Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday Funny

Here is a little something my sister sent me that is indisputable mathematical logic.

This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...and it goes like this:


What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those
people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

and

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T

2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

and look how far ass kissing will take you:

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G

1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%


So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that while hard work and knowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, it's the bullshit and ass kissing that will put you over the top.


LOL

Thursday, July 30, 2009

New Reviews

From Romance Reviews Today: "The characters are entertaining and likable, and both the suspense and the romance will keep the reader engaged. Seducing the Moon is an enjoyable book that I highly recommend."

Read an excerpt or buy here.




4 Headstones from Bitten By Books: "...an enjoyable read, with a hero who was Angelic in duty but human of heart."

Read an excerpt or buy here.




5 Hearts from The Romance Studio: "Another excellent and great book to read and enjoy."

Read an excerpt or buy here.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

SEDUCING THE MOON - Available now!

Double post today because...

It's here!


It only takes a little moonlight to bring out the primal desire between two lovers...

Declan O’Connell has a history with Pelicia Cobb, but not the kind that’s going to help him win her back. It was bad enough that he broke her heart as a gruff ex-commando. Now he’s got another side to his personality, a furry, fierce side that goes a little wild under the light of the moon…

Pel wants nothing more than the chance to clean up the mess Declan made of her life—without his interference. But with a sniper taking shots at her on her doorstep, there’s no one better to protect her than Declan. And it’s hard to ignore all of his deliciousness, especially the way her body responds to his undeniable magnetism. There’s no question the rugged Irishman brings out the animal instinct in her—an instinct that propels her toward him, even when she knows she should run away…


Available now at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million. You can read an excerpt or buy here as well.

Tipsy Tuesday

Writers perhaps hear the word "no" more often--or at least as often--as most 2-year-olds. Whether from editors or agents, friends and family, rejection is as much a part of our job as spellcheck and emails.

It's up to you to turn rejection into fertilizer for your writing. The things that don't work out the first or fifteenth time teach us how to become better at what we do, how to persevere, and to develop a better sense of the quality of our work before we send it out.

Or, at least, it should.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Man Meat Monday


Pretty sure I don't need to say anything at all...

Friday, July 24, 2009

Friday Funny

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example if she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However if she is menstruating or menopausal she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.

No further studies are planned at this time.


LOL

Thursday, July 23, 2009

First Review for BELONG TO THE NIGHT


From Publishers Weekly:

"Tough women and hot men populate this deliciously sensual anthology. In Laurenston's The Wolf, the Witch, and Her Lack of Wardrobe, Smithville's werewolf mayor, Tully Smith, and coven leader, Jamie Meacham, have to stop butting heads and acknowledge their mutual attraction to save themselves and the town. When Sadie James, a wereleopard FBI agent, tracks a shape-shifting killer into a vampire bar in Eden's In the Dark, she's shocked to see her supposedly dead lover, Liam Sullivan. In Quinn's City of the Dead, witch Dori Falcon searches New Orleans for her brother, only to be helped and distracted by former lover Det. Jake Boudreau. Each compulsively readable story is well-paced and filled with steamy, graphic sex. Laurenston's characters shine with wit and depth, and Eden and Quinn deliver nonstop action."

~ * ~

City of the Dead: Dori Falcon is a witch with a plan: get to New Orleans, locate her missing brother, and recover the Eye of Bastet, a mysterious and powerful amulet. Her plan never included falling for sexy Cajun cop Jake Boudreau; but without his help, she may never find the demon who has her brother, and the key to her family's survival.

Available for pre-order now at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Borders and Amazon.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday

Today's tip is short and sweet. One of the keys to great writing is to get to know your characters just as well as you know real people in your life. You know what your spouse/sister/brother/best friend will say or do in any given situation because you know him/her that well. But sometimes our family and friends will surprise us by doing or saying something completely unexpected. It's what keeps life interesting.

When the same thing happens with your characters, and you capture it in your book, it's what keeps your readers turning the pages.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Man Meat Monday


Oh, the lazy, hazy days of summer...

Friday, July 17, 2009

Friday Funny

What Not To Put On Your Application For Employment


NAME: Ida Know

DESIRED POSITION: Reclining. Ha ha. But seriously, whatever's available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place.

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle-management hostility.
SALARY: Less than I'm worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT:
My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?:
Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment.

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?:
If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?:
Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?:
I think the more appropriate question here would be "Do you have a car that runs?"

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?:
I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes.

DO YOU SMOKE?: Only when set on fire.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?
Living in Bimini with a fabulously wealthy super model who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now.

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: No, but I dare you to prove otherwise.

SIGN HERE: Scorpio with Libra rising.


You know what? If I didn't sit on the other side of the desk, this would be funnier to me than it already is. But believe it or not, I do get pranksters that fill out our online application with gibberish--not as funny as this, though. LOL

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Review for DARING THE MOON


5 Hearts from The Romance Studio: "Wow what a roller coaster read! These vibrant, robust players know how to create a high intensity story that grips. I absolutely loved how this story flows at a good pace bringing the reader into the whole ambiance of the tale. Talk about sexual tension between Taite and Ryder. They have chemistry that swims all through the pages. I sat spellbound, glued to every word; every single detail of Daring the Moon. The suspense builds from the first page and spins the reader into a tornado ride that is hard to stop. Sherrill Quinn breathlessly creates a dynamite story that I know will cling to me for months to come. The heroes really shine and the heroine was someone I quickly connected (with). The ending, all I can say is, give me more." (Linda L.)

You can read an excerpt, and get your copy at 30% off at Kensington Publishing!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday

Most readers today expect a story that is fast-paced, keeping them on the edge of the seat, making them keep turning the page to see what happens next. How do you do that?

Well, here's an exercise to help you with your pacing:

First, take a published novel that you enjoyed reading, one that's similar to your current WIP. Using colored pencils or highlighters, mark narrative summary in one color, another color for action, another for dialogue, and another for factual exposition. (Obviously you're going to do this with a book you own, not one you've borrowed from a friend or checked out of the library! LOL) Then look at the mix of colors to see how the author controlled pacing. Now, do the same on a few pages of your WIP and check the mix of colors on your page. Do you have them pretty much evenly spread out, or are you relying more heavily on one or two? All are necessary, but too much of any of them can slow down your pace.

On the flip side, you don't want to have your pacing so fast that you cheat readers. You still need to make sure you're building their anticipation. After all, you want them to keep turning the pages, right?

Monday, July 13, 2009

Man Meat Monday


Move over, honey. I'll do your...back. Yeah, your back.


LOL

Friday, July 10, 2009

Friday Funny

Some ads that actually made it into newspapers:


FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000.00 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last weekend. Wife knows everything.

Help wanted, singer for rock band. Must be female or male.

For sale, Hope Chest, brand new, half off, long story.

Help wanted, adult or mature teenager to baby-sit. One dollar an hour.

Lost: small brown poodle. Reward. Neutered. Like one of the family.

For sale: a quilted high chair that can be made into a table, potty chair, rocking horse, refrigerator, spring coat, size 8 and fur collar.

Four-posted bed, 101 years old. Perfect for antique lover.

Wanted: Part-time married girls for soda fountain in sandwich shop.

Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

Christmas sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Wanted, man to take care of cows that does not smoke or drink.

Three-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Wanted. Widower with school-age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.

Our sofa seats the whole mob and it’s made of 100% Italian leather.

Nordic Track $300 hardly used, call Chubby.

Joining nudist colony! Must sell washer and dryer $300.

Open house body shapers toning salon free coffee and donuts

Found: dirty white dog. Looks like a rat... been out while. Better be reward.

Exercise equipment: Queen Size Mattress & Box Springs - $175.

Free Yorkshire Terrier: 8 years old. Hateful little dog.

Free puppies: ½ cocker spaniel, ½ sneaky neighbor’s dog.

Free puppies: part German Shepherd, part stupid dog.

Snow Blower for sale…only used on snowy days.

Cows, calves never bred…also 1 gay bull for sale.

Nice Parachute – Never opened. Used once.

1 man, 7 women hot tub. $850/offer.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Another Review for DARING THE MOON

Posted by Jessica S. at Amazon:

"Full of intrigue, suspense, and romance, Daring the Moon is sure to be a bookshelf keeper... The dialogue was easy to follow and flowed well. Before I knew it, I had read the whole book, flying through one chapter after another.

Daring the Moon allows you to slip into another world, losing yourself in a place where werewolves are not only possible, but are easy to love."



Read an excerpt or buy here at 30% off!

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday

Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

An understanding of word usage, grammar and style is a necessary part of every writer's toolkit. I've said it before--especially in today's economy, with publishers looking for reasons not to publish books, a writer needs every advantage possible over his/her competition (i.e., other writers). Learn the mechanics of writing, and learn them well so that your word choices become almost unconscious, like breathing.

Here are some books to help:

The Elements of Style: Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by William Strunk and E.B. White
Woe Is It: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser
A Pocket Style Manual by Diane Hacker
A Dictionary of Modern English Usage by H.W. Fowler
The Chicago Manual of Style, published by the University of Chicago Press


Are there any other books you'd recommend?

Monday, July 06, 2009

Man Meat Monday

Still feeling a little patriotic...


Yeah, that's the ticket.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Friday Funny

Cinderella Would Be Shocked

Sure, there are some pretty stupid criminals out there. Yet this excerpt from a Washington Post article proves that not all criminals are dumb – in fact, some are so clever that the Post labeled this article, "The Best Comeback Line Ever."

In summary, the police arrested Patrick Lawrence, a 22-year-old white male, resident of Dacula, GA, in a pumpkin patch at 11:38 p.m. on Friday.

Lawrence will be charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, public indecency, and public intoxication at the Gwinnett County courthouse on Monday.

The suspect explained that as he was passing a pumpkin patch he decided to stop. "You know, a pumpkin is soft and squishy inside, and there was no one around here for miles. At least I thought there wasn't," he stated in a phone interview.

Lawrence went on to say that he pulled over to the side of the road, Picked out a pumpkin that he felt was appropriate to his purposes, cut a hole in it, and proceeded to satisfy his need. "I guess I was just really into it, you know?" he commented with evident embarrassment.

In the process, Lawrence apparently failed to notice a Gwinnett County police car approaching and was unaware of his audience until Officer Brenda Taylor approached him. "It was an unusual situation, that's for sure," said Officer Taylor. "I walked up to (Lawrence) and he's... just working away at this pumpkin."

Taylor went on to describe what happened when she approached Lawrence. "I just went up and said, 'Excuse me sir, but do you realize that you are screwing a pumpkin?' He froze and was clearly very surprised that I was there, and then looked me straight in the face and said, 'A pumpkin? Darn...is it midnight already?"



LOL Don't know how true this story is, but regardless, it's funny. In a sad, misguided sort of way...

Thursday, July 02, 2009

First Review for SEDUCING THE MOON

5 Blue Ribbons!

From Romance Junkies: "Seducing the Moon continues the story that author Sherrill Quinn first introduced in Daring the Moon, which ended with Declan O’Connell being bitten by a rogue werewolf. In Seducing the Moon, we get to find out more of Declan’s story, including his stormy past with Pelicia Cobb. With a fast-paced storyline that never lags, sharp and witty dialogue and infused with incredibly steamy love scenes, Seducing the Moon is another wonderful offering by Ms. Quinn that is sure to win over even the most discerning fan of paranormal romance." (Cheryl M.)

You can read the full review here.

Thanks, Cheryl! :)



It only takes a little moonlight to bring out the primal desire between two lovers...

Declan O'Connell has a history with Pelicia Cobb, but not the kind that's going to help him win her back. It was bad enough that he broke her heart as a gruff ex-commando. Now he's got another side to his personality, a furry, fierce side that goes a little wild under the light of the moon...

Pel wants nothing more than the chance to clean up the mess Declan made of her life—without his interference. But with a sniper taking shots at her on her doorstep, there's no one better to protect her than Declan. And it's hard to ignore all of his deliciousness, especially the way her body responds to his undeniable magnetism. There's no question the rugged Irishman brings out the animal instinct in her—an instinct that propels her toward him, even when she knows she should run away...

~ * ~

"O'Connell, you had better be all right, because if you've broken your worthless neck on my property I'm bloody well going to kill you."

Declan raised his head from the steering wheel, rubbing the sore spot on his forehead where he'd connected with the unforgiving plastic. Already he could feel the slight bump caused by the impact was lessening. Being a werewolf did have its advantages. And from what he'd experienced in the last four months, not that many disadvantages.

He focused on the woman stomping toward him. The deep red t-shirt she wore set off her creamy skin to perfection, and her jeans hugged curves that he hadn't touched in much, much too long. The morning sunlight glinted on her honey blonde hair and reflected off the anger glittering in her ocean-blue eyes.

Stripping off her gardening gloves, Pelicia Cobb stopped beside his vehicle and looked at the corner of the historic bed and breakfast that had seconds before become an unplanned hood ornament on Declan's rental car. "Oh, my God. Look what you've done!" She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Where did you get a car?"

"They've set up a small 'cars for hire' booth near the ferry office, darlin', you know that," he said through the open window.

"Like we need more cars on our tiny stretch of roadways." Her scowl deepened. "And don't call me darlin'. I got over that charming Irish brogue a long time ago." Her gaze went back to the corner of the house. Something like a growl came from her throat. When she looked at him again, her eyes were hard with anger. "Just when exactly did your mission in life become one of making my life a bloody impossible mess? Tourist season just got underway and now you've demolished my house."

Thinking to tell her she was overreacting--as a former commando and demolitions expert in the Royal Marines he damned well knew how to properly destroy something, and this wasn't anywhere near what he could have done--he opened his mouth to respond.

She forestalled him with a sharp downward slash of one slender hand. "Never mind," she growled. "I already know the answer. It was two years ago, the last time you deigned to grace me with your presence."

Even with the deep frown on her face, Pelicia was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"You'd damned well better have insurance, because I can't afford to fix this." She gestured toward the corner of the granite house where several large blocks were clearly askew. "Even with an occasional guest, it's been a hard off-season, as usual."

"It's not like I did it on purpose," he responded, doing his best to not sound like a teenager making excuses to his mum. Although she certainly was doing a bang-up job of making him feel like he was about fourteen again.

He pushed open the car door. The crumpled metal protested with a loud grinding groan, and he had to exert pressure to get it all the way open. He climbed out from behind the wheel. "Besides, you know I'm not anythin' if not responsible."

Her lips twisted. "Ah. Right. How could I forget? The great Declan O'Connell, commando extraordinaire, responsible for eradicating villains from the world one innocent at a time."

Declan gritted his teeth at her sarcasm. Forget fourteen years old. Try five. Though as unfair as her words were, he couldn't fault her for her feelings.

Two years ago, the firm he'd worked for at the time had sent him to London to assist with an investigation into an international document-forging organization--primarily because of his friendship with Pelicia and his knowledge of the Isles of Scilly. In the course of his investigation, he'd been instrumental in getting her arrested. Even though she'd been cleared of all involvement, in the end she'd lost her job and her reputation had suffered. She'd returned to St. Mary's to take over this bed and breakfast after her grandfather--the real talent behind the forgery ring--had been sent to prison.

"Listen, Pel--"

"Oh, forget it." She sighed and crossed her arms.

She looked so fragile and defenseless that he had to fight to keep from pulling her into a comforting embrace. He knew the second he did he'd have a snarling wildcat on his hands that would quickly dissuade him from thinking she was either fragile or defenseless.

Copyright 2009 Sherrill Quinn. All Rights Reserved.


Seducing the Moon - available now for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million. Coming to a bookstore shelf near you in August!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Faery Promises, Part 26

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25




Part 26:


Lochlan rolled onto his back and drew Maggie to his side. A residual spark of magic tingled wherever her skin touched his.

She sighed and bent one leg, draping it over his thigh. With another sigh she rested her head on his shoulder and sifted her fingers through the hair on his chest.

“Are you all right, dearling?” he asked.

"Well, that certainly took the edge off." Her thumb brushed against his nipple, making it harden. "I don't want to move for a week."

"Then you'd best stop doing that," he muttered, grabbing her hand to still her fingers. He felt her smile against his shoulder.

"Men are so easy."

"Aye. That we are." He brought her hand to his mouth and placed a kiss in her palm. Letting go of her hand, he put his fingers beneath her chin and lifted her face. "How are you faring with...this?" He glanced around the room.

"This?" She frowned. "I'm not crazy about the fact I've been changed into something else against my will. Though I will say it certainly doesn't hurt the sex."

He lifted one brow. "It's magical between the Fae, that's a fact." He drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "You can go back to your old life, though things will never be the same. And...I've a desire for you to stay here. With me."

Her lovely eyes darkened. "If I stayed here, Lochlan, what would I do? Who would I be? I have to do more--be more--than just your lover." She shook her head. "I have a life back there--back in the real world. Friends. Family. A job I need to return to."

He grimaced. Damn Birdie for her interference. "It's not that simple, dearling."

"Things rarely are, especially since I met you," she muttered. She sat up, drawing the sheets over her nudity. "So what's the problem?"

He sat up, too, and leaned against the pillows. "For one thing, you'll age differently than humans. For every year they live, you'll age only a fraction of that."

"Hence you being two thousand years old and looking about thirty-five." She crossed her arms. "What else?" She eyed him. "I am assuming there's more."

He nodded. It wasn't a big thing, at least not to him. But it might be to her. "Your sex drive will--has--increased."

Her eyes narrowed. "You mean what I just felt, the burning, the agony, will happen all the time?"

He lifted his shoulders in a sheepish shrug. "Only if you don't have sex. And now that you've coupled with a Fae, you'll only find satisfaction with one of our kind." He paused and corrected himself. "Your kind."


Faery Promises
by Sherrill Quinn - Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.