It's Done!

Good news - Highland Magic is now finished and with my editor. I'm so happy to have finally finished that book. I've been writing that series for several years now, so it seems kinda odd that I won't be visiting those characters again. :(

I also just got a glimpse of my new WordPress design. Its awesome! I hope to have it finished and implimented within the next couple of weeks. And don't worry, the new addy will be posted here when I move over.

I'm finishing up packing for our family trip to Colorado. We leave tomorrow and will be gone 10 days. I will check on the blog when I can. Its our first big family trip...in a car...with our dog. Yes, we're bringing Tink. We really had no other choice.

She went all depressed on hubby when I left for Dallas. Since I was gone nine days, she really thought I left her. She wouldn't eat, didn't play, wouldn't get up or anything. So, we knew there was no way we could board her for our trip. After a few phone calls to the hotel and attractions we're headed to, we discovered that Tink could come everywhere with us. And the few places we're going that has rides have a place we can put her for that time.

So, of course, Tink had to have a new shirt for the trip. Yes, I'm one of those crazy women that buys her pet clothes. :D Its really cute, too.

Ok. Must go pack some more!

Want some Knights?

While in Dallas, I went to Medieval Times (check out the website! check out the website!) with some friends. Despite the fact I live in Texas, this was my first time to go. And I'm so very glad I did. It was a blast! I'm already planning on taking the hubby and kids. :)

If you've ever been to a Renaissance Festival, and love watching the jousting and the knights, you must get to a Medieval Times. Though the knights do joust, there is so much more to it. It was a show, and what a show they put on! They even had a falcon. I'd have taken a picture, but I was afraid to disturb the bird as he flew around the arena. If only I'd been able to have him land on my arm. ::sigh::

Anyway, I've got a few pictures up of my time at Medieval Times. You can find them Here. I have more pictures coming from friends, but for now, go check out the knights!

Hello From Dallas!

Hi, everyone!

Sorry I haven't been blogging, but between no internet service and my schedule, I've been hindered. :) I feel lost without talking to you all during the week, so I hope you'll forgive my absence.

The conference has been great. The book signing was TERRIFIC!!!! Thanks to all the readers who came out and supported me. Its so appreciated. I've taken a few pictures, but mostly I'm having people email me copies, and once I get everything together I'll get them up.

I'm still waiting on the cover for A Dark Seduction, which should come any day. I'm also finishing up my revisions on Highland Magic, Frang's story and the last book in the Druid's Glen series.

One of the perks about being at RWA is meeting all the writers. Even for me, I love meeting authors who's books I love. I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful, sweet, talented NY Times bestselling author, and if you haven't read any of Shana Abe's books, run right now to the book store and get ALL of them. They are brilliant and captivating books. I just know you'll love her and her stories as much as I do.

Some News

I just found out yesterday that A Dark Seduction has been pushed back to mid-August. Sorry you'll have to wait another month for Cole's story.

I've added a new page to my website. Over the past couple of months I've had readers email me pictures of the Celtic tattoos, so I've added a page that now shows off the beautiful works of art. You can view it Here. If anyone with a Celtic or tribal tattoo would like to be added to the page, send me a picture of the tattoo with permission to post it.

I'm working on my newsletter right now. Its packed full of news. So if you haven't signed up yet, hurry and do it before the first. ;)

Looking Ahead

I've redesigned my MySpace page. I wanted something different, something that was me. Go take a look and tell me what you think.

On the writing front, I'll be finished with Highland Magic next week.

And for the readers wanting to know when the next Royal Chronicle book will be out, I'll be writing the third novella once I'm finished with Highland Magic.

I should be getting the cover to A Dark Seduction any day now. I'm anxious to see what the next cover in my Shield series will look like.

What are you looking forward to over the next few weeks?

Take A Little Break...Have A Little Laugh

Playing Catch Up

I've got a lot going on over the next couple of weeks. As much as I love messing with this blog here, I'm in the process of having it changed over to a Wordpress blog. As soon as its finished, I'll post here and announce the new url. I'm hoping it'll be ready this week or next.

Besides trying to finish my current book, doing my edits, coming up with a blurb for another book, writing proposals and getting ready for the RWA conference in Dallas, I'm planning a vacation to Colorado with the family.

I'm just a glutton for punishment. :) And it's why this blog wasn't written first thing this morning like I usually do. Well, that and the fact I had to take kids to swim lessons - one day down, nine to go. :D

I'm thinking I either need a clone or more hours in the day. A maid and a cook would also be nice, but I'm thinking I'll get the clone before I ever get the maid and cook.

I make lists to keep from going completely insane. I know I'm not the only one juggling twenty million things at once. So, tell me your secret for keeping it all straight and getting it all done. On time.

Manic Monday

Ah, yet another Monday. I did an interview over the weekend with a Houston radio station. As soon as its released as a podcast on their site, I'll let you know. It was a great interview, and I enjoyed it immensely.

I've been working on the 5th and final book in the Druid's Glen series, Highland Fires. This is Frang's story and its proving to be just as adventurous as the others with a heroine who can hold her own against such a powerful Druid High Priest. :)

I'm on schedule to turn it in at the beginning of July. After that, I'll write the 3rd and possibly the 4th and final novellas in my Royal Chronicles series.

In between all of this, I'll be headed to Dallas for the RWA conference as well as taking a much needed holiday with the family.

Have any plans for the summer? Share them with me. :)

June

I have several appearances that I'll be doing in June, as well as special contests.

May 28th - June 4th over at Raven Forum, authors Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth have opened up something new called VIP Backstage Pass. I've posted a couple of excerpts as well as offering a contest. If you want to win a free download of one of my books as well as four print books from today's hottest writers, head on over there and enter my contest.

June 4th - 8th - Character Interview with Lugus!

June 6th - The Romance Studio chat from 9pm - 10pm EST.

June 19th - Fallen Angel Reviews chat from 9pm-10pm EST.

June 27th - Highland Firest releases!

Happy Memorial Day!

Another Monday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I was gifted with some amazing gifts from my kids that they had made in school. My youngest gave me a key chain and my daughter painted a glass. Of course, I'll treasure both always. :)

The family was insistent on doing everything for me that day, all the way down to watering my flowers. I have to admit it was rather nice. :D Something I could definitely get used to. lol.

I'm finishing up revisions for my novella in the Destiny Stone anthology. I hope to have some news on this very soon.

Must get back to writing instead of watching the hummingbirds feed. :D

Monday Again

Its the start of another week. So far, this Monday has started out ok. I just got a review from a reader in Belgium! How cool is that. The review was great and she's anxious to read more. Which is always good. :)

I'll be finishing up my novella for The Destiny Stone anthology I'm doing with two fabulous friends. Once that's done, I'll be turning my attention to Frang's story, the fifth and final book in The Druid's Glen series.

The emails I've received lately from readers speculate on what's going to happen in Lugus' story as well as what might happen in Frang's story.

I don't want to give anything away on Lugus' story which will be out next month, and since I haven't begun Frang's story, I can't give you any hints. :)

The one question I get the most is....Is Iona really dead?

RT and Back Again

I love going to RT and meeting readers and booksellers, but I have to admit, I'm exhausted by the time I get home. At least this year I didn't have to fly since Houston was so close.

I got to meet so many wonderful readers. Pam from Texas, Rita from South Africa, Joy from Joyfully Reviewed, Pamela from Tennessee, and the list goes on and on. Thank you to everyone who I got to meet. I love putting faces to names. :) Also, I got to chat it up again with Michelle Pillow, Mandy Roth, Kally Jo Surbeck, Kimberly Kay Terry and Kaitlyn O'Connor. This year I also got to meet Jaycee Clark. If you haven't read her, go buy her books. She's not only a talented author but a really great person. Other authors that I finally got to meet where Marianne LaCroix, JJ Massa, Catherine Stang, Joy Nash, Sasha Lord, Vivi Anna, Lori Wilde, Jaide Fox and Raven Willow-Wood and so many others I know I probably forgot to list. :)


Everyone was incredibly sweet, which makes the event so much nicer. I did manage to take a few pictures, so I'll get them up in a day or two. Since I took RT off from writing (I know, bad Donna) I've got to get caught up. I'm almost done with the novella I'm working on for THE DESTINY STONE anthology I'm doing with two other authors. I'll talk more about it once I'm done with the novella.

For now, I'm just checking in, apologizing for not posting while I was at RT, and trying to get back into my schedule. Doesn't help that my kids don't have school today. :D

I'm Off!

I'm headed out to Houston for RT. I'm going to try to post daily on the happenings. If you enjoyed last years blogging about RT, stay tuned for this year. :)

Cameo Awards

Looks like all that time I spent playing with the book trailers - or teasers as I call them - has paid off.

The Book Teaser for A Dark Guardian is a finalist in The Romance Galleria's Cameo Awards for The Best Fantasy Romance!

The big awards show will be in the 3-D virtual room at The Romance Galleria on May 5th. You have to download the software to be able to get into the 3-D area, but its well worth it and very easy to do.

Hope to see some of you there cheering. :)

Now, I must go finish packing for RT!

Cover is Coming!

But not for Highland Fires.

My editor emailed me yesterday to let me know that Elric's story, the second in my Royal Chronicles series will be out in May!

I've added an excerpt from the book, so go by and read it. This is the cover that I've said will be completely different than my others. I can't wait to see the finished product. :)

And We're Off!

I've finished my new design for my website. In celebration I'm holding a small contest. Take a look at my website. Like what you see?

Send me an Email telling me and I'll enter you in the drawing for a promo pack with something extra thrown in. :)

The Countdown Has Begun

That's right. Its only 9 days until RT. Whoohooo!!!

On another note, I'm redesigning my website. Its getting a complete overhaul. I'm about half way done with it, and I'm hoping to finish before RT.

Also, the NCP reader contest has started. Want the details to the SIX prize packages that includes books, gift cards, bath goodies, and other great prizes? You'll need to sign onto the NCP Reader Loop.

I'm Donna and I'm A Cover Junkie

I've had to break out the chocolate to tempt the cover artists. I think it might have worked since I was told they were "trying" to get my cover out to me by the end of April.

Whoohoo!!

I'm a cover junkie. Kinda sounds like AA, huh? But its true. I love getting my covers, and I've been pretty fortunate so far that I haven't had one that made me cry. NCP is also great because they allow the authors to work closely with the artists to get the best feel of the book for the covers. If you can't tell by my covers, I have a thing about seeing the hero's face.

Call me weird, but I can't tell you how many times I've picked up a book and thought "wow, I really like the cover with this hot guy on the cover, but I wish his face would go away". Guys can have really great bodies, but their faces lack...well, they just lack the umph needed, IMO.

Of course, you have the guys that I'll drool over and others are like "what's the big deal? He's not all that". Which is the other reason I don't want the face on my covers.

The cover I'm supposed to get next is Highland Fires, the fourth book in the Druid's Glen series. It should closely match the first three.

Same with the third book in the Shield series, it should also match the other two in the series.

But the one I'm dying to see is the next novella in my Royal Chronicles series. I asked for something completely different than any of my other covers. I didn't have a say with the first novella since it went in the Phoenix Rising II anthology, so I thought long and hard on this cover.

NCP's cover artists are phenomenal, so I have no doubt the final product will be spectacular. I just hate that I have to wait so dang long. :(

I'mmmmmm Baaaack!

Aimery finally gave me back control of my blog. The scoundrel! :)

He doesn't normally interact with mortals, so I was more than surprised to find he had taken over. I hope you all enjoyed his week. So sorry that his stay was cut short but the Shields needed him.

He's still answering questions so stay on the lookout for an email.

I hope everyone had a great Easter. My kids were on a sugar high all day and ran around like crazy people looking for eggs. In their search, they would run right by the eggs that were laid out in plain sight. My husband and I laughed until our sides hurt.

RT is getting closer and closer. Be sure to let me know if you're coming so I can be on the look out for you. I love meeting readers. :)