by Joanne Wadsworth | Oct 20, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive
This last week has been amazing. I’ve got so much to share with you all, I can barely contain my excitement.
First I’m going to bring you the fabulous cover for FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology, coming November 11th, 2013. This anthology includes HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE, a novella in my Highlander Heat series.
Nine of Lyrical Press’s authors have come together to bring you a book filled with romance, including short stories ranging from sweet to steamy. So be prepared to melt away the winter chill if you pick up an ebook copy of FIRST FROST. I can’t wait for this anthology to release.
FIRST FROST is coming to readers compliments of those authors (yes, it’ll be free — exciting, right?), and I’ve listed below the talented writers I’ve joined with, and their individual titles. Here’s the fabulous cover by Renee Rocco. She’s done all my covers. I just love her work.
Melt away the winter chill with a little help from Lyrical’s authors.
A Lyrical Press anthology…compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors.
Keep the Fire Burning by Daisy Banks (Fantasy Romance)
Three-Way Tie by M.Q. Barber (BDSM Erotic Romance)
In His Embrace by Wendy Ely (Contemporary Romance)
May I Have This Dance by Toni Kelly (Paranormal Romance)
A Keeper by Charlotte McClain (Contemporary Sweet Romance)
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires by Elle Parker (GLBT Erotic Romance)
Ripe for Trouble by Autumn Piper (Contemporary Romance)
Slip the Skin by Tera Shanley (Paranormal Romance)
Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth (Historical Highlander Romance)
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If you’d like to add this FIRST FROST anthology to your Goodreads TBR list, each author will likely list their own novella individually. Here is the GRs link for HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE.
-ooOoo–
I’m also thrilled to be able to share the news that my seventh book has just gone under contract. HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC, book two in my Highlander Heat line, will release with my publisher. It’s all go. Let me drop in a picture of a hunky Highlander to celebrate.
–ooOoo–
My next piece of exciting news is I’ve teamed up with a number of my Lyrical Press sisters as hostesses of a fun Facebook page called Sizzle and Sass. We’ll be interacting with readers and other authors, and yes, expect a ton of sizzle and sass. We are romance authors after all.
They’ll also be snippets of our works, games, giveaways, and so much more. This will be a fun, fun page. Our first giveaway is a-maz-ing! Even I can’t believe how amazing it is. All you have to do to enter is click on the link below and “like” our page. The winner will be drawn at the close of the giveaway on October 26th. The winner will receive:
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The Kindle Paperwhite.
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And A free eBook from all the Sizzle and Sass authors: Gemma Brocato, Eden Ashe, Amy Burgess, Mae Clair, M.Q. Barber, Stacy McKitrick, Rie Warren, Julia Tagan, Lynn Cahoon, Joanne Wadsworth, Calisa Rhose, Autumn Piper, Cd Brennan
Here’s the link for Sizzle and Sass’s giveaway.
–ooOoo–
And to top off my wonderful week, I have to tell you about the rogue hen I uncovered in my garden. Hours after I found her, I discovered she was sitting on seventeen eggs. Seventeen eggs! Over the next two or three hours all those eggs hatched, and my kiddies had a blast playing with the chicks. Did I mention there were seventeen chicks? I’ve since discovered the previous owner of the hen moved away, so I’ve adopted this hen and her family. Luckily we have a couple of acres for them to roam around in. Here’s a couple of cool pics I took of my kiddies and me on the front lawn with our swarm of adorable ones.
Don’t forget to drop me a comment if you’d like to. I love hearing from you guys.
Also, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
by Joanne Wadsworth | Oct 18, 2013 | Author Blog
A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.
A witch in training, a hunter on the prowl, and a world in jeopardy.
Learning the rules of being a witch takes years, but Parris McCall needs to master them in only weeks. Ty Wallace is going mad with his desire for Parris, but she’s a distraction in his quest to find Coven X before they take The Council and everyone he knows down.
The couple searches for Ty’s mentor, but he’s disappeared. Their only clue comes from a banished witch. When they return, not only are their own lives threatened, but a new life hangs in the balance.
Available at Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Return-of-the-Fae-ebook/dp/B00DJVH8V6
A huge welcome to Lynn Cahoon and her wonderful characters from A Member of the Council. I love the tagline. A witch in training, a hunter on the prowl, and a world in jeopardy. I can’t wait to read this book. I’m so glad you’ve dropped by, Lynn, and brought Parris and Ty along with you for a character interview.
–o–
How did you manage to meet your writer?
Ty – She says she wanted to try something new. I meet a lot of women that way.
Parris – Brag much?
Ty – Okay, I used to meet a lot of women that way.
Did you ever consider your story would be told?
Parris – No. I didn’t even want to know my story. My life was perfect before Lynn started writing these books and brought Ty to the Alibi.
Ty – I wouldn’t say perfect. You just didn’t know people wanted you dead. I think Lynn probably saved your life. And of course, you got to meet me…
Parris – Whatever. Next question.
Were there any particularly difficult scenes you’d rather your writer have never written?
Parris – I don’t get why each book has to detail our love life. I mean, aren’t some things better left behind closed doors?
Ty – It’s a romance, dear. She has to be true to the genre. Besides, we’re rarely behind closed doors.
What was your favorite thing to do in your book?
Parris and Ty in unison – Darts.
Would you care for a sequel?
Parris – Definitely. We have a baby on the way and…
Ty – Wait, what?
Parris – Calm down big guy, I’m talking about our friend, not us. Anyway, I’m wondering what’s going to come of the gang once The Council gets what they want.
What’s your current occupation?
Ty – I’m a trial lawyer in the human world. Of course, The Council has other duties for me.
Parris – And of course, I manage my bar, The Alibi.
What’s your favorite food?
Parris – Oh My God. I can’t choose. I love everything. Except beans. I don’t like beans.
Ty – Not even in chili? I love a good chili.
Parris – Then you’re going to have to cook it yourself. Sorry, no beans.
What’s one thing no one knows about you and might be shocked if they found out?
Ty – You’re talking about humans right? I’m not sure there’s anything in my life that could shock a fellow witch or warlock.
Parris – I’m thinking you’re wrong there, but we’ll let it slide. I guess I’ve been keeping the other world I live in a secret from everyone. But I’d love to tell them I have a personal fairy. And I’ve met a troll. He’s very sweet, by the way.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
Parris – Done studying these stupid academy books. I know I’m starting late, but seriously, I’m ready to move on.
Ty – You haven’t even scratched the surface yet. I’m still learning about my power and those around me. Face it dear, you’re on the ride of your life.
I have a couple of questions just for you, Lynn.
As the writer, is there anything you’d like to say in response to your characters’ interview?
I love how well they’re getting along right now. It’s not always the case. Like most men, Ty can be broody and secretive. Then when he does spill what he’s worried about, it can tick Parris off. Which sets up another problem. My novella has turned into an entire world that I love visiting.
Are you working on anything new and if so when can we expect to see it?
I’m knee deep in writing (which means my deadline is approaching fast) the third book in The Tourist Trap Mystery series. Book 1- Guidebook to Murder, will be released in April 2014. Book 2-July. And this third book, November. Set in a coastal California tourist town, Jill Gardner runs Coffee, Books, and More, when she’s not trying to figure out who’s killing the town’s residents.
How can readers find you and your book, Lynn?
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5857424.Lynn_Cahoon
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LynnCahoon
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LynnCahoonAuthor
Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Cahoon/e/B0082PWOAO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL is available for purchase wherever ebooks are sold:
Available at Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Return-of-the-Fae-ebook/dp/B00DJVH8V6
BIO:
Lynn Cahoon is a contemporary romance author with a love of hot, sexy men, real and imagined. Her alpha heroes range from rogue witch hunters, modern cowboys, or hot doctors, sexy in scrubs. And her heroines all have one thing in common, their strong need for independence. Or at least that’s what they think they want.
She blogs at her website www.lynncahoon.wordpress.com
by Joanne Wadsworth | Oct 3, 2013 | Author Blog
I’ve got a few fun random facts to share with you today, particularly about my home country of New Zealand, and all in order to give you a chuckle. So be prepared. You will hear it here first. Unless you’ve already heard it somewhere else. The first picture I’m sharing is of a cute little Kiwi bird.
- Cute, right? New Zealanders are named after the Kiwi. Why? Because these Kiwi birds don’t live anywhere else in the world except New Zealand. They’re also flightless and shuffle around on two feet, just like us. 🙂
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Wacky fact number two: New Zealand is home to the longest place name in the world, which is still in use today. A famous peak in the Hawkes Bay in the North Island is named Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwenuakitanatahu. Yep, and here’s the picture to prove it. Hands up if you can say it. Anyone at all? All you need to do is break it down into manageable syllables. 🙂 Yeah, just don’t ask me where to start. Because even I’m struggling with this one.
And last but not least, I’m going to leave you in envy. Here’s a picture of one of our gorgeous beaches, because that’s what New Zealand is renowned for. Oooh yes, and this one is a stunner.
I hope you enjoyed this post. I certainly had a ball putting it together for you. Don’t forget to drop me a comment if you’d like to. I love hearing from you guys.
Also, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
HAVE A GREAT WEEK. CATCH YA LATER. 
by Joanne Wadsworth | Sep 25, 2013 | Author Blog
I would say “random picture alert” but there is in fact a plot point here.
Yes, the dogs have not lost the plot. 🙂
For some writers plotting is a breeze, and for others they’re continuously trying to climb the mountain to discover it. I’m a pantser by nature, which means I generally fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants and allow my story to unfold as it will. The majority of writers are, and that’s the creative side of us bursting forth. But I’ve also learnt the benefits of plotting various elements into my story. A writer has to plot in order to give their book its meat and direction.
So how do we plot when we’re a pantser?
- We keep it logical.
- Know who your main characters are. Ie, your hero, heroine and antagonist.
- I’ve mentioned the main three in particular, because of my golden rule. Here’s the graphic I created a few months ago and shared.
- Here, story conflict = plot.
- Ascertain what your main plot point is and write it down. The reason I do this, is because my characters drive their story, and with the plot written down, I can continually remind them of it and keep them on track.
- Don’t forget your subplots. They can be great and add layers to your story, only don’t create too many of them that they ruin the main plot itself. You don’t want readers having to work too hard at keeping all your characters and story lines in place.
- Remember that subplots are designed to tug the reader in, to add depth, but not to overcomplicate matters. Keep your focus on the main plot, but enjoy the rocking motion afforded by subplots to enhance your reader’s experience.
- Don’t allow any holes to develop in your plots by leaving out a missing piece of the puzzle.
- And don’t allow your characters to act unnatural or out of turn during those conflicts.
- Keep your pacing on track, ensuring your characters grow with each point of conflict (plot) you throw at them.
- Make every scene you write earn its place in being a part of your plot. If it makes no sense to have it there, drop it.
- Never forget all plot points must reach a resolution, otherwise a loose end leaves your reader in limbo and wondering what happened to that character.
I hope you found this list of “how to plot” helpful. If there’s anything you’d like to add to the list, then drop me a comment. I love hearing from you guys.
Don’t forget, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Here’s what one reviewer has just said about my latest release:
“Warrior held my attention from start to finish. Each obstacle Hope and Silas encountered had me jumping with joy, but often screaming in frustration. What made me fall in love with Warrior, is the heart thudding romance between the two main characters. It isn’t just a love story, it’s so much more. 5 Stars.” – Nocturne Romance Reads
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
HAVE A GREAT WEEK. CATCH YA LATER. 🙂
by Joanne Wadsworth | Sep 19, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive, Highlander's Castle
The Scottish Highlands and their beautiful old castles.
Traveling through time…for a Highlander.
There’s something so inspiring about these stunning castles and the history contained within their walls, and whether in ruins or not, my imagination runs rife. There are a ton of stories vying for attention in my head, and since I love the fantasy genre as well, I simply had to write a series where I get to send a twenty-first century heroine back to the past. In my HIGHLANDER HEAT line, expect tension, intrigue, and the sensational backdrop of the Highlands where it’s all set. This is historical romance where Highlanders have never battled so hard to defy the odds…and neither have their modern day heroines as they strive to find their own magic and beat the very essence of time.
I’m so thrilled to announce that the first glimpse into my Highlander Heat series kicks off with a novella that will be included in an anthology with some other awesome authors. HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE is the story of a young woman held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
This anthology will be FREE, and is compliments of those authors and the publishing house. I’ll keep you posted on the release date for this FREE book, but it will be sometime in early November, just a few more weeks away. Next year, book one in my series, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, releases, and just this week I’ve submitted the second book, HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC, for consideration. Of course next, I’m going to go straight into writing the third book, and I can’t wait to delve into this one.
Here’s a “sneak peek excerpt,” from book one, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (unedited).
To set the scene my modern day heroine, Anne MacLeod, has handfasted with Alex, her Highland warrior. Anne is just about to see exactly how Highlander men fight, and she’s accompanied by one of the woman from the clan as she goes in search of her new handfast husband.
–ooOoo-
They rounded the corner of the stables and there, before the waters of the glistening loch, a good hundred shirtless warriors wielded claymores in a battle of strength against one another.
Anne searched through the half-naked men and found the very one she was after. Alex’s body was hard and packed with muscle, his shoulders and arms thick and strong. His chest held the finest smattering of hair, the same color as the blond of his head. Oh, and below the plains of his glorious chest, his abs rippled, layer upon tight layer and all covered with a healthy sheen of sweat.
“He’s by far the tallest.” And Anne wanted every inch of that body back against hers.
“Aye, Alex could never be missed in a battle.”
His powerful form was magnificent, and his command of the warriors he fought against a sight to behold.
Alex thrust his enormous sword against his opponent’s as if it were an extension of his arm and not a monstrous piece of steel. Now, this was exactly how he’d come about every one of those bulging muscles.
“I have to get closer.” She passed Mary her basket.
“I’ll hold off Archie.”
She laughed. “Thank you. You make a wonderful friend.” Stepping forward, she focused her gaze on the one man who’d made love to her so intensely throughout the night. He moved deftly, growing stronger with each strike of his claymore upon his opponent’s blade.
The two men circled each other, as if waiting to pounce for the next attack. Alex raised his weapon and–
“Anne. Get back here now.” Archie tried to pass Mary who zigzagged in front of him.
“Damn,” Alex swore, barely missing his challenger’s blow. His gaze speared toward her. “What are you doing out here?”
She licked her lips as she stared at his wide chest. Even the veins on his arms stood rigid and firm. “Sorry, the view was rather distracting.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek from HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, tentatively set for release September 2nd, 2014.
If you don’t want to wait nearly that long, and you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Here’s what one reviewer has just said about my latest release:
“Warrior held my attention from start to finish. Each obstacle Hope and Silas encountered had me jumping with joy, but often screaming in frustration. What made me fall in love with Warrior, is the heart thudding romance between the two main characters. It isn’t just a love story, it’s so much more. 5 Stars.” – Nocturne Romance Reads
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
Thanks for joining me, and don’t forget, if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love hearing from you guys. 🙂
by Joanne Wadsworth | Sep 14, 2013 | Author Blog
There’s been some amazing racing during this 34th America’s Cup held at San Francisco these past few weeks. It’s the greatest sailing match in the world, founded in 1851, and one that lays claim to the oldest active trophy in international sport. Check out the pic. It’s one gorgeous cup, and there in the foreground, the two skippers, Jimmy Spithill from Oracle Team USA on the left, and Dean Barker from Emirates Team NZ on the right, both teams vying for the cup right now.
So why am I chatting about the America’s Cup today? That’s an easy answer. Team NZ are up 7, to Team USA’s 1. And yep, I’m a Kiwi and gotta support our boys.
We’re nothing if not competitive Down Under. We sit here with a huge ocean to sail around in, and we’d love to bring the America’s Cup back to our shores.
In 1995 New Zealand first won the cup, and held onto it for the next eight years through to 2003.
In 2007 we went after the cup again and during the challenger series, won the Louis Vuitton Cup, although Alinghi successfully defended the America’s Cup 5-2 to keep it in their hands.
Now, it’s 2013, and our Kiwi boys are back. We’ve taken out the Louis Vuitton Cup again, and now challenging Oracle Team USA. The winner of this cup needs to take out 9 of the 17 races, and oh boy, we are so, so close.
Can Team NZ do it? I’ll certainly be glued to the TV for the next lot of races.
Anyone else on the edge of their seats as well? Enjoy these pics. I love seeing the boats go up on their foils.
A revolutionary change to sailing. Wicked.
Also, if you’d like to read a thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series filled with intrigue at every corner (set within my end of the world), then by all means, check out the book links to my series below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Here’s what reviewers are saying about this series:
“Imaginative world-building, stunning setting & a love fated to be.” — Jessi Gage, Author
“I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.” — The Jeep Diva, Reviewer
“I’m loving this series! So different and cool, and I just loved Silas and Hope’s relationship. 4.5 Stars.” — Holly Underhill, YA/NA Reviewer
“What made me fall in love with Warrior, is the heart thudding romance between the two main characters. 5 Stars.” — Nocturne Romance Reads
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
THANKS EVERYONE. HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND ENJOY THE AMERICA’S CUP RACING IF YOU’RE WATCHING. CATCH YA LATER.
