Christmas Wishes Giveaway Blog Hop

Forgotten

Forgotten

Abdication
of solitude, a
stolen moment
in time becomes
captive, tucked safely
amongst guarded memories. 

Awakened
from long
imposed seclusion,
loosed, to unearth hidden
treasures, supressed desires
of the soul.

Alive anew, fate demands
her due, exacting
her toll in the mingling 
of pleasure and pain.

I'd forgotten.

 ~ Nadja

Forgotten © Nadja Notariani
November 2012

Sharing New Ideas....

Hello!  The Creative Juices Begin To Flow....At Last!

This week, I had the opportunity to indulge in something I've been desperately missing!  Brainstorming!  A kernel of an idea has been rattling around in my brain...amongst various other things that I'd rather have kicked to the curb.  Alas! *sighs and rolls eyes* That's not the way life works...at least for us adults.

But!  There's always a pearl to be gained from an irritating grain of sand.  And if we choose to seek gems rather than rocks, that's what we'll find.  Fellow author and dear friend, Wander, has been patiently awaiting my return to the writing table, and today I'll share a song (with accompanying video) that sparked my imagination within that aforementioned idea kernel.  Character profiles...here we go!  I'll be loosely collaborating with Wander as I piece together a new story - and his perspective will be invaluable as I take on a new challenge.  No shy wallflower heroine in this new story!  Uh-uh, no.  Brazen is the word for the day.  But brazen is often a mask...and every suspected villain-ess has a story which needs telling.

As I set out on a new writing adventure....take a minute to enjoy this fantastic song by Within Temptation.  I love the 'gothic and otherworldly' feel to this video.  It supplies some much needed inspiration for this new and wholly different storyline.

~ Nadja



     

A Moment To Spare...And Other Sundries

Caught my breath on this fabulous Friday!  I have taken to speaking aloud the cliche....T.G.I.F!  And I mean it whole-hearted!  Phew.  Day job kicked this Chickie's toukas the first few weeks.  It was a T.K.O. for sure.  I am officially a banker - I bank.  (Conjures 'What About Bob?' for a quick giggle).

DD#2 is on her way!  I heard her voice this afternoon for the last time until her ship returns from deployment.  I smiled.  I laughed.  I cried. 
I told her I love her.  I begged her to be safe.  A piece of my heart travels with her.

How are you all getting along?


Span Of A Breath

Inhale.  Eyes
closed, energy simmering
beneath the mask of
flesh and bone. 

Exhale.  Lids flutter
open.  Light gently, surely
overtakes the darkness
at dawn.

Lips part, a subtle
smile overcomes sleepy
haze.  A new chance
to live.

© Nadja Notariani 2012


Beautiful

Eyes of the beholder
feast; grey and green converge,
conveying
an unspoken utterance.

Lovers' hands
twine, rough flesh against soft
radiating
a quiet warmth.

Hearts' intentions
align, birthing a
singularity
of souls.

In this moment, I become beautiful.

© Nadja Notariani 2012

 



   

Just Three Things....

It's been two weeks since I last posted!  Where does the time go?  DD#2 will be home for a week - she's been delayed again! - but that is good news for me!  She will get to spend even more time at home before her deployment.  Book tour with IO, upcoming tour with FMB, job search and caring for home along with eight and nine year old boys has this writer spinning plates like a pro... well, maybe more like a novice...LOL. 

We'll just say it's been extremely busy. 

Reviews are coming in for A Practical Arrangement, and I'm walking around with a huge smile plastered on my face.  Of course, once the tours wrap up, I'll need to settle on my next project!  This is difficult...  I've got a few ideas waiting-in-the-wings, but no idea of which one is 'calling' to me.  Sigh. 

Creativity has been nearly non-existent in the last few weeks... it's a shit show here.  (I giggle every time I use that term...it's one of DD#1's favorite little sayings.  I've adopted it.  Ha!)  Here's to the return of ideas, daydreams, and plot lines...

I Love You; You Won't Mind If I...

Tell me three things
that made you uncomfortable
or irritated.  The words tumble without
meaning.  Syllable and speech launch their
assault on well constructed
ramparts, a feeble offensive.

Just three things.  A meagre request
to unseeing eyes, dull heart,
ears that cannot hear.
Uncomfortable
and irritating in its arrogance 
to one who begged.  
And so you have your first.

Just three things.  A generous request in
the mind's eye of the selfish soul. 
Magnanimous, humble
even, to the unaware.
Cunning and ruthless to the 
seasoned, experienced one
who gave until empty. 
And so you have your second.

Just three things.  An invitation
to the unsuspecting fool.  Emotive
and interested to the outsider.
A cruel snare to one who
long attended
alone, abandoned, unheard 
innumerable times.

I Love You; You won't mind if I take...
just three things.  And so you have your third.

~ Nadja

Stretch The Writing Muscles

A Break In The Weekly Meme...

This ROW80 writer has been stretching her writing muscles, and I've posted below another selection from my venture into all-things-poetry.  It's rather addictive, if I say so, myself. 

In writing news...

I busily write away on guest posts for my upcoming tour with IOBT!  A Practical Arrangement will be featured around some fantastic blogs in the upcoming weeks.  So...while I'm piling up the words, I have not begun another novel.  Yet!  But I've a few projects in the works.  Excitedly, I sort through where, exactly, I'll set off for next.  Historical writing has emerged as my favorite at this stage in the game, and I'm not at all surprised.  But ... (there's always a but, right?  LOL.) I've also been working on an entirely different project.  Time will tell...

To all my writer friends, please excuse my lack of visiting around.  I'll be back at it as the dust settles.  A season of change has come upon me, and I'm burning the candle at both ends...and maybe the middle has caught fire, too.  Oy Vey!  But ...being the adventurer I am...well...I grab it up with all the gusto I can conjure.   

‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’

Somber bitterness
stakes its claim,
nestles seeds of
wrath within fertile
wounds. 
I am...
          laid bare.

Vining tendrils grasp,
seeking purchase upon
facets of hidden self,
suffocating all within
reach.
I am...
          afraid.

My soul cries out from
the darkness - 'My God,
My God,Why
Have You Forsaken
Me?'
I am...
          separate.

Resounding yet gentle, His
voice whispers
in recesses untainted,
'Be still and know that I
Am.'
I am... 
          at peace.

© Nadja Notariani 2012

Nadja Wanders....

Hello, ROW80 writers and friends!

I'm sharing and such today at Wander Without Being Lost, with Christopher McQueeney!  Stop by for a fun interview and a few pieces of flash fiction I've pulled out of the archives.  Lol. 

Updates...

*  A Practical Arrangement has released!  It's hanging out at Amazon and Smashwords.  :}

*  I have many posts to write for my upcoming blog tour.  Phew!  So... of course my computer decided to re-arrange all my documents saved to desktop.  Ack!  I nearly took a heart attack when I first glimpsed my new arrangement...thinking that I'd lost some things.  Luckily, all is well.  Just disorganized.  *Crisis averted* 

*  I have entered an extremely busy season on life.  Goals will have to be set if I expect to be productive.  A new list will be posted for next Wednesday.  Brainstorming begin.

*  Exercise...hmmm.  Not so good.  *blushes*

*  Blog tour is only about two weeks away!  Innovative Online Book Tours will feature A Practical Arrangement!  Exciting, exciting!  Here's the upcoming schedule...


9/24 Arianne Cruz Guest Blog and Giveaway
9/25 My Devotional Thoughts Guest Blog and Giveaway 9/25 Sultry Storyteller Interview
9/26 All Things Writing Guest Post
9/26 Reading Romances Review and Giveaway 9/27 T B R Review and Giveaway 9/27 Free Book Dude Review and Giveaway
10/1 Queen of the Night Reviews Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway
10/1 A Chick Who Reads Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway
10/4 I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read! Guest Blog and Giveaway
10/4 Harlie's Books Review and Giveaway
10/8 Idenity Discovery Guest post
10/9 The Insane Writings of a Crazed Writer Guest Blog and Giveaway
10/9 The Bunny's Review Review, Interview, and Giveaway
10/10 Just Another Rabid Reader Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway
10/10 My Cozie Corner Review
10/10 Reviews By Molly Review
10/11 Mademoiselle Le Sphinx Review
10/12 Reading on the Wild Side Guest Blog and Giveaway
10/12 Oopie Poopie The Bibliomaniac Review and Giveaway 


Have a great day!  ~ Nadja

Researching For Romance Writing: Advancing The Plot Or Skimping On Story?

Welcome back to Researching For Romance, a weekly series revealing my fabulous finds for use in writing. Please feel free to share any great sites that offer greater information on whatever topic is featured. :} 


Gratuitous Sundries...Or Great Crafting...

I happened upon an interview with George R.R. Martin, at The Atlantic, and I was struck by a comment he made to Rachel Brown. 

'How do you make decisions about the depictions of sexual violence that you include in your writing?'

'Well, I'm not writing about contemporary sex—it's medieval.
There's a more general question here that doesn't just affect sex or rape, and that's this whole issue of what is gratuitous? What should be depicted? I have gotten letters over the years from readers who don't like the sex, they say it's "gratuitous." I think that word gets thrown around and what it seems to mean is "I didn't like it." This person didn't want to read it, so it's gratuitous to that person. And if I'm guilty of having gratuitous sex, then I'm also guilty of having gratuitous violence, and gratuitous feasting, and gratuitous description of clothes, and gratuitous heraldry, because very little of this is necessary to advance the plot. But my philosophy is that plot advancement is not what the experience of reading fiction is about. If all we care about is advancing the plot, why read novels? We can just read Cliffs Notes'. (I've highlighted these portions)  
'A novel for me is an immersive experience where I feel as if I have lived it and that I've tasted the food and experienced the sex and experienced the terror of battle. So I want all of the detail, all of the sensory things—whether it's a good experience, or a bad experience, I want to put the reader through it. To that mind, detail is necessary, showing not telling is necessary, and nothing is gratuitous'.

This comment stirred my thoughts a great deal!  Why do I read?  Is it only to get to the point - or do I read for the journey? 

Readers may prefer one or the other - there's no wrong way to enjoy a story!  But writers' styles vary when telling a story.  I love the details!  Martin's comments hit the nail on the head for me - both as a reader and as a writer.  I enjoy the journey, and I want to experience the setting, feel the characters' emotions, laugh with them - at them - hope, cry, and cheer them along the way.  As a writer, I strive with every new novel to capture more fully the sights, smells, emotions, and heart of the story and its characters.  To offer not only a story - but an experience. 

What is your reaction to George R.R. Martin's answer?  Why do you read?

 ~ Nadja

A Practical Arrangement Release Day!

Confetti Pop!  It's fabulous to finally share Evangeline Grey and Thomas Masterson with readers!  

A Practical Arrangement ~ Buy At Amazon  Practical plans go awry when prim sensibilities unwittingly capture the heart of a scandalous seducer.

 

I want to take this time to thank The Critique Chicks.  You all dedicated time and care to my novel, and for that I cannot thank you enough!  I'd also like to thank you, Julius, for giving me a wholly different perspective on scenes!  To all my ROW80 friends - your support throughout the writing process is so encouraging.  A huge shout out to Spellbound Scribes for friendship and support.  And to those fellow writers who have gone above and beyond commenting and rallying - you know who you are - I am grateful for your friendship, your willingness to help, to promote, and to share.  But most of all, I am thankful for the community you've offered me.  I have grown so much because of you all.  Of course, I must thank readers!  Without you all, my stories would have no voice outside of myself.  I appreciate your emails, your reviews, and your love for romance.  Many, many thanks.

 

 ~ Nadja

    

Partners In ParanormYA: New Cover Reveals!

Please Give A Big Welcome To Partners In ParanormYA Today....

Mystery and mayhem teamed with heartache and overcoming. Follow PIP here.

It's that time folks, the moment Gwen and I have been so excited for.  Well, one of the moments.  This Indie publishing adventure has been one thrilling moment after another.  So here they are, our covers for GIVIN' UP THE GHOST and NEVERLOVE by Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown, respectively.



Corona Zschusschen

Friend or Foe?

Murder victim Bart Bagley is not content to merely roll over in his grave. He wants his murderer caught and he wants teenage ghost whisperer, Indigo Eady, to help him.

It becomes obvious that Bart’s temper lead to more than one disagreement, but is it enough to want him dead? With nothing but a cold trail and a hot list of “friendly” suspects, Indigo and her friends race to find the killer before they become the next victims.

Indigo Eady is not clumsy. At least, that’s what she keeps telling everyone. Can she help that the overactive spirit community of Sabrina Shores causes her psychic abilities to short-circuit? It’s unfortunate that her cute new friend Badger is often on the receiving end of her mishaps. At times, she is positively hazardous to his health. Even so, sparks start to fly in more than one direction...

Heather McCorckle of CP Designs

For seventeen-year-old Abigail, one rash decision leads to an unexpected chance for redemption. At V'Salicus Academy, a unique institute where she trains to become an agent of heaven, she struggles with the pain of her past, the changes of the present and accepts a loveless future until her path – and heart – crosses with Basil’s.

Basil's off-chance slip of the tongue binds him to a life of servitude to the Devourer, the master of hell. His existence has no upside until a chance meeting with Abigail brings new perspective.

Keeping the truth of their present lives from each other brings disaster when secrets are brought to light and the life of Abigail’s mentor is put on the line.

Can Abigail and Basil save her mentor and salvage their love amid the chaos? Or will they lose it all, destined forever to NEVERLOVE?



About the authors:

Haunt me: FB, Blog, Goodreads

Gwen Gardner

Running, writing and reading are my favorite things.

I am also a dreamer.

Have you ever told yourself that "some day" I'm going to travel or write or whatever it is that you are passionate about but can't do right now for whatever reason? You can go for years and years and keep telling yourself that "some day" you'll do it. Too often "some day" never comes. But mine did. I am a former Administrative Manager and Vice President of a successful swimming pool plastering company - until I woke up one day and realized that my "some day" had arrived. I quit my job, moved to the mountains and began to write. Crazy, I know. But even crazier? Is when you get to the end of your life and realize that your "some day" is too late. Life is much too short for that! So the adventure has begun.

GIVIN' UP THE GHOST is a YA paranormYA cozy mystery, the first in the Indigo Eady series, due out October 8, 2012.

Haunt me FB, Blog, Goodreads

Angela Brown

Reading and writing have been lifelong passions. It was around the time I gave birth to my forever-love, nicknamed Chipmunk, that I really took writing seriously. After all, how could I teach my child to follow her dreams if I hadn't tried myself?

As a YA fantasy/sci-fi reader and author, I favor the magical, mysterious, the darker side of life...even harbor a secret fright for things that go bump in the night.

NEVERLOVE is a special project spawned from a blog-challenge-turned-blog-opera, the Abby and Basil affair. It is the first in the Shadow Jumpers series and due out October 8, 2012.

Thank you EVERYONE for sharing in our cover reveal.  Please feel free to share with others as well :-)

Researching for Romance Writing: Sex, Sensuality, Or Both!

Welcome to Researching For Romance Writing, a weekly meme where I feature my latest finds.  Please feel free to share any links or tips you think will add to the discussion.  Happy Researching!

For those new to this feature, I've listed past topics below.

Celtic Legend And Lore
History In Style: Seventeenth Century Dresses
Action Sequences MMA Style
The Claymore Sword
A Peek Into Riding Habits
Whiskey Making
Sexy Is Not About Looks
Barley Farming
Biting The Bullet




Sex, Sensuality, And More...Or Less: A Romance Writer's Investigation.

Writer's Relief posted an interesting article, Writing Sex Scenes: How Much Is Too Much?  I'll hazard a guess that if you ask romance readers, you'll get a wide variety of responses.  Sex and sensuality are no strangers to romance novels, it's expected within the pages of a good romance.  The disparity comes when asking what constitutes 'enough' sex or sensuality.  Some readers prefer great romantic tension and build up, but fade to black intimate scenes.  Others prefer the same, but with the addition of a sexual scene or scenes - as the case may be.  Readers of erotica want plenty of both - and more graphically depicted.  Personally, I would categorize erotica as a separate sub-genre of romance, but the lines are blurred with the addition of the tag 'erotic romances', and therefore, I include erotica in my discussion, noting that I recognize the division.

Most readers I have spoken with conveyed similar sentiments.  While they hold a certain personal preference, they are not opposed to more - or less - sensuality or sex provided the scenes are well written - and of course, that the story is one they enjoy.  Nearly all expressed aversion to sex scenes slapped within a story simply to boast a sex scene.  Sterile and clinical descriptions of the act likewise affected readers negatively.  But, my research subjects are few - mostly consisting of romance reading friends.  Menopause Maniac linked back to Daily Mail, where poll results claim a staggering 91% of the 400 women quizzed reported to have read at least one erotic book.  More than two thirds, 68%, stated they would like to do so more often.  Despite the small pool of readers polled, results suggest that readers welcome sex and sensuality in romance novels.

Erotic content in romance novels is on the rise.  As a reader, I'm not opposed.  But after asking around, one theme popped up over and again.  Sensuality is the key.  Sex in and of itself isn't what grabs readers up and carries them away.  Rather, readers want to be caught up in romance, in sensuality and seduction.  If along the way they indulge in a sultry sex scene, well...I haven't heard any complaints about that!

How Do You Feel About Sex Scenes In Your Romances? 

 ~ Nadja

          

 

Re-Blogged ~ Brazen Broads Book Bash: Ahh, vacation...

Brazen Broads Book Bash: Ahh, vacation...:      Well, I did it.  I survived my first family vacation.  I'm pretty sure I have a little less hair and an eye tic, but dammit, I'm  aliv...

Best summer vacation account I've read!  Need a laugh today fellow ROW80 's?  Mina Naveen delivers....

 ~ Nadja

Mistress Of The Stone, Maria Zannini

Please welcome author Maria Zannini and her newest release!

Thank you Maria, for stopping by today with your new paranormal-historical novel.  Aren't the 'Pirate boys' just the cutest rotties ever?  Love it!





Avast yer dallying, me hearties, ye toothsome wenches and bilge rats, and read on ... Yaahaarrrr!    

 

 

 

Mistress Of The Stone 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mistress of the Stone

Paranormal-Historical

 

A young woman at the helm of a pirate ship braves ghouls, ghosts and werewolves to find her father--or avenge his death.

 

Luísa Tavares has a list of sins the length of the Antilles, but there’s no time to repent for them now. When a pockmarked Frenchman hands her Papa’s ring—still attached to his severed finger—she orders the Coral back to the Caribbean, despite her father’s earlier warning never to return.

It’s Luísa’s luckless fate that the only man who can help her is a blasted Inglés pirate hunter who’s more dead than alive and locked in a curse he doesn’t want lifted. Worse, his feral sensuality sparks a hunger she can’t ignore.

Xander Daltry hadn’t planned on kidnapping this wild woman—or succumbing to his uncontrollable desire for her. But he needs Luísa and the moonstone she wears around her neck to rescind a witch’s spell. His sister, long dead, and others like her have been cursed to remain in the mortal plane for eternity. Only the stone can set them free.

The only way to convince the reluctant pirate queen to help him is to withhold one small bit of the truth. For if she learns who really betrayed her father, the longing in her fiery eyes could easily turn to murderous wrath…

 

Buy it HERE.

Visit Maria Zannini HERE.

The Ugly Truth

What Is Truth? ~ Pontius Pilate

Memories happy, faces laughing
linger in the mind's eye
blissfully ignorant to

        Truth.

Moments tender, heartfelt words
whispered, uncoerced gifts
bitter upon the palate of
                Truth.

Times distant, abandoned
contemplative, untouched
vetted in the aftermath of
                        Truth.

Night descends, shadows
devour certainty, tomorrow
lays trampled beneath
Lies.  


Meh... More theraputic than I expected.  Go figure.

 ~ Nadja

Researching For Romance Writing: Biting The Bullet

Welcome back to Researching For Romance, a weekly series revealing my fabulous finds for use in writing. Please feel free to share any great sites that offer greater information on whatever topic is featured. :} 

The Origination Of A Phrase:  Bite The Bullet

We've all heard the above phrase.  There are different variations to the sentiment, and equally different meanings.  The term can apply to taking a chance, stepping up to the plate, or even to death.  Time has a way of 'turning a phrase', so to speak.

During my research into Native American culture, specifically the Plains Indians, I discovered where the phrase originated through reading.  Apparently, white buffalo hunters, after finding themselves on the wrong end of a Comanche spear (or perhaps more apt - after finding their friends and acquaintances on the wrong end of Comanche spears) decided it better to take their own lives rather than end up captive to a war party. 

Victims were tortured horribly when caught killing buffalo solely for their hides.  The Indians wanted to send a powerful warning to those slaughtering their very means of survival.  Tensions had escalated for years over thinning herds and shrinking hunting grounds.  As a result, Comanche (Not only Comanche, I'd like to add) warriors actively sought to destroy the men responsible.  Speared to the ground, men were discovered with their ears, tongues, and even genitals severed and stuffed into their mouths.  Some were skinned and left for dead, just as they had left the buffalo.  Others were used as a base for cooking fires, the cast off buffalo carcasses roasted on the captive's belly.  Brutal, no?  White buffalo hunters feared capture (and most importantly what would come after capture) more than death - and can you blame them?  Not without irony do I note that these adventurers, so intent on financial gain, 'Bit The Bullet' so to speak in chancing capture to hunt the buffalo in the first place.  But I digress... 

Nearly all hunters carried a .50 calibre cartridge that had been emptied and filled with cyanide.  Hence, when the day was lost, they would 'Bite The Bullet' rather than face the alternative - capture and certain torture at the hands of a war party.  I had never heard this before.  My introduction and understanding of the phrase had led me to believe its gist was 'taking a chance' or 'testing fate'.  While the phrase has taken on this meaning since those days, its origin reveals a much more sinister beginning.

 ~ Nadja

           

Cover Reveal: A Practical Arrangement

The last few days have been a mixture of image selection, option choosing, tag-line finding, and anxious/excited stomach-roiling waiting.  It was worth every blessed second. Many, many thanks to Elaina at  For The Muse Design !

Without further ado, I happily share my latest cover...
 

۩ A Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani ۩

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.

 ~ Nadja

Kindle News ~ Distribution In India

Good morning! (albeit a late morning) 

Amazon greeted me this morning with an email notifying eligible authors of new distribution channels in India.  This is wonderful!  India is one of the worlds emerging markets, second I believe only to China, ( please don't quote me on that...lol).  Amazon, IMHO, makes a wise financial move based on the available data. 

I don't know about you, but I adore 'Bollywood' movies!  Indian movie-makers delight this viewer with colorful sets, interesting characters, and musical extravaganzas!  I mention Bollywood because it suggests the Indian public ( at least enough 'public' to support a popular movie industry) enjoys the arts.  This author is quite pleased at the newly opened Indian distribution channel.  Here's to new readers!

Changing direction...I should have my new cover by the end of the business day, and hope to reveal tomorrow.  I. LOVE. IT.  I wanted feminine and fresh for this cover, and Elaina at For The Muse Design delivered.  I may look into having some book-swag designed as well, for I plan to release A Practical Arrangement in print also! 

A book tour, submitting to review sites, and final edits/formatting will consume my week.  Hope all my ROW80 friends are hitting their mid-week stride!

 ~ Nadja

  

Book & Trailer Showcase, partnering with Coffee Beans And Love Scenes and Full Moon Bites Presents ~

Christmas Wishes Blog Hop

Stop by to join in the holiday extravaganza!  Here's how:  (Click over to BTS for Linky List Sign-Up!)




Welcome! We are so happy to announce that 3 great touring companies have joined together to bring you this wonderful hop! BTS, CBLS, and Full Moon Bites proudly present the Christmas Wishes Giveaway Hop!!
We are hoping to be able to giveaway 2 E-Readers, A Nook Glow and A Kindle Touch 3G, but we need your help. Donations for the grand prize will be accepted until Dec 2. Please contact viajeradelmar@aol.com for your information on how to donate money!
Since we have had such a lovely run this year working with all of the lovely authors, we have decided to also give away one touring package each! So three lucky authors will walk away with their very own book tour to kick off the New Year!
Now let’s go over a few things:
Please, copy the button and paste it on your blog!! (Either on the sidebar or make a post about it) The more people we get involved, the more fun for everyone involved!! Anyone can sign up. If you are new to the hop idea but would love to participate, just comment here or email me @ viajeradelmar@aol.com. I will be happy to walk you through the process or explain things in greater detail. Please include whether your giveaway is US only or Int on the linky form.

The Rules:

1. Posts must be up at midnight on the 7th. We will be checking!! Any post not up by the allotted time will be deleted from the event. So if you are in a different time zone, post the night before. It is ok to be early but not ok to be late.
2. Posts must include the hop button which I will be sending out to you a week before it is supposed to go live.
3. Posts must include the linky list, the links to the next three bloggers, or a link back to either BTS, CBLS, or Full Moon Bites. We want everyone to be able to hop to all the sites.
4. Your giveaway can be anything but it must include either something book related(print books, e-books, gift-cards, swag, reading lights) or Christmas themed. Designers are more than welcome to join in as well and offer services, different buttons or blog design items, as well as packages.
5. Have fun
Everyone is responsible for their own individual giveaway. Participants need to announce their winners within 48 hours of the hops end.
Please include whether your giveaway is US only or Int on the linky form.

Come join in the Christmas fun!!

 ~ Nadja

The Eye Of The Storm

Things are eerily quiet, even as I busily tap away on my keyboard, writing guest posts, plotting new concepts.  I am engrossed in the final pages of a beta read on "The Call Of The Gods", and while not my usual genre, it is an uncommonly good story. Add in brainstorming with a fellow writer - on a topic wholly foreign to my experience - and that sums up this writer's week.  (I suppose that's the draw -  a new adventure!)

So...how can I claim that eerie quiet I mention?

My novel is off in beta land.  It's a season of waiting.  The winds are picking up a bit, as my cover designer and I are now emailing back and forth, nailing down final, finer details on my new cover, but the full gale blast of this storm we call publishing has yet to hit land!  I'm more than ready.  (Did I ever mention that I am terrible at waiting? Ha!) 

But I needed this calm before the whirl-wind picks me up and carries me away.  I've plenty to accomplish, things I've neglected while in the final push of writing, typing, and blurb writing.  When items on my 'to-do' list pile up, I feel the weight of them surely as if I carried an elephant on my back.  Completing these offers a sense of 'right-ness' with the world.  It cleans off my desk and de-clutters my mind.  For this, I am thankful.  My attention can be focused solely on edits in the upcoming week or two - with nothing looming over my shoulder whispering, 'Look over here!  I need your attention!'  Ahhh.  :}

Progress On The Writing And Goals Front...

*  Another read-through on A Practical Arrangement will begin tomorrow morning. 

*  Cover design to be revealed within the week.  The fun begins...

*  Beta accomplished by the end of the day - and sent off.  I've only twenty pages remaining, and I NEED to know...you know?

*  Work on my Erotic Anthology project blossomed.  I spoke with a woman who told me an interesting story...

*  Guest post written and sent. 

*  Sales continue to climb.  Claiming The Prize is garnering sudden interest!  (I posted on this the other day!)

*  Research continues.  I am 89% complete on one of my titles, and 50% complete on the other. 

*  I've written one post for Researching For Romance.  It is waiting in the wings. 

*  I cooked!  Hot weather dampens my enthusiasm for cooking.  The last two days have hinted that autumn is not far off.  The cooler temperatures lured me into my kitchen, much to the happiness of my family.  Chicken noodle soup, Stroganoff, and brownies are a few of the boys' favorite treats I whipped up.  Hubby enjoyed Beef Biryani - and while not an Indian dish, he didn't complain.

*  Only fair success with exercise since Wednesday.  Friday I pulled a mega-workout.  I felt terrific...until Saturday.  Ha!  Why, oh why didn't I drink the protein after that workout???  Stupid girl...  :}

*  Social goals have been met.

*  I am supposed to go blueberry picking with a friend.  The weather has been most uncooperative.  This week maybe?

Don't forget to stop by and see how fellow ROW80 writers have made out this week. 
Happy Reading And Writing!

 ~ Nadja

 

             

A Trend Setter?

Indulge Me My Delusion A Brief Moment...Please?  Lol. 

A year ago, almost to the day, I published my first novel, Claiming The Prize.  The story centers around an up-and-coming MMA fighter looking to break into the premier mixed-martial-arts organization.  Here's the blurb:

Claiming The Prize, Nadja Notariani

Walking a solitary, disciplined path in his pursuit to become the light heavyweight champion of the American-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Organization, Drago Zadrovec leaves the security of his homeland to train in the United States. But once within the exclusive MMA organization, Drago finds himself increasingly drawn to his mentor's daughter, Grace Antolini. Quiet and gentle, yet thoroughly immersed in the world in which he exists, Grace captures his heart as firmly as his quest for the title, igniting a long buried passion inside the fighter. Subjecting his body to the brutality of the cage and opening his heart to the woman he desires to share his life with, Drago comes to understand that his journey is comprised of more than want of victory in the ultimate goal of Claiming The Prize......

Claiming The Prize was inspired by many years of sitting in gymnasiums, watching my son train in wrestling, jujitsu, Muay-Thai kickboxing, and boxing, which in turn led to my enthusiasm and appreciation of the sport.  However great my enthusiasm, MMA is not a sport many women actively follow - at least comments from my Hot Jocks In July Giveaway led me to believe.

While reading at Juliana Haygert's site this evening, I discovered a newly published title featuring an MMA fighter!  I'm over the moon, as readers are grabbing up this title - and delving into the world of MMA - with a healthy side-helping of romance - hot romance from what I read!  I hope the new-found love affair with cage fighting heroes, coupled with the potent romance combination, will encourage readers to seek similar titles - namely, Claiming The Prize!


Here's the book Juliana featured - check it out.  I've added it to my TBR pile.  Delicious MMA fighters - decadent romance?  I'm all in!

Seducing Cinderella, Gina Maxwell

 ~ Nadja

  

Storytelling: Writing With Passion

The universe is made of stories, not atoms.
-Muriel Rukeyser

Ruth Ann Nordin, writing at SPAL, posted Be A Storyteller First, sparking my interest and speaking to my inner muse.

If you've read my small blurb to the right, you'll see that I consider myself a storyteller.  Oh, I bandy about the word author, toss in the term writer, but strip it all down to the basics and I find myself enamored by the word storyteller.

As far back as history goes, storytelling gathered family and friend round the fire, ignited the imaginations of children, explained the mysteries of life.  The men and women who honed their craft, weaving stories of deceit and danger, folly and vanity, love and loss, captivated their audiences, taught lessons.  Some stories were handed down, generation after generation, and remain with us to this day, thousands of years later. 

I've loved tales since I was quite young.  "Tell me a story," I'd plead, expectantly waiting for my grandfather to comply, which he often did.  Oh, he read me fairy tales, Bible stories of long ago ancestors, but he also told stories of his life.  I drank these in with unquenchable thirst.  My grandmothers did this as well.  Their life stories enthralled me.  Tales of the depression, of young girls frolicking about the farm, of meagre meals, of dropping out of school to enter the hell fires of a steel mill - these fascinated me.  Still do.  My grandparents are sadly, long passed from this world, but I gather my stories even today, befriending my elderly neighbors, sharing experiences with girlfriends who have grown up in different areas, experienced foreign cultures.  It satisfies and feeds the soul.

Storytelling is a gift, one I hope to hone and practice for many years.  In writing stories, I hope to lure readers to experience escape, to indulge romantic notions, to go where they might else not.

Why do you tell stories? 

On The Writing Front...ROW80 Check-In

*  A Practical Arrangement is in the hands of beta readers.  Blow. Me. Down.  Now I must wait.  Oh!  The Waiting!

*  I have signed up with Book And Trailer Showcase!  I hope to feature some great books.

*  A Practical Arrangement has its own page.  Now I await my new cover.  Oh!  More Waiting!  Lol.

*  I will begin my beta read tomorrow.  What??  Reading for fun??  You-Betcha.

*  Visit five blogs per day Monday through Friday.  So far, so good. 

*  Reading for research. 

Continuing with My Life As An Indian, J.W. Schultz.  Still fascinating. 









Also reading Ride The Wind, Lucia St. Clair Robson.  This is an epic historical novel.  It is Robson's telling of the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, who was stolen by Comanche Indians after witnessing the brutal slaying of her family.  Cynthia Ann Parker, who some of you may know became the mother of one of the last war chiefs of the Plains, lived an extraordinary life.  This is her story. 




*  Write new post for Researching For Romance.  I have not accomplished this yet.  Now that my novel is in the hands of beta readers, I hope to focus on some post writing that begs my attention. 

*  Don't forget to check in with Spellbound Scribes!  The monthly topic is Villains.  Claudia LeFeve's post, When Bad Guys Turn Good is up.  With five Scribes in the mix, each week is sure to offer a new perspective.

*  I have two cookbooks sitting on my side table.  I hope to select and cook something delish in the next day or so.  My husband, who has been suffering with takeout over the last few weeks as I wrote the final touches, typed myself stupid, and traipsed all over the place, is begging for some spicy Indian food.  After such patience, I must placate - he deserves a treat. 

*  Also on the list is my Erotic Anthology outline and submission.  Perhaps next week I will be able to settle down and focus on that project. 

*  As always, Shiny-New-Idea-Syndrome has struck.  While I cannot complain, as I am never left wondering what I might write next, I do have to handle my business before I allow myself to indulge in the wonderful story I've begun conjuring.  Arrgh.  I can barely contain myself.  *all-smiles-here*

*  I exercised yesterday, my first in about three or four days.  I took a ridiculous tumble, slipping in my kitchen and crashing onto my rumpus, entertaining all present.  Phew. *Note to self*  I. Do. Not. Bend. That. Way.  Advil was my dear, dear friend.   

Have a wonderful and productive week...

 ~ Nadja

  

Another Step Forward

Sunday Morning Smiles For Fellow ROW80 Writers

Another week has sifted through our fingers, the days slipping by with uncanny speed!  But I've a light heart and satisfied grin plastered upon my face.  The Typing Saga has ended.  Today I begin my read through before sending off my latest historical novel to beta readers.  Edits loom ahead, but apart from a few scenes I may add, critique issues that are brought to my attention, and basic grammar/punctuation proofing, A Practical Arrangement is finished.  I foresee no major changes to be made, and that has me smiling like a ninny!

Evangeline Grey spilled onto the page with ease, her staunch manner and easily ruffled sensibilities leaving great opportunity for my hero, Thomas Masterson, to antagonize her at every opportunity.  I loved the chemistry between these very different personalities.  As the story progressed, not only did they soften toward one another, they came to view their relationships with others with new understanding.  This is a story of the human condition in all its splendor and vexation.  It is a love affair borne not out of heated passions and initial attraction, but from an unlikely alliance brought about by necessity - and a bit of conspiring.

 

A Practical Arrangement © Nadja Notariani 2012

۩ A Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani ۩

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.

On The Writing Front...Upcoming Goals List

*  Read at least once, maybe twice before sending A Practical Arrangement to beta readers.  This is to be completed by next Sunday at the absolute latest.  I would like to have this accomplished by Wednesday.

*  Beta read a novella I've taken on for a fellow writer and have critique sent by next Wednesday.

*  Reveal cover for A Practical Arrangement on or about 20 August.

*  Create top tab on my page for cover and blurb.

*  Continue to visit five blogs Monday through Friday to check in with writer-ly friends.

*  Once the above goals are accomplished (apart from cover reveal) begin edits in earnest.  Obviously, I will need beta and critique feedback to complete, but in the meantime, I'll make hay while the sun shines. 

*  Complete outline and character profiles for Erotic Anthology project.

*  Begin writing a piece of 10K - 15K for submission.

*  Link up with BTS.

*  Submit a guest post I've been invited to write.

*  Write a few Researching For Romance posts as I've new material to share! 

*  Continue Native American research, which is more like fun that work!  Compile notes for future novel.  Gah!  I'm so excited about this.  Shiny New Idea has struck me like a lightening bolt.

 ~ Nadja

        

Waving...Then Dashing Off

Didn't want to miss a ROW80 check-in, so I'm waving frantically to everyone!

It's been a busy week with family visiting.  Swimming, picnicking, and a trip to the Big Apple has consumed my days.  It was so exciting to be able to take my niece to NYC for her first visit.  She ooh-ed and aww-ed as the city skyline came into view - and nearly plotzed when we rounded the corner of Fifth Avenue and she spied the windows of the American Girl store! 

My nine-year old loved Central Park, climbing on the rocks and feeding the ducks (he's a nature boy!) - and he fed birds in front of the Public Library building.  But his favorite adventure was the Liberty Island tour - well, the boat ride!  Ha. 


Anyone who claims that city folk are indifferent hasn't had our experience in the city!  We had dashed in crazy manner to Battery Park to catch the last ferry, but as we arrived, the guards informed us that the last ferry trip had just sold out.  Two guards watched on as my son struggled to contain his disappointment, and they allowed us to go down to the railings to gaze out at the Statue Of Liberty across the water.  A few minutes later, the younger guard approached and informed us that we were going to be their guests, courtesy of his father, who was the other guard!  They ushered us on board - and made the day of one nine-year-old boy.  It really touched my heart.  I don't know their names, but I'd like to pray blessings upon those two men!

In other news...writing related, that is...

*  Browsing my Amazon books to see if anything of interest was happening, I discovered a smile worthy new review of Claiming The Prize!  Read Review By SunFlowers.  It boosted my morning considerably.  :} 

*  Less than 40 pages remain in my typing saga.  It will be completed once company departs for home tomorrow.  I will be finished by Sunday, making my two week goal just in the nick of time!  :}

*  I've roughed out an idea for my Erotic Anthology submission, and will begin more detailed planning once A Practical Arrangement is in the hands of beta readers.  I still have to name my characters and complete profiles, but this will not be as detailed as usual since the submissions will not top 15K.  I'm looking forward to this project a great deal.

*  Research is extremely interesting about now...  I've begun reading My Life As An Indian by J.W. Schultz.  Absolutely enjoyable account of one young man's life and adventures with the Blackfeet Indians! 

I sure hope the sun is shining on all my ROW80 friends this week.  Happy and Productive Writing!

 ~ Nadja

Swift Keystrokes, Steady Progress

Happy Wednesday! 

Not only is it a ROW80 check in, August's IWSG posts are up!  Now I'm not sure Wednesday in and of itself holds special meaning aside from being 'hump-day', but add in two great groups of writers posting on their weekly and monthly ventures and Wednesday seems almost a bit sparkly - and much more interesting.  


Insecure Writers Support Group...  hosted by Alex Cavanaugh

July has been a busy month for this gal.  Two stints at the ocean, one to the lake, camping, a luau, nightly coffee and workouts with 'bestie', DS#1 and his new job, dog-sitting for DD#1, and three trips to visit DD#2 in Maryland stole the seventh month right from under my nose!  I can conjure no serious regret, as it was glorious.  'GLORIOUS,' I shout with little tempered abandon. 

Which brings me 'round to my point...really, there is a point, I promise.  :}  With all my travelings, with my boys eager to boogie-board 'just-one-more-time-Eema-please', with push-ups and yoga poses, with visits from family, picnics with friends, and all the trappings of summer, I despaired of getting any 'work' done.

Work.  Another four-letter word...  At least when it comes to laundry, dog-hair, and sand stuck to the bottom of the tub.  But I realized something amazing and wonderful over this past month.  Despite all the busy chaos life chose to heap upon me in spades, I didn't falter on my writing goals.  The reason being is simple, causing me to wonder why I hadn't understood myself better in the first place.  I don't really consider my writing work.  I like to do it.  I enjoy it. 

Many of you may shake heads and sigh with knowing smiles at my epiphany.  I won't mind if you do.  Better than I have traveled this path, learned this lesson.  We make time for the things that are dear to us.  Writing is one of those things, for me. 

Thankful.  If I'd never faced down insecurity, never mustered the chutzpah to write that first sentence, paragraph, chapter, novel - I'd not be here today writing this post.  I'm so very thankful I did.  And I'm glad you all did too. 

A Round Of Words...

*  Sixty pages remain in the Typing Saga of A Practical Arrangement.  My fingers refuse to obey at this point in the process, mixing up letters and such.  I believe my spell check may revolt or even go on strike.  Perhaps that little program feature will form a union and demand extra pay or something.  Ha!

*  I exercised this morning after a week long 'epic-fail'.  I feel much better. 

*  Social goals have been met.

*  Cooking will begin in earnest as my brother and his family will arrive Saturday for a five day visit.  My menu is planned loosely.  DD#2 will arrive home on Friday as well for the weekend.  It will be a very busy - very full - house!

*  I will begin a beta read for a fellow author once my company departs.  I had the pleasure of reading the first few chapters a while ago - and cannot wait to delve into this story. 

*  Cover reveal for A Practical Arrangement will occur on or around 20 August!  I'm on pins and needles while I wait.    

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

 ~ Nadja

       

Closer To The Heart

After Wednesday's discussion of encouraging responsibility, and after sharing one example of a young rap artist attempting to do so through the arts, I wanted to share one of my favorite songs.  I'm a longtime fan of the band, Rush.  They capture the message perfectly.






On The Goals and Writing Front...

*  The typing continues.  Strangely, my word count calculations were waaayy off.  I've only typed 73 of 165 written pages as of Friday night, yet have over 22k wracked up in words.  This may end up a novel after all...How about that?  :}

*  I've written my blurb and sent my images to my cover designer.  She'll turn my eclectic, hodge-podge collection into something lovely that I'll gush over.  I. Can. Not. Wait.

*  No new recipes cooked.  I'll do little but type until I finish.  It's lunch meat, PB&J, and hot dogs on the grill. 

*  I've not exercised in five days.  Unless you count finger exercises.  They do count, right?

*  Social goals - check

*  I need to type up some new Researching For Romance posts.  I've been neglectful while finishing my WIP.  I've some great topics to share, and I'll get to work after I finish this blasted typing ...and the subsequent edits that will consume my next few weeks. 

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The fabulous and talented Raelyn Barclay gifted me with two great awards!  Let's see what I can come up with to entertain...

The Sunshine Award

Is You Are My Sunshine playing in your head? Or is that just me?

• Favorite color: I don’t really have a favorite.  I tend to favor warm colors, although my bedroom is painted 'jungle-river-green'.  It's soothing. 
• Favorite animal: Dogs come to mind immediately - my German Shepherd is my 'Putchka'...and I could squeeze him to pieces.  :}  Birds of prey fascinate me, hawks and falcons especially.
• Favorite number: Hmmm.  I don't think I have a favorite number...never really thought about it.  But like Raelyn, even numbers sort of seem nicer than odd ones.  Why?  Who can guess!
• Favorite drink: As much as I love my coffee, TEA.  "Ditto"  If we're referring to alcoholic drinks, I have to go with Guinness. 
• Facebook/Twitter Locations: Nadja Notariani, Facebook
• Favorite passion: Reading, writing, and cooking.  To get lost in a good story...sublime...to eat while doing so, more sublime.
• Giving or Receiving: Giving, definitely.
• Favorite pattern: I have seen this question before and wondered 'what the heck is a favorite pattern?'  Ha!  After seeing Raelyn's answer, I smacked my head with my hand and laughed my unmentionables off.  …Toile.  I've always liked this print. 
• Favorite day of the week: Saturday.
• Favorite flower:  Lilac, Daisy, and Queen-Anne's Lace (which is a weed, but I like it)

Fabulous Blog Ribbon

Five fabulous writing moments:

1. The first sentence written in a new WIP.  It opens the door to a new world.
2. When the perfect banter between characters flows from my mind to the paper.
3. Seeing a new cover for my finished novel.  It's pretty and new and shiny...Love it!
4. Becoming so immersed in my story that I 'see' the characters and setting in my mind's eye, hear their secret thoughts and desires, feel their emotion.
5. Writing “the end” on a first draft.

Five things I love about writing…

1. The moment a project is finished, published...Satisfaction, indeed!
2. Deciding which project to take on next.  So many ideas...
3. When the words come and come, my pencil leaving a trail of graphite as I furiously scribble words onto crisp, white pages.
4. Researching new topics.  I ♥ The Google. 
5. Sharing my stories with readers.

Five things I hate about writing…

1. Typing my manuscript.  Oh!  The typing...:{ 
2. When I hear crickets instead of prose...
3. Having to force myself to hold a character's secret.  I confess...I'm ready to spill it all right away.  This is a tendency I have to fight against all the time!
4. Those moments when 'Inner-Critic' rouses her minions, 'Not Good Enough Today' and 'Not Good Enough Tomorrow'. 
5. The filth-and-filth-foul typing.

I'll leave you to decide if you'd like to participate!  Don't forget to stop by fellow ROW80 blogs over the weekend.  Happy Writing!

 ~ Nadja