Facts about Diane Alberts!

I sound like a little girl. No, not a child, child. But a tween. When parents or teachers call my house, they ask for my mom. Really. I then get stuck having to say, I’m $#653@ mom. They, in turn, stammer in embarrassment and shame for a good thirty seconds before getting the heck to the point. It’s a mess for everyone involved.

Coincidentally, I also apparently look like one. My tween, much to her dismay, often gets asked if I’m her sister. She has to then roll her eyes as is appropriate for a tween disillusioned with the world and all its bullcrap before replying, “No, it’s my mom.”

I’m terrified of scary movies. I refuse to watch them anymore. As a teen, I went to see 13 Ghosts in the theater. I didn’t sleep for days. To this date, I still picture that woman in the bathtub covered in blood if I go pee at night. She terrified me more than anything else in that movie. Still kinda does. A lot.

I have four children. They are aged 12, 7, 5, and 3. Two boys and a girl. The drama and wrestling that go on at my house makes for non-stop clattering and crying. It’s like a circus in my house on a daily basis. I can’t even talk on the phone unless I go hide in a bedroom or another lockable room. It’s ridiculous. By the end of the day, I’m usually spent and incredibly cranky. But, I wouldn’t give them up for the world.

When writing, I get really cranky and consumed until I type my last word. Then, I come back into the real world and apologize to all of the people I ignored or pissed off when in my own little world. I think a lot of my friends get mad at me, thinking I’m being a brat, but I really become obsessed when writing. I can’t rest until I’m done. My characters won’t let me.

I also read slush, in addition to writing. I find it neat to be able to see the “other” side of the publishing perspective. I like seeing what makes a manuscript a yes, and what makes it a no. I am intrigued by the whole process.

I starting writing my novel, RECLAIMED, three years ago. It comes out today here at Decadent Publishing! I would never share my first edition of it—it’s that bad. I revised, and revised, and revised, until it was finally able to be read by editors and publishers. Then I revised more until I finally got my YES! It came as I was sitting in a Kindergarten Orientation for my five year old. It took all my control not to dance around the gym in excitement right next to the principal telling us what kind of snacks to send in.

RECLAIMED, a paranormal romance novel, is out today! Read below for a sneak peek and the blurb!

BLURB:

After moving to England, Sabrina tumbles into an unknown world when she meets the man of her dreams, literally. As a writer, her overactive imagination makes her believe the impossible, but recovering from shock, she wonders how Isaac could appear in her nightmares—when she’s never met him in real life. Until now.

The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn.

While embarking on a dangerous and passionate affair, a bitter enemy appears from Isaac’s past that will stop at nothing to remove Sabrina from his arms. Permanently. In order to establish a foreseeable and solid future, she must first deal with tumultuous occurrences. Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed, Sabrina fights for her newfound love…and her life.

EXCERPT:

A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina’s house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.

Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin.

“Well, I had a lovely evening.” He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or….” She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.

God, she sounded like such an idiot.

Nightcap?

Who the heck said nightcap anymore?

“While I’d love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?”

“No, not too soon at all. I’d love to see you tomorrow.”She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. “You can call me,and we’ll firm up a time. Good night.”

She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch.

“I didn’t think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong.” When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She’d somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

TRAILER:

Getting to know Kacey Hammell!

Hmm, some things about me that very few people or no one knows about me.  It’s hard to make a list since I’m pretty open about a lot of things, especially with blogging, facebooking, tweeting, interviewing…well you get the picture.

Number Eight…

I am greatly, seriously addicted to Shemar Moore (aka Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds).  I mean look at this pic of him…need I say more? Wednesday nights, for one hour—okay, I have the DVD seasons too, so whenever I want to watch—I’m glued to the TV and can’t be disturbed. It’sShemar& me time…

Number Seven…

All through high school, I was a legal secretary for a family law attorney. I met a guy and we moved away, and well, the rest they say is history.

Number Six…

I have the most horrible fear of snakes. Not a little fear, but a HUGE one. So bad that I can’t see a snake on tv without jumping on the sofa. I’ve had the same recurring nightmare for as long as I can remember, about being smothered by a snake. Not sure what age the nightmare started, and my brothers have sworn to hell and back they never bothered me with snakes when we were kids, but that nightmare is terrifying.

Number Five…

I inhale stories featuring ménage a trois. I need them like a kid needs candy. Gotta have them, in bulk, as often as possible. I’d never participate in one but I love them. Well okay, if Shemar Moore walked through the door and hubby said it was okay…

Anyway, moving on…

Number Four…

Ten years ago, my husband asked me to marry him in August and we were married in October. I organized, made centerpieces, had dresses fitted for Maid of Honour, flower girl and my mother, had all the suits for the men booked all myself, and the day was perfect. I’m hell on wheels when on deadline. *g*

Number Three…

Did I mention those ménage a trois stories?  I feel a sudden urge coming on to grab one from the pile.  Hubby would probably love it too, since I sometimes read them to him. He’s such a dear to be interested in what I’m interested in. *wink*

Number Two…

My Mom & my daughter are really my best friends. I grew up a Tomboy, played football/baseball and hung out with guys mainly and didn’t much care for the “girl” dramas. Even to this day, years after high school, I’m the same way.But now, I’d rather hang out with my mom and daughter than anyone (Hubby aside—for different reasons *g*).

Number One…

I’m a huge crier. From weddings to cute babies, to tearjerker books and movies, I cry a lot. I’m a huge sap.  Even during my TV shows, the waterworks just come as they may.  Biggest tearjerker movie for me is P.S. I Love You. Of course, the first time I ever watched it was about a week after losing my dad, so it was endless tears. But even to this day I cry through pretty much all of it.  TV Shows – even when someone is shot, in danger, killed or leaves a show, I’m bawling as if I’ve lost my dearest friend.  Even when a contestant wins a reality show, it’s like I’m a member of their darn family, I’m crying along with them. 

So while I’m pretty tough when it comes to my family and kids, friends and will kick a$$e$ and take name for those near and dear to me and causes I believe in—I can cry an ocean.

Readers can follow me via… 

Facebook

Twitter

Website/Blog

Join me today at my blog for my Birthday Bash! Gifts Galore!! It might be my birthday but the gifts are for readers! Details here.

And be on the lookout for my upcoming Erotic Romantic Suspense, Illusions, in 2012 from Decadent Publishing.

Just the Facts About Pam and Roger

 An Almost Perfect Tell All

by

Jenna Jaxon

With Almost Perfect releasing in a couple of weeks, I knew that many dirty little secrets about Pam and Roger were bound to come out.  So I’ve taken this opportunity to release some of these “little known” facts about this crazy couple.

1.  Pam has aspirations of being a film critic, though she’ll have to go back to get a degree in English.  She changed majors so many times in undergraduate school the university finally chose one for her:  individual studies.

2.  Pam once bought a set of red satin designer sheets, but slid out of the bed and landed on the floor when she and Roger tried to make love on them.

3.  Roger’s favorite late night snack is burned microwave popcorn (the only way the absent-minded technician can manage to make it).

4.  Roger’s claim to fame in high school was being voted Most Likely to End up Alone on a Desert Island.  (Uncanny how close some of those predictions come!)

5.  Pam and Roger met at a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Pam had seen it ten times before; Roger wandered into the theatre by mistake.  Both got pulled to the front of the theatre to play Brad and Janet.  Roger swears he’s never been the same since.

Hope you enjoyed the “low-down” on an almost perfect couple.  Be sure to check out their island adventure in Almost Perfect, one of the latest additions to Decadent Publishing’s 1Night Stand series.

Kill Me Tomorrow Factoids...

by Diane Alberts

Five things that no one knows about my characters from Kill Me Tomorrow, a paranormal romance book in the fabulous 1NS series:

Jasmine had dreams about a mysterious man with light blonde hair and purple eyes from the time she was a little girl. In her dreams, he always stood in the shadows, with half his body in the light, and half cloaked in darkness. Even as a child, she understood his struggles to fit into a world he couldn’t quite place. As a woman, she felt an attraction to this man, but also feared him.

Gavin likes to make it seem as if he’s had hundreds of women, but in truth, he always held back in relationships. He feared letting himself go too far. Feared allowing the beast within him to come out at the most inopportune times. Human woman are frail. What is he broke one in the throes of lust? His number, in all reality, doesn’t even reach twenty. And all of them were women he never saw again.

When Jasmine first sees Gavin, she doesn’t realize he’s the man from her dreams, even though she feels an immediate pull toward him she cannot explain. She doesn’t recognize him for years to come, when she has a dream similar to those she’s had her whole life, but suddenly his face is crystal clear. If she had recognized him, would she have pushed him away, in fear of the darkness inside of him?

Gavin’s mother was never in his life, having left his father as soon as she realized the truth of what he was. Gavin’s father always brought home humans at night, and then tossed them away like yesterday’s garbage when he finished slaking his lust on them. Gavin always helped the lost women to a cab, for if he didn’t, they’d be doomed to wander the forest until they dropped from exhaustion. Then, if they were lucky, a wild animal would finish them off as they slept. Otherwise, his father sometimes looked for seconds…

Neither Gavin nor Jasmine knows if they’ll make it through the night without a fight to the death. Maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll find love instead.

Kill Me Tomorrow, a paranormal 1NS book, comes out today. Here’s an excerpt for your viewing pleasure. Want to win a free copy? Comment below with your email address!

 

   She’d accomplished nothing at all.

   Nothing.

   A weight sank beside her on the bed, and she shrieked. She darted a glance at the door, but it remained locked. Of course it did— portals didn’t hold back demons.

   “Good punch.” He laughed and rubbed his nose. “Some men might hold a grudge—but not me. I heal too fast.”

   Indeed he did. A glance at his face revealed features as gorgeous as ever. This sucked for the self-pity party she’d been trying to throw.

   She preferred him bloody and not so devilishly striking.

   She groaned and dropped her head into her hands. “Why won’t you just leave?” He caressed her arm in a lazy, seductive way, and she shivered. “Stop that.”

   His hand stopped moving, but he didn’t remove it. “Why do I have to stop?” he murmured.  “Why do I have to leave?” He traced an invisible path leading up to her shoulder. From there, he grasped a curl and twirled it between his fingers, as if testing its elasticity. Her scalp tingled at his tender tug, and a jolt of lightning shot straight to her stomach, causing her to bite back a moan.

   “Because….” She lifted her head, and turned to face him.

   His eyes were so blue they were nearly purple, which, combined with his light blond hair, made him a lethal opponent indeed. How could she resist such a gorgeous creature, knowing that it might be her last chance to rid herself of her virginity? Yet, how could she say yes? “Because you are half demon, and I am a jinn. We are adversaries, you and I.”

    “I’m not an evil demi-sanguine,” he assured her calmly. “I don’t rape, kill, or pillage. I’m unremarkably human—plus a few small details. But you are hardly normal yourself,” he drawled with a lazy grin. “And I’d like to make love to you.”

Just the Facts with Wendy Burke

 A few facts about me on Just The Facts Friday:


1--I am the younger child of two. My brother, Denny, is thirteen years older than I. Here we are circa 1966-ish.


2--Despite being 'displaced' from my home state of Wisconsin for some twenty-six years now, I still have a thing for Holstein cows. I just think they're adorable.

3--My first, chosen and love of my professional life (aside from writing!) is/was radio. My first radio job was "sitting the board" during Milwaukee Brewer baseball games on WHBL-AM. I spent those long nights scraping nicotine residue off the RCA ribbon microphone's windscreen. (Not my nicotine residue...)
 
4--I grew up a Milwaukee Brewers fan and spent many a sunny afternoon in the old Milwaukee County Stadium. Once I became "displaced," the nearest American league team was the Detroit Tigers. Needless to say, my hope for split cheering in this year's  World Series was nixed this past weekend--Tigers and Brewers lost. I do love "old school" team logos/mascots.

5--I have "real" penpals, although now the thirty-year-plus correspondence is via email. One is in Queens, New York, the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. 




Wendy Burke blogs regularly for A Daily Dose of Decadence. She has two books on Decadent's shelves and hopes the house has room for 247 more! She can be found on Facebook – Wendy Burke Author, at her blog site, Whatever Wendy!, at Twitter: @WendyBurke1994 and lurking around the Internet. When not playing with the people in her head, Wendy has a fine life with a chef husband (YES – no cooking!) and two furry feline kids and a full-time job that keeps her from writing fulltime in ‘beautiful’ Toledo, Ohio. 

The Word on the Street

by Leanne Dyck

17^th year

Mission:  To promote reading, writing and literacy while showcasing the depth and diversity of Canada’s publishing industry

Who:  Authors, publishers, booksellers, storytellers, performers and thousands of book lovers

Where:  Six Canadian cities, coast to coast—including Vancouver, British Columbia; Lethbridge, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Kitchener and Toronto, Ontario; and Halifax, Nova Scotia

When:  Sunday, September 25^th

(Note:  This year Vancouver’s event was expanded to three-days—Friday, September 23^rd to Sunday, September 25^th)

(Information collected from The Word on the Street pamphlet.)

My personal experience…

My involvement with the festival began with an email from Debra Purdy Kong (Crime Writers of Canada British Columbia/Yukon regional vice-president). She wrote to solicit volunteers to represent CWC. Even though I’d never attended The Word on the Street, I seized this opportunity. In further correspondence, Deborah asked me to help work the booth from one to three o’clock.

Travelling from my quiet rural island to a city alive with words was a culture shock. I arrived at the event at 11 AM. Arriving early provided me with an opportunity to explore. The Mainstage already pulsed with music. Smaller tents housed authors reading to attentive audiences.

From these venues, I moved from booth to booth, networking with authors, editors, publishers and other professionals—many of whom I’ve invited to visit my blog (http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com). Watch for these interviews and guest posts to be featured in the coming months.

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At the Crime Writers booth, I distributed bookmarks, promoted books and spoke with readers.

The Word on the Street is a dynamic, activity-packed event and I’m very glad I attended. Next year I plan to listen to some panel discussions as well.

Links: 

The Word on the Street http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/

Crime Writers of Canada http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/

Just the Facts Friday

     With  

Heather Kuehl

While it was difficult to do, here are five things that most people don’t know about me.

I love watching Hoarders, especially if I have to clean my house. Five minutes in and I’m scrubbing my house until it’s glowing.

Much likes Gibbs on NCIS, I believe that everyone should have a code that they live by. Like Gibbs, I have rules. I don’t share them unless you break them, though.

I have ten tattoos and nine piercings, and plans for many more. I love body art. Next I want an industrial piercing for my right ear.

While I usually listen to heavy metal, I love Taylor Swift. I can’t help but dance and sing when I hear her songs. Oh, and she’s just too cute!

I am afraid of needles. Before I had my son I used to freak out before having my blood drawn. Now I still get nervous, but not so freaked anymore. And yes, I am afraid of needles yet I have tattoos.

Find out what and WHO Stephanie J Grace really is!

Fact #1

Stephanie J Grace is the sweeter alter ego of romance and erotica writer, Stephanie Beck. The ‘J and Grace’ are nods to my beautiful daughters Joy and Grace.

Fact #2

The cat storyline in Felines and Flowers actually happened in one of my dearest friends’ family. On the way to a wedding, one of the brothers lost their hat out their truck window. When they went to get it, a feral cat attacked him. I’ve seen the pictures...they are amazing.

Fact #3

The flower storyline is very personal to me. After my first daughter was born, both my mother and mother-in-law brought me plants instead of cut flowers. Both plants were dead within two weeks. In better news, my daughter has made it over 6 years under my care! Kids and animals do great with me, plants, however, still fear me.

Fact #4

Sometimes I like to pretend that I’m really good at drawing and then start sketching what my characters look like and what they see when they look out their windows. I even break out my color pencils and fancy paper. Much like when my urges to plant something in my flowerbeds arise, I’ve learned not to expect the results to match what’s in my head.

Fact #5

I’ve decided to stay twenty-six for a few years. I’m content at this age. I can vote, drive, drink, rent a car and my car insurance has leveled out at a more reasonable rate. I really see no real reason to claim any more years. But I will happily continue having birthdays :) with the hopes that one day my husband throws me a huge party with a giant red velvet cake in the shape of my knitting bag complete with balls of yarn, chocolate knitting needles and fondant socks.

Excerpt from :

Felines and Flowers

Available July 29, 2011

 During high school, Warren was just Wendy’s youth pastor. All grown up and shepherding over her own flock of church kids, Wendy Miller turns to her old friend for help. Not that Warren is that old. In fact, the two have a lot more in common than Wendy would have ever thought.

After the death of his wife, Warren was sure he was finished with relationships. Wendy changes that forgone conclusion with her bright spirit and zest for life. Lining up their desires when they’re at very different points in their lives proves a challenge that might take a little divine intervention, or at least help from friends.

Wendy ran her hand over the soft fabric and groaned out loud. There was someone she’d been trying hard not to think about. It was completely inappropriate. And yet…Warren. And he was Warren. She didn’t think about him as Pastor Carmichael anymore, and while that felt weird, it also seemed right. She hoped. A perfectly nice sweatshirt she’d had since high school hung in front of her, but Wendy grabbed the sweater. If things were going to happen, it wasn’t going to be because of a sweater.

Or because of the little bit of makeup she put on nor the extra five minutes she spent on her hair. Walking to the church, she kicked herself a little. Maybe she was being obvious. Maybe Warren still thought of her as a nice kid instead of an adult. Maybe he wasn’t over his wife. Maybe—

“Hey, Wendy, can I give you a ride the last few blocks?”

She turned to see Warren’s car pulled up beside the sidewalk. Coincidence had never been so fortuitous. Wendy walked to Warren’s car, a decent, older model in good shape. She laughed on the inside because she could say the same things about its owner.

Wendy leaned on the window frame. “Well, are you sure it wouldn’t be any trouble?”

When he grinned, she believed she couldn’t be alone in these new feelings. Whatever sparked between them was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. It also made her want to grin just like Warren.

“No trouble at all, lady. Come on in. We can plot on how to present a united front.”

She got into the car and buckled her belt. “Oh, an ally. I like that. As the new girl on staff I sometimes get the pat on the head treatment.”

“Shoot, I’ve been on staff for nearly two decades and still get treated like the new kid on occasion. Most of the time it’s prudent to just take the head pat and be patient. When things really matter, they always work out.”

“Always?”

He pulled into the church parking lot and looked at her for a moment. The combination of his gaze and the soft expression directed toward her gave her a thrill.

“Yeah, I’d say always.”