Blog Tour: Bitter Night by Diana P. Francis

Max thought that having a fulfilling job, house and family would make her life perfect.  Now, the only thing she's thinking about is freedom. 

Giselle is a witch who gives Max magical powers and uses her as a minion.  When a group decides to reek havoc on the world, Max must join some enemies and together they might have a chance of saving the world.

Action packed and full of life, this book shows me once again why I am addicted to Urban Fantasy.

Book Information:
Bitter Night by Diana P. Francis
Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
9781416598145
Oct. 2009
400 pages
$7.99 US

Visit the authors website, blog, Myspace and Twitter.



Sarah over at Pocket Books has given me permission to give away 2 copies of this book
Open to residents of the US
The books will be mailed out by the publisher

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+5 for following my other blog freebies4meandu.
+5 for faving me on Technorati (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on Myspace here.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for connecting with me via Networked Blogs (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on GoodReads here.
+1 for friending me on Book Blogs here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for every meaningful comment you leave on any of my posts - excluding giveaway posts - make sure you come back and leave a comment on the giveaway post you would like to add your entries to
+10 for clicking on my Social Vibe icon (left sidebar) and filling out the information  These entries can be used in any of my giveaways (both blogs).  Email me or leave a comment somewhere on my blog letting me know how you want to use your entries.
+25 for voting for my nephew here
+100 Make a purchase using the icon below, email me the receipt at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com and receive 100 extra entries (per item) into the giveaway of your choice.  This goes for both of my blogs.

+100 entries for each item purchased from my Amazon aStore (at the top of my blog).  You can use those entries in any of my giveaways (both blogs).  All you need to do is email me at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com your receipt and let me know how you want to use your entries.

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen using Random.org on Nov. 20th and notified via email.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Guest Blog: Author Dianne Castell

Lord Save Me From Critique Groups!
By: Dianne Castell

The thought of someone messing with my plot in Hot and Irresistible or poking and prodding my characters, rolling their eyes at my voice sends chills up my spine. How can I write a story that’s new and exciting and make my characters unique and interesting with a group of people passing judgment on my work and—this is the worse part—telling me to change things to suit them!

It’s not their story!

“But my critique group has really, really good ideas,” you say. And that’s great! It’s the best part of the group, the part worth keeping. Get rid of the critiquing part and go for the idea part, the brainstorming part. Brainstorming builds and creates and unites; critiquing destroys and frustrates and separates. Why do it?

There are boatloads of how-to books out there on the basics of writing (I’m reading Writing the Breakout Novel by Maass. Good stuff)and lists of workshops that can hone skills, but when it comes to writing my story, it must be one-hundred percent my idea told in my voice. If I let a critique group at my story I get book-by-committee. It’s sliced and diced and put back together to suit them. Nothing fresh and new because someone would probably not like the something fresh and new I put in and tell me to take it out. Kiss my voice good-by.

The one thing that is selling right now is different, totally different. If my critique group is stuck in the past with past ideas and old attitudes I’m totally screwed. Editors are looking for the new, unique, on-the-edge story. Bam on every page. Instead of listening to my critique group week after week, go to a conference where there’s an editor I’m targeting and listen to them. (I just went to the Cleveland and Columbus conferences for cheap and learned tons!) The market is totally different now than 3 years ago!

Brainstorm using these new ideas. Brainstorming doesn’t tamper with voice and my voice is what sells my books. Brainstorming starts before the writing. It is the collecting of ideas to add to the ideas I already have. No one tells me how to put the ideas together or even which ones to use. That’s my choice.

Critiquing is like throwing a rock through a window. The original work is shattered. Brainstorming is like throwing a rock in a pond. It lands and the ripples start building from small circles to every widening ones that seem to go on forever. The brainstorming group forms a pool of creative energy where great ideas feed off other great ideas. Goals, motivation and conflict of the story are explored in ways I never even thought about.

Brainstorming doesn’t mean someone else writes my book. It means I have the basic premise, characters, maybe a beginning and end and some turning points. I bring these ideas to the group, ply them with chocolate-chip cookies then write down their ideas as they suggest ways to fill in the rest of the story I don’t have. We do this in three stages--the opening and beginning, the middle action and turning point, the climax, black moment and epiphany. We also discuss what makes the story unique, what hooks fit and how to best pitch the story to an editor.

I take notes, but a tape recorder is better. I write down all the ideas, even ones I think would never work. What sounds crazy now may very well be what works the best when I’m actually writing the story. Or, often a suggested idea will spark another idea that I’d never have thought of on my own. In brainstorming, the most important things to remember are...there are no wrong ideas, no one insists their idea is best, and pass the cookies.

Brainstorming doesn’t have to be for an entire book. Maybe it the beginning or end or a scene that needs help. Or perhaps a character’s gotten into a mess and I don’t know how to get him out of it.

A fun and incredibly productive way to brainstorm is a brainstorming weekend. This is not a vacation; this is work. In fact, when you get back you’ll need a vacation. I did this with four other authors. We met in Louisiana and at the end of three days we’d brainstormed three books for each of us to take home.

This was great. Not only did I have new books to write, I learned how to smoke a cigar. Hey, what are friends for! Being with other authors let me see how they plot and create wonderful intriguing characters that bring their stories to life. Before that weekend I never considered the idea of making a book saleable...I didn’t even know what it meant. I do now!

Brainstorming is far better than critiquing. It’s a positive experience, not negative in any way. Editors say, write the book of your heart—not hearts. It has to be my story told my way in my voice.

USA Today best selling author Dianne Castell writes for Kensington BRAVA. She also writes a monthly editor interview column for Romance Writers Report. Her books have won Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, been on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine and included in Rhapsody Book Club, Doubleday Book Club and have made the Waldenbooks Bestseller list.
The second book in her Savannah Sizzles series for the BRAVA line, Hot and Irresistible, hits the shelves Nov‘09. Hot and Dangerous is on in May ‘10
Dianne lives in Cincinnati with her two cats and will do just about anything to get out of housework.

DianneCastell.com

Blog Tour: Alex and Me by Irene M. Pepperberg

Alex, an African Grey parrot, died at the ripe old age of 31. His brain may be small but he was an extremely intelligent creature. Irene loved her best friend Alex and was devastated when he passed away. This book shows that you don't have to be human to steal a humans heart.

I adore my dogs and I have a special connection with them that can never be broken. I know about the love Irene felt for Alex and she told her story beautifully.

Book Information:
Alex and Me by Irene M. Pepperberg
HarperCollins Publishers
9780061673986
Sept. 2009
288 pages
$13.99 US

Visit The Alex Foundation

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Blog Tour: Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro

Caterina makes a difficult decision. The only way that she can survive is by hoping a new, experimental gene treatment will save her. After receiving this treatment, she is changed in ways that she had never imagined. When she is accused of murder, she does the only thing that seems logical, she runs.

Mick is searching for a cold-blooded killer, little did he know that Caterina is nothing like he was told. The two have a magnetic attraction toward each other. Giving in to their desires may cost them their lives.

Loved it! I love the characters and I couldn't help but root for them. I'm looking forward to more of Caridad's work.





Visit the authors website, Facebook & follow her on Twitter.

Book Information:
Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro
Grand Central Publishing
9780446543835
Nov. 2009
336 pages
$6.99 US/$8.99 Canada

Anna over at Hachette has given me permission to give away 5 copies of this book
Open to residents of the US and Canada
Cannot mail to a P.O. Box
The books will be mailed out by the publisher

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+5 for following my other blog freebies4meandu.
+5 for faving me on Technorati (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on Myspace here.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for connecting with me via Networked Blogs (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on GoodReads here.
+1 for friending me on Book Blogs here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for every meaningful comment you leave on any of my posts - excluding giveaway posts - make sure you come back and leave a comment on the giveaway post you would like to add your entries to
+10 for clicking on my Social Vibe icon (left sidebar) and filling out the information  These entries can be used in any of my giveaways (both blogs).  Email me or leave a comment somewhere on my blog letting me know how you want to use your entries.
+25 for voting for my nephew here
+100 Make a purchase using the icon below, email me the receipt at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com and receive 100 extra entries (per item) into the giveaway of your choice.  This goes for both of my blogs.

+100 entries for each item purchased from my Amazon aStore (at the top of my blog).  You can use those entries in any of my giveaways (both blogs).  All you need to do is email me at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com your receipt and let me know how you want to use your entries.

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen using Random.org on Nov. 20th and notified via email.

Shake It!

I love music! As a child music class was one of the subjects that I looked forward to most. Not only was something that I enjoyed, it was also something that allowed me to express myself in a creative way. I think that it's important to have Music Classes For Toddlers. Everyone needs a way to relieve stress and almost everyone I know finds at least one kind of music relaxing. Singing and dancing in a Toddler Music Class can teach kids to work together to create something beautiful. Singing and playing instruments is also a great way to open your mind. I don't know what it is about music that brings out certain emotions, but I don't think life would be nearly as enjoyable without the talent of musicians. I played the Recorder in fifth grade and even though I've forgotten how to use it, I haven't forgotten the sense of accomplishment I felt when I was able to play through a whole song without any mistakes. Celebrating Music Together can give a child a feeling of self worth that they will feel all the way to their soul. At least, that's what I've learned from years of observation and personal memories.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Review: The Wildest Heart by Rosemary Rogers

Rowena is an independent woman. When her grandfather passes away, she finds herself being handed the duties of her grandfather.  She reads a diary that belonged to her father and figures out that she is supposed to smooth things over with her family's rivals.  Rowena is hot tempered, especially when conversing with the opposite sex.  Will she be able to do what she is destined to or will her pride stand in her way?

I loved the dialogue in this book!  Rowena reminds me a lot of myself and I was able to picture everything that was happening to her as though it was happening to me.

Book Information:
The Wildest Heart by Rosemary Rogers
Sourcebooks, Incorporated
9781402222740
November 2009
713 pages
$7.99 US



Disclosure: I received a copy of this book so that I could write an honest review.

Lasik

91% of patients who had minor complications with their laser eye surgery say that they would have the surgery again. 22% of patients who had major complications would have the surgery again. The Lasik results study was conducted by a nonprofit organization. They provide a free service that has a staff of volunteers. You can receive information about Lasik without receiving a sales pitch. They will provide a list of doctors and they even have a "50 Tough Questions For Your Doctor" section to help you find a good surgeon. How do you feel about Lasik?

Artist Amanda Dolan

Amanda Dolan is an extremely talented artist. Her privately commission works usually take about two weeks. Her colorful works are unlike anything I have ever seen before. This would be a unique gift that you could give this holiday season.

This is my favorite:

Check out her website and more of her work.

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Upcoming Review: Green Tea

I am so excited about the green tea that Golden Moon Tea is sending me to review. The Sugar Carmel Oolong Tea sounds fabulous and I can't wait to try it! They several yummy flavors like:

Temple of Heaven Gunpowder
Jasmine Pearls
Vanilla Jasmine
Snow Sprout
and lots more.

Disclosure: I will be receiving one tin of this companies tea so that I will be able to write an honest review.

Review & Giveaway: Bella Basset Ballerina by Laura Aimee Garn

Bella falls in love with ballet and decides that she wants to become a ballerina. Bassets are supposed to work on the farm, not dance. Will Bella make her dream into a reality or will she follow in the footsteps of her family?

My nephew enjoyed this book. He's a dog lover and really liked the main character.

Book Information:
Bella Basset Ballerina by Laura Aimee Garn
Pretty Please Press, Incorporated
9780975937808
November 2005
32 pages
$15.95 US



Pretty Please Press is offering my readers a 20% discount. You can also buy 3 books and get one free!

I received an extra copy of this book to offer in a giveaway
Open to residents of the US and Canada

ENTRIES:

Leave all entries in one comment or separate comments:
+1 for commenting
+1 for following this blog
+1 for following me on twitter
+5 for sharing this contest -make sure you leave the link in your comments (on your blog, -sidebar counts, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) THIS CAN BE DONE ONCE A DAY
+5 for following my other blog freebies4meandu.
+5 for faving me on Technorati (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on Myspace here.
+1 for friending me on Facebook here.
+1 for connecting with me via Networked Blogs (right sidebar)
+1 for friending me on GoodReads here.
+1 for friending me on Book Blogs here.
+1 for grabbing my button and placing it on your sidebar - leave link or your this entry does not count.
+2 for every meaningful comment you leave on any of my posts - excluding giveaway posts - make sure you come back and leave a comment on the giveaway post you would like to add your entries to
+10 for clicking on my Social Vibe icon (left sidebar) and filling out the information These entries can be used in any of my giveaways (both blogs). Email me or leave a comment somewhere on my blog letting me know how you want to use your entries.
+25 for voting for my nephew here
+100 Make a purchase using the icon below, email me the receipt at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com and receive 100 extra entries (per item) into the giveaway of your choice. This goes for both of my blogs.

+100 entries for each item purchased from my Amazon aStore (at the top of my blog). You can use those entries in any of my giveaways (both blogs). All you need to do is email me at bjhopper(at)me(dot)com your receipt and let me know how you want to use your entries.

*Current friends/followers receive the extra points as well - just make sure you remind me in the comments*

**Must leave an email address in comment or must be visible in blogger profile**

Winners will be chosen using Random.org on Nov. 10th and notified via email.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to write an honest review.