Ten Romance Authors Read Complete Short Stories to Raise Donations

Tomorrow afternoon and evening (that is Tuesday December 22nd 2009) ten of my author friends will be reading their own short stories aloud on Internet Voices Radio (PIVTR) and we hope that listeners who enjoy the entertainment will donate to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in downtown Detroit.

Reading times: 2pm to 4pm, 5.30 to 7.30 pm, 9.00pm to 11.00pm

There will be carol singing led by a Detroit opera star from 4.30 to 5.00 pm (check the PIVTR for precise times).

Authors involved (alphabetically by first name):

Brenna Lyons, Cindy Spencer Pape, Cornelia Amiri, Jade Lee, Lillian Cauldwell, Loretta Wheeler, Linda LaRoque, Linda Nightingale, Mickey Flagg, Sandy Lender, Victoria Houseman,

To Listen Live (on Tuesday afternoon and evening)

http://internetvoicesradio.com

Enter

In the Black Box, click on "Listen Live"

Sign in (there's a box for that)

Listen and Enjoy

To enter chat room

http://internetvoicesradio.com

Look on the lower right under "In The Spot Light"

Live Chat Room... click on that.


To set up an RSS feed (to listen on mobile)

RSS feeds

click on middle box RSS/PODCAST

Put "Soup" into description

Pay $3.50

Your donation will be acknowledged.

To donate to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen with or without listening

either:

PAYPAL

lsaracauldwell@gmail.com

Memo "Soup"

or:

visit http://www.cskdetroit.org

Click on Click_And_Pledge or Donate Online

to donate using a credit card (This is a https ... secure site)


The phone number for text messages is: 734-277-2733

For Soup Kitchen pledges for the interest and encouragement of the authors who are reading, and for short messages how much you like the stories etc.

Further details... please forgive me for not editing.

Cindy Spencer Pape

Story title: Christmas at Mort's

available for free on Cindy's website, as a holiday gift to her readers.

http://www.cindyspencerpape.com

Book I'm promoting: Mistletoe Magic: available in print from Ellora's Cave


Victoria Houseman

My story is: Rachel’s Light in Holiday in the Heart published by The Highland Press. It’s 20 pages.

I write under Victoria Houseman. My website is: http://www.victoriahouseman.com


Loretta Wheeler

http://www.lorettawheeler.com

http://www.lreveaux.com

http://www.myspace.com/southernnuances


Brenna Lyons

http://www.brennalyons.com http://www.myspace.com/brennalyons

"I found the world Ms. Lyons created to be realistic. Both main characters had humanistic characteristics but also the genetic makeup of their Xxanian ancestors as well. I blushed more than once, that’s for sure. CLOSE ENOUGH TO HUMAN was an exceptional read." Reviewed by Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies 4.5 Ribbons


Linda Nightingale

http://www.lindanightingale.com

http://www.pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com

a Black Rosette, Black Swan

Available from The Wild Rose Press

Best of Week at The Long & Short of It Reviews


Linda LaRoque
~Writing Western Romance with a Twist in Time~


Reading: Goat Heads and Yellow Roses - Childhood Memories of Visiting Grandma in the 1950s. Unpublished.

Website: http://www.lindalaroque.com

Promoting: Time Travel Romances - My Heart Will Find Yours and Flames On The Sky available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble. com and The Wild Rose Press. And Contemporary Western Romances - Forever Faithful, Investment of the Heart, and When The Ocotillo Bloom at online bookstores and Champagne Books.


Mickey Flagg

http://www.Mflagg-author.com

Retribution! The Champion Chronicles:Book One

Available at www.thewildrosepress.com

"I am very anxious for the sequel" 5 star reader review

Coming soon: Consequences: The Champion Chronicles Book Two



Sandy Lender

"A Legacy Protected." from Sandy Lender, Author of Choices Meant for Gods


What you've been waiting for!

ArcheBooks Publishing has released the intense sequel Choices Meant for Kings at http://tinyurl.com/CMFKamazon Also in Kindle format at http://tinyurl.com/CMFKkindle


Visit http://www.authorsandylender.com

"Some days, you just want the dragon to win."



Cornelia Amiri

Long Swords, Hot Heroes & Warrior Women

http://www.myspace.com/CelticRomanceQueen.com



Lillian Cauldwell.

The Anna Mae Mysteries -- The Golden Treasure



JADE LEE

http://www.jadeleeauthor.com/

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR


Getting Physical (Blaze) Sept 09

Dragonbound April 09

The Concubine (Blaze historical) Feb 09



Your host:


Rowena Cherry

http://www.rowenacherry.com

Heroines get more hero than they bargain for....


I hope you'll drop in and listen. This is a new experience for me and am a bit nervous.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Recipe - Christmas Wreath Candy - Quick and Easy

Comments and Graphics - Christmas Layouts - Photobucket

I used to make these for my children at Christmas. They're colorful, nutritious, and delicious.

Christmas Wreaths

1 stick butter
35 marshmallows
green food coloring
5 cups corn flakes
1 pkg red hot candies

Use a heavy iron skillet

Melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add food coloring until desired color. Remove from heat and add corn flakes and mix together.
Working quickly -
Drop onto ungreased pan in a circle. Add red hots for berries. Let harden.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas all. Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Peanut Patties - the Recipe

Comments and Graphics - Happy Holidays Layouts - Photobucket

As a kid my brother and I loved those dark pink peanut patties. They were about 3 inches around and only cost a nickle. Loaded with sugar, and with our snaggle teeth, eating one took longer than if we'd bought a Hershey bar. Of course, in those days if we got one a month we were lucky. I can remember when we lived on the air force base in Newfoundland we'd get a quarter to go to the movie and have enough left for a coke and a candy bar. We were appalled when the tickets went up and we had to pick between a coke or candy.

When my children were small, one of my teacher friends made peanut patties and brought them to school. They were delicious and as good as the ones from my childhood. From then on I made them every Christmas along with pecan tassies, chocolate fudge, fruitcake, lemon bars, pressed cookies, cut out cookies, and several cheese balls.

Unfortunately, now that we're older, I rarely bake anymore. For one thing, we don't need all the sweets and second, the kids aren't here long enough to eat it all. So, that leaves too much for me to finish off.

For those of you who love peanut patties and want a good recipe, here it is. Enjoy!

Peanut Patties

1/2 recipe makes 18 patties. Grease muffin tins before beginning preparation.

3 C. sugar
1 C. milk (Evaporated Milk)
1 C. white Karo syrup

Cook until hard ball stage. Remove from heat. Add 1/4 lb. oleo, 1 t. vanilla, few drops red food coloring, 3 C. roasted peanuts. Beat until changes color. (will become cloudy in appearance.)

Working fast, pour about 1/2 inch layer in muffin pans. Let cool and set.

Please leave a comment and let me know what candy is your favorite to make for the holidays. If you make the peanut patties, I'd love to know how you like them.

Merry Christmas all! Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Welcome Guest Tiffany Green

Please welcome Tiffany Green, The Wild Rose Press author, as she celebrates the debut of her fist novel Innocence Lost.

Meet Tiffany -

From the first moment I saved the knight in shining armor at age eight, I fell in love with romance. Since then, I have conjured many stories, and now I am excited to bring the best of them to you.

My main love is the Regency historical, but don’t be surprised if you find some medieval and western romances show up.

I am a native Texan and have deep roots in the small Texas town in which I live. My husband is incredibly wonderful and supportive and I have one awesome teenage son. Going back to school for my MBA is keeping me busy, but has not stopped me from my first love—creating exciting new worlds and interesting characters to fill them.

Visit me at my website. I’m also on Facebook. I hope you enjoy my books!


A TIP ABOUT WRITING…

The tip I have about writing deals with Goal, Motivation, and Conflict (GMC). In writing romance, this concept is as necessary as the love story itself. For without these three simple things, there is no story. The goal is the “what” that the main two characters of the story want. Often, the goal of the hero is not at all the goal of the heroine. That is perfectly okay and can even add to the conflict between the two. Motivation is what drives the two characters to achieve their goals. This is the “why” they want their goals. The conflict is the “how” that keeps the characters from realizing their goals. All three work together and must be present in every romance. Without GMC, the story would fall flat and the reader would be bored to death. GMC helps to keep the reader firmly in the story from start to finish.


ABOUT INNOCENCE LOST…                       
              

From her first glimpse of his portrait, Lady Megan is smitten. Unfortunately, the handsome face belongs to her brother’s enemy—the Duke of Claremont, Nicholas Bradshaw. Nicholas learns a little too late that the beautiful girl he met at the stream is not at all who he thinks. And now, he must keep her safe from the enemy lurking close to home. When the kidnapper does strike, it takes the assistance of Nicholas, his former foe, and a pirate captain to save Megan. But will it be enough?

A GLIMPSE INTO INNOCENCE LOST…


“My lady, come quick.”

Megan frowned at the closed door. She set aside her volume of Catullus’s poetry and rose from the chair in her sitting room. Calmly, she opened the door. If it was another man threatening suicide because she hadn’t agreed to marry him…

Julian’s furious voice rang through the house. She gasped and ran down the stairs.

Wentworth bowed and opened the drawing room door, as if he’d been expecting her.

Her heart took a crazy leap at the sight of him standing there. Nicholas. She glanced at her brother and grew worried. The two stood face to face with their fists balled and ready to strike.

As Julian moved forward, she flew between them. Her blood pounded hard in her ears. She stood so close to Nicholas, she could feel the heat of his body. She yearned to step into his arms. Had he come to see her? “What are you doing?” she demanded, looking from one wrathful face to the other.

“Leave, Claremont, now,” her brother said.

“Not until I have some answers concerning this.” Nicholas threw a crumpled newspaper down. “Damn you, Julian, you had no right.” Then his gaze shifted to her. Her heart surged up in her throat. He looked flushed with anguish. “How could you do this, Meg? Why didn’t you choose me?” His voice grew hoarse, full of pain. Then he went still. “Or did you choose me and your brother did not honor our agreement?” He jerked his head up and nailed Julian with a glare.

Confusion boiled within her. “What agreement?”

A muscle ticked in Nicholas’s cheek as he kept his eyes on her brother. “Tell her,” he demanded.

She turned to her brother and caught the unease in his eyes. “Julian?”

He heaved a sigh. “Moppet—”

“Don’t you dare call me that, Julian!” She poked a finger into his chest. “Tell me everything. Now!”

With a sigh, he nodded at Nicholas. “He was not to see or speak to you until you selected a husband. And I would not oppose your decision.”

She kept her eyes locked on her brother. “Even if I had named Nicholas?”

“Yes,” he said.

She wanted to kill Julian.

“Your brother also insisted that you were to know nothing of this agreement,” Nicholas added.

A sick knot of despair rose up from the depths of her stomach. She started to tremble. Her hands fell limply to her sides. “Are you telling me,” She turned to Nicholas, “that the only reason you’ve been ignoring me is because of a pact you made with Julian?”

His brows were drawn and his eyes filled with pain. He lifted his hand to touch her but halted and lowered his arm.

“Yes, love.”

Her eyes prickled as she turned to her brother. “I cannot believe you did this.”

“Megan, I did it for you—”

“No, Julian. You did it for you.” Oh, God, she had been so wrong about everything. Nicholas. Her brother. Everything. She trembled in earnest now.

Nicholas moved closer. He reached out as if to steady her, but didn’t touch her. “Are you all right, Megan?”

She glanced up, her vision swimming. “You were trying to find a way for us to marry?”

“Yes, my little nymph.”

A tear skidded down her cheek. “I-I can’t. I’m betrothed to another.”

Thank you for being here today, Tiffany. I've ordered my copy of Innocene Lost and look forward to reading it. You can order your copy at The Wild Rose Press or Amazon. Good luck with sales, Tiffany!

Readers, please leave a comment and you're automatically entered into my monthly ebook drawing.  Victoria Roder, if you're reading you won last month and I need you to contact me. Tiffany has a great contest posted on her website so be sure to check it out.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

My Heart Will Find Yours is Up for Best Western Romance of 2009.

Book One of the Turquoise Legacy, My Heart Will Find Yours, received a 5 spur review from Love Western Romances making it eligible for their Best Western Romance of the year award.

Click on Love Western Romances and go to their home page to vote.

Thank you and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

                                                       http://www.lindalaroque.com/

November's Ebook Winner

Vicki Roder is November's winner. Vicki, email me at linda@lindalaroque.com with the title of your choice and I'll send your ebook right away.

Thank you all who commented. I hope you'll come back during the month of December. Each time you leave a comment your name is entered so chat all you want.

Thanks and Happy Reading and Writing.

Linda
http://lindalaroque.com/

Book Signing in Georgetown, Texas - Hill Country Book Store.

If you've never visited the quaint town of Georgetown, Texas, you've missed out. It's just down the road  from me on I 35 and we pass through on our way to Austin and San Antonio. I've always wanted to stop, but seems we're always in a hurry. I even set my heroine in Investment of the Heart, Hallie Barron, in Georgetown. Hallie is a widow and owns a dress shop on the square called Stepping Up.


The square surrounds a historical courthouse and is lined with a variety of shops with something for all ages. If you visit, don't look for Stepping Up though, as it's from my imagination only. Not interested in shopping, then just walk the square and study the architecture of these old buildings. That's a treat in itself. Have lunch or dessert in one of the cafes. Visit Hill Country Book Store and browse the shelves. Stop in at Georgetown's Winery and sample their products. I couldn't imagine liking chocolate cherry port but came home with a bottle. It's their Jubilee Reserve. Delicious!

Saturday November 21, 2009, was my first visit to historic Georgetown.  I was fortunate enough to have a book signing at Hill Country Book Store, a privately owned bookstore that is reminisant of the neighborhood book stores of our past. Owner Margarite Holt and her staff will make you feel welcome and help you discover that special book you're looking for. She has an excellent selection of children's reading material, excellent stocking stuffers for the little ones in your family.

Here is a picture of Margarite (on the right) and Linda, one of her staff members (on the left). Thank you ladies for making me feel welcome and my book signing comfortable.

What a surprise to see my good friend Melanie and her daughter Katy. Thank you for coming. I look forward to hearing how you liked the books you bought.

I will have another signing at Hill Country Book Store soon. Watch my blog and website for the date. If you're in the area stop by and say hello.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Cruising from Galveston - Last Day at Sea.

This is what the water looked like early into our cruise. It doesn't look very rocky but evidently it was enough to make many people sea sic. I was fine as long as I didn't look at the oceans movement too long. Looking at the horizon helped settle my head and stomach.

Friday flew by in a blur. I paid the $24.00 to spend an hour on the internet checking emails, loops, etc. Then visited the photo gallery to pick up pictures I'd ordered. Here's the one I had made in hopes of using it on my website but it's rather formal. Onboard is a great place to have pictures made as they're only $23.00. This photographer had an opening so I stepped in line. Others have different staging and might have had something less formal but we were in a hurry to get to dinner.

Would you believe I didn't make it to the casino once. I love to play the slots but for some reason wasn't compelled to play. Larry went to a Veterans gathering. I considered playing Bingo, but Larry isn't much for games. I wish the ship's cruise director would scheduled some educational activities. I'd love to attend something on historical facts about our destinations, spotlights on other Carnival ports, or writing workshops. Heck, I'd love to give a writing workshop and would for free. They did have a wine tasting and a scrapbooking workshop. I heard at one time they'd had one on needlework. I know a lot of people like to scrapbook, but it's not an interest of mine. I do like to knit and crochet but doubt I'd attend a workshop as I'm pretty skilled at the art. I did stop in the Animal Art towel folding class for a couple of minutes but couldn't imagine where I'd use the skill.

Look how calm the sea was Friday evening at sunset. A major difference for us landlubbers. Those that had been sea sick finally got to enjoy the cruise. It was strange for it to get dark so early. Adjusting to this new time change is difficult for me. We had late seating for dinner so were able to enjoy sitting on the balcony until time to leave at 8:00 PM.

The Wild Rose Press author friends. Fleeta Cunningham, me, and Tiffany Green.

Here are all the writers, except one, on the grand staircase. A couple of people are journalists and some authors are in the beginning phase of submissions. We had a wonderful time and hope to make this a yearly function with more people attending each year.

I hope you've enjoyed my travel musings.

Thanks for Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Cruising from Galveston - Cozumel

At 8:00 AM Thursday we arrived in Cozumel. Here our ship Carnival's Ecstasy is docked alongside Carnival's Liberty at one of Cozumel's three piers. For our shore excursion we took the Cozumel Highlights and Shopping tour. Our first stop was Discover Cozumel Park which displayed unique works of art and scale models of famous Mexican landmarks including Mayan settlements.

Next we visited Cedral, the oldest settlement in Cozumel. The community features the island’s first church as well as a small, but significant ancient Mayan ruin. Vendors displayed a variety of wares but most popular was black coral jewelry from the 25 mile long black coral reef along the coast of Cozumel. The tiger eye jewelry caught my eye and I bought a beautiful necklace.

This is Punta Sur, one of the beaches in Cozumel. Limestone rock formations make for great photos. The view was beautiful, the sand full of shells, and the sky blue. Vendors in grass roofed huts sold fresh coconut, pineapple, and a variety of souvenirs.

After taking pictures at the beach, we went to the Tequila Factory. Tequila isn't distilled at this location. The blue agave is grown here. Plants in different stages of growth lined the property out front and we learned an agave plant must be ten years old before it's ready for harvest. Inside the factory we were able to sample a variety of tequila flavors--blue agave, amaretto, coffee, orange, cherry and several others. Then there were the three stronger varieties. I tried the clear white only as my head was feeling fuzzy headed. We bought a bottle of the blue agave pictured above. It's a mix so not full strength and is delicious sipped. We're saving it for a special occasion, probably when our grown children are home for Christmas.

Before heading back to our ship, we had forty-five minutes to shop downtown. We'd received a packet of coupons for free charms, a charm bracelet, tanzanite earrings, and discounts on jewelry and food. Unfortunately we didn't have time to make full use of the packet. I was worn out from all the walking so we sat across the street and enjoyed the view of the water and the breeze until the bus picked us up to take us back to the ship.

Though tired, we had a great time. One day in each area is not near enough, but ships rarely stay overnight.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my travel musings. Leave a comment and tell me what your idea of a dream vacation would be. I've always wanted to visit Ireland and Australia. Maybe one day I'll get to. My next post will be about our last day at sea.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Book Signing Cruise - Galveston to Progresso, Mexico

When we left Galveston on Monday, November 9, 2009, the waves were rocking Carnival's Ecstasy. We sat on our balcony and watched the swells with their white caps. I know for those who've been on really rocky waters, these little swells were nothing to write home about, but to some landlubbers, they created havoc. Many on board were sick until we docked in Progresso on Wednesay morning. My husband and I were lucky and stayed hale and hearty the entire trip.

Here are Larry and I on the dock in Progresso on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you look at the lowest row of balconys, just above the "I" in Carnival, is our cabin. We enjoyed sitting out and watching the stars come out.

  Dzibilchaltun, one of the Mayan ruins.

Mexican dancers at Rancho Tierra Bonita where we enjoyed a buffet lunch before watching Mexican charros display their roping skills on horseback.

Wednesday evening we had our book signing party at the Neon Bar. Pictured here are myself, author for Champagne Books and The Wild Rose Press; Tiffany Green, The Wild Rose Press author; and Fleeta Cunningham, The Wild Rose Press author.

Though we were unable to sell books to anyone other than those in our cruising party, we had a great time and met new people. I hope you'll join me on Tuesday when I'll blog about our day in Cozomel.

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into my drawing.

Happy Reading and Writing.

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Meet author Sandra K. Marshall

I'm pleased to have my good friend Sandra K. Marshall as my guest today. Welcome Sandy and may you sell many books. You know I'll be ordering my copy today.

Sandra K. Marshall worked for a major airline for thirty-six years and did extensive travel during that period. In 1999 she retired to write full time and seriously worked toward publication.


She had an idea for a book that developed into a trilogy. To write these books, she did research by working for nine months at a local riverboat casino. This was a fun job for a while, and it was after I left there and started my first book that I knew I had enough information for more books. Fortunately, there were secondary characters who wanted their stories told to.

Addiction, the second book in the trilogy is being released November 6th by Eirelander Publishing.

Addiction

Two men are after the same woman but for very different reasons.

Dark-haired beauty, Jolene Dubois has a serious problem, and it's not just battling alcoholism. Late at night, she receives whispered calls. "Jolene, I want you. I'm coming for you." Shivers climb up her spine and ice flowed in her veins. What does he want? Who is it? She must figure it out before she trusts the wrong person.

Jake Farrell, the handsome rogue is an operator with women, but is he hiding something dark and sinister under his cheery facade. The detective, Andy Martin, who investigated her father's murder, continues to ask her out. Les Voodré, an alcoholic she met at AA follows her everywhere, and Ron Keisler, her AA sponsor is always there when she needs him. Could her caller be one of these men?

To further complicate her life, she fights a host of addictions, alcoholism, smoking, gambling and sex. Jolene is determined to beat the alcohol and to stay out of the clutches of the fiend who phones her.

Excerpt:

Sunday, September 23, 2007
Alone at the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Gladstone, Missouri, Jolene Dubois stared sightlessly down at her father’s gray, flat headstone. Memories of her father and mother arguing when she was four years old still haunted her. He’d stomped through the house slamming doors and never came back.

His abandonment had left her bewildered and lost. Even at twenty-six she still numbed the pain with alcohol. The pressure from her sister and brother to straighten up made her even more reckless. It wasn’t until her mother told her to stop feeling sorry for herself that she went into rehab.

The cold seeped into her limbs, and her gaze returned to focus on the words written on the gravestone. Robert Dubois, born 1950, died 2006. No words of love. Nothing good could be said about him, so he was given a simple inscription to the shell of a man.

It was the way she felt, empty. She gazed at the large oak trees sightlessly. What would be inscribed on hers?

Alcoholic?

At church today, the priest talked about absolution, and his homily reminded her of the step she hadn’t finished with AA. She had to forgive herself, and in order to do that she had to pardon her father for all his sins.

She gripped her brown leather purse and glanced at the overcast sky. How could she let him off so easily? Yet, she must. She didn’t have the right to judge him, or herself. Her gaze returned to her father’s grave.

For weeks, she’d gone to church and begged God to have mercy on her, but didn’t believe He could. How could He, when she couldn’t absolve herself for not protecting her friend?

Not until this morning, when Monsignor Bud spoke as if directly to her, had she thought she might be able to forgive her father. Kneeling in the mound of dirt by the stone, she brushed the dry fall leaves aside and rubbed her fingers over the name Robert Dubois, the inscription smooth in its newness.

Oblivious to everything except her self-hate, she remembered the night she’d been passed out in the closet while her father raped her friend. With trembling fingers she swiped at the tears dangling from her lashes. “Daddy, I forgive you.” She leaned her head on one jean-clad knee and wept.

After a few minutes, she realized she was wetter than just her tears would make her. She lifted her face to the sky, rain pouring on her, hair dripping with water. Oh God, help me.

She rose slowly, her thoughts on God with the knowledge He cried with her and this was his way to show her He forgave her. Coming here to forgive her father had been the right thing to do. Drenched, she walked slowly towards her sports car.

If only she could forgive herself so easily. “But - I can’t - let you off, Jolene,” she whispered. The cold pierced her body, and she clutched her olive green jacket around her shivering body.

You are guilty.

You can purchase Addiction at Eirelander Publishing and contact Sandra by clicking on these links.

http://www.skaymarshall.com/
http://sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com/
http://royalblushauthors.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/s_zinn_marshall

Thank you for sharing with us today, Sandra. Readers, leave Sandra a comment or ask her a question and you'll be entered in my monthly ebook drawing.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

ChristmaSin - Welcome Guest author Ed Williams

Meet guest Ed Williams. Ed works professionally in the Human Resources management field. His life took a decided turn in 1995 when he brought a home computer and began writing down wild old stories about his upbringing in Juliette, Georgia. He had so much fun putting these stories to paper that he worked at them for almost a year before tiring of the effort. These stories, through an unusual series of events, were published in 1998 in hardback under the title, Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me: The Juliette Journals.

After a year, Ed's original publisher from Texas was so deluged with orders that he decided to quit printing the book and returned its rights back to Ed. In December of 2002, Southern Charm Press out of Atlanta purchased the rights, and published it under the title, Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me: The Paperback! Ed's second book was released in 2003, it was titled Rough As A Cob: More of The Juliette Journals. It was published by River City Publishing in both hardback and paperback formats. In 2007, one of Ed's stories, Sally the Screamer, was included in Jefferson Press' Southern humor anthology, Southern Fried Farce. And scheduled for release in November of 2009 is Ed's first novel, a wild Southern boy Christmas story entitled ChristmaSin'.


Ed has twice appeared on the Georgia Public Radio program, Cover to Cover, he has written a syndicated weekly newspaper column called Free Wheelin', and has won four prestigious online reader's poll awards for his books. His MySpace page garnered over 24,000 readers and 170,000 plus profile hits during its one year run. He has spoken to groups all over the southeast, and has been compared to some of Georgia's most noted humorists.


Ed and his family currently reside in Macon, Georgia.

ChristmaSin
Mainstream Fiction/Humor
ISBN: 978-1-926681-56-6
150 pages  $3.99  Purchase at Champagne Books

Tired of sugar plums and sit-com Christmases? Ready for something real, wild, and kickin'? Try reading ChristmaSin', a deeply Southern Christmas Epistle that'll have you wishing Christmas really was every day!
 
Back Cover Blurb:

Christmas isn't just about sugar plum fairies and reindeer dancing across the sky. It can also be about red clay chunk wars, cock fighting, dead people who may really not be, and more! Get set for a wild, wild Christmas ride when you read ChristmaSin', Southern Outlaw Author Ed Williams' take on what a true Christmas in a small, rural Southern town is really all about! Learn about Christmas miracles happening in the most unlikely of settings, the early '70s in tiny Juliette, Georgia. It's a novel that could be true, in some places actually is, and one that will both warm the heart and tickle the funny bone!

Excerpt:

For me, today is gonna be busy. I’ve gotta make a quick run over to Jenny’s this afternoon in order for us to exchange gifts, and then I’ve gotta get back here in time for dinner. On Christmas Eve we usually eat right at six pm, and then we have this little family-type traditional thing that we do. We all go into our living room right after dinner, fire up the fireplace, and then sip on coffee or eggnog together. That’s pretty nice, ain’t it?


There’s also the slight chance that if we beg, plead, or just plain get on Mama’s nerves enough that she might let us open one Christmas gift. Underline the word “might.” We’ll be really lucky if that happens, though, because Ed Jr. and my mom believe in opening gifts on Christmas morning only. Mama says we do that to be sure we celebrate Jesus’ birthday when we’re supposed to. Ed Jr. says that we open them then so that he doesn’t have to listen to any pissing and moaning about us not having any gifts left to open. He adds that if anyone has a right to a peaceful Christmas, it’s him, as he has to cut down and put up the tree, deal with Mama’s relatives, and pay the tab for our entire Christmas. Not to mention the fact that he’s a Korean veteran. You’ve got to admit his logic is not bad, and at least it’s pretty original.

Thank you for sharing with us today, Ed. Readers, leave Ed a comment or ask him a question and you'll be entered in my monthly ebook drawing. To contact Ed, use these links. http://www.ed-williams.com/%20www.twitter.com/ELW3 or  http://elwiii.gather.com/


Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Flames On The Sky Contest Winner/October ebook Winner!

The winner of the amber and sterling silver earrings is Shirley. Contratulations, Shirley! Email your snail mail address and I'll get them in the mail. My address is linda@lindalaroque.com

October's ebook winner is Donna B. Donna. Email your choice of my ebooks at linda@lindalaroque.com and I'll send it to you.

Thanks to everyone who entered my Flames On The Sky contest and to those who left comments on my blog posts. Please keep your comments coming.


Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Writer's Retreat at C-Bar Ranch near Lake Whitney

Every October, my local RWA chapter has a writer's retreat. It's a time to get away, share ideas, participate in writing exercises and critiques, and generally renew our muse. For the past three years we've had it at the same place. The cabin is rustic and the scenery is beautiful.

At the top is the creek with running water right off the back porch. We could hear the sound even with the door and windows closed. Sunday morning we heard a crow and a turkey talking back and forth.

The picture above is of the pond right outside the back porch. While we've been there horseback riders bring their horses for a drink. On Sunday morning we heard a crow and a turkey calling back and forth to each other.

Below we are learning to use All Way Sync, a program that allows you to back up only the document you just finished working on rather than all of your documents. I can't wait to put my new knowledge to good use. I even bought a new flash drive for that purpose only.

Someone didn't want their picture taken. I'm calling this "The Eye."

One of our favorite activities is the Brown Bag Activity. Someone stuffs a bag with a number of items and we all have to write a short story and include every item. Everyone shares their story with the group. They are usually hilarious. This years one brown bag contained  deodorant, a painter's mask, heel savers, a condom, a Mason jar ring, and a small package of hot sauce.

We also like to watch a video and identify call, to action, turning points, black moment, etc. This year we watched Twilight. The critique the group did for me was very helpful as was helping me plot a new project I have in mind to start soon.

We enjoy our retreats so much we're considering having another one in the Spring. Being a small group, planning is more mangeable.

Thanks for Reading my musings about our time at C-Bar Ranch. Don't forget to leave a comment for my monthly ebook drawing.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

News and Guest Bloggers!

*I hope you'll join me on the Author Roast & Toast on Friday, October 30, 2009 as the author's there roast me as I share excerpts and facts about my new release Flames On The Sky.

*I'm pleased to announce that Flames On The Sky as been on Amazon.coms The bestselling new & future releases in Time Travel for two weeks now. I am thrilled.

*I'm being intereviewed on Cate Master's Blog on October 31st. Please stop by and leave me a comment.

*Entries for the Flames On The Sky contest must be in by October 31st midnight Central time. Prize is a pair of amber and sterling silver earrings.

The following people will be guest blogging here in early November. I hope you'll drop by and leave them a comment.

1. November 5 - Ed Williams will be sharing excerpts from his new release ChristmaSin.

2. November 6 - Sandra K. Marshall will be sharing excerpts from her new release Addiction. 

Hope you'll be here!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

The Classes of '63, '64, & '65

Pictured here is 2009s reunion planning committee. Janette, Nancy, Sandra, Linda, Virginia, Donna, Carole, and Sandy. Ann is missing from the photo.

I'm fortunate enough to have attended high school in the early 1960s and graduated from University High School in Waco, Texas in 1964. It was a fun time, but also one of controversy. The gyrations of Elvis had been "sorta" accepted by society and greasy duck tails were out of style. J. F. K. had been assassinated. Then the Beatles came along with their long hair. The biggest issue, however, was Vietnam and the draft. Despite it all, we grew up, and went on to college or jobs. Some married and had families. Many of our young men went on to serve in the military.

It was a time of mood rings, Liz Taylor blouses, Madras plaid, slim skirts, and bouffant hairdos. Boys wore their shirts tucked in their jeans or slacks. Problems at school were different from the ones students and teachers face today. If drugs were available, I didn't know it. Yes, alcohol was around and many young people smoked. There were fights after school on occasion, but few on the school grounds. Students were paddled when they misbehaved or sent to detention. When the principal got on the loud speaker to reprimand us, it involved issues like boys keeping their top shirt buttons buttoned and being careful to keep the walls clean in the bathrooms. The mini-skirt craze hadn't arrived yet. Girls weren't allowed to wear low neck blouses and if we did, the counselor had a lovely big collar that covered up any bare skin.

We had a student center just outside the office with a television. Students watched programs before the first bell rang and if teachers allowed were able to watch parts of the World Series. The landings of Mercury 8 & 9 were televised and students congregated around the small screen to watch history being made.

The classes of '63, '64, & '65 were a close bunch. We've had reunions every ten years since graduation. It's fun to meet, visit, and rehash memories from the past. It's amazing to see how some people have changed, others not so much. Even though we're older, wiser, some of us broader, others thinner, we still have a lot to talk about.

How about you? Do you attend your class reunions?

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into my ebook drawing.

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Recipe - Zucchini Cake

This is one of my mother-in-law's recipes. She was an excellent cook.

Zucchini Cake

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/3 C. Crisco oil

2 C. boiled and drained squash

Combine and beat 3 minutes at medium speed. pour in a well greased and floured 9x13 pan. Backe at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Icing

Mix

1 C. coconut

1 C. brown sugar

1/2 stick oleo or butter

4 T. evaporated milk

1/2 C. chopped nuts

Mix buttermilk, brown sugar and boil 2 minutes. Add nuts and coconut. Mix well and spread on cooled cake. Return to oven until icing bubbles.

Enjoy!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Guest Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter/Midwestern Dreams Conference

Meet Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter, The Wild Rose Press author and a member of Mid-Ohio Writers Association.



An Indiana native, Sandy's been in Ohio since 1973. Her husband of 36 years, two sons, a daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, two dogs, and some goldfish in an pond all live with her in an 1890s Victorian home. She began writing in third grade by turning her nightmares into stories. She read science fiction and super-hero comic books back then. The adult writing bug bit her in 1990. After realizing she needed the degree most writers seem to have, Ohio State University beckoned. She earned a bachelor’s in English, and sold an essay to Country, wrote for three newspapers and was a feature writer for Choice, a Christian magazine. While writing science fiction, inspirational romance, and women’s fiction, she substitutes in local schools, teaches college English in local prisons, gardens, and does artwork in several media. She’s a proud Veteran of the USAF. In addition to Mid-Ohio Writers Association, RWA, and Central Ohio Fiction Writers, she’s a member of RomVets, an on-line group of Veterans who write romance.




Below is an excerpt of the article Sandy wrote for her local newspaper about the Midwestern Dreams Conference.



Brenda Nixon, Nationally-known parent empowerment author and speaker and award-winning crime fiction author, Craig McDonald, will be the keynote speakers at the second annual Midwestern Dreams conference on October 24th, sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Writers Association. Also, in a first for north-central Ohio, Nan Swanson and Mary Albright, editors from a major publisher of romance fiction will also be speaking and taking 8-minute appointments from romance authors who have a manuscript they’d like to pitch for possible publication by The Wild Rose Press or White Rose Publishing.


Brenda will speak on “Getting Published is Doable if you Pay Your Dos.” She speaks at seminars for parents and has appeared on many syndicated radio programs, and her feature articles have appeared in more than 100 publications and she works with the Regional Parenting Publication (RPP) market. She’s written The Birth to Five Book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, You Can Speak, and Parenting Power in the Early Years. She’s contributed to 24 other books.

Edgar-nominee Craig McDonald is an award-winning journalist, editor, and fiction writer. He’ll speak on “The Path to Publication in the Mystery World.” His short fiction has appeared in literary magazines, anthologies, and several online crime fiction sites. He was a contributor to the New York Times nonfiction bestseller, Secrets of the Code. His nonfiction books include Art in the Blood, a collection of interviews with 20 major crime authors, and Rogue Males: Conversations and Confrontations About the Writing Life, a collection of interviews to be published by Bleak House Books.

The conference’s seven workshops will be presented by Ohio authors in a variety of genres: “Today's Mysteries Aren't Your Grandmother's Cozies Anymore!”-Craig McDonald; “Writing Successful Poems,”-Poet Connie Willett Everett; “Paralanguage to Heighten Emotions and Sell Your Manuscript!”-jj Keller; “What Betty Said to Veronica-Writing for Young Adults,” Denise Gwen; “Meet the Press on Common Ground: Media Tips, Tricks, & Traps for Authors,”-Keena Kincaid; “Networking Your Way to A Contract,” Kathleen McIver; and “What Does That Mean?” Brenda Nixon.



The cost for the conference is $15 and a continental breakfast and pizza and dessert lunch will be provided. The conference location is the People’s Community Center, 597 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio, 44905. See http://www.midohiowriters.org/ or http://www.sandywick.com/ (click on Midwestern Dreams page) for complete information. Registration cutoff date is now October 18th.

On October 23rd, Mid-Ohio Writers Association is sponsoring a multi-author booksigning at Holly’s Book Rack, also a first-of-its-kind event for this area. Ten other Ohio authors will be joining MOWA’s published authors from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at 1464 Lexington Avenue next to the Kroger in the Appleseed Shopping Center.

Sandy's Books:





Cottonwood Place-Megan MacCloud knows before meeting him that Ian Hunter is the neediest of the many troubled guests her inn has helped. Estranged from God, neither she nor Ian believe that He can bring them the harmony and love they crave. Ian says he couldn't resist driving across the country to her after her face on a brochure "hypnotized" him. Because of past abuse, her attraction to him is dashed when she learns he drinks. She resists loving Ian, but her family and almost-human pets frustratingly bond with him immediately, proving he's good. Megan, her Grandma, and pets resolve to help Ian stop drinking and be a doctor again. He helps solve major problems with guests and saves several lives as Megan and her mysterious, Navajo-and-White family show him religious and lifestyle philosophies that are foreign to him, yet truly American. When Megan's kidnapped by a guest for unknown reasons, Grandma says that to find Megan and have the life with her that he dreamed of, Ian must first "find himself." What does that mean? Can God use Megan's family, their Navajo ceremonies, and the police to find Megan and help her and Ian "walk in beauty" before she's lost forever?

The Winds of Fall-Unknown to Skye Worthington, the people most important to her are keeping unearthly secrets from her. If not revealed and faced, these secrets will cause death for untold billions of people, Skye included. Rebelling against his family and their deadly, but necessary, secrets which kept him a recluse in a Caribbean paradise, Joe Allen meets Skye. They fall into a love forbidden to Joe. Can two people with unimaginable secrets—and more in common than either know—overcome a force capable of entering dreams and taking humans through outer space without life support to other planets? This is the dilemma facing Skye and Joe as she fights to keep her sanity, and her identity as a human being.

Hi Linda, thank you for allowing me to come on your blog to publicize myself and the Mid-Ohio Writers Association’s annual conference. I think anyone who comes will leave energized about writing and will have learned a ton. They’ll be getting for $15 what most writing-conference goers are charged $100 or more.

You're welcome, Sandy. It's been a pleasure to meet you and learn more about your books.

Readers, please leave a comment for Sandy. Remember, each comment adds your name to my monthly ebook drawing.

Thanks and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

Ebook Winner for September

Congratulations, Sandy. You've won the ebook of your choice. Let me know which one you want and I'll send it on.

Thanks to all for leaving comments.

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Flames on The Sky Early Bird Release! Contest to Celebrate!

What a surprise to receive a google alert for Flames on The Sky, Book two of The Turquoise Legacy, from The Wild Rose Press. When I went to the site I found it was a print October Early Bird Release. The story is perfect for Halloween as it involves the search for a 1000 year old Nukpana (evil spirit).

Here is the link for you to buy your copy of Flames On The Sky. It's 268 pages and sells for 12.98. You can watch the book trailer and read an excerpt on my website.

To celebrate I'm hosting a CONTEST and will be giving away this pair of amber and sterling silver earrings. Madison, the heroine of Flames On The Sky, wears a pair of her grandmother's amber earrings similar to these and they have symbolic meaning for the story. The earrings are approximately 2 5/8 inches long.

To enter, email me at Linda@LindaLaRoque.com with Flames On The Sky in the subject line. Read the excerpt and tell me what the Revered Skystone is. A winner will be drawn November 1, 2009.

Many thanks for stopping by and for reading!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com