Desecration!

I just saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince for the first time. I don't get out to the theaters anymore and wait for movies to come out on DVD before I see them. All I can say is this was an absolute disgrace.

I have read all the books and now seen all the films currently out. The books are of course amazing and they really do read on an adult level, especially by book 4 when people start to die. But book 6, the Half Blood Prince, is by far in my opinion the most intense and heartbreaking story of the whole lot, even more so then the final book which is the actual war.

Up till now I have also been greatly impressed with the movies. Each one was extremely well-made and told with great loyalty to the subject matter. Of course there were some changes, there had to be. The movies for each book could run hours if they didn't cut some things, but they stayed true to what was most important.

So, that is why I am completely dumbfounded and dismayed at the total desecration of book 6 as it appears in the movie. Almost everything that made this book heartwrenching is gone. Much of the subtle machinations that go on in the book that give you hints of what is to come have been completely stripped from the movie. Even Dumbledore's death scene has been completely altered.

Snape didn't sneak up on Harry Potter. Harry had been hidden behind his cloak and immobilized by Dumbledore so he wouldn't reveal himself to the traitors. The part where Harry tells everyone that Dumbledore is dead and who did it is gone. Most of the clues to Voldemort's past as told by his memories are untold. Really, they could have cut the Quidditch scenes as they played no real part in the story and included the details for the plot that were needed.

I am disgusted at what they did with this movie. It's a complete and total waste compared to the book. And like I said, based on what they did with the other movies I was totally surprised by how little respect was given this story. I hope that by splitting the last book into 2 movies they will do it more credit than they did Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Kaye Manro's Blog and True Blood Season 3!

I'm over at Kaye Manro's blog today talking about writing erotic romance. What I have to say just might surprise you so come visit me there.

And, as any regulars of my blog know I am a True Blood fanatic. I absolutely love the show. Of course, I have read all the books and like most people who have, I am definitely on Team Eric! And Alexander Skarsgard who plays Eric in the show is delicious.

I found this great fanvid on Youtube. It's really neat and shows the tumultuous relationship between Sookie and Eric as of season 2. It's set to Bad Romance by Lady Gaga which is highly appropriate at this point in the story.

Season 2 of True Blood comes out on DVD May 25th and season 3 begins June 19th. I can hardly wait for more Eric.:-)

Welcome Peg Herring!

Today we have the the very talented Peg Herring with us. She has a novel coming out very soon with Red Rose and at the end, you'll have a chance to win a copy of it. So welcome Peg.

1: Welcome Peg. Thanks for being here. When did you first begin writing?

When I look back, I was always writing, but it was for something: a poem for someone’s retirement, a skit for my students, a short story for myself. As the drama director for the high school where I taught, I could never find plays with large (30+) casts, mostly female roles, and what the kids called “good” parts: eccentric, fun-to-play characters. when I wrote a play for the group one year, quite a few people said, “You should publish that.” I sent it to three publishers, and two of them wanted it. “Wow!” I thought, “This writing thing is easy!” Little did I know it would take three years to publish my next play and six years to publish my first novel.


2: What inspired you to write?

Wanting to entertain, I think. I love the idea of getting people’s interest, and I am thrilled when someone says, “That was great!” or “I couldn’t put it down!” Still, I think I’d write even if no one read my work. I like putting a story together and making everything work.


3: What are you currently working on?

I write mostly mysteries, and my WIP is a modern-day story with an intriguing protagonist, unique enough that I’m keeping her a secret until I see if she and I can tell a story together. It’s about two-thirds done, and I really like it so far.

4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I read a lot. My husband and I love to travel, both inside the U.S. and out. In summer, we have a large garden, although we’re lucky if the elk, deer, rabbits, and birds don’t get more than we do. Music is a big part of my life, and I direct two choirs.

5: Are there any authors you like to read?

Tons! In mystery I read in most of the subgenres and particularly like Lee Child, Laura Lippman, Kent Krueger, Craig Johnson…oh, I can’t name them all.
As to other genres, I like historical novels, usually the big ones by authors like Edward Rutherford, Margaret George, and M.M. Kaye. I love Margaret Atwood, Anne Tyler, Barbara Kingsolver, Kurt Vonnegut… There I go again. I have no favorites, just lots of beloved books.


6: What, if anything, are you currently reading?
Laurie King’s The Art of Detection. I love her Sherlock and Mary books, so I’m branching out.


7: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Persist. You can’t give up. You can’t let yourself think you’re not good enough. You can’t give yourself time limits. It will happen or it won’t, but if you give up, it can’t happen.

8: What’s the one place you would most like to visit?

Australia is high on my list, although I’ll go just about anywhere. And I always long to go back to Britain one more time.


9: On April 1st your debut novel with RRP will be released. Can you tell us a bit about Go Home And Die?

Carrie Walsh, a somewhat dowdy, rather prim young woman, witnesses a murder that changes her life. As she tries to help private detective Jack Porter discover who killed his partner, she faces danger, some disturbing truths about herself, and the surprising secrets Jack brought home from his tour of duty in Vietnam.


If you’d like to win a copy of Go Home and Die, post a comment on today’s blog. We’ll draw a name on the Red Rose release date and notify the lucky winner!

First Day Of Spring!

Today is the official first day of Spring. And, as new life springs from the ground and the weather shakes off the last bits of winter chill, I can't help but think about my blessings. Although my life hasn't always been easy, it is very rich and filled with much joy as well.

It's impossible to relate all my blessings, but I wish to tell you about my top ones, the ones that shine the most bright. First off is my Mom. That woman is my hero and I don't say that lightly. Without her support, and yes her warrior attitude when it comes to helping me, I honestly doubt I'd be here today. That woman is the single MOST important person in my life and I love her beyond measure.

Right on her heels would have to be my two cats who through their love, and yes their insanity, keep me sane.:-) Whether it's my older cat dive bombing the toilet or the younger one opening cabinets so she can spelunk, they fill my world with laughter.

This week, my very first book ever was released and that is huge. I'm still buzzing from it.:-) But what has come from being a part of Red Rose is far greater than even that. I have met some of the best people on the planet. I know I'll never remember everyone and I hope they can forgive me, but just a few of the amazing people I've met through Red Rose are Wendi, the actual owner and stalwart champion of all her authors, Shirley, the head of the art department whom I actually owe for my second contract with Red Rose, and Emmy who did my amazing cover.

Also, Carrie RO, my fantastic editor who has become a very dear friend. She's always supportive and just downright funny. Zena, my line editor for both books thus far has been great. And I am now working with the amazing Missy Lyons on the cover for book 2. The webmistress for the RRP site has been extremely helpful to me and I am grateful for it. And Dee, the head of content edits has gone out of her way to help all of us through some major changes that have been taking place. And that's just the staff. The authors I have met and become friends with are just as spectacular.

Just to name a few of the wonderful authors I have been lucky enough to call friends is a thrill. There are so many that this list could be miles, but I'll keep it as brief as possible.:-) Franny Armstrong and her sister Kali Willows, both of whom were very concerned and supportive of me when I was in the hospital. Kaye Manro who actually promo'd me on her blog on my release day and she's actually the first author I got to know. She's an angel. Kristy Bock who made me a book trailer out of the goodness of her heart at no cost.

Roseanne Dowell who is the sweetest person I have ever met. Lisa Lipkind Leibow who is the second author I met and she's been a huge support. Adelle Laudan who was the very first RRP author to actually visit my blog. Aline De Chevigny who helped me tons after I had a computer crash. LaVerne Thompson who wrote me the day I was on BTR to wish me good luck. Angela Kay Austin, who like me was a newbie with RRP and she agreed to be my very first interviewee. I was so excited that day.:-)

And that is just to name a few. Plus, there is my wonderful family out in Montana who have been so wonderful and supportive, my Uncle Eric and Aunt Audrey, my dear cousin Kyla who like me was battling a kidney stone last week, her daughter Brooklyn, my cousin Alicia and her baby boy Gabe, my cousin Sam, his wife Mariesa and daughter Abby, and my cousins Parker and Claire. I am truly grateful for all of you.

So, although last week was really rough and rather painful, I am truly blessed. Each and every one of you have helped make my life truly special and I thank heaven that each of you have been and continue to be a part of my life. And I would be truly remiss if I also didn't add as part of my blessings in life N.J. Walters. Your friendship and encouragement has meant the world to me. So to all of you, thank you and enjoy the first day of Spring.

It's Up It's Up! And Welcome Carrie RO!

Yes yes yes! Voice In The Night is up on the website for Red Rose and ready to be read. If you'd like to read my debut novel, go to Red Rose's website and click on the link to my buy page. I'm so psyched!

Also, as promised, my wonderful editor Carrie Ro is here today, so without further ado I turn this blog entry over to her.

Thanks to Kat for allowing me the opportunity to “blog”.

I have to admit, I have not done this before so forgive me web experts if I’m doing your world of communication an injustice.

Having said that, hello, my name is Carrie. I’m a content editor for Red Rose Publishing. I’ve been editing for the e market for almost a year.

I have about 18 titles under my belt, with more to be assigned soon.
A little bit about my background. I went to school for Journalism and Mass Communication. I love to read and write. While reading I found myself saying, I would have worded that a different way or I would not have taken this character in that direction or that ending sure sucked. While purchasing a book on RRP’s site, I applied for an editing gig, and the rest is history.

Now that you know a little bit about me, let me get down to the “editor’s stuff” as Kat calls it.
If you are a new author, depending on the house you submit to, you will be assigned a couple of editors. If you sub to RRP you will be assigned two editors, content and line. Once a week we get a production schedule from the head of contents (hoc). It lists every book that has been contracted, is coming out and the release date. If there are new titles from a new author on the list we can email the hoc and let her know we want to pick up the book. We then email the author and ask for the most recent copy of the book and start the editing process rolling. You start to build a stable of authors by doing this. If that author submits again you more then likely will pick up their book, unless you are swamped and hoc feels it needs to be assigned to someone else. Most authors appreciate working with the same editor.

A manuscript (ms) goes through three rounds of edits with the content editor. The first round is the most intense. This is when I, the editor, read the book just like a potential reader would. If I have to pop popcorn and put on my fuzzy slippers, I will. :-) I look for everything. I’m really big on inconsistencies as most of my authors will tell you. If you tell me Susie’s hair is black and curly in chapter one and in chapter twelve her hair is brown and straight I’m going to get you on it. Now obviously that is a big one but I catch the subtle ones too. Another thing that irks me is name switching, if her name is Susie in chapter one and all of a sudden her name is Sara we have a problem. I find that this is the case when an author is working on a story and they leave it for a week or so and come back and forget what they wrote. If you have to write notes about where you story is going so when you come back to it you remember, please do it.

Two pieces of advice I would give to authors, from an editors stand point, is to know your reader. If you are writing for an American house you shouldn’t overly use phrases and clichéd terms that aren’t widely known in America . Phrases and clichéd terms are like seasoning, use just the right amount and you have a wonderful dish. Use too much and your meal is ruined. Same rings true with a story.
The second thing is to watch your point of view (pov) and head hopping. Your story should not be like a game of Sims. If one character starts out the scene it should remain with that character until scene end. A character would not describe their twinkling blue eyes. These are just two examples.

While I read the ms I let my author know when I laughed out loud or when it was funny or when it just didn’t work. I give the author the reaction as a reader, so they will know what the reader may be thinking while they read the story. I hope that this helps them when writing future stories. If I think something can easily be fixed I rewrite it right in the text with track changes so they can see what they wrote and how I feel it would be better worded.

After I give my comments, and rewrites in line with the text, I send it back to the author and ask for their thoughts on my comments. I hope we can work together for the best possible outcome.
Second round edits are a chance for me to go over the authors comments on my comments. Some time at this point we are going back and forth on what we think would be the best.

The third edit is a clean up. All track changes and marks and comments are erased. The dedication is added. And I send it back to the author for them to look over one last time. The ms is then sent back to the hoc to be assigned a line editor. I can not promise they will be as cool as I am. One can only hope. :-)

I hope that Kat is not looking at this saying, I didn’t go through that process at all!! That Carrie bullied me into everything! LOL.
I would have to say that I enjoy working with my authors. Some of them I speak to quite often, Kat is one of them! :-)

I hope that I was able to give a quick snap shot of the process I go through as a content editor. If you are thinking about subbing to Red Rose, look me up!

Carrie RO

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow's the day! My very first book ever will be released. I'm so excited! I can't believe my release date is finally here. Woohoo! Voice In The Night releases from Red Rose. I have been eagerly anticipating this ever since I first got my release date back in December. Just one more teeny tiny day to get through.

I again have to thank my dear friend, N.J. Walters for her encouragement. I truly owe this to her giving me a kick in the backside to try submitting my writing.:-) Thank you so much. I also want to thank my Mom who helped me get this story ready to submit, to Wendi who took a chance on an unknown writer, Emmy for her amazing cover, Ansley and Zena for their great work editing and a zillion other people. Thus ends my Oscar speech. LOL.

I can't believe it's only a day away until my book comes out. Wow! And don't forget, to celebrate the release, my wonderful editor, Carrie RO will be guest blogging here tomorrow with tons of tips for writers and aspiring writers. Carrie is an angel and I think you'll like her. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. See you tomorrow!:-)

Welcome M.S. Spencer!

As promised, the lovely M.S. Spencer is here and she's a great lady. So please help me welcome her.

1: Thank you so much for being here. Of course I always have to ask, when did you first begin writing?:-)

At birth! Well, at least by second grade. As soon as I learned to write I began churning out journals and poetry.


2: What inspired you to write?

It’s a primal need in one, don’t you think? Like the need to sleep & eat & drink wine? I couldn’t live without writing every day. My fingers itch when penless.


3: What are you currently working on?

My third book, a mystery romance set in Chincoteague Island, VA (a wildlife refuge. And this interview :-).


4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

Eat, drink, sleep, stare out the window, preferably at birds, watch C-Span (I’m a news junkie, having worked in politics. I love to swim and hike and cook as well.


5: Are there any authors you like to read?

It’s hard to read when I’m in the midst of a story—too confusing. But when not writing I enjoy the classic English mystery writers (Marsh, Allingham, Sayers, Christie), biographies, and newspapers.

6: What, if anything, are you currently reading?

An interesting novel set in the France of Louis XIV called The Oracle Glass, by Judith Riley.


7: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Believe that it will happen. Oh and get the *!@2&% manuscript in the envelope & to the post office.


8: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

That’s a toughie. Of all the places I haven’t been it would have to be the Galapagos Islands—how amazing to see such unique wildlife set in such a wild desolate sea-girt place! Or Italy for months and months.


9: Your debut novel with RRP came out September 10, 2009. Would you tell us a little bit about Lost In His Arms?

Lost in His Arms is a mainstream romance set in Washington DC and Europe in the early 1990s, a time when all kinds of diplomatic tsunamis were unfolding. It follows the romantic conflict of a political writer with her true love (a CIA troubleshooter) and her other lover, a dashing French diplomat.

[BLURB]
In an era electric with possibility and peril Chloe Gray, political writer, and Michael Keller, CIA troubleshooter, meet under curiously conventional circumstances. Despite the instantaneous sparks, they both sense there is more between them than physical attraction. Chloe's professional detachment from the dramatic world events of the 1990s—a disintegrating USSR, Middle East peace talks, and Vietnam's reemergence on the world stage—dissolves as their love affair intensifies.

Michael appears and disappears at unpredictable moments, leaving her limp and lovelorn. Is he using her or protecting her? In her quest for answers, she is yanked into the dangerous world of Michael's work—in Washington, DC, in France, and in Spain. Looking for safe harbor (for her emotions? or her body?), she submits to the advances of a dashing French diplomat. Will she embrace the luxury and comfort of Emile and his chateau or the romance of international intrigue with Michael?


10: Your second novel, Lost And Found will be released on May 27th. Can you tell us bit about it?

First I’ve heard of the release date! Why am I always the last to know :-)?
Lost & Found is set mainly in Maine, with some scenes in Cambridge, Mass. & Florida. A beautiful, wealthy, insecure woman in her 40s, Rose Culloden, tries to find her young husband who has disappeared and finds real love while discovering the ugly truth about her spouse.

[BLURB] What do you do when David, your husband of a year, ups and disappears? If you’re Rose Culloden, a beautiful, wealthy woman in her forties who had despaired of finding happiness, you do anything to find him. The trail takes you first to the North Woods of Maine, then to Florida, and back again to western Maine. Along the way you meet James Stewart—a Maine guide—who vividly highlights the contrast between a real man and your delicate Harvard professor of a husband. Loyal to your marriage despite your powerful attraction to James, it takes the dramatic discovery that David is not just vicious and venal, but insane, to free your heart for true love.

Couple Of Announcements!

First up, later today after I have had a chance to get some sleep, the interview with M.S. Spencer WILL go up as planned. All of March's interviews, other than Eve Summers who's interview was unfortunately scheduled for the day I went into the hospital, will go on as planned. But April is currently being completely re-organized and I'll have a new schedule posted later. Eve Summers has been re-scheduled for April as well.

Next up and I'm thrilled about this, Thursday is coming up fast. Just 3 more days until my debut novel, Voice In The Night releases from Red Rose! Woohoo! And to celebrate, on my release day of the 18th, my awesome and wonderful editor Carrie RO is going to be guest blogging. I'm really looking forward to having her and was so thrilled that she agreed to do this. She'll have lots of advice about writing, getting ready to submit and what publishers are looking for. Plus Carrie is a very funny woman and she'll make you crack up.:-)

So that's the latest here. Check back later today for when my fellow RRP author M.S. Spencer is here. You won't want to miss it. And don't forget, my contest to win a free copy of Voice In The Night is still going on at my website, Kat's Corner. You have until tomorrow to get your entries in before I choose a winner. Have fun everyone.

Announcement!

First off I am really sorry to Eve Summers. I didn't get her interview up. I've been in the hospital having emergency surgery. I will try and reschedule with her. I'll keep you guys posted. But, because of that I won't be getting out the interview questions for April. I'm very sore. I'm going to try and reschedule the interviews into guest blog appearances. I apologize to everyone. This was sudden and very unexpected.

Today's The Day!

Today's it! Angel Martinez and I are going to be on Blog Talk Radio's Red Rose Author show with hosts Franny Armstrong and Kali Willows. And we'll be giving away prizes too! Angel will be giving away a copy of her novel Finn's Christmas and I'll be giving away a copy of my debut novel Voice In The Night. So make sure you come visit us. Either go to Red Rose Publishing and click on the link for the Blog Talk Radio chat room or call in direct at 917-889-3332. The show starts at 2 pm eastern sharp. We'd love to have your support!

Bummer!

The sensational Emmy did the cover for my first book about to be released from Red Rose Publishing, Voice In The Night. It's a beautiful cover and I totally love it. I loved it so much that I requested Emmy as the cover artist for my next book as well. Well, Emmy has announced that she'll no longer be doing covers for RRP authors because she's gotten so busy. Bummer! I was so looking forward to seeing what she'd do with the next cover.

My next book, titled Working Under Covers is about Aphrodite and I just knew she'd do something amazing. Oh well. A friend of mine named Kristy Bock has a book coming out soon with RRP and the cover is dynamite. It's also a Goddess tale and I'm posting this pic of her cover. Stunning isn't it?

Well, it feels like a good fit. The artist who did her cover is Missy Lyons and I've requested her so we'll see what she comes up with. Looking at Kristy's cover, I'm sure it's going to be awesome. Still, Emmy I will miss your stunning covers. Thank you for the beautiful cover you have already made me. I adore it.

Welcome Roseanne Dowell!

This is a day late. Roseanne was supposed to have her interview go up yesterday but there was a slight technical difficulty. But here she is today and I can assure you it was worth the wait.:-)


1: Thank you so much for being here Roseanne. First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?:-)

I began writing years ago. I actually took a writing for children course when my children were very young, but it takes someone special to write for children and I didn’t have it. It wasn’t until about six years ago, I started writing and submitting.

2: What inspired you to write?

Even as a child, I made up different endings to many stories I read. But one day at my book club, we were discussing what we regretted not doing. I said writing. That started it all. My friends insisted it was never too late and encouraged me, so I was off and running.

3: What do you like the most and the least about writing?

I mostly enjoy writing. Submitting and looking for agents/editors is what I like least.

4: Are you currently working on?

I’m currently revising something I wrote many years ago. Unfortunately, I was guilty of head hopping and now I’m fixing it. I don’t mind telling you, it’s a lot harder than writing the story to begin with.


5: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my six children, 13 (almost 14) grandchildren (and a great grandchild on the way). I also enjoy embroidery and quilting. Right now, I’m embroidering a quilt for my niece’s twins. I found a way to combine my two interests – I embroider the squares and then sew them together and quilt them.

6: Which authors do you like to read?

I enjoy a wide range of authors, but my favorites are Lisa Scottoline and Nora Roberts – both of whom, I’ve had the pleasure getting my picture taken with a their book signings.


7: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

Hmm that’s a hard one. I’d guess that I’m family oriented and enjoy writing.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Yes, NEVER give up. Don’t take rejections personal and it’s nothing against your writing. Sometimes editors/agents already have something similar or it doesn’t fit their needs. Also, remember it’s never too late.

9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Truthfully, I’m very happy here. I really have no desire to leave the United States. I think there’s plenty to see here and I’ve not even begun to visit all the states that I’d like to visit – CA, VT, ME, MA, LA and many more and not necessarily in that order. But there’s so much to see here in OH that I haven’t seen yet. So I guess, I’d have to say, OH and I’d start with the Islands.

10: Your debut novel with Red Rose will be coming out on March 11th. Can you tell us a little bit about Time To Live Again?


Fifty-eight year old, Rose Asbury knows people think she’s a recluse, but she doesn’t care. She just wants to be left alone. She doesn’t need anyone, and no one needs her and that’s just fine. At least she didn’t until this year. For some reason this year is different. Suddenly she’s melancholy and discontent with her life.
And the man next door doesn’t help matters. Every time he sees her, he insists on speaking to her. To make matters worse her sister’s ghost begins to harass her.

EXCERPT
Chapter 1

Doesn’t that man ever stay in the house? Rose slammed her car door and tried to ignore the man next door. Just once, she wished he’d let her get away without trying to talk to her. But why should this time be any different? She lowered her head and hurried toward her house. Right now she wasn’t in the mood for conversation. At least not with him.
“Hello, Rose, uh... Mrs. Asbury.” He dropped his snow shovel, grabbed something from his garage, and hurried toward her.
His relaxed, tall, lean body in a denim jacket and jeans caused a stir of excitement in her. Even his graying temples aroused something in her that she found way too familiar. Stirred up feelings she didn’t want stirred up. She barely glanced at him, yet she felt a tug on her heart.
Damn! Rose pulled her coat close against the cold wind and threw the scarf around her neck. Why didn’t he just leave her alone? You’d think by now he’d realize she didn’t care to talk to him. Her stomach fluttered, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Hunger pangs, she dismissed it. Nerves, that’s all. She nodded a hello, like always, and hurried to her house. What was it with him? Why did he keep bothering her? Couldn’t he see she wasn’t the least bit interested?
Suddenly, Rose’s feet slid out from under her. Splat! She landed on her butt, fell back, and hit her head. Groceries flew everywhere. Oh crap, just what she needed. She looked up to see the man leaning over her.
“Are you all right?”
Heat rose to her face. Other than humiliated, she was fine. A bit sore, but she didn’t think she had any broken bones. She tried to sit up.
“Wait!” He pushed her back down. “You may have broken something.” He ran his hands gently across her ankles and legs and up toward her thigh.
A smoldering heat started deep in Rose’s stomach. She held her breath, let it out slowly. Even through her slacks, the heat from his hand sent tingly sensations down to her toes.
That’s it, she had enough. She pushed his hands away, sat up and managed to get to her knees. The man tried to help her stand. She ignored him and brushed herself off. Heat radiated from her face, and she knew it turned as red as her coat.
She bent down and picked up her groceries. She still hadn’t spoken to him. She wished he’d leave. She could manage just fine without his help. He picked up some of her canned goods and put them in the bag. She reached for it.
“Here, this is for you.”
“For what?” She looked at the rose in his hand.
“It’s a yellow rose. It means friendship.”
She could see it was a yellow rose, she wasn’t a nitwit. And she knew what it meant. Frank used to bring her roses every week. She took the rose from him. “I...uh...” Hell, she didn’t know what to say. Why would he give her a rose?
“I saw it and thought of you.” Stephen ran his fingers around his shirt collar.
“Here, let me help.” He picked up the bag of groceries and started walking toward her door.
She grabbed the bag from him and ran into her house, too humiliated to speak, leaving him to stare after her.

Stephen watched Rose walk away. Damn woman made him feel like he did something wrong. Worse than a kid getting scolded by the principal. Why he bought that damn rose was beyond him. When he saw them in the grocery store, it seemed like a good idea. Especially when he saw their meanings. Now he wished he hadn’t.
Crabby, old woman, she could have at least said thank you. Okay, so it’s cold and she fell, but she did the same thing in the summer. How many times had he seen her working in her yard? Yet when he came out, she jumped up and hurried into the house. You’d think he tried to attack her or had some horrible disease.
All he wanted was some friendly conversation. He shook his head. Don’t know about her. Obviously she didn’t want anything to do with him. Too bad, she’s an attractive woman. Not that he was looking for anything more than friendship. Hell, he lived here over a year, and she never did more than nod at him. Bet she didn’t even know his name.
Crotchety, old biddy.
So why did he bother with her? He really didn’t need more friends. He had the Senior Center and the neighbors a couple doors down, Len and Millie Fisher. Why he insisted on talking to Rose Asbury he’d never know.
Still, he hoped she wasn’t hurt. She had taken a nasty fall. Bet she’d feel it in the morning. Bet she’d have a good black and blue mark too. He chuckled. Served her right, rude old coot.
Something about her, though. He shook his head. Not sure why, but he wanted to break through that tough reserve. He shrugged and walked back to the garage, put the shovel away and went into the house.
Oh well, can’t say he didn’t try.

Rose set her groceries on the counter and rubbed her hip. Gonna be sore as hell tomorrow, she could tell. Bet it turned black and blue already. Stupid klutz! Talk about the epitome of embarrassment. Bad enough she fell, but why did he have to see her. She made a fresh pot of coffee, picked up the rose and smelled it. Something about the fragrance of the rose made her think of Frank.
“You could have been nicer to him,” a voice whispered.
Rose jumped back. What the hell? “Who’s there?” She spun around the small kitchen. Shivers ran up her spine. She didn’t see anyone, yet she sensed a presence. Cold air brushed past her and settled over the room. She gripped the counter. What the hell’s going on here? “Who’s there?” she yelled again.
“It’s only me.” A shadowy figure appeared in front of her.

Time To Live Again will be released from Red Rose Publishing on March 11th. I'm so excited because Roseanne is an amazing lady. If you'd like to know more about Roseanne and her writing, just click on my links to go to her website. Again, thank you Roseanne Dowell for being here and sorry about the difficulty yesterday.

It's Almost Here!

I am so excited. In just 18 more days, my debut novel, Voice In The Night will be released. My contest to celebrate is still going on at my website so make sure you go here for details on how to enter. The prize is a free download copy of Voice In The Night.

Voice In The Night is the tale of an older woman and a younger man. And she has some new tricks to teach her young friend. Voice In The Night releases from Red Rose Publishing on March 18th. It's almost here!