When writing a novel, one of the most important things for me is the music soundtrack. I like to make a playlist of songs that help guide me through the scenes. Most authors may find music distracting, but for me, I go stir crazy without it. It’s almost like a soothing drug and it keeps me focused. The rise and fall of the beats, the way the tempo changes seem to draw out more of my emotions so I can pour onto the pages…it makes the characters more vulnerable and honest…well, at least that’s what I believe.

I don’t know when I fell in love with music and sound but I honestly feel the world is a darker place without it. One of my favorite experiences is having the fortune of working with talented music producers who taught me how to write lyrics. I can proudly say I penned a few songs that the artist(s) recorded for demos. Somewhere in my sacred memory boxes—that is now safely locked in storage—holds some of those masterpieces. So learning the beauty of writing lyrics, working side-by-side with the artists and producers in the recording studio, and watching the technicians lay down the tracks was an amazing opportunity. Let me tell you, it’s hard work and once you get to hear the song played for the first time…it’s a high you can’t ever forget. Maybe it’s because the words I’ve written finally has a voice and like writing, the characters are speaking a musical language that I hope will capture my audience. Whatever the genre may be, the hero and heroine is revealing their life’s soundtrack on every page.

I hope when you read my stories you’ll be able to hear the music, feel it, and let my words stir those emotions within you…which tells me I’ve done my job…that I’ve transported you into the story and helped you erase the world around you at least for a few minutes, hours…

This year, I hope to bring more interesting and exciting stories. Stay tuned.

It’s the mid-way point in November and many of my friends and peers are participating in NaNoWriMo alongside moi. I can happily say that it’s been productive and although I’m busting butt, I still have to make sure I don’t get totally burnt out trying to perform. After all, I want to write a good story so regardless if I meet the 50,000 word count to win, I’m focusing on the quality. I’m not one to do a rough and dirty draft. I try to be a clean writer so it’s less editing work. The real truth is that I hate editing so, hence, the fanatical editing job before I reach the end. I’ve always worked that way so it will be difficult to break the habit. Right now, I’m at the half-way point in my manuscript so this post is appropriate in timing…

Okay, enough about writing…on to more important things…the holidays are coming! SQUEAL! Can you believe Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us and soon it’ll be Christmas. I’ll be honest, the holidays isn’t about the gifts for me but something more meaningful. It’s about being surrounded by family and enjoying each other’s company. It’s about that happy feeling that accompanies the winter season, when the Christmas trees and lights come up and decorations line the streets. Yes, this kid at heart will always see the magic of the holidays.

I hope this Thanksgiving you’ll make more happy memories and pass the tradition on for seasons to come!

Until next time!

We are about two and a half months closer to the end of the year and I’m trying to meet my goal of learning something new. I’ve spent a little bit of time working in the music industry and one of the things I loved most was writing lyrics. Of course, some of the songs I’ve written will never be released due to the talent quitting the music industry, but at least I have the tracks archived. It’s a great reminder that I was lucky to have worked with talented producers in New York, had my music listened to by music execs, and I was so close to having a career as a lyricist. But we all know that the road traveled always has intersections leading elsewhere…

Although I’ve had some music training, I never pursued it further. I’ve always wanted to learn the guitar but never seemed to find the time to take lessons. This year I decided I’d learn the basics so that I could play a few notes. I’m sure I’ll get better in time but what I dream of doing is writing music to accompany my lyrics…so this was a great opportunity to put it on my “to do” list this year. Unfortunately, I have very small hands, so my short fingers has made it difficult to play on a regular sized guitar. Thus the delay has led to me in search of a smaller guitar that will fit me just right. While I’m searching for the perfect fit, I’m learning the basics in between all my work load and writing.

I supposed I’m a bit obsessed when it comes to learning. I’m not afraid to tackle things once I set my mind to it and I will do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. It’s the part of my brain that is persistent so I feel confident I will be satisfied with the end result. Strumming the guitar has this sort of relaxing effect so it really helps me get into the mindset of the character I’m writing about. A rock star who is tired of playing the kind of music his record label wants him to play, when all he would love to do is play the songs he really wants to. This part of my research is always fun–and I get to pick up something new in the process. How I see it, it’s a win-win.

How about you? Have you made a goal this year and accomplishing it?

Until next time, I’ll be cheering you on…

“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.”
—Margaret Thatcher

This is my favorite month for many reasons. First, it’s because number 9 is my favorite number…and it’s the month of September (09)—and it’s also a month in which yours truly was born. BUT, that’s not why this month is so sweet.

The sweetest thing about this particular month is that I get to draw the winner of the great big ‘ole giveaway on THIS page—AND I get to announce that SHIBUYA MOMENT is now AVAILABLE IN PRINT through Amazon, which offers free supersaver shipping! WOOHOO! Also, you can purchase a copy right from my website—which if you get it from here—I will be able to autograph and include the gorgeous RTCs (Romance Trading Cards) with each purchase. All author proceeds will go to charity. I’m excited to find more ways to contribute. Japan still needs our help!

Summer is now over and winter is be fast approaching. Is it me, or did this year just fly by? I know! I’m really looking forward to many amazing things to come and I hope you’ll stick around to see what’s in store. Thanks for your support and thanks for allowing me to continue to create stories that I hope you’ll love! I wouldn’t have gotten this far without my readers, my friends!

Wishing you a magical month! You should all celebrate along with me because there is so much life to embrace!!!!

Stay SEXY!

…And I’m not talking about the movie either–Wow, July passed all too quickly and with it fond memories of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference in New York City. It was an amazing event which allowed me to mix and mingle with old and new friends. Yes–guilty as charged–I spent the bulk of my trip sightseeing with my buddy CJ Barry / Samantha Graves, which allowed me to capture over a 1,000 images of the Big Apple. I’ve selected a handful of my favorite photos which I displayed on my Facebook gallery.

<— As you can tell in the photos, I couldn’t help posing with the awesome cops that kept the area around Times Square safe…but mostly, I couldn’t resist petting the gorgeous horses that paraded around the city. I couldn’t resist posting these goofy shots since the first photo I managed to walk away before my friend had a chance to take the snapshot. On the second try, I attempted to pose but was met with a less than enthusiastic subject.

This month is an equally busy time for me while I wait to see if my paranormal with find a home at one of the NY publishing houses. While I’m waiting for news, I’m working on a contemporary romance that I hope to turn in by the end of the year. It’s been so much fun to write and really pushes me to go more mainstream than my usual lyrical voice. This story is set in the fast-paced entertainment world and is about a sexy Korean rock star and a sassy assistant. I can tell you it’s going to hot, hot, HOT!

Now for those of you who haven’t entered my SHIBUYA GIVEAWAY, you should! Next month I’ll be announcing the winner so you need to spread the word to help me donate to a worthy cause!

I’ll try to provide more exciting updates and news when they come. In the meantime, I need to head back into the writing cave so that I’ll have new releases for you to pick up!

Until next time…enjoy the sunshine!

I’m sure most of you have heard of Collector Cards or Trading Cards…but recently my friend Jeannie Lin came up with the brilliant idea to create Romance Trading Cards for some of the conferences as a way to promote authors. In the past, I’ve seen NY authors include them at book signing events–however, Jeannie was able to drum up major buzz by pushing this to the mainstream public…er, at least to readers and lovers of romance. She and a few of her friends also formed the Romance Trading Cards website so that collectors can see and order the RTCs from participating authors.

I have wanted to make RTCs for a few years now, but never got around to doing them.  I finally decided this was the right project to practice on. When my shipment arrives, I’ll have a handful of these cards available at the Romance Writer’s of America Conference in NYC this year–looks like a few lucky attendees will get them for free in the goody room. For those unable to attend, I want to focus on adding to the fundraising effort by making them available on my website. Half of the proceeds from the sale of this 3-piece set will go to charity and the rest will help offset the cost for additional promotions.

If you want to collect my trading cards, feel free to order them below. I’ve included US & International prices. There’s also an option to let me know whether you want these cards autographed.

Oh, if you notice, the book cover is the front of the RTCs for each of the 3 cards. You’ll get 1 with the general blurb, 1 character card for the heroine Seren, and 1 character card for the hero Max.

Don’t forget, I’m hosting a giveaway that includes a Japanese goody bag valued over $500.00 and packed full of items that will bring Tokyo to you. I’ll put up a photo soon!! Can you tell how much I want to help raise money for charity?

To see a complete list of the prizes, including a KINDLE 3G Wifi & Amazon Gift Card, go HERE.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW!

All Romance EBooks
Amazon Kindle
BN Nook
Smashwords

Read an exclusive EXCERPT NOW!

SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo’s Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn’t expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny’s pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author’s note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

As a way to thank my readers, I’m hosting a giveaway that includes a Japanese goody bag valued over $500.00 and packed full of items that will bring Tokyo to you. I’ll put up a photo soon!! Can you tell how much I want to help raise money for charity?

To see a complete list of the prizes, including a KINDLE 3G Wifi & Amazon Gift Card, go HERE.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW!

All Romance EBooks
Amazon Kindle
BN Nook
Smashwords

Read an exclusive EXCERPT NOW!

SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo’s Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn’t expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny’s pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author’s note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo’s Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn’t expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny’s pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author’s note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

Available in May 2011…stay tuned for more release news.

♦ March 29, 2011: Talking about being Visually Inspired at Author Kelly L Stone’s BLOG.

♦ March 30, 2011: Interview with Tami Snow of Lyrical Lip Service. LISTEN to my interview on her radio show at FateRadio.com

Dear Friends & Family:

I know I haven’t been very active on the site and blog but there’s always a good reason for it. I’ve been writing. Enough said.

This year is going to be a tight one with plenty of books to finish and hopefully some new releases. There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done but I’m working as fast as I can. I’m also taking Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote to heart. I’m branching off into new and exciting directions. I’m going to be stepping out of my comfort zone to see if I’m any good at these new genres & sub-genres. It will be interesting. The learning experience will be amazing and I’m already excited about jumping into something new. It’s a matter of days before I wrap up my Paranormal X Project and send it on to my agent. It’s going to be a real relief to move past such a huge project with all the world-building. But I’ve mapped out several books in the series already! I’m glad I continually challenge myself. If I didn’t, I’d never know if I can do it—maybe I can even do it well. The good news is that I believe I can do it!

Also, DON’T MISS: Smashwords is doing a READ AN EBOOK WEEK event from March 6-12th in which most of their authors are participating. Get some free reads and books at heavily discounted prices for this event. Including my books for your eReader.

Until next month, hope you’ll stick around to see what I have in store…

Dear Friends & Readers:

This month is filled with hearts and love, especially on February 14th. This year Romance Divas offers the 5th Annual Valentine’s Day eBook Challenge. We challenged our members to write some FREE READS to share to the world. This is our way of saying THANK YOU to our readers. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it on time but I plan on getting a short story up soon.

2011 has proved to be extremely busy for me. I’m in writing and work mode and proud to say it’s been pretty consistent. I have to thank my Muse for returning from vacation and keeping me motivated. Even better news is that I am getting back to a regular workout. My siblings and I decided we would get back in shape before the summer. My sister is celebrating a big wedding anniversary and I’m just trying to look good so I can squeeze into a nice formal gown for the RWA annual conference. This year it’s in New York City so I have to look my best. After all, it’s going to be held at the center of the publishing industry!

The weather is changing to bright skies and warmer weather and see plenty of beach time in my future. I look forward to the challenges ahead as I try to push myself harder than I ever have as a writer. Hope you still have your goals in the horizon and I’ll be cheering you on to meet them. Just as I’ll be aiming to accomplish all of mine. Until next time….

Enjoy the sunshine!