1st anniversary

Today is Ravenous Romance's One Year Anniversary.


Meaning it's also the One Year Anniversary of me being published. They picked up the first of my Druids books, Murder & Magick at RWA in San Fransisco (and the other 3 on synopsis) and I have to say, for my first national conference, it was definitely worth the price of admission!

(Technically, The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract first in July for my Civil War story, In the Shadows, and I already knew I won the Got Wolf? Contest with their Black Rose line but that isn't the point.)

Actually seeing my book up on a site and for sale is today. I'm pretty psyched.

In one year, I've had 5 full-length novels published with them, all of which have received great reviews, and, hmm, let me count...maybe 12 short stories either in anthologies or as stand-alones. Wow. 12? Sheesh!

This last year has been crazy busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've enjoyed writing for them, and they've been great in return. The whole Home Shopping Network deal was a fantastic bonus!!

Here's wishing Ravenous many more years and even greater sales! (What? They're my publisher, I want them to do good!)

Reviews and Thanksgiving

I ate too much yesterday. Even after promising myself I'd save room for turkey, stuffing mashed & sweet potatoes, corn, string beans, etc., etc., etc., I still overindulged in a wide variety of appetisers. Why so much? we ask the same question every year. It's not as if there isn't enough dinner to go around! So I ate too much, did nothing but eat pie and watch TV later, and crashed very early.


And no. I didn't get up this AM for Black Friday Shopping.


There's only so much abuse a body can take and mine was over it's limit with the eating. Any more and there would've been a revolt.


Then there were the lovely reviews I saw in my inbox! Whipped Cream Reviews gave Desert & Destiny 5 Cherries!

Holly said: Isabel Roman has once again taken us back in time to revisit her Druidic masters. The usual cast of characters is present: Raven and Malcolm, Lucien and Morgana, and Lady Isadore Harrington are all here. At the onset, Gareth is still bitter and resentful of Malcolm, Lord Preston for seducing and marrying Raven, and it colors many of his actions. But Arabelle realizes she cares for Gareth, and does all she can to win him over.

The location this time, Egypt of the late 1800’s, is one of contrasts.
There are luxurious hotels catering to the tourists and crumbling hovels that the native people live in almost next to each other. The characters are, as always, richly charismatic and superbly detailed. The women are strong and intelligent, and as willing to jump into the fray as the men are.

The action is fast and exciting, the mystery engaging, and the romance is searingly hot. For anyone who likes a bit of history with their romance, this one fills the bill quite nicely. Do Gareth and Arabelle get the happy ever after they deserve? Read Dark Desires of the Druids III: Desert and Destiny and find out.

And Manic Readers gave Sex & Subterfuge 4 Stars! Oh, yeah, I'm thrilled with both reviews, they made my entire week.

IvyD said: Morgana is as different from Raven as you can get. Older, widowed and very secure in both her magick and position as Master. She wields both effortlessly and plays the game well. The need for secrecy is just as strong in America as England. The politics haven’t changed much and people in power still want the magickers eradicated. It’s always fascinating when two strong willed independent people are as attracted to each other as Lucien and Morgana are. Will the very qualities they value, respect and admire bring them together or tear them apart? Not only do they have their own natures to deal with but the responsibilities they both shoulder are no small matter and literally, an ocean apart. The tension ratchets up when a dire threat against the American magickers and Morgana herself is discovered. How can it be nullified without sacrificing all that’s been established?

Dark Desires Of The Druids II: Sex And Subterfuge, the second installment of the Druids series is just as interesting a read as the first. There is danger, treachery, romance and passion aplenty. Takoda, Morgana’s self-appointed body guard is an intriguing character I’d like to learn more about. All in all, a worthy follow up to the Murder And Magick.

Stories, plots, overwhelming insanity

I've been remiss in a great many things this month. I haven't checked my normal blogs and miss these online gems not to mention my online friends! I haven't even updated MY blog (aside from Susan's interview) in who knows how long.

I have at lest 2 blogs on stuff I gleamed from the New Jersey Romance Writer's Conference, not to mention short hit and run ones on the Civil War, Russian research, WWI and its aftermath research, paranormal research, etc.

What have I been doing? Typing my fingers to the bone. Writing synopsi, plotting out a 5 books historical series, and adding 10,000 words to a story I considered finished which isn't the easiest thing I've ever done. I've had so many stops and starts with that it's sad, but I prevail.

All this means that I'm going to cut back on my online time, focus my energies on my writing, and hope for the best. We'll see how that goes.

Thank a Veteran

Today is Veteran's Day or Armistice Day around the world. It celebrates the end of World War I (or The Great War) on November 11, 1918 at 11am: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. From The US Department of Veteran Affairs:

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

Originally, celebrations were observed with parades and public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. Act 52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a approved on May 13, 1938, made the November 11 a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II and after Americans fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

On October 8, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated:

"In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

So today, despite having off, no school, or just another day of your week, please remember those who fought, past and present, in our Armed Forces. They deserve our respect, our thanks, and our gratitude no matter what your politics are.

Winners!

We have 2 winners, one for my guest spot on Susan's blog, and one for her guest spot here.

The winner of Sweet Redemption and the deliciously troubled Jonathan is Mary Ricksen! Please contact Susan for your PDF of the story.

The winner of Shadow State, indeed the entire Taming of the Wolf anthology is Skye! Please send me your email!

Interview with a Vampire

Please welcome back Susan Macatee. Today we're talking---

Hello, Isabel. I'm sorry to interupt your introduction, but you're not talking to Susan today.

Oh. Well then...even better. (Sorry, Susan! *bumps her out the window*) Hello, Jonathan. Welcome to my blog. Let's talk.

First, let’s dispense with the formalities. What is your full name?
Captain Jonathan Hackett

Where are you from?
I was born in York, Pennsylvania in 1832.

Vampirism – that must be frightening. How did it happen?
Just recently, I was pinned down by Rebels on the battlefield at Fredericksburg. All of my troops who hadn’t escaped had been killed or died and I was left alone until a strange man came to my aid, or at least that’s what I thought. But he attacked me and shortly after, I began to
exhibit an aversion to daylight and a craving for blood. All attributes of a vampire.

Fascinating. Are you familiar with vampires? Or were you before this happened?
I’ve heard tales of such creatures, but always thought them to be myth. Although, demons certainly do exist in many forms, so why couldn’t bloodsucking beings, that shun daylight and corrupt the living be walking among us?

I understand that you left the church. Tell me about that.
Sighs. I fear I lost my faith and couldn’t live a lie. I left and, when the war broke out, I joined the Union army.

Do you think leaving the church and being bitten by a vampire are related in some way?
I’m sure my sin of breaking my lifelong vows caused God to turn his back on me and send this demonic creature to take my soul.

How can you make a life with Maddie Emory with impending vampirism looming over you?
I’ve decided I can’t and have to leave, because my cravings for her will doom her as well.

If you can’t break the curse, what will you do? Find other vampires, life alone on the streets or in the wilderness, or…?
I’ve decided the only place left for me would be to retreat to the wilderness away from civilization. I can’t bear the thought of harming or corrupting another human being.

Do you believe in destiny? That perhaps this was meant to be?
I can’t believe I was meant to suffer this fate. My only thought is that my sin of breaking my vows is what brought this creature to me.

How do you want this conflict to be resolved?
My hope is that by destroying the vampire, this curse can be reversed, but if not, I only wish for Maddie to live and find another man who can take care of her and love her. I want her to be happy, even if it must be without me. Shakes head.

I’d like to thank you, Isabel, for allowing me to tell my tale and bear
my soul today. I understand you write paranormal tales about werewolves. I don’t know much about them, except through legends, of course. Hopefully, I’ll never come across such a beast in my lifetime.

Jonathan! There you are. What are you doing here? Oh, hello, Isabel. Thank you for taking care of Jonathan, he hasn't been himself lately.

Not a problem, Susan, we've been getting to know each other better. *winks at Jonathan*

I hope you all enjoyed this look into Jonathan Hackett, my newest hero’s, life. Be sure to leave a comment today on this post to be entered in the drawing for a pdf copy of Sweet Redemption.

Guest: Susan Macatee

Today it's my great pleasure to welcome Susan Macatee today and tomorrow. Her newest story, Sweet Redemption, which comes out on Veteran's Day, 11-11-09. I've read this excerpt, as well as all Susan's other books, and I can't wait for this book! Plus, if you leave a comment or question (or both *G*) you'll be entered to win a copy of Sweet Redemption!

I’m delighted to be a guest on your blog today, Isabel! Here’s the blurb and an excerpt from my newest release.

Sweet Redemption
Vampire romance
Available November 11th from The Wild Rose Press

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. “Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?” he said, under his breath.

“What?” Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. “Please, tell me what’s going on?”

Jon sighed. “When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied.” He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. “What or who attacked you?”

“I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria.” Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf’s blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. “He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me.”

Mrs. Emery gasped. “You’re not saying this man—”

“He bit me on the throat.” Jon pushed his hand through his hair. “I don’t know exactly what he is, but he’s not human.”

“That’s who you believe was at the door?”

Jon nodded. “I don’t know how, but I now have a connection to him.” He fingered the bumps on his throat. “I know things about him I shouldn’t possibly know.”

Thanks again for having me, Isabel!

And tomorrow Isabel will be interviewing Jonathan Hackett! And all those who leave a comment on the interview post will be entered in a drawing to win a pdf copy of Sweet Redemption.