Maggie Blackbird

Dial-up is not fun!

Maggie Blackbird

September 11, 2016

Connect me to High-Speed!

No, it isn’t. It’s quite limiting. So I’m comforted with the fact there are ten million people using dial-up right now. I’m not sure who these people are, but it’s still comforting. Hubby and I live in the country, so dial-up is our only means of accessing the Internet. Sure, we’ve tried to find some kind of faster service, but the Internet gods frown on us. They are insistent we stick with dial-up (they kind of remind me of the golfing gods hehe). Even worse, Bell Canada won’t upgrade the technology in our area so we can’t access DSL. We can’t even purchase dial-up service from Bell. Four years ago I was given the, “Sorry, that service isn’t available where you are,” speech. Um, come again? Not even dial-up? I guess this means even Bell knows how mediocre the technology is here that they won’t chance providing dial-up service LOL. Anyhoo, our connection to the Internet comes from another company.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

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August 21, 2016

Serve and Protect by Megan Linden

I’m trying my best to keep the blog updated, but dial-up makes this challenging. Thank goodness for high-speed at hubby’s business LOL.

Anyhoo, I wanted to share with you what I’m reading. I won this book at Romance Divas during their NGTC week. It’s Serve and Protect by Megan Linden.

Here is the blurb:

What happens when you fall in love in the heart of politics?

Sam Daniels’ life turns upside down when he meets an amazing guy and gets a job offer he can’t refuse almost at the same time. Working in politics and sustaining any kind of personal life is never easy, but when you’re running a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, it may become nearly impossible.

Blake Morin, after spending years as a SEAL, lives a quiet life with his daughter and he’s fine with that. He can’t deny the attraction between him and Sam, but is he ready to enter the world he used to avoid?

The book is available at the following places: MLR Press, Amazon, AllRomance, and Kobo. Be sure to check out the other books in the D.C. Files series by Ms. Linden.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

no comments

February 20, 2016

The Husband Demand by Kat Duncan

Wow, it’s been a long time since I last updated my blog. I must confess dial-up is not WordPress friendly, LOL. It gets frustrating when a simple post takes over an hour to upload. But I’m going to do my best to try regularly update again.

The book I wish to introduce to you is The Husband Demand by Kat Duncan. I beta-read this book and LOVED it.

Be sure to check out Kat’s web site for other great titles.

Blurb: Reyner de Lony scours holy writings searching for absolution from the incident that killed his younger brother. He answers Annade Greylond’s demand for a husband, hoping to make peace with her brother and restore her besieged lands without bloodshed as a final atonement for his crime. But Annade discovers her father’s empty grave, and learns the true reason her lands are under siege. To save the woman he loves from fratricide Reyner may have to carry out the very act of violence he’s spent most of his life doing penance for.

Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scribd, iTunes, and Page Foundry.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

August 28, 2013

Ali’s Victory by Kat Duncan

I downloaded Ali’s Victory by Kat Duncan into my e-reader. I must confess I beta-read the MS hehe. Anyhoo, it’s a great story so check it out.

What young widow Ali Granger doesn’t know can put her six feet under. Her boss, a medical advocate fighting drug companies, has been murdered, and she’s on the run from a killer. After stealing a boat and crashing on a private island, she meets the man of her dreams. Only he’s holding a shotgun, and it’s pointed at her.

Ben Dewey, a.k.a. former entertainment wrestler Hammer Victory, never expected to find Ali’s brand of trouble on his doorstep. But when she uncovers evidence that both his wife and her husband died from the same unexplained condition, he agrees to help.

Danger and desire lurk around every corner as Ali and Ben team up to expose a dietary supplement as a deadly, addictive drug–before the forces behind it silence them forever. But if they succeed, can they leave the past behind and find love again?

Available at: Kobo, Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Sony, and All Romance E-books.

Interview with Brooklyn James

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

March 21, 2013

Let It Go By Brooklyn James

Today at Romance, She Wrote, I have author, singer, and songwriter, Brooklyn James, in the interview chair. She has an upcoming release, Let It Go, that we’ll be talking about.

1. In the past, you’ve written across genres (coming of age, women’s fiction, supernatural thriller, nonfiction). How would you classify your upcoming release, Let It Go?

Let It Go is a feel-good contemporary romance about two divorcées starting over. One divorcé and one divorcée, if you want to get gender-technical…lol. It’s a laid-back, easy, breezy, fun spring/summer read. Perfect for the season.

Interview with a mentor

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

January 31, 2013

Learning is Good

Today, Romance She Wrote has author, writing instructor, and mentor Kat Duncan in the interview chair. Before we get started, I’m proud to say Kat is my mentor. I took a series of workshops she taught a year or two back. When I encountered difficulties, I emailed Kat about a question. After we hashed out my problem, she told me to keep emailing her. Boy, she didn’t know what she’d started. Like it or not, she’s been stuck with me.

Since Kat offers three month mentorships through Savvy Authors, I asked her to speak about mentorships. If you are considering a mentor, Kat is on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Friendly advice for new writers…

Maggie Blackbird

4 comments

January 15, 2013

The Preacher’s Outlaw by Patricia Bates

Today, Romance, She Wrote is pleased to have multi-pubbed author, Patricia Bates, in the interview chair. As a new writer, I’ve been bombarding Patricia with questions about publication, web presence, craft, and whatever else is on a newbie’s mind.

Patricia has graciously accepted my offer to answer questions new writers ask experienced authors. The “advice” posts are part of a series of interviews.

Today, I’m focussing on the first manuscript. If you have questions, please feel free to comment and Patricia will be happy to provide an answer.

My characters pick the tunes

Maggie Blackbird

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October 4, 2012

I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

Being a total music junkie (yes, look at my blog posts because the majority are devoted to music), I can listen to just about anything, although my preference is metal and hard rock. Through Sissy, I was introduced to sixties rock, sixties girl groups, and Neil Diamond. Uh huh, my seventeen-year-old heroine digs Neil. So while writing her story, I had Neil Diamond blasting in my truck. Y’know something? I fell in love with Neil.

Now? My one MC (Keith) enjoys adult contemporary. I just ordered an Air Supply CD. I never thought I’d do that. But he enjoys Air Supply. Rita Coolidge. Carly Simon. I’m glad I already had the last two on my laptop thanks to another character. He even had me listening to the Bee Gees. Yes, there I was, working out to Night Fever and Tragedy.

We have a winner!

Maggie Blackbird

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September 22, 2012

I won!

First off, thank you to everyone for participating yesterday. You made Kat’s guest blog at Romance, She Wrote a successful one.

As promised, one luck winner gets a copy of Kat’s new book Telling Grammar. Angel, your name was drawn. Kat will be in emailing you some time today.

For more writing tips, be sure to visit Kat’s web site.

Grammar is No Joking Matter

Maggie Blackbird

10 comments

September 21, 2012

Telling Grammar by Kat Duncan

Today’s guest blogger is Kat Duncan, creator and instructor for Want Style? Get Grammar – 101 – 103. I took this workshop a year or two ago (my memory isn’t that great). I also have a copy of her craft book Telling Grammar.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I heard the word grammar, I’d cringe. Boring. Dry. Let me work on another writing craft–anything but grammar. I forced myself to sign up for her workshop because understanding all the grammar rules was imperative if I wanted to be a writer. You know something? Under Kat’s instruction and lessons, she made grammar interesting. Even fun. So when she wrote her e-book Telling Grammar, I asked her to guest at Romance, She Wrote. I have a copy in my e-reader for handy reference. Thanks to Kat, I now enjoy grammar.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

no comments

August 29, 2012

A Serving of Love by Andrew Grey

Yes, a little early am I not? LOL. I must admit I’ve been suffering a terrible toothache since Monday. Well, not a toothache since it’s the one I had a root canal done on. Darn dentist is making me wait and see how the antibiotics work (saw him this morning). So when you’re up all night in pain, what do you do? Read. I downloaded a new e-book from Kobo, naturally. Since I really enjoyed Annemarie McKenna’s Court Appointed, I thought I’d read another one about a judge. Mmm. Love those judges! While browsing through the GLBT romances, I came across A Serving of Love by Andrew Grey.

Blurb: Sebastian Franklin has waited a long time to prove himself as front of the house manager at Cafe Belgie, but his first night in charge while Darryl, his boss, is on vacation is less than a success. The restaurant is robbed at closing time, and the Good Samaritan who foiled the robber comes with his own complications.

Robert Fortier is the county’s newest judge, and a reluctant one at that. He is well aware that a public life is not always easy, especially when your personal life makes you the target of a media frenzy. Still, Robert enjoys Sebastian’s company, and Sebastian is never without a serving of happiness and flair for his favorite public figure. But Sebastian is not without his issues either—family chaos and an ex in trouble will put the pressure on as they struggle for even footing in this new romance.

Available at: Kobo, Amazon, and B&N.

I must admit I am enjoying reading about older couples–those pushing forty or are in their forties. Probably because hubby and I are in our late thirties/early forties hehe.

Anyhoo, my fingers are crossed that the antibiotics and tylenols won’t put me back at the starting gate for the dry eyes of doom. I’ve come so far where I can now comfortably write without slamming down the putah lid every fifteen minutes to take a break. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

August 26, 2012

Five Alarm Lust by Elise Whyles

I’ve been so busy researching for another ms that my reading time has been devoted to history books! LOL.

Time for a quick break, huh? Being a Canuck, I LOVE a Canadian setting. Elise Whyles is a Canadian author and her Canadian Heroes series naturally takes place in Alberta, Canada. The first book is Five Alarm Lust.

Here’s the blurb: Survivor Gillian Hilliard is finally healing from a nightmare past. Fearing no man will ever find her attractive, she hides behind simple attire and large glasses. When Gillian meets firefighter Jack Payle, she is instantly attracted, and enjoys a wild night of sex with him. But in the cold light of day she’s torn apart by guilt and shame, and retreats to the familiar comfort of her simple, if unfulfilling, life.

After years of chasing the wrong kind of woman, Jack is shocked by the instant attraction he feels for the mousy historian with shadows in her eyes and passion simmering beneath her surface. Jack can’t get past the lust firing his blood or the memories of her response to his touch, for passionate, sexy Gillian is everything he’s ever wanted. Are they strong enough to face down the demons haunting Gillian? Can she trust the man who holds her heart with her darkest secrets and accept his help to overcome the shadows of her past? Or will the darkness destroy them both?

The book is available at: Liquid Silver Books, All Romance E-Books, and Fictionwise.

If the road washes out on you…

Maggie Blackbird

5 comments

June 11, 2012

It’s only a hurdle

…hack your way through the forest. Yeah, that about sums up my situation. Over at LiveJournal, I can recall starting a new LJ to record my journey to publication. I did this around June 2010…I think. Thanks to the dry eyes, I won’t be pursuing traditional or e publishing. There is no way I can work under an editor’s schedule with these eyes. But I ain’t no quitter. I’m going the self-pubbing route.

Mind you it’s a bit scary since I have no clue about indie publishing LOL. A lady I consider my mentor has generously offered to format my MS, though. She is published and indie-published–a successsful author who enjoys trying out all avenues. There is also a really great artist who I interviewed (just search the interview category) who I am going to ask to do my cover art. She’s awesome. I love what she’s done so far.

I’m trying not to think too far ahead, lest I end up discouraging myself–such as, “How am I gonna market my book if I can’t be online?? How do I market offline??” I’ll tackle that hurdle when I get there. Right now it’s just awesome to be on the putah editing Fire and Water.

It’s a slow process. If anything, all of these curve balls have taught me to be patient. Me. One of the most impatient people you’ll ever meet. So I do count my blessings that I’ve learned patience. Also, I try not to see this time as a set-back. I see it as time to think, dream up new novels once Fire and Water is finished, and absorb myself in what I love–yardwork and gardening. You’d think I woulda gotten a tan! I spend at least six hours outside every day. Instead, I’m just red. Haha. So much for being an Ojibway, huh? Mind you I’m a very pale Ojibway who doens’t produce a gorgeous tan as my siblings do. They inherited that nice tanned skin; not me. I got sensitive skin tortured by eczema haha.

I’m still smiling. No, I’m not saying I grinned through this all. I had my moments of screaming frustration. But being such a natural optimist, I always pick myself back up and find a silver lining.

Apologies in advance for typos and what-not. I don’t edit blog posts anymore because of the ol’ eyes.

Interview with Brooklyn James (author, singer, songwriter)

Maggie Blackbird

5 comments

April 16, 2012

Vigilare by Brooklyn James

Brooklyn James is the author of the Vigilare trilogy. Book one, Vigilare, was released this past November. The second installment, Vigilare: Hell Hound, is scheduled to appear in e-book and print format this coming June.

I have Brooklyn in the interview chair today, ready to answer a host of questions. Brooklyn is also doing a book giveaway. Read the end of the blog for details on how you can win a copy of Vigilare.

1. First off, tell me a little bit about yourself. I visited your web site and got a glimpse of the writer, songwriter, and musician Brooklyn, but what about the everyday you.

Take what you need

Maggie Blackbird

4 comments

April 10, 2012

“Lesse, do I got it all? Deep pov. Show, don’t tell. Active voice…”

That was the best advice given to me by a friend. He told me this years ago when I was very confused with all of the advice being directed at me from more knowledgeable people. Funny how something so simple can be used for…everything in your life: Take what you need, leave what you don’t need.

When I got serious in July 2010 and decided to seek publication, I followed every piece of advice out there. Yes, hah. I kept thinking, “they’re the experts, not me. I’m just some newbie trying to navigate the path to publication.”

During a workshop, when the instructor gasped at my draft that had everything but the kitchen sink stuffed in it (thanks to all of the workshops, craft blog posts, etc. that I applied to my MS), this person told me to step back. Whoa nelly. What are you doing? “Eh, I’m following everything that I’ve learned so far. LOL.”

It was a turning point for me, because even the instructor was offering me advice on how to improve the MS. Some of it was very good, and some of it just did not do a thing for what I wrote, which left me even more confused.

I consulted a great lady I think of as a mentor. She helped me sort through the mess.

What did I learn? I don’t need to follow every single piece of advice out there. It all goes back to good ol’ Bob and his, “Take what you need…”

How am I feeling now? More confident about the piece I’m editing. I still like to learn and read advice, but now I’ve taught myself to only take what I need, and thank the person for his/her contribution.

It’s what I tell writers who I crit or beta-read for: I’m just one person of many who’ll review your work, so take what you need and toss what you don’t. You’re the author of this story, not me.

It’s a fine line of what to take. I go with my gut instinct. Always have and always will.

What’s in my e-reader?

Maggie Blackbird

no comments

March 29, 2012

Court Appointed by Annemarie McKenna

I’m finally catching up on my reading after a busy January, February and into March. Since I enjoy a good GLBT romance (and write ’em), I purchased Court Appointed: A Serving Love Story by Annmarie McKenna.

Nobody recommended this book to me. I’m also new to the author. So why did I buy? Trey is a bodyguard. Jackson is a judge (love his job) who has a stalker after him. Woot. Protection, danger, and lust. What more can a gal ask for?

Here’s the blurb: Jackson knows he needs protection from a stalker, but the last thing he wants is to want his bodyguard.

After receiving several suspicious “gifts,” His Honor Jackson Benedict is assigned an agent for protection. He’d be fine with a bodyguard…if he was anyone but the man who enters his courtroom looking hotter than any man has a right to look. Thank God Jackson’s robe hides his interest.

Trey London is more than happy that Jackson has practically been handed to him on a silver platter. If his job requires he stay close to one of the country’s youngest federal judges, it’s no skin off his back. The closer the better, actually.

But someone else is getting closer, too, and when the gifts turn into attacks, Trey is forced to trade his status of new lover for that of protector. He’s not about to let anyone come between him and his judge.

Available at: Kobo, Amazon, Sony, and Fictionwise.

Interview with Victoria Marshal

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

March 26, 2012

Bookended by Beauty Queens by Victoria Marshal

Victoria Marshal is the author of Bookended by Beauty Queens, her debut novel through Before the Fall Books. I have Victoria in the interview chair today, ready to answer a host of questions. Please feel free to ask any questions of your own. Victoria is eager to tell you about her book.

1. First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. I visited your web site and got a glimpse of the writer you, but what about the everyday Victoria.

The everyday Victoria is so boring. I’m a homebody, who likes to read, spend time with my kids and my hubby, and most days I look forward to going to sleep. Most Mom’s can probably relate.

Character arcs

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

March 20, 2012

She-Devil

When I delve into chick flicks, two I can watch over and over are French Kiss (Meg Ryan) and She-Devil (Roseanne Barr). What draws me to them, besides the comedy and awesome performances given by great starring and supporting casts? The character arcs. And not just the MCs either.

At the beginning of each movie, Meg and Roseanne’s characters are hidden away from life and what it offers. Roseanne is a frumpy housewife, devoted to her husband and two children. Meg is a school teacher who has a nest egg on stash so she can buy her dream home with her fiancé.

Your hero’s theme song…

Maggie Blackbird

2 comments

March 16, 2012

And maybe your antagonist’s, too.

I’ve always seen a certain meme going around called: What is your theme song? Although I don’t have one–unless Don’t Worry, Be Happy counts, heh—I’ve always had one for my hero or other major characters in a novel.

We’re the good guys!

Who are the people in your neighbourhood?

Maggie Blackbird

no comments

March 15, 2012

Who are the people in your neighbourhood?

My poor blog. I’ve been neglecting him. The only idea I can think of for posting is another addition of life on the rez. Let’s look at what you’ll usually find and where some people work, such as the administration centre aka band office.

Yes, every community has a band office. Some are old and almost falling down. Some are new. Some are in the middle.