Hi All!  It has been a while since I blogged, and deadlines have been pretty crazy but fun.  Keep an eye out for WICKED BURN, which releases in June and includes a Dark Protector novella called TALEN.  Right now just the ebook is available for preorder, but the print book should be up for preorder sometime in April.

Conference and signing season kicks off next month with the Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I like Vegas, and I’m exited to go back.

If you’re not attending the conference, there’s a Giant Book Fair on Saturday, April 16th from 10:30 to 2:00 at the Rio, Pavilion Ballroom.  I think it might be $10 to get in, but there will be 650 authors selling books and giving away goodies.  So make sure to stop by and say hi.  They put us in alphabetical order, so look for the Z’s, and I’m there.  🙂

If you are attending the conference, here’s my schedule:

Alpha Males & Bad Ass Feminists: Why It Works!

Wednesday, April 13, 11:00am-12:00pm, Tropical D

Whether he’s a vampire, biker, Viking, soldier, Highlander, cowboy, cop, or a billionaire who likes to tie you up the alpha male is still the rage. Join three authors for a frank discussion about how Alphas appeal to independent, intelligent, and strong women. What works, what doesn’t, and is there even a line? In a humorous, fun, and informative way, we’ll explore those stubborn, wounded men, the appeal of the Alpha fantasy, and why being a feminist who reads romance is not an oxymoron.

Moderator:  Asa Maria Bradley

Panelist(s):  Rebecca Zanetti, Christine Feehan, Sarah Castille

Ride The Storm: A Rising Storm Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, April 13, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Amazon L

Come mix with the authors of the Rising Storm series and go to a goodie-loaded scavenger hunt throughout Storm, Texas! Visit the Storm Oak, Murphy’s Pub, Cuppa Joe, and other locations in Storm as you mingle with authors, learn about Storm’s places and characters, and play for a chance to win one of the 100 swag bags to be awarded to those who complete the hunt! Come join the fun!

Host(s):  J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak), Dee Davis, Larissa Ione, Lisa Mondello, Jennifer Probst, Christopher Rice, Rebecca Zanetti, R.K. Lilley

Attacking Weight and Stress in a Sedentary Job

Wednesday, April 13, 2:45pm-3:45pm, Tropical A

As careers expand, unfortunately, so do waistlines, stress levels, and butts. Join these authors and industry professional in a frank discussion of how they’ve collectively lost more than 150 pounds while taking charge of their health and maintaining successful careers. Our writing journeys are all unique, as are our health issues and ways to lose weight, so pop in for some tangible, doable tips and tricks. We’ll have tips, books, and goodies to give away!

Moderator:  Rebecca Zanetti

Panelist(s):  Sara Humphreys, Alexandra Nicolajsen (Kensington, Marketing Director)

Churn it Out: Write Fast and Publish Frequently

Thursday, April 14, 10:00am-11:00am, Tropical A

The panelists from last year’s standing-room only “Writing Fast” are back with more advice on getting high word counts and dealing with deadlines, time management, expectations, and meltdowns. It is possible to write a book in a month — and the need can arise for authors pursuing a serious career in today’s fast-paced publishing world. Join three multipublished authors in a frank discussion where they’ll share practical tips for writing fast, meeting deadlines, and keeping sane.

Moderator:  Laura Kaye

Panelist(s):  Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Rebecca Zanetti

Rock Your World: Building a Dynamic Sexy Romance

Thursday, April 14, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Tropical D

Do you have a rich fantasy life? Have you dreamed of making that world a reality? Join this panel of NYT and USA Today National Bestselling authors as they discuss the in’s and out’s of building a unique and dynamic romance world. During this interactive discussion, they’ll share the secrets to getting ideas onto the page and how to avoid common pitfalls when creating a brand new universe or even fitting inside the universe we already live in.

Moderator:  Carrie Ann Ryan

Panelist(s):  Donna Grant, Sara Humphreys, J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Rebecca Zanetti

Tattoos and ‘Tinis 

If you love body art and want to add a temporary tattoo from your favorite series, join New York Times Bestselling authors for a party to remember. We’ll have temporary logo and series tattoos, drinks, prizes, books, and giveaways in this body inking Vegas event!

Thursday, April 14, 4:00pm-5:00pm, Amazon S

Host(s): Rebecca Zanetti, Jay Crownover, Laura Kaye, Carrie Ann Ryan, Donna Grant, Kristen Ashley, Lora Leigh, Helena Hunting

Kensington’s Chapel of Love

Thursday, April 14, 5:15pm-6:45pm, Amazon A

What’s Las Vegas without a wedding? Come get hitched with your favorite authors from Kensington! Mingle with our “Brides to Be,” who will be signing copies of some of their latest releases while you indulge in wedding-themed treats. We’ll be giving away plenty of goodies and books for all of our RT “Maidens of Honor” (and “Best Men,” too!), but be sure to come early so you can get your first picks!

Host(s):  Sonali Dev, Amanda Bonilla (aka Mandy Baxter), Rebecca Zanetti, Michele Grant, Sarah Title, Pintip Dunn, Desiree Holt, Mary Jo Putney, Lutishia Lovely (aka Zuri Day), Kate McMurray, Jeffe Kennedy, Ella Quinn, Sarah Hegger, Cat Johnson, Sally MacKenzie, Jill Shalvis

1001 Dark Nights Sparkler

Friday, April 15, 12:20pm-1:20pm, Brasilia 7

1,001 Dark Nights is setting off fireworks! Come join us for a toast, some nibbles and fab swag. Mix and mingle with the brightest lights in the contemporary and paranormal genres while you learn their secrets and win prizes at this starstudded event — hosted by the 1,001 Dark Nights co-creators, M.J. Rose and Liz Berry.

Host(s):

Liz Berry (1001 Dark Nights, Co-Creator)

M.J. Rose (1001 Dark Nights, Co-Creator)

Guest(s): , Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Shayla Black, Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak), Heather Graham, Donna Grant, Larissa Ione, Laura Kaye, J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Laurelin Paige, Jennifer Probst, Kristen Proby, Christopher Rice, Carrie Ann Ryan, Rebecca Zanetti

I’m also a featured author signing at the Saturday FAN-tastic Day Party from 6:00-6:45.  So if you get the Saturday day pass, or if you’re attending the conference, definitely find me during the party because I will have books to give away!  🙂

 

 

Hi All!  If you’re anywhere near York, PA today (Saturday, November 8th), please drop by the Books-A-Million: 3000 Whiteford Road from 2:00 to 4:00.  We are having a huge launching party for the BAM-Lyrical High Notes Program.  I’ll be signing CONSUMED and SHADOWED, and M.Q. Barber will be signing PLAYING THE GAME.

There will be Door Prizes!  Bookmarks!  SWAG!  And of course, baked goods!!!  I’m hoping for cookies, but anything baked gets my vote.  Please drop by and say hi.  🙂

So…I’m back home from the Coastal Magic Convention, and it was wonderful!  So great to catch up with friends and goof off with fans.  We may have lost at laser tag (barely), but the team we played was on game three and had figured it out.  Once we figured out how to fan out and attack, we were dangerous.  Boone Brux has a fantastic dive and roll move, and Ciara Knight knows how to leap while firing.  Ciara and I accidentally shot each other at one point, but it all worked out.  (Yes, we were on the same team).  🙂

Big Tone went with me to Florida because I figured I’d have more time to spend with him than usual since none of my editors or agent were at the conference, and also, he loves the sun.  It was really nice the day we arrived (we arrived at night though), and then the day we left was sunny.  Other than that…it rained.  Really, really rained.  LOL!  But we still had fun, and he didn’t even mind when a bunch of ladies asked him to strip.  Big Tone is a hottie, and that kind of thing happens at romance conferences.  It just does.  He also thought the gift package from C.J. Ellisson with the dirty dice was hilarious, and he enjoyed meeting my friend Liz Berry, who’s a bundle of fun and energy and is just brilliant at understanding the publishing industry.

The panels were tons of fun. During one, Sara Humphreys and I came up with a fun promo plan we might try out this year, schedule permitting…and I’ll let you know if it all works out!  I think I also coerced a promise out of her to show me around NY next time I’m in town.  🙂 

Anyway…it’s good to be home experiencing a blizzard.  Seriously.  Tons of snow…and we’re about to move.  Here’s a very snowy picture of the view from my new office in our new home…and yes, we’re trimming trees in the spring.

Everyone have a wonderful week!

First, before I forget, starting Tuesday I’ll be posting a quick blurb from Tempted each day on my facebook page as we count down the week until Max’s story is released…so make sure you click ‘like’ below.  I thought this would be a fun countdown in addition to driving my friend at eBookObsessed crazy with the teasers.  🙂  Isn’t it fun to be my friend?

Now, I’ve been promising pictures from New Orleans since I returned, and instead of blogging, I’ve been playing catch-up with Book 5 of the Dark Protectors (Kane’s story).  I have a moment to breathe now and thought I’d post those pictures.

I loved New Orleans!  Loved the people, loved the city, really loved the food.  I want to go back right now.  I was there for the FF&P conference ( Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Special Interest Chapter of RWA) along with several of my friends.  The workshops were fantastic.  One of my favorites was a workshop about music and your muse given by Danica Avet – I took great notes and am ready to rock.  Liz Pelletier from Entangled Publishing gave another wonderful workshop all about the publishing process – and I learned tons.

The keynote luncheon speech was given by Maggie Shayne, and she was beyond spectacular.  She made us laugh, made us cry…then made us laugh again.  If you ever get the chance to see her speak, GO!  She was that good.

The ghost/vampire tour was full of thrills and chills – and I know more than a couple of us came up with future story ideas.  How could we not?  We also saw a werewolf with a saxophone, a haunted house, a bar so old there isn’t electricity…and some crazy drunk people getting busy in a truck.  I could’ve done without the last part.

We also hit Bourbon Street, which was already crazy as of 5:00 pm on Saturday night.  And when I say crazy…I mean crazy.

Danica and I sat by each other during the book signing.  She looked lovely…and I looked puffy.  We were pretty tired by Sunday morning.  I loved Nolo, though it’s good to be home.  🙂

Just a quick reminder (yes, it’s on the Latest News page, too).  If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!