Perfectly Penny

Shhh!

2012-01-31T10:20:00.000-08:00

http://bit.ly/y5sr3x

Do your characters have secrets?

Pop over and share with us at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way.

Goals? Resolutions? What's a Writer to Do?

2012-01-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

http://bit.ly/z2ooX0

Have you set a goal for 2012? Or chosen any resolutions?

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blogging about goals and resolutions. I hope you'll pop over and share your goals/resolutions.

Flex Your Writing Muscles - Childhood Memories

2011-12-31T08:57:00.000-08:00

http://sites.google.com/site/vwnesler/RenoirChildWriting.gif

If you're not busy and want to flex your writing muscles, I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way.

I hope you'll pop over for a visit.

Childhood + ? = Writing Career (Penny Rader)

2011-12-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

Today I'm blogging at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over and share childhood experiences which shaped your writing life or made you want to write.

Guest blogging at Starla Kaye's Today

2011-12-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm guest blogging at Starla Kaye's today. And I'm hosting a contest to win a free copy of Sapphire and Gold. I'll hope you'll pop over and join the fun.

New Review for Sapphire and Gold!

2011-12-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

I am so tickled by this lovely 5 star review by J.M. Rhine on Amazon.com, which I discovered this morning:

Okay, I'll admit it, I love stories that also include a great dog, and this one has exactly that in Max--but Sapphire and Gold is the whole package when it comes to reading pleasure. The author builds her setting and characters with a sharp eye toward detail, but never makes the reader feel like the story has moved in a bunch of research. The characters are finely honed, and written to let their personal stories (and inner turmoil) unfurl with an easy precision that informs and intrigues a reader. Alexandra, or Lexi, is a terrifically sympathetic heroine, and one readers will root for without hesitation. Derek has enough alpha male in his veins to catch reader attention, but the author is quick to show flashes of his sympathetic sides so a reader sees there's more to this ship captain than meets the eye. And don't even get me started on the villain--an excellent choice.

Nothing is easy, the story stays complex and compelling. Nothing remains easy for the characters, but their strength, integrity, and intelligence keeps a reader interested in knowing what will come next. And writing kudos to the author on the fine setting, and ability to put me smack in the middle of Colonial America. Just a treat to read.

Creating a Hero

2011-11-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over for a visit and some tips about creating heroes and pics...and to share your own insights as well.

Do you NaNo?

2011-10-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

http://blog.inonit.in/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/nanowrimo-300x170.jpg

If so, or if you're curious about NaNoWriMo, please pop over to Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way for a few tips and resources.

And while you're there, feel free to leave a comment and/or share a tip or two of your own.

Start a Creative Fire with a Spark

2011-10-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Need any help fanning a creative spark? Pop over to Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way for a few tips I found.

Starla Kaye Is Interviewing Me Today

2011-10-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today I'm a guest of Starla Kaye's. I'm also giving away a prize. To be eligible to win the prize all you have to do is leave a comment. I hope to see you there!

Colonial America as a Setting

2011-09-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today I'm at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way sharing tidbits about the setting of my novel, Sapphire and Gold. I hope you'll pop over for a visit.

What the Cat Dragged In

2011-09-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ick. Ick. Ick.

This morning I stumbled into the kitchen. My plan was to turn on the light so I could see my way to the laundry area and grab a pair of jeans. (Today was jeans day at work.)

Good thing I had remembered to slip on my sandals.

I crossed the few feet from the kitchen doorway to the lamp on the shelf over the stove. (The light switch next to the doorway hasn't worked for a long time.) Just before my fingers touched the lamp, the tip of my right sandal encountered something kind of firm, that didn't move. I flipped on the light. And froze.

Ick. Ick. Ick.

My sandal was touching a squirrel. A dead (at least I hope it was dead!) squirrel. Cuddled next to it? Yup, my cat, who just stared at me.

Being the wimp that I am, I immediately hurried to my bedroom and told my dh, expecting he'd pop up and say, "I'll take care of that right now, honey."

Didn't happen. His hero status took a big hit when he just kinda grunted and went back to sleep.

I know! I stood there in shock.

I peeked back into kitchen, thinking I could sneak past the ickfest in the kitchen, grab my jeans and clean underwear, and get ready for work. Uh, no. Itty-Bitty (who is no longer so itty-bitty) was wrestling and rolling with squirrel. Not enough room to get by without touching it.

Well, fine. I just wouldn't wear jeans today. Or clean underwear. I grabbed my dress pants and ducked into the bathroom. Caught sight of my face in the mirror and told myself, "Suck it up and put on your big girl panties...after you retrieve them from the laundry area."

"But I don't wanna."

"Too bad."

So I did suck it up, grabbed a broom I had left in the living room and nudged the squirrel, cat by its side, all the through the kitchen, past the washing machine and dryer. My insides were quaking the entire time. We finally reached the back door and I gently eased the poor squirrel onto the back porch. Itty-Bitty plopped down beside him. (I'm guessing it was a him. I didn't check.) I firmly closed the back door so the cat could not bring it back in through the hole in the screen door.

I do hope the poor thing died when the transformer blew last night (maybe he was the cause of it?) and that my cat wasn't the culprit. I mean, being zapped by electricity is probably quicker than death-by-cat, don't you think?

Writing for Fun

2011-08-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Having one of those days or weeks where you just can't focus on your novel or novella? Pop over to my post on Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way and have a bit of fun.

Writing Amid Chaos

2011-08-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over and share your tips for writing through stressful times.

A Smorgasbord of Writing Resources

2011-07-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Are a new writer? An experienced writer? Somewhere in between? Pop over to Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way for links have articles on practically every writing topic you can think of.

Reading Outside Your Genre

2011-07-20T05:57:00.001-07:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over and share what you read.

Re-Told Fairy Tales

2011-06-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way about re-telling fairy tales. I will also be giving away a pdf of my romance novel, Sapphire & Gold. I hope you will pop over and leave a comment. :D

Wanna Play?

2011-05-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ever get stuck and not sure what to write about? Or maybe you just need a quick prompt to get your creative writing juices flowing? If so, I hope you'll pop over to Bits & Bytes: Romance ... the Writer's Way and join the fun. :D

Poking and Prying with a Purpose

2011-04-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way talking about research. Please pop over and share your favorite ways to research and/or your favorite research sources. I'd also love to hear how you organize your research so you can find the tidbits when you need them.

Getting to Know All About You: Interviewing Your Characters, Pt, 2

2011-03-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

The second part of my series on interviewing your characters can be found at Bits & Bytes: Romance ... the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over for a visit and leave a comment or two. :D

2011-03-20T11:28:00.001-07:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way about interviewing your characters. I hope you'll pop over for a visit. Comments are much appreciated! :D

Here I Write,There I Write

2011-02-20T09:17:00.001-08:00

This month over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way we're discussing where we write. I hope you'll pop over and tell us about your writing space.

My Blog Won an Award!

2011-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

I was so surprised and super excited when I found out I'd been nominated for the Stylish Blogger Award by Liz Davis over at Novel Moments. How cool is that! Thanks, Liz!

I'm supposed to:

1. Thank the person who gave the award and link to them.
2. Share 7 things about myself
3. Award 10 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

So, 7 things about myself:

1. I'm a readaholic, movieholic, and tvholic.
2. I never attended college.
3. I have 4 kids, 3 step-kids, and 9 grandkids (including 2 in heaven).
4. Dr. Pepper is my favorite pop.
5. My favorite meal is my dh's cheeseburgers and fries. Yum!
6. I've been married 29 years, which makes me sound horribly old.
7. Researching and revising are my favorite parts of writing.

And here are my 10 nominations for recently discovered great bloggers:

1. Alexa Day at Romance Writer by Night
2. Jami Gold at Beach Reads with a Bite
3. Kaye Dacus at Humor, Hope and Happily Ever Afters
4. Maeve Grayson at Magical Romance Sifting Through Time
5. Claire Ashgrove at From the Muse
6. Anna Kathryn Lanier at Chatting with Anna Kathryn
7. Jeannie Campbell at The Character Therapist
8. Mahalia Levy at The Decadent Side of Sin
9. Jeannene Walker at My Little Piece of Heaven
10. Monique DeVere at Where Love and Laughter Forms Real Romance

Now I'm off to let them know I nominated them. Thanks for visiting!

Once Upon a Time

2011-01-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Why do you write? How did you start writing? Pop over to Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way and share your story. Pretty please. :D

I Remember Lexi

2010-12-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

This month at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way we discussing Christmas memories. I hope you will pop over and share your own memories, be they happy, sad, or poignant.

May you have a Blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

My Most Memorable Thanksgiving

2010-11-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll pop over and share your most memorable Thanksgiving.

Today, Take 10 Minutes for Yourself and ...

2010-11-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

... and watch these videos:

You Are Worth the Time

and

The Artist's Creed

Pretty powerful stuff, huh.

It's Creepy and It's Kooky, and Altogether Spooky

2010-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Want to add a bit of a thrill or a chill or touch of suspense to your writing? Please check out my post today over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way.

When a Stranger Calls

2010-10-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

This month, in honor of Halloween, we're sharing creepy, scary stories over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. We've had stories about ghosts and snakes and spiders. Today my offering is When a Stranger Calls. I hope you'll pop over and share your own story.

Active vs Passive, Passive vs Active - It's Enough to Make a Writer's Head Spin

2010-09-20T05:26:00.001-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blogging about Active vs Passive. I hope you'll pop over and share your thoughts on this subject.

New Review!

2010-09-10T15:20:00.001-07:00

Sapphire and Gold received a 5 diamond review from Starly Kaye at Got Erotic Romance!

“Alexandra’s mine and mine alone!...no one will thwart my wedding…The underlying menace in Bartholomew’s tone sent chills slithering down Alexandra’s spine.” I was hooked from this point on and had to know about this unwanted wedding, about this evil-sounding man.

Alexandra Whittaker isn’t who she thought she was. The news comes out of the blue and changes her world and her life. Fleeing from the horrors she overheard, her life becomes even more complicated when she is rescued while fleeing by a dashing Sea Captain.

Derek Tremaine has felt guilt for years after losing a small girl left in his care. He has never stopped searching for her. While searching in Philadelphia for more possible answers, he saves an unconscious woman in the river. Her resemblance to the mother of the missing girl startles him even as he is drawn to her, and he helps her hunt for answers to her life. The journey they go on together isn’t easy, nor is getting along. But they grow together and their romance grows steadily as well.

The characters are very well developed, the backgrounds complex, the obstacles and conflicts enough to pull the reader through the story. Overall, this was an excellent read.

Solving the Mystery of the Male POV

2010-08-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way discussing the Male POV. I hope you'll pop over over for a visit. :D

What the Heck IS Point of View Anyway?

2010-08-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. I hope you'll drop by for a visit.

You Know You're a Chatterbox When

2010-08-10T15:01:00.001-07:00

You know you’re a chatterbox when:

· An aunt says you were fed “yak” milk as a baby.

· Someone asks if you were vaccinated with a phonograph needle.

· Your friends call you “Brook,” as in babbling …

· Your child’s speech development is delayed because s/he can’t get a word in edgewise.

· You go to a parent/teacher conference. The teacher mentions your child talks a lot during class, then says s/he can tell said child is my child.

· A friend signs you up for membership in the On-and-On-and-On Anon group.

· People tell you to “breathe.”

· If you’re quiet, everyone asks if you’re feeling okay.

· You’re given a t-shirt that says, “Help! I’m talking and I can’t shut up!”

Ready for More GMC?

2010-07-31T09:36:00.001-07:00

Ready for more GMC? I'm blogging today at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way, the blog for the Wichita Area Romance Authors. I hope you'll drop by and share your own GMC tips.

Give Me a G! Give Me an M! Give Me a C!

2010-07-21T04:09:00.001-07:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. Sort of a follow-up to my earlier post What Is GMC? I hope you'll pop over and share your thoughts.

Your Face Will Freeze That Way

2010-06-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way using a picture I took as a writing prompt. I hope you'll pop over and visit. Please feel free to leave a comment ... or write your own story.

Writing Resources

2010-05-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at the Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blogging about Settings and World Building. I'd love to have you visit and share your tips and resources.

In case you didn’t know, I’m a member of the Wichita Area Romance Authors. We’ve been blogging just over a year. Imho, Bits & Bytes: Romance…the Writer’s Way is a fabulous writing resource.

I usually post on the 21st of the month. I’ve also been posting on the 31st for a few months. Here are my contributions to date:

Resources for Settings and World Building, Part 2 (today’s post)

Resources for Settings and World Building, Part 1

A Few of Their Favorite Things

Climbing the Mountain: Finding the Courage to Write

The First Books I Fell in Love with

Will They/Won’t They?

Until

Procrastination and Goal Setting

Christmas Romance

Need a Jump Start?

Keeping the Peace (Writing with a Family)

What Do You Mean I Have to Write a Synopsis?

Organizing Tips and Tricks

Don't Forget the Flaws!

How is Word Count Calculated?

What is GMC?

Why Romance?

Do you have any topics you'd like to see covered?

Lexi's LAMB Benefit Concert

2010-05-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 22, is the Lexi's LAMB Benefit Concert, from 3 - 8 pm, at World Harvest Worship Center, 2540 S. Meridian, Wichita KS 67217.

Four bands will be performing: Thryceborn, Crucible, Altered to Offer, and JimmyLegg.

We will have concessions for sale and drawings will be held for door prizes. The concert will be outside so bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket.

Lexi's LAMB is a foundation my daughter started after her daughter Lexi passed away. To read Lexi's story, please go to http://www.lexislamb.org/.

Hope you can make it!

A Few of Their Favorite Things

2010-04-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blogging about characters and their prized possessions. I hope you'll stop by for a visit: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/04/few-of-their-favorite-things.html

Tickled Pink

2010-04-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Brande from Book Junkie just gave Sapphire and Gold a fabulous review. Here are a couple of snippets:

Let me say this here and now, Penny Rader wrote one heck of a good book in Sapphire and Gold, completely engaging with a sexy and sensual historical tale of love, regret and a villain you will love to hate.

and

Penny Rader has created a sexy historical romance that is rich in depth and literally transported me into the 18th century. If you are looking for a suspenseful read that is filled with romance that will draw you and keep your turning the pages, then look no further.

To read her entire review, please go to http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-sapphire-and-gold-by-penny-rader.html

Climbing the Mountain: Finding the Courage to Write

2010-04-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

I totally forgot to mention that I blogged the other day on the WARA blog about fear and writing. I hope you'll check it out: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/03/climbing-mountain-finding-courage-to.html How do you beat back your fears?

The First Books I Fell in Love with

2010-03-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today I'm over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blogging about the first books I fell in love with: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/03/first-books-i-fell-in-love-with-penny.html I do hope you'll pop over and share your own favorites.

Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way

2010-02-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

Today is my turn to blog over at Bits & Bytes: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/02/until.html

I hope you'll join me! I'm posting an excerpt of one of my favorite scenes from Sapphire and Gold.

If you're interested in writing and haven't had a chance to check out the blog, please do. It's chock full of great info.

A Colonial Valentine

2010-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it last year, here's a link to my free read, A Colonial Valentine. This short story is a prequel to my novel, Sapphire and Gold.

You will need to click the 'add it to my cart' button and go through checkout, but it won't cost you anything. :D Enjoy!

Procrastination and Goal Setting

2010-01-21T10:18:00.001-08:00

Today I'm blogging about procrastination and goal setting at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/01/procrastination-and-goal-setting.html.

Please stop by and share any tips or tricks that work for you.

Christmas Romance

2009-12-22T18:57:00.001-08:00

While the entire story of Sapphire and Gold isn't centered around Christmas, there are several scenes that take place during the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg. Here's an excerpt of one:

Alexandra stood at the staircase landing’s large multi-paned window, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. She waited and worried. Waited for Derek’s schooner to appear at the plantation’s wharf. Worried about his reaction to her confession.

She placed her hand on her abdomen and wondered if she would look different to him. Within weeks her condition would be apparent to all. Would he turn away from her in disgust? She wouldn’t be able to bear it.

“Alexandra?”

She leaned over the balustrade looped with spruce garlands. “Yes, Mother?”

Laurel stood at the foot of the stairs. “Our guests are arriving.”

“I’ll join you in the ballroom in a few minutes.” With a heavy sigh, she cast one more longing glance out the window then gathered the folds of her burgundy velvet skirt and descended the stairs in slow, unhurried steps. Her brow knitted in concern. Derek had said he would be there. Something terrible must have happened.

“Why, wherever could your husband be, sister dear?”

Alexandra turned to see Jillian emerge from the shadows of the hall. The jubilant expression in the younger woman’s dark gaze put her on guard.

“Do you suppose he has tired of you already?” Jillian shook her head and clucked her tongue. “I can see why. You look a bit dreadful. I fear that color doesn’t suit you. Did you do your own hair? Your secret’s safe with me. I shan’t tell anyone.”

Alexandra resisted the urge to smooth her hair. The slight movement would only serve to reward her sister’s desire for revenge. Instead, she stood confident. Derek had often remarked he liked her hair unbound and he had chosen her dress himself. “I won’t fight with you. Nothing you can say will spoil this day for me.” With quiet dignity, she walked past the younger woman.

“I do believe the purpose of this ball is to celebrate your marriage. Won’t that be a trifle difficult without your roving husband?”

Alexandra’s footsteps faltered for but a moment at the venom in her sister’s voice. Then she squared her shoulders and continued on her way, struggling to shut out the echo of Jillian’s mocking laughter.

“Derek has not left me,” she whispered. “He will come back. He must.” She lifted her chin a notch and entered the ballroom.

Festive splendor greeted her. Christmas finery decked the large room and brought a hint of a smile to her troubled heart. The fragrance of pine and bayberry mingled in the air. Garlands of box and bay added touches of gaiety. Sprigs of holly had been tucked behind the mirrors. In one corner, fiddlers played a romantic ballad that tugged at her already fragile emotions.

She forced back the sudden onslaught of weepiness and moved forward to greet her guests. Many of the prominent planters of the area accompanied their wives in wishing Alexandra well with her marriage and asking after Derek. After each congratulatory offer, the scorching heat of Jillian’s triumphant gaze bored through her back.

Where are you, Derek? Behind her she heard the doors open. The curtains fluttered, then a hush fell over the room.

She turned. There stood Derek.

Dizzying joy swept through her Her husband caught her up against his lean, muscled form. “I claim the right of kissing the fair maiden standing beneath the kissing ball.” He lowered his mouth to hers and stole her breath.

Alexandra entwined her arms around his neck and reveled in the sweet sensations. “I thought you’d never arrive.”

He pressed a final kiss to the tip of her nose. “I always keep my promises. Don’t you know that by now?”

A lump in her throat thickened her speech. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you.” A frown gathered on her forehead and she gave his chest a sharp poke. “Where have you been?”

His eyes alight with a merry twinkle, Derek turned and signaled to a house servant. Within seconds, Polly Taylor and the children swarmed around her, talking and hugging all at once.

The children had come. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she pulled them close, touching each and every one of them to assure herself they were really there. She looked up. Derek stood outside the circle of children, his grin wide. “Is this the pressing matter you had to attend to?”

He nodded. “You are pleased with your Christmas gift?”

“Pleased? I’m more than pleased. It was more than I dared to dream for.” No wonder she loved him so.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sapphire-and-gold-p-1287.html

~~~~~

One of my favorite Christmas movies is While You Were Sleeping. (Love the leaning scene.) One of my favorite Christmas books is A Season for Miracles by Marilyn Pappano, which is the first book in her awesome Bethlehem series. Do you have a favorite Christmas story or movie?

Writing toward Home

2009-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

I'm reading Writing toward Home: Tales and Lessons to Find Your Way by Georgia Heard and wanted to share this quote from Martha Graham to Agnes de Mille (in the chapter Keeping the Channel Open):

"And because there is only one of you in all time, this experience is unique and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it."

This is only part of the entire quote, but it really caught my attention and made me think. Like the author of the book, I will post this quote inside my writing notebook and a couple other places where I will see it often.

I'm only part way through this book. It's not a big book, but I'm savoring each chapter. According to the back cover, "It includes exercises--road maps to get you going--to help overcome the obstacles that may be in your way: writer's block, fear of rejection, silencing the critics, lack of time."

Will You Help Make Christmas 2009 Special?

2009-12-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Let’s make Christmas 2009 special for the children at Wesley Medical Center!

Lexi’s L.A.M.B. is doing a fundraiser to raise money to buy each child at Wesley Medical Center a Bernard the Polar Bear from Avon. Each bear costs $20 and our goal is to raise enough money to purchase 30 bears. Any additional funds will provide toys and other items for the children to use throughout the year.

Lexi’s L.A.M.B. Foundation is a non-profit ministry set up in the memory of my granddaughter, Alexis Christine Sparks. Our Vision is to provide God’s little angels with love, comfort, and support. The mission of Lexi’s L.A.M.B. is to follow God’s will in providing financial, emotional, and material support for children with special needs through a partnership with parents, family and medical staff.

For more information about Lexi’s L.A.M.B. Foundation please visit our website at http://www.lexislamb.org/ or email me at penrader@juno.com.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Need a Jump Start?

2009-11-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

Need help jump starting your creativity? Care to share what inspires you? I'd love to have you visit me over at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2009/11/need-jump-start.html

New Reviews!

2009-11-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

I found two reviews of Sapphire and Gold. I hope you check them out!

From Long and Short Reviews:

This was a unique historical for me as I’ve never read one prior that was partially set on a ship without having had pirates in it. In addition to that aspect, it was loaded with action, suspense, and a bit of mystery, a little bit of everything to keep your interest alive. The romance between Derek and Alexandra was rocky at times, but as in life, when a couple overcomes so many obstacles, the love – and steamy, sexy love scenes – are so much stronger and better. An excellent, richly told read! (Rating: 4.5 out of 5)

Read the entire review at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/sapphire-and-gold-by-penny-rader.html

From the Readin' Something Crazy blog:

Very well-written and intriguing. Love a story that has a bit of mystery mixed in with the romance. And while I really wanted to smack Lexie at times, I did truly understand why she was so insecure and stubborn. Her world was shattered by one overheard conversation changing everything she once thought true and right about her life. Thankfully, for her sake, she does grow and overcome her insecurities, thanks to Derek Tremaine.

All in all, a really good historical read that I would highly recommend to anyone. This is the first historical novel that I’ve read that takes place at least partially on a ship. And get this… it has nothing to do with pirates. LOL

Read the entire review at http://readinsomethingcrazy.blogspot.com/2009/09/sapphire-and-gold-penny-rader.html

Keeping the Peace (Writing with a Family)

2009-10-21T06:05:00.001-07:00

Please join me at Bits & Bytes: Romance ... the Writer's Way so we can discuss juggling writing and family: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2009/10/keeping-peace-writing-with-family.html

New Way to Tell a Story

2009-09-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Want to be amazed and inspired? Check out this video: http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4575494

Thanks to CJ Lyons for posting this link!

If You Love a Writer - Blog - Eileen Flanagan

2009-09-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

I just spotted this on Facebook and thought I'd share it here. Since my first book was released a bit over two months ago, this post hit home with me.

If You Love aWriter - Blog - Eileen Flanagan
The new home of Eileen Flanagan's blog, Imperfect Serenity

Organizing Tips & Tricks

2009-08-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way

http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2009/08/organizing-tips-and-tricks.html

I hope you'll come visit and share a tip or two or three. (grin)

And if you're in Wichita tomorrow, I'm having my first booksigning at Waldenbooks, Towne West, beginning at noon. I'd love to see you!

Trio of Local Romance Authors to Sign Books

2009-08-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

My first booksigning is almost here!

When: Saturday, August 22, 2009, from noon until 3 p.m.

Where: Waldenbooks in Towne West Square, Wichita, Kansas.

I'll be signing copies of my debut historical romance, Sapphire and Gold. Two friends will join me: Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense author Patricia Davids, who'll be signing her newest release, Speed Trap, and Harlequin American author Roxann Delaney, who'll be signing her newest release, The Rodeo Rider.

Please stop by and chat with us! We'll have chocolate!!

Don't Forget the Flaws!

2009-07-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging about character flaws. I hope you'll visit me at the Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way blog: http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2009/07/dont-forget-flaws.html

Not Going to Nationals blog series

2009-07-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

I just found this great blog series, Not Going to Nationals.

Trish Wylie is tweaking Jack Bickham's 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes for romance. Check it out at http://trishwylie.blogspot.com/2009/07/not-at-nationals-common-romance-writing.html

Going Where the Fear Is

2009-07-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just read this and it really resonated with me, so I thought I'd share.

So much of writing is going where the fear is. Fear is power, and a lot of writers don’t want to go there. It’s absolutely natural. Who, after all, wants to be afraid or hurt? Feelings of fear or pain exist for a reason. They are warnings, and quite effective ones. They’re like the reflex that pulls your hand back before you realize you’ve touched something hot. (Gom jabbar notwithstanding. Ha.)

Harnessing that power, going where the fear is, writing even though your hands are sweating and your heart is in your mouth, is the very least you owe your readers. You have a bargain with them–you tell the truth, they keep reading. Lie, bullshit, pull back or cop out–and they sense it. They smell it. It will get your book thrown across the room faster than anything.

These two paragraphs come from this blog post by Lilith Saintcrow titled "There Is No Bloodless Art": http://www.lilithsaintcrow.com/journal/2009/07/this-is-no-bloodless-art/ I hope you'll read the rest of her article.

I realized a while ago that I've been letting fear rule me and get in the way of my writing. I'm still working my way through it, one itty bitty baby half-step at a time. Anyone else suffer from this? How do you deal with it?

This Book Made Me Cry

2009-07-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since a book made me cry. A tears-running-down-my-cheeks, can't breathe, have-to-shut-myself-in-my-bathroom-till-I-pull-myself-together cry.

It happened again about fifteen minutes ago.

The book? Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. A story about a thirty year friendship. A story about mothers and daughters. A story about family.

Read it. Share it with your best friend, with your mom, with your daughter.

I'm Blogging at Helen's Heroes!

2009-06-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging at Helen's Heroes blog. I do hope you'll stop by http://helensheroes.blogspot.com/2009/06/mondays-hero-derek-from-sapphire-and.html and leave a comment.

I'm blogging about Derek Tremaine. He's the hero of my new release, Sapphire and Gold. Here's a peek at him ---------------->

Sapphire and Gold's Official Release is Today!

2009-06-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! Today is the official release date for my first sale, Sapphire and Gold! I am sooo excited! I do hope you will enjoy Derek and Alexandra's story.

If you would like to buy it as a digital book, go to http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sapphire-and-gold-p-1287.html?zenid=85aed8cdffbd4fe81cd86e275443e608.

Sapphire and Gold is also available in paperback through:

bn.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sapphire-And-Gold/Penny-Rader/e/9781601544759/?itm=2

amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Gold-Penny-Rader/dp/1601544758/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246028033&sr=8-1.

Here's a blurb and an excerpt of the story.

Blurb

In 1752 Philadelphia, Alexandra Whittaker overhears the man who has raised her--and intends to marry her--admit to kidnapping her. She then uncovers a locket containing a portrait of herself as a child. Confused and frightened, she flees, heading for Williamsburg, Virginia, the place inscribed on the back of the locket. On her way out of Philadelphia, she stumbles across a bear and ends up in the river.

Sea Captain Derek Tremaine is guilt-ridden over the disappearance of a small girl left in his care as a youth. Always searching for her, he hears she may be alive and travels to Philadelphia where he discovers an unconscious young woman in the river. She bears a strong resemblance to the mother of the missing girl who has haunted his dreams. He is drawn to assist and protect her as she sails with him to Williamsburg in her hunt for answers about her life. But will the truth give them peace and allow their growing love for one another to blossom? Or will it drive them apart?

Excerpt

The last vestiges of pain ebbed. She opened her eyes and thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of concern cross his handsome features. Her fingers felt along the bandage on her brow. "What happened to me?"

"You fell into the river and hit your head. Max and I pulled you out."

"Max?"

"My dog. Come, Max."

The Newfoundland eased his large frame between his master and Alexandra. She gasped in surprise--he outweighed her by at least three stone! She tried to sit up.

The man assisted her. "Easy now, lest you cause yourself further injury. Mayhap you should lie still." Impatience crept into his voice again.

She winced at his mild rebuke and lowered her gaze, only to realize she was clad in her bed gown. "Sir, has a woman been caring for me?"

"Nay." Amusement glittered in his eyes. "Women are not allowed on vessels. They bring bad luck."

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she forced herself to continue. "I'm--" She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'm not wearing my pink dress."

"Aye, that is true." He nodded, his expression unfathomable.

Sapphire and Gold Is Available In Print!

2009-06-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am soooo stoked! I just checked bn.com and Amazon.com. Sapphire and Gold is already showing as available! (The official release date is June 26, 2009.) I gotta get some copies ordered so I can hold it my hands because I don't think it will really be real until then.

In case you want to order a paperback copy, here's the link for bn.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=sapphire+and+gold&box=sapphire%20and%20gol&pos=-1

And here's the link for Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Gold-Penny-Rader/dp/1601544758/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244642204&sr=1-3

Finish Your Shift

2009-06-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

I recently listened to a writing workshop given by Jodi Thomas. One of the lessons she learned as a teen and applies to her writing keeps playing in my mind: Finish your shift. Translation: Finish your book. If it's completed, rewrite it. If it's rewritten, submit it.

I love doing revisions, doing research. It's the new stuff that comes hard for me. Getting those words on the page in the first place, that's my struggle.

While listening to Jodi's workshop, I realized that as a kid I loved working on various projects, but sometimes I didn't finish them. Who am I kidding? Most of the time I didn't finish them. I think it's because if I finished it, it would be done. Over. Completed. Then what? I didn't have a money tree in my yard, so I made projects last as long as I could.

I think it's the same with writing. If I finish the story, then what? I'll have to create a new one. Then the fear sets in. What if the words won't come? It's almost easier not writing, than risking the words not coming.

Why Romance?

2009-04-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you have a couple minutes, please come visit me while I blog on the topic "Why Romance?"

Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way http://warawriters.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!

One Year and Two Days

2009-04-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year and two days ago I received "the call." Actually, it was "the email." The Wild Rose Press wanted to contract my historical romance, Sapphire and Gold. I just about fell out of my chair. I work for an accounting firm and we were hot and heavy into tax season. I was just taking a quick peek at my email and saw the title of my book in the subject line. Of course, I had to read it.

After I danced around my office, I had a horrible thought: what if it was an April Fool's joke? Feeling like a fool, I emailed my editor and asked her straight out if it was a joke. Nope. She loved my book and had totally forgotten what day it was.

So, after a couple rounds of edits and proofreading, my release day is approaching. Sapphire and Gold will be published on June 26, 2009. Once I get past the current tax season I will figure out how to post my beautiful cover here, as well as the blurb and an excerpt or two. If you are curious and want to see the cover now, you can find it on my website. I promise to get some content onto my site...after tax season.

Free Read

2009-02-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm tickled to announce that my free read, A Colonial Valentine, which is a prequel to my soon-to-be-released novel, Sapphire and Gold, is available!

If you want to read my short story, this is the link:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=1143

If the link won't work, go to thewildrosepress.com. On the left side of the page, go to "Free Reads." At this moment, mine is listed at the tippy top.

Here's a tiny blurb of A Colonial Valentine:

It’s Valentine’s Day and, despite pinning bay leaves to her pillow, no one has asked Laurel Whittaker to be his valentine. When handsome Jared Montgomery walks into her father’s apothecary shop, will he join in the Valentine’s Day merriment?