Summer time! Time for Reading on the Beach...

I can't wait to get back to Florida and relax with the family on the beach. Yes. I'm a beach bum! I don't fix my hair or put on any make-up, it's just plain Jane me. Flip flops and all that. (Plus a few extra pounds, but whatever.) 

So far since the kiddo's school's out (Well, she's out for good. Now heading off to college. Boo hoo!), I really hadn't had time to kick back and chill out. I did, however, go to my publishers conference in Las Vegas, where I mixed business with pleasure. Mostly pleasure I'll admit.  (I tried posting pictures but they were all sideways. Sorry.)

 

I had a great time putting names to faces finally. I know many EP authors and staff but only from Twitter and FB. Oh, and I had the best roomie, Tonya Kuper, she's a YA author, and her book *Anomaly* comes out November 4th, 2014 with Entangled Teen. Can't wait to get my hands on this book. (Wish it were out now so I could read it on the beach. Darn. Maybe I could ask to beta-read it for her. Hint hint. or I'll have to take another beach trip in November. Plot Beach party!!!)

What else is going on? Let's see. If you hadn't heard me screaming from the Louisiana bayou, then you may not know about my Witch novel being acquired. Yep. My Vieux Carre' Witch sister series set in New Orleans got an offer last week. Not just 1 book, but also for book #2 and #3... I'm soooooo thrilled, and it still hasn't totally sunk in yet. I can't wait to see the cover. Love paranormal romance covers. I think this book will be out end of this year or early next. My first deadline is nine days away. (Let the fun begin.)

BUT, before BEWITCHING THE ENEMY (Book 1) comes out, I have another book (novella) that is releasing maybe August or September. It will be part of the new Entangled Publishing *Lovestruck* line.  (Y'all this line is going to be killer!)

This novella is fun and sexy, and part of the Vegas continuity series which includes, Gina Maxwell, Jade Lee w/a Kathy Lyons and me so far. Woot! (Can't believe I'm even mentioned in the same sentence with these two talented authors. My author idols!)  My slice of the series is titled, MASQUERADING WITH THE CEO, (though the title could change) it will be third to release.

And I'm just as excited about this book as I am with my Vieux Carre' Witch series. Probably because I can't wait to read all of these books and read about the surprise ending that none of the authors will know about until the very last author writes it. I think there will be about 20-30 Vegas books? Maybe. That's lots of fun! And sex! LOL 

Then while attending the publishing conference I find out more good news. I can't announce yet, but it's all good. (Those who attended the conference heard, if they were paying attention that is.)  2014 has been one of the best years for me writing wise and personal wise. Keep positive people. Whatever your dreams are - don't ever give up. Reach for what you want. Such as going on vacation to read on the beach. Can't wait! (Sharks stay away please!)

So what do you look forward to reading this summer?

Hugs,
Dawn
MASQUERADING WITH THE CEO, Entangled, Lovestruck (coming soon)
BEWITHING THE ENEMY, Entangled, Covet (coming soon)
DIAMONDS, Siren, B&N, Amazon Kindle (Out!)
NOT AN ANGEL, Kindle only (Out!)

My first Trip to San Francisco and Sonoma

On the 19th of March the hubby and I went to San Francisco and Sonoma. We both fell in love with both cities even though the start of our trip didn't start off too well.

We never fly first class, but this was a special trip (our anniversary) so we splurged a little, and thank God we did. Our butts were stuck on the plane for 2 hours before it finally got the go ahead to leave. Something to do with computer problems. BUT, there were free drinks in first class. Well worth the extra money. :-)


Here is a picture of me, no make-up and a little tipsy with the hubby while we waited for hours on the plane. (He was feeling no pain as well.)

Once we finally arrived we went straight to bed after checking in. It was 2am our time, midnight San Fran. time. We were exhausted to stay the least.  So the next day we ventured out on our own. We were staying at The Tuscan at the Fishersman Wharf area, and walked to the piers where we heard there would be seals.  And guess what? There were seals! (See them on the docks?)

 

 

So we strolled around took pictures, got a few drinks, and took a street car into the city, then got off when it came to the end, and then walked into China Town for lunch. We had one of the best lunches at Great Eastern (I think that was the name.) It was sooooooooooo good. The best Chinese food I've ever eaten.

That is not a picture of the restaurant, but I loved this building, so I had to take a pic. of it. LOL Then after lunch we hiked up the hilly streets to catch a trolly. I guess that's what they call them there? That was fun! The guy had to keep braking and I thought he'd lose his grip or something and we would end up all flying off. But no such luck.  And man was grew up in the same area I was from. Odd. Yes. We chatted about good ole' Louisiana politics.  (I'm still not sure how he knew where we were from, but he did.)

Then we strolled through some art galleries, then saw across the street, Ghirardelli's chocolate factory. OMG! We ran there! LOL We ate Salted caramel chocolate fudge ice cream. Killer stuff! I can still taste it. Sooooo good!

The next day we took a tour on the bus, and then walked through Muir Woods. Big Ass Trees! They reminded me of the trees in Twilight when Edward grabbed Bella and they flew through. Yep. They were huge. If you ever go to San Fran. this is a must see. Here is a sample below.

The hubby looks like a ant next to the tree. :-) It was truly a special trip through the forest and we needed more time, but our tour bus driver almost left us. Gah. Then he dropped us off in the small town of Sausalito. We ate at the Spinnaker for lunch which was nice, but probably geared for the older crowd or maybe it just seemed that way that day. But the view of the water and boats, and the food were really good. We then took a ferry back to San Francisco, but along the way the ferry made stops at all the islands, and we enjoyed the relaxing ride.

That night we didn't do much other than walk to an Irish pub, and I forgot the name of it. But we had a good time, didn't eat dinner, and passed out!  The next morning we had to get up early and pack for Sonoma!

We hired a personal tour driver from a Napa Private Tours, and he really knew his wine! I mean really know his wine. Meaning he studied them. Got a degree and all that. And he has the pin to show it. When people saw his pin at these wine places they were very impressed. "Is that what I think that is?" said one guy pouring our wine. LOL (Our tour guides name is Austin Smith, request him!) Austin actually just started his own wine tour company, but we hired him from Napa Private Tours, he was filling in for Javier. Austin's company is called, Noble Wine Tours. Austin or Javier (Napa) are both great! And I would recommend them both! Austin drove us to I think 5 wineries.  We hit Ram's Gate (Beautiful), Jacuzzi, Bartholmew, (I'm forgetting one), but the last one was amazing, it was called Ledson. We even joined the membership. LOL.

After we were worn out from drinking all day, we headed to the hotel which was also beautiful (MacArthur Place) and the room was perfect! We ate at their restaurant called Saddles, and called in the night.  The next day we played golf at the Stonetree Country Club. Not sure why they call it that, but the views from the course was amazing. They even had these huge rabbits that I thought were baby deer. Ha. I couldn't get a good picture of them they were quick.  That evening after golf we got a couples massage which was OK. I didn't get what I requested so I was a little disappointed because the guy who massaged me I thought would break my shoulders in half. I'm sensitive what can I say.

Other than that, all was well, and I'd love to go back and see more of California. Our trip was too short, but we filled it with lots of adventures. And hope our next trip will be even better.

And look what came in. Woot! Our first shipment of Ledson wine!  Six bottles for me. Six bottles for him. We share like that. :-)

~ Have a great day~
Dawn

 



Having fun at the Endymion Ball...Mardi Gras 2014! (Grand Marshal: Ian Somerhalder! Woot!)

As many of you know Mardi Gras is normally a few weeks long in New Orleans, and that's all cool and stuff, but normally when Mardi Gras time comes my family and I leave.  It's not that I don't like Mardi Gras, but once you've seen it 20x's or more it does get old...

However, riding in Mardi Gras is something totally different. This year my hubby got to ride in Endymion (which is one of the best parade's to ride in), and he had a blast. I didn't get to see him until the end of the night once his float made into the superdome where the parade ends and the concert and ball begins...

This year the Grand Marshal was Ian Somerhalder! Woot! (He was too far away for me to get a good look at him, but I can at least say I was in the same room with him. LOL (Check out this link to see tons of pictures of Ian from The Vampire Diaries and also Norman from The Walking Dead.)

Here are a few pics of me and some friends (and the hubby), a few before and during the Endymion Ball.

To some it up: If you haven't done Mardi Gras in New Orleans you are missing out! If you live here and you are tired of it - then ride instead. Happy Mardi Gras!

Hugs,
Dawn

Entangled Publishing is Celebrating 3 years w/ .99 cents books! Woot!

For the month of February, Entangled Publishing is selling books for .99 cents! I can do some serious damage with .99 cent books! Woot! Bye now!

Entangled Publishing

Another Great (Writers) Post by Kristen Lamb!

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/want-to-be-successful-beware-of-end-of-the-rainbow-thinking/

For most of us in the writing industry - this blog is for you.

Enjoy!
Dawn

Summer's over for me....Boo Hoo...

So now that summer is over I feel like I can start my old routine again.  The kiddo goes to school and I get about an hour of writing in before I go to work, etc. During the summer I slept in until I had to go to work. Only writing I did was after work on most days.  My days off the kiddo was home, so I was easily distracted.

This summer we went to the condo for about 4 days or so, and no it is never long enough.  I keep trying to get the hubby to take more than two days off of work, but it never seems to happen.  The beach was great though and I can't wait to go back.

Another great summer moment was when Liz Pelletier (Entangled Publishing) came down for the weekend to teach a day long class. I love, Liz. She's pretty awesome. She also invited me to write a short story for a submission call they are putting out soon. I wrote it in 4 days. LOL  Maybe submission requests are they way to go for me.

Then I went to Atlanta in July to RWA National. There were about 9 Sola-RWA chapter mates there, and we all got together for lunch one day and breakfast another day.

I attended several classes, but I missed many of them too.  Seems self-publishing was the biggie this year, and that's great, but I'm still working on my craft. I took lots of craft classes. I'm still learning my voice right now, which I'm thinking is pretty simple. No flowery prose at all.  I say what I gotta' say and get out. Sometimes its more telling, though I do work hard to show when needed.

While at RWA I decided I know what I want when I grow up.  I want my book covers on elevator doors. Those elevator covers were just too cool! And Sylvia Day had drink coasters in the bar with her books and name on them. Whoa. Now that was a great idea. Mostly everyone hung out at the bar.

I got to chat with Barbara Vey, Jade Lee, Laura Bradford, Pamela Clare, (and her cute audio guy, Kaleo.), Sabrina Jeffries, and we even sat next to Nora Roberts once. Yes. I was an amazing time. And for the Rita/Golden Heart awards my buddy Devon Alexander and I got to sit with some amazing talented people.

 So where is my name you ask....Well, we sort of just sat down, and then realized we were crashing Table #64. We leaned over and asked two ladies who happened to be The Librarian and Bookseller of the year, Cathy and Sarah if someone was sitting there, and they said nope. LOL They said Devon and I where there guest. Sweet, huh. Congrats to these wonderful ladies...They rock!


So what did I learn from the conference? The number one thing was to write the next book.  Series sell better on Amazon. Readers still love paperbacks as much as e-readers.

So what did I do all summer on the writing front? Well I wrote a short novella in less than a week as I mentioned above. And I'm working on another short contemporary set in a small Louisiana town set in the Bayou. I'm still playing around with my witch novel, but it's been the hardest book to write.  Maybe because I re-wrote it 3x's and it's telling me enough.(Never)  I also got a new critique partner. And I hope she'll push me to do my best. She's already doing really awesome, but she has lots more on the way. I'll do my best to help her as best I can too. :-)

I hope you had a great summer. I would love to hear what you did or still doing.

Hugs,
Dawn Chartier

May 11th and June 22nd - Writing Events in the New Orleans Region

This Saturday at 10am to 3pm Sola Writers is having a small fundraiser ($10 members / $15 non-members) in Westwego, LA (at Salaville Perk - Sala Avenue) (15 minutes from New Orleans).

It's more about getting writers (any writer in the NOLA/Gulf Coast area) to come on out for a day for writing and/or plotting. Giving each other ideas to help you move past just an idea, etc.  Can you imagine if 5 or more authors gave you 5 to 10 ideas on where you can take your story next? Or maybe you are stuck on a character? Or maybe just the plot. Whatever it is, these writers will help. And you'll help them right back.

OR if you rather just sit and write - going 20 minute writing sprints, then we will make sure that is what you do. :-) (anyone can attend...) (Lunch not included.)

For more info you can go here... http://solawriters.org/2013/04/02/plottingsprinting-party-may-11-2013/


Self-Editing Class::::You don't want to miss this Self-Editing class on June 22, 2013.  Sr. Editor, Liz Pelletier with Entangled Publishing is going to be teach us how to self-edit our novels before they are sent to a publisher or before we self-publish. (This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!) 

This is an all day class in Metairie, LA - Lunch and Lite Breakfast included. (10 minutes from New Orleans) and it's worth a drive from where ever you are... (You do not need to be a member - anyone can sign up.)

For more info go here...  http://solawriters.org/2013/04/16/self-editing-workshop-by-liz-pelletier-from-entangled-publishing/

Can't wait for these events... I hope to see lots of people attend...

Happy Writing,
Dawn Chartier
www.dawnchartier.com

All About Mardi Gras ~ New Orleans Style...

So what is Mardi Gras all about?  When will Mardi Gras be next year and the year after that?
What is with the King Cakes and the baby inside of them?
Well, I'm not going to tell you all about it, instead I'm going to be lazy and let you follow this link and dive right into all the wonderful information already posted at this other website.

I love Mardi Gras, however, I stick with 1 or 2 parades a year (maybe that many), and never on Mardi Gras day. Too many people for my taste. I hate huge crowds with not enough restrooms. Yuck.

The first Mardi Gras I remember was when I was around 3 yrs. old, and my parents took me, my brother and sister. (My lil brother wasn't around yet.) I think we were in Grenta on Fourth Street. And all of a sudden I recall these beautiful horses. They were huge! I was standing in front of my mom, aching to get closer to them. Well my Mom was waving to the men on the horses to try and get them to throw beads to us, but instead of throwing them the man on the horse decided to get a closer look at my Mom.

The next thing I recall was my foot hurting real bad. And then my Mom arguing with the man on the horse who happened to be a policeman. Oy. From what I heard, he got an ear full. Luckily, she wasn't arrested. :-)  Ahh, the good ole' days of Mardi Gras. Now all I have to worry about is the kiddo's being flashed. I stay clear of the horses...even though I love them still today...

Oh yeah, you want the link: Mardi Gras New Orleans .

Happy Mardi Gras...Enjoy!

Dawn

Broken City - Movie Review

Broken City * Movie Review by Dawn Chartier

I give Broken City 3.5 stars out of 5. This was a crime drama, car crashing, shoot-em up type of movie which stars some really good actors, (Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe) but the plot was a same ole' same ole'. It lacked a better twist and more sub-plots.

Quick Summary: An ex-cop was hired by the Mayor (who is running for Mayor again) to investigate his wife. The ex-cop (who is now a P.I.) believes he is trying to capture pictures of the wife cheating on the Mayor, but it's not what it seems. The Mayor has a bigger agenda.

The Mayor takes the pictures from the P.I. and pays him, then bad things happen to wife's supposed lover who is the Mayor's rival campaign manager. The P.I. realizes the Mayor is up to no good, and then it's too late. The Mayor has proof against the P.I., and he can't get out of it. He has two choices. Do the right or wrong thing. I won't ruin the ending and tell you which one he does.

I like my movies with a little more thought out plot. But this might be just me, so I wouldn't say it was a waste of money, it just wasn't what I'd hoped for. (p.s. I didn't pay for this one, a friend won the tickets, and I enjoyed her company as always.)

On My Mind by, Sara Megibow (Agent) ~ from Newsletter Article

(This is an article from Nelson Agency - Permission was granted to me to repost by Sara Megibow)

 

On My Mind by Sara Megibow

My son is seven years old, and he’s short. I’m short, my husband is short. No big surprise there, right? Last month the kid and I were in line for ski passes. For those of you who don’t ski, please know that ski passes are not cheap. They range from $80 to $150 per day per skier. But we like to ski, so we budget for it. At the cash register, the total was much lower than I expected so I said, “That’s two regular-priced tickets, please, not one.” Cashier said, “Oh, I thought your son was five. He would have been free at five.” The woman in line behind me said (loudly), “Why on earth did you say anything? You should have taken the free ticket.” And all I could think to say was, “Because I don’t want to teach my son that honesty is only for rich people.” So, I paid full price, and my son was there to learn the lesson.Honesty.

When an author has a book for sale, one of our goals is to sell that book for money. Most authors will make a little money, some will make more money, and a verrrrrry few will make a lot of money. Regardless, in publishing, one goal is to bring in money. (Another goal is high artistic integrity, but more on that in another post.)

When readers pirate books for free, they are not paying the authors for those works. Those authors earn nothing for all their hard work. Now, I get that it's tempting to get a free book. And I also know that an author is popular if he/she is being regularly pirated. Pirated books can and probably do spread the word to legitimate book buyers. But that should not be the rationale.

Don’t take music files without paying for them. Don’t post pictures on your website that you don’t own. Don’t sneak into a movie without paying for it. Don’t lie to get cheaper ski passes. Be honest.

Sincerely,

Sara

What's Hot by Sara Megibow

I spent a week in NYC this month. Mostly I was enjoying New York ComicCon and geeking out with 119,000 other comic-book fans. But I did manage to do some work between getting autographs and being a fan girl. What’s hot in the world of adult science fiction and fantasy right now?

Based on meetings I had at ComicCon:

• The mash-up! Science fiction with steampunk, fantasy set in an historical time period with vampires, space opera with magic wands and prophecies. This is one reason Michael Martinez is getting such amazing advance publicity for THE DAEDALUS INCIDENT, his debut science fiction mash-up scheduled for early 2013.

• Commercial, fun, high-action science fiction. Think spaceships, aliens, battles, cool gadgets--the works.

• Epic fantasy with a unique story. A story bigger than “adventurers on an epic journey to find the magic object that will save the world.” Betsy Dornbusch has an epic fantasy called EXILE (Feb 2013) set in a totally unique world. This is what’s hot.

Visit Sara Megibow at: www.nelsonagency.com  (I was given permission to repost from Sara.)

Happy Submitting,
Dawn Chartier
www.dawnchartier.com

Is the Election Driving You Crazy too?

I don't know about you, but this election is driving me insane.

I can't recall when I got so hung up over the media attacking this and that one, and I hate that it is pulling negative feelings out of me. I found myself caught up in moments where I made comments on other peoples posts, then I posts news articles, and then regretted my choice of words. This is not good. When this happens, it's time for me to take a step back, and put my focus elsewhere.

I'm normally pretty calm, collected, and not too verbal (most of the time), so I think what I'm going to do for right now is stay off of FB and Twitter for the next few weeks. I don't like getting this stressed over politics. I just want a better country like everyone else.

I'm almost done with my novella, Mixed Magic, so I'll bury myself in that until I"m done, and I'll see you after the election is over. 

Now go vote!

p.s. Here is a picture I based my character, Rayne Morgeaux on, she is in the first witch book, but her story is actually the 2nd book, Bare Bones. (the picture is Kate Beckinsale with blonde hair.)

Happy reading everyone,
Dawn 

 

Need help with PLOTTING? Well Suzanne Johnson and Sola Writers has a class for you....

When I took this class by Suzanne Johnson, I knew I had to have her teach it again for my local writers chapter. Well, this is a online class so anyone can join in...

http://solawriters.org/registration-for-suzanne-johnsons-quilting-101-patch-working-the-perfect-plot/

Here's the info to sign up:

Date: October 1 – 25th, 2012 (on-line workshop)

Place: Sola’s On-line Yahoo Workshop Group (Invitation sent once payment received.)

Fee: $25 Sola Members / $30 RWA Members / $35 Non-RWA Members

Click here for online registration and payment information via PayPal.

To pay via Paypal go to this link

Course outline:

Do storyboards, sticky notes, spreadsheets and index cards give you hives? Does your manuscript wander in circles – yet you’re afraid a detailed outline will suck the heart and soul out of your writing?

All you need is a simple word-processing program to stitch together the perfect quilt of a plot to keep your novel on track and moving in the right direction – while still giving your muse room to play. We’ll use a six-step technique to plot a novel from start to finish, and give you a huge head-start on your first draft (and the dreaded synopsis). This will be a working course! Bring your best idea (the one that’s been bubbling in your brain for six months) or a manuscript that’s wandering in the desert, and we’ll shape it up and get it moving. We’ll also be deconstructing a novel into its outline as part of this class, and I’ve chosen J.R. Ward’s Dark Lover, the first in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. If you have a chance to read it before the class, it will make the deconstruction more familiar, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Over the course of the month, you’ll put together the perfect quilt, er, novel.

Classes will include:

1) Picking the Right Pattern. Just as a quilt uses small pieces that fit together to create a whole, a novel is created of the Big Idea–your overriding storyline–plus several Small Ideas, or subplots.

2) Choosing the Fabric. Your novel can have its pattern, but without the perfect fabrics, you won’t end up with a pretty quilt. In a novel, your characters are your fabrics. At this stage, you’ll decide who your dominant hero (or heroine) will be, identify the secondary lead character, and determine what roles your supporting cast will play.

3) Color Arrangement. Before beginning to stitch, the successful quilter decides how those squares of fabric will be placed to make the most effective use of the pattern. In our novels, this step involves identifying relationships, not just the relationship between a hero and heroine, but between all characters, and between each character and the Big Idea.

4) Basting. Here’s where we really start to have fun. We’ll choose the threads of our story through the relationships we’ve identified and start to think about how to put them together. Each relationship should have a story arc that progresses from start to finish.

5) Piecing the Quilt Top. We’ll take each of our relationship arcs and rearrange them into a single plot arc. At the end of this stage, each person will have a rough sentence outline of a complete novel. This outline will also serve as an easy foundation to writing the dreaded synopsis.

6) Backing, Batting and Binding. A quilt top is beautiful, but unfinished. In this final lesson, participants will go back through their plot arc and begin to flesh out scenes. The “backing and binding” stage can be as simple or as detailed as the author wishes; those who develop a more detailed, fleshed-out plot arc will find themselves well along their way in creating a first draft of their novels.

Author’s Bio:

Suzanne Johnson is the author of a new urban fantasy series beginning with ROYAL STREET and RIVER ROAD, both coming in 2012 from Tor Books, and ELYSIAN FIELDS, coming in 2013, also from Tor. A longtime New Orleans resident now living in Auburn, Alabama, Suzanne is a veteran journalist with more than fifty national awards in writing and editing nonfiction. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama, and a native of Winfield, Alabama.

During her daytime job, Suzanne is associate editor of Auburn Magazine, the quarterly magazine of the Auburn University Alumni Association. She has also worked at Tulane University in New Orleans, the University of San Diego, Rice University in Houston, and at the University of Illinois. Awards include: the Robert S. Sibley Award for the best university magazine in the U.S. and Canada, for the Rice University Sallyport; feature writing awards in 2009 and 2010 from Writer’s Digest magazine; and more than 50 awards in writing and editing from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

Suzanne is an active member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and is a member of the Georgia, Southern Magic, and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapters of RWA. Find her online: Website: http://www.suzanne-johnson.com/ Blog: http://suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com/

New Book Trailer for DIAMONDS...

To view the new book trailer for my lastest novella, DIAMONDS.

Here is the link. DIAMONDS.

This video was created by my baby girl.

Smiling at the new reviews in for DIAMONDS...Thank you, Reviewers!

I would like to send a shout out to these awesome reviewers! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. :-)


***Review from Faerotic Prose*** www.FaeroticProse.blogspot.com

This book is definitely intriguing! I love that the main character, Holly is a strong, determined, hard-working woman; but with her own unique quirks. I enjoyed reading how the author portrays her very-human emotions and reactions to each situation. Holly is a woman who seems to "have it all," yet is lonely and desires what most people want - someone to love her for herself, not her wealth or what she can do for him!

Drake is a charmer, and drew my interest from the beginning. He poses as a wealthy man, yet is a professional thief near retirement. He is to steal from Holly, yet finds himself intrigued with her instead. As the story heats up . . . well, you'll just have to read it for yourself to see what happens!

The story was intriguing, fun, kept my interest, and most definitely steamy. There were a few parts of the book where I felt the wording didn't quite flow as smoothly as it could, otherwise it is well-written. The story has a good plot, the theme remains constant throughout and the characters are likeable. Diamonds by author Dawn Chartier is a great book to add to any erotic romance lover's personal collection.

***Review from That’s Erotica!*** www.thatserotica.com

Diamonds is the first book in the Stiletto Millionaire Club series. Holly and Drake are characters who compliment each other, making it easy for the reader to connect with them quickly. I really like that Holly’s character is a millionaire, yet she is very likeable; she is down to earth, and has a huge heart. Used to easily getting any woman’s attention, Drake is disappointed and frustrated that she holds her heart closely protected.

The story is different in that you already know what Drake plans to do, but you are left guessing at how the emotional side of the story will play out. There are some nice, hot scenes, but nothing that takes away from the story. Holly’s Sexsomnia problem makes some scenes rather humorous if you put yourself in her place and Drake certainly doesn’t have an issue with it.

I would recommend this story to anyone who would like a quick and steamy HEA read. Diamonds is a relatively short story, all of 82 pages, so it’s perfect for a day at the beach. Don’t let the short page count keep you from picking up this book; every page is well written and the story wraps up cleanly without feeling rushed. I look forward to reading what Dawn Chartier gives us in the next book of the Stiletto Millionaire Club.
*There is an attempted rape scene that may be difficult for some readers.*

***Review from Smitten With Reading*** www.smittenwithreading.blogspot.com

B erotic

The hero is a thief. I wasn't sure that Dawn was going to be able to convert me to being happy with a happily ever after with those circumstances, but she did! Because Drake is most definitely a thief. He has been his entire life, from the time he ran away from home and his abusive father. He's uber-charming and very good at what he does, but he wants out. His handler has agreed to let him out if he does this one final job...steal the Heart Diamond from Holly.

Holly had an awful childhood. She has risen above that to become a self-made millionaire, but her childhood and men only after her money and influence have left scars. She doesn't trust often or easily, but Drake has snuck in under her walls and she's well on the way to giving him her heart.

This is an interesting premise and I was completely surprised by how Dawn worked out the story line. It was good and entertaining. It was a short novel, but I felt like there was enough depth to the story so that I completely connected to the characters. I enjoyed the book.

--------------------------------

A big THANK YOU to the reviewers! I truly appreciate the time you took out to review, DIAMONDS! Thank you very much!

Hugs,
Dawn

Blog Stop Hop for Diamond Jubilee

Greeting readers,

In honor of my new release "DIAMONDS" an erotic contemporary romance, I decided to join the DIAMOND JUBILEE blog hop presented by Romance At Random with Sue Grimshaw.

Here is a little blurb from Romance At Random's blog:

Enter below (not below on my blog - on the left side) to win beginning 5/21 thru 5/31 – Romance at Random will be randomly giving away some of our jewels of romance, to celebrate the UK’s Diamond Jubilee including:

• 1 winner, 1 copy – Born To Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann
• 1 winner, 1 copy – The Proposal by Mary Balogh
• 1 winner, 1 copy – Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian
• 3 winners, 1 copy of WITCHFUL THINKING by HP Mallory
• 10 winners, 1 copy of a PREVIEW from Net Galley of ABOUT LAST NIGHT by Ruthie Knox
• 10 winners, 1 copy of PREVIEW from Net Galley of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT by Elisabeth Barrett

That’s right, 26 winners in all!

Enter the hop using the Rafflecopter then visit all of the participating sites to increase your chances – winners will be randomly chosen and this is a big one . . . it could be you! US only for this one - Good luck!

OKAY, THE LINK IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BLOG...CLICK THE DIAMOND JUBILEE picture and it will take you there...Good luck!

4th Annual U.S. Military Wives Contest - Open for Entries...

I met author, Sara Humphrey's recently in New Orleans, and could tell right away that she was a very generous and genuine author.
So when I saw her blog event that she had on her website(blog), I knew I had to share her wonderful contest. This contest is just for Military Wives. Know any? Then please help pass the word... My father and brother both served in the military, and although I was too young to realize the impact it had on families, I do remember missing my brother a lot...


So here's Sara's contest!


For the past couple of years, as a special thank you to our service members and their families, I have held a contest just for Military Wives. It turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the privilege of meeting several incredible women and their beautiful families. It’s so easy to forget that there are real people who are deeply affected by the conflicts overseas. Hearing the personal stories of these families helped me remember that our troops are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons who are immensely loved and sorely missed.

This contest will run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend but start sending those entries in now! Who is eligible? Wives of any U.S. military service member may enter. Retired or active-duty. How do you enter? Send an email to info@novelromance.net with a picture of you and your family member in uniform. Tell us a bit about what branch he serves in, where you’ve been stationed, challenges and so forth. We want to hear your story! Please put “4th Annual Military Families Contest” in the subject line. Once a week, beginning Memorial Day weekend, I will pick one entrant to be highlighted on my blog. These weekly entrants are semi-finalists. Labor Day weekend I will select three winners.

Second Prize: A $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched.

First Prize: A $50 Amazon Gift Card, and signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched.

Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon Gift card and signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched

I hope you’ll help me spread the word about this contest. I look forward to meeting more incredible families! (Here is the link to Sara's website.) http://novelromance.net/events/4th-annual-u-s-military-wives-contest-open-for-entries

How I Keep My Motor Running ~ Robin Helm

Please welcome my guest blogger today, Robin Helm...

I started writing in earnest only about a year ago. Before last March, I dabbled a bit, but I was too busy teaching high school, working in music at my church, and traveling with my daughters’ sports teams and ensemble groups to have the necessary time to reflect and think enough to write a book. Empty nest syndrome combined with leaving my full-time teaching position provided me with the needed free hours, and encouragement from friends and family boosted my courage.

Writing my first book was fairly easy, though it morphed into a trilogy before I could tell the complete story. Guardian, my first book, had so many of my own life experiences woven into the narrative that it was mainly a matter of putting the words on paper and polishing the writing. My second book, SoulFire, was more difficult, because nearly all of it came from my imagination. I am now more than half finished with the third and final book in the series, Legacy, and I am learning how to keep myself motivated.

It is fortunate that I did not depend on making money to keep me writing in the early stages, because, though I published Guardian in August, I did not see any royalties until October, and those were very small amounts. When I published SoulFire in December, sales of Guardian shot up, and the royalties are now fairly significant for both books. Knowing that Legacy will further boost sales helps me to stay focused on writing, and I already have two more books planned in my mind to begin as soon as I finish.
However, money has never been a main motivator for anything I have done in my life. The approbation of friends, relatives, and other readers means more to me – particularly e-mails and messages from people whom I have never met. Particularly inspiring are the people who write me and say that my books have encouraged them and helped them in their everyday lives.

The actual act of writing itself requires a different type of motivation and inspiration. Oddly enough, typing the chapter heading on a blank document gives me a sense of accomplishment. I feel that I have begun when I see the name of the chapter and save it into my book file. After that, I usually look at my outline, decide what must be in the chapter to move my story toward the desired end, and begin to visualize the scene in my mind.

I write the scene as it unfolds in my head, not worrying too much about details or dialogue as I rapidly put the words on the screen. After an hour or two, I go take a shower or do a simple household task that does not require much of my attention, and I think about what is happening in that chapter. Within an hour, I am back at my computer, and I write for another three or four hours. Though I know where the chapter will go ultimately, the way that I get to that destination unfolds in my head as I write.

Mornings are the most productive times for me, so I usually begin to write as soon as I get out of bed three or four days a week. I am a disciplined person, and I write a chapter per week. Making myself stay on target keeps me from feeling anxious or pressured about accomplishing my goals: to publish Legacy by the end of April and to write and publish at least one more book this year.

I also reward myself. After I finish a chapter and send it to my editors, I allow myself a day or two before I begin to write again, and I do other things that I enjoy, such as reading or watching a movie. Thinking of that down time as within reach keeps me racing toward it. I know that if I allow writing to become a drudgery, I will eventually stop, and I have too many stories to tell to allow that to happen.

About the Author:

Robin Helm has published the first two volumes of a trilogy (The Guardian Trilogy), Guardian and SoulFire, and is presently writing Legacy, the third and final volume, posting as a work in progress on four different forums. She has also published three Regency short stories.

She and her husband have two daughters, the elder a Navy nurse stationed in Guam, and the younger a university senior. They live in South Carolina with their Yorkie-Poo, Tobey.

Ms. Helm graduated with a BA from Piedmont International University. She is a member of the Delta Epsilon Chi honor society, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the scholarship faculty of the United States Achievement Academy.

To find Robin's books click here:

Thank you for stopping by, Robin!

Dawn

Diamonds excerpt tease for Naughty After Dark Blog Hop

Update: My paranormal romance, NOT AN ANGEL is FREE today over at Amazon. (Friday only)

Diamonds Excerpt for Naught After Dark Blog Hop...(see the blog hop list to the left) One commenter will win a ebook copy of DIAMONDS. Good luck.

------EXCERPT ---------

The rich, velvety voice from the next table pulled her from her
pity party, and she peered around the menu once more. The handsome
man spoke on his cell phone and laughed. The sound hypnotized her.
Their gazes locked, and the air in her lungs vaporized. He glanced
back at his iPad and continued his conversation as though nothing had
happened. A little stunned by him blowing her off, she sort of liked
the change.

Holly forced her gaze to Karen and whispered, “Don’t look now,
but do y’all know who that man is? The one in the dark-navy suit,
talking on the phone.”

At the same exact moment, all three women turned completely
around in their chairs.

Holly wanted to duck under the table. “Real subtle, ladies,” she
whispered, wishing she could vanish from the restaurant like a ghost.
Dammit. The hottie nodded once in their direction. His gaze turned on
her for a brief second and then moved his attention back to his iPad.
Her cheeks burned.

“Hot dog. He’s gorgeous,” Moe said. “Now I understand why
you’re distracted. It wasn’t work you had on your mind, now was it?”

She bounced her eyebrows.

Heat crawled up Holly’s neck and landed on her face. “Of course
it was.”

“Sure,” Staci said. She and Moe grinned like fools.

Karen smiled. “You’re blushing. Wow. It’s been a long time since
a man caught your attention.”

“He hasn’t, and I’m not. It’s hot in here. He looks familiar is all.”

Moe licked her lips. “Why don’t you go over there and introduce
yourself before he gets wind of the Ms. Frost rumor. You know how
fast this town spreads lies.”

“I don’t care what people think of me, Moe. If I’m labeled Ms.
Frost because of a few men in Destiny, then so be it.” Holly took a
deep breath. She hated the cold nickname a few bachelors in the area
had coined her because she wouldn’t keep dating them. She knew
what they wanted, and it wasn’t fair that she ended up the bad guy and
not them.

“You know I was kidding, right?” Moe asked.

Holly nodded. Yep. She knew. Maybe she needed to be a little
friendlier in public. She would give a try.

The waiter, Robert, approached their table, carrying a tray of
bottled water.

“Ms. Charleston, your usual today?” The tall, thin waiter tilted his
head.

“Yes, but I’ll have the shrimp instead of grilled chicken.” She
raised her chin a notch. “I feel like a change today.”

Her friends regarded each other, and then Karen leaned over and
touched Holly’s forehead. “First, you size up that handsome man, and
now you want shrimp instead of chicken. You feeling okay? You
getting enough sleep? You do look a little pale.”

Enough sleep? She wished. That damn dream screwed with her
sleep again. She could never remember exactly what it was about, but
she had a clue. She always woke up naked. She squeezed her napkin.

--------End of Excerpt---------- (CHECK OUT THE LIST TO THE LEFT)

New Orleans Writers Conference coming to town...you don't want to miss this one!

If you follow me on Twitter and FB you know I've been busy as heck working on the 1st FF&P "Fantasy On The Bayou" writers conference and book signing.

Where: Marriott 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
When: March 2-4, 2012

Why you ask? Well, first it's because the New Orleans region doesn't get too many writers conferences coming into town. Normally we have Heather Graham's (which is wonderful by the way) for Labor Day weekend, and then the jubilee conference in Houma. Other than that, there is really nothing else that I know of. So, being a FF&P member,(no you don't need to be a member to come) I decided I would volunteer to help out. (that's what us southern girls do. lol) Well, somehow I'm now Co-Chair along with Staci McGlothlin who is amazing! And with the help of other FF&P members the moment has come. Woot! Can't wait!

And second, who doesn't want to come to New Oleans? This is the best place in the world to get inspired, eat the best food and the locals are just super friendly! Just don't stray into a dark alley with them...they might suck on your neck...

The conference starts off with workshops on Friday, a agent/editor panel Q&A and then for those who sign up a vampire/ghost tour. (I've been and loved it)

Saturday is filled with loads of things to do all included. Pitches/Workshops/Luncheon with keynote speaker, Karen Moning/Workshops/Dinner (cash bar not included) and then your on your own to party or write if you are inspired. (or just hand out with me) Sunday morning will be the book signing. Then back to the real world.

So if you want to join us, go sign up! There is still room available. www.fantasyonthebayou.blogspot.com

You never know. You might just meet your future agent or publisher!

Guest Blogging @ Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears today!

The NOT AN ANGEL book tour continues.

Today I'm over at Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears!

Stop by and say hello!