Halloween contest

There's a big contest going on today through Halloween. A bunch of authors, (including me) are hiding in their house on a Trick or Treat Street. We've all contributed to a big Halloween goodie bag, and it all will be given away to one lucky winner. You go to each person's house, make your choice of what you think that author is thinking (you have an excerpt to help) and then send your pick to that particular author's e-mail.

Start with the contest page at Sam Cheever's website (http://www.samcheever.com/Halloween%20Contest_2008.htm). I'm the third house on the street. You can go directly to my house here. Lots of free excerpts, and believe me the Halloween goodie basket is fabulous.. Lots of luck....and do join us for the fun.

I've also added links to a few other Halloween goodies on my site here.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween.

-- Karen McCullough

Beaudry's Ghost: Legends, Book 1 Releases in Print Today!

Today's the day!

It's the official release day of the print version of my award-winning paranormal romance, Beaudry's Ghost.

The sequel, Legends, Book 2: A Ghost of a Chance, comes out Dec. 30 in ebook, with print release about this time next year.

Watch the Beaudry trailer

Read an excerpt

The Sixth Cursed Halloween

Talk about a challenging book to write! I had to transform Deidre from a cranky, man hater into falling in love. I had to give her a hero worthy of her. I think Brad fits the bill, but only time will tell.

Blurb:

On Halloween night, Brad settles down to repot his Bonsai tree. After an argument with his girlfriend, he needs someone to talk to. He's not expecting the tree to talk back.

Surprise! Deidre's cursed inside his bonsai tree. She's been curled up watching him for years. This conversation's the first she's had in centuries.

Brad tries to set her free, but at the end of the night, he loses the ability to hear the woman with the sexy brogue. He vows he'll do what it takes to get her out, wanting to know the woman behind the voice. He even has erotic dreams about the woman she might be, for the five long years he searches for the saving spell.

Deidre hates men. All of them. Or does she? Brad's such an earnest hunk, so determined to do right by her. Maybe they have some redeeming qualities - like a sexy, muscular chest.

On the sixth Halloween, a woman from Brad's life turns Deidre's life upside down. Literally. That's not a good thing for a potted tree. Now she's getting a choice: a life with Brad without her magic or back to the trees, but she can work her curses and take her revenge. What will she choose this sixth cursed Halloween?

To read an exerpt.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen

http://www.mechelearmstrong.com

http://www.melanylogen.com

"Free" time

This is the first weekend I don't have anything scheduled since Labor Day.

Pause for thought -- Labor Day. Long time ago, eh? I've had either a book signing, a trip, a conference, a panel discussion .... something since Labor Day.

I didn't realize how much I prized free time until I didn't have much of it. My husband asked what I'm going to do with it. "Write, I suppose?"

Yes, but I'm also going to take time -- maybe have a nap, go buy some apples and stop for antiques along the way, do some cooking, do some shopping. I've done all of those things wedged into my weekends in between other events, but this weekend I'm just going to do those things. I'm not going to fit them in, they'll be the main event.

I think that's what I miss most in my hectic schedule. I end up slotting activites into a schedule and don't have time to relax and just enjoy them. So that's what free time gives me. I don't have to begrudge the activity that takes me away from the thing I love to do in my free time -- write.

And that's enough deep thoughts for a beautiful autumn Saturday! I'm going to go out, enjoy the leaves, eat some apple pie, and poke around a few antique stores. I hope your Saturday is as pleasant!

Inspiration

It comes in many forms. One of the things I love about attending conferences is that they always seem to inspire. They make me think about the industry and/or about stories and figure out where both are going.

I attended the James River Writer's Conference this past weekend. I had a good time and really enjoyed the speakers. I learned a bit and stared considering my career and what I want to do over the next year.

David Balducci was Friday's speaker. He's really funny and an inspiration. Sent his book, Absolute Power to six agents. Six agents wanted it. I couldn't help but think...all I need is one. One will do fine! LOL. But I digress. I enjoyed listening to his stories. He had one about being on a train LOL and discussing poisoning. I'm going to have to find that book.

Adriana Trigiani was Saturday's speaker. I could have listened to her, too for several more hours. She's a very funny, gregarious woman. And very giving. When she was being told it was over, she kept saying, "I don't feel like I've done enough." Her advice, "Finish the damn book!" She said you can do anything once you finish.

I enjoyed seeing several of the agents in action. And several speakers. The panel on first page critiques for Fiction was interesting. The seminar on Romance was so much fun. I definitely feel inspired to start the "next thing."

Amazing how a few days with other writers refills the well.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany Of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

October Newsletter and Contests!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The October 2008 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented Shelley Munro.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

October Contests!

October marks my 4th Anniversary as a published author. To celebrate, I’m having a special Anniversary Contest. I’ll be giving away 4 print books during the month of October—1 a week. If you’d like a chance to win, check out my website and click on the “Contests” page for details.

I’m also participating in The Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt. There are lots of great prizes to be won, so be sure and check it out.



I’ll also be participating in the Kate Hill’s Halloween Page and Halloween Countdown Contest. Check it out!