Saturday, February 28, 2009

Another American Title V Finalist!

On Thursday, I introduced you to Marie-Claude Bourque and today I'd like you to meet Edie Ramer. Edie is another one of those hardy souls who has made it through several eliminations in the American Title Contest sponsored by Romantic Times and my publisher Dorchester. Once you reach this level, every one of the writers is publication-worthy and like in the Olympics, the final winner is declared by a hair's breadth. When I realized Edie and I are chapter mates (WisRWA--yeah, yeah, I know! I don't live in Wisconsin, but I'm a Midwesterner at heart!) I knew I had to have her on my blog!

Edie has written a ghost story, which fascinates me because I've been toying with adding a ghost to my next historical! I sat down with Edie over a cup of cyber-coffee and had a little chat. (My words are in bold and hers in italics, just to keep things straight.)

Edie, your entry is titled DEAD PEOPLE. What can you tell us about it?

When Cassie Taylor talks, ghosts listen. She wants to heal their souls so they can leave earth. Brooding songwriter Luke Rivers wants to give his recently found daughter a normal home, but he discovers his new house in small town Wisconsin is haunted by a ghost with an attitude. His ghost whisperer has an attitude too--even before someone tries to kill her. So why does he have the hots for her? And why does she lust after him? He wants conventional; she wants acceptance. No wonder she thinks men are hard and DEAD PEOPLE are easy.


How about you? What should the world know about Edie Ramer?

My mother read fairy tales to me and my four siblings when we were young. Small wonder I love a touch of magic in books – and in real life. My favorite people are quirky and strong-minded, so that naturally shows up in my books. Tormented characters, too. Love happy endings, but first the characters need to suffer.

I torture my characters and husband and spoil my dog and cat in my southeastern Wisconsin home. My short stories have been published in National magazines. I'm a co-creator of an inspirational website for writers, www.writeattitude.net, and I blog with Magical Musings. In addition to ATV, I found out last week I finaled in the Chase the Dream contest. This is a great time for me!


Congratulations! Sounds like you're just inches away! And how wonderful to have a mother who read to you. I remember my mom reading Arabian Nights (the watered down version--Burton could get a little risque!) to me and my sisters.

Will have to bookmark your WriteAttitude site!

I've been told American Title is very much like a reality show for authors. Please tell us about your American Title experience.


It's an amazing roller coaster ride. First there's excitement and squeals, telling my family and all my friends. Helen Scott Taylor, last year's winner and author of THE MAGIC KNOT is the ATV mentor, but Mai Christy Thao, a finalist from last year, gave me a lot of advice, too. Everyone gives me advice. I have the best friends and family!

Then the rounds begin. I'm scrambling to let everyone know, and amazed at how many of my friends are helping me. It makes my heart feel bigger. No matter what happens, I'll take that away with me.

The worst part is the eliminations. That's tough on all of us. Every round gets scarier. This round there are only four finalists left, and two will be eliminated. Two will go on to the next round, and one will walk away with a publishing contract. Typing this, I'm getting an uncontrollable urge to eat chocolate.


LOL! Here, Edie, have a cyber-truffle. Decadent, satisfying, and no calories. But let's get back to DEAD PEOPLE. What inspired your story?


DEAD PEOPLE came to me in pieces. For a long time, I've been interested in the subject of life after death. I know people who've had contact with a loved one who passed. It's always been a comforting presence and a fleeting one. But what if the dead person's aim wasn't to comfort? What if she wanted to disrupt the house? What if she wanted to chase the new family away? And why hang around on earth instead of leaving for Heaven?

Another fascination is people who see and talk to dead people. I wondered how this 'gift' would affect a child. What if her father and stepmother treated her like a freak? What if she grew up to be defensive and prickly? What if she was so alone her only friend was a ghost?

In a previous book, I wrote song lyrics and enjoyed doing it. So why not a songwriter hero? A brooding one. Heathcliff with a guitar. Add an unhappy eleven-year old girl. A house that was once part of the Underground Railroad. And a murderer. Not all the pieces -- others I discovered as I wrote -- but enough to know I had a book I wanted to write.


Heathcliff with a guitar! I love it! Sounds like you've really created a wonderful cast and given them plenty to do! Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself or your manuscript?

DEAD PEOPLE was a big step forward in my writing. I had sent the full to an editor, and she called me on the phone, not to buy it, but to tell me she really liked my voice and the characters. She thought the beginning was great, but about a third into the book, it lost momentum. It needed more tension and higher stakes.

As soon as she said all that, I knew she was right. I ended up gutting the middle of the book, which made a lot of changes in the end. My fabulous CPs read the whole thing all over again. I know it's a much better book than the first time. I'm proud of it. Now I have a slip of paper taped onto my computer that says "RAISE THE STAKES!"

With every book, my goal is to write a better book than the previous one. So far I think I've succeeded.


Excellent advice, Edie! Think I'll tape "RAISE THE STAKES!" to my monitor too. Where can readers go to learn more about you and your work?

http://www.edieramer.com
http://www.magicalmusings.com
http://www.loveconquers.wordpress.com
Emily, thanks so much for having me here! It's been fun.


Fun for me, too, Edie. And because she's too Midwestern to say it, I'll tell everybody the most important thing. If you'd like to vote for Edie to continue on in the AMERICAN TITLE contest, please go to http://www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitle3.php and let your voice be heard!

Please post a comment or question for Edie here too. As you can tell, she knows a good deal about the craft of writing. Not everyone can disect a manuscript and reassemble it stronger and more vital than it was. I think I need to know some of what she knows.

Friday, February 27, 2009

VEXING THE VISCOUNT featured on Publishers Weekly


Barbara Vey, of the BEYOND HER BOOK Publishers Weekly blog has featured VEXING THE VISCOUNT today at http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/post/490041249.html Barbara is such fun and her blog is always wonderfully entertaining. You'll want to bookmark it!

If you can, please swing by and post a comment for me. This blog is seen by tons of people everyday and is fantastic exposure for me. It would really help to have some reader comments as well. You don't have to sign up for anything in order to comment. Thank you soooo much.

I really appreciate YOU!

Hugs,
Emily

Thursday, February 26, 2009

American Title--Down for the Count

Good Morning! My 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT Tour is officially over (though I am booked at a few more sites--will keep you posted!) and my Midwestern heart is breathing a sigh of relief. I can finally start talking about someone else now!

I'd like to introduce you to Marie-Claude Bourque. She's an American Title Finalist heading into the final round and the brass ring is a contract with my publisher, Dorchester. I first met Marie-Claude through MySpace and was impressed by her spunkiness, business saavy and most of all by her story ANCIENT WHISPERS.


ANCIENT WHISPERS is a dark paranormal inspired by the poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie by Henri Longfellow (1847). It is the story of a bold immortal sorcerer and his obsession to be reunited with the fiancée he lost centuries ago

Gabriel Callan is the youngest member of the Priory of Callan, an ancient Celtic brotherhood of thirteen cursed sorcerers and alchemists, each deadly, each haunted by a tragic past.

Still tortured by the devastating events of the Acadian deportation in 1755, Gabriel wants nothing more than to reunite with his lost soulmate, now reborn to this century as you the cool-headed and practical Lily Bellefontaine.

But Lily, a pediatric nurse, yearn for a peaceful life in her own dream home. She seeks an existence far different from the experiences of her unstable childhood and purposefully ignores her latent psychic abilities. Will she ever be able to accept her fate? And can Gabriel let go of his tragic past to live fully in the present?

I caught up with Marie-Claude and had a little cyber-chat with her about her American Title run. To keep us straight, I've put my words in bold, MC in italics. Thanks for being with us today, Marie-Claude. Could you tell us a little about your experience in the American Title contest?

It’s definitely a wild ride. Past contestants have described it like this but it is only when you live through it that you can really understand what it’s like. It’s really hard because we all want success for all the contestants, but there is only one who will win in the end. So you are always happy to have made it to the next round but sad for those who didn’t.

Then there is this constant pressure of asking for votes. It’s exciting to network and also very tiring. Most people are extremely generous, but sometimes it is hard to have to ask them to help you once again. You feel like all you do is ask for favors. I have so many people out there supporting me and it is so so nice and yet I am constantly afraid to let them down by not making it to the next round. And the closer to the end, the harder it is.

One of the good sides is how much I have learned about networking, setting up my sites, blogging, banners, book trailers and quizzes and what not. That is really fun, trying to find the next thing that will attract people and make my book interesting to them. And of course, the best is all the new friends I have made so far and reconnecting with old friends and relative I have not talked to in a while. That is priceless.


Sounds a little like my blog tour! I've made friends with so many "blog touristas" over the last 50 days, I know if ever we meet in real life, we'll run toward each other for a big hug! But back to your manuscript. Ancient Whispers sounds fascinating. What inspired this story.

I’ve known the story of the Acadian deportation for many years because my family descends from deported Acadians and my grand-father had told me all about it. I was very saddened by the fate of Gabriel and Evangeline in the poem, how they are forced on separate ships on their wedding day and spend their life searching for each others. It got me to think of many tragic lovers of literature and legends, and I decided to use paranormal element to reunite them on paper. I’m a big fantasy geek, I’ve played Dungeons and Dragons for a while, so I used that for inspiration. I have also studied Pagan witchcraft for a few years now and I wanted to use that and portray realistic ritual magic using what I know.

I love that your family history and a poem are your inspiration. What else would you like us to know about YOU?


I’m a former oceanographer and fitness professional, currently a stay-at-home mom to my two beautiful boys, and going back to school soon to become a Physics teacher. I’m also a French Canadian from Québec City and feel like I have lived everywhere. I am now settled in the Pacific Northwest with my family. Besides writing, I like coffee shops, knitting, lifting weights and I read mostly fantasy and historical romance.

The American Title Contest is unique in that YOU the reader get to help a major publishing house choose its next acquisition. Let your voice be heard. If you'd like to vote for Marie-Claude Bourque's ANCIENT WHISPERS please go to:

http://www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitle3.php

And this is where you can find Marie-Claude and friend her on the web:

My website is at: www.mcbourque.com
My LiveJournal is at: http://mysticblu.livejournal.com
I’m on MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/marieclaudebourque
On Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1322252310
My group blog geared to new writers is called Musetracks http://musetracks.wordpress.com


Hey that sounds like my favorite ice cream! No wait! That's MooseTracks! My bad.

Here's my Book trailer:




I also made a quiz tied to my book. The code can be found here:

http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/7VxSntb/What-Celtic-priestess-are-you?view_quiz=1

What fun! Now I'm starting to take notes, too. Sounds like you've learned alot about promotion during this contest. Ok. (Heavy sigh as I don my "promo hat" once more!) One last little zing from me too, then. VEXING THE VISCOUNT is now on the shelves at your local bookstore! Enjoy!

Thanks for being with us today, Marie-Claude. Aspiring writers will want to pick your brain so please stick around in case there are questions!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Encore! Encore!

The first time I met Michelle Buonfiglio, Romance Reviewer and Blogger Extraordinaire, I surprised her by translating her last name (Buonfiglio means "Good Son.") I explained that I used to sing opera and picked up a bit of Italian while I was at it. Then she surprised me by telling me that she, too, was a soprano! Anyway, as former divas, we both know that all performers love requests for an encore. After following my blog tour, Michelle offered me a chance to encore at her excellent site! Here's a special invite from the divine Miss B:



Ciao, Everybody! I know you're as big a fan of Emily Bryan and her books as I am, so I'm hoping you'll visit www.RomanceBuyTheBook.com Wednesday, Feb. 25th, when Emily takes the reigns as hostess for the day. We're celebrating her fabulous, sexy new romance, "Vexing the Viscount!" Can you believe viscount rhymes with EYE-count? I always forget that and slip in the "s". :)

Anywayz, Emily's always so much fun -- and, frankly, the GuestBlog she's written for us is one of the funniest I've ever read. So please join her, the RBTB Bellas and moi for great fun and a chance at winning a copy of "Vexing the Viscount." Can't wait to meet you!

Michelle Buonfiglio
Romance: B(u)y the Book
mbuonfiglio@rbthebook.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

League of Amazing Writers!



Sounds like a group of super-heroes, doesn't it? Well, it almost is. The League of Amazing Writers boasts some of the hottest writers on the planet and they've invited me to visit on the LAST DAY of my 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT tour! The book is officially launched today!


But you can still win a free copy! Pop over to League of Amazing Writers
and leave a comment or question and you'll be entered in the daily drawing.

TTYS,
Em

Monday, February 23, 2009

Caution:Writers at Play



NYTimes BestSeller CL Wilson and I had ourselves a giggle-fest. She and I met in Pittsburgh at RT last year and clicked like a pair of magnets. If you haven't tried her fabulous Fading Lands series, you're in for such a treat! Start with LORD OF THE FADING LANDS. You'll thank me later.

Come on over to WritersAtPlay for some Monday morning silliness. You deserve it!

PS. Let a comment or question to win a copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Last Chance to Get it Right!


’TIS THE SEASON FOR SEDUCTION
It is the most anticipated event of the ton: the annual holiday ball at Hartwell House. The music is elegant, the food exquisite, and the guest list absolutely exclusive. Some come looking for love. Some will do almost anything to avoid it. But everyone wants to be there. No matter what their desires, amid the swirling gowns and soft glow of candlelight, magic tends to happen. And one dance, one kiss, one night can shape a new destiny….

The manuscript for my Christmas novella is due March 1st. I'm doing my self-edits now. This is my last chance to get it right before my editor takes her licks at it.

I start with the beginning. I want to make sure my opening sentence raises a question in my reader's mind. (For instance, the first sentence in VEXING THE VISCOUNT is "I wonder if that's life size.")

Then I check my first chapter to see if I've bogged it down with too much back-story. If I have, I slash it now. I want to hit the ground running and not look back. I need to know what's come before. My readers only need the barest hint--only what's absolutely necessary for them to continue. (I'm giving away my secrets here!) Keeping my reader slightly off balance, wondering why something is happening or why a character is acting in an unusual manner is a good way to keep the pages turning. And that is my goal.


My DH married a hooker. (Relax. I'm talking about writing hooks.) These are tantalizing bits of information that create a path for my readers. If I work it right, I can literally pull my reader forward through the story. (This is what keeps readers up nights.)
I check my prose. Am I using passive voice? Hope not. Lots of helping verbs? Weak. I circle every word ending in "ly" and cut till there's no more than one or two per page. I replace adjectives and adverbs with descriptive verbs and specific nouns.


I read my story aloud. (Often to my long-suffering DH!) I hear the echoes of over-used words my eyes miss. Any sentence I have to take a breath to finish is too long. I cut it in half.    

How much white space is there on each page? Am I too heavy on narrative and too light on dialogue? Does my dialogue need tags or can I tell who's speaking based on their speech patterns?

Can I smell my scenes? I want to help my reader walk in the heroine's shoes. I need to give her enough sensory details to know where she is and how to feel about it.

When I've polished my story till I'm sick of it, I turn it over to someone whose judgment I trust for a first read. (This is generally not a relative or someone like my DH, who wants to continue sleeping with me!) Then I prepare myself for suggested changes. I can't be defensive. I listen and consider carefully. I didn't come down the mountain with the story carved in stone. I'll revise if I decide I agree with my first reader.

Then I turn my manuscript over to my editor and the whole process starts again!

The Christmas anthology won't be available till September 29th, but VEXING THE VISCOUNT will be out February 24th! There's still time for you to win a signed copy. Just leave me a comment or question here today!


One of my Blog Touristas wants to know . . .

"When does one want to create a web page? As an aspiring author or after you're published? When is the right time to do this as a writer? We were going to ask this in Bobbi's class (She's talking about the Aspiring Writing Classes April 20-21 before the RT Convention in Orlando!) but some of us are impatient LOL!"~Jane L

I'm glad you asked, Jane. When I was first starting, green and hungry for knowledge, I went to RWA Nationals in NYC. I met another aspiring writer who had a brochure of her work made up. It was slick and glossy. She had a fabulous headshot of herself and mock covers for 5 or 6 books. She was very excited about this marketing piece, but all I could think at the time was--she hasn't sold a single manuscript yet and she's trumpeting the fact that she has several that haven't sold. I've heard editors say until you sell, you don't need a website. I did not have a website prior to selling, but that was in 2005.

Things change.

Then there's the other camp that talks about the importance of building a "platform"--a body of people who will rush out and buy your book when it sells. This is a compelling argument because publishing is a tough, competitive business and authors live or die by the sell-through. (If you wanted it sugar-coated, I'm sorry, but that's the truth.) So I think, economic conditions being what they are, it is becoming increasingly important for aspiring writers to build a platform.

However, I'm not sure a static website is the best way to do it. The whole point is to connect with people so MySpace or Facebook might be a better choice. Or starting a blog like this one.

If you want to do a whole website, make a blog-style portion the hub of it. I have a couple pre-published friends who have terrific sites. Check out Erin Eisenberg and Kelli Estes. Their blogs are personal, fun and invite readers to get to know them better without beating them over the head about their writing. They also look professional. If an editor is looking hard at their manuscript with aquisition in mind and they google these gals, they are going to like what they see.

But here's my note of caution. Building a website is very timeconsuming. So is blogging and hitting the social networks. Whatever you do, don't let building your platform take too much time from your actual writing. (My own page count has suffered of late, but fortunately I'm in the brainstorming phase which allows me to tell myself I'm thinking about my next WIP and that's what I need to do right now.)

Besides, I've had great fun on the blogtour and we should always make room for fun. If a writer doesn't have a life, she has nothing to write about.

Here endeth the lesson . . .

Be sure to leave a comment or question so you'll be entered in my daily drawing!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Special News Flash!

My hostess at www.melangesreviews.blogspot.com has sweetened the pot today! She's sending the winner of the daily drawing a copy of DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS and PLEASURING THE PIRATE. Then when I send my VEXING THE VISCOUNT, someone will walk away with all my titles!

Might as well be YOU! Come on over and leave a comment to enter! Feb 21st! Today only!

TTYS,
Em

Keeping "Courtesan Time"


It's Saturday. Hit the snooze button again. We're keeping courtesan time today and those 'birds of paradise' rarely rose before noon.

My blog tour goes on, but the post won't be up until around 1 pm EST (plenty of time for you to sip your cocoa and read the tabloids looking for a juicy on dit till then!). My gracious hostess at MelangeReviews will not be posting my blog till then. Bless her heart, she's at work now, but she and I had a fun chat about ALL my books, not just my Emily Bryan stories. Seems she was a Diana Groe fan and wanted to understand more about why I made the switch from dark to light.

So I hope you'll join me this afternoon at MelangeReviews and tomorrow, the blog comes back here to my house www.emilybryan.blogspot.com where I'm sharing my prose polishing tips and answering a question from "Tourista" Jane L. If you have one that requires a longer answer, email me like Jane did! Thanks Jane.


TTYS!
Emily

PS. Of course, I'll be giving away a VEXING THE VISCOUNT to someone who leaves a comment at MelangeReviews this afternoon. Let me know you stopped by, cherie!

Friday, February 20, 2009

LoveRomancesAndMore



Believe me, Danny (my interviewer from Love Romances and More)definitely got to the "and more" part!

The end is near . . .

Relax! I'm talking about my blog tour. VEXING THE VISCOUNT's release day (Feb 24th) is looming large on my horizon. Today you can find me at LoveRomancesAndMore! Danny and I had a great chat about books, writing, and brainstorming. I'm giving away another VEXING THE VISCOUNT, so please let me know you dropped by!

TTYS,
Emily

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Things that go bump!

I'm blogging with the Fallen Angels today about why the hairs on your neck stand up sometimes. I've posted a short peek into VEXING THE VISCOUNT and of course, I'm giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

MamaWriters

Of all the blogs on my tour, my stop today is very special to me. MamaWriters is a new blog and its aptly named. It's all about combining our desire to write with the very important role of being someone's Mom (and how one doesn't mean you've neglected the other!)

My blog today gave me a chance to stroll memory lane for a bit since my kids are no longer small. Come on over and leave a comment or question since I'm still giving away a shiny new copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT to someone today! It just might be YOU!


Watch Vexing the Viscount  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Caffeinated Romance


Good morning, early risers!

Pour yourself a cup of joe and join me at CoffeeTime Romance . I'm sharing a few more insights from my favorite philosophical courtesan, Isabella. She's our heroine Daisy's great-aunt and mentor and one who definitely know how to stir the pot!



VEXING THE VISCOUNT will hit the bookstores on February 24th, but if you just can't wait, Amazon and B & N.com claims to have it in stock already!




PS. Happy Birthday to ME!!!!! That's right. Today is my BIRTHDAY! Come on over and join the party at www.coffeetimeromance.com/Coffee Thoughts! !

Cyber-hugs to all!

Monday, February 16, 2009

%#$^&(@#$^&*(!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, that's just my little "rage against the machine." I've been trying for the last 30 minutes to answer some comments on my blogtour over at Booklorn (my Feb 15th stop). Each time I type in the responses and hit the submit button, my words vanish into the blackhole of some cyber-midden heap. So I give up. I'll post my answers on my own blog and hope my "touristas" will find the answers here.

Jane L--Thanks soooo much for sharing my books with your writing "groupies." Can't wait to meet you in Orlando. I'm also doing an online class in April. Check my Events page for details.

Sue--I appreciate those kind words about my blogtour. The highlight for me has been making new friends, like you and the rest of my "touristas."

Julie--Having the blogtour to look forward to was a blessing during the uncertainty of my cancer diagnosis and surgery. It was a dollop of reality in a surreal time. But I'm feeling so much better now. In fact, yesterday I presented my MEAT ON THE BONES Workshop for NECRWA. Between the adrenaline and the ibuprophen, I felt great!

Nynke--I will probably do another blog tour in the future, but I might not go for 50 days. Since my next release after VEXING THE VISCOUNT is a Christmas anthology, 12 days sounds about right! :)

And the Blog Goes On . . .


Happy Presidents Day! While you're enjoying a day off, I hope you'll stop by Sandra Cox's Blog. Sandra tells me we'll be posting this evening, so come on over, let me pour you a cup of decaf and we'll have a fashionably late chat. She's posting a new, never-before-seen excerpt from VEXING THE VISCOUNT . I like to call this scene Georgian Girl Talk! Here's your chance to listen in on a conversation between our heroine Daisy and her Great Aunt, the retired courtesan Isabella.

Enjoy!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Perils and Pleasures of Cyber-Promotion


The number one reason readers buy a new book is because they are familiar with the author’s work, have enjoyed them before and can reasonably expect that their hard earned money will not be wasted.

The second reason readers buy a book is because a friend recommends it. Ok. Word of “mouse” moves at the speed of cyberspace. And the recommendation of a trusted book blogger is very like a recommendation from a friend. So I decided to embark on a 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT tour leading up to the date of its release (February 24th!).

Anysia at Booklorn has already set up the rules for my giveaway today and posted a review (Thank you!). Visit Booklorn to enter!

PS. If you’d like to read an excerpt from VEXING THE VISCOUNT, please visit http://www.emilybryan.com/Vexing%20the%20Viscount.htm . My goal is always to give my reader a giggle with the first line!

Enjoy!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Addicted to Romance

Happy Valentines Day!

My DH and I have full day of festivities planned. Last night, we beat the rush and went out for a nice dinner. This morning, we're going to see PAUL BLAHRT, MALL COP (because that's what my DH wants to do) and then we're off to the Designer Shoe Warehouse (because that's what I want to do!). Then tonight, I'm making . . . meatloaf. (To understand the significance of this, you might want to review my "Food as Seduction" post at WildOnBooks.)

But today, I'm at RomanceJunkies and as my Valentines Day gift for you, I've posted a brand new, never before seen, never to be reposted excerpt from VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Leave a comment over at the RJblog and you might just win the whole book! Enjoy!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Lucky Friday the 13th


I'm not a terribly superstitious person. Black cats hold no terror for me. Ditto for walking under ladders. From what I can see Friday the 13th was only unlucky for the Knights Templars back in 1307.

For YOU, this Friday the 13th could be very lucky indeed. My blog tour goes on and with it another chance to win a VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Today, I'm at FreshFiction !


If you're not familiar with FreshFiction, you'll thank me for steering you there. They have reviews, interviews and lots of fun stuff. Along with the chance to win a VEXING THE VISCOUNT, a comment on my post will also enter you to win a $10 gift certificate from my fellow Leisure Books author Jade Lee!

Feeling lucky? Hope to see you there.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Why Historical Romance is Hot

My 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT Tour moves to Cheryl's Book Nook today. I'm talking about why I love historical romance. Come share your favorites and maybe we'll get a little rumble going if some of you prefer another subgenre. I'm giving away a VEXING THE VISCOUNT to someone who leaves a comment or question.

TTYS,
Emily

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Truth about Dogs


Last night I was glued to the TV, watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I love dogs and I'm fascinated by the wide diversity of breeds people have created. Wasn't it precious that the oldest dog in the ring took home the prize? The Sussex spaniel had such a sweet, worried-looking face.

Today I'm blogging about MY dogs (and the pets in my books!) at Susanne Saville's Chatty Cat Cafe! Come on over for some seriously caffeinated fun!

I'm still giving away a free copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT each day to someone who leaves a comment or question.

TTYS,
Emily

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

A Visit with USA Today Bestseller Joy Nash!

Today, my 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT Tour is swinging by the website and blog of the fabulous Joy Nash! Joy is my friend, my fellow Chatelaine and, as it turns out this time, my release mate! She has a paranormal anthology with Jennifer Ashley and Robin Popp called THE RECKONING coming out the same day as VEXING THE VISCOUNT--February 24th.

Joy is one of those uber-talented types who excels in two very different styles of romance. She writes lyrical, haunting Druid/Roman Britain romances--her award-winning Druids of Avalon series--and is also part of the wildly popular IMMORTALS phenomenon, where she creates a grittier, darker contemporary paranormal world. I urge you to try them both!


So please join Joy and me over at her house today and be sure to leave a comment or question. I'm giving away a VEXING THE VISCOUNT to someone. It might as well be YOU!


PS. Yesterday's winner was DEWANA H. Please contact me through www.emilybryan.com to claim your VISCOUNT!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Vexing the Viscount Scavenger Hunt!


Happy Monday! Today my blog tour is having a little fun.

Since January 2nd, I’ve been blogging on various sites and frankly, my brain’s a little fried. How about a game instead of a blog post? Daisy and Lucian, my hero and heroine in VEXING THE VISCOUNT, are following the clues to an ancient Roman treasure. Perhaps you'd enjoy a little scavenger hunt to get into the spirit of the story. So here goes.

PRIZE: Signed copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT!

Rules:

1. Go to www.emilybryan.com.
2. Find the VTV Treasure icon. It’s located within 2 clicks from the home page (Ah! But which 2?) It’s near the top of one of the pages on my website, so you won’t have to scroll down (unless you want to!)
3. Click on the icon to go to the special VTV contest page. It’s the ONLY way to get to this particular page.
4. Fill in the empty fields and hit submit! (You will be registered for my semi-regular newsletter from which you can unsubscribe at any time!)

That’s it! Oh! And come back here tomorrow to learn if YOU are the lucky winner of a shiny new VEXING THE VISCOUNT.


Reviewers on VEXING THE VISCOUNT:

" Bryan's delicious and witty romance has engaging characters whose fast-paced adventures will truly delight." ~ RT BookReviews

“Wickedly fun read. Terrific!” Detra Fitch—Huntress Reviews

“Simply too delicious to miss! Fun, fresh, romantic, passion filled and yes even adventurous, this one has it all.” –NightOwl Romance, Reviewers Top Pick!

“Emily Bryan's Vexing the Viscount is not your ordinary historical romance. If you're not drawn in by the heroine and her fiesty nature in the first few pages, you're obviously not a true historical romance fan.” ~WeWriteRomance

Vexing the Viscount

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Tingles of Magic at THE CHATELAINES





Have you ever been someplace that makes the hairs on your arms stand on end for no discernable reason? I'm blogging about the experience at THE CHATELAINES. You'll want to bookmark this fabulous blogsite. It features CL Wilson, Jennifer Ashley, Joy Nash, Gerri Russell, Bonnie Vanak, Cindy Holby and (blush) me!

I'm giving away a FREE copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT to one lucky commenter, so be sure to leave a comment or question.

PS. I had a great time at the Romance and Chocolate Group Signing in Farmington, CT. (You can find signed copies of DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS and PLEASURING THE PIRATE at the Borders at 1600 Southeast Road!) Special thanks to Rachel, one of my blog "touristas", for making the trip and bringing her mother to the event! :)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Romance & Chocolate in Connecticut

Special Notice for New England Readers!

My 50day/50blog tour is taking a brief hiatus so I can attend this fun event.

02.07.09 ~ 2-6PM Romance and Chocolate Group Signing

I'll be joining Stella Price, Cat Johnson, Tilly Greene, Isabelle Santiago, Allie Boniface, Jessica Andersen, Kristan Higgins, Marie Force, Tori Andrews, and Annette Blair for some pre-Valentine fun!

Borders Books
1600 South East Road
Farmington, CT 06032

Hope to see you there!
Em

PS. My blog tour will resume tomorrow at www.thechatelaines.blogspot.com!

Friday, February 6, 2009

RomanceRoundTable Friday!



The 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT Tour rolls into the weekend with a relaxed stop at RomanceRoundTable. This is a terrific group blog you'll want to bookmark and revisit. The girls at RRT chatted with me about research, how much spice is in VEXING THE VISCOUNT, nuts and bolts about my writing schedule and I even dish a bit about my editor.


And since it's Friday, in addition to the chance to win a shiny new copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT, there's a 'just-for-fun' guessing game. So come on over to RomanceRoundTable and play.

Special Notice for New England Readers!

02.07.09 ~ 2-6PM Romance and Chocolate Group Signing

I'll be joining Stella Price, Cat Johnson, Tilly Greene, Isabelle Santiago, Allie Boniface, Jessica Andersen, Kristan Higgins, Marie Force, Tori Andrews, and Annette Blair for some pre-Valentine fun!

Borders Books
1600 South East Road
Farmington, CT 06032

Hope to see you there!
Em

Thursday, February 5, 2009

An Author's Review


I know the whole point of my 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT tour is to tout my own work, but I was raised in the midwest, where modesty is considered an artform. I can't talk about myself for 50 days straight. I just can't.

So I'm reviewing another author's work today at CindyReadsRomance. As a writer, I view a novel a little differently than you may. Here's a chance for you to peek into my thought process.


And while I'm sharing links, my next blog hostess Cindy of CindyReadsRomance has started a thread for VEXING THE VISCOUNT on the RT Forum. Some of my other titles are popping up there too if you've read one and would like to post your opinion.

But be sure to join me at CindyReadsRomance today. I'm talking about the fascinating SHERRY THOMAS and her DELICIOUS.

ttys,
Emily

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Going from Dark to Light . . .


Sometimes, a writer's career takes a turn. I'm visiting with my friend, Erin Eisenberg about making the switch from my Diana Groe epics to Emily Bryan's light-hearted romps. Join us at Erin's Into A Writer's Head.

As usual, I'll be giving away a free copy of Vexing the Viscount to someone who comments!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Have you had your sex talk?


That's right. Today at Book Reviews by Bobbie, we're talking about S-E-X! In fiction, of course! I'm sharing my literary "first time."






Come on over and leave a comment or question for a chance to win a VEXING THE VISCOUNT!

PS. Today I'm giving you a "two-fer!" I'll also be on Rowena Cherry's Crazy Tuesday from 10AM to noon EST. I'll be joined by Rowena of course, along with Sara Taney Humphreys, Lillian Cauldwell, Kellyann Zuzulo, Brenna Lyons and Mark Terrence Chapman. And we're talking about heroes! Everybody needs one.

TTYS,
Emily

PPS. 2PM Update If you visit Rowena Cherry's Crazy Tuesday you can listen to a recording of our radio broadcast. I read an excerpt from VEXING THE VISCOUNT and you'll learn some fascinating things about the other authors who were with me on the program. A very creative bunch!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Time to Re-do the Website


My 50day/50blog VEXING THE VISCOUNT tour was supposed to be at Melissa Alvarez's site, but the last I heard from her, she'd was experiencing some technical difficulties and has been ill. (I sympathize and wish her exceedingly well!) But, the blogtour must go on. Soooooo . . . .

Welcome to my house once again.

Please excuse the dust and for heaven's sake, don't open any of the closets! I've been a little busy for the past month with the blog tour and finishing up my Christmas novella. And recovering from surgery. (Doing well, thank you!)

And in my spare time, revamping my website.

Once I sold my first manuscript, one of the things my agent told me was that I was expected to put up a website. I could have hired it done, but it's quite a spendy proposition. And I wouldn't be able to change it at will. Besides, I have an uber-techie DH. How hard could it be?

Right.

Have you ever remodeled a kitchen or bath? Same thing--only with little 1's and 0's.

I didn't consider that my DH's expertise is with much larger platforms (like airline reservation systems!) and neither of us had any design experience. But, my DH muscled through my first Diana Groe website and though it wasn't fancy, I had a web presence.

Then I discovered the wonders of website templates. My poor DH was pressed into service again. Only this time, he had to play teacher, schooling me in the wonders of Frontpage and Photoshop and Filezilla. And when it comes to technology, I am NOT a quick study. But my DH is very patient (Well, he lives with me. He'd have to be, wouldn't he?)

So now I have a website I can tinker with to infinity and beyond. It frequently grows like a Brazilian rainforest and I have to pare it back. Right now, it needs a trim and I'm tired of the colors. Check out my current homepage and then my new homepage. (This is the only way to view this pages since it's not 'live' yet, so none of the links work.) Let me know what you think. I'm trying to keep the index page from running on and overwhelming visitors. What do you think about having the navigation bar along the side?

It's still a pretty simple website design. I look at CL Wilson's or Jessica Andersen's flashy sites and wonder if I could learn how to use DreamWeaver . . .

Gotta go. Think I hear my DH tearing his hair out.


Win a VEXING THE VISCOUNT!

Be sure to leave a comment or question to be entered in my daily drawing for a signed copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Going Global

Feb 1st
Today, I'm proving Thomas Wolfe wrong. You can go home again.

I'm blogging at OzarkRomanceAuthors. This is a terrific writers group that meets in Springfield, MO, about 2 hours from my home when I lived in that state. But it was always worth the trip for me to drive over on a Saturday to join them.

Writing is such a solitary activity, it's important to find other writers for support. And ORA was (and still is!) wonderful support for me.

In my blog today, I'm sharing the fun of having my books published in other languages. Check it out and leave a comment so I can enter you in my daily drawing for a copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT!