I’m getting so excited about this trip to Germany, it’s getting harder to sleep. Picked up the passport today. If you want me to send you a post card while I’m there, email me your snail mail addy to krichards at kim-richards dot com.
I know how to say, "Kiss me" in German. LOL!
Starting on Tuesday, I will turn my Live Journal into a Germany trip blog so check it out if you’re interested in pics and other impressions.
http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
People Watching
Yesterday we went to San Francisco to get my passport. It's hard to believe the Germany trip is in less than a week! Even though we showed up a half hour early for the appointment, we waited two hours beyond the appointment time. I took a book with me but spent most of the time there people watching or talking with William.
I love places like this from time to time. Airports, bus stations, medical clinics, government offices...all of them are rich with a diversity of people present at any given time. It's a great place to pick up character ideas.
Yesterday I saw a little Chinese boy all dressed in his coveralls and shirt. He had a baseball cap on and the hugest sunglasses for any three year old. Anytime an adult walked past, he beamed up at them with a wide, cheezy grin. Too bad most of them never saw him.
There was the young, bald man who yelled when he talked. Friendly enough but damn few people didn't know the details of his life by the time he left. I wondered if his hearing is damaged and that's why he was so oblivious to his loudness.
I watched a Hispanic father interact with his year old daughter. She stood with her feet in his lap and he held onto her hands. Everytime he sang to her, she danced all up and down his torso. It sounds weird on the screen but in person was very charming and sweet. I find myself wanting to describe her bubbly laughter and his soft singing voice.
See what I mean? This stuff is great. It's real life. You can't make these things up so why not borrow from the human race? I do.
I love places like this from time to time. Airports, bus stations, medical clinics, government offices...all of them are rich with a diversity of people present at any given time. It's a great place to pick up character ideas.
Yesterday I saw a little Chinese boy all dressed in his coveralls and shirt. He had a baseball cap on and the hugest sunglasses for any three year old. Anytime an adult walked past, he beamed up at them with a wide, cheezy grin. Too bad most of them never saw him.
There was the young, bald man who yelled when he talked. Friendly enough but damn few people didn't know the details of his life by the time he left. I wondered if his hearing is damaged and that's why he was so oblivious to his loudness.
I watched a Hispanic father interact with his year old daughter. She stood with her feet in his lap and he held onto her hands. Everytime he sang to her, she danced all up and down his torso. It sounds weird on the screen but in person was very charming and sweet. I find myself wanting to describe her bubbly laughter and his soft singing voice.
See what I mean? This stuff is great. It's real life. You can't make these things up so why not borrow from the human race? I do.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Busy-ness and blogging
I've been so busy all weekend. I haven't blogged here despite having logged in several times to do so. Nothing all that important comes to mind. I know if I sat here a few moments and sipped my chocolate/caramel flavored coffee, thoughts would come to mind. Good thoughts. I just don't have time to allow myself those moments. Not with this trip to Germany coming so fast.
How do you blog? Do you have something in mind when you sit down or do you mull things over as you type? I admit I tend to use LiveJournal for keeping up with friends/family and Myspace for book promotion and music. I like to post reviews on both those and here. This little space just hasn't found its niche I suppose. I'm sure, like my muse, it will come when it's good and ready.
How do you blog? Do you have something in mind when you sit down or do you mull things over as you type? I admit I tend to use LiveJournal for keeping up with friends/family and Myspace for book promotion and music. I like to post reviews on both those and here. This little space just hasn't found its niche I suppose. I'm sure, like my muse, it will come when it's good and ready.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Meet Jordan Dane
Jordan Dane Interview:
This afternoon, I have the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Dane, author of No One Heard Her Scream. Yesterday I posted a review of this really intriguing suspense-thriller. If you haven’t read it, take a moment to check it out.
Interested in free stuff? There’s several chances to win copies of Jordan Dane’s work. First is to leave a comment today on this blog. We’d especially love for you to post any questions you might have for Jordan. Anyone who comments will have their name put into a drawing for five B &N gift certificates of $20.00. Not too shabby, huh?
Be sure to drop in the Writer’s Chatroom on March 30th when Jordan will be the guest chatter for the evening. I hear there will be copies of No One Heard Her Scream given away during the chat.
Third, there’s the 3-Ways to Win ContestHarperCollins has graciously offered a wonderful incentive to promote the debut of No One Heard Her Scream, due for release on March 25th. By going to Jordan’s website contest page, you get an exclusive sneak peek inside the book-up to 20% of it. HarperCollins is giving you three different ways to win No One Heard Her Scream or other books from HarperCollins. Click on the links below for more details.http://www.jordandane.com/contest.php
http://tinyurl.com/28nd9x Browse Inside Link
You can also visit Jordan on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jordandanebooks
Now, how about a little bit about Jordan Dane? Here’s what her publisher has to say: ‘Ripped from the headlines, Jordan’s gritty suspense plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Each story is a thrilling ride of mystery and suspense—all in the first degree! She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the International Thriller Writers. Jordan and her husband share their Oklahoma residence with an intelligent canine and two cats of highborn lineage.’
Since 2003, Jordan has won 33 national writing competitions, one of them for her upcoming novel, No One Left to Tell.
Jordan has two upcoming novels, No One Left to Tell and No One Lives Forever. I see both these books are scheduled for publication from Harper Collins. Here’s the blurb for No One Left to Tell, which is currently available for preorder:
A Dark Message
The body of a brutally slain man is found on the holy grounds of a chapel, and a cryptic message pinned to his chest unravels the lives of people touched by a dark secret. Detective Raven Mackenzie and her partner uncover the dead man's connection to a powerful female crime boss, leading them to her mysterious head of security, Christian Delacorte, who soon becomes the prime suspect.
Triggers His Nightmares
Yet when Raven sifts through Christian's past, she discovers the man is plagued by deeply rooted nightmares—and a shadowy childhood tragedy linking him to the case. Convinced his past holds the key to finding the real killer, she defies her partner, following her gut instincts and trusting her undeniable bond with Christian.
And Arouses a Killer
But Raven shares her own date with destiny when she crosses paths with a heartless killer. And when he unleashes his rage, there will be no one left to tell.
Jordan, Thanks for coming by. I want to say I really enjoyed No One Heard Her Scream particularly because of such a strong female heroine. I definitely believe we need more stories like that. Please tell us about her and how much of you is in this character.
This afternoon, I have the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Dane, author of No One Heard Her Scream. Yesterday I posted a review of this really intriguing suspense-thriller. If you haven’t read it, take a moment to check it out.
Interested in free stuff? There’s several chances to win copies of Jordan Dane’s work. First is to leave a comment today on this blog. We’d especially love for you to post any questions you might have for Jordan. Anyone who comments will have their name put into a drawing for five B &N gift certificates of $20.00. Not too shabby, huh?
Be sure to drop in the Writer’s Chatroom on March 30th when Jordan will be the guest chatter for the evening. I hear there will be copies of No One Heard Her Scream given away during the chat.
Third, there’s the 3-Ways to Win ContestHarperCollins has graciously offered a wonderful incentive to promote the debut of No One Heard Her Scream, due for release on March 25th. By going to Jordan’s website contest page, you get an exclusive sneak peek inside the book-up to 20% of it. HarperCollins is giving you three different ways to win No One Heard Her Scream or other books from HarperCollins. Click on the links below for more details.http://www.jordandane.com/contest.php
http://tinyurl.com/28nd9x Browse Inside Link
You can also visit Jordan on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jordandanebooks
Now, how about a little bit about Jordan Dane? Here’s what her publisher has to say: ‘Ripped from the headlines, Jordan’s gritty suspense plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Each story is a thrilling ride of mystery and suspense—all in the first degree! She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the International Thriller Writers. Jordan and her husband share their Oklahoma residence with an intelligent canine and two cats of highborn lineage.’
Since 2003, Jordan has won 33 national writing competitions, one of them for her upcoming novel, No One Left to Tell.
Jordan has two upcoming novels, No One Left to Tell and No One Lives Forever. I see both these books are scheduled for publication from Harper Collins. Here’s the blurb for No One Left to Tell, which is currently available for preorder:
A Dark Message
The body of a brutally slain man is found on the holy grounds of a chapel, and a cryptic message pinned to his chest unravels the lives of people touched by a dark secret. Detective Raven Mackenzie and her partner uncover the dead man's connection to a powerful female crime boss, leading them to her mysterious head of security, Christian Delacorte, who soon becomes the prime suspect.
Triggers His Nightmares
Yet when Raven sifts through Christian's past, she discovers the man is plagued by deeply rooted nightmares—and a shadowy childhood tragedy linking him to the case. Convinced his past holds the key to finding the real killer, she defies her partner, following her gut instincts and trusting her undeniable bond with Christian.
And Arouses a Killer
But Raven shares her own date with destiny when she crosses paths with a heartless killer. And when he unleashes his rage, there will be no one left to tell.
Jordan, Thanks for coming by. I want to say I really enjoyed No One Heard Her Scream particularly because of such a strong female heroine. I definitely believe we need more stories like that. Please tell us about her and how much of you is in this character.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
No One Heard Her Scream
Today, I’m reviewing Jordan Dane’s thriller, No One Heard Her Scream. Check back tomorrow where I’ll be interviewing her. The Writer’s Chatroom is hosting a live “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!” on March 30th at The Writer’s Chatroom. Plan on stopping by to meet Jordan and you might win a copy of No One Heard Her Scream during the chat.
Jordan has added a contest to make things more interesting! If you have any questions for Jordan, just throw them in the comments today and tomorrow. Anyone leaving comments will have their names included in a drawing. Five winners from all the blogs on her Virtual Book Tour will win $20.00 B&N gift cards.
Now on to the review:
No One Heard Her Scream
by Jordan Dane
Avon Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780061252785
228 pages
Young girls are being abucted in San Antonio, Texas. One of them is the sister of SAPD officer, Becca Montgomery, who has become too intimate with the case. She is given an assignment where her emotional involvement cannot cloud her judgement.
The new case is an arson of a renovated historical building. A female skeleton is found bricked up inside one of the walls. Rebecca goes on the hunt to find out her identity and who bricked her up--still alive.
Upon discovering the girl's identity, Rebecca turns to pursuing the killer. Could it be one of the girl's brothers? How about the perverted rich man who previously owned the burned building and whose house the girl had visited? And then there's the rich man's two business associates, one of which is a sexy hunk Becca is attracted to.
This story is fast-paced and exciting. There's plenty of intrigue and twists to keep you reading throughout the night. It takes you into a world of decadence and depravity with human slavery at the center. You want those villains to get it in the end but there is a real possibility the good guys can lose. But do they? Read it and find out. Highly recommended.
Jordan has added a contest to make things more interesting! If you have any questions for Jordan, just throw them in the comments today and tomorrow. Anyone leaving comments will have their names included in a drawing. Five winners from all the blogs on her Virtual Book Tour will win $20.00 B&N gift cards.
Now on to the review:
No One Heard Her Scream
by Jordan Dane
Avon Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780061252785
228 pages
Young girls are being abucted in San Antonio, Texas. One of them is the sister of SAPD officer, Becca Montgomery, who has become too intimate with the case. She is given an assignment where her emotional involvement cannot cloud her judgement.
The new case is an arson of a renovated historical building. A female skeleton is found bricked up inside one of the walls. Rebecca goes on the hunt to find out her identity and who bricked her up--still alive.
Upon discovering the girl's identity, Rebecca turns to pursuing the killer. Could it be one of the girl's brothers? How about the perverted rich man who previously owned the burned building and whose house the girl had visited? And then there's the rich man's two business associates, one of which is a sexy hunk Becca is attracted to.
This story is fast-paced and exciting. There's plenty of intrigue and twists to keep you reading throughout the night. It takes you into a world of decadence and depravity with human slavery at the center. You want those villains to get it in the end but there is a real possibility the good guys can lose. But do they? Read it and find out. Highly recommended.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ginger's Blog Fest
I'm a very belated guest blogger at Ginger Simpson's blog.
Check it out: http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Check it out: http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Eppie Win
The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction as won an Eppie Award!!
This is awesome news. Check out the link:
http://www.epicauthors.com/eppiewinners2008.html
This is awesome news. Check out the link:
http://www.epicauthors.com/eppiewinners2008.html
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I'm so excited about this that I don't even care if I cross-posted it.
Yep, The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction is a Book of the Year finalist. I've got two chapters in this baby so the news makes me rather proud.
http://www.forewordmagazine.com/botya/search2k7.aspx?srchtype=publisher&srchval=dragon moon press
If you happen to be at Sebastacon this weekend, come by my table and say Hi. I'll be there selling books and helping promote Amtgard
Yep, The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction is a Book of the Year finalist. I've got two chapters in this baby so the news makes me rather proud.
http://www.forewordmagazine.com/botya/search2k7.aspx?srchtype=publisher&srchval=dragon moon press
If you happen to be at Sebastacon this weekend, come by my table and say Hi. I'll be there selling books and helping promote Amtgard
Monday, March 3, 2008
Writing foo
The weekend was okay. The best part of the trip was reading and getting to see William's family.
I'm still struggling with that chapter piece from last Thursday. However, last night's online critique group really gave me some ideas for getting the point of view back on track. I seriously need to work on the synopsis for them. The story is done; it was my nanowrimo. Now I'm fleshing out and fixing problems. I'm more excited about this story than ever. It's a good tale.
I'm still struggling with that chapter piece from last Thursday. However, last night's online critique group really gave me some ideas for getting the point of view back on track. I seriously need to work on the synopsis for them. The story is done; it was my nanowrimo. Now I'm fleshing out and fixing problems. I'm more excited about this story than ever. It's a good tale.
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