Nocturnal Journal

Behind the Story: Droid Wars

2007-10-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

I’m working on Droid Wars 2: Magnetic Attraction and thought I’d take a moment to put up a new feature I’ll be doing on my blog—BEHIND THE STORY. This one will touch a little on what inspired me to write the Droid Wars series. Contrary to what some might think, Star Wars and Star Trek had nothing to do with what motivated me. I know people will throw things at me but I still haven’t seen the last or newest (depending on how you look at it) Star Wars movies and I’ve never seen a Star Trek movie. I also only ever watched the original series on TV. I will throw down with anyone who doesn’t think Captain Kirk was the shit. LOL

What inspired me was an article I was reading in a science magazine talking about the advances in modern medicine and where they believed it would be five years from now and even further into the future. It made me think that if modern medicine was already to the point it was, growing skin and organs, advances in bone regeneration, etc, what would be capable of doing a thousand years from now. It made me think of a time when people thought the world was flat to what we now know to be the truth and to expand upon that, using my imagination to take medicine and technology on a path I could truly see it going. It also made me think of what extremes mankind might be forced to take to save their dying race from extinction at the hands of another, more advanced race. All of this started me on the path to writing the Droid Wars Series.

In the opening of chapter one of, Performance Criteria (Book I), you meet Dr. Aeron Braxton as she’s fastening the cranium chassis closed of the soon to be hero of the book and pulling the tawny flap of skin that had been grown in fibrin gel down over the cranium chassis. The hero has been a labor of love on her part because he’d been mortally wounded trying to save her life. I touch upon the process in which she’d rebuilt him from the “ground up” so to speak. A lot of factual information mixed with my imagination of where I could envision science and medicine being at that point came into play. I had to ask myself questions like, did I really believe that because brain activity would cease in him for a period of time, did that mean he would be unable to be revived? The answer I came back with was no. That already today there are ways to revive a person, granted the time you have to do so various on many factors and you don’t have anything close to the time frame I gave Aeron to work with but a thousand years ago they wouldn’t have believed what we can do today was possible. It’s all relative. Who knows what they’ll be able to do a thousand years from now. I know I love trying to guess.

Take a peek at how far robots/android technology has come already. This fembot is certainly heading in the lifelike direction. Wouldn’t you agree?

Mix advances in medicine with advances in android technology, along with a fertile imagination and you end up with the Story Behind the Story. Thanks for joining me in this glimpse behind what inspired me. Time for me to get back to work on Book II: Magnetic Attraction, coming Jan 08 to Samhain Publishing.

Have a Behind the Story moment you'd like to share with my readers? Email me at mandy@mandyroth.com for more details.

Top Paranormal Authors Teaming Up to Launch Interactive Dark Muse Society

2007-10-25T18:18:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (permission to forward granted)

Paranormal romance readers -- you're invited! When Halloween is over, the REAL celebration of Darkness will begin...

Beyond the rusted iron gates, moaning and creaking in the midnight breeze, lies an old and empty house. Trees strangled to death by the vines that enslave them line your path to the front door. The house is dark, encased in its own shadows—an unwelcoming entrance to say the least.

You feel a prickling working its way down the back of your neck as you pick your way overrotting roots and dark debris. The lump that has risen within of your throat makes you second-guess each step towards the shadowy front porch. Taking the steps slowly, one by one, your hand trembles as it reaches out for the doorknob. If you love your romance on the dark side, you're going to feel right at home here...

Step inside the Dark Muse Society, a unique, interactive online community that's home to some of your favorite paranormal fiction authors. The Society officially opens its doors on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2007, with contests, giveaways and your chance to meet the group's charter members -- L.L. FOSTER, DANIELLE DEVON, ERIN McCARTHY, MICHELLE PILLOW, DEVYN QUINN, MANDY M. ROTH and SARA REINKE.

Visit www.darkmusesociety.com for information and details about the grand opening celebration. The fun begins at 7 p.m. (EST, US) and last until 9 p.m. so mark your calendars and don't be afraid of the dark!

ABOUT THE DARK MUSES:

L.L. Foster is the speculative fiction pseudonym for New York Times best-selling author Lori Foster. The past recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times "Career Achievement Award" for Series Romantic Fantasy and for Contemporary Romance, Lori recently launched a new urban fantasy series with "Servant: The Awakening," availale now from Berkley.

Danielle Devon is the multipublished author of sizzling paranormal romances, including the sensual vampire tale, "Forsaken" available from Liquid Silver Books and "Divinity in Chains," a dark fantasy coming April, 2008 from Samhain Publishing.

USA Today best-selling author Erin McCarthy pens the wildly popular Vegas Vampire series, a humorous spin on the paranormal. Her latest release, "My Immortal" explores the darker side of the genre with a "story of shocking sin and stunning sensuality," raves author Rebecca York.

Michelle Pillow earned 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance. Futuristic, fantasy, dark fantasy and more -- Michelle isn't afraid to walk on the wild side of speculative fiction. Her latest releases include "The Rogue Prince," available now from New Concepts Publishing, "Commanding the Tides," Book Two in the "Lords of the Abyss" series from New Concepts Publishing and "Stop Dragon My Heart Around," an anthology with Mandy M. Roth from Ellora's Cave.

Devyn Quinn is one of erotica's hottest rising stars, with two releases from Kensington's Aphrodisia imprint scorching bookstore shelves in 2007 -- "Flesh and the Devil" and the sequel, "Sins of the Flesh." She calls her tales "goth-erotica," and describes them best as the struggle of the ordinary person to accept extraordinary happenings in their lives -- usually from a supernatural source.

Mandy M. Roth's "Loup Garou," available now from Samhain Publishing, was named a Romantic Times BookClub Magazine Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best Erotic Paranormal/ Sci-Fi/ Fantasy 2006. Her latest releases include "Demonic Desires" from Ellora's Cave,"The Guardians" from New Concepts Publishing and a story in "Black Lace Quickies 5," an anthology of erotic fiction,

Sara Reinke's latest release, "Dark Thirst," available now from Kensington's Zebra imprint, was called a "fascinating and unique romance" by Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine and "a great keep-you-up-all-night read" by New York Times best-selling author Karen Robards. It's the first in The Brethren vampire romance series, with the sequel, "Dark Hunger" due out in July, 2008.

For more information, visit online: www.darkmusesociety.com.

BLOG HAS MOVED

2007-03-30T07:51:00.001-05:00

http://mandyroth.com/blog/

NEW BLOG!

2007-03-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry to do this to everyone but I'm getting sick and tired of the new blogger. It's limiting what I can and can't do with my posts (who can comment and so on). For the sake of my sanity, I enlisted the help of Melani Blazer. She got me up and running on Word press! Whoohoo! Melani needs an award for putting up with me.

Angie W has gone in and started the widget/plug in/ tweaks for me there! Big thanks to her too!

new blog addy http://mandyroth.com/blog/

Please change your links/bookmarks to the new one. I have smiles now too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(that is like the coolest thing evvaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!)

Marketing with Mandy: Link you might want

2007-03-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

My post today is super short. Sorry for that (damn deadlines).

Jaci Burton did a fabulous write up for AuthorMBA. I wanted to link to it because I think it will help anyone interested in marketing/promotions greatly!

Taking Your Career Seriously

As always... if you have comments or links you want to see posted up in the Marketing with Mandy sections of my blog please email me or post them in the comments section. I know that blogger is a pain the arse so I understand if you need to email instead. My email addy is mandy@mandyroth.com

Marketing with Mandy: Websites—Getting Started

2007-03-14T15:13:00.001-05:00

Since my education and background are in the art/marketing end of things I thought I'd start a little something extra on my blog. I'll call it Marketing with Mandy mostly because it lets me talk about myself in third person and feel really important. *grin*. These will pop up on my blog as I have time to get them out and will deal with topics/questions I see popping up on the net from other authors. I hope you find them helpful.

Q: I'm an author. Do I really need a website?

A: Yes. This will be one of your most powerful and affordable marketing tools. I know it can seem overwhelming at first but trust me, it's worth it in the end.

Q: I'm a new author and I don't have a website yet. How do I go about getting one?

A: There are many ways to do it. I suggest finding a hosting site. Here are some I recommend.

Go Daddy
They have hosting plans starting at 3.99 a month. Used them when I first started. At the time they just didn't have enough space to offer me (I'm a webspace hog… if you ever use as much as me I'll be shocked LOL) This has since changed and they're now offering plenty of space.

Yahoo.com

They have an easy to use template and interface for those who are a bit nervous.

Dot 5

They offer Frontpage extensions (this is something those of you building in front page will want to have to make it easy on uploading) They start at 4.95 a month and are saying that they'll give you're your domain name free.

IX Web Hosting --PC World Mag rated them #1 so I guess that's saying something

1and1.com---
I use them and I love them, they offer packages as low as 2.99 a month linux and MS hosting servers to host on (if you don't know the diff, don't worry but I'm guessing you'll want to host on MS hosting ones. I use linux ones but it's your call. If you don't know which, ASK THEM. They are nice people. Also, they have front page extensions too. The others ones might but I didn't go digging to find out. You get one free domain name with the 2.99 package.

Q: I don't really have the extra money to spend on a .com or .net/my own domain. Can't I just use a free service?

A: You can. I would HIGHLY advise against it. For one, you get what you pay for when it comes to these. I really don't think it's a good idea to have your homepage cluttered with ads and popups. I also think it's impossible for anyone to remember your web addy if it's longer than The Faces' number 12 hit You Can Make Me Dance Sing Or Anything (Even Take The Dog For A Walk, Mend A Fuse, Fold Away The Ironing Board, Or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings).

I think you see what I'm getting at here *snicker* It's much easier to remember www.yourname.com or .net than it is something long with a lot of backslashes in it. In addition to all of this, you're very limited on what you can do on the free sites.

Q: I don't have any skills when it comes to building webpages. Is there an easy way to do it?

A: Most of the places I listed have website creator programs that they offer for quick set up. Microsoft Frontpage is a great program that comes with templates built into it. There are many places that sell website templates some are even for free. Just read everything they say. Some require you to have certain programs loaded on your computer to use. Like Frontpage or Dreamweaver.

Templatemonsters

Freewebsitetemplates

There are also a good number of people/companies out there that market web design to authors. (I know nothing about these places but some of the authors they have listed are names I'm familiar with… if you use someone or offer this service be sure to post your/their link in comments section!)

Dream Forge Media
( I lied I know a little about them. Several authors I'm very close to use them and love them)

Romance Designs

Author Avenue

Q: What should I have on my website?

A: You need to have your books there/easy to find (Make sure you have BUY links for your books—make it easy for the reader to find them). Trust me when I say making them go on a hunt in search of how to buy your book will NOT result in a sale. It will leave them clicking the close button and moving onto to something else.

Excerpts from your contracted works is always nice. Be sure to put your copyright info on there.

An author bio.

A little bit about your coming soon books/projects (remember not to post WIPs on the web).

Email/Contact -- a way for readers to contact you.

Those are the basics of what you should have on your site. If you offer more, WONDERFUL! If not, you'll at least have the barebones of what you should have.

Q: What should I NOT have on my website?

A: This represents you in the writing world. Use caution as to how you present yourself. I've seen author sites that have pictures of their cleavage and nothing else (not a head shot either, just breast one). While having a nice rack is an admirable quality, it's not really going to put your best foot forward. Yes, it's putting something forward but I don't think it's what you'll want in the end.

Avoiding hard to load images (ones that are too big) is another biggie. Text that can't be read because it's either too small, too big or too bright. Keep in mind, not everyone will have the same fonts you have loaded on your computer, loaded onto theirs. It's best to stick with fonts that are preset on both PC and Macs. If you have something special you want to show up with different text, like your header/banner, you'll need to make this in a picture/photo program and save as either a jpeg or a gif.

When designing for the web the resolution needs to be lower than it would be for printing. So, 72dpi-150dpi tops (I do almost all of my graphics at 72 dpi for faster load times).

I'll get more into this in the coming weeks, giving you a glimpse at how to create graphics for the web. In addition to this, I'll be talking about various tools/outlets for marketing yourself and your books (banner ads, print ads, cover ads, blogs, more about websites, name branding, bookmarks, brochures, press kits, book videos, and just about anything else I can think of to toss at you) in future Marketing with Mandy posts.

I also plan on having guest bloggers on to talk about various aspects of marketing in the world of writing. Look for posts in the coming weeks from Jaci Burton, Michelle Pillow and Shannon Stacey just to name a few. I'll also be linking to blogs and sites discussing valuable marketing information for authors. Feedback is welcome and encouraged. In the meantime if you have any marketing questions specific to writing (or not) please ask away. If I can't answer it, I'll do my best to find someone who can.

Sick ‘puter mommy?

2007-03-14T07:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my youngest son comes to me and asks to play the computer. At the time, I was doing scheduled maintenance on the machine I put him on and wasn’t about to let him on my work computers. I explained that I was checking the computer for viruses. His eyes glossed over and he stood there staring at me like…what are you talking about, lady? I then launch into how sometimes a computer can catch a cold too. Just like him.

He leaves well enough alone and runs off to play. So, this morning, I’m in the kitchen making breakfast for them and he asks me if I think what he did will help the computer feel better so he can play it. Of course I’m like…WHAT DID YOU DO?

I head down to find the computer covered in a thick blanket. Under the blanket is a box of tissues and a bottle of water. I turn to my youngest who is grinning from ear to ear. He proudly tells me he gave it what it would need to feel better and wanted to know if I wanted to give it the medicine that tastes like bubble gum.

Life at the Roth house is never dull.

The way of the Mac....

2007-03-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

Moving into the MacBook Pro has been different to say the least. I used to work on nothing but macs when I was in the world of marketing/graphic design. Seems like 4 years ago was a lifetime ago now. I'm still trying to doublclick everything and its brother in here. I still have issues navigating around the system and WTH is up with the yahoo messenger for mac...I can't find anything. LOL. That being said, I'm loving the computer. It runs VERY smooth and packs as much punch as its desktop buddies, if not more.

I owe a big thanks to two very nice gentlemen who helped in my decision making process. One, worked at the store I was buying it from--he was VERY helpful and it wasn't because he was going to make anything off the sale (he wasn't). Just general nice guy who was swamped with people but who kept taking time out with me while I heehawed back and forth about getting another Sony laptop or going to a MacBook Pro.

The other man who helped in my decision was a customer walking past the computer section. He stopped and talked with me about macs. He's in the military and prior to that was in the field of education. We discussed how he was a recent mac convert (in the last couple of years I think) and how he couldn't rave enough about everything they offered to make my life easier.

Their enthusiasm and knowledge sealed the deal for me. It didn't hurt that my husband was buying an iMac 20inch at the same time. He'd already had it in his head that he was going the way of the mac. He too started on HPs, moved to SONY (which I have to say I have a soft spot for SONY computers), cycled through several of those and decided he'd had enough of the viruses, spyware and registry issues...he was going the way of the mac.

It also didn't hurt that I totally adore the commercials Mac is putting out with the kid from Galaxy Quest (Brandon on there, unsure what actors name is but he's so adorable) stands and talks with the man who is a "PC". Those things crack me up. I loved the newest Vista one. They hit the nail on the head with that one!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I'm here, mostly moved into my new computer and so far I'm loving it. I figure if it survives me, its a keeper and everyone should have one. I need to beta test computers. People would come from far just to say..."that survived Mandy".

You’ve got the Look…

2007-03-09T10:03:00.001-05:00

It must have took… a whole 6 hours just to make your links finally show in the right place. Okay, I'll stop singing now. I gave my blog a facelift and I'm trying to decide if I like it or not. For the amount of work I had to put into it I'm thinking of just keeping it but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

I've been doing some more reading during my forced break. Nothing else has leapt out at me just yet… not enough I'd want to share but I will post as soon as some does. My TBR pile looks delicious and I plan on devouring some of it later today/tonight. I'll be running out of break time soon and it will be back to the writing grind with me. I thought I might share some fun research sites/books with you when I get back into the swing of things.

Take care and have a great weekend!

Safety Dance…

2007-03-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

How do you know you have an obsession with the 80's? Oooo, I got this one! You find yourself making a pot of coffee at seven in the morning, swaying in the kitchen while humming "It's safe to dance". Yeah, that almost sums it up. But, if you want to take it further, you realize you're not only swaying but doing the *gasp* 80's version of dancing. I'd describe it but really, you'd all just end up with upset stomachs.

Onto a less depressing topic…what I read last night. Suffer in Silence by David Reid. GREAT BOOK! It gives you a glimpse into SEAL training. I really don't know how those men do it. They are amazing! It's an intense story for an intense training.

BLAZE...

2007-03-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

So, I took some time off to catch up on my reading. I'd never read any of the BLAZE books before and grabbed a handful when I was at the store. I won't take up a lot of your time. I'll just post the covers of two I really enjoyed!

If you get some free time be sure to check out Alison Kent and Jill Monroe.

Oh Mandy!

2007-03-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, darling.

Since blognapping seems to be the fad (brilliant Idea, Angie) I thought for this wonderful event, a la Mandy's birthday, we'd celebrate by redecorating in brilliant pink.

Beautiful, ain't it?

Here's a pic of Mandy to go with it. Please stop and wish her wonderful birthday wishes!!!

Bitch –napped Blog

2007-03-02T09:16:00.001-05:00

This was cute so I wanted to share. Angie has bitch-napped Jaci Burton's blog for the day! Stop by and tease J about it.

http://jaciburton.com/blog/?p=481#comment-4849

Oh, Mandy, you came and you talked for an hour...

2007-03-01T10:17:00.001-05:00

Didn’t think you’d be getting another one so soon, did you? *wink* We’d continue to brag, but we’d only jinx ourselves….

So without further ado, come over to the Raven where secrets will be revealed!
http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven.htm

Also, if you haven’t heard the latest Raven Podcast! Take a listen!

Thanks!
M&M

IO3-- best selling book at fictionwise…

2007-02-28T11:35:00.001-05:00

I was excited and wanted to share! I'm not sure how long I'll sit in the top spots for bestselling book and author at fictionwise but I wanted to share while it was up! Plus the lineup is amazing. Some really great books/authors on there!

http://www.fictionwise.com/topstories.htm

Best Selling eBooks: Recent

1. Radar Deceptions [Immortal Ops Novel] by Mandy M. Roth [ROM]

2. A Rogue in Texas by Lorraine Heath [ROM]

3. The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry [SUSP/THRILL]

4. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt [ROM]

5. The Price of Desire by Leda Swann [ROM]

6. Bite Me If You Can by Lynsay Sands [DARKFANT]

7. Innocent in Death by J. D. Robb [MYS]

8. Two Weeks with a Stranger by Debra Mullins [ROM]

9. Phoenix Rising I by Morgana de Winter & Marie Harte & Michelle M. Pillow [ROM]

10. Her Best Man by Jana Richards [ROM]

11. A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander [ROM]

12. Tigra by R.J. Leahy [SF]

13. The Blonde Bomb Tech by Lara Santiago [ROM]

14. What a Lady Wants by Victoria Alexander [ROM]

15. Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur [HOR]

16. Phoenix Rising II by Angelique Anjou & Mandy M. Roth & Donna Grant [ROM]

17. The Sicilian's Marriage Arrangement by Lucy Monroe [ROM]

18. Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips [FIC]

19. The Italian's Forced Bride by Kate Walker [ROM]

20. B*E*A*S*T* of Burden by Rebecca Goings [ROM]

21. Emily's Beau by Allison Lane [ROM]

22. The Polyamorous Princess by Melodee Aaron [ROM]

23. The Protectorate: Patriarch by Dana Warryck [ROM]

24. How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins [ROM]

25. The Millionaire's Pregnant Wife by Sandra Field [ROM]

Best Selling Authors: Recent

1. Mandy M. Roth

2. Sean Michael

3. Kaitlyn O'Connor

4. Viola Grace

5. Victoria Alexander

6. John Norman

7. J. M. Snyder

8. Lorraine Heath

9. Jaden Sinclair

10. Lara Santiago

11. Michelle M. Pillow

12. Reese Gabriel

13. Lisa Andel

14. Keri Arthur

15. Steve Berry

The Neverending Sig Line...

2007-02-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

Yeah, we all knew it would happen. That day I up and decided to rant again. It’s here. I’ll start off by saying that I belong to so many online groups that I’ve lost count. I do my best to keep up on the influx of mail and answer when I feel I have something worth saying (so, I don’t talk so much….lol). As I was waiting for my messages to download, I first thought many of them coming through were falling victim to the ‘forget to clip’ers’. Oh, if only that were the case…my fodder for this blog would not be. Nope. Most of the email was the person’s sig line. The thing just about qualified as a short story. I kid you not. The thing was longer than some blurbs I’ve read. As much as I want to have easy access to a web link, I really don’t want all the details of everything since the creation of mankind to come too. I LOVE having the authors/persons web site/blog/myspace right there, at my fingertips. I’m not one to take the extra steps to google a name I see so if the link is there and I’m interested, I’ll click it.

I struggle with sig lines (or I did until I found one I liked and said to hell with it). I’m curious to know what other people think of them. Do you like them to be 20 lines long or does 2-5 do the trick for you? Do you like them at all?

Round 4…

2007-02-26T07:02:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not but the Roth household has been struck yet again by some sort of stomach bug. My youngest has it coming out both ends. The poor kid sits up and the next thing he knows, he needs his mom to bathe him and scrub whatever he was on because it's covered in everything you can imagine. I'm really at a loss as to what to do. Since xmas we've been nailed four times with stomach bugs of some kind or another. I'm an absolute freak about wiping things down and hand washing. Still, we've been hit hard. It seems like we're struck again before we can all get on our feet from the last go round.

Is it a horrible year for it all or am I imagining it?

Please tell me I'm not alone. I barely have skin left on my knuckles. LMAO

I slept with my computer last night…

2007-02-21T10:08:00.001-05:00

I woke up on my office floor this morning.

Grab your attention? I thought so. Now, I'll set the story up. My office in adjacent to the family room. My computer table sits against the wall and on the other side of the wall is one of two long sofas that flank the walls of the family room. My husband is partial to the sofa nearest my office (so much so that he avoids the other like it has something deadly he might catch…might be why that one still looks brand new). Anyway, since I moved down here (had been on center level until a few months back) he's fallen asleep EACH AND EVERY night on the sofa on the other side of my office way. That wouldn't be so bad if he didn't snore loud enough to wake the dead and then get grumpy when you try to wake him up and convince him to go up to bed.

I have begged and pleaded. I've bitched. I've moaned. Still, the man ignores me, laughing as he gets comfy to watch a whole ten minutes of TV before passing out cold. Finally, I snapped. I went out and took ALL the sofa cushions and pulled them into my office. I then locked my office door, sat down, put headset on and worked until the wee hours of morning.

Ah silence at last!

It got really late and I didn't want to go up and walk past my son's rooms because they have mommy-dar…you know…they can hear me coming and are instantly awake and wanting something. I looked back at the mound of comfy throw pillows and cushions and gave into temptation. I curled up on them and woke up there this morning.

My husband comes down, finds me asleep on them all and laughs. He then acknowledges that I did manage to find a way to keep him from passing out on sofa. I winked and told him I'd keep doing it and if he found another way to fall asleep out there, snoring so loud that I can't work, he'd come home and find I'd given away all the furniture making TV viewing standing room only.

Yes, I do feel quite proud of myself…even if there is a kink in my neck from sleeping on floor of my office.

Snowed in

2007-02-14T09:52:00.000-05:00

Yes, we were hit hard with the storm! Here are some pics.

This is one showing the side yard...that is a five foot (at parts 7 feet) drift of snow that goes over the entire side yard. There "was" a pond under it. LOL

There is another pic taken last night out there. That's my hubby. He's 6 1". The drift at the time was 4 feet.

Raven Podcasts

2007-02-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

CONTEST: Raven Podcasts! (to find us on itunes you must type in raven podcasts in search area)

Mandy and Michelle are currently setting up to begin Raven Podcasts (update...they've started). Yeah, you have to listen to us now too! LOL

Anyway, in honor of the setting up process, we're holding a contest. Submit reader questions or topics we can use in our podcasts that you'd like to hear us talk about and be entered for a chance to win your name in a book dedication! There will be two winners, one in a Michelle book and one in a Mandy book (of our choice)

UPDATE: You can option to just have your first name in the dedication or a nickname. We'll put it in as you give it to us, so no worries if you're a closet reader ;) Authors are welcome to enter, you have just as good a chance as everyone else to win

Contest is open to those 18 years and older. Winner will be randomly drawn from names of entrants.

To enter:
Simply post your topic as a comment to this post. You can enter more than once. More than one winner may be drawn for the same dedication if there are several entries.

Books may appear in both ebook and print. By entering the contest you are agreeing to 1. have your name in the dedication and related material whether print or electronic--for example on my and the publisher website or in a podcast. 2. allow Mandy and Michelle to use your topic in a Raven podcast, in whole or in part, as they see fit. No other compensation will be given.

Oh, yeah, now you have to listen to us too!

Before download, be sure you have your speakers turned on and if you're using headsets, be sure they aren't the kind with one ear piece only.

Podcasts Mp3's

Want to be a guest on a RAVEN PODCAST?

Email us to see what spots are open and please have a topic to recommend for your time. Also, you will need to have SKYPE installed on your computer along with a decent microphone. Skype is a free program.

By agreeing to be a guest you give us permission to record you, and post for public as we see fit.

Listen to podcasts here:

http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcasts.htm

http://ravenpodcasts.podomatic.com/

When Voyeurism is Good

2007-02-05T23:53:00.000-05:00

Join us today on the Raven Blog as guest author Candice Gilmer pays us a visit to discuss

When Voyeurism is Good

A guest blogger will be joining us each and every Monday to help kick off the week with a paranormal twist.

If you're interested in becoming a guest blogger please email us to get on the schedule.

Video Entries To Date for EXPRESS contest

2007-01-19T12:27:00.001-05:00

Okay, we’ve been trying to get all the vids that have been entered loaded onto the hosting sites. Yes, we know we’re still missing some and we PROMISE to get them up soon. The darn hosting places tend to lag and take forever. Oh and myspace has decided to eat every third or forth upload we do. *snicker* Nice of them…huh.

Anyway…

The ones we have posted can be found here (they are in no particular order)

http://mandyroth.com/contest_vids_page_one.htm

The contest rules and info can be found here

http://mandyroth.com/express_yourself_contest_page.htm

We’ll be uploading more videos today through the weekend (we’re actually hoping to have all the ones submitted to date up by tonight). If you want to play along, you still have plenty of time! This contest will be going on for a few months. We’ll be drawing winners each month and you stay in the hopper for the following month (s) as well. AND…you can enter as many times as you want. Each one gets your name put into the bowl we force my sons to draw names from (child labor at its finest folks…snort) Ooo…please email me or Michelle prior to sending the video via email, so we can be ready. Our poor lil’ inboxes have threatened to runaway if we don’t start treating them better. We’re also planning to get a separate video email going soon to help stop the issues we’ve had getting them in.

Also, if you’re interested in making the vids but aren’t sure you can, we have some helpful hints on our contest page and here is another helpful link

http://www.apeekatromance.blogspot.com/

Everyone, if you get the chance, please stop by and take a look at the vids entered to date. People have put a lot of effort and heart into them and we want them to know we MORE than appreciate it! Plus, some are downright funny (no, we’re not being mean…they were aiming at being funny) and others are so sexy they could melt your socks off (is that even possible?), some are so dead on that we’re thinking of asking these people to outline the books for us for notes for use later. LOL.

Mandy M. Roth & Michelle M. Pillow

Ciar Cullen Contest

2007-01-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

I’m just going to go ahead and forward this since Ciar has been so wonderful about doing this!

******

Mandy Roth was kind enough to let me gush about her writing. Wait a

minute... Well, anyway, she donated a copy of Talons: King of Prey
(http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/talons-king-of-prey) to one very
lucky member of my Yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CiarCullen. Read the review on my blog!
http://ciarcullen.blogspot.com

Contest ends Friday!

xoxo
Ciar Cullen

Manic Mondays w/M &M's...

2007-01-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

Join us today on the Raven Blog as guest author Charlene Teglia pays us a visit to discuss the Paradox of Ghost Stories in the Modern World. A guest blogger will be joining us each and every Monday to help kick off the week with a paranormal twist.

If you're interested in becoming a guest blogger please email us to get on the schedule.

Bad Influence...

2007-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Sam, I am.

So, I'm over at my friend Melani's blog and read this.

*big grin* Oh, yeah, you know you're doing something right when you've got a friend dreaming about dressing up in a wedding dress and hitching rides with barely legal hotties to get to you.

See if you can help her figure it all out.

Funny and wanted to share...

2007-01-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was sitting down to check email and notice this strange sound coming from the half bath that is my office. My oldest son was also in the process of doing a school project that involved asking about my childhood. We glance at each other and then I run into the bathroom to find the toilet gurgling. I’m half expecting the thing to blow. Thankfully, it didn’t. I only just moved my office down here and had it newly carpeted, and painted so of course I’m freaking about the possibility of water.

I went into the laundry room and needless to say, there is water on the floor but its thankfully confined to right there. I had only just sorted out the laundry into colored piles, all of which were on said floor waiting to be washed. They acted like a sponge. I call someone to come clean the main drain and then began taking all these wet clothes (all the boys bedding was in there as well because I’d only just stripped their beds for the weekly wash down) out of the room. Since the family room and my office are the only other two rooms on the lowest level, I laid dry towels down and set some of the clothes in the family room and the blankets (which somehow managed to remain dry) pillows, etc. on the floor of my office. I also brought in another hamper full of CLEAN (lol, prior to the water) clothes that were going to be given to goodwill and set it on the floor of the half bath.

I have a point…I swear. It’s that when the men came over to fix the drain I was mortified that all this stuff was now ALL over my lower level. I’m not going to lie, my laundry room often looks like a bomb went off in it. It’s that room of the house where I just don’t care too much. Since its just clothes, I don’t think much of it until I see the mess scattered about my lower level. Of course, the VERY nice men who came right away to fix my drain have to then go into my office (with the blankets everywhere) and into the half bath (who had the gurgling toilet and now had the goodwill clothes in a basket) to monitor the progress of water moving.

I wanted to crawl. I really did. I was mortified. But it gets better. I walk in after the youngest of the two men leave the half bath to find I have feminine napkins sitting in a decorative holder on the back of the toilet. LOL. Of course, right. I mean…come on. Who doesn’t want a box of pads sitting there for all to see? Oh, but it gets EVEN better. The other man had to move my dryer to have plenty of play in the laundry room. Of course under it is seven years worth of dust bunnies. No biggie. You know what else was under it? A gel breast pad! That’s right! I had bought them because they adhere and you don’t need to wear a bra with them. I needed it for RT back in May. When we got home, I’d unpacked and washed all our things. Only one breast pad came back and I assumed the other had been tossed or was left in FL. HAHAHAHA.NO! Apparently, it had fallen behind the dryer only to be discovered by men there to fix a drain.

Oh, yes. When I do it. I do it good!

Just thought I’d share my funny story or being embarrassed with you. How about you? Have any funny tales of being put on the spot? And why do I feel the need to invite the men back to see its really not like that all the time here? LOL

Character Development

2007-01-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

(This is a response to a post (made on AMAZON BLOG) asking about characters and how I create/develop them. I thought others might be interested as well so I’m bumping it up as a new post in addition to be a response.)

LOL @ the "Rat Boy". The idea for Wilson, from the Immortal Ops series, came when I was developing the idea of how the I-Ops would have been formed. I already knew I wanted at least one of them to be a "natural" supernatural and the others to have been genetically altered. I got to thinking about how chaotic it would be in a lab filled with wild animals and so forth. It made me think, what would happen if there was a mix up. What's the one animal almost all labs have? Rats. LOL. So, it made sense to have a lab rat switch up with one of the I-Ops. I then sat and thought about what it would be like to sign up for a project, thinking you were going to come out this butt kickin' super soldier only to wake up and find out you were a glorified lab rat. That in itself would mess with your mind. It made me wonder what type of person I'd need to make Wilson. Angry at the world came to mind but it seemed too easy of an out so I went with the type of guy who doesn't take himself or anyone else too serious. He then was able to provide much needed comic relief during tense moments in the Ops books.

I don't research the characters so much as I map them out. I'm mega anal about charts and graphs. I swear by them. With all the series I have it gets a little hard to remember who goes where and who is doing what without them. I start out with an idea of what I want to write about and then I decide what type of person fits that bill. From there, I come up with a name. I can't even think about hair color or anything until I have a name that feels right. I'm strange, I know. *G*

After I have a name picked out, I then start with the obvious--physical characteristics, job, skills, special supernatural mojo...blah blah...lol. From there, I break it down more, listing quirks and habits they might have. I'm a people watcher when I'm in public. I like to see what someone does when they're talking with others, thinking no one's watching, or wishing all eyes were on them. I make mental notes and try very hard to give each character "real" traits. Like if they're really nervous do they stutter a bit? Do they blush? Does it cover not only their cheeks but their neck and upper chest too? Maybe their ears turn red. They might be prone to biting their lower lip when they're worried or anxious. They might be a toe-tapper when they've got too much energy built up. Any little thing I can think of to make them seem more real, more human, I try to give them. I'm already asking readers to swallow a big heapin' dose of supernatural/paranormal reality, mixed in with alpha hunks who were carved from marble. I like to try to bring the characters down a notch (not really the right way to explain it but it sort of feels that way in my head). Once I have the traits down, the rest starts to fall in line.

I make silly lists that normally have nothing to do with the finished product but I make them all the same. It helps me know the character better. Like...favorite foods, fav animals, sayings, songs, hobby. Things that while I may or may not bring up in the book, help me get into their head while I'm writing them. With three kids I have to stop what I’m working on at a moment’s notice. Coming back and picking it back up again is easier if I have a sheet laid out with character traits.

This is horrible to admit but a few of my bad guys have been a combination of people I've had "issues" with in my life. *G* Not all but some have been. Others are a perfect balance that I need to strike to have the story move forward.

Caleb in Daughter of Darkness is the polar opposite of my husband in the looks department, his personality is very close to Caleb's. He's very easy going, fun-loving and good natured. That being said, you can only walk on him so much. I needed someone for Gwen who would be understanding to a fault even but who, in the end, could hold his own if need be. Who better than to base Caleb off of than a man who has proven himself in the area of dealing with a difficult woman (yeah, I'm calling myself difficult...lol) than my hubby.

Caleb ended up meeting Gwen during a scene when he as a crossbow. That was a bit of an inside joke with my husband and I because in college he took a lot of "odd" courses, like canoeing, archery and so forth for his electives. I, of course, being the smart*** that I am, couldn't resist asking if he wore tights and was accompanied by a band of merry men while he was off shooting arrows in the forest. So, the joke had to come into play in DOD too.

Another character in DOD who is based off a real person is Nana. She’s based off my grandmother. She too is a little woman full of spit and vinegar. The lecture Gwen gets about men all being like lemons… “put ‘em in a bag, shake ‘em up, pull one out and you still have a lemon” is a saying my grandmother has used ever since I can remember. She also calls everyone shorty like Nana in the book does because she forgets their names. *Big Grin*

There is something from my life in every book I write. Even if it’s just small, its there. Like in Wicked Lucidity, the opening scene where Karri and Amber are dancing to 70's music while dressed up in the front lawn for all to see is something I've done in the past. (Okay, fine...I might still be known to do it. *G*)

I think that life is amazingly complicated but wonderfully so. If that makes any kind of sense. I think ugly things happen to good and bad people. I also think that while they shape us, they don't always define us. I try to bring that way of thinking into my writing. I try to bring in what we know and take it to another level. There are times when it’s too hard for some to read and I understand that fully. I'm the first to put a disclaimer on something flagging it. I also think that a lot of people do want to read about it all and "live it" safely via a book.

Oh, would you look at that…I just put everyone reading this to sleep. LOL. Sorry to ramble. I tend to do that. I also tend to avoid saying thanks when someone was nice enough to take time out of their day to compliment me…like you did. It’s not because I don’t want to but I get embarrassed and then want to hide under my desk. Oh, yeah, I’m fearless all right. *snort* So let me just take a second to say thank you.

I could talk forever and a day so I’ll spare you all any more for now.

(oh, and the pic is one someone sent from the web. They thought I'd like it. I do. The artist did an amazing job!)

Express Yourself CONTEST!

2006-12-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

2007 Express
Yourself Contest!

It's a biggie!

Express Yourself Contest!

We’ve been at this a while now and it never ceases to amaze us just how many creative people are out there. We’d like to take a moment to celebrate that creativity and give an outlet for it. Our contest, which will run for a few months and if it goes over well, longer, revolves around just how creative you can be. NO—this is NOT a talent contest for who can do the best. It’s for who can put the most heart into it. There is also more than one way to express yourself so we want to be sure to include them all.

Here are just some of the prizes we’ll be offering. $20.00 gift certificates to Amazon.com, signed print copies of our books, PDF downloads of our books, bookmarks and more.

How can you be entered? That’s easy…EXPRESS YOURSELF!

The way we’d like to see (but you’re not limited to this) is for readers to make fan-based book videos of our books. Some of the programs for this are free to download and use. One is Microsoft Movie Maker—it’s free and available through Microsoft’s website. If you can click and drag…you can do it. It really is that easy. Since we’re not expecting Spielberg, anyone is free to play along and try their hand. We really think these videos will, if nothing else, open a new avenue to get the word out about our books. We’d love to share the spreading of the news with you, our readers. We do have a few minor rules for the videos though…

Please, no Debbie Does Dallas Porn (most free hosting sites will yank these anyway).

You MUST label (in title) ALL entries clearly that this is “FAN-BASED video/artwork/etc”.

Also, no book spoilers…these won’t be entered into the contest. If you’re unsure what might be a spoiler, play off the blurb of the book. That is a safe bet.

These can ONLY have OUR books as the focus.

Please no WRITTEN fan-fiction. Sorry, but these won’t be included. And as always, book ideas, manuscripts and anything of the like will not be read and will be deleted promptly. Sorry…damn lawyers and their damn policies. Oy.

You may enter as often as you like with new works each time. There is NO limit to how many entries you can do. You’ll be entered into the drawing each time for each entry.

Helpful tips: Microsoft Movie Maker is free. It’s a drag and drop program and is easy to use. ALL of our covers can be found on our website (Michelle M. Pillow & Mandy M. Roth) along with information about each title. Be creative! Youtube and Myspace are just two of the places who offer FREE video hosting. Once your fan-based video is made, put it up and send Michelle and I the link. We’ll check it out and get it linked with the others for display.

You do NOT have to use your real name for this (well, you do have to give it to Michelle and I in the event you win but we’ll keep that between us if you’re rather have a nick or something for public).

If you cannot figure out how to host the video Michelle and I will open a spot JUST for fan based videos. You can contact us about this further if you have questions. We’re happy to help. We want everyone to have fun and access to these.

~~~~By submitting the work(s), you acknowledge that you are giving us permission to post them and use them in a manner we see fit. Must be 18 years and older to play. Must label all uploads/posts “fan-based video/artwork/etc”. Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth assume NO responsibility for content/copyright of works submitted for contest, and ask that the work be original/submitted in good faith.~~~~

Make a book video? What, are they smoking the good shit again (you might be asking yourselves)…*snicker* If this just isn’t your thing but you’d still like to enter the contest, we’d love to see other ways you can express your “love” (know that Michelle just slapped me for writing that) for us.

Here are some other ideas. You’re not limited to them though.

Fan artwork. It can be uploaded to yahoo album on Mandy or Michelle’s yahoo groups (both if you want). Same rules apply as video.

Digital picture of you holding one of our print books or a pic of one of our ebooks pulled up on your computer/reading device. (same rules apply)

Macaroni frame of our names….just kidding unless you REALLY wanted to. But the point is, EXPRESS YOURSELF. Do you want to sculpt a shrine to us out of your mashed potatoes? (Michelle makes the request you do hers out of chocolate and send directly to her…thanks…SNORT) Do you want to build a statue of us out of M&Ms? Do you want to send us handmade artwork from your neck of the woods? Whatever you want to do…DO IT! The easiest way for us to see this stuff is via the web and uploading pics to the yahoo group pics section. MAKE sure to tell us you did and its up. If it’s handmade artwork you want to send…you can send it to Mandy M. Roth PO Box 305, Huron, OH 44839 (Michelle’s can come to my PO Box as well. I’ll be sure she gets them.)

Want to start a tribute fan web page for our books? A fan club? A cult (ouch…? What? I want minions dammit…Michelle let me have minions…you know you want them. *big grin* )

Want to start a rock band named after us…? Pfft, only if you let us be lead signers. Wait, I’ve heard her sing, she should be a backup dancer or something. *grin* Watch your toes people…watch your toes!

If you have not a lick of creative juice in your body but still want to play along, don’t worry. We’ve got other ideas too. Amazon allows readers to post reviews of our books. If you’d liked to be entered in the contest…EXPRESS YOURSELF there. Same rules apply as with the others. Also…you do NOT have to love the book. We want you to be honest. If you loved it, that’s fine too. LOL

We just want this to be a fun, rocking contest that lets everyone EXPRESS themselves!

Thanks,

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

Michelle M. Pillow

www.michellepillow.com

Helpful Links

Microsoft Movie Maker (free movie maker program by Microsoft that is very easy to use)

How to Use Movie Maker

Youtube and Myspace (two FREE video hosting sites. All you need to do is sign up for a free account and then you can upload videos to it)

Mandy's yahoo group where you can upload fan artwork/photos.

Michelle’s yahoo group where you can upload fan artwork/photos.

Mandy M. Roth (webpage)

www.mandyroth.com

Michelle M. Pillow (webpage)

www.michellepillow.com

Email Questions

Mandy

Michelle

Bumping of 13 going on 30 post...

2006-12-22T06:56:00.000-05:00

(This post is an older one but since I had another brush with someone out in public who bought my books for her daughter who was early teens, I thought it was relevant--keep in mind the woman told me this in passing as I'm standing in the parking getting ready to finish my Christmas shopping. I'm starting to think I need to write a YA line so then I can direct them there.)

I just received an email from someone who found me on myspace. So far, I have nothing but nice things to say about myspace. The person was young and interested in reading my books. I had to point out that they are NOT appropriate for anyone under the age of 18. I haven’t heard back from her yet but it reminded me of a book signing I had back in October. A grandmother and her granddaughter came up to my table, wanting to buy one of my books. The girl was in her early/mid-teens. I suggested some alternate authors who do not write erotic but who still write paranormal and I really felt like I should have been talking to a wall. It was a case of in one ear and out the other. The girl had it in her head that she wanted one of my books and wasn’t taking no for an answer. Other readers came to the table, having me sign books while she continued browsing (there was a LOT of foot traffic and people stopping to have books signed or ask questions that day). I also continued pointing out that my books my violence and FRANK sexual language and open door bedroom scenes….ADULT CONTENT. Finally, her grandmother thrusts three at me and I flat out take one away. Okay, I’m not going to yell at anyone, especially at a signing but geesh. In the end, they bought one. I wasn't pleased to say the least. When all was said and done, they walked past with their bag from the bookstore and the grandmother actually says "This book won't make my granddaughter wild, will it?" It was all I could do not to shout at her. I mean, hello...did I not just spend how long trying to explain it wasn't appropriate? All I got of the ordeal was a lawsuit waiting to happen and a huge headache. I may be a rare breed but I wouldn’t let my daughter (if I had one) read my books at that age. Eighteen? Sure, but not younger.

The girl and her grandmother thing ate at me the entire book signing. A mother with two twin twelve year old girls approached next. She was very nice and wanted the girls to get to meet an author. When she lifted one of my titles, I did as I’d done with the other couple, I put my hand over the book and explained it wasn’t for anyone other than adults and that the material was inappropriate. The mother smiled, set it down, sent the girls to look at books in their age range and thanked me for pointing that out to her. We talked for a bit and I gave her some suggested readings for her daughter (one of the twins was a big reader) because my son is the same age and loves Ciqure De Freaks and some other works. When she left, my mood had improved dramatically, giving me hope that I’m not just overprotective.

Author Friends Having Contests As Well

2006-12-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my writing friends who are also having a contest of some sort. I thought you all might like a chance to win more gifts this holiday season!

Melani Blazer
http://www.melaniblazer.net/blog/

Michelle M. Pillow
http://michellespillowtalk.blogspot.com/

Jaci Burton
http://www.jaciburton.com/blog/

Angela James
http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/blog/?p=757

Also, don't forget I'll be drawing a winner for a PDF each day until Christmas from the Mandy M. Roth Yahoo Group.

Happy Holidays!

Mandy

www.mandyroth.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mandy_M_Roth/join

Here they are...

2006-12-21T06:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, here are the links to some of my book videos. I hope you enjoy them.

Video 1--Vampire Romances

Video 2--Daughter of Darkness

Video 3--Demonic Desires

Video 4--multi-cover/paranormal

Let's Get it On...

2006-12-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here trying to get in the mindset to write a sex scene. I'm beginning to think mood lighting might be in order. Maybe its just a hectic time of the year but my mind isn't really into the whole sex thing. I'm thinking I should come back to that after the holidays. But, in the meantime, I went ahead and did some much needed Muse pick me up. What does that mean? I went in search of sexy photos of hunks.

Found some.

Book Videos..

2006-12-19T08:19:00.000-05:00

Or trailers...whatever they're calling them these days.

Okay, I've been seeing more and more of these pop up on the web and am wondering if I should go ahead and have one done. What do you all think of them? I know that a few of them have been amazing and made me want to buy the book (Jaci Burton's is just one example of this. Collen Gleason is another.). Does it work that way for you as well or do you not put much stock in them?

Curious minds want to know....*grin*

Research...

2006-12-18T07:12:00.000-05:00

Oh, yes, just one of the reasons I love writing. I’m working on three projects at one time again. None of which have the same research material or topics. Notes are my new best friend. One minute I’m knee deep in one handed vs. two handed swords of old to guessing how much technology and medical breakthroughs we’ll have six hundred plus years from now in the area of androids. With the relatively new breakthrough on the part of the female android that looks very lifelike and with the advances in growing skin, tissue and organs that is currently taking place, not to mention a coma patient waking up after almost two decades and his brain going from predominately atrophied to showing signs of new axon growth—I’m assuming we’ll be fairly far in this area. I’m also guessing what we perceive as “the way it is” will change significantly by then as well.

Did any of you ever think they’d be able to do a face transplant? I know if you’d have asked me that ten years ago I’d have laughed you out of the room. I’ve come a long way in thinking outside the box. I have hopes that most people do as well or will before too long. I’m guessing the people who limit themselves to what they know to be true here and now don’t read too much in the way of fiction. If they do, all I have to offer is that once people thought the world was flat. Enough said. *snicker*

I can completely see how terms and ways of thinking will be modified over the centuries as they always have been. Trying to incorporate them into the storyline is challenging but fun.

Not only are advancements in medical taking place all around us, scientists are making huge breakthroughs in other areas that make writing a futuristic exciting and virtually limitless. I mean come on, who wasn’t excited when they read about the strides they’ve made in quantum teleportation? I don’t care that they’re only dealing with subatomic particles physical states right now. We can only imagine what they’ll be dealing with centuries from now.

Going from one end of the research spectrum to the other has been a blast. It’s also prompted me to ask myself how much of this is necessary. More often than not, I’ll spend days, some times weeks (there is a series I plan to do that I’ve been digging up information on for over three years now) researching something only to hint at in the final book. In the end I still feel good for having looked it up, and dug more into it all so I don’t have regret. I just know me and I’m very easy to lose in the research end of things…meaning…I’ll have so much fun learning about something new that it will consume what should have been my writing time.

You all might think I’m kidding but my editors can attest to just how ridiculous I can get when it comes to research. Not to mention anyone who knows me or has seen pics of my office knows just how many non-fiction books line the shelves.

Wind it up...

2006-12-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

I just got back in after doing a drive by dropping of the hubby at the airport. I thought about shoving him out while the car was moving but I really liked the pants he had on so I held back. *snicker*

We made is about four feet before the youngest Roth boy lost his mind, upset he couldn't fly somewhere too. I gave in and stopped at a bookstore--thinking I could get in and out without having to buy anything that makes noise. Bwwwhhhaaaa....was I ever wrong. He found a book with a set of toys that went to it and wasn't taking no for an answer. Taking pity on him because he just got over being REALLY sick and just went through his mother practically shoving his father from the vehicle to send him off to another state, yet again...I gave in and bought it.

WOW...if I EVER do something that stupid again, smack the sh*t out of me! You have my permission. I've spent most of the day winding his toy up only to listen to it clang as it spins in a wide circle. Should something horrible happen to it after he falls asleep tonight, I had nothing to do with it. I swear. *blinks innocently*

My only hope is that when one of the thirty people who seem to think I need a babysitter show up to check in on us, I can slip it into one of their jacket pockets. Hmm, maybe the youngest kid will fit in their pocket too. *grins*

Things I've Done/Haven't Done

2006-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Things I've Done/Haven't Done

I stole this from Annalee

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula ( I stood in awe as my friend played with his and as he tried to hand it to me, I got faint.) LOL
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (I’ve run fast first into one while playing flashlight tag. Oh, and once after having drank a wee bit too much. Might have hugged it to hang on.)
10. Bungee jumped (with my aversion to heights…umm…no.)
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (again, the aversion to heights thing)
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country (I’m so counting Canada)
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign [When I was in high school my bedroom was decorated in stolen street signs. I had a MASSIVE stop sign that was great.)
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them (we went to a place that does this to you. They seat you at a long table with people you don’t know. It was in Amish country. Odd but fun and great food!)
54. Visited Japan (not yet but its like that might be in the not too distant future)
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs (my DVDs, my books, my….okay, you get the point)
57. Pretended to be a superhero (I was wonder woman forever and a day when I was younger. I blame those underwear that were made to look like their outfits)
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving (I’ve sat on the boat watching everyone else go. Story of my life…ever the observer.)
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie (I was in several plays in high school and after. Can I count those? Lol)
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (when I was pregnant, I was extremely sick and hospitalized because I couldn’t eat or drink. I would spent a couple of weeks in the hospital with IVs and then a couple home with home heath care there to change my IV spot and make sure the fluid (kept in a backpack like thing that plugged in) was filled…then back to hospital. Was like that for several months. So, it wasn’t by choice. I remember being seven month pregnant and eating food for the first time in what felt like forever. I had a banana. I also put almost five years between my first and second child for fear of history repeating itself.)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice (painted various scenes with them but have never ridden in one)
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently (ah, damn I don’t even speak English fluently. so people get what I can give. LOL)
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Been to the Great Barrier Reef
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states [Just Canada and Mexico though.
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed (I was on the boat yanking them. Can I couldn’t that? LOl)
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head (Mom, I am still SO sorry about that shaving the sides of your head fad that thankfully died not too long after it started. I know seeing your daughter like that couldn’t have been easy.)
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

I wonder if anyone can highlight them all? If you're reading this, you've been tagged!

13 going on 30...

2006-12-07T23:32:00.000-05:00

Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2006-12-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

The holidays are upon us and as I listen to my children’s seemingly endless lists of this and that, I can’t help but to think about those who aren’t as fortunate. I’ve been involved with organizations who help everyone from battered women to people who have lost their homes in natural disasters but there is one I’ve not yet lent a helping hand to—Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program. I read an article touching a bit on it in a magazine (actually, about someone--Jay Tavare--who in addition to his busy life was also active in this program) and it sparked an interest for me.

I could go into a long drawn out lecture on my views about the injustices done (and still being done) to these people, their culture, their nations but I think we all know me well enough to realize my rant would never end. I just wanted to take a moment to draw a bit of attention to the program itself and to let you all know I’m seriously considering going forth to see what I can to do to contribute. They don’t appear to be asking for much.

I’ll keep you all posted on my progress with this. Also, since this is the time of year for sharing, if you have an organization you support feel free to post a link to it or email me and I’ll post it for you.

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Dinner

2006-11-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

I’m hosting Thanksgiving here for the family and have to say I took the lazy way out this year. I ordered the dinner. That’s right….me….I broke down and ordered Thanksgiving dinner. With a pending move, deadlines and some additional home things, I just didn’t have the time to cook. I’m ashamed of myself.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. They tell me I only have to warm everything up. We’ll see. Considering the fact I made a ham two weeks ago that turned out like jerky because I wasn’t paying attention, I’m starting to wonder if I can handle something as simple as warming food up.

Oy.

How quickly we fall from cooking grace.

LOL

Mmm, mmm, good morning....

2006-11-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

Mmm, yes, he did the trick for getting me kick started this morning. It's Monday and I didn't want to get out of bed. Against my better judgment, I let the dog convince me to get up. (Okay, more like she stood next to me dancing and daring me to stay there because she was about to pee regardless if it was outside or on my kitchen floor but we'll say the other for now.)

So, I got up, tossed on a pot of coffee (wondering what my DH will drink because I'm not in the mood to share) and sat down to check email/browse the web. It was then I came across this hella hunk. WOW. Yeah, that's all I have to say about him. I googled him and turns out he's an actor. Anyone who knows me isn't shocked I didn't instantly know this. I tend to be WAY behind in my movie viewing...oh, say like the 80's. *snicker*

Anyway, his movies are now in my TBB pile because I can really see myself staring at the screen if he's on it. SEE...if people would point out men like this exist I'd get my ass to the movie theater.

Got any hunky favs? I'm all eyes...erm...ears.

What's Going On...

2006-11-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Signing….

Yesterday’s signing went well. I was surprised to see how many people in the area were already fans of my books. I met one couple who are currently expecting a child and the husband was quick to point and blame part of it on me. It’s something I’ll gladly accept though I think I should be the baby’s godmother. Seems only fair.

I was also able to introduce myself to some who hadn’t heard of me or my books before. It was great to have a chance to speak with them, learn their likes and dislikes.

Home front….

All and all, the signing went well.

We’re currently trying to put our house back together again after doing the great big purging of ’06. Goodwill is now stocked for the season thanks to the Roth house and the trash people are one rolling dumpster heavier. The carpet men came and once they were gone we began moving me into the office. I can’t tell you how nice it is not to be on display when people walk in my front door. It’s a little hard to get used to now though. I sort of got in the habit of writing while ducking flying nerf footballs and screaming kids. Its very quiet down here. Plus, I keep stopping what I’m doing to go make sure everything is fine with the kids. Keep in mind, hubby is home today helping with them but since I have no visual of what’s going on, I assume everything is juggling knives and swallowing fire.

There is still SO much to be done around the house. I just decided to take the morning off from it all and get to it later. Besides, I kind of like the desktop computer sitting on the cent of the dining room table. Maybe I should hook it up, google pics of candlelight and have a romantic dinner with hubby there. Bet he’d sit in one place long enough to digest food then. Oh, and I could IM so all would be well.

Writing front…

News on the writing front is sketchy at best. I’ve been busy with the house and the news we might need to move. That being said, I have decided now is as good a time as any to bite the bullet and begin seeking an agent. I’ve got my fingers crossed on one in particular but I’ll keep that tidbit to myself for the time being. Call me superstitious. LOL

RJ Scavenger Hunt

2006-11-04T19:48:00.000-05:00

Michelle's doing a scavenger hunt and a bunch of us are playing along! Tons of authors and prizes!

Click here to Play!

Sleep

2006-11-04T07:40:00.000-05:00

The ever elusive white rabbit. Wow, I spent most of the night tossing and turning but when I got up to write, my eyelids took on minds of their own and kept closing. What does this mean? Does it mean I wasted money on a mattress when clearly my computer chair is where my body would prefer I call it a night? Does this mean kicking my poor, dear hubby out of the room for snoring might have been uncalled for since I wasn’t going to get any sleep anyway? Does it mean growling at my dog who decided she had to pee multiple times last night and that she should spent ten minutes outside with me standing at the back door freezing might have been overkill?

Damn, I sure hope not.

Request Do Over Week

2006-11-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

My week started off ugly when I’m shopping and minding my own business and this mother/daughter combo are near me. The mother asks what I think of the sweater she’s having her daughter (who is 19) try on in center of store. I’m like…it’s fine. Looks nice. (whatever you should say when asked because really, the truth is NEVER what people want to hear.)

The little diva goes all drama queen and in the next breath is like “Mom, don’t ask her. She’s not the one wearing it. She just WISHES she could.”

OMG..Yeah, you read that right.

Anyway, a thousand things run through my head. None of which are nice. First is, WTF, your mother asked me, kid. I didn’t ask her--Over here minding my biz not caring about you and your throw back to Arnold Palmer day sweater. So some rather choice things came out of my mouth. Am I proud of them---not really. Would I take them back—probably not. LOL I didn't even hit her...are we proud of me?

The list goes on….but I’m sparing you all my grumpy complaining.

All and all, it just makes me wonder why it is I rolled out of bed this week and who I sign up with for a do over.

On a separate note---BIG THANKS to Melani Blazer for helping me get my blog template fixed. 

halloween trivia

2006-10-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

Halloween Trivia

Phasmophobia" is the fear of ghosts.

A cup of candy corn has fewer calories than a cup of raisins.

It's illegal to sell a haunted house in New York without informing the buyer.

Eighty-two percent of children take part in Halloween festivities, as do 67% of adults.

The first jack-o'-lanterns were made of turnips.

"Samhainophobia" is the morbid fear of Halloween.

Halloween is the biggest holiday of the year when it comes to candy sales—estimated at $1.93 billion. One quarter of all the candy sold each year is purchased between September 15 and November 10.

The word witch comes from the Saxon word Wicca, which means "wise one."

Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green.

In France, more than 30,000 werewolf cases were tried between 1520 and 1630.

Dracula is the most filmed story of all time.

The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,469 pounds. It was weighed in on October 1, 2005 at the Pennsylvania Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off.

Trick-or-treating is an Irish tradition, based on a custom where wealthy landowners would give food to the poor on Halloween night, believing ghosts would look favorably on them for doing so and spare them from mischief.

In Romanian, Dracula means "Son of the Devil."

The Scots believed in "Samhanach," a goblin who came out only on Halloween and stole children.

Halloween costume sales are estimated at $1.5 billion.

Eighty percent of kids say their favorite Halloween candy is either chocolate or gum.

Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables.

Pennsylvania was the first colony to legalize witchcraft.

There is a poisonous mushroom called a jack-o'-lantern. These mushrooms are a bright orange-yellow in color and on rainy nights they appears to glow in the dark.

Fifty-one percent of all American adults believe in ghosts. Nine percent of Americans claim to have been in the presence of a ghost during their lifetime.

Americans consume about 20 million pounds of candy corn each year.

The Count Dracula Society was founded in 1962.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, people in costumes and masks would go from house to house, singing and dancing to keep evil at bay. These people were known as "guisers."

Americans spend about $50 million on Halloween greetings.

According to studies, the smell of pumpkin pie is the most arousing to women, followed by lavender, cucumbers, baby powder and Good & Plenty candy.

At one time, there were public trials and convictions of animals for witchcraft.

In Lewis, Scotland, Halloween was once celebrated by designating one man to wade into the evening sea and offer a cup of ale to Shoney, a sea god.

In the North of England, Halloween was called "nut-crack" and "snap-apple night."

Ninety-nine percent of pumpkins sold in the U.S. are used to make jack-o'-lanterns.

The first Frankenstein film was produced by Thomas Edison in 1910.

The average U.S. household spends $44 on Halloween candy.

There is a Transylvania County in North Carolina.

According to superstition, you will see your future spouse over your left shoulder in the mirror at midnight on Halloween.

"Wicca phobia" is the fear of witches and witchcraft.

October 30 is National Candy Corn Day.

A popular Halloween drink in 18th century Ireland was "lambs-wool," which consisted of roasted, crushed apples mixed into milk.

Dan Rather was born on Halloween, as was Jane Pauley.

Celts believed black cats were once people who had been turned into animals with evil magic.

Interview, Gia, Psychic/Medium and a Paranormal Investigator

2006-10-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

Interview, Gia, Psychic/Medium and a Paranormal Investigator

How did you become Psychic/Medium and a Paranormal Investigator? Have you always had the talent, or was it something you developed? Did you inherit your talents and have you passed them on to your children?

I guess you could say, I was born with it. My Great Grandmother, Grandmother were both Psychic/Mediums. My family found out I was inheriting tje gifts at the age of 4. My son is now developing his abilites, and my grandson, who is now 4 is showing signs of being Psychic. I started my Paranormal Investigations over 20 years ago.

Do you consider you abilities a gift?

In the early years I felt it was a curse, but at the age of 22 I realized that it was never going away...So I embraced it. Yes, It's a gift and a blessing now.

It's mentioned you worked with police and the FBI. Can you share anything about the cases you've been involved with?

I've worked mostly Missing Children cases. In one case the body needed to be found for a conviction. It was a 14 yr old "cold case". I was able to help them find her.

Other than on investigations, what have your paranormal experiences been?

I've had so many. I don't know where to start.

Do you believe in the existence of ghosts? Have you seen proof of such phenomenon? Ghosts? Spirits?

Yes:::Laughing::::I see them all the time.

What other paranormal creatures, phenomenon do you believe in? Past life regression?

I've seen demons. I know to some that's hard to grasp, but they exsist.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of psychics/sensitives? Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

I know that Hollywood has to embelish to get an audience. The one that is closest to the real thing, is " Medium " I like the way they portray her. Just a down to earth woman who is trying to juggle being a good Mother and Wife who has Dreams/Premonitions and Spirits that take her away from alot of important family things. (Reminds me of me quite a bit ). I'd really like to throw my shoe at another show ( that I won't name ) Don't want to get people mad ::::::laughing:::::

I hear you're writing a book about your experiences? Anything you'd like to share?

It's about my struggle with living in a time where being a Psychic and a Meduim was looked at as the " Devils Work". And what I have found and experienced over the years , ie: demon, spirits , ect. The book is called " The Three Visitors : A Mediums Story "

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/swtserenity11

Darkness Radio Q & A

2006-10-26T06:57:00.000-05:00

Darkness Radio

—Paranormal Theme Day Q & A—

Michelle and I would like to take this moment to thank you for joining our Paranormal Theme Day.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what, in the field of paranormal, do you do and how long have you been doing it?

I am Dave Schrader, host of Darkness on the Edge of Town Paranormal Radio Show.
We air every Sunday night and stream the show live on the internet at www.DarknessRadio.com. We began airing shows on Jan 01, 2006 and have had the chance to speak with some of the biggest experts in the field of the paranormal.
I began this show because of my personal interest in the unknown and my own personal experiences.

2. Was there a seminal moment when you decided this was what you wanted to do?

No, not 1 moment. I am intrigued by the unseen forces at work around us. I am also terrified of death so I believe by researching and learning along with my listeners perhaps I can overcome this fear. I have had the chance to see the spirits of my grandparents after they passed, heard voices speak from thin air, dealt with dark forces in my home. So it is the culmination of all of that that spurs on my passion to get the answers.

3. What topic within the realm of paranormal interests you most?

The afterlife and where we go and what happens to us when we die. I am also interested in UFO and cryptozoology and the advancements we are making in the finding of new species on this planet every month.

4. Is there a favorite time or experience revolving around either the discussion of the paranormal or a personal experience you'd like to share with us?

I would say hosting the paranormal cross fire event at this years Penn State, Univ-Con 5 paranormal conference will always stick out with me. To be part of something with so many speakers and professionals offering so many insights into the paranormal.

5. How can our readers find you?

Visit our website at www.DarknessRadio.com to listen to Live shows or the archives we have placed on our site. I also invite then to join our BB and sign up for some of the paranormal retreats we take with celeb ghost hunters, like the one coming up Jan 14-17th aboard the haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach Ca.
We will be joined by Donna and Lisa from TAPS, Chris Fleming from Dead Famous and Patrick Burns from Haunting Evidence. There will be other great speakers and some surprises along the way.

Again, thank you so much for taking time out with us today.

Mandy & Michelle

Fav e-book authors/books poll please help

2006-10-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

(post came from a friend of mine..angie. I'm passing on to all of you)

From the owner's blog.

An update on the mini-poll situation ...after checking with our pollsters, it appears that while more ballots are coming in for Mainstream Sexy and Erotic Romance titles, E-Book ballots remain few and far between. I know that a number of you read e-books, and/or know others who do. Please spread the word that unless we receive enough E-Book ballots, we will not be able to finalize that particular mini-poll as the results would be statistically insignificant. I've got a possible remedy in my mind if that occurs, but given how vocal E-Book supporters are, both here and at AAR, we're all a little stymied.

http://laurielikesbooks.blog-city.com/mainstream_sexy_vs_erotic_romance_and_ebooks.htm

And to get to the poll so ebooks don't lose out, go here to vote: http://www.likesbooks.com/minipolls.html

MM Paranormal Theme Day Oct 26th

2006-10-09T19:21:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

It’s that time of the year again! Michelle and I are gathering all or goodies up for this year’s MM Paranormal Theme Day. It will kick off on Oct 26^th and span several boards (consider that a warning *evil chuckle slips out* ). We’re doing something new this year by extending invitations to Paranormal Investigators, Parapsychologists & Experts in the field to take a moment and answer questions for us. We’ll also be doing some of the tried and true things that always generate a large response, the levels of hauntings, your experiences with the paranormal, your thoughts on the supernatural, and let’s not forget the excerpts and the prizes. We’re gathering additional ones from authors as we speak, not to mention Michelle and I have lots of goodies stored up for this event.

To be able to view the multi-publisher excerpts and prizes, be sure you’re a member of the RAVEN GROUP. We’re making sure to be respectful and keep house excerpts specific to house on the day of event. The RAVEN will act as a free for all. LOL. Only a few of the boards receiving this post will be ones the theme day occurs on so if you’re unsure, you can always check the group calendar and/or join the RAVEN.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Raven_Vampire_Nightclub/join

If you’re an author and would like to participate, please email Michelle enchant@ cox.net (no spaces)

Thanks,

Mandy M. Roth & Michelle M. Pillow

Pleasure Cruise II: Date with Destiny~coming soon to Ellora’s Cave

___________________________________

WARNING: Lab Vampires were hurt in the making of this sig.

Vampires, Werewolves, & Faeries...Oh my!

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

Sink or swim...my advice on no advice...

2006-09-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

I get a lot of email wanting to know why I don’t discuss writing tips and tricks on my website, blogs or boards. The answer to that is simple. I still do not feel like an author. The very idea of giving writing advice doesn’t sit well with me. There are a couple of people (you know who you are) that play the “bounce story ideas off each other” game with me but that’s it. I’ve tried my hand at a critique group and it wasn’t for me. I’m not sure I could even list the reasons why because I’m not completely sure of them myself.

I’m often asked about what advice I have for aspiring authors. Write what you love is about the only profound (I use the term loosely here) thing I have to offer. I really do feel as if I was dropped into a sea with no indication of where land might be. I’m totally lost on most days. Sink or swim. Currently, I’m treading water and keeping my head afloat—barely. I’m surrounded by all types of people—those who are fountains of wisdom, who have done and seen most everything this industry has to throw at them, those who are in the same treading spot I am, those who are new and eager to learn everything there is to know, and those who talk a big game but are wet behind the ears (you know the types, think they have an answer for everything but are getting their info from the same exact sources you are but rushing to implement them to look like they know what the hell they’re doing—thus making them leading experts).

To be honest, I couldn’t survive without all of them. I take notes when called for, always starved to learn something new. I raise an eyebrow, hide a smile and do what I have to do when presented with the fad-of-the-momenters (inventing words here, I know), I try to be as helpful as I can be to the new folks and I lean heavily on those in the same treading position. It’s one big dysfunctional family. For me to step forth and offer my tips and tricks for writing seems a bit premature. I’ll tell you what, should I ever hit the NY Bestseller list, I’ll blog all the time about what to do. Until then, I’m content doing my thing and observing the sea around me.

Sacred Places

2006-09-05T13:28:00.000-05:00

Just Released--SACRED PLACES!

Ancient, eternal, magikal, and in love with a woman immune to his charms. The combination can bring even the strongest druid sorcerer to his knees.

Sacred Places by Mandy M. Roth

ISBN: 1-59998-268-4

Price: $2.50 Length: Short Story

Cover Art:

Genre: Romance/Red Hot!/Paranormal

Publication Date: September 5th, 2006

Buy From MBaM!

Coyle O'Caha, a seven-hundred-year-old, immortal druid sorcerer, has one claim to famehis experience mentoring fledgling witches. Three years ago, he found his soulmate, Deri Sullivan. With Deri haunting his dreams, he can no longer wait to claim her. Hes tired of waiting for her to fall for his charms and see that hes the man for her. Of course, thats easier said than done since Deri is immune to both his charm and magik.

Deri Sullivans boss is a real piece of work. Not only is Coyle a millionaire with a body to die for and an attitude to match, but he also has a Scottish lilt which makes her knees weak. Hes a certified ladies man. A man she should avoid at all costs. A man she cant seem to quit dreaming about. A man with whom she wishes she could share her secret. Sometimes love happens at its own pace, other times, a supernatural nudge is needed.

WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence explained with contemporary, graphic language.

TO BUY

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=202

Expert

Enjoy this excerpt from

Sacred Places

Only Coyle made her body react this way and it seemed to be getting worse as time went on. What had started off as mere curiosity on her part now bordered on obsession. He consumed her waking thoughts and seemed to invade her every dream. It had to end soon. She had someone else in her life. Someone who wasnt unobtainable. Someone who claimed to care for her even though he had a funny way of showing it. Why was she drawn to this moody millionaire who still insisted on running his own small pub on the seaside?

Sure, his devilishly handsome good looks had something to do with it. How could they not? The mans black tousled hair hung just past his ears and it looked as untamable as the rest of him. The seemingly endless tribal tattoos adorning his body added a whole new layer to Coyles mystique. Setting aside his money, he was pure perfection. He also had the ability to not only make her feel safe, which was rare, but to make her laugh as well.

You and every other babe out there.

Women flocked to him. It was sickening. They arrived at the pub in groups of four or more, retreating to the back with Coyle until the wee hours of the morning. Deri refused to be one of his endless streams of women. She was not a Coyle groupie nor would she ever be one.

Okay, maybe not outwardly, but inwardly Im a classic groupie.

Disgusted by her lack of willpower, Deri steeled herself to his touch, hoping it would make her immune to whatever it was he possessed. It didnt. It did, however, make her painfully aware of how close she was to being one of his groupies.

I will not throw myself at this mans feet.

Jerking back from him, Deri shook her head, sending tendrils of red hair scattering about as her clip gave way. Her hair seemed to engulf Coyles large hands as it fell to the tips of her breasts, teasing her and driving her closer to the brink of begging him to have her.

The sound of her cell phone ringing caught her attention and saved Deri from making an even bigger fool of herself. Drawing back more, she tipped her head. Excuse me.

Of course, Coyle bit out, aggravation evident. Wouldnae want to keep precocious lil Chad waiting.

Rolling her eyes, she pulled her cell phone from her waist. As if you have any clue who is calling me. She flipped her phone open. Hello?

Hey, Deri, Chad said, his voice strained. For a split second, Deri thought she heard a females voice in the background, whispering something low near Chad. She dismissed the thought although her mind tripped over it once more.

Umm, hi. She turned and tried to walk away from Coyle to avoid his penetrating stare. Plus, putting distance between herself and the headstrong Scot would only help to avoid letting him know he was right about who was on the phone. Though, Deri had little doubt the man needed no such confirmation.

Wonderful. Sexy and psychic.

Coyle moved with her, dwarfing her five-foot, six-inch frame with his close to six and a half feet one. The slightest bit of pressure from his hands was enough to hold her in one spot, not that she wanted to go too far from him anyway. No. Deri wanted to be pinned beneath those hands. Held in place as he used his long fingers to explore every inch of her.

Take me.

A cocky smile graced Coyles face. The urge to smack it off was great. She held back. Tell Chad I said hi.

Before she could stop herself, Deri had her middle finger in the airflipping Coyle off in a very unladylike gesture. Coyle nipped playfully at it. Promises. Promises, Deri. If its rutting yer after youve only but to ask. Ill nae deny you. He ran a hand over the bulge in his jeans and arched a brow. I wouldnae suggest being fool enough to tempt me again or you might find yerself spread out before me like an offering. And, lass, he added in a low voice, Ill do more than take you up on it. Ill consume you.

Her jaw dropped. Coyle captured her middle finger with his mouth and sucked gently, sending sparks of pleasure through her body. Instantly, her inner thighs tightened. She gasped. He chuckled as he worked his tongue out and over her finger with a skill she could easily imagine him utilizing to bring her pleasure.

Deri? Chad asked. Babycakes, you okay?

What woman are you with now? The question made little sense but it fell from her lips all the same. Still, it was all she had and the feeling that Chad wasnt alone nagged her. It had been over a year since someone, besides herself, had touched her in a way that was even remotely sexual. To have the one man she desired most doing it was almost too much.

What woman? Chad laughed. It sounded forced, with a nervous edge. Deri, I called to tell you that Im running late and stuck at the office. There is no other woman. I wont be able to pick you up from work tonight. Can you catch a ride home with Gigi?

Coming to her senses, she yanked her finger from Coyles mouth and shook her head. No, I cant get a ride home with Gigi because shes off tonight and tomorrow and the next night, she mentally counted to five before continuing on, because shes visiting her sister in Pennsylvania, Chad. Remember? You were with me when I dropped her off at the bus depot.

It would have been so easy to zap Chad with her power. Too easy. Killing mortals was wrong. She didnt need anyone to tell her as much. Inflicting a little pain on the other handno, I cant.

School Days...Lazy Days....

2006-08-23T08:39:00.000-05:00

Two off and one sleeping. I should be throwing a party, right? That or getting a ton of writing done. I’m catching up on emails, blogs, and all that good stuff. Poor time management? Perhaps, but a much needed break from it all.

This brings me to my point (yeah, I have one). What do you all do to unwind?

Just Released--Performance Criteria

2006-08-22T06:24:00.000-05:00

Performance Criteria by Mandy M. Roth

ISBN: 1-59998-109-2

Length: Novella

Price: $3.50

Genre: Romance/Futuristic

Droid Wars

What do you get when you have an IQ that is off the charts, the inability to let go of someone you love and a lot of spare parts? The man of your dreams, of course.

Dr. Aeron Braxton is on the verge of unveiling her newest creationa droid who can pass as either human or Vanos.

An alien race took the man she loved away from her, but her revenge is at hand. Aeron has rebuilt Brad into a living, breathing killing machine she hopes will save the outer quadrants from a mass Vanos invasion.

Too bad the brilliant scientist didnt calculate the probabilities of love getting in the way.

WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence explained with contemporary, graphic language.

To Read an Excerpt

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/excerpts/performancecriteria_excerpt.htm

To Buy

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=189

Sony VAIO laptop and lack of support

2006-08-21T17:35:00.000-05:00

Yes, folks you read that right. He wants me to wait until the site works again and trouble shot. Hmm, that would be assuming my monitor still works then. Hey I only spent 1300 on this laptop...I don't need no stinkin' monitor. I'll FEEL my way. LMAO.

Okay, I had to share the insanity.

:)

A Blogging Experiment

2006-08-21T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am participating in a blogging experiment hosted at dearauthor.com. To enter the contest, put up this blurb, image, and trackback and you are entered to win the following prize package.

$200 Amazon gift certificate

Signed copy of Slave to Sensation

New Zealand goodies chosen by Singh

ARC of Christine Feehan's October 31 release: Conspiracy Game

You can read about the experiment here and you can download the code that you need to participate here.

SLAVE TO SENSATION

Nalini Singh

Berkley / September 2006

Welcome to a future where emotion is a crime and powers of the mind clash brutally against those of the heart.

Sascha Duncan is one of the Psy, a psychic race that has cut off its emotions in an effort to prevent murderous insanity. Those who feel are punished by having their brains wiped clean, their personalities and memories destroyed.

Lucas Hunter is a Changeling, a shapeshifter who craves sensation, lives for touch. When their separate worlds collide in the serial murders of Changeling women, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities…or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation.

Excerpt

Moles and trolls, moles and trolls, work, work, work, work, work

2006-08-20T18:49:00.000-05:00

REAL GENIUS

I bought the DVD a few weeks back because its one of those movies I absolutely love. Doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it, I still watch it whenever it comes on TV and I can’t seem to tear myself away. Doesn’t matter that I could quote most of the lines of the film verbatim or that I know it like the back of my hand—I love it!

There are others movies that I do that too as well: Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Footloose, see a patter here?

Anyway, I was watching it again and laughing my ass off at it, remembering how it made me feel. I was ten when it came out and I vividly remember thinking it was cool to be smart. (Hey, I was ten...leave me alone.) It just struck me as funny. I really think it was one of those turning points when you switch gears and move in another direction. Sad that Hollywood molded me but hey, could have been worse.

Anyone have movies like that…ones you’ll watch again and again? Ones that maybe changed something for you?

Pike's Peak

2006-08-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

LOVE BITES™: Pike's Peak by Mandy M. Roth (Paranormal Romance)

Preventing world domination has its perks—brawn, brains, and now ... beauty.

Sensuality: SPICY/CARNAL

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/pikespeak.htm

Pike Kinsley is your run-of-the-mill, supernatural—fighting evil at all costs. Humans view him as a superhero. He doesn’t want fame or glory. He just wants to live his life in peace, kill bad guys and scratch a carnal itch when need be. He also wants to forget messing up the most important thing in his life—a chance to claim the woman he loves. When opportunity knocks, wearing a navy catsuit, the wolf side of him comes to an understanding with the man—they will claim the woman. The blast from the past is more than Pike bargained for and might possibly be more than he can handle…If evil doesn’t kill him, his best friend just might. After all, it’s his best friend’s sister Pike wants to conquer.

Rating: Contains graphic violence, explicit sex, and strong language.

Build a Man Contest!

2006-08-02T05:26:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you have an IQ that is off the charts, the inability to let go of someone you love and a lot of spare parts? The man of your dreams, of course.

To celebrate Performance Criteria (releasing Aug 22, from Samhain Publishing) I’m having a contest! I want to know what your idea of the perfect man is—physically, emotionally and anything else you want to toss in. *grins*

So, let’s here it. If you could build the perfect specimen of a man—how would he behave? What special traits would he have? Would he be superhuman? What would he look like? Would he have any certain hobbies (oh, and I’m oh so open to his sexual prowess)?

You can either respond to this post or email me offlist with your answers. Please be sure to keep the subject the same whichever way you pick to submit.

Want to know what you’re playing for? A download of Performance Criteria (upon release) and one PDF download (of your choice) from my backlist!

mandy@ mandyroth.com (no spaces)

Have fun with it!

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

Coming Soon!

Performance Criteria by Mandy M. Roth

ISBN: 1-59998-109-2

Length: Novella

Price: $3.50

Genre: Romance/Futuristic

Publication Date: August 22nd, 2006

What do you get when you have an IQ that is off the charts, the inability to let go of someone you love and a lot of spare parts? The man of your dreams, of course.

Dr. Aeron Braxton is on the verge of unveiling her newest creation—a droid who can pass as either human or Vanos.

Too bad the brilliant scientist didn’t calculate the probabilities of love getting in the way.

WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence explained with contemporary, graphic language.

Smokin' the good shit...

2006-07-29T18:32:00.000-05:00

So, I’m reading through the Daughter of Darkness books to get a feel for where I left off (notes just don’t do them justice) and I find myself laughing at portions of the book. This wasn’t ha-ha, I was smoking some good shit that day kind of laughing, it was genuine—think the scene is funny laughing.

I’ll toss this question out to writers, when reading one of your backlist books do you ever find yourself laughing, crying, cheering, and wanting to know what happens at the end? Uh, someone say yes so I don’t look crazy.

Readers, if you’re reading a book for the second, third or one hundredth time, do you find yourself doing the same thing, even though you know the ending?

I want my $2.00 ball

2006-07-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

I’m here, attempting to write while sitting out back watching the boys swim. Let me correct that, watching the boys wrestle each other for a two dollar ball in the pool. Keep in mind, we have more than one ball. Still, they all seem to want the one. I’ve broken up two fights and threatened to sell a kid if they keep it up. *sigh* Yet there they are, still fighting over it. Is it wrong that I’m considering creeping out at midnight with and popping the ball? I bet it’s worse that I’m considering paying my youngest a dollar to beat the other two up with the ball. Yeah, you know you’ve reached your limit with it when you consider that route. LOL

Paperback N' Things signing...

2006-07-23T06:53:00.000-05:00

I’m back from the signing in Michigan (Paperback N’ Things) and I have to say, Diane Hunter, Ann Jacobs and Rhyannon Byrd were a riot to sign with. Melissa Bliss always puts on a wonderful signings, bringing in a cake and cookies that are yummy yummy! The ladies (and gentlemen) who come to support the signings are an amazing group of people. They truly are! Melissa’s friend Shelley even managed to make it up from Florida for the signing. Tawny Taylor was there as well.

The readers who came had me in stitches! They were GREAT! Candid and sincere. They were also extremely proud to call out when they loved a book and to let you know why. They also let you know what they wanted next. I promise to get working on more Loup Garou---wait, I should make Melissa swear to read it first. She thinks I should rewrite it in third person because she’s so-so on first. That’s my new excuse for not having book II done. It’s Melissa’s fault. *runs*

Several writers who are on the verge of joining the ranks of published (get those MS submitted, ladies) came as well. It was great to talk with them. Every day I have questions about the industry and the ins and outs so I know who overwhelming it can all seem.

I also had a chance to meet Anni Cats while up there. Anni is just as sweet and funny in person as she is online. (ohmygod, ohmygod)

Hmm, I think that’s about it. I had a blast and can’t wait to do it again. I’m also beginning to think signings are the only place I’ll get to talk to Rhyannon since neither one of us seem to be very good at keeping up on emails. LOL.

Secret Society Girl

2006-07-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

Just about everyone I know is blogging about this book so I broke under the pressure and decided to order it from amazon. (Yeah, like the arm twist needed to be hard…lol. I’m a book junkie.)

Earwigs..demon bugs from can't kill them hell...

2006-07-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

Yeah, earwigs. I’m fighting a losing battle. The middle of the week, last week, my husband begins a slow, yet steady, freak out because he found two of them on the center of the family room floor. I’m thinking its only two, stop being a drama king. Anyway, last night, I move my laptop downstairs to prepare to work while pretending to watch the Saturday night family movie. (Lecture me later…I’m telling a bug story now) I glance to my right and there, on the wall, staring at me with who the hell knows where its eyes are, pinchers, ugly, crusted body, is an earwig. It was a little too close to my head to dismiss. I proceed to go nuts. I kick everyone out of the room and begin gutting it. Pillows and cushions are yanked out. Sofas are flipped. The room is vacuumed top to bottom. The bag is tossed. The bug spray comes out. The room is covered. I get up this morning and go down to find an earwig on the center of the floor, walking like there is nothing wrong in his little world. I swear he was mocking me with his “neener-neener” face on.

Short of a nuclear holocaust…I’m at a loss as to what to do. I’ve sprinkled (okay, I forced my husband to do it) granules of some bug pesticide around the house and sprayed the inside. I give up. I’m about to take one, behead it and make a staked line of shrunken earwig heads as a warning to others. Somehow, I think it might be lost on them. And dammit…why is my blog a bug blog now?

Web & Blog...

2006-07-14T07:07:00.000-05:00

I’ve been playing with my blog and my website. I’m thinking by the year 2020, I’ll have figured the mess out. That or given up and handed off to someone else to do. The latter is looking pretty damn good at the moment. The website is about a third of the way done with its makeover so I’m hoping it looks okay. At this point I’m willing to let it be what it is regardless. (Can you tell it took me over an hour to get the new navigation bar to show up?)

Details...

2006-07-09T09:02:00.000-05:00

I’m working on a book that is partially set in a realm that closely resembles the middle ages. That’s all well and good until I decide to lookup furnishings and then realize I’ve just spent four hours reading books on furniture from all periods of history because I got too into it all.

Oy—I REALLY need to set a timer or something.

Immortal Ops Personnel Files

2006-07-05T07:59:00.000-05:00

(Radar Deception by Mandy M. Roth coming soon!)

Immortal Ops Personnel Files

TOP SECRET

Alpha Team

Name: Captain Lukian Vlakhusha

Age: Not listed. Sources say he is around a hundred and fifty years old.

Position: First-in-command, all of them just call him “Captain.” Answers only to Colonel Brooks.

Call Name: Alpha Dog One.

Hair: Shoulder-length, wavy black hair.

Eyes: Royal, unnaturally blue eyes and thick, dark black lashes.

Height: 6’ 3”

Distinguishing Characteristics: Tiny scar above right eyebrow-five o’clock shadow, lycanthrope (can shift into a wolf).

Additional Notes: Lukian can read human minds with ease. He is the son of the Lycan King (who has died) and his mother was human. Until he came along, the bloodline in his family was pure lycan. He is King now though he does not fulfill his duties. Lukian, as well as all of the other I-Ops, has been repeatedly offered higher ranks. He, like the others, refuse, not seeing the reasoning for it.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: Yes. Lukian’s DNA was used to create Roi. He is his brother by way of genetic alteration now. They are also best friends.

Mission Report Devoted to Him: Immortal Ops: Book I--Captain Lukian Vlakhusha is having issues with his newest target, Peren Matthews. Something about her has left him staring at her picture and wondering what it would be like to touch her soft skin. When the time comes for the team to strike, Lukian senses danger and aborts the mission. He makes an attempt at meeting Peren and is set in his place by the independent young woman who knows what she is and isn’t looking for in a man. Lukian is having trouble telling Peren that he’s what she fears most: a werewolf. Can they make the passion that burns between them last, or will Lukian’s condition be too much for Peren?

~~* * * * *~~

Name: Major Geoffroi (Roi) Majors

Age: Not listed. Sources say he is over fifty.

Position: Second in command.

Call Name: Alpha Dog Two

Hair: Shoulder-length, black hair

Eyes: Royal, unnaturally blue eyes

Height: 6’ 4”

Distinguishing characteristics: Stubble-covered jaw line; lycanthrope (can shift into a wolf); was genetically altered

Additional Notes: Bad attitude; convinced he is a ladies man. Does not deal well with authority and has been known to tell Colonel Brooks to go fuck himself.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: Yes. Lukian’s DNA was used to create him. He is his brother by way of genetic alteration now. They are also best friends.

Mission Report Devoted to Him: Immortal Ops: Book II--Critical Intelligence--Missy Carter leads a boring, overworked life as a system analyst for the State Department or rather, that's what she lets everyone believe. In reality, her life is anything but boring. As an agent with Paranormal Security and Intelligence (PSI), she's seen and done it all. Intelligence is her specialty, assassination is her hobby. The only problem is that the things she spies on don't die easily. She's learned to handle anything life can throw at her. That is until the biggest paramilitary pain in her ass shows up… again. Lucky for him, he's sexy.

Roi Majors, second-in-command of the I-Ops, is having a hard time believing that Intel can only get half the information needed to bring down an underground ring of vampires who are hell bent on creating a race of supernaturals with multiple strands of DNA. As the team looks for answers, Roi searches for sexual release. When he's paired with the one woman in the world who seems immune to his self-proclaimed charms, he can't wait to see her to safety and bid her good riddance. He never counted on falling in love with her. And he sure as hell never counted on her claiming to be an agent with a branch of the government no human should know about.

~~* * * * *~~

Name: Eadan Daly

Age: 30 years old.

Position: PSI- Paranormal Security and Intelligence- Shadow Operative, answers to Director of PSI-- General Jack Newman; filling in at I-Ops until a suitable replacement can be found, currently pulling dual duty.

Call Name: Alpha Dog Three.

Hair: Long silky blond hair.

Eyes: Blue-gray eyes.

Height: 6’ 5”

Distinguishing Characteristics: Baby face, tall, toned, Fae with magikal abilities.

Additional Notes: He was Melissa “Missy” Carter’s handler for nine years. He was also married to her. They lost a child. His sister is Melanie Daly. Has an affinity for 80’s music; served with PSI for over ten years now.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: No.

Mission Report Devoted To Him: Classified.

Bravo Team

Name: Doctor Thaddeus Chandler Green

Age: Not listed. Sources say he is at least one hundred.

Position: Bravo Team Leader.

Call Name: Bravo Dog One.

Hair: Close-cut red hair, so dark it borders on brown.

Eyes: Emerald

Height: 6’ 4”

Distinguishing Characteristics: Muscle bound, were-panther, survived an attack in lab while working as a scientist. Was not genetically altered but rather infected by an escaping were-panther.

Additional Notes: Genius, handles all of the I-Ops medical and the majority of their technical needs. Also heavily involved in genetic research. His wife died fifty years ago while trying to give birth to their son, who also died. It was then the I-Ops learned they cannot reproduce with human women. Can “sense truths”-- similar to a vampire’s skills. For the most part, is a gentle giant.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: Yes. Green’s DNA was used to create Lance--his brother by way of genetic alteration.

Mission Report Devoted to Him: Immortal Ops: Book III--Radar Deception

~~* * * * *~~

Name: Jonathon “Jon” Reynell

Age: Not listed. Sources say he is at least fifty.

Position: Sniper--accurate within 4000 meters.

Call Name: Bravo Dog Two (but is often called “Bravo Tiger Two” as joke by other I-Ops).

Hair: Close-cut blond hair.

Eyes: Amber.

Height: 6’ 1”

Distinguishing Characteristics: Looks about twenty-five years old. Is a were-tiger. Excellent eyesight.

Additional Notes: Has a southern drawl, asks his ”momma’ for forgiveness as he snipes. Polite. Harbors something dark that he hasn’t shared with his team members. Prone to motion sickness.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: No. Had been genetically altered with the intent to make Wilson his brother by way of genetics but an accidental mix up occurred, preventing that.

Mission Report Devoted to Him: Classified.

~~* * * * *~~

Name: Wilson Rousseau

Age: Not listed. Sources say he is at least fifty.

Position: Rifleman and demolitions expert.

Call name: Bravo Dog Three (but is often called “Bravo Rat Three” as joke by other I-Ops).

Hair: Shaggy dark brown with slightest hint of gold, natural highlights in it.

Eyes: Chocolate brown.

Height: 6’ 2”

Distinguishing Characteristics: Were-rat, who is accidentally exposed to various strands of genetically-altered DNA, among other things.

Additional Notes: Team smartass. Doesn’t mind being butt of jokes to keep up moral. Has a heart of gold.

Relation to Any of the Other Team Members: No. Intended to be Jon’s brother by way of genetics but an accidental mix up occurred, preventing that.

Mission Report Devoted to Him: Classified.

Thunderstruck...

2006-07-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

It was another fun round of storms last night. Our power was out for a large chunk of the night. While that’s normally a great time to lose it, it sucks when you end up with three boys shooting out of bed when thunder rolls and the skies light up a bluish purple. Yeah, I think the winds did them in too. My youngest seemed to be laboring under the impression it was not only time to get up for the day but also that our satellite provider screwed—again. (In his defense, they do tend to do things ass backwards)

It’s nine in the morning here and those of you who know me know that I’ve normally been up for about three hours now. I JUST got up. It’s going to be one of those days. I can just feel it. Thankfully, there was no damage from the storm. After having had electrical surges damage major things, the instant the power went, we hauled ass downstairs and shut off all the “mains” for the house (except the laundry room with that handy dandy sub-pump thingy).

Mandy

PS—Spider in laptop update: He’s still winning.

War of the Worlds...

2006-07-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, maybe not worlds but at least of my laptop. I’ve got this little, tinnie, weenie spider (need a microscope for this thing…really) who has decided to make my laptop keyboard home. Needless to say, I’m willing to fight back. The territory is mine, buddy!

So far, he’s winning more battles than me. He’s fast and right before I can get him, he runs under a key. Me being me, knows not to attempt to remove the keys from my laptop because I’ll never get the things back on right. So I wait. And I wait. And I wait. Then, I type anyways and figure…maybe I’ll get lucky and the little bastard will get smashed.

Nope.

He resurfaces…taunting me.

The war is not over!!!!!!!!!!

Concentration

2006-07-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

At one point in my life, I had the ability to focus on one thing and only one thing. The older I get, the more I find myself making mental lists as I juggle knives and stand on one foot. Not really, but you get my point. I understand that this is par for the course with being a wife and mother, however, when does it stop? Does it ever? Do you ever get back to the point you can give something your full attention?

Playlists and how they line up with writing.

2006-07-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

So, I'm writing this kick ass fight scene and I stop to think about what is playing in my headset. REO Speedwagon. CLEARLY, I can sound things out when I write with the best of them.

Next up....Air Supply, cuz Even the Nights Are Better when you have them playing. *coughs*

Okay, done dorking around. I'll get back to writing. :)

Die spider, die!

2006-06-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

So, I'm in the kitchen this morning, getting they boys breakfast and my youngest begins to freak out behind me. I turn, expecting to see a mass murderer or something. Instead, he's pointing at the floor. Next thought, 'great, I have ants.' Nope. I look and its a spider so small, an ant could have kicked its ass. No joke. My youngest continues to scream and then he stops, calmly looks up at me and says...shoot it.

Shoot it? Umm, okay, I could accept kill it, Mommy. But shoot it? Oh my.

Come to find out, my husband was out back with him last week and bees were everywhere. So, my husband goes in, gets spray and begins shooting the nest with it. Now, my youngest thinks you 'shoot' every bug. Of course, hearing it without knowing the first part, I assumed he'd joined the NRA or something.

Blog Neglect

2006-06-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, sorry for MIA. In my defense, I've been out there, going to signings, conferences, the works. I played the part of the hermit for two years and its catching up to me.

RT was wonderful! I met so many amazing people there!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dobby, in case you're reading this, I still forget the titles. LOL! The readers are met were so supportive. The authors were wonderful to get to talk with. The editors and agents I spoke with left me feeling as though I was on the edge of something big.

All and all, it was amazing and very productive! I won't give out too many details other than I was approached by an NY agent and editor because who knows if it will go anywhere.

My other signings were fantastic! I'm really excited about the Lori Foster get together next weekend! That should be a blast!

Okay, I promise to stop leaving this thing sit.

:)

Mandy

Idiot's Guide to Tanning Bed Dont's...

2006-05-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

With the Romantic Time’s convention fast approaching, I find myself scrambling to get ready. I’m altering dresses (no one tell my sister in law that I hacked up the bridesmaid dress she made me wear to be a Goth fairy), preparing gift basket giveaways and trying to do a few last minute pick me ups. Enter—the tanning bed mishap. Now I know this has little to do with writing and I’m sorry ahead of time for those of you who only wish to read about that aspect but I thought it was funny so I’m sharing with the group.

After much debate, I decided to get a tanning package. I show up and the guy who owns the place tells me the bulbs were just changed so I might want to go for ten minutes. I'm thinking, nah, I always tan nice I'll push for twenty. He gives me the raised eyebrow look but steps aside.

Clearly, he knows something I don't.

I tan for twenty and leave. Nothing out of the ordinary really happens. I come home, go about my day and then return this morning for another visit. I go twenty again. I now look like someone covered most of me with walnut stain. I also look like someone drew a line with it under my arms, leaving me with stark white pits and a mega white stripe along my backside.

I can't decide if I want to go back and try to fix those spots or get out while the getting is good.

Oh, here's a little tip from your friend Mandy--hand lotions with UV

protectors in them WILL make it look like you wore gloves in the bed.

Okay, I’m feeling better after sharing my experience. I think we all know it will show up in one of my books soon. The poor heroine.

Mandy

www.mandyroth.com

2006-04-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

JUST RELEASED in PRINT!

Wicked Lucidity PRINT ISBN 1-58608-785-1

Blurb:

When Karri-Lynn O’Higgins is offered a small slice of normalcy, she goes for it. She wasn’t looking for a relationship and she sure as hell wasn’t looking to fall in love.

Something about Riston Wallace calls to her on a level Karri can’t deny. He’s everything she wants in a man expect for one thing--he’s a nice guy. What happened to her wish list? Tall, dark and deadly? He got the tall and dark part right.

She soon learns that there’s more to Riston than meets the eye. Much more. In a world where sanity is as relative as what defines evil, Karri finds herself being forced to come to terms with her past and her future.

Reviews:

5 Angels--Recommended Read Award- Mandy M. Roth provides readers with a well thought out story, portraying two unique characters in the midst of many genuine friends and with enough twists and turns all along the way. Readers will be held as captive with the story as Riston and Karri are with each other. Readers will be unable to move from their seats until the story unfolds completely. Riston is a strong man who fights for what is his, yet he is patient and tender when he needs to be. Karri is a head strong woman, too engrossed in her world of good and evil to see what is really in front of her. The passionate chemistry between the two will leave readers breathless from the sheer force and tenderness of it. The dangerous moments of the underworld will draw the reader even deeper into this story. Will Riston and Karri be able to save each other in the midst of heartbeat and love?

Wicked Lucidity has a well written plot that instantly captured my interest because of the elements of danger immediately following by humor and heartbeat. The wonderful characters of Riston and Karri have hearts bigger than either one realizes and enough stubbornness to drive them crazy. A sweet addition of the niece, Hilary, leaves readers doubled over with side splitting humor. Wicked Lucidity offers readers a rewarding paranormal with a touching love story. Mandy M. Roth has done an absolutely wonderful job earning 5 Angels and a Recommended Read! ---Fallen Angels Reviews--Reviewed by: Jessica

4.5 hearts~ No one does dark urban fantasy like Mandy Roth and this is the best thing I have read since Daughter of Darkness. Her characters are flawed, but very sympathetic and vivid. The reader will have no problem picturing and hearing every one of them. The alternate reality is very well drawn and scary. The plot is very involving and full of action. There is also an excellent love story with very explicit(hot) sex scenes. It is very difficult to put down and if I didn't have to get Some sleep, I would have read it all in one sitting. Great story. ~ Maura Frankman~The Romance Studio

4 Stars~ Wicked Lucidity is an emotionally intense, sensual, paranormal romance. Karri is a smart mouth, strong willed, intelligent and independent heroine who kicks ass. She is known as the Dark Angel with special powers that work for the good which the evil want to acquire. Riston is a very mysterious, perceptive, sensitive and gentle hero who just oozes in sexuality. The chemistry between them is down right hot. The sexual bantering just whets my appetite into a frenzy. At 219 pages, Ms. Roth provides for a full character development which presents a thorough description of each and every one of them. Even though Karri and Riston are the main characters, the secondary characters are not just occupying the background; they are in the midst of unraveling this adventure. My favorite characters have got to be Karri’s men. They provide the comical relief to this passionate story. The plot incorporates good versus evil, a labyrinth of mixed emotions, witty and humorous come backs and a heavy dose of the paranormal. I really enjoyed the meticulous details Ms. Roth supplies; from the atmosphere, to the inner workings of each character and a highly entertaining plot that unfolds quite nicely.~ Just Erotic Romance Reviews~ Tallyn Porter

http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/wickedlucidity.htm

To buy from Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586087851/ref=dp_return_2/002-0307953-2878471?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

___________________________________

WARNING: Lab Vampires were hurt in the making of this sig.

Vampires, Werewolves, & Faeries...Oh my!

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

b-day and wikipedia

2006-04-11T06:22:00.000-05:00

Just for you Mel

Go to Wikipedia. In the search box, type your birth month and day (but not year). List three events that happened on your birthday. List two important birthdays and one interesting death. Post this on your blog.

Events

1791 - The United States Mint is created by the U.S. Congress.
1845 - Florida is admitted as the 27th U.S. state.
1955 - Elvis Presley appears on television for the first time.

Births
1455 - King John II of Portugal (d. 1495)
1966 - Tone-Loc, American musician (because I often rap while thinking of royals...umm, okay)
1940 - Perry Ellis, fashion designer (d. 1986)

Deaths
1937 - Amelia Earhart, American pilot (disappeared) (b. 1897)

grapes and hot guys

2006-04-11T06:02:00.000-05:00

My much needed writing break is drawing to an end. I can only hope my muse gets this memo as she seems to be off in the tropics with hot cabana boys. No doubt the bitch is sunning and being fed grapes while I sit here and freeze. LOL.

I’ve got some booksignings coming up. I’d love to meet everyone so I’ll be sure to post more as I find out dates and locations.

Loup Garou--RT TOP PICK & Perfect 10

2006-03-29T06:56:00.000-05:00

Loup Garou by Mandy M. Roth

4.5 Top Pick--Loup Garou: "Unexpected story twists, a wonderful heroine who's tough yet vulnerable and adventure and mystery all add up to a fun and exciting book." -- Page Traynor~ Romantic Times BookClub Magazine

A Perfect 10 "LOUP GAROU grabs you by the throat and drags you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Mandy M. Roth has created a dark, compelling world with characters that will bring you to tears. With a stunning mix of action and emotion this tale will leave you panting in its wake and turning the story over in your mind long after you have finished reading it. This is not a light-hearted read, but it is definitely a page-turner. …LOUP GAROU is a deep and complex journey into a new paranormal world. While at times this is a very dark take on that world, it is also a tale about a strong woman and all she has to face. Plan to settle down with this one, because once you become caught up in this fascinating tale, it is simply too hard to put down. LOUP GAROU has that extra flair that moves it head and shoulders above the rest. The plot is solid and moves quickly, the love scenes are hotter than hot, and the characters are ones that you will truly care for. Combine all of that with action and mystery, and LOUP GAROU earns A Perfect 10. Bravo, Ms. Roth! " ~ Vicki Turner, Romance Reviews Today

6 Magic Wands-- "I loved this book. Okay, now I must warn you that there are some very hot, explicit love scenes...that rock. I immediately loved Lindsay for her spunky attitude and the way she helps others even if it hurts her. …Ms. Roth's characters are realistic, and believable, even the secondary characters. Werewolves, werepanthers, vampires, etc. You name it, she probably has one in the book. This story made me laugh and cry, and all at the same time. I hope that we can look forward to many more books from this author because I'm in desperate need of another great read! " ~ Astraea, Enchanted Ramblings

4 Hearts--"Mandy M. Roth shows with this book her range of imagination, and the ability to bring that imagination to the readers in a believable way. This is a wonderful story that is full of emotion. Lindsay has to face past demons, present demons and finally look to the future for her happy end. Both hero and heroine have a lot of emotion. The love scenes are hot and sizzling, sensual and romantic. The action will hold the reader captivated and keep her turning the pages. This reviewer especially enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. Ms. Roth writes sassy, witty dialogue that will have the reader smiling, even though this is a dark story. …Here’s hoping for more stories about some of the other characters" ~ Valerie, Love Romance

5 Angels! Fallen Angels Recommended Read! "Mandy M Roth is an imaginative and brilliant author that readers will line up to read each and every story by her. This story has definitely earned its place in my permanent bookcase. For Mandy M Roth and Loup Garou, I am giving the best rating that I can: this story and author have truly earned 5 Angels and a Recommended Read!" ~ Jessica, Fallen Angels Reviews

5 Stars! Heat Rating of 2! "...Mandy M. Roth is a new author to me, but I will now be hunting down anything she’s ever written after reading Loup Garou. Lindsay is a true heroine with her indomitable courage and sass. She made me laugh and she made me cry, sometimes at the same time. I laughed till it hurt with the erotic dance class and those “soccermom” learning to do the bump and grind. And Exavier, oh my goodness! This book just flows from action to angst to hilarity to sexual tension so hot it singes the pages. This is a must buy, but leave yourself plenty of time to finish reading it once you start or you’ll find yourself reading until 5 AM as I did!" ~ Holly, Euro Reviews

Loup Garou by Mandy M. Roth

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/loupgarou.shtml

Win a signed PRINT copy of GHOST CATS

2006-02-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

Win a signed PRINT copy of GHOST CATS

Last month's contest went over so well that I decided to make it a monthly event! Here's the newest one.

Contest: Win a signed PRINT copy of GHOST CATS anthology by Mandy M. Roth, Michelle M. Pillow, Jaycee Clark, Elaine Corvidae, and Shelley Munro.

(2..possibly 3 of the 5 authors will have signed it by the time of the drawing on March 30th)

All you have to do to be eligible to win is to join my yahoo group/newsletter. It is an announcement only board so feel free to leave it set to individual emails. The drawing is random and will take place the end of MARCH. You will not be spammed with endless chatter. Just me when I have something new come out, like books, cover, reviews.

Do NOT list your addy or any of that good stuff. If you win I'll ask for it then to send your book to you but there is no point putting it out there for the world to see.

I also do random drawings throughout the month and award an ebook. It's my way of saying thanks for being there.

To join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mandy_M_Roth/join

(GHOST CATS is a paranormal/shapeshifter romance antho)

Thanks!

Mandy

2005 TRS CAPA Nominee

2006-02-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

Erotic fantasy romance

Project Exocism: Paranormal Payload by Mandy Roth (New Concepts Publishing)

The King's Choice by Mandy Roth (New Concepts Publishing)

Erotic anthology

Ghost Cats 2 (New Concepts Publishing)

Ariana Overton Award (Ari) for Best Cover Art

Ghost Cats (Amber Moon)

Raven 500 Member Bash!

2006-02-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Raven_Vampire_Nightclub/join

I look like....fun lil game

2006-02-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

Google the phrase "(Your name) looks like" and find the best one from the first page of results. Don't forget to put it in quotes, otherwise it won't work. Add yours to the bottom of the list and repost this.

1. "Jason looks like total crap." -- thanks google, thanks.

2. "PJ looks like he'd be down to whoop some ass anytime"-- i think that google is scared of me.

3. Cory looks like a young Vince Neil (of Motley Crue) and sure knows how to play a stoner. --alright...

4. "daniel miller is here in london until tuesday, so i have to blog for two, in LA in the 80s. she looks like margaret thatcher." -- Um... well I use to look like a girl, I think

5.Ryan looks like he is fighting off a case of downs syndrome. ha ha very funny!!!! it is not good when that is the first thing th..at comes up.

6.shae looks like a porn star or civic headlights. kind of the same thing in a way when you think about it.

7. This is as close as I could get...I guess my name doesn't really work..." completely lost my chest and now I look like a man. ... grants wishes to HUMBLE hearts That's what Father Marchelle's Say's."

8. Sara looks like an "East German swimmer"

9. emelle looks likestumphunter guest book...yeah

10. Katie looks like recycled cat food... dear lord. I think I'll take those pills now.

11.Leeann looks like shes gonna hurl At This point! ~actually i do feel kind of sick

12. Jamie looks like the love child of Charlie Sheen and Kevin Federline. ~Oh, so true, I am freakin' gorgeous!

13. Monae looks like the hottest girl alive... ok, so google doesnt have my name in there, but thats what it SHOULD say!

14. Sarah looks like someone punched her in the mouth - dang it, everyone thinks I am ugly... I hate my life!!!

15. Nicole looks like your grandma!!-- hope yer grandmas hot!

16. ben looks like he actually knows what he's doing-well its true and that the worst part about it

17.lauren looks like she gained weight-sadness

18. Alex looks like the type of girl who would take you out into the forest and feed you mushrooms and then leave you to fend for yourself...- im not kidding, this is what i found..lol

19. Lee looks like an old man trying to dress young again---wow, i'm not THAT old...lol

20. Donny'e~ damn nobody else has my gosh darn name...!!!!

21.Mitchell looks like the face of a suicide bomber getting ready to go out on a mission - his final mission

22.Kristina looks like the Dalai Lama.

23. Kellie looks like a coked out old bag who is trying to be 14 but she's more like 30. - Wow. Dead serious, this is what came up.

24. Brittany looks like a great pet rabbit, those ears are really unique......this is so wierd cause i have uniquely small ears and people tell me that all the time!! lol.

25.Summer looks like sparkling blue water in the YMCA pool.......This is the best I got.

26. Tabitha looks "like a nurse, a scary nurse .... hehe thats what i am going to school for.

27. Lisa looks like my ass hole..... YOU SUCK google!!! lol :)

28. Natalie- "The doll looks like she has emerged from an all-night Hollywood party and was caught in some lurid National Enquirer Photo without her makeup or sunglasses."

29. Reverand Ryan - "Ryan looks like every woman's sexual desire somehow compressed into human form. Ryan looks like he would do himself he is so hot." Which is pretty much true so...

30. "Derek looks like he has a huge dick that he cant contain in his pants... wow i must be pretty lucky, but true lol

31. StEpHaNiE- hahaha!! Mine is GREAT- I won't mention the fact that Stephanie looks like she's been rode hard and put away wet.

32. Allison- "Allison looks like shes skiing in slow motion when
shes fast and shes been searching for that feeling" ha, what?!

33. Nathan looks like a young Ted Kennedy without the bridge phobia.

34. Matt looks like some He-man. How true how true.

35. "Jackie looks like she could walk all over them with no problem at all" Wow, Google must really know me. (j/k)

36. "Emily looks like trouble and remains a dangerous storm"

37. "Jordan looks like a troll...........I don't like him" nice

38. "Cortney looks like a beauty queen"

39. "Kevin looks like he's going to snap his bat in half"

40. "Kelly looks like a cross between Elvira and a saloon girl from the 1800's"

41. "Genny looks like rubbish beside that T-Naiija girl in terms of popularity, music AND looks it's not even funny." To all that dont know who T-Naiija is she is a singer, so basically google thinks I suck!! Nice Google

42. "Jeremy looks like a sick toad" Thanks a lot..haha

43. "Baby, Cori looks like she wants to get down!" It's funny cus it's true!! :)

44."Abbey looks like the girl next door that u wanna screw."

45. "Amanda looks like something from poltergeist." Nice.. I did get pretty wasted last night

46. "Casey looks like a porn star at prom." Yeah, not sure what to say about that... haha.

47. "Shaun looks like a guy you wouldn't want to fuck with to begin with." and "Shaun looks like crap and like he hasnt slept in 2 weeks!" -- So I broke the rules and took two... what you gonna do about it? That's right. You're just gonna sit there and suck. Yeah.

48. "Myah looks like she was made for other things." hmmmm

49. "And, true to form, Leila looks like she might be considering punching someone."

50. "I dont think Jessica looks like Brit at all!! She look more like Faith Hill & Elle McPherson." Haha. You should see what pops up if you put "Jessica Rose".......

51. ok, so there were some real winners for "alissa looks like" (including a course of beef), i think this is the creepiest though: "alissa looks like Buffy the vampire slayer and maybe the other girl is a vampire
chick or something and they need to fool around with enchanted dildos" - i feel violated and emotionally scarred after reading this. is there some sort of tort action here maybe???

52. "Leslie looks like a desireable heroine" - hey, that works for me! :-)

53. "Lindsay looks like a coke whore"--which is 100% true

54. little wing..."Kristen looks like she's covered in green and brown poop." -mmmmm yummmaaayy

55. Stephen - "Steve looks like something half human, half plastic action figure, which I like to call a 'mandroid'. His pec implants look like small breasts and give him a tranny like look." This is too goood not to post, ha ha.

56. Elizabeth - "Elizabeth looks like a donut because she has been around for so long and is coated in sugar as a means of self-preservation." ....ha! :)

57. Sara-"Sara looks like her daddy, blond and has big blue green eyes.".........my dad looks like he's mexican lol, but im blonde with blue green eyes!!!

58. Katie-Jane: "Katie-Jane looks like a werewolf caught in trees."

59. Becca: "Becca looks like a red Incredible Hulk."

60. Tiffany: "Tiffany looks like a toasted Miss Piggy on crack."

61. Rachael: Rachael looks like a homeless baby

62. Moose: Moose looks like a cool cat

63. Dani looks like a stupid asshole in the move
anddd

Dani looks like this in see-through lingerie

64. Daniel looks like he has to pee. Really badly.

65. Ashly looks like an amazing, fun teacher.

66. lauren looks like she's flipping me off

67. Kaelin looks like she needs a hug.. lol that made me laugh.

68. At least Jennifer looks like a woman and her breasts are real.

69...haha 69..anyways... " your hair looks good, meggie poo" aww thanks google!

70. "You look like you're Caryl. That sounds great, like you're moving in the right direction!" and "It looks like you would have to be a "little person" to get with Caryl!" grr. my name didnt work like everyone elses. =[

71.Thanks Greg, looks like you were doing it at work

72."josh looks like billie joe armstrong from green day"-josh whooo

73. Mariah looks like a bull with long hair. - gee..thanks

74. Gaby: Gabrielle looks like Pamela Anderson.

75. Bri: Briana looks like it came out of a ragbag. -wtf

76>Tori looks like A sweet southern sorority
Girl turned loose in A frat house.-ah ha ha ha ha.

78. Lindsey looks like a skeleton with blonde hair... (Damn you Lindsay Lohan!)

79. Johnny looks like a cartoon gangster

80. Carly looks like she will be a bitch judging from that picture. hahaha awesome!

81. Leva looks like a girl with a beard. - Go figure!

82 Jonathan looks like a man who has killed 12 people

83. Murray looks like many moms who push strollers around the zoo.

84. Kelly looks like a cross between Elvira and a saloon girl from the 1800's

85. Meghan looks like a flower

86. Angela looks like she might be hot!

87.but that Megan looks like a fiesty one! I wouldn't mess with her!! ...

88. " Bree looks like Ashlee Simpson, with her new hair do

89. "justin looks like the unibomber"---THE FUKIN UNIBOMBER, MAN!!!!! FUCK YES!

90. "Kelly looks like she has a penis".... that sooo not even cool! lol

91. "Natosha is looking adorable like always!" WELL THANKS!!

92. ;) sarah does look like lady (WTF.......Haha. That's good to know)

93. Larisa looks like she's in her late twenties, my daughter accused me of robbing the cradle.

94. Stephanie looks like a natural on her first climb ever.

95. Dave looks like an out of control eight year old.

96. Miriah looks like one of those twins in The Shining

97. Leah looks like that Muppet, you know, that Hippie Muppet?

98. Kyle looks like Bender from the Beakfast Club - Yes! In your face Lance!

99. Elizabeth looks like she wants to fall through any opening in the floor she can find, even if it sends her to the circle of HELL!!!!

100. "Megan looks like she's full of fun and love." - ha ha, i'd like to think so ;-)

101. "Aww, Clint looks like an innocent wittle bunny wabibitt caught in the headlights." - I don't know what this means but its pretty funny!

102. "janet looks like shes
about to do something very naughty with the sparkler lol" (hahahahahaha)

103. "Heather looks like a drag queen Michael Jackson impersonator.

104. "rachel looks like fluffy pink cupcakes"- niiiice

105. "Alexis looks like Ciara." LOL what the crap!

106. "Kendra looks like FLAVOR FLAV!" lmao what the hell?

107. "Jessica looks like a tranny" Uhhhh.... do I?

108. "mandy looks like a stripper in this one"

Immortal Ops 2 PRINT COVER

2006-02-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

Contest: Win a signed copy of THE ENCHANTRESS

2006-01-27T10:10:00.000-05:00

Contest: Win a signed copy of THE ENCHANTRESS

I’ve decided to actually pay attention to my newsletter group. Don’t everyone fall over at once. Stagger it or something. All you have to do to be eligible to win is to join my yahoo group/newsletter. It is an announcement only board so feel free to leave it set to individual emails. The drawing is random and will take place the end of FEB. You will not be spammed with endless chatter. Just me when I have something new come out, like books, cover, reviews.

Do NOT list your addy or any of that good stuff. If you win I’ll ask for it then to send your book to you but there is no point putting it out there for the world to see.

To join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mandy_M_Roth/join

Thanks!

Mandy

Solo Tu--Just Released!

2006-01-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

A witch by birth, Francy Montgomery feels she's merely a fledgling in the eyes of the supernatural world. Only one man believed in her abilities, a man who ignited a magical fire within her that burns for his touch, despite his rejection. Now she has to face him again, and tell him of her intent to marry another rather than wasting her life wanting what she can never have.

Dante Guerrasio's patience has just run out. The mate he's waited centuries to find is now at a point in her life that’s she’s ready to be claimed as his. In fact, she'd be his already if some meddling magic hadn't interfered and kept him at bay when she was eighteen. The wolf inside him needed her then, but the man he is knew that Francy needed to taste her freedom before he could taste her. How did his suggestion that she experience life for herself lead her into the arms of another man—his sworn enemy.

TO BUY:

http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=MR

What Reviewers Are Saying:

4.5 Stars--Mandy M. Roth gives us a story that will tug at the heartstrings of the reader. Can Francy and Dante find their way back to each other or will she marry the new man in her life? This is a beautiful story of love and loss with a surprise ending. Ms. Roth knows how to write love scenes. I loved this book. ~~Candy—Ecataromance.com

4 Tattoos--Solo Tu is an enjoyable “quickie” read. Francy is a woman torn between two very different men – Dante, a

werewolf and Ivon, a vampire. Talk about two distinctive creatures that don’t mix! Although, Francy has always

been and still is deeply in love with Dante she doesn’t understand why she finds Ivon so attractive and irresistible.

The scrumptious sexual encounters between Dante and Francy were frequent, passionate, and intense. I found

myself reaching for a huge glass of cold water while I eagerly continued turning the pages to experiencing another

one of their dynamite sexual matings’.

This is my first time experiencing Ms. Roth’s wonderful writing and I am glad to say that this will not be my last. I will

definitely be adding Ms. Roth to my favorite author list ~ Erotic-Escapades.com, Nikita Steele

4 Blue Ribbons--SOLO TU is an EC quickie, and short, sweet and to the point. Dante is sexy with an alpha attitude that won’t quit. Francy is determined to move on with her life, but how long will she last against Dante’s sensual assault. Both characters are wonderful and the chemistry between them is perfect. The love scenes are hot with an erotic quality that most paranormals have. I highly recommend this book to readers who love the paranormal genre and those who just love a good short story. Mandy M. Roth is one of today’s top authors and this book shows why readers love her work.~ By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Angel

4 Coffee Cups--It becomes a matter of trust and the truth to keep Dante and Francy from losing each

other so soon after they have claimed each other. This is a wonderful story of complete

acceptance and forgiveness liberally peppered with some fantastic steam. Love does

indeed triumph through adversity and the ghosts of the past slip away to afford the

couple a bright new future. ~~Charissa --Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=MR

Imitation Flattery or Flat Out Annoying?

2006-01-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

This is my question of the moment. Imitation is it really the sincerest form of flattery or is it flat out annoying? I’m all ears. I was listening to a band, trying to make it and was forced to ask this question. I for one, can’t even begin to think how they can claim to be original and cutting edge when its clear they’re cookie cutter but anyhoo…(and noooo, I’m not naming names).

This crosses over into every walk of life, not just music. Let’s hear it, peeps.

Insomnia sucks...

2006-01-23T06:50:00.000-05:00

Insomnia sucks, especially when you can’t concentrate long enough to get anything of value done. Staring at the compute was getting me nowhere fast. Although, I did read countless blogs and feel as though I know the majority of the world now. I also managed to get through my inbox (aka THE BLACK HOLE). I even filed all my hand written notes away after logging them into the computer. You might be asking yourself (more likely you’re thinking wtf do I care..oh, right, I don’t) if I got any writing done. Nope. Everything I opened, I ended up staring at but not adding a single word to. Seeing that I was going nowhere fast, I gave up and went down to the family room to watch TV. I’m not a huge watcher of TV (oh, lookie, I’m making up new terms for things) so I don’t really know what’s on late at night. I now know why—cuz NOTHING but infomercials are on then. Those things are convincing too. I entertained calling several times but realized I didn’t care if I could increase my bust size by concentrating or look like Conan in just 8 short weeks. The next thing I know, I’m waking up half on the couch, half off with a massive headache. I feel cheated. I didn’t get the awesome “I danced on a table nekkie after ten drinks” stories to pass around the next day. I got—the thought of better abs.

100 day project...

2006-01-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

Yep. There it is. My son came home and informed me that "we" had a 100 day project to do last night. Oh, and it's due today. He had to find and glue 100 of something to paper. One cut up butter lid, an old spoon, half a cardboard box and a 100 cookie crisps later--and we have a project.

He had a ton of fun pushing the crisps into the glue and I had fun trying to convince my youngest son that he really can't eat them. After having to replace two and almost barfing as my youngest seemed to enjoy the added flavor of GLUE, I gave up and put the thin in my room to dry overnight. It's still not dry yet this morning so it looks like I'll be driving up to the school with it later.

Oh....the joys of projects.

Wishin’ and Hopin’

2006-01-18T09:01:00.000-05:00

Ah, it’s that time of the year again. The time where the urge to get off my lazy arse and begin hunting for an agent strikes. It’s the time when I begin to think I might be ready to dip my toes into NYP’s water. It’s the time where I lose my mind and really start to believe I really can do it.

Wish me luck folks! I think we all know I’ll need it. LMAO

Where the hell is my mom manual?

2006-01-16T16:16:00.000-05:00

So I’m walking down the upstairs hallway with the intent of heading to my computer to work some more on IO3. I hear my oldest son singing and stop dead in my tracks. It was one of those moments that you think about how old you are now, how old your children are and you wonder where the years went. You then realize your child is singing lyrics to a Green Day song that would make even you blush (even though you adore Green Day). It’s then you rush in, grab the Ipod shuffle from its speaker base and run like hell for the nearest computer to delete it. You stop in mid-motion and realize that he already knows all the words and while they’re not exactly what you’d want him to be listening to, he’s at least home, safe in his room, drawing comics and laughing. He’s not out getting into trouble or doing drugs. Ah, yes, the concessions you make when it’s your turn to be mom.

I’ll be checking for gray hairs later.

Is it there yet?

2006-01-10T07:23:00.000-05:00

I ask myself this repeatedly while writing any sort of a series book. For example all during Immortal Ops 2, I asked myself this very question. Surprisingly enough, I answered no each and every time. This normally left me gutting the majority, if not all, of the book and starting again. This went on and on for the course of almost 11 months until one day the story clicked in my head. I finally ‘heard’ Missy and Roi as if they were next to me, whispering what they wanted to have happen. (No comments on the voices in my head please.)

I’m at that point again—the is it there yet, gut scenario. It often ties books up longer than I’d like but in the end, I feel its best for the book. Currently, Immortal Ops 3 and Daughter of Darkness 3 are my prime ‘Are they there yet.”

If you’re an author, do you ever go through this? What do you do to get past it? As readers, would you rather the story come out later or sooner? I’m all ears here! You can email me or post comments here.

mandy@mandyroth.com

Thanks!

(is this there yet? LOL)

2006 Coming Titles and News

2006-01-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

I’m so behind on doing a newsletter that I’m almost ashamed to admit I have one. I’d had lots of questions emailed to me and I fell behind on answering them. I suck. I know. Yell and throw things as soon as I finish this up or I’ll get sidetracked and never send it. J

Many, many, many, many (yeah, a lot) of people have emailed asking about the status of books in series I have. Daughter of Darkness (The Gwyneth Stevens Series) seems to be the one asked most about. I can tell you that book III Bella Mia is done and has been done for almost two years. I did run into a slight ‘glitch.’ I added 20k to book II and kicked my own arse by doing so. The story no longer flowed into book III evenly. Guess who gets to fix that…you’re truly. AKA the idiot who screwed it up to start with. I’m hoping to have it iron out relatively quickly and post updates on my blog as it moved further along. I am excited to report that The Enchantress (book II) is now in print. I really had fun writing that one. I guess you could already tell by the fact I added 20k more to it than had first been there. LOL. I did add more character descriptions on my web. I think they’re more so I don’t forget. LOL. http://www.mandyroth.com/dod_chapter_1.htm

Immortal Ops is second contender in the ‘when the heck is the next book coming out’ category. I am working on IO3 as you read this. It’s Green and Melanie’s story. They definitely are challenging to keep in the mold of IO books but I’m fairly sure I’m up for it. Do me a favor, if I whiff and don’t pull it off, lie and tell me I did. Just kidding. I’m currently at around 45k and think the story will fall in line with the length of book II. Critical Intelligence will be out in print this Feb! I’m VERY excited about it! http://www.mandyroth.com/new_page_6.htm

Next up, Wicked Lucidity. The response to this one took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure how many people would get into it but can definitely say I’m very, very, very pleased. Writing Karri-Lynn was a treat. The entire time I was pounding on the keyboard I kept thinking about how no one would want to publish a book about someone with her past and her instability. NCP proved me wrong and I can’t thank them enough. There are more books outlined in the series, though they will not follow from Karri’s perspective. They have a different female led, are still first person and still have the same characters. It just allows everyone to see them from new angles. I’m bouncing between books in the Wicked series. I’m not sure half the time if I want to be writing Eric and Amber or Tripp’s book. I know. I know—pick one and decide. I’m trying but I love them all! http://www.mandyroth.com/wicked_lucidity.htm

Misfits in Middle America---umm, I blame Michelle for spearheading the outcry for book II and am planning on paying her back by demanding she write Rick’s book for her Tribes series.

Project Exorcism—I promise to have several more installments of this out this year as well. With seven Janelle siblings, I have plenty to write about and that’s not even including Christian or Pheebes. http://www.mandyroth.com/project_exorcism.htm

Last Call—geesh, I tried the ‘hide and pretend no one liked it’ approach. That didn’t work. Susie emails weekly to remind me that I promised to have the second book out in this by spring of this year. LOL. I can set my watch by her and love it. Thanks for keeping me on my toes. http://www.mandyroth.com/last_call.htm

Vampyre Productions—The Valkyrie will at the very least have another book out this year. It may also wrap up. Have no fear, I have two other series planned within the Vampyre Productions line. I think everyone will enjoy them. At least, I hope they will. http://www.mandyroth.com/vampyre_productions_the_valkyrie.htm

The King’s Choice—I don’t want anyone to fall over from shock but book two is darn near done. It’s working title is The Advisor’s Apprentice and follows Andrija (Jakov’s brother).

Cyber Sex—Book two, Denial of Service was submitted to NCP. I now await news if they want it or not. J It’s Jonas’ story. http://www.mandyroth.com/cyber_sex.htm

A new series Warriors of Darkness will be coming to NCP this year and I can’t wait for it to come out. Its release date is March and it’s part of NCP’s Harmony ™ Line. It will be released in ebook and print the same day. The Harmony ™ Line is featured in Romantic Times BookClub magazine this month. They’ve even got a bit about Warriors of Darkness in there as well! Very kewl! http://www.mandyroth.com/warriors_of_darkness.htm

Loup Garou released with Samhain Publishing, http://www.samhainpublishing.com in about two days. It’s been a joy to work with them. http://www.mandyroth.com/loup_garou.htm

SOLO TU ~ Paranormal/Shapeshifter~ is coming to Ellora's Cave, January 25, 2006!

Stop Dragon My Heart Around: Paranormal Romantica co-written with Michelle M. Pillow (Tipping the Scales by Mandy M. Roth)

Pisces Phenomenon: Paranormal Romantica—coming in March to Ellora’s Cave.

For more info on projects coming soon please visit http://www.mandyroth.com/coming_soon.htm

All and all, 2006 will be packed with releases of some sort for me and I’m very excited about it. I’ve also been taking some time to update my website little by little. I think I’m done talking your ears off. Thanks for being supportive in all that I do. You guys are the BEST!

Mandy (who is sooooo NOT proofing this…LOL)

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WARNING: Lab Vampires were hurt in the making of this sig.

Vampires, Werewolves, & Faeries...Oh my!

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

I got the chicken 'pops' mommy

2005-12-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

Poor guy! They're up his nose even and all over his lips. :(

Free short stories...

2005-12-14T16:07:00.000-05:00

http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/free_stories.htm

We’d like to take a minute to wish everyone happy holidays! Enjoy the stories and we’ll be getting more Raven chapters up as soon as we can!!!

Merry Christmas!

Michelle & Mandy

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Happy Hour at the Raven w/the M&M's

Two post minimum

www.michellepillow.com

www.mandyroth.com

Special Thanks...

2005-12-11T11:12:00.000-05:00

I’d like to take a minute to thank the Huron Rescue Squad members, Firelands Hospital ER, Jessica and Jason, and the staff at Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital for all your hard work and assistance last night with Andrew.

As a parent, the worst thing in the world is to walk in and find your child turning shades of blue. You all did an amazing job keeping us calm, getting Andy to work with you and giving us peace of mine. Not to mention fixing the lil’ guy.

Thank you VERY much!

Mandy and Shane

Enchantress (DOD2) in PRINT

2005-12-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

IN PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!

Daughter of Darkness Book 2: The Enchantress by Mandy M. Roth (Paranormal Thriller) When the Siren calls, the men follow. Led by the song of the Enchantress men will do almost anything, including kill the one they love. Sensuality: CARNAL http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/theenchantress.htm

(also available at bookstores, amazon and barnes and noble.com)

Russian squirrel pack 'kills dog'

2005-12-08T21:12:00.000-05:00

I have a whole NEW respect for these things now.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4489792.stm

Ah, the good old days...

2005-11-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

I got an email from a reader, laughing his butt off about my blog. I am so behind on this thing that its sad. Anyway, he really liked some of the entries from when I first started. His email had me rolling so I thought I'd repost the entry he liked so much.

MY NAME AIN'T RIO.... (entry from 04)

But I'm feelin' very Brazilian, or at least a certain part of me is. (hint, hint) There are many pros to this newfound freedom. I am now unconstricted. Velcro is my friend once more. No longer do I shy away from the maxi pad aisle. I can use adhesives without hesitation. Better than that I can now avoid the senseless squirm when my hubby decides to travel to exotic locations. The beaches have not only been combed they have been sandblasted.

The cons. For a solid two days after my newfound freedom my 'lips' were swollen. Can I just say ouch and get a hug? The incredible lengths we as women go to will never cease to amaze me. If I'm not plucking, I'm waxing, or sanding it (yes, you read that right). I'm Italian, why is it that I feel the need to fight nature? And what do you use to ease the discomfort? Chap stick? Udder cream? Can you approach the pharmacist with a stratight face? "Excuse me, Sir...my lips are chapped... can you help me?" Do you then have to elaborate further?

Do men go through this? NO! Do I have penis envy now? If it would ease the pain I would take one, thank you! ROFLMAO! I have no clue what I would do with it, and I'm thinking that my aim wouldn't be so good.

Hmm, moral to the story is that a tropical trip is a wonderful experience and can leave you feeling ultra sexy or utlra sore. Roll the dice, baby!

Mandy

(who is now wondering how long it will be before her mother calls to yell at her for writing this on the internet)

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Ah, yes, the good old posting days.

Technology Bites...

2005-11-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

It's been one of those weeks. My laptop bit it (Compaq Presario 2500...consider yourselves warned off that brand). My desktop, only like 3 mos old, this one is by same company, decided to stop loading up. I had to call tech service and try to convince the man that I really didn't see a bio screen because one had NOT loaded regardless how much I hit the f-ing F8 key. Oy. He then has me take the thing apart (call me geek squad of one...mandy) and disconnect then reconnect two cables to hard drive. It works. He hangs up. The bitch does it again!

Shane gets home, turns on big screen, it went. NO JOKE! The GDMF went. That would be fine if that wasn't the only room we all watch movies in. I'm thinking...whatever at this point. I go TV shopping with him because 4 boys (I soooo counted Shane) and no TV is never good, we find one. Shane then decides to drag me around the city only to come back to option one. YEAH, I was very nice and sweet to deal with. On the way home, the truck's driver side window stops going up and down. I'm not kidding. All this in one day.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......................

Needless to say, I'm writing a book with a lot of fighting going on. LOL

Win an eBookwise REB 1150 e-reader AND the first four Samhain releases.

2005-11-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

Just sign up for either Yahoo! group SamhainCafe or Samhain_News to enter OR join both and be entered twice!!! All who have joined through January 2^nd will be eligible. Drawing will be held on January 3^rd and announced with the releases.

Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh

Stud Finders, Incorporated by Alexis Fleming

Forever Again by Shannon Stacey

Loup Garou by Mandy M. Roth

All that you don't want to know...

2005-11-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

Yep, that's right, I did an interivew. The Romance Studio suffered through having me (poor Katie). You can find it posted in the TRS Blue section of the site for the month of November.

Click here to read.