Okay, there are a lot of them. Sorry I didn’t post these sooner. I had a book due on Monday and I’ve been in catch up mode since then.

So without further adieu, here are the winners picked from random number generator:

Winner of Denise Agnew’s Victoria’s Secret Gift Card is:
#9 – Jennifer

Winner of Emily Bryan’s A CHRISTMAS BALL:
#11 – Maureen

Winner of Paty Jager’s A PERFECTLY GOOD NANNY:
#2 – Jane

Winner of MJ Fredrick’s HOT SHOT:
#23 – Julie

Winner of Lexi Ryan’s FLIRTING WITH FATE:
#3 – Leanne103

Winner of Hanna Rhys Barnes’s Welsh Pewter Trinket Box:
#5 – Sue A.

Winner of Caroline Fyffe’s WHERE THE WIND BLOWS:
#1 – Susan

Winner of Alix Rickloff’s two-fer, LOST IN YOU and DANGEROUS AS SIN:
#20 – Mitzi H.

Winner of Shelli Stevens’s PROTECTING PHOEBE or TAKE ME:
#1 – Cheryl McInnis

Winner of Barbara Monajem’s $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card:
#21 – Spav

Congrats to all the winners! Email me at elisabeth@elisabethnaughton.com with your snail mail and email addys and I’ll forward your info to the respective authors!

(No brain was injured in the random selection of these winners except mine. Man, it would be way easier if blogger numbered comments…)

I swear I will post last week’s winners tonight. In the meantime…

My guest today is author Barbara Monajem!

Barbara Monajem wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes. After dabbling in neighborhood musicals and teen melodrama, she published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young. Now her kids are adults, and she writes paranormal and historical romance for grownups. She lives in Georgia with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays.

Barbara’s latest release is NOTORIOUS ELIZA:

Patrick needs a respectable new wife to be a mother for his daughter.

Notorious Eliza paints nudes to support her young son.

They should resist the attraction. (They don’t.)

They dare not fall in love. (They do.)

They must not marry… for one day Eliza’s most scandalous secret will surface and destroy them all…

Today Barbara is giving away a $20 gift certificate from Amazon or Barnes & Noble – your choice. Simply answer this question: What is the title of my paranormal romance that will be released in April?

Welcome, Barbara!

***
“Your English housewife must be of chaste thought…”

Whoa! Stop right there. The widowed heroine of Notorious Eliza, my historical short story from Harlequin this month, has most of the qualities of the ideal English housewife (as described in a little book published centuries ago from which the above quote was taken). She’s courageous, patient, witty, diligent, loyal, and so on…but definitely not chaste of thought.

Why? Well, it’s really, really hard to think chastely when you support yourself and your young son by painting nude courtesans. Eliza’s unchaste mind – as well as her artistic skills – make her the perfect choice to disguise the naughty murals on a country house’s ballroom walls.

And the perfect temptation for Patrick, the hero, who needs the murals painted over so he can find a respectable lady to be a mother for his daughter. Not that he’s having much luck in the wife hunt – all the women he finds are frivolous, selfish, heartless, boring… and, of course, virgins. He’s really not keen on starting from scratch.

Patrick wants one last fling with lusty, experienced Eliza. She yearns for just one passionate affair. And as long as Eliza’s darkest secret hangs over their heads, it can’t become anything more.

Question:

I write in two genres, historical and contemporary paranormal, and my writing styles for the two genres are very different. As a reader, is that a problem for you? Do you prefer it when a writer uses different pseudonyms for different genres, or doesn’t it matter?

A few days left…

My guest today is author Shelli Stevens!

Shelli currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her young daughter. She writes various genres of romance and is represented by literary agent Laura Bradford from the Bradford Literary Agency.

Shelli’s latest release is PROTECTIN PHOEBE:

Phoebe’s work at Second Chances, a women’s shelter, has gone a long way toward her own healing after surviving an abusive relationship in college. She’s moved on in every sense—except when it comes to dating.

Everything changes when Craig visits the shelter. The hot, young cop sets her pulse racing in a way that makes her consider making a move—and moving him into her bed for a casual fling. The first step: ask him out. Subtly, of course.

Craig has been attracted to Phoebe for months, so he’s more than happy for the chance to get to know her better, in bed and out. His interest goes way beyond casual, but convincing her to think long term is going to take some time.

When it becomes clear her violent ex has come out of the woodwork, though, time is the one thing they don’t have…

Today Shelli’s giving away your choice of either an ebook version PROTECTING PHOEBE or a print version of TAKE ME. Simply answer this question: What is the Bill Cosby quote I have on my site?

Welcome, Shelli!

***
What have you done?

So, if you found my Bill Cosby quote, he talks about pleasing people. For the most part. And I put it up there, because as an author, it can really apply to me.

Some days I’ll be writing my book and I’ll hesitate, thinking…hmm, this type of reader may not like this. Or, maybe a reviewer will shoot me down for this part. Or, what is this is not sexy enough for my readers? Too sexy? And often I have to remind myself of that quote and just write the book that’s in my head and heart.

How about you? Are there any instances in your life where you can think about how you’ve tried to please everyone? Gah, it could be as simple as Thanksgiving dinner!

There’s still time to enter…

Today my guest is author Alix Rickloff!

In an attempt to combine her love of the Regency era with her weakness for great swashbuckling sword and sorcery fantasy, Alix Rickloff created a race of humans known as the Other whose bloodlines mingle and merge with those of the faery realm.

These men and women must traverse a knife-edge between the everyday world they inhabit and the shadowy realm of the Fey who make their cunning and sometimes treacherous presence known all too often.

Her awards include a final in the 2007 Golden Heart, while Romantic Times Magazine calls her writing, “compelling and original”.

You can find her on the web at www.AlixRickloff.com.

Alix’s latest release is DANGEROUS AS SIN:

In 1815 London, passion and duty, human and Other collide…

Morgan Bligh has honed her body and her magic into weapons, but she’s always lived by her heart. Yet to defeat a traitor whose unspeakable dark power threatens both her worlds, she must forget her feelings— because her partner in the hunt is wicked war hero Cameron Sinclair. He’s broken her heart once, and from the looks of him, he could do it again…

Cam Sinclair wants nothing more than to forget the horrors he’s lived through. He’s done his duty for king and country, turning himself into an assassin and an outcast in the process. Chasing after a sadistic murderer with a sultry Amazon who hates him seems unbearable. Yet though the beautiful Morgan chafes his every nerve and they’re both in constant danger, he can’t help but wonder if this second meeting is truly a second chance…

Alix is giving away a two-fer today! Copies of both LOST IN YOU and DANGEROUS AS SIN! Just answer this question: What was the name of Alix’s first completed manuscript?

Welcome, Alix!

***
Hidden Gem or Fireplace Fodder?
Any reader who’s browsed author websites and read the short bios usually contained there, knows that most writers started at a young age. Scribblings on loose leaf paper, stapled together for the family’s enjoyment. Diaries and journals for the more organized. Perhaps even chapter books typed and printed out with color covers for the highly motivated perfectionists.

For most of us, those tales ended up in boxes with old report cards, school photos, and refrigerator artwork our parents saved through the years. Dusty. Forgotten. The writing bug faded along with our wish for a Christmas pony, Tiger Beat magazine, and Members Only jackets (you know you had one).

But some of us held to the dream. The stories kept coming. The characters kept talking. Empty notebooks filled with plot after plot as we found our voice and honed our craft. Stories we now pray never see the light of day. Cringe-inducing prose our younger self thought was the height of perfection. (Right up there with Austen and Dickens, surely!)

Were you infected by the writing bug? Any stories in your attic? Are they better off forgotten, or are they lost masterpieces just waiting for someone to discover their hidden genius?

Write and let me know!

Don’t forget to enter…

Today my guest is author Caroline Fyffe!

As an equine photographer, Caroline has worked throughout the United States and in Germany. Long days in the middle of a horseshow arena have given her plenty of opportunity to dream up stories filled with love, heartbreak, joy, sorrow, triumph, and twisting-turning plots. Her feisty heroines and bold, hot-blooded heroes will charm you as they fall for each other in the darndest ways. Her love for horses and the old West inspired her debut book, Where The Wind Blows, which won Romance Writer’s of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award under the title Chasing Jessie.

Caroline’s latest release is WHERE THE WIND BLOWS:

Two hearts meant to be together;
One secret bound to rip them apart.

Chase Logan liked being a loner, a drifter, free and clear as amountain stream. But one look into Jessie Strong’s sky blue eyes and in the span of a heartbeat, he found himself agreeing to be her husband-and a father!

Jessie Strong knew it was all pretend. And only temporary. Just until the adoption went through for three-year-old Sarah. But the longer Chase stayed, the less she could imagine a long, lonely Wyoming winter without him. Times may be tough-supplies short and danger just outside the doorstep-but with the strength of the pioneer spirit and the warm glow of love in their hearts, Chase and Jessie are determined to have a true family at last, no matter WHERE THE WIND BLOWS.

Today Caroline is giving away a copy of WHERE THE WIND BLOWS. Simply answer this question: What is the favored offering of a major secondary character in Where the Wind Blows?

Welcome, Caroline!

***
Now that Christmas is passed and the New Year just begun, it’s time to start thinking about this year’s holidays. LOL, do I hear a groan out there? Maybe shopping for the coming Christmas is the LAST thing on your minds right now; but it’s never too early to start collecting a bevy of good websites to use for next year. I think it’ll be very helpful if everyone shares their favorite site that they like to send gifts from, or from one they received. With so many out there it will be an enlightening adventure without opening the cover of a book….

My favorite site is Strawberry Hill Povitica. What is a povitica you ask? It’s an Eastern European dessert that is as pretty as it is tasty. AND, it doesn’t cost you and arm and a leg to gift one. Check it out at https://secure.povitica.com/flash/home.html#/home

What is your favorite site? I can’t wait to hear!

…but I need some help.

That’s right. I’m gathering prizes. Would the following people PLEASE email me at elisabeth@elisabethnaughton.com?

I think it’ll be worth your while:

Cathy M
Victoria
joder
robinky42

And just so you know, this relates to my New Years Day BIG book giveaway. The first place winner was Laney4 and she chose a copy of HARD TO HOLD by Stephanie Tyler (as it turns out, she won a copy of STOLEN FURY in Stephanie’s contest at Writeminded last week! How cool is that?!)

The second place winner has already been contacted. The four people listed above have until tomorrow night at 9pm PST to contact me, otherwise I redraw names.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…ENTER Hanna’s contest below!!!!

There’s still time to enter. Keep spreading the word…

My guest today is author Hanna Rhys Barnes!

Hanna Rhys Barnes is one of those people with an evenly balanced right and left brain. She has a BA in English, but recently finished her final year as a high school math teacher. She loves to cook and was a pastry chef in a former life.

A member of RWA’s national organization and of several local chapters, she currently lives and works in Portland, OR, but occasionally visits her retirement ranchette outside of Kingman, AZ. Hanna’s Debut Novel, Widow’s Peak, is currently available in print at, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and in both print and e-book formats at the Wild Rose Press. She is currently working on Book 2 in the series, Kissed By A Rose.

Hanna’s recent release is: WIDOW’S PEAK:

Like Lady Amye Barnard, my heroine in Widow’s Peak, I am starting anew with a move. And in honor of my move I am giving away this beautiful Welsh Pewter Dragon Trinket box. Answer the following question:

I moved to Coupeville, WA. Where did Lady Amye move?

To be entered simply go to my website at www.hannarhys.com and read the excerpts on the Coming Soon page. One of them will give you the answer to the question. A winner will be drawn from those posting correct answers by midnight tonight.

Well, I’m going to unpack some more boxes. Good Luck! And have a happy and safe 2010.

Less than two weeks left to enter!

Today my guest is author Lexi Ryan!

Lexi Ryan lives in the Midwest with her family. When she’s not chasing after her young son or cheering on the Colts with her husband, Lexi enjoys losing herself in fun, sexy stories featuring mouthwatering men, smart women, and happily-ever-after. She loves to hear from readers.

Her latest release is FLIRTING WITH FATE:

Heat. Passion. Sex—precog Stiletto Girl Josie Bovard sees little else when she touches the charming and handsome Tanner Wiley. But she needs his help in her investigation, not in her bed. After discovering that her dead mother’s journal contains encrypted messages involving DNA manipulation, geneticists, and threats to non-Specials, Josie is determined to carry out her mother’s plan, but to be successful, she needs Tanner’s help.

Special Intelligence Agency operative Tanner Wiley knows Josie is withholding information about her latest investigation. He agrees to help her, intent on filling in the blanks himself. What he discovers is a decades-old Ascendant scheme for control, and Josie’s outrageous plan of self-sacrifice. But what will they do when the answers they seek threaten to destroy life as they know it?

Lexi’s giving away an electronic copy of FLIRTING WITH FATE to one person who can answer the following question:In FLIRTING WITH FATE, Josie Bovard makes a unique request of Tanner Wiley. What does she ask him for?

Welcome Lexi!

***
Reading the opening of a novel is like peeking inside a restaurant before sitting down for your meal.

What’s the ambience like? Will you dine by candlelight or by an over-size television? Does a melody from a string quartet float through the air, or the laughter of a rowdy party? Are the tables covered by crisp, white linen or littered with ketchup bottles and various containers of hot sauce? It’s not that one setting is better than the other, but these elements establish certain expectations.

As a reader, I look to the opening of a novel to learn the tone of the book and to get an idea of the protagonist’s personality and the author’s voice. As a writer, I want my readers to know from the first page what kind of book they can expect from me—sexy? funny? suspenseful? All three?

Because I’m a reader, I understand why introductions are so important. Because I’m a writer, I understand how hard it is to write a good one. Achieving that goal often requires several rewrites, not to mention gobs of frustration. For inspiration, I look to my favorite openings in novels. Now, for me, an “opening,” is more than the first line, but for the sake of space, I’ll share examples that achieve the above in one line (pretty much). In no particular order, here are five of my favorite openings:

1) It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

2) Phoebe Somerville outraged everyone by bringing a French poodle and a Hungarian lover to her father’s funeral. –Susan Elizabeth Phillips, It Had to Be You

3) If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. – J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

4) The first time I saw Dex Wilder, I was wearing a bed sheet and body glitter and serving hors d’oeuvres on the lawn in front of the world’s only full-scale replica of the Parthenon. – Bethany Michael’s, Nashville Heat

5) One hot August Thursday afternoon, Maddie Faraday reached under the front seat of her husband’s Cadillac and pulled out a pair of black lace bikini underpants. They weren’t hers. – Jennifer Crusie, Tell Me Lies

All of these lines manage to both set the tone for the book but also suck me into the story. (I should add that you could put just about any Jenny Crusie opening line in that list—if you want to see effective openings, she’s a good one to study.) I immediately want to know more about the characters and their situations.

What about you guys? Are openings important to you? What are some of your favorite openings?

What’s the best way to ring in the New Year? How about with some books! Today I think we’ll make this easy. Simply tell me how you celebrated the dawn of 2010 to be entered. Winner gets the choice of the following:

STOLEN SEDUCTION
STOLEN HEAT
STOLEN FURY
HARD TO HOLD by Stephanie Tyler
THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS by Angie Fox
SKIN GAME by AVA GRAY