Trio of Local Romance Authors to Sign Books
It's always nice to meet with friends, and this time it's meeting with two friends to sign copies of our books on Saturday, August 22 at Waldenbooks in Towne West Square, Wichita, KS, from noon until 3 p.m. I'll be signing copies of The Rodeo Rider, along with Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense author Patricia Davids, who'll be signing her newest release, Speed Trap, and Wild Rose Press author Penny Rader, who'll be signing her debut historical, Sapphire and Gold. Please stop by and chat with us! We'll have chocolate!!Labels: Book News
Shame on Me!
Almost an entire month has zoomed by, and I haven't stopped in to say hello. Shouldn't summer be lazy? Not here! And not for me!
It appears I haven't been blogging, but that isn't true. Besides here, I also blog at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writers Way, my writers group's blog. The 29th is my day to blog, but I'm constantly posting comments on everyone else's posts. It's very interactive, and we're having tons of fun talking romance writing. If you aren't a writer, that's okay! Readers are more than welcome to share their thoughts, and maybe learn something along the way.
Want to meet your favorite Harlequin American Romance authors? Check out our blog! News, recipes, writers' tips, cleaning tips, and all kinds of good stuff can be found there. My blogging date at HAR is the 19th, but I missed it this month. :( Must do better!
Last weekend, two of my daughters, my oldest granddaughter, and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. I was sadly disappointed. I've only read the first book, so I'm not privy to all the ins and outs, but I have seen every one of the movies. I had a really hard time following what was going on in this one and even dozed off at one point, which resulted in a poke from my daughter. :) Mallory, my youngest, said it was because so much was left out, yet there were things in it that weren't in the book. (Mallory is an HP expert, having read each book multiple times. DO NOT play HP Trivial Pursuit with her unless you want to lose, big time.) Maybe I should start reading those books!
Sad things going on here. I posted earlier about our new puppy, Willow. On the 4th of July, someone stole her from our backyard. :(( She was playing out there in the early evening, while the neighborhood fireworks were going off. I could hear her howling at one point and went out to check who was making all the noise. (The fireworks, not the pup.) Discovered it was a neighbor, three houses to the south and muttered some unkind words under my breath, then went inside. Willow was fine. The next morning, she was nowhere to be found, her collar laying open just inside the fence. She's chipped, so if she'd run away and someone found her, a trip to the animal shelter would be all that was needed for her to be returned to us. No more pups for us. I'll stick to our two cats, Tosca and Mocha. They're tortoiseshell calicos that look like mother and daughter, but aren't related. One of these days, I'll post some pictures of them. Oh, and there are the four betta fish we have. Two belong to my daughter Chelsea, a male (the fish, not the daughter and whose name I forget) and Harley, the female. My two are both males, Shrimp and Spock. Watching them swim around can be soothing, and they notice when I'm paying attention. Maybe a bird someday? Who knows?
I've just finished writing the first draft of the third book in the Desperation, OK series. I hope readers love this one as much as they seem to love the first one, The Rodeo Rider, available in stores next month. Hearing from readers adds such a spot of joy to my day! Don't be shy to let me know what you think!
Last but not least, if you haven't met the Ditzy Chix, my very very bestest friends, stop in at our website. Or even better, come visit us on our Facebook page! We've just gone from 10 of us to 11, and will probably have another new chix or two in the future.
Yes, you can find me on Facebook! (How did this happen?) I love chatting with others there!
Until next time, have a lovely summer! Fall will be here soon--my favorite season--so what's left of the lazy (ha!) days of the last of summer should be savored. Make some memories!Labels: Book News, Fab Friends and Fun, Family Ties, HAR Books and Authors, Holidays, This n That
So Much To Do, So Little Time
I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted, but it has. I really have been busy since then and keep getting myself into new projects faster than I can say NO. Since the last time, school has let out for the summer, meaning all 4 grandkids are here ALL DAY. That in itself takes up a lot of time, although they aren't always bad and the 2 youngest manage to take a nap at some point during the day, giving us all a little quiet time. But it seems it's never enough to get it all done. My son-in-law is home from his 4-month long deployment in the Middle East. It's always good to have him back. Nice to have a man's POV on things. Okay, even when I don't agree. ;) I know he's glad to be home, too, and has already done some fishing, along with mowing the lawn. Not his favorite chore, by the way. I'm finally almost back to normal after a three-week bout with asthma, but I'm not ready to run a marathon yet. Not that I ever planned to. A nice walk would be nice, but, again, when is there time? I do promise to never mow again! Not being able to breathe is NOT fun, and all for a yard where small children don't become lost. So what else has been keeping me busy? I've added an excerpt from The Rodeo Rider to my website, along with the fantastic back cover blurb! It truly tells the essence of the story, and I love it! My author copies have arrived, so I'm trying to decide whether to throw a contest here on the website for some books and maybe some extras. That may depend on time, too. If you've ever had the slightest desire to try your hand at writing, my local writers' group has a terrific blog dedicated to how to write a romance novel. Stop in and visit us at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. We're all having a blast talking shop and love to share! This past week I've been at eHarlequin.com, leading a discussion in the Conflict Crisis Center on the Write Stuff board on, you guessed it, Conflict. My week of kicking off the new board is officially over today, but don't be shy about stopping in to say hello! I plan to hang around for as long as I can, hoping to pick up ideas from other authors. We're all always learning. I'm including a special invitation to visit my little spot on Facebook. I dragged my feet as long as I could about joiing and finally capitulated, adding my name and several friends, including writing friends, high school friends, newer friends, and even a few cousins! If only I had that little extra time to play with the applications and quizzes. Maybe later this summer? Who knows what I might discover!  And last, but not least, we have a puppy. Her name is Willow, and she is very sweet. A little too friendly for the grandkids yet, but she's calming down a little more every day and loves to spend all day outside. As long as she doesn't kick up my asthma, we'll keep her. ;) Isn't she a cutie? So I hope to see you soon and "be your friend" on Facebook. I'll drop in here again as time allows...if it does. Until then, have a wonderful summer! Labels: Book News, Fab Friends and Fun, Family Ties, This n That
The Rodeo Rider
I've been remiss in posting the cover for my August 2009 Harlequin American, but life has kept me busy. If you like cowboys, especially cowboys in chaps, you'll love this cover!  I have a hankering for a new website, so the look of this place may change in the next couple of months. Just as soon as I can find something I really like. Until then, I'll post more here on The Rodeo Rider in the future. Labels: Book News
Color Me Surprised
Good news is always welcome, especially when things aren't going well. That's what happened today. While picking up by grandson from pre-K this afternoon, after fighting him o nly hours before about going to school, I received a phone call that turned my day around and brought out the sunshine. The short contemporary category coordinator for the National Readers Choice Award contest called me to let me know that my first Harlequin American, FAMILY BY DESIGN, is a finalist in the contest. NRCA is judged by readers across the United States, so being chosen a finalist is, to me, a very prestig ious honor. This is my second time as a finalist in this contest. The first time was with my debut Silhouette Romance, RACHEL'S RESCUER, in 2001. I wasn't at all disappointed not to win, because just being among some of the best in the business was a thrill.
Sadly, I won't be attending RWA's National Conference in Washington, D.C. where the winners of the NRCA will be announced in July. But just knowing one of my books is again among books by some of the finest authors in the romance industry puts a big smile on my face.
Thank you, readers! And thank you, OKRWA!
Labels: Book News
A New Blog for Writers & Readers
I've been very busy! Working on galleys for THE RODEO RIDER and finishing last minute details on BACHELOR COWBOY have been a huge priority. It's so amazing to know that in only a few months, THE RODEO RIDER will be available in bookstores. I'll have more to share on that as the release date draws closer.I've also recently completed a new website for Inspirational author Patricia Davids, who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. Pat and I would love to have you visit her new website and get to know her and her fantastic books.But there's one other thing that's kept me away.My local writers group, Wichita Area Romance Authors (WARA), started a blog on April 1, and you're invited to visit!Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way is all about writing romance. We're discussing all aspects of writing romance, from romance genres & sub-genres to the ups & downs of the publishing world and everything in-between. Whether you're currently a romance writer, thinking about writing a romance, or a reader interested in the fascinating world of romance novels and romance authors, we'd love to have you visit our blog and let us know what you think or add to our discussion via a comment. Labels: Book News, Fab Friends and Fun
More Book News!
The second of the books set in Desperation, Oklahoma has an official title. BACHELOR COWBOY will be released in January next year. For more information on both it and THE RODEO RIDER, check out the "Coming Soon!" link under "The Books" or click here.Labels: Book News
Books News
It's been a long day with four grandkids here on spring break, but I have news on the release date for my third Harlequin American. TAMING KATE is the working title, and I should have the official one in a fews days. It will be a January 2010 release. This is the second book of a series set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma, and is the story of the best friend of the hero in THE RODEO RIDER, which will hit shelves this year in August. For more information on the Desperation books, check out my books page via the menu on the left.
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!!! Labels: Book News
Free Harlequin & Silhouette Books?
 You betcha!! Harlequin is gifting their readers in American and Canada with free downloads of 16 different new releases as a way to thank them during Harlequin's 60th Anniversary celebration.So how do you get yours?First let's see what books are available.Harlequin American Romance, Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren
Harlequin Blaze, Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Historical, His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
Harlequin Intrigue, Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels
Harlequin Presents, Price of Passion by Susan Napier
Harlequin Romance, The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding
Harlequin Superromance, Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson
Silhouette Desire, Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child
Silhouette Nocturne, Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf
Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace
Silhouette Special Edition, Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne
Love Inspired, A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight
Love Inspired Historical, Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart
Love Inspired Suspense, Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Kimani Romance, Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson
Nascar, Speed Dating by Nancy WarrenThe details:- The titles are available as a PDF and in all eBook formats. There is no drm (digital rights management)
- The titles are also available as a Stanza App for the iPhone and iPod Touch
- The titles can also be found at all the online retailers like Sony, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fictionwise.com, eReader.com, etc.
- The 16 free books (one for every series) will be available throughout 2009.
It's easy, it's painless, and even better, it's FREE! Visit Harelquin's 60th Anniversary website to download your free books and read about all the events and celebrations taking place this year.Enjoy! Indulge! Labels: Book News, I Love to Read
Time Flies
Yesterday, a very good friend reminded me that there hadn't been anything new on my blog since December. I had no real excuse, except that life gets in the way, and I often forget to do things that should be done, instead of focusing on the things that must be done. Blogging is a "should". Paying bills, fixing meals, taking care of grandkids, and writing, writing, writing, are all "musts" that can't be ignored.
So here I am, almost six months later, giving yet another excuse for not posting that's neither good nor acceptable, but it's all I've got.
So what's happened in that almost six months? The usual. :) Christmas came and went. My daughters have had probably more happen in their lives, but even those things affect me in one way or another. Lyndsay and her family returned to their home after fire destroyed part of it in October. Sabrina's husband left for and returned from a 4-month deployment in the Middle East (Qatar) with the Air Force. Chelsea's work schedule changed from "normal" to second shift, and she actually likes it! And Mallory has discovered that being 18 isn't all that different than 17.
I had the pleasure of receiving a 2-book contract with Harlequin American Romance in March, and found myself writing, not only at night, but during the day, while transporting both granddaughters to and from school. At least that last part is on hold, now that it's summer.
Spring also brought us all closer together when my mother passed away in April. If not for my daughters and their families, it would have been a much more trying time. But I'm comforted in knowing my mom, a wholly independent person for most of her life, always involved in many organizations, is much happier now than being confined to nursing home life because of her health. She's at peace, and so am I.
My plans for the summer? We're already 3 weeks into it, and I don't have any, except to finish the second book, TAMING KATE (w.t.) and hope my editor likes the first, TANNER'S PRIZE (w.t.), and simply to enjoy each day with my 4 grandkids to the fullest. By the way, there are new pictures of all of them (and my step-granddaughter) on my photos page. They've grown!For those of you who have had weather that's kept you on your toes, keep your eye to the sky and stay safe. We've had our share of bad weather, flooding, and tornadoes here in Kansas over the past few weeks, and I know others have had the same. Hugs to my friend, writer Patricia Davids, on the devastation of her hometown during a tornado two nights ago. Enjoy your summer, everyone!As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, I'll be back!Labels: Book News, Family Ties
Family by Design
 My first book for Harlequin American Romance, Family by Design, will hit the shelves in January, but today I saw the cover for the first time, and it's great! Cover art is always a mystery to the author, until she sees it in the final product. I've been very lucky to have had wonderful covers for all of my books, and the cover of Family by Design is no exception. Kudos to Harlequin's wonderful art department for depicting Danny, the heroine's young son, as the adorable little guy he is in the book!
If you'd like to learn a little more about Family by Design, click on the BOOKS link above, where you'll find a blurb about the story and a link to the Inside Story of writing it.
October is a month my family would like to forget this year. With one son-in-law hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung and the other returning from deployment in UAE with the Air Force, it was a difficult month for two of my daughters. Happily, the hospital visit and the deployment are a thing of the past now. But just as we thought the hardest part was over, my next-to-oldest daughter's house caught fire. Charging back inside to retrieve their kitten didn't help the lung of her hubby, and although they'll be living in a temporary house for at least three months while their house is made liveable again, we're all very thankful that no one was hurt and the fire was contained in one bedroom, while the rest of the house sustained smoke and water damage. The weather has been much cooler here, but we didn't need that kind of heat!
I hope everyone had a delightful Halloween (and didn't eat too much candy!) and that Thanksgiving will find you surrounded by loved ones, thankful for many things. Labels: Book News
His Queen of Hearts in Italian
 It's always such fun to receive foreign copies of my books. The other day, a new one arrived, and it has such a beautiful cover! This one is the Italian version of His Queen of Hearts, the last of my Silhouette Romance books. (BTW, the literal translation of the title is Escape in Dress White.)
I'd love to know what you think of the cover! Labels: Book News
Catching Up
Busy, busy! That's what I've been since the middle of January. Why? Because I learned then that Family by Design will be a January 2008 Harlequin American release! What a wonderful group of writers the Harlequin American family encompasses. I've been able to be in contact with several old friends who write for HAR, and it's wonderful to meet new (I hope) friends. But with an April 1 deadline to have the book finished, there hasn't been a lot of time to be as sociable as I'd like to be. It's all done now, but that didn't mean I could lay around and eat bonbons and watch soap operas.
I've done three new Designs by Delaney websites and am finally now able to catch my breath. (I hope!) Heather Waters, Susan J. Mitchell, and Susanna Chelton Sheehy are worth a look and such very nice writers who were wonderful to work with.Here's hoping Winter is on its way out and Spring, if not already here, is on its way!Labels: Book News
Another One Bites the Dust
That really isn't a fair title. The truth is, another Silhouette line is being closed. Silhouette Bombshell did not bite the dust. The authors of the many wonderful books in that line put their heart and soul into their stories, but because sales weren't as high as what the company had hoped for, they've (the guys in suits) have decided to discontinue the line. The last books will be on shelves in January '07.I really liked this line. In fact, I liked it so much I even tried my hand at writing one. Sadly, it was rejected, but even in rejection I learn something. I may like the "kickass heroines" I read about in Bombshell, but I'm not a kickass heroine, myself. *grin* And that was okay, because I could still read the books. I won't be able to much longer.If you were a Bombshell reader, drop your favorite author(s) a line and let her/them know. They'll really appreciate it, and you'll put a smile on their faces--something they really need right now.Labels: Book News
|
 - Name: Roxann Delaney
- Location: Kansas, United States
Roxann Delaney doesn't remember a time when she wasn't reading or writing, and she always loved that touch of romance in both. A native Kansan, she's lived on a farm, in a small town, and has returned to live in the city where she was born. Her four daughters and four grandchildren keep her busy when she isn't writing, designing websites, or planning her high school class reunions. The 1999 Maggie winner previously published five books with Silhouette Romance and currently writes for Harlequin American Romance. Nothing beats writing about happy ever-aftering, and she loves to hear from readers.
View my complete profile
Copyright
© 2008 Roxann Delaney
All bookcovers © Harlequin S.A.
Website by Designs
by Delaney
|
