New Contract From Decadent, For My Second Black Hills Wolves!

Shameless victory howl! I got a new contract from Decadent Publishing for my second Black Hills Wolves!

I can't wait to share this story. If you haven't checked out the Black Hills Wolves, you must. Black Hills Wolves creator, Rebecca Royce's introduces the series with "Wolf's Return", the story of a young wolf-shifter, living in exile. Drew comes home to confront a violent pack Alpha, who is also his father, and get his house in order. "Wolf's Return" is the introduction to the series. This book was #3 this weekend on Amazon!

Heather Long follows with "What a Wolf Wants", the tale of a weary, pack enforcer who needs his life to change. This book was #1 this weekend!

My book "Portrait of a Lone Wolf" is book 7 in the series and Releases February 20th, it was #16 this weekend in presale.

The series is on a roll! For a golden moment, this weekend the top twenty slots of Amazon's Kindle store was filled with Black Hills Wolves. So proud of Rebecca and Heather's hard work. I can't wait to take my turn at bat. All the books are something special.

Black Hills Wolves from Decadent Publishing howling onto e-readers now!
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/m25qn6z

I Got A New Book Contract!

Last Thursday I submitted a new paranormal romance to Fated Desires and a couple hours later they offered me a contract! I was thrilled. It was so fast I thought I was receiving a confirmation email not a contract. This was hands down my quickest turn around ever.

The Story is called "Hoodoo Blue" named for a hexed love potion the hero and heroine get tricked into sharing. The story is a romantic comedy and will be part of Fated Desires upcoming theme line "The Set-Up" as in set-up reluctant dates... We all know how awkward those can be, add a little enchantment, physical peril and a couple of loners trapped in close proximity to each other during a very trying time, and you get the set-up date from hell--that takes a heavenly turn. Hoodoo Blue has a happy ending for a curvy blonde Latina witch and a hunky lumberjack of a Lycan, I  promise.

(Inspiration for the Voodoo Hoodoo Cocktail Lounge)

Today I'm starting the final chapter of a Sci-fi adventure I plan to submit to Fated Desires as well. It's been one of those busy, high energy weeks. I hope my good vibe lasts until this next project is completed.

I'm so excited to be joining the Fated Desires family. I can't wait to share more soon.

XXOO Kat

Lots to Share

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I'm excited to announce Kat and I signed a contract for Dragons in Jael's Mist, with Loose Id. This is my first paranormal and I had so much fun writing it. Kat is busy adding mythology to the story, among other things. We don't have a release date yet, but this M/M/F book is scorning hot.
More details as they become available. Oh and do check back tomorrow because Kat is going to dish some more dirt! ;)

In other news I'm about to self-publish my 5th book from Aspen Mountain Press. The book Heat Waves. Here is the new cover. A special thanks to Valerie Tibbs of Tibbs Designs!

New Contract

I'm happy to announce that Loose Id offered me a contract for a book called I Wanna Sext U Up. Now I have to finish writing the book! :) So while I'm vacation for the next 12 days I'll be writing.
We'll also be taking in a Red Sox game, going to the beach one day and if all goes well a few other day trips.
Not sure if I'll be here next week, if not Happy Fourth of July!

Names Are All Over

It’s February! The shortest month of the year. I’m thrilled because Spring will get here that much quicker. We’re knee deep in snow with two more storms coming today and tomorrow. Soon we won’t be able to see driving down the streets.

Today I’m discussing names and where I find them. The truth is all over. I get them from street signs, obituaries, and television shows. My friend back in New York is working at a job that he hates and is bored out of his skull. He spends a lot of time on Facebook. Well I guess you can get a police blotter for you city through Facebook. My friend K, sends me these police blotters daily. Lately I’ve been stockpiling names from those! LOL I know I’m a bit odd, but I don’t use FULL names. I’ll take a first or last name I like and add my own other name.
So there you have it. That’s how I get my names! :o)

In other news I signed a new contract with Noble Romance. The story is called Love Revisited – Scott and Delia. These characters are from a story published in May 2009, called Rein Me In. The story appeared in the Spank Me Twice Anthology.
My story will be available April 11th.

Last but not least, my newsletter went out today. This month I’m giving away a book from my backlist along with a $25 gift card to Victoria’s Secret, Barnes and Noble or Borders. If you’re not a member sign up below. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to win!
Until Next Week!

Subscribe:
authoramberskyze-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

New Contract Offer

I don't know where all my canoe photos went on this computer, but here's some water!

I just received an offer from Siren for my new contemporary romantic comedy, Pushing Her Boundaries. The story is based upon my own recent disastrous and very insanely hilarious trip to the BWCA - the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota.

So...coming 4/11/11, Pushing Her Boundaries.
Believe me, this book was a hoot to write!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll talk to you all the day after!

Moving at a Turtle's Pace

Today was the first productive day I’ve had in a long time. I added 1500 to my wip. You wouldn’t mind but it’s under contract. I have to write it. Which leads me to wonder – am I blocked because I have to write it?
Words normally flow from me easily. I can plow through a 25k book in a month. Yet, it’s been six weeks and this has 6400 words. Yes, I’ve been busy with other things in my life, but writing always took priority.
Lately I find myself sleeping in rather than waking at 4am. I’m sure the change of season plays a part. November has always been a productive month for me. In the last 4 years I’ve participated in Nano I’ve accomplished the 50k goal. I don’t see that happening this year.
I’m not beating myself up about it. I’ve had a good year. Scratch that I’ve had a GREAT year. I’ve had a release every month in 2010, except February, BUT, I had two in March, two in June and three in September so it all averages out.
I think I feel the pressure of not having anything planned for 2011. Yes, I have the contract for All or Nothing, so that should be published in 2011, but other than that – nothing.
Am I freaking myself out? Maybe. Before long I’ll be setting my goals for the New Year. What heights do I want to reach next year?
What goals do you want to reach in 2011?

This and That

November is here and Nano has begun. I’m not off to great start! LOL
First, I had to change my writing plans. I won’t be working on The Cheater’s Club, at least not right now. Why? Because I was offered a contract from Loose Id! Now I have to write the story. I subbed a proposal which they liked. Then they asked for a partial. I subbed the first chapter and a few hours later the contract arrived. YAY!!!
Talk about performance anxiety. The story, titled All or Nothing takes place in Vegas. My sweet friend Kat sent me some "sweet" inspiration to write the story. ;)
Yesterday I managed to get 732 words written – only 1k shy of the daily goal. LOL it’s okay though. I’m not pressuring myself.
In other news, I’m also working on making changes to Sex on the Beach. Loose Id liked this story but asked for some minor changes. I say minor, but now I have to weave bits and pieces throughout the entire book. Hopefully I’ll get that done by weeks end and they’ll like the changes.
I’m having 2 contests in my newsletter this month. One for my birthday and one for my new release coming out November 17th. My cougar challenge book. You must be a subscriber to win. Here’s the link if you’re interested!
authoramberskyze-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

And lastly, I’m off to Salem MA this weekend for a family reunion. I’m really excited, because I’ve never been.
Til Next Week!

Back to the Real World

Wow! I feel like I’ve been out of touch with the real world for a week. Oh, I have. I returned late last night from Romanticon 2010. Ellora’s Cave puts on one helluva party. I drooled all over the cavemen. LOL
When Angelo walked in to the meet and greet, my DH said, “Oh I know him, he’s plastered all over the house.”
This is true. He’s on the cover of Dante’s Desire, which I think is one hot cover. I must say, Angelo is ten times hotter in person and his accent will melt you. I know a Latin lover will show up in a future book.
I also got to meet an amazing group of authors. I formed new friendships and bonded with many I’ve known online. My hubby was a great sport about being at a conference. A few women brought their husbands.
I came home to so much good news. First Adrift received a Top Pick 5 star review from Night Owl Reviews. If you’d like to see what they had to say, check it out here:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Ursshebear-reviews-Adrift-by-Amber-Skyze.aspx

Adrift was also the Fresh pick on October 9th over at Fresh Fiction. Talk about publicity. Do you know how many people they reach daily? I couldn’t ask for better promo. :0)
Lastly, I received a contract for my Christmas story – Naughty St. Nick. It will be released on December 10th from Aspen Mountain Press. They published my first Christmas story two years ago. YAY.
Today I have to spend the day getting caught up around the house and at work. I’m hoping to get some pics up from Romanticon and finish the quickie I was working on before I left.

Until next week!
PS…Anyone start planning their NaNo book yet? I’ll talk more about mine plans next week.

An Array of Information

I’m excited. Tomorrow is release day for Submit With Me. It’s a quicker quickie at Ellora’s Cave, available for the low low price of $1.49. LOL

In other news I signed a contract last week for a book called Gettin’ Lucky. It’s part of the Cougar Challenge series, also at Ellora’s Cave. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to live up to their standards, but it turns out my editor liked the book, along with the fellow cougars who read it!

Speaking of series I’ve recently had discussions with two different authors about writing two different series. I adore both authors and am excited about the prospect of writing with them. I also feel honored that THEY wanted to collaborate with me. I know vague, but until we hash out all the details that’s all I can say.

Another exciting piece of news is the release date for Adrift from Loose-Id – November 9th. Edits are finalized. Now I’m waiting anxiously for cover art.
I recently joined a group of women from my local writer’s chapter in a new blog endeavor. If you have a chance drop by and check it out – http://apinchofromance.blogspot.com/ We’re an eclectic group, but there’s something for everyone. :o) I’ll be there every Tuesday too!

Until next week!

Where Did June Go?

Is it July already? I don’t know where June went. I was so busy with writing, parties, etc. We returned from vacation on Sunday. We had a wonderful time. We visited Hershey Park, Gettysburg, did a ghost tour of Jennie Wade’s home and stopped off in NYC on the way home. Now I’m back to work and July looks just as busy.
Received edits for Spend the Night With Me today. If you liked Pretend With Me, hopefully you’ll enjoy Brooke and Liam’s story.
I have some exciting news. A few months ago a dear friend and fellow author hooked me up with an editor at Loose Id. I’ve wanted to publish with them as long as Ellora’s Cave.
So I looked over their guidelines and I had something they might be interested in, but it wasn’t long enough. I sent it to the editor anyway and she immediately said (like 5 mins later), it’s not long enough, but I want something from you. I responded with a kind thank you and offered to lengthen it or send her something else soon. I never gave her an ETA.
Over Memorial Day, (I’d so forgotten about her at this point) I received an email from her only saying – Is it soon yet?
I took this as a sign, sent her a brief blurb, intended word count and a delivery date of July 1st. I knew it was crazy because I had another project I HAD to finish and two surprise parties. Needless to say I was in a fog all of June.
I’m thrilled to say that on June 30th I sent her the 25k mss and within 6 hours she sent an email saying she wanted it, but to keep it under wraps until she found me an editor.
Sunday I received the Acceptance Letter along with the contract. I’m excited to say Stranded with be published with Loose Id in the Fall. This is an M/M/F. The heroine is plus-size, with scars and a past that still haunts her. The two men, Ben and Adam want to make her part of their family. Oh and they said I should be receiving edits soon, like next week.
I’m still awaiting edits for Play With Me, book three. It’s gonna be a busy summer!
They’re saying it’s gonna be 99 today. I love the heat, but even that’s too hot for me.
Stay cool and until next week.

Sometimes Even the Best Intentions...

I’ve been down and out lately, having some minor health issues that seem to be getting better. I’m only writing in spurts and blowing off the blog. Hopefully that will change over the next few days.

For Christmas the DH gave me the Dragon Speaking Naturally software. I finally got around to installing it on my laptop today. I was very excited about using it. I’ll admit sometimes I’m lazy and figured speaking would be easier. I’m not so sure right now. You see you must dictate everything – period, comma, question mark, etc. Oh and new line.

The other downfall of this software is quotations or lack of. I can write a sentence and add the tag, he said/she said, but it won’t put it in quotations. Speed would be nice, but to sacrifice the other things will be a PIA when it comes time to edit.

I’ll try it for a few more days and see if it’s worth it.

In other news I signed a new contract last week for my new series – Freedom Fantasies. Book 1 – Pretend with Me will be the story of Paige and Jed.

Here’s a short blurb I threw together:

Freedom Fantasies is a place where women go to live out their ultimate fantasies.

Paige is tired of playing second fiddle to her husband’s best friend. When she tells her best friend she wants to have sex with a stranger, Kim knows exactly what to do.

Kim, owner of Freedom Fantasies, schedules a room and a hot stranger – actually Paige’s husband Jed.

Paige and Jed work on finding their way back to each other with a game of pretend. When they bring Tommy into the mix things get even better.

I’ve past the halfway mark of Book 2 so the goal is to have it submitted by month’s end.

Happy Tuesday!

Walking On Air

Yesterday I received an email from Dawn at Love Romances Café letting me know that Heat Waves had been nominated for Best Contemporary of 2009. Can you say WOW! I was shocked. It only got better. As I was reading the nominees I noticed Spank Me Twice was up for Best Erotic Book of 2009. It floored me to be nominated for two awards.
I’m up against some awesome authors for the Contemporary award, but I swear just being nominated means everything to me. J
The voting begins the 15th. Once I get the information I’ll post it, in case you’ve read Heat Waves and want to vote. LOL

In other news I participated in my first book signing with eleven other authors last night. It was interesting. During the author bio the announcer talked about my nominations. Well! The funniest part was at the end. I was packing up my things when this older couple...I'm talking late sixties . early seventies comes up to me and says, "What was the name of that book? Smack Me Twice, Hit Me Twice?"
I looked at her and asked, "Spank Me Twice?"
"Yes. Yes, that's the one." She turns to her husband. "We have to go home and look that book up!"
I was rolling. It's nice to see they're still interested in sex.
The day kept getting better because when I got home I checked email and there was a contract for Dante's Desire.
Now how am I going to top that? LOL
Happy Tuesday Everyone!