A leap of faith can pay off

Sometimes all the hard work is worth it.

I loved my fantasy romance novel, The Magic of Lavender, and it received some excellent reviews. But because I'd self-pubbed it, I gave it less attention than the stories I subbed to publishers. In my heart, I knew an editor could take the story up a level.

I had started the third and fourth Goddess Connection novels, but let those languish because I knew I wouldn't commit the same level of promotion to my self-pubbed stories as I did for others. But I absolutely love the premise of this series - that every woman should embrace her inner goddess, and be treated like one. An idea I hoped would resonate with all readers. Plus, I just love a strong, intelligent, feisty heroine who comes into her own.

So earlier this year, I hit unpublish for both books in The Goddess Connection series - The Magic of Lavender and Dancing with the Devil.

I subbed The Magic of Lavender to Lyrical Press, now an imprint of Kensington Publishing so Kensington editors reviewed it. And loved the concept too, but said it needed work.

So work I did. I cut thousands of words and added more where the story needed it. I also changed the title of both books. The Magic of Lavender has become Goddess, Awakened, and each book will follow that style.

All that hard work paid off with an acceptance! I signed the Kensington contract last week, and it will be published under the Lyrical imprint. *happy dance*

A good reminder to go with your gut. A reminder I needed, I think.

I'm about 30k into the third novel. My goal is to have a draft finished by May, when I attend the Dara Marks workshop, Engaging the Feminine Heroic. It should be a great fit for all the stories in the series, and I'm hoping to come away with some great ideas.

If you're unfamiliar with Ms. Marks, you should check out her Inside Story book on structure. Well worth the read!

Summer Chillin' Blog Hop

 Woot! Summer's here! Or so the calendar says. Our weather's not supposed to flip-flop - we're supposed to wear them! But it's either chilly or tropical here in central Pennsylvania.

No matter. Summer's a time to relax and chill out. Hit the deck with some margaritas!

Here's a recipe served by my heroine, Joss Gibson, at her bed and breakfast, Lavender Hill Inn. Joss grows her own lavender but you can purchase culinary lavender (check the label to be sure it's free of chemicals and pollutants). Refreshing and light, it’s a perfect summer drink!

Lavender Margaritas

Ingredients

•           1 cup of tequila, to taste (optional)

•           ½ cup blue curacao or other orange-flavored liqueur

•           1 cup canned coconut milk

•           1/3 cup lime juice

•           2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, unsweetened

•           2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, unsweetened

•           4 cups ice cubes

•           1 tablespoon granulated sugar

•           1 teaspoon fresh or dried culinary lavender blossoms

•           Lime wedge

Directions

1. In blender, combine tequila, curacao, coconut milk and lime juice. Cover and mix on high speed. Gradually add raspberries, blueberries, and ice. Mix until margarita mixture is smooth yet slushy.

2. In small bowl, mash sugar and lavender blossoms with a spoon. Rub glass rims with lime wedge to moisten. Dip rims in lavender sugar (or coarse salt), coating evenly.

3. Pour margaritas into glasses. Garnish with lavender sprigs.

4. Enjoy! (Responsibly)

Check out the other blogs in the Summer Chillin' Blog Hop: http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=281397 or  http://writery.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/summer-chillin-blog-hop-is-almost-here/

GIVEAWAY!
One commenter will receive an ebook of my fantasy romance novel, The Magic of Lavender. Be sure to leave your email address!

And I'm planning more goodies exclusive to newsletter subscribers (wink wink nudge nudge). If you'd like to subscribe, just enter your email address in the box at right below the FB widget. :)

PSST!
Today's also the last day of my blog tour for Cursed, recently released by Decadent Publishing. Follow the link in the post below to enter that Rafflecopter giveaway!

And mark your calendars for June 26 - Cursed will be the Book-A-Day giveaway at All Romance eBooks!

 

Bright spot in a sad day

Probably like you, I've been caught up all day in the unspeakable tragedy unfolding in Newport, Connecticut. My heart's breaking for all those families, and I've been unable to tear myself away, trying to make sense of it all.

So it came as a nice surprise when I learned that Robin Covington of USA Today had featured my book video for The Goddess Connection series in her column. You can see it here. Thanks so much, Robin - I really appreciate it! And I'm glad you like the video. Now I need to get to work on the other two books I have planned for that series...

Right now, it's difficult to think of anything except hugging my kids and grandkids, and praying that this type of horror doesn't happen again. An impossible request? Hey, we all deserve a Christmas miracle right now.

Guest post and new treat!

Karen Michelle Nutt loves Halloween as much as I do! She's also having a monthlong celebration at her blog, too.

Today I'm at Karen's blog, sharing some spooky superstitions about Halloween and death. And oh yeah, a little about Death, too! The female immortal is quite a character. :)

And, as promised, I'm also handing out treats today! You can download The Magic of Lavender from Smashwords for free using the code GJ53D. 

Hurry! Like all things paranormal, it won't last long. :)

Here's the blurb:

Jocelyn Gibson forgot about the realm of magic. But it never forgot her. Gram always told her: don’t ignore your magical gifts, it will insult the family. But Joss didn’t realize her gifts included channeling the energy of powerful ley lines. Or that her family included a goddess. Family connections come in handy when the Lord of the Underworld kidnaps local vet Eric Hendricks. He’s an amazing lover, but Joss didn’t know she loved him until too late. With a little help from the Goddess Iris, Joss defends the new life she’s forged, and helps save the town of Boiling Springs from destruction. Once Eric escapes Hell, can she stop loving him to keep him safe?

The Magic of Lavender is the first book in The Goddess Connection series, which  says: Every woman should embrace her inner goddess. What’s your connection? 

Another treat!

Last year, I teamed with three incredible authors to put together an anthology of paranormal romance shorts. Love Bites is available for free every day! You can download yours from Smashwords and all affiliated sites.

These stories are included:

Dragon Race by Barbara Elsborg

In this race between lovers, who wins and who loses?

Jacquelyn in the Box by D.L. Jackson

What would you give up for love?

Laying Claim by Cate Masters

A curse for one means salvation for both, Celia finds.

Run by Arlene Webb

A run for charity turns deadly, and two strangers learn they have a lot more to give than blood.

Two great reviews!

Wow, I am just floored. Night Owl Reviews rated The Magic of Lavender as a Top Pick! I can't even describe how happy it made me.


Here's part of the review:

"I have read a lot of novels. Very few of them have the same utterly charming, heartwarming quality of this novel. The Magic of Lavender is totally delightful from the very first word to the last.

This enchanting story brings in all the beauty of the Fey world, as well as the darkness of the Underworld, to combine in a glorious arrangement that is both exiting and captivating but still soothing all at once. As is obvious, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is a perfect length, which allows everything that needs to happen enough time to happen. The characters are obviously very expertly designed, instantly sparking to life on the page."

I am so, so grateful for the review, especially because Night Owl Reviews took a chance on a self-pubbed book.

I'm also really grateful to Sizzlin' Hot Book Reviews, which rated Dancing With The Devil 4 hearts! Also a self-pubbed book, which makes me doubly grateful for the review.

Here's part of it:
Dancing With the Devil is a fun, spunky romance with a devilish side. Lily gives a different perspectiveson everything she sees in her life and when she learns who her family is she knows that family is important no matter how evil they can sometimes be. Everyone has a bit of good and evil in them, and most lean more towards one than the other.
If you are looking for an entertaining feel-good story with some steam added to the mix, Dancing With the Devil is a great romance to add to your to be read list.

The Magic of Lavender and Dancing With the Devil are books one and two in The Goddess Connection series. Those goddesses are kicking butt this week! Now I need to get to work on book three. :)

If you haven't yet downloaded your copy of Dancing With the Devil, today's the last day it will be available free on Amazon. Go grab it! :)