Stop by KEEPING A PULSE ON LIFE & ROMANCE BLOG to find out about a great new book being released.  Not only can you pick up a great new read, but you'll have a chance to raise $$ for diabetes! 

follow this link:

http://kathleengrieve.blogspot.com

 

hey you BIAWers. Just thought I’d let you know that we wrote a total of 228 pages last week. Not bad, you guys, not bad at all!
 
For those of you joining me for another week--how do you think we’ll do?
 
write write write--hmm, then go bid on one of those quick reads in Brenda Novak’s auction... WWW.BRENDANOVAK.COM
 
*lizzie
 
*~*romance with a sparkling twist!*~*
www.lizziestarr.com
www.myspace.com/lizziestarrsparkles

Petticoat Ranch  Mary Connealy
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
"Happy trails to you..." Mary writes with flair reminiscent of the old western movies.  Roy Rodgers and Dale Evens come to mind.  The hero, Clay, captures the real nature of a male raised among males.  The heroine, Sophie, is a survivor with physical and intellectual strength.  The battle of the sexes is delightfully detailed throughout the plot--and the best--everyone rides off into the sunset or happily-ever-after.
 

Wicked in Wales  Eve Savage
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Whew!  Get the fan going ladies.  Stranger things have happened—but my brain can’t remember what since it’s still reeling from reading this heated exchange between Leia and Maddock.  BTW, love the Princess Leia reference. Very unexpected ending.  
 
 
Crime & Clutter  Cyndy Salzmann
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
One part homemaker humor mixed with six parts friendship personified made for a sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent read.  Very clever format.  Loved finding the recipes sprinkled into each chapter.  Liz is a great storyteller.  The characters, each with their quirky personalities, immediately drew me into their unique club.  I was right there at the meetings. 

To learn more about Julie A. Carda, go to:

Julie A. Carda,
Author of Portal to Love and Portal to Peace
http://www.JulieACarda.com
http://www.julieacarda.com/books.html (Free Book download)
  
 

CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO CINDY KIRK!

In the April issue of RT Magazine, her latest release, ONE NIGHT STAND, received 4 STARS!!  Here’s what Susan mobley had to say:

"This delightful story is full of interesting and likable characters.  The protagonists’ struggles coming to terms with their feelings and the involvement of the teenagest in their lives gives Kirk’s novel a wonderful, home-style romanctic feel."

Great job, Cindy!

 

Lizzie asked us to read one book by our published authors and write up comments.  Here are mine so far—I know there are more.  Now I better get on my horse and produce some pages of my own.  Thanks for the great read everyone.    
 
Have a great week everyone.  BTW, if you haven’t gone to my site to get your free download will you please consider visiting.  Thanks.
 
 
Julie A. Carda,
Author of Portal to Love and Portal to Peace
http://www.JulieACarda.com
http://www.julieacarda.com/books.html (Free Book download)
 
 
What a Lady Wants    Victoria Alexander
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Filled with witty dialogue between the hero Nigel and the heroine Felicity, along with cleverly revealed historical accuracy, this book gave me a lovely relaxing read.  Get a cup of tea while you read so you’ll fit in with the special edition at the end.
 
 
Can I Get an Amen  Kim Louise
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Had me chuckling, then laughing full out.  The surprise twists in the tightly written plot line made for a quick read.  Marcos and Justine are made for each other.  This was reality television presented better, which in my mind is in fiction form.
 
 
The Tycoon’s Son  Cindy Kirk
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
The plot was upbeat and fun but the descriptive details regarding the setting for the story made me want to plan a Mediterranean adventure. Great winter escape!  And naturally Trish and Theo work out their differences even though they’re a world a part.
 
Christmas Day Family  Cheryl St. John
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Typical Cheryl St. John writing.  The characters pop on the page.  Very easy to get right into the hero and heroines’ head and heart.  Marvel Anne (the name reminded me of the old movie "The Trouble with Angels)and Nate have great chemistry.  Only sad part is that it ended waaaay too soon!
 
One Magic Eve  Pam Crooks
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Gol’ darn, if this isn’t the sweetest story.  The last minute Christmas planning scene between Sonja and Chet wraps up a tight well-developed plot, leaving the reader with a very satisfied sigh. I wanted to go make rosette cookies.
 
Baby Decision  Tina Gayle
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
In the character of Susan, author Tina Gayle captures the dilemma of being eighteen and struggling for self-identity and independence.  The hero, Colt, and heroine, Susan, come face-to-face with life altering decisions that bring monumental growth.  The emotional tension is well written. The end a bit of a surprise—at least for me.
 
The Doctor’s Deception  Kathleen Grieve
comments by Julie A. Carda  (pre-release)
 
OMG, if chocolate is your thing, make sure you have a box as you read.  The yummy hero, Dr. Stone Lassiter a heart surgeon, drips with the good stuff. And lucky for the readers, we get to live it vicariously through the heroine, Faith, a nurse he decides to pursue.  The tête-à-tête tension between them is excellent, leaving the reader craving more.
 
 
Dark Side of Paradise  Connie Crow
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Aloha Kauai!  My eye was right behind Meg’s camera lens snapping pictures of the golden guy in the thong.  Hero, Mark, and heroine, Meg seem to walk off the page.  The real life careers mixed with the exotic makes for a great escape.  After the hot scene on the Napali coast another beach will never do.
 
By Keltic Design  lizzie starr
comments by Julie A. Carda
 
Wow, story weaving as tight as the clan plaid.  Great world building.  Playfully delicious and delightfully fresh.  The magical tension between Jaye and Allyn is memorable.  And oh, one cannot forget Noid.

 

*lizzie Starr is blogging about heros today.  Stop by and tell her what you like in a hero!  Here’s the link:

http://www.lizziestarr.com/blog/

The pictures alone, are worth visiting!

 

We’re counting down...
 
So, hopefully you’ve done some planning for things like laundry and food prep, taken any appointments into account (take that notebook or alphasmart!), brainstormed an idea or three to keep you going. blocked out even five minutes of time that’s just yours. (You’ll find it amazing how much you really can write in just five minutes!) Anything so that next week you can just keep writing.
 
But have you prepared your primary writing space?
 
Clear off your desk. Make sure your collage or other visual aids are, well, visible. Give yourself something pretty to look at while you’re thinking (but not too long--the idea is to write--just keep writing!) If you listen to music while writing--get your playlist ready. Need chocolate for inspiration? Well maybe you should put that away from the desk--that will give you some forced breaks to go get it. And while we’re writing fools, breaks are important. I’ll talk about those tomorrow.
 
Keep a special notebook or computer file handy at all times. While you’re writing an idea for a scene may pop into your head. Make note of it and keep writing. There’s some bit of research you need to do before revisions--make a note and keep writing. A new story idea? Make a note and--you guessed it--keep writing. (Get the idea?)
 
Having a place specifically for such notes to yourself can be especially helpful at the end of the writing day. Make a note of where the story needs to go next...a signpost for the next day.
 
Personally, I like to create a new file just for BIAW. That way it’s really easy for me to keep track of pages. And, since I have been known to work on more than one project (I know that kinda defeats the BOOK in a week idea--but hey...I just keep writing.) I can jump back and forth and still keep track of pages. I put a shortcut on my desktop, so the file is in quick and easy reach!
 
Hmm, now I need to take my own advice and clean off my desk! So I can keep writing.
 
*lizzie
*~*romance with a sparkling twist!*~*
www.lizziestarr.com
www.myspace.com/lizziestarrsparkles
__._,_.___

Cheryl St. John just receive a phone call from Linda Howard.  Her Christmas novella, titled CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY from A Western Winter Wonderland anthology is a RITA finalist!

CONGRATULATIONS, CHERYL!

We’ll all keep our fingers crossed for you!

 

Yep, one week from today is the start of HWG’s Spring BIAW. So far there’s six of us gearing up for the event.  Getting time set aside. Getting our thoughts in order. Getting our fingers (and wrists ) limbered up. Getting excited about the increase in our production. Getting ourselves ready to accept what we really can do when we put forth a concerted effort!
 
I sent a quote on teamwork a bit ago. My biaw posse is one small team. HWG is our larger team and we know you’re all on our side, cheering us on even if you feel you are unable to participate. Woo hoo-what a great cheering section! I’m sure counting on those cheers.
 
I hope everyone’s been thinking about their goals for the week. Remember--It doesn’t matter if your goal is seven pages IF that is an increase from your normal production. (Though I’d suggest a minimum of 14 pages for the seven days. ) And when I call for goals DO NOT compare your goals to anyone else’s. This is for YOU--not to see if you can keep up with the jones’. And if you’ve never done a biaw, this can also be a time to test the goal making waters so you’ll have more of an idea for the next biaw. and there will be another--toward fall--after school starts. A prep for nano if you wish.
 
I’ll be making the call for goals on Wednesday! Watch for it!
 
Happy writing!
*lizzie
*~*romance with a sparkling twist!*~*
www.lizziestarr.com
www.myspace.com/lizziestarrsparkles