Monday, April 27, 2009

Fun Links

Here's a fun post, where authors have submitted their own 'worst covers' for their books. And there are some real shockers!!! It makes me appreciate my ones even more!!! Here's the link

Over the weekend I discovered my blog has been included in Jonathan Crossfield's Top 50 Aussie Writers Blog list, which was a nice surprise! although I must admit I didn't really understand all the number crunching which went on to make up this list!!! I think at some point in the past I've joined up to Technorati, although for the life of me I can't remember doing it!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Love in a Box - Eliza Knight


Please welcome my special guest this week, Eliza Knight, who currently has three Scarlet time travels riding high in The Wild Rose Press Fantasy bestseller list! Congratulations, Eliza!
Tell us a little about yourself, and your recent release, Love in a Box.

Eliza Knight is the author of sizzling historical romance and time travel erotic romance. While not chasing after her little children, she is writing, reading, researching, and living with her own knight in shining armor. She operates a blog site, History Undressed where she discusses the wildly fascinating yet not popularly known facts of history. You can visit Eliza at, www.elizaknight.com, www.myspace.com/elizaknight & www.historyundressed.blogspot.com


Can you tell us a little about your book?

Thank you so much for having me here! Love In A Box, is the third story in my erotic time travel series, Highland Jewel. The fun part is that the hero in this tale, Colin, is the son of Lainie and Donell from the first story. We also learned about Sera in the first book too...but I won't give away the huge misunderstanding that was made, since you'll find out in the first few pages of Love In A Box!!! Here's the blurb:

Colin MacDuff has grown up learning the ways of Highland warriors from his father Donell--but he's never believed his parent's faniciful stories of time travel, true love and a brooch known as the Highland Jewel. Until…he lands on his butt, literally, in the year 1648. Before him is the most beautiful, not to mention sexy as hell, woman he's ever seen. The only thing is, she refuses to be his, or to believe in the power of the brooch.

Sera wishes she'd been able to escape the Highlands like her sister did, and vows she won't marry for anything less than love, and refuses to be a pawn in a marriage deal. Until…Colin shows her what she's missing. He takes her body to the heights of heaven and back, all while proving to her that true love is possible.

Now everything and everyone, depends on the future of these two lovers. Will Colin stay in the past to save the future, and will Sera succumb to passion and love?

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I'll have to start this answer from the first story. I came up with the idea from a writer friend of mine, Denisse with Celtic Hearts. We have online parties and she always gives out Highlanders in a box as our party favor—and believe me if there was such a thing I’d have dozens! She sponsored a writing contest about our sexy friends and thus, Donell was born. I'd been toying with the idea of continuing the story with another Highlander, and then my editor suggested I make it into a series, and that solidified my ideas, so I wrote Ian, Donell's twin's story. After that I needed a third hero and I couldn't quite figure out what to do. I knew I wanted to tell Sera's story, and I thought I'd just come up with a random guy, but I also wanted to tie it all up, so Colin was born. It's been a lot of fun writing characters and their stories.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

You're not nosy! I love sale stories too! The first story I sold was my Regency novella, Her Captain Returns. I'll never forget it! I am an obsessive email checker. It was probably like 1 am. I'd been up talking and drinking just a little wine with one of my girlfriends, and before I went to bed, my computer--my crutch--called to me. So, I logged on and there it was! An email from my editor at The Wild Rose Press, offering me a contract! I jumped up, ran all the way upstairs, hopped in bed and woke my husband to tell him the good news. Since then I've recieved five more contracts and each time its a thrill!

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

LOL! I'll start with the funnest part of this question: fantasy squeeze... I have several! Vin Diesel, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Craig, Patrick Dempsey, Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Christian Bale, Colin Firth and of course the hotties in my books (they are perfect, since I created them, lol) My absolute favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, I've read it so many times the pages are falling out. I'm also a big Jane Austen fan. I love Ken Follett, Julie Garwood, Jude Devereux, Eloisa James and Sabrina Jeffries, just to name a few. My favorite movies...my all time fav is Braveheart, then I love the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride, Robin Hood Men in Tights, P.S. I Love You, and I recently saw What Happens in Vegas, and loved it too! I don't watch much TV, but when I do I like CSI, the Tudors, and anything on the History Channel.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on finishing up the last two novels in a medieval series I'm writing, as well as working on a Regency erotic series.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Several ways :) I have a website, and a myspace page that update regularly. I also contribute to the Pen and Muse blog, where I update whoever is interested in my writing life. And last but not least, I have a newsletter I send out every couple of months. Oh, and I love getting email! As I said I'm an obsessive email checker, so if you want to write to me, you'll be sure to get an answer! writer@elizaknight.com
Thank you for having me! It was a lot of fun :) Eliza KnightCHRW President / HHRW Newsletter EditorAuthor of sizzling historical romance. Bringing passion to life, one love story at a time...www.elizaknight.com / www.historyundressed.blogspot.com / www.myspace.com/elizaknight

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Free Giveaway

Next up on my To-Do list is writing a couple of synopses. *shudder* Not looking forward to tackling them! It's been ages since I wrote one and I think I've forgotten how.

In happier news I've booked my flight for the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference in August so am very excited about that!!

If you have a moment I'd love to see you over at Sarita Leone's blog, where there's a copy of Foretaste of Forever up for grabs for someone who leaves a comment on my post.

***Link Fixed Now!!!***

Monday, April 20, 2009

Perth Roadshow is on its Way!!!



Romance Writers of Australia inc

proudly presents

The 2009 Romance Roadshow

Featuring…

Keri Arthur
New York Times Best Seller List author

Kelly Hunter
Harlequin Romance author, President of Romance Writers of Australia

Denise Rossetti
Ellora’s Cave and Berkley author,

Plus: local authors, giveaways and much, much more.

Come and hear some of Australia’s leading romance authors talk about the craft of writing and the industry they work in. With interactive tutorials and an author panel, it’s a day no aspiring author should miss.

After a day full of information, relax and catch up with your new friends at our post Roadshow dinner.



Saturday 23rd May 2009
Good Earth Hotel
195 Adelaide Terrace
Perth



Cost: RWA Members $100
Non-Members $110
Dinner - tba

Prices include lunch, morning and afternoon tea

For further information on presenters and tutorial topics go to: www.romanceaustralia.com
Enquiries: Julie-Anne roadshowenquiries@romance.com
Registration Nicki roadshowregistrar@romance.com

Friday, April 17, 2009

Passion in Paris - Helen Hardt


Please welcome my special guest this week, the lovely Helen Hardt! Helen, thanks for popping back to chat about your new Scarlet Rosette, Passion in Paris, which was released by The Wild Rose Press last Friday and is already riding high in the charts!

And don't forget, all Rosettes are on sale for the month of April at the red hot price of just 99 cents each!!

Can you tell us a little about your book?


Passion in Paris originated when my friend and webmistress, Kylie Creel (hi Kylie!), introduced me to a young French hottie named Emmanuel Delcour. I had just finished Seduced in Seoul, and wanted to write another Destination Pleasure story for The Wild Rose Press, Wilder Roses. What better location than Paris? And what better hero than a young and charming Frenchman who has a little secret? Thus, Passion in Paris was born.

Blurb:
Attempting to overcome her fear of heights by visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower, Raine never expects to end up in the arms of a gorgeous Frenchman. But after fainting in the tower’s elevator, that’s where she awakens. Blaise is young, charming, and hot, so why, Raine wonders, is he attracted to her? And why does she have the strange feeling she’s seen him somewhere before?

Red Hot Excerpt - Adults Only!!


Blaise’s body tightened. Her lips were as delicious as he’d thought they’d be. He’d wanted to kiss her since she first fell onto him in the elevator, her lush dark hair cascading down his chest and arms. He’d impetuously decided to bring her here, to his place. It wasn’t far from the Eiffel Tower and for some reason unknown to him, he’d wanted to care for her.

She kissed him like a sédutrice, opening her mouth and swirling her tongue around his. She nipped his lips with a hunger that was both innocent and passionate. The fire she ignited in him traveled straight to his groin, reminding him how long he’d gone without a woman. Nearly two years now. Not that he hadn’t had the chance. He was a model; women constantly came on to him. But he hadn’t been interested.

Until now.

Lorraine was older than he, more mature, but he didn’t care. He wanted her. She was beautiful, yes. And cute. So adorable to be afraid of heights. But he’d known his share of stunning women. What was it about her?


Sighing into her welcoming mouth, he deepened the kiss, tangling his tongue with hers. Enjoying the soft moans from her throat. Her mouth tasted like the Beaujolais, with a touch of honeyed sweetness. He groaned. His cock throbbed inside his jeans, aching for release.

But no. He wanted to go slowly. To savor her.

Summoning all his willpower, he broke the kiss, trailing his lips over her cheek to her ear. He pressed a moist kiss to the silky skin below her lobe. “You’re so beautiful, chérie. So hot.”

“Mmm.” Her voice had lowered, and her breath feathered against his cheek.

“I knew it would be paradise to kiss you.” He traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. “You are delicious.”

She sighed. “You are, too.”

“I meant what I said.” His body shuddered at her nearness. “I want to kiss you. Lick you.”

“Mmm. Okay.”

“I want to fuck you, chérie. Until you cannot walk.”

*Christina fans self*


How did the idea for the plot come about?

I had to get my cougar heroine and my young Frenchman together, so I came up with the idea of having her go to the top of the Eiffel Tower to try to overcome her fear of heights.

She's unsuccessful and faints in the elevator. And, of course, our hottie is there to catch her.

Who or what inspires you and why?


I think I'm inspired by a little bit of everything, to tell you the truth. My wonderful husband, of course, is the role model for every hero I've created. All my heroes are unique, but there's a little bit of Dean in each one. Sometimes I'm inspired by a song. Sometimes a photo (as was the case for Passion in Paris.) Sometimes a title comes to me first. This happened with Thai'd Up, another Destination Pleasure short that's coming soon. When I thought of that title, I knew I had to write the story! Other times I'm inspired by a book I've read, but thought a few things should have been handled differently. So I'll write a new story. Really there's no end to my inspiration, LOL.

If you rubbed a lamp and a hot djinn appeared and offered you a single wish, what would you ask for (or make him do?!)

Fantasy Helen would probably ask him to summon his equally hot djinn friend (who bears a striking resemblance to Gerard Butler) so we could all have a nice...sandwich together.

But reality Helen? I'd ask for good health and long life for my husband, my sons, and me. It's so easy to take good health for granted. I'm thankful everyday for mine and my family's.

Where do you see yourself as a writer five years from now?

On the NYT bestseller list, of course, right next to you, Christina! LOL. Wouldn't that be something? But where I actually see myself is being able to support my family with my writing so my husband can stop working. He's supported me for all these years. I'd love to do the same for him.

What's the best, and worst, things about writing for you?

The best is when everything comes together perfectly -- plot, characters, conflict, emotion. When I make myself cry or give myself belly tugs, I know it's working. Or when I get great feedback from my critique partners. I got this amazing reaction from them with my upcoming historical western novella, The Outlaw's Angel. I wrote that one very quickly, and it came together well.

The worst is the opposite -- when a story isn't working. I'm not feeling the love, and neither are my CPs. Sometimes I can fix this, but other times I have to take a different avenue. I'm sure all writers have experienced something similar. You have what you think is a great idea, but the characters aren't cooperating. Annoying!

Quickies

What's your fave:

Time to write
The morning, but ironically, by the time I get through all the email, blogging, etc., it's usually afternoon before I actually write a word!

Song I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Pair of shoes I'm so not into shoes! My husband loves that I'm not into clothes. I hate shopping. But let's see -- I guess I'd have to say my Chacos. They're comfortable and you can pretty much go anywhere in them.

Food Sushi or Dean's homemade spaghetti sauce

Place (on earth or off!) Hawaii, or snuggled in my bed with a good book

Guiltiest pleasure Pedicures and massages

Catch up with Helen over at her website and her blog!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Believe in Your Dreams

This YouTube has been doing the rounds, but I only caught up with it today from a loop I'm on.

It's from a UK programme called Britain's Got Talent with the infamous Simon Cowell as one of the judges (I don't think he needs any more introduction that that, huh?!) Watch the judges faces as Susan Boyle walks on. And then watch their faces when all their preconceived notions smash to smithereens.

Enjoy!!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Cool Stuff

First of all, big congrats to my great friend Helen Hardt, whose Scarlet Rosette, Passion in Paris, released over at The Wild Rose Press on Friday! Helen will be visiting my blog this coming Friday to answer my probing interview questions *cough-cough* (in my defence I have thought up some new questions for her!!!)

Secondly, some smokin' Aussie and New Zealand YA authors have got together and started up a new blog, We Love YA. They've already had some amazing author and editor guests, and there are heaps of fab prizes to be won!

And thirdly (what am I on today?!) my super-sleuth CP Pat found another contest. This one is a bit short notice but definitely doable!! Here are the details:

QueryTracker's First Agent-Judged Contest

I am very pleased to announce that Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of Nancy Coffey Literary will be judging a contest next week on the QueryTracker.net blog.

To enter, submit a one sentence hook for your book. Details will be revealed on the QueryTracker blog Monday, April 13th.

Grand prize - full submission of your manuscript
1st place - 50 page submission
2nd place - 30 page submission
3rd place - 10 page submission

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Red Hot Sale!!

During the month of April all Rosettes at The Wild Rose Press are selling for just 99c! What a bargain. Here's the link if you want to check out the lastest Scarlet releases (including Touch of the Demon! hehehehe, yes I had to get a little plug in there!!)

Well, I finally hit Send on my Book in a Nutshell blurb, so will wait with anticipation to see where that gets me. But the important thing is, this contest really motivated me to finish my novel which I started way back in September! So it's all good, and not only did I finish the book but I also hammered out a blurb, something I always try and avoid until the last possible moment!

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Touch of the Demon - Now Available at Fictionwise

Just a quick heads up that Touch of the Demon is now at Fictionwise, AllShortStories and as of today (I think!) it's also available at All Romance eBooks.

At AllShortStories, Demon is at #3, so that was exciting!!!

And a big Thank You to April, who walked me through the maze of FW, so now I actually know what I'm looking for when I'm there!!!

And now, back to procrastinating about hitting the SEND key for the BOOK IN A NUTSHELL contest!!!

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Forbidden Eternity - Skhye Moncrief








Please welcome my special guest this week, Skhye Moncrief, who is a multi-pubbed author with The Wild Rose Press.


Skhye, tell us a little about yourself!


I'm a Texan who believes men look best in kilts. Unfortunately, my husband disagrees. :( I'm formally educated in both geology and anthropology (bioarchaeology). I'm a stay-at-home mom who rides herd over my bossy & sassy 3-year old. Thank the stars for writing, or I'd lose my mind! And I blog about reference books

And please take a peek at my free read, VOW OF SUPERSTITION: DRAGON'S BLOOD


Hi, Christina! Thanks for having me over. I thought I'd let you take a peek at Cochise--FORBIDDEN ETERNITY'S hero...


Sorry. I, uh, forgot what I was talking about...
(Stop looking at pictures, Skhye!) Oh, wait. I remember!

Sometimes the forbidden proves the only cure. In present-day Scotland, a shape-shifting shaman and a Druid embrace the forbidden to safeguard history from renegade gods bent on sabotaging history by kidnapping the Goddess of Time. A woman Cochise despises is his only hope for a future. He has no choice except to swallow his pride and protect Druidess Mairi from a man who is blackmailing her into breaking time-travel Code by kidnapping her sister. But his presence tempts Mairi into risking her sister’s life in falling in love. A fairy hairball and a pack of Hell Hounds force the duo to hide on an astral plane where there is no resolution beyond facing their FORBIDDEN ETERNITY. You're invited to read the 1st chapter:



How did the idea for the plot come about?

FORBIDDEN ETERNITY was a story in my Time Guardian series. Cochise evolved from a secondary character in a group of Time-Guardian cadets protecting history in Scotland. He's a cadet himself. Although, he fancies himself quite capable. Wouldn't you if you looked that scrumptious? Anyhow, my first love has always been Native Americans--that's before bagpipes! FORBIDDEN ETERNITY is bagpipes, Native Americans, Scotland, fairies, shape shifting, and time travel.


I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

I had been writing over 5 years, had quit graduate school (bioarchaeology) to feed the writing-bug's ravenous appetite, when I found myself at home with my 1-yr old. Trying to sell a terribly cross-genre fantasy romance series just wasn't working for me. But I'm hard-headed and wouldn't just go with the general consensus on what the term "weird" defined. Oy! I decided to throw in the writing towel when another author (with my publisher) encouraged me to query The Wild Rose Press. I found my novel HE OF THE FIERY SWORD was one of the few stories the WRP dark paranormal editor contracted at the time. Things have picked up since with the Black Rose line. And, to make a long story short, I jumped up and down quite a bit, then went to work on two websites. http://www.timeguardians.com/ & http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/ My hair pulling ended. And I landed a stellar review. "Arthur is a masterpiece..." HE OF THE FIERY SWORD's King Arthur ~Diane Mason, The Romance Studio

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

SCROLL UP. Okay, I'll spill my guts. I'm also smitten with Gerry Butler. And here's a sexy Welshman--Dafydd Emyr would make an incredible Time Guardian too...

Lastly on my list are the tough Viking types in THIRTEENTH WARRIOR. Since I could actually go on forever, let me see if I can be more specific. My favorite romance is Jennifer Roberson's LADY OF THE GLEN. Karen M. Moning's work is wonderful. And the world's been known to stop when I get ahold of a Dark Hunter novel. My all-time favorite hero is Christine Feehan's hero in MIND GAMES. I don't know why. We just meshed. (Lucky guy!) I have a deep appreciation for Jane Austen. Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth is perfection. And there is a soft spot in my heart for Ciaran Hinds. It must be because of JANE EYRE & PERSUASION. But in Anthropology Through Literature, I was a firm believer that even a wealthy man is victimized by the culture of his day. ;) Look at all those money-grubbing women out to marry him!


What are you working on now?

I'm working on a werewolf space opera. People usually reply "huh?" when I spout that subject. So, let's just say we're talking about psychic warfare and werewolves. The rest is top secret. I'm dying to write a dragon-hunter tale. But I must finish the space opera first. :( I just don't understand why life is torturing me!

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Visit:
http://timeguardians.com/
http://skhyemoncrief.com/
http://myspace.com/skhyemoncrief
http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/

Thanks for having me here, Christina. ~Skhye

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Night Owl Romance 4.5 Hearts



I've had two reviews this week for Touch of the Demon which really brightened my day! The first is from Night Owl Romance where Dianna had this to say:

Touch of the Demon is an extremely spicy novella. Short in length but full to the brim with enough hot and spicy passion to make you want your fan running on high while you are reading it. Christina Phillips has done a spectacular job of making her world come alive for the reader. Touch of the Demon will defiantly keep you guessing, and honestly you would think “people” would learn not to mess with affairs of the heart, wouldn’t you?

The full review can be found here, but be warned! It's a very hot and spicy review!!!

The second review is from fellow The Wild Rose Press author Helen Hardt:

Do you love a dark and sexy hero? An imaginative paranormal setting? Sizzling sexual tension coupled with passionate emotion? Touch of the Demon offers all this and more. The refreshingly unique story of Rafe and Celeste explores the timeless theme of a love so fierce and unending, it overpowers all other loyalties. Christina Phillips’s elegant voice and masterful use of imagery will leave you breathless. Don’t miss this one!

Thank you Helen!

And while I think of it, does anyone understand the vaguries of Google Alerts? I get heaps of alerts but half of them are for old links on the web which I've been sent before. But I only found the NOR review by googling myself (this of course has given me a great excuse to continue with my obsessive self googly habits!!!)