MY SEXY SATURDAY - Our Sexy Tomorrow

My friend, J.D. Faver introduced me to a blog hop she thought I might be interested in. Imagine my surprise when this week's 'MY SEXY SATURDAY' theme fit perfectly for Trey an Alana's story.

The rules of this hop are simple:
1 - Sign up using Linky. This enables you to link your blog to theirs.
2 - Post 7 paragraphs/ 7 sentences/ or 7 words. These can be from a published book or a WIP
3 - Open to published AND un-published authors. Pretty cool!
4 - Promote My Sexy Saturday as much as possible through social media.

This week's theme:
This week’s theme is A Long Sexy Time and it’s all about those who have loved another for a long time. This love could have started when they were kids, when they were dating or even from afar. The point is that one character has loved the other for what seems like forever.

From Somewhere Down the Line

“Have you ever thought about the last time we saw each other?” His gaze dared her to deny his question. “Tell me you don’t remember anything special about that night in Abilene, and I’ll pretend I never asked. But I remember how you blushed when I sang ‘Earth Angel’ and how the last thing I wanted to use was my thumb to clean that dab of mustard off the corner of your mouth. I remember how tortured I felt at having to let you go, how trapped I was by responsibility and unable to do anything about it. I’ve carried those memories with me, Ali. So please tell me your coming here today isn’t just about an interview."

If you'd like to read more, check out the links on my sidebar for the various purchasing venues and formats.

Creative Blessings!

Angela

SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE is LIVE!

NOTE: Although this post ran previously, I am reposting for my RSS feed on my Amazon Author Account:

Everything happened so quick, I did not even have the opportunity to do a cover release here. I am thrilled to have my first novella out AND to be working with Chris Keesler. I've admired him as an editor for many years and one of the reasons I entered the 'Whats In A Name' competition with Boroughs Publishing last spring.

Imagine my surprise when I opened my email on Thursday morning to find my novella was LIVE! Keep in mind, I had just turned the final edits into Chris on Monday morning. My real life hero and I already had plans to be away for the weekend so I had no opportunity to do any promo what so ever. So here I am beaming from ear to ear as I share my baby with you.

Allow me to introduce you to Trey and Alana:

It all began twenty-five years ago on the road: a charming crooner with a boyish grin fronting an up-and-coming Country/Western band, an entertainment journalist with everything to prove, and a love that could never be. A love that was wrong.

Things have changed. Trey Morison and Alana Cozins are finally free to act on their desires, but is it really possible after all this time? From the Abilene Fairgrounds to a storm-swept beach on Galveston Island, from a reunion of friends to a fast-and-furious realization of their passion, Trey and Alana will test the boundaries of what they think they know—and what they know they want. They’ll find a renewed career, a deeper understanding of themselves, the past and each other. And it all begins with a hit song that’s a heartfelt prayer that unwavering love might finally be rewarded…

Excerpt:
     “And the award for Songwriter of the Year goes to…”
Alana took a drink of her wine, watching the teen pop star mutilate the envelope and remove the certificate.
     “Trey Morison. For ‘Somewhere Down the Line.’”
     Alana choked and sputtered, sending a spray of the merlot across her notepad and down the front of her tank top. Tears clouded her vision as she attempted to scan the crowd along with the camera—in search of a man she’d thought she would never see again. 
     “Trey couldn’t be here tonight, so we accept this award with thanks on his behalf,” said the co-presenting action star, raising aloft a glass trophy and dashing Alana’s hopes. Hearing his name opened up a sealed part of her. She would like to have seen him again. Had he changed much?
     The next music spot began, and Alana tossed her notepad aside and went into the bathroom to strip out of her wet clothes. Her uneven gasps for air had nothing to do with the rawness in her throat. Trey Morison had always made her heart skip a beat. Hearing his name was like resurrecting a ghost. More than twenty years had gone by since she’d last seen him, or felt his arms around her. 
Her fingers shook as she turned on the taps and set the drain plug. The water felt good as she splashed it across her face. 
     Supporting herself on the edge of the vanity, she leaned close to the mirror. Motherhood and what she’d once thought was a good marriage hadn’t left any telltale marks. Granted, she didn’t look nineteen, but she definitely looked younger than the forty-five she was fast approaching. Since Don’s announcement he was in love with his office assistant, followed by him packing his bags, she had run the gamut of emotions from shock to confusion about what she’d done wrong. Only when she calmed down enough to put things in perspective did she realize it wasn’t her fault. Her husband had hit a mid-life crisis point. 

     She’d thought they were at the very least content, though. He had a good insurance business, having worked his way up from ground floor sales to senior agent over the course of their marriage. Their sons, Chris and Devon, were off on their own. Now the house was empty, and so was Alana. Except for rebuilding her career.
resurrecting a ghost. More than twenty years had gone by since she’d last seen him, or felt his arms around her. 
     She had always wanted a career as an entertainment journalist specializing in the music industry. Now, it seemed, she had another chance. Texas was a melting pot of music, ranging from the traditional Americana style to alternative rock, some contemporary pop and everything in between. Anyone could find a constant rotation of great music in a myriad of places from fine establishments like The Wine Bar to traditional venues such as Luckenbach. Many musicians opened up their homes to concerts for more intimate evenings; and if that all wasn’t enough, some artists were creating personal venues on their properties. 

     Getting back into the business had been surprisingly easy. After Don’s departure she’d converted Chris’s bedroom into an office and spent most of her daytime hours there. Evenings she frequented one of the many musical venues in Austin and surrounding communities. The first thing she’d done was check out the Texas music websites to see who the regulars were with particular venues, as well as who had been nominated for various awards or recognized for contributions to the industry. She’d started a blog, showcasing artists from all different genres, reviewing new releases and doing interviews. But she’d never imagined her foray back into the business would bring Trey into her sights.

Some of you may recall, I wrote the rough of this book in 18 days for NanoWrimo2012. Serendipity kicked in when Boroughs offered up the contest perfectly matched to the story's theme AND title. I love the characters and the premise is centered what I do pretty much 'round the clock' for my day job. Texas music (as well as classic/ traditional country) is my passion. I hope this comes through in my story.

You'll find Somewhere Down the Line available:
AMAZON
BOROUGHS
ALL ROMANCE

Reviews always appreciated ;-)
Happy Reading!

MY HEAD IS A FISH BOWL- Too Many Fish

If only my brain held only one idea. One thing to focus on. Instead, my head feels more like this:

As a writer, I am always plagued with an abundance of what to write about.  I find stories in multiple sub-genres of romance. My favorite is paranormal or time-travel. There's something about putting a contemporary girl in close proximity with a ethereal hero that creates a sizzle like no other. While I love these stories, I also write sweet contemporary with other premises in a variety of settings. 

While settings are important, I feel for any artist to establish themselves, they need to find their niche. That one spot in the pocket of coral where they can snuggle in, do their thing and watch the rest of the world go by. This applies to any art form. Just as there are sub-genres of romance, you will find them in tangible art and the music industry. And it is only when an artist finds their niche, do they begin to blossom - to come into their own. 

With my background in the music industry, I'm discovering that is where I am most comfortable when writing a story. My passion for the trials and tribulations of what someone in that field goes through on a daily basis to live their dream is something I get. They say 'write what you know'. 

In the mean time, Somewhere Down the Line still does not have a release date and that troubles me. So add that water nyph to my fishbowl brain and my head truly hurts with what to do about the situation. I think I'm closer to an answer. Check back next week to see if more fish have been added or if I'm beginning to see my way through the junk.

I'M IN THE FINALS!

I had the most joyous call from a writer friend last night... about a quarter to midnight. She simply said, "I voted for you."  Several seconds later my heart stopped with the realization of what she meant. My novella, Somewhere Down the Line made the finals in the Boroughs Publishing Group, "What's In A Name?" competition! I could hear the happy in her voice. You have to love that kind of support that only another writer would truly understand.

So where do we go from here? I'm back to asking for votes. Yep, your votes stand between the Final Round and possible CONTRACT

For the next week I'm asking friends and family to step up one more time... okay 7 more times... and VOTE! Please! and SHARE on your FB, Twitter and other social media accounts.

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/content/whats-name-voting

You may vote 1x per day every day through Sunday July 14th. The winner will be announced via their website, social media sites and at their Open House at RWA Nationals - which I will not be attending. :-(

While you are all voting and sharing, I'll keep reminding you and working on a second book to offer them.
Blessings!
Angela

BACK ON TRACK

After having my granddaughters for five weeks, which cut into my internet time more than I could have ever imagined, and then my modem crashing I am finally back on line. There is a hope and a prayer I will remain connected to all of you for a very long time. I've increased my internet package to the largest HughesNet offers and installed a shiny new G4 modem.

As I write this I am waiting for Boroughs Publishing to post the results of Round 2 of 'What's In A Name?' competition. There are three of us in the contemporary category and dare I say, one entry I am impressed with - and it isn't mine. Don't get me wrong... I have all the faith in Trey and Ali's story in Somewhere Down the Line. The fact I had an email this morning from the man who inspired Trey is a definitive boost to my confidence. But if another entry receives more votes than mine, I have my fingers crossed for the author and look forward to reading her story win or lose. I KNOW her story will see publication.

For several weeks I've been mulling over my next novella. Something else that might fit Boroughs Publishing. If I do land the contract with this competition, I want something else in the works to follow up with. In the event I don't, I would still like to work with Chris Keesler and his team so will need something else to submit.

In the wee hours of this morning while dreaming I hit upon a line I HAVE to work with.

"I've been doing promotion a lot longer than I've been chasing bad guys."

I hadn't planned on my next book being intrigue but maybe I need to think about the possibilities.
What do you do when you are presented with something that forces you to think outside the box?

Creative Blessings
~Angela

ON TO THE NEXT ROUND! - Somewhere Down the Line moves forward

WE DID IT!

My novella, Somewhere Down the Line has moved into the next round. Thank you all for voting many times for this story. Just as Alana and Trey deserved their chance, so does their story.

Now that the book is in Round Two at Boroughs Publishing What's In A Name contest, I'm back asking for your votes. Yeah, it's that 'American Idol' or 'TheVoice' thing. Without your continued support, Somewhere Down the Line may not see the digital recognition their story deserves.

Please go to... www.boroughspublishinggroup.com 
For Round Two, they have posted the first page of the novella. You can vote Once Per Day through July 7th.

Let's work together!
Love and Hugs
Angela

THE VOTING BEGINS!

I feel like a contestant on TheVoice of American Idol.

SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE is now in the hands of you - the voters. Without your love and support, my novella will not land in the top 25% and move on to the next round.

There are only fourteen entries and I have to say, I am up against some very good competition. Round Two (which begins on June 24th) will tighten the race when the first 300 words of each manuscript is revealed.

For you to read the first page of SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE, I need your help. Please go to:
http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/content/whats-name-voting and vote for my novella.

Don't let the name T.G. Shepherd throw you. Remember, these entries had to share the name of a song title. Authors names are kept confidential in the early stages so they have listed the recording artist with the book title.

Next, please share the link with all your friends. Tweet it! Share it on FB and even on Pinterest and anything else you can think of. I PROMISE... when you need me to reciprocate in some form, I'll be there for you. Supporting each other is what we do!

And in the words of Bartles and James....

Thank you for your support!

Love and Hugs!
Angela

COMING OUT OF HIDING - Heavy Edits come to an end

About six weeks ago I found out about an amazing submission opportunity offered up by Boroughs Publishing Group, thanks to writer bud Mia Marlow.

Boroughs Publishing Group is looking for novella submissions inspired by song titles and must be reflected in the title of the book. Some of you may recall my Nano 2012 project - Unchained Hearts. Well, originally the manuscript was titled Somewhere Down the Line but I wasn't sure of the logistics of using an actual song title. The good folks at Boroughs Publishing Group have assured me this is not a problem. So Unchained Hearts has officially become Somewhere Down the Line... a song I fell in love with back in the mid 1980's when it was recorded by country recording artists, James & Michael Younger. You can hear the original version performed by T.G. Sheppard HERE.

Since then I have been in serious edit mode. I've taken my 55+k novel down to 40k. The story is better for it and I'm happy with the end result. As the deadline approaches on Thursday I have one task left... a 2 Paragraph Synopsis. I'm not worried about this. I never have problems with synopsis or back blurbs, which is essentially what they are asking for.

My husband has been a gem. In the past four days we've added our two granddaughters to my approaching deadline. He has helped with them almost constantly as I worked to perfect what has become the second book of my heart.

My other partner in crime, whom I could not have done this without is my Nano buddy of six years, Lar. With the book set in Texas, Lar has been my logistics person. I know the Texas music scene and can point you to the best honkytonks and food you'll ever want to experience. Having never been to Texas, it was nice having on-sight help from a local.

So tomorrow, I write the 2 paragraph synopsis, hit the send button and pray my synopsis is sparkly enough to put me in the running.

For now... I need sleep.

NANOing Along

I took the plunge again this year to play in NanoLand. Have you been there? If not, you really should check out the place. There's still time to at least acquaint yourself with the community and maybe you'll join me next year.  www.nanowrimo.org

As you know I've been really focused on my freelance writing lately. I live and breath Texas music as well as some classics out of Nashville. So when I got the idea for this year's Nano Novel, I knew that whether it ever sees the light of day or not, wasn't important to me. I just wanted to tell a story. As added incentive, it puts my characters in the heart of the Texas music scene... between Austin and Galveston

Now there's a concept!

Do you remember crushing on an entertainer and wondering what it would be like to have him reciprocate those feelings? Have you ever wondered what would happen if that really happened?

My characters are finding out in Unchained Hearts

It seems back in the late 1980s Alana Cozins, at the age of 19, was in a safe marriage. Meaning she had married a someone she knew would rescue her from her current life. Anything had to be better than a dad walking out on you, a step-father abusing you and a brother whose life seemed to parallel both those characteristics.

Don Cozins is a good man. He's building his insurance company while letting Alana find out who she is in a safe environment. She loves to write and enjoys Top 40 country music. So she begins following the circuit and doing interviews. What she doesn't count on is crushing on Pieces of Eight lead singer, Trey Morison. He is one fine looking cowboy. And as she attends more and more of their shows, she feels as if Trey might feel the same way. It's the old Barbara Mandrell song, Married But Not to Each Other. 

About the time Alana discovers she is pregnant, Pieces of Eight disbands and the two lose touch.
But don't despair...
Fate will bring them back together. And this time, they are both free to explore the chemistry that has simmered for 25 years.

As I become one of those 'older readers', I find that although I enjoy reading about the twenty-something heroine, I'm not her and in today's world she's not easily relate able to me.  And I know I'm not the only one caught in this time continuum place.  So I wanted to write a story I would enjoy reading. And if somewhere down the line (yep, words from one of my favorite songs and the inspiration behind this story) it sees publication, that's just a bonus.

For now, after a passionate reunion between Alana and Trey, I have a shower scene to write.
Happy Nanoing!
~Angela