Blog page of Vijaya Schartz, author of Ashes for the Elephant God, Archangel Crusader, Archangel Checkmate, book reviewer, novelist, writer of visionary fiction and fantasy suspense

Just new from Desert Breeze Publishing, is the cover of my upcoming release, RED LEOPARD, Book Two in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK. The release date is April 1, 2010, and it's not an April Fool's Day joke.

The cover designer is the same as for the first book, and you can easily see the connection with the world I created for the series, where large cats live among Humans.

I'm very excited about this second book, and actively working on the third in the series. It will be titled BLACK JAGUAR.

A well deserved ARIANA award for the cover of WHITE TIGER, Book One of the Chronicles of Kassouk. Jenifer Ranieri designed this stunning cover for DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING, and I am very pleased and very proud of it.

This ARIANA award is in the Science Fiction Futuristic romance category and is given by EPIC, an organization dictating high standards for the ebook publishing industry.

White Tiger won several awards in the past for the story and the writing, but this is very special.

Congratulations Jenifer Ranieri! Thank you for this wonderful cover. Can't wait to see the other covers in the Chronicles of Kassouk series. The second book, RED LEOPARD is scheduled for release in April 2010, and the third book, BLACK JAGUAR, in November 2010.

Click on the cover for more on this shapeshifter story featuring a kick-butt Arizona Ranger, faced with a problem when the animal killings she is investigating lead her to an old Hopi legend, and a gorgeous Native American Artist, who could well be the culprit.

Expect plenty of adventure and susense, and of course some sizzling romance.

eBook Novella - ISBN: 978-1-934657-34-8
Download from the publisher HERE
Available from ARE HERE
Also in Kindle from Amazon HERE

December 2009 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND THE REALIZATION OF YOUR DEAREST WISHES IN 2010.

I do not have the pictures yet, but it was another fantastic event organized by the Arizona Authors Association to honor the winners of the 2009 Arizona Literary Contest and Book Awards. The finalists had come from all over (the contest is open worldwide). There were tears of joy and heartfelt thanks. Several of the books honored last night were important books, contributing to humanitarian work in Kenya and other African countries. On this very special night, I was proud to be on the board of the Arizona Authors Association (as past President and current webmistress). You can check out the list of winners on the website of the Arizona Authors Association, HERE.

Sapphire Blue Publishing let me know that I was assigned an editor for my next novella to be released in December, titled COYOTE GORGEOUS. The heroine is a tough, gun-toting girl, an Arizona Ranger with the Department of Game and Fish. Investigating animal killings on a ranch in Cave Creek, she stumbles upon an enigma, an incredible legend, and a handsome Hopi sculptor, who may or may not be responsible... Find out more about this story HERE.

The first book in The Chronicles of Kassouk series, WHITE TIGER, is out today from Desert Breeze Publishing. It's available from the publisher's website HERE. And from Amazon.com in Kindle edition HERE.

The next books in the series are RED LEOPARD, to be released in April 2010, and BLACK JAGUAR, to be released in November 2010.

Each book is a complete story and the characters of one book do not necessary appear in the next. But all the stories are set in the same imaginary world of Kassouk, a medieval world dominated by a galactic race worshipped in the temples as gods.

It may have been since the beginning of June, but I just discovered today that A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is the best selling title in the contemporary Romance category at my publisher's site, Sapphire blue Publishing. Check it out HERE.

This terrific review comes from THE ROMANCE STUDIO, and it's one of my favorites:

"...sensitivity over the issues facing people in Mexico who take the chance of becoming illegal immigrants and legalities involved. The tale is well crafted filled with romance and suspense. It's a great read." The Romance Studio. Five-hearts review - Read the full review HERE

I'm still in shock. Desert Breeze Publishing Inc. wants to republish my award-winning Triskelion novel WHITE TIGER, in e-book in August 2009, with Paperback to follow. Not only they want this book, they want to make it a series, and asked me to write two more in the same imaginary world. The series is titled CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK. Learn more about White Tiger and the Chronicles of Kassouk HERE.

t's been a while in the making, but I decided that my two-year-old cat Jasmine needs a little companion. Truly, I'm so absorbed in my computer when I'm writing that I am no company at all, and when the weather is too hot to get out (we live in Phoenix Arizona), she gets bored. So I got from an author friend, Linda Andrews, a black and white little male kitten, from a feral litter she rescued in her backyard. My husband named him Spunky. Just like a new baby, it will require adjustments, and Jasmine's reaction wasn't quite what I expected.

Right now, Jasmine is observing him from a distance, but hisses when I try to get them closer to each other. She is mad at me for bringing an intruder into her house. I hope she takes to the adorable little thing like we did, rather sooner than later. He deserves his name and I think he will make a fun companion to play with her on cold winter nights and hot summer days.

This is a current photo of Jasmine, the reluctant adoptive mother.

Just got back from Orlando. Like every year, the Romantic Times Convention was wild, fun, and a great success. Here is a picture of me, during the Faery Ball, in my blue evening gown, with one of the contestants of Mr. Romance (yes, ladies, beefcake). His name is Konstantinos, he is Greek, and I think he looks like Hugh Jackson in Wolverine. He is tall, too. I was wearing high heels.

But it was not all fun and parties. I met with my publisher, my editors, and many professionals of the book industry, but mainly I met the readers. A lady at the book signing came with two of my older paperbacks and asked me to autograph them for her. What a thrill!

April 19, 2009
GETTING READY FOR A BIG SPLASH AT THE ROMANTIC TIMES BOOKLOVERS CONVENTION

Orlando, here I come. RT, as authors call it, is the hottest spot to be in April. Between the electronic and graphic novels Expo on Wednesday, April 22, where Vijaya will sign eBooks and paperbacks, to the anticipated Faery Ball, the Vampire Ball, the Jungle Party, Mr. Romance Contest, RT Awards, the Seashore dance party, the giant book signing (with 300 authors) and the salute to our troops, the atmosphere is festive and fun. Harlequin is celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year. The fans and readers are there, too, as well as hundreds of librarians. This is also a place to network with editors and agents, who usually reside in or around New York, and to get acquainted with brand new publishers. I particularly enjoy meeting there old friends, past editors, and new colleagues scattered across the country, and favorite fans and readers I haven't seen since... Last year at RT.

So, I'm packing the ball gowns and the business suits, along with a serious dose of vitamin C and caffeine. If you are around Orlando anytime next week, join us at the Orlando Wyndham Resort. If you stop by the bar, you might encounter more than a few bestselling authors... And if it's late at night, expect ball gowns, sparkles, and even wings.

Who'd thunk it? Starbuck was dead all this time! With no explanation of how she reappeared in flesh and blood, by what miracle, or what happened to her while she was missing. Did I miss that part of the story? Nope. I recorded every episode. So what happened?

I was extremely disappointed by the ending of the Battlestar Gallactica series. It was a let down, just like the end of the original series (or so I hear). They end up on Earth in 150,000 BC, decide to free the metal cylons into space, send the empty fleet on a collision course with the sun, and opt to separate and live a simple, rural life, without technology. Moreover, they spread through the continents. Hera, the Cylon child, becomes the common ancestor of the Human race, EVE, recently found in Africa. That twist was obviously added, but that's still not enough of a satisfying ending for my taste. And it doesn't make any sense.

Also, I didn't care for all the flashbacks to Caprica in the last episodes. It's as if the writers ran out of steam. Or they were trying to generate interest for the spin off coming in the fall. In any case, it didn't work.

Now it seems they are advertising a new movie or series coming in the fall, some kind of prequel titled CAPRICA. Or maybe it's a DVD movie. Since they've written themselves into a corner, the writers can only go backward. Unfortunately, I'm not as interested in what happened before, and not sure I'll watch the spin off. I'm that disappointed...

As writers, we have a responsibility regarding endings. Even in a series, and mainly for the last story of a series, we must keep the reader interested and deliver, if not a totally happy ending (some stories cannot end in happy ever after), at least an ending that makes the reader or the viewer wish there were more.

As a spin-off or a continuation, I would have liked to see Baltar and Caprica deal with the stress of farming and hunting their own food with primitive tools. Does anyone in this group have a dream of recreating a technological society? 150,000 years ago technological civilizations could have risen and fallen without leaving any trace. It took us less than 3,000 years to get to space travel. Come on. Have a little imagination.

Participating in an event like the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention takes a lot of preparation. I registered in September, reserved my hotel room, found a roommate to share the cost, and now I'm booking my flight, trying to find the best airfare deal. Not an easy task when Travelocity is giving me a hard time booking my flight. Online booking is great, but when for any reason the process is not functioning properly, it becomes a nightmare.

Next will come the decisions on what to pack in the 40lb limited suitcase, and still dazzle and shine. But it's all worth it. This event gathers authors and readers from not only the nation but all over the world. This year it's held in Orlando. I'm familiar with Florida (lived in Clearwater near Tampa, briefly, in the past) and I'm looking forward to the warm and humid weather. I live in the Arizona desert... It should be 90 degrees tomorrow, according to the weather forecast, but it's dry heat...

I couldn't believe it at first. When the voting was happening in January, I followed the ongoing tally, and A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS went from second to first to second place again. At the end of the voting period, it was second, and I resigned myself. Yet, a few days ago, I went to check on the website, and here it was. A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS won first place in the best Short Romance Story category in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll for books published in 2008. I'm ecstatic.

Thank you to those of you who voted for my book. I feel lucky to have such loyal readers.

Anyone can win my book of their choice by entering my contest. Just click on CONTEST on the left for the rules and to enter. Good luck to all of you.

Hope your holiday season was warm and bright. Wishing you all a wonderful Year In 2009, with the realization of your dearest wish. And for the world at large, I wish a year full of love and understanding, in which all can grow and prosper, take loving care of our ailing planet, and live in peace. Wishful thinking, I know, but after all, I'm a dreamer. That's why I write fiction.

HELP! The Sapphire Blue Bombshells have lost their favorite hunks in the pages of their websites, and they need your help. The publisher, Sapphire Blue, is offering all kinds of yummy rewards, including books, gift certificates, and t-shirts. So check out the contest page HERE.

Fallen Angel Reviews gave it 4 angels and Whitney said: "A Desperado for Christmas is a love story and an adventure rolled in to one. There is very little “down time” in this fast-paced story, and this reader was glued to it until the very end."

As for Coffee Time Romance, they say: "...The reader can really empathize with her character on many levels. Ms. Schartz also does a fantastic job of setting you right in the scene with her characters. She builds the suspense and follows through with vigor, sweeping her readers up in the action."

I just started a new contest on this site. You can win my paperback of your choice, guaranteed, by answering three easy questions about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS. Or you can just send me an email and take your chance in the general drawing on January 10. Check out the rules on my contest page HERE, and good luck!

I am thrilled. Each book release, even after publishing a number of them, is like having a new baby. And this one is appropriate, since it's a Christmas story, with a nativity and all the trimmings. But I digress...

Who doesn't like a good Border Patrol story for the holidays? With Kaitlin, a kick-butt heroine with a gun, and Miguel, a gorgeous Desperado with many secrets, this is not your typical night on border patrol. Of course, it's Christmas night, so all kinds of things are happening, some very bad, and some miraculous.

Hope you'll want to get your own A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS to stick under the tree. What better way to spend a wintry night?

Marilyn Lewis, from Atlanta (GA) is the happy winner of my contest and she will be dreaming of Desperado very soon. Congratulations, Marilyn.

Get A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS today from Sapphire Blue Publishing for $3.50 HERE

I was surprised to receive an I LOVE YOUR BLOG award for my Romancing Sci-Fi Blog today from a friend, and I nominated several more blogs for this award as well.

Last night, I also attended the Arizona Literary and Book Awards, at the Civic Center in Glendale. Check out the gown, it was a very formal event. Check out the winners of this prestigious contest on the Arizona Authors Association website HERE. I used to be the President of this association and still work on the board as their webmistress. It was a truly magic night, with scrumptious food good music, good company and many happy faces (those of the winners). Some came from far away to receive their awards and were dutifully cheered.

Check out the book cover Sapphire Blue Publishing came up with for A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS. I am thrilled. I love feisty girls with guns, and this is another gorgeous cover. I'm going to have to made a page on the site for my girls with guns. I love them all.

This one in particular wears a uniform, and who wouldn't drool over the ripped hunk of a hero. Although he doesn't start as a hero at all, but as a human smuggler on the south Arizona border. Of course to find out Miguel's secret, you'll have to read the book.

You can still enter the contest to win it, by clicking on CONTEST on the left and following the directions. The deadline is November 9, and the book comes will be for sale on November 10, 2008, so hurry.

In the meantime, visit the page I dedicated to A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS HERE

October 1, 2008:
Don't miss my special blog day at THE ROMANCE STUDIO FORUM tomorrow, with my partners organizing THE FAERY BALL at the Romantic Times Convention.

Last night, I attended the Desert Rose Romance Writers Awards banquet at the historical Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. It was quite an event, and this year's recipient of the Desert rose Award, Susan Lanier Graham, cried and got tong-tied. This award represents services rendered above and beyond the call to volunteering in the chapter and I am very proud to have received it in 2006. But these events with authors and writers are always a lot of fun. Lock up in a room a bunch of creative people and the result is non-stop laughter. We even kicked our heels to the sounds of big band music. I can only say "What a night." Hope the pictures turn out great. Here is a shot from my own digital camera. The theme was the period of the Mansion, the 1930s, and the colors, black & white, hence the dress.

August 5, 2008 - Fresh back from San Francisco
I just returned from the National Conference of Romance Writers of America in San Francisco. What a thrill. Not only the city is enchanting with its old European charm, but the event itself gathered over 2,000 writers. The Literacy book signing alone had 520 authors in one room, including Nora Robert and a slew of NYT best-selling authors. I'm on the right, next to Laurie Schnebly and the next author starting with an "S" Melissa Schroeder. I can now say I was signing my books along with Nora Roberts in the same room at the same time, and I still sold my Golden Quill Award-winning book, Anaz-voohri, and chatted with many personal fans.

Of course, I met with editors and agents. That's the main purpose of those professional conferences, but I also donned a glitzy gown for the Awards Banquet. I wasn't nominated this time, but several of my Arizona fellow authors were, so I cheered for them. I couldn't resist giving you a glance at the dresses with a picture of the Phoenix winners, including Vicki Lewis Thompson, in the blue dress, who received the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. I think she's going to wear that smile for weeks to come. In the red dress is Shelley Coriell, Golden Heart Finalist, and on the right, Pamela Tracy Osback, RITA finalist.

July 14, 2008 - Bastille Day
For those of you who do not know that I was born and raised in France, it may come as a surprise, but I do celebrate Bastille Day. It commemorates the assault from the people of Paris on the Fortress of La Bastille, where the kings of France kept political prisoners. The date was July 14, 1789, and the French Revolution ensued, greatly inspired by the success of the American Revolution, praised by the French General Lafayette. So I celebrate both Independence Day and Bastille Day. You can never have too many celebrations, as I learned in India, where each month has several major festivals.

July 4, 2008 - Independence Day
I am wearing my stars and stripes and I will sign along while watching the fireworks. My heroes and heroines are celebrating with me (in my head). They are all strong supporters of freedom, as am I. Wishing you all a great fourth with shivers of patriotism, great friends, and all the trimmings around the barbecue.

June 11, 2008 - We have a winner
The winner of this season's contest on my website is Sherry Haut, from Judsonia, Arkansas. She chose Anaz-voohri, and excellent choice since this novel is raking so many nominations, awards, and five-star reviews. Too bad the book is almost out of print, but I have a few copies left, and it will be available to win on many more of my contests, so don't despair. You may enter my new contest today. The next deadline is September 10, 2008, and anyone can win my book of their choice. See the books available for this contest on my special page HERE.

May 2, 2008 - Great news
Opening my email this morning, I discovered that my book Anaz-voohri (the 2007 paperback version) is a finalist in the prestigious Golden Quill Literary Contest. This contest is one of the few that has a special category for Science-Fiction Romance. Needless to say I am flying high today. This particular contest is judged mainly by readers. The announcement of the final results is in June. Crossing my fingers...

See the video introduction of the Faery Court, HERE
See the video of the costume contest HERE

This convention was a whirlwind as usual, and the week passed too fast, but we all took home wonderful memories of this tremendous event. Meeting several of my devoted fans was a treat. I felt privileged to be part of the Faery Ball (see the videos above and photo right). I am the far right bottom fae, in the glittery turquoise gown. The faes already decided that they would be back next year, so look for us at the next Romantic Times Convention, in ORLANDO (FL), the third week of April 2009.

April 7, 2008 - The Desert Dreams Conference
Just back from the Desert Dreams Conference in Chandler, Arizona, organized by the Desert Rose Romance Writers of America. I was speaking about selling your books to Hollywood at this national event and enjoyed the smooth running of this conference. The picture was taken at the book signing on Saturday evening, under the shady vines of the pergola at the San Marcos golf resort.

Authors and writers of popular fiction (be it mystery, thrillers, science fiction, or romance) found a wealth of information through workshops and panels, as well as many opportunities to rub shoulders and speak directly to New York agents and editors in a relaxed atmosphere. This is one of the greatest conferences for fiction writers. In two weeks, I will be in Pittsburgh for the Romantic Time Book Lovers Convention, where I am one of the sponsors of the Faery Ball event. More details on my page HERE.

March 11, 2008 - I have a winner
Guess what? Someone won my contest. Her name is Jean Morrison, from New Jersey. Big CONGRATULATIONS to this winner. She chose RELICS, book II of the Operation Pleiades series. Click on the cover for more information on her choice title. But if you entered the contest and did not win, do not despair. There is another one posted on my CONTEST page. Just click HERE to find out how you can win my book of your choice. Except that a few titles are not available anymore, like White Tiger, Lockdown, and This Magic Moment. Sorry guys. You may be able to find a few used copies on the internet or on e-bay for these three titles, that's all. More contests are going on as I participate in the Faery Ball for the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh, April 16 through April 20. There is a scavenger hunt and anyone can participate and win. Here is the site to start from: RT Faery Ball Scavenger Hunt. Good luck!

February 24, 2008
Yesterday's seminar went wonderfully well. Everyone went home with a gazillion ideas about author Branding, the beginning of a personal tagline, and a better defined idea of what the world of publishing is all about. For more information, visit my seminar page, where I have already announced my next seminar for writers, September 6, 2008, this time about TAMING THE BOOK PROMOTION MONSTER, something most authors dread.

February 10, 2008
Great turnout last weekend at the Chocolate Affaire. Even the weather cooperated (unfortunately it rained on the Superbowl the next day). I had my picture taken with the Romance Cover model CJ Hollenbach in the booth (a fabulous white tent with clear plastic windows). Check it out on the right.

This weekend, I'm getting ready for a seminar I'm giving on February 23 on "Author Branding," something every author has to worry about these days. More about the seminar HERE.

January 27, 2008
Chocolate Affaire and Superbowl next weekend
Each year, on the first weekend of February, the city of Glendale Arizona organizes a festival of chocolate and romance. They even have wine tasting and chocolate pizza. Each year, they invite romance authors to sign their novels, in a festive atmosphere, and give free workshops for aspiring writers. Although that weekend is usually that of the Superbowl, it never affected the Chocolate Affaire, until this year, when the Superbowl happens to be taking place in Glendale as well. So The Chocolate Affaire will only last two days instead of three, Friday and Saturday, as the city officials will have their hands full on Super Sunday. Of course, I will be signing my books there both days, and teaching a workshop for writers on Friday afternoon. For more information and schedule, visit the official page on the City of Glendale website HERE. And yes, it is my picture at a previous Chocolate Affaire book signing, in 2005, I believe, according to my hair style.

January 1, 2008 - To all a wonderful New Year
I find it difficult to get back into the writing groove after the Christmas celebrations. So many things need to get done. Although I just finished a novel, I have to clean up all the little messes I neglected while pushing to make my deadline. This is also my excuse not to start a new book before January. Time to brainstorm and consider my new path for the coming year. Goals? Certainly. But setting realistic goals is more about the things we can control. Wishing for miracles rarely works, that's why I rely on solid work, good stories, ethics, then wish for the best. But 2008 will be a fantastic year. I can feel it. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

December 17, 2007 - We have a winner for the contest!
Congratulations to Teresa Ryan, who won ARCHANGEL CRUSADER in this Holiday Season contest. Archangel Crusader is the first book of the Archangel Sci-Fi Series and is available in print and in audiobook. Teresa has been entering my contest religiously for many months, and I am pleased to see that her persistence paid off in the end.

I also take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and the realization of your dearest dreams in 2008.

December 15, 2007 - A book signing for the grand opening of a new Bookmasters
Ten local authors signed today at the new Bookmasters Bookstore in Phoenix, at 3405 W. Thunderbird in the Fry's shopping center, Part of an all week event on KOOL FM radio. The holiday spirit reigned and all had a good time picking their favorite titles for themselves or for holiday presents. Autographed books make very special presents.

November 29, 2007 - Unexpected awards
I discovered today while surfing the internet that Anaz-voohri and Relics were both recognized by PREDITORS & EDITORS, on their list of Best Science Fiction Novels, through their Readers Poll for 2006. It's never too late to celebrate yet another award. Thank you so much to my faithful readers who voted for these books.

November 25, 2007 - Had a great signing yesterday.
Thank you to Lisa at East West Exchange Books, Gifts & Practices at 2051 W. Warner Road in Chandler. Lisa manages this metaphysical bookstore and invited me to speak about Reincarnation and my spiritual experiences in India. The captive and eager audience kept me speaking for hours. I was signing Ashes for the Elephant God, my reincarnation novel set in India. I highly recommend this bookstore for books about philosophy and spirituality. They also have a book club, Yoga and Tai-Chi classes, and private viewings of enlightening movies. More about the store and the book by clicking on the blue links.

November 22, 2007 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Hope your Thanksgiving holiday is happy and bright. Be safe and enjoy the bounties of the earth and the good company. May you always have something to be grateful for.

November 15, 2007 - The fate of Triskelion authors contracts is decided!
In the ongoing saga of the Triskelion Publishing Bankruptcy, all the author contracts were frozen by the court and offered as a lot on the auction block. At the auction I attended this morning, two publishers fought to buy those contracts: Loose Id and Siren. The winner was Siren Publishing, an electronic and print book company that publishes erotic romance. Siren only bought the contracts with the intention to release the rights back to the authors immediately, as per their recent press release. This is a great relief for the authors who have been fighting for the right to their intellectual property since July. Several of my titles were caught in this fiasco. One of these titles is SIEGE, the last book of the Operation Pleiades series, another is White Tiger, which was never released in print (only in e-book). My novella, Coyote Gorgeous was also frozen. I am now free to submit these stories for publication by other publishers.

I publicly thank Siren Publishing from the bottom of my heart. This is a very generous company. They never intended to keep the rights to these books, most of which, like my Sci-fi romance novels, do not conform to their guidelines. I wish this kind publisher all the exposure and good publicity this selfless gesture deserves. There still is nobility of heart in this industry, demonstrated by the small press, and It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Siren Publishing, for ending this awful situation for almost a hundred authors.

November 10, 2007 - A friendly panel of authors at the Gilbert Southeast Regional Library.
Saturday, many readers and aspiring writers came to attend this event wonderfully organized by the Gilbert Library and the Desert Rose Chapter of Romance writers. The authors on the panel answered questions about writing romance and the new cross-genre markets, how to get published, the elements of a good story, characters, the writing life, and scores of other topics. We had a lively audience and we autographed our books. Everyone went home happy, authors, writers and readers alike. The food was fabulous. I hope this becomes a regular event.

November 2, 2007 - A magic night of Awards
I was presiding at the 2007 Arizona Literary Awards at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix, announcing the winners and giving out prizes. What fun. I was the President of the association for seven years and am still the Editor in Chief for their Literary Magazine and their Authors Directory, as well as the webmistress. During this magic night, I also uncovered the 2007 issue of the Arizona Literary Magazine. Here on the left, Cherie Lee won a raffle basket. In purple the current President, Toby Fesler Heathcotte, and on the far right, the contest coordinator, Greta Manville. See all the pictures HERE and discover the winners of the 2007 Arizona Literary Contest HERE

October 16, and October 23 - Talking at the Mesa Senior Center - UFOs, Aliens, Angels, Demons, Myths or Reality?
I love speaking at this charming facility in Mesa. I always feel welcome there. Yesterday was my third talk in a series, and the topic promised and delivered a lively event. I have been researching these fields for many years, and incorporate that knowledge in my particular brand of fiction. Would you believe it, several people in the audience had actually seen UFOs. So, I guess I'm not the only one. But as I always say in my talks, almost everyone had experiences of an unusual nature, whether paranormal, foretelling the future, seeing auras, seeing ghosts, or any number of socially unacceptable phenomena. It's time to grow up and realize that these things are happening, and scientifically proven or not, they are part of our lives.

October 6, 2007-Black tie affaire - It's awards season
As the 20006 recipient of the Desert Rose Award, I had the honor of bestowing the 2007 Desert Rose award upon this year's recipient, Cathy McDavid, on September 25. I attended tonight the Arizona Book Awards, organized by the Arizona Book Publishers Association, at the Phoenix Country Club where they celebrate the Phoenix Open. I'm on the left, with Toby Heathcotte on the right. On November 2, I will also present the Arizona Literary Awards, organized by the Arizona Authors Association, announcing the winners of the 2007 Arizona Literary Contest. I will uncover the fall 2007 issue of the Arizona Literary Magazine (featuring the winning entries), for which I am the editor in chief.

October 2, 2007 - My interview is up at Nights and Weekends

You can read my interview with little known facts about myself on the book website at Nights and Weekends. The interviewer is Margaret Marr, and I had fun answering her interesting questions. Hope you have fun reading the interview. You can read it HERE

September 25, 2007 - A winner for my free book contest
The lucky winner of my summer "Pick Your Book" contest is Kathy Sholes, from Storrs, CT, and she picked Archangel Crusader. It's a paperback. CONGRATULATIONS KATHY! The autographed book is in the mail and on its way to you. Let me know how you like it.

But if you didn't win, do not despair. There are still books to be won, and the next drawing is on December 16, so don't be shy, and enter again to win my book of your choice.

September 12, 2007 - Happy new addition to the family. Jasmine.

No, it's not a baby, but almost. It's our new kitten. After the loss of my little companion of seventeen years in February, I met a very special kitten who became overnight the queen of the house. Her name is Jasmine, she is nine months old, and she had an unhappy start in life. After being mauled by a dog several months ago as a small kitten, she was rescued by a shelter and underwent extensive surgery. After a long recovery, she was put up for adoption. That's how I found her. She is the sweetest and most daring kitten, and after months in a cage, she enjoys the house and can't wait to go play in the backyard. Now I have my muse back. Cats are good for the soul and for the inspiration.

September 8, 2007 - Me in the AZ Republic again
The saga with my publisher's bankruptcy continues. I was in court Tuesday. Boring stuff. FYI, I added new links to my link page, about information on UFOs. Yes, a Sci-Fi author interested in UFOs? Big surprise... New links are HERE. Now back to writing. Oh, by the way, this is the story I'm writing now. Check it out HERE.

The Arizona Republic just published today my interview about the battle to retrieve authors' rights in the Triskelion Bankruptcy fiasco, with my picture and my book covers. Again, a lot of what is said in the article doesn't reflect my views or was twisted to fit the desired profile of the article and for sensationalism. The picture is not the same as the one in the paper, but just as weird. At least the one in the paper didn't make me look older than I should. But hey, what can you do? Welcome to the age of mass media. I understand how celebrities get frustrated when they see their pictures and their names treated like this by the papers. Maybe it's the beginning of fame. LOL

August 17, 2007: My publisher's bankruptcy in the Arizona Republic
The saga continues with Triskelion in the bankruptcy court. Recently Erin Zlomek, a journalist for the Surprise edition of the Arizona Republic, contacted me to give my opinion as she was writing an article on the whole mess. My name is mentioned and quotes from my comments. It is very likely the last book I wrote will be greatly delayed, but not to worry. I'm writing other books and you'll see them in stores soon.

I gave a seminar for writers yesterday in my home, with friend author and college instructor Jeanette F. Chaplin. Ten excited participants learned techniques to overcome Writers' Block and plot better stories. The food (catered by neighbor Clark) was excellent as usual. Here is what Nikki Kimbel had to say: "Thank you for offering the Writers' Block seminar. I enjoyed every bit of it and came away inspired and energized. I would recommend this class to both published and unpublished writers. I have only one recommendation, and that would be to record the brainstorming sessions, because so many ideas were flying around, it was hard to take it all in. Good stuff!"

Thank you, Nikki. And in case you were wondering, this took place in my office (yes I have a large home office) and the scenery behind the window is my back porch and my green backyard in Phoenix Arizona. My husband is from Oregon and is doing a great job of keeping the yard green.