Kim Richards

Writer's Resources

2010-05-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today's writers have access to so many resources their predecessors never had. In part due to the internet, we can look up how to do just about anything. Research is a snap with online search tools. There are programs to help us brainstorm and organize. Podcasts, videos and webinars give us direct ways to learn how to do everything from being creative to creating our own websites. They're often vital things today's writer needs to learn, especially with marketing and creating a brand for oneself. The computer alone, makes revision and editing turn around times very quick.

There's a downside to all these wonderful elements we need to be cautious of. It's easy to rely on the technology too much and grow lazy. We've all been there: squeezed for time and so run a spell check, then send the story off instead of reading it through. Then we find those embarrassing typos not caught by the program because the spelling passed through due to the misspelling being one of an actual word, or the right spelling except it's for a different meaning.

It's also easy to rely on research found online but skip checking the credibility of the information. With the internet so open to anyone, along with the freedom to express our interests, it comes with the freedom to post heresay. Opinions are fine but not a good thing to base a crucial story point on. Just because it's in print or on the web, doesn't mean it's true.

There is one invaluable thing today's technology gives us. The ability to reach out to other writers. Through online chats like The Writer's Chatroom and conferences like The Muse Online Writing Conference or CoyoteCon we can share experiences, learn the ins and outs of publishing, share those research resources we did find valuable, tell one another about new markets we've discovered. More than anything else, we get the opportunity to spend a little time talking with other people who understand this craziness of writing. The best support you'll ever get is from other writers because they know why you write. They get what it's all about.

One tip I'd like to suggest. Always, always use your full name when you post on chats. The same thing goes for usernames on forums. You're building up a reputation online as you go. Why make it that much harder for people to recognize it's you when they see a promotion for your book? Tell them who you are with your email addy, your username, your login every time you meet them. In the long run it will benefit you.

I have to thank Audrey from Writer's Chatroom for teaching me that advice. I've always been glad she did.

My nightmare blog post

2010-04-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I have the honor of guest blogging at Oh Get a Grip. The theme for this week is nighmares. Check it out. http://ohgetagrip.blogspot.com/2010/04/fascination-and-terror.html

My books are in a holiday catalog

2009-12-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

GET A FREE GIFT WHEN YOU VISIT SPIRIT OF THE SEASON CATALOG – UNIQUE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: For the first time ever, this online catalog offers a life-enriching shopping experience and features bestselling books, unusual and personally empowering, self enriching products and services in a varied collection from amazing authors, coaches, gurus and mentors.
Give gifts of empowerment from the Spirit of the Season Catalog in the following categories: wealth building, health and energy healing, Law of Attraction workshops, intuitive healing, CD programs, inspirational, motivational, transformational, seasonal, art, self-help, all genres of fiction and a variety of non-fiction to empowering products that will light anyone’s life. Check it out at www.spiritoftheseasoncatalog.com or http://tinyurl.com/yeja516.

Why am I promoting this catalog? Because I have books in it and also found some interesting items in there. Check it out!

I'm interviewed at The Graveyard Show

2009-11-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Damnation Books CEO, Kim Richards (that's me!) is interviewed at the Graveyard Show podcast. 9:30 p.m. PST 11/05/09 www.graveyardshow.com If you miss it, you can listen from the archives.

Inspire Me

2009-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce today's guest blogger. Meet Lily. Her book, Eden Fell, is available from Damnation Books. Welcome Lily! The floor is yours.

I always have the most difficult time giving a short enough answer for where the inspiration for a story came from. Sometimes I'll know and sometimes I don't have a clue. So I always answer with a shrug, everything. Live, death and everything between. Eden Fell is one story where I happen to know where most of it came from: Life.

Back in 1998, my work life was hectic. I was holding down two part-time graphic design jobs and although I was only twenty at the time, I was heading for a burnout. So one night, as I was getting home form work, I decided to first stop by a diner that was located around the corner from my apartment. I so did not feel like cooking that night. When I walked in, I was bleary and exhausted and not paying attention at all.

But I heard the loud gasp as soon as I walked through the door.

“Oh! Is it really you?”

I looked around, checking to see if this middle-aged woman with gray hair styled into sausage curls was talking to me and not someone else. She was talking to me. I scrambled in my mind, trying to come up with an appropriate response as fast as I could. I came up with, “What?”

She frowned, soft and disappointed. “Oh, maybe it's not you.” She looked away and waved a hand as she continued. “You look just like that girl. She was missing for awhile...”

Blink blink.

“Well,” I said carefully, “that's not me.” Backing away now...

“Are you sure?” she called out after me.

“Yeah, um, I'm sure. I'm okay.”

She smiled like a grandmother would, greeting her grandchildren with freshly baked cookies. “Okay, then,” she relented with a slow nod.

Now, I was so tired and oblivious that it wasn't until I got back to my apartment with my hot chicken dinner that I began processing the event. I thought to myself... what the hell was that?!

I still don't have an explanation. It just happened. All kinds of strangers will come right up to me and tell me the darnest things for no... apparent... reason. I take it all in stride for the most part. Though sometimes I will be looking around frantically for the nearest exit.

Later that year, my boyfriend and I were invited to a small birthday party which was taking place a block from that same apartment. I suppose he was behaving like a stereotypical, insecure male, but needless to say, I wasn't impressed with the way he was shamelessly trying to upstage everyone that night. I made up an excuse to leave early. I don't even remember what the excuse was. It was either that or crawl under the table and die of embarrassment.

On our way back to my apartment, I stayed quiet while he rambled arrogantly about what he thought all those people were all about. He went on to say they were fake and pretentious. That's when I piped up. I just had to say something. I couldn't stand it anymore.

“You know what?” I told him. “All those people might be that and more. But I felt really alone tonight and I got no help from you.”

Then it was his turn to be very, very quiet. So glad that relationship ended.

I based certain scenes and characters in Eden Fell on those two incidents. The Ski Jacket Lady and Eden's meltdown after a party. (Shh, don't tell my ex). So when people ask me where my inspiration comes from, I end up giving a short answer and say everything. Life, death and everything between. I never need to look far inspiration. It's life and it's all around us anywhere we go. And that's where my inspiration comes from.

Creatively yours,
Lily

Check out Lily's Blog at http://lilyauthor.blogspot.com/

The Zombie Cookbook

2009-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today I’m part of The Zombie Cookbook virtual blog invasion...er…tour. Let me ‘splain.

The Zombie Cookbook is an anthology of stories, poetry, recipes and art with a similar theme: cooking zombies or cooking with zombies. As half of Damnation Books, the publisher of TZC, this anthology was my pet project. It’s been the most fun project I’ve ever done. Naturally I’m proud and embarrassed at the same time. LOL! Embarrassing? Yeah. You try explaining to your mother and your neighbors why you’re excited about a bunch of fictional undead.

As I mentioned, there are recipes inside this anthology. I don’t know that anyone would actually want to consume the dishes. But they’re definitely useful for the zombie in your life. The last story of the anthology contains a zombie drink recipe. Well, in keeping with the theme, I figured I’d give the living among us a couple of drink recipes that you can consume. Here they are:

The Brain
1 1/2 oz peach schnapps
1 1/2 oz Bailey's® Irish cream
1 dash grenadine syrup

Pour peach schnapps into a highball glass. Add Irish cream to the center. It will look more like a brain if you use a pour spout to add the Irish Cream because you can move it around to make brain matter squiggles as you pour. Top with grenadine, and serve. Be sure to use a clear glass for the full effect.

How about a Zombie?
Go to this link for the recipe. The reason I’m sending you there because they also have a video on how to make a flaming zombie. http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink717.html

Check out The Zombie Cookbook’s website at www.zombiecookbook.net You’ll see the rest of the tour stops, story synopses, interviews, a video trailer, and links to the metal band called The Zombie Cookbook. Did I mention these guys wrote the intro to The Zombie Cookbook? They do indeed rock!

Damnation Books' Grand opening!

2009-08-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited. At Midnight tonight, Pacific time, our new publishing house goes live. William built the webpage and I did the book side of things. It's been hard, fun work and worth every minute spent on it, every penny. I wish I could say we should've done this sooner but the timing was right for everything.

I'd like to personally invite you to check us out. We're trying a pricing model called Variable Pricing. It's not new--some music sites use it--but I believe we are the first to apply it to books. It means the earlier you shop, the more you save.

End of shameless self-promotion...I do want to know what you think of Damnation Books. A lot of people have called us ambitious. I suppose they're right. I forget who said, "when you dream, dream big." At this point, I agree.

How about a free book?

2009-08-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Just three weeks until we launch Damnation Books.
Want a free book? Join our reader's list for the promotion code DamnationBooks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Win an ebook reader!

2009-08-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

From now through the 28th, I'm participating in an online scavenger hunt. The winner gets an ebook reader! Go here for the details: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/promo.htm

The art of Daniele Serra

2009-07-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

Illusions by Daniele Serra

My rating: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/63442962">5 of 5 stars
Daniele Serra is an incredible artist. Illusions is a collection of his work. It's dark and extremely beautiful. Dani has a knack for detail up close, yet when you pull back and look at the image from a distance the shadows have their own shape and story to tell. He does incredible artwork!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/784739-kim">View all my reviews >>

Dani also did six covers for us at Damnation Books.

Catherine Asaro at Writer' Chat tonight.

2009-07-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

7-9PM EST tonight - moderated chat with Nebula award winner, Catherine Asaro and lyricist Donald Wolcott at http://writerschatroom.com No password needed. I'm moderating. Nine prizes and some great music. Come join us!!

2009-06-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

My SF column at MyShelf is up: http://ping.fm/jbUQu

2009-06-17T13:59:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/M1lMt Blogging on being professional.

2009-06-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

Zombie hand mushroom http://ping.fm/s1dZt

2009-06-16T06:47:00.001-07:00

Trying out Ping. I feel organized, yet impersonal. Not sure I like this yet.

Setting & Description workshop

2009-06-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

June 14 - 20 - Setting & Description Workshop

Registration Fee: $35.00/ $25.00 for WRDF Members

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Description and setting are elements which can enhance or destroy your story. They are particularly effective when used together. In this workshop we’ll be exploring: setting and credibility; the pros and cons of write what you know and, “Show, don’t tell.”; How much is enough?; description and viewpoint.; and the story mood.

Registration fees can be paid through PayPal. (Be sure to stipulate which workshop you're registering for). Classes will be held via email.

Our contact email is: thetippingpoint@lyndacoker.com
Where: http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/THETIPPINGPOINTWORKSHOPS
Don't let the url scare you--this is not aimed only at romance writers.

First ebooks and now digital!

2009-06-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

A lot of readers and writers are waiting for the smoke to clear on the battlefronts of ebook reader affordability and cross-reader format compatability. Whether it's a stall tactic to jump on the ebook trail or real market place concerns, sales of both readers and ebooks are expected to soar higher than ever once those issues work themselves out. Ebook sales are already climbing as print sales drop.

Now it seems the war for the eyes of story lovers has expanded to the digital market place as well. Today's article in the Publishing Perspectives reviews and compares the new Palm competiton to Apple's iphone. http://publishingperspectives.com/?p=1188
Just this week the latest iphone was released and the price of the former best phone dropped to $99.00. Hey, that's getting affordable quick.

So, what's this phone business got to do with reading? Just that digital books are already available for purchase and viewing on iphones, Smartphones, Blackberries and now the Palm. I hear the paper traditionalists groaning already. All this technology is exciting but it in no way expects anyone to give up their paperbacks or hardcovers. Instead it is offering reading to younger generations. It's taking books to where the readers are and THAT's exciting news!

We're in the throes of reading evolution. Digital is new and fresh. How often have concerns been voiced over the lack of youth reading? They are...in their own way, on their own terms. It may not be your preferred way of devouring those books but I say, "Let them read!"

#1 mistake writers make during submissions

2009-06-03T14:54:00.001-07:00

http://writebrigade.blogspot.com/2009/06/number-one-submissions.html
Today's my turn to blog at The Write Brigade. I'm talking about the number one mistake writers make when submitting a story.

Workshops and the new company

2009-05-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

My worldbuilding workshop at The Tipping Point started today. I enjoy giving the workshops as much as I do taking them. Seems like I always come away with something new too.

For Damnation Books, I sent the artist contracts yesterday and today. And we're signed up to do kindle formats. Want to know a secret? We're looking to get into digital comics as well. Kind of cool idea if I do say so myself.

Meet Poet, C.E.Chaffin

2009-05-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'm always a sucker for good poetry. Have been most of my life, so when C.E. Chaffin asked me to be part of his virtual blog tour, I said, "Heck yeah!"

C. E. Chaffin is a well-known poet, especially on the net, who has been publishing for 40 years. His new book, his first since 1997, includes a section of over 20 love poems, based on the miracle of his falling in love at 45. He's been in love ever since—almost ten years!

Why did you call your book “Unexpected Light?”

In a fallen world where we're often surrounded by darkness, as if in answer to prayer unexpected light often leaks through just at the moment when we fear we can no longer go on. It can be sunlight on a leaf or a late phone call from an old friend, but that's how most light comes in my life.

Furthermore the actual title is mentioned in the last line of the poem, “Prayer to la Virgen,” detailing how Christ was lucky enough to receive a donated grave. But more so, when I fell in love at 45 for the first time (and it has continued ever since), I was shocked out of my mind. It was truly unexpected light! A whole lighthouse worth of it.

Trained as a medical doctor, I had always been rational about love, thinking (in C. S. Lewis's words) that love should be the result of, not the reason for marriage. All that changed when I met Kathleen. And right after I met her my second wife e-mailed me that she was leaving—such synchronicity!--leaving me a perfect opportunity to experience romantic love for the first time, a gift I wish for everyone. And true love is not just infatuation but an abiding love, a love that puts on overalls and boots in the service of the beloved.

How did you come to write “Unexpected Light?”

I've been publishing poetry for 40 years, and this is my second book. My first was published in 1997. This book was 12 years in the making. It deals with many themes, including the usual four in poetry: God, Death, Nature and Love. The last section of the book, in fact, is devoted to love poems. And that was a main impetus for the book. I had compiled a manuscript entirely of love poems but no publisher showed interest, so I limited the love poems to my very best 20 or so and added poems on other themes, and voila! I had a publisher go all the way for me, including royalties—for poetry, imagine!

Who are your major poetic influences?

T. S. Eliot, Robinson Jeffers, Robert Frost, Theodore Roethke, Mark Strand and Pablo Neruda, to name a few. None of these except Neruda is truly a love poet, and he has been the most influential on my romantic poetry. One of the poems in the volume is entitled, “To Kathleen, after Neruda,” for instance. As for poets in English, I like John Donne's love poems bests, though they are so intellectually dense one must assume the object of his love was some kind of a genius to consistently unravel his metaphysics.

Does poetry have a chance in this day and age?

Yes, for man does not live by bread alone, but by every word... There may be a smaller audience for poetry today, given the competition, and more poets publishing than ever. The Net has caused a proliferation of literary journals that is more democratic and participatory. There are probably more serious poets writing than ever before. And poetry is the miner's canary of the culture, in my opinion. It records the travails of the time and tries to connect them with eternity and history. Love is one of the four enduring themes of poetry and one of the most difficult topics to undertake.

Where can we get a copy of “Unexpected Light?”

It's available through Amazon.com and all the usual suspects and any bookstore will order it for you. Best to order it directly from the publisher. There's a page on my website where you can do that: http://cechaffin.com/light.html

It comes in hardback for just $20 and paperback for $12. I wish I could give it away but I can't afford it. Seven reviews have already been published, and I can say without embarrassment that they have all been glowing.If you join the facebook group, “Unexpected Light,” you will automatically be updated regarding readings and new reviews.

Here's a short excerpt from one of the love poems, “Valentine 2008,” where the speaker imagines his love as a waterfall:

Inside the moss-lipped haven of your granite

I hide behind your thundering skirt of water.

Your clarity dissolves all self-deception.

I would not recognize myself without you.

The shelter of trees is never so generous

As your pouring and thinning of yourself

Into the forest air. I kneel and drink

And like the alder rise up satisfied.

I'm one of five authors chatting live tonight.

2009-05-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

9:00 p.m. EST Join me in a mystery/Suspense Chat at CTR. There will be five of us chatting and givng away stuff.
http://coffeetimeromance.com/chat.html

Interviewing Ann Wilkes

2009-05-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

My next column for My Shelf is live now. This time I'm interviewing CA science fiction author, Ann Wilkes.

http://myshelf.com/beyondthewords/column.htm

An update on Damnation Books

2009-05-02T11:58:00.001-07:00

Sent out eleven acceptances for Damnation Books yesterday. We've got a couple more anticipated which means we're almost at the half way mark for the September launch.We've got some really interesting stories. For example, one of the novels I couldn't put down until I read the entire thing. Nice huh?

I spent most of the day on Thursday sending rejections. Talk about not fun. We need more erotica in dark settings though.

New writer's blog

2009-05-01T09:43:00.001-07:00

The Charge of the Write Brigade launched today. Nine genre authors taking on the writing world. I'm one of them (though I don't post until Wednesday). Gotta tell you about it now though. http://writebrigade.blogspot.com/

Interview at Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine

2009-04-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

Things have been SO busy with the April releases from Eternal Press, edits for the paranormal guide, my own writing, and more work for Damnation Books (we now have three editors and several artists on board). It's an exciting time for me.

I'm interviewed in the new issue of Dark Gothic Magazine. It just came out today. http://bloodtouch.webs.com/darkgothicmagazine.htm

Also, my erotica, Paper Chains (by me as Sharie Silva) is now in a print version too. I should have a link up on my Sharie Silva webpage later today. www.shariesilva.com

Geez, and I thought the SyFy thing was bad...what about internet free Wednesdays!

2009-04-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

This article came from the NM Book Coop (apparently originally from Book Awareness http://www.shelf-awareness.com/index.html )

Administration to Bail Out Book Biz

As the latest part of its effort to stabilize key sectors of the faltering U.S. economy, the Treasury Department this week is bailing out the book industry. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced a series of far-reaching measures in a surprise press conference late last night.
Among other measures, the government is making significant cash infusions into Borders Group, Baker & Taylor, a range of independent bookstores and selected publishers and taking ownership positions in the affected companies.

Another key element of the effort is "the toxic asset dispersal program," which has both bookselling and publishing components. On the bookselling level, the program aims to deal primarily with piles of unsold books, whose sales the government will guarantee in an effort to keep them from being returned to publishers--and thus causing "catastrophic" backward bottlenecks in the supply chain and collapse of publishers' and wholesalers' balance sheets.
At the same time, the government aims to defuse publishers' main toxic assets by covering all advances over $1 million on yet-to-be-published books. It is, however, planning to seek reimbursement of many recent "questionable" advances, among them, former President George W. Bush's $7 million, Audrey Niffenegger's $5 million and US Airways Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's estimated $2.5 million-$3 million. By demanding the voluntary return of most of those advances, the Obama Administration also hopes to fend off bills introduced in the House and Senate to tax such advances at a rate of 90%.

Geithner noted that it is not just book industry employees who might be affected were the book industry allowed to fail. The professional lives of loggers, printers, shippers, truckers, UPS and FedEx drivers, creative writing teachers, book bloggers and used booksellers are also imperiled. Many millions of ordinary Americans who list their titles on Amazon and other Internet services are at risk. Members of the publishing industry itself would lose the extra cash they earn at the Strand and by selling online.

Reaction has been varied.

William Ackman, head of the hedge fund that is Borders's largest shareholder, has offered to take a 10% discount from the $30 million retention bonus he has demanded for his firm. "I'm taking this gracious step in the spirit of cooperation, the spirit of everyone being in this together," he said. "My generous offer to lower the payment is a sign, too, that we value this industry as deeply as any of the others we target. Who else cares enough to make the tough choices about which costs to cut and which people to fire?"

Len Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, noted that he had contributed millions of dollars to the Democratic Party over the years, and was seeking a contribution return bailout, considering that his major competitors are now receiving government assistance.

Representatives of Castle Harlan, which owns Baker & Taylor, had no public comment, but sources close to the private equity fund said that it is investigating whether in this era of contracts that are no longer ironclad, it might be able to reverse its 2006 purchase of the wholesaler from Willis Stein & Partners.

Among programs that will be put into effect by American Borders and Baker, Taylor & Geithner and the other federal-private enterprise book partnerships:
An effort to encourage retailers to remainder in place, which is being branded "Books: RIP." A stimulus element called Barack Book Bucks, consisting of electronic cards and coupons redeemable only at bookstores that will be distributed on Facebook, Twitter and Amazon, at Starbucks outlets, Apple and AT&T stores, movie theaters, shopping centers and warehouse clubs. "We're going where the people are," a Treasury Department spokesperson said. A special 50% "buy local tax"--a federal levy--on all online book sales. Internet-free Wednesdays, during which the government will shut down the Internet in an attempt simultaneously to boost reading, sales at bricks-and-mortar stores, social interaction and productivity in the American workplace. At a press conference this morning, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said that while the federal government has a reluctance about owning banks and auto manufacturers, book-related ventures are a different matter. "I love books," he said. "I can't wait to visit the facilities, find a couple good titles and curl up in the corner for a nice afternoon's read. Isn't that what booksellers do?"

Geithner's enthusiasm for the book business is shared by President Obama. A red-hot author, the "book dude-in-chief" is doing his part to help the industry bailout effort by writing several new books that will appear this fall. This reverses a decision he made earlier in the year not to write any more books until after his third or fourth "economic emergency" term.
In a similar vein, the State Department is working with the U.K. Home Secretary to persuade through magic or trickery J.K. Rowling to continue the Harry Potter series as soon as superhumanly possible.

Likewise, reacting to requests by German authorities, who are concerned about the longterm viability of Bertelsmann/Random House, U.S. officials are crafting a program with the code name Novus Opus Dei that aims to get Dan Brown to finish his next book, which has repeatedly been postponed. If the MS does not arrive by specified dates, an escalating series of "persuasions" will be used for the author of The Da Vinci Code, such as requiring him to wear a hairshirt, having an editor go over his book before publication and deportation to Vatican City.

Also President Obama, an avid reader, is launching a book club with Oprah Winfrey. Called the Double O Book Club, the joint venture will feature titles from "distressed" publishers and be tweeted from the White House.--by John Mutter, Shelf Awareness

My BIG announcement

2009-03-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have opened a new ebook company called Damnation Books. We launch in September 2009 with twenty-five titles and are open for submissions now. You can see the guidelines at http://www.damnationbooks.com/

Damnation books wants dark fiction. Horror, dark fantasy, thrillers, paranormals, science fiction and erotica (in horror, dark fantasy, paranormal and science fiction settings). We want stort stories, novellas and novel length works.

Please check us out. If you're at KillerCon in September, we plan to host a launch party at the convention.

Just two weeks until my first workshop--on Celtic Magic

2009-03-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

There's still room. The class is based upon the research I did for a chapter in an upcoming book on writing fantasy magic. My chapter is about--Celtic magic. I will share it with my students. I learned a lot I'd like to pass on to you.

April 12 - 18 Class # 1 - Celtic Magic Workshop
Registration Fee: $35.00Registration Fee for WRDF Members: $25.00

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Every writer wants to ‘get it right’ with respect to cultures and background. Weaving Authentic Celtic Magic is an academic view of the Celtic culture, with respect to its practical applications of magic in Celtic life. We’ll be touching on basics for magic in any story; power words, names and songs; spells, runes, tattooing and numerology; and the deities with the colors and symbols related to them plus their realms of influence.
SEATING IS LIMITED FOR ALL CLASSES. REGISTER EARLY. The class will be presented via an email group.
http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/THETIPPINGPOINTWORKSHOPS

I'm editing my brains out.

2009-03-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

The guide for writing paranormals is going well. Tina and I are working through the first round edits. Once we're done with that I'll be putting out the call for submissions for a similar guide on writing horror.

Sephera Giron is guest author tonight at Writer's Chatroom. I'm moderating.

2009-03-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Sephera Giron is an erotic horror author responsible for unleashing many published books into the world!

Sephera is now donning a new hat as the author of 12 erotic romance novels based on the signs of the zodiac and set to be released once a month from http://www.Ravenousromance.com These are e-books and very reasonably priced. They are also available as mp3s that you can download onto an ipod to listen to in the car or at the gym.

Sephera also edited the SEXSTROLOGY ANTHOLOGY which are erotic romance stories written by a variety of authors including Yvonne Navarro, Lisa Mannetti, Monica J. O'Rourke, Sandra Kasturi, Michael Colangelo and others.

HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY from Neon Books is the story of a young wench, Hester, who dreams of running away with the gypsies

The Kama Sutra Seductions Deck is out at a book store near you.

MISTRESS OF THE DARK from Leisure Books is the diary of a bisexual serial killer who works as a waitress in New York City and is obsessed with Johnny Depp.

BORROWED FLESH from Leisure Books is about an aging witch who slaughters virgins to keep her youthful looks.Other books include HOUSE OF PAIN, HOUSE MAGIC: THE GOOD WITCH'S GUIDE TO BRINGING GRACE TO YOUR SPACE and ETERNAL SUNSET.Sephera lives by the lake near Toronto.

WHEN?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Eastern USA Time.....7 PM
Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com
WHERE?
The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm
Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.
Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

We lost "Doc"

2009-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

I’m saddened to hear of Keith "Doc" Herber's passing. I know it was sudden but nothing further.
Many of you know his works from the gaming, horror and Cthulhu communities.

I first met him through Dark Tales. He's one of those awesome folks who was kind to a newbie writer full of stupid questions.

Thanks to Sephera Giron for telling me.

Death Masks in print

2009-03-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Death Masks is now available in a paperback version. There's a click link to Amazon on the right here. I'm thrilled.

EPICon

2009-03-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back from EPICon and, admittedly, a bit disappointed that Death Masks didn't win an EPPIE. I've yet to recieve a bad review on it. But that is life. This is the book an agent laid out for me why she couldn't sell it so I came home and reworked it. It's also the one I wrote as horror; it got released as thriller. Many people claimed it's a thriller because it's about a serial murderer and there's no supernatural element in it. However the reviewers have for the most part called it horror. Sigh. I still have hope for the book's recognition in the Dream Realm Awards. It's been submitted. We'll see.

Because I was at EPICon, also representing Eternal Press, I was only able to sit in on two workshops. Both were great. I will definitely be restructuring this blog based on some of that advice.

The weekend was fun. I put faces to some internet names and everyone was kind to me. I got my first try at gambling. Eh, I would have rather spent the money on books. ;)

If you write and you've never been to a conference, I highly recommend that you do. I always come home inspired to write.

I'm teaching workshops at The Tipping Point

2009-03-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

Here's what I have to offer. There will be another on on writing paranormal stories added later.
April 12 - 18 Class # 1 - Celtic Magic Workshop (20 seats available)
Aug. 16 - 26 Class # 2 - Celtic Magic Workshop (20 seats available)
Registration Fee: $35.00
Registration Fee for WRDF Members: $25.00
Instructor: Kim Richards lives and writes in Northern California. She attributes her success to two mentors she met online and a myriad of writers willing to share their advice over the years. Now it's Kim's turn to pay it forward. She has chapters in several how-to guides from Dragon Moon Press: The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction, The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy and an upcoming guide on writing fantasy magic. She is co-editing a similar guide about writing paranormals. Additionally, she has taught workshops at The Muse online for two years and at the recent, Catholic Writer's Workshop online. She also works as the marketing manager for Eternal Press, writes a science fiction column for My Shelf online and is on staff at The Writer's Chatroom. Her website is at www.kim-richards.com

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Every writer wants to ‘get it right’ with respect to cultures and background. Weaving Authentic Celtic Magic is an academic view of the Celtic culture, with respect to its practical applications of magic in Celtic life. We’ll be touching on basics for magic in any story; power words, names and songs; spells, runes, tattooing and numerology; and the deities with the colors and symbols related to them plus their realms of influence.

May 17 - 23 Class # 1 - World Building (scifi/fantasy) Workshop (20 seats available)
Sep. 13 - 19 Class # 2 - World Building (scifi/fantasy) Workshop (20 seats available)
Registration Fee: $35.00
Registration Fee: for WRDF Members: $25.00
Instructor: Kim Richards lives and writes in Northern California. She attributes her success to two mentors she met online and a myriad of writers willing to share their advice over the years. Now it's Kim's turn to pay it forward. She has chapters in several how-to guides from Dragon Moon Press: The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction, The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy and an upcoming guide on writing fantasy magic. She is co-editing a similar guide about writing paranormals. Additionally, she has taught workshops at The Muse online for two years and at the recent, Catholic Writer's Workshop online. She also works as the marketing manager for Eternal Press, writes a science fiction column for My Shelf online and is on staff at The Writer's Chatroom. Her website is at www.kim-richards.com

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Based off of her chapter in The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction, Kim Richards discusses the building blocks of creating worlds for science fiction and fantasy. Aspects of the workshop include: Why we need to world build? Where and how to get started. Research, organization and motivation, along with names, how to handle technology and the process of world building.

June 14 - 20 Class # 1 - Setting & Description Workshop (20 seats available)
Oct 11 - 17 Class # 2 - Setting & Description Workshop (20 seats available)
Registration Fee: $35.00
Registration Fee: for WRDF Members: $25.00
Instructor: Kim Richards lives and writes in Northern California. She attributes her success to two mentors she met online and a myriad of writers willing to share their advice over the years. Now it's Kim's turn to pay it forward. She has chapters in several how-to guides from Dragon Moon Press: The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction, The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy and an upcoming guide on writing fantasy magic. She is co-editing a similar guide about writing paranormals. Additionally, she has taught workshops at The Muse online for two years and at the recent, Catholic Writer's Workshop online. She also works as the marketing manager for Eternal Press, writes a science fiction column for My Shelf online and is on staff at The Writer's Chatroom. Her website is at www.kim-richards.com

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Description and setting are elements which can enhance or destroy your story. They are particularly effective when used together. In this workshop we’ll be exploring: setting and credibility; the pros and cons of write what you know and, “Show, don’t tell.”; How much is enough?; description and viewpoint.; and the story mood.

Registration fees can be paid through PayPal. (Be sure to stipulate which workshop you're registering for). You may also pay by personal check. Checks will take ten days to clear. If using this method, allow for the extra time. SEATING IS LIMITED FOR ALL CLASSES. REGISTER EARLY.
Our contact email is: thetippingpoint@lyndacoker.comWhere: http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/THETIPPINGPOINTWORKSHOPS

EPICon, Death Masks and Twitter

2009-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

I'm all ready for EPICon. Wish me luck that Death Masks wins. I'd love to sell a few copies. It's not out in print yet (any day now) but I do have some on CD for the con signing.

Have you bought your copy yet? I'll make it easy for you: here's the link to the book's page at Eternal Press http://www.eternalpress.ca/deathmasksnew.html

Hey, while your at it, Twitter me!! http://twitter.com/Kim_Richards

Questions for paranormal authors

2009-02-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hey all,
I'm working on a project and want to pick your brains about marketing your paranormal books.
Please respond to me privately.
I'd like to know:

1) how do you promote your paranormal books
2) do you do anything differently than any other books you have
3) what special problems do paranormals have
4) what has worked the best for you
5) what's the worst disaster you've had marketing paranormals
6) what's the difference in marketing short works or long works as far as promotions.

Please add any comments you might have. I'm planning to talk abit about marketing online and branding your name also.

Thanks
Kim Richards
krichards at kim-richards dot com

www.kim-richards.com

Seven authors chatting at The Writer's Chatroom

2009-02-15T14:42:00.001-08:00

Today I get the pleasure of moderating seven authors of The Book View Cafe at The Writer's Chatroom. They are: Sarah Zettel, Brenda Clough, Nancy Jane Moore, Laura Anne Gilman, Pati Nagle, Sue Lange and Maya Bohnjoff.

I hope you'll come by. Each one has donated a book to give away and it looks to be incredibly interesting.
www.writerschatroom.com
at 7:00 p.m. EST

I interviewed John Rosenman

2009-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

I have a very nice interview with John B. Rosenman, author of Here Be Dragons, up at the Eternal Press author's blog.
http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/2009/02/interview-with-john-b-rosenman.html

My new Science Fiction and Fantasy Column at MyShelf

2009-02-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

My introductory column for MyShelf is live now. Here's the link if you want to check it out.http://myshelf.com/beyondthewords/column.htm

How would you like to win 12 free books?

2009-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Death Masks is with the publisher, Eternal Press. Yes, I also work for them as marketing manager but my book came out before I took the position.

Anyway, EP is having a really nice contest through February where the prize is a free Eternal Press book every month for a year.How cool is that?The details for how to enter are in the February issue of Eternal Press newsletter. It's about to go out today but I plan to include anyone who signs up throughout the month in recieving the February issue.

Here's how to subscribe: send an email to eternalpresspromotions@gmail.com and put 'newsletter' in the subject line. That's it!

Review: Pane of Death by Sarah Atwell

2009-02-04T14:48:00.001-08:00

Check out my review of Pane of Death by Sarah Atwell. It's over at the Writer's Chatroom blog:
http://twcreviews.blogspot.com/2009/02/review-pane-of-death-by-sarah-atwell.html

I'm presenting a workshop in February

2009-01-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Catholic Writer’s Conference Online http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/
February 2-9 2009
All online and all free.

I will be presenting a workshop on description and setting. You don’t have to be Catholic to come or participate. I’m not. I’m Methodist. Just look over the list of workshops and chats offered on the website and you’ll see there’s some great subjects being offered that any writer could benefit from.

Book Review: The Ramblin' Man

2009-01-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

I've posted my review of Michael Murphy's, Ramblin' Man over at The Writer's Chatroom review blog. Here's the link, in case you're interested: http://twcreviews.blogspot.com/

I won the book at the half time drawing when Michael was the guest author at The Writer's Chatroom. It was fun because he came to the second half of the chat as Bart, his protagonist.

Where did December go?

2009-01-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Wow, the time has gotten away from me. December flew by with good things and bad. I spent the holidays with my new husband's family, unfortunately due to the sudden death of one of them. It was a very interesting way to meet them. They held a Christmas party for the wake.

On the up side. I'm now the scifi columnist for My Shelf. I'm thrilled. Now if I can just get myself adjusted to this new version of Word and stop being frustrated by vista. Yep. I have a new computer too. The screen is HUGE, which I love, and the whole machine takes up half the space of my old one. Yeppers...I have more room for the clutter. ;)

Internet radio show

2008-12-12T09:25:00.001-08:00

If you missed the internet radio show last night and still want to listen, they've put a recording on their website. Be warned though, I sound rather soft where the host is very loud. It makes a bit of difficulty in adjusting the volume.http://internetvoicesradio.com/Arch-JanetESmith.htm

I'm on internet radio tonight!

2008-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

I'm chatting on internet radio tonight. I hope you can stop in for a listen.
I get to wear my marketing manager hat.

"Marketing for Fun and Profit"
Live air time is 8 p.m. ET
http://internetvoicesradio.com/

Death Masks is an EPPIE finalist!!

2008-12-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it. My ebook, Death Masks, is a finalist in Category 19 - Horror in EPIC’s 2009 EPPIE Competition.

Yaaaaaay!

I made it!

2008-11-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Amazon sequel came in at 55,303. Woohoo!

I didn't make the erotica one but discovered something about myself. I cannot have my focus divided that way because then both projects suffer.

Death Masks at Mobipocket

2008-11-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

Death Masks is now available at Mobipocket.
Here's the direct link: http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=126799

Guest blogging today at Romance Junkies

2008-11-22T11:23:00.001-08:00

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

Today I'm taking a break from promoting other people's stories to talk a bit about my own. Come on by!

Portal to Murder

2008-11-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

I want to share a book with you. I've known Michele for many years now online. We're both in some writing books and an upcoming anthology together. I've already ordered my copy of her new title, Portal to Murder, and recieved the teaser chapters. I can't wait for the whole thing to arrive.
Portal to Murder is finally available from Virtual Tails. You can either order it in print (it's currently being printed), as a twice weekly serial, or as an ebook. If you go to the website, http://www.virtualtales.com/Science-Fiction/Portal-to-Murder.html, you can sign up to have the first four chapters emailed to you, one chapter twice a week, as a teaser.
by Michele Acker - Contributing Author "Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy" 2003 "Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction" 2007 http://www.micheleacker.com

Here Be Dragons

2008-11-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Do you love stories about dragons? I do. I can’t say if it’s the fantasy loving side of me speaking or if it comes from my fascinations with dinosaurs and things medieval. Dragons appear in nearly every culture in one form or another and they have long been symbols of power.

I know what you’re thinking…dinosaurs? Yep. You read correctly. I firmly believe that the dragons of old are the last remnants of dinosaurs. Archaeopteryx because I know there is a castle which contains a building block with an Archeoptryx fossil in it. (I tried to locate a pic of this online with no luck; my apologies.) Also, perhaps Pterodactylus and Pteranodon, though they are considered flying reptiles and not flying dinosaurs. (From DinoDatabase.com)

I always watch the dragon movies: Reign of Fire, Dragonheart, and particularly love the animated thing done by Animal Planet. You can check it out here: http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/dragons/dragons.html

Let me tell you about a great book I’m in. It’s an anthology of stories about DRAGONS! It’s titled, Firestorm of Dragons. I hope you’ll check it out because I’m so very proud to be among other dragon lovers in this anthology. I’ve read every tale in here and loved them.

www.firestormofdragons.com
ISBN: 978-1-896944-80-7
Dragon Moon Press
www.dragonmoonpress.com
Edited by Michele Acker & Kirk Dougal

Featuring the works of:

John Teehan J.M. Butler
Chris Azure Kevin Tisserand
Kirk Dougal Eric Diehl
Bob Nailor Kim Richards
Karina L. Fabian Dana Sisson
Sarah R. Suleski Richard Bray
Michele Acker Tina Morgan
Tina Morgan

Firestorm of Dragons
Fantasy Anthology of Dragon stories by some of today’s most intriguing authors.

Check out the Firestorm of Dragons Website and leave me a comment about which story sounds the most intriguing to you. Every comment goes into a drawing for a free copy of Firestorm of Dragons.

Oct. 31st is a really special day now.

2008-11-01T22:31:00.001-07:00

I have to throw out a little personal post today. William and I eloped and got married yesterday. (Yep--on Halloween). I'm still a little overwhelmed so you'll have to wait a day or two for pictures.

Haunted Bloggy Carnival

2008-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I want to give a shout out for the Haunted Bloggy Carnival. Eternal Press is giving away a couple of books at the Bitten by Books corner and I'm giving away a pirate shirt at the Weird Stuff In My Desk Part. Check it out!

Haunted Bloggy Carnival
Bitten by Books and Weirdstuff In My Desk

Time and Place
Start Time:
Monday, October 27, 2008 at 8:00am
End Time:
Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 11:55pm
It is the event of the season, the Haunted Bloggy Carnival is live online ALL WEEK! Come by anytime to enter or just say hi!There is really something for everybody! There are over $6000.00 prizes that have been contributed between both sites! Several $100.00 Gift Certificates, A mini PC, Ipod Shuffle and much more!Check it out!

BittenbyBooks.com - Compaq iPAQ PC -Over $3700.00 In Prizes! International YES!http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1526
and
Weirdstuffinmydesk.com - Over $2300.00 In Prizes! Internationals YES!http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=176

All the rules and how to get entries to win the different prizes are on each site!

2008-10-18T10:30:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to the cookbook Eternal Press made for charity; we just released October 15th. The charity is called Action Against Hunger. http://www.actioncontrelafaim.ca/

These recipes were donated by the various staff members and authors here at Eternal Press. When we asked for ideas to help celebrate our 1st year anniversary the decision was made to make a collaboration of great recipes that our staff and authors enjoyed the most. Because the book is meant to feed people we thought we would take that literally and donate the majority of proceeds to feed the hungry who cannot afford such luxurious meals.

The ebook is called For the Love of Food. The set price is $2.95 and 75% of the proceeds will go to Action Against Hunger on a quarterly basis.

Inside this sixty-page cookbook you will find full color illustrations to make your mouth water as you cook, easy to follow recipes and a whole lot of love.

Recipes contributed by:

Moss BlissCandace Clayton
Erin Cramer
Lauren Gilbert
Laura Hebertson
Rita Karnopp
Toni Kelly
Jan McDaniel
Kim McDougall
Sally Odgers
Kim Richards
Jean Roberta
Ally Robertson
Tabitha Shay
Ginger Simpson
Fran Tann
Sloane Taylor

For the Love of Food
$2.95
http://www.eternalpress.ca/fortheloveoffood.html

http://www.eternalpress.ca/CookBookContributers.html

October Release Party

2008-10-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (October 7th) is the October release party with Eternal Press. If you get time throughout the day, stop by. We're posting excerpts and blurbs, giving away freebies. Here's the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders/

Chatting with John Everson

2008-10-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday night, October 5th, I'm moderating the guest chat at www.writerschatroom.com For two hours, we're going to visit with horror author, John Everson. He's a really fun guest to have so I hope you'll take some time to come hang out with us. John is giving away a copy of his book, Covenant. The time? 7:00 p.m. EST.

Help! I've got clumsi-itis

2008-09-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged lately and it's because I've had so much going on, plus battling serious lethargy at the same time. I did promise a couple of folks I'd go get my thyroid checked. It's time for a once over anyway.

You know how they say breaking glass comes in threes? Pshaw, I say. In the past week, I've managed to break a champagne flute, two (count 'em TWO--one right out of the box) coffee pots, a salt shaker, a drink glass, a candle holder and a large nick nack jar. Know what's worse? I've also broken my computer keyboard and ironing board. Tried to break my head with a fall as well. I have no idea where this clumsiness is coming from. My fiance decided to buy me this new coffeemaker which is one where you press your cup up against a lever for the coffee to disense. I'm embarrassed and think it's cool at the same time.

Don't come near me for a while. I think I'm dangerous. Thankfully none of our visitors this past weekend took any damage. ;)

Sonoma County Book Festival

2008-09-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

Well, Saturday's book festival was a bust as far as selling books go. Nothing. Sigh. I did pass out all the Writer's Chatroom business cards that I took and a lot of Eternal Press book promos so it wasn't a total loss. The weather was great. I saw a lot of people I know. It was fun anyway and I am glad I went.

I had to share the booth with a writer's practice group. Unfortunately a lot of folks thought I was displaying works of their members. :( Lesson learned: get a bigger sign and pay for an entire booth space next time.
They were very nice ladies though.

Blog Train Winner

2008-09-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a minute to pass on the winner's name from last week's Blog Train. We had a great time! Congratulations to Cindi Hoppes.

Video I made this week

2008-09-12T13:33:00.001-07:00

I have to share this little video I made for Eternal Press. William helped me. He rocks doesn't he? I think it turned out nice.

http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/EternalPress/?action=view&current=epvideodvdformat.flv

Aching a little

2008-09-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

Forgive my cross posting. I don't like doing it but feel this is important enough.

Yesterday I went with my fiance and we volunteered for a United Way work day. After eight hours of sweeping, digging, planting, shoveling, and all kinds of miscellaneous chores, I can barely move. Definitely a reminder of how much exercise I don't get. But it's a good sore because those things are worth the time and effort.

As a writer, I got all kinds of character fodder from people-watching and working along side the other workers. It's not why I went but hey, anytime I come home with something as well just makes the day rock all the more.

I'm not posting about this to pat myself on the back or give myself kudos. I post because I want to recommend this to everyone. It costs you a day of your time and some physical exertion but the benefits to the community last much longer than that. Don't leave me 'cool' comments...just go volunteer.

Blog Train Scavenger Hunt

2008-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you're into scavenger hunts, check out my Myspace page. I'm participating in one: http://www.myspace.com/kim_richards

New awesome review of Death Masks

2008-09-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.myshelf.com/mystery/08/deathmasks_ebook.htm

This is a very nice review of Death Masks. I'm humbled and thrilled at the same time.
Had to laugh though...I do write full time!

Happy Birthday Eternal Press

2008-09-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Today starts our week long birthday party at Eternal Press. Head over to the blog all week for fun or free stuff. Today starts off with a short trivia contest. http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

The Muse Online Writers Conference

2008-08-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

This year's Muse Online Writing Conference is open to registrations. It takes place completely online in October. I'm presenting two workshops. One on worldbuiding and the other one (new) on Celtic Magic. Check it out. I'm sure you'll find something which interests you. It's free so how can you beat that?

http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/

Writer Humor

2008-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Just sharing a blog post with the writers among us.http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2008/08/top-10-reasons-people-dont-like-to-read.html

Writing and Writhings: eBook debate

2008-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Writing and Writhings: eBook debate

Awesome news!!

2008-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to find out I've sold a story. It's based off of a legend I saw at one of the castles we visited in Germany. YAY!

I'll give details later, once the anthology editors make an official announcement. I'm happy dancing all over the house!

Please vote for my book trailer!

2008-08-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

The virtual book trailer for my thriller, Death Masks is one of the entries in the Covey Book Trailer Awards competition.Please check it out and, if you like it, vote for me. http://thenewcoveytrailerawards.blogspot.com/

Kim Richardshttp://www.kim-richards.com/

Eternal Press Launch Party

2008-08-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

Because I work for Eternal Press, I'm posting this announcement. Please drop by tomorrow when you have time.

Eternal Press is excited to announce seven sizzling new titles released this month. We invite you to join us for our launch party on August 7th over at our Reader's email group. Here's the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders/ We're partying all day so come chat with our authors; you might win some free stuff!

Sneak peak at the August 2008 releases:

Ransom Love by Rita Karnopp
http://www.eternalpress.ca/ransomlove.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-26-0
Heat rating: 3 flames
1868 Indian Historical/Romance

Summary:

Montana Territory–1868. After spending four years as a captive of the Blackfeet, Jennie Proctor must decide whether to trust the handsome white man who has come to rescue her, or spend the rest of her life a Blackfeet.

Cody Larimer has one goal in life: to rescue captive women from Indians. When he finds the beautiful and haunted Jennie Proctor, the last thing he expects is for her to tell him to leave her with the Blackfeet!

However, Jennie’s situation soon changes, and she and Cody must struggle together if they wish to survive. Feelings of anger and mistrust soon develop into mutual respect and love, leaving both of them with something neither believed possible.

Excerpt:

A'hwa Waki noticed the women were settling down on the grass just beyond the cluster of cottonwoods, facing the ancient ceremonial site. Laughs Behind Hand stood chatting with her mother, pointing in A'hwa Waki's direction.

Could they have noticed the white man in the tree? She felt her muscles tense.

A group of warriors, their faces painted black with red lightning streaks, beat rhythmically on drums, chanting. Many women sang in shrill harmonizing voices. The atmosphere was one of anticipation...not fear.

No, A'hwa Waki finally decided, if the women had noticed the white man, things would be in an uproar by now.

"Kai yiwahts, A'hwa Waki?" Mahkwoyi called out to her.

She glanced toward the warrior and found him watching her. His expression asked what troubled her. If only he knew, she thought, leaning against the cottonwood. If only he knew a white man sat above her, wanting to take her away. A'hwa Waki smiled in an attempt to appear relaxed. The handsome warrior standing within the white-painted rock circle had become her confidante, her friend, her...soon-to-be husband. Instincts warned her not to reveal the white man's presence, yet a nagging feeling of betrayal existed.

Wilderness by Sally Odgers
http://www.eternalpress.ca/wilderness.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-27-7
Experimental Womens Fiction

Summary

Wilderness is where you find it. Miriam Moses fights her own private wilderness by running for her life. Along the way, she encounters many characters, all engaged in their own pains and problems. Death, blood, tears and betrayal are rife, but even the darkest life is lit by hope. From each encounter, Miriam takes what she needs and discards the rest, but no one who meets her will ever be the same again. Especially Harry Mercury. Wilderness is where you find it. Life is what you make it. And Miriam Moses is running for her life.
Excerpt

Miriam Moses ran. She walked and ran right through the night, pausing often to rest. As the dawn came, she was a long way from anywhere, which isn’t difficult on the wild west coast. She sat down to rest, chewing a strip of fruit leather. The bush was thick to the coastal side, and on the inland side the gullies swooped away. Miriam watched the daylight grow, and felt very tired. She wasn’t pacing herself properly. Much more of this and she’d run herself to death before she finished running for her life. And–she was still in Tasmania.

She watched the wilderness of trees, the steepness and the primitive shape of the hills. The west coast–a bitter place in winter, but in summer–it was not so bad. She was wearing a coat, but she’d take it off when the sun came high. There was a boy by the side of the road.

Miriam blinked. He was wearing underpants and a PFD. His face was dripping blood and his legs were... “What happened to you?” she asked.

Ghostly Menage by Alysha Ellis
http://www.eternalpress.ca/ghostlymenage.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-28-4
Heat rating: 5 flames
Erotic Ghost/Paranormal

Summary:

Discover the delights of hard spirits.

Kelsie doesn’t believe in ghosts. So why is she camped out at her elderly aunt Maud’s house to take part in an exorcism?

Maud hasn’t let a man in the house for forty years, which leaves Kelsie at a loss to explain the smell of hot male and the most erotic dreams of her life that overtake her the instant she arrives.

After one particularly tasty midnight encounter, Kelsie awakes to a vision that is not hard to swallow at all: three gorgeous, naked and very eager hunks standing at the end of her bed.

The good news is, they want to fulfill her every erotic fantasy. The weird news is they’re ghosts!

Now it’s up to Kelsie to thwart the exorcist and secure a lifetime’s supply of hard spirits.
Excerpt:

The three men certainly were tapped in to her fantasies. Adam lounged against the wall, all black leather and bad boy attitude. Benedict’s long lean legs were covered in faded denim, complete with scuffed cowboy boots and a faded stress patch to draw attention to his magnificent package. Chad’s blond good looks morphed into divine beauty when set against the severity of the formal black and white of his tuxedo.

Kelsie looked and evaluated. “You know, I’ve got to say, I never realized just how much my fantasies had embraced the whole romantic cliché. Still, I suppose it’s because those images are so attractive that they become clichés in the first place. I think the only thing I’m missing here is the kilt clad Highland warrior.”

Adam’s leathers began to go blurry and look a little wooly. “I can change.”

Rise of the Wolf by Kat Duarte
http://www.eternalpress.ca/riseofthewolf.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-29-1
Heat rating: 3 flames
Erotic/Supernatural

Summary:

City girl Hilary Samuels has no idea Murphy’s Law will kick into high gear the first night of the Hunters’ Moon. One country road, a flat tire and a skid into a cornfield later, and Hilary finds herself face-to-fang with a seductive vampire. Add to that one super-sized wolf who challenges her attacker and you’ve got one weird night out.

Anyone else would retreat to the more conventional hazards of urban life, but Hilary moved to McKenna with an agenda. If she can successfully run the small town’s Café Lotti, her promotion to managing one of the hippest cafes in Chicago is in the bag.

But how to build a customer base when stalked by the undead? Not to mention the hunky head of the company turning out to have some steamy supernatural secrets of his own! Will Hilary join forces with her new and powerful ally, or will their entanglement rip her world apart?
Excerpt:

But why should you wait? Your skin in the moonlight looks as soft and radiant as a pearl. Do you not yearn to be caressed?

She would have sworn his lips didn’t move. His voice was so gentle, warm, sensuous and intimate, as though he were inside her thoughts, her soul.

Then somehow, without moving, he had covered the space between them and stood next to her, pressed against her, leaning over her. His soft hair tickled her cheek. His breath whispered across her lips as he parted them with a flick of his hot tongue. The kiss was light, soft, then firmer and deeper, the deft movement filling her with the promise of such delights to come that her knees actually began to give way. He caught her, one of his arms bracing her at the deepest curve of her back, the other wrapped so that he cradled her neck in the palm of his hand.

Love Unexpected by Gwynn Morgan
http://www.eternalpress.ca/loveunexpected.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-30-7
Heat rating: 1 flame
Romance

Summary

When airline hostess Kate befriends a lonely child, she little dreams of the reward that will come her way. She soon learns that a good deed can bring unexpected surprises in the form of a love she never dared hope to find.

Janelle is determined to rescue her infant neice from the child’s abusive father when her sister dies under doubious circumstances. A potential tragedy with a broken down car in a remote area brings an unexepcted result when she is rescued by a cowboy with a car seat!
Excerpt

Glimpsing blurred motion out of the corners of her eyes, she glanced up to see a pickup, several years old and a bit the worse for wear. Mud encrusted the bed and rusty spots marred the once bright metallic green paint.

"What's the problem, Ma'am? Need some help?"

With the mid-afternoon sun in her eyes and reflecting off the glass and chrome of both vehicles, she couldn't see much about the driver except he wore a broad brimmed hat and a bright striped shirt.

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "My car just suddenly stopped. I mean, the engine runs and all but it won't move."

"Let me take a look," the man said. He pulled up in front of her car, parked the pickup, and got out.

Wow, Jan thought. He's tall. He was also broad shouldered, and moved with an easy loose-hipped gait. He stopped to glance under the raised hood, gave a twitch or two to some of the wires and asked her to start it again. The results were still the same. He pushed his hat back and scratched his head for a moment. Then he gave her a crooked grin.

Psychic Passions by Ally Robertson
http://www.eternalpress.ca/psychicpassions.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-23-9
Heat rating: 5 flames
Paranormal Erotic Romance

Summary:

Caprice Hutchins and Cassidy Cornwall are both empaths and artists struggling to survive with their own distinct mental illnesses. Together they will fight for their lives and sanity to find and keep each other’s souls. They will be reborn through death and time to achieve a deep psychic connection, filled with desire, passion, obsession and unconditional love.

Excerpt:

Feeling Caprice in distress made him want to comfort her, but when she snapped at him and lashed out with her frustration, he couldn’t bear her suffering anymore. He’d taken her out to the park that day to tell her all the reasons why she wouldn’t want him. To his surprise, he couldn’t resist her need any longer. His own need had driven him to kiss her. Feeling the way she responded to him had hit him like a train wreck. He’d have made love to her right there if it hadn’t been for Odessa’s interruption.

Afterwards, when he’d held Caprice as she sobbed in his arms, he’d felt her true feelings come flooding to the surface. He knew then he couldn’t deny her anymore. He hated that she hurt. He wanted to keep her safe. But he was also terrified at the prospect that he could fall in love with her. He’d felt so conflicted. Finally, Cassidy realized that it didn’t matter anymore. Why was he denying himself love when that’s all he’d desired to truly have for so long.

Wanton Wenches by Rhiannon Arivon
http://www.eternalpress.ca/wantonwenches.html
Isbn: 978-1-897559-35-2
Heat rating: 5 flames
Erotica, BDSM, 2 Book Anthology

Summary:

What do you get when you cross a sexy, strong-willed redhead, a devilish bartender and a tab that needs to be paid? How about a beautiful but naughty minx who finds out just how much fun punishment can really be?

These are two sizzling tales you will not want to miss!

Excerpts:

Bar Tab:

It took a bit of struggling, but I managed to stand up and hop turn myself around to face him.

He looked up with a bit of surprise on his face, and then with a smile he grabbed my arms. "So, still got some struggle in you, eh?"

I looked up at him with a mixture of defiance and fear, and then I felt the mischievous brat in me rear up. I swayed back and forth and struggled to break his grip on my arms.

He laughed, keeping me easily in his strong grip. He turned the chair around, pulled me down onto my knees, and then forced my head onto the seat of the chair. He moved my hair and strapped my neck down to the seat of the chair with another belt.

Well, I’m not getting up from this position, I thought to myself.

My Lord Says:

"Do you understand the rules, slave?"

I shiver at the warmth of His breath moving across my ear and neck and quickly mutter, "Yes, My Lord."

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear that." He stands back up and the leather handle of the leash lands with a sting across my right shoulder.

I yelp in surprised pain. "Yes, My Lord, I understand the rules!"

"Wonderful. Then let's begin, shall we?" He moves back to the couch and sits down in front of me. He leans close to me and presents the leash handle in front of my lips. I open my mouth and feel the handle as it slides into my open cavity. I close my lips and wait for the game to begin.

New Death Masks Review

2008-07-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.gaspetc.com/Boox_Summer08.html
This site reviews metal music and horror. This month, they reviewed my thriller, Death Masks.
Check it out!!

Kim Richards
http://www.kim-richards.com/

Blog Carnival all week!

2008-07-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Blog Carnival Is HERE All Week Long! Over $470.00 In Prizes!

Are you ready to play? Here’s the initial line up of FREE Gift Certificates and Books you could win at Bitten by Books at the carnival—INCLUDING ETERNAL PRESS TITLES! Carnival runs from Monday July 28th through August 1st. You have all week to try for these prizes and HUNDREDS of others.

Ripped right off from the Bitten by Books Blog, here’s the info:
The Bloggy Carnival is here! Starting on July 28th 2008 and ending at midnight Pacific time Saturday August 2nd 2008. You will have several ways to win the AMAZING prizes listed on our blog. Winners will be announced by Wednesday August 6th. Remember to visit all of the other participating blogs at the Bloggy Carnival. We are just one stop of hundreds! Many of our contributors ship internationally, so don’t be shy, everybody whether you are in the US or not, or whether you have your own blog is welcome to participate!!
CONTEST INFO
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do one or all of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win.
1. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. You MUST verify your subscription via the email the site will send you. Unverified subscribers will not be entered into the contest. This option is for new subscribers only.
2. Post this blog post in it’s entirety with a link to our contest here at your blog, group or website and you will be given additional entries to win. You MUST post the links where you have shared the info in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.
3. Visit each of the sites who have contributed to our event below and pick ONE favorite item from each store or author and come post the LINK to that item or the page the items is on here in this post. You can do one or all of the sites, you get an entry for each business you visit and the ONE item link you post here. Try to combine all of your items into one big post. NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.
4. Make a purchase today from ANY or all of the retailers participating on our page (see list below) and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for an additional entry. You get entries for every purchase you make. Be SURE to put BBB Contest Entry in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost in our spam filter.
5. Read through the Bitten by Books blog and find your favorite review and come back here and post the LINK to it. One favorite review per contestant please.
6. Come back daily to see more options for winning and possibly more prizes to compete for. New companies or prizes may be added to the bottom of the list.
7. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/weirdstuff
8. Stumble or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says share.
Be sure you leave a valid email and your name when posting here so we can contact you if you are the winner. We will contact the winners and request your first/last name and a valid email which we will give to the retailer whose prize you have one. It is up to the individual retailers to award your prizes. If we do not hear back from winners within one week of contacting you, you prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate or inflammatory remarks or comments.
Be SURE to visit our sister site Weird Stuff In My Desk who will be offering up a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Sephora to one lucky participant as well as over $975.00 of dollars in different gift certificates for the Bloggy Carnival ! Go here http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=132and see what you could win! The directions for entry are set up there as well! Have fun and happy Carnival!
A BIG thank you to our fabulous contributors!!
Here is the list of AMAZING prizes you are trying to win!
Sloan McBride - $20.00 Paypal Gift Certificatehttp://www.sloanmcbride.com/index.htmlParanormal Romance AuthorAllie Boniface - $20.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.allieboniface.com/Best-selling Author of Contemporary Romance and Women’s Fiction ~ “Because everybody needs a great love story…”
Eternal Press 3 free e-books to 1 each to 3 different winnershttp://www.eternalpress.ca/Eternal Press: Excellence in ebook entertainment with paperback versions coming soon.
Mundania Press - 2 $10.00 Gift Certificateshttp://www.mundania.com/Extraordinary books by talented authors
Ann Tracy Marr - $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.anntracymarr.com/Romance Author
Lyrical Press - 5 -$10.00 Gift Certificateshttp://www.lyricalpress.com/A full service publishing house, Lyrical Press has a little something for every reader’s tastes.
Awe-Struck E-Books - 4 Sets of EbooksSet One: Love’s Reflection by Carol North, Fiery Falls by Mary Anconetani, Let them Eat Cake by Kathy PrattSet Two: The Hungry Heart, The Hero’s Best Friend, The Princess and the Promise all three by Elise Dee BeraruSet Three: Thwarting Magic by Ann Tracy Marr, Temporary Governess by Blaise Kilgallen, In the Running by Dee Lloyd—-two of these three books in this ‘bundle’ are RegenciesSet Four: Tomorrow’s Promise, Brothers by Blood, Ghost Dancers, all by DL Rogers (a western historical trilogy)http://awe-struck.net/Awe-Struck E-Books publishes ebooks in Romance, SF, SF Romance, Regency, Western Romance, New Age, Inspirational, Teen Fiction, and Historical, And we are unique to the reading world with our Ennoble titles that feature heroes with disabilities. All our ebooks are available in HTML, PDF, Palm, Pocket PC, Rocket; and some titles are also available for the Sony Reader.Changeling Press, LLC - $10 Gift Certificate and a $5.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.changelingpress.com/index.php?uaid=DWVHBFEKQuality Erotic Adventures Designed with your PDA in Mind!**Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Bitten By Books - $50.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://bittenbybooks.com/
eXcessica - $25.00 in FREE Bookshttp://www.excessica.com/**Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Reader’s Eden E-Bookstore - $15 Gift Certificatehttp://www.readerseden.com/Over 300 electronic books in almost all genres.WindLegends Ink - A Baker’s Dozen (13) e-books to thirteen different winners. Their choice of novels currently in release.Author Charlotte Boyett-Compo http://www.windlegends.org/Where sensuous dark fantasy slips into the arms of his hungry mistress. **Erotic Books- ADULT Content **Sidhe Na Daire - $15 redeemable for one set of costume horns (winner may specify color/s, but shape and size may vary, due to availability) or one book of similar value.Author Danielle Ackley-McPhail http://www.sidhenadaire.com/A site of creative outlet for genre author Danielle Ackley-McPhail, featuring her fiction and crafts.
Author Judith Rochelle - $25.00 Gift Certificate to Wild Rose Presshttp://www.judithrochelle.com/Come visit my web site for romantic suspense. **Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Author Desiree Holt - $25.00 Gift Certificate to Wild Rose Presshttp://www.desireeholt.com/Come visit my web site for the hottest romances around. **Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Author Ann Cory - $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.anncory.com/Escape into a Magical Seduction **Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Rowena Cherry - $25 Gift Certificate to ebookisle.netTalk Show Hosthttp://ebookisle.net/PIVTR/tuesday.htm
Passionate Internet Voices Radio - $25 Gift Certificate to ebookisle.net http://ebookisle.net/PIVTR/tuesday.htm
Courtney Mroch - 2 $10 Gift Certificates to http://www.sniplits.com/%20 and 1 $20 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.courtneymroch.com/Author of mysterious horror/fantasy and paranormal romantic mysteries.
D. McEntire - $10 Walmart gift card and a goodie pack, which includes a t-shirt, hat and other promo items.http://www.dmcentire.com/Romance Author **Erotic Books- ADULT Content **
Whiskey Creek Press 4 - $6.00 Gift Certificateshttp://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/Whiskey Creek Press has been publishing great books by outstanding authors in all genres since March 2003, and we welcome readers to our two websites, http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/ and http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/
Mistress Rae’s Decadent Designs - Prize package including: Bat Rosary-Style Bracelet w/ matching earrings, the entire collection of my B&W Gothic Postcard Prints (18 in total) signed by artist, and their choice of a Gothic or Fantasy mini Poster print (signed by artist)http://www.bloodtouch.com/store.htmGothic/Horror & Paranormal Romance Author, jewelry designer and Gothic still-photographer. Will ship prize package worldwide.Sapphire Phelan - $10.00 Gift Certificate from Phaze Bookshttp://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/Go beyond the usual, instead take the unusual that stretches the boundaries and find romance with Sapphire Phelan’s aliens, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and other supernatural/otherworldly heroes and heroines.

I'm moderating tomorrow's Writer's Chatroom chat

2008-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I'm moderating a chat with a pair of fantasy authors, Sheri McGathy and Shannah Blondine. I've known Sheri since about 2000 when her book, Elfen Gold was out at the same time as my Death of Jabari. We still hang out on the same fantasy writer's email list.

Here's some info on both ladies and how to get into the chat. I hope you'll join us.

Born in the Buckeye state, Sheri McGathy was uprooted in 1971 and replanted amongst sunflowers, tornadoes, and college football. she says it's a good life.

During the weekdays, Sheri is a Graphic Arts Coordinator/Copy Editor in prepress. In the evenings and weekends, she's a writer (or tries to be. Sometimes that's debatable.) She is also Managing Editor at The Fractured Publisher online.

Sheri's work:

Besides TWICE UPON AN EVENTIDE, she has short stories and/or novellas in various anthologies:
OMNIBUS A Collection of Fantasy Stories (Contains Dream Realm Winner: The Birth of Spring)
TRESPASSING TIME Ghost Stories from the Prairie (Ravenstone Press or Double Dragon)
TWILIGHT CROSSINGS
TWILIGHT CROSSINGS II
FROM WITHIN THE MIST
THE STYGIAN SOUL

Sheri's novels include:
WITHIN THE SHADOW OF STONE
SEASON OF GOLD -ELFEN GOLD Book One
SEASON OF SILVER -ELFEN GOLD Book Two

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

Shannah Biondine is the author of several novels of historical and paranormal romance as well as three fantasy novellas. She's published with Double Dragon Publishing. Originally a California native, Shannah now lives in Colorado with her husband and children.

Shannah won the 2002 Eppie for Best Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, and has seen her works final in the prestigious PRISM, Aspen Gold, and Dream Realm Awards. A complete list of her titles and more information is available at her author site: http://biondine.homestead.com . Readers may contact her at: sbiondine@ yahoo.com .

---------------------------
Award-winning fantasy authors Shannah Biondine and Sheri L. McGathy team up again, delivering twice the mystical adventure in this enthralling duet, Twice Upon an Eventide. Here are faraway worlds of danger and intrigue, where dark mirrors hold strange and dark secrets.

A Varlet's Bond by Shannah Biondine
Captain Praxis, wyvern rider, former slave turned royal reeve and bounty hunter, has never forgotten her brief partnership with Prince Zavend of Glacia. Years have passed and now find Praxis a wealthy woman and sometime comrade of Zavend's disreputable brother, Vitus. A twist of fate draws all three back to the heart of Glacia, where an evil is spreading across the land. Can anyone or any sworn oath be trusted? Will Praxis find her heart soaring higher than a wyvern or crushed once and for all?

Summersong by Sheri McGathy
Summersong, a magical border Keep created to maintain the fragile peace between Man and Faery, has lost its glory, its grandeur, and its loyal guardians. The land is dark, filled with turmoil. Yet, one bright glimmer of hope still exists. Long ago, Myree, daughter of a proud nobleman, made a childish vow of undying love in a secluded garden to an equally as young Connair. Now grown, both have not forgotten their pledges. When Myree is abducted into a realm of shadows, Connair risks everything in his quest to save her and recover the heart of Summersong.

Twice Upon an Eventide contains two superbly woven fantasy tales of magic, intrigue, and suspense. If you haven't read Biondine and McGathy before, this book is an excellent place to start! Very enjoyable and highly recommended!
~ Jeanne Allen, author of Orphilion Dreams

DOOR PRIZE
Sheri and Shannah have donated two books. These will be award to two lucky chatters during the chat. Remember, you MUST be present to be eligible!
Please feel free to pass this announcement on to anyone or any groups that you think may be interested. Thank you.
WHEN?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Eastern USA Time..........................7 PM
Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com
WHERE?
The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm
Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Meet Isis

2008-07-07T17:29:00.001-07:00

Hanging out with Sheri McGathy today

2008-06-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Sheri McGathy is someone I've come to know online for some time now. I first met her back with The Death of Jabari had been released and her book Elfen Gold was also a new release. She is today's blog stop. Be sure to check it out as it has a very nice look to it (and you can read about Death Masks while you're there).
http://sherimcgathy.com/sheri/content/blog/

Touring with Glenn Walker today!

2008-06-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today, Glenn Walker is hosting the virtual book tour. He has a really nice review of Death Masks. I'm very pleased because this is one man whose opinion I really, really respect. Check it out:

www.monsura.blogspot.com

We have TWO stops on the book tour today!

2008-06-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Today we 've got two book tour stops.
First Joyce Anthony has posted excerpts from Death Masks. http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/

And second is Valerie Griswold-Ford over at: http://vg-ford.livejournal.com/

Both stops promise reviews in the next day or so. Be sure to stop in today and tomorrow to leave your comments. I know I've been bugging you about it but that's the only way to enter to win prizes. The tour only lasts through June 30th, so don't miss out on the chance for free stuff.

Update on the wildfires here. The news this morning reports over 1000 of them in California, most of them in the northern part of the state. It's wild how some of them started too: dry lightning, sparks from a car crash. You can smell it in the air. Please keep the firefighters in your thoughts and prayers. They have their hands full.

Touring with Joyce Anthony today

2008-06-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a snaffoo with the blog stop for the tour. I apologize for any confusion. My BIG thanks to everyone who is touring the blogs wih me this month. It's been really fun so far.

Today and Tomorrow, visit Joyce A. Anthony's blog. http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/
Remember to leave those comments to enter the prize drawing. We have one more coming up.

Here in Northern California, we're having some really hazy days. It's due to smoke from some 800 wildfires being trapped in by the fog/cloud layer. Normally we count on that layer to keep us cool. Just reminds me of how every good thing has it's down side. I'm staying inside like the authorities are suggesting and getting a lot of writing done. It's definitely affecting my body. I have a slight wheeze when I exhale. Summer fun!

Touring with Diana Castilleja today

2008-06-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Author, Diana Castilleja's blog is today's virtual book tour stop.
http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com/

It's interesting to me how I'm getting feedback throughout the tour of how scary Death Masks is. Hey, I'm taking it as a compliment!

VBT with Pamela K. Kinney

2008-06-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Pamela K. Kinney is kind enough to host today's virtual book tour stop. She posted an interview with me, along with a review of Death Masks. Be sure to leave your comments when you check it out!
http://pamelakkinney.blogspot.com/

Firestorm of Dragons and Interview with Lisa Haselton

2008-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

My copy of Firestorm of Dragons came yesterday. It's gorgeous!!! I've loved every cover I've seen from DragonMoon Press. This one has a short story of mine in it and I am giving away a pdf copy during the virtual book tour. To enter to win one, check out the blog stops and leave your comments there. Each comment is an entry. Today Lisa Haselton is interviewing me.

http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/

Review posted

2008-06-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled! Lisa Haselton is tomorrow's blog stop for the virtual book tour for an interview with me. She's already posted a review today!

Check it out at http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/

Touring at Eternal Press

2008-06-19T13:02:00.001-07:00

Take a moment to head on over to the Eternal Press blog, were the virtual book tour stops at today. http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

Are you touring with me today?

2008-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Let's head on over to Billie A. Williams blog for today's virtual book tour stop.
http://printedwords.blogspot.com/

Remember to leave your comments to enter in the prize drawings. I'll be stopping by throughout the day so if you have any questions, leave them there for me.

Virtual Book Tour and Jury Duty

2008-06-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Today we have a short break in the virtual book tour. You can still check out Lea Schizas post on The Writng Jungle. Here's the link: http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/2008/06/interview-with-kim-richards-author-of.html

Tomorrow Billie A. Williams is hosting the tour. Her blog is at: http://printedwords.blogspot.com

The latest news on the homefront is I've been summoned for jury duty. The last time I did it, I was twenty-one. I do consider it a duty and don't mind doing it. We had a trip to New Mexico planned then so I guess that will get put off. Yeah, I know I could ask for a postponement but why? I don't have any emergency situation to deal with and really, it's a minor inconvenience to reschedule the trip. I'll leave the postponements to the people who need them.

1st prize winner and next up blog stop

2008-06-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

So, the first week of the virtual book tour has completed. Two more to go! Yesterday there was quite a buzz about Heidi Martinuzzi's reviews at www.pretty-scary.net It was even reprinted on this blog by Carolyn Howard-Johnson: www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com

Last night we had the first drawing from those folks who commented on the blogs visited this week. Our winner is Glenn Walker. Congratulations Glenn!!! With two more weeks still of the tour, there's two more chances to win. Just visit the blogs on the tour and leave your comment on the date they are hosting me. A complete list is on my website at www.kim-richards.com

So, where do we start today? Lea Schizas is posting today. Check out her blog at http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/

Next stop on the virtual book tour: Pretty Scary

2008-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited today. Heidi Martinuzzi at Pretty Scary reviewed Death Masks AND my short story Dragonfruit from the Firestorm of Dragons Anthology.

Check them out today at: http://www.pretty-scary.net/

The first prize drawing is tonight so be sure to add your comments to enter.

Death Masks virtual book tour continues

2008-06-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

The virtual book tour lets you have a Saturday off. Enjoy the great summertime. Here in California, we're having great weather. Tomorrow we resume the tour over at Pretty Scary www.pretty-scary.net It's an online community for women in the horror genre that's near and dear to my heart. Please check it out.

If you haven't bought your copy of Death Masks yet, here's a couple of links where you can get one.

http://www.eternalpress.ca/deathmasks.html
or at Fictionwise
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook66570.htm?cache

Mike Philbin hosts today's virtul book tour stop

2008-06-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th! Did you know the origins of this day as bad luck dates back to the Knights Templar? Yep. It was on Friday, October 18th that they were declared heretics and hunted down, I believe by the French King. It's been considered a bad luck day ever since.

Today Mike Philbin is hosting the virtual book tour. Check it out at:http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/

Remember you can see the entire blog schedule on my website at www.kim-richards.com and be sure to leave your comments to be entered in the weekly prize drawings. The first one is this Sunday.

Next blog stop

2008-06-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Mike Philbin is hosting tomorrow's virtual book tour blog stop. Today he talked with the spirit of my deceased cat about me. (Yes, it's sick horror writer humor--something he and I share.) Check it out to see what they conversed about and leave any questions you might have.

http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/2008/06/kim-richards-death-masks-virtual-tour.html

Don't forget to leave your comments to enter the prize drawings.

I get to have a day off!

2008-06-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

The virtual book tour is giving me a couple of days to breathe. We'll be back on Friday with Mike Philbin's blog. He's got something really interesting planned. http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/

It also gives you a chance to visit the first two tour blog stops and leave your comments to enter your name in the prize drawings.

Sandy Lender www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com

Ginger Simpson http://mizging.blogspot.com

One quick bit of Fictonwise news: Death Masks recieved a good reader rating, which pleases me quite a bit. Here's the link to Death Masks at Fictionwise:
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook66570.htm?cache

Virtual Book Tour Day Two

2008-06-10T09:27:00.001-07:00

Check it out! Ginger Simpson is hosting todays blog stop. She had some nice things to say about me and then let me post on her space. I really am awed by the support I'm getting through this. Thank you everyone!
Here's the link to Ginger's Blog: http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Virtual Book Tour Day One!

2008-06-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Sandy Lender hosts the Death Masks virtual book tour on it's first day today. She's talking this month about pen names and asked me to say something about mine. Check it out: http://www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to leave a comment on Sandy's blog to enter your name in the book tour prize drawings!

Please check my website below for a complete list of blog stops and dates.

Kim Richards
www.kim-richards.com

Book Tour dates and blog stops announced.

2008-06-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Virtual Book Tour for Kim Richards June 9th through June 30th, 2008.

If you've never done a book tour before, this is how it works: on the date listed, visit the corresponding blog where you'll find reviews, interviews, information regarding Kim's thriller, Death Masks. We will also be promoting the anthology containing Kim's story, Dragonfruit, called Firestorm of Dragons.

Whenever you visit a blog, be sure and leave a comment. For each comment, your name is put into a weekly drawing for prizes such as pdf copies of either book, tshirts, music from the band, Children of a Lesser God (who provided the music for the Death Masks video book trailer) and more.

Kim will be visiting the blogs so feel free to ask any questions you may have. It's all about having fun and talking about books. Consider yourself invited!

Date Name Blog address for tour visit (in bold) Web address

June 9, 2008 Sandy Lender www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com

June 10, 2008 Ginger Simpson http://mizging.blogspot.com
http://www.gingersimpson.com
June 13, 2008 Mike Philbin http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/
http://www.horrorquarterly.com/mikephilbin/index.html
June 15, 2008 Heidi Martinuzzi w/Pretty Scary www.prettyscary.net

June 16, 2008 Lea Shizas http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/
http://leaschizaseditor.tripod.com/
June 18, 2008 Billie A. Williams http://printedwords.blogspot.com/
http://www.billiewilliams.com/
June 19, 2008 Eternal Press Blog http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/
http://www.eternalpress.ca
June 20, 2008 Lisa Haselton
http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/
http://lisahaselton.tripod.com
June 23, 2008 Pamela K. Kinney http://PamelaKKinney.blogspot.com
http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/
June 24 2008 Diana Castilleja http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com
http://www.dianacastilleja.com/
June 25, 2008 Val Griswold-Ford http://www.vg-ford.com/blog.html
www.vg-ford.com
June 26& 27, 2008 Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com

June 28, 2008 Glenn Walker www.monsura.blogspot.com
http://www.comicwidows.com/
June 29, 2008 Sheri McGathy http://sherimcgathy.com/sheri/content/blog/
http://www.sherilmcgathy.com/
June 30, 2008 Arwen Spencer http://labingi.livejournal.com/
http://www.starmerrow.com/

Other places promoting the book tour. Please patronize them for their kindness.
Jordan Dane http://www.jordandane.com
Kathy Ptacek @ Gila Queen http://gilaqueen.us/
Starmerrow http://community.livejournal.com/starmerrow/
http://www.starmerrow.com/
Karina Fabian www.fabianspace.com
WritersChatroom www.writerschatroom.com
Carolyn Howard-Johnson www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com.

I'm on Book Cover Lovers

2008-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

The virtual book tour for Death Masks hasn't officially kicked off yet but look where we are at today!

http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.com/2008/06/kim-richards.html

Firestorm of Dragons is out now!!

2008-05-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.dragonmoonpress.com/

From Dragon Moon Press: Firestorm of Dragons just released. It contains a story of mine titled, Dragonfruit. Check it out!

ADVANCE REVIEW FOR FIRESTORM OF DRAGONS
"I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing and storytelling compiled into this anthology. Several of the authors also have a knack for comic relief and suspense in their writing which always tends to make a story more appealing to me. ...check out this anthology especially if you're into Dragons and Fantasy - these editors have managed to snag themselves quite a pile of delightful stories by talented authors." ~Bibliophile's Retreat
WHAT'S FIRESTORM OF DRAGONS ABOUT?
So you want to know about dragons? Start with “Dragonscaling!,” a tongue-in-cheek look at a future where the world’s most extreme sport involves the use of genetically engineered creatures. Continue on to read how dragons are kept out of sight in modern Hong Kong in “Dragonkeeper” before turning the page for a humorous look at the importance of listening to one’s mother in “Lessons.”
“The Druid’s Dragon” reveals a possible connection between the ancient people and an enslaved dragon before “Dragon Eye, P.I.” twists all conventions and makes a dragon the lead in a 1940’s-style detective story. “Poison Bird” brings the reader back to modern day for a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of the protagonist’s boyfriend.
“A Reptile at the Reunion” pulls together two things that most people fear: dragons and high school reunions. A hunter learns compassion for his prey in “Dragon Blood” while “No Time for Dragons” takes a humorous tone when an example is made of a dragon who is a pesky door-to-door salesman.
“For Your Eyes Only” reveals the power of devotion when lovers encounter a dragon. Both sides of a human and dragon interaction, with wildly different conclusions, are examined in “Shattered Dreams” before the influence of hatred and the cost of sacrifice battle each other in “A Darkness of Spirit.”
“A Firestorm of Dragons” finishes with a trilogy of stories depicting some possible ends of dragonkind. “Dragon Fruit” reveals the happiest of conclusions when a symbiotic relationship between humans and dragons leaves both to lead their own lives. Dragons continue to live on throughout time in “A Dragon’s Dawn,” though they are relegated to lonely and unfulfilled lives. “Inside the Cavern” is the ending no one wishes for the majestic beings, their race dying in obscurity under man’s unyielding pressure.

Googling Death Masks

2008-05-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

I googled Death Masks this afternoon and landed three spots where it showed up online. I'm pleased.

HotFlix.net (showing trailer)
http://www.hotflick.net/videos/Kim_Richards/

For sale at Books on Board
http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=browse&BROWSE=horror&m=1

Article at Pretty Scary posted on 4-24-08
http://www.pretty-scary.net/article1657.html

Home again and reviewer comment on Death Masks trailer

2008-05-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

We're back in the good ole USA and struggling with jet lag. I really enjoyed the trip but was ready to come home.

Today's email brought me a really nice comment from a book reviewer regarding the video book trailer for Death Masks. She said this (which thrills me after there being some concern from others over whether a reviewer would even watch it with the metal music):
"Kim,
WOW! Your book trailer is impressive. Many of the earlier ones I saw from writers were just stills or words with some ethereal music. WOW! ... I'm a thrilled that you used a local band for your trailer. It also gives them some more publicity and could even broaden their fan base.
You go, girl!
Janie "

I'm grinning for sure!

Death Masks available at Fictionwise

2008-04-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm proud to announce that my thriller ebook, Death Masks, is released by Eternal Press. http://www.eternalpress.ca/

Bill Cristo takes up walking a per his doctor’s orders to lose weight and improve his health. While at the metro park, he witnesses an assault. The assailant turns on him and he wakes in the hospital with a nasty bump on his head, wondering why he isn’t dead.

The news reports nothing on any attack in the metro park but Bill can’t let it go...not when he realizes there are other young men missing from the same area. He digs up what he can on his own, drawing further attention from the murderer. Will he be able to figure out who the killer is before it reaches his live-in girlfriend?

Excerpt:
“Shhh. Please listen.” Her words dropped to a trembling whisper.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m scared.”
Bill hesitated a moment, thinking she might go on. “Bill?” She sounded so small and vulnerable. He immediately wanted to reach out through the phone and pull her close. He longed to make whatever it was better.
“I’m here, Hon. What’s going on?” He shut down his computer as he talked.
“Someone keeps calling me.” Once she started speaking, her words came fast and clipped. “At first he kept hanging up. No heavy breathing or anything so I decided it must be those kids next door.”
“He? How do you know it’s a guy?” Bill used one hand to hold the phone and the other to begin stuffing his things into his carry bag.
“Because…” Dampened, low sounds came over the phone.Oh God, she’s crying.
“Because I know what a man's voice sounds like. This last time, just a minute ago, he said I’m next.”
“Next for what?” As Bill said the words, he’d already guessed the answer. All the clues were in place, the footprints on the porch, the maniac figuring out Bill knew about him, and now the calls to Dix. He didn’t hear her answer.

It's also available at Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook66570.htm?cache
The video trailer is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp2zpDNMfmMI'd love your feedback on the trailer. The music is from a band out of my hometown.