Author Shenanigans @MichelleGAuthor #RTCOttawa2017 #jtsshenanigans

Hello! This post is coming to you late, and I apologize. While I was in  our nation's capital where Eve Langlais is hosting the 3rd annual readers' conference, Romancing the Capital, I had technical difficulties with my computer, and then we went camping, and then I had to recover. Also I had to find a date no one else was posting.

Several of our bloggers here attended as signing authors including 'Nathan Burgoine, Amy Ruttan, Susan Hayes, and Elle Rush (whose head attended since she had a family thing come up and couldn't make it).  Me? I go as a reader for a couple reasons. First, I must protect the secret identity! Second, I love hearing from other writers about their process and inspiration. And last, because I may be just a bit of a fan girl.

This year I wanted to get pics of the authors, but I wanted to do something different. Inspiration struck when browsing for crochet patterns and I found a Mature Content section. Naturally I had to check it out. The result? John Thomas (JT for short) who became my travelling companion.

Yeah, it's amazing what authors will come up with. Anyway, JT has been making the rounds. He proved quite popular with authors and readers! In fact, I've had orders to make several of these guys. I may have to open an ETSY shop, lol. Please enjoy these pics while I get back to crocheting more penises. You can follow me and #jtsshenanigans on Instagram.

'Nathan Burgoine, Elizabeth Lister, Desiree Holt, Heather Long

JT as centrepiece, getting fondled by readers, and hanging with Susan Hayes.

L-R: Top - Cat Johnson, Sarah Castille, Eliza Gayle
Middle - Corene Callahan, Darynda Jones, Tina Christopher
Bottom - Sharon Page, Opal Carew, Sara Hubbard

Anne Lange, Felicity Kates, Sadie Haller (with Zoe York hiding in the background)

Milly Taiden and Angela S. Stone

Elle Rush blowing a kiss to JT.

And the event's host, Eve Langlais. 

I love Romancing the Capital because there's so much energy and so many people just like me! It's so refreshing to turn the filter off and talk about whatever I want with people who accept it all. I mean, where else can you carry a crocheted penis? If you have a chance to go, I highly recommend it. Plans for next year are already underway and tickets are available here.

Until next month!

It's a HIT!

Thanks to Eve Langlais, Canada has a new romance reader conference. The very first Romancing the Capital was held last weekend in Ottawa and WOW, it was a fantastic success. (It's possible that Eve is the most organized person on the planet.)

If you are on Facebook, there's a long stream of pictures from the conference in the RTC Ottawa group. My husband was watching them flow on Sunday night and remarked that everyone looked like they were having such fun. They were. 

I had such a good time. It was wonderful to meet so many readers and writers whose names I know from our online interactions, as well as to meet new readers and writers. (As a bonus, I met many of the writers who contribute to this blog for the first time ever. Hello, my Romance Eh sisters!) There was a lot of energy at the conference, the events were fun, the food was great and the hotel was fabulous. The booksigning was the best. (I have shiny new books to read - yay!) I've never been to such a good conference, or one so well organized.

Incredibly, Eve even managed to ensure that we had beautiful weather, both for the drives to and from Ottawa and for the weekend itself. It was forecast to rain, so clearly she has connections.

It was also perfect timing for a break for me (I know Eve was thinking of that a year or more ago when she chose the date...!) Firestorm Forever, which is available for pre-order at Amazon, Apple, B&N, GooglePlay and Kobo became the monster book this winter. It includes three firestorms (romances) and is more than twice the length of the other Dragonfire novels. It goes on sale May 13, so I've been embroiled in the final proofreading of the book. It was refreshing to step away from my dragon dudes and have some fun with readers (especially with readers who so love my Pyr heroes!)

Plans are already in the works for RTC 2016, and I'll definitely be there. There are whispers of more events, more programming - and people are already planning their costumes for the evening parties. I can't wait and am doing some organizing myself. Hope to see you there.

I suspect that this is going to become an event like Lori Foster's reader event which sells out very quickly each year. If you have any plans to attend, you'll want to keep an eye on this website, where registration will open in the next couple of weeks.

Eve is at work with her minions and I'm not going to get in their way.

Thanks, Eve, for a great time! And now, back to those final proofs of Firestorm Forever...

Happy New Year to our Readers!

Well, 2014 is essentially over. Where did the time go? Time seems to be rushing along quickly year after year and some days it's like we can barely hold on for the ride!

We have some exciting new additions to our blog this coming year. New authors whose posts are going to keep you entertained, buying books and wanting more! We're thrilled to welcome them all. You'll hear about all their book goodies soon!

All of here want to wish all of our readers the absolute best 2015!! And if you're partying it up this evening, have a wonderful time. Travel safe!

It's My Birthday...Gifts for You!

Good morning and happy Tuesday!
Today will be a fun and busy day. One I'm happy to celebrate with all of you. 
Since it is my birthday, I'm going to share gifts with some of our readers -- with a lil help from fellow CDN authors here at our blog.

All you have to do is comment below, and tell me when YOUR birthday is! Easy peasy. Please also include your email address in your responses.

Winners and prizes will be chosen at random.

Prizes include...

Sweetest Salvation & Sweetest Splendor (ebooks) from Kacey Hammell

That Christmas Feeling (ebook) from Karyn Gerrard

Hey Santa & Accidental Romance (ebooks) from Jessica Subject

Winner's Choice of ebook from Eve Langlais

Again, to enter, all you have to do is comment below, and tell me when YOUR birthday is! Easy peasy. Please also include your email address in your responses.

I will contact all four winners directly -- so please leave your email address too!!


Have a super day!

For Authors ... and Readers too!! #RomancingtheCapital #Romance #Giveaways

Happy Wednesday! And almost the end of July. Can you believe it? Time flies too fast, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a good thing because there's always so much to look forward to in life. Birthdays, new releases, and CONFERENCES!!

One conference I'm looking forward to a lot is "Romancing the Captial" conference in Ottawa, hosted by the awesome, Eve Langlais.  

I finally got my monies in for registration this morning. I'll be rooming and possibly traveling with Jessica E Subject, which I am really looking forward to, and I'm thinking ahead to giveaways, meeting readers and fun, fun, fun.

Which leads me to the following matters ...

READERS: What do you love to see as prizes? Keychains, bookmarks, pens...? Please give me some ideas!! 


and AUTHORS:  any Romance authors NOT attending the conference, please feel free to email me about donating to either of the TWO baskets I plan to give away at the conference. Whether print books, postcards, paper swag, custom-made items, I'm willing to put it all in the baskets. 
Authors that are attending, you're welcome to add things as well if you wish, though I am sure many of you will be doing your own giveaways *g*.  But feel free to email me if you wish.

I'm driving to Ottawa since it's only about 3 hours from my house, so I'll have lots of room. I'm sure Jessica won't mind sharing a seat if she has to!!! ROFL


Authors, if interested, email me at kaceyhammell@gmail.com with "Ottawa Conference" as the subject plz and we'll talk.
[I do live in Canada, just FYI, so s/h could be a factor in your decision, but if you're willing to send the items, I will make sure they get in the baskets.]
 

Readers, just hit reply below and let me know what goodies you love most!!



I hope to see many of you in Ottawa!!

Happy Canada Day !!!

From all of us here, we wish you a Safe and Happy Canada Day!! Enjoy the day with family, friends and good books. *g*

And some extra sexy Canadian love...

Hugs and love!

Ode to Poutine

Is there anything more Canadian than poutine? I've referred to this favorite dish of mine on Facebook and in some interviews and invariably get the query, "What is poutine?" I usually gasp in shock, because really, how can anyone have survived without having tasted this most yummy of treats. Well, it doesn't take me long to explain, in salivating detail, my temptation and downfall (of which the best I've eaten can be found at Pong's on Carp road).

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Live a little too far to check out Pong's? Then let me describe a poutine to you--please watch out you don't slobber on your keyboard. You start with some crispy french fries. Now, I personally prefer a straight cut, not too fat, home fry, well cooked and crunchy. Sprinkle over them, while piping hot, a generous handful of cheese curds (St. Albert of course!) Then apply a liberal ladle of salty, thick gravy. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese, then dig in.



That's the basic poutine. Now, there are variations on that recipe. New York Fries for example at Bayshore Mall offers a beef stew version, basically fries, cheese curds with a thick and hearty stew spooned on top. There's the Italian poutine, which is fries, Bolognese sauce then cheese on top (the fries being a great alternative to pasta). The nacho version with taco meat, chopped green onion, tomato, green pepper and nacho cheese sauce drizzled on top. Ooh, the pulled pork, served up best by the folks at Boss Hog in Cobden. Pulled pork in a rich sauce layered over the fries and cheese. Oops, had to wipe the drool off my chin there.

I'm sure I've forgotten some flavors, or that my fellow Canadians have their own special recipe. I'd love to hear about them, right after I get myself some poutine to eat, because damn, I'm craving one right about now. Mmmmm....

In almost as exciting news, my newest Cyborg story is releasing on February 28th. For those who've been following the series, Seth is a must have as we not only get to see him in love, we also get an awesome glimpse at his creation. Lots going on in this action packed sequel.

Seth
Cyborg #5
Feb 28th 2014

Shapeshifters in Canada

I bet you didn't know we have a thriving shapeshifter subculture right here in the Great White North. Surprise! We do. At least in some of my books.

The most common advice an author hears is write what you know. Sound advice especially when you're having to situate a story somewhere and you're unfamiliar with the geography. For the most part, I'm pretty vague in my work about setting. I keep the details generic, but in a few of my stories, I name actual locations. And several of them are in Ontario, Canada!

Probably my most well known series is my Freakn' Shifters which is based in the Ottawa valley area. Naomi, and her gaggle of brothers, along with her parents and BFF, all live and work in the area. Knowing roads and the general area definitely made adding those personal touches to scenery much easier. And for the things I wasn't sure of, Google search was my best friend :)

But this rambunctious group of shapeshifters isn't the only set of stories to get a Canadian home. Mated To The Devil also has a Canadian locale, this time in the Quebec through to the Ontario region. For those out west, don't feel left out. His Teddy Bear takes place in the Rockies, in a little town called Jasper. Tons of shifters in those parts lol.



So if you like to see a bit of Canada in your reading (like PVR instead of DVR) and references to poutine or beavertails, along with the occasional 'eh' thrown in, then be sure to check out some of my stories. Or even better, say hello to me in the comments or on Facebook. Until then, happy reading, eh?!

* * *

For my latest release, based in Ontario, featuring an older heroine, check out Freakn' Cougar.



Win Some Swag!

I've got swag, and I'm not afraid to mail it!

Three awesome packages up for grabs, and I don't care where you live, this contest is worldwide!

Check out what I'm giving away.

Done squealing? Do you need to win? Then get your entries submitted via Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Numerous ways to enter. Awesome prizes. International.

PS. This giveaway is in celebration of the release of my SIXTH Freakn' Shifters book. If you think older is sexier, then check out Freakn' Cougar.

PSS. Did you know my Freakn' Shifters series is based in Ontario, Canada?

Introducing the Romance Eh Canadian Style authors...

Eve Langlais is a Canadian mom who works full time as an author. In between juggling her three kids, hubby, and housework, she pens steamy romance--usually with werewolves, cyborgs or aliens. Eve loves to write, and while she doesn't always know what her mind will create next, she can promise it will be fun, probably humorous and most of all romantic, because she loves a HEA.

Jan Springer writes erotic romances and erotica at her NO (north office) nestled on four acres of paradise in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario, Canada and at her SO (south office) in Oshawa Ontario.

She is published with Ellora’s Cave, Spunky Girl Publishing. Siren BookStrand, Totally Bound, Pocket Books and other publishers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Passionate Ink. Hobbies include kayaking, hiking, gardening and photography.

Jessica E. Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to sexy. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous. And if you’re looking for something really steamy, check out her erotica stories written as Paisley Brown.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children.

Avid Reader. Romance Author. Redhead…

Canadian-born author, Kacey Hammell is definitely a book-a-holic, who began reading romances at a young age and became easily addicted.  These days, as a multi-published erotic romance author, she enjoys adding a lot of heat, sass and emotion to the Contemporary Romances she writes.

A mom of three, Kacey has made certain each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right. She lives her own happily ever after with her perfect hero in Ontario, Canada, and is a true romantic at heart.

Karyn Gerrard lives in a small town in the western corner of Ontario, Canada. She wiles away her spare time writing and reading romance while drinking copious amounts of Earl Grey tea. As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise she assumes everything is golden. Karyn’s been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement keeps her moving forward. 

A multi-published author with a few best-sellers under her belt, Karyn loves to write in different genres and time periods. Tortured heroes are a must. Her publishers include Ellora's Cave, Decadent Publishing, and Crimson Romance.

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut.

Stacey Espino resides in beautiful Ontario, Canada with her husband and five children. She loves being a Canadian but could do without the brutal winters.

She enjoys writing erotic romance that will have you squirming in your seat. From hardcore cowboys to alpha shifters, she has you covered! 

Stacey also writes alternative m/m romance as Winona Wilder.