FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER by Donna Grant

THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL by Lisa Renee Jones

NEVER CRY WOLF by Cynthia Eden

A SEASON OF SEDUCTION by Jennifer Haymore

SINS OF THE FLESH by Caridad Pineiro

To enter, just go to Jennifer’s Site and sign up for her freebies (if you don’t want freebies sent to you, just say so in the address fields of the form–I’ll enter you in the contest but won’t send the freebies).

One person who signs up from now through December 26 will be randomly selected to win the books!

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Jennifer

www.jenniferhaymore.com

The DWW Authors want to play Secret Santa this year ~ we’d love to help out a family with children and make their Christmas as special as this year has been for us!

If you’d like to nominate a family, just send us an email at DWWSanta@aol.com telling us why and how you think we can help this family out.

We’ll pick 5 families from the entries, and randomly draw our Secret Santa recipient from those!

Entries must be received by the 14th so our recipient can be chosen in time for the holiday.

Thank you!

Anna C. Bowling!

Congrats, Anna! And, again, thanks to everyone for checking out our blog event!

WINNERS FLAGGED IN COMMENTS> EMAIL lisarenjones@aol.com for your prizes!

Why buy Indie Books?

If you are active on the Internet, and since you are reading this blog, I assume you are, you probably realize books and the book business is changing in a big way.

Ebooks have arrived.

On the surface the shift from paper to digital might not seem anything more than a change in delivery system, but because of the low cost of entry and the fact that Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers have opened up their distribution to individual authors, this shift is much, much more than a switch from paper to digital.

It is a shift in everything.

Best-selling authors are leaving their publishers. Writers who never got the magical nod from NY are selling books and making millions. Yes, millions.

The world as we thought we knew it one year ago is now a very different place.

But how does all of this affect readers? Is it good, or is it bad?

If you own an eReader or are willing to read books on a computer, it is most definitely good.

Here are a few reasons why:

Indie authors (many who were previously NY authors) can afford to sell their books for less than a NY publisher can, and not only can they afford to, doing so gives them a marketing advantage that most take advantage of. So, for readers—books priced under $5, even as low as $.99 or free!

Indie authors answer to no one except their readers. And while they certainly want to make as many sales as they can, they also want to write the books they want to write, and make “their” readers happy. I put “their” in quotes because NY is not in a position to publish books for a small segment of the market. This is why sweet Regencies no longer exist in the NY world. The market was too small. But guess what? Those readers didn’t go away completely. They still want those books, and the authors who write those books still want to write them.

Going indie gives the writers that choice—and buying indie gives the readers those books. This why authors like Beth Orsoff (chick lit), Edie Claire (romantic suspense with sweet romance and gothic, not gory, suspense), Shelly Thacker (historicals set in France, India and the American West), Marsha Canham (pirates!),  and many more have gone Indie (some completely, some in addition to still writing for NY).

Quicker releases. Ever got sucked into a book series only to find out the next one wouldn’t be out for two years? Or that the series got dropped all together? How frustrating is that? Well, the time it takes to publish a book electronically (once final edits are done) can be hours. Yes, hours. No waiting for a slot, no getting bumped for something that has nothing to do with that author’s work. The book is just out there waiting to be bought and read.

And so far as the series suddenly being dropped—that is now completely up to the author. With NY books, this is far from true. I’ve seen many angry blog posts by readers when their favorite series disappeared. Usually they blame the author, but in fact it is most often a publishing house decision—based on declining sales, or loss of slots, or even just a change in editor.

Readers get books as the writer intended them. I recently talked with an author who was asked to cut her book by 15%–not because the book had “fat” in it and not even because it was longer than the original agreed upon length, but because of a publisher decision that had nothing to do with what was right for that story. I’ve also heard of authors being told to make their doctor a vampire or something else equally market-driven that had nothing to do with what was right for that book, that author, or that author’s readers.

Along these same lines, word counts don’t matter. With a print book, you have to think about word count quite a bit. Paper is expensive, adding pages is expensive. Thus instead, font size goes down—but it can only go down so far. So books get written minus some element the author might otherwise have included. And on the reverse, short stories just can’t be published by themselves, even novellas can’t. But with digital, all of that is left up to the author and how long or short she feels that story should be. The reader who wants to read a big meaty historical now has that option and the reader who wants something fun and short to read while waiting for the dentist does too.

There you have it, a list of reasons to try indie. Have I convinced you yet?

Lori Devoti is the multi (NY) published author of contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and now, as an indie, young adult novels. Check out her traditionally and indie published works at her web site http://www.loridevoti.com

To win one of 5 copies of Cynthia Eden’s Bound by Blood or Lisa Renee Jones’s Pleasure with Purpose comment today! Just tell us what you think about e-books and the changing times of publishing.

Also remember every comment enters you to win the Sony e-reader!

Welcome back Michele and Elaine from RomCon for a fun post — one commenter will win a ticket to the convention!

One commenter will win a ticket to RomCon!

All comments count towards the e-reader drawing May 8th!

And don’t forget to comment on the RT post for a chance to win copies of the magazine! That’s yesterday’s post which is still live!

We had a guest have a family emergency so her post will be late — so  we have a SURPRISE extension of the contest–We are going  to leave the contest open until Thursday at midnight — but we’ll pull TWO  gift card winners! Today’s guest had a prize too so we will find a way to get her post and her prize up at a later time.

Each post you make  before Thursday at midnight is a chance to win gift card and a new entry for the e-reader!

New post and new contest on Friday! We have some fun stuff in store! My Blaze editor, Caridad’s editors, Jennifer’s editors and agent! Cynthia’s editor and another chance to win a ticket to RomCon– and MORE!

Hi all from Lisa– just a quick note leading into to today’s post.  I read this post I realized how much I love the AVON selection of books. I adore Stephanie Laurens. I think Gaelen Foley is a writing goddess. I’ve re-read her Ascension series a million times. Rachel Gibson is always on my keeper shelf. So  read onward and and tell us one (or more!) of your favorite AVON authors or books, or even an AVON book you are looking forward to — for a chance to win a $10 gift card. Don’t forget EVERY comment goes towards the drawing for the Sony e-reader on May 8th.

Now onward to ESI Sogah from Avon!

This is a big week for Avon Books! Our second Avon Impulse book went on sale on April 26^th. Royal Weddings, an anthology of historical romance shorts by Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley, and Loretta Chase, is the perfect way to celebrate Kate and Prince William’s wedding. (I’m resisting the urge sneak into Tessa Woodward’s office and take pictures of all her royal wedding paraphernalia—we’re very excited for Friday!).

More about this book here

Also on sale this week: Rachel Gibson’s Any Man of Mine, about the fallout from one wild weekend in Las Vegas. Not only can will you love this book, but if you head to whathappensinvegascontest.com and tell us about your craziest weekend, in Vegas or anywhere else, you’ll enter our contest and have a chance at the big prize—a weekend getaway in Sin City!

More about this book here

Sarah MacLean’s third book, Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, has a hero some people think…well let’s just say, after his appearances in the previous two books, some readers felt the need to call him names (unrepeatable here). But everyone has redeeming qualities and Juliana and Leighton’s romance is not to be missed.

More about this book here

We’ve got the debut of author Sable Grace, who kicks off her dark paranormal series with the fantastic Ascension. There are new books from Anna Campbell, Maya Rodale, and so much more. Head to avonromance.com for all the details on our new releases and the inside scoop on what’s going on in the land of Avon. Happy Reading!

More about this book  here

One of the best things about working with Spice Books is that every season feels like summer. Snow and sleet outside? A howling gale? It hardly competes with the sizzling heat of the worlds created by our authors. And just in time for (real) summer, we’ve got some outstanding releases that are sure to have you fanning yourself as you sip your daiquiri by the pool.

In May, we bring you WITH THIS RING, I THEE BED, Alison Tyler’s matrimonial collection that proves wedded bliss can be as sexually surprising (and satisfying) as any romp with a handsome stranger.

Watch for Saskia Walker’s THE HARLOT in June—a fabulous historical about a woman who tries to hide her powers of witchcraft until she’s forced to use them as a means to protect herself in a wily game of revenge.

July brings us COLLIDE, a beautifully intense love story that meshes past and present, and gives readers exactly what they already love about author Megan Hart.

And wrap up your summer with Janet Mullany’s TELL ME MORE in August, an addictively readable contemporary story about a radio hostess that falls for a mysterious caller who pushes her limits.

Just a few titles to look forward to this coming season. Put away your parka and turn on the AC—this summer is going to be a sizzler, if Spice has anything to say about it.

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So let the comments begin!

Today’s prize is a $10 gift card! Just comment about your favorite Spice book, a Spice book or story you are excited to read, or even a cover you love from Spice. Remember every comment gets you another entry to win the Sony E-reader we are drawing for May 8th!

WINNERS!
Thanks so much to everyone who entered. After going through the comments and plugging them into Random.org, here are the winners. Please email me at jennifer@jenniferhaymore.com with your top prize choices listed and your snail mail address, and please put “BARBARA VEY WINNER” and your comment # in the subject line! I’ll try to accommodate everyone in the order that I hear from you!
#85 – Chelsea B. ~ Winner of Dangerous Highlander
#58 – Jeanette ~ Winner of the Blaze Hotzone Trilogy
#60 – Laura K. ~ Winner of Eternal Flame
#12 – CrystalGB ~ Winner of Historical Romance Basket
#26 – Raonaid L. ~ Winner of Highland Surrender
#94 – Kaz
#69 – Toni S. ~ Winner of A Season of Seduction
#71 – Ashley A. ~ Winner of The Lost
#7 – Rebecca C.
#83 – Bev ~ Winner of I’ll Be Slaying You

I’ll post the prizes taken as the above winners claim them! Remember, every comment puts you in the running to win an e-reader, which will be awarded at the end of our party!
~Jennifer

Today we welcome Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly, and we are celebrating BIG. There will be tons of winners and every comment is a chance to win. Drawing will be Tuesday at midnight. Prizes include:

• Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant (signed)
• Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro (signed)
• Stronger than Sin by Caridad Pineiro (signed)
• ARC of The Lost by Caridad Pineiro (signed)
• Blaze Hotzone Trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones (signed)
• Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden (signed)
• I’ll be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden (signed)
• Immortal Danger by Cynthia Eden (signed)
• A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore (signed)
• Highland Surrender by Dawn Halliday (signed)
• And a “Romantic” Historical Romance Prize Basket, including the following:

-Desire Me by Robyn DeHart (signed)
-ARC of The Devil in Disguise by Stefanie Sloane

-How to Woo a Reluctant Lady by Sabrina Jeffries

-The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter (signed)

-A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore (signed)

-Highland Surrender by Dawn Halliday (signed)
-A Jennifer Haymore tote
-& an assortment of body butters from
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works

Now onward to the fun with Barbara!

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Hi, Barbara, and thank you for being here today!

You’ve been with Publishers Weekly for four years. I read a fun story about how you ended up there (HERE to keep you from having to retell the story). How has your role at Publishers Weekly changed your life?

I used to be able to read a book a day, but now I spend a lot more time online answering emails, social networking and reading book related items.  I also get to travel all over meeting authors, readers and other people involved in the publishing industry.

Has seeing inside the publishing industry changed your perceptions or expectations as a reader?

Yes, both good and bad.  Before I would read the books, enjoy the stories and anxiously await the next book in the series.  Now it’s like seeing the man behind the curtain.  There’s so much more to the whole process than I realized.  I hear the agony of those who lose publishing contracts, problems with agents, editors and publishers.  Readers really don’t want to know all that stuff.

On the positive side, each time I pick up a book I know how much went into it, so I appreciate it from that angle and when an author hits a list I get excited for them.  When they sell their first book I want to celebrate with them because I know how difficult this business can be.

What has you excited right now in this new era of publishing? These four years have certainly been prime years of change!

Actually, right at this moment the most exciting thing is the explosion of YA books.  I have just set up several book clubs at the local middle and high schools.  Several students are now reading the books I took there so they can write about them for my blog.  In addition, I’ve already lined up several YA authors to come and speak at the school.

My theory is to get the kids hooked on books when they’re young so it becomes a very natural thing to buy books when they are adults.  What do they say, after you do something 3 times it becomes a habit.  Let’s make reading a good habit!

How in the world did you end up interviewing Richard Dean Anderson and what was that like? And have you had other star encounters?

Well, since I was never a very good rule follower, I told him I loved him in The Simpsons and he loved it as you can see on the video.  And he came over and gave me a hug.  Afterward, the rest of the cast came over and hugged me which you can see on separate videos (Ben Browder and Christopher Judge).  I’ve also interview Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans, the casts of Fringe, Burn Notice and Psych.

I was one of 20 journalists allowed to interview Joss Whedon and the only woman invited to interview Stan Lee.  At RT in LA, I did a video with Howard Gordon (executive producer of “24” and “The X-Files”) and since he was filming a pilot for a new series for NBC he asked if I wanted to watch.  I got to stand behind the director, watch the monitors and listen on headphones.  It was so exciting.  Then I met the actors, Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy from Harry Potter) and Wilmer Valderrama (Fes from “That 70’s Show”).  I did a video and got my picture taken with them.

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Here is Barbara with Matt Bomer

And with Mr. Romance himself!

Lucky lady! Sigh…..

Now — back to the interview

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How do you pick a new author and do you have any tips for readers who are trying to decide if a new author is worthy of a read with so many choices out there?

A lot of times I pick a new author through the recommendation of others.  Sometimes, if I meet an author at an event and they impress me I’ll read their book and sometimes I look for a newly published author because I like to be surprised and there are some gems out there.  I’m also big on covers.  If one really gets my attention, I have to pick it up.

I tell readers to enjoy the authors they like, but then pick someone they’ve never read or a genre they’ve never tried.  Almost 100% of the time, the readers are shocked to learn that they liked paranormal or historical but they were afraid to try something new.

Visit Barbara at these links for more romance book chat and great insights and fun:
Twitter
The Publishers Weekly website



Let the questions and comments begin with the chance to win prizes!

Click on the highlight for a little EASTER present from the Dangerous Women and some Simon Rabbit love:)

I tried to embed this but it wouldn’t show up but its worth the click I promise:)

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And now that we hopefully gave you an Easter smile — onward….

The  Jennifer Haymore contest is open until Monday night, so go comment for great prizes. And we have so much fun this week coming up. Monday is not only the wonderful Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly but we have a HUGE HUGE list of prizes for her visit. HUGE. Did I say HUGE? Believe me — you do not want to miss Monday. Then Tuesday my Spice editor will be giving readers a look at what Spice has coming up. Heck — let’s just give you a full list of the guests!

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APRIL

25 Barbara Vey – Publishers Weekly

26  Emily Ohanjanians – HQ Spice

27 Esi Sogah – AVON

28 Faygie Levy – Executive Editor

RT Book Reviews Magazine

29 RomCon and free admission giveaway

30 Jennifer Miller  - Samhain Editor

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MAY

1 Barbara Poelle  - Irene Goodman Literary Agency

2 Lori Devoti from HOWTOWRITE.com on self publishing for readers and writers

3 Kathryn Lye – Harlequin Blaze

4 Selina MacLemore – Grand Central

5 Kate Seaver – Berkley

6–Megan Records – Kensington

7 Danielle Jackson – Sourcebooks PR Department

How about that for a line up! Prizes every single day.

So today — go comment on Jennifer’s post to win! She has great prizes up for grabs, and see you Monday. Seriously HUGE list of prizes on Monday. There will be no less than TEN winners Monday! Yes TEN!

See you soon!

Lisa

www.lisareneejones.com