Do you remember going to camp as a kid? To me, it signified that summer was really here. Nowadays, the arrival of summer is heralded by having to turn on the air conditioner full time, saying goodbye to fresh air and hello to noise and a gigantic electric bill. Being an adult sometimes means losing our child-like wonder for many events, so any time I can, I try to find a little fun in life. How about a camp for adults?

This year, treat yourself to Marketing for Romance Writers summer camp. What is MFRW Summer Camp? Marketing for Romance Writers began as a Yahoo group of a dozen authors who wanted to know how to market their books. They shared information and passed it along to other writers. There are nearly 1800 members today. I love this group because it's not about author promotion or advertising, it's writers helping each other.

When:  July 12-14

Where: Join MFRW’sYahoo group and you’ll be in the loop for A Taste of Summer Camp

Cost: Free!

Added bonus: Prizes!

Who can attend: Everybody. You don’t have to be a romance writer. The information given applies to anyone.

More info will be given on the Yahoo loop, so keep your eyes open. The traffic can get heavy, especially during camp, so you might want to set your preference for this group to Daily Digest. I believe this year, camp will be held at Coffee Time Romance, in the Forum section.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MarketingForRomanceWriters/

Now, for my recipes, soup and salad. Soup doesn't sound terribly appealing during these hot summer months, but this one can be served at room temperature. Both dishes are easy to prepare and make plenty so you can have leftovers for lunch. Enjoy!

Super Summer Soup

¾ cup brown rice (you can use instant but I use leftover regular)

¾ cup water

15 ounce canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Can or frozen green beans

14 ounce canned tomatoes

14 ounce can chicken broth (I just use water and veggie bouillon cubes)

½ cup store bought or homemade basil pesto

Cook rice and water according to directions if using instant rice otherwise, skip this step and add rice at the end. Mix cannellini beans, green beans, tomatoes with juice, broth and pesto. Add rice if using already cooked. Stir. Season to taste with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. Serve at room temperature.

Tasty Tuna and Bean Salad

2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 (5 ounce) cans water-packed tuna, drained

1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (the kind in a jar with liquid)

½ red onion, chopped

½ cup chopped fresh basil

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Juice of one lemon

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Holy moly, is it Tuesday already? I'm a little late with my treat this week but here it is, the perfect thing for this hot weather. A big ass fan from the Big Ass Fans company. They make industrial,commercial and residential products and no lie, these are some large fans. Browse the How They Work tab and learn about engineers working with Nature to cool us down. I love the sleek look of these products and the money and energy savings potential. One day, I hope to own one.

http://www.bigassfans.com/

I posted a comment on a Yahoo group recently referring to a blog post I wrote about the trouble with being a private person in the writing world. We're supposed to let our readers in on the details of our lives, but for those of us who are somewhat shy and/or don't want everybody and their sister to know our business, it becomes a chore to keep our 'other self ' hidden. Susana Ellis responded to my post and was gracious enough to share her story about what happened when her secret identity was accidentally discovered. A true life Happy Ending!

I come from an extremely conservative Christian family. I won't go into all the details, but I will say that they shunned my lesbian aunt when she came out about ten years ago. I am the lone dissenter.

For years I have felt uncomfortable around them. They are so uber-religious that I felt that if they knew the real ME, I'd be shunned as well. So when I embarked on a writing career, I decided to use a pen name and keep it to myself. Even though my first story, a sweet Regency romance, is not something they would find objectionable. It's just that I didn't want to feel that I had them looking over my shoulder when I wrote. And I don't intend to stick with sweet romance forever. I read and enjoy a variety of heat levels.

Well, it all came out due to an error of mine with email signatures, and I finally had a long talk with my mom and one of my sisters about how I felt disrespected around them. That I had to respect their views, but no one had to respect mine. To my surprise, my parents changed their attitude 180 degrees! In fact, with the exception of one sister, the entire family has become some of my strongest supporters. My mother even made me a Regency gown for the RT convention (see the link below), and poses as Lady P for my blog series. My sister is on today's post as Letitia, Lady Beauchamp.

I can't tell you how good it feels to have everything out in the open. There are some things we can't talk about, but it's been easier than I expected to avoid those topics and focus on the things we DO agree on. I never would have dreamed we could ever come this far.

I am quite aware that there is always the possibility that someday I will do something that gets me shunned (by some) as they have my aunt. I can't do anything about that. I have plenty of friends who accept me the way I am, and if some in my family choose not to, that's THEIR problem. I prefer to believe that some members of my family may gradually back away from their extreme beliefs. I see some signs of it already.

But I can't guarantee this would happen with other families. I'm still pinching myself to make sure this isn't a dream!

http://susanaellisauthor.wordpress.com/about/

http://susanaellisauthor.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/episode-14-in-which-letitia-lady-beauchamp-pops-in-for-an-interview-on-her-personal-acquaintance-with-princess-charlotte-of-wales/


http://www.teacooperauthor.com/1/post/2013/05/susana-ellis-is-your-ta-time-treat-today-and-shes-having-the-time-of-her-life.html

I'm going to reveal just how immature I am and tell you about one of my current favorite television shows, Archer. It's a cartoon comedy, but not your typical ha-ha comedy. The story is about a group of men and women working at ISIS, a sort-of spy agency. The characters are hilarious, getting into all kinds of weird trouble. Adult language and situations are abundant, so don't watch if you are easily offended. The action moves along quickly so you have to stay alert but not too much. It is a cartoon, after all. The episodes are short, the perfect thing to watch when you need to let your brain relax a little. My DH is annoyed by Archer's voice but I find it matches the lead character perfectly. Lana, the heroine, is tough as nails but reveals a vulnerable side every now and then. The rest of the group borders on psychotic, but you know, in a fun way.  

There are amusing, romantic situations and just a touch of seriousness in several of them but for the most part, sex is portrayed as bizarre and funny. Since I write action/adventure and suspense, I pay attention to plots involving these elements. Even though this is a comedic cartoon, someone had to come up with story lines to make it believable. That would be the most heavenly job in the world for me, to write sexy, suspenseful comedy. *sigh* I stream it on Netflix and you can buy DVD's at Amazon also. I hope you get the chance to enjoy this quirky show.

I have waaaayyyyy too much fun doing research. 

I went on a tour with Goddess Fish and decided not to just ride the tour bus, I want to travel in a dirigible, also known as an airship. I moseyed around the Internet a bit and found  the perfect vehicle. Not too shabby, eh? I can see hosting a party or two aboard this craft, maybe take a trip around the world, with frequent shopping stops.




Visit here for more information on this beautiful flying luxury hotel, then head over and leave a comment on one of my tour stop blogs. I know, the tour is officially over, but I won't be drawing a name until late Monday, due to an unexpected vacation this weekend. Wheeeee! Sneak in a comment while you can.


6/3/2013  The Drunken Pervy Creepers
6/4/2013  Wicked Readings by Tawania
6/5/2013  The Crafty Cauldron
6/6/2013  Paranormal Reads
6/7/2013 For The Love of Reading
6/7/2013 SECOND STOP Harlie's Books


http://miss-swiss.com/2011/02/the-flying-luxury-hotel-airship-aerocraft/



 

My winner (chosen by Random.org) is Gabrielle. Many thanks to everyone who participated. See you at the next event!


Bad boys, bad boys, watcha gonna do? (I know, two references to old songs. What can I say? Bad boys make me want to sing.) I'll tell you what I would do if I was a wild, single woman again. I'd find me one of those bad boys and have some fun! My honey is actually somewhat of a badass (see picture below) and we do have our good times, so no complaints from me.

For my contest, just leave a comment and  tell me who is one of your favorite bad boys, real or fictional, from Hollywood or a book. Here's a little treat for you, an excerpt from my latest, Into the Magic, featuring a magical bad boy.

                                                             **********************

Damn, he looked fine sitting there in the glow of the candle. She took another sip of wine, and her previous convictions about Adam faded. All she could think of was the incredibly sexy man across from her. Her pulse pounded and moisture formed between her legs, but her conscience nudged her, reminding her that a sexual encounter with Tristan would be trouble. It could end their working relationship and cause problems with Adam.

So what? I’ll get a new teacher. Adam isn’t here. He sent me away and hasn’t contacted me. Right now, I want a lover.

“I really don’t know that much about you. We’re always concentrating on lessons when you’re here. Tell me something you like to do in your free time.” Star struggled to keep her voice steady.

“Well, I like to kayak, I like to cook, and garden. Now, tell me something you like to do, when you’re not visiting other worlds.”

“Come here and sit next to me. We can watch the fireworks out of the window.”

Tristan hesitated a moment. Heat rose in her body, and the desire to touch him was overpowering. She poured more wine into her glass and drank. Something loose and wild raged through her, a voracious demon that demanded to be fed. The atmosphere in the room was charged, like the air before a thunderstorm. Her pulse raced, her breathing quickened. She crossed her legs as waves of pleasure throbbed low in her core. She was certain Tristan could sense her excitement, yet still he moved with care, coming to sit on the end of the couch.

“Frankly, I’ve been a stick in the mud for the past two years. I haven’t been doing anything much, reading and watching television. Ever since I got back from Porrima, though, I’ve been thinking about some things I want to do. Like this.”

Star scooted over and kissed Tristan. Only their lips touched, gently, and as soon as they connected, she was lost. An explosion of colour filled her mind. Her heart raced. He held perfectly still, at first, then put both hands on her cheeks and angled his head to deepen the kiss. The colours swirled into pulsating patterns.

Pulling away, Tristan leant back and looked at Star, breathing hard.

“Are you sure this is what you want? It could make our study time awkward.”

“I know, but it could make it fun. It could open up new avenues of exploration. Didn’t I see a chapter in that book of yours about sexual power?”

“Sex can add to the power of magic, but it can also distract the user.”

“Okay, I’m ready to get distracted.”

Star slowly pulled her blouse off, and smiled as she saw Tristan’s pupils dilate, hearing his sharp intake of breath. She stood and removed her skirt, then held out her hand to him.

“Your turn.”

Tristan rose and, unable to wait any longer, Star began to unbutton his shirt. He grabbed her hands and put them to her side.

“Wait.”

The cool breeze from the air conditioner, along with her growing excitement, hardened her nipples into points that poked through her thin bra. Tristan cupped one breast and ran a thumb across the hard peak. Star gasped and shivered. She wanted to take him right there. On the couch, the floor, the kitchen table. Desire burned through her like a flame.

With a growl, she pulled his shirt out of his pants and ripped it apart, sending buttons flying. She started to unfasten his pants, but again he pushed her hands away and quickly did it himself, sliding them to the floor then stepping out of them. He sat on the couch, shoved the coffee table away with his foot, and took hold of her hips. Looking up at her with eyes gone dark with desire, he brought her in close and buried his face between her legs. He slid her lace panties to the side, and his tongue probed her lips, lightly at first, then harder, licking the slick folds inside and out.

With one finger, he began to caress her clit, stroking it lightly, rhythmically.

The sound of the booming fireworks matched her pounding pulse. Heat like she’d never felt before ran through her veins and set her soul on fire. What was this? Not the slow, simmering burn she’d felt when she and Adam held their bodies together. This was something riotous, something unsettling. Her nerve endings danced, like the sparklers they’d lit at the party.

Tristan’s fingers dug into her flesh. His tongue dived deeper, and he took her swollen bud into his mouth and sucked. She moaned deep in her throat and arched her pelvis into his face. She had to take him, now. The desire to ride him, to push him on his back and straddle him, to fuck him for hours, was overwhelming. Panting, she wiped a thin line of sweat from her brow.

Something was wrong. This feeling, this deep lust, it was dark, wicked, consuming her. If they went any further, she would fall into an abyss of shadows. Though her body vibrated with need, she knew this was not how it should feel.

With a strangled cry, Star pushed Tristan away and took a step back.

“Stop.”

“Stop?” Tristan looked up, his voice thick with arousal.

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”

“What the hell?” Tristan stood abruptly. “Don’t play with me. You’re the one who started this.”

“I know, but I changed my mind. I want you to go now.”

Star put her hands on her hips, aware of her nearly naked state.

                                          ************************

Buy links:

Into the Magic

Amazon

Total-E-Bound

All Romance

Kobo

Barnes and Noble


Big thanks to our hosts,
herding cats & burning soup, Rantings of a Reading Addict and author Blue Remy. 

Today is actually a treat for moi, so please indulge me. Just this once. *makes cute prayer hands* I'm a guest at the fabulous Night Owl blog, where I talk about my impatient streak and how I incorporated that trait into my heroine's personality in my book,  Into the Magic. I'm also at Wicked Readings by Tawania on my blog tour. Thanks for the awesome review, you sweetheart, you!  "...I was so happy that the author stayed true to her characters. The sexual scenes were passionate, sexy, and sizzling. The pacing of the story was great..." 

The fabulous Tawania encourages us to 'Spread the Wickedness,' in the most pleasurable ways possible, I'm sure. Please join me at one or both spots and leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you and the more you comment the more you increase your chances of winning!

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Naomi-Bellina-Into-The-Magic

http://wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/2013/06/vbt-review-giveaway-into-magic.html

My winner from the party is Catherine L. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left a comment. Let's party on into the week!


That's right, I'm partying with the fish today. Even more exciting, many other fine authors will be in attendance also, so no telling what's going to happen. I'm sure there will be plenty of excerpts and even a giveaway or two, including a chance to win a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate from our wonderful host.  I'll pick one winner at the end of the day who can choose between a back list book (everything except Into the Magic)  or a hand-made bookmark goodie pack. (Goodie pack for US residents only, please.)  Join us here for the fun.  http://goddessfishparty.blogspot.com/

Starting Monday, I'm on a short tour with Goddess Fish so please join me at these stops. I will be awarding a choice of any back list Ebook and a fabulous hand made bookmark/magnet goodie pack to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US and Canada only please for the goodie pack. International winners can choose a second ebook from my backlist.)


6/3/2013  The Drunken Pervy Creepers
6/4/2013  Wicked Readings by Tawania
6/5/2013  The Crafty Cauldron
6/6/2013  Paranormal Reads
6/7/2013 For The Love of Reading
6/7/2013 SECOND STOP Harlie's Books