Romance By Catherine: October 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009


Happy Halloween Everyone... I'm over at Lindsay's Romantics with a short story for your reading pleasure.
Join Helen Hardt, Cari Quinn, Kaye Manro and many more authors who have put together a little scare, or two, for you.
Stay safe out there and eat candy till ya puke! Okay... maybe not puke. 'Cus that's just yucky

Friday, October 30, 2009

An agent requested a...

Every step for a writer is huge. Finishing a book is the first in my opinion. However, finishing a book is the beginning. When I started this journey to publication I started with finishing a book and went head first into the 'Find an Agent' quest. After six months I started sending queries to publishers and before long found myself contracted and knee deep in revisions and edits.

Now I'm back at the step I started before. Looking for an agent. I've learned so very much in the past year and hope that knowledge and tenacity pays off. I've sent off plenty of queries to agents over the last month. I've had my share of rejections too... but I've also had a shiny light as well.

I've sent off a requested partial to a wonderful agent with hopes of wowing her. Thanks to my CP's and continual support of writing friends and readers I'll keep on this journey in hopes of getting my books into more readers hands.

Have a safe and happy halloween everyone.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I want that



Yesterday I was browsing the isles of Barnes and Noble… okay, make that browsing the romance isle of B & N and I noticed a woman kneeling in front of Lisa Kleypas shelf… Yes, the woman has her own shelf. Anyway, said woman had a list in her hand and she was removing five books from Ms. Kleypas’s shelf and smiling.

I, in all my shyness, said to her… “I see you’re a Lisa Kleypas fan.”

She glanced up at me and said, “I just discovered her.”
I went on to say I enjoy her books and continued to browse the new releases.

I want that!

I want to be the author who someone takes the time to look up, write a list of all my books and then walks into a bookstore and then takes a handful to the register.

Am I asking for too much?

I didn’t say I wanted to be famous. Or rich doing this… Not that I would say no to either.

Oh, what book did I buy? Kate Pearce’s next installment of her ‘Simply’ series. Simply Wicked… Which I gobbled up in one day.

And I noticed two other things at B&N…
One, what a pathetic lack of romance on the shelves. Some of my favorite authors weren’t there. *blah.

Two, I glanced at the adds for the new Nook… the e-reader that is coming next month. Looks promising.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Where am I?

I'm not sure where I am... lol! Last night was a Halloween Party with the Cub Scouts. Some of you know that I wear the God-Awful Scout Uniform as a Cub Master... so I was really busy. On top of that, my 10 year old came home with a goldfish.

What in the hell am I gonna do with a goldfish? I thought the thing would be dead by morning. Now I need to go get the thing food. *banging head on desk*

Oh well... I have something to keep my mind off the fish dilemma.

I'm over at Lia's blog today with a new excerpt of Kilt Worthy. So stop on over and take a look.
Click
HERE!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Synopsis Writing


Quick, everyone who LOVES to write a synopsis raise your hand.


*chirp


*chirp


Ahh, I see I'm not alone in my desire to toss the process out the door.


My latest WIP is nearly complete but in my effort to become more of a plotter and less of a pantser I made myself write a synopsis before I finished the book. Is it working? Eh, kind of. As the story clicks along the synopsis changes and I tweak it to resemble my finished project, but I do have to say that referring to my original synopsis does help me consider where I want this story to end up. So that isn't a bad thing.


Not to mention that the big guns in publishing often contract work based on synopsis alone. And since I do have a desire to actually make some money with my stories, I have no choice but to learn and master this art.


But I'm not going quietly. My charecter driven stories suprise me on a daily basis. What I think will happen isn't completely what does happen.


So for today, boys and girls... or mainly girls... lol Tell me two things. First, are you a plotter or a pantser? Second, who is your dream agent and why? Third, have you ever written a synopsis before a story and did it work out the way you wanted it to?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Debut Author Lynne Roberts


Oh boy do I have a treat for you today... Lynne Roberts is celebrating her debut release, First Date, this week. I've asked her to come on over and chat a little about her debut erotic Rosette and a few fun questions I like to ask all who come this way.

Welcome, Lynne. Thanks for stopping by.

Tell us about your new book out now:

Most of my stories begin with an image, a situation or even a feeling. The idea for FIRST DATE came to me when I was sixteen. And no, I’m not telling you how many years ago that is. ; ) I pictured a man and a woman running through the rain and taking shelter in a barn. I extrapolated from there. Here is a blurb and an excerpt:

Blurb: The Real Estate market is about to heat up.

When Brett Jacob walks into Jill’s real estate office, she attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, but memories of accidental voyeurism in high school, years of what-if’s, and Bret’s drop-dead sexy grin only serve to ignite her fantasies.

Bret needs a farm for his growing landscape business. When he sees Jill Daniels’ picture in a real estate ad, he can’t believe his eyes: The shy girl from high school has blossomed into a desirable woman. Ten years ago, she didn’t stir his blood and drive away all rational thought; now, he’s fighting the urge to take her in his arms long enough to ask her on a first date.


I just love stories of 'lost wannabe loves'! I've been looking forward to this since I first read your blurb. Do you have an excerpt for us?

Excerpt:

Tiffany lowered her voice to a breathy growl, “Is he about six-foot, dark blond hair and...” She sucked air through her teeth, “has a wicked, sexy grin?”

That sounded about right. “Yes.” A flush of heat spread over her body, warming her skin and tightening her nipples into small aching nubs.

“He’s here and, darlin’, that one is yummy. If you don’t go for it, I will.”

Jill shot Tiffany the dirtiest look she could manage. “This is a real estate office, not a bar.”
Her friend only laughed. “All the better. Well, go on. He looks like he might have just what you need.”

Oh, God, I know he does. Jill stood and smoothed down her skirt, thanking God for Victoria’s Secret and lined bras, then stepped out from behind the partition.

Bret stood inside the door, and she drank him in. His white button-down shirt opened at the neck, accentuating his square jaw and doing nothing to disguise his well-muscled chest. Faded denim wrapped long powerful legs, and she forced her gaze not to linger on the pronounced bulge between them, her mouth filling with saliva at the thought of what lie beneath the denim like a present waiting to be unwrapped. He was tall, muscular and comfortable in his own skin. She’d bet he’d never had an awkward moment in his life. If anything, he looked better than he had in high school.

She blinked, breaking the spell and walked forward, extending her hand. “Good morning.” Her voice quivered a little. “I’m Jill Daniels.”

His hand enfolded hers, his fingers warm and slightly calloused. The contact pebbled her skin, sending shivers rippling over her body.

“I remember you.”

Deep and seductive, his voice caressed her body like a physical touch, sending a jolt of pure need straight to her core. He remembers me? Bret released her hand and Jill rubbed a thumb over her now-tingling palm, her skin awake and yearning for those roughened hands to touch more.
Bret’s brilliant gray-blue eyes were now creased at the corners and golden highlights lightened his sandy brown hair as though he spent a lot of time outdoors. The slow, sexy smile hadn’t changed. If anything, it had gained potency.

“I’m Bret Jacobs,” he added.

She reminded herself to smile. “I remember you, too.”

“Well, good, I was afraid...” He left the thought unfinished.

Did he honestly think anyone would forget him? And was that a blush? Did he remember the party too? He couldn’t. The image of Bret she occasionally used for her late-night showers filled her mind and a shockwave of desire stole her breath. Oh, God, she should have brought a change of underwear.

Bret smiled and Jill’s heart dropped into her stomach.

“So, are you ready?” he asked.

More than you’ll ever know. “Yes.”

Oh, baby! Love it!

So, tell me, Lynne, how do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book?"

LOL. Something like that happened for the first time today. I told a friend of the family that I wrote erotica romance. His eyes widened but he didn’t say anything. I just smiled.

LOL. Leave 'em speechless! Good for you!

What are your goals as a writer?

I’d love for someone to tell me that one of my books had a positive effect on his or her life; even if that was thirty minutes of escapism. LOL Maybe that would be my dream, not my goal. My goal? To publish, and publish again, and again. Yeah, I’d like to give Nora Roberts a run for her money… but now we’re back in dreamland again.
I'm with ya there, sister! Move over Nora. Actually I'd be happy with 1/10 of her success. And if you don't dream big about yourself how will you ever convince publishers to dream big with you? As for the bit about positive feedback? Chances are you'll achieve that goal before the month is out! I've heard nothing but praise from a certain editor we both know. :-)

How many books do you read a month?

It varies. This month, I’ve been reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood books and I’ve finished three of them, two novellas, three or four shorts and two books by Nora Roberts. Wow that is a lot when you write it all down.

Do you have anything new in the works?

Yes! The Wilder Rose Press will be releasing another short, AFTER HOURS, soon. I will keep you posted. I’m also working on a currently untitled story that I hope to have done before Thanksgiving.

See, told you you'd achieve your goals. Already contracted for book #2 and working on #3!

Where can we find you?

Usually at my computer. Just kidding. You can find me here at my website: http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Blog:


or on Divas!


Where can we find your books?

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Catherine. I really enjoyed it.

You're welcome, and best of luck with all your books. I'm sure we'll be seeing you in the top ten by weeks end!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Brag Rag! ~~ Promotion on Tap

When I decided to write this blog... I considered how I might do a little shameless promotion, share with everyone my excitement over recent my recent reviews and tie in useful information about promotion.

You need to let me know if I managed to do all three.

I was called the promotional goddess this last week by Dayana Knight. I nearly spit out my coffee with that one. However, I do realize that I've done my share of research on the subject and truly try and find a new place to promo every week. Then I share that info with you guys via vlogs or yakking on loops or whatever.
Is it working?

Yeah! I'm happy to say it is. This last weekend I was up for Book of the Week at LASR's Whipped Cream and now I have this nifty button to place on my blog, website and newsletter. Not to mention Kilt Worthy has a lovely spot at the top of the Whipped Cream site. I shamelessly begged for votes via Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Blogger and Loops. Not to mention personal emails to nearly every writer I know.

You might say..."Well, that's nice and all, Cathy, but how does this equate to sales?"

I'll reply... "Well, little Miss Doubtful, in order to hit the bestseller lists on publisher sites and third party bookseller sites, you have to be selling books."

Have you released a book that never hit these lists? If so, can you pump up your promotion and make the next one surge to the top? And is there a next one? Because let me tell you, sister, book two sells book one each and every time.

I'll be filming my next instalment of vlogs on what to do while waiting for your editor to get back to you, this week. If you haven't seen these video-blogs, then click HERE, visit my youtube page and watch them all.

Now~~~ Plug, plug, plug... A glimpse of what the reviewers are saying about my debut releases.

Kilt Worthy riveted me, seduced me, and kept me glued to its pages. This story is romance. It embodies the reason I read this genre and I’d recommend this book in a heartbeat. ~~ Whipped Cream Reviews~~

...The loving was hot and the characters were strong ...This is the first work I have ever read from this author, but plan to read more from her as I hope you do. ~~ Seriously Reviewed 16/20

...Kilt Worthy is an intriguing, steamy time travel paranormal romance that will capture your attention from beginning to end.~~ Night Owl Romance 4 1/2 Hearts
If you are looking for a short story that packs a punch, then pick up Soul Mate. Ms. Bybee has delivered a delightful love story that is sure to please! ~~Manic Readers 4 Stars

Catherine has a wonderful sense of timing and her scenes and characters come alive beneath her ‘pen’... ~~~Long and Short Reviews
...I was carried away by the world that Ms. Bybee created... Ms. Bybee has a definite winner on her hands with Soulmate. I’m anxious to read more of this talented writer’s work. I give Soulmate Five Delightful Divas and my Top Pick for The Month of October.~~ Dark Diva Reviews

So, Dear Reader... Is my promotion working?

Saturday, October 10, 2009

I could use your vote!


It's that time again... time to vote for best book of the week at LASR's Whipped Cream.
Kilt Worthy is up for best book.
So please take a minute out of your day and click on over to the Whipped Cream site by clicking HERE, and read the reviews and place your vote.
XXX and OOO

Friday, October 9, 2009

Chatting with Lia Slater



Welcome Lia Slater.

Thanks for having me, Catherine!

Tell us about your new book out now:

Fatal Exposure is an erotic romantic suspense available in eBook and paperback from www.wilderroses.com.

Blurb:

Deception brings them together. Exposure can tear them apart.Taking off her clothes every night for the patrons of Hothouse Gentleman’s Club was never part of Ava Lureau's life plan, but the sleazy strip joint was the last place her powerful ex-boyfriend would think to look for her. A life on the run kept Ava safe…but lonely. So when a ruggedly sexy stranger shows up and a lap dance becomes more than another dollar in her G-string, she takes a chance.


Kade Gavin’s job is simple—capture his target and deliver her to the man who hired him. Nothing but a paycheck matters in Kade's bleak existence…until the enticing stripper with soft curves and a puzzling persona climbs into his bed--and under his skin.

Oh, yum. this sounds like my kind of book. Tell me, how do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book?"


Hmm… I can’t remember if anyone’s actually said those exact words to me. But I’ve gotten confused stares. I’ve gotten corny jokes. One person accused me of writing porn. These are always the people who know nothing about the romance genre. The people who do read and appreciate a good, hot story (with a plot!) are very accepting and happy for me.


Sometimes when a romance reader starts to write, they forget to pick up a book and read it. How many books do you read a month?


I read anywhere from 2-10 books a month, depending on my schedule that month. It’s important to keep reading and enjoying the genre. I love reading and I miss it when I can’t find the time.


Do you have anything new in the works?


Yes! I just received a contract from Ellora’s Cave for my erotic paranormal romance, WereSlave. I like to think of it as an erotic fairy tale with werewolves, humans, witches and vampires. It’s set in an imaginary far away land called Paqualette. I could go on and on about this story and the second book in the series that I’m writing right now titled Were Seduction…but I’ll spare you until it actually comes out. LOL


I guess that means I need to get you back here so we can hear mour about your Were's. LOL


Where can we find you?



Where can we find your books?



Thanks for stopping by Lia. Now boys and girls, be sure and leave a comment or question because Lia is going to be giving away a pdf copy of her book to one lucky participant. So NO LURKING! LOL

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I'm over at Dayana's today.


I've posted a whole new excerpt of Soul Mate over at Dayana's blog today...

I'm also chatting about some new and exciting stuff coming up this year.

So don't delay... stop on over and wave.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

5 Cherries and a steller review!


There are reviews... and then there are REVIEWS! This one took my breath away and put a huge smile on my face. I love it when five star or in this case, Cherries, are backed up with why the reader loved the book so much.


Here is what Xeranthemum had to say about Kilt Worthy.


Kilt Worthy is an effective and mind-blowing first person account about being seduced by and falling in love with a hunky Scottish laird straight out of my most romantic fantasies.


Ms. Bybee has given Jane Parker an incredible voice and a well written and believable personality. Her internal dialogue convinced me that the heroine was smart, pragmatic, well adjusted and primed for love and passion. Although I could only know the studly Logan from Jane’s perspective, the author did a stellar job with her descriptions and emotions. I also commend Ms. Bybee for an intense and well written account of Jane’s seduction by Logan – I couldn’t read fast enough and I truly felt satisfied as a reader.


I also liked the focus of the story – the excitement, the joy and the uncertainty of finding your soul mate and the tinderbox passion that erupts when you accept fate. I didn’t need the trappings of how things worked in the magic/time travel department. This is a story of two people destined to fall in love and how they handle it. This is a story of the moment that changes everything for them and their lives become new, fresh and full of promise.


Kilt Worthy riveted me, seduced me, and kept me glued to its pages. This story is romance. It embodies the reason I read this genre and I’d recommend this book in a heartbeat.


Is this awesome or what? Having a 5 cherry review over at LASR's Whipped Cream site means I'll be up for best book of the week this weekend. So please stop over, read the reviews and vote.


LASR's Site Click HERE


To Buy Kilt Worthy Click HERE