Voting has kicked off in the RT American Title V competition.  I first learned about this competition a few years ago.  I really like the idea behind it. The finalists begin by showing the first lines from their books. Folks vote for the line they like the best, and writers then advance to the next round.  Since I’m a first line fanatic, this contest is so perfect for me.  🙂

And I’m really happy to say that my friend Edie Ramer (go, Edie!) made the finals this year with her story, DEAD PEOPLE.  You can read Edie’s first line–and all of the first lines from the contestants–here.  So go read some good lines, and vote!

There are less than two weeks until MIDNIGHT SINS hits the shelves.  Less than two weeks!  I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. It seems like I just turned this book in to the Magnificent M, and now–it’ll be on store shelves soon.

The fact that the book releases (IN TWO WEEKS!!!) means I’ll be doing more promo. I’ll be guest posting at other blogs and, of course, giving away books.  🙂  So stay tuned for that info!  I’ll also be posting a special excerpt from MIDNIGHT SINS…so if you want to know more about Todd, you won’t have long to wait!  Hmmm…I might just post that later today–or early tomorrow.

And, speaking of posting…I’m blogging over at The Bradford Bunch today.  Talking about finishing up my current WIP (woo-hoo!). If you get a chance, drop by.

Today is the first day of the latest 70 Days of Sweat writing challenge.  I’m so glad the sweating is starting now–this is just what I need for the holidays. This week, my goal is to write a minimum of 15 pages a day (yep, up from my normal 10/day) because I’m pounding out the last pages on my manuscript and, at the end, I always like to write fast.  Yesterday, I wrote 15. Today, maybe I’ll aim for 20.  🙂

And in Booking It news…last night, I went old school style again.  My husband found me crouched in front of the bookshelf, searching for my old Linda Howard titles.  Ah, Linda Howard–another one of my long-time favorites.  I re-read TEARS OF THE RENEGADE, THE CUTTING EDGE, and LOVING EVANGELINE (one I’m pretty sure that was made into a Lifetime movie at some point).  All great reads–emotional and sexy stories. Howard is a master of the emotional and sexy stories.

Last week on BOOKING IT, I talked about how I wanted to read more (paranormal) Christmas stories. Well, my Howard quest last night reminded me that Linda Howard wrote three holiday novellas.  Her work appeared in these anthologies:  CHRISTMAS KISSES, DELIVERED BY CHRISTMAS, and UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR.  Uh, huh–guess what I’ll be looking for on my keeper shelves tonight?   🙂

As usual, if you’ve got any books that you want to mention for BOOKING IT Monday, feel free. They can be stories you’ve recently read, upcoming releases–any books you like.

Have a great Monday!

Candy Ready (if you haven’t heard of her Godivas–you are missing out!) is guest blogging today over at The Bradford Bunch. Candy is a real sweetheart of a lady–and a writer to watch!

I suspected that I would soon be receiving the cover for MIDNIGHT’S MASTER (bad-boy demon Niol’s story–ah, like Buffy, I do love some monster in my man…), and honestly, I was a bit nervous.  For my Midnight books, my editor has been going for the same look with the covers–the sexy man look. 🙂  So, I knew I’d be receiving a cover with a handsome man. But, I still worried because, well, It’s Niol.

I was hoping to get sexy because, yeah, Niol’s sexy (and dangerous), and he’s strong. He’s not pretty boy, he’s more focused and dark. Kinda hard images to capture.

But, yesterday, the Magnificent M sent my cover image to me and my first word, “Wow.”  LOVE it.  Seriously, I don’t think they could have gotten a better cover model for this shot. The guy’s jaw, his bone structure, his eyes–everything is perfect. And let me say again…his eyes. I do like the covers that only show the lower part of a man’s face (I absolutely love my IMMORTAL DANGER cover and it has the half-face shot), but for MIDNIGHT’S MASTER, seeing the model’s eyes really works.  That stare…yeah.  Let me show you what I mean:

What do you think?

Oh, and if you missed the blurb of this book before, here it is:

Tall, dark, and formidable, Niol Lapen is the last demon on earth most people would ask for a favor, yet the sexy little reporter who wanders into his club dares to do exactly that. Holly Storm already knows too much about his kind, and Niol has no wish to help her get in deeper over her head. But working alongside her may be the only way to stop a killer, even as it ignites a primal desire unlike anything he’s known.

Holly has seen firsthand what Niol is capable of, but that doesn’t frighten her nearly as much as her body’s instinctive reaction to him, or the wild, fierce passion that would tempt her to follow him through hell itself. Something evil and relentless is prowling the streets of Atlanta. And as Holly’s search leads her into danger that even Niol could never have predicted, she’ll uncover a secret that could rip her world apart…

* * *

For those who have sent me questions about Niol–yes, he is featured prominently in MIDNIGHT SINS. I can say with total honesty that MIDNIGHT SINS would definitely not be the same without him…he’s got one major impact on the story.

I’ll have the webpage for MIDNIGHT’S MASTER up soon–so stay tuned.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Any exciting plans?