Thursday, May 31, 2007

Another Goodbye

Almost six months to the day after my dad passed away, his younger sister died after a third battle with cancer. She was almost 75.

My aunt R was funny and irreverent (like most of my dad's side of the family). It's been rumored we have an "earthy" sense of humor. LOL

My aunt always sent me something little for my birthday and for Christmas, even after I moved 2,000 miles away. I got to visit with her when I was home nearly 3 weeks ago now, and she seemed to be doing okay. Very tired, because all of her boys (8 of 'em) and their families had come in for Mother's Day. But otherwise, she seemed to be doing all right. She did make a comment that her stomach was feeling weird and made a comment that led us to think she thought it was the cancer working on her.

It wasn't. She passed away peacefully Tuesday night around 9 p.m. I got the call from my mom at 7:30 my time (10:30 her time). With it being that late, I knew immediately what had happened. I had half-way joked that Aunt R was waiting until the 30th so she would die exactly 6 months after her brother (my dad). But she went a day early.

Like all deaths like this, I'm torn between being comforted that she's no longer suffering, that her suffering won't get any worse (and it could have), and being extremely sad that she's no longer in this world.

I miss you, mean old bossy Aunt R. Love you.



Because I could not stop for Death,

He kindly stopped for me.

The Carriage held but just ourselves

And Immortality

~Emily Dickinson

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Happy Day After Memorial Day

For your viewing pleasure today:




"If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything." ~Marilyn Monroe

Monday, May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day

Courtesy of SparkleTags.com


Today's a day where we're to remember our fallen soldiers and loved ones no longer with us. I can't help but think of my dad, who served in the Korean war. I lost him 6 months ago this coming Wednesday. And now we are going to lose his sister as well, probably within the next few days. (That's my dad's first cousin--his best bud--one year before my dad, the cousin's mother six months before my dad, and now my dad's sister six months after him. Enough already!)

All I can think of are the words to Taps, written by Major General Daniel Butterfield:

Day is done...
Gone the sun
From the lake...
From the hills...
From the sky.
All is well...
Safely rest
God is nigh.

Fading light....
Dims the sight
And a star....
Gems the sky....
Gleaming bright
From afar....
Drawing nigh
Falls the night.

'Night, Dad.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Come on over to the Deliciously Naughty Writers' blog and read a little bit about where I write. While you're there--say hi, won't you? See you at DNW!


"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Women's 50 Things About Men

1. Men like to barbecue. Men will cook if danger is involved.

2. Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry.

3. If you buy your husband or boyfriend a video camera, for the first few weeks he has it, lock the door when you go to the bathroom. Most of my husband's early films end with a scream and a flush.

4. Be careful of men who are bald and rich; the arrogance of "rich" usually cancels out the nice of "bald."

5. Marrying a divorced man is ecologically responsible. In a world where there are more women than men, it pays to recycle.

6. Men are very confident people. My husband is so confident that when he watches sports on television, he thinks that if he concentrates he can help his team. If the team is in trouble, he coaches the players from our living room, and if they're really in trouble, I have to get off the phone in case they call him.

7. If it's attention you want, don't get involved with a man during play-off season.

8. Men like phones with lots of buttons. It makes them feel important.

9. Men love to be the first to read the newspaper in the morning. Not being the first is upsetting to their psyches.

10. All men look nerdy in black socks and sandals.

11. The way a man looks at himself in a mirror will tell you if he can ever care about anyone else.

12. Don't try to teach men how to do anything in public. They can learn in private; in public they have to know.

13. Men who are going bald often wear baseball caps.

14. All men are afraid of eyelash curlers. I sleep with one under my pillow, instead of a gun.

15. A good place to meet a man is at the dry cleaner. These men usually have jobs and bathe.

16. Men love watches with multiple functions. My husband has one that is a combination address book, telescope and piano.

17. All men hate to hear "We need to talk about our relationship." These seven words strike fear in the heart of even General Schwarzkopf.

18. Men are sensitive in strange ways. If a man has built a fire and the last log does not burn, he will take it personally.

19. Men are brave enough to go to war, but they are not brave enough to get a bikini wax.

20. All men think that they're nice guys. Some of them are not. Contact me for a list of names.

21. Men don't get cellulite. God might just be a man.

22. Men have an easier time buying bathing suits. Women have two types: depressing and more depressing. Men have two types: nerdy and not nerdy.

23. Men have higher body temperatures than women. If your heating goes out in winter, I recommend sleeping next to a man. Men are like portable heaters that snore.

24. Women take clothing much more seriously than men. I've never seen a man walk into a party and say "Oh, my God, I'm so embarrassed; get me out of here. There's another man wearing a black tuxedo."

25. Most men hate to shop. That's why the men's department is usually on the first floor of a department store, two inches from the door.

26. If a man prepares dinner for you and the salad contains three or more types of lettuce, he is serious. Or gay.

27 If you're dating a man who you think might be "Mr. Right," if he a) got older, b) got a new job, or c) visited a psychiatrist, you are in for a nasty surprise. The cocoon-to-butterfly theory only works on cocoons and butterflies.

28. Men own basketball teams. Every year cheerleaders' outfits get tighter and briefer, and players' shorts get baggier and longer.

29. No man is charming all of the time. Even Cary Grant is on record saying he wished he could be Cary Grant.

30. When four or more men get together, they talk about sports.

31. When four or more women get together, they talk about men.

32. Not one man in a beer commercial has a beer belly.

33. Men are less sentimental than women. No man has ever seen the movie THE WAY WE WERE twice, voluntarily.

34. Most women are introspective: "Am I in love? Am I emotionally and creatively fulfilled?" Most men are outrospective: "Did my team win? How's my car?"

35. If a man says, "I'll call you," and he doesn't, he didn't forget... he didn't lose your number... he didn't die. He just didn't want to call you.

36. Men hate to lose. I once beat my husband at tennis. I asked him, "Are we going to have sex again?" He said, "Yes, but not with each other."

37. Men who can eat anything they want and not gain weight should do it out of sight of women.

38. Getting rid of a man without hurting his masculinity is a problem. "Get out" and "I never want to see you again" might sound like a challenge. If you want to get rid of a man, I suggest saying, "I love you... I want to marry you... I want to have your children." Sometimes they leave skid marks.

39. Men accept compliments much better than women do. Example: "Mitch, you look great." Mitch:"Thanks." On the other side:"Ruth, you look great." Ruth: "I do? Must be the lighting."

40. Impulse buying is not macho. Men rarely call the Home Shopping Network.

41. Men who listen to classical music tend not to spit.

42. Only men who have worn a ski suit understand how complicated it is for a woman to go to the bathroom when she's wearing a jumpsuit.

43. Men don't feel the urge to get married as quickly as women do because their clothes all button and zip in the front. Women's dresses usually button and zip in the back. We need men emotionally and sexually, but we also need men to help us get dressed.

44. Men are self-confident because they grow up identifying with superheros. Women have bad self-images because they grow up identifying with Barbie.

45. When a woman tries on clothing from her closet that feels tight, she will assume she has gained weight. When a man tries something from his closet that feels tight, he will assume the clothing has shrunk.

46. Male menopause is a lot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause you gain weight and get hot flashes. Male menopause - you get to date young girls and drive motorcycles.

47. Men forget everything; women remember everything.

48. That's why men need instant replays in sports. They've already forgotten what happened.

49. Men would like monogamy better if it sounded less like monotony.

50. All men would still really like to own a train set.


"I'm very definitely a woman, and I enjoy it." ~Marilyn Monroe

Friday, May 25, 2007

Join Deliciously Naughty Writers at FAR


We're at Fallen Angel Reviews all day today, chatting with readers, sharing excerpts, and holding contests for prizes, including free downloads of our books. I'll be in and out as I can throughout the day, but as I'll be at work I won't be able to participate as much as I'd like until I get home. So I'll really be rockin' the house after 9 p.m. EST.

Anyway, come on over and have some fun with us!




"Sex is a part of nature. I go along with nature." ~Marilyn Monroe

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Lucky Rabbit's Foot

Have you seen this Traveler's Insurance Commercial?



Too funny!


"It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone." ~Marilyn Monroe

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged. Again. *grumble* *grumble* Of course, Cheyenne McCray, bless her heart, doesn't know how much I don't like being tagged, so I'll forgive her this one time. I just always have a really hard time coming up with anything interesting, because my life has been/is pretty boring. LOL

But, okay. I'll play. Here are the rules 1.) Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. 2.) People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. 3.) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. 4.) Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. My favorite color is purple. Just about any shade, though the brighter or deeper the better. (In other words, pastels are on the bottom of the favorite list.)

2. My favorite cartoon strip is Dilbert, because it's all true. I've lived it. Sometimes still live it...

3. I love shrimp. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd probably have a little (or a lot) nearly every day.

4. I have been on a Casino Royale kick since I saw it on Thanksgiving Day. To date I think I've watched it six times, although I'll admit sometimes it's just on as background while I write. What can I say? Daniel Craig is great inspiration!

5. I hate exercise. I don't even like thinking about it. Which is probably why I have such a hard time losing weight. That and I won't stop eating...

6. I went home to Ohio for Mother's Day as a surprise for my Mom. I'd forgotten how green everything was, and how much water there was--every time I turned around I was passing another small lake or pond. And the Canadian geese are mating. There were so many fuzzy little yellow chicks--they were cute! (Don't see a lot of water birds here in the desert. Although the last time I was at our local hot springs, there was a heron and some mallard ducks.)

7. I like just about every type of music except rap and opera, the two opposite ends of the scale. But almost everything in between is okay.

8. From April 2005 to December 2006, I wrote over 500,000 words, over 80% of which has been published.

Phew! I actually came up with eight! Just...don't anybody tag me to do a Thursday thirteen or something like that. I'm tellin' ya now, I won't play. Much more than eight and my little pea brain just has to strain too much. LOL

I tag Emma Sinclair, Jan Springer, Maya Reynolds, Sloane Taylor, Annalee Blysse, T.A. Chase, Tilly Greene and Ann Cory.

Tag--you're it!


"Any time you got nothing to do - and lots of time to do it - come on up." ~Mae West

Monday, May 21, 2007

Deliciously Naughty


Come on over to the Deliciously Naughty Writers' blog and read an excerpt from Choosing Madison, my story in SEASONS OF SEDUCTION VOLUME 1, available now at Ellora's Cave.

While you're there--say hi, won't you? See you at DNW!


"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere." ~Marilyn Monroe

Monday, May 14, 2007

Interview for BEYOND THE BEAST

Beth Hilton, lead reporter for the Scilly News, conducted an interview with me via email regarding my full-length novel, Beyond the Beast.

It's a really great interview--check it out at http://www.scillynews.co.uk/2007/05/11617/

Friday, May 11, 2007

Going Home To Mommy

I'm leaving early tomorrow morning (have to be at the airport at 5 a.m.) to fly back to Ohio to spend Mother's Day (and the following week) with my mom and family. My brother G and his wife were also going to go, but G isn't feeling good, so now, instead of all of Mom's kids being together for the first time since Dad's funeral, it's not gonna happen. I wanted some nice memories to replace the not-so-nice ones. Well, maybe next year.

I'll do my best to get the next installment of Keiron's story up on Wednesday, but I may not be blogging regularly this coming week. Hope y'all have a great week!


"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before." ~Mae West

Thursday, May 10, 2007

DRAGONFIRE Review



From RRTErotic:

"...Together Leilani and Zander are unbeatable and the chemistry between them is sizzling. The sex is steamy, erotic, and downright dirty. That's the best kind, don't you think? ...Talk about some hot scenes? Get out the ice water and turn up the fan.

Sherrill Quinn's Dragonfire is a fascinating, entertaining, and scintillating tale that readers will devour." (Sinclair Reid)


Dragonfire, available at Amber Heat and at Fictionwise!



"Give a man a free hand, and he'll run it all over you." ~Mae West

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Review for DAMNATION


Here's my first review for Damnation, my contribution to the Edge of Night anthology at Liquid Silver Books:

4 Stars!

"Here is another version of the beginning of the vampire, not the first mentioning Lilith as being the creator. Whatever story I read, she is just one mean bitch, and that is what makes her a great villain... Brianna and Jacques had some great chemistry and they let it loose when the need arose. Sex with these two was erotic and sensual yet playful; they knew how to turn each other on and they were not shy about it. Author Sherrill Quinn was not one that I was familiar with, but I found her style to be pleasing, and I will definitely read her again. Great idea, good editing, and playful characters made this a worthy read." --Stacey Landers, Just Erotic Romance Reviews


Damnation, part of the Edge of Night anthology, available at Liquid Silver Books!


"A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities." ~William Arthur Ward

Monday, May 07, 2007

Deliciously Naughty


Come on over to the Deliciously Naughty Writers' blog and talk to me about ...

Man Parts.

Are you curious now? Good! See you at DNW!



"A man's kiss is his signature." ~Mae West

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Excerpt From SEASONS OF SEDUCTION VOLUME 1


Gaelen Brecca and Leax Ilan are sent to retrieve their leader's errant bride. The princess becomes stubborn, plus they're attacked by enemy Raiders, and so end up taking Earth woman Madison Marquette along as well. The two men are enchanted by her beauty, her bravery, and her wit. She might just be the woman these bond-brothers need to complete their triad.

Madison has lived an adventurous life--vicariously through the wild tales of her best friend, tales that Madison has turned into sci-fi romance novels. Grabbing onto the opportunity to truly have an adventure, she is stunned to find lust and love as well. She must overcome her natural tendency to look for safety and make a life for herself with her two alien lovers. Can they secure her sensual surrender?

~ * ~

Through the wide view screen at the front of the ship’s bridge, Gaelen Brecca stared at the planet his space vessel currently orbited. “I’ll teleport down, grab the woman, and we’ll be out of here before anyone knows what happened. Stay out of range of their satellites, Chardon. And be ready,” he cautioned his communications officer, who also manned the teleportation controls.

“There have been reports of Raiders in this area, and you know how much they’d love to get their hands on a royal princess. The ransom they’d get for her would fund their weapons deals for years.”

“I’ll be on guard, my lord.” The blond man didn’t look up from his control panel. “Sensors indicate there is another woman with Supreme Lord Travven’s betrothed. You may want to take a pacifier, sir.”

“Thank you, Chardon.” Gaelen moved into the maglift. “Have Commander Ilan meet me at the teleport pad.”

The maglift whisked Gaelen to deck fifteen, where he stopped at the med bay to pick up a tranquilizer pistol. He snorted as he remembered what Chardon had called it. A pacifier.

Doctor Braden Tabari stepped out of his small office. “What can I do for you, my lord?”

Gaelen scowled. “With every last person on this ship ‘my lording’ me, Bray, I’d hoped I wouldn’t hear it from you, too.”

“You are now the First Province of Drace, my lord,” the doctor replied, seemingly unperturbed by his captain’s burst of ill temper. By the mischief sparking in his dark eyes, Tabari actually seemed to be enjoying it. “It would be inappropriate for us to address you as anything other than ‘my lord’. Or would you prefer ‘Lord Brecca’? Or perhaps ‘Brecca, Bearer of the Most Sacred—’”

“Oh, for the love of Mystros,” Gaelen muttered. “I’d prefer that you call me Gaelen. We’re friends, remember?”

Smiling faintly, Tabari clasped him on the shoulder and squeezed. He dropped his hand and asked again, “What can I do for you, my lord?”

Kotka njall.” After growling the curse, Gaelen raked his hand through his hair. If he’d known that becoming First Province of Drace would put such formality between him and his friends, he’d have told his cousin Rafe to retrieve his own damned woman. Or, better still, to go fuck himself. He just might yet, after this fool’s mission. He was governor of the largest province on Reivas and the captain of the fleet’s flagship. His last mission shouldn’t be as some goddamned babysitter for the runaway bride of the Supreme Lord.

Family could be a real pain in the ass sometimes.

With a shake of his head, he brought his thoughts back to the matter at hand. “I need a tranquilizer pistol, just in case the princess refuses to cooperate.”

Tabari’s eyebrows rose. “That’ll go over well with the Talarians. You tranquing their princess and all.” The doctor opened a cabinet and withdrew a small, silver gun. “Obviously you’ve located her.”

Gaelen grunted. “After four months of following her trail and stopping by three other planets, yes, we’ve finally found her.” He nodded toward the tranq gun. “I’ll only use it if she leaves me no other choice. Make sure you load it with enough for two.”

“What, you’re planning on bringing a female back for yourself?”

“No.” Gaelen didn’t appreciate the humor and sent Tabari a dark look. “I want it in case I need to tranq the woman with Juliska if she gives me any trouble.”

“What woman with Juliska?” Tabari pushed two vials into the chamber and primed the barrel.

Gaelen shrugged. “A friend, perhaps? We’ll be teleporting directly into the house where they are. I doubt she’s seen people appear out of thin air before. I want to be prepared for trouble.”


Choosing Madison, part of SEASONS OF SEDUCTION VOLUME 1 - available at Ellora's Cave and Amazon.com!

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Doctor's Visit

This is too funny not to be shared. Don't know if it's a true story or not--doesn't really matter. There's always some truth to stories even if they're complete fiction. Wouldn't you agree?

THE DOCTOR'S VISIT

I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week. Early one morning, I received a call to tell me I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 a.m. I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45. The trip to the doctor's office takes about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.

As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort with hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink and gave myself a quick wash in that area to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothesbasket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.

I was called in after only a few minutes in the waiting room. I disrobed, hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended I was somewhere--anywhere--else.

I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?"

I didn't respond. After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal--shopping, cleaning, cooking. After school, when my 6-year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, "Mommy, where's my washcloth?"

I told her to get another one. She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink. It had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it."

Never going back to that doctor. Never ever.



LOL Even though I suspect this is a complete urban legend, I can see it happening, can't you?

I'll be at a workshop all day today, then going out afterwards for margaritas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and no doubt recuperating tomorrow, so I'll see y'all on Monday! Have a terrific weekend. Happy Cinco de Mayo!!



"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up." ~Mae West

Friday, May 04, 2007

A New "Messin' With Sasquatch"



Don't mess with Sasquatch! LOLLOL


"When you are no longer able to change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." ~Viktor Frankl

Thursday, May 03, 2007

DRAGONFIRE at Fictionwise


Now #5 at Fictionwise!


On April 24th, I reported that Dragonfire had premiered at Fictionwise at #29 and as of that morning had risen to #15. Plus it was the #1 highest rated erotic romance based on the average of at least 5 readers. Well, it's no longer on the highest rated list, but it is now the #5 best seller! Woot!! Now, let's see if it goes to #1...

I've been close before. The Praetorians: Discovery made it to #2. Keep your fingers crossed. Better yet, if you haven't bought it already, go over to Fictionwise and get your copy of Dragonfire!



"Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform cease to exist." ~Mary Kay Ash

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Writer's Bootcamp in Tucson

Do you want to master the art of writing a fiction novel? If you're a writer, this is the one-day workshop for you!

Writing Bootcamp: Plotting Through Characterization
May 5, 2007
Tucson, Arizona

This in-depth workshop will teach you how to use characterization to plot your novel. Learn how to build your story by identifying personality traits, motivations, goals and conflicts within and between your characters. Bring a story idea with you: new, underway, or completed, and presenters Jill Limber and Teresa Carpenter will use their boot camp techniques to help you develop and/or improve your plot.

Jill Limber, President of Romance Writers of America, also will give participants an overview of the current state of the Romance Publishing Industry and Romance Writers of America (RWA): The Organization.

Romance Writers of America (RWA) is a 9,500-member national association of professional writers, editors and literary agents dedicated to advancing the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. Romance fiction represents $1.2 billion in sales each year, and 54.9% of all popular mass-market fiction sold. For more information on RWA go to www.rwanational.org.

For more information about this terrific workshop, go to www.tucsonrwa.org.


"Spend your energy searching for solutions, not excuses." ~David Cottrell