Doing the Happy Dance

Well - I've done it!! Cue "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands..."  : )

I've just hit the send button on my submission for a Superhero anthology call by Samhain Publishing. It's been three months of late nights, frustration, excitement and nerves. But - it's all worth it. That feeling of accomplishment is the best thing in the world. Oh, okay - the second best. The first is getting an acceptance letter/email for your submission : )

Samhain have said final decisions will be made by 1 October. I will be biting my nails until then!

What have you done recently you're proud/happy/scared of?

True Love Stories

For a shy person, the thought of big, social occasions can be daunting, causing sweaty palms and a racing heart. I considered myself to be one of those, until I realised that for the writer, they are a wonderful way to glean fresh ideas and learn about conversation, body language and human nature. I found the best way to interact with people is to get them to talk about themselves - and lets face it - a lot of us like to do that : )

My favourite question of all to ask is: How did you and (insert partner's name here) meet?
It never fails to amaze me the myriad ways people connect and fall in love. And for a romance writer, this is sheer gold, not to mention fascinating stuff - plus it has the added bonus of potentially making some new friends. Suddenly, the social occasion became something for me to look forward to instead of dread.

My own story is a little like a romance novel: Girl falls in love with big brother's best friend, he ignores her for years. She blossoms into a woman and he finally notices her - but does nothing about it. Girl gets engaged to another even though she still loves brother's friend. He realises he's made the worst mistake in his life and has lost her. Girl has car crash, totals car and our hero declares undying love to her with the thought of really nearly losing her. And as you can see from the picture below - they live happily ever after (most of the time!)  : )  - Oh, and if you're wondering about the jilted fiance, don't worry - he was the toad ; )

I'd love to hear your own stories if you'd like to share them.

A new Jewel of the Night story

I was so excited to see a new release in the Jewel of the Night series. Not only is the series close to my heart because this is the home of my own debut novella, but because each and every story I've read so far has been fabulous. I've been taken to countries all over the world, been transported to different eras and the characters in them are all unforgettable from the worst villain imaginable to the most delicious heroes. If you love books to keep you on the edge of your seat, yet thrill you with sensual love scenes and real emotion, I guarantee this series will not let you down.

Lets hear a little about the newest release titled, Blue Ice by Donna Dalton.
Hi Donna, lovely to have you here. Tell us a bit about yourself and your latest release.

   

I’ve been writing for The Wild Rose Press since 2007 when they contracted my full length historical romance, IRISH DESTINY. Since then, I have published two other historicals and several novellas.  When the call came out for the JEWEL OF THE NIGHT series, I was intrigued.  Although historical romance is my first love, I enjoy reading and writing contemporary romantic suspense.

Writing for this series wasn’t difficult at all. The requirements were quite simple; they wanted stories that involved thieves, a blue diamond, and a high level of danger. It didn’t take long for me to hit upon my story idea. I remembered watching a television series called IT TAKES A THIEF, where reformed thieves staged break-ins that were filmed and shown back to the home-owners. I started asking myself “what-if”, and soon had a basic plot formulated.

Although there was a deadline for submitting to the series, the journey to get this story published went smoothly. I set weekly goals and paced myself and soon had the manuscript ready for submission. Not long after, BLUE ICE was contracted.

My favorite part of BLUE ICE is when Addison realizes she’s been pushing away the one thing she needs – Garrett. From the beginning, she fought her attraction for the Texan. Everyone she ever loved had betrayed her. Why would Garrett be any different. Yet, as they work together, she begins to see that he is nothing like all the others. He’s loyal and kind and puts her safety before his own. Loving Garrett is like coming home after a long journey, and she finds she’s ready to open her heart and let him in.

In keeping with my love of romantic suspense and historicals, I am currently working on a story that combines both. It’s set at the end of the American Civil War when emotions are running high after the assassination of President Lincoln. The hero and heroine become embroiled in the search for the killer. It’s an exciting story to write, and I can’t wait to get it finished so readers can enjoy it.

I can be reached through The Wild Rose Press at www.thewildrosepress.com or on my website at www.donnadalton.net.  I’m hosting a contest on my website where the winner will be awarded a $10.00 (ten dollar) gift certificate. Stop by and give me a holler J

BLURB

Reformed jewel thief Addison Hayes wants to make a fresh start. A new television series featuring rehabilitated thieves staging break-ins seems perfect. The only snag? Her handsome co-host Garrett Powell—his Texas drawl makes her body sing. But seven years behind bars taught her that romance and business don’t mix.

Garrett Powell only signed on for the TV show to satisfy a debt and get his life back on track. Fellow inmate Jimmy Patterson once saved his life and in repayment, Garrett agreed to secretly look out for Jimmy’s protégé, Addison. But Addison’s spunk and intelligence soon have Garrett wishing there could be more between them.

When a rare blue diamond necklace they stole for the show goes missing, Addison and Garrett have to join forces to clear their names. With gun-toting thugs and the law after them, can they find the jewel—and each other—before it’s too late?

EXCERPT

Body heat and the spicy scent of aftershave enveloped her. Her pulse revved like an engine on nitro. Garrett Powell. For a geeky security alarm system analyst with a short rap sheet, he was good. Damn good. She hadn’t heard him approach. Hadn’t even heard him while he looted the upstairs bedrooms. Was she getting soft?

She pulled a box off the closet shelf and returned her focus to the task at hand.  “Are you finished upstairs?”

“Yep," he replied. “All set. You?”                       

She lifted the box lid and pushed back the lavender-scented packing paper. Italian leather gloves and silk scarves. Excellent quality. “Only this closet left.” She dumped the contents of the box into her sack. “Did you find anything worth taking?”

“A couple of Louis Vuitton purses and a pair of Manolos. Excellent condition.” His southern accent gave the renowned brand names a comical twist.

She smiled, amused, an emotion she’d been short on lately. “Anything else?”

“Some electronics...two cell phones, a Blackberry, and an iPod. And a nice vintage coin collection.”
The Texan knew his hot commodities. “Jewelry?” she asked.

“Ha. Can’t stop yourself, can you, darlin’?”

She bit down on a curt reply and shoved the box onto the shelf. No need in getting her temper up.
She’d have to get used to such comments if she wanted to work with him in the future. The Texan had discovered her Achilles heel and appeared to enjoy poking at it.


Thanks so much for stopping by Donna! Don't forget to visit Donna's blog for the chance to win a gift voucher - good luck! : ) 

Free Read - The Abduction

Click on the page on my blog "Free Read" to find out what happened to me as a little girl.