Sasha White

Hi Everyone!

Little background on why I’m here posting for Sasha while she’s on Holiday. Sasha and I met initially on a site she was giving a workshop on, and I, of course, loved her books, so…. Through a loop we got to know each other and she gave an open request for some help. I’m sure all of you have read the below poem in Most Wanted—well, we worked together to get it right. Finally meeting for the first time in Orlando at the RT Convention, which was so AWESOME. (Yes, I felt like a groupie – authors are my rock stars).

Jack & Jill Chase after their thrills, to see who gets on top
Jack goes down and Jill doesn’t frown, even when she’s under the cop

Jack lets go and Jill starts to glow, no longer a matter of trust.
It’s time to play, and this time with more than just lust.
Laurie Kapkowksi / Sabrina Pugliese

I’m an author—or rather a struggling one. Sasha has graciously given me her time and knowledge, but ultimately the end result comes down to me. This business isn’t an easy one. And it’s also the only one where you don’t get a job well done pat on the back, or sometimes not even a by your leave for work you’ve put blood, sweat and tears into.

This business is not for the weak.

As someone who has written her entire life, but never had the nerve to send anything off until about three years ago, my eyes were certainly opened.

I’ve learned a lot about myself these past few years. And I’ve learned some things no workshop will ever be able to teach you, until you’re in the mix of this business. Here are some of them:

I can take rejection letters, as long as I’m allowed to grieve for 24 hours after it’s received. After copious amounts of alcohol, pizza and chocolate it’s time to get off my ass and get back on the horse (or keyboard).

I can take criticism, because I want to be a better writer, but will fight to keep things I believe in.

You have to read to write. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

I don’t have to write in complete sentences.

Just because you type “The End” doesn’t mean it’s done. *sigh*

You don’t have to be a great writer—just persistent. Although my personal note: strive for greatness! I know I don’t want to be a one book wonder.

Not all critiques need to be taken. It’s my work after all. Some things might not be the norm—but who wants to be normal? Not me. And for new writers, this one is essential to learn!

There are more politics to the world of writing than I ever knew about, or care about, but I need to know about them.

It’s okay to have voices in my head. And answer them!

And I’ve learned I can actually sit in one place for 7 hours or more and only get up to pee, and get more coffee.

Old and new writers I want to hear from you. What did you learn on the way up? What are you learning now? I dig short-cuts and if there’s an easy way for anything in this business – I WANT TO KNOW!

So let me have it….

Hugs
XOXO
LKap

Laurie Kapkowski

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At the beginning of September some friends and I did a writers retreat in Washington State. When the writers retreat part of the trip was over, me and my buddy Delilah Devlin spent a few days bumming around Seattle.

DD: Sasha gave me access to her blog to post some comments, so here I go!

When the retreat ended, Sasha and I stayed with my cousin and his partner in Seattle. Sasha took this pic in my cousin’s back yard. She said, “Pick up the baby gargoyle and let me take a shot!” Little did I know the joke was on me. Who knew the gargoyle and I would bear such a strong resemblance! I do love it though.

Sasha Here: I asked you to pick it up so I could get a picture because your story with a gargoyle hero had just released. I know that little guy didn’t resemble your hero, but I thought it was cute.

My cousin and his partner took Sasha and I to Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle so that we could make a tour of the Underground. I know, all the lovely places we could have gone, but we wanted to see the nasty bits. That’s writers for you. Not quite sure what this shot’s supposed to convey, but you can see a bit of the architecture.

Sasha : It’s the shop right next to where the first part of our Underground tour started. That first part of the tour started through a door to the left o the Cafe, and we came back up in that alley to the right of the cafe. So we went around all underground and behind it. PLus, I thought it was cool cus the sign for the shop says “Seattles Oldest Restaurant” on it.

This shot is definitely in The Underground. If you don’t know, Seattle was originally built at sea level. When more people moved in and they built a sewage system, they had real problems every time the tide rolled in. They posted the tide timetable in the newspaper so folks knew when not to flush, otherwise they’d have geysers of nasty backwash. So when the town burned down in the late 1800’s, they rebuilt the streets higher than the ground. Businesses on either sides of the streets had to build up their foundations and put their entrances on the second floors. Everything beneath became The Underground. There was an intricate system of walkways beneath the ground with skylights in the sidewalks above to let in light. Some of those underground structures still exist, and we got to roam the parts that haven’t been closed to the public. 

Sasha: One of my few from the actual underground that turned out. I really need to learn more about my cameras lighting features.

Without artificial lighting, The Underground would be dark as a cave. She shot this of me with just her flash. Of course she didn’t tell me I was sweaty and bedraggled from the rain.

Sasha: I love this shot. I think it’s all moody and cool, especially considering some of the Dark Vampire stuff you write.

After a day of slogging around The Underground, we picked up takeout at a Chinese restaurant and headed home. Seattle is pretty hilly, almost as bad as San Francisco in parts. Sasha was on the uphill looking down at us.

Photos and information about the writers retreat part of the trip are coming up in a separate post at a later date.

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Okay it’s time for me to take over. Mwahahaha!!

Really you’d think by now, after knowing me three years, Sasha would know better than to give me the keys to the joint. *snicker* I can bust a move when I want to.

Anyhoo, happy Friday y’all! Yahoo! Damn, I’m glad to see this day arrive and not only because I’m off on vacation to the beach for five days (oh yeah baby!) but because it’s the last day of work this week for me.

This week was full of ups and downs, starting with a hellish trip to Dallas Monday and Tuesday (gads, I’m still tired from that), my laptop taking a dump (it got fixed thank Gawd), and trying to pack for vacation. Oh, and one more thing of course…

I had a new release!! Yep, yep, yep, book two in my new series, Devils on Horseback, released on Tuesday from Samhain. I’m challenging myself with this series, pushing just how far I can with my heroes and their issues. This one is about Jake, the redheaded charmer (Sasha’s favorite devil), and his post-war (that’d be American Civil War) wounds. I’m not talking about physical wounds here either.

Here’s a peek for y’all, a hot one… enjoy! (And check out that cover, yum…)

Haunted by war, a thief finds salvation in the arms of an angel.

Devils on Horseback, Book Two

On the surface, Jake Sheridan is an easygoing man whose problems roll off him like water off a duck’s back. Truth is, Jake holds so many past demons inside him, he daren’t let them out for fear he’ll never get them all back in.

He and the Devils are hired to help rebuild a town ransacked by marauders. Everywhere they turn, they encounter secrets—enough secrets to turn the town to dust if they don’t uncover the truth.

Only one person in town isn’t glad to see them: Gabrielle Rinaldi, the miller’s daughter. A strong and independent woman who is used to being disrespected for speaking her mind, she makes no secret that she doesn’t believe hired guns are the answer to the town’s woes. Yet she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and charming Jake.

In spite of himself, Jake falls hard and fast for Gabby. But she’s wary of handing her heart to a man who lives by his guns.

When tragedy strikes, Jake and Gabby must fight to find a way to save the town—and their hearts.

Excerpt:

As they approached the mill, his step faltered at the sight of Gabby and Allison. Zeke sucked in a breath.

“You want to head someplace else?”

“No, we’ll just say our howdys and get to work.” Jake was determined to ignore his feelings for Gabby. He had to finish what he started on the mill—the town counted on the Rinaldis for flour and more.

Allison straightened up and darted behind Gabby. She peeked out from behind the taller woman and when she spotted Zeke, her eyes shuttered. Stepping forward, she smiled and gave a little wave. Jake actually felt pain in his chest at the welcome emanating from Allison.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Allison’s gaze never left Zeke.

“Ladies.” Zeke tipped his hat. “Jake here is gonna finish up the wheel this afternoon while I watch.”

Gabby nodded jerkily. “Appreciate your help.” She took Allison by the arm. “We’ll be out of your way in a minute.”

Allison glanced at Gabby with a frown. “We won’t be in the way. Why, I’ll bet we can even help, can’t we?”

Zeke was apparently unable to resist the woman. A grin split his face. “Absolutely. You can hand up the nails and wood.”

Jake resisted the urge to run like hell and leave Zeke to finish the job Jake had started. He didn’t say anything though, instead, he walked past the women and toward the back of the mill. The sound of the rushing water soothed his agitation a bit, but he still felt as tense as a piece of wood. The stacks of fresh lumber sat waiting for them to begin.

After Jake stopped the wheel, he removed the boards and replaced them one by one while Zeke sat and handed him nails. Allison stood below them, smiling and making cow-eyes at Zeke while Gabby spent her time snapping at them. After an hour, Jake’s patience reached its limit.

“Enough. Jesus, what is this, a circus tent?” He climbed down from the wheel and came nose to nose with the woman currently making him loco. “If the two of you are going to distract us we’re never going to finish. Can’t you go someplace else?” Jake growled, surprising himself with the vehemence of his reaction.

Gabby’s eyes widened. “I am not trying to distract you. I’m making sure the job is done right.” She flapped her hand in the air. “Allison came by for a visit for the first time in six months. I am not about to tell her to go home.”

Allison seemed to shrink right in front of Jake. Her bright smile faded into a pinched expression he remembered from the first time they met. Jake felt about two inches high at that moment. Zeke stepped up beside him.

“Some reason why you turned into an ass?” He scowled and gestured to the women. “And decided to scare the hell out of them? Pardon my language.” Zeke inclined his head to Gabby and Allison.

“I want to get this job finished.” Jake’s chest constricted painfully and a shadow of panic slid down his back. “I need to get it finished.”

Gabby took hold of his arm and yanked him toward the mill, leaving Zeke and Allison to stare after them. By the time they got inside the mill, Jake was leading Gabby, marching her inside. His emotions thundered through him like a storm, leaving him angry and confused.

They whirled to face each other in the silent mill. Jake’s nostrils flared as Gabby’s scent assaulted him. Arousal mixed with his fury and before he knew it, she was in his arms and his lips were on hers. Sweet delicious heat slid through him as the memory of her passion washed over him.

As their bodies melted into one, her softness cradled his hardness. His cock lengthened and pressed into her belly, eager to be one with her again. Tingles of pure pleasure seemed to leap between them. Gabby mewled as she clutched at his hair, the sound going straight to his throbbing erection.

Jake cupped her ass, pulling her up until she wrapped her legs around him. Her muscles gripped him, pushing her moist heat against him. He tried to keep hold of his self-control but it was slipping fast. Zeke and Allison were just outside, anyone could walk in at any time.

Somehow he didn’t care about any of that. All he cared about was the woman in his arms. Gabby was still wearing her trousers, an impediment to touching her, to making her his again. Their mouths fused, tongues dancing and sliding against each other, mimicking what Jake’s body cried out for, to be joined with her.

Her nails scraped down his back, then she yanked his shirt from his trousers. Long fingers closed around his hardened staff and his eyes crossed from the pleasure. She pulled at him, her thumb stroking the head of his cock. He savored the cool feel of her hands on his heated skin for barely a minute before he knew he’d embarrass himself if she didn’t stop.

“Gabby.”

With a growl, he set her on her feet and made quick work of her trousers, then without a thought as to who heard what, he pushed her up against the wall and settled her against him. He paused at the entrance of her moist pussy and met her gaze. Strong, dark eyes full of passion met him.

“Now.” Her only word to him.

Jake wasn’t one to ignore a lady’s demand. He thrust home, impaling her in one stroke. A gasp gusted past his ear as her firm muscles tightened around him. Heaven, pure heaven on Earth. He clenched his teeth and held her there for a moment, wondering how the hell he’d gotten through life before he met Gabby.

When he began to thrust, he forgot about everything but her. He forced himself to use slow, sure strokes, filling her, enclosing him in all that was good. She found his mouth, and their tongues dueled even as their lower bodies moved as one.

Slick, moist sounds joined the short breaths and kittenish mewls from Gabby. Jake tried to keep his moans trapped in his throat, but she was so hot, so tight, several burst forth despite his efforts. He bit her breast through her shirt, and she pulled it open so fast, he thought he heard a button ping somewhere behind them.

The creamy breasts with pouting dark pink nipples enticed him more than any banquet. He kissed each one in turn, then laved and nibbled at them, as her sweet muscles continued to clasp his cock. It was as if she was designed to pleasure them both no matter what he did. Gabby was the perfect match for him.

She bit his earlobe and whispered, “Oh God, Jake, I’m so close.”

Good thing too because his balls had tightened to the point of pain and he knew an orgasm was close. He captured her mouth, and as their tongues entwined, he fucked her hard and fast, slamming her into the wall. Her legs closed around his hips, pulling him deeper, farther into her sweet heat.

***

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And now I leave you to your Friday fun…

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While my good buddy Sasha is deep in her writing cave and prepping for travel to the US, she asked me to guest blog. I immediately said yes, well, because I want to help her out, but also because I’ve got a brand spanking new release out from Samhain, an erotic contemporary western, entitled COWGIRL UP AND RIDE, the third book in my Rough Riders series.

So in essence, I’m here pimping myself. Which I totally suck at. Most people who know me would never guess I’m actually shy on occasion (no snarky comments from Sasha, Vivi, Beth, Joy. Kathy and Ari, about the RT bar incidents last year involving tequila, please) especially when it comes to morphing from Lori, the Midwestern housewife to Lorelei, the savvy media whore.

Yes, I said whore. These days there’s so much more to writing than just, well, writing. You’ve got to sell yourself, baby. Flash your goodies (excerpts) to the masses and hope they like what they see. Have your publisher pimp you to the bookstores. Get your name out there, be clever, entertaining, and witty on the blogs and romance reader’s loops. Let’s not forget hosting contests, chats, creating bookmarks, brochures, and utilizing that phrase I loathe — “creating buzz”. Usually when I hear that catch phrase, I snicker because I immediately think of vibrators.

I’ll admit my favorite way to connect with people—readers, friends, fans, and foes—when I can’t attend a fab conference, is via email, because no one can see the real me. No one can see my ripped and bleach stained sweats, my hair in a ponytail, no makeup on, swilling cuppa coffee #10, as I yell at my kids and wonder what the hell I can make for dinner from ramen noodles, canned corn and cream of mushroom soup, because I’ve been busy having cyber sex with three cowboys all day.

Ooh, don’t you wanna buy my book now? And I bet you can’t wait to meet me at RT in Orlando in 2009, eh?
That’s why despite my occasional grumbling, I LOVE writing, I secretly like promoting because I love the chance to share what I’ve written (thanks Sasha!) Here’s an excerpt — enjoy!

COWGIRL UP AND RIDE
by Lorelei James

…Ridin’ the edge of lust is fun—until someone falls in love.

Sweet, determined AJ has the power to heal—or heel—the gruff cowboy…unless Cord’s pride keeps him from admitting their relationship is more than a simple roll in the hay.

Warning: this book contains: raunchy sex scenes that’ll work you into a lather faster than a winded horse, graphic language, resourceful use of baling twine, ménage a trois, ménage a quatage, and yippee! hot nekkid man-on-man-lovin’.

****

EXCERPT

He sighed, primed to leave, when Amy Jo darted onto the dance floor with some fresh-faced buck who had three extra pairs of hands.

Rather than go home to watch lousy TV alone, he settled in and watched her. She’d two-step a couple of numbers with one guy, flit to the bar for a fresh drink, and drag a new dance partner to the floor.
Cord hid in the darkened corner for over an hour, tracking every enticing sway of her slim hips, every smooth glide of those long legs, every exaggerated shoulder roll, every sexy chest shimmy, every toss of that sleek platinum hair. Not once did Amy Jo acknowledge him, even though she was as hyper-aware of him as he was of her.

Her sexy little ass shake turned him on more than if she’d have been buck-ass naked grinding her crotch on a brass stripper’s pole.

When she was alone at the bar Cord moseyed up behind her. “Evenin’ Amy Jo.”

She tossed him a quick grin and granted him a not so quick once over. “Surprised to see you in here, Cord. And it’s AJ now, not Amy Jo.”

“My mistake. Why the name change?”

“New attitude, new name.” She resumed drinking her beer.

Cord scooted close enough to catch a whiff of her sunshiny scent. He noticed sweat beading on the curve of her neck below her ear and had the strangest desire to place his mouth there and gently suck the salty droplets clean away.

A beat passed and she didn’t acknowledge him.

“I didn’t know you liked to dance.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

I’d like to learn. Every. Damn. Thing.

“Who are you here with?”

Amy Jo—AJ—faced him fully. “Who are you here with?”

“No one.”

“That why you came looking for me? Can’t find anyone better to hang out with?”

“No. Didn’t know you thought so highly of me.”

She shrugged.

The classic brush off—a pointed reminder on why he avoided the bar scene. He flashed her a fake smile.

“Anyway. I came by to say hello. I’m headin’ home and I wondered if you needed a lift.”

AJ arched a slim brow. “You offering to give me a ride, cowboy?”

Cord curbed his response, you can ride me any time, any place, as long as you want, cowgirl, and cleared the lust from his throat. “Yeah.”

The band announced the next tune, Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” and AJ shook her head at yet another eager, happy-handed cowboy approaching her for a dance. “Thanks for the offer, but no.”

“You sure? You’ve been drinkin’ pretty heavily the last couple of hours. Probably shouldn’t be drivin’.”

“How would you know how much I’ve been drinking?”

“Because I’ve been watchin’ you. Closely. Every step and every sip, darlin’. I couldn’t take my eyes off you and you damn well know it.” Her confidence slipped; he moved in. “You like that I’ve been watchin’ you, sweet Amy Jo.”

“AJ,” she corrected softly.

“You like that I’ve been watchin’ you, sweet AJ.”

“So while you were watching, did you see anything you liked, McKay?”

“Oh yeah.” His gaze landed on her lush mouth.

“Right. Give me a break.”

Cord managed to drag his eyes back to hers. “You callin’ me a liar?”

“No. I’m calling your bluff.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, I know you’ll look your fill, burn my clothes away with your sexy eyes, but you’re too damn polite to do anything more than gawk at me.”

Cord nearly choked, “Polite?”

“Polite. Responsible. Chicken. Whatever.” She stared at his lips and ran her pink tongue over her teeth.
“Tell me, Cord, don’t you ever just wanna say to hell with what’s expected of you and do what makes you feel good?”

“Every damn day.”

She reached up, letting her fingers fiddle with a button near his shirt collar. “Then tell me why you don’t?”

“I’ll tell you anything you wanna know, baby doll, as long as you answer a question for me first.”

“Okay.”

“Look at me.”

When AJ’s lust-filled eyes met his, it took every ounce of restraint not to smash his mouth to hers, hike up that sassy excuse of a skirt, spread those silky thighs wide, and nail her against the closest paneled wall.

Focus.

“Can I buy you a drink? Like the shot you did earlier?”

“You wanna see me do a blowjob?”

Cord froze.

She laughed. “See why I won forty bucks?”

“Just for sayin’ that raunchy word out loud?”

“No. For doing it.”

He lifted both brows. “Doin’ what?”

“Giving them a group blowjob. See, the object is the same with the drink as it is with the act, shoving the glass in your mouth as far as it’ll go, keeping a tight grip with your lips. Then you tilt your head and suck hard and deep, bracing yourself for the warmth spilling down your throat as you try to swallow it all.”

He growled, “What game are you playin’ with me, little girl?”

AJ stood on the tips of her boots. “I haven’t been a little girl for a long time, Cord McKay.”

“Believe me, I noticed.”

“About damn time.”

If he leaned in a fraction of an inch, he could lay a hungry kiss on those ripe lips, not innocent like the flirty smooch she’d teased him with last year. Would this bolder AJ take the initiative?

She didn’t. Instead, she lifted a shaking hand to his cheek. Her fingertips delicately traced the outline of his neatly trimmed goatee, lingering on the short hair above his upper lip. A chaste, yet erotic caress to make his cock stand up and take notice if it wasn’t already rock-hard.

“No games. If you want to play with me, all you have to do is ask. I’ll be here tomorrow night, waiting for your answer.”

AJ spun on her bootheel and vanished into the sea of bodies on the dance floor, leaving Cord McKay absolutely pole-axed.
****
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OKay, I’m a day early with this post, but it’s Halloween Day, adn there is candy everywhere. Plus, I’m excited about Karalane’s Post!!

Karalane Gervais is a trained fitness and nutrition consultant with 10 years working in the weight loss industry. She’s consulted with Jenny Craig, Herbal Magic, and now owns and operates the P.A.I.N (Personal Attention to Individual Needs) Center in Calgary using the newest technology from Europe to increase all over body inch loss with the Eurowave(Tm) machine.

It’s All About Mindset
By Karalane Gervais

True success with your dieting and exercise program is found by learning and adhering to three key words:

1. Discipline
2. Self-Control
3. Consistency

Discipline is training yourself to develop a specific character or pattern of behaviour. If you make a goal, accomplish it and make a new one. When just starting out, make an attainable goal and learn to maintain discipline by adhering to it. This goal could be to simply cut out mayonnaise from your nutrition plan or to lose your first 5 pounds. Once you learn to have discipline in small goals, this will grow into larger ones which you will be able to set on your path to a healthier lifestyle. Remember too to celebrate your accomplishments (not with food!) before moving on to your next goal.

Self-control means “how badly do you want it”. Moderation really comes into play here. Proper portion sizes and slowing down at meal times are really important. Learn what a proper portion of chicken is and learn how to taste your foods. Take 20 minutes to finish a meal. When engaged in conversation or even when you are experiencing a stressful or emotional time, it is easy to over eat. This is why taking 20 minutes with each meal is important as it gives you time to ask yourself questions such as , “am I depressed”, “do I feel like over eating”, ” do I need comfort foods”, and “is it worth it to over indulge”. Also, it takes the stomach and brain about 20 minutes to communicate with each other to determine if you are satisfied or full.

Consistency is achieved by utilizing a food journal and or exercise journal to guide you through your journey to a healthier lifestyle. It will tell you whether you had all your starches or proteins for a specific day and help you remember how you felt when you did not get in all the calories your body needs to lose weight efficiently. Be patient too. Your weight did not come on over night and it will not come off over night either.

Change the word diet to lifestyle. The word diet is just “die” with a “t” on the end. “Dieting” will always lead to failure as the action of dieting is taking away something as if to punish a certain behaviour. So, train your mind and body for a lifestyle change. It may sound scary being that it will be a life commitment but try not to think of it that way. Most people think of healthy foods as being steamed broccoli, broiled chicken and flax seeds. Healthy is simply cutting back and cutting out the empty calorie additions one makes to common foods such as mayonnaise and cheese.

Finally, everyone cheats too so don’t beat yourself up. There will be times when you want a dessert or a pizza. In these instances, always get ready for a planned cheat and enjoy it. It also helps if you know what that dessert or slice of pizza counts as when it comes to your nutrition plan. For instance, one slice of pizza may count as 1 starch serving, 1 dairy, 1-2 fats (depending on toppings), ½ vegetable, etc.. Dissect your cheats so that you know what you are having and build it into your daily nutrition plan.

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People are getting excited and Slim Camp is going strong! Congratulations to all of you who have set some goals, and are sticking to them. Remember Baby Steps!

In order to help you with your goals… Check out this website Hungry-girl.com. Thanks to Laurie for sending me the link, I think it’s a fabulous website. I love surfing things liek that, for tips, as well as insipirationt o keep me going.

And Speaking of inspiration… have I mentioned how much I love Bob Harper.

Personally, I’ve given up on my Not Drinking Pop goal, for now. Why? Because it’s a much bigger goal than I gave it credit for. LOL However, I am being active 5 days a week. Not always at the gym, which I think is the key. Take today for instance, this afternoon I’m going for a walk with my downstairs neighbour. I’m also eating breakfast every day.

My New goal, starting today; No eating for three hours before bed.

Todays Guest Post is about food allergies…I’m hoping that this will show you how event hings we’re nto aware of can affect our efforts. It’s important to have a Dr’s input in your effrots to be ehalthier and lose wieght, especially if you feel you are doing everything right, and are not seeing results.

Tales of an Itchy Scalp and Dragon Scales
Beth Williamson

The first thing I noticed when I turned thirty-five is my skin changed. My scalp got dry and I started getting acne. I’d never had either problem, even as a teenager, so I it was a big shock. I got seborraic dermatitis on my face (these are like old people patches of uber-dry skin). Then a year later I decided to go on a quasi-Atkins diet to lose weight and ate basically protein, fruits and veggies for a year.

When I went off the diet, my occasional allergies became a big problem. I mean I’d always had environmental and seasonal allergies to lots of stuff like mold, mildew, dust, tree pollen and so forth, as well as bananas. But it seemed to just get worse no matter which meds I tried. Then the itchy scalp turned into something even worse. Huge patches of scales that didn’t seem to be affected by any dandruff shampoo known to man. That turned into what I call my dragon scales. I’d have these enormous raised patches of dry, tough skin on my hands. People asked me if I’d been burned. *blush*

My dermatologist gave me steroidal meds for the scalp and skin, which helped a lot. However it kept coming back so I kept having to use the steroidal meds, and I started to gain weight. 15 pounds in a year. Then suddenly last summer, I had an epiphany.

The year before my sister had been diagnosed with an allergy to wheat, corn and soy. Her symptoms mimicked mine in many ways. Aha! I went to the allergist and had them test me for wheat. After self-testing I was sure that was my food allergy causing my woes. When he told me I was allergic to soy and wheat, I was in shock. Soy?? I ate soy every damn day *sob* – I was devastated. I walked out in the parking lot thinking, what the hell am I going to eat?

Lucky for me, my sister had already done a lot of the hard work and gave me the fruits of her knowledge. I learned what names wheat and soy disguised themselves as in foods, what to avoid and what to look for (I never trust “Natural Flavors” in anything). I had to start eating organic food, the only food with every single ingredient listed. Fortunately my skin issues all went away within two months when I stopped eating wheat and soy, including the acne! However, I paid huge amounts of money for wheat-free, soy-free food. Let me tell you, frozen rice-crust pizza for $5 is so not worth it. Uck.

The unfortunate side effect of eating organic food is the amount of fat in it. Yogurt made with real cream, lots of cheese, and so on. I also gave myself permission to gorge on foods I could eat. *sigh* Like milk shakes (three Gs of fat in a cup), two large Chik-Fil-A waffle fries for lunch (yes, I really did), ice cream, big organic chocolate bars and potato chips. Lots and lots and lots of Utz potato chips. *slaps forehead* I could kick my own ass for wallowing in self-pity and making very unwise (and horrendous) food choices.

What happened? Wel in addition to the 15 pounds I put on, I gained an additional 25. Really y’all, I’ve come full circle back to almost the exact weight I was at 36 before I lost 50 pounds. I am angry with myself and made a vow to me to change it. I know what I can eat and what I can’t eat. If I’m wise and make my l own food and salads, I don’t have to worry about dragon scales. I’ve been doing better since Sasha’s Slim Camp started, but I’m not 100% meeting my goals. I have not eaten Utz potato chips in two weeks, although I have had some Lay’s. My sugar intake is almost 0 so my appetite is at least under control.

Making good food choices when you can’t eat low fat foods (they almost all have wheat/food starch or soy in them) is really tough. I love yogurt, cottage cheese and low-fat protein bars. However, I can’t eat any of these so I make other choices like organic granola with skim milk and strawberries. I’d love to one day lose that 50 pounds I gained back and hopefully I can reach that goal in the next year. I’ve discovered a great cookbook for people with multiple food allergies and I’m on the right track.

Wish me luck y’all.

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It’s Week 2 of Slim Camp, how y’all doing?

I’ll tell you, I did better the week before I started SC than I did last week. This past week I’ve done pretty good with my eating -except for a couple of times I gave in and had to have some diet pop – but I only worked out once. My excuse? A deadline on a story.

The thing that frustrates me about it all is that this is the whole reason I need to get my habits under control, so that I don’t gain 10-15 pounds every time I write a book. While this one is just a ashort story, and I won’t gain 10 pounds, but it brings the “habit’ factor really home.

So this week..Determination has set in, and I’m going to fight my unhealthy habits.

Check back on Monday for a healthy recipe! And now, our guest post from Amie …..

IT’S NOT JUST A DIET
by Amie Stuart

It’s a way of life. I guess if any of you read my blog post from last week, you know I’ve lost a grand total of 45 pounds in a year. I wish it was more, but I’m also very proud of myself for a) sticking to it and b) losing the most amount of weight at one time since I was 19 and did Nutri-system. I’ve done a lot of diets since then, and before then—I remember my mother taking me to Weight Watchers. I was ten and all I remember is a dark room, a scale and a bunch of old folks. It scarred me for life.

Anyway about a year ago I got to thinking I had a thyroid problem, or at the very least there was something wrong with me (I was run down, depressed, my skin was gross, I had zits and I was at my heaviest, but I knew it wasn’t JUST depression). I did some research and discovered a local doctor who prescribed naturally derived thyroid meds, and made an appointment. The doctor sent me for a bunch of blood work and started me on some vitamins and stuff. I was skeptical—of the vitamins which were very expensive and seeing a nutritionist. After all, I’m the woman who went on the SBD for six weeks and didn’t lose a pound. Finally I go to see the nutritionist who is nutty but seems to know her stuff. I have candida overgrowth and PMDD, she says.

Changing my diet will stop the PMDD (imagine PMS on CRACK with an Uzi and no chocolate) and get rid of the headaches I’d had for 18 months (Beth remember me complaining way back when about my headaches? Candida). She also gives me more vitamins and supplements to take. Ok, I figure I’ll give it two months and see what happens.

THEN I went back to the doctor for my test results. I did indeed have a thyroid problem, and insulin resistance and a Vitamin D deficiency along with a host of other problems. To be honest, I walked out of there shell-shocked and unable to believe I’d been a functioning human being. But maybe sometimes that’s what you need to make you change your life.

And it truly has been a lifestyle change—not just for myself but for my kids. I talk to them a lot about diet, and exercise, and being active because I don’t ever want them to go through this. There’s no more cookies in the house, I gave up birthday cakes, we drink soy and almond milk, I bought a wok (LOVE MY WOK!), I’m sensitive to wheat so I have to really limit the amount of bread I eat and pasta is a big no-no as is….sugar. That’s right….I gave up sugar (and no splenda or aspartame either—it’s stevia all the way. The nutritionist doesn’t want me using any artificial sweeteners). I won’t say I never cheat though, because I do, and I’m the world’s worst exerciser. Exercise will be my big challenge to conquer in Sasha’s Slim Camp.

I guess if I could leave you with one or two important thoughts, it’d be these:
Change takes time: So go easy on yourself. I did the diet first, and had to adjust to a ton of medicine and vitamins, THEN I gave up caffeine and finally, in June I quit smoking (though I did smoke at Nationals, I haven’t smoked since).
Celebrate your small victories: Don’t focus on the big picture of say 100 pounds. Focus on small goals of 25 and 50 pounds. And don’t forget every pound gone is progress. Every extra step you walk is progress. And every day you’re going to be healthier than you were the day before. I never ever thought I’d see a size 18 again but I have, and all the changes I’ve made were worth the time and effort and expense because I do feel better, I AM healthier and that’s the most important thing.

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Heather Waters’s debut novel The Devil’s Possesion is available now and I just had to invite her to come and introduce herself to you all. She’s a sweatheart, and a talented new writer you should check out…especially if you like your fiction hot, and with a paranormal twist.
Now, meet the author….

CHILDHOOD FANTASY COME TO LIFE
from Heather Waters

“I would like to thank the Academy… my mother, my father….” Right. Never mind. This isn’t the Oscars. But come on! Haven’t you ever fantasized about holding that goofy statue and feeling as though you finally accomplished something?

That’s what preparing to see my debut, The Devil’s Possession, on bookshelves next week has been like for me. I grew up as an Air Force brat, moving every two years, three times to Turkey where I lived for six years of my childhood. Growing up there (which is basically what I did) gave me things that I’m so blessed to have. Like imagination. There were no Gameboys, no weekend trips to the mall. Instead, the question on Saturday morning was often, “What castle are we going to go climb?” I believe this is where my love for anything historical came from. My love for books, however, stemmed elsewhere.

Because we traveled so frequently, I very rarely kept friends for longer than two years. I started detaching myself and turning inward at a very young age, and turned to books for companionship. Authors like Julie Garwood and Johanna Lindsey created for me worlds of friends that I could take with me each time I moved. My mother had an enormous library of romances, and I still remember snatching The Princess Bride by Jude Deveraux off her nightstand and instantly becoming infatuated by romances in the sixth grade.

Now I’m older, with a family of my own, and I still re-read those books every couple years to remind myself what I love so much about the genre. Strong men, imperfect women, true love. I just had to create one myself, and since I’d been writing stories since elementary school, I just knew I could do it.

And I did. Badly. Three or four times. But I’d finished three or four 100,000 word manuscripts, so I was proud regardless. Then in 2005, I couldn’t think of any story ideas. I was a has-been before I’d ever gotten the chance to be a has. EEK! Someone told me I should try free-writing, which had always seemed like a waste of time to me. But I was desperate, and I did it. The very first thing I jotted down was:

It took ninety-seven lashes to bring the first cry of pain from Draven Cameron.

This remains the first sentence of The Devil’s Possession. Never touched or tweaked or fussed with. Why? It’s not an amazing sentence. It’s not even active. It’s pretty passive. But it was the sentence that pulled from me an entire book, because I had no clue why Draven Cameron was being whipped or how he managed not to cry out for ninety-seven lashes.

I was well into the second scene of the book before I had any general idea of what I might be writing. Sadly, that happens to me a lot! But once I figured out what was happening to Draven and why, I had a path to follow. I had on my hands a woman who had been physically raped and left with the shame of a bastard, and a man who’d spent his life being emotionally raped by people who should have loved him. Boy, what a mess!

But I think it worked out just find. Two people in need of great healing find love and strength in one another and are able to mend. AND, I finally had a chance to become a has! WOW! I’m coming out of my skin waiting for it to hit bookstores, and I’ve been thrilled by the excellent reviews it’s been given so far. If you’re brave enough to try a new author and you check it out, please let me know what you think. You can contact me at HDW@Heatherwaters.net or visit my website at www.heatherwaters.net.

To Sasha:
Thank you for inviting me to you brilliant blog.

To the world:
WELCOME TO MY DEBUT!

Heather

She saved his life…and he captured her soul.

She was a woman called to lead
Ordinarily, women do not become Highland chieftains. But Faith Maitland is no ordinary woman-until a violent encounter in the forest crushes her courage and leaves her pregnant. And now, because no clan will accept a sullied woman, she must find a sire for her bastard…

He was a man they called a witch
When Faith names Draven the Devil as the father of her child, she thinks she is blaming a dead man. Instead, her accusation halts his execution for witchery. When he is released from the stake to the Maitlands’ custody, Faith realizes that she has affianced herself to a silent man with frightening powers…

Theirs was a devil’s bargain
Draven has no reason to relish his escape, having long since wearied of the fear and hate that has been his lot. Yet he finds himself unable to renounce Faith and expose her to the same shame. Fascinated by her beauty and strength, Draven is drawn to Faith even as she is warmed by his tenderness. But their growing trust will be tested by the threat of true evil…

Reviews for The Devil’s Possesion

“Strong emotions and exciting actions make this one of the best books I have read this year. The two main characters need someone to care for them and see beyond their reputations. They draw you into their gripping tale, filled with many problems, and fascinate you with their thrilling actions. After reading THE DEVIL’S POSSESSION, I look forward to many more books by this author.” ~Top Pick RomanceReaderatheart.com

“Waters debuts with a dark, seductive tale of magic and redemption. The power of her writing comes from her well-crafted characters and the magic that showcases the healing power of love and the gift of light we all possess. A moving, sensual, magical story for Katherine Kingsley and Mary Jo Putney fans.” - 4.5 Starts Top Pick. Romantic Times Magazine

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Every now and then a book or series touches me so much I have to chase down the author and fawn all over her. I’m lucky that I didn’t have to do that with Candace. She is a true sweetheart. A very talented fiction and non-fiction writer with a big heart who is always open to chatting and helping out other authors.

She agreed to do a small guest blog for me to celebrate her newest release, Charmed and Deadly so please make her feel welcome….and go buy one of the Charmed books. (Charmed and Dangerous is the first one, and I can’t wait to read this new installment!) They are FANTASTIC!!

Guest Blog: Candace Havens
One of the questions I’m asked most is how did I come up with the idea for Bronwyn. The honest answer is, I can’t really remember. Like most sane, intelligent people I was absolutely enthralled with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” I’d even written a book about it’s creator, Joss Whedon. When he announced the show was coming to an end I was mad.

Not long after that I had my first ever editor meeting and I knew I needed more than one thing to pitch. I sat down the night before and wrote a couple of pages about a witch who was super powerful, but had a sucky love life. I have no idea where the name Bronwyn came from, it was just there on the page. When I actually sat down to write the book I thought, “What if Bad Willow (Alyson Hannigan) was actually good?” And the Charmed & … series was born.

I love writing fiction and non-fiction. While it makes for a very busy work life, it’s creatively fulfilling. I remember when I first started writing Bronwyn’s story and I realized I didn’t really have to check facts, and I could write whatever I wanted. It’s so freeing to know you can tell a story however you want. There was a bit of a learning curve as fiction is a whole different beast, but I acclimated quickly. Now I live to write. I can’t go more than a few days without writing something. I’m that addicted.

Charmed and Deadly
Blurb: Bronwyn is back…but so is her evil ex-boyfriend. From the author of Charmed & Ready and Charmed & Dangerous.

Bronwyn is used to making enemies-when you dedicate your life to ridding the world of evil magic dudes and dudettes, it can happen. So when she first realizes that an attempted hit on the Prime Minister was really for her, it’s just “same spell, different day.” But then something about this hex reminds Bronwyn an awful lot of an ex-Jason Gladstone, who was her college sweetheart until he tied her up and tried to drain her of her powers. Talk about a date from hell.

Four and half stars – Romantic Times Magazine
Five Kisses – Romance Divas

Candace Havens Website

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J.J. Massa is another author whose writing hits me every time I read it. No matter if it’s one of her werewolf stories, her cajuns or her male- male romances, every story hit’s the bullseye with emotion, and heat. So ofcourse, I had to get her in on Secret Thoughts:Erotique as well. Here’s what J.J has to say;

I love writing erotica because I have a need to tell the WHOLE story. I love finding two people and following them in the oldest dance—who gives, who takes? It’s so intimate and yet we all do it, one way or another. It’s fascinating to me. Male/Male is exciting whether in a BDSM or D/s relationship, or simply two men, looking for someone to be with. A touch, a smile, will it be accepted? Rejected? Is it forbidden? Ohhh, the angst! I love every second of it. And that’s why I think Secret Thoughts says it all—erotica is someone’s secret thoughts in action.

So, without any further ado:

Office Politics
J.J. Massa

“One moment, Miss Carson, and I’ll…” I faltered, cleared my throat. A slight tapping on my desk had caused me to swivel away from my computer monitor and look up. My new boss, Mr. Weaver, was standing there, arms crossed, golden eyebrow raised as he shook his head side to side. “I’ll check his schedule, ma’am, because I know he’s not in right now.” That was a fine line, of course. If he were truly in, he’d be at his own desk, not mine, right?

Mr. Weaver gave me a nod and a wink, approval. I’m almost ashamed to tell you how good that felt. My chest actually puffed out. No shit. I couldn’t help it, not even if I wanted to. I smiled back.

“He’s good, Jack!” The other man’s voice took me by surprise. It was Fred O’Neil, head of acquisitions. I hadn’t even noticed him. Jack Weaver had that effect on me. “Now, if only he had better legs and bigger tits,” the asshole chortled. “You know, while he sat on your lap and squirmed?” he snickered as the two men passed my desk and walked into Mr. Weaver’s inner sanctum.

I turned away, every bit of my face warm, right up to the tips of my ears. What an image, me on Jack Weaver’s lap. Oh, man! I had to adjust myself, shifting in my chair.

My fingertips were gripping my stiff cock, trying to find a comfortable position, when a heavy palm landed on my shoulder. Oh, god! It could only be… I tipped my head back just slightly. Yep, it was Mr. Weaver. I groaned inside, humiliated.

“Mark, I can tell that O’Neil’s comments made you uncomfortable. Step into my office when he leaves, would you please?”

My hand dropped uselessly to my leg. I couldn’t speak and just nodded. The grip on my shoulder tightened a little and then fell away. I didn’t move, waiting until I heard the muted footfalls, the door open and close, then laughter from the inner office.

Caught like a fly on a pin. Shit, shit, shit! My head dropped forward to the LCD of my monitor. God, I was so busted, so humiliated. Guess he’s got me pegged now.

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