Release Day!

Happy Release Day for X Marks the Scot! Be sure to pick up and enjoy your copy today! TOP PICK from Night Owl, 4 1/2 stars from RT, and a "keeper" from LASR. 
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Decland MacGregor and Lady Liadain Campbell were a blast to write. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Happy Reading!

Sun, Sea, Sand, and a Rum and Coke? Seriously?

Greetings! The clan and I recently returned from a fabulous Christmas vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico. We traveled with my dad and my sister and her family for a grand total of eight! Yep, a good old-fashioned Griswald family Christmas.

I was never away from the States for the holidays before and the trip was definitely an experience. But I have to admit, it was kind of odd not to have the dreary gray skies or snow. Instead, we were blessed with 85 degree weather, white sandy beaches and palm trees. This was pretty much my view every day under the cabana with an umbrella drink in hand.

This fair-skinned beauty only comes with two shades--white or red. I do not tan. I burn. The bird didn't seem to mind my company though.

The staff tried to make everyone feel at home and the resort was decorated with all-things Christmas.

This vacation was my daughter (twelve years old) and my son's (seven years old) first trip to Mexico. My tweeny pretty much rolls with anything, but my son--well, let's just say he's still at that impressionable age. Which brings me to the case in point.

The little lad played in the sand, minding his own business, when he spotted a topless woman on a lounger (the only woman on the entire beach sporting such nothingness.) His eyes widened, his jaw dropped and oh, boy...we knew it was coming.

"Where is her top? She doesn't even have a bra on!" he shouted.

We sat down and explained how some people in Europe go to the beach "natural" and I thought I had handled the situation like a seasoned pro. Then I politely added, "If it bothers you, just don't look."

Again, the little jaw dropped and my beloved son replied, "Of course I'm going to look. I'm a boy!" 

Hauling my great parenting skills to dinner that night, the entire clan had a drink beforehand at the bar. A round of drinks were ordered and my son was the only kid who wanted anything--a Coke. We sat around and waited for our name to be called for the reservation when my son came up to me and held out his glass.

"There is something totally wrong with this Coke."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

 "Taste it," he said, scrunching up his little face.

"No wonder it doesn't taste right. They gave you a rum and Coke."

"I had a rum and Coke? This vacation is awesome! I can't wait to tell my friends!"

Can you imagine this parent's nightmare? What is he going to tell his friends and teachers? I saw a naked lady and drank a rum and Coke!

We had a wonderful time, especially the kids. lol And the first day we were home, we awoke to a beautiful sunrise and four inches of snow.

The Best Holiday Memories

Christmas Eve, a special time of year and one of the most cherished memories that will always hold a sentimental place in my heart.

Springing out of bed and giddy with excitement, my sister and I were going to Baba's (my grandmother's) for Christmas Eve. The holiday could not be here soon enough. "What time are we leaving?" I would ask for the millionth time. The minutes took an eternity, but it was finally time to go.

Proudly displaying our Christmas dresses with our Mary Janes and white tights, we got all bundled up in our winter coats. Donning our hat and mittens, exhilaration filled the frosty air. My sister and I jumped in the car, restless in the back seat. First, because we were going to Baba's. Second, because the car took forever to heat up. Singing every Christmas carol under the sun, we surely made the Griswald's proud! We were on our way.

Glancing out the foggy windows, winter-white snow drifts grazed the landscape and made the picturesque Norman Rockwell scene come to life. As we crossed the bridge over the river, the houses appeared as though they were merely little villages that belonged under a Christmas tree. You could actually feel the holiday spirit come alive.

At last, we pulled into Baba's driveway, her brick Cape Cod covered in snow. Her home always reminded me of a storybook gingerbread house and it was the perfect holiday backdrop. Sprinting out of the car, but careful on the driveway (Mary Janes were quite slippery in the snow), we followed the stone path between the house and row of emerald green arborvitae trees. Reaching the back porch, we stomped our feet, shaking off the snow. We finally made it.

Opening the wooden door, the warmth brushed against our cold skin. Baba stood at the kitchen sink with her green apron as we had seen her so many times before. Raising her head, she casted a warm smile and opened her arms to embrace us--her hug so comforting. *sigh* Immediately engulfed with the smell of Christmas Eve dinner, we searched the counter for something we could sample. Yelling at everyone else for picking before dinner, she turned away from them, sneaking my sister and I samples of anything we wanted.

Surrounded by family, we sat around her enormous dining room table. This is what it was all about. All of Baba's prepping and cooking was well worth the wait and effort. It was simply delightful.

Having finished dinner, the men made their sly escape into the living room (no surprise there) while the women cleared the table and washed the dishes. Had I known then what I know now! LOL. With the last dish washed and put away, we were finally ready for my favorite part.

Bustling into the living room and everyone finding their comfy spot, the old record player was brought down from the upstairs bedroom. The Mitch Miller Christmas sing-a-long albums were spinning and we all sang our little hearts out. Glancing around the dim-lit room, the fire crackled and popped, the Christmas tree was twinkling with baubles of Christmas past as the outside world was lost to us all. All that mattered was family and that particular moment in time.

There was only one song left to sing. White Christmas.

When my grandfather came home from World War II, he called my grandmother to say he'd be home for the holidays as White Christmas played in the background. Ever since then, my grandmother and grandfather would cry at the drop of a hat upon hearing the enchanted melody. Although it has been many years since my grandparents left us, the song still makes me tear up when I hear it.

The best holiday memories are made with family and friends. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas or Hanukkah, and I hope you create a Norman Rockwell scene of your own.

A Thanksgiving Letter

There is nothing like the love between a mother and daughter. And today I discovered that even more. 

My eleven year old daughter came into my bedroom and said, "I wrote this in class. I thought you should have it." She handed me a letter written in her own hand and then simply left the room. 

I sat down on the bed and read... and cried. This is what she wrote for class and nothing has been edited.

October 18, 2012

Has someone in your family ever become an author? Well, mine has. My mother. It's pretty cool being a daughter of an author. Here is how my normal Mom became a published author.

She started reading books that her friend was giving her to read. She then got inspired. So she started by just taking some notebook paper and writing a short story. Little did she know that this story would land her a three-book deal.

My mom started to think that she might have a chance to be published. She worked really hard every night and was writing and writing. It took her four years to write her book. She started talking to publishers and seeing if they were interested in her book. Then one day she got a call. She was an author.

I was so happy for her when I found out. We went out that night and celebrated. Then she told me some more good news. She not only was an author but got a three-book deal. I didn't know how to express myself. She worked so hard to accomplish this much. My happy meter exploded because I was just so happy.

Right now, in the present time, my mother has published two books. She is now done with her third book and editing it. She has a lot of famous friends, like Nora Roberts. She always orders cookies when she goes to a book signing to interest people in her books. I help her a lot with giving her ideas and my opinions on her books. Even my little brother helps. He wears a kilt (man skirt) because my mom writes historical romance. Everybody says he's so cute.

The incident affected me a lot. I could never be so proud to say I am Victoria Roberts's daughter. She has a great imagination and personality. I hope you enjoyed my story on how an ordinary mom could become a famous author.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

What a wonderful time of year. Not only do our little ones get to dress up and get truck loads of candy, but it's my birthday today. I love having my special day today. As a kid, it was always so much fun. Candy, birthday cakes, costume parties, and plenty of laughs and scares to go around. 

The picture above is my daughter in first grade. She had that beautiful bride outfit when she took dance lessons, and then transformed it into her own design. Yep, that was all her idea. She frightened other kids, scared the living-daylights out of her teacher, and her father and I just shook our heads. Kids. She had a blast.  

From there, she was Freddie Kruger.

Yep, that's my baby! My precious first-born.

This year my son is going as a Navy seal and my daughter as a basketball player-go figure. What about your kids? What's the biggest costume trend this year?

Nuts About Nora and Gaga for Grace

I had another wonderful opportunity to return to Turn the Page Bookstore for Girls' Night Out yesterday.

Rather than having a formal book signing, the authors had the chance to chat with readers and other authors. When my daughter and I arrived, we met 10 year-old author McKenzie Betts who wrote Blue Bear Finds a Rainbow. In the picture below, McKenzie is signing her book for my niece.

She will be the next Nora Roberts before you know it! 

Fellow Marsal Lyon Literary Agency sister Erika Robuck returned with her beautiful novel, Hemingway's Girl. Erika is truly the epitome of grace and character, and she's quickly becoming my hero. And since it's a small world in which we live, Erika and I met agency sister Melissa Foster, Chasing Amanda.

 

After chatting several times on-line, I finally met Anita Clenney, Awaken the Highland Warrior. 

One of the highlights of the night for me had to be when fellow Sourcebooks author Grace Burrowes walked into the room. I immediately scoffed up Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight for her to sign for my CP (critique partner.)

After I told Grace I was star-struck, she laughed and said, "Oh, please. Two years ago I wasn't even published." She certainly made me feel comfortable, and let me just say that Grace Burrowes is awesome! I met Grace Burrowes! *jumping up and down*

I picked up a new novel from K. R. Flanagan called Thane: The Fae Prince of Fir Manach and I can't wait to dig into that one. K. R. Flanagan was very charming and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author. 

The readers were phenomenal. I was honored that Alison Rush drove two hours to see me. Of course I hooked her up with some serious Bad Boy swag. Alison and readers like Alison make this journey all worth while. I thank you for reading Temptation in a Kilt. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing. ;-)

And the night could not be complete without once again chatting it up with the infamous, the multi-talented, Nora Roberts.

 

Please do not wake me from this dream...

Sold Out with Nora Roberts



The words every author wants to hear...

Yesterday, I had the honorable privilege of participating in a book signing with Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Eloisa James, Maya Banks, Erica Robuck and Lora Leigh at Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD.

My son and I arrived at 11:15a.m. and immediately received a pleasant greeting from Nora and her office manager, Janeen. I was asked to sign a couple of pre-order copies, literally two, while Nora signed hers, literally--well, a lot. Janeen told me that any books I didn't sell would need to be signed for Turn the Page so they could mail out any additional orders.

Nervously, I prepared my table. MacGregor tartan tablecloth, bookmarks, postcards, newsletter book, sharpies, t-shirts, kilt cookies, check. I was ready to rock and roll.

I met some fabulous authors. Erica Robuck was also a debut author and a fellow agency sister from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She was there showcasing her new novel, Hemingway's Girl. And of course we had to get our picture taken again with Nora!

With the initial set-up complete, Janeen told all of the authors that normally 150 readers come to the event. That didn't happen. We had 250 turn out! I knew this was going to be an exciting day. And I wasn't wrong.

   

I nervously signed Temptation in a Kilt for my first reader, and my son and I quickly developed a system. I'd sign, my son inserted the bookmark and handed the reader a kilt cookie. We passed them out like hotcakes. And then it slowed down a bit.

When the line wasn't moving and a couple of readers passed us by, my son said, "I didn't give them a cookie."

I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "They didn't buy Mommy's book."

His eyes widened, he leaned back and said a little louder, "That sucks! You're book is really good. How come they're not buying it?" I was just about to answer him when he whipped his head around and said again, loudly, "Hey, look! I see they have it, and they have it, and they have it."

Out of the mouths of babes. We definitely had some interesting experiences.

A man came up to the table and asked my little man, "Do you recommend your Mom's book?"

My little lad hesitated (not understanding the word "recommend" at 7 years old) and shook his head--no. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer... Fortunately, the man laughed and bought the book for his wife.

I met some downright charming people. Everyone was very nice, and even if they didn't buy the book, they offered congratulations on the accomplishment. I heard some great stories and met some great people. One moment in particular stands out.

There was a charming older woman who traveled from Cape Cod with her daughters to the event. To be honest, I've never laughed so hard in my life. The woman proceeded to tell me that she came to Nora's signing last year. Apparently, she made quite the impression with Nora the last time she was here. The woman walked up to Nora, looked her straight in the eye and said, "It's about time I get to finally meet my favorite author--Danielle Steel."

Nora, ever the professional, laughed it off and said, "No matter how famous you become people always mistake you for someone else."

Two hours into the signing, all of the books on my table sold. Janeen promptly brought me the remainder of the stock. My son and I stacked up the remainder of the books and the ritual continued.

My kin played a huge part in this event. My Dad told the ladies that he was the male cover model on my book and Sourcebooks photo shopped his head. My sister was outside and told readers that her author-sister was in there signing her first novel. My daughter wore her Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt and walked around the bookstore. And my son sat diligently by my side, sporting his kilt. 

When we were down to the last hour, I ran out of books. Since I'm my mother's daughter, I always over-prepare. I pulled out my personal stash of Temptation in a Kilt that I brought from home. And there it was. They were ALL GONE! SOLD OUT! The bookstore's and my own!

Janeen walked by and discreetly gave me the thumbs up as the last reader walked through the line. There were no books left over for me to sign. I did it. My debut novel. My first book signing and it's with Nora Roberts. I SOLD OUT!!!!!

At the end of the day, I walked up to Nora and thanked her profusely for having me. When she found out I sold out of Temptation in a Kilt she said, "I'm really happy for you."

Then I said, "Oh, and I need to thank you for something else."

Nora's expression became puzzled. "And what's that?"

"Thanks to you, I'm right next to you on the shelf."

Nora laughed and said, "I'm glad I could help you out."

I will never forget this experience of a lifetime. "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."--Walt Disney.