My Interview in the News & Observer

Alex Granados
Reporter for the News & Observer
Raleigh, North Carloina

Last week was another ‘first’ for me…I was interviewed by a reporter with our local paper who wanted to talk to me about my fledgling writing career. Hopes and dreams are coming true for me at the ripe old age of 57, and Alex Granados was kind enough to listen and put on paper what it has taken to get me to this point. Here is a short excerpt from the article…


"My plans right now are to get in print," she said. "And in order to do that I have to come up with the best book." To that end, she has enlisted the help of her family. Her two adult sons, 25 and 29, have both read her work. Badger says they don't feel weird about reading her romantic writing. In fact, her son Eric - the one who served in Iraq - helped her with military details for one of her e-books. Even her mother joins in by being what Badger calls her "best editor." The latest book Badger is working on is the first set in her new hometown. In fact, the book begins at the North Carolina Museum of Art. "A big adage that I believe in is write what you know," she said. "I'm not in New Hampshire anymore, so I like to incorporate the local area."

Please remember that I write under TWO names: Nancy Lee Badger and Nancy Lennea

Read the Raleigh News & Observer article in its entirety at http://www.northraleighnews.com/2010/12/26/5884/granados-local-writer-loves-allure.html

A Pen & Muse Review

A fantastic review is up for DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN! Read all about it at http://thepenmuse.net/archives/1833

UNWRAPPING CHRIS available now!

My contemporary military romance is available now for less than $2 from various download sites!

Here is the Book Blurb:
Sometimes the best memories are worth unwrapping once more.



Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other’s lives once more.


Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone.


A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations, explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight, Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?

To read a free excerpt and more, go to:
Whispers Publishing buy link: http://bit.ly/eGmOQI

Amazon for Kindle: http://amzn.to/i68Q3b

INTERVIEW with CLARE DARGIN

Today I’m interviewing fellow Red Rose Publishing author,

Clare Dargin. Her book, Speculative Sky is a science fiction    
short fiction and was recently released. Welcome!

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.
Sure no problem. Speculative Sky is about a young woman who is an astrophysicist who journeys to another planet in hopes of furthering her dream of being the first to discover Extra Terrestrial Intelligence. To her surprise, her boss a fellow scientist discourages her efforts but she forges ahead and gets a surprise of her life.
Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?
I believe this is Science Fiction though I’ve been told that it has elements of Romance between the two main characters.
When did you start writing toward publication?
About fifteen years ago. It was so daunting and then one day, I discovered that e-publishing was available to me and it turned to be the perfect fit! Speculative Sky is not my first but I still love it nonetheless. I have been published before with my scifi military romance novel ‘Cold Warriors.’
Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?
Prior to Speculative Sky, yes I had several. But only a couple of them were worthy of being published. One day I hope to have them released again.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes I do but I am not sure what to call it. When people read my work, I want them to feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all. I want them to be able to hear, taste, smell and see the action as if it is happening all around them. I also tend to write tight stories with quick pacing. It's what I like to read and consequently how I write.
What inspired you to write this book?
Well, ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a writer. It was a dream of mine to be published and to write stories that everyone could enjoy. Speculative Sky was created because I’ve always had a fascination with stories about Extra-Terrestrial Life and S.E.T.I. and I wanted to integrate such a story with a female character as a strong and intelligent lead.
And how did you come up with the title?
To be honest I’ve always been attracted and fascinated by the abstract and the symbolic. I wanted the title to be symbolic of what April Mullen, the main character, has to deal with as an Astronomer and all that came with her assignment.
What is Speculative Sky about?
It is about a woman who takes a chance and leaves for an assignment on a science colony far away from Earth. As an astronomer, it is her job to monitor the stars at night and to record her findings. Nothing more than that. But, when she arrives, she notices that her new home is a bit odd, and that though there is evidence of life out there… they don’t want her to either acknowledge it or do anything about it. She of course finds this troubling.
Why have you become a published author?
Because I have an obsessive need to entertain people with stories! I can’t help myself!
What are your current projects?
Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Ice and Peace” the sequel to Cold Warriors. As well as having another expanded universe book in the works. Not to mention, two futuristic romances that are completely different from my military fiction.
Wow! You sound as busy as me! This can be a lonely profession. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Motown Creative Writers Group-- they helped get on the road to being published. And not to mention the many groups in the Romance community. They really pointed me in the right direction. I'm grateful for that.
Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Just because one editor does not like your work or says that it is not a good fit for their press it does not mean that there isn’t an audience and an editor out there that wouldn’t want your book right away! Don’t give up! Keep trying and your audience will eventually find you!

BOOK BLURB
Astrophysicist April Mullen has just been hired to monitor the deepest reaches of outer space. In this small outpost filled with scientists, she notices something amiss. Though the idea of searching for extra-terrestrial contact is permitted, the practice of doing so is not encouraged. Not satisfied with the status quo, April decides to forgo the warnings of her superiors to make contact with the inhabitants of that speculative sky. (Published: 2010)

EXCERPT

     “It’s amazing. You say this happens every day?”
     “Night, mostly, but you get the idea,” Bart said, pouring more of the sweet concoction into her glass.
     “Do they know about this back home?”
     “Sure they do. We send them the data all the time. And they tell us to keep tracking.”
     “Why didn’t anyone say anything?”
     “About what? A few blips on a screen?” Bart scowled, pouring more into his glass. “How’s that interesting?”
     “It’s more than we ever had at home.”
     “Trust me, April, it’s nothing.”
     “Bart, this is... Has anyone made contact?”
     “Don’t talk like that around here. Just leave it alone,” he said, shaking his head. “Calm down, get to know the place. You’ll really like it here. Most people don’t want to go home after being here.”
     “I‟m sure that’s the case, but how can I not be excited over this? It’s the find of a lifetime,” April said, reveling in the thought of making contact with extra-terrestrial life.
     “You don’t have to try to impress us. Just do your work and you’ll be fine.”
     “What does that mean?”
     “It means you don’t worry about it. There is plenty of research to be done. You could spend your entire lifetime studying the Jugis Star Cluster alone.”
     “Haven’t you ever looked up in the sky and wondered if there was anyone else out there?”
     “Of course I have. And if anyone back home asks, tell them it’s just us,” he said, finishing off his drink.
     “That’s not what I‟m talking about.”
     “I know what you’re talking about and don’t worry about it.”
     “What?”
     “What you’re thinking. Just don’t do it. I’m telling you, don’t do it.”

A little bit about the author

Clare Dargin is an author of science fiction and science fiction romance. She is an animal lover, just ask her two dogs that get away with everything… She continues to write in her spare time while she is pursuing her education. Her latest work ‘Speculative Sky’ is available now from Red Rose Publishing.

How can my readers buy your book?

Here is the buy link: http://bit.ly/gAXy8c

You can find more information about Clare Dargin and her book, ‘Speculative Sky* by

Visiting her website at http://www.claredargin.host22.com/

Or her blog at http://www.claredargin.bravejournal.com/

THANKSGIVING AND ... FOOD!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States, when we take a day to say how thankful we are for...whatever. Some are thankful their loved ones are no longer serving in a combat zone (that's me, talking) and others are thankful for good health, a steady job, or the love of a partner. But, the real thanks happens around a table laden with FOOD!

Which brings me to the thought for the week...what are you having this Thanksgiving? And...can you give me ideas of something easy, hot, and different that I can bring to a holiday party in two weeks?  This query brings to mind the pot luck suppers I attended back in our small town in New Hampshire. Here is an excerpt from DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN and harps on Destiny's choice of ...well, you'll just have to read it:

Destiny couldn’t wait to tell Josie everything. She found the perfect chance when Josie called and invited her to a potluck supper at the firehouse.



“You can’t stay cooped up forever. You’ve been so unhappy.”


“Please. Change the subject.”


“Fine, but please come. We’re hosting the annual pot-luck supper for local deer hunters.”


“And you guys do this, why?”


“To raise money for a new ambulance. Everyone brings something in a casserole or crock-pot, and we bake brownies at the station.”


“Okay, I’ll be there. What can I bring? Too late to cook.”


“A beverage? We always run dry,” Josie said.


After racing home and cleaning up, she threw on some comfortable clothes then stopped at the corner store for a keg of beer. When she showed up at the firehouse with a keg of ice-cold beer, Pete Thayer was the first to reach her and her burden.


“Let me help you with this, sweetheart.” Even with his flirty words, she’d been happy to have anyone carry the keg. Catching her by surprise, Pete had covered her hands with his while giving her a wicked smile.


“Thanks,” Destiny mumbled before she pulled her hands away from his strong grasp and went to find her friend. She offered to help in the kitchen. Carrying a large bowl of potato salad toward the buffet, the fire alarm shrieked. She felt the men’s stares as she bobbled the bowl. She hugged the bowl to her chest, took a breath, and then set it on the table. Hands free, she clutched one over her thudding heart.


“That’s loud enough to wake the dead.”


The men groaned then bolted toward the fire trucks parked outside. Josie raced from the kitchen, threw her apron at Destiny, and jumped inside the ambulance. Destiny waved goodbye as the speaker sputtered news about the call, and retreated into the kitchen.

I will not be drinking beer tomorrow, but hubby will when he enjoys his football games. We are having lobster tails this year, a belated birthday celebration for me, brought to us by CIVITAN, a local professional civic organization in Raleigh, North Carolina who hold an annual lobster fundraiser. So, fill up the stock pot, melt the butter, and pass the cloeslaw while we enjoy our New England fare, in the balmy south.

DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN, my romantic suspense, is available from Red Rose Publishing, and Amazon.com for Kindle 
Buy it now:  http://amzn.to/i81u3d

New Cover for Unwrapping Chris

Here is the new cover for my military-based contemporary romance, UNWRAPPING CHRIS. Hot cannot describe it. Whisper's Publishing has done another fine job. Check out the last blog article for the book blurb and watch for the release on Dec. 3rd!

UNWRAPPING CHRIS coming soon!

My alter ego has been just as busy. I also write for Whispers Publishing as Nancy Lee Badger. I have a Scottish paranromal with them called DRAGON'S CURSE, but an opportunity came about when the editors at Whispers called for short stories that included a Christmas wedding. I came up with a contemporary romance that fit the bill! I worked on it, submitted it, and waited. Five days later, they bought it! Here is a small blurb to whet your appetities!

Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other’s lives once more.

Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone.

A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations, explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight, Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?

UNWRAPPING CHRIS will be released by Whispers Publishing on December 3rd. Visit their website at www.WhispersHome.com to download.

ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. This is great news! And the relief of knowing you are okay is sweet and worth the few minutes of discomfort!

I had my mammogram last week. My darling hubby accompanied me and patiently waited as the small line progressed. No, I did not insist he follow me into the room. I have had mammograms for over 15 years. Knowing he was outside waiting was comforting, non the less.

I have many more books to write. Knowing I am cancer-free is one more stress removed. October is Breast Cancer awareness month, so get your today!

My Mammogram is scheduled for October 21ST...when is yours?

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH



October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.



This is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals. {Insert any or all of the following bullets, depending on your goal.}



• Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.

• Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American women.

• Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.

• Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.



I believe that if all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods – mammography plus clinical breast exam – breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to 30 percent. The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely – once is not enough.



For more information about NBCAM, please visit www.nbcam.org For additional information, please call one of the following toll-free numbers: American Cancer Society,(800) 227-2345, National Cancer Institute (NCI), (800) 4-CANCER, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, (800) 221-2141.



The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fifteen national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies comprise the Board of Sponsors, who work together to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families.

A note from Nancy ***


Becka, the heroine in my book, SECRET LOVE MATCH, volunteers her time to produce 15 second television adds promoting cancer awarenes. When my hero, Taylor, stands in front of her and the camera and tells how he'd travel the galaxy in order to find a cure for the cancer that killed his mother, well...you'll have to read more. SECRET LOVE MATCH is available at Red Rose Publishing, AllRomanceEBooks, Fictionwise, and Amazon.

I had my first mammogram when I was thirty-four AND had to pay $140 to get it. Insurance carriers did not believe in this new procedure. Now I get one every year and have found a medical center who kindly sends me a reminder AND allows me to make my appointment on-line. My mammogram is scheduled for October 21st…when’s yours?

DESTINY'S MOUNTAINis available now!

As promised, here is another excerpt of my new, romantic suspense full of stalkers, a murder, ghostly voices, a mountain rescue, spicy sex, and everlasting romance!

White Mountains of New Hampshire

EXCERPT

Jacob glanced around the cabin. His eyes focused on the kitchen’s vinyl floor. Splattered across the cool, usually spotless floor were several muddy prints.

A man’s boot prints.

He knelt down and looked closer. Were these made by hiking boots? The treads looked similar to his.

Jacob spied a flashlight on top of her refrigerator. He grabbed it and ventured out the back door into the dark. Careful not to walk where the mysterious tracks furrowed into the snow, he followed them about twenty feet until he noticed smaller tracks he was certain belonged to Destiny.

Someone must have bashed in her door then chased her into the night. The light snowfall only covered the tracks with a very thin veil, so it had happened recently. The tracks led in the direction of Mountain Mist Falls. He tried to remember the name of that trail as he ran back inside to call the police.

“Beaver Ridge trail?” He tried out the name, and then nodded. “Yes, that’s it,” he said as he picked up the phone. A roar of frustration filled the cabin as he stood listening to the silent phone. No dial tone.

He already knew from past experience his cell phone would prove useless in this area. How could he get help? If he took the time to drive back to town, Destiny might get hurt or killed. He couldn’t chance it.

Instead, Jacob searched through the kitchen drawers. He latched on to a pad of paper and a pen then jotted down a message telling whoever might find it what he had discovered and where he’d gone.

He glanced around her cabin once more and then grabbed her ski hat and pulled it down onto his head. The little feminine knit cap hugged him tightly, but he didn’t care how he looked. It was snowing, and he needed to stay warm. He’d neglected to buy himself a hat. He’d put off many things over the last two months, with his mind filled with thoughts of her.

Destiny had my heart the moment she kissed me in the shower.



Note from Nancy…if you think that’s hot, download DESTINY’S MOUNTAIN today!

Buy Link at Red Rose Publishing: http://bit.ly/a4NOHE

Excerpt from DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN

Here's a teaser...a short excerpt from my newly released romantic suspense from Red Rose Publishing. DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN will thrill you to no end. Here's the buy link:  http://bit.ly/a4NOHE

Book Blurb, first:

In a quirky college town surrounded by the mountains of New Hampshire new art history professor, Jacob Oliver, hikes a trail on a crisp September morning. He contemplates his life. Divorced and forced out of his job with the Boston Police due to a horrific accident, he spots a naked woman beneath a majestic waterfall. Escaping, he falls and reinjures his knee.


Destiny Blake hears a noise. Someone is on her mountain. She finds a handsome man sitting in the mud. Love blooms and lust consumes them after she helps him to the safety of her cabin. Soon, assumptions pull them apart, leaving her vulnerable to the unwanted attentions of other men.

When Jacob decides he cannot live without her, he must save her from a madman who chases her up her mountain through the cold, snowy darkness of a November night. Ghostly voices push Jacob onward, and urge Destiny to fight back. Pain, hypothermia, and death threaten before the sun rises. Can Destiny and Jacob make it off Destiny's mountain...alive?


EXCERPT

With no possibility of heading back down the main trail, since that maniac probably followed close behind, she focused on an image of a trail map in her head. He was somewhere between her and safety, but other trails curled around the mountain. Darkness urged her to stay on the one trail she knew best. Had she veered off onto a smaller trail? Once daylight arrived, she could escape another way. The man chasing her was athletic, but he wasn’t as fast or he would have caught her by now. Besides, the moose hadn’t smelled him, which proved he lagged behind.


Where was Jacob? She could really use his company right about now. What was he doing at his moment when she needed him? Was he home asleep in his bed? If so, she hoped he slept alone.

He never called her or just stopped by. He ignored her at the dining hall and rarely said a word when they met in town. Still, that time he came upon her in the drugstore brought a warm rush of desire to heat her from the inside out. He’d been about to suggest something before Josie turned up and ruined everything.

Shivering, and on the verge of tears, she knew she had to take control of her own destiny. I have to save myself. The blackness of these woods proved both a curse and a comfort. If I can’t see my stalker coming, then the jerk can’t see me.

Holding her breath, she cocked her head and listened to the dark. Again, she heard the crackling sound of snapping twigs amid something shuffling through dead leaves.

A light blanket of crunchy snow coated the trail, which added to the bitter cold of a moonless sky. At least a partial moon would have given her a chance to see the man who was coming her way. She knew this time he was the one making the sounds. Her only advantage over her hunter was that she knew this mountain better. Every twist and turn, every rock and gorge was imprinted in her brain. This was her home, not his.

My article RESEARCH: A WALK IN THE PARK is up at Savvy Authors

Want to learn a little more about what helps an author write the story of their heart? Click on over to the a SAVVY AUTHORS BLOG at  http://bit.ly/cmxXO1 and see what I have to say on the subject!

A Preview of DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN

My romantic suspense, DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN, will be released September 30th, 2010 from Red Rose Publishing. I have revamped my blog by showcasing the beautiful autumn leaves that New Hampshire is famous for. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite:


     A footpath led off to his left. Picking his way through the smaller overgrown trail, which looked more like a deer path, he followed the sounds. Both the sweet melody and the roar of falling water grew louder.
     Abruptly, the beautiful singing turned to playful splashing.
     Peering through a blueberry bush, conscious of the possibility of berry-eating bears, he focused on the magnificent waterfall. From his vantage point, he couldn’t see the top of the falls, but at its base, a round pool of silvery foam churned under the weight of the falling water. He didn’t see the singer.
     Did I dream all this? In the middle of the day? He leaned closer. Prickly branches weighed down by fat, juicy blueberries clawed his shirt. A sudden splash of foamy water pulled his attention toward a woman as she burst up out of the pool, her glorious back to him. A long gold braid fell between her tan shoulder blades, reaching the top of her well-rounded bottom. Froth dripped down her slickened body.
     “Beautiful!” he shouted. Uh-oh. He clapped his hand over his mouth Too late.
     She turned his way, as if searching the thick vegetation for a voyeur…, which was him. Water dripped over her milky skin, and...
 

 
Well, you get the picture. My books start out during the crisp early autumn of September, and ends in the midst of an early November snowfall on Destiny's Mountain.
 
The winner of my last blog's question is Kristen Paul! She came closest to the answer I was searching for. Congratulations, Kristen! A gift is on the way!

I'M FISHIN' FOR YOUR VOTE...

SECRET LOVE MATCH is up for best cover in the YOU GOTTA READ COVER CONTEST. Red Rose Publishing cover artist, Nika Dixon, did a magnificent job using elements of my story to come up with a beautiful cover for my sensual story about a tennis ace with her sights set on an Olympic berth. Please VOTE for COVER #8 AT

http://yougottareadcovers.blogspot.com/2010/08/month-2-voting.html

then come back and read the blurb and free excerpt, below! Thanks!


BOOK  BLURB

Rebecca Delacourt has played and taught tennis for the last three years. At twenty-one, she knows what she wants. Without help from her wealthy parents, she buys a condo in Glen Cove, NY and plans to be on the Olympic Tennis team.

She has no time for men, marriage, or children. Her mother gave up her acting career when she became pregnant with older sister, Laney, whose illegitimate son is mute due to recent emotional trauma. She does charity work for breast cancer in Baltimore every year.



Taylor, a former TV actor, notices Becka. She knows him—she’s dreamed of his TV persona for years. They meet at her parent’s country club. He thinks he’s found gold in the athletic blond. After beating him at tennis he meets her parents. Too bad he knows them—a former co-star, and the man helping get him auditions.

Her sister moves in—thwarting any privacy. She’s hiding out and is attacked. Taylor finds himself falling for Becka. Will he change his arrogant ways, save her nephew from kidnappers, and realize she’s the one? Becka wonders if dreams can still be reached with someone beside her. Will they reach their dreams together?


EXCERPT

    “Hi,” he said. He stopped opposite the low bench, not intruding on her space. His hands lay motionless at his sides. One fist gripped the borrowed tennis racket against shorts that suddenly grew tight. He slid his other hand into his front pocket to camouflage a growing bulge before taking a slow, steady breath. She might not approve of a rampant erection making its presence known so early in their relationship.

     “Hi, yourself.”
     “Could I challenge you to a set?” Taylor kept his voice calm while his chest pounded from a sudden desire to run the other way. What the heck was going on? Where had his macho Hollywood persona, built to perfection during cattle calls and late night parties, gone?
     With another deep breath, he watched her thinking. He could almost detect her mind as it quickly evaluated the man standing in front of her.
     “I see you’re considering my request before answering.” He hoped he wasn’t out of his league, here. Yes, he might be twice her age, but he kept his body trim and healthy with daily workouts. He jogged wherever he happened to be, no matter where he traveled. He’d cut out smoking long before it was in vogue to do so and had slowly cut out the drinking. His friends might not agree with that statement.
     Yeah, I still have a way to go with that problem.
     He hadn’t joined Alcoholics Anonymous. He didn’t follow their teachings. He’d take a drink now and then, but he no longer drank to excess.
     He towered over her. Her eyes flashed with desire as she checked him out. Is she staring at my hair?
     During his show’s run, the studio added white-blonde highlights. He’d detested the look, but the fans loved it. Gray hairs had so far refused to make an appearance.
     Her gaze settled uneasily on his face. Supermarket tabloids touted his eyes as his best feature. They described them as “The deep blue of the night sky just before sunset.”
     Get real!
     He fought the urge to laugh aloud. Contacts kept his vision going strong. The blue-tinted lenses made the color even more intense, but he didn’t wear tinted ones due to vanity. In all honesty, they were easier to find when he dropped one.
     He took pride in how his skin pulled tight across his jaw and he still had all his hair. His slightly crooked grin was legendary due to the show. His smile, perfected on his television show, had turned women’s heads for years. He hoped it worked on this cute blonde.
     “I was going to have lunch with my parents, but…”
     Why did she hesitate? Listening intently, he waited to see how she’d finish her sentence. Surely playing with him would make better use of her time than a family get-together. Maybe the little beauty is hungry.
     Hopefully she is hungry for more than just food.
     He didn’t want her to starve, but he could certainly persuade her to get to know him better. After that, who knows where they may end up?
     “Could you delay fifteen minutes or so? Won’t they wait? It’s such a lovely afternoon. My host is attending to business. I came here to play tennis, but if my partner-in-crime doesn’t show up soon, I’ll have to leave without my exercise. Please?”
     Crap! Now he sounded desperate. She gazed over his shoulder at someone before returning her attention to him. Then she smiled. His heart thumped inside his chest.
     “Okay. I can give you one set. Then I have to eat before I leave for an afternoon appointment.”
     Her bright smile flashed a heated spark straight to his groin. She set her water bottle back down on the bench and grabbed two tennis balls. She tossed them his way and Taylor caught both then stuffed the balls in the back pockets of his tennis shorts. She grabbed two more.
     “As a guest of the country club, why don’t you serve?”
     “How do you know I’m not a member?” he asked. “Am I wearing some kind of sign across my chest?”
     “You mentioned your host is off somewhere.”
     Dropping her gaze to his waist, she walked to her side of the net. Was she admiring how he filled out his shorts? Their cut left little to the imagination. Only fair since he had quite the imagination concerning her. As he made his way to the service line, he smiled at her quick deduction that he didn’t belong here. Nodding to her, he bounced the ball twice, set his feet by the right-hand serve box, and swung the racket. Relief flooded his body when the ball made it over the net and landed on his opponent’s court. It wouldn’t do to embarrass himself in front of her so early in their relationship. They hadn’t even exchanged names, yet.
     In a flash, she flew across the court and the return volley sailed past his racket. He watched as the bouncing bit of yellow hit the court inches inside the fault line.
     She got me.


*any idea why I updated my blog with autumn leaves? First correct answer earns a prize. Make sure you leave your e-mail address so I can contact the winner.

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA CONFERENCE

Another year is over and the mystery of “How are they gonna pull off moving a huge conference from one part of the country to another in about two months?” has been answered. Michelle Monkou and her fabulous staff at the Romance Writers of America headquarters came through. We will all feel disappointment over not visiting the lovely, yet too wet Nashville area, but Orlando and the Dolphin/Swan Resort complex welcomed us in style.


There were too many events to report at this time, so I’ll give some highlights. The Chapter Leadership all day meeting was an eye-opener to this new vice president (me). I want to publicly thank my wonderful roommate, Florina Craven, President of the Charleston Chapter for surviving my bout with food-poisoning. The Literary signing was a well-attended madhouse! I was unable to visit all the authors on my list, but was happy a few new authors (my chapter mates) were there; Katherine Ashe, Qwillia Rain, and Kelly Gay to name a few.

The workshops I attended were great; I survived my agent appointments; my new friend and virgin conference attendee Carla Smith…oops, I meant to say FIRST TIMER Carla Smith, had a fantastic first-ever agent appointment…the agent requested she send her full manuscript!

The Golden Hearts were awarded to deserving not-yet-published writers and many new faces won the Ritas. The after-award party in Sabrina Jeffries suite was well attended and we love having her as part of the Heart of Carolina RWA here in the Raleigh area. She comes to most meetings and freely gives of herself whenever a struggling new writer (or one who has been around the stacks) has a problem. She looked fabulous and her party started off with fun and laughter when Nancy Berland and Lori Keizer were caught wearing the same outfit…from necklace to sparkly shoes! ( see photo)

Nancy Berland and my friend, Lori Keizer, laugh about their RITA dresses!

The write up posted today at PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY’S BLOG is wonderful. Please visit  

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/?p=1846&cpage=1#

 for a full-length shot of these two lovely ladies. My shot was taken over a few heads, but I think I caught the happy hijinks.

VOLUNTEERISM & ROMANCE WRITING?

Secret Love Match is my debut novel, but I want to share a little bit of what has happened up until this point in my life. I spent over 32 years in the retail and customer service segments. From discount store clerk to hardware store assistant manager, I worked with a smile…and a backache. Once the kids were older, I became a volunteer EMT on the local FAST Squad then joined the volunteer fire department. My husband put on bunker gear as well. We enjoyed the camaraderie of training, working fires, visiting sickly neighbors, and raising funds for our budget-strapped town in rural northern New Hampshire.

Volunteerism has always been an important part of our lives. When first married, my husband volunteered as a Little League coach and we were both Cub Scout Den Leaders (during different years for different sons). We had to slow down a bit and let the younger boys and girls take over then we moved to the south. I keep busy with occasional projects for the North Carolina Museum of Science as well as volunteering as an officer for my local writers group. It’s no wonder that I make my heroine and hero volunteers for breast cancer awareness. Becka spends a couple days in beautiful Baltimore filming TV ad spots using well known political figures, Hollywood Stars, and athletes. Taylor helps when she gets in a predicament. He takes over late, near the end of the book, when Becka is hospitalized…well, you will have to read the book to find out what happens next.

I urge everyone to offer an hour here or there to any group, organization, or needy neighbor that could use the help. Then kick back, pat yourself on the back, and read my debut contemporary romance, Secret Love Match. 
Here is a short blurb about my book. I hope you like it.

Rebecca Delacourt has played and taught tennis for the last three years. At twenty-one, she knows what she wants. Without help from her wealthy parents, she buys a condo in Glen Cove, NY and plans to be on the Olympic Tennis team. She has no time for men, marriage, or children. Her mother gave up her acting career when she became pregnant with older sister, Laney, whose illegitimate son is mute due to recent emotional trauma. Rebecca still manages to squeak out some time for her charity work for breast cancer research in Baltimore every year.



Taylor, a former TV actor, notices Becka. She knows him—she’s dreamed of his TV persona for years. They meet at her parent’s country club. He thinks he’s found gold in the athletic blond. After beating him at tennis he meets her parents. Too bad he knows them—a former co-star, and the man helping get him auditions.



Her sister moves in—thwarting any privacy. She’s hiding out and is attacked. Taylor finds himself falling for Becka. Will he change his arrogant ways, save her nephew from kidnappers, and realize she’s the one? Becka wonders if dreams can still be reached with someone beside her. Will they reach their dreams together?

Please visit my website
www.nancylennea.com for an excerpt.

Buy Link:   http://bit.ly/diHVbn

MY PARENTS ARE MY INSPIRATION

I want to enlighten my readers with how my parents, Robert and Audrey Beegle, inspired my debut novel, SECRET LOVE MATCH. My contemporary romance, released this month from Red Rose Publishing, tells how a 40-year-old former TV actor seeks out an old friend. Taylor Adams wants him to help get him into film. When he meets the man’s 21-year-old daughter, the tennis ace, he is compelled to get close to her…as long as her father doesn’t find out.

I could fill several pages answering a reader’s question like “how do you get ideas?” Simply, write what you know. My hero came to life when I wanted to portray a drifter looking back on a wasted life. I wanted him a bit older, a little wiser, and he needed a goal; a dream. My character is loosely based on both William Shatner of Star Trek fame and Tim Allen, star of the comedy film, Galaxy Quest.

I grew up during the original Star Trek TV show’s short-lived run. My parents recognized my passion for space during those pre-moonwalk days. They allowed me to stay up late on a school night. William Shatner became a movie star years later when Star Trek-The Movie hit the theaters. In Galaxy Quest, Tim plays the star of a space western, popular eighteen years earlier, now earning a living at sci-fi conventions and other low budget appearances. My own character’s popular TV space western drifted into reruns fifteen years earlier, and now he wants his name in lights.


My parents inspired me to write and keep writing, and helped by editing my drafts. They also helped in the creation of my heroine, Rebecca Delacourt. I was again fortunate to have parents who scrimped and saved so we could enjoy the nearby beach club. I learned to swim and dive then was presented with a tennis racket. It felt good in my hand. I felt powerful each time I hit the ball over the net. I competed against friends. A few of the cute boys came by to play…tennis, that is. I continued to play up and through college and watched Wimbledon and the Olympics. I never would have created a tennis ace with a dream set on an Olympic medal if it wasn’t for my parents. They inspired me to get up from the sand chair, or out of the water, and learn a sport, which in turn made me create Becka.

My characters are two headstrong individuals with specific plans for their futures. Never mind Taylor is nearly twice Becka’s age. Forget that they have absolutely no plans to marry, much less date when such a distraction could impede on their goals. When they meet, everything changes!

Check out the SECRET LOVE MATCH  book trailer:

SECRET LOVE MATCH is available now from http://redrosepublishing.com/books or just click on the buy link: http://bit.ly/diHVbn

SECRET LOVE MATCH Release Day!

My debut contemporary romance is out today! SECRET LOVE MATCH is a full-length story about a young lady set on a berth on the Olympic tennis team and a more mature, former TV actor with a dream to act on film. Age difference, a mute nephew, an out-of-control sibling, a kidnapping or two, an abusive lover, and undeniable attraction between two people with no time for love makes my story pop!

Visit The Book Boost for my guest article on
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION at
http://thebookboost .blogspot. com.

Also read my article
VOLUNTEERISM & ROMANCE WRITING on Kat's Blog at
http://katluvr130. blogspot. com.


BUY LINK: http://bit.ly/diHVbn

WHEN CAN I FIND TIME TO WRITE?

I am a new author, new in that I had no cencept how much self-promoting I would have to do to get my work 'out there' and hopefully make some sales. I have two books coming out this month and I have set up guest articles, book reviews, and interviews on blogs all over the world.

Luckily, I am an organized person since the two books come out with two different publishers under different names and in two very different genres. I shall finish up and get back to where I am most happy...writing!

Nancy Lennea

SECRET LOVE MATCH Book Trailer!

Embed Code:

Another sneak peek at SECRET LOVE MATCH

“Are you ready to enjoy dinner and dancing?” Becka asked. And, a quick kiss good night?
Turning toward the door, she bent over to pick up her shawl and purse from the couch. She better not think about kissing Taylor Adams. The memory of his caress sent shivers down her spine as she moved toward the door.
“I’ve never been to this club. I hope I fit in.”
She couldn’t help notice the concern in his voice. Him? Shy? Impossible. Did he worry his age topped others that frequented the place? Ridiculous. So why did he sound apprehensive?
“I’ve eaten there with friends but I’ve never been to the upstairs dance hall. If we don’t like it, I know another place we can try. Of course, we’ll fit in. Admit it, Taylor…” When Becka paused, he met her gaze head-on.
“Admit what?”
“We look hot.”
His stunned expression brought a smile to her face.
“Come on, this’ll be fun.” She pulled him by the hand to the elevator. She liked that he squeezed her hand in return. Would he compare their date to one of the glamorous clubs in Hollywood where he usually hung out? They most likely welcomed performers of every venue and vintage, as well as friends to help a celebrity like him spend his money.
New York differed from Hollywood. A more sophisticated city with special needs and horrific memories, New Yorkers didn’t waste their time on freaks and has-beens. Of course, he didn’t fit in either of those categories.
Did he think he did?
The elevator ride passed in silence. She followed him toward the curb and smiled her thanks to the doorman who quickly opened the door to the cab Taylor had waiting.
“This is nice,” she said. He sat in stony silence until he turned and gave her a slightly crooked grin.
Oh, God, she sighed. She closed her eyes, instantly reminded of nighttime dreams of that grin as he swooped in with his spaceship to rescue her from demonic aliens. Not wanting him to think she’d fallen asleep in his company, she opened her eyes and smiled.
The yellow cab pulled up to a building where spotlights bounced off an elegant façade boasting a combination of large, smooth river stones and shimmering steel. A tall, massive man, dressed all in black, helped her from the taxi.
“The bouncer?” she whispered to Taylor.
“I better behave myself.”

Here's a sneak peek at my debut contemporary romance;

Becka smoothed her suddenly perspiring palms down her hips and prayed they didn’t leave a trail of moisture. She walked to the door, her high heels echoing across the parquet flooring. She blew out a deep breath and opened her door.
“Hi. You look great.” Taylor said as he flashed his familiar, crooked grin. He walked past her into the condo.
Struck speechless, she could only muster a stare. I think I look mighty good and in walks Adonis, Caesar, and Alexander the Great rolled into one.
His damp hair, most likely from the shower, shone like tarnished gold in the waning light of the late afternoon sun. He sauntered toward her balcony’s glass doors. The scent of soap and lime aftershave lingered. His chiseled jaw, clean of any evening growth of whiskers, seemed even tanner than she remembered. An expertly fitted jacket showed off his wide shoulders and trim waist.
“Is that Armani?”
He nodded, his attention on the view of the water several stories below. Why had she assumed he lived as a broke, out-of-work actor? His gaze swung to the right to take in her living area’s soft colors and simple decor. She smiled with pride.
She had lived with her parents while working as an instructor at the club. She managed to save enough money for a down payment on her one bedroom condominium. Becka prided herself that her parent’s money had not been involved in the purchase, except for the living room set.
Her mom clearly stated she should accept the matched grouping of Shaker pine furniture as a gift.
He slipped his hands in both pockets and whistled.
“What a view. We’re pretty high up. Is that Connecticut?” His chin pointed to a green coastline dotted with miniature buildings. Sailing yachts slipped through the serene, jade-green water of the Sound.
“Actually, I believe that’s still New York. The Connecticut border is more northeast,” she explained. Had her voice really come out in a whisper? All of a sudden her throat seemed too tight and he appeared nervous.
He peered out in the direction she mentioned, not at her, and then up at the sky. Still early evening, the heavens slowly darkened. The weather had been pleasant all week and she smiled when he sighed. Did he wish he could trade places with those boaters?
“I love the Atlantic Ocean. I grew up nearby, in Massachusetts.
“Really? I didn’t know.”
“Who would? My agent kept it quiet. A sleepy little town north of Boston didn’t fit my profile.” He continued to gaze straight ahead. “I’d love to be out there with the wind in my hair.”
She smiled at his reflection in the glass. Still, why did he look so uneasy? As the wise and worldly actor, he flaunted his good looks and bedded famous women all the time. She’d read it all in his profile. Had his agent made it up as well? Whatever the truth, she would not become his latest conquest no matter how good he smelled or how great he looked.

PLEASE HELP STAMP OUT DIABETES!

Red Rose Publishing authors and the publisher releasing my debut contemporary romance, SECRET LOVE MATCH, are proud supporters of the 6th ANNUAL BRENDA NOVAK DIABETES AUCTION. The auction runs all this month.

Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction

WRITING IS WORK!

The next person who says writing romance is a hobby better watch out. Writing is work, clear and simple. Sure, ideas might pop up or a dream might linger, but take an idea and plot a 400 page book and see how quick that illusion fades. A friend sent this link from a very savvy lady who reminds me of myself: a wife, a mother, a college graduate, who has worked full-time in the private sector for too many years.

The best answer to all those nay-sayers is this article titled:
I Write Romance Novels-So What? by Eileen Dreyer aka Kathleen Korbel, an author with 36 novels under her belt. Take a look:

I write romance novels -- so what?



Enough said!

BRAG TIME!

I HAVE SOLD ANOTHER BOOK!

With two books on course for release in June, I am thrilled to report I have today received a contract from Red Rose Publishing for a contemporary romance titled 'DESTINY'S MOUNTAIN'.

This story means so much to me and I cannot wait to share it with my fans AND the friends who helped me. Their support, editing skills, and brilliant ideas helped shape this story into a marvelous romance set in the mountains of New Hampshire, in our great country of America. Here's to all my former co-workers at New Hampshire 9-1-1. Thanks!

My 1st Book Cover!

My first novel is nearing publication! I spent several days of back and forth e-mailing with the Red Rose Publishing cover artist assigned to SECRET LOVE MATCH. She already read the half-page description of how I pictured the cover, and even though this is a bit different than my idealistic vision, I believe she has captured the flavor of my story.

Here's a short blurb:

Rebecca Delacourt plans to try out for the US Olympic tennis team. Her mother gave up everything for love, but Becka refuses to take time for love or marriage.

Taylor Adams' television livelihood went into reruns long ago. He has set his eye on a film career. Little does he realize the young woman in his sights has loved him for years. Worse, all Hell will break loose if her father discovers their secret romance.


SECRET LOVE MATCH will be available on June 25, 2010 at:

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=709



Enjoy!

Favorite quotes adorn my office....

I have pieces of paper, pages ripped from desk calendars, reprinted words of wisdom passed to me from friends or family, and items found while doing research for my manuscripts.

What is on these assorted pieces of paper? Quotes! A famous person's words are sometimes recorded. History will tell whether anything I say is heeded as wonderful, but in the meantime...

'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.'

This has special meaning to me. I've been busy writing stories for about three years...oh, they were always dancing in my head, but life got in the way. With my first story slated for publication on June 25th from Red Rose Publishing, these words ring true.

'Satisfaction doesn't always come from your job, but it does come from a job well done.'

Time-and sales history-will tell if the satisfied feeling I have from creating 'SECRET LOVE MATCH' was a job well done.

This manuscript was my third full-length contemporary romance. The other two racked up dozens of rejection letters. I never wait for those replies to my submission letters. I keep writing! Since finishing 'SECRET LOVE MATCH', I have completed two more full-length novels and a 30,000 word novella. I attend conferences, take workshops and on-line courses, I attend RWA and local chapter meetings.

The point is, because I realize that 'When one door closes, another door opens," I keep at it. It worked! Check out my website, www.nancylennea.com for upcoming
publication dates.



Nancy Lennea