

Fiction Writer
www.myspace.com/thomassaintmcreynolds

Romance Writers and Readers
www.myspace.com/kristualla
www.myspace.com/cherannlee
www.myspace.com/trinknight
www.myspace.com/cr_moss
www.myspace.com/authortiffanyjames
www.myspace.com/aliltrig
www.myspace.com/jestine_darnell
www.myspace.com/authorstephanieadkins
www.myspace.com/spiffysummer
www.myspace.com/wayoutsortie
www.myspace.com/jldillard1
www.myspace.com/arrc09
www.myspace.com/kpatra
www.myspace.com/nikkiswritings
www.myspace.com/tinkerbellanikki
www.myspace.com/loreleijames
www.myspace.com/secondvirginbirth
www.myspace.com/michellelaurenbooks
www.myspace.com/authordanalyons

Paranormal Romance
www.myspace.com/leighsavage

www.myspace.com/youthful_andy - promotes artists
of all types on his site.

Friends 31 - 1050 MySpace Links

2008-08-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

Friends 31 brings another 25 live links to Romance Readers,
Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers
on MySpace. (Scroll down for the live links.)

They want to be your friend

so add them today!

The number of live links on this blog has reached 1050. Each and every MySpace member of the romance community has agreed
to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace.

Begin with Friends 1 in the archives and work your way through
all 31 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a Myspace profile page. click on ADD or Friend, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a
MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed?

Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

then message me if I don't message you first.

*******

******

Friends 31 introduces Wild Rose Author Kathleen Grieve and her Spicy book,

The Doctor's Deception

ISBN:1-60154-287-9

Blurb:
Heart Surgeon Stone Lassiter has successfully transplanted beating hearts. It's his own that is causing him the most agony. With a death bed promise to his fiancée, he's driven to open a transplant center in her hometown, and arrives at Deerborne County General Hospital . Single minded in his focus, he inadvertently alienates the nursing staff he needs to make his dream a success. He sets his stethoscope on intensive care nurse, Faith Daniels, to improve his image. Nurse of the Year, Faith Daniels has passed every nursing exam, but when faced with the task of the MCAT, she has severe test anxiety. Burned by her ex-husband, who used her while she put him through law school, she has become focused on passing that darn exam, and achieving her own dream to become a doctor in her own right. Will the white lie Stone tells Faith jeopardize the love they find?

This book is available at
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRoZXdpbGRyb3NlcHJlc3MuY29t

_____________________________________________________

Friends 31 begins with Silhouette Suspense Writer Jill Sorenson

www.myspace.com/jillsorenson
www.myspace.com/historicals Harlequin Historicals
www.myspace.com/silhouettebooks
www.myspace.com/silhouettenocturne
www.myspace.com/marieclaudebourque
www.myspace.com/annemarienovark
www.myspace.com/angellesa
www.myspace.com/alynnparr
www.myspace.com/denise_carrington
www.myspace.com/marimcshane
www.myspace.com/reneeknowles
www.myspace.com/nights_salvation
www.myspace.com/realpageturners
www.myspace.com/romancewritersunited
www.myspace.com/evepaludan
www.myspace.com/tapestrywings
www.myspace.com/inthislan
www.myspace.com/crystalrainlove
www.myspace.com/gentlestorm2u
www.myspace.com/lisampietsch
www.myspace.com/stephanierayne
www.myspace.com/kissastarling
www.myspace.com/392896589
www.myspace.com/blell
www.myspace.com/michellebaronesmusic
www.myspace.com/nanoberry

Contest!!

2008-07-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

We have a winner!!

Sahn65 won an autographed copy of Liquid Hypnosis and a $25 gift certificate to either Barnes and Noble or The Wild Rose Press.

Let's do this again. Same prize, different deadline. I love the holidays so the next drawing will be November 9th, just after Halloween and right before Thanksgiving.

To enter the contest, you need only be a member of my online newsletter group. Click on the Yahoo symbol on the left side of the blog. (Scroll down if you don't see it.) As a member of my newsletter group, you will receive short notices on any posts I've added to my blogs and any news regarding my books.

Good luck!

Friends 30 - 1025 MySpace Friends are Waiting for YOU!

2008-06-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

We have reached 1,025 Live Links!

New to my blog? Each list posted, Friends 1 through 30, contains live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, Librarians, and Booksellers on MySpace. Simply click on a link and it will take you to that person's MySpace profile. Click on Add, then come back for the the next link. I have personally contacted every person who has a link on this blog. They want to be your friend on MySpace, so collect them all!

I like to begin each list with an introduction to a writer you may not be familar with. Friends 30 introduces

CJ West and his book, Sin and Vengeance

optioned for a feature film by LR Productions.

The screenplay is expected to be complete in Fall 2008.

CJ's book is not a romance, but I was so intrigued by the plot, the idea it may become a movie, and the fact his publisher has a high dollar contest linked to the book, I decided to include it on the blog. Read on.

Blurb:

When his knee shatters on the playing field, Charlie Marston is plunged into turmoil. His perspective suddenly shifts from sports superstar to regular (albeit wealthy) winemaker. He enters the world of work by way of the family winemaking business. The closeness of day to day operations with his parents illuminates qualities in them that he had consciously denied until now. Soon his youthful passion seeks a new outlet to replace the football career he's lost and he finds a new friend named Randy Black. Randy is part stunt-pilot, part Casanova, and part drunken Pied Piper. Randy leads him into terrifying predicaments that become more exciting and more dangerous with each passing day. Charlie doesn't resist until an ill-conceived stunt, compounded by drunken judgment, explodes in consequences that chase Charlie and Randy back home to Massachusetts. Charlie must eventually decide where his moral boundaries should be drawn as he contends with the after-effects of a half dozen mistakes that threaten to engulf him and his family.

Contest
Sin and Vengeance includes two messages enciphered into the text that have not been deciphered since its release in 2005. The publisher is offering a cash prize of $500 for anyone who can decipher the messages. More info is available at www.22wb.com. Read all the posts about the contest on the right side of the website. There is one person in the lead, but don't let that stop you.

You can purchase CJ's book at Amazon

Amazon: Sin and Vengeance

*********

Friends 30 begins with Book Candy Studios. They make book trailers.

www.myspace.com/bookcandystudios
www.myspace.com/avamcknight
www.myspace.com/calistafox
www.myspace.com/brensromances
www.myspace.com/judithdesiree
www.myspace.com/diaryofdating
www.myspace.com/jennawrites
www.myspace.com/frederickdotcom
www.myspace.com/terpsichoremuseofdance
www.myspace.com/jennifer_bray_weber
www.myspace.com/bctrissel
www.myspace.com/brynnchapmanbooks
www.myspace.com/devonvaughnarcher
www.myspace.com/angellesa
www.myspace.com/nancyhunterbooks
www.myspace.com/kmdaughters
www.myspace.com/380877598
www.myspace.com/jennygilliam
www.myspace.com/catemasters
www.myspace.com/authordevongray
www.myspace.com/lisaperryfiction
www.myspace.com/jenniferwritesbooks
www.myspace.com/janeelizabethjones
www.myspace.com/bctrissel
www.myspace.com/pinkshaz

Friends 29 - We've Reached 1,000 MySpace Links!

2008-05-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! 1,000 Links!

Whenever writers or readers tell me they are collecting their MySpace friends through this blog, it makes every minute worth it.

If you are not familiar with my blog, each list, Friends 1 through 29, contains live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, Librarians, and Booksellers on MySpace. Simply click on a link and it will take you to that person's MySpace profile. Click on Add, then come back for the the next link. I have personally contacted every person who has a link on this blog. They want to be your friend on MySpace, so collect all 1,000!

I like to begin each list with an introduction to a writer you may not be familar with. Friends 29 introduces Amy Corwin and her book,

I BID ONE AMERICAN
Genre: Regency romantic mystery
Rating: PG
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-234-8

BACK COVER BLURB—
An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects.
When Nathaniel, Duke of Peckham, meets Charlotte, he’s suspicious of her indifference. Too many women have sought—and failed—to catch him. Happily, Charlotte is more interested in dead pharaohs than English dukes and laughs at both him and his suspicions.
Her fragile defenses crumble, however, when a debutante seeking to entrap Nathaniel gets murdered. All too soon, his reputation as a misogynist makes him a suspect, and Charlotte impulsively comes to his aide.
Unfortunately, both are unaware that a highwayman interested in rich heiresses is following Charlotte. And that another debutante lies dead in Nathaniel’s carriage.
Some nights just don’t go as planned.

Available at http://www.thewildrosepress/

********************

Friends 29 begins with Romance Writer, Susan Wiggs

www.myspace.com/susanwiggs
www.myspace.com/cherokeesanders
www.myspace.com/szinnmarshall
www.myspace.com/honneyiloveu
www.myspace.com/beaubooks
www.myspace.com/loveofromance
www.myspace.com/deborahgould
www.myspace.com/jjkellerauthor
www.myspace.com/patriciasargeant
www.myspace.com/starrsanders
www.myspace.com/margaretmarr
www.myspace.com/serenitylb
www.myspace.com/christinamtaft
www.myspace.com/joanne53
www.myspace.com/theladysnowolf
www.myspace.com/triciamills
www.myspace.com/teasepublishing
www.myspace.com/annemarienovark
www.myspace.com/krystenlindsayhager
www.myspace.com/melly48
www.myspace.com/strawberryitgirl
www.myspace.com/authordeesavoy
www.myspace.com/writerbrandonford
www.myspace.com/solaus
www.myspace.com/onika23

Friends 28 - 975 Myspace Links

2008-05-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

First, I'd like to apologize for not posting last month. I was co-coordinating the Desert Dreams Conference. Afterwards, I was exhausted, and then I started getting back into my manuscript. Four years of too much volunteer work had taken its toll. My critique partner is now forcing me to yell, "No! No! No!" in the mirror. Not really. Only at Village Inn during our meetings. You should see the looks I get.

Now that I'm recovering, I'm ready to get back to business.
If you are not familiar with my Friends Lists, they are collections of live links to Myspace pages to make it easier for you to find Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. To make the lists more interesting, I first introduce an author that would like to share their bookcover and blurb with you. The myspace links are listed below the book blurb.

There are now 975 live links!

Begin with Friends 1 in the archives and work your way through all 28 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

********
Want your MySpace link listed?
Add me as your friend
http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me if I don't message you first.
***********

Friends 28 introduces Ellora's Cave author, Mailu Mann, and her book Changing Times. Check out the chest on that hunk!

Blurb: New Orleans sizzles when Dr. Carly Chambers finds herself in thehands, or paws, of sexy shifter and antique dealer Tony Pantera.Though the memory of his murdered human lover haunts him, Tony can't deny the sensual scent of this doctor his friends kidnapped. Carly is now in danger because of his enemies.

The Turn Skins are power-hungry shifters who want to expose themselves to the world and take over through fear. Tony and his friends stand in their way. Carly proves to be a tool for Turn Skins when they learn that Tony can't resist the attractive doctor. And Carly is happy to stroke this shifter's fur. Their erotic encounters hurtle them into the path of danger and death.

Can Tony protect his human lover from the Turn Skins who don't care if she's hurt as long as they get their way?

Changing Times is now available at Ellora's Cave.

http://www.ellorascave.com

ISBN=9781419915796

********************************

Here are the live Myspace Links.

The Friends 28 List begins with a link to Donna Hatch, another member of the Desert Rose Chapter of RWA.

www.myspace.com/donnahatch
www.myspace.com/catherinebybee
www.myspace.com/mystiqueandxfactor
www.myspace.com/kclridgecrestbranch
www.myspace.com/marilumann
www.myspace.com/tonya_ramagos
www.myspace.com/loucinda_mcgary
www.myspace.com/torielynnhoward
www.myspace.com/julieacarda
www.myspace.com/lizkreger
www.myspace.com/thestardustangels
www.myspace.com/michaelemargot
www.myspace.com/nicola_marsh
www.myspace.com/the_writerspage_network
www.myspace.com/marilumann
www.myspace.com/leannan_macllyr
www.myspace.com/juneglowwebdesign
www.myspace.com/amycorwin

www.myspace.com/booksbyloreleicolton

www.myspace.com/loreleicolton

www.myspace.com/leahsliterarylair
www.myspace.com/scrollsquirrel
www.myspace.com/waterfallnagamoon
www.myspace.com/asheagoldson
www.myspace.com/lynnekingauthor

Friends 27 - 950 Live Myspace Links

2008-03-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

New to my Friends Lists?

Each Friends List is 25 or more live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. To make the lists more interesting, I first introduce an author that would like to share their bookcover and blurb with you. The myspace links are listed below the book blurb.

There are now 950 live links!

Each and every one of these members of the romance community has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace. Begin with Friends 1 in the archives and work your way through all 27 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

********

Want your MySpace link listed?

Add me as your friend

http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

then message me if I don't message you first.

***********

Friends 27 introduces Anita Philmar and her book, Black Dragon's Blood

ISBN: 1- 60154 – 232 - 1 available at The Wild Rose Press

http://www.thewildrosepress.com

Blurb:

She stood toe to toe with him, aware that his height gave the man a distinct advantage. His close proximity sent tingles of awareness racing over her skin. “But we’re not married.” “We soon will be.” His hands settled around her waist.Swallowing the wet need gathering on her tongue, she quickly tried to think of a way to work her way out of the current situation. “I don’t think you understand, William. I don’t want to marry you.”“You will.” His arrogant statement hit her in the gut. She had no recourse. The law wouldn’t protect her. After the last war, the government had granted men with dragon slayer ancestors any mate of their choosing, a prize for gaining the country its freedom. If he wanted her as his wife, she couldn’t turn him down. But she might be able to get him to rethink his plans.“But why would you want to marry me?”

You can learn more about Anita's books at

http://www.anitaphilmar.com

http://www.myspace.com/anitaphilmar

http://anitaphilmar.blogspot.com

*****************************

Friends 27 begins with suspense writer, Kerrie Droban, and The Passionate Ink

www.myspace.com/kerriedroban
www.myspace.com/rwapassionateink
www.myspace.com/lfhoffman
www.myspace.com/affairedecoeurmagazine
www.myspace.com/sandihampton
www.myspace.com/tonivlee
www.myspace.com/cathryn_fox
www.myspace.com/magnolia_chatham
www.myspace.com/roxannestclaire
www.myspace.com/janegreenhill
www.myspace.com/Carly128
www.myspace.com/romancetart
www.myspace.com/cafeindesign
www.myspace.com/jantenn01
www.myspace.com/underdeadauthor
www.myspace.com/richellemead
www.myspace.com/279086465
www.myspace.com/kei_swanson
www.myspace.com/mkimsmith
www.myspace.com/kittyecoast
www.myspace.com/sandyzcreationz
www.myspace.com/edenriversauthor
www.myspace.com/lorilibby
www.myspace.com/fiwen87
www.myspace.com/michelledodsonstories

Friends 26 - Another 25 live links to Myspace Friends

2008-03-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

Friends 26 brings another list of 25 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. (Scroll down for the live links.)

They want to be your friend
so add them today!

*****

The number of live links on this blog has reached 925. Each and every one of these members of the romance community has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace.

Begin with Friends 1 in the archives and work your way through all 26 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed?
Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me if I don't message you first.

*********

*******

Friends 26 introduces Wild Rose Press author Liana Laverentz and her novel, Jake's Return.

Blurb:

The last person small town bad boy Jacob Donovan expects to find when he returns home in disgrace after serving time is Rebecca Reed, head librarian. Rebecca had always had much bigger ambitions. Jake hadn’t wanted to stand in her way, so after one night of passion with his former best friend, he’d hit the open road.
Rebecca refuses to believe Jake is guilty of murder. The boy who’d been her friend and protector when they were town outcasts together could never have killed a woman. Not to mention the tender, loving man who’d given her their daughter, Katie.
But who is Jake now? That’s what everyone wants to know, including the town council chairman, who is determined to send Jake back to prison, by any means available.
Jake’s been running from love for all of his life. Will he find the courage to defeat his demons and stay this time?

For purchasing info go to:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=541

Liana LaverentzThin Ice (NJRW Golden Leaf Winner and EPPIE Winner)

ISBN 1-60154-016-7 Jake's Return

ISBN 1-60154-124-4Ashton's Secret (coming in 2008)

www.thewildrosepress.com

www.lianalaverentz.com

www.myspace.com/authorlianalaverentz

______________________

The live links on Friends List 26 begins with Harlequin Special Edition Author Christine Rimmer

www.myspace.com/christinerimmer
www.myspace.com/fictionbooks1
www.myspace.com/jennytpartridge
www.myspace.com/dakotacassidy
www.myspace.com/flgrlnms
www.myspace.com/fuguemacabre
www.myspace.com/madamperiwinkle
www.myspace.com/ryshiakennie
www.myspace.com/briannamartini
www.myspace.com/mighty_muse
www.myspace.com/jinabacarr
www.myspace.com/CelticRomanceQueen
www.myspace.com/michellehasker
www.myspace.com/amberdawnbell
www.myspace.com/blfoxxe
www.myspace.com/jazziebbfly
www.myspace.com/leemorrisonauthor
www.myspace.com/bekki_lynn
www.myspace.com/g83185
www.myspace.com/arlether
www.myspace.com/freakishreader
www.myspace.com/janiceangelique
www.myspace.com/perilouspauline
www.myspace.com/hgeorgiedowdell
www.myspace.com/dfwtea

Contest Winner!

2008-03-20T00:09:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Lily R Moon. Lily has won an autographed copy of Liquid Hypnosis and a $25 gift certificate to either Barnes and Noble or The Wild Rose Press.

The next drawing for the same prizes will be July 20th. To be eligible for the drawing, you need only become a member of my Yahoo Newsletter Group. Click on the Yahoo icon on the left side of the blog.

Friends 25 - We've reached 900 MySpace Friends!

2008-03-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Friends 25 brings another list of 25 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace.

They want to be your friend

so add them today!

The number of live links on this blog has reached 900. Each and every one of these members of the romance community has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace. Begin with Friends 1 and work your way through all 25 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed?

Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

then message me if I don't message you first.

********

Friends 25 introduces my dear friend,

Laura Major and her new release, Mismatched.

Mismatched - Blurb:

Tessa Dennison, an early-thirties finance professional, resolves to define love on her own terms after a series of busted blind dates. Justin Martin, her best friend, has secretly loved Tessa since childhood. However, risking their friendship and their differing ethnic backgrounds holds him back. But it's now or never when she convinces him to screen Internet bachelors for a love match. Will Justin continue to let societal forces dictate his happiness or will he opt for full disclosure before Tessa finds a cyber match? Is Justin too firmly planted in the 'friend zone' to advance into Tessa's dating portfolio?

You can purchase Mismatched at http://www.amirapress.com/

visit Lauara at http://www.lauramajor.com/

******************************************

Friends 25 begins with the Heartland Writers Group and my co-coordinator of the Desert Dreams Conference, Susan Lanier Graham

www.myspace.com/heartlandwritersgroup
www.myspace.com/susanlaniergraham
www.myspace.com/leannetyler
www.myspace.com/adrianna_ravel
www.myspace.com/annlory
www.myspace.com/lyramarlowe
www.myspace.com/authorjulesbennett
www.myspace.com/cacoethespublishing
www.myspace.com/bsschapman
www.myspace.com/114545405
www.myspace.com/tj_michaels
www.myspace.com/jennygardiner
www.myspace.com/rachelbeachgirl
www.myspace.com/jennafern
www.myspace.com/melissablueromance
www.myspace.com/longdistancelove_book
www.myspace.com/rachelbeachgirl
www.myspace.com/novelsbyjoann
www.myspace.com/kobrien_books
www.myspace.com/chrisdm36
www.myspace.com/ravynwilde
www.myspace.com/miriammatthews
www.myspace.com/spiderwickchronicles
www.myspace.com/skylarstonebooks
www.myspace.com/sookiebear

Friends 24 - 875 MySpace Friends are Waiting for YOU!

2008-03-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Friends 24 is another list of 25 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. They want to be your friend so add them today.

Also, don't forget to add the other 850 friends listed on this blog. (Simply click on a link, it will take you to their MySpace profile page, click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed? Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me if I don't message you first.

*******

Friends 24 introduces Vicki Gaia and her book, Gracie and the Bad Hat.

I love the cover!

Blurb:

Grace O’Shaughnessy, a hat maker who lives in San Francisco, is determined to find a perfect man to love. Left at the altar because her ex-fiancé considered her too high-maintenance, Grace makes a list of the qualities she’s looking for in Mr. Right. Dedicating her list to Jane Austen, the way she sees it, Ms. Austen’s heroines always chooses the gentleman over the rake. Everything is going according to plan, until she wakes up in bed naked along side a stranger!

Not at all a gentleman, Steven Levy is a man her mother would consider a bad hat. Worse yet, he sets out to get Gracie back into his bed, viewing her as a delicious challenge. What he didn’t expect was to fall in love.

Gracie and the Bad Hat can be purchased digitally at It can be purchased digitally at www.awe-struck.net (Awe-Struck Ebooks) or in print at Amazon

book videos: http://www.youtube.com/vlgaia website: http://www.vickigaia.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vickigaia

***************

Friends 24 begins with New York Times Bestselling Author, Vicki Lewis Thompson

www.myspace.com/vickilewisthompson
www.myspace.com/authorlisalogan
www.myspace.com/flo54
www.myspace.com/lindableser
www.myspace.com/summerangel726
www.myspace.com/dianaholquist
www.myspace.com/kayscribe
www.myspace.com/juliannastephens
www.myspace.com/aj_cove
www.myspace.com/danabelfry
www.myspace.com/sistahfriendbookclub
www.myspace.com/vampsandscamps
www.myspace.com/authorsophiarae
www.myspace.com/andieod2
www.myspace.com/jodilcopeland
www.myspace.com/debloganwrites
www.myspace.com/jackibentley
www.myspace.com/kathrynmeyergriffith
www.myspace.com/jessicatrapp
www.myspace.com/l_hogg
www.myspace.com/mollystarkbooks
www.myspace.com/angiemncwrtr26
www.myspace.com/bethcaudill
www.myspace.com/lbfbooks
www.myspace.com/brandyjordanbooks

Contest Celebrating the Release of Liquid Hypnosis

2008-02-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Liquid Hypnosis is now available in print!

And we're celebrating!

On March 18th, a lucky winner will receive a free copy of the book and a $25 gift certificate to either Barnes and Noble or The Wild Rose Press. To enter this contest, simply join my Newsletter Group. Click on the Yahoo icon on the left side of the blog to join.

**************************************************************

Liquid Hypnosis is a Recommended Read by Fallen Angel Reviews: "The story has such a twist to it that when it happens you wonder how you didn't see that coming!"

***

The Long and Short of it gives Liquid Hypnosis a 5 Book Review and a Nomination as One of the Best Long Ebook Romances of 2007: "LaVon has a true gift for writing sympathetically and insightfully. Even her villains are compelling and three-dimensional..."

***

Liquid Hypnosis has it all: SUSPENSE ROMANCE HAUNTINGS

Blurb:

More innocent lives will be lost if Samantha Garrett, the DEA agent known as The Human Lie Detector, is unable to solve the mystery surrounding a secret formula that controls minds. Her career took a roller coaster ride after her last case went badly, but she still has a chance at the promotion dangling in front of her and she refuses to lose it now. While searching for the suspect that got away, she must fight her feelings for his brother and handle the repercussions from her last case, which haunts her still.

Kevin Brewster, a mild-mannered, dedicated doctor, has spent his life trying to make up for his father’s crimes. His work life revolves around a clinic helping those in great need with no resources to take care of themselves. To that end, he has become inventive and daring. In addition to his work there, he must now prove his brother’s innocence before the by-the-book DEA agent discovers their secret.

Read the first scene at www.suspensebytina.com

Order Liquid Hypnosis at

Amazon or at a bookstore near you!

ISBN# 1-60154-123-6

Friends 23 - 850 MySpace Friends are Waiting for You!

2008-02-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Friends 23 is another list of 25 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. They want to be your friend so add them today!

The number of live links on this blog is now 850. Each and every one of them has agreed to be on this blog to help you find them on MySpace. Begin with Friends 1 and work your way through all 23 lists. (Simply click on a link, and it will take you to a MySpace profile page. Click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed? Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me if I don't message you first.

*****************

****************************

******************************************

Friends 23 introduces

The Brass Spectacle - Bringing Authors & Readers Together

The newest magazine to showcase both authors and readers hits the shelves! Appearing in both hard copy and electronic formats, The Brass Spectacle will have the latest reviews, articles by some of your favorite authors, and principals in the publishing industry PLUS opportunities to read new and unique short stories.

Web Site: http://www.thebrassspectacle.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebrassspectacle

I know I can't wait to read the March issue!

********************************************

******************

********

Friends 23 begins with the Ohio and Orange County Chapters of

RWA (Romance Writers of America)

www.myspace.com/romanceauthors
www.myspace.com/occrwa
www.myspace.com/janetara
www.myspace.com/michellerowen
www.myspace.com/chrisdm36
www.myspace.com/outsourcedediting
www.myspace.com/tessmallory
www.myspace.com/traciepeterson
www.myspace.com/elizbo
www.myspace.com/scrapchik
www.myspace.com/donnawrightsbooks
www.myspace.com/graciecmckeever
www.myspace.com/janetquinn
www.myspace.com/bookcovereviews
www.myspace.com/valerieannefaulkner
www.myspace.com/marystrand
www.myspace.com/katiereus
www.myspace.com/uponfurtherreview_books
www.myspace.com/sabrinabrayden
www.myspace.com/clfreire
www.myspace.com/roserosszediker
www.myspace.com/115917151
www.myspace.com/ahnazazi
www.myspace.com/DelilahMarvelle
www.myspace.com/rhondapollero

Chocolate Affaire was a Huge Success!

2008-02-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

The book signing at the Chocolate Affaire was a huge success thanks to the efforts of erotic romance writer Kayla Janz and the volunteers from the Valley of the Sun RWA.

There were free workshops on writing, over twenty-five romance authors signing their books, and our hunky cover model taking pictures with fans.

This was my first signing and I can't wait till we get to do it again next year.

I want to extend a heart-filled THANK YOU to all my friends, family, co-workers, and new readers who came by to see me. I've enjoyed talking to some of you on MySpace this past week. http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

I also enjoyed meeting the many teenaged fans of Stephanie Myer, who giggled and yelled, "Ohmigod" when the cover model signed his picture for them. There's nothing like the sight of 15 cell phones taking pictures of their friends posing with the model. I enjoyed our discussion over Twilight.

I hope to see all of you next February once again.

Chocolate Affaire and Hunky Cover Model!

2008-01-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

In Arizona Super Bowl weekend? Want to meet a hunky romance cover model?

Don't miss the Chocolate Affaire, just a few short miles from the stadium.

If you can dip it in chocolate, they'll be selling it at Murphy Park. (Okay, almost anything you can dip in chocolate. I promise not to touch the cover model.)

The Chocolate Affair, held Feb 1st and 2nd at the corner of 58th and Glendale Avenues, is listed as one of the Top 100 events in North America by the Washington Post, the Seattle Times and the American Bus. Association. It is also one of the largest gatherings of romance novelists in the Southwest.

Kim Watters and I (Tina LaVon) will be signing our books, along with many of our writing friends across from the NE corner of the park.
See Glendale's official site for details.http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/2008ChocolateAffaire.cfm

****

I will be signing my award winning suspense, Liquid Hypnosis on Friday from 5:00-10:00 and Saturday from 10:00-10:00.

More innocent lives will be lost if Samantha Garrett, the DEA agent known as The Human Lie Detector, is unable to solve the mystery surrounding a secret formula which controls minds. Her career took a roller coaster ride after her last case went badly, but she still has a chance at the promotion dangling in front of her and she refuses to lose it now. While searching for the suspect who got away in this new case, she must fight her feelings for his brother and handle the repercussions from her last case, which haunts her still.Kevin Brewster, a mild-mannered, dedicated doctor, has spent his life trying to make up for his father’s crimes. His work life revolves around a clinic helping those in great need with no resources to take care of themselves. To that end, he has become inventive and daring. In addition to his work there, he must now prove his brother’s innocence before the by-the-book DEA agent discovers their secret.

Read the first deadly scene at http://www.suspensebytina.com/

Not attending the Chocolate Affaire? Liquid Hypnosis is also available at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ at Amazon, or through a bookseller near you.
ISBN# 1-60154-123-6

****

Kim Watters will be signing Web of Deceit
Saturday from 1:00-4:00

Faith Callahan’s husband is dead…isn’t he? So why is someone breaking into her home and work and making phantom phone calls in the night? Sheriff’s deputy Adam Quinn wants to find that out. The only problem is he needs to get close to Faith again--the only woman he’s ever loved. Will Faith allow Adam back into her life after her disastrous first marriage? Will Adam risk his career to win woman he loves? Finally, can Faith and Adam put their trust in God, and let him guide them through these perilous times?

Not attending the Chocolate Affaire? Web of Deceit
is also available at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
and through Amazon. ISBN: 1-60154-115-5

Friends 22

2008-01-28T22:03:00.001-07:00

Friends 22 is another list of 25 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Librarians, Publishers and Booksellers on MySpace. They want to be your friend so add them today. Also, don't forget to add the other 800 friends listed on this blog. (Simply click on a link, it will take you to their MySpace profile page, click on ADD, then return to this blog and click on the next link. Remember, you must have a MySpace account to do this.)

Want your MySpace link listed? Add me as your friend http://www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me if I don't message you first.

Friends 22 introduces Mackenzie McKade, a friend of mine from the Desert Rose Chapter of RWA.

BLACK WIDOW
Blurb:

Her touch is heavenly. Her kiss, deadly. To mate with her means certain death.

After a brutal attack by a huge, dog-like creature, Tammy is left clinging to life by a thread. Her last memory is of her rescuer asking her if she wants to live. She awakes to a nightmare, bound in chains, nearly paralyzed by terror—and with a strange sensual creature slinking beneath her skin, screaming with hunger for only two things. Blood. And sex.

Roark and Marcellus, leaders of the werewolves and vampires, come together to destroy the results of a night gone terribly wrong. As a result of the attack, Tammy has become a hybrid—part wolf and part vampire—and to complicate things, she’s in heat. The transformation has thrown her into a sexual frenzy that makes her a virtual black widow. For the sake of their people, Tammy must die.

Yet they can’t bring themselves to kill her. Instead, Roark and Marcellus find themselves trapped in the femme fatale’s web of seduction. Her touch is heavenly…her kiss, deadly. To complicate things, they discover she is mate to each of them.

Soul-wrenching desire reigns over their struggle for dominance and possession, forging a unique bond between the immortals. Together Roark and Marcellus will fight to save the woman they love from the people they are pledged to protect.

Visit Mackenzie's MySpace page for more information

http://www.myspace.com/mackenziemckade

*****************************

Friends 22 begins with two chapters of RWA (Romance Writers of America)

www.myspace.com/cruisewithyourmuse Florida Chapter
www.myspace.com/lowcountryrwa
www.myspace.com/rosewater_novel
www.myspace.com/veronicaarch
www.myspace.com/joannawaugh
www.myspace.com/tanyaleestoneauthor
www.myspace.com/jennifershortridge
www.myspace.com/silverlady00
www.myspace.com/ixtumea
www.myspace.com/chicholina
www.myspace.com/geminiwriting
www.myspace.com/carminevalentine
www.myspace.com/clwilsonbooks
www.myspace.com/lindacollison
www.myspace.com/pamelanowak
www.myspace.com/jadeleeauthor
www.myspace.com/nikitablack
www.myspace.com/kingcountylibrarysystem
www.myspace.com/alysonnoel
www.myspace.com/justef
www.myspace.com/thatbrunettechick
www.myspace.com/aonia
www.myspace.com/darlalukenbaugh
www.myspace.com/poet1966
www.myspace.com/sherrismiles

Friends 21 - 800 MySpace Links!

2008-01-21T21:27:00.001-07:00

Here is another list of 25 live links to
Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Booksellers,
Librarians and Publishers who want to be your
friend on MySpace.

Friends 21 brings the overall number of live links
to 800. Each one has personally said they want
to be listed here for your convenience, so add them
today!

Want your link added? Add me as a friend on
Myspace www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
then message me, if I don't message you first.

Friends 21 introduces another Wild Rose author

Charlotte Chalmers and her new book,

The Madness of Celia Summers

Blurb:

Celia Summers, intrepid mother of two, loves her work as an art therapist. She’s proud that she gives her elderly independents something to look forward to each day, even if her partner, Martin, is disparaging of her efforts.
But then Martin has a secret agenda Celia knows nothing about. Meanwhile she defends her geriatric charges, fights to secure gallery space for their artwork, and fights to keep The Harbour, a home the residents can truly call home, from being closed.
She takes on the might of the town council; to the point of leaping from a church steeple to bring attention to the plight of her independents, no matter that she might fall and end up splattered all over the pavement. When she does fall, however, it’s much more painfully.
Police Constable Alex Burrows, the son of long time Harbour resident, Colonel Burrows, whose sense of humour has made her laugh, whose tragic personal circumstances have made her cry, whose smile has stolen her heart; turns out to be just as much a liar as Martin.
Can Celia ever trust again? Can Alex get past her protective cadre of friends, forgotten by most of the people in their own lives, and convince her to trust him, to love him, as he does her?

Digital release - February 1 2008. In Print - March 28 2008
www.thewildrosepress.com

www.myspace.com/charlottechalmers
www.charlottechalmers.com
Preview The Book

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Friends 21 begins with By The Book Reviews

www.myspace.com/bythebookreviews
www.myspace.com/jenniferdunne
www.myspace.com/devynquinn
www.myspace.com/gwynethbolton
www.myspace.com/leruepressllc
www.myspace.com/myspace_authors
www.myspace.com/paisleypinkfiction
www.myspace.com/marymalcolm
www.myspace.com/lyndahilburn
www.myspace.com/cainevicki
www.myspace.com/vanessagilfoy
www.myspace.com/kristiwritesromance
www.myspace.com/saraleeetter
www.myspace.com/daisydooley
www.myspace.com/stefanieworth
www.myspace.com/rowena_aliendjinnromance
www.myspace.com/crescentmoonpressinc
www.myspace.com/donnakshir
www.myspace.com/dillysmom74
www.myspace.com/dahrisclair
www.myspace.com/jamaicalayne
www.myspace.com/tameliatumlin
www.myspace.com/savannah_chase.com/
www.myspace.com/dcarltonwade
www.myspace.com/amberleighwilliams86

Desert Dreams Writers Conference

2008-01-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

Why should you attend the Desert Dreams Conference April 4-6th in Chandler, AZ?

We asked USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Ashley:

"Desert Dreams is a highly professional conference delivering informative workshops by the top names in the publishing business, without being too large and overwhelming. The relatively small size of the conference gives a feeling of friendliness and warmth without detracting from the quality of information, or the quality of the speakers. DD was the first ever romance conference I went to (back in the 90s), and I haven't found one to surpass it yet."

Jennifer will be a speaker this year, along with New York Times Bestselling Authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Carly Philips, Cheyenne McCray and Vicki Lewis Thompson.
For more information visit http://www.desertroserwa.org

Contest Winner!

2008-01-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to another member of my Yahoo Newsletter group! rosieglosie2002 is the winner of a $30 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble!

The next drawing will be Feb 17th (Details to be posted later.) All members of my Yahoo group are automatically entered in all of my contests.

Click on the Yahoo icon to the left of the blog to join.

Friends 20

2008-01-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Friends 20 is another 25 links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, Libraries and Booksellers on MySpace.

There are now 775 live links on this blog. They all want to be your friend on MySpace, so add them this weekend!

Want your link added? Simply add me as your friend on MySpace, then message me if I don't message you first.

**************

Friends 20 introduces another Wild Rose author,

Aithne Jarretta

In a Heartbeat

available at

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

BACK COVER BLURB: Haunted by his past, Malik rushes through a tempest filled

Florida night toward an unexpected meeting with destiny. Harboring a soul that longs

for unity with his mate, he tries to understand the shallow dating experiences up to this moment. He is positive there is someone with whom his heart beats in tandem.

Where? He doesn't have a clue.

Wyndy, Tempest Tamer Faery, has waited lifetimes for the return of her soul love.

Tonight, at last, he will come home. Their meeting, heralded within Florida's stormy

coastline, brings together an ageless love bound into eternity.

See more at:
http://aithnejarretta.com/In_a_Heartbeat_Trailer.htm

**********

Friends 20 begins with Erin Grady, an awesome writer I know through Desert Rose RWA.

www.myspace.com/erin_grady
www.myspace.com/111135744
www.myspace.com/patricewilton
www.myspace.com/dianeauthor
www.myspace.com/cassieedwardsromance
www.myspace.com/lisamondello
www.myspace.com/juliatempleton
www.myspace.com/jillmonroebooks
www.myspace.com/katpickering
www.myspace.com/wendidarlin
www.myspace.com/cassandrabarnes
www.myspace.com/giftofdreams
www.myspace.com/case_maynard
www.myspace.com/lmstephenson
www.myspace.com/realmsonourbookshelves
www.myspace.com/timemasters
www.myspace.com/lyndafitzgerald
www.myspace.com/nicolenorth
http://www.myspace.combookstoredeb/
www.myspace.com/judes_place
www.myspace.com/alexandriascott
www.myspace.com/dianeauthor
www.myspace.com/melonicassidy
www.myspace.com/adellelaudan
www.myspace.com/michelleoneillwriter

Another Episode of The Neurotic Writer

2008-01-09T20:02:00.003-07:00

Read The Neurotic Writer's New Years Resolutions at http://www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

There's a little neurotic writer in all of us.

Easy Contest to Enter!

2008-01-09T19:50:00.001-07:00

Tired of contests where you have to read excerpts and hunt for answers to questions like "What did Sally Mae eat for dinner before she blew up the enemy camp?" OR "What is the 3ooth word in Chapter Fourteen of my new underwater paranormal suspense novel?"

Here's an easy contest for you to enter.

Simply join my Yahoo Newsletter Group by clicking on the Yahoo button on the left side of the blog. As a member of my group, you are automatically entered in all of my contests.

A lucky member of my newsletter group will win a $30 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble on January 13th!

Friends 19

2008-01-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Friends 19 is another list of 25 Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, and Booksellers who want to be your friend on MySpace. This brings the number of live links to 750.
Add them to your collection of friends today!

Want your link added? Add me, www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me if I don't message you first.

*******

Friends 19 introduces Kayla Janz and her book with the hot cover above. This erotic story is available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Blurb:

Heart of Glass

Kendra Mills has a secret thing for down-n-dirty rockers. She’s never acted on impulse until she met Nick Satorre, bass player for Shattered Dreams. Leather-clad, long-haired Nick holds the key to unlocking all her hidden passions and desires. He can rock her world, but does he have staying power?

Learn more about Kayla at Myspace www.myspace.com/KaylaJanz

*******

Friends 19 begins with the Harlequin writing team known as Tori Carrington

www.myspace.com/toricarrington
www.myspace.com/buythebookpr
www.myspace.com/paulagrantleclaire
www.myspace.com/christine_london
www.myspace.com/stephmartin71
www.myspace.com/sloanseymour
www.myspace.com/romanticrealmofshadows
www.myspace.com/tempestknight
www.myspace.com/triadpublishinggroup
www.myspace.com/fallingrosesromance
www.myspace.com/nuritfolkes
www.myspace.com/foxyllady
www.myspace.com/caridadwriter
www.myspace.com/tagsandbooks
www.myspace.com/charlotte_boyett_compo
www.myspace.com/wanttobeahussy
www.myspace.com/venitalouise
www.myspace.com/crystaljo722
www.myspace.com/authorlyndacoker
www.myspace.com/nefertidy
www.myspace.com/anastasiarabiyah
www.myspace.com/realmsoftheraven
www.myspace.com/kassiewrites
www.myspace.com/jewelwriter
www.myspace.com/ckwriter

Friends 18

2007-12-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Friends 18 is another 25 lives links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Publishers, and Booksellers who said they want to be your friend on Myspace. This brings the overall number of links to 725.

Click on the links below and add these friends today!

Want your link included? Add me as a friend on MySpace.

www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

then message me if I don't message you first.

*******

Friends 18 introduces another writer from The Wild Rose

Press:

Clover Autrey

Upon Eagle's Light released into the wild October 12, 2007 from http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

webpage http://www.eaglekinseyrie.com/
myspace http://www.myspace.com/cloverautrey

When Hydeia's eagle chooses a mate for her, why does it have to be a male who wants nothing to do with Eaglekins?

Blurb:

Eagles mate for life.
When the proud gifted eagles of Gaspar choose a mate, the Eaglekins they are each true-bonded with automatically become mates as well.
Deemed her entire life as being unworthy of true-bonding with an eagle, Hydeia was as shocked as the Matrons that one of the strongest eagles chose her. And she isn’t about to fail in her first task and prove the Matrons right. The timing is terrible for Hydeia to gain a mate. Then again, the attraction flowing between her and the Eaglekin male through the connection of their eagles is hard to resist. But resist him she will for she has been charged with discovering why several Eaglekins and their eagles have gone missing and isn’t about to let anything—or anyone—slow her down.
Ammah can’t believe his own eagle has taken a mate and gotten him entangled with another cruel-hearted Eaglekin female. After an agonizing ordeal, he’d hardened his heart against the ways of his people long ago. Now he is faced with a stubborn woman who demands that he is her mate. Never again. But how can he walk away when the little fool is plunging headlong into danger? And worse, how will he resist the attraction compelling him to her?

*****************

Friends 18 begins with New York Times Bestselling Author, Heather Graham
and Barbara Vey, who writes a blog for Publishers Weekly.

www.myspace.com/heathergrahamauthor

www.myspace.com/barbaravey

www.myspace.com/alysha_ellis
www.myspace.com/roxytoliver
www.myspace.com/andreasnider
www.myspace.com/kriseton
www.myspace.com/extraordinaryparawomen
www.myspace.com/ladiesoflegend
www.myspace.com/keziahhill
www.myspace.com/susanalvis

www.myspace.com/urwa
www.myspace.com/DestinysChoice8
www.myspace.com/carolburge
www.myspace.com/tiafanning
www.myspace.com/brieannarobertson
www.myspace.com/amomentincrime
www.myspace.com/moragmckendrickpippin
www.myspace.com/larici
www.myspace.com/rayvnleigh77
www.myspace.com/58328194
www.myspace.com/auntcaffey
www.myspace.com/historical_romance
www.myspace.com/ceara_black
www.myspace.com/annchristopher
www.myspace.com/author_klbjork
www.myspace.com/janmcdaniel

Liquid Hypnosis is a Winner!

2007-12-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Liquid Hypnosis has it all: romance, suspense, a haunting. Read the blurb and first scene at http://www.suspensebytina.com

Voting for your favorite nominated book begins January 1st. The polling site is http://www.longandshortreviews.com/poll.htm

Top Ten Reasons to Create A MySpace Page

2007-12-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

MySpace is the newest rage in promoting fiction novels, so like many writers, I hired a relative to create my profile. As a result, I have discovered…

The Top Ten Reasons to Have a MySpace Page:
(Half-serious, half-not. You guess what is which, or which is what.)

10. Promotion! Promotion! Promotion! Download/upload a picture of your book instead of your smiling mug and leave it with every comment, message, and request to add friends. You want to get your name out there!

9. Networking is great! I have “met” some incredibly nice people who have offered to do cross-promotional work. I’ll blogroll you, you blogroll me. Kinda kinky.

8. Speaking of kinky, cute men will hit on you! Okay, they probably just want your money, but hey, no one else needs to know that. Brag about all the men who want to be your friend, then change your age to 90 on your profile and the con artists will fade away. (Not a guarantee, so use common sense)

7. Speaking of men, you can spy on your old boyfriends if they have a MySpace page. Create a fake account with a picture of a buxom blonde, then befriend your ex. You can see all of his photos, read who is leaving smutting comments, and then get mad and throw pillows. Okay. Maybe you shouldn’t do that, after all.

6. Bulletins are a great promotional tool! Stamps will soon be $2 each. Instead of mailing out your newsletter, you can send your latest news to all of your friends for free. Simply type a message on the bulletin board and click send. It automatically goes to all of your friends. Way cool!

5. Explore new technology. I’ve learned so much since I’ve started my blogs and playing on MySpace. Play with all of the links and doohickeys, see what they do, then call in a teenager to fix the mess you made.

4. Invites can be better than bulletins! Bulletins can be ignored. They go away, eventually. The message that you have an invite sticks around until you can’t stand it anymore and you have to go delete it. Invite all of your friends to your book signings. It doesn’t matter if you live in Fargo and they live in Hawaii, they will see your name and the name of your book. More name recognition! See how this works!

3. Multi-tasking takes on a new meaning! While you’re up watching movies on a Friday or Saturday night, forget the laundry. You can fold it Monday. Drop your whites onto the rocking chair, and then collect friends while you watch movies.

2. Forget stamps and coins, collect friends! I’ve seen people with tens of thousands of friends. The reader/writer with the most friends WINS! (Don’t forget to leave comments on profile pages. It’s all about promotion.)

And the number one reason to create a MySpace page is…

1. You can become friends with famous people! They’re all over MySpace. Or maybe nerdy guys in Fargo are pretending to be famous people. It doesn’t really matter. I’m telling everyone I’m friends with Will Smith and Dolly Parton and it’s no lie. I have proof on MySpace.

Now that you’ve created your profile page and you’re ready to add friends, where do you start? The Friends Lists below. I have 700 live links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, and Publishers who want to be your friend. No lie! They told me so. Add them today!

Happy Holidays, friend.

Friends 17 - 700 MySpace Links!

2007-12-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

With Friends 17, there are now 700 Romance Writers, Readers, Reviewers, and Booksellers who want to be your friend on MySpace. Add them today!

***

Want your link added? Add me www.myspace.com/suspensebytina and then message me if I don't message you first.

****

Friends 17 introduces Linda Style. Linda writes for Harlequin Super Romance and is one of my wonderful chaptermates at the Desert Rose Chapter of RWA. You can find her newest release at a store near you.

GOING FOR BROKE, December 2007

The deck was stacked against him…
After taking the rap for a crime he didn’t commit, Jake Chandler swore he’d seen the last of his unforgiving Texas hometown. Until family business brings him back… face-to-face with his past in River Bluff. Face-to-face with Rachel Diamonte.
Rachel not only broke his heart, she was the lone witness whose so-called evidence fifteen years earlier had branded him a "barnburner". He’s never forgotten—or forgiven—the woman who betrayed him.

Except now the former homecoming queen is a single mother who needs help, and she has the nerve to ask him for a job. It could be Jake’s chance to make her pay for what she did…. So why does he find himself compelled to protect her and her little girl?
Texas Hold’emWhen it comes to love, the stakes are high.

****************************************

Friends 17 begins with Harlequin Intrigue author, Dana Marton

www.myspace.com/danamarton
www.myspace.com/sloanseymour
www.mySpace.com/inotauthor
www.myspace.com/kathleengail789
www.myspace.com/uponfurtherreview_books
www.myspace.com/loveunivers
www.myspace.com/alisavaldesrodriguez
www.myspace.com/lynnlafleur
www.myspace.com/author_cassandracurtis
www.myspace.com/minxmalone
www.myspace.com/weaversofwords
www.myspace.com/sanddanz
www.myspace.com/annie_will
www.myspace.com/authorsashawhite
www.myspace.com/booksinthespotlight
www.myspace.com/lisareneejones
www.myspace.com/thebrassspectacle
www.myspace.com/amyfushigiyugi
www.myspace.com/dianedaviswhite
www.myspace.com/obsidianvamp9
www.myspace.com/asharceneaux
www.myspace.com/authorbeckybarker
www.myspace.com/ajhardcourt
www.myspace.com/58223589
www.myspace.com/bekikernsadkins

Contest Winner!

2007-12-09T17:27:00.001-07:00

The winner of a $30 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble is Reader1287.

The next drawing for another gift certificate will be on January 13th. To enter the contest, all you have to do is join my Yahoo Newsletter Group Suspensebytina. Click on the Yahoo icon on the left side of the blog to join.

Good luck! Here's hoping you win next month.

Friends 16

2007-12-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

With Friends 16 there are now 675 Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers and Booksellers who want to be your friend on MySpace. Add them today!

Want your link added? Add me as your friend at www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me, if I don't message you first.

*********

I would like to introduce a friend of mine,

Kim Watters.

She does the agent/editor interviews at

http://www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

Her book, When Johnny Comes Home, is available at

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Blurb: Audrey Roberts’s masquerade is about to end in disaster. For years, she’s written love letters to Johnny and signed them with her sister’s name. Now, the man she adores is
coming home to marry his pen pal and Audrey is left to face the consequences of her deception. Injured during D-Day, Johnny Davenport is shipped home. His only plan: to find the woman whose love letters kept him sane and hopeful throughout the destruction of war. Nothing will stop him from drawing out the beautiful, shy girl he left behind and making her his wife. But once the true writer is revealed, which sister will he claim?

***************

Friends 16 begins with fifteen Authors & Friends of the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers

www.myspace.com/cheryelhutton
www.myspace.com/jessieverino
www.myspace.com/smrw
www.myspace.com/sweettreatsspicytidbits
www.myspace.com/donnawrightsbooks
www.myspace.com/juliheaton
www.myspace.com/katemckeever
www.myspace.com/leannetyler
www.myspace.com/lyndaopdyke
www.myspace.com/nicolenorth
www.myspace.com/robyndehart
www.myspace.com/teresaromancewriter
www.myspace.com/romanceatlarge
www.myspace.com/deborahbrent
www.myspace.com/expoauthors
www.myspace.com/theauthorslounge
www.myspace.com/selenafultonsbook
www.myspace.com/katerothwell_writer
www.myspace.com/cathleenross
www.myspace.com/tracygoodwin
www.myspace.com/lustbites
www.myspace.com/kellymcclymer
www.myspace.com/highheelsmys
www.myspace.com/logan_m_whyte
www.myspace.com/bonnieroseleigh

Friends 15

2007-12-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

With Friends 15 there are now 650 links to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, and Booksellers who want to be your friend on MySpace. Add them today!

Want your link added to the lists? Make me your MySpace friend www.myspace.com/suspensebytina and then message me, if I don't message you first.

*******************

One of my favorite writers is Jennifer Ashley. I love her pirate series! What you might not know about Jennifer is she has many penn names, one of which is Allyson James.

Jennifer is a member of my local RWA chapters. She is one of nicest woman you could ever meet. We were thrilled when she made the US Today list.

Spend these chilly holiday evenings reading the next story by this amazing woman.

****************

The Black Dragon by Allyson James Order from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

When Saba encounters an evil white dragon, she must use the Dragon's Tears to summon Malcolm, the Black Dragon who'd once enslaved her. Will she be able to resist him a second time? Berkley Sensation Nov. 2007 You can read a sample chapter by clicking on the link to Jennifer Ashely's website in my blogroll on the left side of my blog.

********************************

Friends 15 begins with the review site Night Owl Romance. They have written wonderful reviews for my blog partner, Kim Watters. www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/nightowlromance
www.myspace.com/cianastone
www.myspace.com/pattianncolt
www.myspace.com/mikkib_2000
www.myspace.com/v_torianne
www.myspace.com/kimberlykillion
www.myspace.com/authorkarendocter
www.myspace.com/annecarrole
www.myspace.com/angelaverdenius
www.myspace.com/whiskeycreekpresstorrid
www.myspace.com/sallypainter
www.myspace.com/stacyholmes
www.myspace.com/fire_and_dice
www.myspace.com/briannamartini
www.myspace.com/janerichardsonwriter
www.myspace.com/imadaydreambeliever
www.myspace.com/jenniferlinforthauthor
www.myspace.com/carolematthews
www.myspace.com/jacquierogers
www.myspace.com/rosemarymorris_author
www.myspace.com/brynnchapmanbooks
www.myspace.com/jankenny
www.myspace.com/magonzales
www.myspace.com/gailranstrom
www.myspace.com/shelleyleblanc

7 Days Left!

2007-12-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Only 7 days left until I name the lucky winner of a $30 Barnes and Noble gift certificate.

To be eligible to win, you must be a member of my Yahoo Newsletter Group. Click on the link on the left side of the blog to join.

Good luck!

Friends 14

2007-11-24T23:10:00.001-07:00

Friends 14 has twenty-five more Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, and Booksellers who want to be your friend on MySpace.

Don't forget to scroll down, and check the blog archives, for Friends Lists 1-13. They contain an additional 600 links.

Want your link included? Add me as your friend on Myspace,
www.myspace.com/suspensebytina then message me, if I don't message you first.

**************

Friends 14 introduces a talented writer

and wonderful person, Pamela Tracy

Pam is a member of both Desert Rose and Valley of the Sun Chapters of RWA, where she has volunteered countless hours of her time. I have learned a great deal from her speeches and appreciate all that she has done for her fellow writers.

Her book, THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION, a Harlequin Steeple Hill, Love Inspired Suspense
is a November release and available now.

Blurb:
Eric Santellis figures there might be worse things than finding a dead body in the shed of his grandfather’s cabin. Police officer Ruth Atkins is just leaving a funeral of a fellow officer when she gets the call she’s been praying for and dreading. A body has been discovered in the desert. Two years ago, her husband disappeared. A smear of blood dirtied the driver’s seat of his cop car. Two unlikely heroes unite against all odds to solve the crimes and maybe, just maybe, put more than Band-Aids on their broken hearts.

You can find THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION at a bookstore near you!

*******************************************

Friends 14 begins with Liz Fielding of Harlequin Romance

www.myspace.com/lizfielding

www.myspace.com/sclabtech
www.myspace.com/imarijade
www.myspace.com/marylmartinez
www.myspace.com/amermaidinparadise
www.myspace.com/ruthkerce
www.myspace.com/toniblake
www.myspace.com/laceyalexander
www.myspace.com/tribalkittyn
www.myspace.com/candynicks
www.myspace.com/rahs_wife
www.myspace.com/ryshiakennie
www.myspace.com/arianadupre
www.myspace.com/judeaz
www.myspace.com/lucindabetts
www.myspace.com/roguesandromance
www.myspace.com/kimhcox
www.myspace.com/jenyfermatthews
www.myspace.com/amandasidhe
www.myspace.com/robindowensau
www.myspace.com/dreamgirl1127
www.myspace.com/catmuldoon
www.myspace.com/bevkatzrosenbau
www.myspace.com/charlottedillon

www.myspace.com/romanceauthor

Friends 13 - There are now 600 MySpace links

2007-11-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

With Friends 13, we now have the links of 600 Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Booksellers, and Publishers who want to be your friend on MySpace. They want you to add them today!

Want your link posted? Add me www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
and message me, if I don't message you first.

**************

Friends 13

introduces romance author,

Elaine Cantrell

I don't know about you, but just looking at her cover makes me feel patriotic and proud of our military personnel. Her story reminds us the power of love can overcome anything, including the wounds of war, not just those of soldiers, but those of our country as well.

Purple Heart:
Jenna West has no idea what she might have done to her new tenant Mike Hightower. He's surly and hateful every single time they meet, and he looks at her as though he despises her. He does despise her. She's from the Middle East, and people like her killed his friend Ramirez when the army sent them to Iraq. Will the power of love work its magic to soften Mike's bitter hatred, or will he ignore his growing attraction for his pretty landlady?

Purple Heart can be purchased at www.thewildrosepress.com

*****************

Friends 13 begins with Tess MacKall

www.myspace.com/tessmackall

www.myspace.com/elizabethdelisi
www.myspace.com/romanceauthor
www.myspace.com/traceyhkitts
www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor
www.myspace.com/t_j_killian
www.myspace.com/guardiansofeternity
www.myspace.com/heathergrothaus
www.myspace.com/karen_anders
www.myspace.com/lisanneharris
www.myspace.com/239274757
www.myspace.com/cathleenross
www.myspace.com/barebackmag
www.myspace.com/marlymathews
www.myspace.com/paprbackriter
www.myspace.com/laceydiamond
www.myspace.com/katedouglas_wolftales
www.myspace.com/authortravel
www.myspace.com/sarafreeze
www.myspace.com/dellejacobs
www.myspace.com/topazjordyn
www.myspace.com/alexisthewriter
www.myspace.com/melanieryhmeswithfelony
www.myspace.com/pamelasthibodeaux

www.myspace.com/teresaryntar

Triskelion News

2007-11-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Triskelion contracts were auctioned and award-winning,
Sci-Fi and Romance author, Vijaya Schartz
was there.

If you haven't heard the news, you can read all about it
on her Nov 15th blog.

As Vijaya says, "Hopefully the Triskelion saga is over..."
http://romancingscifi.blogspot.com/

Friends 12

2007-11-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

With Friends 12, there are now 575 links
to Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers,
Booksellers, and Publishers who want to
be your friend on Myspace. I've reduced
the number of links in each Friends List from
50 to 25 so I can post more often and introduce
you to more writers.

Want your link included? Add me as your
friend at www.myspace.com/suspensebytina
and message me, if I don't message you first.

***

Recently another writer took the time to pass along information I considered valuable.

I want to return this kindness by featuring her bookin this post.

If I had seen this cover earlier, I would have posted it sooner. Talk about a hunk!

***

Gabriel's Horn, by Tess MacKall

is the first book in a series entitled Gabriel's Ride

Available December 1 at http://www.darkedenpress.com/

with subsequent releases every two months.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and Raquel is about to unleash hers. Marriedfor five years to the love of her life, her sex life is sorely lacking. With the magic gone, her husband takes a lover. Desperate to get the goods on him and break their pre-nuptial agreement, Raquel walks straight into a trap, encountering a man who makes her feel things she never believed possible. When you play the game of payback, be careful of the man you choose, especially if that man is Gabriel.

***

Friends 12 begins with Jo Beverley

www.myspace.com/jobeverley
www.myspace.com/denysebridger
www.myspace.com/caitlinkittredge
www.myspace.com/xandrag
www.myspace.com/morrisonjade
www.myspace.com/annbkeller
www.myspace.com/gloriaharchar
www.myspace.com/mlmatherly
www.myspace.com/mirellabooks
www.myspace.com/dellejacobs
www.myspace.com/mariannearkins
www.myspace.com/mindyklasky
www.myspace.com/thepurgatoryagency
www.myspace.com/thebeyondseries
www.myspace.com/nicoleharvey69
www.myspace.com/rowena_aliendjinnromance
www.myspace.com/sensualstories
www.myspace.com/authoramberscott
www.myspace.com/buffibw
www.myspace.com/myranour
www.myspace.com/amygallow
www.myspace.com/lizcraven
www.myspace.com/magnoliastateromwriters
www.myspace.com/kiernankelly

www.myspace.com/toschoolacowboy

Contest Winner!

2007-11-12T01:03:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Amy Smith, the first winner of a $30 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

The next two drawings will be held on

Dec. 9th and Jan. 13th.

For your chance to win, join my newsletter

group by clicking on the Yahoo icon on the left side of the blog. (Scroll down from the picture

of my book, Liquid Hypnosis to find the link.)

Also, don't miss the special promo opportunity

for writers on my newsletter group. Join to learn more.

Good luck in the next drawing!

Friends 11

2007-11-10T11:04:00.001-07:00

Friends 11 is dedicated to the Desert Dreams Conference, put on by The Desert Rose Chapter of RWA. Once again, co-chaired by Susan Lanier Graham and yours truly.

April 4-6, 2008

Crowne Plaza

San Marcos Golf Resort

Chandler, AZ

***

Speakers include Sherrilyn Kenyon, Carly Philips, Mary Jo Putney, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Cheyenne McCray, Jennifer Ashley, Lori Wilde, Brenda Novak, CJ Lyons, Jade Lee, and BrendaJoyce.

***

Editor/Agents attending include Leah Hultenschmidt of Dorchester, Toni Plummer of St. Martin's, Joanna Raisanen of Harlequin, Rachel Vater of Lwenstein-Yost, Bob Mecoy of Creative Book Services, Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency, Jessica Faust of Bookends, Inc., and Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency.

Editor/Agent Appointments

Free of Charge!

But Hurry!

Appointments are available only for those who register and pay before they fill up.

***

Conference Contest

The first 60 people to enter the first 10 pages of their manuscript

will have it judged by an editor or agent!

Don't Miss This Opportunity!

*****

For more information go to http://www.desertroserwa.org/

_______________________________________________

Friends 11 begins with The Romance Studio. These Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, Booksellers, and Publishers want to be your friend on Myspace. Add them today!

Want your Myspace link included? Add me, www.myspace.com/suspensebytina. I'll send you an invite. If I don't, message me. Scroll down to add the other 500 links in Friends 1-10.

www.myspace.com/theromancestudio
www.myspace.com/lovewesternromances
www.myspace.com/bebe461
www.myspace.com/highlandpress
www.myspace.com/Leanneburroughs
www.myspace.com/bernadettesplace
www.myspace.com/meanwallace
www.myspace.com/kendraleighcastle
www.myspace.com/mrsplparker
www.myspace.com/41226412
www.myspace.com/marieharte
www.myspace.com/sloan_mcbride
www.myspace.com/ravynhart
www.myspace.com/amywolffsorter
www.myspace.com/aphroditesapples
www.myspace.com/lionsqueen
www.myspace.com/mimi_writer
www.myspace.com/lyndi_lamont
www.myspace.com/author_shannon_leigh
www.myspace.com/margaretlcarter
www.myspace.com/185513895
www.myspace.com/katrina_strauss
www.myspace.com/candacegold_candycaine
www.myspace.com/nancyhaddock
http://myspace.com/authoramberscott
http://myspace.com/amberdayne
www.myspace.com/melissamayhue
www.myspace.com/shelleymosley
www.myspace.com/cheryl_norman
www.myspace.com/catmuldoon
www.myspace.com/edensharpe
www.myspace.com/outerbankslilah
www.myspace.com/nikkileighauthor
www.myspace.com/proprietyisoverrated
www.myspace.com/suzanna_rosanna_danna
www.myspace.com/angelasteed
www.myspace.com/spicebriefs
www.myspace.com/cosmicfly
www.myspace.com/aklanier
www.myspace.com/elizabethlane123
www.myspace.com/paigecuccaro
www.myspace.com/lindabroday
www.myspace.com/karladawson
www.myspace.com/tillygreene
www.myspace.com/dfossen
www.myspace.com/oatmellow
www.myspace.com/bookeybooktrailers
www.myspace.com/cfrwa
www.myspace.com/mallorykane
www.myspace.com/allromanceebooks

Haunted Hotels

2007-10-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I promised I would tell you about

my ghostly experiences. First, I should

tell you I am a huge chicken.

When I was young I would make up scary

stories while washing my hair.

(Sign of a future suspense writer) I was

afraid to put my head under the faucet,

but did because I had to get the soap out.

When I left the bathroom, I ran down

the hall, then casually walked into the family

room like nothing was wrong.

I still can't believe no one ever caught

me. Not that I couldn't come up with a

good excuse.

Anyway, my fascination

with ghosts outweighed my fear.

(Sort of) Five years ago I joined the Valley

of the Sun Chapter of RWA and quickly

turned their writer's retreat into a haunted one.

Every October we stay at a haunted hotel.

The first two years we stayed in Prescott, AZ. Eighteen wild and crazy-

okay - mostly middle aged and bored women, invaded this

bed and breakfast armed with laptops and liquor. We laughed, brainstormed, shopped, and shared ghostly stories. I'm convinced some of those were made up-Not mine, of course.

Every year I take my secret weapon; my sister. She is ten years younger and a whole lot braver. Most of our ghostly experiences happen to her, so we can keep going year after year. When we stayed in Prescott, about 15 of us were talking in the haunted room and the closet door suddenly closed by itself. You would think we would have been afraid. Mostly we looked at each other, trying to figure out how that happened. While in my room, I felt something push off my bed, like a cat. I turned, expecting my sister to be standing there. Nope. She was in her bed on the other side of the room. I can handle a ghostly cat, so I did manage to get some sleep. At least thirty minutes.

The last two years we stayed at the Grand Hotel in Jerome. It was once a thriving mining town. Now it's Arizona's infamous ghost town. The Grand is reported to have a lot of paranormal activity. One of our writers woke up to an apparition of a man standing at the foot of her bed. Too bad it wasn't George Clooney.

Last year a ghost pushed down on my sister's head during her sleep. We think it was because a worker there died when the elevator landed on his head. Talk about a migraine! This year, a ghost played with my sister's hair. She moved to the couch, hoping it would leave her alone, but it didn't. I snored through the whole thing. My sister brought a tape recorder to capture ghostly voices and soon realized that was pointless. The ghost would have to scream and basically throw a tantrum to be heard over my snoring.

My most fascinating ghostly moment happened to someone else. (Couldn't have planned it better.) Young teen aged boys were hanging around taking pictures with their cell phones. In one of the pictures, a ghost was standing next to one of the boys. At first, I thought I was seeing a man standing next to the boy. I did a double take when I realized I could see through the man. I walked around with my cell phone for hours, but couldn't capture any ghosts.

I spoke to a young lady who worked at the hotel restaurant. (She knows my daughter) She said she saw an apparition of a woman several times, and the ghosts constantly locked her in the dry storage room. She worked there a lot longer than I would have.

At the end of the weekend we all agreed it was another successful trip and we booked our rooms for next October. I'm ready. I have my camera, my nose strips and my younger sister.

Friends 10 - 500 Friends

2007-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Friends 10 is dedicated

to Halloween.

I love watching

ghostly movies

and staying

at haunted hotels.

I'll post my latest

adventure on

Halloween night.

Need a quick, easy spooky recipe?

Check my group blog at

http://www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

Also, Kim Watters posted her third BEBO list for

those of you collecting friends there.

*******************************

With Friends 10, there are now 500 Romance Readers, Writers, Reviewers, and Booksellers linked to Myspace. They agreed to be added to the lists because they want to be your "friend."

Want to be added, leave a comment or add me as your friend on Myspace and I'll send you a message. www.myspace.com/suspensebytina

Friends 10 begins with Lisa Plumley and a reader/reviewer, who has offered to edit or read your manuscript for free. What a huge heart!!

www.myspace.com/lisaplumley
www.myspace.com/wolfhealers (Will edit or Beta read for free)
www.myspace.com/candacegold_candycaine
www.myspace.com/caranorthwriter
www.myspace.com/romancewriters
www.myspace.com/resplendencepublishing
www.myspace.com/jaeknight
www.myspace.com/angelomilonne
www.myspace.com/ashlynchase
www.myspace.com/mojocastle
www.myspace.com/leighwyndfield
www.myspace.com/authorcatjohnson
www.myspace.com/kitdaniels
www.myspace.com/gisellecarmichael
www.myspace.com/bluesw
www.myspace.com/deelloyd
www.myspace.com/_dawn_montgomery
www.myspace.com/salsarose
www.myspace.com/melissaschroeder
www.myspace.com/isyjordan
www.myspace.com/leelee_rod
www.myspace.com/emilybryanromance
www.myspace.com/dianagroe
www.myspace.com/laurellkhamilton
www.myspace.com/robinbayne
www.myspace.com/seanharrisbooks
www.myspace.com/terrakent
www.myspace.com/heatherhiestand
www.myspace.com/rwasouthernmagic
www.myspace.com/kuraimegami
www.myspace.com/bluegrassromancereviews
www.myspace.com/authormargaret
www.myspace.com/sharacooperauthor
www.myspace.com/conradsucatre
www.myspace.com/maryeason
www.myspace.com/authorannraven
www.myspace.com/hhauthors
www.myspace.com/creativ1books
www.myspace.com/runningwithquills
www.myspace.com/margueritearotin
www.myspace.com/elladonna
www.myspace.com/rtconvention
www.myspace.com/leilagarced
www.myspace.com/huntressreviews
www.myspace.com/lizajamesauthor
www.myspace.com/juliajustiss
www.myspace.com/angelaguillaume
www.myspace.com/shelbyreedauthor
www.myspace.com/changelingpress
www.myspace.com/emmaraygarrett

Three Chances to Win!!

2007-10-23T20:01:00.001-07:00

Want to be contacted whenever I post another Friends List? Can't wait to read another episode of The Neurotic Writer

at my group blog http://www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

Dying to hear when you can order a print copy of Liquid Hypnosis?

Join my Yahoo Newsletter Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Suspensebytina

Or click on the Yahoo link on the left side of the blog.

I promise all newsletter announcements will be short and to the point. I'm busy working on Desperate Homeowners. You can read the first scene at my website http://www.suspensebytina.com/ under the Books link.

All members of my Yahoo Newsletter Group will automatically be included in drawings for a $30 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, which can be used in the store or online. Drawings will be held on Nov. 11, Dec. 9, and Jan. 13. You can win more than once! Good luck.

Friends 9

2007-10-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

With Friends 9, we now have 450 Myspace links posted. These romance readers, writers, reviewers and booksellers want to be your "friend"on Myspace. Add them today.

If you would like your Myspace link added, please leave a comment below, OR add me as a friend www.myspace.com/suspensebytina and I'll contact you. Already my friend? Send me a message. You don't have to do anything other than say you'd like to be added to the lists.

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Friends 9 introduces you to The Essence of Romance.

"The Essence of Romance is an online comprehensive searchable database of Romance titles released since the early 1900’s. Considered 'The Bible of the Romance Industry' for over a decade, the Essence of Romance lists Authors, Websites, Titles, Series, Anthologies, Genres, Publishers, Release Dates, Cover Images, Blurbs and more, and is used by libraries, bookstores and readers worldwide. Members have the ability to create an unlimited amount of personal booklists to keep track of their favorite authors and books, which can be printed to use on shopping excursions. Membership rates are $5.00 per month or $50.00 per year, and we offer a 10-day free trial and various referral packages where you can continue to receive membership for free or at a discounted price! To try a free trial and have full access to hundreds of thousands of Romance titles, please visit www.eordb.com. Feel free to email us at info@eordb.com with any questions, and please drop by and say hi at www.myspace.com/essenceofromance We welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to hearing from you. If you are a Romance Author, please contact us to make sure you are listed in the Essence of Romance."

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Friends 9 begins with author, Ann Jacobs.

www.myspace.com/authorannjacobs
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www.myspace.com/karenharbaugh
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www.myspace.com/authorlindawarren
www.myspace.com/isabokelly
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www.myspace.com/brennalyons
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Fantastic Review for Liquid Hypnosis

2007-10-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

5 Book Review from The Long and The Short of It

Sunflower says, “Liquid Hypnosis serves up a powerful brew of suspense, blazing sensuality, and the paranormal…”

“The twists and turns are constant; the reader is delightfully thrown off-balance again and again. Each new twist is imaginative and serves to further the plot. LaVon’s characters, too, are revealed in bits and pieces – nothing feels forced or out of place. And they are characters that we care about deeply – LaVon has a true gift for writing sympathetically and insightfully. Even her villains are compelling and three-dimensional, a quality that I often find lacking in suspense novels.”

“This book will be offered in print in March, and I, for one, would be the first in line to buy a copy…”

What does Sunflower have to say about the sexual tension between the hero and heroine? Read the full review at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/

Tina's Blogging

You Could Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

Organizational and Travel Hints

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

Organizing Goes Green

Organizing the Medicine Cabinet

Still Organizing - An Odd Bathroom Caddy

First Week of Improving My Life in 2012

Organizing - Start With The Purse

Patio Furniture

Concentrating on the Positive

The Secret Experiment

The Rules

Submitting Your Manuscript

Escape!

Believe

Another Facebook Wedding

More Tips on Naming Characters

Character Naming

Meet an Editor and/or Agent

Independence

Bring on Happiness!

Challenges Are a Good Thing

Simple Summer Weddings

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Overcoming Hurdles

Big Surprise

Focusing on the Positive

The Power of Happiness

The Universe Works in Amazing Ways

How The Secret Worked This Past Week

How The Secret Works

How I REALLY, REALLY Know The Secret Works

How I Know The Secret Really Works

Positive Brings Positive

Starting The Day Off Right

The Power

Grateful State of Mind

How I Found The Secret

Overcoming Fear and Procrastination

Writing Day After Day

Procrastination

Redeeming the Bad Boy Hero

The Neurotic Writer's New Years Resolutions

Using The Secret to Chase Away the Doldrums

You Know You're a Neurotic Writer When...

Promotion Tips

The Neurotic Writer Meets a Vampire

Creating Unforgettable Characters

Friends 37 - There are now 1250 Myspace Links

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Next Contest

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Win a Free Copy Of Liquid Hypnosis!

Blog Award

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Contest!!

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Contest Winner!

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Contest Celebrating the Release of Liquid Hypnosis

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Chocolate Affaire was a Huge Success!

Chocolate Affaire and Hunky Cover Model!

Friends 22

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Desert Dreams Writers Conference

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Friends 20

Another Episode of The Neurotic Writer

Easy Contest to Enter!

Top Ten Reasons to read Enchanting the Lady