Interesting Question About the Old West

Are Western Heroes Always The Sheriff?

 (Question from Jannine Corti Petska)

            The field of occupations in the 19^th century American West was wide open, yet heroes in historical romance books are either a sheriff, a marshal, a cowboy, a desperado (with heart), or a gambler. But what about other jobs that shaped the West?

            I’ve been reading historical western romances for over 30 years. There were heroes of all kinds, but my favorite was (and still is) the ex-gunslinger. What exactly is a gunslinger, you ask? He can be for hire, seemingly on the wrong side of the law. In today’s terms, he’d have been a bad ass. Or he can shoot-‘em-up to survive the evil men chasing after him. He’s either made a mistake or was falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Beneath his dark past lurks a good guy, even though he was a hardened man who was a crack shot with a rifle or gun. The kind of man you’d love to see transformed by the end of the book all because of a determined yet caring heroine.

Below are a few occupations that aren’t new to the western romance genre, but neither are they the norm. A writer’s imagination can romanticize about the hero who is a trapper or miner. Sure, the sheriff hero seems stronger, more appealing, the upstanding citizen, but I’m willing to read a romance with any hero who has a job outside the norm. It’s all about the author’s vision.  

Mountain Men, Trappers, Fur Traders: Who wouldn’t want to see a tall, solidly muscled hero in buckskins? These men lived off nature and usually preferred making their home in the mountains. They mingled with the Indians, traded, and sold their goods to anyone with money. But the life these men led was lonely and dangerous. Accidents and illness killed many, especially those high up in the mountains who had no way of getting help.

The Hawken rifle was their constant companion. They owned metal traps large and small, bearskin gloves, sharp knives for scraping hides, utility knives, ash-frame snowshoes, and so much more, all of it practical and useful. In reality, trappers, et. al, were filthy with little regard to personal hygiene. Of course, in a romance novel, this hero—while attractively grubby—prefers to be clean, or as clean as possible.  

            Now take a heroine, add a trapper in trouble—maybe she stumbled upon him injured—and throw in a believable conflict. A romance writer’s imagination can run with just that bit of an idea. At least, that’s all it takes for me to realize there’s story material in there waiting to jump onto the pages.

            Miners: The hero needs money. He pans for gold. But is he the miner? Of course not! I have a story simmering on the back burner with a heroine who is a miner. This is the American West, so that’s not an impossibility. Women back then were made sturdy and had a strong constitution. What if your hero and heroine are both miners? What if they stake a claim on the exact same spot?

            Wherever gold was found, towns shot up almost overnight. Of course, when the gold was depleted, a town disappeared rather quickly. Is there something in this new town that has drawn your hero or heroine? Again, are they after the same thing? When these “gold” towns sprang up, laws were set by vigilante miners’ courts. They didn’t mess around. Justice came swift. A-ha! Is your miner hero about to be hanged?

            With a little research (the era of the internet is a God-send to writers; but always double-check your facts), a writer can find an occupation seldom written about for her hero. Or heroine. You’ll make your readers happy because you’ll give them a refreshing look at the Old West. I don’t recall reading any westerns with a hero who was a doctor or lawyer. I tend to go after the rough and ready guy with a stubbly chin and jaw (a perennial 5:00 shadow). You never know who might pick up your book to read. You could be responsible for turning a reader, who never cared for the American West, on to historical western romances. Whatever the case, let your imagination spread as far and wide as the West. You’d be surprised by what you’ll find.

Writers, what are some of the different types of jobs you’ve given your hero. Readers, what jobs for a hero would you like to see? (Jump in with thoughts about jobs for heroines, too!)

Now that your mind is thinking about westerns...how about checking out Rebel Heart:

Blurb

When the woman he's sworn to protect finds herself in the middle of a range war,
Beau Hamilton fights against losing his heart while defending Courtney Danning against the unscrupulous man fixing to run her out of town.

But when their passion turns as hot as the Santa Fe sun, will their love in the untamed West prevail? Or will Beau's dark past tear them apart?

Buy links

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rebel-heart-jannine-corti-petska/1100069789?ean=9780974624983&itm=1&usri=rebel%2bheart

http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Heart-ebook/dp/B001C4O6X0/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315181643&sr=1-2

Welcome Jannine Corti Petska

Writing a Trilogy or a Series

Easy, right?

Whether you’re writing a trilogy or two or more books in a series, every writer knows she must keep meticulous notes, especially if secondary—or even minor—characters from one book get their own story to tell in another. Or if they make an appearance in book three or four. Organization was the key to keeping my Sisters of Destiny trilogy and my four-book Italian Medieval series on track—no guessing from one character to the other. At first, however, I was a bit daunted by trying to keep everything straight.

I’ve tried, but I simply cannot write a plot outline. Even my characters are bare-bones until I begin writing. I add their layers as I go. And I make certain to jot down every itty bitty thing, whether it’s a muscle tick in the hero’s jaw or my heroine biting her nails, or another character who constantly clears his throat. But what about keeping the details straight when you’re writing a series/trilogy that are connected? This is where a consistent timeline comes in handy.

For my Sisters of Destiny trilogy about three medieval psychic sisters separated at birth, I not only kept a chart of each sister for her story but also a central chart of all three on one page. This was important, especially when they all get pregnant—one twice! My chart consists of the date heroine meets the hero, date of conception, date each one travels to find her sister, and finally, date the baby is born. These headings go along the top of my chart. To the left are the sisters’ names. Below the chart, I note how each sister discovered she was pregnant: one faints, one has morning sickness and loses her food, and the other has a healthy appetite and can out eat a knight!

Because the sisters’ hair color, features and body type are very similar, I needed deciding factors to give them individuality. Hence another chart. This one has three columns, one for each sister, their names across the top. Now I can see side-by-side the slight difference in their eye color, their psychic abilities (each different), their temperament, and anything else they might share yet not share. For instance, all three have green eyes, but it’s the variation in the green that separates them.

You might be thinking that I do nothing but keep charts when writing. I don’t go overboard, but I also have a chapter-by-chapter chart, a monthly calendar, and a costume log. Okay, so I like charts.

What the sisters wear and their social upbringing come from their environment and do not beg for comparison. In book 1, CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN, the story is set in the Po Valley, Italy; book 2, CHARLOTTE AND THE GYPSY takes place mostly in a Gypsy camp in Andalusia; and book 3, CALLIE AND THE KNIGHT, is set in England. As you can see, they grew up in very different settings. Only the nuances that make them identical triplets are difficult to separate, unless you are lucky and have a photographic mind. I don’t.

In the end, each writer must do what is best for her in keeping track of characters’ personal details. I’m visual, so I need to see things drawn out for me, and a chart does just that. But what do you do when you have a series where the hero and heroine are not so biologically connected? Well, that’s for another article.

To learn more about Jannine and her books, check out her website: www.jcortipetska.com

 

CHARLOTTE AND THE GYPSY, book 2 Sisters of Destiny trilogy

http://www.thedarkcastlelords.com/CharlotteandtheGypsy.htm

Book trailer at http://youtu.be/H26Ny5YuMis

Blurb:

Charlotte Nikolos was raised in a Gypsy camp, her pale hair and light skin in stark contrast from the darkness of her family. After she learns she has two sisters somewhere who share her looks and psychic powers, she's determined to search for them and learn why her birth mother sent her away. But where does she begin?

 

After three years of roaming, Rafael Cazares returns to his Andalusian Gypsy camp to pursue the woman he left behind in disgrace. He must win back Char's trust and recapture her heart. He insists on helping her find her true family but soon realizes someone is determined to keep them apart.  When Rafael's deep, dark secret is revealed, he will do everything in his power to protect the only woman he has ever loved. Even if it costs him his life.

If you missed the first book in the trilogy, CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN, it’s available here: www.eternalpress.ca

Book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rERylu_39XA

 

  

Welcome, Jannine Corti Petska

Blurb:
Charlotte Nikolos keenly feels the difference between the dark coloring of the Gypsies who raised her and her own pale hair and skin. When she learns she has two sisters somewhere who share her looks and psychic powers, she's determined to search for her lost family and find answers about her past. But how?

For three years, Rafael Cazares has been away from the Gypsy camp and the woman who makes his blood boil. He's determined to win back Char's trust and recapture her heart. He insists on helping her to find her true family, but someone or something is determined to keep them apart. When a deep dark secret is revealed, Rafael would do everything in his power to keep the only women he has ever loved out of harm’s way. Even if he must die.

*******************************************************************

When I set out to write the Sisters of Destiny trilogy, I had the concept that each sister would have her own story and live in different countries. Beyond that, I wasn't sure how I would tie the books together. But towards the end of book one, Carina and the Nobleman, Carina decided to go in search of one of her sisters. She ends up in Andalusia and meets Char. I want to thank Carina for showing me the way.

Book two, Charlotte and the Gypsy, is set in a Gypsy camp in Andalusia, Spain. I enjoyed researching the Gypsy culture. It was most fascinating, but it was also quite simple yet complex. Like most cultures, Gypsies had their hierarchy within their clan, and they preferred to be left alone. The difference between the Andalusian Gypsies and others throughout Europe depended on location. Many of the Andalusian Gypsies spoke Spanish and wore the clothes of the land. However, Gypsies never lost sight of their own culture, language, clothing, and how they lived. It was unfortunate that Gypsies rarely kept journals.

At the end of book two, Char travels to England to locate the third sister. I am researching Callie and the Knight and hope to start writing the story by July. And not to worry, the mystery surrounding the sisters and their birth will come to light at the end of book three.

Reviews:

Charlotte and the Gypsy draws the reader deep within the gypsy world; familiarizing the reader with gypsy traditions, gypsy life, and gypsy love. With vivid descriptions and attention to detail, this book made it easy to get lost in Andalusia, and difficult to return to reality. --Siren Book Reviews, 4 siren stones

Corti-Petska does it again, with the other sister, Charlotte. I always love the way Corti-Petska sets of the scene, characters, and dialogue. This second book of the trilogy swept me away to another place as did the first book in the series. This is a must read for all of you romance junkies! I found myself going back to read the first book again. A beautiful story of finding out who you are at the cost of harms ways and undeniable love. This author will always remain one of my favorites! --The Pen and Muse, 5 stars


Excerpt:

Rafael has been gone from his Gypsy camp for three years. When he returns, he assumes he'll pick up where he and his betrothed had left off...about to get married. Throughout the story, he discovers that things don't remain the same. And Char fights for women's rights, medieval style. ;-)

Scene set up: Rafael thought he knew all there was to know about Char...until he learns she has two sisters. But more is his frustration over her continual disobedience and her unwillingness to forgive him for what he'd done three years past.

Note: Lennor is Char's father.

Rafael ate up the ground as fast as his legs carried him. He was furious with Char for defying an order. After Lennor had filled him in about Char’s sisters, he’d gone to her tent to inform her of his decision. When he got there, she was gone. Now his blood boiled hotter than burning wood. No woman took his directive lightly.

He found her sitting at the river’s edge, her bare toes tickling the water’s surface. Her arms hugged her legs, and her cheek rested on raised knees. She looked content. He was loathed to disturb her, but he couldn’t let her dictate their relationship. With a woman like Char, she’d trample over his good intentions with her stubborn streak, if he gave her the chance.

Quiet as a bird’s tiny feet on grass, Rafael approached and planted himself at her back. He noticed her arms tighten around her legs and her toes curl. She was aware of his presence.

"I know not what to do to make you understand what is expected of you, Char."

"As do I."

He tilted his head in thought, unsure of what she meant? "If you cease going against the wishes of the men in your life, mayhap you’ll avoid these unpleasant confrontations and threats of punishment."

She twisted her neck to peer up at him. Her eyes were puffy, red. Char seldom shed tears.

"You misunderstood," she corrected. "I know not what to do to make you understand that I’ll not be governed by you or any other man."

Bedamned, she was headstrong. She had him tied into painful knots and his mind befuddled with indecision. "Think you I enjoy reminding you of my rights? Or making threats against you when you gainsay me?"

"I think it is a man’s way to make women submissive."

"I believe it is because women are difficult creatures."

"If a man did not make unreasonable demands, his woman might comply with his wishes," she said matter-of-factly.

He stepped around her and squatted. "What say you?"

"How do you train horses?" she asked.

"With a gentle hand and firm commands."

"Do you whip them if they fail to follow your command?"

"Of course not." His brows drew inward. "You are saying that a man should handle a woman with a gentle hand?"

"Precisely." She let her feet slip into the water.

Studying her profile, he was hard-pressed not to caress the soft edges of her features. She was the epitome of a beautiful woman.

With a heavy sigh, Rafael rose. "Enough about your perception of how a man should treat a woman. I am here to discuss our wedding."

Interested and anxious, she searched his face for a sign of hope. Was she waiting to hear he’d decided against a wedding? Alas, he couldn’t grant her that wish.

"The Rom Baro and I have agreed that you and I will wait until autumnal to be wed."

Her relief was blatant. "Thank you," she said softly, vulnerable and kind, like a child.

Icy fingers scraped down Rafael’s back. "Thank me not. I promised Lennor a stable of horses. After I bring them to camp, it will take until autumnal to train the lot."

"As you have a purpose before we are married, I have one too. Did Father tell you about my sisters?"

"He did." A far away look slipped into her eyes. The wistful sight made his heart stutter in his chest.

"Carina, Callie and I were born as one."

He’d heard of women birthing two or more babes within minutes. Usually, one or more didn’t live. "Know you where in England Callie lives?"

"Gustav said I’d find her near London."

Rafael tensed at the mention of Char’s tutor, a huge man with the strength to match. He rubbed at his jaw unconsciously. They’d fought hand-to-hand over Char’s virtue, and he remembered well the feel of the man’s powerful fist slamming into his face. Gustav protected Char well and would lay down his life for her. After that encounter, Rafael respected his loyalty.

"Then we shall travel to England at winter’s end."

Char flounced to her knees. "I cannot wait that long. If I leave at once—"

"Traveling by horse over unfamiliar land is dangerous, more so for a woman. Think you England is beyond the mountains? It will take months, Char, not just weeks."

"I’ll ask Ker or Petrus to accompany me."

The depth of his being rebelled, and it reflected in the low rumble of his voice. "Ker will not accompany you. And Petrus—"

Petrus’ interest in Char had never been a secret. The man’s lust for the wench had caused many a fight between the two of them. Upon his return to his people, Rafael had inquired about Petrus and learned he’d leave for days and weeks at a time, no one knowing where he’d gone.

"I’ll not allow Petrus to go with you either."

Char rose woodenly, holding his gaze, castrating him for wanting to protect her. "Then I shall travel alone."

"No one will go against me, so hear me well, Char. Our wedding may be two months away, but your father is turning you over to me. You’ll soon be my responsibility. And my woman." He caressed the heat suffused on her cheek, and she slapped his hand away. "Return to your tent."

Her lips compressed to a bloodless line, and she stood her ground. Would she force him to hoist her upon his shoulder and carry her back to camp? Was that the way of it?

"You try my patience, Char. Do as I say or—"

"Never will I concede to you."

He grinned salaciously, and her eyes stretched open wide. "Querida, there will come a time when you cannot help yourself, then you’ll concede to me over and over…"

CHARLOTTE AND THE GYPSY is available in print and ebook at Moongypsy Press. Don't forget to visit my website.

Welcome, Jannine Corti Petksa

Gypsy Love and Marriage

Love is in the air during the month of February. From a candlelit dinner to jewelry to a box of chocolates and flowers, men and women treat the love of their life with extra kindness and kisses. However, it wasn't always like this, especially in the Gypsy camps during the Medieval period.

My latest book, CHARLOTTE AND THE GYPSY,available from Moongypsy Press, taught me a lot about Gypsy life. They were a practical people, close-knit, protective of their own. The rigors of the Gypsies' nomadic existence brought about little discipline in the Gypsy child and teen. Growing up, they learned by example. Their parents were responsible for their manners and attitudes as well as their contribution to the camp and their eventual marriage. One thing was for certain: Bachelorhood was frowned upon. Weddings were a time of celebration that often lasted for days. Most Gypsies married in their teens. In Rom society, a male Gypsy couldn't be called a Rom until he was married. So you can see the importance of matrimony in their culture.

Marriages were arranged by the parents. The prospective couple might be consulted, but their opinions didn't count. Usually, the parents of the groom selected his bride-to-be. They measured the girl's worth by her disposition, health, and her family's prestige in their community. She must be strong, enduring, and open to having many children. Then the father of the groom met with the father of the bride to discuss the bride price, which compensated the father losing his daughter. It was a price that covered the cost of raising his daughter from birth. With an arranged marriage, the couple didn't have a formal courtship. Was love ever involved? Rarely...although there was always hope that eventual feelings of love would bring the couple closer.

Gypsies were not allowed to marry a non-Gypsy, although an occasional gaje (non-Gypsy) slipped through the cracks. That couple would be kicked out of their clan. To the Gypsies, outsiders were unclean and couldn't be trusted. These facts made writing this book a bit tricky. I had to balance fact with fiction and come up with a damn good reason a blonde-haired, blue-eyed female lived among the Gypsies.

For Rafael and Char's wedding, I used many different Gypsy customs, which differed from clan to clan. (You'll have to read the book to learn about these customs. ) Marriage by abduction was a possibility, but as you will read in the short excerpt below, Char did not approve of this method. (Of course, she's quite opinionated.)

The Medieval period being a man's society, once the couple wed, the bride belonged to the groom and lived among his family. She basically had no say. Instead, she cooked, washed clothing, took care of the children, and appeased her man's lusty appetite. Poor Rafael. He was born with a large dose of lust. What would a Gypsy hero be if he wasn't hot-blooded? You'll feel a bit sorry for Rafael. Women fall at his feet. Through no fault of his own, he gets into situations that stretches Char's trust and emotions. But in the end, love conquers all. It doesn't hurt that Rafael is gorgeous and a bloody good romp in bed. ;-)

Thank you Ginger for hosting me today. And to all latcho drom (Romany farewell).

Blurb:
Charlotte Nikolos keenly feels the difference between the dark coloring of the Gypsies who raised her and her own pale hair and skin. When she learns she has two sisters somewhere who share her looks and psychic powers, she's determined to search for her lost family and find answers about her past. But how?

For three years, Rafael Cazares has been away from the Gypsy camp and the woman who makes his blood boil. He's determined to win back Char's trust and recapture her heart. He insists on helping her find her true family, but someone or something is determined to keep them apart. When a deep dark secret is revealed, Rafael would do everything in his power to keep the only women he has ever loved out of harm’s way. Even if he must die.

Short excerpt:

“Return me to my father at once.”Rafael planted his hands on his hips and gazed down at her with a long-reaching light of amusement. A light that brought clarity to Char.
“You wouldn’t dare!”

“But I did.”

“I’ll not be your wife by abduction.”

“You have no say in this, Char. I’ve paid the bride price. Your sire gave his blessing for our union.” He handed her a kerchief to wear.

Char refused to tie it around her head to show her acceptance. “You’ll not touch me.”

His raised brows mocked her.

Char straightened her shoulders. Rafael ignored her stubborn stance and gripped her upper arms, dragging her up his length.

“In time, you will beg me to take you to my bed.”

His mouth quashed her protest. No matter how much she abhorred Rafael, she succumbed to his meaningless kiss.

Check Jannine's website for more information on all her great books.

Thursday's Tourist

Help me welcome my guest today, Jannine Corti Petska,. Jannine has become a great friend as well as an inspiration. As small press authors, I think we can all agree that our royalty checks are not always as large as we would like them to be, but if you measure your wealth in friendship, then I'm much richer because of friends like this. Jannine is a talented author and she's here to tell you about her world travels. *smile*


Confessions of an Armchair Traveler

I was well-traveled until I turned 18 and took my last flight, and my first solo flight, to Italy. Since then, I haven't seen the inside of an airplane. It's been 38 years now, and I've developed a real fear of flying.

There goes the trip to Italy my husband wants to take. In fact, the only places we travel to are doable by car. I have taken Amtrak twice: to Fort Hood, Texas, and to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It isn't so bad if you don't mind sleeping with a train car full of strangers. I was afraid I'd wake up in the middle of nowhere, dumped because my snoring was rattling the windows.. I wouldn't have blamed them. Sometimes it wakes me up, too!

What does all this have to do with writing, you ask? That depends on whom you talk to. Most writers write from the heart, from life's experiences and/or travels. My books are mainly set in the American West or Italy. One can be reached by car or train. The other? Let's just say my heart races and my palms sweat just thinking about flying. Which leaves me to do my research through books, DVDs and online.

I'm amazed that I can capture any city or town so well, or so I've been told. Of course, this stokes the writer's ego in me. My first and only time in the most romantic place on earth was in Rome, living with my Italian Air Force General uncle and his family. He took me to nearby towns, and to the island of Ponza where he, my father and their siblings were born. Part of my experience was the foundation for one of my books, FOREIGN EXCHANGE, which I co-wrote with another author. It's steeped in intrigue and gives the reader a different perspective of the Eternal City. Unfortunately, this book is no longer in print.

For someone with a fear of flying, I have actually been all over the globe. In my mind only, of course, but that doesn't mean I haven't experienced the beauty and flavor of a city. After all, I am a writer, and I do have an imagination. I've been to Florence and crossed the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. Palermo, Sicily has the most interesting architectural styles, depending on what country controlled the city at the time structures were built. Then there was Naples, and Siena where the famed Palio (horse races) of medieval times is still a huge event in July and August. London. Wales. The Netherlands was fascinating with its many canals and windmills. I've also been to Corsica. It was fun stepping into medieval San Gimignano. At the moment I am in Andalusia, camped with a Gypsy clan. So you see, it doesn't matter if I step foot on an airplane. I can see the world from my comfy chair with my feet on the ground (or kicked up on a foot rest) and my sanity intact.

Would you like to travel to Northern Italy? How about Piemonte, Italy? Or Santa Fe, New Mexico? Then follow the links to my three available books and lose your senses in a banquet of history's rich past.

CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN
Northern Italy, 1425
Book one of the Sisters of Destiny trilogy

The last thing Count Luciano Ruggero expected was to fall in love with a commoner. But Carina Gallo is the only woman to capture his interest and his heart. When he discovers she has psychic abilities, he is torn between keeping her secret and using her gift to locate his missing brother. Neither the count nor Carina know that her life is in danger until it is almost too late.

Book trailer at YouTube

Available through www.eternalpress.ca. Ebook also available at Fictionwise and ARe. Print book also available through Amazon.


KNIGHT'S DESIRE
Piemonte, Italy, 1336

Mariella Rizzoli seeks employment in Baron Romano DiSanto's castle, hoping to obtain the rights to her dead father's keep. When he bids her to seduce him for the keep, she will do whatever it takes to retain her home. But can she seduce the handsome knight without losing her heart to him?

Book trailer at YouTube .

An ebook short story available at www.thedarkcastlelords.com. Also available at Fictionwise and ARe.

REBEL HEART (2007 Aspen Gold finalist)
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1872

When the woman he's sworn to protect finds herself in the middle of a range war, Beau Hamilton fights against losing his heart while defending Courtney Danning against the unscrupulous man fixing to run her out of town. But when their passion turns as hot as the Santa Fe sun, will their love in the untamed West prevail? Or will Beau's dark past tear them apart?

Available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Ebook available at Fictionwise and Coffeetime Romance Reviews and More.

Read the first chapter of each book at my website .

Thank you Ginger for having me as your guest blogger today.

Friday Fiction

Today I proudly debut the video I just completed for Jannine Corti Petska's, Carina and the Nobleman. I absolutely love doing these, and I'm so happy people keep seeking me out to help create their story in pictures.

Holy Village, Batman!

Look what Jannine Corti Petska spends her time putting together for the holidays. This amazing display must require many hours to complete. I've included one picture that shoes the intricate pieces in each part of the village. Well done, Jannine, and I'm sure this adds to the festive spirit of your home.












Check out Jannine's books at Jannine's Website and make sure to have a look at her new video trailer designed by Trailmix... a very close associate of mine. *wink*

Woo Hoo!

Tomorrow, while I take time off and cry all day because I'm turning 63 (sort of sticks in my throat to even type it), I'm throwing open the doors and welcoming some of my Eternal Press friends.

Since NaNoWriMo is going on, many are busy, trying to meet the required 50,000 words in a month, so I lucked out and snagged a few who aren't. Please come and help me welcome:

Jannine Corti Petska
Clare London
Carol Shenold
Cornelia Amiri
Rhonda Parrish
Rita Karnopp
Janet Elizabeth Jones

This is a wonderful chance to get to know some new authors, read some exciting excerpts, and console me. *lol* I'm only kidding. It's painful to have to admit to being this old, but I'm thankful for every day I can be here to share with you via my posts. Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who stick around and continue to read my blog and support my work. That's more than anyone could wish for on any birthday.

Four More Winning Novels

Here are another four books being offered in the virtual prize basket for the Blog Train Excursion:

Death Masks by Kim Richards





Angel Venom by Kim McDougall





Knight's Desire by Jannine Corti Petska



Witch's Brew by Tabitha Shay



Turn in tomorrow for another four!