Blog Me - Sharla Lovelace

Three Days… and squiggly lines…

March 31, 2012

What an amazing few weeks this has been!!! The contests and then this last week of book giveaways…has just been SO much fun! I can’t imagine a better way to launch THE REASON IS YOU off into the world.

And into the world it is! I’ve had two people tell me they received it in the mail already…EARLY!!! I had to sit down on that one, and focus on my breathing. Already out there…people reading it….breathe in …breathe out… LOL!!

I know it’s time for the book to jump out there on its on and sink or swim, but there’s been something comforting all along about knowing it was still safe in its little pre-pubbed bubble where everyone could admire from afar and smile and say nice things. 🙂

No more bubble!

Okay, Sharla, suck it up. On to other things…I’m really excited about something I’ve been playing around with…QR codes. They are free and you can use them for ANYTHING, I tell you. And so so so easy. Here’s one of many links to go make them: http://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode_maker/QRCodeMaker.aspx It’s the one I use because there are no signups.

Anyone with a smart phone can download free (free, again! yay!) barcode scanning apps…I use ShopSavvy for Android and it lets you scan any barcode, get prices, and also scan QR codes. It’s really kinda fun once you play with it a little! I’m scanning everything like a little kid with a toy. 🙂

One of the things I’ve decided to use QR codes for is a contest on my newsletter, which you’ll see on Tuesday when it goes out on (deep breath) release day. Also I’ve made one for my newsletter sign up form. Then I put it on little stickers which I then put on my mini-Moo cards. Because I find myself out and about and people that know the book is coming out will ask me what’s up and the when’s and where’s and I kept thinking…wouldn’t it be nice to be able to hand them something that they can just scan and sign up for the flippin’ newsletter and not have to worry about going to my website and clicking on tabs and all that. One signup and the newsletter will come to their email once a month. (Speaking of which…if I could figure out how to make it a widget on the sidebar, I would, but I can’t…lol…so to sign up, go to the Newsletter tab up there or click HERE.)

I got these ready yesterday, and I’m anxious to try them out! Also thinking of using these same cards with mystery codes at my book signing (gulp) in May. People can scan to see if they win something! I think that would be fun.

What do you think? What are some creative things you’ve done to promote something or catch attention?

Today’s Author Spotlight: Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden!

March 30, 2012

It’s the last day!!!!!

But it’s not over! First of all a big hug and thank you to Kat Magendie yesterday for giving away a copy of FAMILY GRACES to Evie Clifton! Congrats Evie!!

FOUR DAYS TILL THE REASON IS YOU IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!
I say “officially” because some are already receiving it in the mail, which makes my insides quiver a bit…lol!

*****

Okay… Putting the perfect finishing touch on an amazing week of authors, is superstar writer, Cynthia Eden, with her paranormal romance, ANGEL BETRAYED.

Cynthia Eden is a national best-selling author of paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, and her novel, DEADLY FEAR, was named a RITA® finalist for best romantic suspense.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters-vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

And here are the the famous three questions, with Cynthia’s answers:

What’s your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

-Dracula. I count his tale as a love story/horror story blend. Poor guy—he just wanted his Minda!

What’s your favorite love song and why?

-That is so hard! I’ll do Elvis Presley’s CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE … mostly because my husband and I danced to that song at our wedding ten years ago.

What’s your guilty pleasure comfort food?

-Chocolate—always, chocolate.

Now…for the good stuff…

ANGEL BETRAYED…

Sammael–call him Sam–was an angel once. An Angel of Death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…

Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide…

~~~~

WHEW! that sounds HOT!!

Now it’s time to try to make it yours. 🙂

Leave a comment below for Cynthia (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, whatcha think about those wings… Because that’s what you were looking at, right? The wings? Yeah.

Anyway… LOL. Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed ARC of Cynthia’s ANGEL BETRAYED!

For more information on Cynthia Eden and her books go to www.cynthiaeden.com.

Now go comment to win this book! 🙂

Today’s Author Spotlight: Family Graces by Kathryn Magendie!

March 29, 2012

JUST 5 MORE DAYS! (not that I’m counting….nope…) And before I get to the meat of today’s giveaway, I want to mention that my book is being reviewed over at Dawn Alexander’s blog today. 🙂 tiny squee!! So if you’re so moved, after stopping here, maybe you can stop over there. Thanks!!

LOL. I want to thank Donna Grant for giving away a signed copy of DARKEST HIGHLANDER to Denise Ellis yesterday! Congrats Denise !!

*****

Today’s spotlight is on an author I hold dear to my heart, Kathryn Magendie. She is a sweet and funny friend and one of the peeps that graciously quoted for my book! Kat, I love you, my friend! Her third book in the Graces trilogy (TENDER GRACES, SECRET GRACES…) comes out in April with mine! FAMILY GRACES is going to be awesome and I can’t wait.

Kathryn Magendie is an author, and Publishing Editor of The Rose & Thorn. She was born a West-by-god Virginia Hillbilly (and proud of it), moved here, there, and yonder, was stuck in the swamps of South Louisiana for many years, and one fine morning she left behind her moss-filled grandfather oak trees in South Louisiana and floated off to Home in a tucked-in cove in Maggie Valley, Western North Carolina, where she spins tales, drinks Deep Creek Blend coffee, an occasional vodka tonic with lime, and contemplates the glow of Old Moon.

She is a member of organizations such as BR NAWW, North Carolina Writer’s Network, Mountain Writer’s Alive in Haywood County, Backspace The Writer’s Place, Netwest Mountain Writers.

Beautiful Maggie Valley, North Carolina, in Haywood County, has folded her into their arms and she is ever-appreciative and respectful of this town, this county, and these mountain people. Sometimes she writes in the third person like this, but she doesn’t like it, because it makes her feel a bit wonky and ickily self-important, but yet, then again, it allows her to remain distant from herself and that makes her laugh, slapping her knee. Her short stories, essays, photography, and poetry have been published in both online and print publications.

Of course I had to ask Kat the same three questions everyone else had to answer!! 🙂

What’s your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

– I am the most unromantic of women. I hate kissing scenes, bleah! So do you know the first image that popped into my head when you asked that question? Well, since it’s the first thing I thought of, that’s what I’m going with. Shrek! Yup, ole green ogre Shrek. I just think that love story so sweet, and not at all sappy. And in the first one, if I remember correctly, he wanted to love the gorgeous Fiona but wasn’t sure he was attracted to her; I mean, she was sooo lovely, and he thought “ugh” *laughing!* Love it! Then she revealed she was an ogre, too, and he was so relieved. I just thought that was cute as can be. Say it with me now: awwwwwwww!

What’s your favorite love song and why?

– Omg, here I go again. With a completely NOT romantic song that isn’t even really a love song, but it pops into my head every time I’m asked a version of this question, and I think it does because I am, again, so not romantic, and am not a cuddler or hugger, and really not much of a demonstrative person, and am so often into my own head, and forget to say “I love you,” and, well, poor GMR! But if I were to suddenly disappear, I’d want to be missed. So, yeah, I’m a freak; I’m a weirdo.

“I’m a freak; I’m a weirdo

I don’t care if it hurts

I want to have control

I want a perfect body

I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice when I’m not around…”

That’s what goes through my mind. I’m trying to insert something else. Um. Er. I’ll keep thinking . . .

What’s your guilty pleasure comfort food?

– Actually, I can break apart that question. Comfort food: grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup–nothing like it to make me feel comforted. Guilty Pleasure food: Any kind of rich decadent dessert that makes you feel slightly sick after you’ve eaten every bite, but you eat it anyway, even knowing you are feeling slightly sick, because that’s part of the guilt in the pleasure.

Now…for the good stuff…

FAMILY GRACES…

In lieu of a single blurb, here is a summary of the entire trilogy…

Forgiveness is the hardest path to travel…

In the first of the trilogy, Tender Graces, at Grandma Faith’s urging, lonely Virginia Kate returns home from South Louisiana to the West Virginia holler to release her momma’s ashes and confront her family’s turbulant past.

In book 2, Secret Graces, Virginia Kate seeks to find the love and acceptance that has eluded her, and finds that her grandma’s and momma’s legacies have come to haunt her despite her vow to live her live differently.

In Family Graces, storyteller Virginia Kate explores her momma’s (Katie Ivene), grandma’s (Grandma Faith), stepmother’s (Rebekha), and adoptive daughter’s (Adin) lives, where along the way, she discovers her own path to love, freedom, acceptance, and forgiveness.

~~~~

Oh my goodness, I read the first two and can’t WAIT for this! Now it’s your turn!

Leave a comment below for Kathryn (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, her dog, and her fun picture of her in her mountain cove!! (I have special rocks picked from her creek…yep, I’m special like that…) Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Kat’s book, FAMILY GRACES.

For more information on Kathryn Magendie and her books go to www.kathrynmagendie.com.

Now go comment to win this book! 🙂

Today’s Author Spotlight: Darkest Highlander by Donna Grant!

March 28, 2012

I’M LOVING THIS WEEK!!!!!

SO much fun. And a huge thanks to Roni Loren yesterday for giving away a copy of CRASH INTO YOU to Jean Jones ! Congrats Jean !!

*****

Today’s spotlight is on another Texas-based author, Donna Grant, with her paranormal romance, DARKEST HIGHLANDER.

Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the bestselling author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible.

She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

And here are the the famous three questions, with Donna’s answers:

What’s your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

-Deagas MacKelter from Karen Marie Moning’s THE DARK HIGHLANDER

What’s your favorite love song and why?

–Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers. Why? Love the sound of his voice and the music, but combined with hearing it after watching Patrick Swayze in Ghost, and there was no turning back. 🙂

What’s your guilty pleasure comfort food?

-Pasta. I love just about any kind of pasta.

Now…for the good stuff…

DARKEST HIGHLANDER…

HE IS HER SALVATION

For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…

SHE IS HIS DESTINY

Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…

~~~~

Wow, that sounds really good!! Now it’s time to try to make it yours. 🙂

Leave a comment below for Donna (including your email address!), saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, whether or not Texas girls wear cowboy hats… No, that’s a joke. Don’t do that. I’m one too, and I’ll nix that right now. We don’t. Unless we’re at a Country bar…and then still probably not. LOL. Okay, so same rules apply… Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Donna’s book, DARKEST HIGHLANDER.

For more information on Donna Grant and her books go to www.donnagrant.com.

Now go comment to win this book! 🙂

Today’s Author Spotlight: Crash Into You by Roni Loren!

March 27, 2012

YESTERDAY WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!

And thank you to Kristina McMorris yesterday for giving away a copy of BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES to Dianne Venetta! Congrats Dianne!!

*****

Today’s spotlight is on a fellow debut author and friend of mine, Roni Loren, with her sizzling romance, CRASH INTO YOU. And because Roni is shouting out about my book today as well, you can catch my post on her weekly Boyfriend Of The Week today, where I talk about the sexy inspiration for “Alex Stone”, the hot and mysterious ghost in my book.

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it. Her debut novel, CRASH INTO YOU, is now available from Berkley Heat. Website: www.roniloren.com

To keep with the trend, I asked Roni the same three questions. Here are her answers:

What’s your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

Probably the story that made me fall in love with romance was Dirty Dancing. I know it’s not a book, but Johnny Castle will always hold a special place for me. I can’t resist a tortured bad boy hero. I also love Jamie from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander–the sweet-hearted warrior.

What’s your favorite love song & why?

Gah, this is a tough one because I love so many songs. I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders is a good one (even if it can be applied to friendship just as much as love.) But really there are so many I could list. For CRASH INTO YOU, the theme song for the book was “Outside” by Staind. Not a traditional love song per se, but perfect for my couple.

What’s your guilty pleasure comfort food?

Mexican food. Nothing makes life better than a big bowl of chips, salsa, and guacamole. (And queso if it’s been a REALLY bad week, lol.)

Now…for the good stuff…

CRASH INTO YOU…

Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn’s past.

Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he’s all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger. Their hearts aren’t the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

~~~~

Hot, right? Well, it’s time to try to make it yours. 🙂

Leave a comment below for Roni, saying hello, dropping a thought or two about the book, the blurb, how sexy that cover is and how many times your eyes kept dropping to his hand… LOL! Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter (chosen by The Hat) will be chosen to win a signed copy of Roni’s book, CRASH INTO YOU. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!

For more information on Roni and her books go to www.roniloren.com. And don’t forget to go check out her blog today…the man-candy is worth it.

Now go comment to win this book! 🙂

Today’s Author Spotlight: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

March 26, 2012

IT’S HERE!!!!!

The Authors On Parade week has begun! A full week of giveaways before the release of THE REASON IS YOU, as each awesome author hands over a signed book to a random commenter.

And today, kicking off the parade, is the amazing and talented Kristina McMorris, giving away a copy of her latest release, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES.

*much clapping!*

Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents’ wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman’s Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader’s Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland’s “40 Under 40” by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

For a little fun, I asked Kristina to answer the same questions I posed the last three weeks for the contests. Here are her answers:

What’s your favorite love story hero, from any story, any genre?

I’d have to say Jacob Jankowski from Water for Elephants — as both his young self and elderly version. I loved his daring nature, compassion, wisdom, wit, ability to survive through the worst of circumstances, and his drive to act in the face of injustice.

What’s your favorite love song & why?

Ooh, there’s so many from the ’40s I love — especially when performed by someone like Nat King Cole, whose velvety voice never fails to give me chills. As for a specific tune, one of my favorites would have to be “At Last” by Etta James, filled with so much emotional rawness and beauty. Her recent passing is a stark reminder of just how fast we’re losing a remarkable generation and how important it is that we continue to tell their stories.

What’s your guilty pleasure comfort food?

My grandmother’s Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole would have to take the top spot. Though crammed with enough sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese to last a month, its heavenly aroma while baking in the oven instantly convinces me that calories from Grandma’s dishes don’t count, ha.

Now…for what you’ve been waiting for… the gorgeous

BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES…

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

~~~~

Doesn’t that sound amazing? Oh my goodness… And that cover is just to die for. Well, it could be yours. 🙂

Leave a comment below for Kristina, letting her know what you think, just saying hello, maybe offer to cook her some hashbrown casserole or play some Nat King Cole! LOL! Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter will be chosen to win a signed copy of Kristina’s book, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!

For more information on Kristina and her books go to www.KristinaMcMorris.com

Authors On Parade starts tomorrow! See the line-up!

March 25, 2012

STARTING TOMORROW!!!

A whole week of Authors on Parade!!

Yay! I’ve been so excited about this next week’s contests, you just don’t know. LOL! Each day of this week will be a different amazing author giving away a signed copy of one of their books! A random commenter will be chosen each day to win fabulous books, and I can’t wait to get started!!

So, are you ready? Here’s the star-studded line up….

* * * * * * * * *

Mon 3/26: Kristina McMorris’s women’s fiction, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES

Tue 3/27: Roni Loren’s erotic romance CRASH INTO YOU

Wed 3/28: Donna Grant’s paranormal romance DARKEST HIGHLANDER

Thu 3/29: Kathryn Magendie’s southern fiction FAMILY GRACES

Fri 3/30: Cynthia Eden’s paranormal romance ANGEL OF DARKNESS

Are you excited now?

Reminder…Last day to enter the Comfort Food Contest!!

March 23, 2012

A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Mmm…All Comfort Food Welcome Contest to win a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card of your choice, and a $15 CafePress gift certificate! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite comfort food! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced….because next week is the BIG BANANAS! I’m so excited about next week’s Authors On Parade! Five fabulous authors giving away their books each day!!

Click HERE to be taken directly to the Comfort Food contest entry. Good luck and have fun!!

11 days…it’s getting close!! Squeeeeeee!!!

Don’t Forget!!

March 21, 2012

Couple of things…

My first newsletter will be going out on April 3rd, the day REASON hits shelves. It’s going to talk about lots of good juicy stuff…like free books and giveaways and secret contests that only people on my mailing list will get the skinny on!

So come sign up! It’s free…it’s only once a month…and it comes floating in effortlessly (I hope) to your inbox with no work on your part.

Click here to do the deed. I’ll love you forever if you do. I might even send you candy…you never know with me. 😉

ALSO! It’s mid-week and you need to go enter your little comfort food doo-diddy to enter for the Amazon or B&N gift cards! Did you forget? Go!

You have two important things to do, so go take care of business! 🙂

Looky looky…. :-)

March 20, 2012

Just in case you aren’t sick of hearing about this yet…. look what came yesterday.

So. Much. Squealing.

And then I sat down to start signing the obligatory family/friend copies….you know, the ones who will give you the raised eyebrow if they don’t get a free copy because they’ve seen you looking like Swamp Girl or brought you comfort food when you were sick. The ones you’d feel like a tool if you didn’t, because they’ve listened to you babble about this book for a year…lol!

And that was weird. Signing. So so so weird.

On another note, I’m at Dawn Alexander’s blog today, talking about the publishing journey and what I didn’t know then…and probably still dont…lol. Come visit!

Another new contest! All Comfort Food is welcome…

March 19, 2012

Last week’s winner was…. Kim Samsin from Canada!!! Woot! Congratulations Kim! She chose the B&N card, and it will be traveling north shortly!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Now. Down to the serious stuff. Because when it comes to food, I don’t play around. LOL.

Week of 3/19-23: All Comfort Food welcome… When someone says “comfort food” what comes to mind? A decadent dessert to sweeten up a sad heart? Nachos drowned in cheese, sitting on your couch in sweats and a tee shirt? What’s your signature comfort food?

Click HERE to go to the entry page, and tell me about your favorite guilty pleasure. I’ll share mine at the end! Your comment enters you to win a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card AND $15 CafePress gift certificate… and a bookmark and signed bookplate for THE REASON IS YOU. Winner will be picked at the end of the week by The Hat, and announced here! So let’s talk food now…

Don’t forget to include your email address so I can tell you that you won! 🙂

Holy Cow…it’s a book!

March 17, 2012

Squeeeee!!

As you may have noticed…because I shouted it from every social media site in my arsenal…I got an advance copy of THE REASON IS YOU on Thursday. There are hardly words to express it.

Seriously, how do you? I keep staring at it…and yes it comes with me everywhere, like a Linus blanket. LOL. To put into words the feelings I get when I flip through the pages and see my story in there. In a real book, not just printed out pages or even page proofs….which I have to say I thought was pretty cool when I got THEM.

The real deal…with my name on it. It’s almost surreal!

Oh who are we kidding, there’s no “almost” here. It’s bizarre!

Everything….every moment of worry and fear and 500 query letters are worth it now. 🙂

And I have to say that this picture below is probably my favorite, and it is what I keep doing with my book. LOL.

I love seeing it on a stack of other books, just hanging out…like it belongs… and seeing my name on the spine alongside other authors’ names. It goes beyond weird. Like something I can’t even wrap my head around.

🙂

Thanks to all of you for sharing in this moment with me!!

Reminder…Last chance to enter the Love Song Contest!!

March 16, 2012

A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Ohhh those Love Songs contest to win a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card of your choice, and a $10 Starbucks card! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite love song! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced on Monday….when the next contest starts! Click on the above link to be taken directly to the contest entry. Good luck and have fun!!

In other news…I got an early copy of my book in the mail yesterday!!!! SO cool to hold it in my hand… I’ll post on that tomorrow. 🙂

18 days…it’s getting close!! Squeeeeeee!!!

Where’s the cake?

March 14, 2012

At Women Unplugged today talking about my birthday and remembering all the milestones in life!

And by the way, according to that countdown clock over there, it’s just 20 days now!! eeek!!! 🙂

New week…new contest! Sing me a love song…

March 12, 2012

Okay, not really. LOL. You don’t have to sing me one…just tell me about one.

This week, 3/12-16, is all about those love songs we all have drowned ourselves in at some time or another. Don’t say you never have, because there’s a 15 year old version of you inside your head who will tell you differently. LOL!

Just like last week, all you have to do is click HERE to go to the entry form, and tell me about your favorite love song, along with your email address so I can find you again. This week’s prize is a $15 Amazon gift card or $15 Barnes & Noble gift card, AND a $10 Starbucks gift card to go with it! So you can buy a book and a coffee and have a sit-down! Winner will also receive a bookmark and signed bookplate sticker for THE REASON IS YOU.

And by the way….last week’s winner was Carla Craddock from Louisiana! She chose the Amazon card and it will be in the mail shortly! Congratulations Carla!! *squee!*

So go! What are you waiting for? 🙂 Tell me about that song!

Last day to enter for $10 Gift Card!!

March 9, 2012

A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Love Story Hero Contest to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite story hero! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced on Monday….when the next contest starts! Click on the above link to see the original post, or click here to be taken directly to the contest entry link. Good luck and have fun!!

America’s Store

March 8, 2012

You know, I remember the moment last year when I found my book on Amazon.

Yeah…it was amazing. It didn’t have cover art with it yet, or a description, but there it was. My title and my name. On Amazon. Of course that sent me on a mad Google hunt to find it at B&N and Powell’s and anywhere else in the universe it might be. I even found it on Amazon Japan. In Japanese. That was quite the discovery.

And while I’ve grown accustomed to that now, there was one place I never saw on Google, and for some reason thought to look up today. After all, it’s America’s store.

And there it was.

At Walmart.

Wow. Now, why is it that it makes it more real to see my book with my name on it … at Walmart?

Now I have to go look at Target… 🙂

Linkin’ up and a reminder…

March 7, 2012

Over at Women Unplugged today, Sheila Seabrook talks about the call of old manuscripts, how they wave to us from those dark drawers.

On Kat Magendie’s blog, she’s having her “consumer report” day where she gives great product reviews on lots of cool stuff! I bought some hair product a couple of weeks ago on her recommendation!

At Writers In The Storm, Jenny Hansen talks about writing the 12 Stages of Intimacy…aka making hot and tension filled sex scenes. Yay!! 🙂 Gotta go see that.

And lastly…don’t forget the contest right here at that CONTEST tab up there! Enter your favorite hero at the contest link…okay I’ll put it here… to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card!! Friday is the last day of this contest! Go! Go now!

Have a great day!

Kicking off a month of Contests!

March 5, 2012

To bring THE REASON IS YOU into the world with flair in less than a month, I decided to give away presents each week to all you wonderful peeps. Sound like a plan? Yep, I thought so.

Nooooo, I’m not giving away candy. Although that might not be a bad idea… 🙂

You can click on the CONTESTS tab up there to see what the month will bring, (and I’m still working on it) but basically you’ll have a different thing to enter for each week, and the winners will be drawn randomly (by bots, not me) at the end of each week. The last week is the most awesome, as it involves some free signed books by some fab authors!!

Now…to get started…

Starting today (3/5) and running through Friday, it is all about the HEROS. Who is your favorite hero, hot guy, love interest, man candy, of all the stories you’ve ever read? Tell us about him? What story did he come from and what is it about him that stuck with you?

CLICK HERE to enter your comment, for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice) and a bookmark and signed bookplate for THE REASON IS YOU. Hey, I know that’s not setting the world on fire like giving away a Kindle or something, but I gotta spread these out all month and yanno I’m a starving artist. Hee! But free is free, and that’ll buy you a book at least! Winner will be chosen by The Hat (a random name selection software) at the end of the week and announced the next Monday, 3/12 (when a whole different one starts!). Woot! Go enter!

Remember, don’t comment below for this contest, click on the link to go comment there.

Today’s Author Spotlight: Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden!

Today’s Author Spotlight: Family Graces by Kathryn Magendie!

Today’s Author Spotlight: Darkest Highlander by Donna Grant!

Today’s Author Spotlight: Crash Into You by Roni Loren!

Today’s Author Spotlight: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

Authors On Parade starts tomorrow! See the line-up!

Reminder…Last day to enter the Comfort Food Contest!!

Looky looky…. :-)

Another new contest! All Comfort Food is welcome…

Holy Cow…it’s a book!

Reminder…Last chance to enter the Love Song Contest!!

Where’s the cake?

New week…new contest! Sing me a love song…

Last day to enter for $10 Gift Card!!

America’s Store

Linkin’ up and a reminder…

Kicking off a month of Contests!

Don’t Let Go Review from The Romance Room

Don’t Let Go review by Vilma’s Book Blog

The Reason Is You review from Jodi Thomas

The Reason is You review by Kathryn Magendie

The Reason is You review by Therese Walsh

Before and Ever Since review by Romantic Times Book Reviews

Before and Ever Since review by Joyfully Reviewed

Before and Ever Since review by Rhapsody Book Club

Before and Ever Since review by Cocktails & Books

Loving The Chase review by Publishers Weekly

About Sharla

Stay Up To Date

Reader Reviews

Don’t Let Go Review from The Romance Room

Don’t Let Go review by Vilma’s Book Blog

The Reason Is You review from Jodi Thomas

The Reason is You review by Kathryn Magendie

The Reason is You review by Therese Walsh

Before and Ever Since review by Romantic Times Book Reviews

Before and Ever Since review by Joyfully Reviewed

Before and Ever Since review by Rhapsody Book Club

Before and Ever Since review by Cocktails & Books

Loving The Chase review by Publishers Weekly