This Saturday, I’ll be talking about Internet PR at my Gulf Coast Chapter RWA meeting.  I’m in the process of preparing my handouts now, and as I’m organizing the info, I’m kinda overwhelmed by just how many PR opportunities are available for writers on the Internet.  (Cause, yeah, if you look, you can find a ton of places to promote books.)

I’ve found MySpace to be, far and away, one of my best time investments.  Thanks to MySpace, I’ve been in contact with readers, booksellers, reviewers, other authors–it’s an absolutely fabulous place to network.

I’ve been considering getting a Facebook account, but I haven’t fully decided on that one yet–gotta see how much time I have available in the coming months.

I think blogs are also a great way to communicate and generate book buzz.  Doing guest blogs–all that requires is a post!  Simple.  And you get to “talk” with new people.  Easy.

I’m also all about Yahoo groups (and Google, too).  There are so many Yahoo book groups out there–filled with readers and writers.  One of my favorite new groups is The Haunt–a paranormal group that is always lively. 

Oh, yeah, the Internet is full of opportunities.  And, ahem, that means I’d better get busy preparing my presentation!  Got lots more to write!

If you have a favorite Internet promo method you’d like to share, feel free!

* * *

And, in other news, the latest Secrets Volumes are available!!!  Secrets, Volumes 23 & 24 are available now!  Can’t wait to read ’em!  And congrats to the authors in those anthologies!

Hmmm…not so sure my title up there makes sense, but well–let’s just go with it, okay?  At night, I’ve been trying to run a mile on the treadmill (trying, failing–and pretty much walking that mile), but because I like to be entertained during my exercises (if I can call ’em that), I watch DVDs.  My favorite exercise choices? Buffy (Zoe, you knew I’d say that!) and Lois & Clark.

Now, I could easily write forever about how Buffy inspires me.  Five minutes of Spike, and I have an influx of paranormal ideas. 

Today, though, I won’t rant and rave about Buffy, I’ll talk about Lois and Clark instead.  I’ve been a fan of Superman and Lois Lane for as long as I can remember.  And, if I had to choose between Clark Kent and Superman, I’d choose Clark, hand’s down.  Can’t help it–I love the smart, quiet type.  (What about you?)

As I was watching an episode the other night, I realized I’d love to read a book or watch a movie in which the Superman equation was flipped–I’d like for the heroine to be the one with the secret identity, and I’d like the hero to be the good-looking, smart, but sometimes in-need-of-saving character.  Is that too much to ask?  And if you know of such a book/movie, please tell me!  I’ll put it on my reading/watching list!

Quick drive-by post…lightning hit the house yesterday and, of course, knocked out the modem and router so I’ve been without computer access. But, new machinery is up and running so normal programming should resume tomorrow. 

Saskia Walker (a lady I think is one fantastic writer) is blogging over at The Bradford Bunch today–and she’s giving away a copy of her new release, Reckless.  If you get a chance, drop by!

And have a great weekend!

Hope those in the U.S. have a great 4th of July!!

And, as promised, here’s the recipe for the oh-so-tasty homemade ice cream…

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 can of evaporated milk

1 cup of sugar

1 gallon whole milk (or you can substitute reduced fat milk)

1 tbsp salt

2 tbsp vanilla extract

2 bags of ice

1 box of rock salt

To mix:

1. Separate egg yolks and egg whites (put yolks in one bowl and whites in another).
2. Add salt to the egg whites. Mix until light and fluffy.
3. Pour can of evaporated milk into bowl containing egg yolks. Add one cup of sugar. Mix thoroughly.
4. Combine mixed egg whites and yolks. Add vanilla. Again, mix thoroughly.
5. Pour mixture into ice cream maker. Add whole milk until you reach the “fill” line.
6. Secure the top of the freezer. Add ice as needed around the freezer and pour rock salt around the outside of freezer.
7. Turn on ice cream maker and wait for your cold treat.

Enjoy!