HelenKay Dimon

I’ve turned in another single title. It doesn’t have a title or back cover copy yet. I think it will be out in September ‘08…but I’m not certain even on that. How’s that for providing my blog readers with all the up-to-the-minute information on my publishing schedule?

Having survived tight back-to-back deadlines in the midst of a cross-country move, I can say one thing: these books do not write themselves. I write them. I whine, complain, write and revise. Me. Just me. So, when I see the “This book just wrote itself!” comments on writing loops I want to scream. Why can’t I get one that writes itself? I know the authors really are saying that the book just completed went smoother than some of the others. I get that. Some do go down on the page with less trauma (and swearing) than others. But I refuse to believe that any of these suckers write themselves.

Deadline is over. Time to celebrate. Actually, time to engage in a bit of sloth. While I’m doing that, I thought you might want a chance to win a free book. Yes??

While at the RT Convention, I bought an extra copy of Karen Kelley’s newest single title CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE SEXY KIND. This book is getting amazing reviews. It was a Romantic Times 4 1/2 Stars Top Pick for April. You don’t want to miss it.

She signed it…and it could be yours. This contest has a short timeframe, but it’s a great opportunity to pick up a book by an award-winning, super-hot author. All you need to do is comment here by 11pm (PST) Thursday (5/17) saying why you want this book.

In case you’re not sure if you want to participate – though I don’t know how that’s possible – here’s the cover copy:

Beam Me Up, Hottie…

Sex with the perfect man is overrated, especially if your Mr. Perfect is a robot, and you know there’s something better out there. Can Mala help it if “out there” is way out there? Her grandmother, an intergalactic traveler, left a diary behind describing the exceptional lovemaking talents of Earth men. There’s also a documentary that depicts a comely young woman and a rugged-looking person she calls “Sheriff.” There are no Sheriffs on Mala’s home planet. Solution? Head for Earth and get one of her own…

Sheriff Mason McKinley is having one hell of a week. First, the local conspiracy theorist called a bunch of reporters to town in search of Bigfoot, and now he insists he’s seen a UFO land out near Devil’s Bend. But when Mason rides out to investigate, instead of little green men, he finds the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. Though Mala’s odd behavior—an obsession with the naked channel, straightforward offers of sex—might have something to do with amnesia, what red-blooded American male wouldn’t feel lucky? Still, Mason doesn’t want to take advantage of a lost soul…however much she wants to be taken advantage of…

Sounds great, doesn’t it? If you don’t win it, go buy it.

[UPDATE: We have a winner - Robyn Lee. Congrats!!!! Email me with your address and I'll get this out to you]

I entered exactly one published author contest this year. One ever, actually. While I’m not sure what the value of these contests are, I wanted to see what would happen. Yeah, we all have egos and all want our books to do well.

And…I finaled! I’m thrilled!! The email I got from the contest chairperson this afternoon says this:

The First Coast Romance Writers are delighted to inform you that your story, Player’s Club from Viva Las Bad Boys has been named a finalist in the Novella category of the 2007 Beacon Contest – Published Division. All finalists’ entries are being forwarded to the final bookseller judges and results will be announced August 1, 2007. We wish you all the best!

[UPDATE: Here is the list of finalist in my category. I'm honored to be included with these talented women.

*In the Pink from Pink Ice by Susanna Carr
*Just Like The Ones We Used to Know from Once Upon a Christmas by Brenda
Novak
*Player's Club from Viva Las Bad Boys by HelenKay Dimon
*The Warlord Wants Forever from Playing Easy by Kresley Cole]

Yay!

Santa Montefiore is an author I have not read. I’ve seen her books. Am always wowed by her covers. When Ellie Lewis asked for THE GYPSY MADONNA as part of a giveaway I did a few weeks ago, I was thrilled because I wanted to hear her thoughts on the book.

Here is the publisher’s recap of the book:

When an elegant French antiques dealer dies in her adopted hometown of New York City, her son, Misha, is astonished to learn that she owned a priceless, uncataloged Titian known as The Gypsy Madonna. Misha wonders how she could have kept such a secret from him, bonded inseparably as they were since his childhood in German-occupied France. Now with the discovery of the Titian masterpiece and the loss of his mother, he must at last journey back to Bordeaux to uncover the truth about The Gypsy Madonna — and himself.

And…here are Ellie’s thoughts – thanks Ellie!

This intriguing novel had me totally enthralled throughout the entire story. The beautiful writing and the emotional and heartrending story created a most compelling and fascinating novel. The unique characters and vividly described settings and locales were etched in my mind. A family saga seen through the eyes of the little boy, Mischa who explores his heritage with a trip back in time. I enjoy family sagas which have depth, meaning and drama. This captivating story has all those and more. I have read other books by Santa Montefiore whose writing I appreciate. Settings in France and Italy and characters whose lives are meaningful and touch others with their sensitivity.

You can visit Santa Montefiore at her website and buy this book here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all! A special Happy Mother’s Day to my mom who is recovering from knee surgery.

As for me, well, I’m in the revising stage of the book that’s due Tuesday. Yeah, I’ll be emailing this one in. It’s a single title that will be out in ‘08. Like my July ‘07 release, Your Mouth Drives me Crazy, this one takes place in Kauai, Hawaii. When I originally envisioned a romance set in Hawaii, I thought in terms of three single title books with carry-over characters but where each book stood alone (ie, no carry-over story lines). I then started a single title where the hero and heroine were both visitors to the island. Wrote about 100 pages and decided that I was starting with the wrong book in the series I had contemplated. It made more sense to start with someone who lived on Kauai and build the setting through him. As a result, I put aside the 100 pages I had and started a new story based on the Kauai police chief – Kane Travers, who is the hero in Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy. This one, the non-Kane book, is almost done. Wahoo!

While I’m rushing around trying to meet this deadline, I’ll still be checking in. I have a few reports/reviews to post on those books I gave away a few weeks ago. I also have one-day book giveaway like the one I did on Sylvia Day’s newest. This is a giveaway of someone else’s recent release. You don’t want to miss this chance, so…stay tuned.

In the next guest blogger installment, Cynthya Petzen offers her thoughts on Angela Knight’s MASTER OF DRAGONS. Thanks Cynthya!

Master of Dragons by Angela Knight is the latest in her Mageverse series. I have been eagerly awaiting Kel’s story ever since the book that first mentioned the dragon shapeshifter trapped in a sword. Freed in the previous book and made a Knight of the Round Table, Kel is given a task by the dragon god to protect the half-fairy Nineva. Nineva has been running from the Sidhe who want to kill her and suffering awful nightmares about dying in a dragon’s fire.

This book showcases why Angela Knight has become so popular. The world she has created is fascinating but not difficult to understand, her love scenes sizzle and all her characters are complex and believable–even when they are werewolves or dragons. Master of Dragons is unique and clever, with lines that will make you laugh out loud and scenes that will bring you to tears. Kel and Nineva were both so brave and had been through such ordeals that I was really rooting for them to overcome seemingly impossible odds and find their happy ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

You can check out Angela Knight’s website and read up on the rest of this series.

I was excited to read Cynthya’s thoughts since Angela Knight is an author I stumbled upon years ago when I picked up a SECRETS anthology – SECRETS Vol. 2 to be exact. I loved Angela’s futuristic story, Roarke’s Prisoner, even though futuristic weren’t (and still aren’t) my usual thing. Thanks to Angela, I started picking up the SECRETS anthologies and found quite a few authors from there.

Anyone else have any thoughts on Angela Knight’s books?

Her book, not her…

One of the things I snapped up while at the RT Convention was a copy of Sylvia Day’s latest release which is the first in a new series, PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT. The book has terrific buzz. I actually bought it on the first day it was available since I have this thing about making sure I buy books from people I know and like. As an author, good or bad, sales matter so I try to do my part to help friends out whenever I can.

And…I bought a copy for one of you! Sylvia was nice enough to autograph it for my giveaway. She autographed mine as well, but that’s personalized for me so I’m keeping it.

This contest is a one-day only thing. It’s a great opportunity to pick up a book by an award-winning, super-hot author. All you need to do is comment here by 11pm (PST) today saying why you want this book. I’ll have Sylvia pick a number at random and the winner will win the autographed book.

To entice you further – and convince you to go grab your own copy in the event you don’t win this one – here’s the cover and copy:

In the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, a battle rages between Dream Guardians and Nightmares. Captain Aidan Cross is a legend, as skilled in fulfilling erotic dreams as he is with the glaive that kills his enemies. Women see Aidan as part of their fantasies . . . except Lyssa Bates. Exquisite, desirable, enigmatic Lyssa perplexes this immortal seducer because she sees him as he really is. And as he attempts to unravel her secrets the unthinkable occurs: Aidan Cross falls in love.

Lyssa has been having the most incredible dreams about a man whose blue eyes hold the promise of decadent pleasures and tempting intimacies. And then he appears on her doorstep! This intoxicating stranger is just as irresistible as the man of her dreams . . . but with her surrender there is also grave danger . . .

Because Aidan is on a mission, and the passion that consumes them body and soul could have dire consequences. Loving the mortal woman prophesied to destroy Aidan’s world is not only impossible . . it is forbidden.

Good luck!

[[UPDATE: And the winner is Tara W. Congrats!!! Email me with your address and I'll get this book out to you.]]

A couple weeks back I gave away some books (by other authors) and asked anyone who received one to give a little feedback. Many of you answered the call. Thank you!!

First up is Cheryl Strange’s write-up of DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES by LuAnn McLane…

Dancing Shoes and Honky-Tonk Blues is Ms. McLane’s second release of a romance comedy written in first person. She’s written it so well, that I am definitely going in search of her first book in this line – Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. I’m also now anxiously anticipating the next –Trick My Truck But Don’t Mess with My Heart.

Ms. McLane’s writing allowed me to experience the challenges and triumphs right along with Abby on her adventures in her journey to master ballroom dancing. Abby’s brother has volunteered her, along with other townspeople, as a contestant in a comedy spoof of reality tv shows being shot in their hometown of Misty Creek. Somewhere along the way, though, the laugh is on the production company as Dancing with the Rednecks turns into a serious competition with the hard-working country folk giving their all as they compete for the $50,000 prize.

Ms. McLane did not allow me to sit back and be a passive onlooker to this engaging story – oh, definitely not. I became part of the staff of the Rabbit Run Lodge, assisting the contestants during their stay. I was one of the judges critiquing the dancers’ techniques. I was one of the many family and friends in the crowd, cheering on Abby and Rio – on the dance floor and in their developing relationship. By the end of the book, I was Abby’s friend; commiserating with her over a deep disappointment or celebrating along with her as she cleared one more hurdle. This book can be purchased at either of the following links:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451221036
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5421925

Go check out this book and others by LuAnn McLane at her website. http://www.luannmclane.com/

I had read Ms. McLane’s debut anthology, Hot Summer Nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Although Dancing Shoes and Honky-Tonk Blues is written in a completely different style – it is just as well-written and just as enjoyable as that first book. Thank you, HelenKay, for allowing me the chance to read it.

Thank you, Cheryl!!! Great job. I would add that LuAnn’s writing career got a huge push a few years back from Lori Foster’s Brava Novella Contest. LuAnn was one of the first finalists. Brava picked up that finalist novella and published it in the Brava anthology Wildest Dreams.

Anyone else read LuAnn?

Somehow I ended up on the schedule to blog at both the Brava Authors Blog and at Access Romance’s All A-Blog today. You’d never know I actually keep a calendar and watch out for these things…

I’m chatting about the Brava Novella Contest at Brava. Talking about Nora Roberts’ being included on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people at Access Romance.

Stop by both and say hello.

I was going to talk about something today. No idea what. Instead, I’ll tell you my fabulous big news…

My July release YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY will appear in COSMO’s “Red-Hot Reads” section in August. The edition will be on newsstands on July 10th!

How cool is that?!?!