HEALTH AND THE WRITER

By JoAnnSmith.Ainsworth on February 2, 2012

Do you agree that to be productive a writer needs a degree of good health?

Writing stresses the mind and the body. Whether first draft or final edits, the brain is exercised by constant choices and decisions. We must sort through thousands of words each day and make decisions about each. Which ones will stay on the page? How will this word affect the story in its past, its present and its future? Is the pacing spot on or is the pacing lacking? Are my characters acting logically, given their personalities?

The myriad of judgment calls boggles the mind.

Then there’s marketing and administrative work and family. Marketing (including social media and a personal website) can gobble up time and energy if we’re not careful. Today’s writer is under tremendous stress. Lack of energy, a harried feeling can tear at one’s health. Responsibilities can drain energy and leave none for the fun part—writing a novel. Good health can break down if we’re not diligent.

What to do?

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New eBooks on SALE ~ Jan. 31, 2012 releases!

By Samhain on January 31, 2012

 

What's New in eBook at Samhain!
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
 
Best of Both Worlds Best of Both Worlds by Liz Andrews
Genre: Red Hots!!!, Gay Contemporary
Length: Category, ISBN: 978-1-60928-686-6, Series: Friends and Lovers
Price: $4.50 Limited time sale-priced for $3.15

Sometimes you just have to come right out and ask the question.

Friends and Lovers, Book 1

After months of exploring his bisexuality on his own, college student Chase Randolph is ready for a night out on the town–all the way "out". He never expected Alex Landry to witness his first experimental sexual encounter, though. Chase has been attracted to his best friend and roommate forever, but one thing is sure: Alex is straight. So straight, he's never caught on to Chase's mixed tastes.
Alex assures Chase they will always be friends, but privately, his own reaction shocks him. An ex-jock isn't supposed to fantasize about his roommate. Not supposed to need another man's kiss so badly it makes him sweat. He was prepared to change direction after his football career ended before it began, but change this drastically?

As Chase and Alex struggle to come to terms with the changes in their relationship, jealousy pushes friendship to the brink–of disaster…or love.

Product Warnings: No heaving bosoms here, just two gorgeous guys, lots of muscles and some closet doors banging wide open.

Read an excerpt and BUY at Samhain!
 
Dare Me Dare Me by Lexxie Couper
Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary, Red Hots!!!
Length: Novella, ISBN: 978-1-60928-904-1, Series: Red Hot Weekend
Price: $3.50 Limited time sale-priced for $2.45

Defying death is the ultimate dare. Defying love? Well, that's just stupid.

A Red Hot Weekend story.

Back-to-back medical degrees took Emily Knox right where she planned to be: treating patients in an alternative cancer clinic. But nothing prepared her for a cocky, cheeky Aussie who strode into her life and dared her to cure him. She told herself it was his challenge she couldn't resist–not his daredevil charm.
Eight months later, Rob's out of danger…and Emily's in trouble. She's in deep, too deep. Worse, Rob has left the clinic against doctor's orders. There's nothing for it but to follow him across eleven thousand miles of land and sea to give him what for–as his doctor, of course.

Rob never expected to survive the brain tumor. Nor did he expect to fall head over heels for his very proper, very English oncologist. The problem? Her Hippocratic Oath hangs between them, keeping her just out of reach. Now, with "cured" on his medical chart and his duty as best man for his best mate calling, he takes off for home to start getting his old life back.

Trouble is, while the good doctor cured his cancer, she seems to have inflicted him with something else–desire he just can't shake.

Product Warnings: Rob Thorton is addictive. Also, there's scorching passion, undeniable lust, soul-shattering desire, heartbreaking angst, explosive sex and of course, Australian sarcasm. Did you really expect anything else?

Read an excerpt and BUY at Samhain!
 
Hidden Fire Hidden Fire by Jess Dee
Genre: Contemporary, Red Hots!!!
Length: Novella, ISBN: 978-1-60928-685-9, Series: Red Hot Weekend
Price: $3.50 Limited time sale-priced for $2.45

Dirty desires, dark secrets…deepest love

Fire, Book 2

Well, this is an unexpected twist. Jenna Brooks is all set to spend the weekend wallowing in misery, repairing the cracks in the façade she's maintained for twelve years. Instead she's…tied to a chair. Kidnapped by her own twin brother and her so-called best friend.
It's for her own good, they say. She'll thank them later, they say. But when they reveal her partner in captivity, she shores up her emotional barriers. It's Garreth Halt. The one man for whom she let her guard down. What a fool she was.

For one electrifying moment, Garreth had Jenna naked in his arms, on the edge of losing her legendary control. Could have kept her there forever, too, if he hadn't felt honor-bound to tell her the truth. Before she'd heard the whole truth, though, she'd retreated behind the fortress around her heart.

Now they're knee to knee, with no escape. While he's irritated he let his alleged best friend get the drop on him, a small part of him is thrilled. With one final chance to show her his love is real, Garreth methodically, wickedly, sets out to dismantle her defenses.

One dirty word at a time.

Product Warnings: Garreth may have charmed you in Winter Fire, but this time around, his blatantly sexy demands, even sexier actions and heartwarming love for his heroine are gonna make you fall head over heels.
 
Read an excerpt and BUY at Samhain!
 
Lone Heart Lone Heart by Delilah Devlin
Genre: Contemporary, Red Hots!!!, Cowboys
Length: Novella, ISBN: 978-1-60928-695-8, Series: Red Hot Weekend
Price: $3.50 Limited time sale-priced for $2.45

When temptation catches fire, saddle up and hang on for the ride.

A Red Hot Weekend story

Lone Wyatt is a long way from his Colorado home. After his brother married the woman they both loved, he figured it'd be best if he was out of the way. He'd like to have his own one-and-only, but he's in no rush. Until he saunters into a small Oklahoma town and spots Charli Kudrow. One wary glance from her haunted eyes, and he knows there's hidden fire inside her just waiting to erupt. And he's ready to tear through every objection she can think up.
Charli intends to slip out of Shooters unnoticed as soon as she's done pinning a help wanted notice to the bulletin board. But there's a cowboy at the bar with a killer smile who seems hell-bent on seducing her. And she feels something she hasn't felt in five long years of widowhood–a spark of attraction. Thinking she'll never see him again, she succumbs to temptation, only to discover that little "spark" is more like a raging wildfire.

One weekend is all he asks. One weekend to prove there's more between them than just blazing hot sex…

Product Warnings: Sometimes, love happens in an instant, but it takes a lot of sexin' up to make one stubborn woman a believer.
 
Read an excerpt and BUY at Samhain!
 
Brightwater Blood Brightwater Blood by Shona Husk
Genre: Paranormal, Shape-shifters
Length: Novella, ISBN: 978-1-60928-579-1
Price: $3.50 Limited time sale-priced for $2.45

To survive, they'll have to think outside the circle.

Were-lion Lachlan Garvey is closing in on the Brightwater women, the last of a Shamanic line that the Council wants eradicated for their murderous use of magic. One minute he's in his animal form, examining a dead body in a patch of charred grass. The next, he wakes up human–naked, shot and lying in a circle of his own blood.

Dayna Brightwater is sure the man she's bound with a blood spell is the one who just murdered her twin sister. Yet even if she did have the stomach for revenge killing, she doesn't have the power. But what to do with him now? If she lets him go, he'll kill her, too.
Trapped in the path of a deadly magical fire, Lachlan has to think fast–and talk faster–to convince the beautiful Shaman he's innocent. As the roaring flames creep closer, Dayna must choose. Trust Lachlan and use magic to save them both…or flee. And live with the knowledge she caused his death, proving that no Brightwater is capable of love.

Product Warnings: Contains a naked hero who'll do anything to save his life…including saving hers.

Read an excerpt and BUY at Samhain!
 

Love to order books in advance at a discount? Check out what's coming soon! 

 

What makes a hero?

By Delilah.Devlin on January 30, 2012

I'll be the first to admit that some of my heroes can act a little less than heroic. I'm not talking about not being willing to put their lives at risk for someone they love. I'm talking about not being pleasant to be around, not being good friends or good boyfriends. I love someone rough around the edges who just doesn't get it. Or someone who hears the heroine say no, but doesn't want to listen. The fun part for me as a writer is to take someone that raw and stubborn and teach him how to be the man the heroine needs.

In True Heart, True Wyatt was just such a man. The strong silent type with a huge case of grumpy. The trick was to figure out what made him that way, and as it turns out, this big, strong cowboy had a huge insecurity. He didn't believe he had what it took to make a woman happy. He'd failed in his first marriage, so when he meets erotica writer, Honey Cahill, he's slow to make his move, not trusting himself to go about it right.

In steps little brother who has more experience pleasing women. True almost let her get away, but in the end, stepped up and made Honey his own. Which left little brother in the cold. Well, no more.

Lone Wyatt had his own journey to make, far away from his brother and the woman he gave up to make his brother happy. Lone Heart releases tomorrow. Now, you'll get to see the "rest of the story."

So, for me, what makes a hero? A selfless act. The man can be imperfect, bull-headed, stubborn as a mule, but when he puts the woman first, he proves what he's made of.

* * *

When temptation catches fire, saddle up and hang on for the ride.

Lone Wyatt is a long way from his Colorado home. After his brother married the woman they both loved, he figured it’d be best if he was out of the way. He’d like to have his own one-and-only, but he’s in no rush. Until he saunters into a small Oklahoma town and spots Charli Kudrow. One wary glance from her haunted eyes, and he knows there’s hidden fire inside her just waiting to erupt. And he’s ready to tear through every objection she can think up.

Charli intends to slip out of Shooters unnoticed as soon as she’s done pinning a help wanted notice to the bulletin board. But there’s a cowboy at the bar with a killer smile who seems hell-bent on seducing her. And she feels something she hasn’t felt in five long years of widowhood—a spark of attraction. Thinking she’ll never see him again, she succumbs to temptation, only to discover that little “spark” is more like a raging wildfire.

One weekend is all he asks. One weekend to prove there’s more between them than just blazing hot sex…

Warning: Sometimes, love happens in an instant, but it takes a lot of sexin’ up to make one stubborn woman a believer.

TURN IT UP in print

By Vivian.Arend on January 29, 2012

After nearly three years I've learned a little more about how to plan big picture arcs so I can tell ongoing stories. But when I started, I wrote. An idea would come to me and I'd write it down, follow the plot and discover what happened with my new-found friends. That's where TURN IT ON came from– a single scene in my mind that made me want to know why Maxine had such a violent reaction to a telephone call.

In the book that developed, her brother was married, and he and his wife had a baby. It was lovely, it worked…surprises crawling into the story. Things like when Maxwell Junior interrupts a particularly hot session between Maxine and Ryan on the porch, gloating to beat the band. I had fun. I had successfully written a stand-alone story!

And then someone asked "What about Maxwell?"

What about him? He's happy, see? On page 54 he and his wife…

"No", they inisisted. "How did they get there? And what did they mean when…"

…and that's why I ended up writing the story that comes before. Because knowing the HEA is there is only part of the journey. People like to know the route they took to get there. If you've never read either story, you can start with Turn It Up, and now that it has released in print, you can pick your favorite format. 

And yes, I did explain why there is much gloating over the porch scene…

~~**~~

She wants it. He’s got it…and a whole lot more.

Maxwell Turner considers his stubborn and resourceful attitude a plus. After all, it usually gets him what he wants—except for Natasha Bellingham. The long-time family friend may be ten years older than he, but so what? He’s plenty old enough to know they belong together. Now all he has to do is convince her.

Over the past few years Natasha’s love life has degenerated into a series of bad clichés. Her biological clock is ticking—loudly. As a proven architect with her own house-design company, she’s financially ready for a baby. Who says she needs a permanent man in her life for that? She just needs a “donation”.

When Max discovers Natasha’s future plans include artificial insemination, he’s outraged. She wants to get pregnant? No problem. He’s more than willing to volunteer—no turkey basters involved.

But there’s one non-negotiable clause: He wants forever. And he intends to do everything in his power—fair and unfair—to make it happen.

Warning: This title contains one younger man ready, aimed and hell bent on giving one woman everything she wants. Includes interludes against the wall, in a Jacuzzi, on a car hood and even—shockingly enough—on a bed or two. Oh, and about that porch swing? Yup…

~~**~~

eBook: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Sony | ARe

Print:  Barnes & Noble | Books a Million | Book Depository | Chapters | Amazon | Borders | Indiebound | Powell’s

~~**~~

You can find Vivian hanging out at a number of places, roping in cowboys and chasing down wolfies.   Website | Blog | Twitter

North Woods Noir

By W.D.Gagliani on January 29, 2012

North Woods Noir

The Nick Lupo Thrillers by W.D. Gagliani

Wolf's Edge (#4) is now available; Wolf's Trap (#1) will be reissued this spring

 

Sometimes the setting is all-important in horror. Sometimes it's important enough that it becomes a character in your novel. Think of your favorite movies, horror or otherwise. Think of the most successful movies. It's those with a strong sense of place that become memorable. Taxi Driver wouldn't work set in Miami. Deliverance wouldn't work set in California (well, maybe it would…). Though movies are visual and books have to be visualized, they are similar in how the setting can shape the story. If the author skimps on details, whether real or fabricated, the book is less likely to succeed in engaging the reader. This is why Stephen King has connected so well with readers of all kinds – besides being a master of internal monologue and dialogue, he has always communicated a tremendous sense of place in his books. We all feel we know Maine a little better because of his stories set there.

When writing my first novel, Wolf's Trap (to be re-released this spring by Samhain), my strongest inspiration came from my vacationing in Wisconsin's North Woods. Sprawling evergreen forests dotted by lakes and narrow rivers and channels, known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, the North Woods blankets a large portion of northern Wisconsin. Driving north from the more populous south, you can spot the change – the line where the deciduous tree majority becomes the minority and evergreens take over, mostly pines. More than just a different look, there's a different feel. A different air about it. Lovely, quiet, relatively unspoiled (despite human efforts to the contrary), the very atmosphere feels different the farther north you go. Ranks of pines line the roads, stands of dark forests surround long finger lakes that often flow one into the other. Yes, ski-boats and overfishing are starting to take their toll, but generally the area still qualifies for "getting away from it all" vacations, especially when your destination is nestled in a quiet wooded area fronting a channel between two scenic lakes, part of a chain of lakes that stretches for mile after beautiful mile.

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  • News

  • Samhain Publishing Authors Experience Best-Selling Success in Increasing Numbers - 01/30/2012

    International publisher Samhain Publishing® has had its share of successful authors throughout its six year history—but in 2011, the publishing house became a regular fixture on the New York Times eBook and USA Today bestseller lists.

    Since early last year, the following Samhain authors have been listed on the new eBook bestseller list for The New York Times (eNYT), or on the USA Today (USA) bestseller list:

    •     Vivian Arend, Rocky Mountain Haven: eNYT (31), USA (102)
    •     Lorelei James, Cowboy Casanova: eNYT (15), combined NYT print/eBook (29), USA (81) **multiple weeks on eNYT list**
    •     Tessa Dare, Once Upon a Winter’s Eve (novella): USA (100) **multiple weeks on list**
    •     Jayne Rylon/Mari Carr, Eastern Ambitions: eNYT (26), USA (130)
    •     Lauren Dane, Once and Again: eNYT (29), USA (102)
    •     Lauren Dane, Taking Chase (originally released in 2006): USA (130)
    •     Lorelei James, Chasin’ Eight: eNYT (20), USA (83)
    •     Shelli Stevens, Flash Point (novella): eNYT (33)
    •     Maya Banks, Colters’ Daughter: eNYT (21), USA (114)

    According to Christina Brashear, president, Samhain Publishing, the future looks promising for both new and established authors. “Every week, we have authors whose remarkable sales set them up as candidates for the bestseller lists,” she says. Currently, Samhain Publishing releases 5-6 new eBook romances each week. In addition, the company has recently launched a horror line (with 2 new releases monthly, at http://www.samhainhorror.com) and Retro Romance line (with up to 6 new digital-only releases monthly, of romances originally printed in the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 00s, at http://www.retroromance.com).

    Brashear credits the success of Samhain authors to multiple factors. “We have developed a number of successful promotional efforts and have a robust distribution strategy for our books, certainly,” she explains. “But the main reason for our authors’ success is the high quality of their work, and the enthusiasm of their devoted fans. Without a doubt, it’s an exciting time to be a Samhain author.”

    The New York Times’ eBook bestseller lists in fiction and nonfiction are compiled from weekly data from publishers, chain bookstores, independent booksellers and online retailers, among other sources. Since 1935, The Times has published bestseller lists, widely considered the industry standard. Bestseller lists are also published by Publishers Weekly, a trade publication, and newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and USA Today.

    The USA Today Bestseller list is different from the NYT model, in that it combines both eBook and traditional print books in the same list.

  • Samhain Publishing’s ebook Rocky Mountain Haven by Vivian Arend hits New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists - 01/20/2012

    Rocky Mountain Haven, book 2 of the “Six Pack Ranch” series, is only available in eBook format

    International publisher Samhain Publishing® today announced that author Vivian Arend has been ranked on the New York Times Bestseller list for ebooks (31),  and the USA Today Bestseller list (102) for eBooks and print books, with her eBook romance, Rocky Mountain Haven. The novel is only available in eBook format.

    “We couldn’t be more delighted that our first bestseller of the New Year is Vivian Arend,” said Christina Brashear, president, Samhain Publishing. “She has long been a fan favorite, and we look forward to continuing to play a part in her success.”   

    The New York Times’ e-book bestseller lists in fiction and nonfiction are compiled from weekly data from publishers, chain bookstores, independent booksellers and online retailers, among other sources. Since 1935, The Times has published bestseller lists, widely considered the industry standard. Bestseller lists are also published by Publishers Weekly, a trade publication, and newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and USA Today.

    The USA Today Bestseller list is different from the NYT model, in that it combines both eBook and traditional print books in the same list.

  • Samhain Publishing’s eBook Cowboy Casanova hits New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists - 12/16/2011

    Lorelei James’ novel, the twelfth in the bestselling “Rough Riders” series, is only available in eBook format

    International publisher Samhain Publishing® today announced that author Lorelei James has been ranked on the New York Times Bestseller list for eBooks (15), the combined New York Times print/ebook Bestseller list (29) and the USA Today Bestseller list (81) for eBooks and print books, with her eBook romance, Cowboy Casanova. The novel is only available in eBook format.

    “This remarkable achievement will come to no surprise to Lorelei’s passionate fan base,” said Christina Brashear, president, Samhain Publishing. “With this, her twelfth book in the series, Lorelei continues to appeal to both long-time and brand new readers. We’re proud to be a part of her success.”   

    The New York Times’ eBook bestseller lists in fiction and nonfiction are compiled from weekly data from publishers, chain bookstores, independent booksellers and online retailers, among other sources. Since 1935, The Times has published bestseller lists, widely considered the industry standard. Bestseller lists are also published by Publishers Weekly, a trade publication, and newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and USA Today.

    The USA Today Bestseller list is different from the NYT model, in that it combines both eBook and traditional print books in the same list.

  • Samhain Publishing launches new Retro RomanceTM line - 12/12/2011

    Launch authors include five romance favorites including Debra Mullins and Kate Donovan

    International publisher Samhain Publishing® today announced the launch of Retro RomanceTM, a Samhain line dedicated to bringing out-of-print romance novels from the seventies, eighties, nineties and early 2000’s to an entirely new readership.

    According to Heather Osborn, Editorial Director, the program is in line with the desire of many authors to find new readers for old favorites—without the challenge of self-publishing. “With the proliferation of eBook readers, authors know they can quickly reach a new audience with their books, but self publishing still has inherent challenges for authors who prefer to spend more time writing than promoting,” explained Osborn. “For authors who have older titles and want to release them digitally, but don’t care to act as their own cover artist, production assistant, editor, or distributor, Samhain’s Retro Romance line is an ideal solution. We take on the work of scanning print books into digital files, copy editing, formatting into all of the various digital formats, creating beautiful cover art, advertising and promotion – and supply authors with a robust built-in distribution. It’s a win-win.”

    The line, which launches Dec. 13, includes the following authors and titles:

    Sharon DeVita, Heavenly Match

    Kate Donovan, Game of Hearts

    Patricia Hagan, Love and War

    Karen Kay, Lakota Surrender

    Debra Mullins, Once a Mistress

    To learn more about Retro Romance, visit us online at www.samhainpublishing.com/retro-romance.

  • Samhain Publishing’s eNovella Once Upon a Winter’s Eve hits USA Today Bestseller List - 12/01/2011

    Tessa Dare’s novella, part of the “Spindle Cove” series, is only available in eBook format

    International publisher Samhain Publishing® today announced that author Tessa Dare has been ranked on the USA Today Bestseller list (100) for eBooks and print books, with her eBook romance, Once Upon a Winter’s Eve. The novella is only available in eBook format.

    “Since 2009, Tessa's historical romances have become reader favorites,” said Christina Brashear, president, Samhain Publishing. “We're thrilled that she's made her first appearance on the bestseller list with her Samhain novella.” The USA Today Bestseller list combines both eBook and traditional print books in the same list.

    Tessa Dare is the award-winning author of seven historical romance novels and one novella. She has twice been awarded the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award, and has twice been a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award. Her books have been contracted for translation in nine languages. Recently, Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance.”